Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: an aerosol generator for generating aerosol; a main body in which the aerosol generator is disposed; a battery for supplying power to the aerosol generator; and a battery pack including a battery case accommodating the battery. One of the main body and the battery pack includes a hook protrusion maintaining the position of the battery pack with respect to the main body, the other of the main body and the battery pack includes a hook groove to which the hook protrusion is coupled, and the battery pack slides with respect to the main body and is detachably coupled to the main body.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device having 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 materials using an aerosol generator, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosol. Accordingly, research into heated aerosol generators is actively underway.

[0003] Aerosol generators use rechargeable batteries for portability. However, battery cells have a limited lifespan and must be replaced when they reach the end of their useful life. Consequently, the need for easily removable batteries has emerged to reduce electronic waste, protect the environment, and extend the device's lifespan.

[0004] In addition, even when using a detachable battery, a stable electrical connection structure of the detachable battery is required to ensure a stable power supply to the aerosol generating device.

[0005] Additionally, the mounting structure of the detachable battery needs to be improved so that the user can conveniently perform the action of combining the detachable battery with the aerosol generating device or detaching the detachable battery from the aerosol generating device.

[0006] An object of the embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device having a detachable battery.

[0007] Another object of the embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device in which a battery can be conveniently attached or detached by a user.

[0008] It is also an object of the embodiments to provide a battery structure that prevents a user from incorrectly installing the battery in an aerosol generating device.

[0009] Additionally, the purpose of the embodiments is to provide a battery support structure for stable electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the battery.

[0010] The purpose of the embodiments is not limited to what has been described above, and other technical tasks can be inferred from the following embodiments.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol, a body in which the aerosol generator is disposed, a battery cell for supplying power to the aerosol generator, and a battery case for accommodating the battery. The battery can be detachably coupled to the body by sliding relative to the body.

[0012] One of the body and the battery may include a hook protrusion that maintains the position of the battery relative to the body, and the other of the body and the battery may include a hook groove into which the hook protrusion engages.

[0013] One of the hook protrusion and the hook groove may be positioned on an end surface of the battery pack with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, and the other of the hook protrusion and the hook groove may be positioned on an inner wall surface of the main body corresponding to the end surface of the battery pack.

[0014] One of the main body and the battery pack may further include a slide projection for guiding sliding movement of the battery pack with respect to the main body, and the other of the main body and the battery pack may further include a slide groove that engages with the slide projection.

[0015] One of the hook protrusion and the hook groove can be disposed on the surface of the body or battery pack where the slide protrusion is disposed, and the other of the hook protrusion and the hook groove can be disposed on the surface of the body or battery pack where the slide groove is disposed.

[0016] The body may further include a body terminal, and the battery pack may further include a battery terminal electrically connected to the body terminal. The body terminal may be arranged on one of the slide protrusion and the slide groove, and the battery terminal may be arranged on the other of the slide protrusion and the slide groove.

[0017] The body may further include a body terminal, the battery pack may further include a battery terminal electrically connected to the body terminal, the body terminal may be arranged in one of the hook protrusion and the hook groove, and the battery terminal may be arranged in the other of the hook protrusion and the hook groove.

[0018] The shape of the cross-section of the battery pack in the direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack may be asymmetrical.

[0019] The main body may further include a storage space for accommodating a battery pack and a battery cover coupled to the main body to cover the battery pack. The battery cover may slide relative to the main body to open the storage space.

[0020] One of the battery cover and the body may include a cover slide protrusion that guides sliding movement of the battery cover relative to the body, and the other of the battery cover and the body may further include a cover slide groove into which the cover slide protrusion engages.

[0021] Either the battery cover including the cover slide protrusion and the body may further include a cover rotation protrusion positioned at an end of the cover slide protrusion. The cover slide groove may include a cover rotation groove into which the cover rotation protrusion engages.

[0022] The battery cover can be slid against the main body and then rotated around the cover rotation protrusion to open the storage space.

[0023] The cover slide home can extend in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0024] The main body may further include a main body pressurizing portion that elastically pressurizes the battery pack.

[0025] The battery cover may further include a battery pressurizing portion that elastically pressurizes the battery pack.

[0026] The cover slide home can be extended at an angle relative to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0027] The battery cover may further include a cover protrusion that contacts an end surface of the battery pack and presses the battery pack in the insertion direction of the battery pack.

[0028] The battery pack may further include a battery terminal, the battery cover may further include a cover terminal electrically connected to the battery terminal, the battery terminal may be arranged on an end surface of the battery pack with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, and the cover terminal may be arranged on one surface of the battery cover that contacts the battery terminal.

[0029] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments described above, the battery can be detachably coupled to the main body.

[0030] In addition, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the battery is inserted into the main body by a sliding motion, the position of the battery with respect to the main body is fixed, and the battery can be easily attached and detached.

[0031] Additionally, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the shape of the cross-section in the insertion direction of the battery is processed asymmetrically to prevent the user from incorrectly installing the battery in the main body.

[0032] In addition, in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments, the state of the connection between the main body and the battery can be stably maintained by the battery cover and the pressurizing part, so that the electrical connection structure and the physical support structure of the battery and the main body can be smoothly maintained.

[0033] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those exemplified above, and more diverse effects are included in this specification.

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are conceptual diagrams sequentially showing the process of opening the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are conceptual diagrams sequentially showing the process of opening the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8b.

[0041] The terms used in the examples have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on their meaning and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply their names.

[0042] 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.

[0043] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0044] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an internal space.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In one embodiment, the heater may be an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0046] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0047] The cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be made of a sheet, a strand, or a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. Additionally, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat-conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

[0048] The filter rod may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters a predetermined component contained within the aerosol.

[0049] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0050] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed or assembled integrally with the body, and may be secured so as not to be detached by a user. The cartridge may be mounted to the body while containing the aerosol generating substance therein. However, this is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating substance may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the body.

[0051] The cartridge may contain an aerosol-generating substance in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol-generating substance may comprise a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid comprising a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavoring components, or may be a liquid comprising a non-tobacco material.

[0052] The cartridge can be operated by an electric signal or wireless signal transmitted from the main body, thereby converting the phase of an aerosol-generating substance inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol may refer to a gas that is a mixture of vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating substance and air.

[0053] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may heat a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to the user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosol generated from the liquid composition may travel along an airflow path of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow path may be configured such that the aerosol may pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibration. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol generating material with ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0055] The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, which may generate short-cycle vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibrations may be, but is not limited to, about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz.

[0056] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol generating substance. For example, the wick may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the vibrator or may be positioned to contact at least a portion of the vibrator.

[0057] When a voltage (e.g., an alternating current) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to an aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-generating substance absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0058] For example, the viscosity of an aerosol-generating substance absorbed into a wick may be lowered by heat generated from a vibrator, and an aerosol may be generated by fine particles of an aerosol-generating substance with a lowered viscosity due to ultrasonic vibration generated from a vibrator, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0060] An aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed within the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic material that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. When the susceptor is positioned within the coil and a magnetic field is applied, the susceptor generates heat, thereby heating the aerosol generating article. Additionally, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

[0061] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0062] The aerosol generator can be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle can charge the aerosol generator's battery. Alternatively, the heater can be heated while the cradle and aerosol generator are combined.

[0063] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the various embodiments of the aerosol generating devices described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0065] Figures 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0066] Figures 1 to 3 are drawings illustrating examples of aerosol generating devices. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate examples in which a cigarette (hereinafter, "aerosol generating article" or "stick" may be used interchangeably with the term "aerosol generating article") is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a battery pack (11), a control unit (12), and a heater (18). Referring to Fig. 2, the aerosol generating device (1) further includes a cartridge (19, or vaporizer). An aerosol generating article (S) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0068] When an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can operate a heater (18) and / or a cartridge (19) to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater (18) and / or the cartridge (19) passes through the aerosol generating article (S) and is delivered to a user. If necessary, the aerosol generating device (1) can heat the heater (18) even when the aerosol generating article (S) is not inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0069] Meanwhile, the heater (18) may be omitted. Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a battery pack (11), a control unit (12), and a cartridge (19). The aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 3 has no space into which an aerosol generating article (S) can be inserted, and a heater (18) for heating the aerosol generating article (S) is not arranged.

[0070] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrates components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, in addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, other components may be further included in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0071] The aerosol generating device (1) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is illustrated with components arranged in a row. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that illustrated. For example, the cartridge (19) and the heater (18) may be arranged in parallel. In other words, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), the arrangement of the battery pack (11), the control unit (12), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19) may be changed.

[0072] The battery pack (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery pack (11) can supply power to heat the heater (18) or cartridge (19), and can supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. In addition, the battery pack (11) can supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0073] The battery pack (11) may be a removable type (detachable, detachable) power source. The battery pack (11) is provided with an electrical contact, and when the battery pack (11) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (1), the electrical contact of the battery pack (11) may be electrically connected to an electrical contact provided on the aerosol generating device (1) to supply power to the aerosol generating device (1).

[0074] As another example, the battery pack (11) may be equipped with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generating device (1) in a wireless charging manner instead of a separate electrical contact. That is, the power supply method of the battery pack (11) may vary, and the electrical connection method of the battery pack (11) and the aerosol generating device (1) may vary depending on the power supply method supported by the battery pack (11).

[0075] The removable battery pack (11) may be equipped with a charger interface that can be connected to an external charger. Power for charging the removable battery pack (11) may be supplied to the battery pack (11) through the charger interface. The battery pack (11) may be charged by an external charger while connected to the aerosol generating device (1) or while separated from the aerosol generating device (1).

[0076] The control unit (12) controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). Specifically, the control unit (12) controls the operation of the battery pack (11), heater (18), and cartridge (19), as well as other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). In addition, the control unit (12) can also check the status of each component of the aerosol generating device (1) to determine whether the aerosol generating device (1) is in an operable state.

[0077] The control unit (12) includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. The control unit (12) may also be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0078] The heater (18) can be heated by power supplied from the battery pack (11). For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (18) can be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater (18) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0079] The heater (18) may be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater (18) may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater (18) may be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater (18) is not limited to the above-described example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generating device (1), or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0080] Meanwhile, as another example, the heater (18) may be an induction heater. Specifically, the aerosol generating device (1) may include an induction coil (not shown) surrounding the heater (18). When the induction coil is powered by the battery pack (11), the induction coil may heat the heater (18). The heater (18) may be a susceptor, and the heater (18) may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil. The magnetic field may penetrate the heater (18) and generate an eddy current within the heater (18). The current may generate heat in the heater (18).

[0081] Meanwhile, the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by an induction heater. The susceptor may be included within the cigarette, and the susceptor within the cigarette may be heated by a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil.

[0082] Although FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate that the heater (18) is positioned outside the aerosol generating article (S), the embodiments are not limited by the position of the heater. The heater (18) may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article (S) depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0083] In addition, a plurality of heaters (18) may be arranged in the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the plurality of heaters (18) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (S) or may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (S). In addition, some of the plurality of heaters (18) may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (S), and the rest may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol generating article (S). In addition, the shape of the heater (18) is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

[0084] The cartridge (19) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the aerosol generating article (S).

[0085] In other words, the aerosol generated by the cartridge (19) can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (1). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the aerosol that travels along the airflow passage can pass through the aerosol generating article (S) and be delivered to the user. In FIG. 3, the aerosol that travels along the airflow passage can be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece (20).

[0086] The cartridge (19) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a cartridge heater. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the cartridge heater may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0087] The liquid storage unit 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 storage unit can be manufactured to be detachable from / attached to the cartridge (19), or can be manufactured as an integral part of the cartridge (19).

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

[0089] 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.

[0090] A cartridge heater is an element for heating a liquid composition delivered by a liquid delivery means. Cartridge heaters may be, but are not limited to, metal heating wires, metal heating plates, ceramic heaters, etc., and may include various methods for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance.

[0091] As an example, a cartridge heater may be composed of a conductive filament, such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around a liquid delivery means. The cartridge heater may be heated by a current supply and transfer heat to a liquid composition in contact with the cartridge heater, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated.

[0092] As another example, a cartridge heater may be composed of a susceptor material that is heated by an induced magnetic field, which may be heated by an induced magnetic field generated by an induction coil that is positioned separately from the heating element.

[0093] As another example, the cartridge heater may be an ultrasonic vibrator that generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating substance by utilizing ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic vibration method may refer to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol-generating substance with ultrasonic vibrations generated by the vibrator.

[0094] The cartridge heater may be disposed on the liquid transfer means not only by being combined according to structural features such as being wound around the liquid transfer means, but also by being permanently or reversibly attached to the liquid transfer means by applying, spraying, depositing, plating, immersing, painting, printing, 3D printing, using a device, etc. In addition, the cartridge heater may be disposed on the liquid transfer means by a method such as sintering the cartridge heater together during the process of manufacturing the liquid transfer means. However, the arrangement of the cartridge heater is not limited to the examples described above, and may include various methods in which the cartridge heater can be disposed on the liquid transfer means while maintaining the function of the cartridge heater.

[0095] A cartridge heater may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0096] The cartridge (19) can be inserted and removed from the main body of the aerosol generating device (1) or the aerosol generating device (1). When the aerosol generating substance stored in the cartridge (19) is completely consumed, the aerosol generating substance may be newly replenished in the cartridge (19) or replaced with another cartridge (19) in which the aerosol generating substance is stored.

[0097] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include other components in addition to the battery pack (11), the control unit (12), the heater (18), and the cartridge (19). For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may include at least one sensor (a puff detection sensor, a temperature detection sensor, a cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol generating device (1) may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted.

[0098] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may also be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery pack (11) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (18) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

[0099] The aerosol-generating article (S) may be similar to a typical combustible cigarette. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article (S) may be divided into a first portion (S1) containing an aerosol-generating substance and a second portion (S2) containing a filter or the like. The first portion (S1) may be referred to as a "medium portion" hereinafter.

[0100] The second portion (S2) of the aerosol-generating article (S) may also contain an aerosol-generating substance. For example, an aerosol-generating substance in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion (S2).

[0101] The entire first part (S1) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the second part (S2) may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first part (S1) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or the entire first part (S1) and a part of the second part (S2) may be inserted. The user may inhale the aerosol while holding the second part (S2) in his / her mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first part (S1), and the generated aerosol is delivered to the user's mouth by passing through the second part (S2).

[0102] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] The aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a main body (1) in which an aerosol generator (not shown) for generating an aerosol is arranged, and a battery pack (11) for supplying power to the aerosol generator (not shown).

[0104] The battery pack (11) can be moved linearly with respect to the main body (1) in order to be detachably coupled with the main body (1). The outer surface (403) of the battery pack and the inner surface (404) of the main body (1) are in contact with each other and can be installed by sliding in the -X-axis direction. When the end surface (402) of the battery pack in the insertion direction and the corresponding inner wall surface (401) of the main body finally come into contact, the installation of the battery pack (11) to the main body (1) is completed.

[0105] The battery pack (11) and the main body (1) may include a hook protrusion (11a) and a hook groove (1a) to fix the battery pack (11) to the main body (1). The hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on either the main body (1) or the battery pack (11). The hook groove (1a) that engages with the hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on the other of the main body (1) and the battery pack (11). The hook protrusion (11a) and the hook groove (1a) may be engaged with each other to maintain the positions of the main body (1) and the battery pack (11).

[0106] For example, the hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on the end surface (402) with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack (11), and the hook groove (1a) may be arranged on the inner wall surface (401) of the main body (1) corresponding to the end surface (402) of the battery pack (11). As another example, the hook groove (1a) may be arranged on the end surface (402) with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, and the hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on the inner wall surface (401) of the main body corresponding to the end surface (402).

[0107] As another example, the hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on the outer surface (403) of the battery pack with which the battery pack (11) slides into contact, and the hook groove (1a) may be arranged on the inner surface (404) of the main body (1) corresponding to the outer surface (403) of the battery pack (11). As another example, the hook groove (1a) may be arranged on the outer surface (403) of the battery pack with which the battery pack (11) slides into contact, and the hook protrusion (11a) may be arranged on the inner surface (404) of the main body corresponding thereto.

[0108] The hook protrusion (11a) can be pressed inwardly of the main body (1) or the battery pack (11) by an elastic member (not shown) inside the main body (1) or the battery pack (11). A user can compress the elastic member (not shown) to insert the hook protrusion (11a) into the main body (1) or the battery pack (11). When the sliding movement of the battery pack (11) with respect to the main body (1) is completed, the hook protrusion (11a) can be protruded outwardly of the main body (1) or the battery pack (11) by the elasticity of the elastic member (not shown) and engage with the hook groove (1a) of the main body (1).

[0109] The battery pack (11) and the main body (1) may include separate slide projections (11b) and slide grooves (1b) for smooth sliding movement of the battery pack (11) relative to the main body (1). The slide projections (11b) may be combined with the slide grooves (1b) to guide sliding movement of the battery pack (11) relative to the main body (1).

[0110] The slide projection (11b) can be arranged on either the main body (1) or the battery pack (11). The slide groove (1b) that engages with the slide projection (11b) can be arranged on the other of the main body (1) and the battery pack (11). For example, the slide projection (11b) can be arranged on the outer surface of the battery pack (11), and the slide groove (1b) can be arranged on the corresponding inner wall surface of the main body. As another example, the slide groove (1b) can be arranged on the outer surface of the battery pack (11), and the slide projection (11b) can be arranged on the corresponding inner wall surface of the main body.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the main body (1) includes a main body terminal (not shown), and the battery pack (11) includes a battery terminal (11c). The main body terminal (not shown) can be electrically connected to the battery terminal (11c) of the battery pack (11).

[0112] For example, the main body terminal (not shown) can be placed on one of the hook protrusion (11a) and the hook groove (1a), and the battery terminal (11c) can be placed on the other of the hook protrusion (11a) and the hook groove (1a). Accordingly, electrical connection between the main body terminal (not shown) and the battery terminal (11c) can be made during the process of combining the hook protrusion (11a) and the hook groove (1a).

[0113] As another example, the main body terminal (not shown) may be positioned on one of the slide projection (11b) and the slide groove (1b), and the battery terminal (11c) may be positioned on the other of the slide projection (11b) and the slide groove (1b). Accordingly, electrical connection between the main body terminal (not shown) and the battery terminal (11c) may be made in the process of the battery pack (11) being completely mounted while the slide projection (11b) and the slide groove (1b) are engaged.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 5, the main body (1) includes a pressurizing portion (501) that elastically pressurizes the battery pack (11). The pressurizing portion (501) may be arranged on the inner wall surface (401) of the main body and supported by a pressurizing portion spring (510). The pressurizing portion spring (510) may include a plurality of springs, such as a first pressurizing portion spring (511) and a second pressurizing portion spring (512). When the battery pack (11) is inserted in the -X-axis direction and comes into contact with the pressurizing portion (501), pressure is applied to the pressurizing portion (501) so that the pressurizing portion spring (510) is compressed, and thus a stable coupling state and electrical connection state of the main body (1) and the battery pack (11) can be maintained.

[0115] Meanwhile, the main body terminal (not shown) may be placed in the pressurizing portion (501). As the battery pack (11) is inserted in the -X-axis direction, the main body terminal placed in the pressurizing portion (501) may come into contact with the battery terminal (11c) placed in the battery pack (11) and be electrically connected. The main body terminal (not shown) may maintain a stable electrical connection with the battery terminal (11c) due to the elasticity of the pressurizing portion spring (510).

[0116] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment.

[0117] The battery pack (11) according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes an end face (601) for the insertion direction of the battery pack, a slide projection (11b) for guiding the linear movement of the battery pack (11), and a battery terminal (11c) electrically connected to a main body terminal (not shown).

[0118] The shape of the end surface (601) of the battery pack (11) has an asymmetrical shape based on the midpoint of the two battery terminals (11c). The main body (1) includes a receiving space for receiving the battery pack (11) having an entrance having the same shape as the edge of the end surface (601) with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack. Accordingly, when the battery pack (11) is inserted in the -Y-axis direction by the slide protrusion (11b), the insertion of the battery terminal (11c) in the opposite direction can be prevented. For example, when the battery pack (11) is inserted in the -Y-axis direction by the slide protrusion (11b), the battery pack (11) can be prevented from being mounted on the main body by rotating 180 degrees with respect to the Y-axis.

[0119] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are conceptual diagrams sequentially showing the process of opening the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0120] The aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 7a and 7b includes a battery cover (701) covering a battery pack (11) and a cover slide groove (1c) guiding the sliding movement of the battery cover (701) with respect to the main body (1). The cover slide groove (1c) includes a cover rotation groove (1d) that becomes the rotation center of the battery cover (701) with respect to the main body (1).

[0121] The battery cover (701) includes a cover slide projection (701c) that engages with a cover slide groove (1c), a cover rotation projection (701d) that engages with a cover rotation groove (1d), and a cover protrusion (701e) that presses the battery pack (11) in the insertion direction while coming into contact with an end surface of the battery pack (11).

[0122] The configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b can be modified. For example, the cover slide groove (1c) and the cover rotation groove (1d) can be arranged on the battery cover (701), and the cover slide protrusion (701c) and the cover rotation protrusion (701d) can be arranged on the main body (1).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 7a, the cover protrusion (701e) can be placed in a closed state while supporting the battery pack (11).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7b, the battery cover (701) can move linearly with respect to the main body (1) as the cover slide protrusion (701c) slides along the cover slide groove (1c). The battery cover (701) can move by sliding until the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) within the main body (1) is completely opened. When the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) is completely opened, the battery pack (11) can be separated from the main body (1) to the outside.

[0125] The cover slide groove (1c) of the main body (1) can extend in the same direction as the movement direction of the battery cover (701). The cover rotation protrusion (701d) slides linearly along the cover slide groove (1c). Therefore, the cover rotation protrusion (701d) and the cover slide groove (1c) can perform the function of guiding the sliding movement of the battery cover (701).

[0126] As the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) is completely opened by the sliding movement of the battery cover (701), the cover rotation protrusion (701d) reaches the end of the cover slide groove (1c). In a state where the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) is completely opened, the cover rotation protrusion (701d) can prevent the battery cover (701) from being completely separated from the main body (1) by contacting the end of the cover slide groove (1c). In a state where the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) is completely opened, the cover slide protrusion (701c) can be separated from the cover slide groove (1c).

[0127] The battery cover (701) can rotate around the cover rotation groove (1d) after the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) is completely opened. The cover rotation protrusion (701d) of the battery cover (701) is restrained by the cover rotation groove (1d). Therefore, the cover rotation protrusion (701d) of the battery cover (701) rotates around the cover rotation groove (1d), thereby enabling stable rotational movement of the battery cover (701), and the open state of the battery cover (701) can be stably maintained.

[0128] The battery cover (701) may include a cover terminal (not shown), and the battery pack (11) may include a battery terminal (11c) electrically connected to the cover terminal (not shown).

[0129] The cover terminal (not shown) may be positioned on the outer surface of the battery cover (701) that comes into contact with the cover protrusion (701e) or the battery pack (11), and the battery terminal (11c) may be positioned on the end surface of the battery pack (11) with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack (11). As the battery cover (701) is closed, the cover terminal (not shown) positioned on the cover protrusion (701e) presses and comes into contact with the battery terminal (11c), thereby maintaining a stable electrical connection state.

[0130] The battery cover (701) may include a main body pressurizing portion (not shown) that elastically pressurizes the battery pack (11). The main body pressurizing portion (not shown) may be placed on one side of the battery cover (701) that comes into contact with the battery pack (11), and may pressurize the battery pack (11) by elastic force to maintain a stable electrical connection state between the cover terminal (not shown) and the battery terminal (11c).

[0131] Meanwhile, the battery cover (701) can open the space for accommodating the battery pack (11) inside the main body (1) by rotating after sliding, thereby increasing structural stability when opened compared to when the battery cover (701) only slides to open the space for accommodating the battery pack (11) inside the main body (1). That is, by adding the degree of freedom of rotation of the battery cover (701), stability can be secured against external force or impact at the end of the battery cover (701) when the battery cover (701) is in an open state.

[0132] In addition, the battery cover (701) can be opened by rotating after sliding to accommodate the battery pack (11) inside the main body (1), thereby increasing stability when closed compared to when the battery cover (701) only rotates to open the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) inside the main body (1). In other words, it is possible to prevent the battery cover (701) from being opened in a situation where the user does not intend to open the accommodation space for accommodating the battery pack (11) inside the main body (1).

[0133] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are conceptual diagrams sequentially showing the process of opening the battery cover of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0134] The opening process of the battery cover (801) illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b may be the same as or similar to the opening process of the battery cover (701) illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, and any duplicate description will be omitted below.

[0135] The aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 8A and 8B includes a battery cover (801) covering a battery pack (11) and a cover slide groove (1c) guiding the sliding movement of the battery cover (801) with respect to the main body (1). The cover slide groove (1c) includes a cover rotation groove (1d) that becomes the rotation center of the battery cover (801) with respect to the main body (1).

[0136] The battery cover (801) includes a cover slide protrusion (801c) that engages with a cover slide groove (1c) and a cover rotation protrusion (801d) that engages with a cover rotation groove (1d).

[0137] The configuration of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b can be modified. For example, the cover slide groove (1c) and the cover rotation groove (1d) can be arranged on the battery cover (801), and the cover slide protrusion (801c) and the cover rotation protrusion (801d) can be arranged on the main body (1).

[0138] Referring to FIG. 8A, the lower surface of the battery cover (801) is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack (11), so that the battery cover (801) can support the battery pack (11) and maintain the closed state of the battery cover (801). That is, since the lower surface of the battery cover (801) is inclined, the portion corresponding to the thickest portion of the lower surface of the battery cover (801) can support the battery pack (11) by coming into contact with the battery pack (11).

[0139] Referring to Fig. 8b, the cover slide groove (1c) of the main body (1) can extend in a direction transverse to the direction in which the battery pack (11) is inserted. The battery cover (801) can perform a linear sliding movement by the cover rotation protrusion (801d) sliding along the cover slide groove (1c).

[0140] When the battery cover (801) moves linearly to open the space for receiving the battery pack (11), the pressure that presses the lower surface of the battery cover (801) against the battery pack (11) toward the inside of the main body (1) is released. When the battery cover (801) is in a state where the space for receiving the battery pack (11) is completely opened, the battery pack (11) can be separated from the main body (1).

[0141] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8b.

[0142] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a battery pack (11), a control unit (12), a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), a memory (17), and at least one heater (18, 24). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to that shown in Fig. 9. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in Fig. 9 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0143] The sensor (13) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (12). Based on the detected information, the control unit (12) can control the aerosol generating device (1) so that various functions such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), restricting smoking, determining whether a stick (S) and / or cartridge (19) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0144] The sensor (13) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (131), a puff sensor (132), an insertion detection sensor (133), a reuse detection sensor (134), a cartridge detection sensor (135), a cap detection sensor (136), and a movement detection sensor (137).

[0145] The temperature sensor (131) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18), or the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0146] The temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). 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 (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the temperature sensor (131) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). At this time, the temperature sensor (131) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0147] A temperature sensor (131) may be placed around the battery pack (11) to monitor the temperature of the battery pack (11). The temperature sensor (131) may be placed adjacent to the battery pack (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be attached to one side of the power source, which is the battery pack (11). For example, the temperature sensor (131) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0148] A temperature sensor (131) is placed inside the body (10) and can detect the internal temperature of the body (10).

[0149] The puff sensor (132) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (132) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (132) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (132) 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 (132) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0150] The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S). The insertion detection sensor (133) can be installed around the insertion space into which the stick (S) is inserted. The insertion detection sensor (133) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the stick (S) according to a change in permittivity within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (133) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0151] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space into which the stick (S) is inserted. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space into which a stick (S) is inserted. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when a stick (S) including a wrapper made of a metal material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may change due to the wrapper of the stick (S).

[0154] A reuse detection sensor (134) can detect whether the stick (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the stick (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the stick (S). 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.

[0155] At least some of the wrappers constituting the stick (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (134) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers whose color changes due to the aerosol are disposed when the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the stick (S) 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 (S), 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.

[0156] The cartridge detection sensor (135) can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cartridge (19). The cartridge detection sensor (135) can be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0157] The cap detection sensor (136) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body (10), the cartridge (19) and a portion of the body (10) covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (136) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0158] A motion detection sensor (137) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (137) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0159] In addition to the sensors (131 to 137) described above, the sensor (13) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. A detailed description of the functions of each sensor may be omitted.

[0160] The output unit (14) can output information on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) and provide it to the user. The output unit (14) may include at least one of a display (141), a haptic unit (142), and an audio output unit (143), but is not limited thereto. When the display (141) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (141) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0161] The display (141) 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 pack (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the preheating status of the heater (18), the insertion / removal status of the stick (S) 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 (141) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (141) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (141) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0162] The haptic unit (142) 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 (142) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (142) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0163] The acoustic output unit (143) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (143) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0164] The battery pack (11) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). The battery pack (11) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) can be heated. In addition, the battery pack (11) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1), such as a sensor (13), an output unit (14), an input unit (15), a communication unit (16), and a memory (17). The battery pack (11) can be a rechargeable power source or a disposable power source. For example, the battery pack (11) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) power source, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] Although not shown in FIG. 9, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the battery pack (11) and include a switching element.

[0166] The power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery pack (11) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery pack (11) when the voltage level of the battery pack (11) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the electrical path to the battery pack (11) when the voltage level of the battery pack (11) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0167] The heater (18) can receive power from the battery pack (11) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the stick (S). Although not shown in FIG. 9, 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 pack (11) and supplies it to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). 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 pack (11) into alternating current power.

[0168] The control unit (12), sensor (13), output unit (14), input unit (15), communication unit (16), and memory (17) can receive power from the battery pack (11) and perform their functions. Although not shown in FIG. 9, a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power of the battery pack (11) and supplies it to each component may be further included. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 9, a noise filter may be provided between the battery pack (11) and the heater (18). 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 pack (11) to the heater (18). The low pass filter can prevent high frequency noise components from being applied to a sensor (13), such as an insertion detection sensor (133).

[0169] In one embodiment, the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. Furthermore, the heater (18) 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.

[0170] In another embodiment, the heater (18) may be an induction heater. For example, the heater (18) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0171] The input unit (15) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (15) 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.

[0172] The display (141) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (141) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on the display panel (add-on type).

[0173] Meanwhile, the input unit (15) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0174] The memory (17) 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 (12). The memory (17) 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 (17) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0175] The communication unit (16) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (16) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] Although not shown in FIG. 9, 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 pack (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0179] The control unit (12) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). In one embodiment, the control unit (12) 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. Additionally, the processor may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0180] The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the heater (18) by controlling the supply of power from the battery pack (11) to the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) sensed by the temperature sensor (131). The control unit (12) can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0181] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the battery pack (11) between the battery pack (11) and the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the cartridge heater (24), the heater (18), 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 (12) may control the power supply circuit.

[0182] The control unit (12) 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 pack (11) 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.

[0183] The control unit (12) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied from the battery pack (11) to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can turn off the switching element so that power is cut off to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). The control unit (12) can control the current supplied from the battery pack (11) by controlling the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0184] The control unit (12) can control the voltage output from the battery pack (11) 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 pack (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the battery pack (11). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented through a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, etc.

[0185] The control unit (12) 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 pack (11). 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 pack (11). 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 heater (18) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0186] The control unit (12) can control power to be supplied to the heater (18) using at least one of the pulse width modulation (PWM) method and the proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0187] For example, the control unit (12) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the heater (18) using the PWM method. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0188] For example, the control unit (12) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (12) can control the power supplied to the heater (18) by using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (18) 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.

[0189] The control unit (12) can prevent the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) from overheating. For example, the control unit (12) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) is cut off based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating substance contained in the cartridge (19) is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24).

[0190] The control unit (12) can control the charging and discharging of the battery pack (11). The control unit (12) can check the temperature of the battery pack (11) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (131).

[0191] When a power line is connected to the power terminal of the aerosol generating device (1), the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the battery pack (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking charging of the battery pack (11). When the temperature of the battery pack (11) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control the battery pack (11) to be charged based on a preset charging current. When the temperature of the battery pack (11) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (12) can block charging of the battery pack (11).

[0192] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1) is turned on, the control unit (12) can check whether the temperature of the battery pack (11) is higher than the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the battery pack (11). If the temperature of the battery pack (11) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can control to use the power stored in the battery pack (11). If the temperature of the battery pack (11) is higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (12) can stop using the power stored in the battery pack (11).

[0193] The control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the battery pack (11). For example, the control unit (12) can calculate the remaining capacity of the battery pack (11) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the battery pack (11).

[0194] The control unit (12) can determine whether a stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). The control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (133). If it is determined that the stick (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (12) can control to supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18). For example, the control unit (12) can supply power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (17).

[0195] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (133). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (18) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (18) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the stick (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (12) can cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0196] The control unit (12) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the heater (18) according to the state of the stick (S) detected by the sensor (13). The control unit (12) can check the level range that includes the level of the signal of the capacitance sensor based on a lookup table. The control unit (12) can determine the moisture content of the stick (S) according to the checked level range.

[0197] When the stick (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (12) can control the power supply time to the heater (18) to increase the preheating time of the stick (S) compared to the normal state.

[0198] The control unit (12) can determine whether the stick (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (134). For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (12) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the stick (S) has been used. If it is determined that the stick (S) has been used, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0199] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (135). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0200] The control unit (12) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. For example, the control unit (12) can preheat the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (12) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted. If the control unit (12) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge (19) is exhausted, the control unit (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18).

[0201] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cartridge (19) is usable. For example, the control unit (12) 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 (17). For example, the control unit (12) can determine that the cartridge (19) is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (24) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater (24) is greater than or equal to the preset maximum amount of power.

[0202] The control unit (12) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (132). For example, the control unit (12) 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 (12) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (132). 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 (12) can cut off the supply of power to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18).

[0203] The control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (136). For example, the control unit (12) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0204] The control unit (12) can control the output unit (14) based on the result detected by the sensor (13). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (132) reaches a preset number, the control unit (12) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (141), the haptic unit (142), and the sound output unit (143). For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the stick (S) does not exist in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (12) can notify the user through the output unit (14) based on the determination that the cartridge (19) and / or the cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (12) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or the heater (18) to the user through the output unit (14).

[0205] The control unit (12) can store and update the history of events that have occurred in the memory (17) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The event may include operations such as detection of insertion of a stick (S), initiation of heating of the stick (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), termination of heating of the stick (S), power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the battery pack (11), detection of overcharge of the battery pack (11), termination of charging of the battery pack (11), 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 (S), the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor (133), etc. For example, if a given event is overheating detection of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the voltage applied to the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), the current flowing through the cartridge heater (24) and / or heater (18), etc.

[0206] The control unit (12) 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 (12) 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 authority 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 authority. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the control unit (12) can release the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the heater (18) when user authentication is completed.

[0207] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1) to an 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 pack (11) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operation mode, etc. through a display of the external device.

[0208] 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 (12) 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 (142) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (141) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0209] The control unit (12) 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 (12) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0210] The control unit (12) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (13) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (16), 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 (12) 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 (12) can store, in the memory (17), the sensing value data of at least one sensor (13) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (17) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1) for learning the artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming the artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (12) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (13), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (17), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] 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.

[0214] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device in which a battery is detachably coupled.

Claims

1. An aerosol generator for generating an aerosol; A body in which the aerosol generator is placed; and A battery pack including a battery for supplying power to the aerosol generator and a battery case for accommodating the battery; One of the body and the battery pack includes a hook protrusion for maintaining the position of the battery pack relative to the body, The other of the above body and the above battery pack includes a hook groove into which the hook protrusion engages, An aerosol generating device in which the battery pack is detachably connected to the main body by sliding relative to the main body.

2. In paragraph 1, One of the above hook protrusion and the above hook groove is positioned on an end surface of the battery pack with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, An aerosol generating device, wherein one of the hook protrusions and the other of the hook grooves is disposed on an inner wall surface of the main body corresponding to the end surface of the battery pack.

3. In paragraph 1, One of the main body and the battery pack further includes a slide projection for guiding sliding movement of the battery pack with respect to the main body, An aerosol generating device, wherein the other of the main body and the battery pack further includes a slide groove that engages with the slide projection.

4. In paragraph 3, One of the above hook protrusion and the above hook groove is disposed on the surface of the main body or the battery pack on which the slide protrusion is disposed, An aerosol generating device, wherein one of the hook protrusions and the other of the hook grooves is disposed on the surface of the main body or the battery pack where the slide groove is disposed.

5. In paragraph 3, The above body further includes a body terminal, The above battery pack further includes a battery terminal electrically connected to the main body terminal, The above body terminal is arranged in one of the above slide projections and the above slide grooves, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery terminal is disposed on one of the slide projections and the other of the slide grooves.

6. In paragraph 1, The above body further includes a body terminal, The above battery pack further includes a battery terminal electrically connected to the main body terminal, The above body terminal is arranged in one of the above hook projections and the above hook grooves, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery terminal is disposed on one of the hook protrusions and the other of the hook grooves.

7. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the shape of the cross-section of the battery pack in the direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack is asymmetrical.

8. In paragraph 1, The main body further includes a receiving space for receiving the battery pack, and a battery cover coupled to the main body to cover the battery pack; One of the battery cover and the main body includes a cover slide protrusion that guides sliding movement of the battery cover relative to the main body, The other of the above battery cover and the above body further includes a cover slide groove into which the cover slide protrusion engages, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery cover slides relative to the main body to open the receiving space.

9. In paragraph 8, One of the battery cover and the main body including the cover slide protrusion further includes a cover rotation protrusion disposed at an end of the cover slide protrusion, The above cover slide groove includes a cover rotation groove into which the cover rotation protrusion engages, An aerosol generating device wherein the battery cover slides relative to the main body and then rotates around the cover rotation protrusion to open the receiving space.

10. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device wherein the cover slide groove extends in a direction transverse to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

11. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the main body further includes a main body pressurizing portion that elastically pressurizes the battery pack.

12. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery cover further includes a battery pressurizing portion that elastically pressurizes the battery pack.

13. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device wherein the cover slide groove extends at an angle relative to the insertion direction of the battery pack.

14. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery cover further includes a cover protrusion that contacts an end surface of the battery pack and presses the battery pack in the insertion direction of the battery pack.

15. In paragraph 8, The above battery pack further includes a battery terminal, The above battery cover further includes a cover terminal electrically connected to the battery terminal, The above battery terminal is arranged on the end face of the battery pack with respect to the insertion direction of the battery pack, An aerosol generating device, wherein the cover terminal is disposed on one surface of the battery cover that comes into contact with the battery terminal.

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