Heater assembly, and aerosol generating device including the same

Abstract

A heater assembly according to one embodiment includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit via a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field. The resonance unit 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 case having a housing space for housing an aerosol generating article and at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted in a direction from the lower surface toward the internal space, a plurality of plates arranged so as to be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article housed in the housing space, and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of plates. In addition to these, various embodiments can be grasped through the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater assembly capable of heating an aerosol generating article by dielectric heating to generate an aerosol, and an aerosol generating device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating substance using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Microwave heating technology is a technology capable of heating an object by utilizing the principle of dielectric heating. If the microwave heating technology is used to heat an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating substance can be rapidly heated.

[0004] Conventional aerosol generating devices heat an aerosol generating substance through a resistance heating method, an induction heating method, an ultrasonic heating method, etc., but there is a problem that the preheating speed is relatively slow and the aerosol generating article is likely to be heated unevenly.

[0005] In addition, some of the conventional aerosol generating devices heat the aerosol generating substance through a dielectric heating method, but it is only a microwave radiation method using an antenna, and there is a problem that the power transmission efficiency is significantly reduced.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In various embodiments according to the present disclosure, in order to solve the above-described problems, there is provided a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article through a dielectric heating method using microwave resonance.

[0007] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The heater assembly in one embodiment includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit through a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field. The resonance unit 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 a case including a housing space for accommodating an aerosol generating article and at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted in a direction from the lower surface toward the internal space, a plurality of plates arranged so as to be separated along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the housing space, and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of plates.

[0009] The heater assembly in one embodiment includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit through a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field. The resonance unit 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, an outer conductor including a housing space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, a first internal conductor that surrounds one region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the housing space and includes at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted, and a second internal conductor that surrounds another region of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the housing space.

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing including an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, and a heater assembly for heating the aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion port. The heater assembly includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit via a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field. The resonance unit 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. The resonance unit includes a case including an accommodation space for accommodating the aerosol generating article and at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted in a direction from the lower surface toward the internal 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 a connecting unit connecting the plurality of plates.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by arranging an oscillation module including a coupler and an oscillation unit on the lower surface of the resonance unit, various design changes to the heater assembly and the aerosol generating device may be possible.

[0012] In addition, the arrangement structure of the oscillation module according to the present disclosure has an advantage that the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized and the aesthetic part can be improved.

[0013] However, the effects according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-described effects, and the effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 10A

Figure 10B

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the examples disclosed in this specification will be described in detail. However, regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The suffixes “~module” and “~section” related to the components used in the following description are attached or mixed only for the ease of preparing the specification, and do not have meanings or roles that are distinguished from each other by themselves.

[0017] In addition, in the description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when it is determined that specific descriptions related to related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are only for facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that all changes, equivalents or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of this disclosure are included.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second can be used in the description of various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0019] When a certain component is referred to as being "connected to" or "connected with" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or connected with the other component, but there may also be other components in between. Note that when a certain component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly connected with" another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment also includes a housing 110 that can accommodate an aerosol generating article 10, and a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 accommodated in the housing 110.

[0023] The housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 100, and components of the aerosol generating device 100 can be arranged in the internal space (or "mounting space") of the housing 110. For example, a heater assembly 200, a battery, a processor, and / or a sensor can be arranged in the internal space of the housing 110, but the components arranged in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0024] An insertion port 110h is formed in a region of the housing 110, and at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into the housing 110 through the insertion port 110h. For example, the insertion port 110h can be formed in a region of the upper end surface (e.g., the surface facing in the z direction) of the housing 110, but the position where the insertion port 110h is formed is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the insertion port 110h can also be formed in a region of the side surface (e.g., the surface facing in the x direction) of the housing 110.

[0025] The heater assembly 200 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 110 and can heat the aerosol generating article 10 inserted or accommodated into the housing 110 through the insertion port 110h. For example, the heater assembly 200 is arranged to surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted or accommodated into the housing 110 and can heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by dielectric heating. In the present disclosure, the "dielectric heating method" means a method of heating a dielectric material, which is the object to be heated, by utilizing resonance of microwaves and / or an electric field (or including a magnetic field) of microwaves. The microwaves are an energy source for heating the object to be heated and are generated by high-frequency power, so hereinafter, the microwaves can be used interchangeably with microwave power.

[0027] Inside the heater assembly 200, due to microwave resonance, the charges or ions of the dielectric contained inside the aerosol generating article 10 vibrate or rotate, and heat is generated in the dielectric due to the frictional heat generated during the process in which the charges or ions vibrate or rotate, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated.

[0028] When the aerosol generating article 10 is heated by the heater assembly 200, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating article 10. In the present disclosure, "aerosol" can mean gas particles generated by mixing the vapor and air generated when the aerosol generating article 10 is heated.

[0029] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 can be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 by passing through the aerosol generating article 10 or through the empty space between the aerosol generating article 10 and the insertion port 110h. The user can smoke by bringing the mouth into contact with a region of the aerosol generating article 10 exposed outside the housing 110 and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0030] The aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment further includes a cover 111 movably arranged in the housing 110 for opening and closing the insertion port 110h. For example, the cover 111 is slidably coupled to the upper end surface of the housing 110 to expose the insertion port 110h to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 or to cover the insertion port 110h so that the insertion port 110h is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0031] In one example, the cover 111 is configured such that in the first position (or, "open position"), the insertion port 110h is exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. When the aerosol generating device 100 is exposed to the outside, the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into the housing 110 through the insertion port 110h.

[0032] In another example, in the second position (or "closed position"), the cover 111 covers the insertion port 110h so that the insertion port 110h is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. At this time, the cover 111 can prevent foreign matter from flowing into the inside of the heater assembly 200 through the insertion port 110h when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use.

[0033] FIG. 1 only shows an aerosol generating device 100 for heating a solid-state aerosol generating article 10, but the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0034] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment can also heat a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substance through the heater assembly 200 to generate an aerosol, rather than a solid-state aerosol generating article 10.

[0035] An aerosol generating device according to still another embodiment includes a heater assembly 200 for heating an aerosol generating article 10 and a cartridge (or "vaporizer") containing a liquid or gel-like aerosol generating substance for heating the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substance moves along the cartridge and an air flow passage communicating with the aerosol generating article 10 to the aerosol generating article 10, and after being mixed with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10, it can pass through the aerosol generating article 10 and be transmitted to the user.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes an input unit 102, an output unit 103, a sensor unit 104, a communication unit 105, a memory 106, a battery 107, an interface unit 108, a power conversion unit 109, and a dielectric heating unit 200.

[0038] The input unit 102 can receive user input. For example, the input unit 102 can be provided as a single pressure-type push button. As another example, the input unit 102 is also a touch panel including at least one touch sensor. The input unit 102 can transmit an input signal to the processor 101. The processor 101 can supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200 or control the output unit 103 based on the user input and output a user notification.

[0039] The output unit 103 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 103 can 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 the error information of the aerosol generating device 100. For this purpose, the output unit 103 also includes a display, a haptic motor, and an acoustic output unit.

[0040] 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 transmit the sensed information to the processor 101. The processor 101 can control the aerosol generating device 100 based on the sensed information so that various functions such as heating control of the dielectric heating unit 200, smoking restriction, determination of whether the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted, and notification display are performed.

[0041] The sensor unit 104 also includes a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor.

[0042] The temperature sensor can non-contactedly sense the temperature inside the dielectric heating unit 200 or contact the dielectric heating unit 200 to directly obtain the temperature of the resonator. According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor can also sense the temperature of the aerosol generating article 10. Further, the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to the battery 107 and can obtain the temperature of the battery 107. The processor 101 can control the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the temperature information of the temperature sensor.

[0043] The puff sensor can sense the user's puff. The puff sensor can sense the user's puff based on at least one of a temperature change, a flow change, a power change, and a pressure change. The processor 101 can control the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the puff information of the puff sensor. For example, the processor 101 can count the number of puffs, and when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs, it can cut off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200. As another example, when no puff is sensed for a preset time or more, the processor 101 can cut off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200.

[0044] The insertion sensing sensor is arranged inside the accommodation space 220h (FIG. 4) or adjacent to the accommodation space 220h, and can sense the insertion and removal of the aerosol generating article 10 accommodated in the insertion port 110h. For example, the insertion sensing sensor may include an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the insertion port 110h, the processor 101 can supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may additionally include a reuse sensing sensor, a motion sensing sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover detachment sensing sensor, a position sensor (GPS (global positioning system)), and a proximity sensor, etc. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0046] The communication unit 105 also includes at least one communication module for communication with an external electronic device. The processor 101 can control the communication unit 105 and transmit information related to the aerosol generating device 100 to the external electronic device. Or, the processor 101 can receive information from the external electronic device via the communication unit 105 and 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, and user smoking pattern information, etc.

[0047] Memory 106 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 100, and can store the data processed by the processor 101 and the data to be processed. For example, the memory 106 can store the operating time of the aerosol generating device 100, the maximum puff count, the current puff count, at least one temperature profile, and data related to the user's smoking pattern, etc.

[0048] The battery 107 can supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200 so that the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated. Further, the battery 107 can supply power required for the operation of other components provided within the aerosol generating device 100. The battery 107 is also a rechargeable battery and a separable detachable battery.

[0049] The interface unit 108 also includes connection terminals that can be physically connected to an external electronic device. The connection terminals include at least one of an HDMI (registered trademark) (high definition multimedia interface) connector, a USB (universal serial bus) connector, an SD (secure digital) card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), or a combination thereof. The interface unit 108 can transmit and receive information to and from an external electronic device or charge the power supply via the connection terminals.

[0050] The power conversion unit 109 can convert the DC power supply supplied from the battery 107 into an AC power supply. Further, the power conversion unit 109 can provide the converted AC power supply to the dielectric heating unit 200. The power conversion unit 109 is also an inverter including at least one switching element, and the processor 101 can control the ON / OFF of the switching element included in the power conversion unit 109 to convert the DC power supply into an AC power supply. The power conversion unit 109 can be configured as a full-bridge or a half-bridge.

[0051] The dielectric heating unit 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by the dielectric heating method. The dielectric heating unit 200 also has a configuration corresponding to the heater assembly 200 in FIG. 1.

[0052] The dielectric heating unit 200 can utilize microwaves and / or the electric field of microwaves (hereinafter, referred to as microwaves or microwave power when there is no need for distinction) to heat the aerosol generating article 10. The heating method of the dielectric heating unit 200 is not a method of radiating the microwaves using an antenna, but is also a method of heating the object to be heated by forming the microwaves within a resonance structure. The resonance structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 and below.

[0053] The dielectric heating unit 200 can output microwaves, which are high-frequency waves, to the resonance unit 220 (FIG. 3). The microwaves are also the power in the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical equipment) band allowed for heating, but are not limited thereto. The resonance unit 220 can be designed in consideration of the wavelength of the microwaves so that the microwaves can be resonated within the resonance unit 220.

[0054] The aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance unit 220, and the dielectric substance in the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the resonance unit 220. For example, the aerosol generating article 10 also contains a polar substance, and the molecules in the polar substance can be polarized inside the resonance unit 220. The molecules vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the frictional heat generated in the process. The description related to the dielectric heating unit 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0055] Processor 101 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 100. Processor 101 may be embodied by an array of a large number of logic gates, or may also be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. It may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0056] Processor 101 can control the DC power supplied from the battery 107 to the power conversion unit 109 and / or the AC power supplied from 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 includes a converter that boosts or intensifies DC power, and processor 101 can control the converter to adjust the magnitude of the DC power. Also, processor 101 can control the AC power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 by adjusting the switching frequency and duty ratio of the switching elements included in the power conversion unit 109.

[0057] Processor 101 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. Therefore, the oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 240, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 in FIG. 3 described later are also part of the configuration of processor 101.

[0058] Processor 101 can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the temperature profile information stored in the memory 106. In other words, the temperature profile includes information related to the target temperature of the dielectric heating unit 200 over time, and processor 101 can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit 200 over time.

[0059] The processor 101 can adjust the frequency of the microwave so that the resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 is constant. The processor 101 can track in real time the change in the resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 due to the heating of the object to be heated, and control the dielectric heating unit 200 so that the microwave frequency based on the changed resonance frequency is output. In other words, the processor 101 can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of the pre-stored temperature profile.

[0060] FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating unit of FIG. 2.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the dielectric heating unit 200 also includes an oscillation unit 210, an isolation unit 240, a power monitoring unit 250, a matching unit 260, a microwave output unit 230, and a resonance unit 220.

[0062] The oscillation unit 210 can be provided with AC power from the power conversion unit 109 and generate high-frequency microwave power. According to one embodiment, the power conversion unit 109 is also configured to be included in the oscillation unit 210. The microwave power can be selected from the frequency bands of 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz included in the ISM band.

[0063] The oscillation unit 210 includes an RF (radio frequency) generating device on a solid-state substrate and can use it to generate microwave power. The RF generating device on the solid-state substrate can be implemented by a semiconductor. When the oscillation unit 210 is implemented with a semiconductor, there are advantages such as the miniaturization of the dielectric heating unit 200 being possible and the device life being extended.

[0064] The oscillation unit 210 can output microwave power toward the resonance unit 220. The oscillation unit 210 includes a power amplifier (power amp) that increases or decreases the microwave power, and the power amplifier can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power under the control of the processor 101. For example, the power amplifier can increase or decrease the amplitude of the microwave. By adjusting the amplitude of the microwave, the microwave power can be adjusted.

[0065] The processor 101 can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 based on a pre-stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile includes target temperature information for a preheating section and a smoking section, and the oscillation unit 210 can supply microwave power at a first power in the preheating section and supply microwave power at a second power smaller than the first power in the smoking section.

[0066] The isolation unit 240 can block the microwave power input from the resonance unit 220 toward the oscillation unit 210. Most of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 is absorbed by the object to be heated, but due to the heating state of the object to be heated, a part of the microwave power can be reflected by the object to be heated and transmitted back to the oscillation unit 210 side. This is because the impedance seen from the oscillation unit 210 to the resonance unit 220 changes due to the depletion of polar molecules caused by the heating of the object to be heated. The meaning of "the impedance seen from the oscillation unit 210 to the resonance unit 220 changes" is the same as the meaning of "the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 changes". When the microwave power reflected by the resonance unit 220 is input to the oscillation unit 210, not only the failure of the oscillation unit 210 but also the expected output performance cannot be achieved. The isolation unit 240 can guide the microwave power reflected by the resonance unit 220 in a predetermined direction without returning it to the oscillation unit 210 and absorb it. For this purpose, the isolation unit 240 also includes a circulator and a dummy load.

[0067] The power monitoring unit 250 can monitor the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 and the reflected microwave power reflected by the resonance unit 220, respectively. The power monitoring unit 250 can transmit information related to the microwave power and the reflected microwave power to the matching unit 260.

[0068] The matching unit 260 can match the impedance seen from the oscillation unit 210 to the resonance unit 220 and the impedance seen from the resonance unit 220 to the oscillation unit 210 so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. This impedance matching also means the same as making the frequency of the oscillation unit 210 coincide with the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220. Therefore, the matching unit 260 can vary the frequency of the oscillation unit 210 to match the impedance. In other words, the matching unit 260 can adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. The impedance matching of the matching unit 260 can be performed in real time regardless of the temperature profile.

[0069] Note that the aforementioned oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 240, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 are separate configurations distinct from the microwave output unit 230 and resonance unit 220 described later, and can be implemented as a chip - shaped microwave source. Also, according to one embodiment, the aforementioned oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 240, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 can also be implemented as part of the processor 101.

[0070] The microwave output unit 230 is configured to input microwave power to the resonance unit 220 and also corresponds to the coupler below FIG. 3. The microwave output unit 230 can be embodied in the form of SMA (SubMiniature Version A), SMB (SubMiniature Version B), MCX (Micro Coaxial), or MMCX (Micro-Miniature Coaxial) connectors. The microwave output unit 230 can connect the chip-shaped microwave source and the resonance unit 220 to each other and transmit the microwave power generated in the microwave source to the resonance unit 220.

[0071] The resonance unit 220 can heat the object to be heated by forming microwaves within the resonance structure. The resonance unit 220 includes an accommodation space in which the aerosol generating article 10 is accommodated, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be exposed to microwaves and dielectrically heated. For example, the aerosol generating article 10 also contains a polar substance, and the molecules within the polar substance can be polarized by microwaves inside the resonance unit 220. The molecules vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the frictional heat generated during this process.

[0072] The resonance unit 220 includes at least one internal conductor so that microwaves can be resonated, and microwaves can be resonated inside the resonance unit 220 depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the internal conductor.

[0073] The resonance unit 220 can be designed considering the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate inside the resonance unit 220. In order for the microwave to resonate inside the resonance unit 220, a closed end (short end) of the cross-section and an open end where at least one region of the cross-section is open in the direction opposite to the closed end are required. Also, the length between the closed end and the open end must be set to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. The resonance unit 220 of the present disclosure selects 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength for miniaturization of the device. In other words, the length between the closed end and the open end of the resonance unit 220 can be set to 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0074] The resonance unit 220 also includes a dielectric accommodation space. The dielectric accommodation space is configured to be separated from the accommodation space of the aerosol generating article 10, and a substance that can change the overall resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 and miniaturize the resonance unit 220 is arranged therein. In one embodiment, a dielectric with a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space. This is to prevent the phenomenon that the energy that must be transmitted to the object to be heated is transmitted to the dielectric and the dielectric itself generates heat. The microwave absorption degree can be expressed by the 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 equal to or less than a preset magnitude, which is also 1 / 100, is accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 227. For example, the dielectric is at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes an oscillation unit 210 and a resonance unit 220. FIG. 4 is also one embodiment of the aforementioned heater assembly 200 and the dielectric heating unit 200, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0077] The oscillation unit 210 can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band as power is supplied. The microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210 can be transmitted to the resonance unit 220 via a coupler (not shown).

[0078] The resonance unit 220 also includes an accommodation space 220h for accommodating at least one region of the aerosol-generating article 10, and can heat the aerosol-generating article 10 by dielectric heating by resonating the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210. For example, due to the resonance of the microwaves, the charges of glycerin contained in the aerosol-generating article 10 vibrate or rotate, and heat is generated in the glycerin due to the frictional heat generated during the vibration or rotation of the charges, and the aerosol-generating article 10 can be heated.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the resonance unit 220 can be formed of a material with a low microwave absorption rate to prevent the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210 from being absorbed by the resonance unit 220.

[0080] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 5, the specific structure of the resonance unit 220 of the heater assembly 200 will be described.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly 200 of FIG. 4 cut in the A-A' direction.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment also includes an oscillation unit 210, a resonance unit 220, and a coupler 230. The components of the heater assembly 200 are the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 of FIG. 4, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted hereinafter.

[0083] When an AC voltage is applied, the oscillation unit 210 generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, and the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210 can be transmitted to the resonance unit 220 via the coupler 230.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the oscillation unit 210 can be fixed to the resonance unit 220 in a dimension that prevents it from being separated from the resonance unit 220 during the use process of the aerosol generating device. In one example, the oscillation unit 210 can be fixed on the resonance unit 220 by being supported by a bracket 220b protruding along the x-direction in a region of the resonance unit 220. In another example, the oscillation unit 210 can also be fixed on the resonance unit 220 by being attached to a region of the resonance unit 220 without the bracket 220b.

[0085] In the drawings, only the embodiment in which the oscillation unit 210 is fixed to a region of the resonance unit 220 in the x-direction is illustrated, but the position of the oscillation unit 210 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the oscillation unit 210 can also be fixed to other regions of the resonance unit 220 in the -z direction.

[0086] The resonance unit 220 is arranged to surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted inside the aerosol generating device, and can heat the aerosol generating article 10 via the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article 10 generates heat due to the electric field generated inside the resonance unit 220 by the microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 10 also includes a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[0088] The tobacco rod 11 contains aerosol generating substances and may be made of a sheet or strand, or may also be made of shredded tobacco in which the tobacco sheet is finely shredded. For example, the aerosol generating substances include, but are not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. Further, the tobacco rod 11 may also contain other additive substances such as flavoring agents, wetting agents, and / or organic acids. Also, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 11 by a method of spraying it onto the tobacco rod 11.

[0089] The filter rod 12 is also a cellulose acetate filter. Note that there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod 12. For example, the filter rod 12 may be a cylindrical rod or a tube-shaped rod containing a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 12 may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 12 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the plurality of segments may be made in a different shape.

[0090] At least a part (e.g., glycerin) of the aerosol generating substances contained in the aerosol generating article 10 is also a dielectric having polarity in an electric field, and at least a part of such aerosol generating substances can generate heat by a dielectric heating method to heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the resonance part 220 also includes an outer conductor 221, a first internal conductor 223, and a second internal conductor 225.

[0092] The outer conductor 221 forms the overall appearance of the resonance part 220 and is formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior, and the components of the resonance part 220 can be arranged inside the outer conductor 221. The outer conductor 221 also includes an accommodation space 220h in which the aerosol generating article 10 can be accommodated, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor 221 through the accommodation space 220h.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor 221 also includes a first surface 221a, a second surface 221b arranged to face the first surface 221a, and a side surface 221c surrounding the empty space between the first surface 221a and the second surface 221b. At least a part of the components of the resonance part 220 (e.g., the first internal conductor 223, the second internal conductor 225) can be arranged in the internal space of the resonance part 220 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 221b, and the side surface 221c.

[0094] The first internal conductor 223 can be formed in a hollow cylinder shape extending in a direction from the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 221.

[0095] According to one embodiment, a region of the first internal conductor 223 contacts a coupler 230 connected to the oscillation part 210, and the microwave generated by the oscillation part 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 through the coupler 230. For example, the coupler 230 penetrates the outer conductor 221 and is arranged such that one end contacts the oscillation part 210 and the other end contacts a region of the first internal conductor 223, and the microwave generated by the oscillation part 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 through the coupler 230.

[0096] At this time, the coupler 230 can be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor 221 without contacting the outer conductor 221 for the transmission of the microwave, but if the microwave generated by the oscillation part 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223, the arrangement structure of the coupler 230 is not limited thereto.

[0097] The first region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the first internal conductor 223 can operate as a "first resonator" that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The first region refers to the space formed by the first surface 221a, the side surface 221c of the outer conductor 221, and the first internal conductor 223. Inside the first region, the microwave transmitted through the coupler 230 can resonate to generate an electric field. The second internal conductor 225 can be formed in a hollow cylinder shape extending from the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 221. The second internal conductor 225 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first internal conductor 223 in the internal space of the outer conductor 221, and a gap 226 can be formed between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0098] The second region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the second internal conductor 225 can operate as a "second resonator" that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The second internal conductor 225 can also be coupled (e.g., capacitive coupling) to the first internal conductor 223. When an electric field is generated inside the first region due to the aforementioned coupling relationship, an induced electric field can also be generated inside the second region. In the present disclosure, "capacitive coupling" can mean a coupling relationship in which energy can be transmitted by the capacitance (capacitance) between two conductors.

[0099] For example, when the microwave generated from the oscillation unit 210 is transmitted to the first internal conductor 223, an electric field is generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field can be generated inside the second region formed by the second internal conductor 225 coupled to the outer conductor 221 and the first internal conductor 223.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the first region and the second region of the resonance unit 220 can operate as resonators having a length of a quarter wavelength (λ) of the microwave.

[0101] In one example, one end of the first region (e.g., the end in the -z direction) is formed as a short end by the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221 closing the cross-section of the first region, and the other end of the first region (e.g., the end in the z direction) can be formed as an open end by the first surface 221a not being provided and the cross-section being open. In another example, one end of the second region (e.g., the end in the -z direction) is formed as an open end by the cross-section being open, and the other end of the second region (e.g., the end in the z direction) can be formed as a short end by the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221 closing the cross-section of the second region.

[0102] That is, the first region and the second region include a short end and an open end in a view in the xz plane, and as a whole, are formed in a "C" shape. Through the above-described structure, the first region and the second region can operate as a resonator having a quarter-wavelength length of microwaves.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 can be formed to have the same length with respect to the z-axis and arranged such that the first region and the second region are symmetric to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0104] The aerosol-generating article 10 inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor 221 through the accommodation space 220h is surrounded by the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 and can be heated by a dielectric heating method.

[0105] In the first region and / or the second region, at least a part of the electric field generated by the resonance of microwaves is propagated through the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 and directed into the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225. The aerosol-generating article 10 surrounded by the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 can be heated by the propagated electric field. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol-generating article 10 generates heat due to the electric field propagated through the gap 226, and the aerosol-generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated from the dielectric.

[0106] In one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can prevent the electric field propagated inside the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 from leaking outside the heater assembly 200 or the resonance portion 220 by making the diameters of the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 less than a specified value.

[0107] In the present disclosure, the "specified value" can mean a diameter value at which the electric field begins to leak outside the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225. For example, when the diameter of the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 is greater than or equal to the specified value, a situation may occur where a part of the electric field flowing into the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 leaks outside the resonance portion 220.

[0108] Note that the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can prevent the electric field from propagating outside the resonance portion 220 through a structure in which the diameters of the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 are less than a specified value. As a result, even without a separate shielding member, it is possible to prevent the electric field from leaking outside the heater assembly 200 or the resonance portion 220.

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance portion 220 through the accommodation space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0110] The electric field generated in the first region and the electric field generated in the second region flow into the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 through the gap 226, so that the strongest electric field can be generated in the peripheral region of the gap 226 in the internal region of the resonance portion 220.

[0111] In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, the tobacco rod 11 containing a dielectric that generates heat by an electric field is arranged at a position corresponding to the gap 226 where the electric field is the strongest, so that the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 200 can be improved.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the resonance part 220 is located inside the first internal conductor 223, closes the cross-section of the first internal conductor 223, and further includes a closing part 224 that restricts the flow direction of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the closing part 224 can close the cross-section of the first internal conductor 223 and block the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 in the -z direction.

[0113] When the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article 10 or the droplets generated by liquefying the aerosol flow in the -z direction and flow into other components of the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 (FIG. 1)), it may cause malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device. Note that the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can prevent malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device caused by the aerosol or droplets by restricting the flow direction of the aerosol through the closing part 224.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the resonance part 220 further includes a dielectric accommodation space 227 for accommodating a dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space 227 means the empty space between the outer conductor 221 and the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225, and a dielectric with a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 227. For example, the dielectric can be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can generate the same electric field as the resonance part 220 that does not contain the dielectric while reducing the overall size of the resonance part 220 by disposing the dielectric inside the dielectric accommodation space 227. That is, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can reduce the size of the resonance part 220 through the dielectric disposed inside the dielectric accommodation space 227, and can reduce the mounting space of the resonance part 220 in the aerosol generating device. As a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0116] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0117] The heater assembly 300 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 also includes a resonance part 320 that generates microwave resonance, and a coupler 311 that supplies microwaves to the resonance part 320.

[0118] The resonance part 320 also includes a case 321, a plurality of plates 323a, 323b, and a connecting part 322 that connects the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the case 321.

[0119] The coupler 311 can supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b so as to generate microwave resonance in the resonance part 320.

[0120] The resonance part 320 can surround at least one area of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted inside the aerosol generating device. The coupler 311 can supply the microwaves generated by an oscillation part (not shown) to the resonance part 320. When microwaves are supplied to the resonance part 320, microwave resonance occurs in the resonance part 320, and the resonance part 320 can heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article 10 generates heat by the electric field generated inside the resonance part 220 by the microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0121] The case 321 of the resonance part 320 performs the function of an "outer conductor". Since the case 321 is formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior, components of the resonance part 320 can be arranged inside the case 321.

[0122] The case 321 also includes a storage space 320h in which the aerosol generating article 10 can be stored and an opening 321a into which the aerosol generating article 10 can be inserted. The opening 321a is connected to the storage space 320h. Since the opening 321a is open towards the outside of the case 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 case 321 through the opening 321a of the case 321.

[0123] The case 321 illustrated in the drawings has a square cross-sectional shape, but the shape of the case 321 can be deformed into various shapes. For example, the structure of the case 321 can be deformed to have various cross-sectional shapes such as rectangular, elliptical or circular. The case 321 can be extended long in one direction.

[0124] Inside the case 321, a plurality of plates 323a, 323b that can perform the function of the "inner conductor" of the resonance part 320 can be arranged.

[0125] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be arranged so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 10 stored in the storage space 320h. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b also includes a first plate 323a arranged to surround one region of the aerosol generating article 10 and a second plate 323b arranged to surround another region of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0126] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be connected to the case 321 by a connecting part 322. Also, one end of the first plate 323a and one end of the second plate 323b of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be connected to each other by the connecting part 322. Therefore, at one end of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, a closed end portion by the connecting part 322 can be formed.

[0127] The other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b among the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be opened by being separated from each other. Since the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are separated from each other, an open end portion can be formed at the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0128] The resonator assembly can be completed by connecting the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting portion 322 to each other. The shape of the cross section cut along the longitudinal direction of the resonator assembly also includes a "horseshoe-shape".

[0129] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 10. At least a part of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be curved so as to protrude outward from the center in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0130] For example, when the aerosol generating article 10 is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can 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 is also 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 can be variously deformed. For example, the radius of curvature of the cross section of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b is larger or smaller than the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article 10.

[0131] According to the structure in which the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are formed to be curved in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article 10, a more uniform electric field is formed in the resonance portion 320, so that the heater assembly 300 can uniformly heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0132] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be positioned so as to face the opening 321a of the case 321. The opening 321a of the case 321 can be positioned so as to be separated in a direction away from the ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0133] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be aligned with the opening 321a of the case 321. Therefore, if the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted through the opening 321a of the case 321 and is positioned in the accommodation space 320h, a part of the aerosol generating article 10 positioned in the accommodation space 320h can be surrounded by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0134] Two of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are arranged at positions opposite to the longitudinal center of the aerosol generating article 10. One embodiment is not limited by the number of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, and the number of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be, for example, three or four or more.

[0135] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other based on the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 10, that is, the central axis in the direction in which the aerosol generating article 10 extends.

[0136] At least one of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can contact a coupler 311 connected to an oscillation part (not shown). Specifically, at least a part of the first plate 323a can contact the coupler 311. If microwaves are transmitted to the first plate 323a through the coupler 311, microwave resonance is formed between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. Also, microwave resonance is formed between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the case 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the case 321, respectively. Therefore, an electric field can be generated between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting part 322, between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the case 321, and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the case 321, respectively.

[0137] The coupler 311 penetrates the case 321, one end of the coupler 311 contacts an oscillation unit (not shown), and the other end of the coupler 311 can contact an area of the first plate 323a. The microwave generated by the oscillation unit (not shown) is transmitted through the coupler 311 to the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting part 322, so that an electric field can be generated inside the assembly of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b and the connecting part 322.

[0138] Also, according to the structure of the resonance part 320 of the heater assembly 300, a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonance part 320. Between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, resonance of the TEM mode (transverse electric & magnetic mode) of the microwave is formed. Also, between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the case 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the case 321, resonance of a TEM mode different from the resonance formed between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b is formed. Since the resonance part 320 in FIG. 6 enables resonance of the TEM mode by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, it can be manufactured in a smaller size than the resonance part 220 in FIG. 5 that enables only the TE (transverse electric) mode and the TM (transverse magnetic) mode.

[0139] When triple resonance occurs in the resonance part 320 of the heater assembly 300, the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated more effectively and uniformly.

[0140] The resonance part 320 according to the above-described embodiment also includes a closed end (short end) whose cross section is closed so as to have a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength (λ) of the microwave, and an open end located in the direction opposite to the closed end and having at least one area of the cross section opened.

[0141] In FIG. 6, one end region of the resonance portion 320 corresponding to the left region forms a closed end closed by a structure in which one ends of a plurality of plates 323a and 323b and the connecting portion 322 are connected to the case 321. In FIG. 6, the other end region of the resonance portion 320 corresponding to the right region forms an open end when the opening 321a of the case 321 is opened to the outside. Due to such a structure of the resonance portion 320, the resonance portion 320 can operate as a resonator having a quarter wavelength of microwave.

[0142] According to the resonance structure of the resonance portion 320 described above, no electric field is propagated in the external region of the resonance portion 320. Therefore, the heater assembly 300 can prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 300 even without a separate shielding member for shielding the electric field.

[0143] The aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the accommodation space 320h of the case 321 is surrounded by the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b and can be heated by the dielectric heating method. For example, a part including the medium of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the accommodation space 320h of the case 321 can be arranged in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b. The dielectric contained 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.

[0144] In addition, a secondary heating action on the aerosol generating article 10 can be performed by the action of the electric field in the resonance mode formed between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the case 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the case 321, respectively.

[0145] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance portion 320 through the accommodation space 320h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be located between the plurality of plates 323a and 323b.

[0146] The length L4 of the tobacco rod 11 can be formed longer than the lengths L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. Therefore, the front end portion 11f of the tobacco rod 11 in contact with the filter rod 12 is located at a position protruding from 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 case 321.

[0147] Resonance peaks are formed at the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b that operate as resonators, and a strong electric field can be generated compared to other regions. When the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the heater assembly 300, the tobacco rod 11 containing a dielectric that can generate heat by the electric field is arranged so as to correspond to the region where the electric field is the strongest, whereby the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 300 can be improved.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 6, the length L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be set shorter than the length (L1 + L2) of the internal space of the case 321. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be located inside the case 321 from the opening 321a. That is, the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be located so as to be separated by a distance L2 from the rear end portion of the opening 321a.

[0149] The length from the rear end portion of the opening 321a where the opening 321a is connected to the case 321 to the front end portion of the opening 321a where the opening 321a is opened is also L3. The total length of the case 321 along the longitudinal direction of the case 321 is also L. The total length L of the case 321 can be determined by the sum of the length L1 of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, the length L2 by which the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are separated, and the length L3 by which the opening 321a protrudes from the case 321.

[0150] In order to prevent microwave leakage, the front end of the opening 321a where the opening 321a is opened is positioned so as to protrude from the case 321 by a length of L3. By protruding the opening 321a of the case 321 from the case 321, the opening 321a can function to prevent the microwave inside the case 321 of the resonance unit 320 from leaking to the outside of the case 321.

[0151] The resonance unit 320 further includes a dielectric accommodation space 327 for accommodating a dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space 327 can be formed in the space between the case 321 and the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. A dielectric with a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 327.

[0152] By disposing a dielectric inside the dielectric accommodation space 327, the heater assembly 300 can generate an electric field at the same level as the electric field generated in the resonance unit without a dielectric while reducing the overall size of the resonance unit 320. That is, by means of the dielectric disposed inside the dielectric accommodation space 327, the size of the resonance unit 320 can be reduced, and the mounting space of the resonance unit 320 in the aerosol generating device can be reduced. As a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0153] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to still another embodiment.

[0154] The heater assembly according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 also includes a resonance unit 320 that generates microwave resonance and a coupler 311 that supplies microwaves to the resonance unit 320.

[0155] The case 321 of the resonance unit 320 also includes an accommodation space 320h in which an aerosol generating article can be accommodated and an opening 321a into which an aerosol generating article can be inserted.

[0156] One end of each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b of the resonance part 320 can be connected to the connection part 322. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be connected to the case 321 by the connection part 322. The other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be open toward the opening 321a of the case 321.

[0157] The case 321 of the resonance part 320, the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, and the connection part 322 also contain a metal material.

[0158] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be arranged so as to be separated from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space 320h. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b also include a first plate 323a arranged to surround one region of the aerosol generating article and a second plate 323b arranged to surround another region of the aerosol generating article.

[0159] The phrase "the plurality of plates are arranged so as to be separated 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 of the aerosol generating article.

[0160] Also, the phrase "the plurality of plates are arranged so as to be separated 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 "longitudinal direction" in which the heater assembly or the aerosol generating device is extended long.

[0161] The phrase "the plurality of plates surround a part region of the aerosol generating article" may mean that the plurality of plates are arranged so as to face the outer surface of the aerosol generating article by extending along the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. The plurality of plates can surround a part region of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article while simply having a flat shape. As another example, the plurality of plates can surround a part region of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article while including a shape bent or curved so as to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article.

[0162] The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b are arranged on the upper side and the lower side of the accommodation space 320h and can face each other. Each of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b is also elongated along the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted and includes a thin and flat rectangular plate.

[0163] The shape of each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be variously deformed. For example, each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be a square plate, a polygonal plate, a circular plate, an elliptical plate, or can be deformed to have such a shape.

[0164] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be connected to the case 321 by the connecting portion 322. Also, one end of the first plate 323a and one end of the second plate 323b of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be connected to each other by the connecting portion 322. Therefore, at one end of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b, a closed end portion by the connecting portion 322 can be formed.

[0165] The other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be opened by being separated from each other. Since the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are separated from each other, an open end portion can be formed at the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0166] The accommodation space 320h between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b is in an open state in the internal space of the case 321 by the side surfaces of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b.

[0167] The open end portions at the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be positioned so as to face the opening 321a of the case 321. The opening 321a of the case 321 can be positioned so as to be separated in a direction away from the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. By arranging the opening 321a to protrude from the case 321, it is possible to prevent the microwave inside the case 321 from leaking to the outside of the case 321.

[0168] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be aligned with the opening 321a of the case 321. Therefore, if the aerosol generating article is inserted through the opening 321a of the case 321 and is located in the accommodation space 320h, a part of the aerosol generating article located in the accommodation space 320h can be surrounded by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0169] If microwaves are supplied to the resonance part 320 by the coupler 311, microwave resonance occurs in the resonance part 320, and the resonance part 320 can heat the aerosol generating article inserted between the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0170] A dielectric accommodation space 327 is formed between the case 321 and each of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b. The dielectric accommodation space 327 may be empty. Or, a dielectric with a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 327.

[0171] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the resonance part and the oscillation part of the heater assembly of FIG. 8A are coupled.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 8A, a heater assembly 800 according to an embodiment also includes an oscillation module 810 and a resonance part 820. At this time, the oscillation module 810 also includes a coupler 811, an oscillation part 812, and a bracket 813.

[0173] The resonance part 820 also includes a case 821, a plurality of plates 823a, 823b, and a connecting part 830 that connects the plurality of plates 823a, 823b.

[0174] The coupler 811 can supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b so as to generate microwave resonance in the resonance part 820.

[0175] The resonance unit 820 can surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted inside the aerosol generating device. Also, the coupler 811 can supply the microwave generated by the oscillation unit 812 to the resonance unit 820. When the microwave is supplied to the resonance unit 820, microwave resonance occurs in the resonance unit 820, and the resonance unit 820 can heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article 10 generates heat by the electric field generated inside the resonance unit 820 due to the microwave, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0176] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support cylinder 825 of the resonance unit 820, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be positioned between the plurality of plates 823a and 823b. Since the closing surface at one end of the support cylinder 825 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol generating article 10 in the left direction can be restricted.

[0177] The front end of the tobacco rod 11 in contact with the filter rod can be positioned at a position protruding from the other end of the first plate 823a and the other end of the second plate 823b in the direction toward the opening 821a of the case 821.

[0178] The lengths of the plurality of plates 823a and 823b can be set shorter than the length of the internal space of the case 821. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a and 823b can be positioned at positions separated from the inside of the case 821 from the opening 821a.

[0179] The front end of the dielectric 824 disposed inside the resonance part 820 can be directed in the longitudinal direction of the case 821 and protrude from the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the front end of the dielectric 824 can contact the inner surface of the case 821. The length by which the front end of the dielectric 824 protrudes from the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b can be variously deformed. Therefore, the front end of the dielectric 824 can be separated from the inner surface (e.g., the upper surface 831b) of the case 821 so that the front end of the dielectric 824 protrudes from the other ends of the plurality of plates 823a, 823b but does not contact the inner surface of the case 821.

[0180] The case 821 also includes a lower surface 831a, an upper surface 831b disposed to face the lower surface 831a, and a side surface 831c surrounding the empty space between the lower surface 831a and the upper surface 831b. At least a part of the components of the resonance part 820 (e.g., the plurality of plates 823a, 823b, the support cylinder 825) can be disposed in the internal space of the resonance part 820 formed by the lower surface 831a, the upper surface 831b, and the side surface 831c.

[0181] In one embodiment, the resonance part 820 also further includes a fixing member 817 for fixing the plurality of plates 823a, 823b to the case 821. For example, the fixing member 817 can be disposed between a region of the lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z direction) of the connecting part 830 and a region of the upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction) of the lower surface 831a of the case 821.

[0182] In one embodiment, the case 821 also includes at least one opening 815 into which the coupler 811 can be inserted. For example, when the coupler 811 is composed of one elongated connector, the case 821 also includes one opening 815 so that the one elongated connector can be inserted.

[0183] In one embodiment, the case 821 also includes an opening 815 in the lower surface 831a so that the coupler 811 can be inserted from the outside in the z direction. For example, by forming the opening 815 at the center of the lower surface 831a of the case 821, the coupler 811 can penetrate the lower surface 831a through the opening 815 and be connected to the connecting portion 830.

[0184] In the present disclosure, by inserting the coupler 811 through the opening 815 formed in the lower surface of the resonance portion 820, the design change possibility for the heater assembly 800 and the aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 (FIG. 1)) into which the heater assembly 800 is inserted is increased, and thereby, downsizing of the device and improvement of the aesthetic part are also possible. That is, in the case of the heater assembly in which the resonance portion is arranged on the lower surface, compared with the heater assembly in which the resonance portion is arranged on the side surface, other components are arranged in the portion adjacent to the side surface of the resonance portion, and thereby, downsizing of the device becomes possible.

[0185] Also, in the present disclosure, since there is no obstacle that obstructs the radiation of microwaves between the case 821 and the plurality of plates 823a, 823b in the resonance portion 820, the efficiency of microwave resonance can be increased.

[0186] That is, with respect to the resonance portion 820, since the coupler 811 that transmits microwaves is arranged on the lower surface of the resonance portion 820, a fixing member 817 is arranged between the case 821 and the plurality of plates 823a, 823b. However, since the fixing member 817 is an insulator that does not obstruct microwave radiation, the heater assembly 800 in the present disclosure can have increased efficiency of microwave resonance.

[0187] In one embodiment, the shape, number, and size of the coupler 811 can correspond to the shape, number, and size of the opening 815 included in the case 821. For example, when the coupler 811 has a cylindrical form, the opening 815 can have a circular shape so that the cylindrical coupler 811 can be inserted. As another example, the diameter of the coupler 811 can be formed to be substantially smaller than the diameter of the opening 815.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 8B, by inserting the coupler 811 through the opening 815 of the case 821, the coupler 811 can connect the oscillation part 812 and the connection part 830. When an alternating voltage is applied to the oscillation part 812, it can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band. Thereby, through the coupler 811, when the oscillation part 812 and the connection part 830 are connected, the microwaves generated by the oscillation part 812 can be transmitted to the coupler 811 and the connection part 830, and can also be transmitted to the plurality of plates 823a, 823b.

[0189] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the resonance part and the oscillation part of the heater assembly of FIG. 9A are coupled.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 9A, a heater assembly 900 according to an embodiment also includes an oscillation module 910 and a resonance part 920. At this time, the oscillation module 910 also includes couplers 911a, 911b, an oscillation part 912, and a bracket 913.

[0191] The resonance part 920 also includes a case 921, a plurality of plates 923a, 923b, and a connection part 930 that connects the plurality of plates 923a, 923b.

[0192] The couplers 911a, 911b can supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b so as to generate microwave resonance in the resonance part 920.

[0193] The resonance part 920 can surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted inside the aerosol generating device. Also, the coupler 911 can supply the microwave generated by the oscillation part 912 to the resonance part 920. When the microwave is supplied to the resonance part 920, microwave resonance occurs in the resonance part 920, and the resonance part 920 can heat the aerosol generating article 10. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article 10 generates heat by the electric field generated inside the resonance part 920 due to the microwave, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated in the dielectric.

[0194] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support cylinder 925 of the resonance part 920, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 can be positioned between the plurality of plates 923a and 923b. Since the closing surface at one end of the support cylinder 925 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol generating article 10 in the leftward direction can be restricted.

[0195] The front end of the tobacco rod 11 in contact with the filter rod can be positioned at a position protruding from the other end of the first plate 923a and the other end of the second plate 923b in the direction toward the opening 921a of the case 921.

[0196] The lengths of the plurality of plates 923a and 923b can be set shorter than the length of the internal space of the case 921. Therefore, the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a and 923b can be positioned at positions separated from the inside of the case 921 from the opening 921a.

[0197] The front end of the dielectric 924 disposed inside the resonance section 920 can be directed in the longitudinal direction of the case 921 and protrude from the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b. In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the front end of the dielectric 924 can contact the inner surface of the case 921. The length by which the front end of the dielectric 924 protrudes from the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b can be variously deformed. Accordingly, the front end of the dielectric 924 can be separated from the inner surface (e.g., the upper surface 931b) of the case 921 so that the front end of the dielectric 924 protrudes from the other ends of the plurality of plates 923a, 923b but does not contact the inner surface of the case 921.

[0198] The case 921 also includes a lower surface 931a, an upper surface 931b disposed to face the lower surface 931a, and a side surface 931c surrounding the empty space between the lower surface 931a and the upper surface 931b. At least a part of the components of the resonance section 920 (e.g., the plurality of plates 923a, 923b, the support cylinder 925) can be disposed in the internal space of the resonance section 920 formed by the lower surface 931a, the upper surface 931b, and the side surface 931c.

[0199] In one embodiment, the resonance section 920 further includes a fixing member 917 for fixing the plurality of plates 923a, 923b to the case 921. For example, the fixing member 917 can be disposed between a region of the lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z direction) of the connecting portion 930 and a region of the upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction) of the lower surface 931a of the case 921.

[0200] In one embodiment, the case 921 also includes a plurality of openings 915a, 915b into which the couplers 911a, 911b can be inserted. For example, when the couplers 911a, 911b are constituted by two elongated connectors (i.e., when configured in a power strip structure), the case 921 also includes two openings 915a, 915b so that the two elongated connectors can be inserted.

[0201] In one embodiment, the case 921 also includes a plurality of openings 915a, 915b in the lower surface 931a such that the couplers 911a, 911b can be inserted from the outside in the z direction. For example, by forming the openings 915a, 915b at the center of the lower surface 931a of the case 921, the couplers 911a, 911b can penetrate the lower surface 931a through the openings 915a, 915b and be connected to the connecting portion 930.

[0202] In the present disclosure, the couplers 911a, 911b are inserted through the openings 915a, 915b formed in the lower surface of the resonance portion 920, thereby increasing the design variability with respect to the heater assembly 900 and the aerosol generating device (e.g., aerosol generating device 100 (FIG. 1)) into which the heater assembly 900 is inserted. As a result, it becomes possible to miniaturize the device and improve the aesthetic part. That is, in contrast to a heater assembly in which the resonance portion is arranged on the side surface, in the case of a heater assembly in which the resonance portion is arranged on the lower surface, other components are arranged in a portion adjacent to the side surface of the resonance portion, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the device.

[0203] Also, in the present disclosure, since there is no obstacle that obstructs the radiation of microwaves between the case 921 and the plurality of plates 923a, 923b in the resonance portion 920, the efficiency of microwave resonance can be increased. That is, with respect to the resonance portion 920, since the couplers 911a, 911b that transmit microwaves are arranged on the lower surface of the resonance portion 920, a fixing member 917 is arranged between the case 921 and the plurality of plates 923a, 923b. However, since the fixing member 917 is an insulator that does not obstruct the radiation of microwaves, the heater assembly 900 in the present disclosure can increase the efficiency of microwave resonance.

[0204] 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 case 921. For example, if the couplers 911a, 911b have a cylindrical form and are two in number, the openings 915a, 915b may have two circular shapes such that the couplers 911a, 911b can be inserted. As another example, the diameter of the couplers 911a, 911b may be formed to be substantially smaller than the diameter of the openings 915a, 915b.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 9B, when the couplers 911a, 911b are inserted through the openings 915a, 915b of the case 921, the couplers 911a, 911b can connect the oscillation part 912 and the connection part 930. The oscillation part 912 can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band when an alternating voltage is applied thereto. Thereby, through the couplers 911a, 911b, when the oscillation part 912 and the connection part 930 are connected, the microwaves generated by the oscillation part 912 are transmitted to the couplers 911a, 911b and the connection part 930, and can be transmitted to the plurality of plates 923a, 923b.

[0206] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to still another embodiment. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the resonance part and the oscillation part of the heater assembly of FIG. 10A are coupled.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 10A, a heater assembly 1000 according to one embodiment also includes an oscillation module 1010 and a resonance part 1020. At this time, the oscillation module 1010 also includes a coupler 1011, an oscillation part 1012, and a bracket 1013.

[0208] The resonance part 1020 also includes an outer conductor 1021 and an inner conductor 1023. At this time, the inner conductor 1023 also includes a first inner conductor (e.g., the first inner conductor 223 (FIG. 5)) and a second inner conductor (e.g., the second inner conductor 225 (FIG. 5)).

[0209] When the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the support cylinder 1025 of the resonance part 1020, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol-generating article 10 can be positioned between the inner conductors 1023. Since the closed surface at one end of the support cylinder 1025 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the movement of the aerosol-generating article 10 in the leftward direction can be restricted.

[0210] In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the front end of the dielectric 1024 arranged inside the resonance part 1020 can be in contact with the inner surface of the inner conductor 1023. However, it is not limited thereto, and the front end of the dielectric 1024 can be separated 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.

[0211] The outer conductor 1021 forms the overall appearance of the resonance part 1020, is formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior, and the components of the resonance part 1020 can be arranged inside the outer conductor 1021. The outer conductor 1021 also includes an accommodation space in which the aerosol-generating article 10 can be accommodated, and the aerosol-generating article 10 can be inserted into the inside of the outer conductor 1021 through the accommodation space.

[0212] In one embodiment, the outer conductor 1021 also includes a lower surface (e.g., the first surface 221a (FIG. 5)), an upper surface arranged to face the lower surface (e.g., the second surface 221b (FIG. 5)), and a side surface (e.g., the side surface 221c (FIG. 5)) surrounding the empty space between the lower surface and the upper surface. At least a part of the components of the resonance part 1020 (e.g., the inner conductor 1023) can be arranged in the internal space of the resonance part 1020 formed by the lower surface, the upper surface, and the side surface.

[0213] In one embodiment, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductor 1023 also includes at least one opening 1015 into which the coupler 1011 can be inserted. For example, when the coupler 1011 is composed of one elongated connector, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductor 1023 also includes one opening 1015 so that the one elongated connector can be inserted therein.

[0214] In one embodiment, the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductor 1023 also includes an opening 1015 on the surface facing the inner space of the resonance part 1020 so that the coupler 1011 can be inserted from the outside in the x direction. For example, when the opening 1015 is formed in a region of the first inner conductor 223 of the inner conductor 1023 facing the inner space, the coupler 1011 can penetrate through the region via the opening 1015 and be connected to the outer conductor 1021.

[0215] In the present disclosure, when the coupler 1011 is inserted from the inner space of the resonance part 1020 through the opening 1015, the design changeability with respect to the heater assembly 1000 and the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device 100 (FIG. 1)) into which the heater assembly 1000 is inserted increases, thereby enabling miniaturization of the device and improvement of aesthetic parts. That is, in contrast to a heater assembly in which the resonance part is arranged on the outer surface, in the case of a heater assembly in which the resonance part is arranged on the inner surface, other components are arranged in a portion adjacent to the outer surface of the resonance part, thereby enabling miniaturization of the device.

[0216] Also, in the present disclosure, since there is no obstacle that obstructs the radiation of microwaves between the outer conductor 1021 and the inner conductor 1023 in the resonance part 1020, the efficiency of microwave resonance can be increased.

[0217] In one 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 form, 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 formed to be substantially smaller than the diameter of the opening 1015.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 10B, when the coupler 1011 is inserted through the opening 1015 of the inner conductor 1023 (e.g., the first inner conductor), the coupler 1011 can connect the oscillation section 1012 and the outer conductor 1021. However, this is merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, the coupler 1011 can connect the oscillation section 1012 and the inner conductor 1023. When an alternating voltage is applied to the oscillation section 1012, it can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band. Thereby, by connecting the oscillation section 1012 and the outer conductor 1021 or connecting the oscillation section 1012 and the inner conductor 1023 via the coupler 1011, the regions formed by the outer conductor 1021 and the first inner conductor 223 and the regions formed by the outer conductor 1021 and the second inner conductor 225 can operate as resonators having a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the microwaves generated by the oscillation section 1012.

[0219] None of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments are mutually exclusive or distinguishable from each other. Any of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above or other embodiments can have their respective configurations or functions combined or utilized together.

[0220] For example, this means that a specific embodiment and / or an embodiment different from Configuration A described in the drawings and / or Configuration B described in the drawings can be combined. That is, regarding the combination between configurations, even if not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0221] The foregoing detailed description should not be construed in a limiting sense in all respects but should be considered exemplary. The scope of the present invention must be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, including a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit via a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field, wherein the resonance unit 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, a case including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article and at least one opening through which the coupler can be inserted in a direction from the lower surface toward the internal 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 a connecting portion that connects the plurality of plates, a heater assembly.

2. The coupler is arranged to connect the oscillation unit and the connecting portion, and transmits the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit to the plurality of plates, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

3. One end of the plurality of plates is connected to the connecting portion, and the other ends of the plurality of plates are spaced apart from each other and open, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

4. One end of the coupler is connected to the oscillation unit, and the other end of the coupler penetrates the at least one opening of the case and is connected to the connecting portion, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

5. The resonance unit further includes a fixing member for fixing the plurality of plates to the case, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

6. The shape and number of the coupler correspond to the shape and number of the openings included in the case, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

7. The resonance unit further includes a dielectric accommodation space formed between the case and the plurality of plates, and a dielectric arranged in the dielectric accommodation space, the heater assembly according to claim 1.

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

9. An oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, including a resonance unit that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit via a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field, wherein the resonance unit An outer conductor including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, and side surfaces surrounding an internal space between the lower surface and the upper surface, and including an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, A first internal conductor surrounding an area of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space and including at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted, A second internal conductor surrounding another area of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, the heater assembly comprising.

10. The coupler is arranged to connect the oscillation part and the first internal conductor, The region formed by the outer conductor and the first internal conductor, and the region formed by the outer conductor and the second internal conductor operate as resonators having a quarter wavelength of the microwave generated by the oscillation part. The heater assembly according to claim 9.

11. The first internal conductor and the second internal conductor are formed in a hollow cylinder shape surrounding an area of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, The resonance part is located inside the first internal conductor and further includes a closing part that closes the cross section of the first internal conductor. The heater assembly according to claim 9.

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

13. The resonance part is A dielectric accommodation space formed between the outer conductor, the first internal conductor, and the second internal conductor, And a dielectric arranged in the dielectric accommodation space. The heater assembly according to claim 9.

14. The dielectric is arranged at a predetermined distance in a direction from the upper surface of the outer conductor toward the internal space. The heater assembly according to claim 13.

15. A housing including an insertion port into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, A heater assembly for heating the aerosol generating article inserted through the insertion port, including The heater assembly is An oscillation part that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band, Including a resonance part that transmits the microwaves generated from the oscillation part through a coupler and resonates the transmitted microwaves to generate an electric field, The resonance part is A case including a lower surface, an upper surface facing the lower surface, and side surfaces surrounding an internal space between the lower surface and the upper surface, a storage space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and at least one opening into which the coupler can be inserted in a direction from the lower surface toward the internal space; A plurality of plates arranged to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the storage space; A connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates, the aerosol generating device comprising the connecting portion.

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