Aerosol generating device and operating method therefor

Abstract

An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a battery detachably disposed in a receiving unit; a battery monitoring unit for measuring operation information of the battery; and a control unit including an internal resistance calculation unit for calculating a value of an internal resistance of the battery on the basis of the operation information of the battery. The control unit compares the calculated value of the internal resistance with a preconfigured reference value range to determine whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving unit.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method of operation therefor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device capable of determining whether a removable battery is properly installed in a receiving portion of the aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative smoking methods to conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for methods that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating element within the cigarette, rather than by burning the cigarette itself. Accordingly, research into heated cigarettes or heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] The aerosol generating device can be powered by a battery for overall operation and heating of the heater. Recently, countries around the world have been demanding environmental friendliness and safety throughout the entire life cycle of electronic devices containing batteries, from battery production to recycling, to improve the global environment.

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor that can simply and quickly determine whether a removable battery is normally mounted by utilizing the characteristics of the battery.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor that can improve the accuracy of determining whether a removable battery is normally mounted by analyzing the characteristics of the battery in response to the usage environment of the battery.

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

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises a control unit including a battery detachably disposed in a receiving portion, a battery monitoring unit for measuring operating information of the battery, and an internal resistance calculating unit for calculating an internal resistance value of the battery based on the operating information of the battery. The control unit compares the calculated internal resistance value with a preset reference value range to determine whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion.

[0008] A method of operating an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes the steps of mounting a battery in a receiving portion, measuring operation information of the battery, calculating a value of internal resistance of the battery based on the operation information of the battery, and comparing the calculated value of internal resistance with a preset reference value range to determine whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion.

[0009] An aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent device failure and ensure user safety by simply and quickly determining whether the device is normally mounted using the internal resistance of a removable battery, thereby activating the device only when it is normally mounted.

[0010] An aerosol generating device and an operating method therefor according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the accuracy of determining whether a removable battery is normally mounted by analyzing the internal resistance of the battery based on at least one of the temperature, charge rate, and number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery.

[0011] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 2A to 2E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 implemented in various types.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a method for determining whether a battery of an aerosol generating device is normally mounted according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4a is a diagram showing an exemplary equivalent circuit of a removable battery.

[0016] Figure 4b is a drawing for explaining a method for calculating the internal resistance of a removable battery.

[0017] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining a message displayed when a removable battery is abnormally installed in an aerosol generating device.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a method for determining whether a battery of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment is normally mounted.

[0019] Fig. 7a is a graph showing the change in internal resistance according to temperature, Fig. 7b is a graph showing the change in internal resistance according to SOC, and Fig. 7c is a graph showing the change in internal resistance according to the number of charge / discharge cycles.

[0020] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 "part" and "module" used in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0023] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) may include a removable battery (110), a heater (120), a main processor (130), a user interface (140), a main memory (150), a sensor (160), and a battery monitoring unit (170). However, the hardware components inside the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components (e.g., a connecting port, another communication module, etc.) may be added.

[0027] Below, the operation of each component included in the aerosol generating device (100) will be described without limiting the space in which the components are located.

[0028] The removable battery (110) supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device (100). For example, the removable battery (110) may supply power so that the heater (120) may be heated. In addition, the removable battery (110) may supply power required for the operation of other hardware components provided in the aerosol generating device (100), namely, the heater (120), the main processor (130), the user interface (140), the main memory (150), the sensor (160), or the battery monitoring unit (170). The removable battery (110) may be, for example, a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery or a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] The removable battery (110) is a replaceable type (separate) power source, and can be mounted in or removed from the battery receiving portion provided in the aerosol generating device (100). The removable battery (110) is provided with an electrical contact, and when the removable battery (110) is mounted in the aerosol generating device (100), the electrical contact of the removable battery (110) can be implemented to be electrically connected to the electrical contact portion provided in the aerosol generating device (100) to supply power to the aerosol generating device (100). As another example, instead of a separate electrical contact portion, the removable battery (110) may be provided with a charging coil for supplying power to the aerosol generating device (100) in a wireless charging manner. That is, the power supply method of the removable battery (110) may vary, and the electrical connection method between the removable battery (110) and the aerosol generating device (100) may vary depending on the power supply method supported by the removable battery (110).

[0030] A removable battery (110) according to one embodiment may include at least one battery cell. The battery cell may have different electrodes formed at opposite ends along its length and may be formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the battery cell is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell may be formed in a square or pouch shape.

[0031] The heater (120) receives power from a removable battery (110) under the control of the main processor (130). The heater (120) can heat a cigarette inserted into the aerosol generating device (100) or a cartridge mounted on the aerosol generating device (100) using the power supplied from the removable battery (110). That is, the heater (120) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material provided in the cigarette or cartridge.

[0032] The heater (120) may be located in the body of the aerosol generating device (100). Alternatively, if the aerosol generating device (100) is composed of a body and a cartridge, the heater (120) may be located in the cartridge. If the heater (120) is located in the cartridge, the heater (120) may be powered by a removable battery (110) located in the body.

[0033] The heater (120) may be implemented as an electrically resistive heating type heater formed of an electrically resistive material. For example, the electrically resistive material may be a metal or metal alloy including, but not limited to, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. The heater (120) 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, etc.

[0034] The heater (120) may be implemented as an induction heating heater. The heater (120) may correspond to a heater assembly implemented as a set of an electrically conductive coil and a susceptor for heating a cigarette or cartridge by induction heating.

[0035] The heater (120) can heat a cigarette inserted into a receiving space provided within the aerosol generating device (100). As the cigarette is received in the receiving space of the aerosol generating device (100), the heater (120) can be positioned inside and / or outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heater (120) can heat an aerosol generating substance within the cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0036] Meanwhile, the heater (120) may be implemented as a coil heater provided only within the cartridge. The cartridge includes a coil heater, a liquid delivery means, and a liquid storage unit, and can transfer an aerosol generating substance contained in the liquid storage unit through the liquid delivery means, and the coil heater can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance absorbed by the liquid delivery means. For example, if the heater (120) is a coil heater, it can be manufactured from a material such as nickel-chromium and wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0037] The main processor (130) is hardware that controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The main processor (130) may include at least one processing unit, such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The main processor (130) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains that the main processor (130) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0038] The main processor (130) can analyze the results sensed by the sensor (160) and control subsequent processing based on the sensing results. For example, the main processor (130) can control the power supplied to the heater (120) so that the operation of the heater (120) can be started or stopped based on the results sensed by the sensor (160). In addition, the main processor (130) can control the amount of power supplied to the heater (120) and the time for which the power is supplied so that the heater (120) can be heated to a predetermined temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature based on the results sensed by the sensor (160).

[0039] The main processor (130) can control the operation of the heater (120) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. In addition, the main processor (130) can sense the user's puff using the puff sensor in the sensor (160) and then control the temperature of the heater (120). In addition, the main processor (130) can count the number of puffs using the puff sensor and then stop supplying power to the heater (120) when the number of puffs reaches a preset number.

[0040] The main processor (130) may also control the user interface (140) based on the sensing results. For example, if the number of puffs is counted using a puff sensor and the number of puffs reaches a preset number, the main processor (130) may use a lamp, motor, or speaker to notify the user that the aerosol generating device (100) will soon be shut down.

[0041] In addition, the main processor (130) can determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving unit based on the operation information of the aerosol generating device (100) provided from the battery monitoring unit (170). Hereinafter, a specific method by which the main processor (130) determines whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0042] The user interface (140) can provide the user with information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100). The user interface (140) can include various interfacing means, such as a display or lamp that outputs visual information (UI screen), a motor that outputs tactile information, a speaker that outputs sound information, input / output (I / O) interfacing means (e.g., buttons or touch screens) that receive information input from the user or output information to the user, and terminals for supplying charging power.

[0043] The main memory (150) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and the main memory (150) can store data processed by the main processor (130) and data to be processed. The main memory (150) can be implemented in various types, such as random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).

[0044] The main memory (150) can store various types of information, such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the temperature profile, the user's smoking information, and information for battery authentication.

[0045] Additionally, the main memory (150) can store the operation information of the aerosol generating device (100) measured by the battery monitoring unit (170).

[0046] The battery monitoring unit (170) can monitor the operating information of the removable battery (110) based on the control of the main processor (130) and provide the operating information to the main processor (130). At this time, the operating information of the removable battery (110) can include the no-load voltage of the battery, the temperature of the battery, the SOC (state of charge) of the battery, and the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery. At this time, the SOC calculation unit can be provided within the battery monitoring unit (170), or can be implemented in the form of a predetermined module in an area other than the battery monitoring unit (170) (e.g., the main processor (130)).

[0047] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (100) may also form an aerosol generating system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to store the aerosol generating device (100) while charging the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100). That is, the cradle may be a dedicated device for the aerosol generating device (100) that receives power from the battery of the cradle and charges the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating device (100) while the aerosol generating device (100) of the cradle is accommodated in the accommodation space within the cradle.

[0048] FIGS. 2A to 2E are drawings illustrating embodiments of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 implemented in various types. Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2E, the aerosol generating device (100) can be implemented as various types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e), such as those using an electric resistance heating method or an induction heating method, those additionally equipped with a vaporizer, and those using a cartridge method. Only some elements for explaining the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) are illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, and other general-purpose elements may be further included in the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) in addition to the elements illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E.

[0049] In FIGS. 2a to 2e, the removable battery (110), heater (120a to 120e), and main processor (130) are components corresponding to the removable battery (110), heater (120), and main processor (130) of FIG. 1, respectively, and can perform the functions of the removable battery (110), heater (120), and main processor (130) described above in FIG. 1.

[0050] FIG. 2a is a drawing for explaining an electrical resistance type aerosol generating device (200a) according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200a) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2a, the aerosol generating device (200a) may include a removable battery (110), a heater (120a), and a main processor (130).

[0052] A cigarette (20a) can be inserted into the receiving space inside the aerosol generating device (200a). When the cigarette (20a) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (200a), the aerosol generating device (200a) can generate an aerosol from the cigarette (20a) by heating the cigarette (20a) using a heater (120a). The generated aerosol passes through the cigarette (20a) and is delivered to the user, so the user can smoke the cigarette (20a).

[0053] The heater (120a) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (110). The heater (120a) may be an electrical resistive heater. For example, the heater (120a) includes an electrically conductive track, and the heater (120a) can be heated as current flows through the electrically conductive track.

[0054] The electrically conductive track of the heater (120a) is made of an electrically resistive material, so that the heating temperature can be determined according to the power consumption of the resistor, and the resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set based on the power consumption of the resistor of the electrically conductive track. The resistance value of the electrically conductive track can be set in various ways depending on the constituent material, length, width, thickness, or pattern of the electrically resistive material.

[0055] The internal resistance of an electrically conductive track may increase as the temperature increases, depending on its temperature coefficient of resistance characteristics. For example, the temperature and resistance of the electrically conductive track may be proportional within a given temperature range. Using this principle, a heater (120a) made of an electrically conductive track can heat a cigarette (20a) using electrical resistance.

[0056] The electrically conductive tracks can be made of tungsten, gold, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, palladium, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the electrically conductive tracks can be doped with a suitable doping agent and include an alloy.

[0057] The shape of the heater (120a) can be manufactured in various ways, such as a tube shape, a plate shape, a needle shape, or a rod shape. In addition, a plurality of heaters (120a) can be arranged. The heater (120a) can be inserted into the interior of the cigarette (20a) and used as an internal heating method to heat the interior of the cigarette (20a).

[0058] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200a), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120a) for heating operation of the heater (120d), thereby controlling the temperature of the electrically conductive track.

[0059] The main processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120a) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120a). For example, the main processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (20a) is heated by the heater (120a) according to a temperature profile.

[0060] Figures 2b and 2c are drawings illustrating aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) additionally equipped with vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to exemplary embodiments. Each of the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2b and 2c, the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) further include a vaporizer (125b, 125c). A cigarette (20b, 20c) can be inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c).

[0062] In Fig. 2b, the vaporizer (125b) and the heater (120b) are depicted as being arranged in a row. However, in Fig. 2c, the vaporizer (125c) and the heater (120c) are depicted as being arranged in parallel. That is, the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c) can be distinguished depending on the arrangement of the vaporizer (125b).

[0063] The heater (120b, 120c) can be heated by power supplied from a removable battery (110). The heater (120b, 120c) is an electrical resistive heater and may include, for example, an electrically conductive track.

[0064] Unlike the heater (120a) described in FIG. 2a, the heaters (120b, 120c) of FIGS. 2b and 2c can be implemented in an external heating manner by being placed around the outer periphery of the cigarette (20b, 20c) to heat the outer surface of the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0065] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) can heat the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c). That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be transported along the airflow path of the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c), and the airflow path can be configured so that the aerosol generated by the vaporizer (125b, 125c) can be delivered to the user through the cigarette (20b, 20c).

[0066] The vaporizer (125b, 125c) may include a liquid storage unit, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element (or vaporization element). However, the liquid storage unit, the liquid delivery means, and the heating element may each be positioned as independent modules in a different location within the aerosol generating device (100) rather than within the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0067] The liquid reservoir can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition can be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavoring component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid reservoir can be designed to be detachable from / attached to the vaporizer (125b, 125c), or can be designed as an integral part of the vaporizer (125b, 125c). For example, the liquid composition can include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a flavoring agent, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. Additionally, the liquid composition can include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The heating element provided in the vaporizer (125b, 125c) is an element for heating (vaporizing) the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, a ceramic heater, etc. In addition, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and may be arranged in a structure that is wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element may be heated by a current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol may be generated. Accordingly, the vaporizer (125b, 125c) may also be referred to by other terms such as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0070] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating devices (200b, 200c), power can be supplied from the removable battery (110) to the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c) for heating operation of the heater (120b, 120c) and the vaporizer (125b, 125c).

[0071] The main processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) by controlling the power supplied to the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c). For example, the main processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarettes (20b, 20c) are heated by the heaters (120b, 120c) and the vaporizers (125b, 125c) according to a temperature profile.

[0072] FIG. 2d is a drawing for explaining an aerosol generating device (200d) of an induction heating type according to an exemplary embodiment. The aerosol generating device (200d) may be a type of aerosol generating device (100).

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2d, the aerosol generating device (200d) may include a heater (120d) including a coil (121d) and a susceptor (122d), a removable battery (110), and a main processor (130).

[0074] The aerosol generating device (200d) can generate an aerosol by heating a cigarette (20d) accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d) using an induction heating method. The induction heating method may refer to a method of heating a magnetic body that generates heat by applying an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically to the magnetic body that generates heat due to an external magnetic field. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (200d) can release heat energy from the magnetic body by applying an alternating magnetic field to the magnetic body, and can heat the cigarette (20d) by transferring the heat energy released from the magnetic body to the cigarette. Here, the magnetic body that generates heat due to the external magnetic field may be a susceptor (122d). The susceptor (122d) may be provided in the aerosol generating device (200d). Alternatively, the susceptor (122d) may be provided inside the cigarette (20d) in the shape of a piece, flake, strip, etc. instead of being provided in the aerosol generating device (200d).

[0075] The susceptor (122d) may be formed of a ferromagnetic substance. For example, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include a metal or carbon. The material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum (Al). In addition, the material of the susceptor (122d) may include at least one of a ceramic such as graphite or zirconia, a transition metal such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), and a metalloid such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P).

[0076] The aerosol generating device (200d) can accommodate a cigarette (20d). A space for accommodating the cigarette (20d) can be formed in the aerosol generating device (200d). A susceptor (122d) can be arranged around the periphery of the space for accommodating the cigarette (20d). For example, the susceptor (122d) can have a cylindrical shape that surrounds the exterior of the cigarette (20d). Accordingly, when the cigarette (20d) is accommodated in the aerosol generating device (200d), the cigarette (20d) can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the susceptor (122d), and the susceptor (122d) can be arranged at a position that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the cigarette (20d). However, the shape of the susceptor (122d) is not limited thereto and can vary.

[0077] The heater (120d) is an induction heating method, and can heat a cigarette (20d) accommodated in an aerosol generating device (200d) by using a susceptor (122d) that generates heat by an external magnetic field generated by a coil (121d).

[0078] The coil (121d) is arranged to be wound along the outer surface of the susceptor (122d), so that an alternating magnetic field can be applied to the susceptor (122d). When power is supplied to the coil (121d) from the aerosol generating device (200d), a magnetic field can be formed in an internal region of the coil (121d). When an alternating current is applied to the coil (121d), the direction of the magnetic field formed inside the coil (121d) can be continuously changed. When the susceptor (122d) is positioned inside the coil (121d) and exposed to an alternating magnetic field whose direction changes periodically, the susceptor (122d) can generate heat, and a cigarette accommodated in the susceptor (122d) can be heated. The shape of the coil (121d) may be a cylindrical shape wound along the length direction of the cigarette (20d), but is not limited thereto, and the coil (121d) may be implemented in various types such as a flat coil.

[0079] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200d), and when the aerosol generating device (200d) is equipped with the removable battery (110), it can supply power to the coil (121d) for heating operation of the heater (120d), for example.

[0080] The main processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120d) by controlling the power supplied to the coil (121d). For example, the main processor (130) can control the temperature at which the cigarette (20d) is heated by induction heating of the susceptor (122d) by adjusting the strength of the magnetic field induced by the coil (121d) according to the temperature profile.

[0081] FIG. 2e is a drawing illustrating an aerosol generating device (200e) having a replaceable cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0082] The aerosol generating device (200e) of FIG. 2e includes a cartridge (210e) containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) and a main body (220e) supporting the cartridge (210e). The aerosol generating device (200e) may correspond to a type of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1. At this time, the hardware components included in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be divided and positioned in the main body (220e) and the cartridge (210e).

[0083] The cartridge (210e) can be coupled to the main body (220e) while containing an aerosol generating substance (20e) therein. The cartridge (210e) can be mounted on the main body (210) by inserting a portion of the cartridge (210e) into a receptacle of the main body (210).

[0084] The cartridge (210e) may contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) of a liquid composition, but is not limited thereto, and may also contain an aerosol generating substance (20e) in any one of a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or may be a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

[0085] The heater (120e) provided within the cartridge (210e) performs a heating operation by an electric signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body (220e). Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated by vaporizing the aerosol generating material (20e) within the cartridge (210e) due to heating by the heater (120e).

[0086] The heater (120e) may be implemented with a conductive filament made of a metal material such as copper, nickel, or tungsten, or a ceramic heating element, etc., to heat an aerosol generating substance delivered to a liquid delivery means by generating heat by electrical resistance, and may be wound around the liquid delivery means or placed adjacent to the liquid delivery means.

[0087] The removable battery (110) can be separated from or mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), and when the removable battery (110) is mounted on the aerosol generating device (200e), power can be supplied to the heater (120e) from the removable battery (110) for the heating operation of the heater (120e).

[0088] The main processor (130) can control the heating operation of the heater (120e) by controlling the power supplied to the heater (120e). For example, the main processor (130) can control the temperature at which the aerosol generating material (20e) is heated by the heater (120e) according to a temperature profile.

[0089] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E, the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) may also be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may store the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) or charge the removable battery (110) of the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0090] According to various embodiments, the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1 may be implemented as at least one of the types of aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2a to 2e, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented as other types as well.

[0091] The aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e) of FIGS. 2a to 2e can commonly use a removable battery (110) as a power source. The removable battery (110) is a battery that can be replaced by being mounted or detached from the aerosol generating devices (200a to 200e).

[0092] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a method for determining whether a battery is normally installed in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. Figure 4a is a diagram illustrating an exemplary equivalent circuit of a removable battery. Figure 4b is a diagram illustrating a method for calculating the internal resistance of a removable battery. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a message displayed when a removable battery is abnormally installed in an aerosol generating device.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may include a removable battery (110), a battery monitoring unit (170), a main processor (130), and a main memory (150).

[0094] The battery monitoring unit (170) can measure the operating information of the removable battery (110). The battery monitoring unit (170) can measure the status of the removable battery (110), such as voltage, current, and temperature. To this end, the battery monitoring unit (170) may include a voltage sensor (172) for measuring voltage, a current sensor (174) for measuring current, a temperature sensor (176) for measuring temperature, etc. Although not shown in the drawing, the battery monitoring unit (170) may include a SOC calculation unit and a charge / discharge cycle count calculation unit.

[0095] At this time, the operating information of the removable battery (110) may include the no-load voltage of the battery, the temperature of the battery, the SOC (state of charge) of the battery, and the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery. The SOC calculation unit and the number of charge / discharge cycles calculation unit may be provided within the battery monitoring unit (170), or may be implemented in the form of a predetermined module in an area other than the battery monitoring unit (170) (e.g., the main processor (130)).

[0096] Meanwhile, in FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, the removable battery (110) is illustrated as including one battery cell, but depending on the embodiment, the battery (110) may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery monitoring unit (170) may measure the status of the battery pack and the battery cells, such as current and voltage. The battery monitoring unit (170) may measure the status of each of the plurality of battery cells, or may measure the status of the battery pack in which the plurality of battery cells are bundled. For this purpose, the battery monitoring unit (170) may include a plurality of sensors. That is, it may include at least one voltage sensor (172), at least one current sensor (174), and at least one temperature sensor (176).

[0097] The voltage sensor (172), the current sensor (174), and the temperature sensor (176) can periodically measure the voltage, current, and temperature of the removable battery (110) and provide them to the main processor (130). The measurement results can be provided to the main processor (130) as an analog signal or a digital signal. The voltage sensor (172) can measure the voltage applied between the positive and negative terminals of the removable battery (110). The voltage sensor (172) may include, as an example, a differential amplifier circuit that outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage difference between the positive and negative terminals of the removable battery (110). Here, the voltage sensor (172) can measure the voltage every second and calculate the maximum value of the voltage, the minimum value of the voltage, and the average value of the voltage. Of course, the voltage sensor (172) may further include a voltage calculation unit (not shown) that measures the voltage of the removable battery (110) and calculates the maximum voltage value, minimum voltage value, and average voltage value from the measured voltage every second. In this case, the voltage calculation unit may be provided within the battery monitoring unit (170), or may be implemented in a predetermined module form in an area other than the battery monitoring unit (170) (e.g., the main processor (130)).

[0098] Additionally, the current sensor (174) may be a sense resistor or a Hall sensor. The current sensor (174) can measure not only the charging current but also the discharge current. Here, the current sensor (174) can measure the alternating current of the removable battery (110).

[0099] In addition, the temperature sensor (176) may be, for example, a thermal coupler used for temperature measurement. The temperature sensor (176) may generate a signal corresponding to the temperature of the removable battery (110) and provide it to the main processor (130).

[0100] The main processor (130) may include an internal resistance calculation unit (132) that calculates the value of the internal resistance of the removable battery (110) based on the operation information of the removable battery (110) provided from the battery monitoring unit (170).

[0101] If the aerosol generating device (100) includes an integrated battery, there is no externally exposed contact terminal, so there is no need to check whether the battery is normally mounted on the device. However, if the aerosol generating device (100) includes a removable battery (110), as in the embodiment of the present invention, it is necessary to check whether the device and the battery are normally connected. If the removable battery (110) is not normally mounted on the device, or if foreign substances are contaminated on the contact terminal, the aerosol generating device (100) may malfunction or cause a safety accident if operated without appropriate measures.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main processor (130) calculates the internal resistance, which is one of the unique characteristics of the removable battery (110), through the internal resistance calculation unit (132), and can use this to simply and quickly determine whether the device and the removable battery (110) are normally coupled.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 4a, the removable battery (110) can be equivalentized as a circuit including a DC voltage source (Vdc), a DC resistance (R0), a polarization resistance (R1), and a capacitive inductive resistance (C) component. The series resistance (R0) may be affected by the metal cover, electrodes, and contact resistance of the battery. The polarization resistance (R1) is affected by the resistance due to the polarization phenomenon during the electrochemical reaction within the battery, electrolyte conductivity, ion mobility, electrochemical reaction rate, etc., and the capacitive inductive resistance (C) (or capacitance) may be generated when the electrodes and electrolyte form a double-layer capacitor. The polarization resistance (R1) and the capacitive inductive resistance (C) can be used as criteria for indicating the state of charge (SOC) of the battery. Meanwhile, the inductive inductive resistance may be omitted because it generally plays a negligible role in the battery, especially at low frequencies.

[0104] The internal resistance of a removable battery (110) according to one embodiment can remain constant throughout the life of the battery, regardless of the number of charge / discharge cycles. For example, if a removable battery (110) made of lead acid or lithium ion includes an improved electrolyte additive to prevent internal corrosion, the value of the internal resistance of the removable battery (110) can remain substantially the same throughout the life of the battery.

[0105] The internal resistance of the removable battery (110) can be calculated using any one of the DC load method, the AC conductance measurement method, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For example, the internal resistance calculation unit (132) can calculate the internal resistance using the DC load method. Referring to FIG. 4b, the voltage sensor (172) of the battery monitoring unit (170) applies a load (R) to the removable battery (110). L ) is unconnected, no-load voltage (V OC ) and load (R) on the removable battery (110). L ) is connected, the load voltage (VL ) can be measured. Meanwhile, the load (R L ) may be a resistor having a preset resistance value.

[0106] The internal resistance calculation unit (132) receives operational information (e.g., no-load voltage (V)) from the battery monitoring unit (170). OC ), load voltage (V L )) and the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) can be calculated using the mathematical formula 1 below.

[0107]

[0108] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0109]

[0110]

[0111] Here, R is the internal resistance, Voc is the no-load voltage of the battery, and V L is the load voltage, and R L is the load resistance.

[0112]

[0113] The main processor (130) can compare the calculated internal resistance (R) value of the removable battery (110) with a preset reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is within the preset reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can activate the aerosol generating device (100). On the other hand, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is outside the preset reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can deactivate the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the preset reference value is the internal resistance value of the removable battery (110) estimated experimentally and statistically.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the main processor (130) can store the value of the calculated internal resistance (R) as a reference value when the aerosol generating device (100) is turned off (or, when the removable battery (110) is removed from the receiving unit). When a replacement event of the removable battery (110) occurs, the main processor (130) can determine whether the replaced battery (110) is normally mounted by comparing the value of the newly calculated internal resistance (R) with the reference value most recently stored in the main memory (150).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, the main processor (130) according to one embodiment can provide a message to the user through the display (DSP) of the user interface (140) to confirm whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100) if the calculated internal resistance (R) is outside the preset reference value range. This allows the user of the aerosol generating device (100) to immediately confirm whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the device, thereby reducing the possibility of malfunction of the aerosol generating device (100) and occurrence of safety accidents.

[0116] Below, other embodiments are described. In the following embodiments, descriptions of the same configurations as those in the previously described embodiments are omitted or simplified, and the differences are primarily described.

[0117] Fig. 6 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a method for determining whether a battery is normally installed in an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. Fig. 7a is a graph showing changes in internal resistance according to temperature, Fig. 7b is a graph showing changes in internal resistance according to SOC, and Fig. 7c is a graph showing changes in internal resistance according to the number of charge / discharge cycles.

[0118] The main processor (130) illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from the main processor (130) illustrated in FIG. 3, which includes only the internal resistance calculation unit (132), in that it further includes a reference value correction unit (134) in addition to the internal resistance calculation unit (132), but the remaining configurations are substantially the same. Hereinafter, the function of the reference value correction unit (134) will be described.

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main processor (130) calculates the internal resistance (R), which is one of the unique characteristics of the removable battery (110), through the internal resistance calculation unit (132), calculates a reference value based on the operation information of the removable battery (110) through the reference value correction unit (134), and then compares the calculated internal resistance (R) with the calculated reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0120] Referring to Fig. 7a, the internal resistance (R) of a removable battery (110) according to one embodiment may change depending on the temperature. For example, the internal resistance (R) generally decreases as the temperature of the battery increases, and conversely, the internal resistance (R) may generally increase as the temperature of the battery decreases. In this case, Fig. 7a is a graph exemplarily illustrating the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the temperature for a specific battery (110), and the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the temperature may be different depending on the type of battery (110). The main memory (150) may store the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the temperature for each type of battery (110) in the form of a lookup table.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7b, the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) according to one embodiment may change depending on the SOC, which is the state of charge of the removable battery (110). For example, the internal resistance (R) may gradually decrease as the SOC of the battery decreases from 100% to 80%, and may gradually increase as the SOC of the battery decreases from 80% to 0%. The internal resistance (R) of the battery (110) may be maintained relatively low in the range of about 50% to 80%. At this time, FIG. 7b is a graph exemplarily showing the relationship between the values ​​of the internal resistance (R) according to the SOC for a specific battery (110), and the relationship between the values ​​of the internal resistance (R) according to the SOC may be different depending on the type of the battery (110). The main memory (150) may store the relationship between the values ​​of the internal resistance (R) according to the SOC depending on the type of the battery (110) in the form of a lookup table.

[0122] Also, referring to FIG. 7c, the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) according to one embodiment may change depending on the number of charge / discharge cycles. For example, the internal resistance (R) may generally increase as the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery increases. The internal resistance (R) may converge to a specific value when the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery reaches a specific number. At this time, FIG. 7c is a graph exemplarily showing the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the number of charge / discharge cycles for a specific battery (110), and the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the number of charge / discharge cycles may be different depending on the type of battery (110). The main memory (150) may store the relationship between the value of the internal resistance (R) according to the number of charge / discharge cycles depending on the type of battery (110) in the form of a lookup table.

[0123] According to one embodiment, a reference value correction unit (134) can update (or correct) a preset reference value based on at least one of lookup tables for the temperature of the battery, the SOC of the battery, and the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery, which are stored in the main memory (150).

[0124] The main processor (130) can compare the value of the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) calculated with the updated reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is within the updated reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can activate the aerosol generating device (100). On the other hand, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is outside the updated reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can deactivate the aerosol generating device (100).

[0125] In this way, the aerosol generating device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve the accuracy of determining whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted by updating a preset reference value through the reference value correction unit (134) in response to conditions at the time when the removable battery (110) is mounted (e.g., temperature of the battery, SOC of the battery, number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery, etc.).

[0126] Figure 8 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, an operating method of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a step (S100) of mounting a removable battery (110) in a receiving portion of an aerosol generating device (100), a step (S200) of measuring operating information of the removable battery (110), a step (S300) of calculating a value of an internal resistance (R) of the battery based on the operating information of the removable battery (110), and a step (S400) of comparing the calculated value of the internal resistance (R) with a preset reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0128] Specifically, at step S100, the user can couple the removable battery (110) to the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0129] At step S200, the battery monitoring unit (170) can measure the operating information of the removable battery (110). The battery monitoring unit (170) can measure the status of the removable battery (110), such as voltage, current, and temperature. To this end, the battery monitoring unit (170) may include a voltage sensor (172) for measuring voltage, a current sensor (174) for measuring current, a temperature sensor (176) for measuring temperature, etc. Although not shown in the drawing, the battery monitoring unit (170) may include a SOC calculation unit and a charge / discharge cycle count calculation unit.

[0130] At this time, the operating information of the removable battery (110) may include the no-load voltage of the battery, the temperature of the battery, the SOC (state of charge) of the battery, and the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery. The SOC calculation unit and the number of charge / discharge cycles calculation unit may be provided within the battery monitoring unit (170), or may be implemented in the form of a predetermined module in an area other than the battery monitoring unit (170) (e.g., the main processor (130)).

[0131] At step S300, the main processor (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention calculates the internal resistance, which is one of the unique characteristics of the removable battery (110), through the internal resistance calculation unit (132), and using this, can simply and quickly determine whether the device and the removable battery (110) are normally coupled. The internal resistance calculation unit (132) calculates the operating information (e.g., no-load voltage (V)) provided from the battery monitoring unit (170). OC ), load voltage (V L )) and the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) can be calculated using the mathematical formula 1 below.

[0132]

[0133] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0134]

[0135] Here, R is the internal resistance, Voc is the no-load voltage of the battery, and V L is the load voltage, and R L is the load resistance.

[0136]

[0137] At step S 400, the main processor (130) can compare the calculated value of the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) with a preset reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is within the preset reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can activate the aerosol generating device (100). On the other hand, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is outside the preset reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can deactivate the aerosol generating device (100).

[0138] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the main processor (130) can compare the calculated value of the internal resistance (R) of the removable battery (110) with the updated reference value range to determine whether the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100). For example, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is within the updated reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is normally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can activate the aerosol generating device (100). On the other hand, if the calculated internal resistance (R) is outside the updated reference value range, the main processor (130) can determine that the removable battery (110) is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion of the aerosol generating device (100), and can deactivate the aerosol generating device (100).

[0139] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery that is detachably placed in the receiving compartment; A battery monitoring unit that measures the operating information of the above battery; A control unit including an internal resistance calculation unit that calculates a value of the internal resistance of the battery based on the operation information of the battery; An aerosol generating device in which the control unit compares the value of the calculated internal resistance with a preset reference value range to determine whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above operating information is an aerosol generating device including the no-load voltage, temperature, SOC (state of charge), and number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery.

3. In paragraph 2, An aerosol generating device in which the internal resistance calculation unit includes a load resistor connected to the battery and measures the voltage applied across the load resistor.

4. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the control unit further includes a reference value correction unit that updates the reference value using at least one of the temperature of the battery, the SOC of the battery, and the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery.

5. In paragraph 4, The above reference values ​​are, As the temperature of the above battery increases, it decreases, It decreases as the SOC of the above battery decreases from 100% to 80%, and gradually increases as it decreases from 80% to 0%. An aerosol generating device that increases as the number of charge / discharge cycles of the above battery increases.

6. In paragraph 1, The above control unit, If the calculated internal resistance is within the preset reference value range, the battery is determined to be normally mounted in the receiving portion, and the device is activated. An aerosol generating device that determines that the battery is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion when the calculated internal resistance is outside the preset reference value range, and thus deactivates the device.

7. In paragraph 6, An aerosol generating device further comprising a display unit that displays a message to a user guiding normal mounting of the battery when the control unit determines that the battery is abnormally mounted in the receiving unit.

8. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a heater that receives power from the battery and heats an aerosol generating article.

9. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising a memory for storing the value of the calculated internal resistance as the reference value when turned off.

10. In paragraph 9, The control unit is an aerosol generating device that determines whether the replaced battery is normally mounted by comparing the calculated internal resistance value with the reference value most recently stored in the memory when the battery replacement event occurs.

11. Step of installing the battery in the receiver; A step of measuring the operating information of the above battery; A step of calculating the value of the internal resistance of the battery based on the operating information of the battery; and An operating method of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a step of comparing the value of the internal resistance calculated above with a preset reference value range to determine whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion; 12. In paragraph 11, The above operating information includes the no-load voltage, temperature, SOC (state of charge), and number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery, and the operating method of the aerosol generating device.

13. In paragraph 12, A method of operating an aerosol generating device, wherein the step of calculating the value of the internal resistance includes the step of measuring the voltage applied across both terminals of a load resistor connected to the battery.

14. In paragraph 11, In the step of determining whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion, if the calculated internal resistance is within the preset reference value range, the step of determining that the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion and activating the device; and, An operating method of an aerosol generating device, comprising: a step of determining whether the battery is normally mounted in the receiving portion, and if the calculated internal resistance is outside the preset reference value range, determining that the battery is abnormally mounted in the receiving portion and deactivating the device; 15. In paragraph 14, An operating method of an aerosol generating device further comprising a step of displaying a message on a display unit to guide a user to normally mount the battery when the battery is determined to be abnormally mounted in the receiving portion.

Images