Aerosol generating apparatus and method for controlling the aerosol generating apparatus

Abstract

An aerosol generating apparatus can be provided, comprising a housing, a heater assembly including an oscillator that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band and a coupler, which receives microwaves generated from the oscillator and generates an electric field by resonating the received microwaves, a sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing the insertion of metal into a containment space for containing aerosol products, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor, which cuts off the power supply to the oscillator when the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the containment space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article by a dielectric heating method, and a method for controlling the aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes has been increasing. For example, instead of a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette, there is an increasing demand for a device (or "aerosol generating device") that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance (or "aerosol generating article") using an aerosol generating device.

[0003] As a result, aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance by a resistance heating method or an induction heating method have attracted high attention. In recent years, the interest in aerosol generating devices using a dielectric heating method that heats an aerosol generating substance using microwaves has also been increasing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When other foreign substances other than the aerosol generating substance flow into the dielectric heating type aerosol generating device, excessive heat may be generated and the aerosol generating device may malfunction or be damaged. For example, when a foreign substance such as a highly conductive metal flows into a dielectric heating type aerosol generating device, excessive heat is generated by the metal, and the surface temperature of the aerosol generating device may rise excessively, or the heater assembly may be damaged by heat.

[0005] Therefore, various embodiments of the present invention provide an aerosol generating device capable of stopping the heating operation when metal flows in by detecting the inflow of metal, thereby preventing malfunction or damage due to metal inflow and improving the convenience for the user.

[0006] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing, a heater assembly including an oscillator that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band and a resonant unit that receives microwaves generated from the oscillator via a coupler and generates an electric field by resonating the received microwaves, a sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing the insertion of metal into a containment space for containing aerosol products, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor, which cuts off the power supply to the oscillator when the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the containment space.

[0008] A method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes the steps of: sensing the insertion of a metal into a containment space for containing aerosol products using a sensor located inside the housing; and, if the insertion of a metal into the containment space is detected by the sensor, cutting off the power supply to the oscillation unit.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The various embodiments of the present invention, including aerosol generating apparatuses and methods for controlling such aerosol generating apparatuses, can prevent the risk of malfunction and explosion of an aerosol generating apparatus that may occur due to the insertion of foreign matter such as metal into the dielectric heating type aerosol generating apparatus, while also improving user convenience.

[0011] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating section. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 7A] This diagram illustrates an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 7B] This figure illustrates another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment. [Figure 7C] This figure illustrates an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 7D] This figure illustrates another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a housing, a heater assembly including a resonance unit that receives microwaves generated from the oscillation unit and resonates the received microwaves to generate an electric field via an oscillation unit that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band and a coupler, a sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting insertion of metal in an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor for interrupting power supply to the oscillation unit when insertion of metal in the accommodation space is detected by the sensor.

[0014] The sensor is located outside the resonance unit and disposed in an area adjacent to the accommodation space.

[0015] The aerosol generating device further includes a support unit that is located outside the resonance unit and disposed to surround an outer peripheral surface of an aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space to support the accommodated aerosol generating article, and the sensor is disposed inside the support unit.

[0016] The sensor is an annular coil surrounding an outer peripheral surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space.

[0017] The sensor is a plate-shaped coil surrounding an outer peripheral surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodation space.

[0018] By the processor supplying power to the sensor at a predetermined period, the sensor detects a change in inductance of the accommodation space at the predetermined period.

[0019] The sensor detects a change in inductance of the accommodation space, and when a frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, the processor interrupts power supply to the oscillation unit.

[0020] The system further includes a display positioned in one area of ​​the housing, the processor controlling the display to show a notification that the aerosol generator is unusable if the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the housing space.

[0021] The processor controls the display to show a notification that the aerosol generator is usable when the sensor detects the removal of the metal inserted into the containment space.

[0022] The resonant portion includes an outer conductor containing the housing space, which includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface surrounding the internal space between the first surface and the second surface, and a first internal conductor extending in the direction toward the internal space from the first surface and surrounding a region of the aerosol product housed in the housing space.

[0023] The resonant portion further includes a second internal conductor extending in a direction toward the internal space from the second surface and surrounding other areas of the contained aerosol product.

[0024] The resonant portion further includes a dielectric housing space formed between the outer conductor and the first inner conductor, and a dielectric disposed in the dielectric housing space.

[0025] The dielectric material is arranged at a predetermined distance from the second surface or side surface of the outer conductor.

[0026] A method for controlling an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes the steps of: sensing the insertion of a metal into a containment space for containing aerosol products using a sensor located inside the housing; and, if the insertion of a metal into the containment space is detected by the sensor, cutting off the power supply to the oscillation unit.

[0027] The step of sensing the insertion of the metal includes a step of sensing based on a change in the inductance of the housing space detected by the sensor, and the step of cutting off the power supply to the oscillator includes a step of cutting off the power supply to the oscillator if the frequency change corresponding to the detected change in inductance is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change.

[0028] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant descriptions relating thereto will be omitted.

[0029] The suffixes "module" and "part" used with the constituent elements in the following description are added or used in combination solely for the convenience of drafting the specification and do not have any distinct meaning or role in themselves.

[0030] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a specific description of the relevant prior art would obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be understood as limiting the technical ideas disclosed herein, but rather as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention.

[0031] Terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe a variety of components, but such components should not be limited by such terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] When one component is described as being "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly linked or connected to the other component, but there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when one component is described as being "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0033] A singular expression includes plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to one embodiment includes a housing 110 including a containment space 110h for containing aerosol products 10, a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol products 10 contained in the containment space 110h, sensors (250a, 250b, 350a, 350b in Figures 7A and 7B) for detecting the insertion of metal into the containment space 110h, and a processor 101.

[0036] The housing 110 can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generator 100, and components of the aerosol generator 100 can be arranged in the internal space (or "packaging space") of the housing 110. For example, the internal space of the housing 110 may contain a heater assembly 200, a processor 101, a battery 107, sensors and / or memory, but the components arranged in the internal space are not limited to these.

[0037] The housing 110 includes a containment space 110h for containing the aerosol product 10, and at least one region of the aerosol product 10 may be inserted into or contained within the containment space 110h. For example, the containment space 110h may be formed in a region of the upper end surface of the housing 110 (e.g., the surface facing the z direction), but the location where the containment space 110h is generated is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the containment space 110h may be formed in a region of the side surface of the housing 110 (e.g., the surface facing the x direction).

[0038] The heater assembly 200 is positioned in the internal space of the housing 110 and heats the aerosol product 10 inserted or contained within the containment space 110h. For example, the heater assembly 200 can be positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol product 10 inserted or contained within the containment space 110h, thereby heating the aerosol product 10.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 heats the aerosol product 10 using a dielectric heating method. In the present invention, "dielectric heating method" means a method of heating a dielectric material to be heated using the resonance of microwaves and / or microwave electric fields (including magnetic fields). Microwaves are an energy source for heating the material to be heated and are generated by high-frequency power; therefore, microwaves may be used interchangeably with microwave power below.

[0040] Inside the heater assembly 200, microwave resonance causes the charges or ions of the dielectric material contained within the aerosol product 10 to vibrate or rotate, and the frictional heat generated during the process of the vibration or rotation of the charges or ions generates heat in the dielectric material, which can heat the aerosol product 10.

[0041] Aerosols can be generated from the aerosol product 10 by heating it with the heater assembly 200. In this invention, "aerosol" means gaseous particles produced by mixing vapor and air generated when the aerosol product 10 is heated.

[0042] The aerosol generated from the aerosol product 10 can pass through the aerosol product 10 or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 100 through the empty space between the aerosol product 10 and the containment space 110h. The user can smoke by bringing their mouth into contact with a portion of the aerosol product 10 exposed to the outside of the housing 110 and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generator 100.

[0043] The sensor may be positioned in a region adjacent to the containment space 110h within the housing 110 in order to detect the insertion of a metallic substance (hereinafter referred to as "metal") into the containment space 110h. For example, the sensor may be located outside the heater assembly 200 and positioned in a region on the outer surface of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 110h.

[0044] Because metals contain a large number of free electrons, when a metal is heated by dielectric heating, the numerous free electrons contained within the metal may vibrate or rotate simultaneously. When a metal having a size and / or thickness sufficient to be inserted into the containment space 110h of the aerosol generator 100 is dielectrically heated by the heater assembly 200, the movement of the numerous free electrons contained within the metal can become very vigorous, and the metal can be heated very rapidly.

[0045] When the heater assembly 200 heats the aerosol generating material 10 using a dielectric heating method with metal inserted inside the containment space 110h, the metal heats up faster than the aerosol generating material 10, which may result in low heating efficiency for the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the metal may heat up too quickly and ignite, potentially causing the aerosol generating device 100 to explode.

[0046] The sensor may be an inductance sensor for sensing changes in inductance within the containment space 110h, and in one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 can sense whether metal has been inserted into the containment space 110h based on the change in inductance of the containment space 110h detected by the sensor. For example, the processor 101 detects the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by the sensor, and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, it determines that metal has been inserted into the containment space 110h.

[0047] The processor 101 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100.

[0048] An aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment further includes a display D and a cover 111. The processor 101 may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates. The processor 101 may be embodied as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Alternatively, the processor 101 may be embodied in other forms of hardware.

[0049] For example, the processor 101 supplies power from the battery 107 to the sensor 150, which then detects whether metal has been inserted into the containment space 110h. In another example, the processor 101 controls the power supplied from the battery 107 to the heater assembly 200.

[0050] Display D is positioned in one area of ​​the housing 110 and displays various visual information. For example, display D displays a notification that the aerosol generator 100 is unavailable. If the sensor 150 detects the insertion of metal into the interior of the housing space 110h, the aerosol generator 100 can display information via display D indicating that the aerosol generator 100 is unavailable.

[0051] As another example, display D displays a notification that the aerosol generator 100 is available. If the sensor 150 detects the removal of metal inserted into the containment space 110h, the aerosol generator 100 may display a message via display D indicating that the aerosol generator 100 is available for use.

[0052] An aerosol generator 100 according to one embodiment further includes a cover 111 movably disposed in the housing 110 for opening or closing the containment space 110h. For example, the cover 111 can be slidably coupled to the upper end surface of the housing 110, exposing the containment space 110h to the outside of the aerosol generator 100, or covering the containment space 110h so that it is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 100.

[0053] In one example, the cover 111 exposes the containment space 110h to the outside of the aerosol generator 100 in a first position (or "open position"). When the aerosol generator 100 is exposed to the outside, the aerosol product 10 can be inserted into the housing 110 through the containment space 110h.

[0054] In other examples, the cover 111 can prevent the containment space 110h from being exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator 100 by covering the containment space 110h in a second position (or "closed position"). In this case, the cover 111 prevents external foreign matter from flowing into the heater assembly 200 through the containment space 110h when the aerosol generator 100 is not in use.

[0055] Figure 1 shows only the aerosol generating apparatus 100 for heating the solid aerosol product 10, but the aerosol generating apparatus 100 is not limited to the embodiment shown.

[0056] As another example, an aerosol generator according to one embodiment may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid or gel-state aerosol-generating material, rather than a solid-state aerosol product 10, via a heater assembly 200. In yet another example, an aerosol generator according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly 200 for heating the aerosol product 10 and a cartridge (or "vaporizer") for heating the liquid or gel-state aerosol-generating material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating material moves to the aerosol product 10 along an airflow passage connecting the cartridge and the aerosol product 10, mixes with the aerosol generated from the aerosol product 10, and can then be transmitted to the user through the aerosol product 10.

[0057] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 100 includes an input unit 102, an output unit 103, a sensor unit 104, a communication unit 105, a memory unit 106, a battery 107, an interface unit 108, a power conversion unit 109, and a dielectric heating unit (or heater assembly) 200. However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 100 is not limited to that shown in Figure 2. Depending on the design of the aerosol generator 100, some of the configurations shown in Figure 2 may be omitted, or new configurations may be added.

[0059] The input unit 102 receives user input. For example, the input unit 102 is provided as a single push-button. In another example, the input unit 102 may be a touch panel including at least one touch sensor. The input unit 102 transmits the input signal to the processor 101. Based on the user input, the processor 101 either supplies power to the dielectric heating unit 200 or controls the output unit 103 to output a notification to the user.

[0060] The output unit 103 outputs information about the status of the aerosol generator 100. The output unit 103 outputs the charge / discharge status of the battery 107, the heating status of the dielectric heating unit 200, the insertion status of the aerosol product 10, and error information of the aerosol generator 100. For this purpose, the output unit 103 may include a display, a haptic motor, and an acoustic output unit.

[0061] The sensor unit 104 senses the state of the aerosol generator 100 or the surrounding environment of the aerosol generator 100 and transmits the sensed information to the processor 101. Based on the sensed information, the processor 101 controls the aerosol generator 100 so that various functions are performed, such as heating control of the dielectric heating unit 200, smoking restrictions, determination of whether or not to insert the aerosol product 10, and notification display.

[0062] The sensor unit 104 includes a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion sensing sensor.

[0063] The temperature sensor can either sense the internal temperature of the dielectric heating unit 200 in a non-contact manner, or it can contact the dielectric heating unit 200 to directly measure the temperature of the resonator. Depending on the embodiment, the temperature sensor can also sense the temperature of the aerosol product 10. The temperature sensor is also positioned adjacent to the battery 107 to obtain the temperature of the battery 107. The processor 101 controls the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the temperature information from the temperature sensor.

[0064] The puff sensor detects the user's puff. The puff sensor detects the user's puff based on at least one of the following: temperature change, flow rate change, power change, and pressure change. The processor 101 controls the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 based on the puff information from the puff sensor. For example, the processor 101 counts the number of puffs and cuts off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs. As another example, the processor 101 may cut off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer.

[0065] The insertion sensing sensor is positioned inside or adjacent to the containment space (220h in Figure 4) and can sense the insertion and removal of the aerosol product 10 contained in the containment space 110h. For example, the insertion sensing sensor includes an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The processor 101 can supply power to the dielectric heating unit 200 when the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the containment space 110h.

[0066] Depending on the embodiment, the sensor unit 104 may further include a reuse detection sensor, an motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover removal / attachment detection sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0067] The communication unit 105 includes at least one communication module for communication with an external electronic device. The processor 101 can control the communication unit 105 to transmit information about the aerosol generator 100 to the external electronic device. Alternatively, the processor 101 can receive information from the external electronic device via the communication unit 105 to control the configuration included in the aerosol generator 100. For example, the information transmitted between the communication unit 105 and the external electronic device may include user authentication information, firmware update information, and user smoking pattern information.

[0068] Memory 106 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 100, and stores data processed by the processor 101 and data being processed. For example, memory 106 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 100, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0069] The battery 107 supplies power to the dielectric heating unit 200 so that the aerosol product 10 is heated. The battery 107 may also supply power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 100. The battery 107 may be a rechargeable battery or a removable battery.

[0070] The interface unit 108 includes connection terminals that can be physically connected to external electronic devices. The connection terminals include at least one of the following, or a combination thereof: an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). The interface unit 108 transmits and receives information or charges power to and from external electronic devices via the connection terminals.

[0071] The power conversion unit 109 converts the DC power supplied from the battery 107 into AC power. The power conversion unit 109 also provides the converted AC power to the dielectric heating unit 200. The power conversion unit 109 may be an inverter including at least one switching element, and the processor 101 controls the ON / OFF state of the switching element included in the power conversion unit 109 to convert the DC power to AC power. The power conversion unit 109 may be configured as a full-bridge or as a half-bridge.

[0072] The dielectric heating unit 200 heats the aerosol product 10 using a dielectric heating method. The dielectric heating unit 200 may have a configuration corresponding to the heater assembly 200 shown in Figure 1.

[0073] The dielectric heating unit 200 heats the aerosol product 10 using microwaves and / or a microwave electric field (hereinafter referred to as microwaves or microwave power unless otherwise specified). The heating method of the dielectric heating unit 200 may be a method of heating the object to be heated by forming microwaves within a resonant structure, rather than a method of radiating microwaves using an antenna. The resonant structure will be described later with reference to Figure 4 and subsequent figures.

[0074] The dielectric heating unit 200 outputs high-frequency microwaves to the resonant unit (220 in Figure 3). The microwaves may, but are not limited to, power within the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical equipment) band permitted for heating. The resonant unit 220 may be designed considering the wavelength of the microwaves so that they resonate within the resonant unit 220.

[0075] The aerosol product 10 is inserted into the resonant section 220, and the dielectric material within the aerosol product 10 can be heated by the resonant section 220. For example, the aerosol product 10 may contain a polar material, and the molecules within the polar material may be polarized inside the resonant section 220. The molecules vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol product 10 can be heated by frictional heat generated in this process. The dielectric heating section 200 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0076] The processor 101 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 100. The processor 101 may be implemented as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by this microprocessor is stored. It may also be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0077] The 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 power requirements of the dielectric heating unit 200. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 includes a converter that boosts or buckes the DC power, and the processor 101 can control the converter to adjust the size of the DC power. The processor 101 can also control the AC power supplied to the dielectric heating unit 200 by adjusting the switching frequency and duty cycle of the switching elements included in the power conversion unit 109.

[0078] The processor 101 can control the heating temperature of the aerosol product 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 270, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 shown in Figure 3, which will be described later, may be part of the processor 101.

[0079] The processor 101 controls the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit 200 based on temperature profile information stored in the memory 106. In other words, the temperature profile includes information about the target temperature of the dielectric heating unit 200 over time, and the processor 101 controls the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit 200 over time.

[0080] The processor 101 adjusts the microwave frequency so that the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 remains constant. The processor 101 tracks the change in the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit 200 due to the heating of the object to be heated in real time and controls the dielectric heating unit 200 so that a microwave frequency corresponding to the changed resonant frequency is output. In other words, the processor 101 can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of the pre-stored temperature profile.

[0081] Figure 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating section shown in Figure 2.

[0082] Referring to Figure 3, the dielectric heating unit 200 includes an oscillation unit 210, an isolation unit 270, a power monitoring unit 250, a matching unit 260, a microwave output unit (or "coupler") 280, and a resonant unit 220. However, the internal configuration of the dielectric heating unit 200 is not limited to that shown in Figure 3. Depending on the design of the dielectric heating unit 200, some of the configurations shown in Figure 3 may be omitted, or new configurations may be added.

[0083] The oscillator 210 receives AC power from the power conversion unit 109 to generate high-frequency microwave power. Depending on the embodiment, the power conversion unit 109 may be included in the oscillator 210. The microwave power can be selected from the 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands included in the ISM band.

[0084] The oscillator 210 includes a solid-state RF generator, which is used to generate microwave power. The solid-state RF generator can be implemented as a semiconductor. When the oscillator 210 is implemented as a semiconductor, the dielectric heating unit 200 can be miniaturized, which has the advantage of increasing the lifespan of the equipment.

[0085] The oscillator 210 outputs microwave power to the resonant section 220. The oscillator 210 includes a power amplifier that increases or decreases the microwave power, and the power amplifier adjusts the size of the microwave power under the control of the processor 101. For example, the power amplifier decreases or increases the amplitude of the microwaves. By adjusting the amplitude of the microwaves, the microwave power can be adjusted.

[0086] The processor 101 adjusts the size of the microwave power output from the oscillator 210 based on a pre-stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile includes target temperature information for the preheating section and the smoking section, and the oscillator 210 supplies microwave power at a first power level in the preheating section and at a second power level lower than the first power level in the smoking section.

[0087] The isolation unit 270 blocks the microwave power input from the resonant unit 220 toward the oscillator unit 210. The microwave power output from the oscillator unit 210 is almost entirely absorbed by the heated object, but depending on the heating characteristics of the heated object, some of the microwave power may be reflected by the heated object and transmitted again toward the oscillator unit 210. This is because the impedance seen from the oscillator unit 210 toward the resonant unit 220 changes due to the exhaustion of polar molecules accompanying the heating of the heated object. The statement "the impedance seen from the oscillator unit 210 toward the resonant unit 220 changes" can be interpreted as meaning "the resonant frequency of the resonant unit 220 changes." If microwave power reflected from the resonant unit 220 is input to the oscillator unit 210, not only will the oscillator unit 210 fail, but it will also be unable to achieve its expected output performance. The isolation unit 270 absorbs the microwave power reflected from the resonant unit 220 by guiding it in a predetermined direction without returning it to the oscillator unit 210. For this purpose, the isolation section 270 includes a circulator and a dummy load.

[0088] The power monitoring unit 250 monitors the microwave power output from the oscillation unit 210 and the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonance unit 220, respectively. The power monitoring unit 250 transmits information regarding the microwave power and reflected microwave power to the matching unit 260.

[0089] The impedance matching unit 260 matches the impedance seen from the oscillator 210 to the resonant 220 with the impedance seen from the resonant 220 to the oscillator 210, so as to minimize reflected microwave power. Impedance matching can be equivalent to matching the frequency of the oscillator 210 with the resonant frequency of the resonant 220. Therefore, the impedance matching unit 260 can vary the frequency of the oscillator 210 in order to match the impedances. In other words, the impedance matching unit 260 can adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillator 210 so as to minimize reflected microwave power. Impedance matching by the impedance matching unit 260 can be performed in real time, independently of the temperature profile.

[0090] On the other hand, the aforementioned oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 270, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 are separate configurations distinct from the microwave output unit 280 and resonant unit 220, which will be described later, and can be implemented as a microwave source in chip form. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, the aforementioned oscillation unit 210, isolation unit 270, power monitoring unit 250, and matching unit 260 may be implemented as part of the processor 101.

[0091] The microwave output unit 280 is configured to input microwave power to the resonant unit 220 and may correspond to the coupler shown in Figure 3 and below. The microwave output unit 280 can be implemented in the form of an SMA, SMB, MCX, or MMCX connector. The microwave output unit 280 connects a chip-type microwave source and the resonant unit 220 to each other and can transmit microwave power generated by the microwave source to the resonant unit 220.

[0092] The resonant section 220 can heat the object to be heated by forming microwaves within the resonant structure. The resonant section 220 includes a containment space in which the aerosol product 10 is contained, and the aerosol product 10 can be exposed to microwaves and dielectrically heated. For example, the aerosol product 10 contains a polar substance, and the molecules in the polar substance can be polarized by microwaves inside the resonant section 220. The molecules vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol product 10 can be heated by frictional heat generated in this process.

[0093] The resonant section 220 includes at least one internal conductor so that microwaves can resonate, and the arrangement, thickness, and length of the internal conductors may cause microwaves to resonate inside the resonant section 220.

[0094] The resonant section 220 can be designed considering the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave resonates inside the resonant section 220. For the microwave to resonate inside the resonant section 220, there must be a closed end (short end) of the cross-section and an open end (open end) where at least one region of the cross-section is open in the opposite direction from the closed end. Furthermore, the length between the closed end and the open end must be set to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. In the present invention, the resonant section 220 is selected to be 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength in order to miniaturize the device. In other words, the length between the closed end and the open end of the resonant section 220 can be set to a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0095] The resonant portion 220 includes a dielectric housing space. The dielectric housing space is configured separately from the housing space for the aerosol product 10, and contains a material that can change the overall resonant frequency of the resonant portion 220 and thereby miniaturize the resonant portion 220. In one embodiment, a dielectric with low microwave absorptivity may be housed in the dielectric housing space. This is to prevent the phenomenon in which energy that should be transferred to the object to be heated is transferred to the dielectric, causing the dielectric itself to generate heat. Microwave absorptivity is expressed as the loss tangent, which is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the dielectric housing space 227 houses a dielectric having a loss tangent of a predetermined size or less, and the predetermined size may be 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric is at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited to these.

[0096] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0097] Referring to Figure 4, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment includes an oscillator 210 and a resonant 220. Figure 4 is one embodiment of the heater assembly 200 described above, and any subsequent repetition of this description will be omitted.

[0098] The oscillator 210 can generate microwaves in a specified frequency band when power is supplied to it. The microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the resonant section 220 via a coupler (not shown).

[0099] A heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment further includes a containment space 220h in which an aerosol product 10 is contained, and a support portion 240 for supporting the aerosol product 10 contained or inserted into the containment space 220h.

[0100] The heater assembly 200 includes a containment space 220h for housing the aerosol product 10, and one region of the aerosol product 10 may be inserted into the resonant section 220 through the containment space 220h. Other regions of the aerosol product 10, which are positioned apart from one region, are exposed to the outside of the resonant section 220. Part of the other region of the aerosol product 10 exposed to the outside of the resonant section 220 may be supported by a support section 240.

[0101] The aerosol product 10, which is housed or inserted into the containment space 220h, can be heated by dielectric heating by resonating microwaves generated by the oscillation unit 210. For example, the microwave resonance causes the charge of the glycerin contained in the aerosol product 10 to vibrate or rotate, and the frictional heat generated during the vibration or rotation of the charge generates heat in the glycerin, thereby heating the aerosol product 10.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion 220 may be formed of a material with a low microwave absorption rate in order to prevent microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 from being absorbed by the resonant portion 220.

[0103] The specific structure of the resonant section 220 of the heater assembly 200 will be described below with reference to Figure 5.

[0104] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly 200 shown in Figure 4, cut in the direction A-A'.

[0105] Referring to Figure 5, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment includes an oscillator 210, a resonant 220, a coupler 230, and a heat dissipation member. The components of the heater assembly 200 are identical or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 in Figure 4, and redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0106] The oscillator 210 generates microwaves in a specified frequency band when an AC voltage is applied, and the microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the resonant section 220 via the coupler 230.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the oscillator 210 may be fixed to the resonant section 220 to prevent it from separating from the resonant section 220 during the use of the aerosol generator 100. In one example, the oscillator 210 may be fixed to the resonant section 220 by being supported by a bracket 220b that protrudes along the x-direction in one region of the resonant section 220. In another example, the oscillator 210 may be fixed to the resonant section 220 in a manner in which it is mounted on one region of the resonant section 220 without a bracket 220b.

[0108] Although the drawings only show an embodiment in which the oscillator 210 is fixed in one region of the resonant portion 220 in the x-direction, the oscillator 210 is not limited to the embodiment in which its position is shown. In other embodiments, the oscillator 210 may be fixed in other regions of the resonant portion 220 in the -z direction.

[0109] The resonant section 220 is positioned to surround at least one region of the aerosol product 10 inserted inside the aerosol generator, and heats the aerosol product 10 with microwaves generated by the oscillator 210. For example, the dielectric material contained in the aerosol product 10 may be heated by the electric field generated inside the resonant section 220 by the microwaves, and the aerosol product 10 may be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the aerosol product 10 includes a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[0111] The tobacco rod 11 contains an aerosol-generating substance and may be manufactured in sheet or strand form, or from shredded tobacco obtained by finely cutting tobacco sheets. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. The tobacco rod 11 may also contain other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids. Furthermore, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 11 by spraying it.

[0112] The filter rod 12 may be a cellulose acetate filter. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the shape of the filter rod 12. For example, the filter rod 12 may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod containing a hollow inside. The filter rod 12 may also be a recessed rod. If the filter rod 12 is composed of multiple segments, at least one of the segments may be made in a different shape.

[0113] At least a portion of the aerosol-generating substance contained in the aerosol product 10 (for example, glycerin) is a dielectric that has polarity in an electric field, and at least a portion of such aerosol-generating substance can generate heat by dielectric heating, thereby heating the aerosol product 10.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the resonant section 220 includes an outer conductor 221, a first inner conductor 223, and a second inner conductor 225.

[0115] The outer conductor 221 forms the overall appearance of the resonant section 220, and its interior is formed in a hollow shape so that the components of the resonant section 220 can be arranged inside the outer conductor 221. The outer conductor 221 includes a containment space 220h in which the aerosol product 10 can be contained, and the aerosol product 10 can be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor 221 through the containment space 220h.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor 221 includes a first surface 221a, a second surface 221b positioned opposite 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 some of the components of the resonant portion 220 (e.g., a first internal conductor 223, a second internal conductor 225) may be arranged in the internal space of the resonant portion 220 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 221b, and the side surface 221c.

[0117] The first internal conductor 223 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape that extends from the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 221.

[0118] According to one embodiment, one region of the first internal conductor 223 is in contact with a coupler 230 connected to the oscillator 210, and microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 via the coupler 230. For example, the coupler 230 is arranged so that one end penetrates the outer conductor 221 and is in contact with the oscillator 210, and the other end is in contact with one region of the first internal conductor 223, and microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 via the coupler 230.

[0119] In this case, the coupler 230 may be positioned to penetrate the outer conductor 221 without contacting it for microwave transmission, but the arrangement of the coupler 230 is not limited to this, as long as the microwaves generated in the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the first inner conductor 223.

[0120] The first region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 acts 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 inner conductor 223, and within the first region, microwaves transmitted through the coupler 230 resonate, and an electric field can be generated.

[0121] The second internal conductor 225 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical 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 positioned in the internal space of the outer conductor 221 at a predetermined distance from the first internal conductor 223, and a gap 226 may be formed between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0122] The second region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the second inner conductor 225 acts as a "second resonator" that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The second inner conductor 225 is coupled to the first inner conductor 223 (for example, capacitively coupled), and when an electric field is generated inside the first region due to the aforementioned coupling relationship, an induced electric field may also be generated inside the second region. In this invention, "capacitive coupling" means a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by the capacitance between the two conductors.

[0123] For example, when microwaves generated from the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the first internal conductor 223, an electric field is generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor 221 and the second internal conductor 225 coupled with the first internal conductor 223.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first and second regions of the resonant section 220 operate as resonators having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength (λ) of a microwave.

[0125] In one example, one end of the first region (for example, the end in the -z direction) may be formed as a short end by closing the cross-section of the first region with the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221, and the other end of the first region (for example, the end in the z direction) may be formed as an open end by not having the first surface 221a and leaving the cross-section open. In another example, one end of the second region (for example, the end in the -z direction) may be formed as an open end by leaving the cross-section open, and the other end of the second region (for example, the end in the z direction) may be formed as a closed end by closing the cross-section of the second region with the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221.

[0126] In other words, when viewed from the xz plane, the first and second regions are formed as an "inverted U" shape, including the closed and open ends, and due to the aforementioned structure, the first and second regions operate as resonators with a length of 1 / 4 wavelength of microwaves.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 may be formed to have the same length with respect to the z-axis, and the first region and the second region may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0128] Due to the resonant structure of the aforementioned resonant section 220, the electric field may not propagate to the area outside the resonant section 220 where there are no conductors such as the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225. Therefore, the heater assembly 200 can prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 200 without the need for a separate shielding member to block the electric field.

[0129] The heat dissipation member is located inside the resonant portion 220 and absorbs heat from inside the resonant portion 220. For example, the heat dissipation member is located inside the first internal conductor 223 and is positioned to be in contact with one surface of the closure portion 224.

[0130] The heat dissipation member absorbs the heat generated in the heater assembly 200 and releases it to the surrounding area. For example, heat released to the outside of the resonant section 220 accumulates (sinks) in the heat dissipation member, and the heat dissipation member can release the accumulated heat toward a relatively low-temperature medium (for example, the aerosol product 10). In one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 releases the heat generated in the heater assembly 200 to the outside of the heater assembly 200 via the aforementioned heat dissipation member.

[0131] The aerosol product 10, inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor 221 via the containment space 220h, can be heated by dielectric heating while surrounded by the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225. For example, a portion of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor 221 may be located inside the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225, while another portion may be located outside the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225. The aerosol product 10 can be heated by the electric field generated inside and outside the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225, which generates heat in the dielectric material contained in the aerosol product 10.

[0132] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the resonant section 220 via the containment space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol product 10 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0133] Resonant peaks are formed at the ends of the first internal conductor 223, which acts as the first resonator, and at the ends of the second internal conductor 225, which acts as the second resonator, generating a stronger electric field compared to other regions. As a result, the strongest electric field can be generated in the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 within the internal region of the resonant section 220. In one embodiment of the heater assembly 200, the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 200 can be improved by placing the tobacco rod 11, which contains a dielectric that generates heat due to the electric field, at a position corresponding to the gap 226 with the strongest electric field.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion 220 further includes a dielectric housing space 227 for housing a dielectric. The dielectric housing space 227 is formed in the empty space between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225, and a dielectric with low microwave absorption can be housed in the dielectric housing space 227. For example, the dielectric is at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0135] In one embodiment, the heater assembly 200 can generate the same electric field as a resonant section 220 without a dielectric, while reducing the overall size of the resonant section 220 by arranging a dielectric inside the dielectric housing space 227. In other words, the heater assembly 200 in one embodiment can reduce the size of the resonant section 220 by arranging a dielectric inside the dielectric housing space 227, thereby reducing the mounting space for the resonant section 220 in the aerosol generator, and as a result, the aerosol generator can be miniaturized.

[0136] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0137] Referring to Figure 6, the heater assembly 300 according to another embodiment includes a resonant section 320 and a coupler 311. The components of the heater assembly 300 are identical or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 in Figures 4 and 5, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0138] The resonant section 320 includes an outer conductor 321, a plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b, and a closing section 322.

[0139] The coupler 311 can supply microwaves to at least one of the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b so as to generate microwave resonance in the resonant section 320.

[0140] The outer conductor 321 forms the overall appearance of the resonant section 320, and its interior is formed in a hollow shape so that the components of the resonant section 320 can be arranged inside the outer conductor 321. For example, the outer conductor 321 may be formed as a prism with a square cross-section overall, but is not limited to this. As another example, the outer conductor 321 may be formed as a polygonal prism with a rectangular, elliptical, or circular cross-section.

[0141] The outer conductor 321 includes a containment space 320h in which the aerosol product 10 can be contained, and a support portion 351a that supports the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 320h. One region of the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the interior of the outer conductor 321 via the containment space 320h, and the other region of the aerosol product 10 is exposed to the outside of the resonant portion 320. The support portion 351a supports the other region of the aerosol product 10 that is exposed to the outside of the resonant portion 320.

[0142] The outer conductor 321 includes a first surface 321a, a second surface 321b positioned opposite the first surface 321a, and a side surface 321c surrounding the empty space between the first surface 221a and the second surface 321b. At least some of the components of the resonant section 320 (for example, the first inner conductors 323a and 323b) may be arranged in the internal space of the resonant section 320 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 321b, and the side surface 321c.

[0143] The multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b may be formed in a plate-like shape extending from the first surface 321a of the outer conductor 321 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 321. For example, the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol product 10 housed in the containment space 320h, with one of the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b (e.g., the first internal conductor 323a) being arranged to surround one region of the aerosol product 10, and the other one (e.g., the first internal conductor 323b) being arranged to surround another region of the aerosol product 10.

[0144] A region of the first internal conductor 323a is in contact with a coupler 311 connected to the oscillator, and when microwaves transmitted through the coupler 311 resonate, an electric field can be generated inside the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b. For example, the coupler 311 is arranged so that one end penetrates the outer conductor 321 and is in contact with the oscillator, and the other end is in contact with a region of the first internal conductor 323a, and when microwaves generated in the oscillator are transmitted to the first internal conductor 323a through the coupler 311, an electric field can be generated inside the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b.

[0145] The resonant portion 320 includes a closed end with a closed cross-section and an open end located opposite the closed end, where at least one region of the cross-section is open, so as to have a length (λ / 4) of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength (λ).

[0146] The resonant portion 320 includes a closing portion 322 that is positioned to contact one end of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b, thereby closing the cross-sections of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b. By closing the cross-sections of one end of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b with the closing portion 322, a closed end can be formed at one end of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b. The other ends of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b are positioned away from the closing portion 322 so as not to contact the closing portion 322, so that an open end can be formed at the other ends of the plurality of first internal conductors 323a and 323b. In other words, the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b, when viewed from the xz plane, are formed as a whole in an "inverted U" shape, including closed and open ends, and due to the structure of the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b described above, the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b operate as a resonator having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength of a microwave.

[0147] Microwave resonances may be formed between the first internal conductor 323a and the outer conductor 331, between the other first internal conductor 323b and the outer conductor 331, and between the first internal conductor 323a and the other first internal conductor 323b. As a result, electric fields may be generated between the first internal conductors 323a and 323b and the outer conductor 321. Although two first internal conductors 323a and 323b are shown in the drawing, the number of first internal conductors is not limited to these, and as an example, the number of first internal conductors may be three or four or more.

[0148] Three resonant modes can be formed inside the resonant section 320. For example, microwave TEM mode (transverse electric and magnetic mode) resonances can be formed inside the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b, and TEM mode resonances different from those formed inside the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b can be formed between the first internal conductor 323a and the outer conductor 321, and between the first internal conductor 323b and the outer conductor 321. By forming three resonant modes inside the resonant section 320, the aerosol product 10 contained inside the resonant section 320 can be heated more uniformly.

[0149] Due to the resonant structure of the aforementioned resonant section 320, the electric field may not propagate to the region outside the resonant section 320. Therefore, the heater assembly 300 can prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly 300 without the need for a separate shielding member to block the electric field.

[0150] Resonant peaks are formed at the other ends of the multiple first internal conductors 323a and 323b, generating a stronger electric field compared to other regions. By positioning the tobacco rod 11, which contains a dielectric capable of generating heat through the electric field, at a location corresponding to the region with the strongest electric field, the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 300 can be improved.

[0151] In the following section, with reference to Figures 7A to 7D, we will specifically describe the sensors for detecting the insertion of metal into the containment spaces 220h and 330h.

[0152] Figure 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment, and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment. Figures 7A and 7B show a cross-section of the heater assembly 200 of Figure 4 cut in the direction A-A'.

[0153] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, a heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment includes an oscillator 210 (for example, the oscillator 210 in Figures 4 and 5), a resonant 220 (for example, the resonant 220 in Figures 4 and 5), and sensors 250a and 250b. At least one component of the heater assembly 200 in Figures 7A and 7B is the same as or similar to a component of the heater assembly 200 in Figures 4 and 5, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0154] The oscillator 210 generates microwaves in a specified frequency band when an AC voltage is applied, and the microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the resonant section 220 via the coupler 230.

[0155] The resonant section 220 is positioned to surround at least one region of the aerosol product 10 inserted inside the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 100 in Figure 1), and heats the aerosol product 10 with microwaves generated by the oscillator 210. For example, a dielectric material contained in the aerosol product 10 may be heated by the electric field generated inside the resonant section 220 due to microwave resonance, and the aerosol product 10 may be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric material.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the resonant section 220 includes an outer conductor 221, a first inner conductor 223, and a second inner conductor 225.

[0157] The outer conductor 221 forms the overall appearance of the resonant portion 220, and its interior is formed in a hollow shape so that the components of the resonant portion 220 can be arranged inside the outer conductor 221. The outer conductor 221 includes a accommodating space 220h into which at least one region of the aerosol product 10 can be inserted. The accommodating space 220h is formed by a first inner conductor 223 and / or a second inner conductor 225 arranged inside the outer conductor 221, and means a space capable of accommodating the aerosol product 10 inserted inside the outer conductor 221.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor 221 includes a first surface 221a, a second surface 221b positioned opposite 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 some of the components of the resonant portion 220 (e.g., a first internal conductor 223, a second internal conductor 225) may be arranged in the internal space of the resonant portion 220 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 221b, and the side surface 221c.

[0159] The first internal conductor 223 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 221 or along the longitudinal direction of the outer conductor 221.

[0160] According to one embodiment, one region of the first internal conductor 223 is in contact with a coupler 230 connected to the oscillator 210, and microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 via the coupler 230. For example, the coupler 230 is arranged so that one end penetrates the outer conductor 221 and is in contact with the oscillator 210, and the other end is in contact with one region of the first internal conductor 223, and microwaves generated by the oscillator 210 can be transmitted to the first internal conductor 223 via the coupler 230.

[0161] In this case, the coupler 330 may be positioned to penetrate the outer conductor 221 without contacting it for microwave transmission, but the arrangement of the coupler 230 is not limited to this, as long as the microwaves generated in the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the first inner conductor 223.

[0162] The first region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 acts 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 inner conductor 223, and within the first region, microwaves transmitted through the coupler 230 resonate, and an electric field can be generated.

[0163] The second region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the second inner conductor 225 acts as a "second resonator" that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The second inner conductor 225 is coupled to the first inner conductor 223 (for example, capacitively coupled), and when an electric field is generated inside the first region due to the aforementioned coupling relationship, an induced electric field may also be generated inside the second region. In this invention, "capacitive coupling" means a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by the capacitance between the two conductors.

[0164] For example, when microwaves generated from the oscillator 210 are transmitted to the first internal conductor 223, an electric field is generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor 221 and the second internal conductor 225 coupled with the first internal conductor 223.

[0165] The second internal conductor 225 may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221 toward the internal space of the outer conductor 221 or along the longitudinal direction of the outer conductor 221. The second internal conductor 225 is positioned in the internal space of the outer conductor 221 at a predetermined distance from the first internal conductor 223, and a gap 226 may be formed between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0166] The aerosol product 10, inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor 221 via the containment space 220h, can be heated by dielectric heating while surrounded by the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225. For example, a portion of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor 221 may be located inside the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225, while another portion may be located outside the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225. The aerosol product 10 can be heated by the electric field generated inside and outside the first internal conductor 223 and / or the second internal conductor 225, which generates heat in the dielectric material contained in the aerosol product 10.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion 220 may further include a dielectric housing space 227 and a dielectric material housed in the dielectric housing space 227 for adjusting the dielectric constant of the resonant portion 220.

[0168] The dielectric housing space 227 is formed in the empty space between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225, and a dielectric can be housed in the dielectric housing space 227. For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, which have low microwave absorption, but the type of dielectric is not limited to these.

[0169] In other embodiments, the heater assembly 200 can generate the same electric field as a resonant section 220 without a dielectric, while reducing the overall size of the resonant section 220 by arranging a dielectric inside the dielectric housing space 227. In other words, the heater assembly 200 in other embodiments can reduce the size of the resonant section 220 by arranging a dielectric inside the dielectric housing space 227, thereby reducing the mounting space for the resonant section 220 in the aerosol generator, and as a result, the aerosol generator (for example, the aerosol generator 100 in Figure 1) can be miniaturized.

[0170] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the resonant section 220 via the containment space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol product 10 may be positioned in a location corresponding to the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225.

[0171] Resonant peaks are formed at the ends of the first internal conductor 223, which acts as the first resonator, and at the ends of the second internal conductor 225, which acts as the second resonator, generating a stronger electric field compared to other regions. As a result, the strongest electric field can be generated in the gap 226 between the first internal conductor 223 and the second internal conductor 225 within the internal region of the resonant section 220. By placing the tobacco rod 11, which contains a dielectric that generates heat due to the electric field, at a position corresponding to the gap 226 with the strongest electric field, the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater assembly 200 can be improved.

[0172] Sensors 250a and 250b are coils for sensing the insertion of a metallic substance (hereinafter referred to as "metal") into the containment space 220h. The sensors may also be inductance sensors for sensing changes in inductance within the containment space 220h. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 can sense whether metal has been inserted into the containment space 220h based on the change in inductance of the containment space 220h detected by sensors 250a and 250b. For example, the processor 101 detects the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by sensors 250a and 250b, and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, it determines that metal has been inserted into the containment space 220h.

[0173] Sensors 250a and 250b are located outside the resonant section 220 and are positioned in a region adjacent to the housing space 220h. Because sensors 250a and 250b are located outside the resonant section 220, they can be prevented from being heated by the heater assembly 200 using a dielectric heating method.

[0174] For example, sensors 250a and 250b are arranged inside the support portion 240. The support portion 240 is located outside the resonant portion 220 and is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product 10 housed or inserted into the housing space 220h, thereby allowing sensors 250a and 250b to be located outside the resonant portion 220 and to surround the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product 10 housed or inserted into the housing space 220h.

[0175] For example, sensor 250a may be a plate-shaped coil surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 220h. For another example, sensor 250b may be an annular coil surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 220h. The shapes of sensors 250a and 250b are not limited to the examples given above.

[0176] Although only one sensor 250a and 250b are shown in the drawings, the number of sensors 250a and 250b is not limited to this, and there may be two or three or more depending on the embodiment.

[0177] Figure 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment, and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment. Figures 7C and 7D show a cross-section of the heater assembly 300 of Figure 6 cut in the xz plane.

[0178] Referring to Figures 7C and 7D, other embodiments include an oscillator 310, a resonant section (for example, the resonant section 320 in Figure 6), and sensors 350a and 350b. These components are identical or similar to those of the heater assembly 200 in Figures 7C and 7D, but redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0179] Sensors 250a and 350b are coils for sensing the insertion of a metallic substance (hereinafter referred to as "metal") into the containment space 320h. The sensors may also be inductance sensors for sensing changes in inductance within the containment space 320h. In one embodiment, the aerosol generator 100 can sense whether metal has been inserted into the containment space 320h based on the change in inductance of the containment space 320h detected by sensors 350a and 350b. For example, the processor 101 detects a frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by sensors 350a and 350b, and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, it determines that metal has been inserted into the containment space 320h.

[0180] Sensors 350a and 350b are located outside the resonant section 320 and are positioned in a region adjacent to the housing space 320h. Because sensors 350a and 350b are located outside the resonant section 320, they can be prevented from being heated by the heater assembly 300 using a dielectric heating method.

[0181] For example, sensors 350a and 350b are arranged inside the support portion 340. The support portion 340 is located outside the resonant portion 320 and is arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product 10 housed or inserted into the housing space 320h, thereby allowing sensors 350a and 350b to be located outside the resonant portion 320 and to surround the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product 10 housed or inserted into the housing space 320h.

[0182] For example, sensor 350a may be a plate-shaped coil surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 320h. For another example, sensor 350b may be an annular coil surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol product 10 inserted into the containment space 320h. The shapes of sensors 350a and 350b are not limited to the examples given above.

[0183] Although only one sensor 350a and 350b are shown in the drawings, the number of sensors 350a and 350b is not limited to this, and there may be two or three or more depending on the embodiment.

[0184] The following describes how to control the aerosol generator based on the detection results of sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b, with reference to Figure 8.

[0185] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generator according to one embodiment. In describing the method for controlling the aerosol generator below, we will refer to the components of the aerosol generator 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the components of the heater assemblies 200 and 300 shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 7A to 7D.

[0186] Referring to Figure 8, in step 810, the aerosol generator 100 supplies power from the battery to sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b for detecting the insertion of metal into the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h. The processor 101 is capable of supplying power to sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b periodically or discontinuously, thereby preventing unnecessary power from being wasted in the aerosol generator 100.

[0187] For example, the processor 101 supplies power to sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b at a predetermined cycle. The processor 101 can apply ping signals to sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b at a predetermined cycle, and the processor 101 can start operation only when ping signals are applied to sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b.

[0188] In step 820, the powered sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b detect changes in inductance in the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, and the processor 101 senses whether metal has been inserted into the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h based on the changes in inductance detected by the sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b. For example, the processor 101 detects the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by the sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b, and if it determines that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, it determines that metal has been inserted into the containment spaces 110h and 220h.

[0189] In step 830, the processor 101 detects a frequency change corresponding to the inductance change detected by sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b. If the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, the processor 101 cuts off the power supply to the oscillators 210 and 310.

[0190] Because metals contain a large number of free electrons, when a metal is heated by a dielectric heating method, the numerous free electrons contained within the metal may vibrate or rotate simultaneously. When the heater assembly 200 heats the aerosol generating material 10 by a dielectric heating method with the metal inserted inside the containment space 110h, the metal heats up faster than the aerosol generating material 10, which may result in low heating efficiency for the aerosol generating device 100. Alternatively, the metal may heat up too quickly and ignite, potentially causing the aerosol generating device 100 to explode.

[0191] If the processor 101 determines that metal has been inserted into the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, the aerosol generator 100 can prevent malfunction and / or explosion by cutting off the power supply to the oscillators 210 and 310.

[0192] The following describes how to control the display D so that an unavailable or available notification for the aerosol generator 100 is displayed, with reference to Figure 9.

[0193] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generator according to another embodiment. Figure 9 is a flowchart specifically illustrating the operation from step 810 onward in Figure 8. In describing the method for controlling the aerosol generator below, we will refer to the components of the aerosol generator 100 in Figures 1 and 2, and the components of the heater assembly 200 in Figures 3 to 6, 7A, and 7B.

[0194] Referring to Figure 9, in step 910, the processor 101 detects changes in the inductance of the accommodation spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h using sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b.

[0195] In step 920, the processor 101 detects a frequency change corresponding to the inductance change detected in step 910 and determines whether the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change. If the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, the processor 101 cuts off the power supply to the oscillators 210 and 310. For example, the predetermined frequency change means the frequency change corresponding to the insertion of metal.

[0196] Even if the user operates the aerosol generator 100 without detecting the metal inserted into the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, the aerosol generator 100 can detect the metal inserted into the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h and cut off the power supply to the oscillators 210 and 310. In this way, the aerosol generator 100 can provide the user with safety by preventing potential hazards in advance.

[0197] In step 920, if the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, the processor 101 can display on the display D that the aerosol generator 100 is unavailable.

[0198] Users may not be able to detect metal inserted into containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, and may mistakenly perceive the sudden malfunction of the aerosol generator 100 due to the insertion of metal into containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h as a malfunction of the aerosol generator 100. By displaying an "unavailable" message on display D when metal is inserted into containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, users can avoid inconvenience even if the aerosol generator 100 suddenly stops working.

[0199] In step 940, the powered sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b detect changes in inductance in the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h, and the processor 101 senses whether metal has been removed from the containment spaces 110h, 220h, and 320h based on the changes in inductance in the containment spaces 110h, 250b, 350a, and 350b.

[0200] For example, the processor 101 detects the removal of metal inserted into the containment space if the frequency change corresponding to the inductance change obtained by sensors 250a, 250b, 350a, and 350b is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change. For example, the predetermined frequency change means the frequency change corresponding to the removal of metal.

[0201] In step 950, if the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change, the processor 101 may display on the display D that the aerosol generator 100 is ready for use.

[0202] When the metal is removed from the containment space 110h, 220h, and 320h, the display D will show an indication that the aerosol generator 100 is ready for use, thereby ensuring the user's safety once again.

[0203] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to yet another embodiment.

[0204] Referring to Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 includes a power supply 1011, a control unit 1012, a sensor 1013, an output unit 1014, an input unit 1015, a communication unit 1016, a memory 1017, and at least one heater 1018 or 1024. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generator 1000 is not limited to what is shown in Figure 10. That is, a person skilled in the art will understand that depending on the design of the aerosol generator 1000, some of the components shown in Figure 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0205] Sensor 1013 senses the state of the aerosol generator 1000 or the state around the aerosol generator 1000 and transmits the sensed information to control unit 1012. Based on the sensed information, control unit 1012 controls the aerosol generator 1000 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, restricting smoking, determining whether or not to insert aerosol product 10 and / or cartridge, and displaying notifications.

[0206] Sensor 1013 includes at least one of the following: temperature sensor 1031, puff sensor 1032, insertion sensor 1033, reuse sensor 1034, cartridge sensor 1035, cap sensor 1036, and motion sensor 1037.

[0207] The temperature sensor 1031 senses the temperature at which the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 are heated. The aerosol generator 1000 includes a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, or the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 themselves act as temperature sensors.

[0208] The temperature sensor 1031 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. For example, the temperature sensor 1031 includes a resistive element whose resistance changes in response to temperature changes in the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. This is embodied by an element such as a thermistor, which utilizes the property that resistance changes with temperature. In this case, the temperature sensor 1031 outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistive element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. For example, the temperature sensor 1031 is configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. In this case, the temperature sensor 1031 outputs a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018.

[0209] The temperature sensor 1031 is positioned around the power supply 1011 to monitor its temperature. The temperature sensor 1031 is positioned adjacent to the power supply 1011. For example, the temperature sensor 1031 is mounted on one side of the battery which is the power supply 1011. For example, the temperature sensor 1031 is mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0210] The temperature sensor 1031 is located inside the body 10 of the aerosol generator 1000 and senses the internal temperature of the body.

[0211] The puff sensor 1032 senses the user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor 1032 outputs a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor 1032 is a pressure sensor. The puff sensor 1032 outputs a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1000. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generator 1000 corresponds to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor 1032 is positioned in the aerosol generator 1000 corresponding to the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0212] The insertion sensing sensor 1033 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product 10. The insertion sensing sensor 1033 detects the signal change caused by the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product 10. The insertion sensing sensor 1033 is installed around the insertion space (e.g., the containment spaces 110h, 220h, 320h). The insertion sensing sensor 1033 detects the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol product 10 by the change in dielectric constant inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion sensing sensor 1033 is an inductive sensor and / or capacitance sensor.

[0213] An inductive sensor includes at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. For example, if the magnetic field changes around a coil through which current flows, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil include the frequency, current, voltage, inductance, and impedance of the alternating current.

[0214] An inductive sensor outputs a signal that corresponds to the characteristics of the current flowing through a coil. For example, an inductive sensor outputs a signal that corresponds to the inductance value of a coil.

[0215] A capacitance sensor includes a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor is positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the surrounding electromagnetic properties, such as the capacitance around the conductor. For example, if an aerosol product 10 including a metal flaps is inserted into the insertion space, the flaps of the aerosol product 10 may alter the electromagnetic properties around the conductor.

[0216] The reuse detection sensor 1034 detects whether the aerosol product 10 is to be reused. The reuse detection sensor 1034 is a color sensor. The color sensor detects the color of the aerosol product 10. The color sensor detects the color of a portion of the flaps surrounding the aerosol product 10. The color sensor detects a value related to the optical properties corresponding to the color of the object based on the light reflected from the object. For example, the optical properties are the wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as part of a single configuration with the proximity sensor, or as a separate configuration separated from the proximity sensor.

[0217] At least a portion of the flaps constituting the aerosol product 10 may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse sensing sensor 1034 may be positioned corresponding to the location where at least a portion of the flaps that change color due to the aerosol are located when the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol product 10 is used by a user, at least a portion of the flaps is the first color. At this time, as the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 1000 passes through the aerosol product 10, at least a portion of the flaps is wetted by the aerosol, causing at least a portion of the flaps to change color to the second color. On the other hand, at least a portion of the flaps remains the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0218] The cartridge sensing sensor 1035 detects the insertion and / or removal of the cartridge 19. The cartridge sensing sensor 1035 can be implemented as an inductance substrate sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, or a Hall sensor (Hall IC) using the Hall effect.

[0219] The cap sensing sensor 1036 detects the attachment and / or removal of the cap. When the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge and part of the body that were covered by the cap are exposed to the outside. The cap sensing sensor 1036 can be embodied by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor, an optical sensor, or the like.

[0220] The motion sensing sensor 1037 detects the movement of the aerosol generator. The motion sensing sensor 1037 is implemented using at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope.

[0221] In addition to the sensors 1131 to 1037 mentioned above, sensor 1013 further includes at least one of the following: a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by an average engineer from its name, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0222] The output unit 1014 outputs information about the status of the aerosol generator 1000 and provides it to the user. The output unit 1014 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the display 1041, the haptic unit 1042, and the acoustic output unit 1043. When the display 1041 and the touchpad are arranged in a layered structure to form a touchscreen, the display 1041 can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0223] The display 1041 visually provides the user with information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the information about the aerosol generator 1000 includes various types of information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply 1011 of the aerosol generator 1000, the preheating status of the heater 1018, the insertion / removal status of the aerosol product 10 and / or cartridge, the attachment / removal status of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generator 1000 is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal item), and the display 1041 outputs this information to the outside. For example, the display 1041 is in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display 1041 is a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0224] The haptic unit 1042 converts electrical signals into mechanical or electrical stimuli to provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, if initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 during a set time, the haptic unit 1042 can generate vibrations corresponding to the completion of initial preheating. The haptic unit 1042 comprises a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0225] The acoustic output unit 1043 provides the user with auditory information about the aerosol generator 1000. For example, the acoustic output unit 1043 converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and outputs them externally.

[0226] The power supply 1011 provides the power used to operate the aerosol generator 1000. The power supply 1011 also provides power to heat the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. Furthermore, the power supply 1011 provides the power necessary for the operation of other components within the aerosol generator 1000, namely the sensor 1013, output unit 1014, input unit 1015, communication unit 1016, and memory 1017. The power supply 1011 is either a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power supply 1011 is a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited to this.

[0227] Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 further includes a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit is electrically connected to the power supply 1011 and includes a switching element.

[0228] The power protection circuit interrupts the circuit to the power supply 1011 under predetermined conditions. For example, the power protection circuit interrupts the circuit to the power supply 1011 if the voltage level of the power supply 1011 is equal to or greater than a first voltage corresponding to overcharging. For example, the power protection circuit interrupts the circuit to the power supply 1011 if the voltage level of the power supply 1011 is less than a second voltage corresponding to over-discharge.

[0229] The heater 1018 receives light emitted from the light source, which is powered by the power supply 1011, and heats the medium or aerosol-generating material in the aerosol product 10. Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power supply of the power supply 1011 to an AC power supply.

[0230] The control unit 1012, sensor 1013, output unit 1014, input unit 1015, communication unit 1016, and memory 1017 are powered by the power supply 1011 and perform their functions. Although not shown in Figure 10, the system further includes a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, which converts the power from the power supply 1011 and supplies it to each component. Also, although not shown in Figure 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power supply 1011 and the light source. The noise filter is a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter includes at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter corresponds to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current supplied from the power supply 1011 as a light source to heat the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. The low-pass filter prevents high-frequency noise components from being applied to the sensor 1013, such as the insertion sensing sensor 1033.

[0231] The cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 may be heaters that generate heat by surface plasmon resonance. For example, when the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 receive light from a light source, they generate heat by surface plasmon resonance, and the generated heat can heat the aerosol product 10 or the aerosol generating substance.

[0232] The input unit 1015 receives information from the user or outputs information to the user. For example, the input unit 1015 is a touch panel. The touch panel includes at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor includes, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive film touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, or an infrared touch sensor.

[0233] The display 1041 and the touch panel are realized on a single panel. For example, the touch panel is inserted into the display 1041 (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel is added on top of the display panel (add-on type).

[0234] On the other hand, the input section 1015 includes, but is not limited to, buttons, keypads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0235] Memory 1017 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generator 1000, and stores data processed by the control unit 1012 and data being processed. Memory 1017 includes at least one type of recording medium from among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk. Memory 1017 stores data such as the operating time of the aerosol generator 1000, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0236] The communication unit 1016 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1016 includes at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0237] The short-range wireless communication unit includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication units, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication units, short-range wireless communication units, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication units, Zigbee communication units, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication units, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication units, UWB (ultra wideband) communication units, Ant+ communication units, etc.

[0238] The wireless communication section includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication section, an Internet communication section, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication section.

[0239] Although not shown in Figure 10, the aerosol generator 1000 is further equipped with a connectivity interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and connects with other external devices via the USB interface or other connectivity interface to send and receive information or charge the power supply 1011.

[0240] The control unit 1012 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generator 1000. In one embodiment, the control unit 1012 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of numerous logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and memory in which a program executed by the microprocessor is stored. Those skilled in the art will understand that it may also be embodied as other forms of hardware.

[0241] The control unit 1012 can control the temperature of heater 1018 and / or cartridge heater 1024 by controlling the supply of power from power supply 1011 to the light source. The control unit 1012 controls the temperature of cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 based on the temperature of cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 sensed by temperature sensor 1031. The control unit 1012 adjusts the power supplied to the light source based on the temperature of cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018. For example, the control unit 1012 determines a target temperature for cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 based on a temperature profile stored in memory 1017.

[0242] The aerosol generator 1000 includes a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply 1011 between the power supply 1011 and the light source. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the light source. The power supply circuit includes at least one switching element. The switching element is embodied by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field-effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit 1012 controls the power supply circuit.

[0243] The control unit 1012 controls the power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is an inverter that converts the DC power output from the power supply 1011 into AC power. For example, the inverter is composed of a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit that includes multiple switching elements.

[0244] The control unit 1012 turns on the switching element so that power is supplied from the power supply 1011. The control unit 1012 turns off the switching element so that the power supply to the power supply is cut off. The control unit 1012 adjusts the current supplied from the power supply 1011 by adjusting the frequency and / or duty cycle of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0245] The control unit 1012 controls the voltage output from the power supply 1011 by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit converts the voltage output from the power supply 1011. For example, the power conversion circuit includes a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power supply 1011. For example, the power conversion circuit is implemented by a buck-boost converter, a Zener diode, etc.

[0246] The control unit 1012 controls the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. When the switching element remains in the ON state, the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit corresponds to the voltage level output from the power supply 1011. The duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element corresponds to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power supply 1011. The lower the duty cycle for the on / off operation of the switching element, the lower the voltage level output from the power conversion circuit. The heater 1018 is heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0247] The control unit 1012 controls the supply of power to the power source using at least one of the following methods: pulse width modulation (PWM) and proportional-integral-differential (PID).

[0248] For example, the control unit 1012 uses a PWM method to control the supply of current pulses having a predetermined frequency and duty cycle to the power supply. The control unit 1012 adjusts the frequency and duty cycle of the current pulses to control the power supplied to the power supply.

[0249] For example, the control unit 1012 determines a target temperature for control based on the temperature profile. The control unit 1012 controls the power supplied to the power supply using a PID method, which is a feedback control method that uses the difference between the temperature of the heater 1018 and the target temperature, the value obtained by integrating the difference over time, and the value obtained by differentiating the difference over time.

[0250] The control unit 1012 prevents the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 from overheating. For example, the control unit 1012 controls the operation of the power conversion circuit so that the power supply to the power source is interrupted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1012 can reduce the amount of power supplied to the power source by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 exceeding a predetermined limit temperature. For example, the control unit 1012 determines that the aerosol-generating material contained in the cartridge has been exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 exceeding the limit temperature and cuts off the power supply to the power source.

[0251] The control unit 1012 controls the charging and discharging of the power supply 1011. The control unit 1012 checks the temperature of the power supply 1011 based on the output signal of the temperature sensor 1031.

[0252] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generator 1000, the control unit 1012 checks whether the temperature of the power supply 1011 is equal to or greater than a first limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the charging of the power supply 1011. If the temperature of the power supply 1011 is below the first limit temperature, the control unit 1012 controls the power supply 1011 to be charged based on a predetermined charging current. If the temperature of the power supply 1011 is equal to or greater than the first limit temperature, the control unit 1012 shuts off the charging of the power supply 1011.

[0253] With the aerosol generator 1000 powered on, the control unit 1012 checks whether the temperature of the power supply 1011 is above the second limit temperature, which is the criterion for shutting off the discharge of the power supply 1011. If the temperature of the power supply 1011 is below the second limit temperature, the control unit 1012 controls the power supply 1011 to use the stored power. If the temperature of the power supply 1011 is above the second limit temperature, the control unit 1012 interrupts the use of the stored power.

[0254] The control unit 1012 calculates the remaining power capacity stored in the power supply 1011. For example, the control unit 1012 calculates the remaining capacity of the power supply 1011 based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power supply 1011.

[0255] The control unit 1012 uses the insertion sensing sensor 1033 to determine whether the aerosol product 10 is inserted into the insertion space. Based on the output signal from the insertion sensing sensor 1033, the control unit 1012 determines that the aerosol product 10 has been inserted. If it determines that the aerosol product 10 has been inserted into the insertion space, the control unit 1012 controls the supply of power to the light source. For example, the control unit 1012 supplies power to the light source based on the temperature profile stored in the memory 1017.

[0256] The control unit 1012 determines whether the aerosol product 10 has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1012 uses the insertion sensing sensor 1033 to determine whether the aerosol product 10 has been removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1012 determines that the aerosol product 10 has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the heater 1018 is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change gradient of the heater 1018 is above a set gradient. If the control unit 1012 determines that the aerosol product 10 has been inserted into the insertion space, it shuts off the power supply to the light source.

[0257] The control unit 1012 controls the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the light source based on the state of the aerosol product 10 sensed by the sensor 1013. Based on the lookup table, the control unit 1012 checks the level range that includes the level of the capacitance sensor signal. Based on the checked level range, the control unit 1012 determines the moisture content of the aerosol product 10.

[0258] If the aerosol product 10 is in an over-humidified state, the control unit 1012 can control the power supply time to the light source to increase the preheating time of the aerosol product 10 compared to normal conditions.

[0259] The control unit 1012 determines whether the aerosol product 10 inserted into the insertion space is being reused, based on the reuse detection sensor 1034. For example, the control unit 1012 compares the sensing value of the reuse detection sensor signal with a first reference range that includes a first color. If the sensing value falls within the first reference range, it determines that the aerosol product 10 has not been used. For example, the control unit 1012 compares the sensing value of the reuse detection sensor 1034 signal with a second reference range that includes a second color. If the sensing value falls within the second reference range, it determines that the aerosol product 10 has been used. If it determines that the aerosol product 10 has been used, the control unit 1012 can shut off the power supply to the light source.

[0260] The control unit 1012 determines whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed based on the cartridge sensing sensor 1035. For example, the control unit 1012 determines whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cartridge sensing sensor.

[0261] The control unit 1012 determines whether the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. For example, the control unit 1012 preheats the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 by applying power, and determines whether the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 exceeds a limit temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 exceeds the limit temperature, it determines that the aerosol-generating material in the cartridge has been exhausted. If it determines that the aerosol product 10 in the cartridge has been exhausted, the control unit 1012 cuts off the power supply to the light source.

[0262] The control unit 1012 determines whether the cartridge can be used. For example, based on the data stored in the memory 1017, the control unit 1012 determines that the cartridge cannot be used if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. For example, the control unit 1012 determines that the cartridge cannot be used if the total heating time of the cartridge heater 1024 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the light source is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum amount of power.

[0263] The control unit 1012 determines whether the user is inhaling based on the puff sensor 1032. For example, the control unit 1012 determines whether a puff has occurred based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor. For example, the control unit 1012 determines the intensity of the puff based on the sensed value of the signal from the puff sensor 1032. If the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs or if no puff is detected for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 1012 can cut off the power supply to the light source.

[0264] The control unit 1012 determines whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the cap sensing sensor 1036. For example, the control unit 1012 determines whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal from the cap sensing sensor.

[0265] The control unit 1012 controls the output unit 1014 based on the results sensed by the sensor 1013. For example, when the number of puffs counted by the puff sensor 1032 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1012 notifies the user that the aerosol generator 1000 will soon be finished, through at least one of the display 1041, the haptic unit 1042, and the acoustic output unit 1043. For example, the control unit 1012 may notify the user via the output unit 1014 based on the determination that there is no aerosol product 10 in the insertion space. For example, the control unit 1012 may notify the user via the output unit 1014 based on the determination that the cartridge and / or cap is not installed. For example, the control unit 1012 may transmit information regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018 to the user via the output unit 1014.

[0266] The control unit 1012 saves and updates a history of events in the memory 1017 based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. Events include operations performed by the aerosol generator 1000, such as sensing the insertion of aerosol product 10, starting heating of the aerosol product 10, puffing detection, ending puffing, sensing overheating of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, sensing the application of overvoltage to the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, ending the heating of the aerosol product 10, turning the power of the aerosol generator 1000 on / off, starting charging of the power supply 1011, sensing overcharge of the power supply 1011, and ending charging of the power supply 1011. The history of events includes the time when the event occurred and log data corresponding to the event. For example, if a predetermined event is the sensing of insertion of aerosol product 10, the log data corresponding to the event includes data related to the sensing value of the insertion sensing sensor 1033. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating in the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, the log data corresponding to the event will include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater 1024 and / or heater 1018, the voltage applied to the light source, and so on.

[0267] The control unit 1012 controls the aerosol generator 1000 to form a communication link with an external device, such as the user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving authentication data from the external device via the communication link, the control unit 1012 removes the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. Here, the authentication data includes data indicating the completion of user authentication for the user corresponding to the external device. The user can perform user authentication through the external device. The external device determines whether the user data is valid based on the user's date of birth, the user's unique number, etc., and receives data regarding the right to use the aerosol generator 1000 from an external server. Based on the data regarding the right to use, the external device transmits data indicating the completion of user authentication to the aerosol generator 1000. If user authentication is completed, the control unit 1012 removes the restriction on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generator 1000. For example, if user authentication is completed, the control unit 1012 removes the restriction on the use of the heating function that supplies power to the light source.

[0268] The control unit 1012 transmits data regarding the status of the aerosol generator 1000 to the external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device outputs the remaining capacity of the power supply 1011 of the aerosol generator 1000, the operating mode, and other information via the external device's display.

[0269] The external device transmits a location search request to the aerosol generator 1000 based on an input to initiate a location search for the aerosol generator 1000. When the control unit 1012 receives a location search request from the external device, it controls at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, the haptic unit 1042 generates vibrations in response to the location search request. For example, the display 1041 outputs an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search in response to the location search request.

[0270] The control unit 1012 controls the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update when it receives firmware data from an external device. The external device checks the current firmware version of the aerosol generator 1000 and determines whether a new firmware version exists. When the external device receives an input requesting a firmware download, it receives the new firmware version data and transmits the new firmware version data to the aerosol generator 1000. Upon receiving the new firmware version data, the control unit 1012 controls the aerosol generator 1000 to perform a firmware update.

[0271] The control unit 1012 transmits data relating to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1013 to an external server (not shown) via the communication unit 1016, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing values ​​from the server using machine learning such as deep learning. The control unit 1012 uses the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile. The control unit 1012 stores the sensing value data of at least one sensor 1013 and data for learning the artificial neural network (ANN) in the memory 1017. For example, the memory 1017 stores a database relating to each component of the aerosol generator 1000, weights and biases that make up the structure of the artificial neural network (ANN), for learning the artificial neural network (ANN). The control unit 1012 learns data related to the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor 1013, the user's inhalation pattern, temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory 1017, and generates at least one learning model used for determining the user's inhalation pattern, generating a temperature profile, etc.

[0272] The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. The aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may be used in combination or in combination with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0273] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, even if the combination of configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible unless it is stated that combination is impossible.

[0274] The above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively, but should be considered illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and any equivalent modifications within the scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Housing and A heater assembly including an oscillator that generates microwaves in a specified frequency band and a coupler, and a resonant unit that receives microwaves generated from the oscillator and generates an electric field by resonating the received microwaves, A sensor is placed inside the housing to detect the insertion of metal into the containment space for containing the aerosol product, an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a processor electrically connected to the sensor, which cuts off the power supply to the oscillator when the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the containment space.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is located outside the resonant portion and is arranged in a region adjacent to the containment space.

3. The system further includes a support portion located outside the resonant portion and arranged to surround the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product contained in the containment space, and to support the contained aerosol product, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is disposed inside the support portion.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an annular coil surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol product inserted into the containment space.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a plate-shaped coil surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol product inserted into the containment space.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor supplies power to the sensor at a predetermined period so that the sensor detects a change in the inductance of the containment space at the predetermined period.

7. The sensor detects the change in inductance of the housing space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor cuts off the power supply to the oscillator when the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by the sensor is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change.

8. The housing further includes a display located in one area of ​​the housing, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor controls the display to show a notification that the aerosol generating apparatus is unusable if the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the containment space.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the processor controls the display to show a notification that the aerosol generating apparatus is usable when the sensor detects the removal of the metal inserted into the containment space.

10. The aforementioned resonant section is An outer conductor including a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface surrounding the internal space between the first surface and the second surface, and the housing space, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first internal conductor extending in a direction toward the internal space from the first surface and surrounding a region of the aerosol product contained in the containment space.

11. The aforementioned resonant section is The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a second internal conductor extending in a direction toward the internal space from the second surface and surrounding other areas of the contained aerosol product.

12. The aforementioned resonant section is A dielectric housing space formed between the outer conductor and the first inner conductor, The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a dielectric disposed in the dielectric housing space.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the dielectric is arranged at a predetermined distance from the second surface or the side surface of the outer conductor.

14. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A sensor located inside the housing detects the insertion of metal into the containment space for housing the aerosol product, A method comprising the step of cutting off the power supply to the oscillating unit if the sensor detects the insertion of metal into the containment space.

15. The step of sensing the insertion of the metal includes a step of sensing based on a change in the inductance of the housing space detected by the sensor, The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of cutting off the power supply to the oscillator includes the step of cutting off the power supply to the oscillator if the frequency change corresponding to the detected change in inductance is greater than or equal to a predetermined frequency change.

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