Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system comprising same

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device may comprise: a main body forming the exterior; an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; a battery coupling unit to which a battery for supplying power can be detachably coupled; a battery cover detachably coupled to the main body so as to selectively open or close the battery coupling unit; a liquid sensor for detecting a liquid that has penetrated between the main body and the battery cover and for generating a signal according to whether the liquid is detected or not; and a controller for controlling the aerosol-generating device in response to the signal generated by the liquid sensor.

Description

Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating system including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device including a battery coupling portion capable of accommodating a detachable battery and capable of detecting a liquid penetrating an electrode in contact with the detachable battery, and an aerosol generating system including the same.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for technologies that replace the conventional method of producing aerosols by burning cigarettes. For example, research is underway into methods for producing aerosols from liquid or solid aerosol-generating substances, or for producing vapor from liquid aerosol-generating substances and then passing the vapor through a solid flavoring medium to produce a flavored aerosol.

[0003] The aerosol generating device may be powered by a battery. The battery may be a battery detachable from the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a battery coupling portion capable of accommodating the detachable battery, and a battery cover that selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion.

[0004] Meanwhile, if the aerosol generator's battery is configured as a removable battery, water may infiltrate the device during the insertion and removal of the removable battery. Since the electrodes that contact the removable battery are exposed, if water that has infiltrated the device comes into contact with the electrodes, it could cause internal components to malfunction due to overcurrent and overvoltage.

[0005] Liquid can penetrate the gap between the battery cover and other components used to open or close the battery connection of an aerosol generating device. Liquid penetrating through the gap between the battery cover and other components can flow into other components and cause electrical problems.

[0006] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of detecting water that has entered an electrode in contact with a removable battery.

[0007] The problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can ensure the safety of a user of an aerosol generating device by early detecting liquid that has penetrated into a gap between a battery cover and other components and notifying the user.

[0008] Another problem to be solved through various embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which can prevent damage to the aerosol generating device by early detecting liquid that has penetrated into the gap between the battery cover and other components and cutting off power to the battery.

[0009] 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.

[0010] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol according to one embodiment may include a main body forming an exterior, an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, a battery coupling portion to which a battery supplying power can be detachably coupled, a battery cover detachably coupled to the main body and selectively opening or closing the battery coupling portion, a liquid sensor for detecting liquid penetrating between the main body and the battery cover and generating a signal according to whether the liquid is detected, and a control portion for controlling the aerosol generating device in response to the signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0011] The liquid sensor may include a first pad and a second pad. Each of the first pad and the second pad may be electrically conductive and may be positioned facing each other at a predetermined distance apart.

[0012] The first pad can be placed on the main body. The second pad can be placed on the battery cover.

[0013] The liquid sensor can generate a signal in response to whether there is an electrical connection between the first pad and the second pad.

[0014] The liquid sensor can generate a signal in response to a change in electrical capacitance between the first pad and the second pad.

[0015] The liquid sensor has electrical conductivity, includes electrical resistance, and can generate a signal in response to a change in the electrical resistance value of the electrical resistance.

[0016] The aerosol generating device may include a sealing member. The sealing member may be positioned between the main body and the battery cover. The sealing member may prevent liquid from penetrating through the space between the main body and the battery cover toward the battery joint.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may further include a first display for outputting visual information.

[0018] The control unit can control the display in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further include a first acoustic output unit that outputs auditory information.

[0020] The control unit can control the sound output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0021] The control unit can cut off the power supply to the battery if it determines that liquid has penetrated between the main body and the battery cover in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may further include a memory for storing information.

[0023] The control unit can store information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor in memory.

[0024] An aerosol generating device according to another aspect includes an input unit for receiving a user input, a heating unit for heating an aerosol generating substrate according to the user input, a terminal unit for electrical contact with a removable battery for supplying power to the heating unit, a water detection unit for detecting water entering the terminal unit, and a control unit for controlling power supplied to the heating unit based on a detection result of the water detection unit.

[0025] An aerosol generating system in another aspect includes an aerosol generating device and an external device capable of communicating with the aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device is capable of transmitting information corresponding to a signal generated by a liquid sensor to the external device.

[0026] The external device may include a second display that outputs visual information. The external device may control the second display in response to information received from the aerosol generating device.

[0027] The external device may include a second audio output unit that outputs auditory information. The external device may control the second audio output unit in response to information received from the aerosol generating device.

[0028] An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an effect of ensuring the safety of a user of the aerosol generating device by including a liquid sensor disposed between a battery cover and a main body, and detecting infiltrating liquid at an early stage and notifying the user.

[0029] An aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a liquid sensor disposed between a battery cover and a main body, and may provide an effect of preventing damage to the aerosol generating device by early detecting the infiltrating liquid and cutting off power to the battery.

[0030] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure supplies power to the elements of the aerosol generating device using a removable battery, thereby eliminating user inconvenience due to device charging.

[0031] Additionally, the aerosol generating device can detect water coming into contact with the electrodes that are in electrical contact with the removable battery, and if the electrodes come into contact with water, it can cut off the power supplied to the heating element regardless of user input, thereby preventing device failure due to overcurrent and overvoltage.

[0032] Additionally, the aerosol generating device notifies the user of the submersion status through the output when the electrode comes into contact with water, thereby requesting rapid separation of the removable battery, thereby further enhancing user safety.

[0033] Additionally, the aerosol generating device can prevent device failure and enhance user safety by forcibly separating the removable battery from the device when the electrode comes into contact with water.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII cutting line of Fig. 7.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0046] FIGS. 12A to 12E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 11 implemented in various types.

[0047] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device for explaining a method of coupling and disengaging a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device for explaining a method of combining and separating a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 15 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram of a water detection unit according to one embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining circuit operation according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of Fig. 15.

[0052] Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of the output unit according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of Fig. 15.

[0053] FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b are drawings for explaining a method of combining and separating a detachable battery according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of FIG. 15.

[0054] Figure 20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0056] The terms used in the examples have been 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, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0057] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-part" and "-module" described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0062] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] The aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol and provide the generated aerosol to the outside.

[0065] 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 therein. At least one of an article receiving portion (11), an aerosol generator (not shown), a control portion (not shown), and a battery (not shown) may be placed inside the main body (10).

[0066] The article receiving portion (11) 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 (11) may provide a space open toward the outside of the main body (10) so that the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted.

[0067] The article receiving portion (11) 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 (11) 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.

[0068] An aerosol generator (not shown) can generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generator can be disposed inside the body (10). The aerosol generator (not shown) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the aerosol generator can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The aerosol generator can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0069] For example, the aerosol generator may be a resistive heater. The aerosol generator may include an electrically conductive track, and the track may be heated by the flow of current. The aerosol generator may be electrically connected to a power source. The aerosol generator may be heated by receiving power from the power source.

[0070] For example, the aerosol generator may be a multi-heater. The aerosol generator may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0071] An aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil. The induction coil may heat the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator 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.

[0072] 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 (11) together with the aerosol-generating article (2) and may be removed from the article receiving portion (11) 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).

[0073] The power source can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generator (1). The power source can be a battery capable of storing power. The power source can supply power to components such as the aerosol generator, the induction coil, and the control unit.

[0074] 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 an aerosol generator, 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.

[0075] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device (1) may include an output unit (40). The output unit (40) may output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to a user. The output unit (40) may include at least one of a display, a haptic unit, and an audio output unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The display can output visual information to the outside. The display 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 of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the aerosol generator, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product and / or cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., the status in which an incompatible battery is connected), and the display can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0077] The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0078] FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate aerosol generating devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a battery (12), a control unit (13), a sensor unit (14), and an aerosol generator (15). At least one of the battery (12), the control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), and the aerosol generator (15) may be disposed inside a main body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0080] The main body (10) may provide a space opened on one side to allow an aerosol-generating article (2) to be inserted. The space opened on one side may be referred to as an article receiving portion. The article receiving portion may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the main body (10) to a predetermined depth so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth of the article receiving portion may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. The lower end of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the main body (10), and a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude to the outside of the main body (10). A user may hold a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed to the outside in his / her mouth and inhale air.

[0081] The aerosol generator (15) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generator (15) can extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the aerosol generator (15) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The aerosol generator (15) can be inserted into one end of the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generator (15) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0082] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generator (15) may be a resistive heater. For example, the aerosol generator (15) may include an electrically conductive track, and the aerosol generator (15) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The aerosol generator (15) may be electrically connected to a battery (12). The aerosol generator (15) may be directly heated by receiving current from the battery (12).

[0083] For example, the aerosol generator (15) may be a multi-heater. The aerosol generator (15) may include a first heater (15A) and a second heater (15B). The first heater (15A) and the second heater (15B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first heater (15A) and the second heater (15B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0084] For example, referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (151) surrounding the aerosol generator (15). The induction coil (151) may heat the aerosol generator (15). The aerosol generator (15) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (151) as a susceptor. The magnetic field may penetrate the aerosol generator (15) and generate an eddy current within the aerosol generator (15). The eddy current may generate heat in the aerosol generator (15).

[0085] For example, referring to FIG. 4, a susceptor (152) may be included inside the aerosol generating article (2), and the susceptor (152) inside the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through an induction coil (151). The susceptor (152) may be disposed inside the aerosol generating article (2) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol generating device (1). The susceptor (152) may be accommodated in the article receiving portion together with the aerosol generating article (2) and may be removed from the article receiving portion together with the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by the susceptor (152) inside the aerosol generating article (2).

[0086] The battery (12) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (12) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), and the aerosol generator (15). The battery (12) can supply power to the induction coil (151).

[0087] The control unit (13) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can be placed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (13) can control the operation of at least one of the battery (12), the sensor unit (14), and the aerosol generator (15). The control unit (13) can control the operation of the induction coil (151). The control unit (13) can control the operation of a display, an actuator (motor), etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0088] The control unit (13) can analyze the results detected by the sensor unit (14) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) so that the operation of the aerosol generator (15) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor unit (14). For example, the control unit (13) can control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the aerosol generator (15) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor unit (14).

[0089] The sensor unit (14) may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion sensor, and an acceleration sensor. For example, the sensor unit (14) may sense at least one of the temperature of the aerosol generator (15), the temperature of the battery (12), and the temperature inside and outside the main body (10). For example, the sensor unit (14) may sense a puff of a user. For example, the sensor unit (14) may sense whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the article receiving portion. For example, the sensor unit (14) may sense the movement of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0090] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate an aerosol generating device (1) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a cartridge (3) and a main body (10). The aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one of a battery (12), a control unit (13), and a sensor unit (not shown). At least one of the control unit (13) and the battery (12) may be disposed inside the main body (10). A cartridge (3) containing an aerosol generating substance may be mounted on the main body (10). A user may inhale the aerosol by putting a mouthpiece (not shown) provided at one end of the cartridge (3) in his / her mouth.

[0092] The cartridge (3) can contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state in a storage space (31) therein. The aerosol-generating substance can include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or can be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0093] The cartridge (3) can be detachably coupled to the main body (10). By being coupled to the main body (10), the cartridge (3) can be mounted on the main body (10).

[0094] The main body (10) can be formed in a structure in which outside air can be introduced into the interior of the main body (10) when the cartridge (3) is coupled. At this time, the outside air introduced into the main body (10) can pass through the cartridge (3) and flow into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0095] The cartridge (3) may include a storage space (31) containing an aerosol generating material and / or a generating unit (32). The generating unit (32) may heat the aerosol generating material in the storage space (31). The cartridge (3) may include a liquid delivery means (33) capable of absorbing the aerosol generating material. Here, the liquid delivery means (33) may include a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, porous ceramic, etc. The electrically conductive track of the generating unit (32) may be formed in a coil-shaped structure that winds the liquid delivery means (33) or a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means (33). The generating unit (32) may be referred to as a 'cartridge heater'.

[0096] The cartridge (3) can generate an aerosol. As the liquid delivery means (33) is heated by the generating unit (32), an aerosol can be generated. The generated aerosol can be inhaled into the user's oral cavity through the airflow channel (CN).

[0097] An airflow channel (CN) may be provided in the cartridge (3). The airflow channel (CN) may connect the generation unit (32) of the cartridge (3) and the outside of the cartridge (3). One end of the airflow channel (CN) may be opened to the generation unit (32) and the other end may be connected to the outside. For example, the airflow channel (CN) may extend in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (3) from one side of the storage space (31) of the cartridge (3). For example, the airflow channel (CN) may extend in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge (3) by penetrating the cartridge (3).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may accommodate an aerosol generating article (2). For example, the aerosol generating article (2) may be accommodated in a cartridge (3). As another example, the aerosol generating article (2) may be accommodated in a main body (10).

[0099] The aerosol generating article (2) can pass the aerosol generated in the generating unit (32). The aerosol generating device (1) can include an article receiving portion that receives the aerosol generating article (2), and the aerosol generated inside the generating portion (32) can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) received in the article receiving portion and be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the user can contact the aerosol generating article (2) with his / her mouth and inhale the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an aerosol generator (15) for heating the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generator (15) may heat the aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generator (15) may be placed around a space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. The aerosol generator (15) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0101] The control unit (13) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can be arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (13) can control the operation of at least one of the cartridge (3), the battery (12), and the sensor. For example, the control unit (13) can control the operation of a display (not shown), an audio output unit (not shown), a haptic unit (not shown), etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0102] The control unit (13) can analyze the results detected by the sensor and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the generation unit (32) so that the operation of the generation unit (32) can be started or ended based on the results detected by the sensor. For example, the control unit (13) can control the amount of power supplied to the generation unit (32) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the generation unit (32) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor.

[0103] The battery (12) can supply power to components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (12) can provide electrical energy to at least one of the control unit (13), the sensor unit (not shown), and the aerosol generator (not shown).

[0104] The sensor unit may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, and a movement detection sensor. For example, the sensor unit may sense at least one of the temperature of the generation unit (32), the temperature of the battery (12), and the temperature inside and outside the main body (10). For example, the sensor unit may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor unit may sense whether the cartridge (3) is mounted. For example, the sensor unit may sense the movement of the aerosol generation device (1).

[0105] Fig. 7 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a perspective view for explaining in detail the configurations of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0106] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present embodiment may include the same configuration as the aerosol generating device (1) of any one of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, but is not limited thereto.

[0107] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) may form an outer appearance and include a space inside.

[0108] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a battery coupling portion (16) and a battery cover (17).

[0109] A battery (not shown) capable of supplying power can be detachably connected to the battery coupling portion (16). The battery coupling portion (16) may include a space for connecting the battery (not shown). The battery coupling portion (16) may be arranged in an area inside the main body (10). A main body electrode (not shown) for electrically connecting to the battery may be arranged inside the battery coupling portion (16).

[0110] The main body (10) may include a battery cover (17) that can selectively open or close the battery coupling portion (16). The battery cover (17) may be placed in an area of ​​the main body (10). For example, the battery cover (17) may be placed in an area corresponding to the battery coupling portion (16).

[0111] The battery cover (17) can be detachably connected to the main body (10). The battery cover (17) can selectively open or close the battery connection portion (16).

[0112] For example, the battery cover (17) can be moved to a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion (16) so that the battery coupling portion (16) can be closed from the outside. The battery cover (17) can be moved out of the closed position so that the battery coupling portion (16) can be opened toward the outside.

[0113] The battery cover (17) can be coupled to the main body (10) in a closed position that closes the battery coupling portion (16). The battery cover (17) can be separated from the main body (10) by moving out of the closed position.

[0114] Fig. 7 illustrates a battery cover (17) separated from the main body (10) moving toward the closed position. Arrow A indicates the direction in which the battery cover (17) moves toward the closed position.

[0115] Referring to Fig. 7, the battery cover (17) can be moved to a closed position by moving in the -x direction, thereby closing the battery coupling portion (16). When the battery cover (17) is moved to the closed position, the battery coupling portion (16) is closed by the battery cover (17) and is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0116] The battery cover (17) positioned in the closed position can be moved in the +x direction (opposite direction of arrow A) to open the battery coupling portion (16). When the battery cover (17) is moved in the +x direction from the closed position, the battery coupling portion (16) opens toward the outside and is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0117] When the battery cover (17) is moved to the closed position and combined with the main body (10), the battery coupling portion (16) is closed to the outside, and a battery (not shown) cannot be combined or separated from the battery coupling portion (16), and foreign substances from the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) can be prevented from entering the battery coupling portion (16).

[0118] When the battery cover (17) is separated from the main body (10), the battery coupling portion (16) opens toward the outside, so that the battery can be coupled to the battery coupling portion (16) or removed from the battery coupling portion (16).

[0119] The direction in which the battery connection portion (16) is opened (-y) and the position in which the battery cover (17) is positioned, as shown in Fig. 7, are merely examples. The battery connection portion (16) may be opened on a side of the main body (10) other than the -y direction, and the position in which the battery cover (17) is positioned may be determined depending on the direction in which the battery connection portion (16) is opened.

[0120] At least a portion of the main body (10), the battery coupling portion (16), and the battery cover (17) may be provided with a structure for detachable coupling of the main body (10) and the battery cover (17). For example, the battery cover (17) may be provided with a hook structure, and the main body (10) may be provided with a groove into which the hook structure can be caught. As another example, the main body (10) may be provided with a groove into which the battery cover (17) can slide. As another example, the main body (10) or the battery cover (17) may be provided with a button structure that allows the battery cover (17) to be detached from the main body (10) by a pressurized operation. As another example, the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) may be detachably coupled by screws and screw threads. As another example, the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) may be detachably coupled by an electronic method. The configuration and structure that enable the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) to be detachably combined are not limited to those described above.

[0121] However, according to the structure of the battery cover (17) that is detachable from the main body (10) and selectively opens or closes the battery coupling portion (16) for the detachable battery, liquid may penetrate into the gap between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10).

[0122] Liquid that has penetrated through the gap between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10) may flow into the battery joint (16) and cause problems with the power supply of the battery. Liquid that has penetrated through the gap between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10) may flow into other components inside the main body (10) and cause electrical problems.

[0123] A sealing member (not shown) may be placed between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17). The sealing member may prevent liquid from penetrating between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) toward the battery joint (16). The sealing member may include silicone, rubber, plastic, etc., and the material thereof is not limited.

[0124] According to the present disclosure, in order to prevent problems that may arise due to liquid penetration through the gap between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17), a configuration capable of early detecting liquid penetrating between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10) may be further included.

[0125] For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a liquid sensor (not shown). The liquid sensor may be included in the sensor unit. The liquid sensor may detect liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) and generate a signal depending on whether liquid is detected.

[0126] For example, the liquid sensor can detect when water seeps between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) and generate a signal. The control unit (not shown) can control the aerosol generating device (1) in response to the signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0127] At least one of the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) may include a groove in which a liquid sensor may be placed. For example, referring to FIG. 7, the main body (10) may include a first groove (101), and the battery cover (17) may include a second groove (171).

[0128] A liquid sensor may be placed in at least one of the first groove (101) and the second groove (171). For example, a liquid sensor may be placed in each of the first groove (101) and the second groove (171).

[0129] For example, when the battery cover (17) is combined with the main body (10), the first groove (101) and the second groove (171) can be arranged to face each other.

[0130] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, detection of liquid penetrating between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) through a liquid sensor and various embodiments based thereon are described.

[0131] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present embodiment may include the same configuration as the aerosol generating device (1) of any one of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining in detail the configurations related to the battery coupling portion (16) and battery cover (17) of the aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII cutting line of Fig. 7.

[0134] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery cover (17) is moved to the closed position, and Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the battery cover (17) is placed in the closed position.

[0135] The aerosol generating device (1) and the components included therein described with reference to FIG. 8 may have the same or similar configurations as the aerosol generating device (1) and the components included therein described with reference to FIG. 7, and descriptions of overlapping components may be omitted to avoid repeated descriptions.

[0136] Referring to Fig. 8, the battery (12) can be accommodated in the battery coupling portion (16). As described above with reference to Fig. 7, the battery coupling portion (16) can be opened or closed by the battery cover (17).

[0137] The battery (12) can be inserted into the inside of the battery coupling portion (16) or discharged to the outside of the battery coupling portion (16) when the battery coupling portion (16) is opened.

[0138] After the battery (12) is inserted into the inside of the battery coupling portion (16), when the battery cover (17) is moved to the closed position and the battery coupling portion (16) is closed, the battery (12) can be fixed inside the battery coupling portion (16).

[0139] Describing the state shown in Fig. 8, the battery (12) is placed inside the battery coupling portion (16), the battery cover (17) is in the closed position, and the battery cover (17) closes the battery coupling portion (16) so that the battery (12) is not discharged to the outside.

[0140] The battery coupling unit (16) may be arranged in an area inside the main body (10). A main body electrode (161) may be arranged in an area inside the battery coupling unit (16). The main body electrode (161) is configured to be electrically connected to the battery (12). The main body electrode (161) may receive current from the battery (12) and transmit the current to other components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, at least some of the control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), and the aerosol generator (15) may receive current from the battery (12) through the main body electrode (161).

[0141] A battery electrode (121) may be placed in one area of ​​the battery (12). The battery electrode (121) is configured to be electrically connected to the main body electrode (161). The battery electrode (121) may supply current to other components of the aerosol generating device (1) through the main body electrode (161).

[0142] When the battery cover (17) is separated from the main body (10), the battery (12) can be separated from the battery coupling portion (16). When the battery (12) is separated from the battery coupling portion (16), the electrical connection between the battery electrode (121) and the main body electrode (161) is broken, and the power supply to the battery (12) can be interrupted.

[0143] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent problems that may arise from liquid penetration through the gap between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17).

[0144] For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a liquid sensor (141). The liquid sensor (141) may be included in the sensor section described above. The liquid sensor (141) may detect liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17), and generate a signal depending on whether liquid is detected.

[0145] For example, the liquid sensor (141) can detect water that has seeped between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) and generate a signal depending on whether water has been detected. The control unit (13) can control other components of the aerosol generating device (1) in response to the signal generated by the liquid sensor.

[0146] The liquid sensor (141) may include a 'pad', which is an electrode having electrical conductivity. The liquid sensor (141) may generate a signal according to a change that occurs when the pad comes into contact with a liquid such as water. The liquid sensor (141) may include one or more pads.

[0147] For example, the liquid sensor (141) may include a first pad (141a) and a second pad (141b). The first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) may each have electrical conductivity and may be positioned facing each other at a predetermined distance apart.

[0148] At least one of the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) may include a groove in which a liquid sensor (141) may be placed. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the main body (10) may include a first groove (101), and the battery cover (17) may include a second groove (171).

[0149] A liquid sensor (141) may be placed in at least one of the first groove (101) and the second groove (171). For example, a first pad (141a) may be placed in the first groove (101), and a second pad (141b) may be placed in the second groove (171). The first pad (141a) may be placed in the main body (10), and the second pad (141b) may be placed in the battery cover (17).

[0150] However, according to the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure, the arrangement of the liquid sensor (141) is not limited to that described above.

[0151] According to the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an output unit (not shown). The output unit may output information related to the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to a user. The output unit may include at least one of a display and an audio output unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The display can output visual information to the outside. The display can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user in a visual manner.

[0153] The acoustic output unit can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user in an auditory manner. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0154] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (not shown). The memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the control unit (13) and data to be processed.

[0155] For example, the liquid sensor (141) may not generate a separate signal when no liquid is detected, but may generate a signal only when liquid is detected. As another example, the liquid sensor (141) may generate a first signal when no liquid is detected, and may generate a second signal different from the first signal when liquid is detected.

[0156] The liquid sensor (141) can detect liquid in various ways according to various embodiments as follows.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the signal of the liquid sensor (141) may be an electrical resistance value. The liquid sensor (141) may include an electrical resistor (not shown). The electrical resistor may be placed in a space where liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) can flow.

[0158] When a liquid such as water comes into contact with an electrical resistor, its electrical resistance value may decrease. Therefore, when current is flowing through the electrical resistor, if a liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) comes into contact with the electrical resistor, its electrical resistance value may decrease. The liquid sensor (141) can generate a signal in response to a change in the electrical resistance value of the electrical resistor.

[0159] For example, when liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) comes into contact with the first pad (141a) and / or the second pad (141b), the electrical resistance value of the first pad (141a) and / or the second pad (141b) may change, and in response, the liquid sensor (141) may generate a signal regarding the electrical resistance value. According to the present embodiment, when liquid is not detected, the electrical resistance value of the first pad (141a) and / or the second pad (141b) may be referred to as the first signal, and the electrical resistance value of the first pad (141a) and / or the second pad (141b) that has changed due to the detection of liquid may be referred to as the second signal.

[0160] According to another embodiment, the signal of the liquid sensor (141) may be a signal corresponding to whether there is an electrical connection between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b). When the battery cover (17) is coupled to the main body (10), the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and may be placed facing each other without being electrically connected. At this time, when the liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) flows between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b), the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) may be electrically connected through the liquid, and the liquid sensor (141) may generate a signal due to the electrical connection between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b). According to this embodiment, the liquid sensor (141) may not generate a separate signal when liquid is not detected, but may generate a signal only when liquid is detected.

[0161] According to another embodiment, the signal of the liquid sensor (141) may be a signal corresponding to the electric capacity between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b). The liquid sensor (141) may further include an electric capacity sensor (not shown). When the battery cover (17) is coupled to the main body (10), the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and may be arranged to face each other. At this time, if the liquid that has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) flows between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b), the electric capacitance between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) may change, and the liquid sensor (141) may generate a signal in response to the change in the electric capacitance between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b). According to the present embodiment, when the liquid is not detected, the signal regarding the electric capacitance between the first pad (141a) and the second pad (141b) that has changed due to the detection of the liquid may be referred to as the second signal.

[0162] According to the present disclosure, the liquid sensor (141) is disposed between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10), so that it can detect liquid between the battery cover (17) and the main body (10) early before it flows into other components and generate a signal, and the control unit (13) can appropriately control the aerosol generating device (1) to prevent damage caused by liquid penetration. Hereinafter, embodiments in which the control unit (13) controls other components in response to a signal received from the liquid sensor (141) will be described.

[0163] The control unit (13) can control other components of the aerosol generating device (1) in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141).

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit (13) determines that liquid has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) upon receiving a signal regarding liquid penetration from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can minimize damage caused by the liquid by cutting off the power supply of the battery (12) and stopping all operations of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can control the display (not shown), the audio output unit (not shown), etc. of the output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141). For example, when the control unit (13) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can control the display to output visual information to separate and / or replace the battery from the aerosol generating device (1). As another example, when the control unit (13) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can control the display to output visual information to stop using the aerosol generating device (1) and cut off the power.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can control the acoustic output unit (not shown) of the output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141). For example, when the control unit (13) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can control the acoustic output unit to output auditory information to separate and / or replace the battery from the aerosol generating device (1). For another example, when the control unit (13) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can control the acoustic output unit to output auditory information to stop using the aerosol generating device (1) and cut off the power. For another example, when the control unit (13) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can control the acoustic output unit to output a warning sound.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can store information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141) in memory. The information stored in the memory can be helpful in analyzing the cause of a problem that occurs in the future due to liquid in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0168] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be combined in a composite manner.

[0169] For example, the control unit (13) can minimize damage caused by liquid by first controlling the display to output visual information regarding liquid penetration, then storing the related information in memory, and automatically cutting off the power supply of the battery (12) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed and stopping all operations of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0170] As another example, the control unit (13) can minimize damage caused by liquid by first controlling the sound output unit to output auditory information regarding the penetration of liquid, then storing the related information in memory, and automatically cutting off the power supply of the battery (12) after a predetermined period of time has elapsed and stopping all operations of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0171] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0172] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present embodiment may include a configuration identical to or similar to that of any of the aerosol generating devices (1) of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, but is not limited thereto.

[0173] The aerosol generating device (1) and the components included therein described with reference to FIG. 9 may have the same or similar configurations as the aerosol generating device (1) and the components included therein described above with reference to other drawings, and detailed descriptions of overlapping components may be omitted to avoid repeated descriptions.

[0174] According to the present disclosure, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an output unit (40). The output unit (40) may output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to a user. The output unit (40) may include at least one of a first display (not shown) and a first audio output unit (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

[0175] The first display can provide visual information to the outside. The first display 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 of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the aerosol generator, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., the status in which an incompatible battery is connected), and the first display can output the above information to the outside. For example, the first display can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the first display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) first display panel, an organic light-emitting display (OLED) first display panel, etc.

[0176] The first acoustic output unit can provide audible information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the first acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0177] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a memory (not shown). The memory 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 may store 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 data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0178] As described above with reference to other drawings, the aerosol generating device may further include a control unit (not shown), an identification unit (not shown), and a battery coupling unit (not shown). The battery coupling unit may accommodate a battery.

[0179] The control unit can control other components of the aerosol generating device (1) in response to signals generated by the liquid sensor.

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit (13) determines that liquid has penetrated between the main body (10) and the battery cover (17) upon receiving a signal regarding liquid penetration from the liquid sensor (141), the control unit (13) can minimize damage caused by the liquid by cutting off the power supply of the battery (12) and stopping all operations of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can control the display (not shown) of the output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141).

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can control the sound output unit (not shown) of the output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141).

[0183] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (13) can store information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor (141) in memory. The information stored in the memory can be helpful in analyzing the cause of a problem that occurs in the future due to liquid in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0184] The aerosol generating device (1) can communicate with an external device (1000). The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a communication unit (not shown) to communicate with the external device (1000). The communication unit may include at least one component for communicating with the external device (1000). For example, the communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0185] The short-range wireless communication unit 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, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0186] The wireless communication unit 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.

[0187] The external device (1000) may include a second display that outputs visual information. The external device may include a second audio output unit that outputs auditory information.

[0188] The aerosol generating device (1) and the external device (1000) can be referred to as an aerosol generating system.

[0189] The aerosol generating device (1) can transmit information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor to an external device (1000). For example, the control unit can control the communication unit to transmit information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor to the external device (1000).

[0190] The external device (1000) can control components included in the external device (1000) in response to information received from the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the external device (1000) can control a second display in response to information received from the aerosol generating device (1). As another example, the external device (1000) can control a second sound output unit in response to information received from the aerosol generating device (1).

[0191] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the external device (1000) receives information about the penetration of liquid from the aerosol generating device (1), the external device (1000) can control the second display to output visual information to disconnect and / or replace the battery from the aerosol generating device (1). As another example, when the external device (1000) receives information about the penetration of liquid from the aerosol generating device (1), the external device (1000) can control the second display to output visual information to stop using the aerosol generating device (1) and cut off the power.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device (1000) can control the second acoustic output unit in response to information received from the aerosol generating device (1). For example, when the external device (1000) receives information regarding the penetration of liquid from the aerosol generating device (1), the external device (1000) can control the second acoustic output unit to output auditory information to detach and / or replace the battery from the aerosol generating device (1). For another example, when the external device (1000) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the aerosol generating device (1), the external device (1000) can control the second acoustic output unit to output auditory information to stop using the aerosol generating device (1) and cut off the power. For another example, when the external device (1000) receives a signal regarding the penetration of liquid from the aerosol generating device (1), the external device (1000) can control the second acoustic output unit to output a warning sound.

[0193] Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a battery (12), a control unit (13), a sensor unit (14), an output unit (40), an input unit (70), a communication unit (50), a memory (60), and at least one aerosol generator (15). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 10. 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. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0195] The sensor unit (14) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (13). Based on the detected information, the control unit (13) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick and / or cartridge is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0196] The sensor unit (14) may include at least one of a liquid sensor (141), a temperature sensor (142), a puff sensor (143), an insertion detection sensor (144), a reuse detection sensor (145), a cartridge detection sensor (146), a cap detection sensor (147), and a movement detection sensor (148).

[0197] The liquid sensor (141) can detect the penetration of liquid between the battery cover and the main body. The description of the liquid sensor (141) is replaced with the descriptions given above with reference to other drawings.

[0198] The temperature sensor (142) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15), or the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0199] The temperature sensor (142) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). For example, the temperature sensor (142) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (142) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). For example, the temperature sensor (142) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). At this time, the temperature sensor (142) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15).

[0200] A temperature sensor (142) may be placed around the battery (12) to monitor the temperature of the battery (12). The temperature sensor (142) may be placed adjacent to the battery (12). For example, the temperature sensor (142) may be attached to one surface of the battery (12). For example, the temperature sensor (142) may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0201] A temperature sensor (142) is placed inside the main body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the main body (10).

[0202] The puff sensor (143) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (143) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (143) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (143) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (143) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0203] The insertion detection sensor (144) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor (144) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor (144) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (144) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick according to a change in the permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (144) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0204] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-carrying coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0205] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0206] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, such as the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick including a metallic wrapper is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the stick.

[0207] A reuse detection sensor (145) can detect whether the stick has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (145) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick. The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of the wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick. The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0208] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (145) may be positioned in response to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the stick is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1) while passing through the stick, the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0209] The cartridge detection sensor (146) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor (146) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0210] The cap detection sensor (147) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body (10), the cartridge and a portion of the main body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (147) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0211] A motion detection sensor (148) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (148) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0212] In addition to the sensors (141 to 147) described above, the sensor unit (14) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. A detailed description of the functions of each sensor may be omitted.

[0213] The output unit (40) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (40) may include at least one of a display (41), a haptic unit (42), and an audio output unit (43), but is not limited thereto. When the display (41) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (41) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0214] The display (41) 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 charge / discharge status of the battery (12) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the stick aerosol generator (15), the insertion / removal status of the stick and / or cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display (41) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (41) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (41) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0215] The haptic unit (42) 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 (42) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (42) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0216] The acoustic output unit (43) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (43) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0217] The battery (12) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (12) can supply power so that the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) can be heated. In addition, the battery (12) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as the sensor unit (14), the output unit (40), the input unit (70), the communication unit (50), and the memory (60). The battery (12) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery (12) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0218] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the battery (12) and include a switching element.

[0219] The power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery (12) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery (12) when the voltage level of the battery (12) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery (12) when the voltage level of the battery (12) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0220] The stick aerosol generator (15) can receive power from the battery (12) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick. Although not shown in FIG. 10, 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 (12) and supplies it to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). 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 (12) into alternating current power.

[0221] The control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), the output unit (40), the input unit (70), the communication unit (50), and the memory (60) can receive power from the battery (12) to perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 10, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery (12) and supplies it to each component may be further included. Also, although not shown in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the battery (12) and the stick aerosol generator (15). The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current applied from the battery (12) to the stick aerosol generator (15). By using a low-pass filter, it is possible to prevent high-frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor unit (14), such as an insertion detection sensor (144).

[0222] In one embodiment, the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) 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. Furthermore, the stick aerosol generator (15) 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.

[0223] In another embodiment, the stick aerosol generator (15) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the stick aerosol generator (15) may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil, thereby heating the aerosol generating material.

[0224] The input unit (70) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (70) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0225] The display (41) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (41) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display (41) (add-on type).

[0226] Meanwhile, the input unit (70) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0227] The memory (60) is hardware that stores various data processed in the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (13). The memory (60) 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 (60) may store data such as the operating 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.

[0228] The communication unit (50) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (50) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0229] The short-range wireless communication unit 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, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0230] The wireless communication unit 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.

[0231] Although not shown in FIG. 10, 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 (12) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0232] The control unit (13) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (13) 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, the control unit (13) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0233] The control unit (13) can control the temperature of the stick aerosol generator (15) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (12) to the stick aerosol generator (15). The control unit (13) can control the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) based on the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) sensed by the temperature sensor (142). The control unit (13) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) based on the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). For example, the control unit (13) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (60).

[0234] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery (12) between the battery (12) and the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge aerosol generator (15), the stick aerosol generator (15), or the induction coil (181). The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (13) may control the power supply circuit.

[0235] The control unit (13) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the battery (12) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0236] The control unit (13) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery (12) to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). The control unit (13) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) is cut off. The control unit (13) can adjust the current supplied from the battery (12) by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0237] The control unit (13) can control the voltage output from the battery (12) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the battery (12). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery (12). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0238] The control unit (13) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the battery (12). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the battery (12). As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The stick aerosol generator (15) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0239] The control unit (13) can control power to be supplied to the stick aerosol generator (15) using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0240] For example, the control unit (13) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the stick aerosol generator (15) using the PWM method. The control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the stick aerosol generator (15) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0241] For example, the control unit (13) can determine a target temperature that is a target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the stick aerosol generator (15) by using a PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the stick aerosol generator (15) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0242] The control unit (13) can prevent the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) from overheating. For example, the control unit (13) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (13) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (13) may determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) exceeding a limit temperature, and may cut off the power supply to the cartridge aerosol generator (15).

[0243] The control unit (13) can control the charging and discharging of the battery (12). The control unit (13) can check the temperature of the battery (12) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (142).

[0244] When a power line is connected to the main body electrode of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (13) can check whether the temperature of the battery (12) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the battery (12). If the temperature of the battery (12) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (13) can control the battery (12) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the battery (12) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (13) can block charging of the battery (12).

[0245] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (13) can check whether the temperature of the battery (12) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the battery (12). If the temperature of the battery (12) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (13) can control to use the power stored in the battery (12). If the temperature of the battery (12) is higher than or equal to the second limit temperature, the control unit (13) can stop using the power stored in the battery (12).

[0246] The control unit (13) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the battery (12). For example, the control unit (13) can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery (12) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery (12).

[0247] The control unit (13) can determine whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (144). The control unit (13) can determine that the stick is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (144). If it is determined that the stick is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (13) can control to supply power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15). For example, the control unit (13) can supply power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (60).

[0248] The control unit (13) can determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether the stick is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (144). For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the stick is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the stick aerosol generator (15) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the stick aerosol generator (15) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (13) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15).

[0249] The control unit (13) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the stick aerosol generator (15) according to the state of the stick detected by the sensor unit (14). The control unit (13) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (13) can determine the moisture content of the stick according to the checked level range.

[0250] When the stick is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (13) can control the power supply time to the stick aerosol generator (15) to increase the preheating time of the stick compared to the normal state.

[0251] The control unit (13) can determine whether the stick inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (145). For example, the control unit (13) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick has not been used. For example, the control unit (13) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick has been used. If it is determined that the stick has been used, the control unit (13) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15).

[0252] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (146). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0253] The control unit (13) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. For example, the control unit (13) can preheat the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) exceeds the limited temperature, it can be determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. If it is determined that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted, the control unit (13) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15).

[0254] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (60). For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the cartridge aerosol generator (15) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0255] The control unit (13) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (143). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether a puff is generated based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (13) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (143). When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or when no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (13) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15).

[0256] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (147). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0257] The control unit (13) can control the output unit (40) based on the result detected by the sensor unit (14). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (143) reaches a preset number, the control unit (13) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (41), the haptic unit (42), and the audio output unit (43). For example, the control unit (13) can notify the user through the output unit (40) based on a determination that a stick is not present in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (13) can notify the user through the output unit (40) based on a determination that a cartridge and / or a cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (13) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15) to the user through the output unit (40).

[0258] The control unit (13) can store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (60) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick, initiation of heating of the stick, detection of a puff, termination of a puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or the stick aerosol generator (15), termination of heating of the stick, power on / off of the aerosol generator (1), initiation of charging of the battery (12), detection of overcharge of the battery (12), termination of charging of the battery (12), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of a stick, log data corresponding to the event may include data on a sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (144), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or a stick aerosol generator (15), log data corresponding to the event may include data on a temperature of the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or a stick aerosol generator (15), a voltage applied to the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or a stick aerosol generator (15), a current flowing in the cartridge aerosol generator (15) and / or a stick aerosol generator (15), etc.

[0259] The control unit (13) can control to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. When data regarding authentication is received from the external device through the communication link, the control unit (13) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). Here, the data regarding authentication can include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and can receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1) from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (13) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (13) may release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the stick aerosol generator (15) when user authentication is completed.

[0260] The control unit (13) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the battery (12) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0261] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (13) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (42) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (41) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0262] The control unit (13) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0263] The control unit (13) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor unit (14) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (50), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (13) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (13) can store, in the memory (60), the sensing value data of at least one sensor unit (14) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (60) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (13) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor unit (14), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (60), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0264] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating system according to one embodiment.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 11, an aerosol generating system (100) may include an aerosol generating device (1) and an aerosol generating article (2).

[0266] The aerosol generating device (1) may have a configuration corresponding to the aerosol generating devices (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e) of FIGS. 12a to 12e. The aerosol generating article (2) may have a configuration corresponding to the cigarettes (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of FIGS. 12a to 12d. In addition, the aerosol generating article (2) may have a configuration corresponding to the liquid composition (2e) of FIG. 12e.

[0267] The aerosol generating device (1) can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0268] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include a space therein. At least one of a heater (15 of FIG. 15), a control unit (13 of FIG. 15), an input unit (70), an output unit (40), a memory (60 of FIG. 15), an internal battery (19 of FIG. 15), a communication unit (50 of FIG. 15), a sensor unit (14 of FIG. 15), a water detection unit (200 of FIG. 15), and a terminal unit (161 of FIG. 15) may be disposed inside the main body (10). A removable battery (110 of FIG. 15) may be detachably mounted on the aerosol generating device (1). When a removable battery (12) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the removable battery (12) can be defined as an internal configuration of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0269] The article receiving portion (11) 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 an aerosol generator (15) to generate an aerosol. The article receiving portion (11) may provide a space open toward the outside of the main body (10) so that the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted.

[0270] The article receiving portion (11) 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 (11) 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.

[0271] The main body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include an internal space in which components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged. In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the main body (10) is formed in a cross-section of a square pillar shape is shown, but the shape of the main body (10) is not limited thereto, and the main body (10) may be formed in a cylindrical shape overall or a polygonal pillar shape.

[0272] The main body (10) may further include a cover (18) that opens or closes the article receiving portion (11). The cover (18) may be movably arranged on the main body (10) to expose the article receiving portion (11) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), or to cover the article receiving portion (11) so that the article receiving portion (11) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cover (18) may open the article receiving portion (11) at a first position so that the article receiving portion (11) is exposed to the outside, thereby allowing an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted into the article receiving portion (11). In addition, the cover (18) may move from the first position to a second position and close the article receiving portion (11) so that the article receiving portion (11) is not exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the article receiving portion (11) from external impact or the inflow of external foreign substances.

[0273] An aerosol generator (15) disposed inside the main body (10) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the aerosol generator (15) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The aerosol generator (15) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater. When the aerosol generator (15) is configured as an induction heating heater, the aerosol generator (15) may include a susceptor and an induction coil. The aerosol generator (15) may have a configuration corresponding to the aerosol generators (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e) of FIGS. 12a to 12e.

[0274] A removable battery (12) can supply power to operate components of an aerosol generating device (1). The removable battery (12) can be accommodated inside the main body (10) through a battery coupling portion (16 of FIG. 13). In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an internal battery (19) that is distinct from the removable battery (12) and fixed inside the main body (10). The internal battery (19) has a lower output than the removable battery (12), and can provide a minimum amount of power to the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) even when the removable battery (12) is not accommodated in the battery coupling portion (16).

[0275] The control unit (13) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit (13) can receive user input through the input unit (70) and control the operation of the aerosol generator (15) based on the user input. In addition, the control unit (13) can control the output unit (40) to output status information of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0276] The input unit (70) can receive user input. In one embodiment, the input unit (70) can be configured as a pressure-type push button or a touch sensor. The input unit (70) can be positioned to protrude from at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body (10), and can receive user input in response to the user's pressure or touch on the input unit (70).

[0277] The output unit (40) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (40) can output the charge / discharge status of the removable battery (12) and / or the internal battery (19), the heating status of the aerosol generator (15), the insertion status of the aerosol generating article (2), and error information of the aerosol generating device (1). For this purpose, the output unit (40) can include a display, a haptic motor, and an audio output unit. The output unit (40) can be arranged in at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the main body (10). Although FIG. 11 illustrates that the output unit (40) is arranged in the -z direction with respect to the input unit (70), the position of the output unit (40) is not limited thereto.

[0278] FIGS. 12A to 12E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 11 implemented in various types.

[0279] Referring to FIGS. 12a to 12e, the aerosol generating device (1) can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e), 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 (1a to 1e) are illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12e, and other general elements may be further included in the aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e) in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12e.

[0280] In Fig. 12a, the aerosol generating device (1a) may include a removable battery (12), an aerosol generator (15a), and a control unit (13).

[0281] A cigarette (2a) can be inserted into the receiving space inside the aerosol generating device (1a). When the cigarette (2a) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1a), the aerosol generating device (1a) can generate an aerosol from the cigarette (2a) by heating the cigarette (2a) using the aerosol generator (15a). The generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2a).

[0282] The aerosol generator (15a) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (12). The aerosol generator (15a) can be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the aerosol generator (15a) includes an electrically conductive track, and the aerosol generator (15a) can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0283] The electrically conductive track of the aerosol generator (15a) 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.

[0284] The electrically conductive track may exhibit an increase in internal resistance 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, an aerosol generator (15a) manufactured with an electrically conductive track can heat a cigarette (2a) using electrical resistance.

[0285] 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.

[0286] The shape of the aerosol generator (15a) 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 aerosol generators (15a) can be arranged. The aerosol generator (15a) can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (2a) and used as an internal heating method to heat the interior of the cigarette (2a).

[0287] The removable battery (12) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (1a), and when the removable battery (12) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (1a), power can be supplied from the removable battery (12) to the aerosol generator (15a) for heating operation of the aerosol generator (15a), thereby controlling the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

[0288] The control unit (13) can control the heating operation of the aerosol generator (15a) by controlling the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15a). For example, the control unit (13) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (2a) is heated by the aerosol generator (15a) according to a temperature profile.

[0289] Figures 12b and 12c are drawings for explaining aerosol generating devices (1b, 1c) additionally equipped with vaporizers (155b, 155c) according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generating devices (1b, 1c) may be a type of aerosol generating device (1).

[0290] Referring to FIGS. 12b and 12c, the aerosol generating device (1b, 1c) further includes a vaporizer (155b, 155c). A cigarette (2b, 2c) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (1b, 1c).

[0291] In Fig. 12b, the vaporizer (155b) and the aerosol generator (15b) are depicted as being arranged in a row. However, in Fig. 12c, the vaporizer (155c) and the aerosol generator (15c) are depicted as being arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol generating devices (1b, 1c) can be distinguished depending on the arrangement of the vaporizer (155b).

[0292] The aerosol generator (15b, 15c) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (12). The aerosol generator (15b, 15c) is an electrical resistive heater, which may include, for example, electrically conductive tracks.

[0293] Unlike the aerosol generator (15a) described in Fig. 12a, the aerosol generators (15b, 15c) of Figs. 12b and 12c can be implemented in an external heating manner by being placed around the outer periphery of the cigarette (2b, 2c) to heat the outer surface of the cigarette (2b, 2c).

[0294] The vaporizer (155b, 155c) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2b, 2c). That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (155b, 155c) can be transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (1b, 1c), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (155b, 155c) can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2b, 2c).

[0295] The vaporizer (155b, 155c) may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, each of the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be positioned as an independent module at a different location within the aerosol generating device (1) rather than within the vaporizer (155b, 155c).

[0296] 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 (155b, 155c), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (155b, 155c). 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.

[0297] 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.

[0298] The heating element provided in the vaporizer (155b, 155c) 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 (155b, 155c) may also be referred to by other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0299] The removable battery (12) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (1b, 1c), and when the removable battery (12) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (1b, 1c), power can be supplied from the removable battery (12) to the aerosol generator (15b, 15c) and the vaporizer (155b, 155c) for heating operation of the aerosol generator (15b, 15c) and the vaporizer (155b, 155c).

[0300] The control unit (13) can control the heating operation of the aerosol generators (15b, 15c) and the vaporizers (155b, 155c) by controlling the power supplied to the aerosol generators (15b, 15c) and the vaporizers (155b, 155c). For example, the control unit (13) can control the temperature at which the cigarettes (2b, 2c) are heated by the aerosol generators (15b, 15c) and the vaporizers (155b, 155c) according to the temperature profile.

[0301] FIG. 12d is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (1d) of an induction heating method according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (1d) may be a type of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0302] Referring to FIG. 12d, the aerosol generating device (1d) may include an aerosol generator (15d) including a coil (41d) and a susceptor (152d), a removable battery (12), and a control unit (13).

[0303] The aerosol generating device (1d) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (2d) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1d) 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 (1d) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the cigarette (2d) 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 (152d). The susceptor (152d) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (1d). Alternatively, the susceptor (152d) may be provided inside the cigarette (2d) in the shape of a piece, flake, strip, etc. instead of being provided in the aerosol generating device (1d).

[0304] The susceptor (152d) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor (152d) may include a metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor (152d) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor (152d) 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).

[0305] The aerosol generating device (1d) can accommodate a cigarette (2d). A space for accommodating the cigarette (2d) can be formed in the aerosol generating device (1d). A susceptor (152d) can be arranged around the periphery of the space for accommodating the cigarette (2d). For example, the susceptor (152d) can have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the exterior of the cigarette (2d). Therefore, when the cigarette (2d) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (1d), the cigarette (2d) can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor (152d), and the susceptor (152d) can be arranged at a position that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette (2d). However, the shape of the susceptor (152d) is not limited thereto and may vary. For example, the susceptor (152d) may be manufactured in a rod shape to be inserted into the inside of the cigarette (2d).

[0306] The aerosol generator (15d) is an induction heating type, and the aerosol generator (15d) can heat a cigarette (2d) accommodated in the aerosol generator (1d) by using a susceptor (152d) that generates heat by an external magnetic field generated by a coil (41d).

[0307] The coil (41d) is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (152d), so that an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor (152d). When power is supplied to the coil (41d) from the aerosol generating device (1d), a magnetic field can be formed in the internal region of the coil (41d). When an alternating current is applied to the coil (41d), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil (41d) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (152d) is positioned inside the coil (41d) and is exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction periodically changes, the susceptor (152d) can generate heat, and the cigarette accommodated in the susceptor (152d) can be heated. The shape of the coil (41d) may be a cylindrical shape wound along the longitudinal direction of the cigarette (2d), but is not limited thereto, and the coil (41d) may be implemented in various types, such as a flat coil.

[0308] The removable battery (12) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generator (1d), and when the aerosol generator (1d) is mounted with the removable battery (12), it can supply power to the coil (41d) for heating operation of the aerosol generator (15d), for example.

[0309] The control unit (13) can control the heating operation of the aerosol generator (15d) by controlling the power supplied to the coil (41d). For example, the control unit (13) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (2d) is heated by induction heating of the susceptor (152d) by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil (41d) according to the temperature profile.

[0310] FIG. 12e is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (1e) having a replaceable cartridge (3) containing a liquid composition (2e) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0311] The aerosol generating device (1e) of FIG. 12e includes a cartridge (3) containing a liquid composition (2e) and a main body (10) supporting the cartridge (3). The aerosol generating device (1e) may correspond to one type of the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device (1) may be divided and positioned in the main body (10) and the cartridge (3).

[0312] The cartridge (3) can be coupled to the main body (10) while containing a liquid composition (2e) therein. The cartridge (3) can be mounted on the main body (10) by inserting a portion of the cartridge (3) into a receptacle of the main body (10).

[0313] The cartridge (3) may hold a liquid composition (2e) of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto, and may also hold a liquid composition (2e) 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 substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0314] The aerosol generator (15e) provided in the cartridge (3) performs a heating operation by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body (10). Accordingly, the liquid composition (2e) inside the cartridge (3) can be vaporized by the heating of the aerosol generator (15e), thereby generating an aerosol.

[0315] The aerosol generator (15e) can 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 can be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0316] The removable battery (12) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generator (1e), and when the aerosol generator (1e) is mounted with the removable battery (12), power can be supplied to the aerosol generator (15e) from the removable battery (12) for the heating operation of the aerosol generator (15e).

[0317] The control unit (13) can control the heating operation of the aerosol generator (15e) by controlling the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15e). For example, the control unit (13) can control the temperature at which the liquid composition (2e) is heated by the aerosol generator (15e) according to a temperature profile.

[0318] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12e, the aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e) may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may store the aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e) or charge the removable battery (12) of the aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e).

[0319] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 11 may be implemented as at least one of the types of aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e) of FIGS. 12a to 12e, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented as other types as well.

[0320] The aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e) of FIGS. 12a to 12e can commonly use a removable battery (12) as a power source. The removable battery (12) is a battery that can be replaced by being mounted or removed from the aerosol generating devices (1a to 1e).

[0321] However, since the electrodes in electrical contact with the removable battery (12) are exposed to the outside, water may penetrate the electrodes when the removable battery (12) is replaced. If water penetrates the electrodes, an overcurrent may occur due to a short circuit, which may cause a failure of the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1). In order to prevent such device failure, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device (1) that detects water penetrating the electrodes in electrical contact with the removable battery (12), notifies the user, and forcibly detaches the removable battery (12).

[0322] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device for explaining a method of coupling and disengaging a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0323] Although only a part of the configuration of the aerosol generating device (1) is illustrated in FIG. 13, the components of the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to the configurations illustrated in the drawing.

[0324] Referring to FIG. 13, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a main body (10), a removable battery (12), and a magnetic coupling structure (162). The aerosol generating device (1) may be an embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12a to FIG. 12b, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0325] The main body (10) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1), and components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be arranged in the main body (10).

[0326] According to one embodiment, the main body (10) may include a battery coupling portion (16) for accommodating a removable battery (12). The battery coupling portion (16) may be referred to as a battery receiving space in that it includes a space for accommodating a battery. For example, the battery coupling portion (16) may be formed in an area of ​​the main body (10) (e.g., an area facing the x direction) to accommodate the removable battery (12), but the location of the battery coupling portion (16) is not limited thereto.

[0327] A body electrode (161) may be placed in the battery coupling portion (16), and the body electrode (161) may come into contact with the battery electrode (121) of the removable battery (12) when the removable battery (12) is coupled or accommodated in the battery coupling portion (16).

[0328] The body electrode (161) may include a first connection terminal (161a) and a second connection terminal (161b) that are in electrical contact with the battery electrode (121). In addition, the battery electrode (121) may include a first battery electrode (121a) that is in electrical contact with the first connection terminal (161a) and a second battery electrode (121b) that is in electrical contact with the second connection terminal (161b). The first battery electrode (121a) may function as a positive electrode, and the second battery electrode (121b) may function as a negative electrode.

[0329] Meanwhile, in FIG. 13, only an embodiment in which a first connection terminal (161a) is arranged on one side of the battery coupling portion (16) and a second connection terminal (161b) is arranged on the other side is illustrated, but the arrangement structure and number of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b) may be changed depending on the design of the battery electrode (121) of the removable battery (12).

[0330] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a battery cover (17) that is detachably coupled to the main body (10) to protect the detachable battery (12). The battery cover (17) is detachably coupled to the main body (10) and can open or close the battery connection portion (16).

[0331] In one example, when the battery cover (17) is detached from the main body (10), the battery coupling portion (16) is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), so that the detachable battery (12) can be coupled to the battery coupling portion (16). In another example, when the battery cover (17) is coupled to the main body (10), the battery cover (17) can protect the detachable battery (12) from external impact or the inflow of external foreign substances by preventing the battery coupling portion (16) from being exposed to the outside by being covered by the battery cover (17).

[0332] The removable battery (12) can be detachably connected to the battery coupling portion (16) of the main body (10) and can supply power for the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, when the removable battery (12) is connected to the battery coupling portion (16), the battery electrode (121) of the removable battery (12) can come into contact with the main body electrode (161), thereby electrically connecting the removable battery (12) and the components of the aerosol generating device (1). The removable battery (12) can supply power to the electrically connected components of the aerosol generating device (1) to operate the components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0333] The magnetic coupling structure (162) may be arranged in one area of ​​the battery coupling portion (16) and the main body (10), and may be magnetically coupled to the removable battery (12) to fix the removable battery (12) to the battery coupling portion (16). To this end, the magnetic coupling structure (162) may include a first electromagnet (162a) and a second electromagnet (162b). For example, the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) may be arranged in one area of ​​the main body (10) spaced apart from the battery coupling portion (16) in the z direction, and may be magnetically coupled to or decoupled from the removable battery (12) under the control of the control portion (13). The magnetic coupling structure (162) may be a configuration included in the disconnection portion (80) of FIG. 15 in that it is a configuration for coupling and decoupled from the removable battery (12).

[0334] The removable battery (12) may include a magnetic coupling structure (162) and a conductor (not shown) that is coupled by magnetic force. The conductor may be disposed inside or outside the removable battery (12). The removable battery (12) may include a first conductor (122a) and a second conductor (122b). The first conductor (122a) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first electromagnet (162a) of the removable battery (12), and the second conductor (122b) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second electromagnet (162b) of the removable battery (12).

[0335] Depending on the power supplied to the magnetic coupling structure (162), the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) can be magnetically coupled to or decoupled from the first conductor (122a) and the second conductor (122b), respectively. In one embodiment, the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) generate magnetic force under the control of the control unit (13), and the first conductor (122a) and the second conductor (122b) can be magnetically coupled to the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b), respectively, by the generated magnetic force. In addition, the magnetic force of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) is extinguished under the control of the control unit (13), and the first conductor (122a) and the second conductor (122b) can be released from the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) by the extinguished magnetic force.

[0336] The aerosol generating device (1) of the present disclosure can prevent the detachable battery (12) from being unintentionally detached from the battery coupling portion (16) by stably fixing the detachable battery (12) to the battery coupling portion (16) via the magnetic coupling structure (162). In addition, when water intrudes into the main body electrode (161), the detachable battery (12) is forcibly detached via the magnetic coupling structure (162), thereby preventing device failure.

[0337] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of some components of an aerosol generating device for explaining a method of combining and separating a removable battery according to one embodiment.

[0338] Referring to Fig. 14, the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) may be arranged inside or outside one side of the battery coupling portion (16). The first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) may be spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. For example, the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) may be spaced apart from each other in the z direction. Since the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) are spaced apart from each other, the magnetic force may not be concentrated in one place. Therefore, when the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) generate a magnetic force, the coupling between the removable battery (12) and the battery coupling portion (16) may be made more secure.

[0339] The first conductor (122a) and the second conductor (122b) may be placed inside or outside one side of the removable battery (12). The first conductor (122a) and the second conductor (122b) may be placed at positions corresponding to the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b).

[0340] The first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) can generate or extinguish magnetic force according to the control of the control unit (13). The control unit (13) can apply or recover magnetic force to each of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) using the power of the internal battery (19). For this purpose, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a DC / DC converter and a DC / AC converter. For example, the control unit (13) can control the output of the internal battery (19) to apply or recover magnetic force to each of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b).

[0341] The control unit (13) can supply power to the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) when water does not penetrate the main body electrode (161). Accordingly, each of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) can generate magnetic force.

[0342] When water enters the main body electrode (161), the control unit (13) may not supply power to at least one of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b). In one embodiment, when water enters the main body electrode (161), the control unit (13) may cut off the power supplied to the first electromagnet (162a). When the power supplied to the first electromagnet (162a) is cut off, the connection between the removable battery (12) and the battery coupling unit (16) is performed only by the magnetic force between the second electromagnet (162b) and the second conductor (122b), so that the removable battery (12) can be easily separated from the battery coupling unit (16) by an external impact. In another embodiment, the control unit (13) may cut off the power supplied to both the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) when water intrudes into the main body electrode (161). As the control unit (13) cuts off the power supplied to both the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b), the removable battery (12) may be forcibly detached from the battery coupling unit (16). Accordingly, device failure due to water intrusion can be more completely prevented.

[0343] Fig. 15 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0344] Referring to FIG. 15, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a removable battery (110), an aerosol generator (15), a control unit (13), an input unit (70), an output unit (40), a memory (60), an internal battery (19), a communication unit (50), a sensor unit (14), a water detection unit (90), and a disconnection unit (80). However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device (1) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 15. Those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 15 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0345] The removable battery (12) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generator (1). For example, the removable battery (12) may supply power so that the aerosol generator (15) may be heated. In addition, the removable battery (12) may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generator (1), namely, the aerosol generator (15), the control unit (13), the input unit (70), the output unit (40), the memory (60), the communication unit (50), the sensor unit (14), and the water detection unit (90). In some embodiments, the removable battery (12) may also supply power required for the operation of the disconnection unit (80).

[0346] The removable battery (12) may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery or a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0347] The removable battery (12) is a replaceable type (separate) power source, and can be mounted on or removed from the battery coupling portion (16) provided in the aerosol generating device (1). The removable battery (12) is provided with a battery electrode (121), and when the removable battery (12) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (1), the battery electrode (121) of the removable battery (12) can be implemented to be electrically connected to a body electrode (161) provided on the aerosol generating device (1) to supply power to the aerosol generating device (1).

[0348] The removable battery (12) may be provided with a charger interface that can be connected to an external charger. Power for charging the removable battery (12) may be supplied to the removable battery (12) through the charger interface. The removable battery (12) may be charged by an external charger while connected to the aerosol generating device (1) or while being removed (uninstalled) from the aerosol generating device (1).

[0349] The removable battery (12) may optionally be equipped with an NFC tag. The NFC tag equipped on the removable battery (12) can be read through a protocol for short-range communication with an NFC module. The NFC tag of the removable battery (12) may include a recording medium on which identification information related to the removable battery (12), battery capacity information, etc. are recorded. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1) can obtain various information, such as whether the removable battery (12) is an authenticated product or the battery capacity, based on the information received from the NFC tag of the removable battery (12).

[0350] The aerosol generator (15) receives power from a removable battery (12) under the control of the control unit (13). The aerosol generator (15) can heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generator (1) or a cartridge mounted on the aerosol generator (1) using the power supplied from the removable battery (12). That is, the aerosol generator (15) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0351] The aerosol generator (15) may be located in the body of the aerosol generator (1). Alternatively, if the aerosol generator (1) is composed of a body and a cartridge, the aerosol generator (15) may be located in the cartridge. If the aerosol generator (15) is located in the cartridge, the aerosol generator (15) may be powered by a removable battery (12) located in the body.

[0352] The aerosol generator (15) can be implemented as an electric resistance heater or an induction heating heater, and a description thereof is given in FIGS. 12a to 12e.

[0353] The input unit (70) can receive user input. For example, the input unit (70) can be implemented as a single pressurized push button. As another example, the input unit (70) can be a touch panel including at least one touch sensor. The input unit (70) can transmit an input signal to the control unit (13). The control unit (13) can supply power to the aerosol generator (15) based on the user input or control the output unit (40) to output a user notification.

[0354] The output unit (40) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit (40) can output the charge / discharge status of the removable battery (12) and / or the internal battery (19), the heating status of the aerosol generator (15), the insertion status of the aerosol generating article (2), and error information of the aerosol generating device (1). For this purpose, the output unit (40) can include a display, a haptic motor, and an audio output unit.

[0355] The sensor unit (14) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the surrounding status of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (13). For this purpose, the sensor unit (14) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor. However, the sensors included in the sensor unit (14) are not limited to the examples described above, and additional sensors may be included according to embodiments. For example, the sensor unit (14) may additionally include a reuse detection sensor, a motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover removal detection sensor, a location sensor (GPS), a proximity sensor, and the like. If the function of each sensor is included in the name of each sensor, a specific description of the function of each sensor is omitted.

[0356] The control unit (13) can control the aerosol generating device (1) to perform various functions, such as heating control of the aerosol generator (15), smoking restriction, determining whether an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted, and displaying a notification, based on the detected information.

[0357] The communication unit (50) may include at least one communication module for communicating with an external electronic device. The control unit (13) may control the communication unit (50) to transmit information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the external electronic device. Alternatively, the control unit (13) may receive information from the external electronic device through the communication unit (50) and control components included in the aerosol generating device (1). For example, information transmitted between the communication unit (50) and the external electronic device may include user authentication information, firmware update information, and user smoking pattern information.

[0358] The memory (60) 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 (13). For example, the memory (60) can 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 the user's smoking pattern.

[0359] The internal battery (19) has a configuration distinct from the removable battery (12) and can be fixed inside the aerosol generating device (1). Unlike the removable battery (12), the internal battery (19) is not detachable and can supply a minimum amount of power to the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1). The capacity of the internal battery (19) may be smaller than the capacity of the removable battery (12). In addition, the output power of the internal battery (19) may be set to be smaller than the output power of the removable battery (12).

[0360] The internal battery (19) can supply power to the internal components of the aerosol generator (1) even when the removable battery (12) is not mounted on the aerosol generator (1). For example, the internal battery (19) can supply power greater than the standby power to the control unit (13) at the request of the control unit (13). In addition, the internal battery (19) can secure the removable battery (12) to the aerosol generator (1) or separate the removable battery (12) from the aerosol generator (1) by supplying power to the disconnecting unit (80). However, unlike the removable battery (12), the power output from the internal battery (19) is not used for heating the aerosol generator (15).

[0361] The power output from the internal battery (19) can be used when the removable battery (12) is not installed. For example, the power output from the internal battery (19) can be provided to the input unit (70), the output unit (40), the memory (60), the communication unit (50), and the sensor unit (14) when the removable battery (12) is not installed. According to an embodiment, the power output from the internal battery (19) can be used even when the removable battery (12) is installed. For example, the power output from the internal battery (19) can be provided to the water detection unit (90) and the disconnection unit (80) when the removable battery (12) is installed. However, regardless of whether the removable battery (12) is installed, the power may not be provided to the aerosol generator (15).

[0362] The internal battery (19) can be charged by the removable battery (12). For example, the internal battery (19) can be charged while the aerosol generator (15) is not heating.

[0363] The main body electrode (161) is composed of a conductor and can make electrical contact with the removable battery (12). The main body electrode (161) can transmit the output power of the removable battery (12) to the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1). For this purpose, the main body electrode (161) can include a first connection terminal (161a) and a second connection terminal (161b).

[0364] The water detection unit (90) can detect water entering the main body electrode (161). The water detection unit (90) is positioned adjacent to the main body electrode (161), detects water entering the main body electrode (161), and outputs a detection signal as a detection result. The 'water' detected by the water detection unit (90) can also be called 'liquid'. In addition, 'water' can mean pure water, liquid or moisture containing various substances.

[0365] The water detection unit (90) can be connected to the main body electrode (161). The water detection unit (90) can be connected to at least one of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b).

[0366] The water detection unit (90) can be powered by a removable battery (12). Depending on the embodiment, the water detection unit (90) can also be powered by an internal battery (19).

[0367] The water detection unit (90) can transmit a detection signal to the control unit (13) when water penetrates the main body electrode (161). When the control unit (13) receives a detection signal from the water detection unit (90), it can cut off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) even if a user input is received. When the water detection unit (90) does not receive a detection signal from the water detection unit (90), it can control the operation of a typical aerosol generation device (1). For example, the water detection unit (90) can heat the aerosol generator (15) according to a user input and control the temperature of the aerosol generator (15) according to a temperature profile. A detailed description of the water detection unit (90) will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 and below.

[0368] The control unit (13) is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The control unit (13) 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. In addition, the control unit (13) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0369] The control unit (13) can be powered by the internal battery (19) when the removable battery (12) is not installed or when water penetrates the main body electrode (161) and the removable battery (12) is forcibly separated from the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (13) can update time information using the internal battery (19) or control the output unit (40) to output information according to user input. For example, the control unit (13) can control the output unit (40) to output time information, insertion information of the removable battery (12), smoking information, etc.

[0370] The control unit (13) can control the power output from the removable battery (12) to heat the aerosol generator (15) when the removable battery (12) is normally inserted. For example, the control unit (13) can control the amount and supply time of the power output from the removable battery (12) so that the aerosol generator (15) is heated according to a preset temperature profile. In addition, the control unit (13) can sense the user's puff using the puff sensor in the sensor unit (14) and then control the temperature of the aerosol generator (15). In addition, the control unit (13) can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor and then stop supplying power to the aerosol generator (15) when the number of puffs reaches a preset number. The control unit (13) can also control the output unit (40) based on the sensing result. For example, when the number of puffs is counted using a puff sensor and the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the control unit (13) can use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated.

[0371] Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram of a water detection unit according to one embodiment.

[0372] Referring to FIG. 16, the removable battery (12) has an internal resistance (Rs) and can be in detachable contact with the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b). For example, the positive electrode of the removable battery (12) can be in electrical contact with the first connection terminal (161a), and the negative electrode of the removable battery (12) can be in electrical contact with the second connection terminal (161b). When the removable battery (12) is in electrical contact with the connection terminals (161a, 161b) in a designated direction, it can provide power to the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0373] Meanwhile, when water intrudes into the connection terminals (161a, 161b) while the removable battery (12) is in electrical contact with the connection terminals (161a, 161b) in a designated direction, the connection terminals (161a, 161b) may be momentarily connected to the ground terminal through the low-resistance water, thereby generating a high current or voltage. This high current or voltage affects the durability of the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1), and therefore, a method is needed to detect water intrusion into these connection terminals (161a, 161b) and protect the aerosol generating device (1).

[0374] The present disclosure may include a water detection unit (90) that detects water intruding into a main body electrode (161) and outputs a detection signal as a detection result. To this end, the water detection unit (90) may include a detection element unit (91) and a signal generation unit (92).

[0375] The water detection unit (90) can be connected to at least one of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b). FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the water detection unit (90) is connected to the first connection terminal (161a), but depending on the embodiment, the water detection unit (90) can be connected to the second connection terminal (161b) or to each of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b).

[0376] The sensing element unit (91) can be driven by a removable battery (12) or an internal battery (19), and is composed of elements that detect water entering the main body electrode (161). The sensing element unit (91) can include a sensing electrode (TS), at least one resistance element (R), a first switching element (SW1), and a second switching element (SW2).

[0377] The sensing electrode (TS) is composed of a conductor and can detect a sensing voltage generated by water entering the main body electrode (161). The sensing voltage may refer to a momentary high voltage generated by water entering the main body electrode (161).

[0378] The sensing electrode (TS) may be arranged adjacent to at least one of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b). The sensing electrode (TS) may be arranged adjacent to the connection terminal to which the water detection unit (90) is connected. For example, when the water detection unit (90) is connected to the first connection terminal (161a), the sensing electrode (TS) may be arranged adjacent to the first connection terminal (161a) arranged on one surface of the battery coupling unit (16) and may be exposed to the outside. Hereinafter, a case in which the sensing electrode (TS) is arranged adjacent to the first connection terminal (161a) will be described.

[0379] The detection voltage can be generated between the first connection terminal (161a) and the detection electrode (TS) by water that has penetrated the main body electrode (161).

[0380] The resistance element (R) is connected to the sensing electrode (TS) and can step down the sensing voltage. The resistance element (R) can step down the sensing voltage to protect the internal components of the circuit. In addition, the resistance element (R) can also be used to induce a reverse bias voltage or a forward bias voltage of the first switching element (SW1) described later. Although Fig. 16 only describes an embodiment in which the water sensing unit (90) includes one resistance element (R), depending on the embodiment, a plurality of resistance elements (R) may be provided.

[0381] The first switching element (SW1) may be connected to the resistive element (R1). In one embodiment, the first switching element (SW1) may be composed of a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) of an npn type. The first switching element (SW1) may include a first terminal connected to the resistive element (R), a second terminal connected to a ground terminal, and a third terminal in which a current path is created between the second terminal and the first terminal by a voltage input to the first terminal. When the first switching element (SW1) is of an npn type, the first terminal may be a base (B), the second terminal may be an emitter (E), and the third terminal may be a collector (C). In addition, when a pressured sensing voltage is applied to the base (B), a current path may be formed from the collector (C) to the emitter (E).

[0382] The second switching element (SW2) can be connected to the first switching element (SW1). The second switching element (SW2) is connected to the first switching element (SW1) and the first connection terminal (161a), and can electrically connect or disconnect the first connection terminal (161a) and the signal generation unit (92) according to the on / off of the first switching element (SW1). In one embodiment, the second switching element (SW2) can be configured as a relay switch.

[0383] When the second switching element (SW2) is configured as a relay switch, the second switching element may include a coil and a switch. The coil is connected to the third terminal of the first switching element (SW1), and when the first switching element (SW1) is turned on, the switch can be pulled in one direction to connect the first connection terminal (161a) and the signal generation unit (92).

[0384] The signal generating unit (92) is connected to the second switching element (SW2) and can generate a detection signal based on the detection result of the detection element unit (91). The signal generating unit (92) can transmit the detection signal to the control unit (13). The signal generating unit (92) can be driven using power from a removable battery (12) and / or an internal battery (19).

[0385] Fig. 17 is a drawing for explaining circuit operation according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of Fig. 16.

[0386] Referring to Fig. 17, when the removable battery (12) is in electrical contact with the connection terminals (161a, 161b) in a designated direction and water enters the connection terminals (161a, 161b), a high voltage can be instantaneously applied between the first connection terminal (161a) and the detection electrode (TS). The detection electrode (Ts) can detect the detection voltage (Vs) generated by the water entering the main body electrode (161).

[0387] The resistor element (R) can protect the internal components of the circuit by forcing the detection voltage (Vs). In addition, the resistor element (R) can be arranged for the bias voltage of the first switching element (SW1). The forcing detection voltage (Vs) is provided to the base (B) of the first switching element (SW1), and thus, a current path can be formed from the collector (C) to the emitter (E).

[0388] The power supplied to the first connection terminal (161a) can flow to the ground terminal (GND) through the current path provided by the first switching element (SW1), and accordingly, the coil of the second switching element (SW2) can pull the switch toward the coil, thereby electrically connecting the first connection terminal (161a) and the signal generation unit (92). In other words, the power of the first connection terminal (161a) can be supplied to the signal generation unit (92) through the first current path (path 1). In this way, the immersion detection circuit of the present disclosure can detect the intrusion of water into the main body electrode (161) by using the power of the removable battery (12) rather than the internal battery (19).

[0389] The signal generation unit (92) can generate a detection signal (S1) based on the detection result of the detection element unit (91) and transmit it to the control unit (13). In one embodiment, the signal generation unit (92) can output power provided from the first connection terminal (161a) as the detection signal (S1). In this case, the signal generation unit (92) can output the detection result using power from the removable battery (12) rather than the internal battery (19). In another embodiment, when the signal generation unit (92) receives power from the first connection terminal (161a), it can generate the detection signal (S1) using the internal battery (19) and transmit it to the control unit (13).

[0390] Fig. 18 is a drawing for explaining the operation method of the output unit according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of Fig. 16.

[0391] Referring to Fig. 18, when the control unit (13) receives a detection signal (S1) from the signal generation unit (92), it can cut off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) even when receiving a user input through the input unit (70). This is to more completely protect the internal components of the device by cutting off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15), which consumes the most power among the internal components of the aerosol generation device (1).

[0392] The control unit (13) can output the water detection result through the output unit (40). For example, the control unit (13) can control the output unit (40) while cutting off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) to output text (41b), such as "water detection", along with a graphic object (41a) corresponding to the water detection result, through a predetermined display (41). At this time, the graphic object (41a) and the text (41b) can blink.

[0393] Meanwhile, the driving power of the output unit (40) of Fig. 18 can be supplied from the internal battery (19). This is to more completely protect the internal components of the device by minimizing the power supply to the internal components of the aerosol generating device (1) when submersion is detected.

[0394] FIG. 19a and FIG. 19b are drawings for explaining a method of combining and separating a detachable battery according to the water detection result of the water detection unit of FIG. 16.

[0395] Figures 19a and 19b illustrate the process in which the detachable battery (12) changes from a state of being connected to the battery joint (16) to a state of being forcibly separated when water penetrates the main body electrode (161).

[0396] Referring to FIGS. 19a and 19b, the control unit (13) can control the disconnection unit (80) to release the electrical contact between the removable battery (12) and the main body electrode (161). Meanwhile, FIGS. 19a and 19b are drawings for explaining the coupling and disengagement of the removable battery (12) according to the control signal of the control unit (13), and additional components such as an internal battery (19) and a power conversion unit (not shown) may be required between the removable battery (12) and the control unit (13).

[0397] The disconnecting portion (80) may include a magnetic coupling structure (162). The magnetic coupling structure (162) may include a first electromagnet (162a) positioned corresponding to a first conductor (122a) of the removable battery (12) and a second electromagnet (162b) positioned corresponding to a second conductor (122b) of the removable battery (12).

[0398] The control unit (13) can use the first magnetic signal (Sm1) to magnetically couple the removable battery (12) and the main body electrode (161). For example, the control unit (13) can move the removable battery (12) in the -x direction using the first magnetic signal (Sm1). In addition, the control unit (13) can release the magnetic coupling between the removable battery (12) and the main body electrode (161) using the second magnetic signal (Sm2). For example, the control unit (13) can move the removable battery (12) in the +x direction using the first magnetic signal (Sm1).

[0399] The control unit (13) can fix the removable battery (12) to the battery coupling unit (16) using the first magnetic signal (Sm1) regardless of whether water has intruded when the removable battery (12) is accommodated in the battery coupling unit (16). The control unit (13) can control at least one of the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) to generate magnetic force by controlling the output of the internal battery (19) using the first magnetic signal (Sm1). In one embodiment, the control unit (13) can control the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) to generate magnetic force using the first magnetic signal (Sm1) regardless of whether water has intruded when the removable battery (12) is accommodated in the battery coupling unit (16). In another embodiment, when the removable battery (12) is accommodated in the battery coupling portion (16), the control unit (13) can control only the first electromagnet (162a) to generate magnetic force using the first magnetic force signal (Sm1) regardless of whether water has intruded, and then control the second electromagnet (162b) to also generate magnetic force only when it is confirmed that no water has intruded.

[0400] When the control unit (13) receives a detection signal (S1) from the signal generation unit (220), it can determine that water has entered the main body electrode (161). In addition, when the control unit (13) determines that water has entered the main body electrode (161), it can release the magnetic coupling between the removable battery (12) and the main body electrode (161) using the second magnetic signal (Sm2). In other words, the control unit (13) can forcibly separate the removable battery (12) from the battery coupling unit (16) using the second magnetic signal (Sm2).

[0401] The control unit (13) can control both the first electromagnet (162a) and the second electromagnet (162b) to not generate magnetic force using the second magnetic force signal (Sm2). Accordingly, the detachable battery (12) can be separated from the battery coupling unit (16).

[0402] Meanwhile, the separation of the removable battery (12) of FIGS. 19a and 19b can be performed after notification of the submersion result through the output unit (40) of FIG. 18. In other words, the control unit (13) can notify the user of the submersion status through the output unit (40), and if the removable battery (12) is not separated from the battery coupling unit (16) even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit (13) can forcibly separate the removable battery (12) from the battery coupling unit (16).

[0403] Figure 20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0404] Referring to FIG. 20, at step S1010, the water detection unit (90) can detect water entering the body electrode (161) that is in electrical contact with the removable battery (12).

[0405] The water detection unit (90) may be connected to the main body electrode (161). The water detection unit (90) may be connected to at least one of the first connection terminal (161a) and the second connection terminal (161b). The water detection unit (90) may be powered by a removable battery (12). Depending on the embodiment, some components of the water detection unit (90) may also be powered by an internal battery (19).

[0406] The water detection unit (90) can transmit a detection signal (S1) to the control unit (13) when water enters the main body electrode (161).

[0407] At step S1020, the control unit (13) can determine whether water has entered the main body electrode (161) based on the detection signal (S1).

[0408] The detection signal (S1) may be generated from the signal generation unit (92) within the water detection unit (90). In one embodiment, the signal generation unit (92) may output power provided from the first connection terminal (161a) as the detection signal (S1). In this case, the signal generation unit (92) may output the detection result using power from the removable battery (12) rather than the internal battery (19). In another embodiment, when the signal generation unit (92) receives power from the first connection terminal (161a), it may generate the detection signal (S1) using the internal battery (19) and transmit it to the control unit (13).

[0409] At step S1030, when the control unit (13) receives a detection signal (S1) from the signal generation unit (92), it determines that water has entered the main body electrode (161) and can cut off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15).

[0410] If the control unit (13) determines that water has entered the main body electrode (161), it can cut off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) even when receiving user input through the input unit (70).

[0411] At step S1040, if the control unit (13) determines that water has entered the main body electrode (161), it can output the water detection result through the output unit (40).

[0412] The control unit (13) can control the output unit (40) to output the water detection result while the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) is cut off. For example, the output unit (40) can output a graphic object corresponding to the water detection result.

[0413] At step S1050, if the control unit (13) determines that water has entered the main body electrode (161), the detachable battery (12) can be separated from the battery coupling unit (16).

[0414] The control unit (13) can control the disconnection unit (80) to disconnect the removable battery (12) from the aerosol generator (1) while cutting off the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15). To this end, the disconnection unit (80) can include a magnetic coupling structure (162) in which magnetic force is generated or extinguished according to the control of the control unit (13).

[0415] The magnetic coupling structure (162) can fix the removable battery (12) to the aerosol generating device (1) by the generated magnetic force, or separate the removable battery (12) from the aerosol generating device (1) by the dissipated magnetic force.

[0416] The control unit (13) can forcibly separate the detachable battery (12) from the aerosol generating device (1) by controlling the disconnection unit (80) within a preset time from the end point of outputting the water detection result through the output unit (40). For example, the preset time may be 3 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0417] At step S1060, if the control unit (13) does not receive a detection signal (S1) from the signal generation unit (92), it determines that water has not penetrated the main body electrode (161) and can control the power supplied to the aerosol generator (15) according to user input.

[0418] The control unit (13) can receive user input through the input unit (70) and initiate heating of the aerosol generator (15) based on the user input when water does not penetrate the main body electrode (161). In addition, the aerosol generator (15) can be heated according to a preset temperature profile.

[0419] 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.

[0420] 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.

[0421] 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.

[0422] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the same, which includes a battery coupling portion capable of accommodating a detachable battery and capable of detecting a liquid penetrating an electrode in contact with the detachable battery.

Claims

1. In an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol, The body that forms the appearance; An aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; A battery coupling portion to which a battery supplying power can be detachably coupled; A battery cover that is detachably connected to the main body and selectively opens or closes the battery connection portion; A liquid sensor that detects liquid that has penetrated between the main body and the battery cover and generates a signal according to whether liquid is detected; and An aerosol generating device, comprising a control unit that controls the aerosol generating device in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The liquid sensor includes a first pad and a second pad, An aerosol generating device wherein the first pad and the second pad each have electrical conductivity and are positioned facing each other at a predetermined distance apart from each other.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first pad is placed on the main body, The second pad is an aerosol generating device disposed on the battery cover.

4. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device wherein the liquid sensor generates a signal in response to whether there is an electrical connection between the first pad and the second pad.

5. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device wherein the liquid sensor generates a signal in response to a change in electrical capacitance between the first pad and the second pad.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the liquid sensor has electrical conductivity, includes an electrical resistor, and generates a signal in response to a change in the electrical resistance value of the electrical resistor.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a sealing member disposed between the main body and the battery cover and preventing liquid from penetrating toward the battery joint through the gap between the main body and the battery cover.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a first display for outputting visual information; An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the display in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a first audio output section for outputting auditory information; An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit controls the sound output unit in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor.

10. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit, when it determines that liquid has penetrated between the main body and the battery cover in response to a signal generated by the liquid sensor, cuts off the power supply to the battery.

11. In paragraph 1, further comprising a memory for storing information; An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit stores information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor in the memory.

12. Aerosol generating device of paragraph 1; and An external device capable of communicating with the aerosol generating device; An aerosol generating system in which the aerosol generating device transmits information corresponding to a signal generated by the liquid sensor to the external device.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating system, wherein the external device includes a second display for outputting visual information, and controls the second display in response to information received from the aerosol generating device.

14. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating system, wherein the external device includes a second audio output unit for outputting auditory information, and controls the second audio output unit in response to information received from the aerosol generating device.

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