Aerosol-generating device and operation method thereof

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device may comprise: a housing including a battery accommodation space; a heater positioned inside the housing so as to heat an aerosol-generating material; a battery which is detachably coupled to the battery accommodation space and which supplies power to the heater; a printed circuit board arranged inside the housing so as to be spaced apart from the battery accommodation space; and a battery protection circuit which is arranged on the printed circuit board, and which, when the battery is coupled to the battery accommodation space, is electrically connected to the battery so as to control charging or discharging of the battery.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operation thereof

[0001] Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device comprising a detachable battery and a battery protection circuit separate from the battery.

[0002] There is a growing demand for aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols through non-combustion methods, replacing the traditional method of generating aerosol by burning cigarettes. Aerosol generating devices are devices that perform the function of, for example, generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating substance in a non-combustion manner and supplying them to a user, or generating a flavored aerosol by passing vapor generated from an aerosol-generating substance through a flavoring medium.

[0003] The aerosol generating device includes a battery for supplying power and a heater for generating heat as power is supplied, and can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material through the heater.

[0004] Conventional aerosol generating devices have typically included integrated batteries to miniaturize the overall size of the device and increase the degree of freedom in the device's design. However, recently, research on aerosol generating devices using detachable batteries has been increasing in an attempt to increase the operating time of the aerosol generating device and improve user convenience.

[0005] Aerosol generating devices typically use a battery pack that includes a battery protection circuit (or 'protection circuit module (PCM)') to prevent overcharging, overdischarging, or overcurrent of the battery.

[0006] When using a battery pack containing such a battery and battery protection circuit in an aerosol generator, even if the battery protection circuit functions normally, the battery pack must be replaced with a new one when its lifespan reaches the end. This means that even if the battery protection circuit has a longer lifespan than the battery, aerosol generators using existing battery packs may have no choice but to discard the battery protection circuit, which may still function properly, potentially increasing battery replacement costs.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide an aerosol generating device in which the battery and the battery protection circuit are separated so that the battery protection circuit can be reused even when the battery is disposed of or replaced, thereby reducing the cost of battery replacement and enabling the use of various types of batteries for the operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] 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.

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a housing including a battery receiving space; a heater positioned inside the housing for heating an aerosol generating material; a battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space for supplying power to the heater; a printed circuit board disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the battery receiving space; and a battery protection circuit disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space for controlling charging or discharging of the battery.

[0010] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: detecting a type of a battery coupled to a battery receiving space of the aerosol generating device based on a charge or discharge characteristic of the battery that is detachably coupled to the battery receiving space of the aerosol generating device; and controlling charging or discharging of the battery through a battery protection circuit that is electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space based on the detected type of the battery.

[0011] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can reuse the battery protection circuit even when the battery is disposed of or replaced.

[0012] In addition, the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can use various types of batteries and prevent overcharging or overdischarging of various types of batteries.

[0013] 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.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the electrical connection relationship of the battery, battery protection circuit, and processor of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining operations for detecting the type of battery of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and controlling charging or discharging of the battery.

[0023] Figure 10 is a graph showing the voltage changes of various types of batteries over time when they are discharged.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining operations for controlling charging or discharging of a battery based on a discharge rate of the battery of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining operations for controlling charging or discharging of a battery based on a charge rate of the battery of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0027] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0028] When a part of the specification is said to "include" a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies the inclusion of other components, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "-unit" and "-module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0034] Regardless of the drawing symbol, identical or similar components are given the same reference number and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

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

[0036] The aerosol generating device (1) can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0037] An aerosol generating device (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1) and may include a space inside. At least one of a product receiving portion (10h), a heater (not shown), a control portion (not shown), and a battery (not shown) may be placed inside the main body (10).

[0038] The article receiving portion (10h) may provide a space into which an aerosol-generating article (2) may be detachably coupled (inserted). The aerosol-generating article (2) may include an aerosol-generating material that is heated by a heater to generate an aerosol. The article receiving portion (10h) may provide a space open toward the outside of the main body (10) so that the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted.

[0039] The article receiving portion (10h) may be sunken toward the inside of the main body (10) so that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The depth to which the article receiving portion (10h) is sunken may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (2) containing an aerosol-generating substance and / or medium. A portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the main body (10), and another portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) may protrude toward the outside of the main body (10). A user may hold a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2) exposed toward the outside of the main body (10) in his / her mouth and inhale air containing the aerosol.

[0040] The main body (10) may further include a cover (11) that opens or closes the article receiving portion (10h). The cover (11) may be movably arranged on the main body (10) to expose the article receiving portion (10h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), or may cover the article receiving portion (10h) so that the article receiving portion (10h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the cover (11) may open the article receiving portion (10h) at a first position so that the article receiving portion (10h) is exposed to the outside, thereby allowing an aerosol generating article (2) to be inserted into the article receiving portion (10h). In addition, the cover (11) may move from the first position to a second position and close the article receiving portion (10h) so that the article receiving portion (10h) is not exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the article receiving portion (10h) from external impact or the inflow of external foreign substances.

[0041] A heater (not shown) disposed inside the body (10) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0042] For example, the heater may be a resistive heater. The heater may include electrically conductive tracks, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive tracks. The heater may be electrically connected to a power source. The heater may receive power from the power source and generate heat.

[0043] For example, the heater may be a multi-heater. The heater may include a first heater and a second heater. The first heater and the second heater may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0044] An aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil. The induction coil may heat a heater. The heater may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the susceptor and generate an eddy current inside the susceptor. The eddy current may heat the susceptor.

[0045] As another example, a susceptor may be included inside the aerosol-generating article (2). The susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (2) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through an induction coil. The susceptor may be disposed inside the aerosol-generating article (2) and may not be electrically connected to the aerosol-generating device. The susceptor may be inserted into the article receiving portion (10h) together with the aerosol-generating article (2) and removed from the article receiving portion (10h) together with the aerosol-generating article (2). When an alternating current flows through the induction coil, the aerosol-generating article (2) may be heated by the susceptor inside the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0046] The power source can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source can be a battery capable of storing power. The power source can supply power to components such as a heater, an induction coil, and a control unit.

[0047] The control unit can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The control unit can control the operation of components such as a heater, an induction coil, and a power source. The control unit can control the operation of a display, an actuator (motor), and the like installed in the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit can check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is operable.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0049] 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 a heater (15). At least one of the battery (12), the control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), and the heater (15) may be disposed inside a main body (10) of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0050] 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.

[0051] The heater (15) can heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (15) can extend outward in the longitudinal direction of the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. For example, the heater (15) can include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element. The heater (15) can be inserted into one end of the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (15) can include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heater.

[0052] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the heater (15) may be a resistive heater. For example, the heater (15) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (15) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. The heater (15) may be electrically connected to the battery (12). The heater (15) may be directly heated by receiving current from the battery (12).

[0053] For example, the heater (15) may be a multi-heater. The heater (15) may include a first heater (15A) and a second heater (15B). The first and second heaters (15A, 15B) may be arranged side by side along the length direction. The first and second heaters (15A, 15B) may be heated sequentially or simultaneously.

[0054] For example, referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device may include an induction coil (151) surrounding a heater (15). The induction coil (151) may heat the heater (15). The heater (15) may be a susceptor, and the heater (15) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil (151). The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (15) and generate an eddy current within the heater (15). The current may generate heat in the heater (15).

[0055] 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 inserted into 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). At this time, the aerosol generating device may not be equipped with a heater (15).

[0056] The battery (12) can supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The battery (12) can supply power to at least one of the control unit (13), the sensor unit (14), and the heater (15). The battery (12) can supply power to the induction coil (151).

[0057] The battery (12) may be a detachable power source for the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery (12) may be detachably coupled to a battery receiving space (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1), and may be electrically connected to terminals of the battery receiving space to supply power to components of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0058] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a charging interface for connecting the aerosol generating device (1) to an external power source. For example, the battery (12) may be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., a charger) through the charging interface, and the battery (12) may be charged by power supplied from the external power source.

[0059] The control unit (13) 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 (13) can control the operation of at least one of the battery (12), the sensor unit (14), and the heater (15). The control unit (13) can control the operation of the induction coil (151). The control unit (13) can control the operation of the display, actuator (motor), etc. installed in the aerosol 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.

[0060] 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 heater (15) so that the operation of the heater (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 heater (15) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (15) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensor unit (14).

[0061] 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 heater (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.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0063] 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 (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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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'.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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. 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a heater (15) for heating the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (15) may heat the aerosol generating article (2). The heater (15) may be placed around the space into which the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted. The heater (15) may include an electrical resistance heater and / or an induction heating heater.

[0073] 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 device (not shown), a haptic unit (not shown), an actuator (motor) (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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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), a sensor (not shown), and a heater (15).

[0076] The sensor 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 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 may sense the user's puff. For example, the sensor may sense whether a cartridge is mounted. For example, the sensor may sense the movement of the aerosol generation device (1).

[0077] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Although Fig. 7 only illustrates the housing (110), battery (120), and battery cover (112) of the aerosol generating device (100), the components of the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to the components illustrated in the drawing.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110), a battery cover (112), a battery (120), and a battery protection circuit (140). The aerosol generating device (100) may be an embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 6, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0079] The housing (110) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (100), and components of the aerosol generating device (100) can be arranged in the housing (110). For example, a heater (e.g., heater (15) of FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) or a generating unit (e.g., generating unit (32) of FIG. 5) and a processor (e.g., control unit (13) of FIGS. 2 to 6) for heating an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol can be arranged in the housing (110), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may include a battery receiving space (110h) for receiving a battery (120). For example, the battery receiving space (110h) may be formed in an area of ​​the housing (110) (e.g., an area facing the x direction) to receive the battery (120), but the location of the battery receiving space (110h) is not limited thereto.

[0081] At least one terminal (111) may be arranged in the battery receiving space (110h), and the at least one terminal (111) may come into contact with the electrode (121) of the battery (120) when the battery (120) is coupled or accommodated in the battery receiving space (110h). In the drawing, only an embodiment in which two terminals (111) are arranged on the side of the battery receiving space (110h) is illustrated, but the arrangement structure or number of at least one terminal (111) is not limited thereto.

[0082] The battery (120) can be detachably coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) of the housing (110) and can supply power for the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, when the battery (120) is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), an electrode (121) of the battery (120) can come into contact with at least one terminal (111), and thus the battery (120) and components of the aerosol generating device (100) (e.g., a heater, a processor) can be electrically connected. The battery (120) can supply power to the electrically connected components of the aerosol generating device (100) to operate the components of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a battery cover (112) for fixing the battery (120) to the battery receiving space (110h). The battery cover (112) is detachably coupled to the housing (110) and may open or close the battery receiving space (110h). For example, when the battery cover (112) is detached from the housing (110), the battery receiving space (110h) is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (100), so that the battery (120) may be coupled to the battery receiving space (110h). In another example, when the battery cover (112) is combined with the housing (110), the battery receiving space (110h) may be covered by the battery cover (112) and not exposed to the outside, and the battery (120h) received in the battery receiving space (110h) may be fixed to the inside of the battery receiving space (110h) by the battery cover (112).

[0084] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a fixing member (not shown) for fixing a detachable battery (120) disposed in the battery receiving space (110h) to the battery receiving space (110h). In this case, the aerosol generating device (100) may fix the battery (120) to the battery receiving space (110h) without a battery cover (112), and the battery (120) may form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (100) together with the housing (110).

[0085] The battery protection circuit (140) (or 'protection circuit module (PCM)') can be electrically connected to the battery (120) when the battery (120) is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) to protect and / or manage the battery (120). For example, the battery protection circuit (140) can be arranged to be electrically connected to at least one terminal (111). Accordingly, the battery protection circuit (140) can be electrically connected to the battery (120) that is in contact with at least one terminal (111) when the battery (120) is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h).

[0086] In one example, the battery protection circuit (140) can prevent overcharging of the battery (120) during charging of the battery (120), thereby preventing an explosion of the battery (120) due to overcharging. In another example, the battery protection circuit (140) can prevent overdischarging of the battery (120) or overcurrent from flowing through the battery (120), thereby preventing malfunction or damage to the battery (120).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (140) may be disposed on a printed circuit board (130) disposed in an area of ​​the housing (110) adjacent to the battery receiving space (110h). The printed circuit board (130) may be disposed in an area of ​​the housing (110) spaced apart from a heater (not shown), and accordingly, the battery protection circuit (140) may also be disposed spaced apart from the heater by a predetermined distance. In the present disclosure, the 'predetermined distance' may mean a minimum distance at which the battery protection circuit (140) may not be affected by heat generated from the heater. The aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may prevent the battery protection circuit (140) from malfunctioning or being damaged by the heater through a structure in which the battery protection circuit (140) is spaced apart from the heater by a predetermined distance.

[0088] An aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can continuously use the battery protection circuit (140) even when the battery (120) is replaced through a structure in which the battery (120) and the battery protection circuit (140) are physically separated.

[0089] Conventional aerosol generating devices have generally used a battery pack consisting of a battery (120) and a battery protection circuit (140) integrated into one. However, when a battery pack is used, even if the battery protection circuit (140) is able to operate normally, when the life of the battery (120) ends, the battery pack must be replaced with a new battery pack, which can result in a lot of costs when replacing the battery pack.

[0090] On the other hand, the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can reduce the cost of replacing the battery (120) by allowing the battery protection circuit (140) to be recycled even when the battery (120) is replaced or disposed of through a structure in which the battery (120) and the battery protection circuit (140) are separated.

[0091] In addition, a battery protection circuit (140) is required for stable use of the battery (120). In an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment, the battery (120) and the battery protection circuit (140) are separated from each other, so that one battery protection circuit (140) can protect various types of batteries, and as a result, the user can use various types of batteries in addition to the designated battery.

[0092] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, the structure in which the components of the battery (120) and the aerosol generating device (100) are electrically connected when the battery (120) is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) will be specifically examined.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the electrical connection relationship of the battery, battery protection circuit, and processor of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110) including a battery receiving space (110h), a battery (120), a printed circuit board (130), a battery protection circuit (140), and a processor (150). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be substantially the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 7, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0095] The battery (120) can be detachably coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), and when coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), can be electrically connected to the battery protection circuit (140) and the processor (150).

[0096] According to one embodiment, at least one terminal (111) electrically connected to a battery protection circuit (140) and / or a processor (150) may be arranged in the battery receiving space (110h). For example, the at least one terminal (111) may include an electrode arranged on one side of the battery receiving space (110h), but the type or arrangement structure of the at least one terminal (111) is not limited thereto.

[0097] When the battery (120) is coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (110h), the electrode (121) of the battery (120) can come into contact with at least one terminal (111) of the battery accommodation space (110h), and the battery (120) and the at least one terminal (111) can be electrically connected to each other by the contact between the battery (120) and the at least one terminal (111). Consequently, as the at least one terminal (111) and the battery (120) are electrically connected, the battery protection circuit (140) and / or the processor (150) can be electrically connected to the battery (120) via the at least one terminal (111).

[0098] The battery protection circuit (140) is electrically connected to the battery (120) to protect and / or manage the battery (120). For example, the battery protection circuit (140) may cut off the power supplied to the battery (120) to prevent overcharging of the battery (120) when the voltage of the battery (120) rises above a specified first voltage during charging of the battery (120). As another example, the battery protection circuit (140) may cut off the power supply to the battery (120) to prevent overdischarge of the battery (120) when the voltage of the battery (120) falls below a specified second voltage.

[0099] The processor (150) (e.g., the control unit (13) of FIGS. 2 to 6) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). In one example, the processor (150) can control the power supplied from the battery (120) to a component (e.g., a heater) of the aerosol generating device (100) to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In another example, the processor (150) can control the operation of the battery protection circuit (140) to protect the battery (120) from overcharge, overdischarge, or overcurrent.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (150) can detect the type of the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) based on the characteristics of the battery (120), and control charging or discharging of the battery (120) based on the detected type of the battery (120). Since the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can use various types of batteries (120) through a structure in which the battery (120) and the battery protection circuit (140) are separated, the processor (150) can detect the type of the battery (120) and control charging and / or discharging of the battery (120) based on the type of the battery (120) for stable operation of the battery (120).

[0101] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, an operation of detecting the type of battery (120) of an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment and controlling charging or discharging of the battery (120) will be described.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operations for detecting the type of battery of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment and controlling charging or discharging of the battery, and FIG. 10 is a graph showing voltage changes of batteries over time when various types of batteries are discharged. At this time, curve 1001 in FIG. 10 represents voltage changes when a first battery is discharged, curve 1002 represents voltage changes when a second battery is discharged, and curve 1003 represents voltage changes when a third battery is discharged.

[0103] In explaining the operations of FIG. 9 below, the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 8 will be referred to.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in operation 901, the processor (150) of the aerosol generating device (100) can detect the type of battery (120) coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (110h) based on the charging characteristics or discharging characteristics of the battery (120).

[0105] Depending on the type of battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), the charging or discharging characteristics of the battery (120) may differ. Accordingly, the processor (150) of the aerosol generating device (100) can detect the type of battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) by comparing the charging or discharging characteristics of the battery (120) with pre-stored characteristics.

[0106] In one example, the discharge rate of the battery (120) may vary depending on the type of battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h). In the present disclosure, the term "discharge rate" may refer to the rate of change in the voltage of the battery (120) over a specified time interval when the battery (120) is discharged.

[0107] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the discharge rate of the second battery may be lower than that of the first battery, and the discharge rate of the third battery may be higher than that of the first battery. Accordingly, the processor (150) may calculate the discharge rate of the battery (120) and compare the calculated discharge rate of the battery (120) with data regarding discharge rates of batteries stored in advance to detect the type of the battery (120).

[0108] In another example, although not shown in the drawing, when the battery (120) is charged by an external power source, the charging rate of the battery (120) may also vary depending on the type of the battery (120). In the present disclosure, the 'charging rate' may mean the voltage change rate of the battery (120) over a specified time interval when the battery (120) is charged by an external power source.

[0109] For example, the charge rate of the second battery may be lower than that of the first battery, and the charge rate of the third battery may be higher than that of the first battery. Accordingly, when the connection between an external power source and the battery (120) is detected, the processor (150) calculates the charge rate of the battery (120), and compares the calculated charge rate of the battery (120) with data on the charge rates of previously stored batteries to detect the type of the battery (120).

[0110] At this time, data regarding the charge rate or discharge rate of the batteries may refer to data stored in advance in the processor (150) or memory (not shown), but is not limited thereto.

[0111] In operation 902, the processor (150) of the aerosol generating device (100) can control charging or discharging of the battery (120) based on the type of the battery (120) detected in operation 901. For example, the processor (150) can determine whether the battery (120) is overcharged or overdischarged based on the type of the detected battery (120), and can prevent overcharge or overdischarge of the battery (120) through the battery protection circuit (140).

[0112] In one example, if the processor (150) determines that a first battery is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), the processor (150) may charge or discharge the first battery according to the characteristics of the first battery. In another example, if the processor (150) determines that a second battery different from the first battery is coupled to the battery receiving space (110h), the processor (150) may charge or discharge the second battery according to the characteristics of the second battery.

[0113] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an operation of detecting the type of battery (120) of a processor (150) and controlling the battery (120) based on the detected type of battery (120) will be specifically examined.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations for controlling charging or discharging of a battery based on a discharge rate of the battery of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. In describing the operations of FIG. 11 below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 8.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation 1101, the processor (150) of the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may calculate a discharge rate of a battery (120) coupled to a battery receiving space (110h). For example, the processor (150) may calculate the discharge rate of the battery (120) based on a voltage change amount of the battery (120) over a specified time interval when discharging the battery (120).

[0116] In operation 1102, the processor (150) can detect the type of battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) by comparing the discharge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1101 with data on discharge rates of batteries stored in advance. For example, the processor (150) can detect what type of battery (120) the battery (120) is by comparing the data on discharge rates of batteries stored in the processor (150) or a memory (not shown) with the calculated discharge rate of the battery (120).

[0117] In operation 1103, the processor (150) can determine whether the detected battery (120) is the first battery. For example, the processor (150) can compare the discharge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1101 with data regarding the discharge rate of the first battery stored in advance to determine whether the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) is the first battery.

[0118] If it is determined in operation 1103 that the battery (120) is the first battery, in operation 1104, the processor (150) can control charging or discharging of the first battery through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the characteristics of the first battery.

[0119] In one example, when the voltage of the first battery is higher than a specified first reference value during charging of the first battery, the processor (150) may determine that the first battery is overcharged and may cut off power supplied from an external power source to the first battery through the battery protection circuit (140). In the present disclosure, the 'specified first reference value' may mean an upper limit value of the voltage of the first battery, which serves as a criterion for determining whether the first battery is overcharged.

[0120] In another example, when the voltage of the first battery falls below a specified second reference value during discharge of the first battery, the processor (150) may determine that the first battery is in an over-discharge state and may stop the discharge of the first battery through the battery protection circuit (140) to block power from being supplied from the first battery to other components of the aerosol generating device (100). In the present disclosure, the 'specified second reference value' may mean a lower limit value of the voltage of the first battery, which serves as a criterion for determining whether the first battery is over-discharged.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in operation 1103 that the battery (120) is not the first battery, in operation 1105, the processor (150) can determine whether the detected battery (120) is the second battery. For example, the processor (150) can compare the discharge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1101 with data regarding the discharge rate of the second battery stored in advance to determine whether the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) is the second battery.

[0122] If it is determined in operation 1105 that the battery (120) is a second battery, in operation 1106, the processor (150) can control charging or discharging of the second battery through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the characteristics of the second battery.

[0123] In one example, when the voltage of the second battery is higher than a designated third reference value during charging of the second battery, the processor (150) may determine that the second battery is overcharged and may cut off power supplied from an external power source to the second battery through the battery protection circuit (140). In the present disclosure, the 'designated third reference value' may mean an upper limit value of the voltage of the second battery, which serves as a reference for determining whether the second battery is overcharged, and may be a different value from the first reference value.

[0124] In another example, when the voltage of the second battery falls below a specified fourth reference value during discharge of the second battery, the processor (150) may determine that the second battery is in an over-discharge state and may stop the discharge of the second battery through the battery protection circuit (140) to block power from being supplied from the second battery to other components of the aerosol generating device (100). In the present disclosure, the 'specified fourth reference value' may mean a lower limit value of the voltage of the second battery that serves as a reference for determining whether the second battery is over-discharged, and may be a value different from the second reference value.

[0125] If it is determined in operation 1105 that the battery (120) is not a second battery, the processor (150) may repeat operations 1101 to 1103, or detect whether the battery (120) is of a different type (e.g., a third battery) and control charging or discharging of the battery (120) through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the type of the battery (120).

[0126] An aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can protect and / or manage various types of batteries (120) through one battery protection circuit (140) through the operations 1101 to 1106 described above, thereby improving user convenience.

[0127] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining operations for controlling charging or discharging of a battery based on a charge rate of the battery of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0128] In explaining the operations of FIG. 12 below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 8.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation 1201, the processor (150) of the aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may calculate a charge rate of the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) when the battery (120) is charged from an external power source. For example, when a connection between the aerosol generating device (100) and an external power source is detected, the processor (150) may calculate a charge rate of the battery (120) based on a voltage change amount of the battery (120) during a specified time interval from the time the external power source is connected.

[0130] In operation 1202, the processor (150) can detect the type of battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) by comparing the charge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1201 with data on charge rates of batteries stored in advance. For example, the processor (150) can detect what type of battery (120) the battery (120) is by comparing the data on charge rates of batteries stored in the processor (150) or a memory (not shown) with the calculated charge rate of the battery (120).

[0131] In operation 1203, the processor (150) can determine whether the detected battery (120) is the first battery. For example, the processor (150) can compare the charge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1201 with data regarding the charge rate of the first battery stored in advance to determine whether the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) is the first battery.

[0132] If it is determined in operation 1203 that the battery (120) is the first battery, in operation 1204, the processor (150) may control charging or discharging of the first battery through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the characteristics of the first battery. Operation 1204 may be substantially the same as or similar to operation 1104 of FIG. 11, and any overlapping description will be omitted below.

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in operation 1203 that the battery (120) is not the first battery, in operation 1205, the processor (150) can determine whether the detected battery (120) is the second battery. For example, the processor (150) can compare the charge rate of the battery (120) calculated in operation 1201 with data regarding the charge rate of the second battery stored in advance to determine whether the battery (120) coupled to the battery receiving space (110h) is the second battery.

[0134] If it is determined in operation 1205 that the battery (120) is a second battery, in operation 1206, the processor (150) may control charging or discharging of the second battery through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the characteristics of the second battery. Operation 1206 may be substantially the same as or similar to operation 1106 of FIG. 11, and any overlapping description will be omitted below.

[0135] If it is determined in operation 1205 that the battery (120) is not a second battery, the processor (150) may repeat operations 1201 to 1203, or detect whether the battery (120) is of a different type (e.g., a third battery) and control charging or discharging of the battery (120) through the battery protection circuit (140) based on the type of the battery (120).

[0136] An aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment can protect and / or manage various types of batteries (120) through one battery protection circuit (140) through the operations 1001 to 1106 described above, thereby improving user convenience.

[0137] Fig. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0138] 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 heater (15). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated in Fig. 13. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that some of the components illustrated in Fig. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0139] The sensor unit (14) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status of the surroundings of 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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0140] The sensor unit (14) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (141), a puff sensor (142), an insertion detection sensor (143), a reuse detection sensor (144), a cartridge detection sensor (145), a cap detection sensor (146), and a movement detection sensor (147).

[0141] The temperature sensor (141) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), or the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0142] The temperature sensor (141) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). For example, the temperature sensor (141) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (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 (141) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). For example, the temperature sensor (141) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). At this time, the temperature sensor (141) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15).

[0143] A temperature sensor (141) may be placed around the battery (12) to monitor the temperature of the battery (12). The temperature sensor (141) may be placed adjacent to the battery (12). For example, the temperature sensor (141) may be attached to one surface of the battery (12). For example, the temperature sensor (141) may be mounted on one surface of a printed circuit board.

[0144] The temperature sensor (141) is placed inside the main body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the main body (10).

[0145] The puff sensor (142) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (142) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (142) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (142) 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 (142) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0146] The insertion detection sensor (143) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor (143) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick. The insertion detection sensor (143) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (143) 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 (143) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] A reuse detection sensor (144) can detect whether the stick has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (144) 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.

[0151] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (144) 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.

[0152] The cartridge detection sensor (145) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (145) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0153] The cap detection sensor (146) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the main body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the main body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (146) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0154] A motion detection sensor (147) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (147) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0155] 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. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0156] 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 unit (41), a haptic unit (42), and an audio output unit (43), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (41) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (41) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0157] The display unit (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 charging / discharging status of the battery (12) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the stick heater (15), the insertion / removal status of the stick and / or cartridge (19), 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 unit (41) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display unit (41) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display unit (41) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0158] 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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (42) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0159] 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.

[0160] The battery (12) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The battery (12) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (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.

[0161] Although not shown in FIG. 13, 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] The stick heater (15) can receive power from the battery (12) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick. Although not shown in FIG. 13, 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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (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.

[0164] 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. 13, 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. 13, a noise filter may be provided between the battery (12) and the stick heater (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 heater (15). By the low pass filter, it is possible to prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor unit (14), such as the insertion detection sensor (143).

[0165] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (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. In addition, the stick heater (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.

[0166] In another embodiment, the stick heater (15) may be an induction heater. For example, the stick heater (15) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0167] 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.

[0168] The display unit (41) and the touch panel can be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel can be inserted into the display unit (41) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel can be added-on to the display unit (41).

[0169] Meanwhile, the input unit (70) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] Although not shown in FIG. 13, 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.

[0175] 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, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0176] The control unit (13) can control the temperature of the stick heater (15) by controlling the supply of power from the battery (12) to the stick heater (15). The control unit (13) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) sensed by the temperature sensor (141). The control unit (13) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). For example, the control unit (13) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (60).

[0177] 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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (15), the stick heater (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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] The control unit (13) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery (12) to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). The control unit (13) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) is cut off. The control unit (13) can control the current supplied from the battery (12) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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 heater (15) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0182] The control unit (13) can control power to be supplied to the stick heater (15) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0183] For example, the control unit (13) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the stick heater (15) using the PWM method. The control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the stick heater (15) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0184] For example, the control unit (13) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on the temperature profile. The control unit (13) can control the power supplied to the stick heater (15) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the stick heater (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.

[0185] The control unit (13) can prevent the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (13) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (15).

[0186] The control unit (13) can control the charging and discharging of the battery (12). The control unit (13) can check the temperature of the battery (12) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (141).

[0187] 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).

[0188] 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).

[0189] 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).

[0190] The control unit (13) can determine whether a stick is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (143). The control unit (13) can determine that a stick is inserted based on an output signal of the insertion detection sensor (143). If it is determined that a stick is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (13) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15). For example, the control unit (13) can supply power to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (60).

[0191] 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 (143). For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the stick is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the stick heater (15) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the stick heater (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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15).

[0192] The control unit (13) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the stick heater (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.

[0193] When the stick is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (13) can control the power supply time to the stick heater (15) to increase the preheating time of the stick compared to the normal state.

[0194] The control unit (13) can determine whether a stick inserted into an insertion space has been reused through a reuse detection sensor (144). For example, the control unit (13) can compare a sensing value of a 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 a sensing value of a 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 heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15).

[0195] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (145). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0196] The control unit (13) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (13) can preheat the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (13) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (13) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (13) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15).

[0197] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge (19) based on data stored in the memory (60). For example, the control unit (13) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (15) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (15) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0198] The control unit (13) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (142). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether a puff has been 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 (142). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (13) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15).

[0199] The control unit (13) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (146). For example, the control unit (13) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0200] 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 (142) 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 unit (41), the haptic unit (42), and the sound 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 does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (13) can notify the user through the output unit (40) based on a determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (13) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15) to the user through the output unit (40).

[0201] The control unit (13) can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory (60) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick, initiation of heating of the stick, detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), termination of heating of the stick, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (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 the event may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, when the predetermined event is detection of insertion of a stick, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (143), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of a cartridge heater (15) and / or a stick heater (15), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (15) and / or the stick heater (15), etc.

[0202] 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) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the stick heater (15) when user authentication is completed.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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 unit (41) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A housing including a battery compartment; A heater located inside the housing for heating the aerosol generating material; A battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space and for supplying power to the heater; A printed circuit board disposed inside the housing and spaced apart from the battery receiving space; and An aerosol generating device, comprising: a battery protection circuit disposed on the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space to control charging or discharging of the battery; 2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, comprising: at least one terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and connected to an electrode of the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery protection circuit is electrically connected to the at least one terminal and is electrically connected to the battery through the at least one terminal when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery protection circuit is positioned a predetermined distance away from the heater.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a processor electrically connected to the battery and the battery protection circuit; An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor detects the type of the battery based on the charge or discharge characteristics of the battery coupled to the battery receiving space.

6. In paragraph 5, The processor calculates a discharge rate of the battery coupled to the battery receiving space, An aerosol generating device that detects the type of battery coupled to the battery receiving space by comparing the calculated discharge rate of the battery with a pre-stored discharge rate.

7. In paragraph 5, The processor calculates the charge rate of the battery when the battery coupled to the battery receiving space is charged by an external power source, An aerosol generating device that detects the type of battery coupled to the battery receiving space by comparing the calculated charge rate of the battery with the pre-stored charge rate.

8. In paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor controls charging or discharging of the battery through the battery protection circuit based on the type of the detected battery.

9. In paragraph 8, The above processor, When the above battery is a first battery and the voltage of the first battery is higher than a specified first reference value when charging the first battery, the power supplied to the first battery is cut off through the battery protection circuit, An aerosol generating device that stops discharging of the first battery through the battery protection circuit when the voltage of the first battery is lower than a specified second reference value during discharging of the first battery.

10. In paragraph 9, The above processor, If the battery is a second battery different from the first battery, and the voltage of the second battery is higher than a specified third reference value when charging the second battery, the power supplied to the second battery is cut off through the battery protection circuit, An aerosol generating device that stops discharging of the second battery through the battery protection circuit when the voltage of the second battery is below a specified fourth reference value during discharging of the second battery.

11. In the method of operating an aerosol generating device, An operation of detecting the type of battery coupled to the battery receiving space of the aerosol generating device based on the charge or discharge characteristics of the battery that is detachably coupled to the battery receiving space of the aerosol generating device; and A method comprising: an operation of controlling charging or discharging of the battery through a battery protection circuit electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space, based on the type of the detected battery; 12. In paragraph 11, The operation of detecting the type of the above battery is as follows: The processor calculates a discharge rate of the battery coupled to the battery receiving space; and A method comprising an operation of detecting the type of the battery coupled to the battery receiving space by comparing the calculated discharge rate of the battery with a pre-stored discharge rate.

13. In paragraph 11, The operation of detecting the type of the above battery is as follows: An operation of calculating a charge rate of the battery when the battery coupled to the battery receiving space is charged by an external power source; and A method comprising an operation of detecting the type of the battery coupled to the battery receiving space by comparing the calculated charge rate of the battery with a pre-stored charge rate.

14. In paragraph 11, The operation of controlling the charging or discharging of the above battery is as follows: An operation of cutting off power supplied to the first battery through the battery protection circuit when the battery is a first battery and the voltage of the first battery is higher than a specified first reference value when the first battery is charged; and A method comprising an operation of stopping the discharge of the first battery through the battery protection circuit when the voltage of the first battery is lower than a specified second reference value during the discharge of the first battery.

15. In paragraph 14, The operation of controlling the charging or discharging of the above battery is as follows: An operation of cutting off power supplied to the second battery through the battery protection circuit when the battery is a second battery different from the first battery and the voltage of the second battery is higher than a specified third reference value when charging the second battery; and A method comprising an operation of stopping the discharge of the second battery through the battery protection circuit when the voltage of the second battery is lower than a specified fourth reference value during discharge of the second battery.

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