Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device comprises: a main body; an aerosol generator disposed in the main body and capable of generating aerosol when power is supplied; a power module disposed in the main body and wirelessly receiving power to supply the power to the aerosol generator; and a battery module which is capable of charging power and removably mounted in the main body to wirelessly transmit the power to the power module.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which a battery module capable of supplying power wirelessly can be detachably mounted.

[0002] Recently, as an alternative to the conventional method of supplying aerosol by burning cigarettes, an aerosol generating device has been used that supplies an aerosol having a flavor by generating an aerosol from a liquid or solid aerosol generating substance, or by generating vapor from a liquid aerosol generating substance and then passing the generated vapor through a solid flavoring medium.

[0003] The aerosol generator comprises various components and a battery to power them. To facilitate portability, the aerosol generator uses a rechargeable battery. The aerosol generator includes terminals that electrically connect the battery and the components of the aerosol generator.

[0004] During the aerosol generation process in an aerosol generator, residual substances, such as liquids or residues of aerosol-generating materials, are generated. These residual substances can leak into the battery or externally through the space where the aerosol generator terminals are installed. To create a pleasant user environment for aerosol generators, improvements in the sealing structure are needed to maintain the cleanliness of the battery compartment.

[0005] An object of the embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device in which a battery can be detachably mounted.

[0006] Another object of the embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device having a perfectly sealed structure between a space in which a battery of the aerosol generating device is installed and an internal space of the aerosol generating device.

[0007] Another object of the embodiments is to provide an aerosol generating device with convenient battery power charging.

[0008] Additionally, the purpose of the embodiments is to protect components and batteries of an aerosol generating device from foreign substances or liquids.

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a main body; an aerosol generator disposed in the main body and capable of generating an aerosol when supplied with power; a power module disposed in the main body and wirelessly receiving power to supply power to the aerosol generator; and a battery module capable of charging power and being detachably mounted in the main body and capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the power module.

[0010] The battery module may include a battery cell capable of being charged with power, a transceiver capable of operating in a charging mode for wirelessly receiving power and charging the battery cell or in a transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell to the power module, and a controller capable of generating a signal for operating the transceiver in the transmitting mode or the charging mode.

[0011] The transceiver may include an antenna circuit and a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the antenna circuit to regulate the voltage.

[0012] The transceiver may further include a rectifier for converting AC power into DC power or DC power into AC power.

[0013] The transceiver may further include an impedance matcher that matches the impedance of the voltage regulator and the impedance of the antenna circuit.

[0014] The receiver may include a receiving antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the receiving antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert AC power into DC power.

[0015] The receiver may further include a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the receiving antenna circuit to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matcher to match the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the receiving antenna circuit.

[0016] The transmitter may include a transmitting antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the transmitting antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert direct current power into alternating current power.

[0017] The transmitter may further include a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the transmitting antenna circuit to adjust the voltage, and an impedance matcher to match the impedance of the voltage regulator with the impedance of the transmitting antenna circuit.

[0018] The aerosol generating device may further include a capacitor disposed in the main body for charging power wirelessly supplied from a battery module, and a communication unit disposed in the main body for transmitting a wireless signal to the battery module.

[0019] The battery module may further include a battery communicator capable of wireless communication with the communication unit. The controller may generate a signal based on a wireless signal transmitted through the battery communicator.

[0020] The aerosol generating device may further include a control unit for controlling the aerosol generator and a communication unit disposed in the main body for transmitting a wireless signal to the battery module.

[0021] The battery module may further include a battery communication unit capable of wireless communication with the communication unit. When the battery module is operating in charging mode, the control unit may suspend the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator. When the battery module is terminated from charging mode and operates in transmission mode, the control unit may initiate the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator.

[0022] The battery module may further include a switch connected to the controller. The body may include a button for operating the switch of the battery module mounted on the body.

[0023] The body may include a mounting space in which a battery module is mounted and an internal space in which a power module is placed. The mounting space and the internal space may be separated from each other to prevent movement of materials between the mounting space and the internal space.

[0024] The aerosol generating device may further include a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the battery module relative to the main body to align the center of the power module with the center of the battery module.

[0025] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments described above, the battery can be detachably mounted on the main body.

[0026] Additionally, power from the battery module can be wirelessly supplied to the main body of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the battery module can be wirelessly charged from an external wireless power charger.

[0027] In addition, since there is no need to install a battery terminal for electrical connection between the battery module and the main body in the aerosol generating device, and since there is no need to install a charging terminal for charging the battery module in the aerosol generating device, the configuration of the aerosol generating device can be simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, since there is no need to install a battery electrical terminal in the aerosol generator, the battery module mounting space can be completely isolated from the internal space of the main body. This prevents foreign substances or moisture from entering the aerosol generator from the outside. It also prevents residual substances, such as liquids generated from the aerosol generator, from leaking into the battery module.

[0029] In addition, the efficiency of wireless power transmission and reception can be increased by aligning the center of the battery module and the main body by a position controller for adjusting the position of the battery module.

[0030] Additionally, by using a position controller to adjust the position of the battery module, battery modules of various sizes can be used in the aerosol generating device.

[0031] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of a transmitter and receiver of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the power receiving operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the power transmission operation of the battery module of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the wireless charging operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a wireless charging operation of a battery module of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating some elements of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the battery module of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 in a disassembled manner.

[0048] FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18.

[0050] The terms used in the examples are 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, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0059] An aerosol generating device may include a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substance and a body supporting the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably connected 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 an 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 connected to the body.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a cradle.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above, or may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0073] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0074] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0075] An aerosol generating device (1) according to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a main body (10), a heater (13) disposed in the main body (10) and capable of generating an aerosol when power is supplied, a power module (17) disposed in the main body (10) and for supplying power to the heater (13), and a battery module (11) detachably mounted in the main body (10) and capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the power module (17). The heater (13) is an example of an aerosol generator.

[0076] The main body (10) includes an internal space (10a) that can accommodate components such as a heater (13), a control unit (12), and a power module (17), and a mounting space (10b) in which a battery module (11) can be mounted. The internal space (10a) and the mounting space (10b) are separated from each other by a partition wall (10w). The partition wall (10w) seals a space between the internal space (10a) and the mounting space (10b). Since the internal space (10a) and the mounting space (10b) are blocked from each other by the partition wall (10w), no material passes between the mounting space (10b) and the internal space (10a).

[0077] The battery module (11) is detachably mounted in the mounting space (10b) of the main body (10). The term “detachably mounted” may mean that the battery module (11) is mounted in the mounting space (10b) as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1, and then can be detached from the mounting space (10b) as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 in order to discard the battery module (11) or replace the battery module (11).

[0078] When the battery module (11) is mounted in the mounting space (10b), the battery module (11) can be stably maintained in the mounting space (10b). In order to maintain the battery module (11) in the mounting space (10b), the main body (10) may include a support structure for supporting the battery module (11). For example, the main body (10) may include a battery cover that presses the battery module (11) mounted in the mounting space (10b) so that the battery module (11) does not fall out from the mounting space (10b).

[0079] The battery module (11) mounted in the mounting space (10b) can wirelessly supply power to the power module (17). The battery module (11) can wirelessly supply power to the power module (17) using a wireless method such as, for example, a magnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, or an electromagnetic wave method. The operation of the battery module (11) in which the battery module (11) wirelessly supplies power to the power module (17) corresponds to a 'transmission mode'.

[0080] As an additional operating mode, the battery module (11) can operate to receive power from an external wireless charging device (not shown) and charge the power. The operation of the battery module (11) to charge the power corresponds to the 'charging mode'.

[0081] The power module (17) can wirelessly receive power from the battery module (11) and supply power to the heater (13). The power module (17) can include a wireless power receiving circuit for wirelessly receiving power from the battery module (11) and a power conversion circuit for converting voltage and / or power for wirelessly supplying power to the heater (13).

[0082] A portion of a cigarette (2) may be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), and the remaining portion of the cigarette (2) may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). When the cigarette (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) may operate the heater (13) to generate an aerosol.

[0083] When a user initiates an inhalation motion, external air (a) is drawn into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1) and passes through the cigarette (2), thereby generating an aerosol from the cigarette (2). The aerosol generated from the cigarette (2) is delivered to the user. The user can inhale the aerosol while holding the end of the cigarette (2) in his / her mouth.

[0084] Figures 2 and 3 are conceptual diagrams schematically illustrating aerosol generating devices according to other embodiments.

[0085] The aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a main body (10), a vaporizer (14) and a heater (13) arranged in the main body (10) to generate an aerosol, a power module (17) for supplying power to the vaporizer (14) and the heater (13), and a battery module (11) detachably mounted in the main body (10) and capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the power module (17). The heater (13) and the vaporizer (14) are other examples of an aerosol generator.

[0086] The battery module (11) can wirelessly supply power to the power module (17). The power module (17), which receives power from the battery module (11), supplies power to at least one of the vaporizer (14) and the heater (13), so that at least one of the vaporizer (14) and the heater (13) can perform an operation of generating an aerosol.

[0087] A cigarette (2) can be inserted into the internal space of an aerosol generating device (1). When the cigarette (2) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can generate an aerosol by operating a heater (13) and / or a vaporizer (14). The aerosol generated by the heater (13) and / or the vaporizer (14) passes through the cigarette (2) and is delivered to the user.

[0088] In the aerosol generating device (1) according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module (11) can be detachably mounted on the main body (10).

[0089] According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to install an electrical terminal for a battery in the main body (10) to transmit power from the battery module (11) to components of the main body (10), so the configuration of the aerosol generating device can be simplified.

[0090] In addition, since there is no need to install an electrical terminal for the battery in the main body (10), the mounting space (10b) of the battery module (11) and the internal space (10a) of the main body (10) can be completely separated. This can prevent foreign substances or moisture from entering the interior of the aerosol generator from the outside, and can prevent residual substances such as liquid generated in the aerosol generator from flowing out into the battery module (11).

[0091] The battery module (11) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the battery module (11) may supply power to at least one of the heater (13) and the vaporizer (14), so that at least one of the heater (13) and the vaporizer (14) may perform a heating operation. In addition, the battery module (11) may supply power required for the control unit (12) to operate. In addition, the battery module (11) may supply power required for the operation of the display, sensor, motor, etc. installed in the aerosol generating device (1).

[0092] 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 module (11), the heater (13), and the vaporizer (14), 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.

[0093] The heater (13) can be heated by power supplied from the battery module (11). For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), the heater (13) can be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater (13) can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0094] The vaporizer (14) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (2). In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can travel along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device (1), and the airflow passage can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (14) can pass through the cigarette and be delivered to the user.

[0095] For example, the vaporizer (14) may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may be included in the aerosol generating device (1) as independent modules.

[0096] For example, the vaporizer (14) may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol generating device (1) may be configured as a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery module (11) of the aerosol generating device (1). Alternatively, the heater (13) may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generating device (1) are combined.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0099] The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a main body (10) for accommodating components such as a control unit (12), a communication unit (180), a power module (17), and an aerosol generator (13g), and a battery module (11) detachably mounted on the main body (10).

[0100] The battery module (11) includes a battery cell (11c) capable of being charged with power, a transceiver (11a) capable of operating in a charging mode for charging power to the battery cell (11c) and a transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell (11c) to the outside, and a controller (11d) capable of generating a signal for operating the transceiver (11a).

[0101] The battery cell (11c) may include a secondary battery capable of charging or discharging electrical energy. The battery cell (11c) may further include a protection circuit module for protecting the secondary battery.

[0102] The transceiver (11a) can operate in a charging mode in which it wirelessly receives power from an external wireless power charger (90) and charges the battery cell (11c) with the received power. In addition, the transceiver (11a) can operate in a transmission mode in which it wirelessly transmits power stored in the battery cell (11c) to the power module (17).

[0103] The controller (11d) can generate a signal for selecting the operating mode of the transceiver (11a) and transmit the signal to the transceiver (11a). The transceiver (11a) can operate in either a charging mode or a transmitting mode based on the signal transmitted from the controller (11d).

[0104] The main body (10) includes a capacitor (17s) used to back up power for the starting operation of the aerosol generating device. The capacitor (17s) may be, for example, a super capacitor. The capacitor (17s) may store a portion of the power supplied to the power module (17) from the battery module (11).

[0105] Compared to a battery module (11) for storing a large amount of electric energy, the capacitor (17s) stores a small amount of electric energy. Therefore, the capacitor (17s) is difficult to use for driving the aerosol generator (13g). The capacitor (17s) can perform a function for assisting the starting or wake-up operation of the control unit (12) and communication unit (180) of the aerosol generator and the power module (17).

[0106] The main body (10) may include a communication unit (180) capable of transmitting a wireless signal for communication to the battery module (11). The battery module (11) may include a battery communication unit (11b) capable of being connected to the communication unit (180) of the main body (10) via wireless communication.

[0107] When the battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10), the starting operation of the aerosol generating device can be executed. The control unit (12), communication unit (180), and power module (17) of the main body (10) can initiate operation by power from the capacitor (17s). For example, the transmission mode of the battery module (11) can be initiated by the communication unit (180) of the main body (10) transmitting a wireless signal (a signal for aerosol generation) to the battery communication unit (11b) of the battery module (11).

[0108] As another operating example, the battery communicator (11b) can drive the controller (11d) based on a wireless signal (wireless charging signal) transmitted from the communication unit (180) of the main body (10). That is, when the controller (11d) is driven by the battery communicator (11b) and the controller (11d) transmits a signal to the transceiver (11a), the transceiver (11a) can operate in a charging mode for charging power to the battery cell (11c).

[0109] The power module (17) includes a power receiver (17r) that can wirelessly receive power from a transmitter / receiver (11a) of a battery module (11), and a power control unit (17c) that controls the operation of the power receiver (17r) and converts power received by the power receiver (17r) to supply it to an aerosol generator (13g), a control unit (12), and a communication unit (180).

[0110] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0111] The main body (10) of the aerosol generating device includes a mounting space (10b) in which a battery module (11) can be mounted. The main body (10) includes an internal space in which a control unit (12) is accommodated. The internal space of the main body (10) and the mounting space (10b) are separated from each other by a partition wall (10w).

[0112] The main body (10) includes a main body antenna circuit (17e) for wirelessly transmitting power. The main body antenna circuit (17e) may be a part of the power receiver (17r) of Fig. 4. The main body antenna circuit (17e) is arranged to face the mounting space (10b).

[0113] The battery module (11) includes an antenna circuit (11e) for wirelessly transmitting power to the main body antenna circuit (17e) or wirelessly receiving power from an external wireless power charger. When the battery module (11) is placed in the mounting space (10b), the antenna circuit (11e) can be positioned to correspond to the main body antenna circuit (17e).

[0114] According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to install an electrical terminal for the battery in the main body (10) to transmit the power of the battery module (11) to the components of the main body (10), so the configuration of the aerosol generating device can be simplified.

[0115] In addition, since there is no need to install an electrical terminal for the battery in the main body (10), the mounting space (10b) of the battery module (11) and the internal space of the main body (10) can be completely separated. This can prevent foreign substances or moisture from entering the interior of the aerosol generating device from the outside, and can prevent residual substances such as liquid generated in the aerosol generating device from flowing out into the battery module (11).

[0116] The main body (10) may include user switches (18a, 18b, 18c) for the operation of the aerosol generating device. A user can control the operation of the aerosol generating device by manipulating the user switches (18a, 18b, 18c).

[0117] For example, when a user operates the first switch (18a) while a battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10), the operation of the aerosol generating device is initiated, and the communication unit (180) of FIG. 4 can transmit a wireless signal requesting wireless power transmission to the battery communication unit (11b) of the battery module (11).

[0118] As another example, when the user operates the second switch (18b), the aerosol generating device can stop the aerosol generating operation.

[0119] As another example, when the user operates the third switch (18c), the aerosol generating device stops the aerosol generating operation, and the communication unit (180) of FIG. 4 can transmit a wireless signal to the battery communication unit (11b) of the battery module (11) to cause the battery module (11) to initiate a charging operation.

[0120] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of a transmitter and receiver of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0121] The transmitter / receiver (11a) may be implemented to operate in any of the wireless modes, such as magnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or electromagnetic wave.

[0122] The transceiver (11a) may include an antenna circuit (11e) capable of wirelessly receiving or transmitting power, and a voltage regulator (11v) disposed between the battery cell (11c) and the antenna circuit (11e) to adjust the voltage. When the transceiver (11a) operates in a transmission mode, the voltage regulator (11v) may boost the output voltage of the battery cell (11c) to supply power to the antenna circuit (11e). In addition, when the transceiver (11a) operates in a charging mode, the voltage regulator (11v) may lower the voltage of the power wirelessly received by the antenna circuit (11e) to charge the battery cell (11c).

[0123] In addition, the transceiver (11a) may include a rectifier (11w) for converting AC power into DC power or DC power into AC power. For example, when the transceiver (11a) operates in a transmission mode, the rectifier (11w) may convert the DC voltage boosted by the voltage regulator (11v) into an AC voltage to supply power to the antenna circuit (11e). In addition, when the transceiver (11a) operates in a charging mode, the rectifier (11w) may convert the AC power wirelessly received by the antenna circuit (11e) into a DC power to supply the DC power to the voltage regulator (11v).

[0124] Additionally, the transmitter / receiver (11a) may include an impedance matcher (11m). The impedance matcher (11m) may be placed between the voltage regulator (11v) and the antenna circuit (11e) to perform the function of matching the impedance of the voltage regulator (11v) and the impedance of the antenna circuit (11e).

[0125] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the power receiving operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0126] When the power button (or power switch) of the aerosol generating device is turned ON by the user, the startup operation of the aerosol generating device begins (S100).

[0127] The method for initiating the startup operation of the aerosol generating device is not limited to the example of the power button being turned ON. As another example, if a battery module is mounted on the main body of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device may detect the mounting status of the battery module and initiate the startup operation of the aerosol generating device. To this end, the aerosol generating device may be equipped with a sensor on the main body for detecting the mounting of the battery module.

[0128] When the aerosol generating device's starting operation begins, the communication unit of the main body of the aerosol generating device transmits an aerosol generation signal to the battery communicator of the battery module (S110). The 'aerosol generation signal' is a wireless signal transmitted by the main body's communication unit to the battery communicator, and is a wireless signal requesting the battery module to supply power to the main body.

[0129] The battery module can operate in a transmission mode to wirelessly supply power to the power module of the main body based on a wireless signal transmitted from the communication unit of the main body to the battery communicator. When the battery module operates in the transmission mode, a communication establishment operation for wireless power reception is performed between the battery communicator of the battery module and the communication unit of the main body (S120).

[0130] The wireless power reception communication establishment operation may be, for example, an operation in which the control unit of the main body verifies authentication information transmitted from the battery module and permits wireless power reception. The authentication information verification operation may be, for example, an operation in which the control unit compares the authentication information transmitted from the battery module with identification information previously held by the aerosol generator to determine whether the battery module corresponds to an authenticated battery (genuine battery).

[0131] After the establishment of communication for wireless power reception is completed, a wireless power reception operation is performed in which the power module of the main body wirelessly receives power from the battery module (S130).

[0132] When the wireless power reception operation is executed and power from the battery module is supplied to the power module, power is supplied to the aerosol generator by the power module, and the aerosol generator starts generating aerosol (S140).

[0133] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the power transmission operation of the battery module of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 8 illustrates the operation of the battery module in conjunction with the operation of the main body of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0134] When the battery module receives an 'aerosol generation signal' from the communication unit of the main body of the aerosol generation device (B100), the battery communicator of the battery module establishes wireless power transmission communication with the communication unit of the main body (B110). The wireless power transmission communication may be an operation in which the battery communicator transmits authentication information of the battery module to the communication unit of the main body, thereby confirming whether the battery module corresponds to a genuine product that can be used for the operation of the aerosol generation device.

[0135] After communication for wireless power transmission is established, an operation of wirelessly transmitting power from the transceiver of the battery module to the power module of the main body is executed (B120).

[0136] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the wireless charging operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0137] While the aerosol generating device is operating by power supplied wirelessly from the battery module as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 to generate an aerosol, a wireless charging initiation command requesting wireless charging to be performed may be generated (S200).

[0138] While the battery module operates in charging mode, wirelessly receiving power from an external wireless power charger to charge the battery module, the battery module cannot supply power to the power module of the main body, and thus the aerosol generator must stop generating aerosol. Therefore, the "wireless charging initiation command" may be a signal to stop the aerosol generator when the battery module operates in charging mode.

[0139] The 'wireless charging start command' may be a command generated by the control unit in response to a signal generated when a user operates a switch of the main body as illustrated in Fig. 5. When the control unit generates the wireless charging start command, the aerosol generator may stop generating aerosol (S210).

[0140] Embodiments are not limited by the manner in which the 'wireless charging initiation command' is generated. For example, if the amount of power charged in the battery module falls below a predetermined minimum power capacity in the aerosol generating device, the control unit may automatically generate the 'wireless charging initiation command'.

[0141] As another example, when the aerosol generating device approaches an external wireless power charger and the battery module or the main body's communication unit detects the external wireless power charger, the main body's control unit or the battery module's battery communication unit can automatically generate a 'wireless charging start command'.

[0142] After the aerosol generation operation is stopped, an operation is performed in which the communication unit of the main body transmits a wireless charging signal to the battery communication unit of the battery module (S220).

[0143] The 'wireless charging signal' may be a signal requesting the transceiver of the battery module to operate in a charging mode to charge the battery cells.

[0144] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the wireless charging operation of the battery module of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 4 to 9. Fig. 10 illustrates the operation of the battery module in conjunction with the operation of the main body of the aerosol generating device illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0145] When the battery module receives a "wireless charging signal" from the communication unit of the main body of the aerosol generating device (B200), the battery communicator of the battery module establishes wireless power reception communication with an external wireless power charger (B210). The wireless power reception communication may be an operation in which the battery communicator transmits authentication information of the battery module to the wireless power charger, thereby confirming whether the battery module corresponds to a genuine product that can be charged via wireless charging.

[0146] After communication for wireless power reception is established, a charging operation is performed in which the battery module's transmitter / receiver wirelessly receives power from an external wireless power charger to charge the battery cell (B220).

[0147] An operation (B230) for checking whether the power charging of the battery cells of the battery module is completed is executed, and if the power charging of the battery cells is completed, the operation of the transceiver of the battery module wirelessly receiving power from the wireless power charger is terminated (B240). After the operation of wirelessly receiving power is terminated, or simultaneously with the termination of the operation of wirelessly receiving power, the charging operation for charging the power of the battery cells is terminated (B250).

[0148] According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, power from the battery module can be wirelessly supplied to the main body of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, the battery module can be wirelessly charged from an external wireless power charger. Therefore, there is no need for a battery terminal for electrical connection between the battery module and the main body. Furthermore, there is no need for a charging terminal to be installed in the aerosol generating device for charging the battery module.

[0149] FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0150] The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11 is almost identical to the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11 does not include a capacitor, and includes a battery communication unit (11b) of a battery module (11) and a wireless tag (180t) for wireless communication.

[0151] The battery communication unit (11b) of the battery module (11) can read information from a wireless tag (180t) based on, for example, a short-range communication protocol. The wireless tag (180t) may be an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, or for example, an NFC (near field communication) tag.

[0152] The embodiments are not limited by the method of implementing the wireless tag (180t), and the wireless tag (180t) may be implemented to utilize short-range communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee. If the wireless tag (180t) requires its own power, the aerosol generating device may be modified to have a capacity as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0153] When the battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10), the battery communication device (11b) of the battery module (11) identifies the wireless tag (180t) of the main body (10), thereby enabling the aerosol generating device to start up.

[0154] The battery communicator (11b) can identify the wireless tag (180t) of the main body (10), and the battery communicator (11b) can determine that the battery module (11) is capable of supplying power to the power module (17) of the aerosol generating device.

[0155] The battery communication device (11b) of the battery module (11) can drive the controller (11d) based on the identification result of the wireless tag (180t). The controller (11d) can operate in a transmission mode in which it transmits a signal to the transceiver (11a) so that the transceiver (11a) wirelessly supplies power to the power module (17) of the main body (10).

[0156] The aerosol generator (13g) can generate aerosol as power is supplied to the power module (17) of the aerosol generating device by the battery module (11).

[0157] While the aerosol generator (13g) is generating aerosol, the user can stop the aerosol generating operation by operating the switch of the aerosol generating device.

[0158] Additionally, by operating the switch of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device can stop generating aerosol and start charging the battery module (11).

[0159] According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to install a battery terminal for electrical connection between the battery module (11) and the main body (10), and there is no need to install a charging terminal for charging power of the battery module (11) in the main body (10).

[0160] In addition, even if the main body (10) does not have a capacity for power retention, the battery module (11) can automatically perform an operation (start-up operation) in which the battery module (11) identifies a wireless tag (180t) and wirelessly supplies power to the main body (10).

[0161] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0162] The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12 is almost identical to the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 12 does not include a capacity, the battery module (11) includes switches (s1, s2) and buttons (b1, b2), and the main body (10) includes buttons (b3, b4).

[0163] The switches (s1, s2) of the battery module (11) are connected to the controller (11d). Depending on the operation of the switches (s1, s2), the controller (11d) generates a signal, thereby allowing the transmitter / receiver (11a) to operate in transmission mode or charging mode.

[0164] When the battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10), the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) and the buttons (b1, b2) of the battery module (11) are brought into contact with each other. For example, the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) can be operated by the user.

[0165] When one of the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) operated by the user presses the button (b1, b2) of the battery module (11), the switch (s1, s2) corresponding to the pressed button (b1, b2) is activated.

[0166] For example, when a user presses the first button (b3), the first switch (s1) is operated by the button (b1) of the battery module (11), and thus the transmitter / receiver (11a) can be operated in transmission mode by the controller (11d). As another example, when the second switch (s2) is operated, the transmitter / receiver (11a) can be operated in charging mode by the controller (11d).

[0167] The controller (11d) of the battery module (11) can operate in a transmission mode in which a signal is transmitted to the transceiver (11a) so that the transceiver (11a) wirelessly supplies power to the power module (17) of the main body (10). As power is supplied to the power module (17) of the aerosol generating device by the battery module (11), the aerosol generator (13g) can generate aerosol.

[0168] As another operating example, when a user presses the second button (b4) of the aerosol generator (13g) while the aerosol generator is generating aerosol, the operation of generating aerosol of the aerosol generator is stopped, and the second switch (s2) is operated by the button (b2) of the battery module (11), so that the transmitter / receiver (11a) can be operated in a charging mode by the controller (11d).

[0169] According to the aerosol generating device according to the above-described embodiment, there is no need to install a battery terminal for electrical connection between the battery module (11) and the main body (10), and there is no need to install a charging terminal for charging power of the battery module (11) in the main body (10).

[0170] In addition, even if the main body (10) does not have a capacity for power retention, when the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) are operated, an operation (start-up operation) in which the battery module (11) wirelessly supplies power to the main body (10) can be automatically executed.

[0171] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0172] FIG. 13 illustrates a specific structure in which a button (b3) disposed on a main body (10) and a button (b1) disposed on a battery module (11) contact each other in an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, and a switch (s1) is operated by the button (b1).

[0173] The main body (10) includes an internal space (10a) in which a control unit (12), an aerosol generator (13g), and a power module (17) are arranged, and a mounting space (10b) in which a battery module (11) is mounted. The internal space (10a) and the mounting space (10b) are completely separated, so that no material can move between the internal space (10a) and the mounting space (10b).

[0174] The button (b3) of the main body (10) is located in an area separated from the internal space (10a). The button (b3) of the main body (10) is installed so as to be movable on the main body (10). The button (b3) is elastically supported on the main body (10) by an elastic member (b3s). When the user presses the button (b3), the protrusion of the button (b3) protrudes toward the battery module (11) and can come into contact with the button (b1) of the battery module (11).

[0175] When the button (b3) of the main body (10) comes into contact with the button (b1) of the battery module (11), the switch (s1) is activated and the controller (11d) is driven. By the operation of the switch (s1), the controller (11d) generates a signal, allowing the transmitter / receiver of the battery module (11) to operate in transmission mode or charging mode.

[0176] When the battery module (11) is mounted in the mounting space (10b) of the main body (10), it is preferable that the center of the antenna module of the battery module (11) and the center of the antenna module of the main body (10) be aligned. The main body (10) may include a position adjuster (10z) for adjusting the position of the battery module (11).

[0177] The position adjuster (10z) can move in the direction of arrow A in the mounting space (10b) of the main body (10). By changing the position of the battery module (11) in the mounting space (10b) of the main body (10), the center of the antenna module of the battery module (11) can be aligned with the center of the antenna module of the main body (10).

[0178] The arrangement structure and number of position adjusters (10z) illustrated in Fig. 13 are exemplary, and the number and arrangement structure of the position adjusters (10z) may be modified in various ways. For example, in Fig. 13, position adjusters (10z) may be arranged on both sides of the left and right directions of the battery module (11). As another example, the position adjusters (10z) may be arranged to move in a direction transverse to the direction in which the battery module (11) and the main body (10) of Fig. 13 extend (a direction perpendicular to the ground in Fig. 13).

[0179] According to the position controller (10z) of this type, even if the size of the battery module (11) does not exactly match the mounting space (10b) of the main body (10) of the aerosol generating device, the battery module (11) can be mounted on the main body (10). In addition, when battery modules (11) of various sizes are used in the aerosol generating device, the efficiency of wireless power transmission and reception can be increased by aligning the centers of the battery modules (11) and the main body (10).

[0180] Fig. 14 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14 is almost identical to the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, but the configuration of the battery module (11) has been modified.

[0181] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, one transmitter and receiver operates in either a transmission mode or a charging mode, but in the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the transmission mode is executed by the transmitter (11x) and the charging mode is executed by the receiver (11r).

[0182] In the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the battery module (11) includes a battery cell (11c) capable of being charged with power, a receiver (11r) for wirelessly receiving power and charging power to the battery cell (11c), a transmitter (11x) for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell (11c) to the power module (17), and a controller (11d) capable of generating a signal for selecting and executing a transmission mode in which the transmitter (11x) operates or a charging mode in which the receiver (11r) operates.

[0183] FIG. 15 is a block diagram schematically illustrating some elements of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14.

[0184] The receiver (11r) includes a receiving antenna circuit (11e1), a rectifier (11w1) disposed between the receiving antenna circuit (11e1) and the battery cell (11c) to convert AC power into DC power, a voltage regulator (11v1) to adjust voltage, and an impedance matcher (11m1) to perform an impedance matching function.

[0185] The transmitter (11x) includes a transmitting antenna circuit (11e2), a rectifier (11w2) disposed between the transmitting antenna circuit (11e2) and the battery cell (11c) to convert direct current power into alternating current power, a voltage regulator (11v2) to adjust voltage, and an impedance matcher (11m2) to perform an impedance matching function.

[0186] FIG. 16 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0187] The configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16 is almost identical to the configuration of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 15. The aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16 does not include a capacitor, the battery module (11) includes switches (s1, s2) and buttons (b1, b2), and the main body (10) includes buttons (b3, b4).

[0188] When the battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10), the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) and the buttons (b1, b2) of the battery module (11) are brought into contact with each other. For example, the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) can be operated by the user.

[0189] When one of the buttons (b3, b4) of the main body (10) operated by the user presses the button (b1, b2) of the battery module (11), the switch (s1, s2) corresponding to the pressed button (b1, b2) is activated. For example, when the first switch (s1) is activated, the transmitter (11x) is activated by the controller (11d), and a transmission mode can be executed in which the transmitter (11x) wirelessly supplies power of the battery cell (11c) to the power module (17) of the main body (10).

[0190] As another example, when the second switch (s2) is operated, the receiver (11r) is operated by the controller (11d), and a charging mode can be executed in which the receiver (11r) wirelessly receives power from an external wireless power charger (90) and charges the power of the battery cell (11c).

[0191] When a user operates the button (b1) of the aerosol generating device, the controller (11d) of the battery module (11) transmits a signal to the transmitter (11x), and the transmitter (11x) wirelessly supplies power to the power module (17) of the main body (10), thereby executing a transmission mode. By the transmission mode, power of the battery module (11) is wirelessly supplied to the power module (17) of the aerosol generating device, so that the aerosol generator (13g) can generate aerosol.

[0192] When a user operates the button (b2) of the aerosol generator (13g) while the aerosol generator is generating aerosol, the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator is stopped and the battery module (11) can be put into a charging mode to charge power.

[0193] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the battery module of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 in a disassembled manner.

[0194] The battery module (11) includes a battery cell (11c) that can be charged with power, a lower case (11s) for accommodating the battery cell (11c), and an upper cover (11h).

[0195] A receiving antenna circuit (11e1) and a transmitting antenna circuit (11e2) are arranged on the surfaces on both sides of the battery cell (11c). A battery control board (11k) is mounted on the side of the battery cell (11c).

[0196] Each of the receiving antenna circuit (11e1) and the transmitting antenna circuit (11e2) may include, for example, a flexible circuit board and a wireless power transmission antenna / wireless power reception antenna arranged on the circuit board.

[0197] Connection terminals for electrical connection with the battery control board (11k) are formed protrudingly at each edge of the receiving antenna circuit (11e1) and the transmitting antenna circuit (11e2). The connection terminals of the receiving antenna circuit (11e1) and the transmitting antenna circuit (11e2) can be folded and electrically connected to one surface of the battery control board (11k).

[0198] The battery terminal of the battery cell (11c) can be electrically connected to the other surface of the battery control board (11k).

[0199] The receiving antenna circuit (11e1) includes intermediate terminals (t1, t2, t5) arranged in electrical wiring that are electrically connected to the battery control board (11k).

[0200] Buttons (b1, b2, b5) corresponding to the respective intermediate terminals (t1, t2, t5) are arranged on the upper cover (11h). Each of the buttons (b1, b2, b5) is movably arranged on the upper cover (11h). When the buttons (b1, b2, b5) are pressed, an electrical connection between the electrical wiring of the intermediate terminals (t1, t2, t5) corresponding to the buttons (b1, b2, b5) and the battery control board (11k) can be established.

[0201] FIG. 18 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an aerosol generating device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0202] When a battery module (11) is mounted on the main body (10) of the aerosol generating device, the buttons (b1, b2, b5) of the battery module (11) are located in an area where they can come into contact with the buttons (b3, b4, b6) of the main body (10).

[0203] Each of the buttons (b3, b4, b6) of the main body (10) is an element independently arranged on the outside of the internal space of the main body (10) where the components of the main body (10) are mounted. One end of the buttons (b3, b4, b6) is fixed to the main body (10), and the other end of the buttons (b3, b4, b6) can be deformed by being pressed by a pressing force applied from the outside. When the buttons (b3, b4, b6) of the main body (10) are pressed by a user's operation, the pressed buttons (b3, b4, b6) can press the corresponding buttons (b1, b2, b5) of the battery module (11).

[0204] The structure of such buttons (b3, b4, b6) may include a cantilever structure. Embodiments are not limited by the structure of the buttons (b3, b4, b6) of the above-described main body (10), and various modifications are possible to independently install the buttons (b3, b4, b6) on the outside of the internal space of the main body (10). For example, the buttons (b3, b4, b6) may be supported by an elastic element such as a spring, and may move relative to the main body (10) by a pressing force applied from the outside, thereby pressing the buttons (b1, b2, b5) of the battery module (11).

[0205] As described above, according to the structure of the buttons (b3, b4, b6) of the main body (10) for operating the controller (11d) of the battery module (11) and the buttons (b1, b2, b5) and the switch of the battery module (11), the mounting space where the battery module (11) is mounted and the internal space of the main body (10) can be completely separated. Accordingly, the components placed in the internal space of the main body (10) can be safely protected, and residual substances such as liquid generated from the aerosol generating device can be prevented from being transferred to the battery module (11).

[0206] FIG. 19 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of an aerosol generating device according to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18.

[0207] An aerosol generating device (100) (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 to 3) may include a control unit (110), a sensing unit (120), an output unit (130), a battery module (11), a power module (17), a heater (150), a user input unit (160), a memory (170), and a communication unit (180). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 19. That is, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 19 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0208] The sensing unit (120) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (100) or the status around the aerosol generating device (100) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (110). Based on the detected information, the control unit (110) can control the aerosol generating device (100) to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater (150), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0209] The sensing unit (120) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (122), an insertion detection sensor (124), and a puff sensor (126), but is not limited thereto.

[0210] The temperature sensor (122) can detect the temperature at which the heater (150) (or the aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device (100) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (150), or the heater (150) itself may function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor (122) may be disposed around the battery module (11) to monitor the temperature of the battery module (11).

[0211] The insertion detection sensor (124) can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor (124) can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change as the aerosol-generating article is inserted and / or removed.

[0212] The puff sensor (126) can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor (126) can detect the user's puff based on any one of temperature changes, flow changes, voltage changes, and pressure changes.

[0213] In addition to the sensors (122 to 126) described above, the sensing unit (120) may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor). A detailed description of the functions of each sensor may be omitted.

[0214] The output unit (130) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100) and provide it to the user. The output unit (130) may include at least one of a display unit (132), a haptic unit (134), and an audio output unit (136), but is not limited thereto. When the display unit (132) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit (132) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0215] The display unit (132) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (100) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the battery module (11) of the aerosol generating device (100), the preheating status of the heater (150), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (100) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display unit (132) can output the above information to the outside. The display unit (132) can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc. In addition, the display unit (132) can also be in the form of an LED light-emitting element.

[0216] The haptic unit (134) can provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit (134) can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0217] The acoustic output unit (136) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (136) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0218] The battery module (11) can supply power used for the operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The battery module (11) can wirelessly supply power to the power module (17) so that the heater (150) can be heated. In addition, the power module (17) can supply power required for the operation of other components (e.g., the sensing unit (120), the output unit (130), the user input unit (160), the memory (170), and the communication unit (180)) provided in the aerosol generating device (100). The battery module (11) may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery module (11) may include, but is not limited to, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery.

[0219] The heater (150) can receive power from the power module (17) to heat the aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 19, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the power module (17) and supplies it to the heater (150). In addition, when the aerosol generating device (100) generates the aerosol by induction heating, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power module (17) into alternating current power.

[0220] The control unit (110), sensing unit (120), output unit (130), user input unit (160), memory (170), and communication unit (180) can perform functions by receiving power from the power module (17). Although not shown in Fig. 19, the power conversion circuit that converts the power of the power module (17) and supplies it to each component, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, may be further included.

[0221] In one embodiment, the heater (150) may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials may be metals or metal alloys including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, and the like. In addition, the heater (150) may be implemented as, but not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate having electrically conductive tracks arranged thereon, a ceramic heating element, and the like.

[0222] In another embodiment, the heater (150) may be an induction heating heater. For example, the heater (150) may include a susceptor that heats the aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

[0223] The user input unit (160) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the user input unit (160) may include, but is not limited to, a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact electrostatic capacitance type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezo effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 19, the aerosol generating device (100) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge the battery module (11) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0224] The memory (170) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (110). The memory (170) 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 (170) may store data on the operation time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and a user's smoking pattern.

[0225] The communication unit (180) may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (180) may include a short-range communication unit (182) and a wireless communication unit (184).

[0226] The short-range wireless communication unit (182) 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, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0227] The wireless communication unit (184) 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. The wireless communication unit (184) may also use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) to identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device (100) within the communication network.

[0228] The control unit (110) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). In one embodiment, the control unit (110) can 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.

[0229] The control unit (110) can control the temperature of the heater (150) by controlling the supply of power from the power module (17) to the heater (150). For example, the control unit (110) can control the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching element between the power module (17) and the heater (150). In another example, the heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater (150) according to a control command of the control unit (110).

[0230] The control unit (110) can analyze the results detected by the sensing unit (120) and control the processes to be performed thereafter. For example, the control unit (110) can control the power supplied to the heater (150) so that the operation of the heater (150) is started or ended based on the results detected by the sensing unit (120). As another example, the control unit (110) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (150) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (150) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature based on the results detected by the sensing unit (120).

[0231] The control unit (110) can control the output unit (130) based on the result detected by the sensing unit (120). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (126) reaches a preset number, the control unit (110) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit (132), the haptic unit (134), and the sound output unit (136).

[0232] An embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. Furthermore, computer-readable media can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data, such as program modules, in a modulated data signal, or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media.

[0233] The description of the above-described embodiments is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection for the invention should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the content described in the claims should be construed as being included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0234] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device in which a battery module capable of supplying power wirelessly can be detachably mounted.

Claims

1. Main body; An aerosol generator disposed in the above body and capable of generating an aerosol when power is supplied; A power module disposed in the main body and configured to wirelessly receive power and supply power to the aerosol generator; and An aerosol generating device comprising a battery module capable of charging power and being detachably mounted on the main body and capable of wirelessly transmitting power to the power module.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery module comprises a battery cell capable of being charged with power, a transceiver capable of operating in a charging mode for wirelessly receiving power and charging power to the battery cell or a transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell to the power module, and a controller capable of generating a signal for operating the transceiver in the transmitting mode or the charging mode.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device, wherein the transceiver comprises an antenna circuit and a voltage regulator disposed between the battery cell and the antenna circuit to adjust the voltage.

4. In paragraph 3, An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-mentioned transmitter and receiver include a rectifier for converting AC power into DC power or for converting DC power into AC power.

5. In paragraph 3, An aerosol generating device, wherein the transceiver further includes an impedance matcher that matches the impedance of the voltage regulator and the impedance of the antenna circuit.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery module comprises a battery cell capable of being charged with power, a receiver for wirelessly receiving power and charging power to the battery cell, a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting power from the battery cell to the power module, and a controller capable of generating a signal for selecting and executing a transmission mode in which the transmitter operates or a charging mode in which the receiver operates.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, wherein the receiver comprises a receiving antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the receiving antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert alternating current power into direct current power.

8. In paragraph 7, An aerosol generating device, wherein the receiver further comprises a voltage regulator for adjusting voltage and an impedance matcher for matching the impedance of the voltage regulator and the impedance of the receiving antenna circuit, the voltage regulator being disposed between the battery cell and the receiving antenna circuit.

9. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device, wherein the transmitter comprises a transmitting antenna circuit and a rectifier disposed between the transmitting antenna circuit and the battery cell to convert direct current power into alternating current power.

10. In paragraph 9, An aerosol generating device, wherein the transmitter further includes a voltage regulator for adjusting voltage and an impedance matcher for matching the impedance of the voltage regulator and the impedance of the transmitting antenna circuit, the voltage regulator being disposed between the battery cell and the transmitting antenna circuit.

11. In paragraph 2, It further includes a capacitor disposed in the main body for charging power supplied wirelessly from the battery module, and a communication unit disposed in the main body for transmitting a wireless signal to the battery module. An aerosol generating device, wherein the battery module further includes a battery communicator capable of wireless communication with the communication unit, and the controller generates a signal based on the wireless signal transmitted through the battery communicator.

12. In paragraph 2, It further includes a control unit for controlling the aerosol generator, and a communication unit disposed in the main body for transmitting a wireless signal to the battery module. The above battery module further includes a battery communication device capable of wireless communication from the communication unit, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the battery module operates in the charging mode, the control unit stops the aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating device, wherein when the charging mode of the battery module ends and the battery module operates in the transmitting mode, the control unit initiates an aerosol generating operation of the aerosol generator.

14. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device wherein the main body includes a mounting space in which the battery module is mounted and an internal space in which the power module is arranged, and the mounting space and the internal space are separated from each other to block movement of material between the mounting space and the internal space.

15. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a position controller for adjusting the position of the battery module relative to the main body to align the center of the power module with the center of the battery module.

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