Aerosol generating device comprising guide

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises an oscillator configured to generate microwaves, a resonator comprising a conductor, a first guide comprising a plurality of first grooves arranged circumferentially on the first guide and disposed inside the resonator, and a second guide comprising a plurality of second grooves arranged circumferentially on the second guide and disposed inside the resonator. The first guide and the second guide are configured to rotate relative to each other. The relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide causes the area where each first groove and each second groove overlap to vary.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to an aerosol generating device including a guide. Background Technology

[0003] Dielectric heating methods using electromagnetic waves are being applied to technologies for generating aerosols from solid or liquid media. Such aerosol generating devices include a microwave oscillator, a resonator, and a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and are configured so that the aerosol generated through the heating of the medium can be delivered through the user's inhalation. Various structural designs are being implemented to increase the efficiency and convenience of aerosol generation. For example, Patent Publication No. 10-2025-0071240 discloses a microwave generating device and atomization equipment.

[0004] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the content of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application. The problem to be solved

[0006] The objective according to one embodiment is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of controlling suction resistance by varying the area where the first guide and the second guide overlap each other using relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide.

[0007] However, the problems to be solved in the embodiments of this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises an oscillator configured to generate microwaves, a resonator including a conductor, a first guide including a plurality of first grooves arranged circumferentially on the inside of the resonator, and a second guide including a plurality of second grooves arranged circumferentially on the inside of the resonator. The first guide and the second guide are configured to rotate relative to each other. The relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide causes the area where each first groove and each second groove overlap to vary. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device can adjust suction resistance by varying the area where the first guide and the second guide overlap each other using relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide.

[0012] However, the effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a heater assembly. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cross-section of the first guide and the second guide after disassembly. Figure 6 shows a cross-section along the line AA of Figure 4. FIGS. 7A and FIGS. 7B are plan views of the first guide and the second guide. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0016] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0017] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0019] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (170)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0023] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a radiating unit (30). The control unit (10) may refer to a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The source unit (20) may refer to a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit (10). The radiating unit (30) may be a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) in the form of an electromagnetic wave into a space (hereinafter, insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The charges or ions of a dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal), and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the dielectric heats up due to the frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) may be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0024] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160) and / or a processor (170). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (210), a drive amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0025] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (110). The power connector (110) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (110) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (110) may include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0026] The charging circuit (120) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may charge the power source (130) using power delivered from the power connector (110). In one example, the charging circuit (120) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may monitor the charging status of the power source (130) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (130). For example, the charging circuit (120) may detect the state of the power source (130) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0027] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (130) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (130) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (130) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (170), RF signal generating circuit (210), driving amplifier (220), power amplifier (230), temperature sensing circuit (250), etc. In one example, the power source (130) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (130) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0028] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (130) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0029] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), and a third power converter (160). The first power converter (140) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (170), the second power converter (150) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (250), an RF signal generating circuit (210), and a driving amplifier (220), and the third power converter (160) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (230).

[0030] However, the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0031] The processor (170) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (170) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply (130) using the charging circuit (120). Additionally, the processor (170) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (170) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0032] The processor (170) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (170) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0033] The RF signal generation circuit (210) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power supply (130) or the second power converter (150). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0034] The RF signal generation circuit (210) may include a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (170) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (170) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0035] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (170) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (210) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0036] The driving amplifier (220) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210). For example, the driving amplifier (220) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (230)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (220) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (220) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0037] The power amplifier (230) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (220). The power amplifier (230) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (230) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (230) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (160) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (150).

[0038] The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0039] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (220) and / or the power amplifier (230) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0040] The radiating member (30) may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The at least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is cylindrical, the at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol generating article. Here, the fact that the shape of the antenna is tubular may mean that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it may mean that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples described above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a curved plate shape, etc.

[0041] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (170) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (210) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (210). The processor (170) may use a directional coupler (240) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0042] The directional coupler (240) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (240) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (230) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (240) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (170).

[0043] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of a directional coupler (240) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (170) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (170). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (240), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0044] The processor (170) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (170) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0045] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (170). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (170).

[0046] A temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (210), the driving amplifier (220), and the power amplifier (230). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0047] The processor (170) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (170) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0048] The temperature sensing circuit (250) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0049] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (130).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (170). For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0051] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of an insertion space or an aerosol-generating article. The temperature sensor may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be positioned spaced apart from the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to indirectly (e.g., non-contact) measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. In one example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0052] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (130). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (130) (e.g., a battery) or / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130) together with the protection circuit module.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0055] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0056] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0057] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor (170) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0058] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0059] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0060] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0061] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0062] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0063] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (170) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (170) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0067] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelength based on the irradiated light. The processor (170) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0068] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0069] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0070] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (170) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (130) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (170) and data to be processed. For example, the memory may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), 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, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)). The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0080] Additionally, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (130) to the cartridge heater. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (170) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space. The processor (170) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (170) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (170) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the processor (170) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (170) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (170) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (170) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a type. For example, the processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. If the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the processor (170) can control (e.g., initiate) the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. For another example, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating item (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, or the cartridge heater.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (130), detection of overcharging of the power supply (130), termination of charging of the power supply (130), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0094] According to one embodiment, when the processor (170) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (130), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when a processor (170) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (170) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (170) may control a haptic unit to generate vibrations or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The processor (170) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0099] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (130) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (130).

[0100] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0101] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0103] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (300).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 2, it can be understood that an aerosol generating device (300, e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1) is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating article (2) may include at least one aerosol generating rod (2a) (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod (2b). The aerosol generating device (300) may include a housing (310) capable of receiving the aerosol generating article (2), a processor (320), a memory (330), a sensor (340), an actuator (350), and a heater assembly (400) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) received in the housing (310).

[0105] The housing (310) may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (300), and components of the aerosol generating device (300) may be placed in the internal space (or 'mounting space') of the housing (310). For example, a heater assembly (400), a control unit (e.g., the control unit (10) of FIG. 1), a source unit (e.g., the source unit (20) of FIG. 1), a radiation unit (e.g., the radiation unit (30) of FIG. 1), a battery, a processor, and / or a sensor may be placed in the internal space of the housing (310), but the components placed in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0106] A housing opening (310h) may be formed in a portion of the housing (310). At least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h). For example, the housing opening (310h) may be formed in a portion of the top surface (e.g., the surface in the +Z direction) of the housing (310), but the location where the housing opening (310h) is formed is not limited thereto.

[0107] A heater assembly (400) is positioned in the internal space of the housing (310) and can heat an aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h). For example, the heater assembly (400) can be positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (310) to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0108] The heater assembly (400) may include a ring (470). At least one portion of the ring (470) may be exposed to the outside to form the exterior of the aerosol generating device (300). The ring (470) may be configured to be rotatable. A user of the aerosol generating device (300) may rotate the ring (470) by rotating at least one portion of the ring (470) exposed to the outside.

[0109] The heater assembly (400) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) by a dielectric heating method. In the present invention, 'dielectric heating method' refers to a method of heating a dielectric material that is the object to be heated by utilizing the resonance of microwaves and / or the electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Since microwaves are an energy source for heating the object to be heated and are generated by high-frequency power, microwaves may be used interchangeably with microwave power in the following description.

[0110] The charges or ions of the dielectric material contained within the aerosol generating article (2) can vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance inside the heater assembly (400), and heat can be generated in the dielectric material by frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0111] As the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the heater assembly (400), an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (2). In the present invention, 'aerosol' may refer to gaseous particles generated by mixing steam and air as the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0112] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating item (2) can pass through the aerosol generating item (2) or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300) through the empty space between the aerosol generating item (2) and the housing opening (310h). A user can smoke by contacting their mouth to a part of the aerosol generating item (2) exposed to the outside of the housing (310) and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300).

[0113] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a cover (311) movably disposed on the housing (310) to open or close the housing opening (310h). The cover (311) is slidably coupled to the top surface (e.g., the +Z direction surface) of the housing (310). The housing opening (310h) may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300), or the housing opening (310h) may be covered so that the housing opening (310h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300).

[0114] The cover (311) may allow the housing opening (310h) to be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300) in a first position (e.g., open position). When the aerosol generating device (300) is exposed to the outside, an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h).

[0115] The cover (311) can cover the housing opening (310h) in a second position (e.g., a closed position) so that the housing opening (310h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300). When the aerosol generating device (300) is not in use, the cover (311) can prevent external foreign matter from entering the interior of the heater assembly (400) through the housing opening (310h).

[0116] FIG. 2 illustrates only an aerosol generating device (300) for heating a solid aerosol generating article (2), but the aerosol generating device (300) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The aerosol generating device (300) may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material, rather than a solid aerosol generating article (2), through a heater assembly (400). The aerosol generating device (300) may include a heater assembly (400) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) and a cartridge (or 'vaporizer') for heating the aerosol generating material, including a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material can travel to the aerosol generating item (2) along an airflow passage connecting the cartridge and the aerosol generating item (2), mix with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating item (2), and then pass through the aerosol generating item (2) to be delivered to the user.

[0118] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a heater assembly (400). FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cross-section of a heater assembly (400).

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heater assembly (400) may include an oscillator (410) configured to generate electromagnetic waves (e.g., source part (20) of FIG. 1). The electromagnetic waves generated from the oscillator (410) may be transmitted to a space in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received. For example, the oscillator (410) may output microwave power toward a resonator (420). The electromagnetic waves may be microwaves. For example, the microwaves may have a wavelength between 1 mm (millimeter) and 1 m (meter).

[0120] The heater assembly (400) may further include a feed pin (430) that supplies electromagnetic waves generated from an oscillator (410) to a resonator (420). The feed pin (430) can supply electromagnetic waves generated from the oscillator (410) to the resonator (420). The feed pin (430) may be located between the oscillator (410) and the resonator (420). The feed pin (430) may be electrically connected to the oscillator (410). The feed pin (430) may be electrically connected to the oscillator (410) by one end of the feed pin (430) (e.g., the -Z end) contacting the oscillator (410). The feed pin (430) may be electrically connected to the resonator (420). For example, the feed pin (430) may be electrically connected to the conductor (421) of the resonator (420). By the other end of the feed pin (430) (e.g., the +Z side end) contacting the conductor (421), the feed pin (430) may be electrically connected to the oscillator (410). By such a structure, the feed pin (430) can electrically connect the oscillator (410) and the resonator (420) to each other. The feed pin (430) may be cylindrical in shape located between the oscillator (410) and the resonator (420), but is not limited thereto. The feed pin (430) may include a conductive material. For example, the feed pin (430) may include a metal. For example, the feed pin (430) may include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, an alloy material including any one of these, or a combination thereof.

[0121] The heater assembly (400) may include a resonator (420) in which electromagnetic waves radiated by an oscillator (410) resonate. The resonator (420) may include a conductor (421). The resonator (420) may further include at least one of a case (423), an insulator (425), and a bracket (427).

[0122] The conductor (421) may be housed inside the case (423). The conductor (421) may be cylindrical in shape overall, but is not limited thereto. A power supply pin (430) may be electrically connected to the conductor (421). The power supply pin (430) may be physically connected to the conductor (421). The conductor (421) may comprise a conductive material. For example, the conductor (421) may comprise a metal. For example, the conductor (421) may comprise copper, aluminum, stainless steel, an alloy material comprising any one of these, or a combination thereof.

[0123] The conductor (421) may include a first conductor end (4211), a second conductor end (4212), an inner surface of the conductor (4213), and an outer surface of the conductor (4214).

[0124] The first conductor end (4211) may include an opening. The opening included in the first conductor end (4211) is referred to as a conductor opening. By inserting the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) into the conductor (421) through the conductor opening, at least a portion of the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be placed in a cavity (4215) provided in the conductor (421).

[0125] The second conductor end (4212) is located on the side opposite to the first conductor end (4211) (e.g., the -Z side). Unlike the first conductor end (4211), the second conductor end (4212) may be closed rather than open.

[0126] The inner surface of the conductor (4213) may be located between the first conductor end (4211) and the second conductor end (4212). The inner surface of the conductor (4213) may define a cavity (4215). A first guide (450) and a second guide (460) may be disposed in the cavity (4215) defined by the inner surface of the conductor (4213). The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be disposed slightly spaced apart from the inner surface of the conductor (4213) in a direction from the outer surface of the conductor (4214) toward the inner surface of the conductor (4213). The electromagnetic waves resonated in the resonator (420) can be transmitted to the cavity (4215) of the conductor (421), and the aerosol generating article (2) inserted in the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) can be heated by the transmitted electromagnetic waves.

[0127] The outer surface of the conductor (4214) is located between the first end of the conductor (4211) and the second end of the conductor (4212), and is located on the side opposite to the inner surface of the conductor (4213). The outer surface of the conductor (4214) may be spaced radially outward from the inner surface of the conductor (4213).

[0128] The case (423) can accommodate a conductor (421), a first guide (450), and a second guide (460) inside the case (423). The case (423) can accommodate at least one of an insulator (425) and a bracket (427) inside the case (423), if the resonator (420) includes at least one of an insulator (425) and a bracket (427).

[0129] The case (423) may include a conductive material. For example, the case (423) may include a metal. For example, the case (423) may include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, an alloy material including any one of these, or a combination thereof. For example, the case (423) may include the same conductive material as the conductor (421), but is not limited thereto.

[0130] The case (423) may include a case opening (423h). The case opening (423h) may be formed at one end of the case (423) (e.g., the +Z side end). At least one region of the aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the case (423) through the case opening (423h).

[0131] An oscillator (410) may be located outside the other end (e.g., the -Z side end) of the case (423). The other end of the case may be an open end. The oscillator (410) may be electrically connected to a conductor (421) by a feed pin (430) that penetrates the other end of the case (423).

[0132] The insulator (425) may be positioned between the power supply pin (430) and the bracket (427) and / or between the conductor (421) and the bracket (427). By surrounding the power supply pin (430), the insulator (425) may electrically (or thermally) insulate the power supply pin (430) and the bracket (427). By interposing the insulator (425) between the conductor (421) and the bracket (427), the insulator (425) may electrically (or thermally) insulate the conductor (421) and the bracket (427). The portion of the insulator (425) surrounding the power supply pin (430) and the portion interposed between the conductor (421) and the bracket (427) may be connected to each other. In this case, the insulator may have a shape such as a tube including a flange and a hollow. The insulator (425) may include an insulating material. For example, the insulator (425) may include polyimide, epoxy resin, ceramic, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0133] A bracket (427) may be positioned between the case (423) and the power supply pin (430). If the heater assembly (400) further includes an insulator (425), the insulator (425) may be positioned between the power supply pin (430) and the bracket (427). The bracket (427) may maintain the positions of the power supply pin (430), conductor (421), first guide (450), and second guide (460) inside the case (423). The bracket (427) may fix the position of the power supply pin (430) at the center of the bracket (427) with the insulator (425) in between. With such a structure, the position of the conductor (421) connected to the power supply pin (430) can be maintained inside the case (423), and the positions of the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) accommodated in the cavity (4215) of the conductor (421) can also be maintained inside the case (423). The bracket (427) may have a shape similar to a tube containing a hollow with a diameter large enough for the power supply pin (430) and the insulator (425) to pass through.

[0134] The heater assembly (400) may include a first guide (450) and a second guide (460) configured to guide an aerosol-generating article (2). The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be arranged sequentially in the direction in which the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted (e.g., from +Z toward -Z). The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be arranged substantially coaxially. Here, "coaxially arranged" may mean that the center axis of the first guide inner surface (e.g., the first guide inner surface (453) in FIG. 5) and the center axis of the second guide inner surface (e.g., the second guide inner surface (463) in FIG. 5) are arranged to coincide with each other. The radius of curvature of each of the first guide inner surface (453) and the second guide inner surface (463) may be substantially constant and substantially the same as each other.

[0135] The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be configured to rotate relative to each other. For example, the first guide (450) may be rotated relative to the second guide (460) with respect to the center axis of the inner surface (453) of the first guide. The rotation of the first guide (450) may be caused by the rotation of the ring (470). The rotation of the ring (470) may rotate the first guide (450) via the planet gear (491) (see FIG. 6). Alternatively, the rotation of the first guide (450) may be caused by an actuator (e.g., actuator (350) of FIG. 2) that receives a rotation command or feedback command from a processor (e.g., processor (320) of FIG. 2). In this case, the actuator (350) may rotate the first guide (450) directly or rotate the first guide (450) together by rotating the planet gear (491).

[0136] The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) can be accommodated in the cavity (4215) of the conductor (421). The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) can be spaced slightly apart from the inner surface (4213) of the conductor. With this structure, the first guide (450) can rotate relative to the second guide (460) without friction with the inner surface (4213) of the conductor.

[0137] When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted through the case opening (423h), at least one region of the aerosol generating article (2) is located inside the first guide (450) and inside the second guide (460), so that the aerosol generating article (2) can be accommodated in the cavity (4215). The first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may be composed of a material that is not substantially heated by a dielectric heating method, but does not interfere with the dielectric heating of the dielectric material to be heated, even if the dielectric material to be heated, such as the aerosol generating article (2), is located inside. As an example, at least one of the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) may include a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) are configured to guide the aerosol generating article (2), but may not interfere with the dielectric heating of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0138] The heater assembly (400) may include a ring (470) configured to be rotatable. The ring (470) may protrude outward from the case (423). The ring (470) may be connected to the first guide (450) via a planetary gear (491). For example, the inner surface of the ring (e.g., the inner surface of the ring (471) in FIG. 6) may include a plurality of gear teeth (e.g., a plurality of gear teeth (473) of the ring in FIG. 6), and the first guide (450) may include a plurality of gear teeth formed on the outer surface (454) of the first guide (e.g., a plurality of gear teeth (457) of the first guide in FIG. 6), and by engaging with the planetary gear (491), the ring (470), the planetary gear (491), and the first guide (450) may be connected to each other. The teeth of the satellite gear (491), the multiple gear teeth of the ring (470), and the multiple gear teeth of the first guide (450) are omitted for convenience in FIG. 4 and are well illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6.

[0140] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cross-section of the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) after disassembly.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 4, the first guide (450) may include a first guide end (451), a second guide end (452), a first guide inner surface (453), a first guide outer surface (454), and a plurality of first grooves (455).

[0142] The first guide end (451) may include a first opening (451h). Through the first opening (451h), at least one region of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the first guide (450). The first opening (451h) may be arranged substantially concentrically with the case opening (423h). The aerosol-generating article (2) may pass through the case opening (423h) and then through the first opening (451h) and be inserted into the receiving space defined by the first guide inner surface (453). The first guide end (451) may be located outside the cavity (4215) defined by the conductor inner surface (4213). For example, the first guide end (451) may be located further away from the first conductor end (4211) in a direction from the second conductor end (4212) toward the first conductor end (4211).

[0143] The second guide end (452) may be located on the side opposite to the first guide end (451) (e.g., the -Z side). The second guide end (452) may include a second opening (452h). The second opening (452h) may be arranged substantially concentrically with the case opening (423h) and the first opening (451h). An aerosol generating article (2) may pass through the case opening (423h) and the first opening (451h), and then pass through the second opening (452h).

[0144] The first guide inner surface (453) may be located between the first guide end (451) and the second guide end (452). The first guide inner surface (453) may define a receiving space in which an inserted aerosol generating article (2) is received.

[0145] The first guide outer surface (454) is located between the first guide end (451) and the second guide end (452), and is located on the side opposite to the first guide inner surface (453). The first guide outer surface (454) may be spaced radially outward from the first guide inner surface (453). At least one region of the first guide outer surface (454) may face the conductor inner surface (4213). The first guide outer surface (454) may be spaced slightly apart from the conductor inner surface (4213). With such a structure, the first guide (450) can rotate with respect to the second guide (460) without friction with the conductor inner surface (4213).

[0146] Multiple first grooves (455) may extend from the first guide inner surface (453) toward the first guide outer surface (454). Multiple first grooves (455) may be located between the first guide inner surface (453) and the first guide outer surface (454), and may be connected to the first guide inner surface (453) and spaced apart from the first guide outer surface (454). Multiple first grooves (455) may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the first guide (450). For example, multiple first grooves (455) may be spaced apart from each other by substantially equal distances along the circumferential direction of the first guide (450).

[0147] Multiple first grooves (455) can function as airflow paths through which external air flows. When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the first opening (451h), external air can flow along the multiple first grooves (455) in a direction from the first guide end (451) toward the second guide end (452) (e.g., from +Z toward -Z).

[0148] Due to these multiple first grooves (455), a space for external air to flow between the first guide (450) and the inserted aerosol generating article (2) can be ensured, and the cross-sectional area through which the airflow flows can be maintained relatively constant when viewing the first guide (450) in the direction from the first guide end (451) toward the second guide end (452) (e.g., -Z direction) (see FIG. 7a).

[0149] Accordingly, when the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface (453) of the first guide, the suction resistance may not change sensitively even if the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) changes.

[0150] Additionally, accordingly, even if the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) is larger than the diameter of the inner surface (453) of the first guide, the suction resistance may not become excessively large. This is because, even if the aerosol generating article (2) is forcibly inserted into the first guide (450), it is difficult for the inserted aerosol generating article (2) to deform to the extent that it protrudes toward the plurality of first grooves (455) and reaches the plurality of first grooves (455), so the cross-sectional area through which the airflow flows can be maintained relatively constant.

[0151] Since the plurality of first grooves (455) are directed from the inner surface (453) of the first guide to the outer surface (454) of the first guide, the plurality of first grooves (455) can be continuously connected to the inner surface (453) of the first guide. With such a structure, the first guide (450), which includes a component that functions as an airflow path for external air to flow through, can be manufactured more easily. That is, the difficulty of manufacturing the first guide (450) can be reduced. For example, when manufacturing the first guide (450) by mold injection, the difficulty can be significantly reduced.

[0152] The second guide (460) may include a third guide end (461), a fourth guide end (462), a second guide inner surface (463), a second guide outer surface (464), and a plurality of second grooves (465).

[0153] The third guide end (461) may include a third opening (461h). Through the third opening (461h), at least one region of the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the second guide (460). The third opening (461h) may be arranged substantially concentrically with the case opening (423h), the first opening (451h), and the second opening (452h). The aerosol-generating article (2) may pass through the case opening (423h), the first opening (451h), and the second opening (452h), and then pass through the third opening (461h). The aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted beyond the receiving space defined by the first guide inner surface (453) to the receiving space defined by the second guide inner surface (463).

[0154] The fourth guide end (462) may be located on the side opposite to the third guide end (461) (e.g., the -Z side). Unlike the third guide end (461), the fourth guide end (462) may be a closed end.

[0155] The second guide inner surface (463) may be located between the third guide end (461) and the fourth guide end (462). The second guide inner surface (463) may define a receiving space in which an inserted aerosol generating article (2) is received. This receiving space may be substantially connected to the receiving space defined by the first guide inner surface (453).

[0156] The second guide outer surface (464) is located between the third guide end (461) and the fourth guide end (462), and is located on the side opposite to the second guide inner surface (463). The second guide outer surface (464) may be spaced radially outward from the second guide inner surface (463). The second guide outer surface (464) may face the conductor inner surface (4213). The second guide outer surface (464) may be spaced slightly apart from the conductor inner surface (4213).

[0157] Multiple second grooves (465) may extend from the second guide inner surface (463) toward the second guide outer surface (464). Multiple second grooves (465) may be located between the second guide inner surface (463) and the second guide outer surface (464) and may be connected to the second guide inner surface (463). For example, multiple second grooves (465) may be located between the second guide inner surface (463) and the second guide outer surface (464) and may be spaced apart from the second guide outer surface (464). Multiple second grooves (465) may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the second guide (460). For example, multiple second grooves (465) may be spaced apart from each other by substantially equal distances along the circumferential direction of the second guide (460).

[0158] Multiple second grooves (465) can function as airflow paths through which external air flows. When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the second guide (460), external air can flow along the multiple second grooves (465) in a direction from the third guide end (461) toward the fourth guide end (462) (e.g., from +Z toward -Z).

[0159] Due to these multiple second grooves (465), a space for external air to flow between the second guide (460) and the inserted aerosol generating article (2) can be ensured, and the cross-sectional area through which the airflow flows can be maintained relatively constant when viewing the second guide (460) in the direction from the third guide end (461) toward the fourth guide end (462) (e.g., -Z direction) (see FIG. 7a).

[0160] Accordingly, when the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) is smaller than the diameter of the inner surface (463) of the second guide, the suction resistance may not change sensitively even if the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) changes.

[0161] Additionally, accordingly, even if the diameter of the inserted aerosol generating article (2) is larger than the diameter of the inner surface (463) of the second guide, the suction resistance may not become excessively large. This is because, even if the aerosol generating article (2) is forcibly inserted into the second guide (460), it is difficult for the inserted aerosol generating article (2) to deform to the extent that it protrudes toward the plurality of second grooves (465) and reaches the plurality of second grooves (465), so the cross-sectional area through which the airflow flows can be maintained relatively constant.

[0162] Since the plurality of second grooves (465) extend from the inner surface (463) of the second guide to the outer surface (464) of the second guide, the plurality of second grooves (465) can be continuously connected to the inner surface (463) of the second guide. With such a structure, the second guide (460), which includes a component that functions as an airflow path for external air to flow through, can be manufactured more easily. That is, the difficulty of manufacturing the second guide (460) can be reduced. For example, when manufacturing the second guide (460) by mold injection, the difficulty can be significantly reduced.

[0163] The second guide end (452) and the third guide end (461) may be adjacent so that the first guide inner surface (453) and the second guide inner surface (463) are substantially connected. Here, the term "adjacent so as to be substantially connected" may include cases where the second guide end (452) and the third guide end (461) are in contact with each other, and cases where, even if they are not in contact, the second guide end (452) and the third guide end (461) are spaced apart by less than or equal to the radial width of the slot (456) or the second slot (466) to be described later.

[0164] The first guide (450) may include a recessed slot (456) extending from the second guide end (452) toward the first guide end (451). This slot (456) is referred to as the first slot (456). The second guide (460) may include a second slot (466) extending from the third guide end (461) toward the fourth guide end (462). The first slot (456) and the second slot (466) may face each other when viewed in the direction from the second guide end (452) toward the third guide end (461) (e.g., the direction from +Z toward -Z). The first slot (456) and the second slot (466) can be substantially connected to each other when the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) are received in the cavity (4215) of the conductor (421).

[0165] The aerosol generating device (300) may further include a bearing element (480) that reduces friction caused by relative rotation between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460). The bearing element (480) may include a ball bearing, but is not limited thereto. The bearing element (480) may be positioned to be surrounded by the first slot (456) and the second slot (466). By being positioned in the first slot (456) and the second slot (466), the bearing element (480) can reduce friction between them when the first guide (450) rotates relative to the second guide (460).

[0166] The first guide (450) may include a plurality of gear teeth (457) formed in a portion adjacent to the first guide end (451). The plurality of gear teeth (457) of the first guide (450) may mesh with at least one planet gear (e.g., the planet gear (491) of FIG. 4 or the planet gears (491, 492, 493) of FIG. 6). The first guide (450) may be rotated by the rotation of the planet gear.

[0168] Figure 6 shows a cross-section along the line AA of Figure 4.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 6, the ring (470) may include an inner ring surface (471), an outer ring surface (472), and a plurality of gear teeth (473).

[0170] The inner surface of the ring (471) may face the outer surface of the first guide (454). Between the inner surface of the ring (471) and the outer surface of the first guide (454), planetary gears (491, 492, 493) may be arranged. The number of planetary gears is not limited to three as illustrated, nor must there be multiple. Multiple gear teeth (473) may be formed on the inner surface of the ring (471). Multiple gear teeth (473) may mesh with the planetary gears (491, 492, 493).

[0171] The outer surface of the ring (472) may be located on the side opposite to the inner surface of the ring (471). At least one area of ​​the outer surface of the ring (472) may be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The user may rotate the ring (470) by rotating at least one area of ​​the outer surface of the ring (472). Rotation of the ring (470) may rotate the first guide (450) via the satellite gears (491, 492, 493). The ring (470) may include a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer surface of the ring (472) to provide friction (a gripping sensation) to the user.

[0172] The first guide (450) may include a plurality of gear teeth (457) formed in a portion of the outer surface (454) of the first guide. The portion of the outer surface (454) of the first guide may be determined by the position of the satellite gears (491, 492, 493) and the position of the ring (470). The plurality of gear teeth (457) of the first guide, the satellite gears (491, 492, 493), and the ring (470) may be positioned substantially on the same plane so as to be able to mesh with each other.

[0173] Each of the satellite gears (491, 492, 493) can mesh with the multiple gear teeth (457) of the first guide and the multiple gear teeth (473) of the ring.

[0175] Figures 7a and 7b are plan views of the guide.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, the area where the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) overlap each other can be varied by the relative rotation of the first guide and the second guide.

[0177] The relative rotation between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) can vary the area where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap each other. FIG. 7a illustrates the appearance where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap substantially to the maximum, and FIG. 7b illustrates the appearance where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap substantially to the minimum. FIG. 7a is referred to as the first form, and FIG. 7b as the second form.

[0178] As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of first grooves (455) can function as airflow paths through which external air flows. Likewise, a plurality of second grooves (465) can also function as airflow paths through which external air flows. External air will flow along the plurality of first grooves (455) in a direction from the first guide end (451) toward the second guide end (452) (e.g., from +Z toward -Z), and then flow along the plurality of second grooves (465) in a direction from the third guide end (461) toward the fourth guide end (462) (e.g., from +Z toward -Z).

[0179] At the boundary between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460), a change in suction resistance may be induced. If the area where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap is large, the change in the airflow path at the boundary between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) is small. In such a structure, external air can flow with relatively small resistance, so the suction resistance may be reduced. On the other hand, if the area where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap is small, the change in the airflow path at the boundary between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) is large. In such a structure, external air can flow with relatively large resistance, so the suction resistance may be increased.

[0180] In the first form, that is, when each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) are substantially maximally overlapped, external air can pass through the plurality of first grooves (455) and then flow along the plurality of second grooves (465) with substantially no resistance (which may be called minimum resistance). In the first form, suction resistance can be minimized.

[0181] In the second form, that is, when each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap substantially minimally, external air may experience maximum resistance at the boundary between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460). In the second form, suction resistance may be maximum.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, the memory (330) may include at least one instruction executable by the processor (320). The sensor (340) may measure the speed or pressure of a fluid passing through the first guide (450) or the second guide (460). At least one instruction may include a rotation instruction that controls the actuator (350) according to the speed or pressure value of the fluid measured by the sensor (340) to produce a relative rotation between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460).

[0183] The sensor (340) can measure the speed or pressure of a fluid passing through the first guide (450) or the second guide (460). At this time, the sensor (340) can measure the speed or pressure of a fluid flowing through a plurality of first grooves (455) of the first guide (450) or a plurality of second grooves (465) of the second guide (460).

[0184] The processor (320) may issue a rotation command to the actuator (350) according to the speed or pressure value of the fluid passing through the first guide (450) or the second guide (460) measured by the sensor (340). For example, the processor (320) may issue a rotation command to the actuator (350) according to the speed or pressure value of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) measured by the sensor (340). For example, the processor (320) may issue a rotation command to the actuator (350) when the speed of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) exceeds a predetermined speed value (or is less than a predetermined pressure value). For example, the processor (320) may issue a rotation command to the actuator (350) when the speed of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) exceeds a predetermined pressure value (or is less than a predetermined speed value).

[0185] The actuator (350) receives a rotation command and, for example, the actuator (350) can directly rotate the first guide (450) relative to the second guide (460). Alternatively, the actuator (350) can indirectly rotate the first guide (450) by rotating at least one of the planet gears (e.g., planet gears (491, 492, 493) of FIG. 6) engaged with the first guide (450). Due to the relative rotation between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) by the actuator (350), the area where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap each other can be varied. For example, each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) may be substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a, and then, by a rotation command, substantially overlapped to the minimum as shown in FIG. 7b. Conversely, each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) may be substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a, and then, by a rotation command, substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a. The actuator (350) may include, but is not limited to, an electric motor.

[0186] At least one command may include a feedback command to re-control the actuator (350) to rotate the first guide (450) again according to the fluid velocity or pressure value changed by the rotation of the first guide (450) according to the rotation command described above. The feedback command may be given to the actuator (350) after the rotation command has been given to the actuator (350).

[0187] The processor (320) may issue a feedback command to the actuator (350) according to the speed or pressure value of the fluid passing through the first guide (450) or the second guide (460) measured by the sensor (340). For example, the processor (320) may issue a feedback command to the actuator (350) according to the speed or pressure value of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) measured by the sensor (340). For example, the processor (320) may issue a feedback command to the actuator (350) when the speed of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) exceeds a predetermined speed value (or is less than a predetermined pressure value). For example, the processor (320) may issue a feedback command to the actuator (350) when the speed of the fluid flowing through the plurality of second grooves (465) exceeds a predetermined pressure value (or is less than a predetermined speed value).

[0188] The actuator (350) can receive a feedback command and rotate the first guide (450) again. For example, the actuator (350) can generate relative rotation between the first guide (450) and the second guide (460) by rotating the first guide (450) again. For example, the actuator (350) can directly rotate the first guide (450). Alternatively, the actuator (350) can indirectly rotate the first guide (450) by rotating at least one of the planet gears (e.g., planet gears (491, 492, 493) of FIG. 6) engaged with the first guide (450). Due to the relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide by the actuator (350), the area where each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) overlap each other can be varied again. For example, each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) may be substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a, and then, by a feedback command, substantially overlapped to the minimum as shown in FIG. 7b. Conversely, each first groove (455) and each second groove (465) may be substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a, and then, by a feedback command, substantially overlapped to the maximum as shown in FIG. 7a.

[0190] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an oscillator configured to generate microwaves, a resonator comprising a conductor, a first guide comprising a plurality of first grooves arranged circumferentially on the inside of the resonator, and a second guide comprising a plurality of second grooves arranged circumferentially on the inside of the resonator. The first guide and the second guide may be configured to rotate relative to each other. The relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide may vary the area where each first groove and each second groove overlap each other.

[0191] In one embodiment, the first guide and the second guide may be arranged so that their central axes coincide with each other.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first guide and the second guide may be immediately adjacent so as to be substantially connected.

[0193] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves may be spaced apart from each other by substantially the same distance. The distance at which the plurality of first grooves are spaced apart from each other may be substantially the same as the distance at which the plurality of second grooves are spaced apart from each other.

[0194] In one embodiment, the conductor may include a first conductor end, a second conductor end opposite to the first conductor end, an inner surface of the conductor located between the first conductor end and the second conductor end, and an outer surface of the conductor located opposite to the inner surface of the conductor. The first guide further includes a first guide end including a first opening, a second guide end including a second opening opposite to the first guide end, a first guide inner surface located between the first guide end and the second guide end, and a first guide outer surface located opposite to the first guide inner surface and facing the inner surface of the conductor, and the plurality of first grooves may extend from the first guide inner surface toward the first guide outer surface. The second guide further comprises a third guide end facing the second guide end and including a third opening, a fourth guide end opposite to the third guide end, a second guide inner surface between the third guide end and the fourth guide end, and a second guide outer surface opposite to the second guide inner surface and facing the conductor inner surface, and the plurality of second grooves may extend from the second guide inner surface toward the second guide outer surface.

[0195] In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of each of the first guide inner surface and the second guide inner surface may be substantially constant and substantially identical to each other. The first guide and the second guide may be arranged such that the center axis of the first guide inner surface and the center axis of the second guide inner surface coincide with each other.

[0196] In one embodiment, the second guide end and the third guide end may be immediately adjacent so that the first guide inner surface and the second guide inner surface are substantially connected.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first guide may further include a recessed slot extending from the second guide end toward the first guide end. The aerosol generating device may further include a bearing element disposed in the slot to reduce friction caused by relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide.

[0198] In one embodiment, the second guide may further include a second slot recessed from the third guide end toward the fourth guide end. The bearing element may be arranged to be surrounded by the slot and the second slot.

[0199] In one embodiment, a ring configured to rotate the first guide or the second guide may be further included. The ring may include an inner surface of the ring facing the outer surface of the first guide or the outer surface of the second guide, and an outer surface of the ring opposite to the inner surface of the ring.

[0200] In one embodiment, the ring may include a plurality of gear teeth formed on the inner surface of the ring. The first guide or the second guide may include a plurality of gear teeth formed in a region on the outer surface of the first guide or a region on the outer surface of the second guide. The aerosol generating device may further include a satellite gear that engages with the inner surface of the ring and a region on the outer surface of the first guide or a region on the outer surface of the second guide.

[0201] In one embodiment, at least one region of the outer surface of the ring can form the exterior of the aerosol generating device.

[0202] In one embodiment, the ring may include a plurality of irregularities formed in the at least one region of the outer surface of the ring to provide friction.

[0203] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a processor, a memory including at least one instruction executable by the processor, a sensor for measuring the speed or pressure of a fluid passing through the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of second grooves, and an actuator for rotating the first guide or the second guide, wherein the at least one instruction may include a rotation instruction that controls the actuator according to the sensed speed or pressure value to generate a relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide.

[0204] In one embodiment, the at least one command may further include a feedback command that controls the actuator again according to the speed or pressure value changed by the rotation of the first guide or the second guide according to the rotation command, thereby generating a relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide again.

[0205] In one embodiment, the oscillator may include a feed pin electrically connected to the conductor.

[0206] In one embodiment, the first guide may include a flange extending radially from a region of the outer surface of the first guide immediately adjacent to the end of the first guide.

[0208] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0209] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0210] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generating device comprising: an oscillator configured to generate microwaves; a resonator including a conductor; the first guide including a plurality of first grooves arranged in the circumferential direction of the first guide; and the second guide including a plurality of second grooves arranged in the circumferential direction of the second guide, wherein the first guide and the second guide are disposed inside the resonator and configured to rotate relative to each other, and the relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide varies the area where each first groove and each second groove overlap each other. Claim 2 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the first guide and the second guide are arranged such that the central axes of the first guide and the second guide coincide with each other. Claim 3 In claim 1, the first guide and the second guide are immediately adjacent so as to be connected. Claim 4 An aerosol generating device according to paragraph 3, wherein each of the plurality of first grooves and the plurality of second grooves is spaced apart from each other by the same distance, and the distance at which the plurality of first grooves are spaced apart from each other is the same as the distance at which the plurality of second grooves are spaced apart from each other. Claim 5 In claim 1, the conductor comprises a first conductor end, a second conductor end opposite to the first conductor end, an inner surface of the conductor located between the first conductor end and the second conductor end, and an outer surface of the conductor located opposite to the inner surface of the conductor; the first guide further comprises a first guide end including a first opening, a second guide end including a second opening opposite to the first guide end, a first guide inner surface located between the first guide end and the second guide end, and a first guide outer surface located opposite to the first guide inner surface and facing the inner surface of the conductor, wherein the plurality of first grooves are directed from the first guide inner surface toward the first guide outer surface, and the second guide comprises a third guide end facing the second guide end and including a third opening, a fourth guide end opposite to the third guide end, a second guide inner surface located between the third guide end and the fourth guide end, and the second An aerosol generating device further comprising a second guide outer surface opposite to the guide inner surface and facing the conductor inner surface, wherein the plurality of second grooves are directed from the second guide inner surface to the second guide outer surface. Claim 6 In claim 5, the first guide further comprises a recessed slot extending from the second guide end toward the first guide end, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a bearing element disposed in the slot to reduce friction caused by relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide. Claim 7 In claim 6, the second guide further comprises a second slot recessed from the third guide end toward the fourth guide end, and the bearing element is arranged to be surrounded by the slot and the second slot, an aerosol generating device. Claim 8 An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, further comprising a ring configured to rotate the first guide or the second guide, wherein the ring comprises: an inner surface of the ring facing the outer surface of the first guide or the outer surface of the second guide; and an outer surface of the ring opposite to the inner surface of the ring. Claim 9 In claim 8, the ring comprises a plurality of gear teeth formed on the inner surface of the ring, and the first guide or the second guide comprises a plurality of gear teeth formed on a portion of the outer surface of the first guide or a portion of the outer surface of the second guide, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a satellite gear that engages with the inner surface of the ring and a portion of the outer surface of the first guide or a portion of the outer surface of the second guide. Claim 10 In claim 8, an aerosol generating device wherein at least one region of the outer surface of the ring forms the exterior of the aerosol generating device. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the ring comprises a plurality of irregularities formed in at least one region of the outer surface of the ring to provide friction. Claim 12 The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 further comprises: a processor; a memory containing at least one instruction executable by the processor; a sensor for measuring the speed or pressure of a fluid passing through the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of second grooves; and an actuator for rotating the first guide or the second guide; wherein the at least one instruction includes a rotation command that controls the actuator according to a sensed speed or pressure value to produce a relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide. Claim 13 An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one command further comprises a feedback command that re-controls the actuator according to a speed or pressure value changed by the rotation of the first guide or the second guide according to the rotation command to re-generate relative rotation between the first guide and the second guide. Claim 14 An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the oscillator comprises a feed pin electrically connected to the conductor. Claim 15 An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the first guide comprises a flange extending radially from a region of the outer surface of the first guide immediately adjacent to the end of the first guide.

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