Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a main body including a battery receiving space; a battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space; a first terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space; and a first sealing member disposed to surround the first terminal to prevent external foreign substances from entering the first terminal, the battery comprising a battery terminal coming in contact with the first terminal, and a battery sealing member surrounding the battery terminal, wherein the first sealing member may comprise a movable first cover, and the battery sealing member may comprise a movable second cover.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device comprising a detachable battery.

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

[0003] An aerosol generating device includes a battery for power supply and a heater for generating heat as power is supplied. The heater heats an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. While aerosol generating devices can utilize an integrated battery for miniaturization, research is actively underway on aerosol generating devices that utilize a detachable battery to enhance user convenience.

[0004] The battery of an aerosol generating device may be damaged or its performance may deteriorate due to exposure to external contaminants, such as moisture or dust. Since the battery of an aerosol generating device is removed from the aerosol generating device for charging or replacement, it may be exposed to the risk of external contaminants. Furthermore, even when the battery of an aerosol generating device is contained within the aerosol generating device, external contaminants may still enter the space containing the battery through gaps in the aerosol generating device, leaving the battery of the aerosol generating device vulnerable to the risk of external contaminants.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure aim to protect the battery of an aerosol generating device from external foreign matter, thereby preventing damage and / or malfunction of the battery and the aerosol generating device.

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

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a main body including a battery receiving space, a battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space, a first terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space, and a first sealing member disposed to surround the first terminal and configured to prevent external foreign substances from entering the first terminal, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal in contact with the first terminal and a battery sealing member surrounding the battery terminal, the first sealing member may include a movable first cover, and the battery sealing member may include a movable second cover.

[0008] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent external foreign substances from entering the terminal for the battery and the terminal provided in the main body electrically connected to the terminal for the battery, thereby preventing damage and malfunction of the battery and the aerosol generating device in advance.

[0009] The aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent damage and malfunction of the heater and the aerosol generating device in advance by preventing external foreign substances from entering the heater terminal and the terminal provided in the main body that is electrically connected to the heater terminal.

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figures 2a to 2e are various examples for explaining the configuration of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining the first sealing member of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5b is a drawing for explaining a closed state of the first sealing member of FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5c is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of Figure 5b is open.

[0018] FIG. 6a is a drawing for explaining the first sealing member of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining a closed state of the first sealing member of FIG. 4 according to another embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6c is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of Figure 6b is open.

[0021] FIG. 7a is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of FIG. 3 before they are combined into the battery receiving space.

[0022] Figure 7b is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of Figure 3 after being combined into the battery receiving space.

[0023] FIG. 8a is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of FIG. 4 before they are combined into the battery receiving space.

[0024] Figure 8b is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of Figure 4 after being combined into the battery receiving space.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a second sealing member according to one embodiment and a sealing member for a heater according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0027] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a main body including a battery receiving space, a battery detachably coupled to the battery receiving space, a first terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space, and a first sealing member disposed to surround the first terminal and to prevent external foreign substances from entering the first terminal, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal in contact with the first terminal and a battery sealing member surrounding the battery terminal, the first sealing member includes a movable first cover, and the battery sealing member includes a movable second cover.

[0028] The first cover is positioned to close the first sealing member at a first position and to open the first sealing member at a second position so that the first terminal is exposed.

[0029] The second cover is positioned to close the sealing member for the battery at the first position and to open the sealing member for the battery at the second position so that the first terminal is exposed.

[0030] It further includes a battery cover arranged in one area of ​​the main body and for opening and closing the battery accommodation space.

[0031] The battery cover includes an outer battery cover forming an outer surface of the battery cover, an inner battery cover formed at the center of the inner surface of the battery cover and pressing the battery toward the main body when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space, and a protrusion arranged along an edge of the inner surface of the battery cover.

[0032] The above body further includes a groove into which the protrusion is inserted when the battery cover is coupled to the above body.

[0033] The above body further includes an elastic member positioned between the protrusion and the groove when the protrusion is coupled to the groove, to prevent external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a heater for heating an aerosol generating material, wherein the body is arranged to surround the second terminal and electrically connect to the heater, and further comprises a second sealing member for preventing external foreign substances from entering the second terminal.

[0035] The second sealing member includes a movable third cover.

[0036] The third cover is positioned to close the second sealing member at the first position and open the second sealing member at the second position so that the second terminal is exposed.

[0037] The above heater includes a heater terminal in contact with the second terminal and a sealing member for the heater surrounding the heater terminal.

[0038] The sealing member for the above heater includes a movable cover.

[0039] The terms used in the embodiments are selected from widely used, common terms, taking into account the functions of the embodiments. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers working in the field, 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 description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0048] The aerosol generating device (100) can generate and provide an aerosol.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a housing (101). The housing (101) forms the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (100) and may include a space therein. Various components for generating and providing an aerosol may be arranged inside the housing (101).

[0050] The housing (101) may include a receiving space (100h) into which an aerosol generating article (200) is inserted, a slider (102) for opening or closing the receiving space (100h), and a battery receiving space (110) in which a battery (111) is received.

[0051] The receiving space (100h) may provide a space into which an aerosol-generating article (200) may be detachably inserted (or 'coupled'). The aerosol-generating article (200) may include an aerosol-generating material that is heated by a heater to generate an aerosol. The receiving space (100h) may provide a space open toward the outside of the housing (101) so that the aerosol-generating article (200) may be inserted.

[0052] The receiving space (100h) may be sunken toward the interior of the housing (101) such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (200) can be inserted therein. The depth to which the receiving space (100h) is sunken may correspond to the length of a region of the aerosol-generating article (200) containing the aerosol-generating material and / or medium. A portion of the aerosol-generating article (200) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (101), and another portion of the aerosol-generating article (200) may protrude toward the exterior of the housing (101). A user may hold a portion of the aerosol-generating article (200) exposed toward the exterior of the housing (101) in his / her mouth and inhale air containing the aerosol.

[0053] The slider (102) can open or close the receiving space (100h). The slider (102) can be movably arranged in the housing (101) to expose the receiving space (100h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (100), or can cover the receiving space (100h) so that the receiving space (100h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (100). The slider (102) can open the receiving space (100h) while being positioned in the first region of the housing (101), and an aerosol generating article (200) can be inserted into the opened receiving space (100h). The slider (102) can move from the first region of the housing (101) to the second region to close the receiving space (100h). The slider (102) is positioned in the second area of ​​the housing (101) so that the receiving space (100h) is not exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the receiving space (100h) from external impact or foreign substances.

[0054] The battery receiving space (110) can receive a battery (111) for supplying power to a heater for heating an aerosol generating article (200). The battery receiving space (110) can be formed on one side of the housing (101) (e.g., the side facing the +x axis) to receive the battery (111). The location where the battery receiving space (110) is formed is not limited thereto, and the battery receiving space (110) can also be formed in an internal area of ​​the housing (101).

[0055] The battery (111) can be detachably coupled to the battery receiving space (110) and can supply power for the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (100). The battery (111) accommodated in the battery receiving space (110) can be coupled to the battery receiving space (110) and electrically connected to components (e.g., a heater, a processor) of the aerosol generating device (100). The battery receiving space (110) can be provided with a terminal for electrically connecting to the battery (111), and the battery (111) can be provided with a terminal for supplying power to the aerosol generating device (100) through the terminal provided in the battery receiving space (110). The battery (111) can supply power for the operation of components of the aerosol generating device (100) through the terminal provided in the battery (111) and the terminal provided in the battery receiving space (110).

[0056] The battery (111) can be charged while attached to the battery receiving space (110) and / or while detached from the battery receiving space (110). While the battery (111) is received in the battery receiving space (110), the aerosol generating device (100) can be electrically connected to an external charger, and power supplied from the external charger can be supplied to the battery (111) through a terminal provided in the battery receiving space (110) and a terminal provided in the battery (111), thereby charging the battery (111). The method by which the battery (111) is charged is not limited thereto. The battery (111) can be detached from the battery receiving space (110) and connected to or received in an external charger independently of the aerosol generating device (100). The battery (111) can be charged by receiving power from the external charger through a terminal provided in the battery (111).

[0057] The chemical and / or physical properties of the battery (111) may deteriorate with use. For example, the internal resistance of the battery (111) may increase with use, thereby reducing the usable capacity of the battery (111). A worn-out battery (111) may need to be replaced with a new battery (111) periodically. A worn-out battery (111) may be manually and / or automatically removed from the aerosol generating device (100), and a new battery (111) may be newly attached to the aerosol generating device (100).

[0058] Although not shown, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a battery cover detachably coupled to the housing (101) to protect the battery (111). When the battery cover is detached from the housing (101), the battery receiving space (110) and at least a portion of the battery may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (100). Through the open battery receiving space (110), a battery (111) that has reached the end of its lifespan may be replaced with a new battery (111). The battery cover may be attached to the housing (101) to close the battery receiving space (110). The battery (111) accommodated in the closed battery receiving space (110) may be protected from external foreign substances and may be fixed inside the battery receiving space (110) by the battery cover. The aerosol generating device (100) may further include a fixing member that is arranged in the battery receiving space (110) and / or the battery cover to fix the battery (111) to the battery receiving space (110). By fixing the battery (111) to the battery receiving space (110) using the fixing member, the aerosol generating device (100) can prevent the battery (111) from being easily separated from the aerosol generating device (100) due to external physical impact.

[0059] The battery (111) may be damaged when exposed to moisture, as the electrical circuit provided in the battery (111) may be short-circuited. In addition, when the battery (111) is exposed to external foreign substances such as dust, the electrical connection between the battery (111) and the aerosol generating device (100) may be degraded. Damage and / or performance degradation of the battery (111) may be directly related to damage and / or performance degradation of the aerosol generating device (100). The present disclosure seeks to provide an aerosol generating device capable of protecting the battery (111) from external moisture and / or dust.

[0060] FIGS. 2A to 2E are various examples for explaining the configuration of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2E, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a battery (111), a processor (130), and a heater (120a to 120e). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 to 2, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0061] The aerosol generating device (100) can be implemented in various ways. For example, the aerosol generating device (100) can utilize an electrical resistance heating method or an induction heating method. As another example, the aerosol generating device (100) can also be implemented to further include a vaporizer or a cartridge. The aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 2A to 2E discloses components related to embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person skilled in the art related to embodiments of the present disclosure will readily understand that, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (100).

[0062] FIG. 2A is a drawing for explaining an electric resistance type aerosol generating device (100) according to an example. Referring to FIG. 2A, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a battery (111), a heater (120a), and a processor (130).

[0063] An aerosol generating article (200) can be inserted into an internal receiving space (e.g., receiving space (100h) of FIG. 1) of an aerosol generating device (100). When the aerosol generating article (20) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (100), the aerosol generating device (100) can generate aerosol from the aerosol generating article (200) by heating the aerosol generating article (200) using a heater (120a). The generated aerosol passes through the aerosol generating article (200) and is delivered to the user, so that the user can smoke the aerosol generating article (20).

[0064] The heater (120a) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (111). The heater (120a) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (120a) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater (120a) can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0065] The electrically conductive track of the heater (120a) is made of an electrically resistive material, so that the heating temperature can be determined according to the power consumption of the resistor, and the resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the electrically conductive track. The resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0066] The internal resistance of an electrically conductive track may increase as the temperature increases, depending on its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristics. For example, the temperature and resistance of the electrically conductive track may be proportional within a given temperature range. Using this principle, a heater (120a) made of an electrically conductive track can heat an aerosol-generating article (200) via electrical resistance.

[0067] The electrically conductive tracks can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electrically conductive tracks can be doped with a suitable doping agent and include an alloy.

[0068] The shape of the heater (120a) can be manufactured in various ways, such as a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a rod shape. In addition, a plurality of heaters (120a) can be arranged. The heater (120a) can be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (200) and used as an internal heating method to heat the interior of the aerosol generating article (200).

[0069] The battery (111) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), and when the battery (111) is attached to the aerosol generating device (100), power can be supplied from the battery (111) to the heater (120a) for heating operation of the heater (120a), thereby controlling the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

[0070] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120a) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120a). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating article (20) is heated by the heater (120a) according to a temperature profile.

[0071] FIGS. 2b and 2c are drawings for explaining an aerosol generating device (100) additionally equipped with a vaporizer (125b, 125c) according to an example. Referring to FIGS. 2b and 2c, the aerosol generating device (100) may be an aerosol generating device (100) that further includes a vaporizer (125b, 125c) in addition to the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 2a.

[0072] In Fig. 2b, the vaporizer (125b) and the heater (120b) are depicted as being arranged in a row, while in Fig. 2c, the vaporizer (125c) and the heater (120c) are depicted as being arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol generating device (100) can be distinguished depending on how the vaporizers (125b, 125c) are arranged.

[0073] The heaters (120b, 120c) can be heated by power supplied from the battery (111). The heaters (120b, 120c) are electrical resistive heaters and may include, for example, electrically conductive tracks.

[0074] Unlike the heater (120a) of FIG. 2a, the heaters (120b, 120c) of FIGS. 2b and 2c can be implemented in an external heating manner by being placed around the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article (200) to heat the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200).

[0075] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user by passing through the aerosol generating article (200). That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be transported along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (100), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can pass through the aerosol generating article (200) and be delivered to the user.

[0076] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may each be positioned as independent modules in a different location within the aerosol generating device (100) rather than within the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0077] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid reservoir can be designed to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (125b, 125c), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (125b, 125c). For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Additionally, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0078] The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition from the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means can be, but is not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0079] The heating element provided in the vaporizer (125b, 125c) is an element for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. Accordingly, the vaporizer (125b, 125c) may also be referred to by other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0080] The battery (111) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), and when the battery (111) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), power can be supplied from the battery (111) to the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) for heating operations of the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c).

[0081] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) by controlling the power supplied to the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating article (200) is heated by the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to a temperature profile.

[0082] FIG. 2d is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (100) using an induction heating method according to an example. Referring to FIG. 2d, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a heater (120d) including a coil (121d) and a susceptor (122d), a battery (111), and a processor (130).

[0083] The aerosol generating device (100) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (200) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (100) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body that generates heat by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (100) can emit thermal energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the aerosol generating article (200) by transferring the thermal energy emitted from the magnetic body to the aerosol generating article. Here, the magnetic body that generates heat due to the external magnetic field may be a susceptor (122d). The susceptor (122d) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, the susceptor (122d) may be provided inside the aerosol generating article (200) in the shape of a piece, flake, strip, etc. instead of being provided in the aerosol generating device (100).

[0084] The susceptor (122d) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include a metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite or zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0085] The aerosol generating device (100) can accommodate an aerosol generating article (200). A space for accommodating the aerosol generating article (200) can be formed in the aerosol generating device (200d). A susceptor (122d) can be arranged around the periphery of the space accommodating the aerosol generating article (200). For example, the susceptor (122d) can have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the exterior of the aerosol generating article (200). Therefore, when the aerosol generating article (200) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d), the aerosol generating article (200) can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor (122d), and the susceptor (122d) can be arranged at a position that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (200). However, the shape of the susceptor (122d) is not limited thereto and may vary.

[0086] The heater (120d) is an induction heating method, and the heater (120d) can heat an aerosol generating article (200) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (100) by using a susceptor (122d) that generates heat by an external magnetic field generated by a coil (121d).

[0087] The coil (121d) is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (122d), so that an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor (122d). When power is supplied to the coil (121d) from the aerosol generating device (100), a magnetic field can be formed in an internal region of the coil (121d). When an alternating current is applied to the coil (121d), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil (121d) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (122d) is positioned inside the coil (121d) and is exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor (122d) can generate heat, and a cigarette accommodated in the susceptor (122d) can be heated. The shape of the coil (121d) may be a cylindrical shape wound along the length direction of the aerosol generating article (200), but is not limited thereto, and the coil (121d) may be implemented in various types such as a flat coil.

[0088] The battery (111) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), and when the battery (111) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), it can supply power to the coil (121d), for example, for the heating operation of the heater (120d).

[0089] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120d) by controlling the power supplied to the coil (121d). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating article (200) is heated by induction heating of the susceptor (122d) by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil (121d) according to the temperature profile.

[0090] FIG. 2e is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (100) having a replaceable cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating material (210) according to an example.

[0091] The aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 2e includes a cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (210) and a body (220e) supporting the cartridge (210e). The hardware components included in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be divided and positioned in the body (220e) and the cartridge (210e).

[0092] The cartridge (210e) can be coupled to the body (220e) while containing an aerosol generating substance (210) therein. The cartridge (210e) can be mounted to the body (220e) by inserting a portion of the cartridge (210e) into a receptacle of the body (220e).

[0093] The cartridge (210e) may contain an aerosol generating material (210) of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto, and may also contain an aerosol generating material (210) in any one of a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0094] The heater (120e) provided within the cartridge (210e) performs a heating operation by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the body (220e). Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating material (210) within the cartridge (210e) due to heating by the heater (120e).

[0095] The heater (120e) may be implemented with a conductive filament made of a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or a ceramic heating element, etc., to heat an aerosol generating substance delivered to a liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance, and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0096] The battery (111) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), and when the battery (111) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (100), power can be supplied from the battery (111) to the heater (120e) for heating operation of the heater (120e).

[0097] The processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120e) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120e). For example, the processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating material (210) is heated by the heater (120e) according to a temperature profile.

[0098] The aerosol generating device (100) may be implemented as at least one of the aerosol generating devices (100) of FIGS. 2A to 2E, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented in other ways.

[0099] The aerosol generating devices (100) of FIGS. 2A to 2E can commonly utilize a battery (111) that is detachably coupled to the aerosol generating device (100) as a power source. The battery (111) can be detached from the aerosol generating device (100) for charging or replacement, and a charged battery or a new battery can be newly attached to the aerosol generating device (100).

[0100] As the battery (111) is detached from the aerosol generating device (100), terminals provided on each of the aerosol generating device (100) and the battery (111) may be exposed to the outside. The terminals for electrically connecting the aerosol generating device (100) and the battery (111) may be vulnerable to external foreign substances such as moisture or dust. Hereinafter, a configuration and method for protecting the aerosol generating device (100) and the battery (111) from external foreign substances will be described in detail.

[0101] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2E) may include a main body (300), a battery (400), and a battery cover (500). The components included in the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment are not limited to the components illustrated in FIG. 3, and the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3 may be replaced with other components or additional components may be added to the aerosol generating device. For example, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3 may be identical or similar to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2E.

[0103] The main body (300) may form a part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device, and components of the aerosol generating device may be arranged in the main body (300). For example, a heater for heating an aerosol generating material (e.g., heaters 120a to 120e of FIGS. 2A to 2E) or a processor for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (e.g., processor 130 of FIGS. 2A to 2E) may be arranged in the main body (300), but is not limited thereto.

[0104] The main body (300) may further include a battery receiving space (310) for receiving a battery (400). The battery receiving space (310) may be formed on one side of the main body (300) to receive the battery (400). For example, the battery receiving space (310) may be formed on a side of the main body (300) facing the +x axis, as illustrated in FIG. 3. However, the side on which the battery receiving space (310) is formed is not limited thereto, and for another example, the battery receiving space (310) may be formed on a side of the main body (300) facing the +y axis. The battery receiving space (310) may be recessed toward the interior of the main body (300) so that the battery (400) can be received. The depth of the recessed battery receiving space (310) may correspond to the thickness of the battery (400) (e.g., the length of the battery (400) in the x-axis direction).

[0105] One or more first terminals (320) may be arranged on one side (e.g., a side facing the +z-axis direction) of the battery receiving space (310). The first terminal (320) may be a terminal for the aerosol generating device to receive power from a battery (400) accommodated in the battery receiving space (310). One side (e.g., a side facing the +z-axis direction) of the first terminal (320) may be electrically connected to internal components (e.g., a heater, a processor, etc.) of the main body (300). The other side (e.g., a side facing the -z-axis direction) of the first terminal (320) may be exposed to the outside of the main body (300).

[0106] The first terminal (320) exposed to the outside of the main body (300) can come into contact with the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400) when the battery (400) is coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310). The first terminal (320) of the main body (300) is electrically connected to the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400), so that components of the aerosol generating device can receive power from the battery (400). The first terminal (320) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. For example, the surface of the first terminal (320) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the material of the first terminal (320) may be any material that electrically connects the first terminal (320) and the battery terminal (420).

[0107] Although the drawing only shows an embodiment in which two first terminals (320) are arranged on the side of the battery receiving space (310), the arrangement structure and number of one or more first terminals (320) are not limited thereto.

[0108] A first sealing member (330) may be further arranged in the battery receiving space (310) to surround the first terminal (320) and prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the first terminal (320) of the battery receiving space (310). The shape of the first sealing member (330) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C.

[0109] The battery (400) may be coupled to or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310) to supply power for components arranged inside the main body (300). The battery (400) may have a rectangular cross-section (e.g., a cross-section cut along the xy plane) or a rectangular cylindrical shape with rounded corners, but is not limited thereto.

[0110] One or more battery terminals (420) may be arranged on the battery (400). The battery terminals (420) may be terminals for supplying power to components inside the main body (300). The arrangement structure and number of the battery terminals (420) may correspond to the arrangement structure and number of the first terminals (320). When the battery (400) is coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310), each of the battery terminals (420) provided on the battery (400) may come into contact with each of the first terminals (320) provided on the main body (300).

[0111] The battery terminal (420) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. For example, the surface of the battery terminal (420) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the material of the battery terminal (420) may be any material that electrically connects the battery terminal (420) and the first terminal (320).

[0112] Although the drawing only shows an embodiment in which two battery terminals (420) are arranged on the side of the battery (400), the arrangement structure and number of one or more battery terminals (420) are not limited thereto.

[0113] A battery (400) may further include a battery sealing member (430) arranged to surround the battery terminal (420) to prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400). The battery sealing member (430) can prevent the battery terminal (420) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0114] The battery cover (500) can be detachably connected to the main body (300) to protect the battery (400). The battery cover (500) can open the battery receiving space (310) when it is detachably connected to or separated from the main body (300), and the battery cover (500) can close the battery receiving space (310) when it is attached to or connected to the main body (300).

[0115] When the battery cover (500) is detached from the main body (300), the battery receiving space (310) can be exposed to the outside of the main body (300). A battery (400) that has reached the end of its life or requires charging can be separated from the main body (300) through the battery receiving space (310) exposed to the outside, and a new battery (400) or a charged battery (400) can be coupled to the main body (300) through the battery receiving space (310) exposed to the outside.

[0116] When the battery cover (500) is attached to the main body (300), the battery cover (500) can cover the battery receiving space (310) to prevent the battery (400) received in the battery receiving space (310) from being exposed to the outside. The battery cover (500) can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture and / or dust from entering the battery receiving space (310), thereby preventing the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400) and / or the first terminal (320) of the main body (300) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0117] The main body (300) may further include an elastic member (350) to prevent external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space (310) through the gap. As the battery cover (500) is detachably connected to the main body (300), a gap may be formed in the main body (300) at a position where the main body (300) is connected to the battery cover (500), and external foreign substances may enter the battery receiving space (310) through the gap. The elastic member (350) may prevent external foreign substances from coming into contact with the first terminal (320) and / or the battery terminal (420) to the greatest extent possible, even if some external foreign substances enter the battery receiving space (310). The specific arrangement structure of the elastic member (350) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0118] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of some components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2E) may include a main body (300), a battery (400), and a battery cover (500). The aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 4 may be an aerosol generating device that differs from the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 3 only in the shape and arrangement structure of the main body (300), the battery (400), and the battery cover (500), and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0120] The main body (300) may form a part of the exterior of the aerosol generating device, and components of the aerosol generating device may be arranged in the main body (300). For example, a heater for heating an aerosol generating material (e.g., heaters 120a to 120e of FIGS. 2A to 2E) or a processor for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device (e.g., processor 130 of FIGS. 2A to 2E) may be arranged in the main body (300), but is not limited thereto.

[0121] The main body (300) may further include a battery accommodation space (310) for accommodating a battery (400). The battery accommodation space (310) may be formed in one area of ​​the main body (300) to accommodate the battery (400). For example, the battery accommodation space (310) may be formed in an internal space of the main body (300), as illustrated in FIG. 4. The battery accommodation space (310) may be formed on a side of the main body (300) facing the -z-axis and may be sunken in toward the +z-axis direction of the main body (300). The depth of the sunken battery accommodation space (310) may correspond to the length of the battery (400) (e.g., the length in the z-axis direction).

[0122] Although not illustrated, one or more first terminals (320) may be arranged on one side (e.g., a side facing the +z-axis direction) of the battery receiving space (310). The first terminal (320) may be a terminal for the aerosol generating device to receive power from a battery (400) accommodated in the battery receiving space (310). One side (e.g., a side facing the +z-axis direction) of the first terminal (320) may be electrically connected to internal components (e.g., a heater, a processor, etc.) of the main body (300). The other side (e.g., a side facing the -z-axis direction) of the first terminal (320) may be exposed to the outside of the main body (300).

[0123] The first terminal (320) exposed to the outside of the main body (300) can come into contact with the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400) when the battery (400) is coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310). The first terminal (320) of the main body (300) is electrically connected to the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400), so that components of the aerosol generating device can be supplied with power from the battery (400).

[0124] A first sealing member (330) may be further arranged in the battery receiving space (310) to surround the first terminal (320) and prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the first terminal (320) of the battery receiving space (310). The shape of the first sealing member (330) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C.

[0125] The battery (400) can be coupled to or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310) to supply power to components arranged inside the main body (300). In the drawing, only an embodiment in which the battery (400) has a circular or oval cylindrical shape in cross-section (e.g., cross-section cut along the xy plane) is illustrated, but the shape of the battery (400) is not limited thereto. For another example, the battery (400) may have a cylindrical shape with a blunt square pillar placed on one end, like a candle.

[0126] One or more battery terminals (420) may be arranged on the battery (400). The battery terminals (420) may be terminals for supplying power to components inside the main body (300). The arrangement structure and number of the battery terminals (420) may correspond to the arrangement structure and number of the first terminals (320). When the battery (400) is coupled or accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310), each of the battery terminals (420) provided on the battery (400) may come into contact with each of the first terminals (320) provided on the main body (300).

[0127] Although only one battery terminal (420) is arranged on the side of the battery (400) in the drawing, the arrangement structure and number of one or more battery terminals (420) are not limited thereto.

[0128] A battery (400) may further include a battery sealing member (430) arranged to surround the battery terminal (420) to prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400). The battery sealing member (430) can prevent the battery terminal (420) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0129] The battery cover (500) can be detachably connected to the main body (300) to protect the battery (400). The battery cover (500) can open the battery receiving space (310) when it is detachably connected to or separated from the main body (300), and the battery cover (500) can close the battery receiving space (310) when it is attached to or connected to the main body (300).

[0130] When the battery cover (500) is detached from the main body (300), the battery receiving space (310) can be exposed to the outside of the main body (300). A battery (400) that has reached the end of its life or requires charging can be separated from the main body (300) through the battery receiving space (310) exposed to the outside, and a new battery (400) or a charged battery (400) can be coupled to the main body (300) through the battery receiving space (310) exposed to the outside.

[0131] When the battery cover (500) is attached to the main body (300), the battery cover (500) can cover the battery receiving space (310) to prevent the battery (400) received in the battery receiving space (310) from being exposed to the outside. The battery cover (500) can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture and / or dust from entering the battery receiving space (310), thereby preventing the battery terminal (420) of the battery (400) and / or the first terminal (320) of the main body (300) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0132] The main body (300) may further include an elastic member (350) to prevent external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space (310) through the gap. As the battery cover (500) is detachably coupled to the main body (300), a gap may be formed in the main body (300) at a position where the main body (300) is coupled with the battery cover (500), and external foreign substances may enter the battery receiving space (310) through the gap. The elastic member (350) may prevent external foreign substances from coming into contact with the first terminal (320) and / or the battery terminal (420) to the greatest extent possible, even if some external foreign substances enter the battery receiving space (310). The specific arrangement structure of the elastic member (350) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0133] FIG. 5a is a drawing for explaining the first sealing member of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5A, the main body (300) may include one or more first terminals (320) and one or more first sealing members (330). The main body (300) may include a battery receiving space (e.g., battery receiving space (310) of FIG. 3) that is sunken toward the inside of the main body (300), and one or more first terminals (320) may be arranged on one side of the battery receiving space (e.g., a side facing the +z axis).

[0135] One or more first sealing members (330) may be positioned on one side of the battery receiving space in which the first terminal (320) is arranged, and may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of each of the first terminals (320). When looking at the battery receiving space in the +z-axis direction, the first sealing members (330) may have a closed loop ring shape having a cross-section such as a circle or a square.

[0136] The first sealing member (330) may include an elastic material. For example, the first sealing member (330) may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The first sealing member (330) including an elastic material may pressurize and seal the outer surface of the first terminal (320).

[0137] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the first terminal (320) by including a first sealing member (330) surrounding the first terminal (320) of the main body (300). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the first terminal (320) and the aerosol generating device electrically connected to the first terminal (320) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0138] Although not shown, a battery (e.g., battery (400) of FIG. 3) may include one or more battery terminals (e.g., battery terminals (420) of FIG. 3) and one or more sealing members for the battery (e.g., sealing members (430) of FIG. 3).

[0139] One or more sealing members for the battery may be positioned on one side of the battery where the battery terminals are arranged, and may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of each of the battery terminals. When looking at the battery in the -z-axis direction, the sealing members for the battery may have a closed loop shape having a cross-section such as a circle or a square.

[0140] The sealing member for the battery may include an elastic material. For example, the sealing member for the battery may include materials such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The sealing member for the battery including the elastic material can seal the outer surface of the battery terminal by applying pressure.

[0141] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances, such as moisture or dust, from entering the battery terminal by including a battery sealing member surrounding the battery terminal of the main body (300). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the battery terminal and the battery electrically connected to the battery terminal from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0142] When the battery is coupled or accommodated in the battery receiving space, each of the battery terminals provided in the battery can come into contact with each of the first terminals (320) provided in the main body (300). The arrangement structure and number of the battery terminals can correspond to the arrangement structure and number of the first terminals (320). When the battery is coupled or accommodated in the battery receiving space, each of the first sealing members (330) can be arranged to come into contact with each of the sealing members for the battery.

[0143] Since the battery terminal of the battery and the first terminal (320) of the main body (300) can be sealed by the battery sealing member provided in the battery and the first sealing member (330) provided in the main body (300), the battery terminal and the first terminal (320) can be protected from external foreign substances such as moisture or dust. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the battery terminal, the first terminal (320), and the electrically connected aerosol generating device from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0144] FIG. 5b is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of FIG. 3 is closed according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5c is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of FIG. 5b is open.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, the main body (300) may include one or more first terminals (320) and one or more first sealing members (330). The aerosol generating device of FIGS. 5b and 5c may be an aerosol generating device in which a cover (331) is further added to the first sealing member (330) of FIG. 5a, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0146] The cover (331) can extend from the upper portion (e.g., the portion facing the +x-axis) of the first sealing member (330) to close or open the first terminal (320). For example, one end of the cover (331) can be connected to the upper portion of the first sealing member (330), and the cover (331) can be arranged such that the other end of the cover (331) extends from the first sealing member (330) and comes into contact with the lower portion (e.g., the portion facing the -x-axis) of the first sealing member (330).

[0147] The cover (331) may be movably arranged to cover the first terminal (320) so that the first terminal (320) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device, or to expose the first terminal (320) to the outside of the aerosol generating device. For example, the cover (331) may be arranged to close the first terminal (320) at a first position (P1) and open the first terminal (320) at a second position (P2) so that the first terminal (320) is exposed.

[0148] The cover (331) is positioned at the first position (P1) to prevent the first terminal (320) from being exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the first terminal (320) from external impact or foreign substances. The cover (331) can move from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) to expose the first terminal (320) to the outside. The first terminal (320) exposed to the outside comes into contact with the battery terminal of the battery when the battery is accommodated or coupled to the battery accommodation space, thereby allowing the aerosol generating device to receive power from the battery terminal through the first terminal (320).

[0149] The cover (331) selectively exposes the first terminal (320), thereby preventing damage and / or malfunction of the first terminal (320) by preventing foreign substances from entering the first terminal (320), and by enabling the first terminal (320) and the battery terminal to be electrically connected smoothly, thereby improving the performance of the aerosol generating device.

[0150] Although not shown, a battery sealing member (e.g., a battery sealing member (430) of FIG. 3) provided on a battery (e.g., a battery (400) of FIG. 3) may further include a battery cover extending from an upper portion of the battery sealing member (e.g., a portion facing the +x axis).

[0151] The battery cover may close or open the battery sealing member. For example, one end of the battery cover may be connected to the upper portion of the battery sealing member, and the battery cover may extend from the battery sealing member such that the other end of the battery cover is positioned so as to contact the lower portion (e.g., the portion facing the -x axis) of the battery sealing member.

[0152] The battery cover may be movably positioned to cover the battery terminals, preventing the battery terminals from being exposed to the outside of the battery, or to expose the battery terminals to the outside of the battery. For example, the battery cover may close the battery terminals in a first position, and move from the first position to a second position to open the battery terminals in the second position.

[0153] The battery cover is positioned at a first position to prevent the battery terminals from being exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the battery terminals from external impact or foreign substances. The battery cover is positioned at a second position to expose the battery terminals to the outside. The externally exposed battery terminals contact the first terminal (320) of the main body (300) when the battery is accommodated or coupled to the battery accommodation space, thereby enabling the battery to supply power to the aerosol generating device through the first terminal (320).

[0154] The cover for the battery can prevent damage and / or malfunction of the battery terminal by selectively exposing the battery terminal, thereby preventing foreign substances from entering the battery terminal, and can improve the performance of the aerosol generating device by ensuring that the first terminal (320) and the battery terminal are electrically connected smoothly.

[0155] FIG. 6a is a drawing for explaining the first sealing member of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 6A, the main body (300) may include one or more first terminals (320) and one or more first sealing members (330). The aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 6A may be an aerosol generating device that differs from the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 6A only in the shape and arrangement structure of the main body (300), the battery (400), and the battery cover (500), and any overlapping description will be omitted below.

[0157] The main body (300) may include a battery receiving space (e.g., battery receiving space (310) of FIG. 4) sunken toward the inside of the main body (300), and one or more first terminals (320) may be arranged on one side of the battery receiving space (e.g., the side facing the +z axis).

[0158] One or more first sealing members (330) may be positioned on one side of the battery receiving space in which the first terminal (320) is arranged, and may be arranged to surround the outer circumference of each of the first terminals (320). When looking at the battery receiving space in the +z-axis direction, the first sealing members (330) may have a closed loop ring shape having a cross-section such as a circle or a square.

[0159] The first sealing member (330) may include an elastic material. For example, the first sealing member (330) may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The first sealing member (330) including an elastic material may pressurize and seal the outer surface of the first terminal (320).

[0160] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the first terminal (320) by including a first sealing member (330) surrounding the first terminal (320) of the main body (300). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the first terminal (320) and the aerosol generating device electrically connected to the first terminal (320) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0161] FIG. 6b is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of FIG. 4 is closed according to another embodiment, and FIG. 6c is a drawing for explaining a state in which the first sealing member of FIG. 6b is open.

[0162] Referring to FIGS. 6b and 6c, the main body (300) may include one or more first terminals (320) and one or more first sealing members (330). The aerosol generating device of FIGS. 5b and 5c may be an aerosol generating device in which a cover (331) is further added to the first sealing member (330) of FIG. 5a, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0163] The cover (331) can extend from the upper portion (e.g., the portion facing the +x-axis) of the first sealing member (330) to close or open the first terminal (320). For example, one end of the cover (331) can be connected to the upper portion of the first sealing member (330), and the cover (331) can be arranged such that the other end of the cover (331) extends from the first sealing member (330) and comes into contact with the lower portion (e.g., the portion facing the -x-axis) of the first sealing member (330).

[0164] The cover (331) may be movably arranged to cover the first terminal (320) so that the first terminal (320) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device, or to expose the first terminal (320) to the outside of the aerosol generating device. For example, the cover (331) may be arranged to close the first terminal (320) at a first position (P1) and open the first terminal (320) at a second position (P2) so that the first terminal (320) is exposed.

[0165] The cover (331) is positioned at the first position (P1) to prevent the first terminal (320) from being exposed to the outside, thereby protecting the first terminal (320) from external impact or foreign substances. The cover (331) can move from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) to expose the first terminal (320) to the outside. The first terminal (320) exposed to the outside comes into contact with the battery terminal of the battery when the battery is accommodated or coupled to the battery accommodation space, thereby allowing the aerosol generating device to receive power from the battery terminal through the first terminal (320).

[0166] The cover (331) selectively exposes the first terminal (320), thereby preventing damage and / or malfunction of the first terminal (320) by preventing foreign substances from entering the first terminal (320), and by enabling the first terminal (320) and the battery terminal to be electrically connected smoothly, thereby improving the performance of the aerosol generating device.

[0167] Below, the specific shape and arrangement structure of the main body, battery cover, and elastic member will be described.

[0168] FIG. 7a is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of FIG. 3 before they are combined into the battery receiving space, and FIG. 7b is a drawing showing the battery and battery cover of FIG. 3 after they are combined into the battery receiving space. FIGS. 7a and 7b may be drawings of a cross-section of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment shown in FIG. 3 taken along the xy plane and viewed in the +z-axis direction.

[0169] The battery cover (500) may include an outer battery cover (510), an inner battery cover (520), and a protrusion (540). The battery cover (500) may be detachably coupled to the main body (300) to protect the battery (400). The battery cover (500) may open the battery receiving space (310) when detachably coupled to or separated from the main body (300), and the battery cover (500) may close the battery receiving space (310) when attached to or coupled to the main body (300).

[0170] The outer battery cover (510) can be placed in one area of ​​the main body (300) to form an outer surface (e.g., a surface in the +x-axis direction) of the battery cover (500). After the battery (400) is accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310), the outer battery cover (510) closes the battery accommodation space (310), thereby protecting the battery (400) from external impact or external foreign substances.

[0171] The inner battery cover (520) may be formed at the center of the inner surface (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction) of the battery cover (500) and may protrude in a direction (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction) toward the inside of the battery receiving space (310). When the battery (400) is received in the battery receiving space (310) and the battery cover (500) and the main body (300) are combined, the inner battery cover (520) may pressurize the battery (400) in a direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) toward the main body (300). As the battery (400) is pressurized by the inner battery cover (520), the battery (400) may be fixed to the battery receiving space (310), and thus the battery (400) may be protected from external impact.

[0172] The protrusion (540) may be formed along the inner edge of the battery cover (500) and may protrude in a direction toward the inside of the battery receiving space (310). The protrusion (540) may be arranged along the edge of the battery cover (500). For example, the protrusion (540) may have a rectangular ring shape when the inner surface of the battery cover (500) is viewed in the +x-axis direction. The protrusion (540) may be inserted into a groove (340) formed in the main body (300) and fitted into the groove (340), so that the battery cover (500) may be coupled or fixed to the main body (300). The protrusion (540) and the groove (340) may be arranged correspondingly to each other on the battery cover (500) and the main body (300) so as to be fitted into each other.

[0173] The main body (300) may further include an elastic member (350) positioned between the protrusion (540) and the groove (340) when the protrusion (540) and the groove (340) are combined, to prevent external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space (310). The elastic member (350) may be positioned along the edge of the battery cover (500) and may have a rectangular ring shape when looking at the battery receiving space in the -x-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the elastic member (350) may be inserted and positioned in at least a portion of the groove (340) formed in the main body (300). When the protrusion (540) provided in the battery cover (500) is inserted into the groove (340) provided in the main body (300), the protrusion (540) may press the elastic member (350) positioned inside the groove (340).

[0174] The elastic member (350) may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The elastic member (350) may be pressed by the protrusion (540) to seal the gap between the protrusion (540) and the groove (340).

[0175] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the battery receiving space (310) by arranging an elastic member (350) between the groove (340) of the main body (300) and the protrusion (540) of the battery cover (500). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the first terminal (320) arranged in the battery receiving space (310) and the aerosol generating device electrically connected to the first terminal (320) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0176] In the drawing, only an embodiment in which a protrusion (540) is formed on the inner surface of the battery cover (500) along the edge of the battery cover (500) and the protrusion (540) is inserted or fitted into a groove (340) formed in the main body (300) to pressurize the elastic member (350) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For another example, a protrusion may be formed on the outer surface of the main body (300) along the edge of the battery receiving space (310) and the protrusion may be inserted or fitted into a groove formed on the inner surface of the battery cover (500) to pressurize the elastic member (350).

[0177] FIG. 8a is a drawing showing the battery and the battery cover of FIG. 4 before they are combined into the battery receiving space, and FIG. 8b is a drawing showing the battery and the battery cover of FIG. 4 after they are combined into the battery receiving space. FIGS. 8a and 8b may be cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 4 taken along the xz plane, viewed in the +y-axis direction. The aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b may be an aerosol generating device that is different from the aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b only in the shape and arrangement structure of the main body (300), the battery (400), and the battery cover (500), and any duplicate description will be omitted below.

[0178] The battery cover (500) may include an outer battery cover (510), an inner battery cover (520), and a protrusion (540). The battery cover (500) may be detachably coupled to the main body (300) to protect the battery (400). The battery cover (500) may open the battery receiving space (310) when detachably coupled to or separated from the main body (300), and the battery cover (500) may close the battery receiving space (310) when attached to or coupled to the main body (300).

[0179] The outer battery cover (510) may be placed in one area of ​​the main body (300) to form an outer surface (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction) of the battery cover (500). After the battery (400) is accommodated in the battery accommodation space (310), the outer battery cover (510) closes the battery accommodation space (310), thereby protecting the battery (400) from external impact or foreign substances.

[0180] The inner battery cover (520) may be formed at the center of the inner surface (e.g., the surface in the +z-axis direction) of the battery cover (500) and may protrude in a direction (e.g., the surface in the +z-axis direction) toward the inside of the battery receiving space (310). When the battery (400) is received in the battery receiving space (310) and the battery cover (500) and the main body (300) are combined, the inner battery cover (520) may pressurize the battery (400) in a direction (e.g., the +z-axis direction) toward the main body (300). As the battery (400) is pressurized by the inner battery cover (520), the battery (400) may be fixed to the battery receiving space (310), and thus the battery (400) may be protected from external impact.

[0181] The protrusion (540) may be formed along the inner edge of the battery cover (500) and may protrude in a direction toward the inside of the battery receiving space (310). The protrusion (540) may be arranged along the edge of the battery cover (500). For example, the protrusion (540) may have a circular ring shape when the inner surface of the battery cover (500) (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction) is viewed in the -z-axis direction. The protrusion (540) may be inserted into a groove (340) formed in the main body (300) and is fitted into the groove (340), so that the battery cover (500) may be coupled or fixed to the main body (300). The protrusion (540) and the groove (340) may be arranged correspondingly to each other on the battery cover (500) and the main body (300) so as to be fitted into each other.

[0182] The main body (300) may further include an elastic member (350) positioned between the protrusion (540) and the groove (340) when the protrusion (540) and the groove (340) are combined, to prevent external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space (310). The elastic member (350) may be positioned along the edge of the battery cover (500) and may have a circular ring shape when the inner surface of the battery cover (500) is viewed in the -z-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the elastic member (350) may be inserted and positioned in at least a portion of the groove (340) formed in the main body (300). When the protrusion (540) provided in the battery cover (500) is inserted into the groove (340) provided in the main body (300), the protrusion (540) may press the elastic member (350) positioned inside the groove (340). The elastic member (350) can be pressed by the protrusion (540) to seal the gap between the protrusion (540) and the groove (340).

[0183] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the battery receiving space (310) by arranging an elastic member (350) between the groove (340) of the main body (300) and the protrusion (540) of the battery cover (500). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the first terminal (320) arranged in the battery receiving space (310) and the aerosol generating device electrically connected to the first terminal (320) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0184] In the drawing, only an embodiment in which a protrusion (540) is formed on the inner surface of the battery cover (500) along the edge of the battery cover (500) and the protrusion (540) is inserted or fitted into a groove (340) formed in the main body (300) to pressurize the elastic member (350) is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For another example, a protrusion may be formed on the outer surface of the main body (300) along the edge of the battery receiving space (310) and the protrusion may be inserted or fitted into a groove formed on the inner surface of the battery cover (500) to pressurize the elastic member (350).

[0185] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a second sealing member according to an embodiment and a sealing member for a heater according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device may include a second terminal (360), a heater (600), and a terminal for a heater (560). The components included in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 9 are not limited to the components illustrated in FIG. 9, and the components of the aerosol generating device illustrated in FIG. 9 may be replaced with other components or additional components may be added to the aerosol generating device. For example, at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 9 may be identical or similar to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3 and / or FIG. 4. Duplicate descriptions will be omitted below.

[0186] A heater (600) for heating an aerosol generating material inserted or accommodated in an aerosol generating device and a second terminal (360) electrically connected to the heater (600) may be arranged in the internal space of the main body (300). The second terminal (360) may be a terminal for the aerosol generating device to supply power from a battery to the heater (600). At least one surface of the second terminal (360) may be exposed to the outside of the main body (300). The second terminal (360) exposed to the outside of the main body (300) may come into contact with the heater terminal (560) of the heater (600) when the heater (600) is coupled to or accommodated in the main body (300). The second terminal (360) of the main body (300) may be electrically connected to the heater terminal (560) of the heater (600) to supply power from the battery to the heater (600). The second terminal (360) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. For example, the surface of the second terminal (360) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the material of the second terminal (360) may be any material that electrically connects the second terminal (360) and the heater terminal (560).

[0187] A second sealing member (370) may be further disposed on the main body (300) to surround the second terminal (360) and prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the second terminal (360). The second sealing member (370) may include an elastic material. For example, the second sealing member (370) may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The second sealing member (370) including an elastic material may pressurize and seal the outer surface of the second terminal (360).

[0188] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the second terminal (360) by including a second sealing member (370) surrounding the second terminal (360) of the main body (300). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the second terminal (360) and the aerosol generating device electrically connected to the second terminal (360) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0189] The heater (600) can receive power from a battery and heat an aerosol generating material inserted or accommodated in an aerosol generating device. One or more heater terminals (560) can be arranged on the heater (600). The heater terminals (560) can be terminals for receiving power from a battery. The arrangement structure and number of the heater terminals (560) can correspond to the arrangement structure and number of the second terminals (360). When the heater (600) is coupled to or accommodated in the main body (300), each of the heater terminals (560) provided on the heater (600) can come into contact with each of the second terminals (360) provided on the main body (300).

[0190] The heater terminal (560) may include at least one material selected from copper, aluminum, gold, and silver. For example, the surface of the heater terminal (560) may be plated with gold or silver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the material of the heater terminal (560) may be any material that electrically connects the heater terminal (560) and the second terminal (360).

[0191] A heater sealing member (570) may be further disposed on the heater (600) to surround the heater terminal (560) and prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the heater terminal (560). The heater sealing member (570) may include an elastic material. For example, the heater sealing member (570) may include a material such as insulating rubber or polyurethane resin. The heater sealing member (570) including an elastic material may pressurize and seal the outer surface of the heater terminal (560).

[0192] The aerosol generating device can prevent external foreign substances such as moisture or dust from entering the heater terminal (560) by including a heater sealing member (570) surrounding the heater terminal (560) of the heater (600). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device can prevent the heater terminal (560) and the heater (600) electrically connected to the heater terminal (560) from being damaged or malfunctioning due to exposure to external foreign substances.

[0193] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

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

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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).

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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).

[0199] 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.

[0200] The temperature sensor (141) is placed inside the main body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the main body (10).

[0201] 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).

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] Although not shown in FIG. 12, 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.

[0218] 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.

[0219] 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. 12, 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.

[0220] 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. 12, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery (12) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 12, 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). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor unit (14), such as the insertion detection sensor (143).

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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).

[0225] Meanwhile, the input unit (70) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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.

[0230] Although not shown in FIG. 12, 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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).

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] 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.

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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).

[0242] 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).

[0243] 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).

[0244] 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).

[0245] 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).

[0246] 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).

[0247] 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).

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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).

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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).

[0253] 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.

[0254] 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).

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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).

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] 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.

[0260] 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.

[0261] 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.

[0262] 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.

[0263] 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.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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 body including a battery compartment; A battery detachably coupled to the above battery receiving space; A first terminal disposed in the battery receiving space and electrically connected to the battery when the battery is coupled to the battery receiving space; and A first sealing member is arranged to surround the first terminal and to prevent external foreign substances from entering the first terminal; The battery includes a battery terminal in contact with the first terminal and a sealing member for the battery surrounding the battery terminal, The first sealing member includes a movable first cover, An aerosol generating device, wherein the sealing member for the battery includes a movable second cover.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the first cover is positioned to close the first sealing member at a first position and open the first sealing member at a second position so that the first terminal is exposed.

3. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the second cover is positioned to close the sealing member for the battery at a first position and to open the sealing member for the battery at a second position so that the first terminal is exposed.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, further comprising a battery cover disposed in one area of ​​the main body and for opening and closing the battery receiving space.

5. In paragraph 4, The above battery cover, An outer battery cover forming the outer surface of the above battery cover; An inner battery cover formed at the center of the inner surface of the battery cover, which presses the battery toward the main body when the battery is combined in the battery receiving space; and An aerosol generating device comprising a protrusion arranged along an inner edge of the battery cover.

6. In paragraph 5, An aerosol generating device, wherein the main body further includes a groove into which the protrusion is inserted when the battery cover is coupled to the main body.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device wherein the main body further includes an elastic member positioned between the protrusion and the groove when the protrusion is coupled to the groove, and for preventing external foreign substances from entering the battery receiving space.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a heater for heating the aerosol generating material, An aerosol generating device, wherein the main body further includes a second terminal electrically connected to the heater and a second sealing member arranged to surround the second terminal, the second sealing member preventing external foreign substances from entering the second terminal.

9. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the second sealing member comprises a movable third cover.

10. In paragraph 9, An aerosol generating device wherein the third cover is arranged to close the second sealing member at a first position and open the second sealing member at a second position so that the second terminal is exposed.

11. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the heater comprises a heater terminal in contact with the second terminal and a sealing member for the heater surrounding the heater terminal.

12. In paragraph 11, An aerosol generating device, wherein the sealing member for the heater comprises a movable cover.

Images