Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device comprises: a housing including an accommodation space; a battery; a source unit for generating electromagnetic waves on the basis of power supplied from the battery; a first conductive member for heating an aerosol-generating article by emitting the electromagnetic waves generated by the source unit toward the aerosol-generating article; a second conductive member for heating the aerosol-generating article by generating heat when power is supplied from the battery; and a processor operatively connected to the battery, wherein the processor may control the battery, on the basis of the type of the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space, so that power is supplied to one of the source unit or the second conductive member.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article by dielectric heating or resistance heating depending on the type of aerosol generating article.

[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 an aerosol-generating product (or 'aerosol-generating material') using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol. Accordingly, research on heated aerosol-generating devices is actively underway.

[0003] The optimal heating temperature for aerosol generation may vary depending on the composition ratio of the aerosol-generating material, and various heating methods are being proposed to heat the aerosol-generating material to the optimal temperature. For example, while it was conventionally common to heat aerosol-generating materials using resistance heating, a dielectric heating method has recently been proposed. This method allows the aerosol-generating material to be heated to a temperature different from that of resistance heating by vibrating the dielectric material contained within the material using electromagnetic waves.

[0004] Previously, it was common practice to design dedicated aerosol generating materials according to the aerosol generating device and use a single aerosol generating material; however, recently, research is being conducted on methods to utilize various aerosol generating materials within a single device to provide users with diverse smoking sensations.

[0005] Although the optimal heating temperature varies depending on the type of aerosol generating material, existing aerosol generating devices were limited to heating the materials using only a single heating method, making it difficult to adjust the heating temperature according to the type of aerosol generating material.

[0006] Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure aim to improve the user's smoking sensation by providing an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article by selectively applying a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method depending on the type of aerosol generating article, thereby enabling effective heating of various types of aerosol generating articles.

[0007] The problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure 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 the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a housing including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; a battery disposed inside the housing; a source unit disposed inside the housing for generating electromagnetic waves based on power supplied from the battery; a first conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space and radiating electromagnetic waves generated from the source unit in a direction toward the aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; a second conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space and generating heat to heat the aerosol generating article when power is supplied from the battery; and a processor operatively connected to the battery; wherein the processor can control the battery to supply power to either the source unit or the second conductive member based on the type of aerosol generating article received in the receiving space.

[0009] An aerosol generating device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an enhanced smoking sensation to a user by varying the heating method depending on the type of aerosol generating article.

[0010] 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.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply according to the type of aerosol generating article received in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply based on user input to the display of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a user interface output to a display of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply based on user input to the button portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a light-emitting part of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) readable by a machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)). For example, a processor (e.g., a control unit) 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 operate 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-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0028] 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.

[0029] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (11), a charging circuit (12), a power source (13), a first power converter (14), a second power converter (15), a third power converter (16) and / or a processor (17). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (21), a drive amplifier (22), a power amplifier (23), a directional coupler (24) and / or a temperature sensing circuit (25). 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.

[0030] The power connector (11) 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 (11) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (13)). The power connector (11) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (11). The power connector (11) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (11) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (11) may also include an interface for transmitting and receiving power wirelessly.

[0031] The charging circuit (12) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (13). The charging circuit (12) may charge the power source (13) using power delivered from the power connector (11). In one example, the charging circuit (12) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (13). The charging circuit (12) may monitor the charging status of the power source (13) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (13). For example, the charging circuit (12) may detect the state of the power source (13) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0032] The power source (13) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (13) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (13) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can heat the aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space. 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 (13) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (17), RF signal generating circuit (21), driving amplifier (22), power amplifier (23), temperature sensing circuit (25), etc. In one example, the power source (13) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (13) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter referred to as a 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 also be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0033] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (13) 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.

[0034] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (14), a second power converter (15), and a third power converter (16). The first power converter (14) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (17), the second power converter (15) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (25), an RF signal generating circuit (21), and a driving amplifier (22), and the third power converter (16) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (23).

[0035] However, the first power converter (14), the second power converter (15), and the third power converter (16) 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 (14), the second power converter (15), and the third power converter (16) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0036] The processor (17) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (17) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power source (13) using the charging circuit (12). Additionally, the processor (17) 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 (17) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0037] The processor (17) 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 (17) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0038] The RF signal generation circuit (21) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power source (13) or the second power converter (15). 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.

[0039] The RF signal generation circuit (21) 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 (21) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (17) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (17) 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.

[0040] 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 (17) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (21) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0041] The driving amplifier (22) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (21). For example, the driving amplifier (22) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (23)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (22) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (22) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0042] The power amplifier (23) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (22). The power amplifier (23) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (23) 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 (23) may perform the amplification operation using power received through a third power converter (16) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (15).

[0043] The driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) 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 (22) and the power amplifier (23) 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 (22) and the power amplifier (23) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0044] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (22) and the power amplifier (23) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (22) and / or the power amplifier (23) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 (17) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (21) 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 (21). The processor (17) may use a directional coupler (24) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0047] The directional coupler (24) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (24) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (23) 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 (24) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (17).

[0048] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of the directional coupler (24) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (17) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (17). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (24), the processor (17) 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).

[0049] The processor (17) 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 (17) 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 (17) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (21) 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.

[0050] 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 (17). 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 (17).

[0051] A temperature sensing circuit (25) 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 (25) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (21), the driving amplifier (22), and the power amplifier (23). 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 (25) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0052] The processor (17) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (25) 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 (17) 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.

[0053] The temperature sensing circuit (25) 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 (25) 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.

[0054] 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 (13).

[0055] Additionally, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a heater (or 'aerosol generating article heater') for selectively heating an aerosol generating article by a resistance heating method in addition to a dielectric heating method through a radiation unit (30). The heater can heat the aerosol generating article by generating heat in response to power supplied from a power source (13).

[0056] 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 (17). 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 immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0057] 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).

[0058] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (13). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (13). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (13) (e.g., battery) and / 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 (13) together with the protection circuit module.

[0059] 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).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0061] 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 (17) 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.

[0062] 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 (17) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0063] 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 (17) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0064] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (17) 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.

[0065] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 (17) 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.

[0068] 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 (17) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (17) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 (17) 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.

[0071] 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 (17) 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 (17) 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 wavelengths based on the irradiated light. The processor (17) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0074] 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 (17) 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.

[0075] 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 (17) 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 (17) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 (13) 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. If the display includes a touch pad, it may also be used as an input unit. 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 (17) 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (23)). The processor (17) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (23)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (17) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (23)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0086] Additionally, the processor (17) can heat the aerosol-generating article by a resistance heating method rather than a dielectric heating method by controlling the supply of power from the power source (13) to the heater (or 'aerosol-generating article'). For example, the processor (17) can heat the aerosol-generating article by a resistance heating method by supplying power only to the heater without supplying power to the source part (20) through the power source (13).

[0087] Additionally, the processor (17) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (13) to the cartridge heater. The processor (17) 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 (17) 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.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (17) 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (17) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor. The processor (17) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor. The processor (17) 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.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (17) 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.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (17) 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.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, the processor (17) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (17) 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 (17) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 (17) 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 (17) 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 (17) 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.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (17) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (17) 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 (17) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a type. For example, the processor (17) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (17) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater can be cut off. If the processor (17) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater can be controlled (e.g., initiated). For another example, the processor (17) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (17) 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 it is detected that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is the 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 it is detected that the aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge) is the second aerosol generating item (or a second cartridge).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) may control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (17) 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 (17) may also 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.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) 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 source (13), detection of overcharging of the power source (13), termination of charging of the power source (13), 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.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when the processor (17) 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.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of power (13), 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.

[0103] According to one embodiment, when a processor (17) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (17) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (17) 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.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor (17) can transmit data regarding the sensing value of at least one sensor unit to an external server (not shown) via a communication link, and receive and store a learning model generated by learning the sensing value through machine learning, such as deep learning, from the server. The processor (17) 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.

[0106] 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 (13) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (13).

[0107] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a liquid non-tobacco material (e.g., an aerosol generating material and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a solid tobacco material (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco material may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may comprise a basic material. Based on the basic material, the nicotine in the tobacco material included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco material and / or a non-tobacco material.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0108] 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.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (110) capable of receiving an aerosol generating article (S), a first conductive member (200) for heating the aerosol generating article (S), and a second conductive member (210) for heating the aerosol generating article (S) in a manner different from that of the first conductive member (200). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited to the components shown in FIG. 2, and depending on the embodiment, other components (e.g., the cover (111) of FIG. 2) may be added, or at least one of the shown components may be omitted.

[0111] The housing (110) may include a receiving space (110a) (or 'insertion space') in which an aerosol generating article (S) can be received, and may form the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device (100). Components of the aerosol generating device (100) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (110). For example, a first conductive member (200), a second conductive member (210), a battery, a processor (e.g., the control unit (10) of FIG. 1) and / or a source unit (e.g., the source unit (20) of FIG. 1) may be placed in the internal space of the housing (110), but the components of the aerosol generating device (100) placed in the internal space of the housing (110) are not limited thereto.

[0112] The first conductive member (200) can heat the aerosol-generating article (S) by radiating electromagnetic waves toward the aerosol-generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a). For example, the first conductive member (200) can radiate electromagnetic waves toward the receiving space (110a) as an RF (Radio Frequency) signal is supplied from the source part. The electromagnetic waves may be, for example, microwaves having a frequency band of about 300 MHz to 300 GHz, but are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the first conductive member (200) may be referred to as an 'antenna'.

[0113] As electromagnetic waves are radiated from the first conductive member (200) toward the aerosol generating article (S), the charges or ions of the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article (S) may vibrate or rotate. During the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating, frictional heat may be generated, and as the dielectric heats up due to the frictional heat, the aerosol generating article (S) may be heated. That is, the first conductive member (200) can heat the aerosol generating article (S) by a dielectric heating method.

[0114] The second conductive member (210) is positioned to surround an aerosol generating article (S) contained in a receiving space (110a) inside the housing (110), and can generate heat to heat the aerosol generating article (S) as power is supplied. For example, the second conductive member (210) may include a conductive pattern that generates heat as power is supplied, and can generate heat to heat the aerosol generating article (S) as power is supplied from a battery (not shown). That is, the second conductive member (210) can heat the aerosol generating article (S) by a resistance heating method.

[0115] An aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment may selectively heat an aerosol generating article (S) in a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method through a first conductive member (200) or a second conductive member (210). For example, the aerosol generating device (100) may heat the aerosol generating article (S) in a dielectric heating method by radiating electromagnetic waves through the first conductive member (200) in a first mode (or 'dielectric heating mode'). As another example, the aerosol generating device (100) may heat the aerosol generating article (S) in a resistance heating method through heat generated from the second conductive member (210) in a second mode (or 'resistance heating mode').

[0116] As the aerosol generating article (S) is heated from the first conductive member (200) or the second conductive member (210), steam may be generated from the aerosol generating article (S), and as the generated steam is mixed with external air flowing into the receiving space (110a), an aerosol may be generated inside the receiving space (110a). At this time, the user may inhale the aerosol generated in the receiving space (110a) by contacting the aerosol generating article (S) with a mouth and performing an inhalation action.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) is movably disposed in a housing (110) and may further include a cover (111) for opening or closing a receiving space (110a). In one example, the cover (111) is disposed to cover the receiving space (110a) at a first position (or 'closed position') to close the receiving space (110a), thereby preventing the receiving space (110a) from being exposed to the outside. By preventing the receiving space (110a) from being exposed to the outside at the first position, the cover (111) can block external foreign matter from entering the receiving space (110a). In another example, the cover (111) can be moved from the first position to a second position (or 'open position') to open the receiving space (110a), thereby allowing the receiving space (110a) to be exposed to the outside. When the cover (111) is placed in the second position, the receiving space (110a) can be exposed to the outside, so the user can insert an aerosol-generating article (S) into the receiving space (110a).

[0118] According to one embodiment, a guide groove (not shown) may be formed in a region of the housing (110) (e.g., a region facing the z-direction), and the cover (111) may move in a sliding manner between a first position and a second position along the guide groove, but the method of movement of the cover (111) is not limited thereto. Additionally, the cover (111) that has moved from the first position to the second position may move back to the first position by means of elastic force even without separate operation by the user, but is not limited thereto.

[0119] Below, with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, we will examine in detail the components placed inside the housing (110) of the aerosol generating device (100).

[0120] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of some components of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 2 cut along the yz plane, and FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), and the support (220) in the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 2) may include a housing (110) (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 2), a source unit (120) (e.g., the source unit (20) of FIG. 1), a first conductive member (200) (e.g., the first conductive member (200) of FIG. 2), a second conductive member (210) (e.g., the second conductive member (210) of FIG. 2), a sensor (500), a battery (600) (e.g., the power supply (13) of FIG. 1), and a processor (610) (e.g., the control unit (10) of FIG. 1). The components of the aerosol generating device (100) are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, at least one component (e.g., sensor (500)) may be omitted, or other components (e.g., insulating body (300) or fixing member (400))) may be added.

[0122] The housing (110) may include a receiving space (110a) for receiving an aerosol generating article (S), and an internal space may be formed inside the housing (110) in which components of an aerosol generating device (100) may be placed. At least a portion of the aerosol generating article (S) may be received in the receiving space (110a) after being inserted into the interior of the housing (110) through an insertion opening of the receiving space (110a).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the housing (110) may further include a cover (111) that is movably disposed in one area of ​​the housing (110) (e.g., an area in the z-direction) and can open or close the receiving space (110a). The cover (111) may be substantially the same or similar as the cover (111) of FIG. 2, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0124] The source unit (120) may include a circuit that is positioned inside the housing (110) and can generate an RF signal as power is supplied. The source unit (120) can generate an RF signal as power is supplied from the battery (600) and can amplify the generated RF signal. For example, the source unit (120) can amplify the signal level (e.g., amplitude) and / or power of the generated RF signal. At this time, the RF signal generated by the source unit (120) and with the signal level and / or power amplified can be transmitted to the first conductive member (200).

[0125] The first conductive member (200) is electrically or operatively connected to the source portion (120) and can radiate electromagnetic waves toward the receiving space (110a) in response to an RF signal supplied from the source portion (120). For example, the first conductive member (200) may be positioned inside the housing (110) to surround the outer surface of the receiving space (110a) and can radiate microwaves toward an aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a).

[0126] When electromagnetic waves are radiated from the first conductive member (200) toward the aerosol generating article (S), the charge or ion of the dielectric (e.g., glycerin) contained in the aerosol generating article (S) may vibrate or rotate, thereby generating frictional heat from the dielectric, and the aerosol generating article (S) may be heated by the frictional heat generated from the dielectric.

[0127] The second conductive member (210) can generate heat as power is supplied, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a). For example, the second conductive member (210) is positioned to surround the outer surface of the aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a), and can generate heat as power is supplied from the battery (600), thereby heating the aerosol generating article (S).

[0128] As the aerosol generating article (S) is heated by the first conductive member (200) or the second conductive member (210), the generated steam can be mixed with external air flowing into the receiving space (110a) through the space (gap) or airflow passage (not shown) between the receiving space (110a) and the aerosol generating article (S), and as a result, an aerosol can be generated in the receiving space (110a).

[0129] Referring to FIG. 4, the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) according to one embodiment may include a conductive pattern.

[0130] In one example, the first conductive member (200) may include a conductive pattern in which the first end (200a) and the second end (200b) are separated from each other, and the first conductive member (200) may include a conductive pattern in which the first end (200a) and the second end (200b) are separated and not connected to each other. The first end (200a) and the second end (200b) of the first conductive member (200) may each be electrically connected to a source part (120) and / or ground (not shown) through an electrical connection member (not shown), and through the electrical connection structure described above, the first conductive member (200) may operate as an 'antenna' that radiates electromagnetic waves based on an RF signal supplied from the source part (120). At this time, the first conductive member (200) may be formed to have an electrical length capable of radiating electromagnetic waves in a frequency band of about 300 MHz to 300 GHz, but the shape or electrical length of the first conductive member (200) is not limited thereto.

[0131] In another example, the second conductive member (210) is positioned to surround the outer surface of the first conductive member (200) and the receiving space (110a) in the radial direction of the first conductive member (200), and may include a conductive pattern in which the third end (210a) and the fourth end (210b) are separated from each other. For example, the second conductive member (210) may include a conductive pattern in which the third end (210a) and the fourth end (210b) are separated and not connected to each other. The third end (210a) and the fourth end (210b) of the second conductive member (210) may each be electrically connected to the battery (600) through an electrical connection member, and an electrical path may be formed between the second conductive member (210) and the battery (600) through the electrical connection structure described above. The second conductive member (210) may include a conductive pattern formed of an electric resistor that generates heat as power is supplied, and may operate as a 'heater' capable of heating an aerosol generating article (S) based on power supplied from a battery (600).

[0132] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may further include a support (220), an insulator (300), and a fixing member (400) for supporting a first conductive member (200) and / or a second conductive member (210) and insulating heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210).

[0133] The support member (220) can support the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) inside the housing (110). For example, the support member (220) can be formed in a tube shape as shown in FIG. 4 and arranged to surround the outer surface of the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210), and the position of the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) can be fixed through the arrangement structure described above. That is, a first conductive member (200), a second conductive member (210), and a support (220) may be arranged in sequence along the radial direction of the receiving space (110a), and the support (220) may support the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) through a structure that surrounds the outer surface of the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210). At this time, the support (220) may be formed of the same material (e.g., stainless steel) as the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210), but is not limited thereto.

[0134] The insulating body (300) can perform the function of insulating heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210). For example, the insulating body (300) is positioned to surround the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) and can block heat generated during the process of electromagnetic waves being radiated from the first conductive member (200) or heat generated when power is supplied to the second conductive member (210) from being transferred to the housing (110).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the insulating body (300) may include a double-wall structure to effectively insulate heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210). For example, the insulating body (300) may include an inner wall (301), an outer wall (302), and an insulating region (303) formed between the inner wall (301) and the outer wall (302).

[0136] The inner wall (301) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the support (220) by being spaced apart from the outer surface of the support (220) by a specified distance along the radial direction. For example, the inner wall (301) may be formed in a tube shape and positioned to surround the outer surface of the support (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0137] The outer wall (302) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the inner wall (301) inside the housing (110), and one end and the other end of the outer wall (302) may be extended in a direction toward the inner wall (301) and connected to the inner wall (301). An insulating region (303) in a vacuum state may be formed in the space between the inner wall (301) and the outer wall (302), and the insulating region (303) may block heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) from being transferred to the housing (110) along the radial direction. At this time, the 'vacuum state' may include not only a state where there is absolutely no air, but also a state where air is present at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the insulator (300) may be spaced apart from the support (220) by a specified distance to increase insulation efficiency. For example, the insulator (300) may be spaced apart from the support (220) along the radial direction of the support (220), and an air gap may be formed between the support (220) and the insulator (300). At this time, the air gap, together with the insulation area (303), can block heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) from being transferred to the housing (110) along the radial direction.

[0139] That is, the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can double-insulate heat generated from the first conductive member (200) and / or the second conductive member (210) through the air gap formed between the support (220) and the insulator (300) and the insulation area (303) of the insulator (300), and as a result, prevent high-temperature heat from being transferred to the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0140] The fixing member (400) can fix the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulating member (300) inside the housing (110). For example, the fixing member (400) may include an upper fixing member (410), a side fixing member (420), and a lower fixing member (430).

[0141] The upper fixing member (410) is located at the top (e.g., z-direction in FIG. 3) of the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulating member (300), and can be coupled with the z-direction facing area of ​​the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulating member (300). At this time, the upper fixing member (410) may include a through hole through which an aerosol-generating article (S) can pass, and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article (S) may pass through the through hole and be accommodated inside the receiving space (110a).

[0142] The lower fixing member (430) is located at the bottom (e.g., in the -z direction of FIG. 3) of the second conductive member (210), support (220), and insulation (300) facing the upper fixing member (410), and can be combined with the area facing the -z direction of the second conductive member (210), support (220), and insulation (300).

[0143] The side fixing member (420) is formed in a shape that surrounds the space between the upper fixing member (410) and the lower fixing member (430), so as to protect the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulation (300). For example, the side fixing member (420) may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulation (300), and may block external foreign matter from entering the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulation (300).

[0144] Through the structure described above, the first conductive member (200), the second conductive member (210), the support (220), and the insulating member (300) can be fixed in position inside the housing (110) by the upper fixing member (410), the side fixing member (420), and the lower fixing member (430), and can be protected from the inflow of external foreign matter.

[0145] The sensor (500) is located inside the housing (110) and can acquire data to detect the type of aerosol-generating item (S) contained in the receiving space (110a). For example, the sensor (500) (or 'cigarette identification sensor') may include at least one of a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, a light sensor, and a color sensor for detecting the type of aerosol-generating item (S), but the type of sensor (500) is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the sensor (500) may be placed in an area adjacent to the receiving space (110a) to acquire data according to the type of aerosol-generating item (S) contained in the receiving space (110a), but the placement structure of the sensor (500) is not limited thereto. At this time, the data acquired from the sensor (500) can be transmitted to the processor (610).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the sensor (500) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the first conductive member (200). For example, the sensor (500) may be positioned in an area (or 'upper area') adjacent to the insertion opening of the receiving space (110a) of the housing (110) and positioned at a predetermined distance from the first conductive member (200). When the sensor (500) is positioned adjacent to the first conductive member (200), noise may be generated in the detection result of the sensor (500) by electromagnetic waves radiated from the first conductive member (200). An aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment can prevent the degradation of the detection performance of the sensor (500) due to electromagnetic waves through a structure in which the sensor (500) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first conductive member (200).

[0147] The battery (600) can supply power required for the operation of the aerosol generating device (100). At this time, the battery (600) may be substantially the same or similar as the power source (13) of FIG. 1, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0148] In one example, the battery (600) may supply the power necessary to generate an RF signal at the source unit (120) and to amplify the generated RF signal. In another example, the battery (600) may supply power to the second conductive member (210) so that the second conductive member (210) can generate heat. In another example, the battery (600) may supply the power necessary for the operation of the processor (610).

[0149] The processor (610) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (100). The processor (610) may be substantially the same or similar as the control unit (10) of FIG. 1, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the processor (610) detects the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) based on data transmitted from the sensor (500), and can control the power supply of the battery (600) so that the aerosol generating article (S) can be selectively heated by dielectric heating or resistance heating depending on the type of the detected aerosol generating article (S).

[0151] In one example, when the processor (610) determines that a first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space (110a), the aerosol generating device (100) may operate in a first mode and supply power to the source unit (120) through the battery (600) so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated by dielectric heating. In another example, when the processor (610) determines that a second aerosol generating article different from the first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space (110a), the aerosol generating device (100) may operate in a second mode and supply power to the second conductive member (210) through the battery (600) so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated by resistance heating.

[0152] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may not include a sensor (500) for detecting the type of aerosol generating article (S). In this case, the processor (610) can detect the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) through the first conductive member (200) and control the battery (600) to supply power to the source part (120) or the second conductive member (210) based on the detection result.

[0153] When electromagnetic waves are radiated from the first conductive member (200), the reflected waves of the electromagnetic waves received through the first conductive member (200) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a). For example, when the first aerosol generating article is contained in the receiving space (110a), the first reflected wave may be received by the first conductive member (200), and when the second aerosol generating article is contained, the second reflected wave, which is different from the first reflected wave, may be received by the first conductive member (200).

[0154] The processor (610) can detect the type of aerosol generating item (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) by comparing the characteristics of the reflected wave of the received electromagnetic wave (e.g., amplitude, etc.) with data regarding the characteristics of the reflected wave according to the type of aerosol generating item (S) stored in advance, and can control the power supply of the battery (600) based on the detection result.

[0155] Below, with reference to FIG. 5, we will specifically examine the operations for controlling the power supply of the battery (600) according to the type of aerosol generating item (S) of the processor (610).

[0156] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply according to the type of aerosol generating article received in an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment. In describing the operation of controlling power supply in FIG. 5 below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 501, the aerosol generating device (100) (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3) can detect the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) (e.g., the receiving space (110a) of FIG. 3) of the housing (110) (e.g., the housing (110) of FIG. 3).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) can detect the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) based on data detected through a sensor (500) (e.g., the sensor (500) of FIG. 3). For example, the processor (610) of the aerosol generating device (100) (e.g., the processor (610) of FIG. 3) can detect the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) based on data transmitted from the sensor (500).

[0159] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) may detect the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) based on the reflected electromagnetic waves of the aerosol generating article (S) received through the first conductive member (200).

[0160] After electromagnetic waves are radiated from the first conductive member (200), a portion of the electromagnetic waves may be reflected by an aerosol generating article (S). At this time, the reflected waves may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article (S), and the first conductive member (200), which acts as an antenna, may receive different reflected waves depending on the type of aerosol generating article (S) contained in the receiving space (110a).

[0161] The processor (610) can detect the type of aerosol generating item (S) contained in the receiving space (110a) by comparing the characteristics (e.g., amplitude) of the reflected wave of the electromagnetic wave received through the first conductive member (200) with data regarding the characteristics of the reflected wave according to the type of aerosol generating item (S) stored in advance, but the method of detecting the type of aerosol generating item (S) is not limited to this.

[0162] In operation 502, the aerosol generating device (100) can determine whether the first aerosol generating item is received in the receiving space (110a) as a result of performing operation 501. For example, the processor (610) can detect the type of aerosol generating item (S) through operation 501 and determine whether the detected type of aerosol generating item (S) corresponds to a pre-specified first aerosol generating item. In the present disclosure, 'first aerosol generating item' refers to an aerosol generating item having a composition capable of providing an optimal smoking sensation when heated by a dielectric heating method, and 'second aerosol generating item' may refer to an aerosol generating item having a composition capable of providing an optimal smoking sensation when heated by a resistance heating method. The types of aerosol generating items (S) that can be used in the aerosol generating device (100) according to one embodiment are not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, a third aerosol generating item, a fourth aerosol generating item, etc. may be used.

[0163] In operation 502, if it is determined that the first aerosol generating article is contained in the receiving space (110a), in operation 503, the aerosol generating device (100) may control the battery (600) so that power can be supplied to the source unit (120) to operate in the first mode (or 'dielectric heating mode'). For example, the processor (610) may supply power to the source unit (120) through the battery (600) so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated in a dielectric heating manner by electromagnetic waves radiated from the first conductive member (200). The source unit (120) transmits an amplified RF signal to the first conductive member (200) based on the power supplied from the battery (600), and the first conductive member (200) can heat the first aerosol generating article in a dielectric heating manner by radiating electromagnetic waves based on the transmitted RF signal.

[0164] Conversely, if it is determined in operation 502 that the first aerosol generating article is not received in the receiving space (110a), in operation 504, the aerosol generating device (100) may determine that the second aerosol generating article is received and control the battery (600) so that power can be supplied to the second conductive member (210) to operate in a second mode (or 'resistance heating mode'). For example, if the processor (610) determines that the second aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space (110a), it may supply power to the second conductive member (210) through the battery (600) so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated by the heat generated in the second conductive member (210).

[0165] The heating temperature of an aerosol generating article (S) may vary depending on the heating method, and the optimal heating temperature may vary depending on the type of aerosol generating article (S). In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) can improve the user's smoking sensation by selectively heating the aerosol generating article (S) by dielectric heating or resistance heating method according to the type of aerosol generating article (S) through the above-described operations 501 to 504.

[0166] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply based on user input to the display of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a user interface output to the display of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. In describing the operation of controlling power supply in FIG. 6 below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) in FIG. 7.

[0167] An aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may be a device in which at least a portion of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3 is exposed to the outside of the housing (110) and a display (D) capable of outputting visual information is added. A processor (e.g., processor (610) of FIG. 3) may be electrically or operatively connected to the display (D) and may control the visual information output to the display (D) or control the operation of the aerosol generating device (100) based on user input to the display (D).

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in operation 601, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 7) can detect the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space of the housing (110) (e.g., the receiving space (110a) of FIG. 3). Operation 601 may be substantially the same or similar to operation 501 of FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0169] In operation 602, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may output a user interface through a display (D) indicating the type of aerosol generating item contained in a receiving space detected through operation 601. The user interface may include at least one object corresponding to the type of aerosol generating item contained in the receiving space. For example, the user interface may include a first object (710) indicating that a first aerosol generating item (S1) has been contained and a second object (720) indicating that a second aerosol generating item different from the first aerosol generating item (S1) has been contained.

[0170] In one example, when the processor determines that a first aerosol generating item (S1) is received in the receiving space, it may output a user interface in which the first object (710) is displayed more boldly than the second object (720), as shown in FIG. 7, to provide a visual notification to the user that the first aerosol generating item (S1) is received in the receiving space. In another example, when the processor determines that a second aerosol generating item different from the first aerosol generating item (S1) is received in the receiving space, it may output a user interface in which the second object (720) is displayed more boldly than the first object (710) to provide a visual notification to the user that the second aerosol generating item is received in the receiving space.

[0171] However, the user interface output on the display (D) is not limited to this, and if the type of aerosol generating item contained in the receiving space can be indicated, the form or method of output on the user interface may vary according to the embodiment.

[0172] In operation 603, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may control a battery (e.g., battery (600) of FIG. 3) so that power is supplied to either a source part (e.g., source part (120) of FIG. 3) or a second conductive member (e.g., second conductive member (210) of FIG. 3) based on user input to the display (D). In the present disclosure, 'user input' may include, but is not limited to, a touch input in which a part of the user's body (e.g., a finger) contacts the display (D) and / or a hovering input in which a part of the user's body approaches the display (D).

[0173] In one example, when a user input for a first object (710) that is output to a display (D) as shown in FIG. 7 is received, the processor of the aerosol generating device (100) determines that a first aerosol generating article (S1) to be heated via dielectric heating is received and can operate the aerosol generating device (100) in a first mode. For example, the processor may supply power to a source unit via a battery so that the aerosol generating device (100) can operate in the first mode. The source unit may generate an RF signal based on the power supplied from the battery and transmit it to a first conductive member (e.g., the first conductive member (200) in FIG. 3), and the first conductive member may radiate electromagnetic waves based on the RF signal transmitted from the source unit to heat the first aerosol generating article (S1) via dielectric heating.

[0174] FIG. 7 illustrates only an embodiment in which power is supplied to the source unit through a battery based on user input for the first object (710) while the first aerosol generating article (S1) is received, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] According to another embodiment, a second aerosol generating article may be received in a receiving space, in which case the processor may output an interface to provide visual information that the second aerosol generating article has been received through a display (D). Additionally, when the processor receives user input regarding the second object (720) output on the display (D), it determines that the second aerosol generating article, which is to be heated via a resistance heating method, is received and may operate the aerosol generating device (100) in a second mode. For example, the processor may supply power to the second conductive member through a battery so that the aerosol generating device (100) can operate in the second mode. The second conductive member may generate heat when power is supplied from the battery, and the second aerosol generating article may be heated through the heat generated from the second conductive member.

[0176] An aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment provides visual information to the user regarding the type of aerosol generating item contained in the receiving space through a display (D) via the above-described 601 to 603 operations, and can selectively heat the aerosol generating item using a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method based on user input. That is, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment provides the user with a choice of heating method for each type of aerosol generating item, and can improve the user's smoking sensation by heating the aerosol generating item using a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method based on the user's choice.

[0177] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of controlling power supply based on user input to a button portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a light-emitting portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

[0178] In describing the operation of controlling the power supply of FIG. 8 below, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 9.

[0179] An aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may be a device in which a light-emitting unit (810) and at least one button unit (820) are added to the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3. A processor may be electrically or operatively connected to the light-emitting unit (810) and at least one button unit (820), and may control the operation of the aerosol generating device (100) based on the operation of the light-emitting unit (810) and / or user input to at least one button unit (820). For example, the light-emitting unit (810) may include at least one LED, and the at least one button unit (820) may include a first button unit (821) and a second button unit (822), but is not limited thereto.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in operation 801, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device (100) of FIG. 3 or FIG. 9) can detect the type of aerosol generating article contained in a receiving space of a housing (110) (e.g., the receiving space (110a) of FIG. 3). Operation 801 may be substantially the same or similar to operation 501 of FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0181] In operation 802, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may output a visual notification indicating the type of aerosol generating item contained in a receiving space detected through operation 801 via a light-emitting unit (810). In one example, the light-emitting unit (810) may include two LEDs, and the processor may control the light-emitting unit (810) to emit only one LED when it is determined that a first aerosol generating item is contained in the receiving space. In another example, the processor may control the light-emitting unit (810) to emit both LEDs when it is determined that a second aerosol generating item (S2) is contained in the receiving space. The method of outputting the visual notification is not limited thereto, and according to the embodiment, the visual notification may be provided by emitting one LED (e.g., left LED) when the first aerosol generating item is contained, and emitting another LED (e.g., right LED) when the second aerosol generating item (S2) is contained.

[0182] In operation 803, an aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment can check whether user input has been received for at least one button part (820). For example, a processor may be electrically or operatively connected to a first button part (821) and a second button part (822) and can check whether user input has been received for the first button part (821) or the second button part (822).

[0183] In operation 803, if it is confirmed that user input for at least one button part (820) has been received, in operation 804, the aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may control a battery (e.g., battery (600) of FIG. 3) so that power is supplied to either a source part (e.g., source part (120) of FIG. 3) or a second conductive member (e.g., second conductive member (210) of FIG. 3) based on user input for at least one button part (820).

[0184] In one example, when user input for the first button portion (821) is received, the processor of the aerosol generating device (100) determines that the first aerosol generating article to be heated via dielectric heating is received and can operate the aerosol generating device (100) in a first mode. For example, the processor can supply power to the source portion via a battery so that the aerosol generating device (100) can operate in the first mode. The source portion can generate an RF signal based on the power supplied from the battery and transmit it to the first conductive member (e.g., the first conductive member (200) of FIG. 3), and the first conductive member can radiate electromagnetic waves based on the RF signal transmitted from the source portion to heat the first aerosol generating article via dielectric heating.

[0185] In another example, when user input for the second button portion (822) is received, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the processor determines that the second aerosol generating article (S2), which is to be heated via a resistance heating method, is in a received state and can operate the aerosol generating device (100) in a second mode. For example, the processor can supply power to the second conductive member through a battery so that the aerosol generating device (100) can operate in the second mode. The second conductive member can generate heat when power is supplied from the battery, and the second aerosol generating article (S2) can be heated through the heat generated from the second conductive member.

[0186] Conversely, if it is confirmed that no user input for at least one button part (820) is received in operation 803, the aerosol generating device (100) according to another embodiment may determine that the user has no intention to smoke and repeat operations 801 to 803.

[0187] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) provides visual information to the user regarding the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space through the light-emitting part (810) via the above-described 801 to 804 operations, and can selectively heat the aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method based on user input to at least one button part (820). That is, according to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (100) provides the user with the option to select a heating method for each type of aerosol generating article, and can heat the aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method or a resistance heating method based on the user's selection.

[0188] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment comprises: a housing including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article; a battery disposed inside the housing; a source unit disposed inside the housing for generating electromagnetic waves based on power supplied from the battery; a first conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space and radiating electromagnetic waves generated from the source unit in a direction toward the aerosol generating article to heat the aerosol generating article; a second conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article received in the receiving space and generating heat to heat the aerosol generating article when power is supplied from the battery; and a processor operatively connected to the battery; wherein the processor can control the battery to supply power to either the source unit or the second conductive member based on the type of aerosol generating article received in the receiving space.

[0189] For example, the source unit generates an RF signal as power is supplied from the battery and amplifies the generated RF signal, and the first conductive member can radiate electromagnetic waves when the RF signal is transmitted from the source unit.

[0190] For example, the first conductive member can heat the aerosol-generating article through frictional heat generated in the dielectric by radiating the electromagnetic waves to vibrate the dielectric contained in the aerosol-generating article.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a sensor for detecting the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space; and the processor is operatively connected to the sensor and can detect the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space through the sensor.

[0192] For example, when a first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space, the processor may supply power to the source part through the battery so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated through the first conductive member, and when a second aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space, the processor may supply power to the second conductive member through the battery so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated through the second conductive member.

[0193] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further includes a display for outputting a user interface indicating the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space, and the processor can control the battery to supply power to the source part or one of the second conductive members based on user input to the display.

[0194] For example, the user interface may include a first object indicating that a first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space; and a second object indicating that a second aerosol generating article different from the first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space.

[0195] In one example, the processor may supply power to the source part through the battery so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated through the first conductive member based on user input for the first object, and supply power to the second conductive member through the battery so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated through the second conductive member based on user input for the second object.

[0196] According to another embodiment, the aerosol generating device further comprises: a light-emitting part for providing a visual notification of the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space; and at least one button part for receiving user input; and the processor can control the battery to supply power to the source part or one of the second conductive member based on user input to the at least one button part.

[0197] According to another embodiment, the processor may receive a reflected wave of electromagnetic waves radiated toward an aerosol generating article through the first conductive member, and detect the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space based on the received reflected wave.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the first conductive member and the second conductive member may each include a pattern having one end and the other end.

[0199] At this time, the second conductive member may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first conductive member.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a support member for supporting the second conductive member, which is positioned to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the second conductive member inside the housing.

[0201] Additionally, the aerosol generating device may further include an insulating body comprising an inner wall positioned to surround the outer surface of the support at a specified distance from the outer surface of the support, an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, and a vacuum insulation region formed between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0202] Additionally, the aerosol generating device may further include an air gap formed between the support and the insulating body to insulate heat generated from the first conductive member or the second conductive member.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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. Housing including a receiving space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article; A battery disposed inside the above housing; A source unit disposed inside the above housing and for generating electromagnetic waves based on power supplied from the battery; A first conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space, and for heating the aerosol-generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves generated from the source portion in a direction toward the aerosol-generating article; A second conductive member disposed to surround at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article accommodated in the above-mentioned space, and to generate heat to heat the aerosol-generating article when power is supplied from the battery; and A processor operatively connected to the above battery; including, The above processor is, An aerosol generating device that controls the battery to supply power to either the source part or one of the second conductive members based on the type of aerosol generating article accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above source unit generates an RF signal as power is supplied from the battery, and amplifies the generated RF signal, and The above-mentioned first conductive member is an aerosol generating device that radiates electromagnetic waves when an RF signal is transmitted from the source part.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first conductive member radiates the electromagnetic waves to vibrate the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article, thereby heating the aerosol generating article through frictional heat generated in the dielectric.

4. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a sensor for detecting the type of aerosol-generating article contained in the above-mentioned receiving space, and An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor is operatively connected to the sensor and detects the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space through the sensor.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above processor is, When a first aerosol generating article is received in the above receiving space, power is supplied to the source part through the battery so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated through the first conductive member, and An aerosol generating device that supplies power to the second conductive member through the battery so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated through the second conductive member when the second aerosol generating article is accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space.

6. In Paragraph 4, It further includes a display for outputting a user interface indicating the type of aerosol-generating article contained in the above-mentioned receiving space, and The above processor is, An aerosol generating device that controls the battery to supply power to either the source part or one of the second conductive members based on user input to the display.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above user interface is, A first object indicating that a first aerosol-generating article has been received in the above-mentioned receiving space; and An aerosol generating device comprising a second object indicating that a second aerosol generating article different from the first aerosol generating article is received in the receiving space.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above processor is, Based on user input regarding the first object, power is supplied to the source part through the battery so that the first aerosol generating article can be heated through the first conductive member, and An aerosol generating device that supplies power to the second conductive member through the battery so that the second aerosol generating article can be heated through the second conductive member based on user input regarding the second object.

9. In Paragraph 4, A light-emitting part for providing a visual notification of the type of aerosol-generating article accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space; and It further includes at least one button section for receiving user input, An aerosol generating device, wherein the processor controls the battery to supply power to the source portion or one of the second conductive members based on user input to the at least one button portion.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above processor is, Receiving a reflected wave of an electromagnetic wave radiated toward an aerosol generating article through the first conductive member, and An aerosol generating device that detects the type of aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space based on a received reflected wave.

11. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device comprising a pattern having one end and the other end, wherein the first conductive member and the second conductive member each comprise a pattern.

12. In Paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device in which the second conductive member is arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the first conductive member.

13. In Paragraph 12, An aerosol generating device further comprising: a support member disposed to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the second conductive member inside the housing and for supporting the second conductive member.

14. In Paragraph 13, An aerosol generating device further comprising: an insulating body including an inner wall spaced apart from the outer surface of the support and arranged to surround the outer surface of the support, an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, and a vacuum insulation region formed between the inner wall and the outer wall.

15. In Paragraph 14, An aerosol generating device further comprising: an air gap formed between the support and the insulating body to insulate heat generated from the first conductive member or the second conductive member.

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