Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment comprises: a housing; an oscillator which is accommodated in the housing and generates microwaves having a preset frequency; a resonator which is accommodated in the housing and resonates the microwaves to generate an amplified electromagnetic field; the present invention relates to a smoking device comprising a mouthpiece, an electromagnetic field arranged in the mouthpiece, and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating material and insertable into the housing wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic field generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material, and the housing is provided with a cartridge insertion opening into which the cartridge is inserted, the cartridge insertion opening may not overlap with the mouthpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, research on non-combustion cigarettes is ongoing. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0132823 discloses a non-combustion flavor inhaler, a flavor source unit, and an atomization unit. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical problems to be solved An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is intended to generate aerosol by microwave dielectric heating.

[0004] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is intended to realize various shapes of a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

[0005] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is designed to ensure diversity of aerosol generating materials contained in a cartridge.

[0006] Technical solutions to the problem According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a shell, which includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface located between the first surface and the second surface, and includes a suction nozzle formed on the first surface; an oscillator, which is accommodated in the shell and generates microwaves with a preset frequency; a resonator, which is accommodated in the shell and causes the microwaves to resonate to generate an amplified electromagnetic field; and a cigarette cartridge, which includes an aerosol generating material and can be inserted into the shell, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic field generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material, and the shell is provided with a cigarette cartridge insertion port for inserting the cigarette cartridge, and the cigarette cartridge insertion port may not overlap with the suction nozzle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge insertion port may be provided on either the side surface or the second surface of the shell.

[0008] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include at least one of tobacco shreds, tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco, or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge includes a cigarette cartridge body that wraps the outer side of the aerosol generating material, and the cigarette cartridge body can be made of a porous material.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge further includes a cigarette cartridge stopper provided at one end of the cigarette cartridge body, and at least a portion of the cigarette cartridge stopper may extend beyond the cigarette cartridge body in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the cigarette cartridge stopper and the cigarette cartridge body.

[0011] In one embodiment, the resonator may include a first plate and a second plate, wherein the smoke cartridge is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include: a control unit accommodated in the housing and controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device, and including at least one processor; and a battery accommodated in the housing and supplying power to the aerosol generating device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a shielding portion that wraps the oscillator and the resonator, wherein the shielding portion is provided with a shielding portion opening for inserting a cigarette cartridge, and the shielding portion opening may be aligned side by side with the cigarette cartridge insertion port.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an airflow path extending from an airflow inlet formed in one side of the housing through the cigarette cartridge and to the mouthpiece.

[0015] In one embodiment, the air flow inlet may be formed on a side surface of the housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the air flow inlet may be formed on the second surface of the housing.

[0017] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes: a shell, which includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface located between the first surface and the second surface, and includes a suction nozzle formed on the first surface; an oscillator, which is accommodated in the shell and generates microwaves with a frequency in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz; a resonator, which is accommodated in the shell and causes the microwaves to resonate to generate an amplified electromagnetic field; and a cigarette cartridge, which includes an aerosol generating material and can be inserted into the shell, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic field generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material, and the cigarette cartridge includes a cigarette cartridge body that wraps the outside of the aerosol generating material, and the cigarette cartridge body can be made of a porous material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include at least one of tobacco shreds, tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco, or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

[0019] In one embodiment, the shell is provided with a cartridge insertion port for inserting the cartridge, and the cartridge insertion port may be located on either the side surface or the second surface of the shell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an airflow path extending from an airflow inlet through the cigarette cartridge and to the mouthpiece, wherein the airflow inlet may be formed on at least one of the side surface or the second surface of the housing.

[0021] Effects of the Invention According to one embodiment, the aerosol may be generated by microwave dielectric heating.

[0022] According to an embodiment, various shapes of the cartridge containing the aerosol generating material may be realized.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the diversity of aerosol generating materials contained in the cartridge can be ensured.

[0024] The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 A cartridge of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A resonator of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 An airflow path of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] When selecting terms used in the embodiments, the functions of the embodiments were taken into consideration, and widely used general terms were selected whenever possible. However, differences may exist based on the intentions of practitioners in the field, precedents, new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in specific cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, but in such cases, the meaning of the terms will be explained in detail in the specification. Therefore, the terms used in this specification are not simple terms and should be defined according to the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the present invention.

[0031] When a section is described throughout the specification as "including" a component, unless otherwise specified, it means that other components may also be included and does not mean that other components are excluded. In addition, terms such as "unit" and "module" described in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used herein, expressions such as "at least one" when preceding a list of components do not modify each and every component listed, but rather modify all of the components. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" should be understood to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a cartridge 18 of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows a resonator 17 of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment; Figure 5 An airflow path A of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 11 , a control unit 12 , a battery 15 , an oscillator 16 , a resonator 17 and a cigarette cartridge 18 .

[0035] The cigarette cartridge 18 can contain an aerosol-generating material, which is heated to generate an aerosol. Users can inhale the generated aerosol to smoke. The aerosol-generating device 1 can utilize the electromagnetic field generated by microwave resonance to heat the aerosol-generating material, rather than directly applying heat to the aerosol-generating material. This approach can be referred to as "microwave induction heating."

[0036] In one embodiment, the housing 11 may include a first surface 111, a second surface 112, and a side surface 113, and a mouthpiece 114 may be provided on the first surface 111. The second surface 112 may be a surface opposite to the first surface 111, and the side surface 113 may be a surface between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The interior space of the housing 11 may be defined by the first surface 111, the second surface 112, and the side surface 113 of the housing 11, and the components of the aerosol generating device 1 described later may be accommodated in the interior space.

[0037] In one embodiment, an oscillator 16 and a resonator 17 may be accommodated in the housing 11 , the oscillator 16 may generate microwaves having a preset frequency, and the resonator 17 may generate an amplified electromagnetic field by causing the microwaves to resonate.

[0038] The microwave may be an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In addition, the microwave emitted by the oscillator 16 may be an omnidirectional electromagnetic wave.

[0039] For example, the oscillator 16 may include an antenna, which may be a Planar Inverted F Antenna (PIFA), but is not limited thereto and may include any device capable of emitting microwaves, such as a loop antenna, a monopole antenna, or a dipole antenna. Furthermore, one or more antennas may be provided. The antenna may receive electrical signals from a printed circuit board (PCB) of the control unit 12 and emit microwaves. The PCB may be a circuit board that includes electronic components and elements, such as an integrated circuit (IC), a resistor, a capacitor, and a switch, and may include wiring that electrically connects the electronic components and elements.

[0040] As another example, oscillator 16 may include a signal source and an amplifier. The signal source of oscillator 16 can generate microwaves of a preset frequency based on a control signal from control unit 12. The amplifier can amplify the microwave output generated by the signal source to an intensity sufficient to heat the material. Based on the signal from control unit 12, the amplifier can adjust the intensity of the signal source, thereby adjusting the output after the amplifier. For example, the amplitude of the microwaves can be reduced or increased. By adjusting the amplitude of the microwaves, the power of the microwaves can be adjusted.

[0041] To heat the aerosol-generating material, a resonator 17 for forming high-density microwaves may be required. A scheme of transmitting microwaves generated by a source such as an oscillator 16 to a medium (eg, an aerosol-generating material) may achieve only weak heating and have very low energy efficiency.

[0042] Resonator 17 absorbs microwaves of a specific frequency emitted by oscillator 16 and generates dielectric resonance. Dielectric resonance refers to the resonance of microwaves within resonator 17, which creates an alternating electromagnetic field. The microwaves resonate within resonator 17, generating an alternating electromagnetic field that is applied to the aerosol-generating material contained in the cigarette cartridge 18, heating the aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol.

[0043] Reference Figure 2 The aerosol generating device 1 may further include a sensor 13, an output unit 14, a communication unit 191, a memory 192 and an input unit 193. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to Figure 1 or Figure 2 It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the aerosol generating device 1 can be omitted or modified according to different designs. Figure 1 or Figure 2 Some of the components shown may be further added.

[0044] The sensor 13 can detect the state of the aerosol generating device 1 or the surrounding state of the aerosol generating device 1 and transmit the detected information to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 can control the aerosol generating device 1 to perform other functions based on the detected information, such as controlling the operation of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17, restricting smoking, determining whether the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted, displaying notifications, etc.

[0045] The sensor 13 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 131 , a puff sensor 132 , an insertion detection sensor 133 , a reuse detection sensor 134 , a cartridge detection sensor 135 , a cover detection sensor 136 , and a motion detection sensor 137 .

[0046] The temperature sensor 131 can detect the heating temperature of the resonator 17. The aerosol generating device 1 may include a separate temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the resonator 17. The temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the resonator 17. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may include a resistive element whose resistance value changes in response to changes in the temperature of the resonator 17. The temperature sensor 131 can be implemented by a thermistor, for example, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the resonator 17. For example, the temperature sensor 131 can be configured as a sensor for detecting the resistance value of the resonator 17. In this case, the temperature sensor 131 can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resonator 17 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the resonator 17.

[0047] The temperature sensor 131 may be arranged around the battery 15 to monitor the temperature of the battery 15. The temperature sensor 131 may be provided near the battery 15. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be attached to one side of the battery 15. For example, the temperature sensor 131 may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0048] The temperature sensor 131 may be provided inside the housing 11 to sense the internal temperature of the housing 11 .

[0049] The puff sensor 132 can detect the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 132 can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 132 can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device 1 can correspond to the pressure in the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 132 can be provided corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device 1.

[0050] The insertion detection sensor 133 can detect the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette cartridge 18. The insertion detection sensor 133 can sense a signal change based on the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette cartridge 18. The insertion detection sensor 133 can be installed near the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor 133 can sense the insertion and / or removal of the cigarette cartridge 18 based on a change in the dielectric constant within the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor 133 can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitive sensor.

[0051] The inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be arranged near the insertion space. For example, when the magnetic field around the coil changes, the properties of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The properties of the current flowing through the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, and the like.

[0052] The inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the property of the current flowing through the coil. For example, the inductance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0053] The capacitive sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitive sensor may be positioned near the insertion space. The capacitive sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surrounding environment (e.g., the capacitance around the conductor). For example, when a cigarette cartridge 18 comprising a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be altered by the metallic material of the cigarette cartridge 18.

[0054] The reuse detection sensor 134 can sense whether the cigarette cartridge 18 has been reused. The reuse detection sensor 134 can be a color sensor. The color sensor can sense the color of the cigarette cartridge 18. The color sensor can sense the color of a portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18. The color sensor can detect the value of an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of the object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic can be the wavelength of light. The color sensor can be implemented as a single component together with the proximity sensor, or can be implemented as a separate component from the proximity sensor.

[0055] When a portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 changes color due to the aerosol, the reuse detection sensor 134 can be set at a position corresponding to the position of the portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 that changes color due to the aerosol when the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted into the cigarette cartridge insertion space. For example, before the user uses the cigarette cartridge 18, the color of the portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 can be a first color. At this time, when the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device 1 passes through the cigarette cartridge 18, a portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 is wetted by the aerosol, and the color of the portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 can change to a second color. At the same time, after changing from the first color to the second color, the color of the portion of the exterior of the cigarette cartridge 18 can remain the second color.

[0056] The cartridge detection sensor 135 may sense the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 18. The cartridge detection sensor 135 may be implemented by an inductance-based sensor, a capacitance sensor, a resistance sensor, or a Hall sensor (hall IC) utilizing the Hall effect.

[0057] The lid detection sensor 136 can sense the installation and / or removal of the lid. When the lid is removed from the housing 11, the cigarette cartridge 18 and a portion of the housing 11 covered by the lid may be exposed to the outside. The lid detection sensor 136 can be implemented as a contact sensor, a Hall effect sensor (Hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0058] The motion detection sensor 137 may sense the motion of the aerosol generating device 1. The motion detection sensor 137 may be implemented by at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0059] In addition to the aforementioned sensors ( 131 to 137 ), the sensor 13 may also include at least one of a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since those skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, a detailed description is omitted.

[0060] The output unit 14 can output status information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. The output unit 14 can include at least one of a display 141, a tactile unit 142, and a sound output unit 143, but is not limited thereto. When the display 141 and the touchpad are stacked to form a touch screen, the display 141 can function not only as an output device but also as an input device.

[0061] The display 141 can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1 to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1 can include various information, such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 15 of the aerosol generating device 1, the preheating status of the heater, the insertion / removal status of the cigarette cartridge 18, the installation / removal status of the cap, or the use restriction status of the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., detection of an abnormality). The display 141 can output this information externally. For example, the display 141 can be an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 141 can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), or the like.

[0062] The tactile portion 142 can convert electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimulation to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when initial power is supplied to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 for a set time, the tactile portion 142 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. For example, the tactile portion 142 can include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0063] The sound output unit 143 can provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1 through sound. For example, the sound output unit 143 can convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the sound signal to the outside.

[0064] The battery 15 can provide the power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The battery 15 can power the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17. Furthermore, the battery 15 can provide the power required for the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device 1 (e.g., the sensor 13, the output unit 14, the communication unit 191, the memory 192, and the input unit 193). The battery 15 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 15 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] although Figure 1 Not shown in the figures, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to the battery 15 and may include a switching element.

[0066] The power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the battery 15 under predetermined conditions. For example, when the voltage level of the battery 15 is greater than or equal to a first voltage corresponding to overcharge, the power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the battery 15. For example, when the voltage level of the battery 15 is less than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge, the power protection circuit can cut off the electrical path of the battery 15.

[0067] The input unit 15 can receive information input by the user and can also output information to the user. For example, the input unit 15 can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor for sensing touch. For example, the touch sensor can include a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0068] The display 141 and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display 141 (eg, an on-cell type or an in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added to the display 141 (eg, an add-on type).

[0069] In addition, the input unit 15 may include a button, a keyboard, a dome switch, a roller, a roller switch, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Memory 192 is hardware that stores various data processed by the aerosol generating device 1. It can store data processed by the control unit 12 and data to be processed. Memory 192 can include at least one storage medium selected from the group consisting of flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro memory, card-type memory (such as SD or XD memory), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 192 can store, for example, the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and user smoking pattern data.

[0071] The communication unit 16 may include at least one component for communicating with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 16 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0072] The short-range wireless communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an ultra wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The wireless communication unit may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (eg, LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0074] although Figure 1 Not shown, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a connection interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and can be connected to other external devices via the USB interface to send and receive information or charge the battery 15.

[0075] The control unit 12 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In one embodiment, the control unit 12 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as a plurality of logic gate arrays or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory, wherein the memory stores programs executable by the microprocessor. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the at least one processor may be other forms of hardware.

[0076] The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the heater by controlling the power supplied to the heater by the battery 15. The control unit 12 can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the heater sensed by the temperature sensor 131. The control unit 12 can adjust the power supplied to the cartridge heater and / or the heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the heater. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the target temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the heater based on the temperature curve stored in the memory 192.

[0077] The aerosol generating device 1 may include a power supply circuit (not shown) located between the battery 15 and the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 and electrically connected to the battery 15. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the oscillator 16 or the resonator 17. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 12 may control the power supply circuit.

[0078] The control unit 12 can control the power supply by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts the direct current output from the battery 15 into alternating current. For example, the inverter may be configured as a half-bridge circuit or a full-bridge circuit including multiple switching elements.

[0079] The control unit 12 can turn on the switch element to supply power from the battery 15 to the cartridge heater and / or the heater. The control unit 12 can turn off the switch element to cut off the power supply to the cartridge heater and / or the heater. The control unit 12 can adjust the current supplied from the battery 15 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulses input to the switch element.

[0080] The control unit 12 can control the voltage output from the battery 15 by controlling the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the battery 15. For example, the power conversion circuit may include a buck converter for reducing the voltage output from the battery 15. For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, or the like.

[0081] The control unit 12 can adjust the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit by controlling the on / off operation of a switching element included in the power conversion circuit. When the switching element is in the on state, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit can correspond to the voltage level output by the battery 15. The duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element can correspond to the ratio of the voltage output by the power conversion circuit to the voltage output by the battery 15. As the duty cycle of the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the voltage level output by the power conversion circuit can decrease. The heater can heat based on the voltage output by the power conversion circuit.

[0082] The control portion 12 may control the supply of power to the heater using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) scheme.

[0083] For example, the control portion 12 may control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the heater using a PWM scheme. The control portion 12 may control the power supplied to the heater by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses.

[0084] For example, the control unit 12 may determine a target temperature, i.e., a control target, based on the temperature curve. The control unit 12 may control the power supplied to the heater using a PID scheme, which is a feedback control scheme using a difference between the temperature of the heater and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0085] The control unit 12 can prevent the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 from overheating. For example, the control unit 12 can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to stop supplying power to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 based on the temperature of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 exceeding a preset temperature limit. For example, the control unit 12 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 by a predetermined ratio based on the temperature of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 exceeding a preset temperature limit.

[0086] The control unit 12 may control the charge and discharge of the battery 15. The control unit 12 may confirm the temperature of the battery 15 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 131.

[0087] When the power cord is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device 1, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the battery 15 is greater than or equal to a first temperature limit, which is a criterion for cutting off the charging of the battery 15. When the temperature of the battery 15 is less than the first temperature limit, the control unit 12 can control the charging of the battery 15 according to a preset charging current. When the temperature of the battery 15 is greater than or equal to the first temperature limit, the control unit 12 can cut off the charging of the battery 15.

[0088] When the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the control unit 12 can confirm whether the temperature of the battery 15 is greater than or equal to a second temperature limit, which serves as a criterion for cutting off discharge of the battery 15. When the temperature of the battery 15 is less than the second temperature limit, the control unit 12 can control the use of the power stored in the battery 15. When the temperature of the battery 15 is greater than or equal to the second temperature limit, the control unit 12 can stop using the power stored in the battery 15.

[0089] The control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the battery 15. For example, the control portion 12 may calculate the remaining capacity of the battery 15 based on the voltage of the battery 15 and / or the sensed current value.

[0090] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted into the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor 133. When the control unit 12 determines that the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted into the insertion space, it can control the supply of power to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17. For example, the control unit 12 can supply power to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17 based on a temperature profile stored in the memory 192.

[0091] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 18 has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 18 has been removed from the insertion space using the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, when the temperature of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 is greater than or equal to the temperature limit, or when the temperature change gradient of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 is greater than or equal to a set gradient, the control unit 12 can determine that the cigarette cartridge 18 has been removed from the insertion space. When it is determined that the cigarette cartridge 18 has been removed from the insertion space, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17.

[0092] The control unit 12 can control the duration and / or amount of power supplied to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17 based on the state of the cigarette cartridge 18 sensed by the sensor 13. The control unit 12 can identify a level range encompassing the capacitance sensor signal level based on a lookup table. The control unit 12 can determine the moisture content in the cigarette cartridge 18 based on the identified level range.

[0093] When the cigarette cartridge 18 is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 12 may increase the preheating time of the cigarette cartridge 18 relative to the case where the cigarette cartridge 18 is in a normal state by controlling the power supply time of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 .

[0094] The control unit 12 can determine whether the cigarette cartridge 18 inserted into the insertion space has been reused using the reuse detection sensor 134. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a first reference range including a first color, and when the sensing value falls within the first reference range, determine that the cigarette cartridge 18 has not been used. For example, the control unit 12 can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor 134 with a second reference range including a second color, and when the sensing value falls within the second reference range, determine that the cigarette cartridge 18 has been used. When it is determined that the cigarette cartridge 18 has been used, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17.

[0095] The control unit 12 can determine the user's inhalation using the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. For example, the control unit 12 can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 132. When the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or when no puff is detected for a preset time, the control unit 12 can cut off the power supply to the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17.

[0096] The control portion 12 may determine whether the cover is covered and / or removed through the cover detection sensor 136. For example, the control portion 12 may determine whether the cover is covered and / or removed based on a sensed value of a signal from the cover detection sensor 136.

[0097] The control unit 12 can control the output unit 14 based on the sensing results of the sensor 13. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 132 reaches a preset number, the control unit 12 can notify the user of the imminent end of the aerosol generating device 1 through at least one of the display 141, the tactile unit 142, or the sound output unit 143. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cigarette cartridge 18 is not in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 12 can notify the user through the output unit 14 based on a determination that the cigarette cartridge 18 and / or the cap are not installed. For example, the control unit 12 can provide the user with information about the temperature of the oscillator 16 and / or the resonator 17 through the output unit 14.

[0098] Based on the occurrence of predetermined events, the control unit 12 can store and update a history of the events in the memory 192. These events may include detecting the insertion of a cartridge 18, starting heating of the cartridge 18, detecting a puff, ending a puff, detecting overheating of the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, detecting overvoltage applied to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, ending heating of the cartridge 18, turning the power of the aerosol generating device 1 on / off, starting charging of the battery 15, detecting overcharging of the battery 15, ending charging of the battery 15, and the like. These operations are performed by the aerosol generating device 1. The event history may include the date and time of the event, log data corresponding to the event, and the like. For example, if the predetermined event is detecting the insertion of a cartridge 18, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the sensed value of the insertion detection sensor 133. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of overheating of the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, the log data corresponding to the event may include data on the temperature of the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, the voltage applied to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, the current flowing in the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17, etc.

[0099] The control unit 12 can control the formation of a communication link with an external device (e.g., a user's mobile terminal). Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. The authentication data may include data indicating that user authentication of the user corresponding to the external device has been completed. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device can determine whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, a unique number identifying the user, or the like, and receive permission data for using the aerosol generating device 1 from an external server. The external device can transmit data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device 1 based on the permission data. In response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on at least one function of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, in response to the completion of user authentication, the control unit 12 can remove usage restrictions on the heating function that supplies power to the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17.

[0100] The control unit 12 can transmit the status data of the aerosol generating device 1 to the external device via a communication link with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity of the battery 15 of the aerosol generating device 1, the operating mode, etc. through the display of the external device.

[0101] The external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device 1 based on an input initiating a search for the location of the aerosol generating device 1. Upon receiving the location search request from the external device, the control unit 12 may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 142 may generate vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 141 may output objects corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0102] When firmware data is received from an external device, the control unit 12 may control the execution of a firmware update. The external device may check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1 and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device may receive the new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device 1. When the new version of the firmware data is received, the control unit 12 may control the update of the firmware of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0103] The control unit 12 can transmit the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 16, receive a learning model generated by learning the sensed values ​​through machine learning (e.g., deep learning) from the external server, and store the learning model. The control unit 12 can use the learning model received from the external server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 12 can store the sensed value data of at least one sensor 13 and data used for training an artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 192. For example, the memory 192 can store a database of each component provided in the aerosol generating device 1, weights forming the ANN structure, and bias. The control unit 12 can generate at least one learning model that learns the sensed value of at least one sensor 13, the user's inhalation pattern, the temperature profile, and other data stored in the memory 192, and use it to determine the user's inhalation pattern and generate the temperature profile.

[0104] Refer again Figure 1 The cartridge 18 may include an aerosol generating material and may be inserted into the interior of the housing 11 . The cartridge 18 may be inserted into the interior space of the housing 11 through a cartridge insertion port 115 formed on one side of the housing 11 .

[0105] In one embodiment, the cigarette cartridge insertion port 115 may be formed at a position that does not overlap with the mouthpiece 114. For example, when the cigarette cartridge insertion port 115 is formed on the first surface 111 of the housing 11, the cigarette cartridge insertion port 115 may be formed at any position on the circumference of the mouthpiece 114. For another example, the cigarette cartridge insertion port 115 may be formed on the side surface 113 or the second surface 112 of the housing 11.

[0106] In particular, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cigarette cartridge 18 may include a cigarette cartridge body 181 wrapping the outer side of the aerosol generating material and a cigarette cartridge stopper 182 provided at one end of the cigarette cartridge body 181 .

[0107] The cartridge body 181 may include a shell for containing an aerosol-generating material, and the shell may be made of a porous material. For example, the cartridge body 181 may be in the shape of a square bag, allowing air to freely flow in and out through the shell made of a porous material, while preventing the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge body 181 from leaking to the outside. The cartridge body 181 may be in the shape of a metal mesh, a plastic mesh, or a fabric mesh, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge body 181 may be miniaturized according to its shape. For example, the cartridge body 181 may be in the shape of a hexahedron.

[0108] The cartridge body 181 can be pouch-shaped, eliminating the need for a stick-like shape, thereby ensuring a variety of shapes for the resonator 17. For example, the cartridge body 181 can be positioned between the first plate 171 and the second plate 172 of the resonator 17, described later. The electromagnetic field generated by the resonator 17 can be easily applied to the aerosol-generating material within the cartridge body 181, and the aerosol generated by the heated aerosol-generating material can be easily released to the exterior of the cartridge body 181.

[0109] The cigarette cartridge stopper 182 can be integrally formed with the cigarette cartridge body 181. When the cigarette cartridge 18 is inserted into the housing 11 through the cigarette cartridge insertion port 115, the cigarette cartridge stopper 182 can play a guiding and stopping role. For example, the end of the cigarette cartridge stopper 182 can have an extension portion that is longer than the cigarette cartridge body 181. In a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the cigarette cartridge body 181 and the cigarette cartridge stopper 182, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cigarette cartridge body 181 is inserted into the housing 11 (for example, Figure 3 In the Y-axis (Y-axis), at least a portion of the cartridge stopper 182 may extend beyond the outer shape of the cartridge body 181. Since the extended portion of the cartridge stopper 182 is caught by at least a portion of the cartridge insertion opening 115, the cartridge 18 can be guided to the storage position in the housing 11 and thereby stopped at a designated position.

[0110] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include a medium / liquid composition. For example, the medium may include at least one of shredded tobacco, tobacco particles, or reconstituted tobacco. Reconstituted tobacco may be divided into pulp-like reconstituted tobacco sheets and paper-like reconstituted tobacco sheets according to its manufacturing method. The liquid composition may include an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol and propylene glycol. In addition, the liquid composition may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, or a vitamin mixture. The fragrance may include, but is not limited to, menthol, mint, spearmint oil, various fruity ingredients, etc. The flavoring agent may include ingredients that provide the user with various tastes or fragrances. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited to this.

[0111] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating material may include a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid composition based on nicotine, tobacco extracts and / or various flavoring agents. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0112] In particular, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4The resonator 17 may include a first plate 171 and a second plate 172, wherein the cigarette cartridge 18 is sandwiched between the first plate 171 and the second plate 172. The first plate 171 or the second plate 172 serves as a plate-shaped resonator, and its shape may correspond to the outer shape of the cigarette cartridge body 181. For example, when the cigarette cartridge body 181 is a hexahedron, the first plate 171 and the second plate 172 may be plate-shaped. For another example, when the cigarette cartridge body 181 is a cylindrical curved surface, the first plate 171 and the second plate 172 may be curved plates that wrap around the cigarette cartridge body 181.

[0113] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 may further include a shield 173 (e.g., a shield can) that encloses the oscillator 16 and the resonator 17. The shield 173 can shield microwaves from being emitted externally. The shield 173 may be made of a highly conductive metal material. When microwaves are incident on highly conductive metal, they may be canceled out by the free electrons in the metal. The shield 173 can prevent the microwaves from being emitted externally from the aerosol generating device 1 and reaching the user.

[0114] The shielding portion 173 may be provided with a shielding portion opening 1731 for inserting the cigarette cartridge body 181 of the cigarette cartridge 18. Figure 4 In the +X direction side), the first plate 171 and the second plate 172 can be spaced apart from each other. The shielding portion opening 1731 and the cartridge insertion port 115 can be aligned side by side. For example, on the adjacent side of the cartridge insertion port 115 (for example, Figure 1 A shielding portion opening 1731 may be provided in the housing 11 (on one side in the +X direction). Since the cartridge insertion port 115 is aligned side by side with the shielding portion opening 1731, the cartridge body 181 can be easily and unobstructedly inserted into the housing 11.

[0115] Reference Figure 5 The aerosol generating device 1 may include an airflow path A, which may extend from an airflow inlet AO formed on one side of the housing 11 through the cartridge 18 to the mouthpiece 114. Air introduced from outside the aerosol generating device 1 through the airflow path A may be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece 114 along with the aerosol while passing through the cartridge 18.

[0116] In one embodiment, the air flow inlet AO may be formed on the side surface 113 of the housing 11 .

[0117] For example, the air flow inlet AO may be formed on the side surface 113 opposite to the cartridge insertion port 115. The external air flow may be along a first direction (eg, Figure 5The airflow (in the -X direction) is introduced through the airflow inlet AO and transports the aerosol while passing through the cartridge body 181. The airflow together with the aerosol can then be turned to a second direction (e.g., Figure 5 +Y direction) and points to the suction nozzle 114.

[0118] As another example, the airflow inlet AO may be formed on the same side as the cartridge insertion port 115. In this case, the airflow inlet AO may be provided in a gap formed between a portion of the cartridge 18 (e.g., the cartridge stopper 182) and the cartridge insertion port 115. The external airflow introduced through the airflow inlet AO may be directed in a third direction (e.g., Figure 5 The air is introduced into the smoke cartridge body 181 (in the +X direction) and is turned to the second direction together with the aerosol when passing through the smoke cartridge body 181 and is transmitted to the mouthpiece 114.

[0119] In one embodiment, the airflow inlet AO may be formed on the second surface 112 of the housing 11. For example, external airflow may be introduced along the third direction through the airflow inlet AO formed on the second surface 112 and transmitted to the mouthpiece 114 through the cartridge body 181.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 can operate as follows. A button B can be provided on the side 113 of the housing 11 to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, when the device begins operation, a preheating process can be performed for approximately 17 to 20 seconds. Thereafter, the user can inhale the aerosol by sucking. After a preset number of puffs, the device can be stopped. When the medium in the cartridge 18 is depleted, a change in the dielectric constant can be detected, and microwave generation by the oscillator 16 and / or resonator 17 can be stopped. Simultaneously, the user can be notified that the cartridge 18 is depleted.

[0121] The aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment can generate aerosol by microwave dielectric heating. In this case, the cartridge 18 containing the aerosol generating material can be implemented in various shapes. According to one embodiment, the diversity of the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge 18 can also be ensured.

[0122] The description of the above embodiments is only an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent substitutions may be made thereto. Therefore, the scope of the present invention shall be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the scope of the claims shall be understood to be included within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that include: a housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface located between the first surface and the second surface, and comprising a suction nozzle formed on the first surface; an oscillator housed in the housing and generating microwaves having a preset frequency; a resonator accommodated in the housing and causing the microwave to resonate to generate an amplified electromagnetic field; and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating material and being insertable into the housing, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic field generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material, The shell is provided with a cigarette cartridge insertion port for inserting the cigarette cartridge, and the cigarette cartridge insertion port does not overlap with the mouthpiece.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The cigarette cartridge insertion port is arranged on either the side surface or the second surface of the shell.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The aerosol-forming material comprises at least one of tobacco shreds, tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco, or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein The cigarette cartridge includes a cigarette cartridge body that wraps the outer side of the aerosol generating material. The cigarette cartridge body is made of porous material.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that The cigarette cartridge further includes a cigarette cartridge stopper disposed at one end of the cigarette cartridge body. At least a portion of the cartridge stopper extends beyond the cartridge body in a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the cartridge stopper and the cartridge body.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The resonator includes a first plate and a second plate, wherein the smoke cartridge is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a control unit housed in the housing and configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device, the control unit comprising at least one processor; and A battery is housed in the housing and supplies power to the aerosol generating device.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein Also included is a shielding portion that encloses the oscillator and the resonator, The shielding portion is provided with a shielding opening for inserting a cigarette cartridge. The shielding portion opening is aligned side by side with the cigarette cartridge insertion port.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: An airflow path extends from an airflow inlet formed in one side of the housing through the cigarette cartridge and to the mouthpiece.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, characterized in that The air flow inlet is formed on a side surface of the housing.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein: The air flow inlet is formed on the second surface of the housing.

12. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: a housing comprising a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a side surface located between the first surface and the second surface, and comprising a suction nozzle formed on the first surface; an oscillator housed in the housing and generating microwaves having a frequency in the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz; a resonator accommodated in the housing and causing the microwave to resonate to generate an amplified electromagnetic field; and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-generating material and being insertable into the housing, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic field generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating material, The cigarette cartridge comprises a cigarette cartridge body which wraps the outer side of the aerosol generating material, and the cigarette cartridge body is made of a porous material.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: The aerosol-forming material comprises at least one of tobacco shreds, tobacco particles, reconstituted tobacco, or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate containing nicotine.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: The shell is provided with a cigarette cartridge insertion port for inserting the cigarette cartridge, and the cigarette cartridge insertion port is located on either the side surface or the second surface of the shell.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein: Also included is an airflow path extending from the airflow inlet through the cigarette cartridge and to the mouthpiece, Wherein, the air flow inlet is formed on at least one of the side surface or the second surface of the shell.

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