Aerosol generating device

Abstract

This aerosol generating device comprises: a heater assembly for heating, via microwaves, an aerosol generating article accommodated in an insertion space, the heater assembly including an oscillation unit for generating microwaves, a shielding unit including the insertion space for accommodating the aerosol generating article and for shielding microwaves, and a microwave output unit for providing the microwaves into an interior of the shielding unit; at least one optical fiber temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a temperature measurement target from an exterior of the temperature measurement target without being inserted into the temperature measurement target; and a control unit for adjusting the microwaves on the basis of the temperature measured via the optical fiber temperature sensor.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol generating device, and more specifically, to an aerosol generating device of a dielectric heating type to which an optical fiber temperature sensor is applied.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating cigarettes or aerosol-generating materials using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes to produce aerosols. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] Meanwhile, among methods for heating objects, microwave heating technology utilizes the principle of dielectric heating to directly heat polar molecules such as water or organic solvents. Because microwaves allow for the selective heating of only the substances requiring heat, it offers the advantages of high energy efficiency and rapid heating speed. Continuous research on microwave heating technology is also being conducted in the field of aerosol generation devices as a new heating method.

[0004] The aerosol generating device may be equipped with additional functions that can provide convenience to the user. For example, a function to monitor the temperature of a cigarette (hereinafter, the aerosol generating article or stick may be used with the same meaning) inserted into the aerosol generating device may be equipped.

[0005] The control unit monitors the temperature of the aerosol-generating material through a temperature sensor and adjusts the heating temperature of the heater, thereby controlling the aerosol-generating material to be heated to an optimal heating profile. As a result, user satisfaction with smoking can be improved. In addition, temperature sensors can be placed at various locations to enhance the usability of the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] However, when heating aerosol-generating materials using microwave heating technology, deploying conventional temperature sensors can cause problems. Specifically, if a temperature sensor composed of a conventional conductor is inserted to measure the temperature of the aerosol-generating material or the microwave output unit, the sensor cannot accurately measure the temperature because the microwaves affect the sensor. Furthermore, there is a risk of damage not only to the temperature sensor but also to internal components installed in the aerosol-generating device, such as the microwave resonator and microwave output unit.

[0007] In this case, when a temperature sensor composed of optical fibers is used, since the optical fiber temperature sensor is not affected by microwaves, if applied to an aerosol generating device, the device can measure not only the temperature of the aerosol generating item but also the temperature of user-desired components such as microwave resonators and microwave output units, and accordingly, control suitable for the purpose can be performed.

[0008] The embodiments provide an aerosol generating device of the dielectric heating method to which an optical fiber temperature sensor is applied.

[0009] In addition, the embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of controlling for various purposes based on the temperature measured by a temperature sensor.

[0010] The problems to be solved through the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0011] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include an oscillator for generating microwaves, a shielding unit for shielding microwaves and including an insertion space for receiving an aerosol generating article, a microwave output unit for providing microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit, a heater assembly for heating an aerosol generating article received in the insertion space through microwaves, one or more optical fiber temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of a temperature measuring object from outside the temperature measuring object without being inserted into the temperature measuring object, and a control unit for adjusting microwaves based on the temperature measured through the optical fiber temperature sensors.

[0012] According to the aerosol generating device of the embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol generating article can be accurately measured, thereby enabling optimal smoking performance.

[0013] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device of the embodiments, abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be quickly detected through temperature monitoring of the microwave output unit, and a quick response to it can be made possible.

[0014] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an internal block diagram of a dielectric heating section that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 9a.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar drawing symbols may be used for similar or related components.

[0026] The suffixes "module" and "unit" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Meanwhile, the suffixes "module" or "unit" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. "Module" or "unit" may be a component formed as a whole, or the smallest unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, "module" or "unit" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0027] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the drawings include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0028] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0029] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0030] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (170)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0033] According to one embodiment, an aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a radiating unit (30). The control unit (10) may refer to a circuit for controlling the basic operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The source unit (20) may refer to a circuit for generating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal under the control of the control unit (10). The radiating unit (30) may be a device for radiating the RF signal generated by the source unit (20) in the form of an electromagnetic wave into a space (hereinafter, insertion space) into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The charges or ions of a dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article may vibrate or rotate due to the radiated electromagnetic wave (e.g., RF signal), and the aerosol generating article may be heated as the dielectric heats up due to the frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating. In other words, the aerosol generating device (1) may be a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0034] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160) and / or a processor (170). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (210), a drive amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0035] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. In this case, the power connector (110) may be referred to as a data and power connector. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data to and from an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (110). The power connector (110) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (110) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage with a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (110) may also include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0036] The charging circuit (120) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may charge the power source (130) using power delivered from the power connector (110). In one example, the charging circuit (120) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may monitor the charging status of the power source (130) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (130). For example, the charging circuit (120) may detect the state of the power source (130) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0037] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (130) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (130) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (130) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (170), RF signal generating circuit (210), driving amplifier (220), power amplifier (230), temperature sensing circuit (250), etc. In one example, the power source (130) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (130) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0038] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (130) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0039] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), and a third power converter (160). The first power converter (140) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (170), the second power converter (150) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (250), an RF signal generating circuit (210), and a driving amplifier (220), and the third power converter (160) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (230).

[0040] However, the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0041] The processor (170) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (170) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply (130) using the charging circuit (120). Additionally, the processor (170) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (170) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0042] The processor (170) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (170) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0043] The RF signal generation circuit (210) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power supply (130) or the second power converter (150). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0044] The RF signal generation circuit (210) may include a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (170) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (170) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0045] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (170) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (210) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0046] The driving amplifier (220) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210). For example, the driving amplifier (220) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (230)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (220) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (220) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0047] The power amplifier (230) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (220). The power amplifier (230) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (230) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (230) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (160) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (150).

[0048] The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0049] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (220) and / or the power amplifier (230) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0050] The radiating member (30) may include at least one antenna for radiating electromagnetic waves into space. The at least one antenna may have a size and shape suitable for the size and shape of the aerosol generating article. For example, if the aerosol generating article is cylindrical, the at least one antenna may be tubular, surrounding the cylindrical aerosol generating article. Here, the fact that the shape of the antenna is tubular may mean that the overall shape of the antenna is tubular. In other words, if the antenna is formed from a metal (e.g., SUS) track, it may mean that the overall shape of the entire track is tubular. The shape of the at least one antenna is not limited to the examples described above and may include various shapes such as a flat plate shape, a curved plate shape, etc.

[0051] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (170) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (210) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (210). The processor (170) may use a directional coupler (240) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0052] The directional coupler (240) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (240) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (230) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (240) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (170).

[0053] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of a directional coupler (240) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (170) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (170). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (240), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0054] The processor (170) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (170) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0055] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (170). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (170).

[0056] A temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (210), the driving amplifier (220), and the power amplifier (230). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0057] The processor (170) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (170) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0058] The temperature sensing circuit (250) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0059] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (130).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (170). For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the water immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0061] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of an insertion space or an aerosol-generating article. The temperature sensor may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to directly measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the temperature sensor may be positioned spaced apart from the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article to indirectly (e.g., non-contact) measure the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article. In one example, the temperature sensor may include an optical temperature sensor (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor).

[0062] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of a power source (130). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (130) (e.g., a battery) or / or mounted on one side of a printed circuit board. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a protection circuit module (PCM), and the temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130) together with the protection circuit module.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor may be placed inside the housing (not shown) of the aerosol generating device (1) to detect the temperature inside the housing (not shown).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0065] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0066] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0067] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor (170) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0068] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may also be referred to as a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0069] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0070] According to one embodiment, an insertion detection sensor can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. The insertion detection sensor may be installed around the insertion space.

[0071] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0072] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of the alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (e.g., SUS) may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium portion of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0073] The insertion detection sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, etc.) for detecting the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the insertion detection sensor may include any combination of the examples described above. According to one embodiment, the insertion detection sensor may include a switch, etc., for detecting pressure caused by an aerosol-generating article.

[0074] According to one embodiment, a reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (170) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (170) can determine the level range in which the level of the signal is included based on a look-up table, and determine the amount of moisture for the aerosol generating article based on the confirmed level range.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cigarette identification sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or detect the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0077] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelength based on the irradiated light. The processor (170) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0078] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0079] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0080] The cigarette identification sensor is not limited to the examples described above and may be implemented as various sensors for detecting whether an aerosol-generating article is genuine or / or for detecting the type of an aerosol-generating article. Additionally, the cigarette identification sensor may include any combination of the examples described above.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the cartridge detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cartridge. For example, the cartridge detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of a cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (170) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the motion detection sensor can detect the movement of the aerosol generating device (1). The motion detection sensor may be implemented as at least one of an accelerometer or a gyro sensor.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may further include at least one of a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a position sensor (Global Positioning System, GPS), or a proximity sensor in addition to the aforementioned sensors. Since the function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, a detailed description may be omitted.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (130) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the input unit can receive information input by a user. For example, the input unit may include a touch panel, a button, a keypad, a dome switch, a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (170) and data to be processed. For example, the memory may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. For example, the memory may store data such as the operating time of the aerosol generating device (1), the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the communication unit may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device). For example, the communication unit may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wireless Fidelity Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Adaptive Network Topology (ANT)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)). The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0090] Additionally, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (130) to the cartridge heater. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (170) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined, using an insertion detection sensor, that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space. The processor (170) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (170) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (170) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, if the processor (170) determines using a cartridge detection sensor that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (170) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (170) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (170) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. If the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the processor (170) can control (e.g., initiate) the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. For another example, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating item (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (170) may control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information regarding the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, or the cartridge heater.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (130), detection of overcharging of the power supply (130), termination of charging of the power supply (130), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0104] According to one embodiment, when the processor (170) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (130), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when a processor (170) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (170) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (170) may control a haptic unit to generate vibrations or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) transmits data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receives and stores a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The processor (170) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0109] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (130) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (130).

[0110] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a non-tobacco substance in a liquid state (e.g., an aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a tobacco substance in a solid state (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as cut tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substance included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco substance and / or a non-tobacco substance.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0111] The cartridge mentioned in the present disclosure may contain an aerosol generating material having any one of the states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, or a gel state. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material. Meanwhile, the cartridge may include a storage portion containing the aerosol generating material and / or a liquid delivery means impregnated (containing) the aerosol generating material. For example, the liquid delivery means may include a wick such as a cotton fiber, a ceramic fiber, a glass fiber, or a porous ceramic. A cartridge heater may be included in the cartridge in a coil-shaped structure that surrounds (or winds) the liquid delivery means or in a structure that contacts one side of the liquid delivery means. Alternatively, the cartridge heater may be included in an aerosol generating device (1) that is detachable from the cartridge.

[0112] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (1100) capable of receiving an aerosol generating article (2) and a heater assembly (2000) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) received in the housing (1100).

[0114] The housing (1100) may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), and components of the aerosol generating device (1) may be placed in the internal space (or 'mounting space') of the housing (1100). For example, a heater assembly (2000), a battery, a processor and / or a sensor may be placed in the internal space of the housing (1100), but the components placed in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0115] An insertion opening (1100h) may be formed in a portion of the housing (1100), and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (1100) through the insertion opening (1100h). For example, the insertion opening (1100h) may be formed in a portion of the top surface (e.g., the surface facing the z-direction) of the housing (1100), but the location where the insertion opening (1100h) is formed is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the insertion opening (1100h) may be formed in a portion of the side surface (e.g., the surface facing the x-direction) of the housing (1100).

[0116] A heater assembly (2000) is positioned in the internal space of a housing (1100) and can heat an aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (1100) through an insertion port (1100h). The heater assembly (2000) may include an insertion space for receiving the aerosol generating article (2). When the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (1100) is received in the insertion space of the heater assembly (2000), the heater assembly (2000) is positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) so as to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (2000) can heat an aerosol-generating article (2) by a dielectric heating method. In this disclosure, "dielectric heating method" refers to a method of heating a dielectric material that is a heating object by utilizing the resonance of microwaves and / or the electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves (hereinafter referred to as microwaves or microwave power unless there is a need for distinction). Since microwaves are an energy source for heating a heating object and are generated by high-frequency power, microwaves may be used interchangeably with microwave power in the following description. Ultimately, the heater assembly (2000) is configured to heat an aerosol-generating article (2) contained in an insertion space through microwaves.

[0118] The charges or ions of the dielectric material contained within the aerosol generating article (2) can vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance inside the heater assembly (2000), and heat can be generated in the dielectric material by frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0119] As the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the heater assembly (2000), an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (2). In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to gaseous particles generated by mixing steam and air as the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0120] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2) can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the empty space between the aerosol generating article (2) and the insertion port (1100h). The user can smoke by contacting the mouth to a part of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside of the housing (1100) and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0121] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a cover (1110) movably disposed in a housing (1100) to open or close an insertion port (1100h). For example, the cover (1110) may be slidably coupled to the upper surface of the housing (1100) and may expose the insertion port (1100h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), or cover the insertion port (1100h) so that the insertion port (1100h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0122] In one example, the cover (1110) may allow the insertion opening (1100h) to be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) at a first position (or 'open position'). When the insertion opening (1100h) is exposed to the outside, an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the housing (1100) through the insertion opening (1100h).

[0123] In another example, the cover (1110) can cover the insertion port (1100h) in a second position (or 'closed position') so that the insertion port (1100h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). At this time, the cover (1110) can prevent external foreign matter from entering the interior of the heater assembly (2000) through the insertion port (1100h) when the aerosol generating device (1) is not in use.

[0124] FIG. 2 illustrates only an aerosol generating device (1) for heating a solid state aerosol generating article (2), but the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0125] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material, rather than a solid-state aerosol generating article (2), through a heater assembly (2000).

[0126] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly (2000) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) and an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state, and may also include a cartridge (or 'vaporizer') for heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material may travel to the aerosol generating article (2) along an airflow passage communicating the cartridge and the aerosol generating article (2), mix with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2), and then pass through the aerosol generating article (2) to be delivered to the user.

[0127] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a temperature sensor (not shown) for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) to a heater assembly (2000). The temperature sensor is a configuration arranged to improve the ease of use of the aerosol generating device.

[0128] For example, when a temperature sensor monitors the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2), the control unit can control the heating temperature of the heater assembly (2000) based on the measured result value so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated to an optimal heating profile.

[0129] In another example, when a temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the heater assembly (2000), the control unit can adjust the temperature of the heater assembly (2000) based on the measured result so that parts or components placed around the heater assembly (2000) do not become excessively hot.

[0130] However, when heating an aerosol generating item (2) using microwave heating technology, if a temperature sensor composed of a conventional conductor is inserted inside the aerosol generating device (1), the temperature sensor cannot accurately measure the temperature because the microwave affects the temperature sensor. In addition, there may be a risk of damage to the internal components placed in the aerosol generating device as well as the temperature sensor.

[0131] In this case, when a temperature sensor composed of optical fibers is used, since the optical fiber temperature sensor is not affected by microwaves, if this is applied to an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating device (1) can measure the temperature of the aerosol generating item (2) as well as the temperature of the part desired by the user, and accordingly, control suitable for the purpose can be performed.

[0132] Hereinafter, various embodiments in which an optical fiber temperature sensor is applied inside an aerosol generating device (1) are described.

[0133] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) in a non-contact manner through microwaves.

[0135] To implement this, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (1100), a control unit (1200), and a heater assembly (2000). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device (1), a detailed description in the scope overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted.

[0136] The control unit (1200) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The control unit (1200) may correspond to the same configuration as the control unit (10) to the processor (170) described in FIG. 1. The control unit (1200) can control the heating using microwaves by controlling the heater assembly (2000). For example, the control unit (1200) can perform the function of controlling whether or not microwaves are generated by controlling the power supplied to the oscillation unit (2100).

[0137] The heater assembly (2000) is configured to heat an aerosol generating article (2) through microwaves. The heater assembly (2000) may include an oscillating part (2100), a radiating part (2200), and a shielding part (2300).

[0138] The oscillation unit (2100) is configured to generate microwaves by receiving power from a power source (e.g., the power source (130) of FIG. 1), and may correspond to the same configuration as the source unit (20) described in FIG. 1. Depending on the embodiment, the oscillation unit (2100) may be referred to as a microwave heater.

[0139] The oscillation unit (2100) may include a magnetron for generating microwaves. The oscillation unit (2100) may include not just the magnetron itself, but an IC chipset containing the magnetron.

[0140] The control unit (1200) can perform the function of controlling whether or not microwaves are generated by controlling the power supplied to the oscillation unit (2100).

[0141] The radiating unit (2200) is configured to transmit microwaves generated from the oscillating unit (2100) to the shielding unit (2300) in the form of radiation, and may correspond to the same configuration as the radiating unit (30) described in FIG. 1. The radiating unit (2200) may correspond to a microwave output unit for providing microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit (2300). In the following, the radiating unit (2200) may be used in combination with the microwave output unit.

[0142] One or more radiating units (2200) may be arranged. In this case, the oscillating unit (2100) may include a number of magnetrons equal to the number of radiating units (2200). In this case, different magnetrons may be designed to generate microwaves of different frequencies.

[0143] For example, the oscillation unit (2100) includes two magnetrons and can generate microwaves of 2.5 GHz and 2.7 GHz, respectively, and transmit the microwaves by loading them onto two radiating units (2200), respectively. When microwaves of a specific frequency are generated from each magnetron, the microwaves can be transmitted to the shielding unit (2300) through the radiating units (2200) arranged to correspond one-to-one with each magnetron.

[0144] The shielding part (2300) forms a part of the exterior of the heater assembly (2000) and is configured to receive microwaves emitted from the radiating part (2200). In FIG. 3, both the radiating part (2200) and the oscillating part (2100) may be located outside the shielding part (2300). Microwaves supplied into the interior of the shielding part (2300) may be reflected at least once from the inner wall of the shielding part (2300).

[0145] The shielding part (2300) can perform the function of shielding so that microwaves applied from the radiating part (2200) are not emitted to the outside. Accordingly, the shielding part (2300) can prevent microwaves emitted from the radiating part (2200) from being emitted to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) and reaching the user.

[0146] The shielding portion (2300) may include an opening (2310). The opening (2310) may be placed in a region of the shielding portion (2300). In this case, the opening (2310) may be aligned with an insertion opening (e.g., the insertion opening (1100h) of FIG. 2) of the housing (1100).

[0147] Accordingly, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1), the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted into the interior of the shielding part (2300) through an opening (2310) formed in one area of ​​the shielding part (2300). Accordingly, the interior of the shielding part (2300) may include an insertion space (2300i) for receiving the aerosol generating article (2), and the shielding part (2300) can enclose the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0148] The shielding portion (2300) may include a support (2320) extending in the insertion direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the aerosol generating article (2) from a portion of the shielding portion (2300) where the opening (2310) is located. The support (2320) may support the aerosol generating article (2) so that the aerosol generating article (2) does not move inside the shielding portion (2300). For example, the support (2320) may support the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2). Additionally, because the support (2320) extends in the insertion direction of the aerosol generating article (2), it may reduce microwaves leaking through the opening (2310).

[0149] However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape of the illustrated support (2320), and the support (2320) may include various shapes capable of supporting an aerosol-generating article (2) inside the shielding portion (2300). Additionally, a separate shielding member may be placed around the opening (2310) to prevent microwave leakage through the opening (2310).

[0150] The aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the shielding section (2300) can be heated by microwaves reflected from the inner wall of the shielding section (2300). Specifically, microwaves transmitted into the interior of the shielding section (2300) through the radiating section (2200) can penetrate the aerosol generating article (2). The penetrated microwaves can heat the aerosol generating article (2) by reflecting it multiple times by the inner wall of the shielding section (2300).

[0151] In this process, the microwaves not only continue to be reflected by the inner wall of the shielding part (2300), but can also be scattered by the spores, various moisturizers, etc., constituting the aerosol generating article (2).

[0152] Aerosol can be generated from an aerosol generating article (2) heated by microwaves. At this time, the user can inhale the aerosol by recognizing that an aerosol has been generated through an output unit (not shown) provided in the aerosol generating device (1) and performing a puff.

[0153] According to an embodiment, when the control unit (1200) determines through an insertion detection sensor (not shown) that the insertion of an aerosol generating item (2) into the shielding unit (2300) is complete, the control unit (1200) can control the oscillating unit (2100) to generate microwaves. This control method can prevent microwaves from being unnecessarily generated and transmitted to the shielding unit (2300) when the aerosol generating item (2) is not inserted into the shielding unit (2300).

[0154] Meanwhile, the shape of the shielding part (2300) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3. The shielding part (2300) may have a shape suitable for heating an aerosol generating article (2) such that microwaves emitted from the radiating part (2200) do not escape directly through the opening (2310) but are reflected as much as possible inside the shielding part (2300). In other words, the shielding part (2300) may include various shapes such that microwaves inside the shielding part (2300) can be concentrated on the aerosol generating article (2) so that the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating material can be greatly increased.

[0155] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). When an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is applied to an aerosol generating device (1) that heats an aerosol generating article (2) through microwaves, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is not affected by microwaves, so a more accurate temperature measurement can be achieved than using a conventional temperature sensor. The types of optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) vary depending on the temperature measurement method, and the embodiment is not limited to a specific type.

[0156] As previously described, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may not be affected by microwaves. In this regard, various sensors that are not affected by microwaves (e.g., infrared sensors) in addition to the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be applied to the aerosol generating device (1). However, the present disclosure will focus on describing an embodiment in which the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is applied.

[0157] The optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature of the temperature measurement target from outside the temperature measurement target without being inserted into the temperature measurement target. That is, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature without damaging or destroying the temperature measurement target.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature of a temperature measurement target through one end. Specifically, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can emit light toward the temperature measurement target or receive light reflected from the temperature measurement target. The optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may include multiple strands of optical fibers, and accordingly, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may emit light or receive reflected light.

[0159] The other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be connected to a control unit (1200). The control unit (1200) can control a light source (not shown) so that light can be emitted from one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). Specifically, the control unit (1200) can control the light source so that the light source emits light.

[0160] At this time, the light source may be placed at one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) or at the other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). When the light source is placed at the other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300), light emitted from the light source may travel along the optical fiber of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) toward one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). Specifically, the light may be transmitted to one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) by total internal reflection inside the optical fiber.

[0161] When one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) receives reflected light from a temperature measurement target, the light is totally reflected inside the optical fiber of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) and can be transmitted to a control unit (1200) located at the other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). The control unit (1200) can determine the temperature of the temperature measurement target based on the light transmitted from the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300).

[0162] One end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be positioned at various locations outside the temperature measurement target. As an example, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be positioned to contact the temperature measurement target. That is, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature by contacting the surface of the temperature measurement target.

[0163] Since one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is in direct contact with the temperature measurement target, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature of the temperature measurement target relatively accurately.

[0164] As another example, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the temperature measurement target. That is, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may measure the temperature at a position spaced apart from the surface of the temperature measurement target.

[0165] Since one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) does not come into contact with the temperature measurement target, the position of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is not affected by the temperature measurement target, and the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can measure the temperature at a predetermined position.

[0166] Conversely, the position of the temperature measurement target is not affected by the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300), so the position of the temperature measurement target can be prevented from shifting due to the presence of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300).

[0167] According to this, the reproducibility of the temperature measurement result of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be improved. That is, the likelihood of the same temperature measurement result appearing under the same conditions can be increased.

[0168] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, 'other parts' or 'all parts' of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be involved in measuring the temperature. However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on an embodiment in which the temperature is measured through 'one end' of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300).

[0169] According to one embodiment, one or more optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be placed. For example, when one optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed to measure the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a shielding part (2300). In this case, the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (2300i) may be the target for temperature measurement by the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300).

[0170] In the following description, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) for measuring the temperature of an aerosol-generating article (2) contained in an insertion space (2300i) is referred to as the first sensor (1310). Alternatively, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may include a first sensor (1310) for measuring the temperature of an aerosol-generating article (2) contained in a shielding part (2300). The first sensor (1310) is located outside the aerosol-generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (2300i), and one end of the first sensor (1310) is in contact with the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0171] As described, one end of the first sensor (1310) may be positioned to face the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, one end of the first sensor (1310) may be positioned to contact the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2) to measure the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0172] Since the first sensor (1310) is not inserted into the aerosol generating item (2), damage to the aerosol generating item (2) by the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may not occur. Therefore, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may not affect the user's smoking sensation. In addition, if the aerosol generating item (2) is damaged, when the aerosol generating item (2) is removed from the aerosol generating device (1), residue or other debris may remain inside the insertion space (2300i), but according to one embodiment, this situation can be prevented.

[0173] The control unit (1200) can determine the temperature of the temperature measurement target through the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) and adjust the microwave based on the measured temperature.

[0174] For example, if the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) measured by the first sensor (1310) is outside the preset range, the control unit (1200) can adjust the microwave output into the interior of the shielding unit (2300) by adjusting the intensity or frequency of the microwave generated by the oscillation unit (2100).

[0175] Accordingly, the control unit (1200) can adjust the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) to within a preset range. According to this control method, the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated with a preset heating profile, thereby providing the user with an optimal smoking sensation.

[0176] According to one embodiment, a plurality of optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged. As a plurality of optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) are arranged, a plurality of temperature measurement targets for the optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may also be arranged. As illustrated, two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged.

[0177] For example, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may further include a first sensor (1310) for measuring the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a shielding part (2300), as well as a second sensor (1320) for measuring the temperature of a radiating part (2200). The aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (2300i) corresponds to the temperature measurement target of the first sensor (1310), and the radiating part (2200) corresponds to the temperature measurement target of the second sensor (1320).

[0178] As described above, the first sensor (1310) is located outside the aerosol generating article (2), and one end of the first sensor (1310) is in contact with the aerosol generating article (2). Similarly, the second sensor (1320) is located outside the radiating part (2200), and one end of the second sensor (1320) is in contact with the radiating part (2200).

[0179] That is, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is in contact with the temperature measurement target, but the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be positioned apart from the temperature measurement target. The same applies to the drawings below.

[0180] Since the radiating part (2200) corresponds to the microwave output part (2200), the temperature of the radiating part (2200) may rise while emitting microwaves inside the shielding part (2300). If the temperature of the radiating part (2200) rises, the temperature of the components located adjacent to the radiating part (2200) may also rise. An unintended rise in temperature of surrounding components may cause damage to those components. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the radiating part (2200) so that its temperature does not rise excessively.

[0181] At this time, by monitoring the temperature of the radiating unit (2200) through the second sensor (1320), the control unit (1200) can adjust the output of microwaves transmitted into the interior of the shielding unit (2300) when the temperature of the radiating unit (2200) rises above a preset temperature.

[0182] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the radiating unit (2200) to below a preset temperature by adjusting the intensity or frequency of the microwave generated by the oscillating unit (2100). According to this control method, it is possible to prevent the surrounding parts of the radiating unit (2200) from being damaged by heat.

[0183] Meanwhile, in the process of transmitting microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit (2300) through the microwave output unit (2200) to heat the aerosol generating item (2), a situation may occur where only the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) rises and the aerosol generating item (2) is not heated. In this case, it is problematic because no aerosol is generated, and only the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) or the heater assembly (2000) rises.

[0184] To resolve this situation, the control unit (1200) can control the aerosol generating device (1) by considering both the temperature measurement result of the aerosol generating item (2) through the first sensor (1310) and the temperature measurement result of the microwave output unit (2200) through the second sensor (1320).

[0185] For example, if the control unit (1200) determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) is higher than a preset second temperature, it can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the shielding unit (2300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the microwave.

[0186] At this time, the first temperature may mean a temperature sufficient for the aerosol generating article (2) to be heated and aerosol to be generated, and the second temperature may mean a temperature sufficient for the components surrounding the microwave output unit (2200) to be damaged by heat.

[0187] In another example, if the control unit (1200) determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating item (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) is higher than a preset second temperature, it can control the heating element (2400) so that power is supplied to the heating element (2400) placed inside the shielding unit (2300).

[0188] Specifically, the heater assembly (2000) may further include a heating element (2400) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space (2300i). Since the heater assembly (2000) basically heats the aerosol generating article (2) by a microwave heating method, power may not be supplied to the heating element (2400) under normal circumstances when the user uses the aerosol generating device (1). That is, under normal circumstances, the heating element (2400) may only perform the function of supporting the aerosol generating article (2) and may not heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0189] According to one embodiment, since the dielectric heating method has the advantage of being faster and more energy-efficient compared to other heating methods, the heater assembly (2000) can efficiently heat the aerosol-generating article (2). In this case, even though the heater assembly (2000) includes a heating element (2400), in general situations, the aerosol-generating article (2) is heated only by the dielectric heating method without heating through the heating element (2400), so the power consumption for heating the aerosol-generating article (2) can be reduced.

[0190] However, in a special situation where only the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) rises and the aerosol generating article (2) is not heated, the heating element (2400) can generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0191] At the same time, the control unit (1200) can block the supply of microwaves provided to the shielding unit (2300) in various ways, such as by controlling the oscillation unit (2100) so that the oscillation unit (2100) does not generate microwaves.

[0192] According to this, apart from the aerosol being generated from the aerosol generating article (2) by the heating element (2400), the microwave output unit (2200) no longer supplies microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit (2300), so the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) can be lowered and the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (2200) can be prevented from overheating.

[0193] As described, the heating element (2400) may be inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating article (2). The heating element (2400) may heat the interior of the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (2300i). However, the embodiment is not limited to the shape and arrangement of the heating element (2400). In another example, the heating element (2400) may be a cylindrical electric resistive heater that surrounds at least a portion of the insertion space (2300i) and heats the exterior of the aerosol generating article (2). In yet another example, the heating element (2400) may include a cylindrical susceptor that heats the exterior of the aerosol generating article (2) and an induction coil surrounding the susceptor. In this case, the induction coil may be placed inside or outside the shielding portion (2300).

[0194] Meanwhile, it is necessary to inform the user that only the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) inside the aerosol generating device (1) currently in use rises and the aerosol generating item (2) is not heated.

[0195] To this end, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include an output unit (not shown) that outputs information regarding the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may correspond to the same configuration as the output unit described in FIG. 1.

[0196] The control unit (1200) can control the output unit so that a notification is provided to the user through the output unit when it determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating item (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) is higher than a preset second temperature. The user can recognize the problem through the output unit and take measures regarding the problem, such as adjusting the microwave or visiting a service center.

[0197] Although not illustrated, according to the embodiment, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may measure the temperature of the shielding part (2300). That is, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may further include a third sensor (not illustrated) for measuring the temperature of the shielding part (2300). In this case, the aerosol generating article (2), the microwave output part (2200), and the shielding part (2300) may each correspond to one of a plurality of temperature measurement targets. The third sensor may be placed outside the shielding part (2300) to measure the temperature of the outer wall or outside of the shielding part (2300).

[0198] Similar to the radiation section (2200), if the temperature of the shielding section (2300) increases, the temperature of the components located adjacent to the shielding section (2300) may also rise. Since this can cause damage to surrounding components, it is necessary to monitor the shielding section (2300) so that its temperature does not become excessively high.

[0199] By monitoring the temperature of the shielding unit (2300) through the third sensor, the control unit (1200) can adjust the output of microwaves transmitted into the interior of the shielding unit (2300) when the temperature of the shielding unit (2300) rises above a preset temperature.

[0200] The control unit (1200) can control the temperature of the shielding unit (2300) to below a preset temperature by adjusting the intensity or frequency of the microwave generated by the oscillation unit (2100). According to this control method, it is possible to prevent the surrounding parts of the shielding unit (2300) from being damaged by heat.

[0201] As described above, the sensor measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating item (2) is named the first sensor (1310), the sensor measuring the temperature of the microwave output unit (radiation unit) (2200) is named the second sensor (1320), and the sensor measuring the temperature of the shielding unit (2300) is named the third sensor; however, the ordinal expression is used for convenience of explanation and does not indicate the arrangement or order of importance of the optical fiber temperature sensors (1300).

[0202] In other words, if one optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed, the first sensor (1310) may be placed to measure the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) differently from that shown in FIG. 3. Likewise, if two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) are placed, the first sensor (1310) and the second sensor (1320) may be placed to measure the temperature of the microwave output unit (2200) and the shielding unit (2300), respectively.

[0203] Meanwhile, as described, the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted inside the shielding section (2300), so that at least a portion of the first sensor (1310) can be placed inside the shielding section (2300). On the other hand, the microwave output section (2200) is placed outside the shielding section (2300), so that the entire portion of the second sensor (1320) can be placed outside the shielding section (2300).

[0204] When the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed outside the shielding part (2300), the surrounding space of the heater assembly (2000) can be utilized, so the degree of freedom in the placement of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be relatively high.

[0205] However, when at least a portion of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed inside the shielding portion (2300), the internal space of the shielding portion (2300) is limited, so the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) needs to be efficiently placed inside the shielding portion (2300). To this end, the shielding portion (2300) may include a guide (2330) for supporting the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) in which at least a portion is placed inside the shielding portion (2300).

[0206] At least one part of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be inserted into the interior of the guide (2330) and positioned along the shape of the guide (2330). That is, the guide (2330) can specify the location of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) located inside the shielding part (2300).

[0207] For example, the guide (2330) may include a first part (2331) extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the shielding part (2300) and a second part (2332) extending in a direction (e.g., y-axis direction) across the longitudinal direction of the shielding part (2300).

[0208] A portion of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may extend along the first portion (2331). At this time, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be positioned to face the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0209] The other part of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be extended along the second part (2332). At this time, the other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be drawn out to the outside of the shielding part (2300).

[0210] In this regard, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) must be positioned to penetrate the shield (2300) for connection with the control unit (1200) located outside the shield (2300) or the heater assembly (2000). To this end, the shield (2300) may include a through hole (2340) for passing the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300).

[0211] At this time, a problem may occur in which microwaves supplied into the interior of the shielding part (2300) leak to the outside of the shielding part (2300) through a through hole (2340) formed in the shielding part (2300). Therefore, the heater assembly (2000) may further include a shielding member (2500) to block microwave leakage through the through hole (2340).

[0212] As illustrated, the shielding member (2500) is positioned outside the shielding portion (2300) and can block the through hole (2340) while enclosing the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) drawn out through the through hole (2340). However, the embodiment is not limited to the position of the shielding member (2500) illustrated. Depending on the embodiment, the shielding member (2500) may be positioned inside the shielding portion (2300). Additionally, the shielding member (2500) may include various shapes capable of preventing microwave leakage through the through hole (2340).

[0213] Meanwhile, the shape of the guide (2330) is not limited to that depicted. As another example, the guide (2330) may have a shape that extends along one direction. In this case, a hole may be formed in the guide (2330) that is open in a direction that crosses one direction.

[0214] Additionally, the position of the guide (2330) is not limited to that shown. The guide (2330) may extend from one area of ​​the shielding part (2300) where the through hole (2340) is formed toward the interior of the shielding part (2300) or may extend toward the exterior of the shielding part (2300).

[0215] Likewise, the location of the through hole (2340) is not limited to that depicted. As depicted, the through hole (2340) is formed in the lower part of the shielding part (2300), but according to the embodiment, the through hole (2340) may be formed in the side part of the shielding part (2300).

[0216] In this embodiment, the heater assembly (2000) heats the aerosol generating article (2) by transmitting microwaves generated from the oscillation unit (2100) through the radiation unit (2200) to supply them to the medium. However, only weak heating is possible with this method, and the energy efficiency may also be low.

[0217] According to this, in order to heat the aerosol generating article (2), a resonator that generates high-density microwaves may be required. Below, an embodiment equipped with a resonator will be described.

[0218] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) using dielectric resonance by microwaves.

[0220] To implement this, an aerosol generating device (1) according to another embodiment may include a housing (1100), a control unit (1200), an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300), and a heater assembly (3000). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device (1), a detailed description in the scope of overlap with FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0221] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (3000) may include an oscillation part (3100), a radiation part (3200), a shielding part (3300), and a dielectric resonance part (3400).

[0222] The oscillation unit (3100) is a configuration that generates microwaves. The oscillation unit (3100) may correspond to the same configuration as the oscillation unit (2100) described in FIG. 2.

[0223] The radiating unit (3200) is positioned inside the shielding unit (3300) and can radiate microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit (3300). The microwaves radiated from the radiating unit (3200) may be omnidirectional and radiated electromagnetic waves. Additionally, at least one radiating unit (3200) may be positioned inside the shielding unit (3300).

[0224] The radiating member (3200) can be electrically connected to the oscillating member (3100). Since the radiating member (3200) is positioned inside the shielding member (3300) and the oscillating member (3100) is positioned outside the shielding member (3300), the connecting member connecting the radiating member (3200) and the oscillating member (3100) can penetrate the shielding member (3300). At this time, a shielding member (not shown) may be positioned so that microwaves do not leak through the part through which the connecting member penetrates.

[0225] The shielding part (3300) may have the same configuration as the shielding part (2300) described in FIG. 3. However, unlike the interior of the shielding part (2300) shown in FIG. 3, which was an empty space, the interior of the shielding part (3300) shown in FIG. 4 may be filled with a dielectric resonant part (3400).

[0226] A dielectric resonant section (3400) disposed inside the shielding section (3300) can absorb microwaves of a specific frequency radiated from the radiating section (3200). Dielectric resonance can be generated in the dielectric resonant section (3400) by the microwaves.

[0227] Dielectric resonance may mean that resonance occurs inside the dielectric resonance section (3400) due to microwaves, causing the dielectric resonance section (3400) to form an alternating electromagnetic field. That is, the dielectric resonance section (3400) can resonate internally due to microwaves and generate an alternating electromagnetic field.

[0228] The dielectric resonance unit (3400) can accommodate an aerosol generating article (2). The dielectric resonance unit (3400) can apply an alternating electromagnetic field to the aerosol generating article (2) through dielectric resonance while accommodating the aerosol generating article (2). More specifically, the dielectric resonance unit (3400) can apply an alternating electric field in a direction that intersects with the alternating magnetic field contained in the microwave.

[0229] Under an alternating electric field vibrating at a predetermined frequency, polar molecules contained in the dielectric resonant part (3400) and the aerosol generating article (2) can vibrate in accordance with the direction and phase of the electric field. Accordingly, as the polar molecules vibrate, they receive resistance due to intermolecular forces, and heat may be generated as a result.

[0230] Accordingly, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment can heat an aerosol generating article (2) by using a radiating part (3200) and a dielectric resonating part (3400) to vibrate polar molecules contained in an aerosol generating article (2).

[0231] A groove may be formed in the dielectric resonance section (3400). An aerosol generating article (2) may be received in the groove formed in the dielectric resonance section (3400). That is, the groove formed in the dielectric resonance section (3400) may correspond to an insertion space (3300i) of the aerosol generating article (2). The shape of the groove may be cylindrical, but is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the shape of the aerosol generating article (2) received.

[0232] When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into a groove of the dielectric resonator (3400), the dielectric resonator (3400) can surround the aerosol generating article (2). For example, one side of the interior of the dielectric resonator (3400) can come into contact with the aerosol generating article (2). Additionally, the lower side of the dielectric resonator (3400) can come into contact with the aerosol generating article (2).

[0233] When an aerosol generating article (2) is received in a groove formed in the dielectric resonance part (3400), the dielectric resonance part (3400) can easily apply an alternating electromagnetic field to the aerosol generating article (2).

[0234] At this time, if the groove is formed along the central axis of the dielectric resonance part (3400), the microwaves emitted from the radiating part (3200) can be concentrated around the central axis of the dielectric resonance part (3400). When the central axis of the aerosol generating article (2) and the central axis of the dielectric resonance part (3400) are arranged to correspond, the alternating electromagnetic field applied by the dielectric resonance part (3400) can be concentrated on the central axis of the aerosol generating article (2). Accordingly, the heating time of the aerosol generating article (2) can be further shortened.

[0235] However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and when the aerosol generating article (2) is spaced apart from the dielectric resonance member (3400), the dielectric resonance member (3400) may apply an alternating electromagnetic field to the aerosol generating article (2).

[0236] The dielectric resonance member (3400) may have various shapes, such as a cylinder or a rectangular prism. At this time, the dielectric resonance member (3400) may be positioned to be in airtight contact with the inner wall of the shielding member (3300) so that the dielectric resonance member (3400) is fixed so that it does not move as the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted.

[0237] In addition, at least one dielectric resonance member (3400) may be arranged. For example, multiple dielectrics of different materials may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0238] The material of the dielectric resonance part (3400) may include fused quartz or alumina, but is not limited thereto. For example, the dielectric resonance part (3400) may include various materials having a dielectric constant of 3 or more and a dielectric loss tangent of 0.0005 or less.

[0239] As described, the dielectric resonant part (3400) may be positioned within the shielding part (3300) at a predetermined distance from the radiating part (3200). The distance between the dielectric resonant part (3400) and the radiating part (3200) may be determined from the coupling coefficient of the radiating part (3200).

[0240] At this time, the coupling coefficient of the radiating unit (3200) may represent the ratio of thermal energy absorbed by the aerosol generating article (2) that can be accommodated in the dielectric resonating unit (3400) to the microwave energy radiated by the radiating unit (3200). For example, if the coupling coefficient value is 0.5, 50% of the microwave energy applied from the radiating unit (3200) may be absorbed by the aerosol generating article (2).

[0241] Accordingly, by arranging the dielectric resonance part (3400) and the radiation part (3200) considering the distance between the dielectric resonance part (3400) and the radiation part (3200), the coupling coefficient of the radiation part (3200) can be changed, and accordingly, the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated to a desired temperature.

[0242] According to another embodiment, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may include a processing unit (1301) comprising at least one of a light-emitting element (which may correspond to the same configuration as the light source described above) and a light-receiving element. The processing unit (1301) may perform the role of the control unit (1200) described above. In this case, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may function as a single sensing module.

[0243] For example, when one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) receives reflected light from a temperature measurement target, the reflected light is totally reflected inside the optical fiber and transmitted to a processing unit (1301) located at the other end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300), and the processing unit (1301) can determine the temperature of the temperature measurement target based on the transmitted light.

[0244] As described, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside the shielding section (3300). Accordingly, the processing section (1301) may also be placed inside the shielding section (3300). In this case, the processing section (1301) may be surrounded by a shielding member (not shown) so as not to be affected by microwaves.

[0245] To supply power to an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) located inside the shielding portion (3300), the heater assembly (3000) may include a terminal (3500) positioned to penetrate the shielding portion (3300). The terminal (3500) may electrically connect the inside of the shielding portion (3300) and the outside of the shielding portion (3300).

[0246] Specifically, the terminal (3500) can be electrically connected to a processing unit (1301) or an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) disposed inside the shielding unit (3300). Additionally, the terminal (3500) can be electrically connected to a battery (not shown) disposed outside the shielding unit (3300). Power can be supplied from the battery to the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) through the terminal (3500).

[0247] By positioning the terminal (3500) to penetrate the shielding portion (3300) of the heater assembly (3000), microwaves may not leak into the portion where the terminal (3500) is positioned. Accordingly, the phenomenon of reduced heating efficiency due to microwave leakage can be prevented.

[0248] Meanwhile, the dielectric resonance unit (3400) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the processing unit (1301) of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) inside the shielding unit (3300), but the embodiment is not limited to that illustrated.

[0249] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (3000) may further include a heating element (3600) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a dielectric resonant part (3400). As illustrated, the heating element (3600) may have a tubular shape to heat the outside of the aerosol generating article (2). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and depending on the shape of the heating element (3600), the inside or outside of the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated.

[0250] The heating element (3600) can be heated by receiving an alternating electromagnetic field from the dielectric resonant part (3400). Specifically, an induced current can be generated in the heating element (3600) by the alternating electromagnetic field. More specifically, an alternating electric field is generated in a direction intersecting the alternating magnetic field applied to the heating element (3600), and accordingly, an induced current can be generated in the heating element (3600). The induced current may be a current generated by Faraday's law or an eddy current such as an eddy current. When a current is induced in the heating element (3600), the heating element (3600) can be heated due to the internal electrical resistance of the heating element (3600).

[0251] The temperature of the aerosol-generating material within the aerosol-generating article (2) is raised by the heated heating element (3600), and aerosol can be generated accordingly. If necessary, the aerosol-generating device (1) can heat the heating element (3600) even when the aerosol-generating article (2) is not inserted into the aerosol-generating device (1).

[0252] The material of the heating element (3600) may include a conductor or a semiconductor. For example, the material of the heating element (3600) may include at least one selected from ferrite, a ferromagnetic alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum, or a combination thereof.

[0253] Additionally, the material of the heating element (3600) may include at least one selected from among graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, nickel alloy, metal film, zirconia, ceramics, transition metals such as nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), metalloids such as boron (B) or phosphorus (P), or combinations thereof.

[0254] However, the material of the heating element (3600) is not limited to the examples described above, and may be any material that can be heated to a desired temperature as an alternating electromagnetic field is applied. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device (1) or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

[0255] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) can use dielectric resonance through microwaves to vibrate polar molecules contained in the aerosol generating article (2) or induce an electric current in the heating element (3600) to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0256] According to another embodiment, an induced current is generated in the heating element (3600) using high-frequency microwaves, so the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated in a short time. At the same time, since an induced current is generated using high-frequency microwaves, the heating efficiency can be high. Accordingly, the amount of power required for heating is saved, and power consumption can be reduced compared to an aerosol generating device that generates an induced current using a low-frequency electromagnetic field.

[0257] Meanwhile, if only the temperature of the radiation part (3200) corresponding to the microwave output part rises and dielectric resonance does not occur in the dielectric resonance part (3400), the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated, which may cause a problem.

[0258] As in the above-described embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, the control unit (1200) can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the shielding unit (3300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0259] In another example, the control unit (1200) can block microwaves supplied into the interior of the shielding unit (3300) and control the heating unit (3600) so that power is supplied to the heating unit (3600). In this case, the heating unit (3600) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) through electric resistance heating rather than induction heating.

[0260] Through the control operation as described above, the control unit (1200) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) even in problematic situations, and in particular, even when the supply of microwaves is cut off, it can heat the aerosol generating article (2) while preventing the temperature of the microwave output unit (3200) from rising further, thereby preventing the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (3200) from overheating.

[0261] In this embodiment, the heater assembly (3000) heated the aerosol generating article (2) through a dielectric resonance section (3400) in which a dielectric material was filled into a shielding section (3300) of a relatively simple shape. At this time, dielectric resonance was generated by microwaves radiated from a radiating section (3200).

[0262] In the following, embodiments are described in which a body to be heated is heated by forming microwaves within a resonant structure through a coupler, rather than by radiating microwaves using an antenna radiating part (3200). These embodiments are equipped with a resonant structure in which a conductor of a specific shape is applied not only to the shielding part but also inside the shielding part, and due to the resonant structure of such a resonant part, the resonant part can operate as a resonator having a wavelength of 1 / 4 of a microwave. This will be explained in detail below.

[0263] FIG. 5 is an internal block diagram of a dielectric heating section that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0264] Referring to FIG. 5, the dielectric heating unit (400) is configured to heat an aerosol generating article (e.g., the aerosol generating article (2) of FIG. 2) by a dielectric heating method, and may be a configuration corresponding to the heater assembly described above and the heater assembly to be described later.

[0265] The dielectric heating unit (400) can heat an aerosol-generating article using microwaves.

[0266] At this time, the heating method of the dielectric heating unit (400) 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. 6 and below.

[0267] The dielectric heating unit (400) can output high-frequency microwaves to the resonant unit (430). The microwaves may be power in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment) band permitted for heating, but are not limited thereto. The resonant unit (430) may be designed with consideration for the wavelength of the microwaves so that the microwaves can resonate within the resonant unit (430).

[0268] An aerosol generating article is inserted into a resonance section (430), and the dielectric material within the aerosol generating article can be heated by the resonance section (430). For example, the aerosol generating article may contain a polar material, and molecules within the polar material may be polarized inside the resonance section (430). The molecules may vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article may be heated by frictional heat generated during this process.

[0269] A processor (e.g., processor (170) of FIG. 1) can control direct current power supplied from a power source (e.g., power source (130) of FIG. 1) to a power converter (e.g., power converter of FIG. 1) and / or alternating current power supplied from a power converter to a dielectric heating unit (400) according to the power requirements of the dielectric heating unit (400).

[0270] As an example, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1) includes a converter that steps up or steps down DC power, and a processor can control the converter to adjust the magnitude of the DC power. Additionally, the processor can control the AC power supplied to the dielectric heating unit (400) by adjusting the switching frequency and duty ratio of the switching element included in the power conversion unit.

[0271] The processor can control the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article by controlling the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (400) and the resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit (400). Accordingly, the oscillation unit (410), isolation unit (440), power monitoring unit (450), and matching unit (460) described later may be part of the control unit (e.g., the control unit (10) of FIG. 1).

[0272] The processor can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (400) based on temperature profile information stored in memory. In other words, the temperature profile includes information about the target temperature of the dielectric heating unit (400) over time, and the processor can control the microwave power of the dielectric heating unit (400) over time.

[0273] The processor can adjust the frequency of the microwave so that the resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit (400) is constant. The processor can track the change in the resonance frequency of the dielectric heating unit (400) in real time due to the heating of the object to be heated, and control the dielectric heating unit (400) so that a microwave frequency corresponding to the changed resonance frequency is output. In other words, the processor can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of a pre-stored temperature profile.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 5, the dielectric heating unit (400) may include an oscillation unit (410), an isolation unit (440), a power monitoring unit (450), a matching unit (460), a coupler (420), and a resonance unit (430). However, the internal configuration of the dielectric heating unit (400) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5. Depending on the design of the dielectric heating unit (400), some of the configurations shown in FIG. 5 may be omitted, or new configurations may be added.

[0275] The oscillator (410) is configured to correspond to the source (20) of FIG. 1 and can generate high-frequency microwave power by receiving AC power from the power converter. According to an embodiment, the power converter may be a configuration included in the oscillator (410). The microwave power may be selected from the 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands included in the ISM bands.

[0276] The oscillation unit (410) includes a solid-state based RF generation device and can generate microwave power using it. The solid-state based RF generation device can be implemented as a semiconductor. When the oscillation unit (410) is implemented as a semiconductor, the dielectric heating unit (400) can be miniaturized, and there is an advantage of increasing the device lifespan.

[0277] The oscillator (410) can output microwave power toward the resonator (430). The oscillator (410) includes a power amplifier (e.g., the power amplifier (230) of FIG. 1) that increases or decreases the microwave power, and the power amplifier can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power under the control of a processor. For example, the power amplifier can decrease or increase the amplitude of the microwave. As the amplitude of the microwave is adjusted, the microwave power can be adjusted.

[0278] The processor can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the oscillator (410) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile includes target temperature information according to a preheating section and a smoking section, and the oscillator (410) can supply microwave power at a first power during the preheating section and supply microwave power at a second power smaller than the first power during the smoking section.

[0279] The isolation unit (440) can block microwave power input from the resonance unit (430) toward the oscillation unit (410). Most of the microwave power output from the oscillation unit (410) is absorbed by the object being heated, but depending on the heating pattern of the object being heated, some of the microwave power may be reflected by the object being heated and transmitted back toward the oscillation unit (410). This is because the impedance viewed from the oscillation unit (410) toward the resonance unit (430) changes as polar molecules are depleted due to the heating of the object being heated. The meaning of "the impedance viewed from the oscillation unit (410) toward the resonance unit (430) changes" may be the same as the meaning of "the resonance frequency of the resonance unit (430) changes." When microwave power reflected from the resonance unit (430) is input to the oscillation unit (410), not only is the oscillation unit (410) malfunctioning, but the expected output performance cannot be achieved. The isolation unit (440) can absorb the microwave power reflected from the resonance unit (430) by guiding it in a predetermined direction, rather than sending it back to the oscillation unit (410). To this end, the isolation unit (440) may include a circulator and a dummy load.

[0280] The power monitoring unit (450) can monitor the microwave power output from the oscillation unit (410) and the reflected microwave power reflected from the resonance unit (430), respectively. The power monitoring unit (450) can transmit information regarding the microwave power and the reflected microwave power to the matching unit (460).

[0281] The matching unit (460) can match the impedance viewed from the oscillator (410) toward the resonator (430) and the impedance viewed from the resonator (430) toward the oscillator (410) so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. Impedance matching may have the same meaning as matching the frequency of the oscillator (410) with the resonant frequency of the resonator (430). Therefore, the matching unit (460) can vary the frequency of the oscillator (410) to match the impedance. In other words, the matching unit (460) can adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillator (410) so that the reflected microwave power is minimized. The impedance matching of the matching unit (460) can be performed in real time regardless of the temperature profile.

[0282] Meanwhile, the aforementioned oscillation unit (410), isolation unit (440), power monitoring unit (450), and matching unit (460) are separate components distinct from the coupler (420) and resonance unit (430) to be described later, and can be implemented as a chip-type microwave source. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the aforementioned oscillation unit (410), isolation unit (440), power monitoring unit (450), and matching unit (460) may also be implemented as part of the control unit.

[0283] The coupler (420) is configured to input microwave power to the resonant section (430). The coupler (420) corresponds to the microwave output section (420) and may be a configuration corresponding to the radiating section (30) of FIG. 1. The coupler (420) may be implemented in the form of an SMA, SMB, MCX, or MMCX connector. The coupler (420) can connect the chip-type microwave source and the resonant section (430) to each other, thereby transmitting microwave power generated from the microwave source to the resonant section (430).

[0284] The resonant section (430) can heat the object to be heated by forming microwaves within the resonant structure. The resonant section (430) includes an insertion space in which an aerosol generating article is received, and the aerosol generating article can be exposed to microwaves and dielectric heated. For example, the aerosol generating article may contain a polar material, and molecules within the polar material may be polarized by microwaves inside the resonant section (430). The molecules may vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article may be heated by frictional heat generated during this process.

[0285] The resonance section (430) includes at least one inner conductor so that microwaves can resonate, and microwaves can resonate inside the resonance section (430) depending on the arrangement, thickness, and length of the inner conductor.

[0286] The resonant section (430) can be designed with consideration of the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate within the resonant section (430). For the microwave to resonate within the resonant section (430), a short end with a closed cross section and an open end with at least one region of the cross section open in the direction opposite to the short end are required. Additionally, the length between the short end and the open end must be set as an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. The resonant section (430) of the present disclosure selects a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength for device miniaturization. In other words, the length between the short end and the open end of the resonant section (430) can be set to a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0287] The resonance section (430) may include a dielectric receiving space. The dielectric receiving space is configured to be distinct from the insertion space of the aerosol generating article, and a material capable of miniaturizing the resonance section (430) by changing the overall resonance frequency of the resonance section (430) is disposed therein. In one embodiment, a dielectric with low microwave absorption may be received in the dielectric receiving space. This is to prevent the phenomenon in which energy that should be transferred to the body to be heated is transferred to the dielectric, causing the dielectric itself to generate heat. Microwave absorption may be expressed as a loss tangent, which is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex dielectric constant. In one embodiment, a dielectric having a loss tangent less than or equal to a preset size may be received in the dielectric receiving space, and the preset size may be 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0288] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0289] Referring to FIG. 6, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a resonator (R) using an electromagnetic field generated by a coaxial resonator (R).

[0290] To implement this, a heater assembly (4000) of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include an oscillating part (4100), a coupler (4200), and a resonating part (4300). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device, a detailed description in the scope of overlap with FIG. 3 will be omitted.

[0291] The oscillator (4100) is configured to generate microwaves of a preset frequency based on a control signal from a control unit (e.g., the control unit (1200) of FIG. 2). The oscillator (4100) may correspond to the same configuration as the aforementioned oscillator (e.g., the oscillator (2100) of FIG. 2).

[0292] The coupler (4200) is configured to supply microwaves generated from the oscillation unit (4100) to the resonance unit (4300). The process of supplying microwaves generated by the oscillation unit (4100) to the resonator via a microwave transmission line (or waveguide) is called resonator coupling. At this time, the structure for resonator coupling can be defined as the coupler (4200).

[0293] That is, the coupler (4200) may correspond to a microwave output section for providing microwaves into the interior of the resonant section (4300). In the following, the coupler (4200) may be used in combination with the microwave output section.

[0294] The coupler (4200) can be directly connected to a central conductor (4320) located within the resonance section (4300), and microwaves can be supplied to the resonance section (4300) by the coupler (4200) and the central conductor.

[0295] The resonant section (4300) can form an amplified electromagnetic field by resonating microwaves supplied internally. At least a portion of the electromagnetic field formed by the resonated microwaves can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted inside the resonant section (4300).

[0296] The resonant section (4300) may include an outer conductor (4310) and a central conductor (4320). In this case, the outer conductor (4310) may perform the same or similar function as the shielding section described above (e.g., the shielding section (2300) of FIG. 3).

[0297] The outer conductor (4310) may form the overall exterior of the resonance section (4300). The outer conductor (4310) may include a hollow cylindrical shape. Components of the resonance section (4300) may be placed inside the outer conductor (4310). The outer conductor (4310) may include an insertion space (4300i) in which an aerosol generating article (2) may be received, and the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the insertion space (4300i) inside the outer conductor (4310) through an opening formed in the outer conductor (4310).

[0298] The outer conductor (4310) may include a first wall (4310a), a second wall (4310b) positioned to face the first wall (4310a), and a side wall (4310c) surrounding the empty space between the first wall (4310a) and the second wall (4310b). At least some of the components of the resonance section (4300) (e.g., the central conductor (4320)) may be positioned in the internal space of the resonance section (4300) formed by the first wall (4310a), the second wall (4310b), and the side wall (4310c).

[0299] A central conductor (4320) disposed inside an outer conductor (4310) may be inserted into an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (4310). Specifically, a first end of the central conductor (4320) is connected to a first wall (4310a) of the outer conductor (4310), and a second end may penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (4310) of the resonant part (4300). For example, the central conductor (4320) may include a rod shape or a needle shape, but is not limited to the described embodiments. The material of the central conductor (4320) may include aluminum or stainless steel, but is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0300] The outer conductor (4310) and the central conductor (4320) may be coaxial. In this case, the cavity formed between the cylindrical outer conductor (4310) and the central conductor (4320) may function as a resonator (R). In other words, the resonator (R) may be formed by the cavity between the cylindrical outer conductor (4310) and the central conductor (4320).

[0301] The resonator (R) may be in the form of a hollow tube having an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter (c) of the central conductor (4320). In this case, considering that the shape of the central conductor (4320) is rod-shaped, the resonator (R) shown in FIG. 6 is referred to as a coaxial resonator (R) in the present disclosure.

[0302] According to another embodiment, so that the resonator (R) has a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the microwave within the resonator, the first end of the resonator (R) is formed as a closed end (SE) (short end) by a first wall (4310a) connected to an outer conductor (4310) and a central conductor (4320), and the second end of the resonator (R) opposite the first end may be formed as an open end (OE) (open end) separated from the outer conductor (4310) and the central conductor (4320) without being connected.

[0303] The length between the first stage and the second stage may be an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength. When microwaves are confined in a limited space, such as a resonator (R), they may have a different wavelength than microwaves radiated into free space. For example, the wavelength of the microwaves may vary due to structural factors of the resonator (R).

[0304] Microwaves can be supplied to a central conductor (4320) through a coupler (4200), microwaves can be supplied to a resonator (R) by the central conductor (4320), and microwaves can be resonated by the resonator (R). By the resonated microwaves, an amplified electromagnetic field is formed within the resonator (R), and an aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by at least a portion of the electromagnetic field.

[0305] According to another embodiment, when a user inserts an aerosol generating article (2) into the interior of the resonance section (4300) (or resonator (R)), the central conductor (4320) is inserted into the medium section of the aerosol generating article (2), and the tip portion (4320t) of the central conductor (4320) may be located within the medium section. At this time, a stopper (not shown) may be placed inside the outer conductor (4310) so that the tip portion (4321t) of the central conductor (4320) can always be located within the medium section of the aerosol generating article (2) whenever the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the resonance section (4300).

[0306] The electric field formed by the microwave can be generated in a direction from the central conductor (4320) toward the outer conductor (4310). The electric field may be stronger closer to the central conductor (4320) and weaker toward the outer conductor (4310). Additionally, in the direction of the central axis of the resonator (R), the electric field may be strongest at the tip portion (4321t) of the central conductor (4320) and weaker toward the first wall (4310a) of the outer conductor (4310). In summary, the strongest electric field may be formed in the portion adjacent to the tip portion (4321t) of the central conductor (4320).

[0307] Since the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the principle of microwave dielectric heating, the degree of microwave absorption can be increased depending on the strength of the electric field formed in the resonator (R).

[0308] The higher the degree of microwave absorption, the higher the heating temperature may be. For example, the highest heating temperature may be present in the part adjacent to the tip portion (4321t) of the central conductor (4320). The output and output time of the microwave may be adjusted so that the highest heating temperature present is within a preset range (e.g., 200 to 300 degrees).

[0309] Meanwhile, the magnetic field formed by the microwave can be formed in a direction rotating around a central axis perpendicular to the electric field. The magnetic field is formed most strongly in the region adjacent to the connection part between the coupler (4200) and the central conductor (4320), and can become weaker as it approaches the tip part (4321t) of the central conductor (4320).

[0310] According to another embodiment, a coaxial cable may be used to transmit an output of within tens of watts, and the coupler (4200) may be installed close to the first wall (4310a) so as not to interfere with the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0311] The coupling method of the coupler (4200) may be a magnetic coupling method. Since the size inside the resonator (R) is relatively small, a magnetic loop formed by directly contacting the coupler (4200) and the central conductor (4320) can be formed to obtain sufficient coupling. Accordingly, the coupler (4200) may have a structure in which it is connected to the central conductor (4320) in a radial direction at a distance of a preset distance from the first wall (4310a).

[0312] Meanwhile, in the case where the central conductor (4320) within the outer conductor (4310) has a structure connected only to the first wall (4310a), the outer conductor (4310) has a coaxial waveguide structure in the section where the central conductor (4320) exists, and a cylindrical waveguide structure in the section where the central conductor (4320) does not exist, so it can naturally function as a mode converter. For example, when the frequency of the microwave is 2.45 GHz, the microwave may enter the cutoff frequency region in the cylindrical waveguide section because the diameter of the cylindrical waveguide is small.

[0313] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (4300) may further include a support (4330) that supports the outer surface of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an outer conductor (4310). The support (4330) may be connected to a second wall (4310b) of the outer conductor (4310) and extend from the second wall (4310b) toward the outside of the outer conductor (4310).

[0314] The support member (4330) may include a hollow (4331) to guide the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) into the internal space of the outer conductor (4310). The user may insert the aerosol-generating article (2) into the interior of the outer conductor (4310) through the hollow (4331) so that the central conductor (4320) penetrates at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2). At this time, the internal space of the outer conductor (4310) may correspond to the insertion space (4300i) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0315] The material of the support body (4330) may be different from the material of the outer conductor (4310). For example, the material of the outer conductor (4310) is a material that prevents the electromagnetic field generated in the internal cavity from propagating to the outside, and the material of the support body (4330) may be a material that does not affect the propagation of the electromagnetic field.

[0316] However, due to the structure of the resonance part (4300) surrounding the aerosol generating item (2) while the support body (4330) is in contact with the aerosol generating item (2), the electromagnetic field may not leak in the direction where the support body (4330) is located, which is not the region of the resonator (R). That is, the electromagnetic field that leaks into the aerosol generating item (2) only heats the aerosol generating item (2) and may not propagate to the outside (e.g., towards the user's mouth). Since the electromagnetic field does not propagate (or leak) into the space other than the region of the resonator (R), no separate function or structure is required to shield the electromagnetic field.

[0317] According to another embodiment, the resonant section (4300) may further include a microwave input waveguide (4340). The microwave input waveguide (4340) may extend from a portion of the side of the outer conductor (4310) toward the outside of the outer conductor (4310). A coupler (4200) may be connected to the microwave input waveguide (4340). For example, the coupler (4200) may be located within the microwave input waveguide (4340). The coupler (4200) may be connected to the central conductor (4320) by penetrating the microwave input waveguide (4340) and the side of the outer conductor (4310).

[0318] Meanwhile, the degree to which the aerosol generating article located within the resonance section (4300) absorbs microwaves may vary depending on the material properties of the aerosol generating article and the frequency of the microwaves.

[0319] To increase the amount of microwave absorption, the structure of the resonator (R) and the central conductor (4320) can be determined. As an example, to adjust the resonant frequency and microwave absorption rate of the resonator (R), at least one of the 'distance (a) between the first wall (4310a) and the coupler (4200)' and the 'distance (b) from the connection part between the coupler (4200) and the central conductor (4320) to the second end of the central conductor (4320)' can be adjusted.

[0320] As another example, at least one of the 'outer diameter (c) of the central conductor (4320)' and the 'inner diameter (d) of the outer conductor (4310)' can be adjusted to adjust the absorption distribution of microwaves. Specifically, the larger the ratio of the outer diameter (c) of the central conductor (4320) to the inner diameter (d) of the outer conductor (4310), the more uniform the electric field can be formed, and accordingly, the degree of microwave absorption can be made uniform.

[0321] According to another embodiment, an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside an aerosol generating device to measure the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) or a coupler (microwave output unit) (4200).

[0322] As described, two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged. One end of each optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside the resonance unit (4300).

[0323] One end of the first sensor (1310) may be positioned to face one end of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, one end of the first sensor (1310) may be positioned to contact one end of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the insertion space (4300i) to measure the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2). One end of the second sensor (1320) may be positioned to contact the microwave output unit (4200) located in the internal space of the outer conductor (4310) to measure the temperature of the microwave output unit (4200). Unlike what is illustrated, one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the temperature measurement target.

[0324] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (4300) may include a through hole (4350) for passing an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). As illustrated, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may pass through the outer conductor (4310) through a through hole (4350) formed in the first wall (4310a) of the outer conductor (4310). In this case, a shielding member (not shown) may be placed to prevent leakage of microwaves through the through hole (4350).

[0325] According to the embodiment, the arrangement of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may vary. Accordingly, the position of the through hole (4350) may also vary. Additionally, the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may measure the temperature of the portion exposed to the outside of the resonance section (4300). In this case, since one end of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is located outside the resonance section (4300), a separate through hole (4350) may not be arranged in the outer conductor (4310).

[0326] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, if only the temperature of the coupler (4200) corresponding to the microwave output section rises and resonance does not occur in the resonance section (4300), the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated, which may cause a problem.

[0327] As in the above-described embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (1200) of FIG. 3) can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the resonant unit (4300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0328] In another example, the control unit can block microwaves supplied into the interior of the resonant unit (4300) and control the temperature of the conductor supporting the aerosol generating article (2) inserted in the insertion space (4300i) so that the conductor heats the aerosol generating article.

[0329] At this time, the conductor may refer to a conductor (e.g., a central conductor (4320)) that supports an aerosol generating article (2) as a component included in the heater assembly (4000) and as a component of the resonance part (4300), or it may refer to a separate heating element made of a conductor separate from the component included in the resonance part (4300).

[0330] According to another embodiment, the control unit can control the temperature of the central conductor (4320). For example, the control unit can control the central conductor (4320) so that power is supplied to the central conductor (4320). In this case, the central conductor (4320) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) through the principle of electric resistance heating, rather than heating the aerosol generating article (2) through an electromagnetic field formed by resonant microwaves.

[0331] However, the method by which the central conductor (4320) directly heats the aerosol-generating article is not limited to an electric resistance heating method. As another example, the central conductor (4320) can heat the aerosol-generating article (2) through the principle of induction heating. In this case, the control unit can control the induction coil so that power is supplied to the induction coil which is positioned separately from the central conductor (4320), and as a result, the control unit can control the temperature of the central conductor (4320) which generates heat by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0332] Through the control operation described above, the control unit can heat the aerosol generating article (2) even in problematic situations, and in particular, even when the supply of microwaves is cut off, it can heat the aerosol generating article (2) while preventing the temperature of the microwave output unit (4200) from rising further, thereby preventing the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (4200) from overheating.

[0333] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0334] Referring to FIG. 7, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a resonator (R) using an electromagnetic field generated by a cylindrical resonator (R).

[0335] To implement this, a heater assembly (5000) of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include an oscillating part (5100), a coupler (5200), and a resonating part (5300). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device, a detailed description in the scope of overlap with FIG. 6 will be omitted.

[0336] The oscillator (5100), coupler (5200), and resonator (5300) may correspond to a configuration that is functionally identical to the oscillator (4100), coupler (4200), and resonator (4300) described in FIG. 6. However, the resonator (5300) shown in FIG. 7 is structurally different from the resonator (4300) shown in FIG. 6.

[0337] In the resonance section (4300) illustrated in FIG. 6, the outer conductor (4310) itself was in the shape of a hollow cylinder, whereas the resonance section (5300) illustrated in FIG. 7 may be coaxial in shape with a hollow interior. Specifically, the outer conductor (5310) of the resonance section (5300) of FIG. 7 may have a shape in which a hole is formed in the center of the first wall (4310a) of the outer conductor (4310) of FIG. 6. That is, an opening is formed in the outer conductor (5310) not only in the second wall (5310b) but also in the first wall (5310a).

[0338] The inner conductor (5320) extends along the edge of the opening formed in the first wall (5310a) of the outer conductor (5310) and may have a tubular shape extending from the first wall (5310a) into the inner side of the outer conductor (5310).

[0339] A tubular inner conductor (5320) disposed inside the outer conductor (5310) can surround at least a portion of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the outer conductor (5310). Specifically, a first end of the inner conductor (5320) is connected to a first wall (5310a) of the outer conductor (5310), and a second end can surround one end of the aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the outer conductor (5310) of the resonant part (5300).

[0340] The outer conductor (5310) and the inner conductor (5320) may be coaxial. In this case, the cavity formed between the outer conductor (5310) and the inner conductor (5320) may function as a resonator (R). In other words, the resonator (R) may be formed by the cavity between the outer conductor (5310) and the inner conductor (5320).

[0341] The resonator (R) may be in the form of a hollow tube having the outer diameter of the inner conductor (5320) as its inner diameter. In this case, considering that the shape of the inner conductor (5320) is a tube shape, the resonator (R) shown in FIG. 7 is referred to as a cylindrical resonator (R) in the present disclosure.

[0342] According to another embodiment, so that the resonator (R) has a length of 1 / 4 of the wavelength of the microwave within the resonator (R), the first end of the resonator (R) is formed as a closed end (SE) (short end) where the outer conductor (5310) and the inner conductor (5320) are connected, and the second end of the resonator (R) opposite the first end can be formed as an open end (OE) (open end) where the outer conductor (5310) and the inner conductor (5320) are not connected and are separated.

[0343] The length between the first and second stages may be an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the wavelength. When microwaves are confined in a limited space, such as a resonator (R), they may have a different wavelength than microwaves radiated into free space. For example, the wavelength of the microwaves may vary due to structural factors of the resonator (R). As another example, the wavelength of microwaves present in the dielectric within the resonator (R) may become shorter as the dielectric constant of the dielectric increases.

[0344] Microwaves can be supplied to an inner conductor (5320) through a coupler (5200), microwaves can be supplied to a resonator (R) by the inner conductor (5320), and microwaves can be resonated by the resonator (R). By the resonated microwaves, an amplified electromagnetic field is formed within the resonator (R), and an aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by at least a portion of the electromagnetic field.

[0345] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (5300) may further include a support (5330) that supports the outer surface of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an outer conductor (5310). The support (5330) may be connected to a second wall (5310b) of the outer conductor (5310) and extend from the second wall (5310b) toward the outside of the outer conductor (5310).

[0346] The support member (5330) may include a hollow (5331) to guide the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) into the inner space of the outer conductor (5310). The user may insert the aerosol-generating article (2) into the interior of the outer conductor (5310) through the hollow (5331) so that the inner conductor (5320) penetrates at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (2). At this time, the inner space of the outer conductor (5310) may correspond to the insertion space (5300i) of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0347] At this time, the inner conductor (5320) may not be connected to the support (5330). At least a portion of the electromagnetic field may act toward the aerosol generating article (2) through the open end (OE) formed by the fact that the inner conductor (5320) and the support (5330) are not connected.

[0348] A portion of the electromagnetic field formed at the open end (OE) leaks into the aerosol generating article (2) adjacent to the resonator (R), and the leaked electromagnetic field can heat the aerosol generating article (2). In particular, since a strong electromagnetic field is formed around the open end (OE), the aerosol generating article (2) can be easily heated.

[0349] According to another embodiment, the diameter of the hollow (5331) of the support (5330) may be less than half the wavelength of the microwave. If the diameter of the hollow (5331) is less than half the wavelength of the microwave, the microwave causing resonance may be cut off.

[0350] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (5300) may further include a stopper (5340) that supports the end of an aerosol-generating article (2) inserted into an outer conductor (5310). The stopper (5340) may be placed inside a tubular inner conductor (5320) to prevent the insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0351] An aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (5310) through an opening formed in the second wall (5310b) of the outer conductor (5310) may no longer be able to move in the insertion direction (e.g., z-axis direction) by means of a stopper (5340). For example, the aerosol generating article (2) may not move to an opening formed in the first wall (5310a) of the outer conductor (5310). Thus, the stopper (5340) can prevent the problem of the aerosol generating article (2) being inserted too deeply into the interior of the outer conductor (5310).

[0352] In this regard, the position of the stopper (5340) can determine the area where the highest heating temperature appears in the aerosol generating article (2). The medium portion of the aerosol generating article (2) can be located in the region where the electromagnetic field is strongest inside the resonant portion (5300) by the stopper (5340).

[0353] The stopper (5340) may include a material that prevents microwaves or electromagnetic fields from propagating outside the resonant part (5300) through the interior of the central conductor (4320). However, the embodiments are not limited to those described, and a separate shielding member (not shown) made of the above-described material may be placed together with the stopper (5340).

[0354] According to another embodiment, an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside an aerosol generating device to measure the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) or a coupler (microwave output unit) (5200).

[0355] As described, two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged. One end of each optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed inside the resonance unit (5300) to measure the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) and the microwave output unit (5200), respectively.

[0356] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (5300) may include a through hole (5350) for passing an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). As illustrated, the through hole (5350) for passing a first sensor (1310) is formed in the side wall (5310c) of the outer conductor (5310). The through hole (5350) for passing a second sensor (1320) is formed in the first wall (5310a) of the outer conductor (5310).

[0357] Two through holes (5350) can be located on the outer conductor (5310) at the shortest distance from the temperature measuring portion of the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). That is, the space occupied by the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) inside the outer conductor (5310) of the resonant part (5300) can be minimized. Accordingly, interference with propagation caused by the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) can be minimized when microwaves or electromagnetic fields propagate inside the resonant part (5300).

[0358] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, if only the temperature of the coupler (5200) corresponding to the microwave output section rises and resonance does not occur in the resonance section (5300), the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated, which may cause a problem.

[0359] As in the above-described embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, the control unit can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the resonance unit (5300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0360] In another example, the control unit can block microwaves supplied into the interior of the resonant unit (5300) and control the temperature of the conductor supporting the aerosol generating article (2) inserted in the insertion space (5300i) so that the conductor heats the aerosol generating article.

[0361] At this time, the conductor may refer to a conductor (e.g., an inner conductor (5320) and / or a stopper (5340)) that supports an aerosol generating article (2) as a component included in the heater assembly (5000) and as a component of the resonance part (5300), or it may refer to a separate heating element made of a conductor separate from the component included in the resonance part (5300).

[0362] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (5000) may further include a heating element (5400) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space (5300i). In this case, the heater assembly (5000) may heat the aerosol generating article (2) using the principle of electric resistance heating or induction heating through a separate heating element (5400) placed within the resonance section (5300), rather than heating the aerosol generating article (2) through an electromagnetic field formed by resonant microwaves.

[0363] As described, the heating element (5400) may include a disc shape. The heating element (5400) may be placed on a stopper (5340) inside an inner conductor (5320) and may come into contact with the end of an aerosol-generating article (2). Accordingly, the heating element (5400) may heat the end of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0364] Through the control operation described above, the control unit can heat the aerosol generating article (2) even in problematic situations, and in particular, even when the supply of microwaves is cut off, it can heat the aerosol generating article (2) while preventing the temperature of the microwave output unit (5200) from rising further, thereby preventing the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (5200) from overheating.

[0365] Meanwhile, the arrangement and shape of the heating element (5400) are not limited to those illustrated. The heating element (5400) may have various positions and corresponding shapes capable of heating the aerosol generating article (2). As illustrated, when the heating element (5400) heats the end of the aerosol generating article (2), the heating element (5400) may have a shape corresponding to the internal cross-sectional shape of the tubular inner conductor (5320) or the shape of the stopper (5340).

[0366] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another example of a heater assembly that can be applied to an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0367] Referring to FIG. 8, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a resonator (R) using an electromagnetic field generated by a double cylinder-type resonator (R).

[0368] To implement this, a heater assembly (6000) of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include an oscillating part (6100), a coupler (6200), and a resonating part (6300). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device, a detailed description in the scope of overlap with FIG. 7 will be omitted.

[0369] The oscillator (6100), coupler (6200), and resonator (6300) may correspond to a configuration that is functionally identical to the oscillator (5100), coupler (5200), and resonator (5300) described in FIG. 7.

[0370] Unlike the oscillation unit (5100) shown in FIG. 7, the oscillation unit (6100) can be fixed to the resonance unit (6300) to prevent separation from the resonance unit (6300) during the use of the aerosol generating device.

[0371] In one example, the oscillator (6100) may be fixed on the resonator (6300) by being supported by a bracket (6300b) that protrudes outward from a portion of the resonator (6300) toward the outside of the resonator (6300). In another example, the oscillator (6100) may be fixed on the resonator (6300) by being attached to a portion of the resonator (6300) without the bracket (6300b).

[0372] The resonant section (6300) is structurally different from the resonant section (5300) shown in FIG. 7. The resonant section (6300) shown in FIG. 8 may have a shape formed by cutting two resonant sections (5300) shown in FIG. 7 at an open end (OE) position and then joining the hollow circular cut surfaces together.

[0373] Specifically, the resonant part (6300) may include an outer conductor (6310), a first inner conductor (6320), and a second inner conductor (6330).

[0374] The outer conductor (6310) can form the overall exterior of the resonance section (6300). The outer conductor (6310) may include a hollow cylindrical shape. Components of the resonance section (6300) may be placed inside the outer conductor (6310).

[0375] The outer conductor (6310) may include a first wall (6310a), a second wall (6310b) positioned to face the first wall (6310a), and a side wall (6310c) surrounding the empty space between the first wall (6310a) and the second wall (6310b). At least some of the components of the resonance section (6300) (e.g., the central conductor (6320)) may be positioned in the internal space of the resonance section (6300) formed by the first wall (6310a), the second wall (6310b), and the side wall (6310c).

[0376] The outer conductor (6310) may include an insertion space (6300i) in which an aerosol-generating article (2) can be received. An opening is formed in each of the first wall (6310a) and the second wall (6310b) of the outer conductor (6310), so that the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted into the insertion space (6300i) inside the outer conductor (6310) through the opening formed in the second wall (6310b).

[0377] An opening formed in the second wall (6310b) may be positioned adjacent to an insertion opening (e.g., insertion opening (1100h) of FIG. 2) of a housing (e.g., housing (1100) of FIG. 2). However, since the first wall (6310a) positioned facing the second wall (6320) is located relatively inside the housing, the aerosol generating article (2) may not pass through the opening formed in the first wall (6310a).

[0378] The first inner conductor (6320) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape (tube shape) that extends along the edge of an opening formed in the first wall (6310a) of the outer conductor (6310) and extends from the first wall (6310a) of the outer conductor (6310) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (6310).

[0379] A portion of the first inner conductor (6320) may come into contact with a coupler (6200) connected to an oscillator (6100). Specifically, the coupler (6200) may be positioned to penetrate the outer conductor (6310), with one end in contact with the oscillator (6100) and the other end in contact with a portion of the first inner conductor (6320). Microwaves generated from the oscillator (6100) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (6320) through the coupler (6200).

[0380] At this time, the coupler (6200) may be positioned to pass through the outer conductor (6310) without contacting the outer conductor (6310) for the transmission of microwaves, but the arrangement structure of the coupler (6200) is not limited to this as long as the microwaves generated from the oscillation unit (6100) can be transmitted to the first inner conductor (6320).

[0381] The first region (R1) formed between the outer conductor (6310) and the first inner conductor (6320) can operate as a 'first resonator (R1)' that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. In this case, the first region (R1) may refer to the space formed by the first wall (6310a), side wall (6310c) of the outer conductor (6310), and the first inner conductor (6320).

[0382] In other words, the first resonator (R1) can be formed by the space between the outer conductor (6310) and the first inner conductor (6320). Inside the first region (R1), microwaves transmitted through the coupler (6200) can resonate to generate an electric field.

[0383] The second inner conductor (6330) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the second wall (6310b) of the outer conductor (6310) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (6310).

[0384] The second inner conductor (6330) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first inner conductor (6320) within the inner space of the outer conductor (6310). As a result, a gap (6340) may be formed between the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330).

[0385] The second region (R2) formed between the outer conductor (6310) and the second inner conductor (6330) can operate as a 'second resonator (R2)' that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. In this case, the second region (R2) may refer to the space formed by the first wall (6310a), the side wall (6310c) of the outer conductor (6310), and the second inner conductor (6330).

[0386] In other words, the second resonator (R2) may be formed by the space between the outer conductor (6310) and the second inner conductor (6330). The second inner conductor (6330) may be coupled (e.g., capacitively coupled) with the first inner conductor (6320), and an induced electric field may be generated in the second region (R2) when an electric field is generated in the first region (R1) by the coupling relationship described above. In this disclosure, 'capacitive coupling' may refer to a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by the capacitance between two conductors.

[0387] For example, as microwaves generated from the oscillation unit (6100) are transmitted to the first inner conductor (6320), an electric field may be generated inside the first region (R1) by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region (R2) formed by the outer conductor (6310) and the second inner conductor (6330) coupled to the first inner conductor (6320).

[0388] The first resonator (R1) corresponding to the first region (R1) may be in the form of a hollow tube having the outer diameter of the first inner conductor (6320) as its inner diameter. Similarly, the second resonator (R2) corresponding to the second region (R2) may be in the form of a hollow tube having the outer diameter of the second inner conductor (6330) as its inner diameter. In this case, considering that the shape of the two inner conductors (6320, 6330) is a hollow cylinder shape (tube shape), the first resonator (R1) and the second resonator (R2) shown in FIG. 8 are collectively referred to as a double cylinder type resonator (R).

[0389] According to another embodiment, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) of the resonance unit (6300) can operate as resonators having a wavelength of 1 / 4 of a microwave.

[0390] In one example, one end of the first region (R1) (e.g., the end in the -z direction) may be formed as a short end (SE) as the cross section of the first region (R1) is closed by the first wall (6310a) of the outer conductor (6310), and the other end of the first region (R1) (e.g., the end in the z direction) may be formed as an open end (OE) as the cross section is open as no wall is placed therein.

[0391] In another example, one end of the second region (R2) (e.g., the end in the -z direction) may be formed as an open end (OE) as the cross section is open, and the other end of the second region (R2) (e.g., the end in the z direction) may be formed as a closed end (SE) as the cross section of the second region (R2) is closed by the second wall (6310b) of the outer conductor (6310).

[0392] That is, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) can be formed in an overall “C” shape including a closed end (SE) and an open end (OE) when viewed on the xz plane, and through the structure described above, the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) can operate as resonators having a wavelength of 1 / 4 of a microwave.

[0393] According to another embodiment, the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330) may be formed to have the same length with respect to the z-axis so that the first region (R1) and the second region (R2) are symmetrical to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0394] The aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the internal space of the outer conductor (6310) can be heated by a dielectric heating method by being surrounded by the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330).

[0395] At least a portion of the electric field generated by the resonance of microwaves in the first region (R1) and / or the second region (R2) can propagate toward the interior of the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330) through the gap (6340) between the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330), and the aerosol generating article (2) surrounded by the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330) can be heated by the propagated electric field.

[0396] For example, the dielectric material contained in the aerosol generating article (2) can generate heat by an electric field propagating through the gap (6340), and the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by the heat generated from the dielectric material.

[0397] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (6000) can prevent the electric field propagated into the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330) from leaking out of the heater assembly (6000) or the resonant part (6300) by making the diameters of the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330) less than a specified value.

[0398] In the present disclosure, 'specified value' may mean a diameter value at which the electric field begins to leak to the outside of the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330). For example, if the diameter of the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330) is greater than or equal to the specified value, a situation may occur in which a portion of the electric field introduced into the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330) leaks to the outside of the resonant part (6300).

[0399] According to another embodiment, the heater assembly (6000) can prevent the electric field from propagating outside the resonant part (6300) through a structure in which the diameters of the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330) are less than a specified value, and as a result, the electric field can be prevented from leaking outside the heater assembly (6000) or the resonant part (6300) without a separate shielding member.

[0400] Meanwhile, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of the resonance part (6300), the medium part of the aerosol generating article (2) can be positioned at a location corresponding to the gap (6340) between the first inner conductor (6320) and the second inner conductor (6330).

[0401] As the electric field generated in the first region (R1) and the electric field generated in the second region (R2) flow into the interior of the first inner conductor (6320) and / or the second inner conductor (6330) through the gap (6340), the strongest electric field can be generated in the area surrounding the gap (6340) among the internal regions of the resonant part (6300).

[0402] At this time, in the heater assembly (6000), the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (6000) can be improved by positioning a medium containing a dielectric that generates heat by an electric field at a location corresponding to the gap (6340) where the electric field is strongest.

[0403] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (6300) may further include a closing member (6350) located inside the first inner conductor (6320) and closing the cross-section of the first inner conductor (6320) to restrict the flow direction of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the closing member (6350) may close the cross-section of the first inner conductor (6320) to block the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2) in the -z direction.

[0404] If the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2) or the droplet generated as the aerosol is liquefied flows in the -z direction and enters other components of the aerosol generating device, it may cause malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device.

[0405] At this time, the flow direction of the aerosol is restricted by the closure part (6350), thereby preventing malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device caused by the aerosol or droplets.

[0406] Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the closing portion (6350) can perform the same function as the stopper (5340) described in FIG. 7 in relation to the first inner conductor (6320). Likewise, the stopper (5340) of FIG. 7 can also perform the same function as the closing portion (6350) in relation to the inner conductor (5320).

[0407] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (6300) may further include a dielectric receiving space (6360) for receiving a dielectric. The dielectric receiving space (6360) may refer to an empty space between the outer conductor (6310), the first inner conductor (6320), and the second inner conductor (6330), and a dielectric with low microwave absorption may be received in the dielectric receiving space (6360). For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0408] By placing a dielectric material inside the dielectric accommodation space (6360), the overall size of the resonant section (6300) can be reduced, while generating an electric field of the same level as the electric field generated in the resonant section (6300) that does not contain a dielectric material. That is, by reducing the size of the resonant section (6300) through the dielectric material placed inside the dielectric accommodation space (6360), the mounting space of the resonant section (6300) within the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and as a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0409] According to another embodiment, an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside an aerosol generating device to measure the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) or a coupler (microwave output unit) (6200).

[0410] As described, two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged. One end of each optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed inside the resonance unit (6300) to measure the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) and the microwave output unit (6200), respectively.

[0411] According to another embodiment, the resonant section (6300) may include a through hole (6370) for passing an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). As illustrated, the through hole (6370) for passing a first sensor (1310) is formed in the closed section (6350). The through hole (6370) for passing a second sensor (1320) is formed in the first wall (6310a) of the outer conductor (6310).

[0412] At this time, one end of the first sensor (1310) passing through the through hole (6370) formed in the closure (6350) may not be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2), but may be positioned to be in contact with or spaced apart from the end of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, one end of the first sensor (1310) may not be exposed to the insertion space (6300i) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0413] Considering that the electric field generated by the resonance of microwaves can propagate toward the interior of the first inner conductor (6320) through the gap (6340), the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is not exposed to the insertion space (6300i) formed inside the outer conductor (6310), so that the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) does not hinder the propagation of the electromagnetic field into the insertion space (6300i) or the interior of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0414] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, if only the temperature of the coupler (6200) corresponding to the microwave output section rises and resonance does not occur in the resonance section (6300), the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated, which may cause a problem.

[0415] As in the above-described embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (1200) of FIG. 3) can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the resonant unit (6300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0416] In another example, the control unit can block microwaves supplied into the interior of the resonance unit (6300) and control the induction coil (6400) so that the heating element (SS) present in the medium of the aerosol generating article (2) is inductively heated.

[0417] Specifically, the heater assembly (6000) may further include an induction coil (6400) for inductively heating a heating element (SS) of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space (6300i). The induction coil (6400) may generate an alternating magnetic field toward the insertion space (6300i) inside the outer conductor (6310). At this time, the heating element (SS) may be a susceptor (SS) that generates heat by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (6400). The control unit may control the power supplied to the induction coil (6400) so that the temperature of the susceptor (SS) rises by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (6400).

[0418] Through the control operation described above, the control unit can heat the aerosol generating article (2) even in problematic situations, and in particular, even when the supply of microwaves is cut off, it can heat the aerosol generating article (2) while preventing the temperature of the microwave output unit (6200) from rising further, thereby preventing the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (6200) from overheating.

[0419] As described, the induction coil (6400) is a planar helical coil and may be placed on one side of the closure (6350) facing the insertion space (6300i) and on the other side of the closure (6350) facing it. That is, the induction coil (6400) may not be placed inside the insertion space (6300i). In this case, the closure (6350) may be made of a material capable of passing the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (6400).

[0420] However, depending on the embodiment, the induction coil (6400) may be placed on one side of the closure (6350). In this case, the induction coil (6400) may be surrounded by a separate shielding member (not shown) so as not to be affected by microwaves.

[0421] Meanwhile, the heating element (SS) is not limited to being a component of the aerosol generating article (2). In this case, as described above, a separate heating element made of a conductor may be placed inside the aerosol generating device, separate from the components included in the resonance part (6300).

[0422] Additionally, according to the embodiment, a separate heating element may not be provided. In this case, as described above, a conductor (e.g., at least one of a first inner conductor (6320), a second inner conductor (6330), and a closure (6350)) supporting an aerosol generating article (2) as part of the resonance section (6300) may be a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field generated by an induction coil (6400).

[0423] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of another example of a heater assembly of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 9a.

[0424] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 2) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a resonator (R) using an electromagnetic field generated by a plate-shaped resonator (R).

[0425] To implement this, a heater assembly (7000) of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include an oscillating part (7100), a coupler (7200), and a resonating part (7300). Regarding the configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device, a detailed description in the scope of overlap with FIG. 8 will be omitted.

[0426] The oscillator (7100), coupler (7200), and resonator (7300) may correspond to a configuration that is functionally identical to the oscillator (6100), coupler (6200), and resonator (6300) described in FIG. 8.

[0427] According to another embodiment, the resonance unit (7300) may include a case (7310), a plurality of plates (7320), and a connecting unit (7330) connecting the plurality of plates (7320) and the case (7310). In this case, the coupler (7200) may supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates (7320) to generate microwave resonance in the resonance unit (7300).

[0428] The case (7310) can perform the function of the aforementioned 'outer conductor'. Since the case (7310) is formed with a hollow shape with an empty interior, components of the resonant part (7300) can be placed inside the case (7310). The case (7310) can also perform the same or similar function as the aforementioned shielding part (e.g., shielding part (2300) of FIG. 3).

[0429] The case (7310) may include an insertion space (7300i) in which an aerosol-generating article (2) can be received, and an opening (7311) in which the aerosol-generating article (2) can be inserted. The opening (7311) may be formed in the second wall (7310b) of the case (7310). The aerosol-generating article (2) may be inserted into the insertion space (7300i) through the opening (7311) of the case (7310). Meanwhile, the first wall (7310a) and the side wall (7310c) of the case (7310) may be closed.

[0430] The case (7310) illustrated in the drawing has a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the case (7310) can be modified into various shapes. The case (7310) can be extended in one direction. A plurality of plates (7320) capable of functioning as 'internal conductors' of the resonant part (7300) can be arranged inside the case (7310).

[0431] A plurality of plates (7320) may be spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of an aerosol-generating article (2) accommodated in an insertion space (7300i). The plurality of plates (7320) may include a first plate (7321) arranged to surround one area of ​​the aerosol-generating article (2) and a second plate (7322) arranged to surround another area of ​​the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0432] Multiple plates (7320) can be connected to the case (7310) by a connecting part (7330). Additionally, one end of the first plate (7321) and one end of the second plate (7322) of the multiple plates (7320) can be connected to each other by the connecting part (7330). Thus, a closed end can be formed by the connecting part (7330) at one end of the multiple plates (7320).

[0433] The other end (7321f) of the first plate (7321) of the plurality of plates (7320) and the other end (7322f) of the second plate (7322) can be opened by being spaced apart from each other. Since the other ends of the plurality of plates (7320) are spaced apart from each other, an open end can be formed at the other ends of the plurality of plates (7320).

[0434] A resonator assembly can be completed by connecting multiple plates (7320) and a connecting part (7330) to each other. The shape of the cross-section cut along the longitudinal direction of the resonator assembly may include a 'horseshoe shape'.

[0435] A plurality of plates (7320) may be extended in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2). At least a portion of the plurality of plates (7320) may be curved to protrude outward from the center in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0436] For example, if the aerosol generating article (2) is manufactured in a cylindrical shape, a plurality of plates (7320) may be formed to be curved in a circumferential direction along the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2). The radius of curvature of the cross-section of the plurality of plates (7320) may be the same as the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article (2). The radius of curvature of the cross-section of the plurality of plates (7320) may be varied in many ways. For example, the radius of curvature of the cross-section of the plurality of plates (7320) may be larger or smaller than the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0437] According to the structure in which a plurality of plates (7320) are formed to be curved in the circumferential direction along the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (2), a more uniform electric field is formed in the resonance part (7300), so the heater assembly (7000) can uniformly heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0438] The open end of the other end of the plurality of plates (7320) may be positioned to face the opening (7311) of the case (7310). The opening (7311) of the case (7310) may be positioned spaced apart in a direction away from the other end of the plurality of plates (7320).

[0439] The open ends of the other end of the plurality of plates (7320) can be aligned with the opening (7311) of the case (7310). Thus, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted through the opening (7311) of the case (7310) and positioned in the insertion space (7300i), a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) positioned in the insertion space (7300i) can be surrounded by the plurality of plates (7320).

[0440] Two plates (7320) are arranged at positions opposite to the longitudinal center of the aerosol generating article (2). Embodiments are not limited by the number of plates (7320), and the number of plates (7320) may be, for example, three or four or more.

[0441] Multiple plates (7320) can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article (2), that is, the direction in which the aerosol generating article (2) extends.

[0442] At least one of the plurality of plates (7320) may come into contact with a coupler (7200) connected to an oscillation unit (7100). Specifically, at least a portion of the first plate (7321) may come into contact with the coupler (7200). When microwaves are transmitted to the first plate (7321) through the coupler (7200), microwave resonance is formed between the plurality of plates (7320). Additionally, microwave resonance is formed between the first plate (7321) and the upper plate of the case (7310), and between the second plate (7322) and the lower plate of the case (7310), respectively. Accordingly, an electric field can be generated between the plurality of plates (7320) and the connecting part (7330), between the first plate (7321) and the upper plate of the case (7310), and between the second plate (7322) and the lower plate of the case (7310).

[0443] The coupler (7200) penetrates the case (7310), so that one end of the coupler (7200) contacts the oscillation unit (7100) and the other end of the coupler (7200) contacts a region of the first plate (7321). As the microwave generated from the oscillation unit (7100) is transmitted to the plurality of plates (7320) and the connecting unit (7330) through the coupler (7200), an electric field can be generated inside the assembly of the plurality of plates (7320) and the connecting unit (7330).

[0444] In addition, according to the structure of the resonance section (7300) of the heater assembly (7000), a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonance section (7300). Between the plurality of plates (7320), a resonance of the microwave TEM mode (transverse electric and magnetic mode) is formed. Also, between the first plate (7321) and the upper plate of the case (7310), and between the second plate (7322) and the lower plate of the case (7310), a resonance of the TEM mode different from the resonance formed between the plurality of plates (7320) is formed.

[0445] The resonant section (7300) of FIGS. 9a and 9b can be manufactured in a smaller size than the resonant section (6300) of FIG. 8, which is capable only of TE (transverse electric) and TM (transverse magnetic mode) modes, because TEM mode resonance is possible through a plurality of plates (7320).

[0446] According to another embodiment, as triple resonance occurs in the resonance part (7300) of the heater assembly (7000), the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated more effectively and uniformly.

[0447] The resonant part (7300) according to the above-described embodiment may include a closed end (SE) (short end) with a cross-section closed to have a length (λ / 4) of 1 / 4 of the wavelength (λ) of the microwave, and an open end (OE) (open end) located opposite to the closed end (SE) and having at least one region of the cross-section open.

[0448] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the region of one end of the resonant section (7300) corresponding to the left region forms a closed end (SE) that is closed by a structure in which one end of a plurality of plates (7320) and a connecting part (7330) are connected to a case (7310). In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the region of the other end of the resonant section (7300) corresponding to the right region forms an open end (OE) by the opening (7311) of the case (7310) being opened to the outside. Due to the resonant structure of the resonant section (7300) as described above, the resonant section (7300) can operate as a resonator (R) having a wavelength of 1 / 4 of a microwave. In other words, the resonator (R) can be formed by the space between the plurality of plates (7320) and / or the space between the plurality of plates (7320) and the case (7310). Considering that a plurality of horseshoe-shaped curved plates (7320) are arranged inside the case (7310), the resonator (R) shown in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b in this disclosure is referred to as a plate-shaped resonator (R).

[0449] According to the resonance structure of the resonance member (7300) described above, the electric field may not propagate to the outer region of the resonance member (7300). Therefore, the heater assembly (7000) can prevent the electric field from leaking to the outside of the heater assembly (7000) without the need for a separate shielding member to shield the electric field.

[0450] An aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (7300i) of the case (7310) can be heated by a dielectric heating method by being surrounded by a first plate (7321) and a second plate (7322). For example, the medium portion of the aerosol generating article (2) contained in the insertion space (7300i) of the case (7310) can be placed in the space between the first plate (7321) and the second plate (7322). The aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article (2) generating heat through the electric field generated in the space between the first plate (7321) and the second plate (7322).

[0451] In addition, a secondary heating action on the aerosol generating article (2) can be achieved by the action of an electric field due to a resonance mode formed between the first plate (7321) and the upper plate of the case (7310), and between the second plate (7322) and the lower plate of the case (7310), respectively.

[0452] Meanwhile, when the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of the resonance section (7300), the medium portion of the aerosol generating article (2) accommodated in the insertion space (7300i) may be located between a plurality of plates (7320).

[0453] A resonance peak may be formed at the other end of a plurality of plates (7320) that operate as resonators, thereby generating a stronger electric field compared to other regions. When an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the heater assembly (7000), a medium containing a dielectric that can generate heat by the electric field is positioned to correspond to the region where the electric field is strongest, thereby improving the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (7000).

[0454] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the length of the plurality of plates (7320) can be set to be smaller than the length of the internal space of the case (7310). Thus, the other end of the plurality of plates (7320) can be located inside the case (7310) than the opening (7311). That is, the other end of the plurality of plates (7320) can be located at a predetermined distance from the opening (7311).

[0455] According to another embodiment, the resonant member (7300) may further include a support (7340) that supports the outer surface of an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into a case (7310). The support (7340) may extend from a second wall (7310b) of the case (7310) in which the opening (7311) is located toward the outside of the case (7310).

[0456] The support member (7340) may include a hollow (7341) to guide the insertion of an aerosol-generating article (2) into the internal space of the case (7310). The hollow (7341) may be connected to an opening (7311). A user can insert the aerosol-generating article (2) into the interior of the case (7310) through the hollow (7341).

[0457] To prevent microwave leakage, the support member (7340) may protrude from the case (7310). By the support member (7340) connected to the opening (7311) protruding from the case (7310), the support member (7340) can function to prevent microwaves inside the case (7310) of the resonant part (7300) from leaking to the outside of the case (7310).

[0458] The resonant part (7300) may further include a dielectric receiving space (7350) for receiving a dielectric. The dielectric receiving space (7350) may be formed in the empty space between the case (7310) and a plurality of plates (7320). A dielectric with low microwave absorption may be received in the dielectric receiving space (7350).

[0459] By placing a dielectric material inside the dielectric accommodation space (7350), the overall size of the resonant section (7300) can be reduced, while generating an electric field of the same level as the electric field generated in the resonant section (7300) that does not contain a dielectric material. That is, by reducing the size of the resonant section (7300) through the dielectric material placed inside the dielectric accommodation space (7350), the mounting space of the resonant section (7300) within the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and as a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0460] According to another embodiment, an optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) may be placed inside an aerosol generating device to measure the temperature of an aerosol generating article (2) or a coupler (microwave output unit) (7200).

[0461] As described, two optical fiber temperature sensors (1300) may be arranged. One end of each optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is placed inside the resonance unit (7300) to measure the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) and the microwave output unit (7200), respectively.

[0462] According to another embodiment, the resonant portion (7300) may include a through hole (7360) for passing through the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300). As illustrated, the through hole (7360) is formed to pass through the first wall (7310a) of the case (7310) and the connecting portion (7330) adjacent to the first wall (7310a) at once.

[0463] At this time, one end of the first sensor (1310) passing through the through hole (7360) may not be inserted into the aerosol generating article (2), but may be positioned to be in contact with or spaced apart from the end of the aerosol generating article (2). That is, one end of the first sensor (1310) may not be exposed to the insertion space (7300i) of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0464] Considering that an electric field is generated in the space between the first plate (7321) and the second plate (7322), the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) is not exposed to the insertion space (7300i) formed inside the case (7310), so that the optical fiber temperature sensor (1300) does not hinder the propagation of an electromagnetic field into the insertion space (7300i) or the interior of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0465] Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, if only the temperature of the coupler (7200) corresponding to the microwave output section rises and resonance does not occur in the resonance section (7300), the aerosol generating article (2) may not be heated, which may cause a problem.

[0466] As in the above-described embodiment, if it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating article (2) is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, the control unit (e.g., the control unit (1200) of FIG. 3) can adjust the frequency of the microwave provided to the resonant unit (7300) so that the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0467] In another example, the control unit can block microwaves supplied into the interior of the resonance unit (7300) and control the induction coil (7500) so that a plurality of heating elements (7400) arranged inside a plurality of plates (7320) are inductively heated.

[0468] Specifically, the heater assembly (7000) may further include a heating element (7400) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) inserted into an insertion space, and an induction coil (7500) for inductively heating the heating element (7400). The induction coil (7500) may generate an alternating magnetic field toward the insertion space (7300i) inside the case (7310). At this time, the heating element (7400) may be a susceptor (7400) that generates heat by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (7500). The control unit may control the power supplied to the induction coil (7500) so that the temperature of the susceptor (7400) rises by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (7500).

[0469] Through the control operation described above, the control unit can heat the aerosol generating article (2) even in problematic situations, and in particular, even when the supply of microwaves is cut off, it can heat the aerosol generating article (2) while preventing the temperature of the microwave output unit (7200) from rising further, thereby preventing the surrounding components of the microwave output unit (7200) from overheating.

[0470] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9b but omitted in FIG. 9a, the induction coil (7500) may be positioned to surround the side wall (7310c) of the case (7310) from the outside of the case (7310). That is, the induction coil (7500) may not be positioned inside the case (7310). In this case, the case (7310) may be made of a material capable of passing the magnetic field generated by the induction coil (7500).

[0471] However, depending on the embodiment, the induction coil (7500) may be placed inside the case (7310). In this case, the induction coil (7500) may be surrounded by a separate shielding member (not shown) so as not to be affected by microwaves.

[0472] Additionally, according to the embodiment, a separate heating element (7400) made of a conductor may not be provided. In this case, as described above, a conductor (e.g., a plurality of plates (7320) and / or a connecting part (7330)) supporting an aerosol generating article (2) as part of the resonance part (7300) may be a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field generated by an induction coil (7500).

[0473] According to the aerosol generating device of the embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol generating article can be accurately measured, thereby enabling optimal smoking performance.

[0474] In addition, according to the aerosol generating device of the embodiments, abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device can be quickly detected through temperature monitoring of the microwave output unit, and a quick response to it can be made possible.

[0475] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0476] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0477] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A heater assembly for heating an aerosol-generating article contained in an insertion space through microwaves, comprising an oscillator for generating microwaves, a shielding unit for shielding microwaves and including an insertion space for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and a microwave output unit for providing microwaves into the interior of the shielding unit; One or more optical fiber temperature sensors for measuring the temperature of a temperature measurement target from outside the temperature measurement target without being inserted into the temperature measurement target; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that adjusts microwaves based on the temperature measured through the optical fiber temperature sensor.

2. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above optical fiber temperature sensors measures the temperature of the temperature measurement target through one end, and An aerosol generating device in which each of the above-mentioned optical fiber temperature sensors is positioned to contact the temperature measurement target.

3. In Paragraph 2, The aerosol-generating article contained in the insertion space corresponds to the temperature measurement target, and An aerosol generating device, wherein each of the above-mentioned optical fiber temperature sensors is positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the aerosol generating article.

4. In Paragraph 2, The aerosol-generating article contained in the insertion space corresponds to the temperature measurement target, and An aerosol generating device, wherein each of the above-mentioned optical fiber temperature sensors is positioned to contact one end of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space.

5. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above optical fiber temperature sensors measures the temperature of the temperature measurement target through one end, and An aerosol generating device in which each of the above-mentioned optical fiber temperature sensors is positioned to be spaced apart from the temperature measurement target.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above temperature measurement targets are arranged in multiple numbers, and The above aerosol generating article and the above microwave output unit each correspond to one of the plurality of above temperature measurement targets, and The above optical fiber temperature sensor comprises a first sensor for measuring the temperature of the aerosol generating article and a second sensor for measuring the temperature of the microwave output unit, an aerosol generating device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above control unit adjusts the frequency of microwaves supplied to the inside of the shielding unit when it determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating article is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature.

8. In Paragraph 6, The heater assembly further includes a conductor for supporting the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space, and The above control unit is, If it is determined that the temperature of the aerosol generating item is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature, Blocking the supply of microwaves provided to the above heater assembly, and An aerosol generating device that controls the temperature of the conductor so that the conductor heats the aerosol generating article.

9. In Paragraph 8, It further includes an induction coil that generates an alternating magnetic field toward the insertion space, and The above conductor is a susceptor that generates heat by a magnetic field generated from the induction coil, and An aerosol generating device, wherein the above-described control unit controls the power supplied to the induction coil so that the temperature of the susceptor rises by the magnetic field generated by the induction coil when it determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating article is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature.

10. In Paragraph 6, It further includes an output unit that outputs information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device; and The above control unit controls the output unit so that a notification is provided to the user through the output unit when it determines that the temperature of the aerosol generating article is lower than a preset first temperature and the temperature of the microwave output unit is higher than a preset second temperature.

11. In Paragraph 6, The above shielding part corresponds to one of the plurality of the above temperature measurement targets, and The above optical fiber temperature sensor further comprises a third sensor for measuring the temperature of the shielding part, an aerosol generating device.

12. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein the shielding portion further includes a guide for supporting the optical fiber temperature sensor disposed inside the shielding portion.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above guide is an aerosol generating device comprising a first portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the shielding portion and a second portion extending in a direction across the longitudinal direction.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above heater assembly is, A through hole formed in the shielding portion to allow the above optical fiber temperature sensor to pass through; and An aerosol generating device further comprising a shielding member for blocking microwaves supplied into the interior of the shielding member from leaking to the exterior of the shielding member through the through hole.

15. In Paragraph 1, The heater assembly further includes a terminal for supplying power to the optical fiber temperature sensor disposed inside the shielding part, and An aerosol generating device in which the above terminal is positioned to penetrate the above shielding portion and electrically connects the inside of the above shielding portion and the outside of the above shielding portion.

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