Aerosol generation device

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves, a resonance unit that houses an aerosol generating article, resonates the microwaves, and heats the aerosol generating article, a power monitoring unit that measures the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonance unit and input to the oscillation unit, and a processor that controls the output of the oscillation unit based on the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device that heats an aerosol generating article by a dielectric heating method, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device that can track in real time a change in resonance frequency due to consumption of a dielectric substance contained in the aerosol generating article.

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 "aerosol generating article") using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Conventional aerosol generating devices heat an aerosol generating substance by a resistance heating method, an induction heating method, or an ultrasonic heating method. However, such conventional aerosol generating devices have a problem in that the preheating speed is slow and uniform heating is impossible as compared with the dielectric heating method.

[0004] In addition, some of the conventional aerosol generating devices use a dielectric heating method, but they are 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

[0005] The technical problem of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can heat an aerosol generating article through a dielectric heating method using microwave resonance in order to solve the above-described problems.

[0006] The technical problem of the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and other technical problems can be analogized from the following examples.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves, a resonance unit that houses an aerosol generating article, resonates the microwaves, and heats the aerosol generating article, a power monitoring unit that measures reflected microwave power that is reflected from the resonance unit and input to the oscillation unit, and a processor that controls the output of the oscillation unit based on the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure utilizes microwave resonance to heat a dielectric material, so there is an advantage that the power transmission efficiency is significantly increased.

[0009] Further, the aerosol generating device estimates the resonance frequency of microwave resonance in real time and makes the output frequency of the oscillation unit coincide with the resonance frequency, so the power transmission efficiency is significantly increased, and a uniform kick muggum can be provided up to the latter half of heating.

[0010] Further, since the aerosol generating device uses microwave resonance to heat the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article can be heated uniformly throughout.

[0011] Further, since the aerosol generating device uses microwave resonance to heat the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article can be quickly preheated.

[0012] Further, when the aerosol generating device uses microwave resonance to heat the aerosol generating article, the power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0013] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and various other effects are included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] An aerosol generating device according to one aspect includes an oscillation unit that generates microwaves, a resonance unit that houses an aerosol generating article, resonates the microwaves, and heats the aerosol generating article, a power monitoring unit that measures the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonance unit and input to the oscillation unit, and a processor that controls the output of the oscillation unit based on the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit.

[0016] Further, in the resonance unit, the resonance frequency of the microwaves is varied by the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article being heated and consumed by the microwaves.

[0017] Further, the resonance frequency of the resonance unit is increased by reduction of the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article.

[0018] Further, the power monitoring unit measures the reflected microwave power corresponding to the variation of the resonance frequency.

[0019] Further, the processor controls the output of the oscillation unit so that the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit is included in a preset reference power range.

[0020] Further, the processor sweeps the output frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit within the preset reference band range, and adjusts the output frequency of the microwave power so that the reflected microwave power is included in the reference power range.

[0021] Further, the processor sweeps the output frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit within the reference band range from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

[0022] Further, the processor matches the output frequency with the resonance frequency of the resonance unit by adjusting the output frequency of the microwave power to any one frequency selected from within the reference band range.

[0023] Further, the processor adjusts the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit according to a preset power profile, and controls the magnitude of the microwave power and the output frequency of the microwave power independently of each other.

[0024] Further, the resonance unit includes a hollow cylindrical first inner conductor surrounding one region of the aerosol generating article, and a hollow cylindrical second inner conductor arranged at a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor and surrounding another region of the aerosol generating article, and the microwave is resonated by the first inner conductor and the second inner conductor.

[0025] Further, the resonance part includes a first plate surrounding one area of the aerosol generating article, and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article and surrounding another area of the aerosol generating article, and the microwave is resonated by the first plate and the second plate.

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail. However, regardless of the drawing reference numerals, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0027] The suffixes “~module” and “~part” related to the components used in the following description are attached or mixed only for ease of specification writing, and do not have meanings or roles that are mutually distinguishable by themselves.

[0028] In addition, in the description of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, when it is determined that a specific description related to related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the accompanying drawings are only for facilitating understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and all modifications, equivalents or alternatives included in the idea and technical scope of this disclosure should be understood.

[0029] 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.

[0030] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "attached" to another component, it can be directly connected or attached to the other component, but it should also be understood that other components may exist in between. Note that when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly attached" to another component, it should be understood that no other components exist in between.

[0031] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The heater assembly 200 is disposed 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 disposed so as to surround at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted or accommodated in the housing 110 and can heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 by means of dielectric heating. In the present disclosure, the “dielectric heating method” means a method of heating a dielectric material, which is a body 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 body to be heated and are generated by high-frequency power. Therefore, hereinafter, the microwaves can be used interchangeably with microwave power.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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, the “aerosol” can mean gas particles generated by mixing the vapor and air generated when the aerosol generating article 10 is heated.

[0040] 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 an area of the aerosol generating article 10 exposed to the outside of the housing 110 and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0041] The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment further includes a cover 111 movably disposed 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In another example, the cover 111 is configured such that in the second position (or, "closed position"), the insertion port 110h is covered 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.

[0044] FIG. 1 only shows the aerosol generating device 100 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 in a solid state, but the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0045] According to other embodiments, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid or gel aerosol generating substance via the heater assembly 200 to generate an aerosol, rather than the solid-state aerosol generating article 10.

[0046] According to yet other embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol generating article 10 and a cartridge (or “vaporizer”) containing a liquid or gel aerosol generating substance for heating the aerosol generating substance. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating substance moves along the cartridge and the air flow path communicating with 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.

[0047] FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The input unit 102 can receive user input. For example, the input unit 102 can be provided as a single pressure 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 to output a user notification.

[0050] The output unit 103 can output information related to the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 103 can output the charging / discharging 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.

[0051] The sensor unit 104 can sense the state of the aerosol generating device 100 or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the sensed information to the processor 101. Based on the sensed information, the processor 101 can control the aerosol generating device 100 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.

[0052] The sensor unit 104 also includes a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor.

[0053] The temperature sensor can sense the temperature inside the dielectric heating unit 200 in a non-contact manner, 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.

[0054] 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, the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 can be cut off. 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.

[0055] 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 also 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may also include additional sensors such as a reuse sensing sensor, a motion sensing sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover attachment / detachment sensing sensor, a position sensor (GPS (global positioning system)), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name, specific descriptions are omitted.

[0057] 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 also include user authentication information, firmware update information, and user smoking pattern information.

[0058] Memory 106 is hardware that stores various data processed within aerosol generating device 100, and can store data processed by processor 101 and data to be processed. For example, memory 106 can store the operating time of 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.

[0059] Battery 107 can supply power to dielectric heating unit 200 so that aerosol generating article 10 can be heated. Further, battery 107 can supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided within aerosol generating device 100. Battery 107 is also a rechargeable battery and a separable detachable battery.

[0060] 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. Interface unit 108 can transmit and receive information to / from an external electronic device or charge the power supply via the connection terminals.

[0061] Power conversion unit 109 can convert the DC power supply supplied from battery 107 into an AC power supply. Further, power conversion unit 109 can provide the converted AC power supply to dielectric heating unit 200. Power conversion unit 109 is also an inverter including at least one switching element, and processor 101 can control the ON / OFF of the switching element included in power conversion unit 109 to convert the DC power supply into an AC power supply. Power conversion unit 109 can be configured as a full-bridge or a half-bridge.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 during this process. The description related to the dielectric heating unit 200 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 for boosting or intensifying DC power, and processor 101 can control the converter to adjust the magnitude of the DC power. Further, 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.

[0068] 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 resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200. Therefore, the oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 240, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 shown in FIG. 3 described later are also part of the configuration of processor 101.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Figure 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating unit of Figure 2.

[0072] Referring to Figure 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.

[0073] 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 a configuration 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.

[0074] The oscillation unit 210 can include an RF (radio frequency) generation device on a solid-state substrate and use it to generate microwave power. The RF generation 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 mode of the object to be heated, a part of the microwave power can be reflected by the object to be heated and further transmitted to the oscillation unit 210 side. This is because the impedance seen by the oscillation unit 210 looking at 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 by the oscillation unit 210 looking at 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 exhibited. 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 cross-section having a closed end and an open end with at least one region of the cross-section opened in the direction opposite to the closed end is 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.

[0085] 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 having a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space. This is to prevent the phenomenon in which 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 is accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 227, and the preset magnitude is also 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric is at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment.

[0087] 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 in the following, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0088] As power is supplied to the oscillation unit 210, it can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band. The microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210 can be transmitted to the resonance unit 220 via a coupler (not shown).

[0089] The resonance unit 220 also includes an accommodation space 220h for accommodating at least one region of the aerosol generating article 10, and by resonating the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210, the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the dielectric heating method. For example, due to the resonance of the microwaves, the charges of the 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.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the resonance unit 220 can be formed of a material with a low microwave absorption rate in order to prevent the microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210 from being absorbed by the resonance unit 220.

[0091] In the following, referring to FIG. 5, the specific structure of the resonance unit 220 of the heater assembly 200 will be described.

[0092] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly 200 in FIG. 4 cut in the A - A' direction.

[0093] 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 in FIG. 4, and in the following, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0094] 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.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the oscillation unit 210 can be fixed to the resonance unit 220 in a dimension that prevents separation 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article 10 also includes a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The filter rod 12 is also a cellulose acetate filter. 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 having 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.

[0101] 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 and heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The outer conductor 221 forms the overall appearance of the resonance part 220, 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 inside of the outer conductor 221 through the accommodation space 220h.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 233 through the coupler 230. For example, the coupler 230 penetrates the outer conductor 221, 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.

[0107] 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 as long as 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 is also 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.

[0110] 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 due to resonance, and an induced electric field can be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor 221 and the second internal conductor 225 coupled to the first internal conductor 223.

[0111] According to one 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.

[0112] 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 arranged 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.

[0113] That is, the first region and the second region include a short end and an open end in the xz plane view, 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.

[0114] 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 it is not limited thereto.

[0115] 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 the dielectric heating method.

[0116] 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.

[0117] According to 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 part 220 by making the diameters of the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 less than a specified value.

[0118] In the present disclosure, the "specified value" may 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 diameters of the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 are greater than or equal to the specified value, a situation may occur in which a part of the electric field flowing into the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225 leaks outside the resonance part 220.

[0119] Note that according to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 prevents the electric field from being propagated outside the resonance part 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 part 220.

[0120] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol-generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance part 220 through the accommodation space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol-generating article 10 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0121] 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 part 220.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 by the aerosol or droplets by restricting the flow direction of the aerosol through the closing part 224.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the resonance part 220 further includes a dielectric accommodation space 227 for accommodating the dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space 227 means the empty space formed 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 is also at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] 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 arranging 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 arranged 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.

[0127] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The resonance part 320 can surround at least one region 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 due to 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.

[0132] 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, the components of the resonance part 320 can be arranged inside the case 321.

[0133] The case 321 also includes a storage space 320h in which the aerosol generating article 10 can be accommodated 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 toward 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.

[0134] The case 321 illustrated in the drawing 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 10 accommodated in the accommodation space 320h. The plurality of plates 323a, 323b 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.

[0137] 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 can be formed by the connecting part 322.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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".

[0140] 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.

[0141] For example, when the aerosol generating article 10 is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, the plurality of plates 323a, 323b can be formed so as 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 deformed in various ways. 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.

[0142] According to the structure in which the plurality of plates 323a, 323b are formed so as 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.

[0143] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be positioned so as to face the opening 321a of the case 321. The opening 321a of the case 321 may 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.

[0144] The open ends of the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may 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 positioned in the accommodation space 320h, a part of the aerosol generating article 10 positioned in the accommodation space 320h may be surrounded by the plurality of plates 323a, 323b.

[0145] 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 may be, for example, three or four or more.

[0146] The plurality of plates 323a, 323b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other based on the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article 10, that is, the central axis in the direction in which the aerosol generating article 10 extends.

[0147] At least one of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b may contact a coupler 311 connected to an oscillation part (not shown). Specifically, at least a part of the first plate 323a may 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 may 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.

[0148] The coupler 311 penetrates the case 321, one end of the coupler 311 contacts an oscillation part (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 part (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.

[0149] 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, a resonance of the TEM mode (transverse electric & magnetic mode) of the microwave is formed. Also, in each of the space between the first plate 323a and the upper plate of the case 321 and the space between the second plate 323b and the lower plate of the case 321, a 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 which is only possible for the TE (transverse electric) mode and the TM (transverse magnetic) mode.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] In FIG. 6, one end region of the resonance part 320 corresponding to the left region forms a closed end that is closed by a structure in which one ends of a plurality of plates 323a and 323b and the connecting part 322 are connected to the case 321. In FIG. 6, the other end region of the resonance part 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 part 320, the resonance part 320 can operate as a resonator having a quarter wavelength of the microwave.

[0153] According to the resonance structure of the resonance part 320 described above, an electric field is not propagated in the external region of the resonance part 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.

[0154] 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 disposed 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, whereby the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated.

[0155] 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.

[0156] When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonance part 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] At the other ends of the plurality of plates 323a, 323b that operate as resonators, resonance peaks are formed, 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] In order to prevent microwave leakage, the front end of the opening 321a through which 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.

[0162] 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 and 323b. A dielectric with a low microwave absorption degree can be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space 327.

[0163] 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.

[0164] FIG. 7 is an internal block diagram for explaining an output control method of an oscillation unit according to an embodiment.

[0165] More specifically, FIG. 7 only shows the configuration for controlling the output of the oscillation unit 210 in the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4 included in the aerosol generating device 100. The output of the oscillation unit 210 means the magnitude and frequency of microwave power. Therefore, in the following, descriptions overlapping with FIGS. 3 and 4 will be omitted.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 7, the aerosol generating device 100 also includes an oscillation unit 210, a power monitoring unit 250, a resonance unit 220, and a processor 101.

[0167] The oscillation unit 210 can output microwaves having a preset output frequency and a preset power level under the control of the processor 101.

[0168] The oscillation unit 210 includes at least one switching element, and the processor 101 can vary the output frequency of the microwaves by adjusting the on / off state of the switching element. For example, the processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 to output microwaves having any one output frequency selected from the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz or the range of 5.7 GHz to 5.9 GHz.

[0169] Also, the oscillation unit 210 includes a power amplifier, and the power amplifier can adjust the power level of the output microwaves by increasing or decreasing the amplitude of the microwaves under the control of the processor 101. For example, the processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 to output microwaves having any one power level selected from the range of 3 W to 20 W.

[0170] The microwaves output from the oscillation unit 210 can be output to the resonance unit 220.

[0171] The resonance unit 220 can accommodate the aerosol generating article 10, resonate the microwaves provided from the oscillation unit 210, and heat the aerosol generating article 10. The internal structure of the resonance unit 220 is as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6.

[0172] The power monitoring unit 250 can be provided to track the change in the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 in real time.

[0173] More specifically, the impedance of the resonant part 220 can be varied by heating and consuming the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article 10 by microwaves. Even if the impedance of the resonant part 220 is varied, when the oscillation part 210 is controlled to a fixed output, the first impedance Zeq1 looking from the oscillation part 210 over the resonant part 220 and the second impedance Zeq2 looking from the resonant part 220 over the oscillation part 210 do not match. In other words, the first impedance Zeq1 and the second impedance Zeq2 do not match each other. Also, since impedance matching is related to the maximum power transfer condition, the maximum power transfer condition is not satisfied. Thereby, the power supplied from the oscillation part 210 cannot be completely transmitted to the resonant part 220, and a part of it is reflected from the resonant part 220 and can be input to the oscillation part 210 side.

[0174] The power monitoring unit 250 can measure the reflected microwave power that is reflected from the resonant part 220 and input to the oscillation part 210 in order to match such first impedance Zeq1 and second impedance Zeq2. According to one embodiment, the power monitoring unit 250 can also additionally measure the output microwave power that is output from the oscillation part 210 and input to the resonant part 220. Hereinafter, the output microwave power can be named the first power P1, and the reflected microwave power can be named the second power P2. The first power P1 and the second power P2 can mean the magnitude of power.

[0175] The power monitoring unit 250 can provide the processor 101 with information related to the first power P1 and / or the second power P2.

[0176] The processor 101 can match the first impedance Zeq1 and the second impedance Zeq2 based on the information related to the first power P1 and / or the second power P2 provided from the power monitoring unit 250. The impedance matching can be achieved through the adjustment of the output frequency of the oscillation part 210. This is because the impedance is a parameter related to the frequency.

[0177] The processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in the reference power range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in a preset reference power range. For example, the reference power range is also between 0W and 1W, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] The processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 is included in the reference power range while sweeping the output frequency output from the oscillation unit 210 within a preset reference band range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 is included in a preset range. For example, the reference band range is also in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, or in the range of 5.7 GHz to 5.9 GHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0179] Note that the adjustment of the output frequency of the aforementioned processor 101 can be performed in real time. In other words, the processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 independently of the adjustment of the power magnitude of the oscillation unit 210 described later.

[0180] The processor 101 can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 according to a preset temperature profile and / or power profile regardless of the adjustment of the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210.

[0181] The temperature profile also includes information related to the target temperature of the aerosol generating article 10 over time. The power profile also includes information related to the target power of the oscillation unit 210 over time. In other words, the temperature profile and the power profile also include information related to the target temperature and the target power in the preheating section and the smoking section, respectively.

[0182] The processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 and output microwave power of a first magnitude during the preheating period. Further, the processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 and output microwave power of a second magnitude smaller than the first magnitude during the smoking period after the preheating period. Further, the processor 101 can gradually increase the magnitude of the microwave power during the smoking period.

[0183] When adjusting the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 according to a preset profile, the processor 101 can match the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 and the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 in real time. By matching the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 and the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220, the power transmission efficiency is significantly increased, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be uniformly heated.

[0184] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a method for tracking a resonance frequency by using the output microwave power of an oscillation unit and the reflected microwave power of a resonance unit according to an embodiment.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 8, the processor 101 can sense the mismatch between the first impedance Zeq1 and the second impedance Zeq2 as the difference between the first power P1 and / or the second power P2, and adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 to match the impedance. By adjusting the output frequency, the output frequency and the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 can be matched. The matching in the present disclosure includes the case where the output frequency is included in the upper and lower critical value ranges of the resonance frequency, not to mention a perfect match. This is to consider the losses due to the internal configuration of the dielectric heating unit 200. For example, the matching means that the output frequency is included in the range of the resonance frequency - α to the resonance frequency + α, and α is 10 kHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0186] In FIG. 8, the x-axis represents frequency, and the y-axis represents the amount of power transmitted to the resonance unit 220 according to the frequency. FIG. 8 shows a drawing (810) when the output frequency f1 of the oscillation unit 210 and the resonance frequency f2 of the resonance unit 220 coincide with each other, and a drawing (820) for making the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 variable to f2' and matching the output frequency f1 of the oscillation unit 210 with the variable resonance frequency f2' of the resonance unit 220.

[0187] In FIG. 8, the output frequency f1 of the oscillation unit 210 and the resonance frequency f2 of the resonance unit 220 can be matched. For example, when the processor 101 receives a user input for heating the device, the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 can be swept, and the frequency Fa at which the second power P2 reflected from the resonance unit 220 and input to the oscillation unit 210 is minimized can be selected as the output frequency. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can select, as the output frequency, the frequency Fa at which the difference between the first power P1 transmitted from the oscillation unit 210 to the resonance unit 220 and the second power P2 reflected from the resonance unit 220 and input to the oscillation unit 210 is minimized. By the output frequency f1 of the oscillation unit 210 and the resonance frequency f2 of the resonance unit 220 coinciding with each other, the maximum power Pa can be provided to the resonance unit 220. The resonance unit 220 can use the power provided from the oscillation unit 210 to heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0188] Note that since the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article 10 is heated and consumed by microwaves, the impedance of the resonance unit 220 is variable, and thus the resonance frequency f2 can also be variable. In one embodiment, the resonance frequency f2 of the resonance unit 220 can be increased to f2' due to the reduction of the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article 10. Even though the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 is increased to f2', when the oscillation unit 210 is controlled to a fixed output frequency, the maximum power Pa' is not transmitted to the resonance unit 220, and a power Pb smaller than Pa' can be transmitted to the resonance unit 220. In other words, the resonance unit 220 can consume a power of Pb, and the remaining power can be reflected and output toward the oscillation unit 210.

[0189] The processor 101 can adjust f1 so that the maximum power is transmitted to the resonance unit 220 by matching f1, which is the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210, with f2’, which is the variable resonance frequency. To this end, the processor 101 can be provided with information related to the first power P1 output from the oscillation unit 210 to the resonance unit 220 from the power monitoring unit 250. Also, the processor 101 can be provided with information related to the second power P2 reflected from the resonance unit 220 and input to the oscillation unit 210 side. The processor 101 can be provided with information related to the second power P2 corresponding to the variation of the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 from the power monitoring unit 250 in real time.

[0190] The processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in the reference power range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can control the output of the oscillation unit 210 so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in the preset reference power range. For example, the reference power range is also between 0w and 1w, but is not limited thereto.

[0191] The processor 101 can sweep the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 within the preset reference band range Fre and control the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 is included in the reference power range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the microwave power so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 is included in the reference power range. For example, the reference band range Fre is also in the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, or in the range of 5.7 GHz to 5.9 GHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0192] The processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the microwave power to a frequency selected from within the reference band range Fre so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 is included in the reference power range, thereby aligning the output frequency with the resonance frequency. In other words, the processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 from Fa to Fb, which is the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 210. The above-described adjustment of the output frequency of the microwave power can be performed independently of the magnitude of the microwave power.

[0193] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 9, in step S910, the oscillation unit 210 can generate microwaves.

[0195] The oscillation unit 210 includes an RF (radio frequency) generating device on a solid-state substrate and can use it to generate microwaves.

[0196] The oscillation unit 210 can output microwaves having a preset output frequency and a preset power level under the control of the processor 101.

[0197] The oscillation unit 210 includes at least one switching element, and the processor 101 can vary the output frequency of the microwaves by adjusting the on / off state of the switching element. For example, the processor 101 can control the oscillation unit 210 to output microwaves having an output frequency selected from within the range of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz or the range of 5.7 GHz to 5.9 GHz.

[0198] In step S920, the resonance unit can accommodate the aerosol generating article 10, resonate the microwaves, and heat the aerosol generating article 10.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 5, the resonance unit 220 includes a hollow cylindrical first internal conductor 223 that surrounds a region of the aerosol generating article 10, and a hollow cylindrical second internal conductor 225 that is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first internal conductor 223 and surrounds another region of the aerosol generating article 10. The first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 resonate microwaves between the respective first internal conductor 223 and second internal conductor 225 and the outer conductor 221, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the electric field generated by the resonance of the microwaves.

[0200] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the resonance unit 220 includes a first plate 323a that surrounds a region of the aerosol generating article 10, and a second plate 323b that is separated from the first plate 323a along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 10 and surrounds another region of the aerosol generating article 10. The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b cause microwaves to resonate (so-called triple resonance structure) between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b, and between the respective first plate 323a and second plate 323b and the case 321, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the electric field generated by the resonance of the microwaves.

[0201] In step S930, the power monitoring unit 250 can measure a first power P1 output from the oscillation unit 210 and input to the resonance unit 220, and a second power P2 reflected from the resonance unit 220 and input in the direction of the oscillation unit 210. According to one embodiment, the power monitoring unit 250 can also perform subsequent steps by measuring only the second power P2.

[0202] The resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 can be varied by the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article 10 being heated and consumed by microwaves. When the resonance frequency of the resonance unit 220 is varied, the maximum power of the oscillation unit 210 cannot be provided to the resonance unit 220. Therefore, the power monitoring unit 250 is provided to sense such a frequency mismatch as the second power P2, or the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2, and provides information related to the first power P1 and / or the second power P2 to the processor 101.

[0203] In the S940 stage, the processor 101 can control the output of the oscillation unit 210 based on the first power P1 and the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can also control the output of the oscillation unit 210 based only on the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250.

[0204] The processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in the reference power range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can control the output of the oscillation unit 210 so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 measured by the power monitoring unit 250 is included in a preset reference power range. At this time, the output of the oscillation unit 210 can mean the output frequency of the microwave power.

[0205] The processor 101 can sweep the output frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 within a preset reference band range, and control the oscillation unit 210 so that the second power P2 is included in the reference power range. According to one embodiment, the processor 101 can adjust the output frequency of the microwave power so that the difference between the first power P1 and the second power P2 is included in the reference power range.

[0206] The processor 101 can match the output frequency and the resonance frequency by adjusting the output frequency of the microwave power to any one frequency selected from within the reference band range.

[0207] Note that the processor 101 can control the magnitude of the microwave power and the output frequency of the microwave power described above independently of each other.

[0208] Any of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, or other embodiments, are not mutually exclusive or distinguishable. Any of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, or other embodiments, can have their respective configurations or functions used in combination or combined.

[0209] For example, it means that different embodiments from the A configuration described in a specific embodiment and / or the drawings, and / or the B configuration 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 when it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0210] The above detailed description should not be construed restrictively in all aspects, 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. In an aerosol generating device, an oscillation unit that generates microwaves, a resonance unit that houses an aerosol generating article, resonates the microwaves, and heats the aerosol generating article, a power monitoring unit that measures the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonance unit and input to the oscillation unit, and a processor that controls the output of the oscillation unit based on the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit. The aerosol generating device includes these components.

2. The resonance unit is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the resonance frequency of the microwaves is variable due to the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article being heated and consumed by the microwaves.

3. The resonance frequency of the resonance unit is increased by reduction of the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2.

4. The power monitoring unit is the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, which measures the reflected microwave power corresponding to the variation of the resonance frequency.

5. The processor is the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, which controls the output of the oscillation unit so that the reflected microwave power measured by the power monitoring unit is included in a preset reference power range.

6. The processor is the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, which sweeps the output frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit within the preset reference band range, and adjusts the output frequency of the microwave power so that the reflected microwave power is included in the reference power range.

7. The processor is the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, which sweeps the output frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit within the reference band range from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.

8. The processor is the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, which aligns the output frequency with the resonance frequency of the resonance unit by adjusting the output frequency of the microwave power to any one frequency selected from within the reference band range.

9. The processor The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit is adjusted according to a preset power profile, and the magnitude of the microwave power and the output frequency of the microwave power are controlled independently of each other.

10. The resonance unit is a hollow cylindrical first inner conductor surrounding one region of the aerosol generating article, and a hollow cylindrical second inner conductor arranged at a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor and surrounding another region of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the microwave is resonated by the first inner conductor and the second inner conductor.

11. The resonance unit is a first plate surrounding one region of the aerosol generating article, and a second plate spaced from the first plate along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article and surrounding another region of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the microwave is resonated by the first plate and the second plate.

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