Aerosol-generating device, and method for controlling aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device may be provided, the device comprising: a housing; a heater assembly including an oscillation unit for generating microwaves of a designated frequency band and a resonance unit for receiving the generated microwaves from the oscillation unit through a coupler and resonating the received microwaves to generate an electric field; a sensor disposed inside the housing and for detecting the insertion of a metal into a receiving space for receiving an aerosol-generating article; and a processor electrically connected to the sensor and cutting off the supply of power to the oscillation unit when insertion of a metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

Description

Aerosol generating device and method for controlling the aerosol generating device

[0001] Embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article in a genetic heating manner, and a method for controlling the aerosol generating device.

[0002] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative methods that overcome the shortcomings of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for devices (or "aerosol generating devices") that generate aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating material (or "aerosol-generating article") using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to produce the aerosol.

[0003] Accordingly, aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols by heating aerosol generating substances using resistance heating or induction heating have received much attention, and recently, interest in aerosol generating devices using dielectric heating that heat aerosol generating substances using microwaves has also been increasing.

[0004] If a foreign substance other than an aerosol-generating agent enters a dielectric heating aerosol generator, excessive heat may be generated, potentially causing the aerosol generator to malfunction or become damaged. For example, if a foreign substance, such as a highly conductive metal, enters a dielectric heating aerosol generator, excessive heat may be generated from the metal, causing the surface temperature of the aerosol generator to rise excessively high, or the heater assembly may be damaged by the heat.

[0005] Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aerosol generating device that can detect the inflow of metal and stop the heating operation when the metal is inflowed, thereby preventing malfunction or damage due to the inflow of metal and improving user convenience.

[0006] The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems can be inferred from the following examples.

[0007] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly including a housing, an oscillator for generating microwaves of a specified frequency band, and a resonator for receiving microwaves generated from the oscillator through a coupler and resonating the received microwaves to generate an electric field, a sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting insertion of metal into a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor for cutting off power supply to the oscillator when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0008] A method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include the step of detecting insertion of metal into a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article by a sensor disposed outside a housing, and the step of cutting off the supply of power to a generator when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0009] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0010] The aerosol generating device and the method for controlling the aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent in advance the risk of failure and explosion of the aerosol generating device that may occur due to the insertion of foreign substances such as metal into the interior of the aerosol generating device of the dielectric heating type, while improving user convenience.

[0011] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating unit of Fig. 2.

[0015] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of Figure 4.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7A is a drawing illustrating an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7b is a drawing illustrating another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7c is a drawing illustrating an example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7d is a drawing illustrating another example of a sensor provided in a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0025] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a heater assembly including a housing, an oscillator for generating microwaves of a specified frequency band, and a resonator for receiving microwaves generated from the oscillator through a coupler and resonating the received microwaves to generate an electric field, a sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting insertion of metal into a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and a processor electrically connected to the sensor for cutting off power supply to the oscillator when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0026] The above sensor is located outside the resonant portion and is arranged in an area adjacent to the receiving space.

[0027] The apparatus further includes a support portion that is positioned outside the resonant portion and surrounds an outer surface of an aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, and supports the accommodated aerosol generating article, and the sensor is arranged inside the support portion.

[0028] The above sensor is a ring-shaped coil that surrounds the outer surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space.

[0029] The above sensor is a plate-shaped coil surrounding the outer surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space.

[0030] As the processor supplies power to the sensor at a preset cycle, the sensor detects a change in the inductance of the receiving space at the preset cycle.

[0031] The sensor detects a change in the inductance of the receiving space, and the processor cuts off the supply of power to the oscillator when the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected by the sensor is greater than a preset frequency change.

[0032] The housing further comprises a display disposed in an area thereof, wherein the processor controls the display to display a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device is unusable when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0033] The processor controls the display to display a notification indicating availability of the aerosol generating device when removal of metal inserted into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0034] The resonant portion includes a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface surrounding an inner space between the first surface and the second surface, and includes an outer conductor including the receiving space and a first inner conductor extending from the first surface in a direction toward the inner space and surrounding an area of ​​an aerosol generating article received in the receiving space.

[0035] The resonator further includes a second internal conductor extending from the second surface in a direction toward the internal space and surrounding another area of ​​the received aerosol generating article.

[0036] The above resonant section further includes a dielectric receiving space formed between the outer conductor and the first inner conductor, and a dielectric disposed in the dielectric receiving space.

[0037] The dielectric is arranged at a predetermined distance from the second surface or the side surface of the outer conductor.

[0038] A method of controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes the step of detecting insertion of metal into a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article by a sensor disposed inside a housing, and the step of cutting off the supply of power to a generator when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

[0039] The step of detecting the insertion of the metal includes a step of detecting based on a change in inductance of the receiving space detected by the sensor, and the step of cutting off the supply of power to the oscillating unit includes a step of cutting off the supply of power to the oscillating unit when a frequency change corresponding to the detected change in inductance is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0041] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0042] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0044] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0045] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment may include a housing (110) including a receiving space (110h) for receiving an aerosol generating article (10), a heater assembly (100) for heating the aerosol generating article (10) received in the receiving space (110h), a sensor (150) for detecting insertion of metal within the receiving space (110h), and a processor (130).

[0048] The housing (110) can form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (1000), and components of the aerosol generating device (1000) can be arranged in the internal space (or 'mounting space') of the housing (110). For example, a heater assembly (100), a processor (130), a battery (140), a sensor (120), and / or a memory can be arranged in the internal space of the housing (110), but the components arranged in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0049] The housing (110) may include a receiving space (110h) for receiving an aerosol generating article (10), and at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (10) may be inserted or received inside the receiving space (110h). For example, the receiving space (110h) may be formed in one area of ​​an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z direction) of the housing (110), but the location where the receiving space (110h) is formed is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the receiving space (110h) may be formed in one area of ​​a side surface (e.g., a surface facing the x direction) of the housing (110).

[0050] The heater assembly (100) is arranged in the interior space of the housing (110) and can heat an aerosol generating article (10) inserted or accommodated inside the receiving space (110h). For example, the heater assembly (100) can be arranged to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (10) inserted or accommodated inside the receiving space (110h) and heat the aerosol generating article (10).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (100) can heat the aerosol generating article (10) by dielectric heating. In the present disclosure, the term "dielectric heating" refers to a method of heating a dielectric, which is a heated object, by utilizing resonance of microwaves and / or an electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Microwaves are an energy source for heating the heated object and are generated by high-frequency power. Therefore, hereinafter, microwaves may be used interchangeably with microwave power.

[0052] The charges or ions of the dielectric contained within the aerosol generating article (10) can vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance within the heater assembly (100), and the frictional heat generated in the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating generates heat in the dielectric, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (10).

[0053] An aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (10) as the aerosol generating article (10) is heated by the heater assembly (100). In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may mean gas particles generated by mixing vapor and air generated as the aerosol generating article (10) is heated.

[0054] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (10) can pass through the aerosol generating article (10) or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1000) through the empty space between the aerosol generating article (10) and the receiving space (110h). The user can smoke by bringing the mouth into contact with an area of ​​the aerosol generating article (10) exposed to the outside of the housing (110) and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0055] The sensor (120) may be placed in an area adjacent to the receiving space (110h) within the housing (110) to detect the insertion of a metal material (hereinafter referred to as “metal”) into the receiving space (110h). For example, the sensor (120) may be located outside the heater assembly (100) and may be placed in an area of ​​the outer surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space (110h).

[0056] Since metal contains numerous free electrons inside, when the metal is heated by a dielectric heating method, numerous free electrons inside the metal can vibrate or rotate simultaneously. When a metal having a size and / or thickness that can be inserted into the receiving space (110h) of an aerosol generating device (1000) is dielectrically heated by a heater assembly (100), the movement of numerous free electrons inside the metal can become very violent, so that the metal can be heated very quickly.

[0057] When the heater assembly (100) heats the aerosol generating material (10) using a dielectric heating method while metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h), the metal may be heated faster than the aerosol generating material (10), so the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device (1000) may not be high. Alternatively, the metal may be heated too quickly, causing the metal to ignite, and thus, the aerosol generating device (1000) may explode.

[0058] The sensor (120) may be an inductance sensor for detecting a change in inductance within the receiving space (110h), and the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may detect whether metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h) based on a change in inductance of the receiving space (110h) detected by the sensor (120). For example, the processor (130) may detect a frequency change corresponding to a change in inductance detected by the sensor (120), and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than a preset frequency change, it may determine that metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h).

[0059] The processor (130) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0060] An aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment may further include a display (D) and a cover (111). The processor (130) may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates. The processor (130) may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program that can be executed on the microprocessor. In addition, the processor (130) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0061] For example, the processor (130) can supply power from the battery (140) to the sensor (150) to detect whether the receiving space (110h) has been rapidly inserted by the sensor (150). As another example, the processor (130) can control the power supplied from the battery (140) to the heater assembly (100).

[0062] The display (D) can be placed in an area of ​​the housing (110) to display various visual information. For example, the display (D) can display a notification that the aerosol generating device (1000) is unusable. When the insertion of metal into the interior of the receiving space (110h) is detected by the sensor (150), the aerosol generating device (1000) can display a message through the display (D) indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is unusable.

[0063] For another example, the display (D) may display a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is available. When the removal of metal inserted into the interior of the receiving space (110h) is detected by the sensor (150), the aerosol generating device (1000) may display a message indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is available for use through the display (D).

[0064] An aerosol generating device (1000) according to one embodiment may further include a cover (111) movably arranged in the housing (110) to open or close the receiving space (110h). For example, the cover (111) may be slidably coupled to the upper surface of the housing (110) and may expose the receiving space (110h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1000), or may cover the receiving space (110h) so that the receiving space (110h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0065] In one example, the cover (111) may be configured such that the receiving space (110h) is exposed to the exterior of the aerosol generating device (1000) in the first position (or 'open position'). When the aerosol generating device (1000) is exposed to the exterior, the aerosol generating article (10) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (110) through the receiving space (110h).

[0066] In another example, the cover (111) can prevent the receiving space (110h) from being exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1000) by covering the receiving space (110h) in the second position (or 'closed position'). In this case, the cover (111) can prevent external foreign substances from entering the interior of the heater assembly (100) through the receiving space (110h) when the aerosol generating device (1000) is not in use.

[0067] Although FIG. 1 only illustrates an aerosol generating device (1000) for heating a solid-state aerosol generating article (10), the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0068] For another example, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state rather than a solid aerosol generating article (10) through a heater assembly (100), and for another example, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include a heater assembly (100) for heating an aerosol generating article (10) and an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state, and may include a cartridge (or 'vaporizer') for heating the aerosol generating material. An aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material may travel to the aerosol generating article (10) along an airflow passage connecting the cartridge and the aerosol generating article (10), be mixed with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (10), and then be delivered to a user by passing through the aerosol generating article (10).

[0069] Figure 2 is an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device (100) may include an input unit (102), an output unit (103), a sensor unit (104), a communication unit (105), a memory (106), a battery (107), an interface unit (108), a power conversion unit (109), and a dielectric heating unit (or heater assembly) (200). However, the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device (100) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. Depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (100), some of the configurations shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted, or new configurations may be added.

[0071] The input unit (102) can receive user input. For example, the input unit (102) can be provided as a single pressure-sensitive push button. As another example, the input unit (102) can be a touch panel including at least one touch sensor. The input unit (102) can transmit an input signal to the processor (101). The processor (101) can supply power to the dielectric heating unit (200) based on the user input or control the output unit (103) to output a user notification.

[0072] The output unit (103) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (100). The output unit (103) can output the charge / discharge status of the battery (107), the heating status of the dielectric heating unit (200), the insertion status of the aerosol generating article (10), and error information of the aerosol generating device (100). For this purpose, the output unit (103) can include a display, a haptic motor, and an audio output unit.

[0073] The sensor unit (104) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (100) or the surrounding status of the aerosol generating device (100) and transmit the detected information to the processor (101). Based on the detected information, the processor (101) can control the aerosol generating device (100) so that various functions such as heating control of the dielectric heating unit (200), smoking restriction, determining whether an aerosol generating article (10) is inserted, and displaying a notification are performed.

[0074] The sensor unit (104) may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion detection sensor.

[0075] The temperature sensor can detect the temperature inside the dielectric heating unit (200) in a non-contact manner, or can directly obtain the temperature of the resonator by contacting the dielectric heating unit (200). Depending on the embodiment, the temperature sensor can also detect the temperature of the aerosol generating article (10). In addition, the temperature sensor can be placed adjacent to the battery (107) to obtain the temperature of the battery (107). The processor (101) can control the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (200) based on the temperature information of the temperature sensor.

[0076] The puff sensor can detect the user's puff. The puff sensor can detect the user's puff based on at least one of temperature change, flow change, power change, and pressure change. The processor (101) can control the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (200) based on the puff information of the puff sensor. For example, the processor (101) can count the number of puffs and cut off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (200) when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs. As another example, the processor (101) can cut off the power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (200) when no puffs are detected for a preset period of time.

[0077] The insertion detection sensor may be positioned inside the receiving space (220h in FIG. 4) or adjacent to the receiving space (220h) to detect insertion and removal of an aerosol generating article (10) received in the receiving space (110h). For example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor. The processor (101) may supply power to the dielectric heating unit (200) when an aerosol generating article (10) is inserted into the receiving space (110h).

[0078] Depending on the embodiment, the sensor unit (104) may additionally include a reuse detection sensor, a motion detection sensor, a humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover removal detection sensor, a location sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred from its name, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The communication unit (105) may include at least one communication module for communicating with an external electronic device. The processor (101) may control the communication unit (105) to transmit information about the aerosol generating device (100) to the external electronic device. Alternatively, the processor (101) may receive information from the external electronic device through the communication unit (105) and control components included in the aerosol generating device (100). For example, information transmitted between the communication unit (105) and the external electronic device may include user authentication information, firmware update information, and user smoking pattern information.

[0080] The memory (106) is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (100), and can store data processed by the processor (101) and data to be processed. For example, the memory (106) can store data on the operating time of the aerosol generating device (100), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0081] The battery (107) can supply power to the dielectric heating element (200) so that the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated. In addition, the battery (107) can supply power necessary for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (100). The battery (107) can be a rechargeable battery or a detachable battery.

[0082] The interface unit (108) may include a connection terminal that can be physically connected to an external electronic device. The connection terminal may include at least one or a combination of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). The interface unit (108) may transmit and receive information to and from an external electronic device or charge power through the connection terminal.

[0083] The power conversion unit (109) can convert direct current power supplied from the battery (107) into alternating current power. In addition, the power conversion unit (109) can provide the converted alternating current power to the dielectric heating unit (200). The power conversion unit (109) can be an inverter including at least one switching element, and the processor (101) can control the ON / OFF of the switching element included in the power conversion unit (109) to convert the direct current power into alternating current power. The power conversion unit (109) can be configured as a full bridge or a half bridge.

[0084] The dielectric heating unit (200) can heat the aerosol generating article (10) using a dielectric heating method. The dielectric heating unit (200) may have a configuration corresponding to the heater assembly (200) of FIG. 1.

[0085] The dielectric heating unit (200) can heat the aerosol generating article (10) using microwaves and / or an electric field of microwaves (hereinafter, referred to as microwaves or microwave power when no distinction is necessary). The heating method of the dielectric heating unit (200) may be a method of heating the object to be heated by forming microwaves within a resonant structure, rather than a method of radiating microwaves using an antenna. The resonant structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 and below.

[0086] The dielectric heating unit (200) can output high-frequency microwaves to the resonance unit (220 in FIG. 3). The microwaves may be power in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical equipment) band permitted for heating, but are not limited thereto. The resonance unit (220) can be designed taking into account the wavelength of the microwaves so that the microwaves can resonate within the resonance unit (220).

[0087] The aerosol generating article (10) is inserted into the resonator (220), and the dielectric material within the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated by the resonator (220). For example, the aerosol generating article (10) can include a polar substance, and molecules within the polar substance can be polarized within the resonator (220). The molecules can vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated by frictional heat generated during this process. The dielectric heating unit (200) will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0088] The processor (101) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The processor (101) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable on the microprocessor. Additionally, the processor (101) may be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0089] The processor (101) can control the direct current power supplied from the battery (107) to the power conversion unit (109) and / or the alternating current power supplied from the power conversion unit (109) to the dielectric heating unit (200) according to the power required by the dielectric heating unit (200). In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) includes a converter that boosts or lowers the direct current power, and the processor (101) can control the converter to adjust the size of the direct current power. In addition, the processor (101) can control the alternating current power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (200) by adjusting the switching frequency and duty ratio of the switching element included in the power conversion unit (109).

[0090] The processor (101) can control the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article (10) by controlling the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (200) and the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit (200). Therefore, the oscillation unit (210), the isolation unit (270), the power monitoring unit (250), and the matching unit (260) of FIG. 3 described below may be part of the processor (101).

[0091] The processor (101) can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (200) based on the temperature profile information stored in the memory (106). In other words, the temperature profile includes information about the target temperature of the dielectric heating unit (200) over time, and the processor (101) can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (200) over time.

[0092] The processor (101) can adjust the frequency of the microwave so that the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit (200) is constant. The processor (101) can track in real time the change in the resonant frequency of the dielectric heating unit (200) according to the heating of the object to be heated, and control the dielectric heating unit (200) so that the microwave frequency according to the changed resonant frequency is output. In other words, the processor (101) can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of the pre-stored temperature profile.

[0093] Fig. 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heating unit of Fig. 2.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 3, the dielectric heating unit (200) may include a generator (210), an isolation unit (270), a power monitoring unit (250), a matching unit (260), a microwave output unit (or, 'coupler') (230), and a resonance unit (220). However, the internal configuration of the dielectric heating unit (200) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3. Depending on the design of the dielectric heating unit (200), some of the configurations shown in FIG. 3 may be omitted, or new configurations may be added.

[0095] The oscillator (210) can receive AC power from the power converter (109) and generate high-frequency microwave power. According to an embodiment, the power converter (109) may be a component included in the oscillator (210). The microwave power may be selected from the 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands included in the ISM bands.

[0096] The oscillator (210) includes a solid-state-based RF generator, which can be used to generate microwave power. The solid-state-based RF generator can be implemented using a semiconductor. When the oscillator (210) is implemented using a semiconductor, the dielectric heating unit (200) can be miniaturized, and the device lifespan can be extended.

[0097] The oscillator (210) can output microwave power toward the resonator (220). The oscillator (210) includes a power amplifier that increases or decreases microwave power, and the power amplifier can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power under the control of the processor (101). For example, the power amplifier can decrease or increase the amplitude of the microwave. By adjusting the amplitude of the microwave, the microwave power can be adjusted.

[0098] The processor (101) can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the generator (210) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile includes target temperature information according to the preheating section and the smoking section, and the generator (210) can supply microwave power at a first power in the preheating section and supply microwave power at a second power lower than the first power in the smoking section.

[0099] The isolation unit (270) can block the microwave power input from the resonance unit (220) toward the oscillation unit (210). Most of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit (210) is absorbed by the heated object, but depending on the heating pattern of the heated object, some of the microwave power may be reflected by the heated object and transmitted back toward the oscillation unit (210). This is because the impedance viewed from the oscillation unit (210) toward the resonance unit (220) changes according to the exhaustion of polar molecules due to the heating of the heated object. The meaning of 'the impedance viewed from the oscillation unit (210) toward the resonance unit (220) changes' may be the same as the meaning of 'the resonant frequency of the resonance unit (220) changes'. If the microwave power reflected from the resonator (220) is input to the oscillation unit (210), the oscillation unit (210) may malfunction and the expected output performance may not be achieved. The isolation unit (270) can absorb the microwave power reflected from the resonator (220) by directing it in a predetermined direction, rather than returning it to the oscillation unit (210). For this purpose, the isolation unit (270) may include a circulator and a dummy load.

[0100] The power monitoring unit (250) can monitor the microwave power output from the oscillator unit (210) and the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonator unit (220). The power monitoring unit (250) can transmit information about the microwave power and the reflected microwave power to the matching unit (260).

[0101] The matching unit (260) can match the impedance of the resonance unit (220) viewed from the oscillation unit (210) and the impedance of the resonance unit (220) viewed from the oscillation unit (210) so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. Impedance matching may have the same meaning as matching the frequency of the oscillation unit (210) with the resonance frequency of the resonance unit (220). Therefore, the matching unit (260) can vary the frequency of the oscillation unit (210) in order to match the impedance. In other words, the matching unit (260) can adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit (210) so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. The impedance matching of the matching unit (260) can be performed in real time regardless of the temperature profile.

[0102] Meanwhile, the above-described oscillator (210), isolation unit (270), power monitoring unit (250), and matching unit (260) are separate components distinct from the microwave output unit (230) and resonance unit (220) described later, and can be implemented as a microwave source in the form of a chip. In addition, according to an embodiment, the above-described oscillator (210), isolation unit (270), power monitoring unit (250), and matching unit (260) can also be implemented as a part of the processor (101).

[0103] The microwave output unit (230) is configured to input microwave power into the resonance unit (220), and may have a configuration corresponding to the coupler of FIG. 3 or lower. The microwave output unit (230) may be implemented in the form of an SMA, SMB, MCX, or MMCX connector. The microwave output unit (230) connects a chip-type microwave source and the resonance unit (220) to each other, and can transmit microwave power generated from the microwave source to the resonance unit (220).

[0104] The resonant section (220) can heat a heated object by forming microwaves within a resonant structure. The resonant section (220) includes a receiving space in which an aerosol generating article (10) is received, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be dielectrically heated by exposure to microwaves. For example, the aerosol generating article (10) can include a polar substance, and molecules within the polar substance can be polarized by microwaves within the resonant section (220). The molecules can vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated by frictional heat generated during this process.

[0105] The resonant portion (220) includes at least one internal conductor so that microwaves can resonate, and microwaves can resonate inside the resonant portion (220) depending on the arrangement, thickness, and length of the internal conductor.

[0106] The resonator (220) can be designed considering the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate within the resonator (220). In order for the microwave to resonate within the resonator (220), a closed end (short end) and an open end (open end) with at least one area of ​​the cross-section open in the direction opposite the closed end are required. In addition, the length between the closed end and the open end must be set to an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. The resonator (220) of the present disclosure selects a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength for device miniaturization. In other words, the length between the closed end and the open end of the resonator (220) can be set to a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0107] The resonant portion (220) may include a dielectric receiving space. The dielectric receiving space has a configuration distinct from the receiving space of the aerosol generating article (10), and a material capable of changing the overall resonant frequency of the resonant portion (220) and miniaturizing the resonant portion (220) is disposed therein. In one embodiment, a dielectric with low microwave absorption may be received in the dielectric receiving space. This is to prevent a phenomenon in which energy that should be transmitted to the heated object is transmitted to the dielectric and the dielectric itself is heated. The microwave absorption may be expressed by the loss tangent, which is the ratio of the real part to the imaginary part of the complex dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the dielectric receiving space (227) may receive a dielectric with a loss tangent less than or equal to a preset size, and the preset size may be 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric may be, but is not limited to, at least one or a combination of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 4, a heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include an oscillating unit (210) and a resonating unit (220). Fig. 4 may be an embodiment of the heater assembly (200) and the dielectric heating unit (200) described above, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0109] The oscillator (210) can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band as power is supplied. The microwaves generated by the oscillator (210) can be transmitted to the resonator (220) through a coupler (not shown).

[0110] A heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may further include a receiving space (220h) in which an aerosol generating article (10) is received, and a support member (240) capable of supporting an aerosol generating article (10) received or inserted into the receiving space (220h).

[0111] The heater assembly (200) may include a receiving space (220h) for receiving an aerosol generating article (10), and a portion of the aerosol generating article (10) may be inserted into the interior of the resonator (220) through the receiving space (220h). Another portion of the aerosol generating article (10) that is spaced apart from the portion of the aerosol generating article (10) may be exposed to the outside of the resonator (220). A portion of the other portion of the aerosol generating article (10) exposed to the outside of the resonator (220) may be supported by a support (240).

[0112] The aerosol generating article (10) accommodated or inserted into the accommodation space (220h) can be heated by a dielectric heating method by resonating microwaves generated from the generator (210). For example, the charges of glycerin included in the aerosol generating article (10) can vibrate or rotate due to the resonance of the microwaves, and the frictional heat generated when the charges vibrate or rotate can generate heat in the glycerin, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (10).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the resonator (220) may be formed of a material having a low microwave absorption rate to prevent microwaves generated in the oscillation unit (210) from being absorbed by the resonator (220).

[0114] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the specific structure of the resonant part (220) of the heater assembly (200) will be examined.

[0115] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly (200) of Fig. 4 taken in the A-A' direction.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5, a heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include an oscillator (210), a resonator (220), a coupler (230), and a heat dissipation member. The components of the heater assembly (200) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIG. 4, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0117] The oscillator (210) can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band when an AC voltage is applied, and the microwaves generated in the oscillator (210) can be transmitted to the resonator (220) through the coupler (230).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the oscillating unit (210) may be fixed to the resonating unit (220) to prevent separation from the resonating unit (220) during use of the aerosol generating device. In one example, the oscillating unit (210) may be fixed on the resonating unit (220) by being supported by a bracket (220b) protruding along the x direction in one area of ​​the resonating unit (220). In another example, the oscillating unit (210) may be fixed on the resonating unit (220) by being attached to one area of ​​the resonating unit (220) without the bracket (220b).

[0119] Although the drawing only shows an embodiment in which the oscillating unit (210) is fixed to an area facing the x direction of the resonating unit (220), the position of the oscillating unit (210) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In another embodiment, the oscillating unit (210) may be fixed to another area facing the -z direction of the resonating unit (220).

[0120] The resonator (220) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​an aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the interior of an aerosol generating device, and can heat the aerosol generating article (10) through microwaves generated from the generator (210). For example, dielectric materials included in the aerosol generating article (10) can generate heat by an electric field generated inside the resonator (220) by microwaves, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated by the heat generated from the dielectric.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (10) may include a tobacco rod (11) and a filter rod (12).

[0122] The tobacco rod (11) contains an aerosol-generating substance and may be manufactured in the form of a sheet or strand, or may be manufactured as a tobacco sheet cut into small pieces. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include, but is not limited to, at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod (11) may contain other additives such as a flavoring agent, a humectant, and / or an organic acid. In addition, a flavoring agent such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod (11) by spraying it onto the tobacco rod (11).

[0123] The filter rod (12) may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the shape of the filter rod (12). For example, the filter rod (12) may be a cylindrical rod or a tubular rod having a hollow portion therein. In addition, the filter rod (12) may be a recessed rod. If the filter rod (12) is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

[0124] At least a portion of the aerosol generating material (e.g., glycerin) included in the aerosol generating article (10) may be a dielectric material having polarity in an electric field, and at least a portion of such aerosol generating material may generate heat in a dielectric heating manner to heat the aerosol generating article (10).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion (220) may include an outer conductor (221), a first inner conductor (223), and a second inner conductor (225).

[0126] The outer conductor (221) can form the overall appearance of the resonant portion (220), and can be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that components of the resonant portion (220) can be placed inside the outer conductor (221). The outer conductor (221) can include a receiving space (220h) in which an aerosol generating article (10) can be received, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (221) through the receiving space (220h).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor (221) may include a first surface (221a), a second surface (221b) arranged to face the first surface (221a), and a side surface (221c) surrounding a space between the first surface (221a) and the second surface (221b). At least some of the components of the resonant portion (220) (e.g., the first inner conductor (223), the second inner conductor (225)) may be arranged in the inner space of the resonant portion (220) formed by the first surface (221a), the second surface (221b), and the side surface (221c).

[0128] The first inner conductor (223) can be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the first surface (221a) of the outer conductor (221) in a direction toward the inner space of the outer conductor (221).

[0129] According to one embodiment, a region of the first inner conductor (223) may be in contact with a coupler (230) connected to the oscillating unit (210), and microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223) through the coupler (230). For example, the coupler (230) may be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor (221) and have one end in contact with the oscillating unit (210) and the other end in contact with a region of the first inner conductor (223), and microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223) through the coupler (230).

[0130] At this time, the coupler (230) may be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor (221) without contacting the outer conductor (221) for transmission of microwaves, but the arrangement structure of the coupler (230) is not limited thereto as long as the microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) can be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223).

[0131] The first region formed between the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223) can operate as a 'first resonator' that generates an electric field through resonance of microwaves. The first region can refer to a space formed by the first surface (221a), the side surface (221c) of the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223), and inside the first region, microwaves transmitted through the coupler (230) can resonate to generate an electric field.

[0132] The second inner conductor (225) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the second surface (221b) of the outer conductor (221) in a direction toward the inner space of the outer conductor (221). The second inner conductor (225) may be arranged in the inner space of the outer conductor (221) at a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor (223), and a gap (226) may be formed between the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225).

[0133] The second region formed between the outer conductor (221) and the second inner conductor (225) can operate as a 'second resonator' that generates an electric field through resonance of microwaves. The second inner conductor (225) can be coupled (e.g., capacitively coupled) with the first inner conductor (223), and when an electric field is generated inside the first region by the above-described coupling relationship, an induced electric field can also be generated inside the second region. In the present disclosure, 'capacitive coupling' can mean a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by electrostatic capacity (capacitance) between two conductors.

[0134] For example, as microwaves generated from the oscillating portion (210) are transmitted to the first inner conductor (223), an electric field may be generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor (221) and the second inner conductor (225) coupled with the first inner conductor (223).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the resonator (220) can operate as a resonator having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength (λ) of a microwave.

[0136] In one example, one end of the first region (e.g., the end in the -z direction) may be formed as a short end because the cross-section of the first region is closed by the first face (221a) of the outer conductor (221), and the other end of the first region (e.g., the end in the z direction) may be formed as an open end because the cross-section is open because the first face (221a) is not arranged. In another example, one end of the second region (e.g., the end in the -z direction) may be formed as an open end because the cross-section is open, and the other end of the second region (e.g., the end in the z direction) may be formed as a closed end because the cross-section of the second region is closed by the second face (221b) of the outer conductor (221).

[0137] That is, the first region and the second region can be formed as a whole in a “ㄷ” shape, including closed ends and open ends, when viewed on the xz plane, and through the above-described structure, the first region and the second region can operate as a resonator having a 1 / 4 wavelength length of a microwave.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225) may be formed to have the same length with respect to the z-axis so that the first region and the second region may be arranged symmetrically with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0139] According to the resonance structure of the resonant portion (220) described above, an electric field may not be transmitted to an external region of the resonant portion (220) where no conductors such as the first internal conductor (223) and the second internal conductor (225) exist. Therefore, the heater assembly (200) can prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly (200) without a separate shielding member for shielding the electric field.

[0140] The heat dissipation member is positioned inside the resonant portion (220) and can absorb heat inside the resonant portion (220). For example, the heat dissipation member may be positioned inside the first internal conductor (223) and placed so as to be in contact with one surface of the closing portion (224).

[0141] The heat dissipation member can take heat generated in the heater assembly (200) and release it to the surroundings of the heat dissipation member. For example, the heat dissipation member can collect (sink) heat released to the outside of the resonator (220), and the heat dissipation member can release the collected heat toward a medium having a relatively low temperature (e.g., an aerosol generating article (10)). The heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment can release heat generated in the heater assembly (200) to the outside of the heater assembly (200) through the heat dissipation member described above.

[0142] The aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor (221) through the receiving space (220h) may be surrounded by the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225) and heated by a dielectric heating method. For example, a part of the aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor (221) may be disposed inside the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225), and another part may be disposed outside the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225). The aerosol generating article (10) may be heated by the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article (10) being heated by an electric field generated inside and outside the first inner conductor (223) and / or the second inner conductor (225).

[0143] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article (10) is inserted into the resonator (220) through the receiving space (220h), the tobacco rod (11) of the aerosol generating article (10) can be placed at a position corresponding to the gap (226) between the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225).

[0144] A resonance peak is formed at the end of the first internal conductor (223) operating as the first resonator and the end of the second internal conductor (225) operating as the second resonator, so that a stronger electric field can be generated compared to other regions, and as a result, the strongest electric field can be generated in the gap (226) between the first internal conductor (223) and the second internal conductor (225) among the internal regions of the resonator (220). In the heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment, the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (200) can be improved by arranging the tobacco rod (11) including the dielectric that generates heat by the electric field at a position corresponding to the gap (226) where the electric field is strongest.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion (220) may further include a dielectric accommodation space (227) for accommodating a dielectric. The dielectric accommodation space (227) may be formed in a space between the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225), and a dielectric having low microwave absorption may be accommodated in the dielectric accommodation space (227). For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0146] A heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment can generate an electric field similar to a resonance unit (220) that does not include a dielectric while reducing the overall size of the resonance unit (220) by arranging a dielectric inside a dielectric receiving space (227). That is, the heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment can reduce the size of the resonance unit (220) through the dielectric arranged inside the dielectric receiving space (227), thereby reducing the mounting space of the resonance unit (220) within the aerosol generating device, and as a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0147] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 6, a heater assembly (300) according to another embodiment may include a resonator (320) and a coupler (311). The components of the heater assembly (300) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIGS. 4 and 5, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0149] The resonant portion (320) may include an outer conductor (321), a plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b), and a closing portion (322).

[0150] The coupler (311) can supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) to generate microwave resonance in the resonant section (320).

[0151] The outer conductor (321) can form the overall appearance of the resonant section (320), and can be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that components of the resonant section (320) can be placed inside the outer conductor (321). For example, the outer conductor (321) can be formed as a square pillar with a square cross-section, but is not limited thereto. For another example, the outer conductor (321) can also be formed as a polygonal pillar with a rectangular, elliptical, or circular cross-section.

[0152] The outer conductor (321) may include a receiving space (320h) in which an aerosol generating article (10) can be received, and a support member (351a) capable of supporting the aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the receiving space (320h). One region of the aerosol generating article (10) may be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (321) through the receiving space (320h), and another region of the aerosol generating article (10) may be exposed to the outside of the resonator (320). The support member (351a) may support another region of the aerosol generating article (10) exposed to the outside of the resonator (320).

[0153] The outer conductor (321) may include a first surface (321a), a second surface (321b) arranged to face the first surface (321a), and a side surface (321c) surrounding a space between the first surface (321a) and the second surface (321b). At least a portion of the components of the resonant portion (320) (e.g., the first inner conductors (323a, 323b)) may be arranged in the inner space of the resonant portion (320) formed by the first surface (321a), the second surface (321b), and the side surface (321c).

[0154] The plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b) may be formed in a plate shape extending from the first surface (321a) of the outer conductor (321) in a direction toward the inner space of the outer conductor (321). For example, the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated in the accommodation space (320h), and one of the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b) (e.g., the first inner conductor (323a)) may be arranged to surround one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (10), and the other (e.g., the first inner conductor (323b)) may be arranged to surround another area of ​​the aerosol generating article (10).

[0155] One area of ​​the first inner conductor (323a) may be in contact with the coupler (311) connected to the oscillating portion, and as microwaves transmitted through the coupler (311) resonate, an electric field may be generated inside the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b). For example, the coupler (311) may be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor (321) so that one end contacts the oscillating portion and the other end contacts one area of ​​the first inner conductor (323a), and as microwaves generated in the oscillating portion are transmitted to the first inner conductor (323a) through the coupler (311), an electric field may be generated inside the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b).

[0156] The resonant section (320) may include a closed end with a cross-section that is closed to have a length (λ / 4) that is 1 / 4 of the wavelength (λ) of the microwave, and an open end positioned opposite to the closed end and having at least one area of ​​the cross-section open.

[0157] The resonating portion (320) may include a closing portion (322) that is arranged to contact one end of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) and closes cross-sections of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b). As the cross-sections of one end of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) are closed by the closing portion (322), a closed end may be formed at one end of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b). Since the other ends of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) are arranged spaced apart from the closing portion (322) so as not to contact the closing portion (322), an open end may be formed at the other ends of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b). That is, the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) may be formed in an overall “ㄷ” shape when viewed on the xz plane and may include closed ends and open ends, and due to the structure of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) described above, the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b) may operate as resonators having a 1 / 4 wavelength length of microwaves.

[0158] Microwave resonance can be formed between the first inner conductor (323a) and the outer conductor (331), between another first inner conductor (323b) and the outer conductor (331), and between the first inner conductor (323a) and another first inner conductor (323b). Accordingly, an electric field can also be generated between the first inner conductors (323a, 323b) and the outer conductor (321). Although two first inner conductors (323a, 323b) are illustrated in the drawing, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the number of multiple first inner conductors may be three or four or more.

[0159] A triple resonance mode may be formed inside the resonance part (320). For example, a resonance of a TEM mode (transverse electric & magnetic mode) of microwaves may be formed inside the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b), and a resonance of a TEM mode different from the resonance formed inside the plurality of first inner conductors (323a, 323b) may be formed between the first inner conductor (323a) and the outer conductor (321) and between the first inner conductor (323b) and the outer conductor (321). As a triple resonance mode is formed inside the resonance part (320), the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated inside the resonance part (320) may be heated more uniformly.

[0160] According to the resonance structure of the resonant portion (320) described above, an electric field may not be transmitted to an external region of the resonant portion (320). Therefore, the heater assembly (300) can prevent an electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly (300) even without a separate shielding member for shielding the electric field.

[0161] A resonance peak is formed at the other end of the plurality of first internal conductors (323a, 323b), so that a stronger electric field can be generated compared to other regions, and by placing a tobacco rod (11) containing a dielectric capable of generating heat by an electric field at a position corresponding to the region where the electric field is strongest, the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (300) can be improved.

[0162] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7d, a sensor for detecting the insertion of metal into the receiving space (330h) will be specifically examined.

[0163] FIG. 7a is a drawing for explaining an example of a sensor equipped in a heater assembly according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7b is a drawing for explaining another example of a sensor equipped in a heater assembly according to one embodiment. FIGS. 7a and 7b show cross-sections of the heater assembly (200) of FIG. 4 taken along the line AA'.

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, a heater assembly (200) according to one embodiment may include an oscillating unit (210) (e.g., the oscillating unit (210) of FIGS. 4 and 5), a resonating unit (230) (e.g., the resonating unit (220) of FIGS. 4 and 5), and sensors (250a, 250b). At least one of the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIGS. 7a and 7b may be identical or similar to the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIGS. 4 and 5, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0165] The oscillator (210) can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band when an AC voltage is applied, and the microwaves generated in the oscillator (210) can be transmitted to the resonator (220) through the coupler (230).

[0166] The resonator (220) is arranged to surround at least one area of ​​an aerosol generating article (10) inserted into an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1), and can heat the aerosol generating article (10) through microwaves generated from the generator (210). For example, dielectrics included in the aerosol generating article (10) can generate heat by an electric field generated inside the resonator (220) due to resonance of microwaves, and the aerosol generating article (10) can be heated by the heat generated from the dielectric.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion (220) may include an outer conductor (221), a first inner conductor (223), and a second inner conductor (225).

[0168] The outer conductor (221) can form the overall appearance of the resonant portion (220), and can be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that components of the resonant portion (220) can be placed inside the outer conductor (221). The outer conductor (221) can include a receiving space (220h) into which at least one area of ​​an aerosol generating article (10) can be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (221). The receiving space (220h) can mean a space formed by the first inner conductor (223) and / or the second inner conductor (225) placed inside the outer conductor (221) and capable of accommodating the aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (221).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor (221) may include a first surface (231a), a second surface (231b) arranged to face the first surface (231a), and a side surface (231c) surrounding a space between the first surface (231a) and the second surface (231b). At least some of the components of the resonant portion (220) (e.g., the first inner conductor (223), the second inner conductor (225)) may be arranged in the inner space of the resonant portion (220) formed by the first surface (231a), the second surface (231b), and the side surface (231c).

[0170] The first inner conductor (223) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the first surface (231a) of the outer conductor (221) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (221) or along the longitudinal direction of the outer conductor (221).

[0171] According to one embodiment, a region of the first inner conductor (223) may be in contact with a coupler (230) connected to the oscillating unit (210), and microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223) through the coupler (230). For example, the coupler (230) may be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor (221) and have one end in contact with the oscillating unit (210) and the other end in contact with a region of the first inner conductor (223), and microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223) through the coupler (230).

[0172] At this time, the coupler (330) may be arranged to penetrate the outer conductor (221) without contacting the outer conductor (221) for transmission of microwaves, but the arrangement structure of the coupler (230) is not limited thereto as long as the microwaves generated in the oscillating unit (210) can be transmitted to the first inner conductor (223).

[0173] The first region formed between the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223) can operate as a 'first resonator' that generates an electric field through resonance of microwaves. The first region can refer to a space formed by the first surface (221a), the side surface (221c) of the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223), and inside the first region, microwaves transmitted through the coupler (230) can resonate to generate an electric field.

[0174] The second region formed between the outer conductor (221) and the second inner conductor (225) can operate as a 'second resonator' that generates an electric field through resonance of microwaves. The second inner conductor (225) can be coupled (e.g., capacitively coupled) with the first inner conductor (223), and when an electric field is generated inside the first region by the above-described coupling relationship, an induced electric field can also be generated inside the second region. In the present disclosure, 'capacitive coupling' can mean a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by electrostatic capacity (capacitance) between two conductors.

[0175] For example, as microwaves generated from the oscillating portion (210) are transmitted to the first inner conductor (223), an electric field may be generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor (221) and the second inner conductor (225) coupled with the first inner conductor (223).

[0176] The second inner conductor (225) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the second surface (231b) of the outer conductor (221) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (221) or along the longitudinal direction of the outer conductor (221). The second inner conductor (225) may be arranged in the inner space of the outer conductor (221) at a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor (223), and a gap (226) may be formed between the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225).

[0177] The aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor (221) through the receiving space (220h) may be surrounded by the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225) and heated by a dielectric heating method. For example, a part of the aerosol generating article (10) inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor (221) may be disposed inside the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225), and another part may be disposed outside the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225). The aerosol generating article (10) may be heated by the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article (10) being heated by an electric field generated inside and outside the first inner conductor (223) and / or the second inner conductor (225).

[0178] According to one embodiment, the resonant portion (220) may further include a dielectric receiving space (227) and a dielectric (D) accommodated in the dielectric receiving space (227) to adjust the dielectric constant of the resonant portion (220).

[0179] A dielectric receiving space (227) can be formed in a space between the outer conductor (221) and the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225), and a dielectric (D) can be received in the dielectric receiving space (227). For example, the dielectric (D) can be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, which have low microwave absorption, but the type of the dielectric (D) is not limited thereto.

[0180] A heater assembly (200) according to another embodiment can generate an electric field similar to a resonance unit (220) that does not include a dielectric by arranging a dielectric (D) inside a dielectric receiving space (227), thereby reducing the overall size of the resonance unit (220). That is, the heater assembly (200) according to another embodiment can reduce the size of the resonance unit (220) through the dielectric (D) arranged inside the dielectric receiving space (227), thereby reducing the mounting space of the resonance unit (220) within the aerosol generating device, and as a result, the aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 1) can be miniaturized.

[0181] According to one embodiment, when the aerosol generating article (10) is inserted into the resonator (220) through the receiving space (220h), the tobacco rod (11) of the aerosol generating article (10) can be placed at a position corresponding to the gap (226) between the first inner conductor (223) and the second inner conductor (225).

[0182] A resonance peak is formed at the end of the first internal conductor (223) operating as the first resonator and the end of the second internal conductor (225) operating as the second resonator, so that a stronger electric field can be generated compared to other regions, and as a result, the strongest electric field can be generated in the gap (226) between the first internal conductor (223) and the second internal conductor (225) among the internal regions of the resonant portion (220). By placing a tobacco rod (11) including a dielectric that generates heat by an electric field at a position corresponding to the gap (226) where the electric field is strongest, the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (200) can be improved.

[0183] The sensors (250a, 250b) may be coils for detecting the insertion of a metal material (hereinafter referred to as “metal”) into the receiving space (210h). The sensor (120) may be an inductance sensor for detecting a change in inductance within the receiving space (220h), and the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may detect whether metal is inserted into the receiving space (220h) based on a change in inductance of the receiving space (220h) detected by the sensors (250a, 250b). For example, the processor (130) may detect a frequency change corresponding to a change in inductance detected by the sensors (250a, 250b), and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change, it may determine that metal is inserted into the receiving space (220h).

[0184] The sensors (250a, 250b) may be positioned outside the resonator (220) and may be placed in an area adjacent to the receiving space (220h). The sensors (250a, 250b) may be positioned outside the resonator (220) to prevent the sensors (250a, 250b) from being heated by the heater assembly (200) in a dielectric heating manner.

[0185] For example, the sensors (250a, 250b) may be arranged inside the support (240). The support (240) may be arranged outside the resonator (220) to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated or inserted into the receiving space (220h), and accordingly, the sensors (250a, 250b) may be arranged outside the resonator (220) to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated or inserted into the receiving space (210h).

[0186] According to one example, the sensor (250a) may be a plate-shaped coil that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (10) inserted into the receiving space (220h). According to another example, the sensor (250b) may be a ring-shaped coil that surrounds the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (10) inserted into the receiving space (220h). The shapes of the sensors (250a, 250b) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0187] Although only one sensor (250a, 250b) is shown in the drawing, the number of sensors (250a, 250b) is not limited thereto and may be two or three or more depending on the embodiment.

[0188] FIG. 7c is a drawing for explaining an example of a sensor equipped in a heater assembly according to another embodiment, and FIG. 7b is a drawing for explaining another example of a sensor equipped in a heater assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 7c and FIG. 7d show cross-sections of the heater assembly (300) of FIG. 6 taken along the xz plane.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 7c and 7d, an oscillating unit (e.g., oscillating unit (310) of FIG. 6), a resonating unit (e.g., resonating unit (320) of FIG. 6), and sensors (350a, 350b) according to another embodiment may be included. The components may be identical or similar to those of the heater assembly (300) of FIGS. 7c and 7d, and any redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0190] The sensors (350a, 350b) may be coils for detecting the insertion of a metal material (hereinafter referred to as “metal”) into the receiving space (210h). The sensor (120) may be an inductance sensor for detecting a change in inductance within the receiving space (320h), and the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may detect whether metal is inserted into the receiving space (320h) based on a change in inductance of the receiving space (320h) detected by the sensors (350a, 350b). For example, the processor (130) may detect a frequency change corresponding to a change in inductance detected by the sensors (350a, 350b), and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change, it may determine that metal is inserted into the receiving space (320h).

[0191] The sensors (350a, 350b) may be positioned outside the resonator (320) and may be placed in an area adjacent to the receiving space (320h). The sensors (350a, 350b) may be positioned outside the resonator (320) to prevent the sensors (350a, 350b) from being heated by the heater assembly (300) in a dielectric heating manner.

[0192] For example, the sensors (350a, 350b) may be arranged inside the support (340). The support (340) may be arranged outside the resonator (320) to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated or inserted into the receiving space (320h), and accordingly, the sensors (350a, 350b) may be arranged outside the resonator (320) to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (10) accommodated or inserted into the receiving space (320h).

[0193] According to one example, the sensor (350a) may be a plate-shaped coil that surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (10) inserted into the receiving space (320h). According to another example, the sensor (350b) may be a ring-shaped coil that surrounds the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article (10) inserted into the receiving space (320h). The shapes of the sensors (350a, 350b) are not limited to the examples described above.

[0194] Although only one sensor (350a, 350b) is shown in the drawing, the number of sensors (350a, 350b) is not limited thereto and may be two or three or more depending on the embodiment.

[0195] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8, a method for controlling an aerosol generating device based on the detection results of a sensor (350a, 350b) will be described.

[0196] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. In explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIGS. 3 to 6, FIGS. 7a and 7b.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 8, in step (810), the aerosol generating device (100) can supply power to sensors (150, 250a, 250b) for detecting insertion of metal within the receiving space (110h, 220h) from the battery. The processor (130) can supply power to the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) periodically or discontinuously, thereby preventing unnecessary power from being wasted by the aerosol generating device (100).

[0198] For example, the processor (130) can supply power to the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) at a preset cycle. The processor (130) can apply a ping signal to the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) at a preset cycle, and the processor (130) can cause the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) to initiate operation only when the ping signal is applied.

[0199] In step (820), the powered sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) can detect a change in inductance of the receiving space (110h, 220h), and the processor (130) can detect whether metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h) based on the change in inductance of the receiving space (110h, 220h) detected by the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b). For example, the processor (130) can detect a frequency change corresponding to a change in inductance detected by a sensor (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b), and if it is determined that the detected frequency change is greater than a preset frequency change, it can determine that metal has been inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h).

[0200] In step (830), the processor (130) detects a frequency change corresponding to a change in inductance detected by a sensor (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b), and if the detected frequency change is greater than a preset frequency change, the power supply to the oscillator (210, 310) can be cut off.

[0201] Since metal contains numerous free electrons therein, when the metal is heated by a dielectric heating method, numerous free electrons contained therein may vibrate or rotate simultaneously. When the heater assembly (100) heats the aerosol generating material (10) by a dielectric heating method while the metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h), the metal may be heated faster than the aerosol generating material (10), so the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating device (1000) may not be high. Alternatively, the metal may be heated too quickly, causing the metal to ignite, and thus, the aerosol generating device (1000) may explode.

[0202] When the processor (130) determines that metal has been inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h), the aerosol generating device (100) can prevent the risk of failure and / or explosion by cutting off the power supply to the generator (210, 310).

[0203] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a method for controlling the display (D) to display an unusable or available notification of the aerosol generating device (1000) will be described.

[0204] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method for controlling an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the operation after step (810) of FIG. 8. In explaining the method for controlling an aerosol generating device below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the components of the heater assembly (200) of FIGS. 3 to 6, FIGS. 7a and 7b.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 9, in step (910), the processor (130) can detect a change in inductance of the receiving space (110h, 220h) by the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b).

[0206] In step (920), the processor (130) can detect a frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance detected in step (910) and determine whether the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change. If the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to the preset frequency change, the processor (130) can cut off the power supply to the oscillator (210, 310). For example, the preset frequency change may mean a frequency change corresponding to the insertion of metal.

[0207] Even if the user operates the aerosol generating device (1000) without detecting the metal inserted inside the receiving space (110h, 220h), the aerosol generating device (1000) can detect the metal inserted inside the receiving space (110h, 220h) and cut off the power supply to the generator (210, 310). Accordingly, the aerosol generating device (1000) can prevent a risk that may occur in advance, thereby providing the user with the stability of the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0208] In step (920), if the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change, the processor (130) may cause the display (D) to display information indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is unavailable.

[0209] Since the user may not detect the metal inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h), even if the aerosol generating device (1000) suddenly stops working due to the metal inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h), the user may mistake this for a malfunction of the aerosol generating device (1000). If the metal is inserted into the receiving space (110h, 220h), a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is unusable may be displayed on the display (D), so that the user does not feel inconvenienced even if the aerosol generating device (1000) suddenly stops working.

[0210] In step (940), the powered sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) can detect a change in inductance of the receiving space (110h, 220h), and the processor (130) can detect whether metal has been removed from the receiving space (110h, 220h) based on the change in inductance of the receiving space (110h, 220h) detected by the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b).

[0211] For example, the processor (130) can detect the removal of metal inserted into the receiving space when the frequency change corresponding to the change in inductance acquired by the sensors (150, 250a, 250b, 350a, 350b) is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change. For example, the preset frequency change may mean a frequency change corresponding to the removal of metal.

[0212] In step (950), if the detected frequency change is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change, the processor (130) may cause the display (D) to display information indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is available for use.

[0213] When the metal is removed from the receiving space (110h, 220h), a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device (1000) is unusable is displayed on the display (D), thereby ensuring the user's safe use of the aerosol generating device (1000) again.

[0214] Figure 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power source (1011), a control unit (1012), a sensor (1013), an output unit (1014), an input unit (1015), a communication unit (1016), a memory (1017), and at least one heater (1018, 1024). However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device (1000) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 10. That is, a person having ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1000), some of the components illustrated in FIG. 10 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0216] The sensor (1013) can detect the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) or the status around the aerosol generating device (1000) and transmit the detected information to the control unit (1012). Based on the detected information, the control unit (1012) can control the aerosol generating device (1000) to perform various functions, such as controlling the operation of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018), restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (S) and / or a cartridge is inserted, and displaying a notification.

[0217] The sensor (1013) may include at least one of a temperature sensor (1031), a puff sensor (1032), an insertion detection sensor (1033), a reuse detection sensor (1034), a cartridge detection sensor (1035), a cap detection sensor (1036), and a motion detection sensor (1037).

[0218] The temperature sensor (1031) can detect the temperature at which the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) is heated. The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a separate temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018), or the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) itself may serve as the temperature sensor.

[0219] The temperature sensor (1031) can output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018). For example, the temperature sensor (1031) can include a resistance element whose resistance value changes in response to a change in the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018). It can be implemented by a thermistor, which is an element that utilizes the property of changing resistance depending on temperature. At this time, the temperature sensor (1031) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the resistance element as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018). For example, the temperature sensor (1031) can be configured as a sensor that detects the resistance value of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018). At this time, the temperature sensor (1031) can output a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) as a signal corresponding to the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018).

[0220] A temperature sensor (1031) may be placed around the power source (1011) to monitor the temperature of the power source (1011). The temperature sensor (1031) may be placed adjacent to the power source (1011). For example, the temperature sensor (1031) may be attached to one side of a battery, which is the power source (1011). For example, the temperature sensor (1031) may be mounted on one side of a printed circuit board.

[0221] A temperature sensor (1031) is placed inside the body and can detect the internal temperature of the body.

[0222] The puff sensor (1032) can detect a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow path. The puff sensor (1032) can output a signal corresponding to the puff. For example, the puff sensor (1032) can be a pressure sensor. The puff sensor (1032) can output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1000) can correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor (1032) can be arranged in correspondence to the airflow path through which the gas flows in the aerosol generating device (1000).

[0223] The insertion detection sensor (1033) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (1033) can detect a signal change according to the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article (S). The insertion detection sensor (1033) can be installed around the insertion space. The insertion detection sensor (1033) can detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article (S) according to a change in the permittivity inside the insertion space. For example, the insertion detection sensor (1033) can be an inductive sensor and / or a capacitance sensor.

[0224] An inductive sensor may include at least one coil. The coil of the inductive sensor may be positioned adjacent to an insertion space. For example, when a magnetic field changes around a current-flowing coil, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may change according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. Here, the characteristics of the current flowing in the coil may include the frequency of the alternating current, the current value, the voltage value, the inductance value, the impedance value, etc.

[0225] An inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the characteristics of the current flowing through the coil. For example, an inductive sensor can output a signal corresponding to the inductance value of the coil.

[0226] A capacitance sensor may include a conductor. The conductor of the capacitance sensor may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. The capacitance sensor may output a signal corresponding to the electromagnetic properties of the surroundings, for example, the electrostatic capacitance around the conductor. For example, when an aerosol-generating article (S) including a wrapper made of a metallic material is inserted into the insertion space, the electromagnetic properties around the conductor may be changed by the wrapper of the aerosol-generating article (S).

[0227] A reuse detection sensor (1034) can detect whether an aerosol-generating article (S) has been reused. The reuse detection sensor (1034) may be a color sensor. The color sensor can detect the color of the aerosol-generating article (S). The color sensor can detect the color of a portion of a wrapper that wraps the outside of the aerosol-generating article (S). The color sensor can detect a value for an optical characteristic corresponding to the color of an object based on light reflected from the object. For example, the optical characteristic may be a wavelength of light. The color sensor may be implemented as a single component with the proximity sensor, or may be implemented as a separate component distinct from the proximity sensor.

[0228] At least some of the wrappers constituting the aerosol-generating article (S) may change color due to the aerosol. The reuse detection sensor (1034) may be positioned corresponding to a position where at least some of the wrappers that change color due to the aerosol are disposed when the aerosol-generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space. For example, before the aerosol-generating article (S) is used by a user, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be a first color. At this time, as at least some of the wrappers are wetted by the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device (1000) while passing through the aerosol-generating article (S), the color of at least some of the wrappers may change to a second color. Meanwhile, the color of at least some of the wrappers may be maintained at the second color after changing from the first color to the second color.

[0229] The cartridge detection sensor (1035) can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. The cartridge detection sensor (1035) can be implemented using an inductance-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistance sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC) using the Hall effect, etc.

[0230] The cap detection sensor (1036) can detect the attachment and / or removal of the cap. If the cap is separated from the body, the cartridge and part of the body covered by the cap may be exposed to the outside. The cap detection sensor (1036) can be implemented by a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), an optical sensor, or the like.

[0231] A motion detection sensor (1037) can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device. The motion detection sensor (1037) can be implemented with at least one of an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor.

[0232] In addition to the aforementioned sensors (1131 to 1037), the sensor (1013) may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor (GPS), and a proximity sensor. Since the functions of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0233] The output unit (1014) can output information about the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) and provide it to the user. The output unit (1014) can include at least one of a display (1041), a haptic unit (1042), and an audio output unit (1043), but is not limited thereto. When the display (1041) and the touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display (1041) can be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0234] The display (1041) can visually provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device (1000) can mean various information such as the charging / discharging status of the power supply (1011) of the aerosol generating device (1000), the preheating status of the heater (1018), the insertion / removal status of the aerosol generating product (S) and / or the cartridge, the mounting / removal status of the cap, or the status in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1000) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal product), and the display (1041) can output the above information to the outside. For example, the display (1041) can be in the form of an LED light-emitting element. For example, the display (1041) can be a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting display panel (OLED), etc.

[0235] The haptic unit (1042) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus to provide tactile information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user. For example, the haptic unit (1042) can generate a vibration corresponding to the completion of the initial preheating when initial power is supplied to the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) for a set period of time. The haptic unit (1042) can include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0236] The acoustic output unit (1043) can provide information about the aerosol generating device (1000) to the user audibly. For example, the acoustic output unit (1043) can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0237] The power source (1011) can supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device (1000). The power source (1011) can supply power so that the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) can be heated. In addition, the power source (1011) can supply power required for the operation of other components provided in the aerosol generating device (1000), such as a sensor (1013), an output unit (1014), an input unit (1015), a communication unit (1016), and a memory (1017). The power source (1011) can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the power source (1011) can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0238] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit may be electrically connected to a power source (1011) and include a switching element.

[0239] The power protection circuit can block the power supply (1011) according to certain conditions. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1011) when the voltage level of the power supply (1011) is higher than a first voltage corresponding to overcharge. For example, the power protection circuit can block the power supply (1011) when the voltage level of the power supply (1011) is lower than a second voltage corresponding to overdischarge.

[0240] The heater (1018) can receive light irradiated from the light source as power is supplied to the light source from the power source (1011) to heat the medium or aerosol generating material within the aerosol generating article (S). Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the direct current power of the power source (1011) into alternating current power.

[0241] The control unit (1012), sensor (1013), output unit (1014), input unit (1015), communication unit (1016), and memory (1017) may receive power from the power source (1011) to perform functions. Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, the device may further include a power conversion circuit, such as an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the power source (1011) and supplies it to each component. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, a noise filter may be provided between the power source (1011) and the light source. The noise filter may be a low pass filter. The low pass filter may include at least one inductor and a capacitor. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter may correspond to the frequency of the high-frequency switching current supplied from the power source (1011) to the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) to generate heat. By using a low-pass filter, high-frequency noise components can be prevented from being applied to a sensor (1013), such as an insertion detection sensor (1033).

[0242] The cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) may be a heater that generates heat through the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon. For example, the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) may generate heat through the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon when receiving light from a light source, and may heat the aerosol generating article (S) or the aerosol generating substance through the generated heat.

[0243] The input unit (1015) can receive information input from a user or output information to the user. For example, the input unit (1015) can be a touch panel. The touch panel can include at least one touch sensor that detects touch. For example, the touch sensor can include, but is not limited to, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, etc.

[0244] The display (1041) and the touch panel may be implemented as a single panel. For example, the touch panel may be inserted into the display (1041) (on-cell type or in-cell type). For example, the touch panel may be added on top of the display panel (add-on type).

[0245] Meanwhile, the input unit (1015) may include, but is not limited to, buttons, key pads, dome switches, jog wheels, jog switches, etc.

[0246] The memory (1017) is a hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1000), and can store data processed and data to be processed in the control unit (1012). The memory (1017) 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.), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory (1017) may store the operation time of the aerosol generating device (1000), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and data on the user's smoking pattern.

[0247] The communication unit (1016) may include at least one component for communicating with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit (1016) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit and a wireless communication unit.

[0248] The short-range wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0249] The wireless communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0250] Although not shown in FIG. 10, the aerosol generating device (1000) further includes a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface, and can transmit and receive information or charge a power source (1011) by connecting to another external device through a connection interface such as a USB interface.

[0251] The control unit (1012) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1000). In one embodiment, the control unit (1012) can include at least one processor. The processor can be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment can be implemented as other types of hardware.

[0252] The control unit (1012) can control the temperature of the heater (1018) and / or the cartridge heater (1024) by controlling the supply of power from the power source (1011) to the light source. The control unit (1012) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) sensed by the temperature sensor (1031). The control unit (1012) can adjust the power supplied to the light source based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine a target temperature for the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) based on a temperature profile stored in the memory (1017).

[0253] The aerosol generating device (1000) may include a power supply circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the power supply (1011) between the power supply (1011) and the light source. The power supply circuit may be electrically connected to the light source. The power supply circuit may include at least one switching element. The switching element may be implemented by a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a field effect transistor (FET), or the like. The control unit (1012) may control the power supply circuit.

[0254] The control unit (1012) can control power supply by controlling the switching of the switching elements of the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit may be an inverter that converts direct current power output from the power source (1011) into alternating current power. For example, the inverter may be configured as a full-bridge circuit or a half-bridge circuit including a plurality of switching elements.

[0255] The control unit (1012) can turn on the switching element so that power is supplied to the light source from the power source (1011). The control unit (1012) can turn off the switching element so that power supply to the light source is cut off. The control unit (1012) can control the current supplied from the power source (1011) by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to the switching element.

[0256] The control unit (1012) can control the voltage output from the power source (1011) by controlling the switching of the switching element of the power supply circuit. The power conversion circuit can convert the voltage output from the power source (1011). For example, the power conversion circuit can include a buck converter that steps down the voltage output from the power source (1011). For example, the power conversion circuit can be implemented using a buck-boost converter, a zener diode, or the like.

[0257] The control unit (1012) can control the on / off operation of the switching element included in the power conversion circuit to adjust the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit. When the on state of the switching element continues, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may correspond to the level of the voltage output from the power source (1011). The duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element may correspond to the ratio of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit to the voltage output from the power source (1011). As the duty ratio for the on / off operation of the switching element decreases, the level of the voltage output from the power conversion circuit may decrease. The heater (1018) can be heated based on the voltage output from the power conversion circuit.

[0258] The control unit (1012) can control power to be supplied to the light source using at least one of a pulse width modulation (PWM) method and a proportional-integral-differential (PID) method.

[0259] For example, the control unit (1012) can control a current pulse having a predetermined frequency and duty ratio to be supplied to the light source using the PWM method. The control unit (1012) can control the power supplied to the light source by adjusting the frequency and duty ratio of the current pulse.

[0260] For example, the control unit (1012) can determine a target temperature that is the target of control based on a temperature profile. The control unit (1012) can control the power supplied to the light source using the PID method, which is a feedback control method using a difference value between the temperature of the heater (1018) and the target temperature, a value obtained by integrating the difference value over time, and a value obtained by differentiating the difference value over time.

[0261] The control unit (1012) can prevent the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) from overheating. For example, the control unit (1012) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to cut off the supply of power to the light source based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1012) can reduce the amount of power supplied to the light source by a certain percentage based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) exceeding a preset limit temperature. For example, the control unit (1012) can determine that the aerosol generating material contained in the cartridge is exhausted based on the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) exceeding the limit temperature, and can cut off the supply of power to the light source.

[0262] The control unit (1012) can control the charging and discharging of the power supply (1011). The control unit (1012) can check the temperature of the power supply (1011) based on the output signal of the temperature sensor (1031).

[0263] When a power line is connected to the battery terminal of the aerosol generating device (1000), the control unit (1012) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1011) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, which is a criterion for blocking charging of the power source (1011). If the temperature of the power source (1011) is lower than the first limit temperature, the control unit (1012) can control the power source (1011) to be charged based on a preset charging current. If the temperature of the power source (1011) is higher than or equal to the first limit temperature, the control unit (1012) can block charging of the power source (1011).

[0264] When the power of the aerosol generating device (1000) is turned on, the control unit (1012) can check whether the temperature of the power source (1011) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, which is a standard for blocking discharge of the power source (1011). If the temperature of the power source (1011) is lower than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1012) can control to use the power stored in the power source (1011). If the temperature of the power source (1011) is equal to or higher than the second limit temperature, the control unit (1012) can stop using the power stored in the power source (1011).

[0265] The control unit (1012) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power stored in the power source (1011). For example, the control unit (1012) can calculate the remaining capacity of the power source (1011) based on the voltage and / or current sensing values ​​of the power source (1011).

[0266] The control unit (1012) can determine whether an aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1033). The control unit (1012) can determine that the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted based on the output signal of the insertion detection sensor (1033). If it is determined that the aerosol generating article (S) is inserted into the insertion space, the control unit (1012) can control to supply power to the light source. For example, the control unit (1012) can supply power to the light source based on the temperature profile stored in the memory (1017).

[0267] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1012) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space through the insertion detection sensor (1033). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space when the temperature of the heater (1018) is higher than a limited temperature or when the temperature change slope of the heater (1018) is higher than a set slope. When it is determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) is removed from the insertion space, the control unit (1012) can cut off the power supply to the light source.

[0268] The control unit (1012) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount to the light source according to the state of the aerosol-generating article (S) detected by the sensor (1013). The control unit (1012) can check the level range within which the signal level of the capacitance sensor is included based on a lookup table. The control unit (1012) can determine the moisture content of the aerosol-generating article (S) according to the checked level range.

[0269] When the aerosol generating article (S) is in an over-humidified state, the control unit (1012) can control the power supply time to the light source to increase the preheating time of the aerosol generating article (S) compared to the normal state.

[0270] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the aerosol-generating article (S) inserted into the insertion space has been reused through the reuse detection sensor (1034). For example, the control unit (1012) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a first reference range that includes a first color, and if the sensing value is included in the first reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has not been used. For example, the control unit (1012) can compare the sensing value of the signal of the reuse detection sensor with a second reference range that includes a second color, and if the sensing value is included in the second reference range, it can determine that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been used. If it is determined that the aerosol-generating article (S) has been used, the control unit (1012) can cut off the supply of power to the light source.

[0271] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed through the cartridge detection sensor (1035). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cartridge detection sensor.

[0272] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. For example, the control unit (1012) can preheat the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) by applying power, and determine whether the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) exceeds a limited temperature during the preheating period. If the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) exceeds the limited temperature, the control unit (1012) can determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted. If the control unit (1012) determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is exhausted, the control unit (1012) can cut off the power supply to the light source.

[0273] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the control unit (1012) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the current number of puffs is greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge based on data stored in the memory (1017). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time that the cartridge heater (1024) has been heated is greater than or equal to the preset maximum time or the total amount of power supplied to the light source is greater than or equal to the preset maximum power.

[0274] The control unit (1012) can make a judgment regarding the user's inhalation through the puff sensor (1032). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine whether a puff has occurred based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor. For example, the control unit (1012) can determine the intensity of the puff based on the sensing value of the signal of the puff sensor (1032). If the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or if no puffs are detected for a preset time or longer, the control unit (1012) can cut off the power supply to the light source.

[0275] The control unit (1012) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed through the cap detection sensor (1036). For example, the control unit (1012) can determine whether the cap is attached and / or removed based on the sensing value of the signal of the cap detection sensor.

[0276] The control unit (1012) can control the output unit (1014) based on the result detected by the sensor (1013). For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor (1032) reaches a preset number, the control unit (1012) can notify the user that the aerosol generating device (1000) will soon be terminated through at least one of the display (1041), the haptic unit (1042), and the audio output unit (1043). For example, the control unit (1012) can notify the user through the output unit (1014) based on a determination that no aerosol generating article (S) exists in the insertion space. For example, the control unit (1012) can notify the user through the output unit (1014) based on a determination that a cartridge and / or a cap is not mounted. For example, the control unit (1012) can transmit information about the temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018) to the user via the output unit (1014).

[0277] The control unit (1012) may store and update a history of events that have occurred in the memory (1017) based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. The events may include operations such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article (S), initiation of heating of the aerosol generating article (S), detection of puff, termination of puff, detection of overheating of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018), detection of overvoltage application to the cartridge heater (1024) and / or the heater (1018), termination of heating of the aerosol generating article (S), power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1000), initiation of charging of the power source (1011), detection of overcharging of the power source (1011), termination of charging of the power source (1011), etc., performed in the aerosol generating device (1000). The history of events may include the date and time when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if a given event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating article (S), log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding a sensing value of an insertion detection sensor (1033), etc. For example, if a given event is detection of overheating of a cartridge heater (1024) and / or a heater (1018), log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding a temperature of the cartridge heater (1024) and / or a heater (1018), a voltage applied to a light source, etc.

[0278] The control unit (1012) may control to establish a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal. Upon receiving data regarding authentication from the external device via the communication link, the control unit (1012) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). Here, the data regarding authentication may include data indicating completion of user authentication for a user corresponding to the external device. The user may perform user authentication via the external device. The external device may determine whether user data is valid based on the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, etc., and may receive data regarding the use authorization of the aerosol generating device (1000) from an external server. The external device may transmit data indicating completion of user authentication to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on the data regarding the use authorization. When the user authentication is completed, the control unit (1012) may release restrictions on the use of at least one function of the aerosol generating device (1000). For example, the control unit (1012) may release restrictions on the use of a heating function that supplies power to a light source when user authentication is completed.

[0279] The control unit (1012) can transmit data on the status of the aerosol generating device (1000) to an external device via a communication link formed with the external device. Based on the received status data, the external device can output the remaining capacity, operation mode, etc. of the power supply (1011) of the aerosol generating device (1000) via a display of the external device.

[0280] An external device may transmit a location search request to the aerosol generating device (1000) based on an input that initiates location search of the aerosol generating device (1000). When receiving a location search request from the external device, the control unit (1012) may control at least one of the output devices to perform an operation corresponding to the location search based on the received location search request. For example, in response to the location search request, the haptic unit (1042) may generate vibration. For example, in response to the location search request, the display (1041) may output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0281] The control unit (1012) can control to perform a firmware update when receiving firmware data from an external device. The external device can check the current version of the firmware of the aerosol generating device (1000) and determine whether a new version of the firmware exists. When an input requesting firmware download is received, the external device can receive a new version of the firmware data and transmit the new version of the firmware data to the aerosol generating device (1000). The control unit (1012) can control to perform a firmware update of the aerosol generating device (1000) upon receiving a new version of the firmware data.

[0282] The control unit (1012) can transmit data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1013) to an external server (not shown) through the communication unit (1016), and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning such as deep learning from the server. The control unit (1012) can perform an operation of determining a user's inhalation pattern, an operation of generating a temperature profile, etc. using the learning model received from the server. The control unit (1012) can store, in the memory (1017), data on the sensing value of at least one sensor (1013) and data for learning an artificial neural network (ANN). For example, the memory (1017) can store a database for each component provided in the aerosol generating device (1000) for learning an artificial neural network (ANN), and weights and biases forming an artificial neural network (ANN) structure. The control unit (1012) can learn data on the sensing values ​​of at least one sensor (1013), the user's suction pattern, the temperature profile, etc., stored in the memory (1017), and generate at least one learning model used for determining the user's suction pattern, generating the temperature profile, etc.

[0283] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0284] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0285] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Housing; A heater assembly including an oscillator for generating microwaves of a specified frequency band and a resonator for receiving microwaves generated from the oscillator through a coupler and generating an electric field by resonating the received microwaves; A sensor disposed inside the housing for detecting the insertion of metal within the receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; and An aerosol generating device comprising a processor electrically connected to the sensor and configured to cut off the supply of power to the generator when the insertion of metal within the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the sensor is located outside the resonant portion and is arranged in an area adjacent to the receiving space.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a support member positioned outside the resonant portion and arranged to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, thereby supporting the accommodated aerosol generating article; The above sensor is an aerosol generating device disposed inside the support.

4. In paragraph 1, The above sensor is an aerosol generating device, which is a ring-shaped coil that surrounds the outer surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space.

5. In paragraph 1, The above sensor is an aerosol generating device, which is a plate-shaped coil surrounding the outer surface of an aerosol generating article inserted into the receiving space.

6. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the sensor detects a change in inductance of the receiving space at the preset cycle as the processor supplies power to the sensor at the preset cycle.

7. In paragraph 1, The above sensor detects a change in the inductance of the above-mentioned receiving space, An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor cuts off the supply of power to the generator when the frequency change corresponding to the change in the inductance detected by the sensor is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a display disposed in one area of ​​the housing; An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor controls the display to display a notification indicating that the aerosol generating device is unusable when the insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

9. In paragraph 8, An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor controls the display to display an availability notification of the aerosol generating device when removal of metal inserted into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

10. In paragraph 1, The above resonant part is, An outer conductor comprising a first side, a second side facing the first side, and a side surface surrounding an inner space between the first side and the second side, and including the receiving space; and An aerosol generating device comprising a first inner conductor extending from the first surface in a direction toward the inner space and surrounding an area of ​​an aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space.

11. In paragraph 10, The above resonant part is, An aerosol generating device further comprising a second inner conductor extending from the second surface in a direction toward the inner space and surrounding another area of ​​the received aerosol generating article.

12. In paragraph 10, The above resonant part is, A dielectric receiving space formed between the outer conductor and the first inner conductor; and An aerosol generating device further comprising a dielectric disposed in the dielectric receiving space.

13. In paragraph 12, An aerosol generating device, wherein the dielectric is arranged at a predetermined distance from the second surface or the side surface of the outer conductor.

14. In a method for controlling an aerosol generating device, A step of detecting the insertion of metal within a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article by a sensor disposed inside the housing; and A method comprising the step of cutting off the supply of power to the oscillating unit when insertion of metal into the receiving space is detected by the sensor.

15. In paragraph 14, The step of detecting the insertion of the metal includes a step of detecting based on a change in inductance of the receiving space detected by the sensor, A method in which the step of cutting off the supply of power to the oscillating unit includes the step of cutting off the supply of power to the oscillating unit when the frequency change corresponding to the detected change in inductance is greater than or equal to a preset frequency change.

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