Heater assembly and aerosol-generating device including same

Abstract

A heater assembly according to an embodiment may include an oscillation portion that generates microwaves of a specified frequency band, and a resonance portion that receives the microwaves generated by the oscillation portion through a coupler and generates an electric field by resonating the received microwaves; the resonance portion includes a housing including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a side surface surrounding an inner space between the lower surface and the upper surface, an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article, and at least one opening into which a coupler can be inserted from the lower surface in a direction toward the inner space, a plurality of plates, and a plurality of coupling members. And a plurality of plates spaced apart in a circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates. In addition to this, various embodiments determined by the specification may be applied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device including the heater assembly, which can generate aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article in a dielectric heating manner. Background Art

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

[0003] Microwave heating technology is a technology that uses the principle of dielectric heating to heat objects. Using microwave heating technology to heat aerosol-generating items can quickly heat aerosol-generating substances.

[0004] Conventional aerosol generating devices heat aerosol generating materials by means of resistance heating, induction heating, ultrasonic heating, etc., but there are problems such as slow preheating speed and a greater possibility of uneven heating of aerosol generating articles.

[0005] In addition, some conventional aerosol generating devices heat the aerosol generating material by dielectric heating, but this is only a radiation method of microwaves using an antenna, so there is a problem of significantly reduced power transmission efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device, which are capable of heating an aerosol generating article by a dielectric heating method using microwave resonance.

[0008] Problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand unmentioned problems from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] The heater assembly in one embodiment may include: an oscillating portion generating microwaves of a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion receiving the microwaves generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generating an electric field by resonating the received microwaves; the resonating portion includes: a shell including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a side surface surrounding an inner space between the lower surface and the upper surface, a receiving space for receiving aerosol generating articles, and at least one opening capable of inserting the coupler from the lower surface in a direction toward the inner space, a plurality of plates configured to be spaced apart along the circumference of the aerosol generating articles received in the receiving space, and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates. In addition to this, various embodiments determined by the specification may be applied.

[0011] The heater assembly in one embodiment may include: an oscillating portion, which generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion, which receives the microwaves generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generates an electric field by causing the received microwaves to resonate; the resonating portion includes: an outer conductor, which includes a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, and a side surface surrounding an internal space between the lower surface and the upper surface, and includes a accommodating space for accommodating aerosol generating items, a first inner conductor, which surrounds an area of ​​the aerosol generating items accommodated in the accommodating space and includes at least one opening for inserting a coupler, and a second inner conductor, which surrounds another area of ​​the aerosol generating items accommodated in the accommodating space.

[0012] An aerosol generating device in one embodiment may include: a housing including an insertion port for inserting an aerosol generating article, and a heater assembly for heating the aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion port; the heater assembly includes: an oscillating portion for generating microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion for receiving the microwaves generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generating an electric field by causing the received microwaves to resonate; the resonating portion includes: a shell including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a side surface surrounding an internal space between the lower surface and the upper surface, a accommodating space for accommodating the aerosol generating article, and at least one opening for allowing the coupler to be inserted from the lower surface in a direction toward the internal space, a plurality of plates configured to be spaced apart along the circumference of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodating space, and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, since an oscillation module including a coupler and an oscillator is provided on the lower surface of the resonance part, various design changes may be made to the heater assembly and the aerosol generating device.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the configuration structure of the oscillation module of the present disclosure, there are advantages that the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized and the aesthetics of the aerosol generating device can be improved.

[0016] However, the effects of the embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand unmentioned effects from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Internal block diagram of the dielectric heating section.

[0020] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0022] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to still another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8b yes Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined.

[0026] Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9b yes Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined.

[0028] Fig.10a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to yet another embodiment.

[0029] Fig.10b yes Fig.10a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the figure numbers, the same or similar components are given the same figure numbers, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The suffixes "module" and "unit" of the constituent elements used in the following description are only given or used interchangeably in consideration of the convenience of completing the description, and they themselves do not have different meanings or functions from each other.

[0032] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that the specific description of the related known technology makes the subject matter of the embodiments disclosed in this specification unclear, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents and substitutes within the ideas and technical scope of this disclosure are included.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited to the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0034] When a certain component is “connected” or “joined” to another component, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or joined to the other component, and other components may exist between the two. On the contrary, when a certain component is “directly connected” or “directly joined” to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between the two.

[0035] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural form.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device 100 may include: a housing 110 capable of accommodating an aerosol generating article 10 ; and a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 accommodated in the housing 110 .

[0038] The housing 110 may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100, and the components of the aerosol generating device 100 may be arranged in the internal space (or "installation space") of the housing 110. For example, the internal space of the housing 110 may be equipped with a heater assembly 200, a battery, a processor and / or a sensor, but the components arranged in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0039] An insertion hole 110h may be formed in a region of the housing 110, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the interior of the housing 110 through the insertion hole 110h. For example, the insertion hole 110h may be formed in a region of the upper end surface (e.g., the surface facing the z direction) of the housing 110, but the formation position of the insertion hole 110h is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the insertion hole 110h may also be formed in a region of the side surface (e.g., the surface facing the x direction) of the housing 110.

[0040] The heater assembly 200 may be disposed in the inner space of the housing 110 and heat the aerosol generating article 10 inserted through the insertion hole 110h or accommodated inside the housing 110. For example, the heater assembly 200 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted or accommodated inside the housing 110 to heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by dielectric heating. The "dielectric heating method" in the present disclosure refers to a method of heating a dielectric as a heat receiving body by using microwaves and / or the resonance of the electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Microwaves, as an energy source for heating the heat receiving body, are generated by high-frequency power, and therefore, microwaves and microwave power can be used interchangeably hereinafter.

[0042] Inside the heater assembly 200, the charges or ions of the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 may vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance, and the heat generated in the dielectric due to the frictional heat generated by the charges or ions during the vibration or rotation process may heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0043] As the aerosol-generating article 10 is heated by the heater assembly 200, an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol-generating article 10. In the present disclosure, "aerosol" may refer to gas particles generated by mixing air and steam generated when the aerosol-generating article 10 is heated.

[0044] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 may be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 through the aerosol generating article 10 or through an empty space between the aerosol generating article 10 and the insertion hole 110h. The user contacts an area of ​​the aerosol generating article 10 exposed to the outside of the housing 110 with the oral cavity, and may smoke by inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may further include: a cover 111, which is movably configured on the housing 110 to open or close the insertion hole 110h. For example, the cover 111 may be slidably coupled to the upper end surface of the housing 110, so that the insertion hole 110h is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100, or the insertion hole 110h is covered so that the insertion hole 110h cannot be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0046] In one example, the cover 111 may expose the insertion hole 110h to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 in the first position (or "open position"). If the aerosol generating device 100 is exposed to the outside, the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the housing 110 through the insertion hole 110h.

[0047] In another example, the cover 111 may cover the insertion hole 110h at the second position (or "closed position") so that the insertion hole 110h cannot be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. At this time, when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use, the cover 111 may prevent external foreign matter from flowing into the interior of the heater assembly 200 through the insertion hole 110h.

[0048] Figure 1 2 and 3 , only the aerosol generating device 100 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 in a solid state is shown, but the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0049] The aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may also generate aerosol by heating the aerosol generating substance in a liquid or gel state of the aerosol generating article 10 in a non-solid state through the heater assembly 200 .

[0050] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device includes a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 and an aerosol generating substance in a liquid or gel state, and may also include a cartridge (or "vaporizer") for heating the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substance may move to the aerosol generating article 10 through an airflow channel connecting the cartridge and the aerosol generating article 10, and after mixing with the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 10, pass through the aerosol generating article 10 and pass to the user.

[0051] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0052] Reference Figure 2The aerosol generating device 100 may include an input portion 102 , an output portion 103 , a sensor portion 104 , a communication portion 105 , a memory 106 , a battery 107 , an interface portion 108 , a power conversion portion 109 and a dielectric heating portion 200 .

[0053] The input unit 102 may receive user input. For example, the input unit 102 may be configured as a single pressure-type button. As another example, the input unit 120 may be a touch panel including at least one touch sensor. The input unit 120 may transmit an input signal to the processor 101. The processor 101 may supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the user input, or may output a user notification by controlling the output unit 103.

[0054] The output unit 103 may output information about the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 103 may output the charge / discharge state of the battery 107, the heating state of the dielectric heating unit 200, the insertion state of the aerosol generating article 10, and error information of the aerosol generating device 100. To this end, the output unit 103 may include a display, a haptic motor, and an audio output unit.

[0055] The sensor unit 104 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 100 and send the sensed information to the processor 101. The processor 101 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information to perform various functions such as heating control of the dielectric heating unit 200, smoking restriction, insertion judgment of the aerosol generating article 10, notification display, etc.

[0056] The sensor part 104 may include a temperature sensor, a suction sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor.

[0057] The temperature sensor may sense the temperature inside the dielectric heating portion 200 in a non-contact manner, or may directly acquire the temperature of the resonator by contacting the dielectric heating portion 200. According to an embodiment, the temperature sensor may also sense the temperature of the aerosol generating article 10. In addition, the temperature sensor may be arranged adjacent to the battery 107 to acquire the temperature of the battery 107. The processor 101 may control the power supply to the dielectric heating portion 200 based on the temperature information of the temperature sensor.

[0058] The suction sensor can sense the user's suction. The suction sensor can sense the user's suction based on at least one change in temperature change, flow change, power change, and pressure change. The processor 101 can control the power supply to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the suction information of the suction sensor. For example, the processor 101 counts the number of puffs, and when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, the power supply to the dielectric heating unit 200 can be blocked. As another example, when no puff is sensed to last for more than a preset time, the processor 101 can block the power supply to the dielectric heating unit 200.

[0059] The insertion sensing sensor can be arranged in the receiving space ( Figure 4 The insertion sensing sensor may be configured inside the insertion hole 110h or adjacent to the receiving space 220h to be able to sense the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 10 received in the insertion hole 110h. For example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the insertion port 110h, the processor 101 may supply power to the dielectric heating portion 200.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may further include a reuse sensing sensor, a motion sensing sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover removal sensing sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor, etc. The functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from their names, so a specific description will be omitted.

[0061] The communication unit 105 may include at least one communication module for communicating with an external electronic device. The processor 101 may send information of the aerosol generating device 100 to the external electronic device by controlling the communication unit 105. Alternatively, the processor 101 may receive information from the external electronic device through the communication unit 105 to control the components included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the transmission information between the communication unit 105 and the external electronic device may include user authentication information, firmware update information, user smoking pattern information, etc.

[0062] The memory 106 is hardware for storing various data processed in the aerosol generating device 100, and can store data processed in the processor 101 and data to be processed. For example, the memory 106 can store data such as the working time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature curve, and the smoking pattern of the user.

[0063] The battery 107 can supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200 to heat the aerosol generating article 10. In addition, the battery 107 can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 107 can be a rechargeable battery or a detachable battery.

[0064] The interface unit 108 may include a connection terminal that can be physically connected to an external electronic device. The connection terminal may include at least one of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), or a combination thereof. The interface unit 108 may send / receive information or charge with an external electronic device through the connection terminal.

[0065] The power conversion section 109 may convert the DC power received from the battery 107 into AC power. In addition, the power conversion section 109 may provide the converted AC power to the dielectric heating section 200. The power conversion section 109 may be an inverter including at least one switching element, and the processor 101 may convert the DC power into AC power by controlling the ON / OFF of the switching element included in the power conversion section 109. The power conversion section 109 may be configured as a full-bridge or a half-bridge.

[0066] The dielectric heating unit 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by dielectric heating. Figure 1 The heater assembly 200 has a corresponding structure.

[0067] The dielectric heating unit 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 using microwaves and / or microwave electric fields (hereinafter referred to as microwaves or microwave power if no distinction is necessary). The dielectric heating unit 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by generating microwaves in a resonant structure, rather than by radiating microwaves using an antenna. The resonant structure will refer to Figure 4 This will be described later.

[0068] The dielectric heating unit 200 can output high-frequency microwaves to the resonance unit ( Figure 3 The microwave may be a power of an industrial, scientific and medical equipment (ISM) frequency band that is allowed to be used for heating, but is not limited thereto. The resonating portion 220 may be designed by considering the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate in the resonating portion 220.

[0069] The aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance part 220, and the dielectric material in the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the resonance part 220. For example, the aerosol generating article 10 may include a polar material, and the molecules in the polar material may be polarized inside the resonance part 220. The molecules may vibrate or rotate by the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated by friction heat or the like generated in the process. Figure 3 , the dielectric heating unit 200 is described in more detail.

[0070] The processor 101 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 101 can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing programs executable by the microprocessor. In addition, it can also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0071] The processor 101 can control the direct current supplied by the battery 107 to the power conversion unit 109 and / or the alternating current supplied by the power conversion unit 109 to the dielectric heating unit 200 according to the required power of the dielectric heating unit 200. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 may include a converter that steps up or steps down the direct current, and the processor 101 can adjust the magnitude of the direct current by controlling the converter. In addition, the processor 101 can control the alternating current supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 by adjusting the switching frequency and duty cycle of the switching element included in the power conversion unit 109.

[0072] The processor 10 can control the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 10 by controlling the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit 200 and the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200. Figure 3 The oscillating unit 210 , the isolating unit 240 , the power monitoring unit 250 and the matching unit 260 may also be part of the processor 101 .

[0073] The processor 101 may control the microwave power of the dielectric heating portion 200 based on the temperature profile information stored in the memory 106. In other words, the temperature profile includes information of the target temperature of the dielectric heating portion 200 according to time, and the processor 101 may control the microwave power of the dielectric heating portion 200 according to time.

[0074] The processor 101 can adjust the frequency of the microwaves to make the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 constant. The processor 101 can track the change of the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 according to the heating of the heated object in real time, and can control the dielectric heating unit 200 to output the microwave frequency according to the changed resonant frequency. In other words, the processor 101 can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of the temperature curve stored in advance.

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Internal block diagram of the dielectric heating section.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 The dielectric heating portion 200 may include an oscillating portion 210 , an isolating portion 240 , a power monitoring portion 250 , a matching portion 260 , a microwave output portion 230 , and a resonating portion 220 .

[0077] The oscillating part 210 may receive alternating current from the power converting part 109 to generate high frequency microwave power. According to an embodiment, the power converting part 109 may be a configuration included in the oscillating part 210. The microwave power may be selected from 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands included in the ISM frequency band.

[0078] The oscillating part 210 includes a solid-state RF generating device, and microwave power can be generated by the device. The solid-state RF generating device can be implemented by a semiconductor. If the oscillating part 210 is implemented by a semiconductor, there is an advantage that the dielectric heating part 200 can be miniaturized and the device life is increased.

[0079] The oscillating part 210 can output microwave power to the resonating part 220. The oscillating part 210 includes a power amplifier (power amp) that increases or decreases the microwave power, and the power amplifier can adjust the size of the microwave power under the control of the processor 101. For example, the power amplifier can reduce or increase the amplitude of the microwave. As the amplitude of the microwave is adjusted, the microwave power can also be adjusted.

[0080] The processor 101 may adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillating portion 210 based on a temperature curve stored in advance. For example, the temperature curve includes target temperature information according to the preheating interval and the smoking interval, and the oscillating portion 210 may supply microwave power at a first power in the preheating interval and supply microwave power at a second power smaller than the first power in the smoking interval.

[0081] The isolation part 240 can block the microwave power input from the resonance part 220 to the oscillation part 210. Most of the microwave power output from the oscillation part 210 is absorbed by the heat receiving body, but according to the heating mode of the heat receiving body, a part of the microwave power can be reflected by the heat receiving body to be re-transmitted in the direction of the oscillation part 210. This is because the impedance from the oscillation part 210 to the resonance part 220 changes as the polar molecules according to the heating of the heat receiving body are exhausted. "The impedance from the oscillation part 210 to the resonance part 220 changes" may have the same meaning as "the resonant frequency of the resonance part 220 changes". When the microwave power reflected from the resonance part 220 is input to the oscillation part 210, not only the oscillation part 210 will fail, but also the desired output performance cannot be exerted. The isolation part 240 does not return the microwave power reflected from the resonance part 220 to the oscillation part 210, but guides it in a predetermined direction and absorbs it. To this end, the isolation part 240 may include a circulator and a dummy load.

[0082] The power monitoring unit 250 may monitor the microwave power output from the oscillating unit 210 and the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonating unit 220 , respectively. The power monitoring unit 250 may send information of the microwave power and the reflected microwave power to the matching unit 260 .

[0083] The matching part 260 may match the impedance from the oscillation part 210 to the resonance part 220 with the impedance from the resonance part 220 to the oscillation part 210 to minimize the reflected microwave power. Impedance matching may have the same meaning as "making the frequency of the oscillation part 210 consistent with the resonant frequency of the resonance part 220". Therefore, the matching part 260 may change the frequency of the oscillation part 210 in order to match the impedance. In other words, the matching part 260 may adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation part 210 to minimize the reflected microwave power. The impedance matching of the matching part 260 may be performed in real time regardless of the temperature profile.

[0084] In addition, the oscillating unit 210, the isolating unit 240, the power monitoring unit 250 and the matching unit 260 described above can be implemented as a microwave source in the form of a chip as separate components distinguished from the microwave output unit 230 and the resonating unit 220 described later. In addition, according to an embodiment, the oscillating unit 210, the isolating unit 240, the power monitoring unit 250 and the matching unit 260 described above can also be implemented as a partial component of the processor 101.

[0085] The microwave output unit 230 is a structure for inputting microwave power to the resonance unit 220, and can be Figure 3The microwave output unit 230 may be implemented in the form of SMA, SMB, MCX, or MMCX connectors. The microwave output unit 230 transmits the microwave power generated in the microwave source to the resonator 220 by connecting the microwave source in the form of a chip to the resonator 220.

[0086] The resonating part 220 can heat the heated object by forming microwaves in the resonant structure. The resonating part 220 includes a housing space for housing the aerosol generating article 10, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be exposed to microwaves for dielectric heating. For example, the aerosol generating article 10 can include a polar material, and the molecules in the polar material can be polarized by microwaves inside the resonating part 220. The molecules can vibrate or rotate through the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by friction heat or the like generated in the process.

[0087] The resonance part 220 includes at least one internal conductor to enable microwaves to be resonated, and the microwaves may be resonated inside the resonance part 220 according to the configuration, thickness, length, etc. of the internal conductor.

[0088] The resonator 220 can be designed in consideration of the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate inside the resonator 220. In order for the microwave to resonate inside the resonator 220, a closed end (short end) with a closed end face and an open end (open end) located in the opposite direction of the closed end and at least one region of the end face being open are required. In addition, the length between the closed end and the open end should be set to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. The resonator 220 of the present disclosure selects a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength to achieve miniaturization of the device. In other words, the length between the closed end and the open end of the resonator 220 can be set to a wavelength length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0089] The resonating part 220 may include a dielectric storage space. The dielectric storage space is a structure different from the storage space of the aerosol generating article 10, in which a material that can change the overall resonant frequency of the resonating part 220 and miniaturize the resonating part 220 is configured. In one embodiment, the dielectric storage space can accommodate a dielectric with low microwave absorptivity. This is to prevent the phenomenon that the energy that should be transferred to the heated body is transferred to the dielectric and the dielectric itself is heated. Microwave absorptivity can be expressed as a loss tangent, which is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex dielectric constant. In one embodiment, a dielectric having a loss tangent below a preset size can be accommodated in the dielectric storage space 227, and the preset size can be 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric can be at least any one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene and alumina or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0090] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment may include an oscillation part 210 and a resonance part 220 . Figure 4 The heater assembly 200 and the dielectric heating part 200 described above may be one embodiment, and repeated description will be omitted below.

[0092] When powered, the oscillation part 210 may generate microwaves of a designated frequency band. The microwaves generated at the oscillation part 210 may be transferred to the resonance part 220 through a coupler (not shown).

[0093] The resonance part 220 may include a housing space 220h of at least one region for housing the aerosol generating article 10, and may heat the aerosol generating article 10 in a dielectric heating manner by resonating the microwaves generated by the oscillation part 210. For example, the glycerin charges contained in the aerosol generating article 10 may vibrate or rotate due to the resonance of the microwaves, and the glycerin generates heat by friction heat generated when the charges vibrate or rotate, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 10.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the resonating part 220 may be made of a material having a low microwave absorptivity to prevent the microwaves generated by the oscillating part 210 from being absorbed by the resonating part 220 .

[0095] Below, refer to Figure 5 , the specific structure of the resonance part 220 of the heater assembly 200 will be reviewed.

[0096] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a heater assembly. Figure 5 Shows the image taken along the A-A' direction Figure 4 A cross section of the heater assembly 200 is shown.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 may include an oscillating portion 210, a resonating portion 220, and a coupler 230. The components of the heater assembly 200 may be Figure 4 At least one of the constituent elements of the heater assembly 200 is the same or similar, and a repeated description will be omitted below.

[0098] When an AC voltage is applied, the oscillation part 210 may generate microwaves of a designated frequency band, and the microwaves generated by the oscillation part 210 may be transferred to the resonance part 220 through the coupler 230 .

[0099] According to one embodiment, the oscillating portion 210 may be fixed to the resonating portion 220 to prevent it from being separated from the resonating portion 220 during use of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the oscillating portion 210 may be supported by a bracket 220b protruding in the x-direction in one region of the resonating portion 220 to be fixed to the resonating portion 220. In another example, the oscillating portion 210 may be fixed to the resonating portion 220 by attaching it to one region of the resonating portion 220 without using the bracket 220b.

[0100] In the drawings, only an embodiment is shown in which the oscillating part 210 is fixed to one region in the x direction toward the resonating part 220, but the position of the oscillating part 210 is not limited to the embodiment shown. In another embodiment, the oscillating part 210 may also be fixed to another region in the z direction toward the resonating part 220.

[0101] The resonating portion 220 is configured to surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device, and can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by the microwaves generated from the oscillating portion 210. For example, a dielectric material included in the aerosol generating article 10 can generate heat by the electric field generated by the microwaves inside the resonating portion 220, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric material.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 10 may include a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12 .

[0103] The tobacco rod 11 contains an aerosol-generating substance and can also be made of a sheet, a strand material, or a tobacco leaf obtained by cutting tobacco sheets into fine pieces. For example, the aerosol-generating substance can include at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the tobacco rod 11 can contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant can be added to the tobacco rod 11 by spraying it.

[0104] The filter rod 12 may be a cellulose acetate filter. In addition, the shape of the filter rod 12 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 12 may be a cylindrical rod, or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod 12 may be an embedded rod. If the filter rod 12 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be made into a different shape.

[0105] At least a portion of the aerosol generating substance contained in the aerosol generating article 10 (for example, glycerin) can be a dielectric having polarity in an electric field, and at least a portion of such aerosol generating substance generates heat by dielectric heating, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 10.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the resonance part 220 may include an outer conductor 221 , a first inner conductor 223 , and a second inner conductor 225 .

[0107] The outer conductor 221 may form the overall appearance of the resonance portion 220, and may have a hollow shape with a hollow interior so that the components of the resonance portion 220 may be arranged inside the outer conductor 221. The outer conductor 221 may include a housing space 220h that may house the aerosol generating article 10, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor 221 through the housing space 220h.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor 221 may include a first surface 221a, a second surface 221b configured to face the first surface 221a, and a side surface 221c surrounding an empty space between the first surface 221a and the second surface 221b. At least a portion of the components of the resonance portion 220 (for example, the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225) may be disposed in the inner space of the resonance portion 220 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 221b, and the side surface 221c.

[0109] The first inner conductor 223 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending in a direction from the first surface 221 a of the outer conductor 221 toward an inner space of the outer conductor 221 .

[0110] According to one embodiment, one region of the first inner conductor 223 may be in contact with the coupler 230 connected to the oscillation part 210, and the microwave generated at the oscillation part 210 may be transferred to the first inner conductor 223 through the coupler 230. For example, the coupler 230 penetrates the outer conductor 221 and one end thereof is in contact with the oscillation part 210, and the other end is in contact with one region of the first inner conductor 223, and the microwave generated at the oscillation part 210 may be transferred to the first inner conductor 223 through the coupler 230.

[0111] At this time, for the transmission of microwaves, the coupler 230 may be configured to penetrate the outer conductor 221 without contacting the outer conductor 221 , but the configuration structure of the coupler 230 is not limited thereto as long as the microwaves generated in the oscillation unit 210 can be transmitted to the first inner conductor 223 .

[0112] The first region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 may be used as a "first resonator" that generates an electric field by resonance of microwaves. The first region may refer to a space formed by the first surface 221a, the side surface 221c, and the first inner conductor 223 of the outer conductor 221, and the microwaves transmitted through the coupler 230 may resonate inside the first region and generate an electric field. The second inner conductor 225 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending in a direction from the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221 toward the inner space of the outer conductor 221. The second inner conductor 225 may be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor 223 in the inner space of the outer conductor 221, and a gap 226 may be formed between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225. The second region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the second inner conductor 225 may be used as a "second resonator" that generates an electric field by resonance of microwaves. The second inner conductor 225 may be coupled (e.g., capacitive coupling) to the first inner conductor 223, and when an electric field is generated inside the first region due to the above-mentioned coupling relationship, an induced electric field may also be generated inside the second region. In the present disclosure, "capacitive coupling" may refer to a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred through capacitance between two conductors.

[0113] For example, when microwaves generated from the oscillation part 210 are transmitted to the first inner conductor 223 , an electric field may be generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor 221 and the second inner conductor 225 coupled to the first inner conductor 223 .

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the resonating part 220 may function as a resonator having a length of ¼ wavelength (λ) of microwaves.

[0115] In one embodiment, when the end surface of the first region is closed by the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221, one end of the first region (for example, the end in the -z direction) can be formed as a closed end (short end), and when the end surface is open due to the absence of the first surface 221a, the other end of the first region (for example, the end in the z direction) can be formed as an open end. In another example, when the end surface is open, one end of the second region (for example, the end in the -z direction) can be formed as an open end, and when the end surface of the second region is closed due to the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221, the other end of the second region (for example, the end in the z direction) can be formed as a closed end.

[0116] That is, when viewed on the xz plane, the first region and the second region may include a closed end and an open end and be formed as a whole. shape, and through the above structure, the first region and the second region can function as a resonator having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength of microwaves.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 may have the same length based on the z-axis, and may be configured such that the first region and the second region are symmetrical to each other, but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor 221 through the accommodating space 220h may be surrounded by the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 and heated by dielectric heating.

[0119] At least a portion of the electric field generated by the resonance of the microwaves in the first region and / or the second region may propagate toward the inside of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225 through the gap 226 between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225, and the aerosol generating article 10 surrounded by the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 may be heated by the propagated electric field. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article 10 may generate heat by the electric field propagated by the gap 226, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric.

[0120] The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment makes the diameters of the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 smaller than a specified value, so that the electric field propagating to the inside of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225 can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 200 or the resonator 220. In the present disclosure, the "specified value" may refer to a diameter value at which the electric field begins to leak to the outside of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225. For example, when the diameter of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225 is greater than the specified value, a part of the electric field introduced into the inside of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225 may leak to the outside of the resonator 220. On the other hand, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can prevent the electric field from propagating to the outside of the resonator 220 by a structure in which the diameters of the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 are smaller than a specified value, and as a result, the electric field can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 200 or the resonator 220 without a separate shielding member.

[0121] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance part 220 through the accommodation space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gap 226 between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 .

[0122] When the electric field generated in the first region and the electric field generated in the second region flow into the inside of the first inner conductor 223 and / or the second inner conductor 225 through the gap 226 , the strongest electric field may be generated around the gap 226 in the inner region of the resonance part 220 .

[0123] In a heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, a tobacco rod 11 including a dielectric that generates heat through an electric field is arranged at a position corresponding to a gap 226 having the strongest electric field, thereby improving the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 200.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the resonating portion 220 may further include a closing portion 224, which is located inside the first inner conductor 223 and closes the end surface of the first inner conductor 223 to limit the flow direction of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the closing portion 224 may close the end surface of the first inner conductor 223 to block the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 from flowing toward the -z direction.

[0125] As the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 or the droplets generated when the aerosol is liquefied flows in the -z direction and flows into the aerosol generating device (e.g., Figure 1On the other hand, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment limits the flow direction of the aerosol by the sealing portion 224, thereby preventing the misoperation or damage of the components of the aerosol generating device caused by the aerosol or droplets.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the resonator 220 may further include a dielectric accommodation space 227 for accommodating a dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space 227 may refer to an empty space between the outer conductor 221 and the first and second inner conductors 223 and 225, and a dielectric having a low microwave absorptivity may be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 227. For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and alumina, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0127] The heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment arranges the dielectric inside the dielectric accommodation space 227, so that the same electric field as that of the resonance part 220 not including the dielectric can be generated while reducing the overall size of the resonance part 220, such as . That is, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can reduce the size of the resonance part 220 by the dielectric arranged inside the dielectric accommodation space 227, thereby reducing the assembly space of the resonance part 220 in the aerosol generating device, resulting in miniaturization of the aerosol generating device.

[0128] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0129] according to Figure 6 The heater assembly 300 of the illustrated embodiment may include a resonance portion 320 generating microwave resonance and a coupler 311 supplying microwaves to the resonance portion 320 .

[0130] The resonating part 320 may include: a housing 321 ; a plurality of plates 323 a , 323 b ; and a connecting part 322 connecting the plurality of plates 323 a , 323 b and the housing 321 .

[0131] The coupler 311 may supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 323 a , 323 b to generate microwave resonance in the resonance portion 320 .

[0132] The resonating portion 320 may surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the aerosol generating device. The coupler 311 may supply microwaves generated in the oscillating portion (not shown) to the resonating portion 320. When microwaves are supplied to the resonating portion 320, microwave resonance is generated in the resonating portion 320, so that the resonating portion 320 may heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, a dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 may generate heat due to an electric field generated inside the resonating portion 220 by the microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated due to the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0133] The housing 321 of the resonance part 320 functions as an “outer conductor.” Since the housing 321 is formed to have a hollow shape with an empty interior, the components of the resonance part 320 can be arranged inside the housing 321 .

[0134] The housing 321 may include: a storage space 320h that can store the aerosol generating article 10; and an opening 321a for inserting the aerosol generating article 10. The opening 321a is connected to the storage space 320h. Since the opening 321a is open to the outside of the housing 321, the storage space 320h is connected to the outside through the opening 321a. Therefore, the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into the storage space 320h of the housing 321 through the opening 321a of the housing 321.

[0135] Although the housing 321 shown in the drawings has a square cross-sectional shape, the shape of the housing 321 can be deformed into various shapes. For example, the structure of the housing 321 can be deformed into various cross-sectional shapes such as a rectangle, an ellipse or a circle. The housing 321 can extend longer in one direction.

[0136] A plurality of plates 323 a and 323 b that can function as “inner conductors” of the resonance unit 320 may be disposed inside the housing 321 .

[0137] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 10 accommodated in the accommodation space 320h. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may include: a first plate 323a arranged to surround an area of ​​the aerosol generating article 10; and a second plate 323b arranged to surround another area of ​​the aerosol generating article 10.

[0138] The plurality of plates 323a and 323b may be connected to the housing 321 via the connection portion 322. In addition, one end of the first plate 323a and one end of the second plate 323b among the plurality of plates 323a and 323b may be connected to each other via the connection portion 322. Therefore, an end portion closed by the connection portion 322 may be formed at one end of the plurality of plates 323a and 323b.

[0139] The other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b are spaced apart from each other, thereby enabling opening. The other ends of the multiple plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, thereby enabling an open end to be formed at the other ends of the multiple plates 323a and 323b.

[0140] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connection portion 322 are connected to each other, so that the resonator assembly can be completed. The shape of the cross section cut along the length direction of the resonator assembly may include a "horseshoe shape".

[0141] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 10. At least a portion of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be bent so as to protrude outward from the center of the aerosol-generating article 10 in the longitudinal direction.

[0142] For example, when the aerosol generating article 10 is manufactured into a cylindrical shape, the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be formed to be curved in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article 10. The radius of curvature of the cross section of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be the same as the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article 10. The radius of curvature of the cross section of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be variously deformed. For example, the radius of curvature of the cross section of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be greater than or less than the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0143] When a structure in which the plurality of plates 323 a and 323 b are bent in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article 10 is used, a more uniform electric field can be formed in the resonance portion 320 , and thus the heater assembly 300 can uniformly heat the aerosol-generating article 10 .

[0144] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be disposed toward the opening 321a of the housing 321. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be disposed apart from the ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b in a direction away from the ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0145] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be aligned with the opening 321a of the housing 321. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted through the opening 321a of the housing 321 to be located in the accommodation space 320h, a portion of the aerosol generating article 10 located in the accommodation space 320h may be surrounded by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0146] Two of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be arranged at opposite positions relative to the lengthwise center of the aerosol generating article 10. The embodiment is not limited by the number of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, for example, the number of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be three or more than four.

[0147] The plurality of plates 323 a and 323 b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a central axis in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 10 (ie, the direction in which the aerosol-generating article 10 extends).

[0148] At least one of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be in contact with the coupler 311 connected to the oscillating portion (not shown). Specifically, at least a portion of the first plate 323a may be in contact with the coupler 311. When the microwave is transmitted to the first plate 323a through the coupler 311, the resonance of the microwave is formed between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. In addition, the resonance of the microwave is also formed between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321. Therefore, electric fields can be generated between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting portion 322, between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321.

[0149] The coupler 311 penetrates the housing 321, so that one end of the coupler 311 can contact the oscillating part (not shown), and the other end of the coupler 311 can contact an area of ​​the first plate 323a. As the microwave generated in the oscillating part (not shown) is transmitted to the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting part 322 through the coupler 311, an electric field can be generated inside the assembly of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting part 322.

[0150] In addition, according to the structure of the resonating part 320 of the heater assembly 300, a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonating part 320. A resonance of a transverse electromagnetic mode (TEM mode) of microwaves is formed between the plurality of plates 323a and 323b. In addition, a resonance of a TEM mode different from the resonance formed between the plurality of plates 323a and 323b is formed between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the shell 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the shell 321. Figure 6 The resonating section 320 can resonate in the TEM mode through the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, and thus can be manufactured to be smaller than Figure 5The size of the resonant portion 220 can only utilize the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic mode (TM) modes.

[0151] Since triple resonance is generated in the resonance portion 320 of the heater assembly 300 , the aerosol-generating article 10 can be heated more efficiently and uniformly.

[0152] The resonator 320 according to the above embodiment may include a closed end (short end) with a closed end surface and an open end (open end) located in the opposite direction of the closed end and with at least one region of the end surface open to have a length (λ / 4) of 1 / 4 of the wavelength (λ) of the microwave.

[0153] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, a closed end is formed in the region of one end of the resonance part 320 corresponding to the left region, which is closed by a structure in which one end of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connection part 322 are connected to the housing 321. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the region at the other end of the resonance part 320 corresponding to the region on the right side is opened to the outside through the opening 321a of the housing 321 to form an open end. With such a structure of the resonance part 320, the resonance part 320 can be used as a resonator having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength of microwaves.

[0154] According to the resonance structure of the resonance part 320 described above, the electric field may not propagate to the outer region of the resonance part 320. Therefore, the heater assembly 300 may prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 300 even without a separate shielding member to shield the electric field.

[0155] The aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the storage space 320h of the housing 321 is surrounded by the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b, and can be heated by dielectric heating. For example, a portion of the aerosol generating article 10 including a dielectric inserted into the storage space 320h of the housing 321 can be arranged in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b. The dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 generates heat due to the electric field generated in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b, so that the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated.

[0156] In addition, secondary heating of the aerosol generating article 10 can be achieved according to the effect of the electric field generated by the resonance modes formed between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the shell 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the shell 321.

[0157] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the interior of the resonance portion 320 through the accommodation space 320h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 may be located between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0158] The length L4 of the tobacco rod 11 can be formed to be longer than the length L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. Therefore, the front end 11f of the tobacco rod 11 connected to the filter rod 12 is located at a position protruding more than the other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b in the direction toward the opening 321a of the housing 321.

[0159] A resonance peak is formed at the other end of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b operating as a resonator, and a stronger electric field than other regions can be generated. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the heater assembly 300, the tobacco rod 11 including a dielectric capable of generating heat due to the electric field is arranged in a manner corresponding to the region with the strongest electric field, thereby improving the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 300.

[0160] Reference Figure 5 , the length L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be set to be smaller than the length (L1+L2) of the internal space of the housing 321. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be located further inside the housing 321 than the opening 321a. That is, the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be spaced apart and disposed at a distance L2 from the rear end of the opening 321a.

[0161] The length of the opening 321a from the rear end of the opening 321a connected to the housing 321 to the front end of the opening 321a where the opening 321a is open may be L3. The overall length of the housing 321 along the length direction of the housing 321 may be L. The overall length L of the housing 321 may be determined based on the sum of the length L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, the length L2 between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the rear end of the opening 321a, and the length L3 of the opening 321a protruding from the housing 321.

[0162] In order to prevent leakage of microwaves, the front end of the opening 321a where the opening 321a is opened is set to protrude from the shell 321 by a length of L3. Since the opening 321a of the shell 321 protrudes from the shell 321, the opening 321a can perform a function of preventing microwaves inside the shell 321 of the resonance part 320 from leaking to the outside of the shell 321.

[0163] The resonance part 320 may further include a dielectric accommodation space 327 for accommodating a dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space 327 may be formed in an empty space between the housing 321 and the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. A dielectric having low microwave absorption may be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 327.

[0164] By disposing a dielectric inside the dielectric accommodating space 327, it is possible to generate an electric field at the same level as the electric field generated in the resonance part without the dielectric while reducing the overall size of the resonance part 320 of the heater assembly 300. That is, by disposing a dielectric inside the dielectric accommodating space 327, the size of the resonance part 320 can be reduced, and the installation space of the resonance part 320 in the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and as a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0165] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to still another embodiment.

[0166] according to Figure 7 The heater assembly of the illustrated embodiment may include a resonance portion 320 generating microwave resonance and a coupler 311 supplying microwaves to the resonance portion 320 .

[0167] The housing 321 of the resonance part 320 may include a housing space 320h capable of housing an aerosol generating article and an opening 321a into which the aerosol generating article can be inserted.

[0168] One ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b of the resonance part 320 may be connected to the connection part 322. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be connected to the housing 321 through the connection part 322. The other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be open toward the opening 321a of the housing 321.

[0169] The housing 321 , the plurality of plates 323 a , 323 b , and the connection portion 322 of the resonance portion 320 may include a metal material.

[0170] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be arranged to be spaced apart along the circumference of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space 320h. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may include: a first plate 323a arranged to surround an area of ​​the aerosol generating article; and a second plate 323b arranged to surround another area of ​​the aerosol generating article.

[0171] “A plurality of plates are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article” may mean that a plurality of plates are arranged at positions different from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article.

[0172] Furthermore, “plural plates are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article” may mean that the plurality of plates are arranged at different positions along the circumferential direction centered on the “length direction” in which the heater assembly or the aerosol generating device extends in a long strip shape.

[0173] "A plurality of plates surround a portion of the area of ​​the aerosol-generating article" may mean that the plurality of plates extend along the circumference of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and are thus configured to face the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. The plurality of plates may have a simple flat shape and surround a portion of the area of ​​the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. As another example, the plurality of plates may include a folded shape or a curved shape to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article while surrounding a portion of the area of ​​the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0174] The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may be disposed at upper and lower sides of the accommodation space 320h and face each other. Each of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may extend in a long strip shape along an insertion direction of the aerosol generating article and include a thin and flat rectangular plate.

[0175] The shape of each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be modified in various ways. For example, each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be modified to have a square plate, a polygonal plate, a circular plate, or an elliptical plate shape.

[0176] The plurality of plates 323a and 323b may be connected to the housing 321 via the connection portion 322. In addition, one end of the first plate 323a and one end of the second plate 323b among the plurality of plates 323a and 323b may be connected to each other via the connection portion 322. Therefore, an end portion closed by the connection portion 322 may be formed at one end of the plurality of plates 323a and 323b.

[0177] The other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b are spaced apart from each other, thereby enabling opening. The other ends of the multiple plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, thereby enabling an open end to be formed at the other ends of the multiple plates 323a and 323b.

[0178] The accommodation space 320h between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b is in an open state in the inner space of the housing 321 through the side surfaces of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b.

[0179] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be arranged to face the opening 321a of the housing 321. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b in a direction away from the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. By configuring the opening 321a to protrude from the housing 321, microwaves inside the housing 321 may be prevented from leaking to the outside of the housing 321.

[0180] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be aligned with the opening 321a of the housing 321. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article is inserted through the opening 321a of the housing 321 and is located in the accommodation space 320h, a portion of the aerosol generating article located in the accommodation space 320h may be surrounded by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0181] When microwaves are supplied to the resonance portion 320 through the coupler 311 , microwave resonance occurs in the resonance portion 320 , and the resonance portion 320 may heat the aerosol generating article inserted between the plurality of plates 323 a , 323 b .

[0182] A dielectric containing space 327 is formed between the housing 321 and each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. The dielectric containing space 327 may be empty. Alternatively, a dielectric having a low microwave absorptivity may be contained in the dielectric containing space 327.

[0183] Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 8b yes Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined.

[0184] Reference Figure 8a The heater assembly 800 according to an embodiment may include an oscillation module 810 and a resonance part 820. At this time, the oscillation module 810 may include a coupler 811, an oscillation part 812, and a bracket 813.

[0185] The resonance part 820 may include a housing 821 , a plurality of plates 823 a , 823 b , and a connection part 830 connecting the plurality of plates 823 a , 823 b .

[0186] The coupler 811 may supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 823 a , 823 b to generate microwave resonance in the resonance portion 820 .

[0187] The resonating portion 820 may surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating device. Also, the coupler 811 may supply the microwaves generated in the oscillating portion 812 to the resonating portion 820. When the microwaves are supplied to the resonating portion 820, microwave resonance is generated in the resonating portion 820, so that the resonating portion 820 may heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 may generate heat due to the electric field generated inside the resonating portion 820 by the microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated due to the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0188] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support tube 825 of the resonance part 820, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be located between the plurality of plates 823a, 823b. Since the closed surface at one end of the support tube 825 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol generating article 10 toward the left direction can be restricted.

[0189] The front end of the tobacco rod 11 that contacts the filter rod may be located at a position that protrudes more in a direction toward the opening 821a of the housing 821 than the other ends of the first plate 823a and the second plate 823b.

[0190] The length of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b may be set to be smaller than the length of the internal space of the housing 821. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b may be located at a position spaced further toward the inside of the housing 821 from the opening 821a.

[0191] The front end of the dielectric 824 disposed inside the resonator 820 may protrude further in the length direction of the housing 821 than the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a and 823b. Figure 8a and Figure 8b In the embodiment, the front end of the dielectric 824 can be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 821. The length by which the front end of the dielectric 824 protrudes from the other end of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b can be changed in a variety of ways. Therefore, although the front end of the dielectric 824 protrudes more than the other end of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b, the front end of the dielectric 824 can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 821 (e.g., the upper surface 831b) so as not to contact the inner surface of the housing 821.

[0192] The housing 821 may include a lower surface 831a, an upper surface 831b facing the lower surface, and a side surface 831c surrounding an empty space between the lower surface 831a and the upper surface 831b. At least some components of the resonance portion 820 (e.g., a plurality of plates 823a, 823b and a support cylinder 825) may be disposed in the internal space of the resonance portion 820 formed by the lower surface 831a, the upper surface 831b, and the side surface 831c.

[0193] In one embodiment, the resonating part 820 may further include a fixing member 817 for fixing the plurality of plates 823a, 823b to the housing 821. For example, the fixing member 817 may be disposed between a region of a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z direction) of the connecting part 830 and a region of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction) of a lower surface 831a of the housing 821.

[0194] In one embodiment, the housing 821 may include at least one opening 815 into which the coupler 811 may be inserted. For example, when the coupler 811 is composed of a single elongated connector, the housing 821 may include an opening 815 to allow the single elongated connector to be inserted.

[0195] In one embodiment, the housing 821 may include an opening 815 located on the lower surface 831a so that the coupler 811 can be inserted from the outside along the z direction. For example, since the opening 815 is formed at the center of the lower surface 831a of the housing 821, the coupler 811 can pass through the lower surface 831a through the opening 815 and be connected to the connecting portion 830.

[0196] In the present disclosure, since the coupler 811 can be inserted through the opening 815 formed on the lower surface of the resonating part 820, the heater assembly 800 and the aerosol generating device (for example: Figure 1 The possibility of design changes of the aerosol generating device 100 is increased, thereby achieving miniaturization of the device and improving the aesthetics. That is, when the resonating portion is located on the lower surface of the heater assembly, another component can be located on a portion adjacent to the side of the resonating portion, compared to when the resonating portion is located on the side of the heater assembly, thereby miniaturizing the device.

[0197] Furthermore, the resonating part 820 of the present disclosure does not have any obstacles that interfere with microwave emission between the housing 821 and the plurality of plates 823 a and 823 b , and thus the efficiency of microwave resonance can be improved.

[0198] That is, although the fixing member 817 is located between the shell 821 and the plurality of plates 823a, 823b when the coupler 811 for transmitting microwaves to the resonating portion 820 is disposed on the lower surface of the resonating portion 820, the fixing member 817 acts as an insulator and does not interfere with the emission of microwaves. Therefore, the heater assembly 800 of the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of microwave resonance.

[0199] In one embodiment, the shape, number, and size of the coupler 811 may correspond to the shape, number, and size of the opening 815 included in the housing 821. For example, when the coupler 811 has a cylindrical shape, the opening 815 may have a circular shape so that the cylindrical coupler 811 may be inserted into the opening 815. In another example, the diameter of the coupler 811 may be substantially formed to be smaller than the diameter of the opening 815.

[0200] Reference Figure 8b When the coupler 811 is inserted through the opening 815 of the housing 821, the coupler 811 can connect the oscillating portion 812 and the connecting portion 830. When an AC voltage is applied, the oscillating portion 812 can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band. Therefore, when the oscillating portion 812 is connected to the connecting portion 830 through the coupler 811, the microwaves generated by the oscillating portion 812 can be transmitted to the coupler 811 and the connecting portion 830 and transmitted to the plurality of plates 823a, 823b.

[0201] Figure 9a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. Figure 9b yes Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined.

[0202] Reference Figure 9a The heater assembly 900 according to an embodiment may include an oscillation module 910 and a resonance part 920. At this time, the oscillation module 910 may include couplers 911a and 911b, an oscillation part 912, and a bracket 913.

[0203] The resonance part 920 may include a housing 921 , a plurality of plates 923 a , 923 b , and a connection part 930 connecting the plurality of plates 923 a , 923 b .

[0204] The couplers 911 a , 911 b may supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 923 a , 923 b to generate microwave resonance in the resonance portion 920 .

[0205] The resonating portion 920 may surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating device. Also, the coupler 911 may supply the microwaves generated in the oscillating portion 912 to the resonating portion 920. When the microwaves are supplied to the resonating portion 920, microwave resonance is generated in the resonating portion 920, so that the resonating portion 920 may heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, a dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 may generate heat due to an electric field generated inside the resonating portion 920 by the microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated due to the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0206] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support tube 925 of the resonance part 920, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be located between the plurality of plates 923a, 923b. Since the closed surface at one end of the support tube 925 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol generating article 10 toward the left direction can be restricted.

[0207] The front end of the tobacco rod 11 that contacts the filter rod may be located at a position that protrudes more in a direction toward the opening 921a of the housing 921 than the other ends of the first plate 923a and the second plate 923b.

[0208] The length of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b may be set to be smaller than the length of the internal space of the housing 921. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b may be located at a position spaced further to the inside of the housing 921 from the opening 921a.

[0209] The front end of the dielectric 924 disposed inside the resonator 920 may protrude further in the length direction of the housing 921 than the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a and 923b. Figure 9a and Figure 9b In the embodiment, the front end of the dielectric 924 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 921. The length by which the front end of the dielectric 924 protrudes from the other end of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b may be changed in a variety of ways. Therefore, although the front end of the dielectric 924 protrudes more than the other end of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b, the front end of the dielectric 924 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 921 (e.g., the upper surface 931b) so as not to contact the inner surface of the housing 921.

[0210] The housing 921 may include a lower surface 931a, an upper surface 931b facing the lower surface, and a side surface 931c surrounding an empty space between the lower surface 931a and the upper surface 931b. At least some components of the resonance portion 920 (e.g., a plurality of plates 923a, 923b and a support cylinder 925) may be disposed in the internal space of the resonance portion 920 formed by the lower surface 931a, the upper surface 931b, and the side surface 931c.

[0211] In one embodiment, the resonating part 920 may further include a fixing member 917 for fixing the plurality of plates 923a, 923b to the housing 921. For example, the fixing member 917 may be disposed between a region of a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z direction) of the connecting part 930 and a region of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction) of a lower surface 931a of the housing 921.

[0212] In one embodiment, the housing 921 may include a plurality of openings 915a, 915b into which the couplers 911a, 911b can be inserted. For example, when the couplers 911a, 911b are composed of two elongated connectors (i.e., composed of a socket plug structure), the housing 921 may include two openings 915a, 915b into which the two elongated connectors can be inserted.

[0213] In one embodiment, the housing 921 may include a plurality of openings 915a, 915b located on the lower surface 931a so that the couplers 911a, 911b may be inserted from the outside along the z-direction. For example, since the openings 915a, 915b are formed at the center of the lower surface 931a of the housing 921, the couplers 911a, 911b may pass through the lower surface 931a through the openings 915a, 915b and be connected to the connection portion 930.

[0214] In the present disclosure, since the couplers 911a and 911b can be inserted through the openings 915a and 915b formed on the lower surface of the resonating portion 920, the heater assembly 900 and the aerosol generating device (for example: Figure 1 The possibility of design changes of the aerosol generating device 100 is increased, thereby achieving miniaturization of the device and improving the aesthetics. That is, when the resonating portion is located on the lower surface of the heater assembly, another component can be located on a portion adjacent to the side of the resonating portion, compared to when the resonating portion is located on the side of the heater assembly, thereby miniaturizing the device.

[0215] Furthermore, the resonating part 920 of the present disclosure does not have obstacles that interfere with the microwave emission between the housing 921 and the plurality of plates 923a, 923b, so the efficiency of microwave resonance can be improved. That is, although the fixing member 917 is located between the housing 921 and the plurality of plates 923a, 923b when the couplers 911a, 911b for transmitting microwaves to the resonating part 920 are arranged on the lower surface of the resonating part 920, the fixing member 917 is an insulator and does not interfere with the microwave emission, so the heater assembly 900 of the present disclosure can improve the efficiency of microwave resonance.

[0216] In one embodiment, the shape, number, and size of the couplers 911a, 911b may correspond to the shape, number, and size of the openings 915a, 915b included in the housing 921. For example, when the couplers 911a, 911b have a cylindrical shape and are two in number, the openings 915a, 915b may have a circular shape and be two in number, so that two couplers 911a, 911b of a cylindrical shape may be inserted. In another example, the diameter of the couplers 911a, 911b may be substantially formed to be smaller than the diameter of the openings 915a, 915b.

[0217] Reference Figure 9b , when the couplers 911a, 911b are inserted through the openings 915a, 915b of the housing 921, the couplers 911a, 911b can connect the oscillating portion 912 and the connecting portion 930. When an alternating voltage is applied, the oscillating portion 912 can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band. Therefore, when the oscillating portion 912 is connected to the connecting portion 930 through the couplers 911a, 911b, the microwaves generated by the oscillating portion 912 can be transmitted to the couplers 911a, 911b and the connecting portion 930 and transmitted to the plurality of plates 923a, 923b.

[0218] Fig.10a is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to yet another embodiment. Fig.10b yes Fig.10a A cross-sectional view of a state in which a resonating part and an oscillating part of a heater assembly are combined.

[0219] Reference Fig.10a The heater assembly 1000 according to an embodiment may include an oscillation module 1010 and a resonance part 1020 . At this time, the oscillation module 1010 may include a coupler 1011 , an oscillation part 1012 , and a bracket 1013 .

[0220] The resonator 1020 may include an outer conductor 1021 and an inner conductor 1023. In this case, the inner conductor 1023 may include a first inner conductor (eg, Figure 5 The first inner conductor 223) and the second inner conductor (for example: Figure 5 second inner conductor 225).

[0221] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support tube 1025 of the resonance part 1020, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be located between the inner conductors 1023. Since the closed surface at one end of the support tube 1025 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol generating article 10 toward the left direction can be restricted.

[0222] exist Fig.10a and Fig.10b In the embodiment, the front end of the dielectric 1024 disposed inside the resonator 1020 may be in contact with the inner surface of the inner conductor 1023. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the front end of the dielectric 1024 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the inner conductor 1023 so that the front end of the dielectric 1024 does not contact the inner surface of the inner conductor 1023.

[0223] The outer conductor 1021 may form the overall appearance of the resonance part 1020, and may have a hollow shape with a hollow interior so that the components of the resonance part 1020 may be arranged inside the outer conductor 1021. The outer conductor 1021 may include a housing space that can accommodate the aerosol generating article 10, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor 1021 through the housing space.

[0224] In one embodiment, the outer conductor 1021 may include a lower surface (eg: Figure 5 The first surface 221a of the embodiment of the present invention is a first surface 221a of the embodiment of the present invention, and the upper surface facing the lower surface (for example: Figure 5 The second surface 221b) and the side surfaces surrounding the empty space between the lower surface and the upper surface (for example: Figure 5 At least some components of the resonator 1020 (eg, the inner conductor 1023) may be located in an internal space of the resonator 1020 formed by the lower surface, the upper surface, and the side surface.

[0225] In one embodiment, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductors 1023 may include at least one opening 1015 for inserting the coupler 1011. For example, when the coupler 1011 is formed by an elongated connector, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductors 1023 may include an opening 1015 for inserting the elongated connector.

[0226] In one embodiment, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductors 1023 may include an opening 1015 formed in a surface facing the inner space of the resonating portion 1020, so that the coupler 1011 may be inserted from the outside along the x-direction. For example, since the opening 1015 is formed in a region of the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductors 1023 facing the inner space, the coupler 1011 may be connected to the outer conductor 1021 through the opening 1015 through the region.

[0227] In the present disclosure, since the coupler 1011 is inserted from the inner space of the resonating part 1020 through the opening 1015, the heater assembly 1000 and the aerosol generating device (eg, Figure 1 The possibility of design changes of the aerosol generating device 100 is increased, thereby achieving miniaturization of the device and improving the aesthetics. That is, when the resonance portion is located on the inner side of the heater assembly, another component can be located on a portion adjacent to the outer side of the resonance portion, compared with when the resonance portion is located on the outer side of the heater assembly, thereby miniaturizing the device.

[0228] In addition, in the present disclosure, there is no obstacle that hinders microwave emission between the outer conductor 1021 and the inner conductor 1023 of the resonance part 1020, so that the efficiency of microwave resonance can be improved.

[0229] In an embodiment, the shape, number, and size of the coupler 1011 may correspond to the shape, number, and size of the opening 1015 included in the inner conductor 1023. For example, when the coupler 1011 has a cylindrical shape, the opening 1015 may have a circular shape so that the cylindrical coupler 1011 can be inserted. Also, the diameter of the coupler 1011 may be substantially formed to be smaller than the diameter of the opening 1015.

[0230] Reference Fig.10b , when the coupler 1011 is inserted into the opening 1015 of the inner conductor 1023 (for example: the first inner conductor), the coupler 1011 can connect the oscillating part 1012 to the outer conductor 1021. However, this is just an example, and in other embodiments, the coupler 1011 can connect the oscillating part to the inner conductor 1023. When an AC voltage is applied, the oscillating part 1012 can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band. Therefore, when the oscillating part 1012 is connected to the outer conductor 1021 through the coupler 1011, or when the oscillating part 1012 is connected to the inner conductor 1023 through the coupler 1011, the area formed by the outer conductor 1021 and the first inner conductor 223 and the area formed by the outer conductor 1021 and the second inner conductor 225 can operate as a resonator having a length of one quarter of the wavelength of the microwave generated by the oscillating part 1012.

[0231] Any embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments are not mutually exclusive or different. The configurations or functions of any embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments may be used or combined.

[0232] For example, it means that the A structure described in a specific embodiment and / or the drawings can be combined with the B structure described in other embodiments and / or the drawings. In other words, it means that even if the combination between the structures is not directly described, it is considered that the combination can be performed unless it is clearly stated that the combination cannot be performed.

[0233] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as limiting in any aspect, but should be regarded as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heater assembly, wherein: include: An oscillating part that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion that receives the microwave generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generates an electric field by causing the received microwave to resonate; The resonating part comprises: A housing, comprising a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a side surface surrounding an inner space between the lower surface and the upper surface, a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article, and at least one opening capable of allowing the coupler to be inserted from the lower surface in a direction toward the inner space, a plurality of plates arranged to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and The connecting part connects the plurality of plates.

2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The coupler is configured to connect the oscillating portion and the connecting portion and transfer the microwave generated by the oscillating portion to the plurality of plates.

3. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein: One ends of the plurality of plates are connected to the connection portion, and the other ends of the plurality of plates are spaced apart from each other to be open.

4. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the coupler is connected to the oscillating portion, and the other end of the coupler passes through the at least one opening of the housing and is connected to the connecting portion.

5. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein: The resonance part further includes a fixing member for fixing the plurality of plates to the housing.

6. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein: The shape and number of the couplers correspond to the shape and number of the openings included in the housing, respectively.

7. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein: The resonator also includes: a dielectric containing space formed between the housing and the plurality of plates, and The dielectric is disposed in the dielectric accommodating space.

8. The heater assembly of claim 7, wherein: The dielectric is arranged to be spaced apart from the upper surface of the housing by a predetermined distance in a direction toward the internal space.

9. A heater assembly, wherein: include: An oscillating part that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion that receives the microwave generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generates an electric field by causing the received microwave to resonate; The resonating part comprises: an outer conductor including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, and a side surface surrounding an inner space between the lower surface and the upper surface, and including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article, a first inner conductor surrounding an area of ​​the aerosol-generating article contained in the containing space and comprising at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted, and A second inner conductor surrounds another area of ​​the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space.

10. The heater assembly of claim 9, wherein: The coupler is configured to connect the oscillation portion and the first inner conductor, and a region formed by the outer conductor and the first inner conductor and a region formed by the outer conductor and the second inner conductor function as a resonator having a length of one quarter of the wavelength of microwaves generated by the oscillation portion.

11. The heater assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first inner conductor and the second inner conductor are formed into a hollow cylindrical shape surrounding an area of ​​the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space; The resonating portion further includes a closing portion, which is located inside the first inner conductor and is used to close a cross section of the first inner conductor.

12. The heater assembly of claim 9, wherein: One end of the coupler is connected to the oscillating part, and the other end of the coupler passes through the at least one opening of the first inner conductor and is connected to the outer conductor.

13. The heater assembly of claim 9, wherein: The resonator also includes: a dielectric containing space formed between the outer conductor and the first and second inner conductors; and The dielectric is disposed in the dielectric accommodating space.

14. The heater assembly of claim 13, wherein: The dielectric is spaced apart from an upper surface of the outer conductor by a predetermined distance in a direction toward the inner space.

15. An aerosol generating device, wherein: include: a housing including an insertion port for inserting an aerosol generating article, and a heater assembly for heating an aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion port; The heater assembly comprises: An oscillating part that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonating portion that receives the microwave generated by the oscillating portion through a coupler and generates an electric field by causing the received microwave to resonate; The resonating part comprises: A housing, comprising a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, a side surface surrounding an inner space between the lower surface and the upper surface, a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article, and at least one opening capable of allowing the coupler to be inserted from the lower surface in a direction toward the inner space, a plurality of plates arranged to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and The connecting part connects the plurality of plates.

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