Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol-generating device may comprise: an oscillator for generating microwaves; a resonator which comprises a conductor defining a cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article and which resonates the microwaves; and a cooling coil configured to cool the aerosol-generating article, wherein the cooling coil comprises an inlet through which air is introduced from the outside, a coiled portion disposed inside the conductor and comprising a flow path through which the introduced air flows, and an outlet through which the air is discharged from the flow path.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to an aerosol generating device, and in particular to a dielectric heating type aerosol generating device comprising a cooling coil.

[0002] Recently, the demand for aerosol generating devices has been gradually increasing. Furthermore, as this demand for aerosol generating devices grows, functions related to these devices are being continuously developed. In particular, functions related to the types and characteristics of aerosol generating devices are being continuously developed. There is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning the article to produce aerosols. Electromagnetic wave heating technology is a technology capable of heating an object by utilizing the principle of dielectric heating. Using electromagnetic wave heating technology, an aerosol generating article can be heated rapidly. The aforementioned background technology was possessed or acquired during the process of deriving the disclosure and cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed prior to the filing of the disclosure.

[0003] One aspect of the disclosure may provide an aerosol generating device comprising a cooling coil.

[0004] An aerosol generating device may comprise an oscillator configured to generate microwaves, a resonator configured to resonate said microwaves including a conductor defining a cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article, and a cooling coil configured to cool said aerosol generating article, wherein the cooling coil may comprise an inlet through which air is introduced from the outside, a winding portion disposed inside the conductor including a flow path through which the introduced air flows, and an outlet through which air is discharged from said flow path.

[0005] At least a portion of the above-mentioned winding portion may be configured to come into contact with at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod of the above-mentioned aerosol generating article.

[0006] The outer surface of the above-mentioned winding portion may include metal.

[0007] The above inlet may be configured to be openable and closable.

[0008] The above outlet may be positioned on the inner side of the conductor.

[0009] The above inlet can penetrate from the outside of the resonator into the inside of the resonator.

[0010] The above inlet may extend from the outside of the cavity toward the center of the cavity.

[0011] The above-mentioned winding portion may include a double winding structure.

[0012] An aerosol generating device may comprise a sleeve defining an opening into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an oscillator configured to generate microwaves, a resonator configured to resonate said microwaves including a conductor defining a cavity configured to receive said aerosol generating article, and a cooling coil configured to cool said aerosol generating article, wherein the cooling coil may comprise an inlet through which air is introduced from the outside, a winding portion disposed inside the sleeve including a flow path through which the introduced air flows, and an outlet through which air is discharged from said flow path.

[0013] At least a portion of the above-mentioned winding portion may come into contact with at least a portion of the above-mentioned filter rod.

[0014] The outer surface of the above-mentioned winding portion may include metal.

[0015] The above inlet may be configured to be openable and closable.

[0016] The above outlet can be placed in the above sleeve.

[0017] The above inlet can penetrate from the outside of the resonator into the inside of the resonator.

[0018] The above inlet may extend from the outside of the sleeve toward the center of the sleeve.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating device can cool an aerosol generating article or an aerosol. The effects of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description below.

[0020] The above-described and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device.

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0029] 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 number 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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 they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0032] 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. said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0033] 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.

[0034] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] 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., processor (170)) of the machine (e.g., aerosol generating device (1)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the 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.

[0038] In one example, the control unit (10) may include a power connector (110), a charging circuit (120), a power source (130), a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), a third power converter (160), and / or a processor (170). Additionally, the source unit (20) may include an RF signal generation circuit (210), a drive amplifier (220), a power amplifier (230), a directional coupler (240), and / or a temperature sensing circuit (250). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art related to this embodiment that, depending on the design of the aerosol generating device (1), some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted or new components may be added.

[0039] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. The aerosol generating device (1) may transmit and receive data with an external electronic device or system (e.g., a smartphone, a computer, etc.) through the power connector (110). The power connector (110) may include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) power connector, a DC (Direct Current) power connector, etc. In one example, the power connector (110) may be a USB-C type connector capable of supplying a 9V DC voltage at a current of 1A, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The power connector (110) may include an interface for wirelessly transmitting and receiving power.

[0040] The charging circuit (120) may refer to a circuit for charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may charge the power source (130) using power delivered from the power connector (110). In one example, the charging circuit (120) may be implemented as a charger IC, which is an integrated circuit (IC) that performs functions for efficiently and safely charging the power source (130). The charging circuit (120) may monitor the charging status of the power source (130) or optimize the charging process by monitoring the voltage, current, and / or temperature of the power source (130). For example, the charging circuit (120) may detect the state of the power source (130) and prevent overcharging or over-discharging by providing an appropriate charging voltage and current.

[0041] The power source (130) can supply power for the operation of the aerosol generating device (1). The power source (130) may include one or more rechargeable batteries. The power source (130) can supply power to the radiating unit (30) so that the radiating unit (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves (e.g., RF signals) into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. Here, power supply to the radiating unit (30) may have the same meaning as power supply to the source unit (20). Additionally, the power source (130) can supply power required for the operation of the processor (170), RF signal generating circuit (210), driving amplifier (220), power amplifier (230), temperature sensing circuit (250), etc. In one example, the power source (130) may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto. The power source (130) may be a replaceable type (detachable) battery (hereinafter, removable battery). The removable battery may be mounted in a battery housing provided within the aerosol generating device (1) or removed from the battery housing. The removable battery may be charged via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0042] The aerosol generating device (1) may include a power conversion circuit for converting power supplied from a power source (130) into power (e.g., voltage and / or current) suitable for other components. The power conversion circuit may include at least one of a buck converter, a buck-boost converter, a boost converter, a Zener diode, and a low-dropout regulator. Additionally, the power conversion circuit may include a DC / AC converter (e.g., an inverter) as needed.

[0043] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a first power converter (140), a second power converter (150), and a third power converter (160). The first power converter (140) is an LDO regulator for supplying power (e.g., DC 3.3V) suitable for a processor (170), the second power converter (150) is a buck-boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 5V) suitable for a temperature sensing circuit (250), an RF signal generating circuit (210), and a driving amplifier (220), and the third power converter (160) may be a boost converter for supplying power (e.g., DC 12V / 25W) suitable for a power amplifier (230).

[0044] However, the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) are not limited to the examples described above and may include other types of power converter circuits. Additionally, although FIG. 1 is illustrated as having three power converters, the aerosol generating device (1) may include more than three power converters or fewer power converters. In one example, at least some of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), and the third power converter (160) may be integrated into a single power converter.

[0045] The processor (170) can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the processor (170) can directly or indirectly control the charging and discharging of the power supply (130) using the charging circuit (120). Additionally, the processor (170) can control the voltage and / or current output by the power conversion circuit by adjusting the frequency and / or duty ratio of the current pulse input to at least one switching element of the power conversion circuit. In addition to the components described above, the processor (170) can control the overall operation of other components to be described later.

[0046] The processor (170) may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or as a combination of a general-purpose MCU (micro controller unit) (or microprocessor) and memory storing a program that can be executed on such MCU. Additionally, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs that the processor (170) may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

[0047] The RF signal generation circuit (210) can generate an RF signal based on power delivered from the power supply (130) or the second power converter (150). The RF signal may mean a signal having a frequency within the range of 300 MHz to 300 GHz. In one example, the RF signal may have a frequency of 1 GHz to 100 GHz. Additionally, the RF signal may have a frequency in the Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment (ISM) band, for example, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and / or 5.8 GHz.

[0048] The RF signal generation circuit (210) may include a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) that generates an RF signal having a different frequency depending on the input voltage. The RF signal generation circuit (210) may receive a control signal (e.g., a DC signal) from the processor (170) and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received control signal. The processor (170) may store the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in the form of a look-up table, or calculate the control signal corresponding to the desired frequency in real time through at least one operation.

[0049] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a digital-to-analog converter for converting a digital control signal output from a processor (170) into an analog control signal. An RF signal generating circuit (210) may receive an analog control signal and generate an RF signal having a frequency corresponding to the received analog control signal.

[0050] The driving amplifier (220) can amplify the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210). For example, the driving amplifier (220) can provide an input signal suitable for the next stage component (e.g., power amplifier (230)) by amplifying the signal level (e.g., amplitude) of the RF signal. The driving amplifier (220) can minimize signal distortion by maintaining high linearity. However, since the driving amplifier (220) is an amplifier focused on raising the signal level, it can provide relatively low output power.

[0051] The power amplifier (230) can amplify the power of the RF signal received from the driving amplifier (220). The power amplifier (230) may be an amplifier focused on providing sufficient power to the final output device (e.g., the radiator (30)). For example, the power amplifier (230) may provide a high-power RF signal to the radiator (30) so that the radiator (30) can radiate electromagnetic waves into the insertion space to heat the aerosol generating article. The power amplifier (230) may perform amplification operations using power received through a third power converter (160) that provides higher power and / or voltage than the second power converter (150).

[0052] The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may include transistors such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET), or vacuum tubes. In one example, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may be GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors capable of handling high efficiency, high speed, and high voltage, but are not necessarily limited thereto. The driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) may also include an operational amplifier.

[0053] Meanwhile, in FIG. 1, the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) are shown as separate amplifiers, but the driving amplifier (220) and the power amplifier (230) can be integrated into a single amplifier. Additionally, the driving amplifier (220) and / or the power amplifier (230) may be configured as a series connection, a parallel connection, and / or a combination thereof of a plurality of amplifiers.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The radiating unit (30) can heat an aerosol generating article by radiating electromagnetic waves (e.g., amplified RF signal or transmitted RF signal) into the insertion space. In order for the heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article to be maximized, resonance of the electromagnetic waves must occur within the insertion space. The resonance condition of the insertion space (e.g., resonance frequency) may vary depending on the amount of dielectric material contained in the inserted aerosol generating article, etc. The processor (170) can control the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generating circuit (210) so that it corresponds to or approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space by adjusting the control signal input to the RF signal generating circuit (210). The processor (170) may use a directional coupler (240) to obtain information about the resonance condition of the insertion space.

[0056] The directional coupler (240) may refer to a passive element having a waveguide structure capable of separating incident waves and reflected waves. The directional coupler (240) can receive an RF signal transmitted from the power amplifier (230) toward the radiating unit (30) and an electromagnetic wave reflected from the insertion space after being radiated by the radiating unit (30), respectively. The directional coupler (240) can separate the transmitted RF signal and the reflected electromagnetic wave and transmit them to the processor (170).

[0057] In one example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include an analog-to-digital converter for converting the analog output of a directional coupler (240) into a digital output. The A / D converter may be built into the processor (170) or may exist as a separate configuration outside the processor (170). By monitoring the output of the directional coupler (240), the processor (170) can analyze the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency) and the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic wave (e.g., current, voltage, power, phase and / or frequency).

[0058] The processor (170) can determine whether the operation of the source unit (20) is being performed as intended based on the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal. Additionally, the characteristics of the transmitted RF signal, along with the characteristics of the reflected electromagnetic waves, can be used to determine the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30). The processor (170) can control the source unit (20) so that the heating efficiency of the source unit (20) or the radiating unit (30) is maximized. For example, the processor (170) can adjust the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF signal generation circuit (210) so that the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized. Minimizing the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves may mean that the frequency of the RF signal approaches the resonance condition of the insertion space. The characteristics of the transmitted RF signal can provide a criterion for whether the power of the reflected electromagnetic waves is minimized.

[0059] Since electromagnetic resonance may occur in the insertion space depending on the frequency of the RF signal, the insertion space may be referred to as a resonant section. At least a portion of the insertion space may be surrounded by at least one shielding member to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking outside the aerosol generating device (1). According to one embodiment, the insertion space may further include a physical structure to ensure that the resonance condition is contained within a controllable range by the processor (170). The physical structure may include at least one conductor, and the resonance condition of the insertion space may vary depending on the arrangement, thickness, length, etc. of the conductor. Additionally, the physical structure may include a space for accommodating a dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption, separate from the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article. A dielectric with low electromagnetic wave absorption can change the resonance frequency of the entire resonant section without absorbing the energy that must be transferred to the heated body. Accordingly, even if the resonant section is miniaturized, the resonance condition can be determined within a controllable range by the processor (170).

[0060] A temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to components included in the source section (20) to measure the temperature of the source section (20). For example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be placed in contact with or adjacent to at least one of the RF signal generation circuit (210), the driving amplifier (220), and the power amplifier (230). Heat may be generated due to limited efficiency during the generation and / or amplification of the RF signal, and if excessive heat is generated, it may have a negative effect on the components included in the source section (20) or other components included in the aerosol generating device (1). The temperature measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be used to prevent overheating of the source section (20).

[0061] The processor (170) receives the temperature (or a value corresponding to the temperature) measured by the temperature sensing circuit (250) and can stop the operation of the source unit (20) if it is determined that the source unit (20) has overheated. For example, the processor (170) can stop the operation of the source unit (20) by stopping the power supply to the source unit (20) or by transmitting a control signal. In the following, the term "power supply to the source unit (20)" is used to mean controlling whether the source unit (20) operates.

[0062] The temperature sensing circuit (250) may include at least one temperature sensor among a thermocouple, an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), a thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, and an optical temperature sensor. In one example, the temperature sensing circuit (250) may be implemented as a chip-type sensor (e.g., an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor) to minimize the area occupied, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0063] Meanwhile, the aerosol generating device (1) may include additional components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1. For example, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a sensor unit, an output unit, an input unit, a communication unit, and a memory. Additionally, if the aerosol generating device (1) is a hybrid type device that uses both an aerosol generating article and a cartridge, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a cartridge heater. The cartridge heater can heat the medium and / or aerosol generating material within the cartridge by receiving power from the power source (130).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the sensor unit may detect the state of the aerosol generating device (1) or the state of the surroundings of the aerosol generating device (1) and transmit the detected information to the processor (170). For example, the sensor unit may include a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, an insertion detection sensor, a reuse detection sensor, an overly moist detection sensor, a cigarette identification sensor, a cartridge detection sensor, a cap detection sensor, and / or a motion detection sensor. Meanwhile, the sensor unit may further include various sensors, such as a liquid residue sensor for detecting the liquid residue in the cartridge and a water immersion sensor for detecting the immersion of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0065] 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 placed 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 placed 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).

[0066] According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power source (130). The temperature sensor may be positioned adjacent to the power source (130). For example, the temperature sensor may be attached to one side of the power source (130) (e.g., 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 (130) together with the protection circuit module.

[0067] 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).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the puff sensor can detect the user's puff.

[0069] For example, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may output a signal corresponding to the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1), and the processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on the signal corresponding to the internal pressure. Here, the internal pressure of the aerosol generating device (1) may correspond to the pressure of the airflow path through which the gas flows. The puff sensor may be positioned in the aerosol generating device (1) in correspondence with the airflow path through which the gas flows.

[0070] As another example, the puff sensor may include a temperature sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temporary temperature drop may occur in the airflow path, insertion space, aerosol generating item, etc. The processor (170) can detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the temperature of the airflow path, etc. output from the temperature sensor.

[0071] As another example, the puff sensor may include both a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature sensor may measure the temperature used to correct the internal pressure measured by the pressure sensor. As an example, the puff sensor may correct a signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and output the corrected signal. As another example, the puff sensor may output a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and a signal corresponding to the internal pressure measured by the puff sensor. In this case, the processor (170) may receive the signals and correct the signal corresponding to the internal pressure based on the signal corresponding to the temperature.

[0072] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may be referred to as a cap sensor or a capacitive sensor. When a user's puff occurs, a temperature change and / or aerosol flow may occur within the insertion space, and accordingly, the dielectric constant inside the insertion space may change. The processor (170) may detect the user's puff based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0073] The puff sensor is not limited to the examples described above and can be implemented as various sensors to detect the user's puff.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the 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.

[0075] For example, the insertion detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor, and the at least one conductor may be disposed adjacent to the insertion space. When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into or removed from the insertion space, the dielectric constant around the conductor may change. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol-generating article based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitance sensor.

[0076] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.). Alternatively, a susceptor (SUS), etc., may be included in the aerosol generating article (e.g., the medium part of the aerosol generating article). In this case as well, a change in the magnetic field around the coil may occur based on the insertion or removal of a susceptor, etc., within the insertion space, and the processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article based on the characteristics of the current of the inductive sensor.

[0077] 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.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the reuse detection sensor can detect whether an aerosol-generating article is reused. For example, the reuse detection sensor may be a color sensor for detecting the color of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is used by a user, a change in color may occur in a part of the wrapper covering the outside of the aerosol-generating article due to the generated aerosol or heating. The color sensor may output a signal corresponding to an optical characteristic (e.g., wavelength of light) corresponding to the color of the wrapper based on light reflected from the wrapper. When the processor (170) detects a change in color in a part of the wrapper, it may determine that the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion space has already been used.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the over-humidity detection sensor can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state. For example, the over-humidity detection sensor may include a capacitance sensor. The capacitance sensor may include at least one conductor disposed adjacent to an insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state based on the level of a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant, etc., output from the capacitance sensor. For example, the processor (170) can identify a 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 identified level range.

[0080] 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.

[0081] For example, a cigarette identification sensor may include a light sensor for detecting an identification material (or identification mark) located on the outer surface (e.g., wrapper) of an aerosol-generating article. The light sensor may irradiate light toward the identification material (or identification mark) of the aerosol-generating article and detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the reflected light. For example, the identification material may include a material that emits light of a specific band of wavelength based on the irradiated light. The processor (170) may detect whether the aerosol-generating article is genuine and / or of a specific type based on the range of the wavelengths.

[0082] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include a capacitive sensor. The dielectric constant inside the insertion space may vary depending on the type of aerosol-generating item inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol-generating item is genuine and / or of the type based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the insertion space, etc., output from the capacitive sensor.

[0083] As another example, the cigarette identification sensor may include an inductive sensor. If a conductor is included in the wrapper and / or interior (e.g., the medium) of the aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space, the characteristics of the current detected by the inductive sensor when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space (e.g., frequency of alternating current, current value, voltage value, inductance value, impedance value, etc.) may differ depending on the type of aerosol generating article inserted into the insertion space. The processor (170) can detect whether the inserted aerosol generating article is genuine and / or of the type based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the cap detection sensor can detect the mounting and / or removal of the cap. For example, the cap detection sensor may include an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a Hall sensor (hall IC), and / or an optical sensor. The cap may include a structure that covers at least a portion of a cartridge mounted or inserted into the aerosol generating device (1), or covers at least a portion of the housing of the aerosol generating device (1). The cap detection sensor may output a signal corresponding to the mounting or removal when the cap is mounted on the housing or removed from the housing, and the processor (170) may detect the mounting or removal of the cap based on the signal corresponding to the mounting or removal.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the output unit may output information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1). The output unit may include a display, a haptic unit and / or an acoustic output unit, but is not limited thereto. For example, information regarding the aerosol generating device (1) may include the charging / discharging state of the power supply (130) of the aerosol generating device (1), the operating state of the source unit (20) or the radiation unit (30), the insertion / removal state of the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge, the mounting and / or removal state of the cap, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device (1) is restricted (e.g., detection of an abnormal article). The display may visually provide information regarding the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the display may include an LED (light emitting diode) light-emitting element, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), an Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), etc. The display can also be used as an input unit if it includes a touch pad. The haptic unit can provide tactile information about the state of the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the haptic unit may include a vibration motor, a piezoelectric element, an electric stimulation device, etc. The acoustic output unit can provide auditory information about the aerosol generating device (1) to the user. For example, the acoustic output unit can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it externally.

[0090] 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.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the memory is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device (1), and can store data processed by the processor (170) and data to be processed. For example, the memory may include at least one type of storage medium among flash memory type, hard disk type, multimedia card micro type, 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, magnetic disk, and 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.

[0092] 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 BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (wireless local area network) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (infrared Data Association, IrDA) communication unit, a WFD (Wireless Fidelity Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant (Adaptive Network Topology)+ communication unit, a cellular network communication unit, an internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article by controlling the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)). The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on the temperature of the insertion space or aerosol generating article detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) (e.g., power amplifier (230)) based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0094] Additionally, the processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater by controlling the supply of power from the power supply (130) to the cartridge heater. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on the temperature of the cartridge heater detected using a temperature sensor. The processor (170) can control the temperature of the cartridge heater and / or the power supplied to the cartridge heater based on a temperature profile and / or power profile stored in memory.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can prevent the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater from overheating. For example, the processor (170) can control the operation of the power conversion circuit to reduce the amount of power supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or to stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, based on the fact that the temperature of the insertion space, the aerosol generating article, and / or the cartridge heater exceeds a preset limit temperature.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the result detected by the sensor unit.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol-generating article into the insertion space. For example, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when it is determined that an aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the insertion space using an insertion detection sensor. The processor (170) 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 (170) may also determine that an aerosol-generating article has been removed from the insertion space if the temperature of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a limit temperature or if the temperature change slope of the insertion space or the aerosol-generating article is above a set slope.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply time and / or power supply amount for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater based on the state of the aerosol generating article. For example, the processor (170) can increase the power supply time (e.g., preheating time) for the source unit (20) or cartridge heater if it is determined that the aerosol generating article is in an over-humid state using an over-humidity detection sensor.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating article is reused. For example, if the processor (170) determines that the aerosol generating article has been used, it can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is connected and / or removed. For example, the processor (170) can use a cartridge detection sensor to determine that the cartridge is separated, and if it is determined that the cartridge is separated, it can stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater or control the power supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted if it determines that the temperature of the cartridge heater exceeds a limit temperature while preheating the cartridge heater (i.e., during the preheating period). If it determines that the aerosol generating material of the cartridge is depleted, the processor (170) may cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is usable. For example, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if, based on data stored in memory, the current number of puffs is determined to be greater than or equal to the maximum number of puffs set for the cartridge. Alternatively, the processor (170) may determine that the cartridge is unusable if the total time the cartridge heater is heated is greater than or equal to a preset maximum time, or if the total amount of power supplied to the cartridge heater is greater than or equal to a preset maximum amount of power. In this case, the processor (170) may stop the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater, or control the supply so that power is not supplied to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on the user's puff. For example, the processor (170) can determine whether a puff has occurred and / or the intensity of the puff using a puff sensor. The processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when the number of puffs reaches a preset maximum number of puffs or / or when no puff is detected for a preset time or longer. The processor (170) may also control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater when a puff is detected.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine and / or of a specific type. For example, the processor (170) can detect whether the aerosol generating item is genuine and / or of a specific type using a cigarette identification sensor. For example, if the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is counterfeit, the processor (170) can cut off the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. If the processor (170) detects that the aerosol generating item (or cartridge) is genuine, the processor (170) can control (e.g., initiate) the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater. For another example, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater differently depending on the specific type of the aerosol generating item (or cartridge). More specifically, the processor (170) can control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a first temperature profile (or a first power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or cartridge) is detected to be a first aerosol generating article (or a first cartridge), and control the amplification rate of the source unit (20) or the temperature and / or power of the cartridge heater based on a second temperature profile (or a second power profile) when the aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge) is detected to be a second aerosol generating article (or a second cartridge).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the output unit based on the result detected by the sensor unit. For example, the processor (170) can control the output unit to provide visual, tactile, and / or auditory information that the aerosol generating device (1) will soon be terminated when the number of puffs counted using the puff sensor reaches a preset number. For example, the processor (170) can 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.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) may store and update a history of the event that occurred in memory based on the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, the event may include operations performed by the aerosol generating device (1), such as detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, initiation of heating of the aerosol generating item, puff detection, puff termination, overheating detection, detection of overvoltage application to a cartridge heater, termination of heating of the aerosol generating item, power on / off of the aerosol generating device (1), initiation of charging of the power supply (130), detection of overcharging of the power supply (130), termination of charging of the power supply (130), etc. For example, the history of the event may include the time and date when the event occurred, log data corresponding to the event, etc. For example, if the predetermined event is detection of insertion of an aerosol generating item, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the sensing value of the insertion detection sensor, etc. For example, if a predetermined event is the detection of overheating of the cartridge heater, the log data corresponding to the event may include data regarding the temperature of the cartridge heater, the voltage applied to the cartridge heater, the current flowing through the cartridge heater, etc.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the communication unit to form a communication link with an external device, such as a user's mobile terminal.

[0108] According to one embodiment, when the processor (170) receives authentication data from an external device via a communication link, it may release the restriction on the use of at least one function (e.g., heating function) of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the authentication data may include the user's birthday, a unique number representing the user, whether the user's authentication is complete, etc.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can transmit data regarding the status of the aerosol generating device (1) (e.g., remaining capacity of the power supply (130), operating mode, etc.) to an external device via a communication link. The transmitted data can be output through a display of the external device, etc.

[0110] According to one embodiment, when a processor (170) receives a request to search for the location of an aerosol generating device (1) from an external device via a communication link, the processor (170) may control an output unit to perform an operation corresponding to the location search. For example, the processor (170) may control a haptic unit to generate vibration or control a display to output an object corresponding to the location search and the end of the search.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can perform a firmware update when firmware data is received from an external device through a communication link.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) 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 (170) can use the learning model received from the server to perform operations such as determining the user's inhalation pattern and generating a temperature profile.

[0113] Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power protection circuit. The power protection circuit includes at least one switching element and can cut off the circuit to the power source (130) in response to overcharging and / or overdischarging of the power source (130).

[0114] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a non-tobacco substance in a liquid state (e.g., an aerosol generating substance and / or nicotine), and / or may comprise a tobacco substance in a solid state (e.g., leaf tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, etc.). The tobacco substance may be included in the aerosol generating rod in various forms, such as whole tobacco, granules, or powder. According to one embodiment, the additive of the aerosol generating rod may include a basic substance. Based on the basic substance, the nicotine in the tobacco substance included in the aerosol generating rod may have a basic pH (e.g., pH 7.0 or higher). In this case, freebase nicotine may be released from the aerosol generating rod even at low temperatures. According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating rod comprises two or more aerosol generating rods, and said two or more aerosol generating rods may each comprise a tobacco substance and / or a non-tobacco substance.Meanwhile, although not illustrated, at least one aerosol generating rod and at least one filter rod may each and / or integrally be wrapped by at least one wrapper. In the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article may be referred to as a stick.

[0115] 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.

[0116] In this document, terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “about” used to refer to a given parameter, attribute, or condition may include the extent to which a person skilled in the art can understand that the given parameter, attribute, or condition is satisfied with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, any specific parameter that is substantially satisfied may be satisfied by at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%.

[0117] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2, it can be understood that an aerosol generating device (300) is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article (2). The aerosol generating article (2) may include at least one aerosol generating rod (2a) (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod (2b). The aerosol generating device (300) may include a housing (310) capable of receiving the aerosol generating article (2), and a heater assembly (400) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) received in the housing (310).

[0119] The housing (310) may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (300), and components of the aerosol generating device (300) may be placed in the internal space (or 'mounting space') of the housing (310). For example, a heater assembly (400), a battery, a processor, and / or a sensor may be placed in the internal space of the housing (310), but the components placed in the internal space of the housing (310) are not limited thereto.

[0120] A housing opening (310h) may be formed in a portion of the housing (310). At least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h). For example, the housing opening (310h) may be formed in a portion of the top surface of the housing (310) (e.g., the surface in the +Z normal direction), but the location where the housing opening (310h) is formed is not limited thereto.

[0121] A heater assembly (400) is positioned in the internal space of the housing (310) and can heat an aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h). For example, the heater assembly (400) can be positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (310) to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0122] The heater assembly (400) can heat the aerosol generating article (2) by a dielectric heating method. In the present invention, 'dielectric heating method' refers to a method of heating a dielectric material that is the object to be heated by utilizing the resonance of microwaves and / or the electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Since microwaves are an energy source for heating the object to be heated and are generated by high-frequency power, microwaves may be used interchangeably with microwave power in the following description.

[0123] The charges or ions of the dielectric material contained within the aerosol generating article (2) can vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance inside the heater assembly (400), and heat can be generated in the dielectric material by frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0124] As the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the heater assembly (400), an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (2). In the present invention, 'aerosol' may refer to gaseous particles generated by mixing steam and air as the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0125] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating item (2) can pass through the aerosol generating item (2) or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300) through the empty space between the aerosol generating item (2) and the housing opening (310h). A user can smoke by contacting their mouth to a part of the aerosol generating item (2) exposed to the outside of the housing (310) and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300).

[0126] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a cover (311) movably disposed on the housing (310) to open or close the housing opening (310h). The cover (311) is slidably coupled to the top surface of the housing (310) (e.g., the surface in the +Z normal direction) and may expose the housing opening (310h) to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300), or cover the housing opening (310h) so that the housing opening (310h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300).

[0127] The cover (311) may allow the housing opening (310h) to be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300) in a first position (e.g., open position). When the aerosol generating device (300) is exposed to the outside, an aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the inside of the housing (310) through the housing opening (310h).

[0128] The cover (311) can cover the housing opening (310h) in a second position (e.g., a closed position) so that the housing opening (310h) is not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (300). At this time, the cover (311) can prevent external foreign matter from entering the interior of the heater assembly (400) through the housing opening (310h) when the aerosol generating device (300) is not in use.

[0129] FIG. 1 illustrates only an aerosol generating device (300) for heating a solid aerosol generating article (2), but the aerosol generating device (300) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. The aerosol generating device (300) may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material, rather than a solid aerosol generating article (2), through a heater assembly (400). The aerosol generating device (300) may include a heater assembly (400) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) and a cartridge (or 'vaporizer') for heating the aerosol generating material, including a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material can travel to the aerosol generating item (2) along an airflow passage connecting the cartridge and the aerosol generating item (2), mix with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating item (2), and then pass through the aerosol generating item (2) to be delivered to the user.

[0130] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 3, the heater assembly (400) can generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article (2) in an induction heating manner. The heater assembly (400) may include an oscillator (410) configured to generate electromagnetic waves (e.g., the source part (20) of FIG. 1). The electromagnetic waves generated from the oscillator (410) can be transmitted to a space (e.g., cavity (424C)) in which the aerosol generating article (2) is received. For example, the oscillator (410) can output microwave power toward the resonator (420). The shape of the space in which the aerosol generating article (2) is received can be formed so that the electromagnetic waves resonate efficiently. The electromagnetic waves can be microwaves. For example, the microwaves can have a wavelength between 1 mm (millimeter) and 1 m (meter). The electromagnetic waves emanating from the resonator (420) can be emanated into the cavity (424C), and the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by the emanated electromagnetic waves.

[0132] The resonator (420) may be formed based on a first wall (421), a second wall (422) opposite the first wall (421), a side wall (423) between the first wall (421) and the second wall (422), and an inner conductor (424). The first wall (421), the second wall (422), the side wall (423), and the inner conductor (424) may comprise metal. The side wall (423) may function as an outer conductor. The resonator (420) may form an amplified electromagnetic field by resonating supplied microwaves. At least a portion of the electromagnetic field formed by the resonated microwaves may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating rod (e.g., the aerosol generating rod (2a) of FIG. 2) inserted inside the resonator (420). The resonator (420) may be a quarter-wavelength resonator, and the first stage of the resonator (420) (e.g., the -Z direction stage) may be short-circuited through a metal wall, and the second stage opposite to the first stage (e.g., the +Z direction stage) may be open.

[0133] Although the side wall (423) is depicted as having a square cross-sectional shape, the shape of the side wall (423) can be modified into various shapes. For example, the structure of the side wall (423) can be modified to have various cross-sectional shapes such as a rectangle, an ellipse, or a circle. The side wall (423) can be extended in one direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). Although the inner conductor (424) is depicted as having a circular cross-sectional shape, the shape of the inner conductor (424) can be modified into various shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the inner conductor (424) can correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article (2). The resonator (420) can be formed by a cavity between the square side wall (423) and the inner conductor (424).

[0134] The inner surface of the inner conductor (424) may define a cavity (424C) configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article (2). The heater assembly (400) may include a heater opening (440h) connected to the cavity (424C). The heater assembly (400) may include a sleeve (440) that defines the heater opening (440h) and penetrates the second wall (422). The material of the sleeve (440) may include a material that prevents the electromagnetic field inside the heater assembly (400) from propagating to the outside. The sleeve (440) may include a material that does not affect the propagation of the electromagnetic field.

[0135] The inner conductor (424) may be connected to the first end (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the resonator (420) by the first wall (421). The inner conductor (424) may include an open end (425) that is not connected to another metal. The inner conductor (424) and the heater assembly (400) may be formed inside the heater assembly (400) such that at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod (2a) inserted inside the heater assembly (400) is located at the open end (425) and at least a portion of the filter rod (2b) is located inside the sleeve (440) (or heater opening (440h)).

[0136] The resonator (420) may be formed by a first stage by the first wall (421) of the heater assembly (400) and a part of the inner conductor (424). That is, the resonator (420) may be in the shape of a donut centered on the inner conductor (424).

[0137] The first stage of the resonator (420) may be formed as a closed stage where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are connected, and the second stage of the resonator (420) opposite the first stage may be formed as an open stage where the outer conductor (or wall) and the central conductor are not connected. The length between the first stage and the second stage of the resonator (420) may be an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength within the resonator (420). When microwaves are confined in a limited space such as the resonator (420), they may have a different wavelength than microwaves radiated into free space. For example, the wavelength of the microwave may vary due to structural factors of the resonator (420). As another example, the wavelength of the microwave present in the dielectric within the resonator (420) can be shortened as the dielectric constant value of the dielectric increases.

[0138] The user may insert an aerosol generating rod (2a) through the heater opening (440h) so as to be adjacent to the open end (425) of the inner conductor (424) located opposite the first end formed by the first wall (421). The aerosol generating rod (2a) may be a tobacco medium. For example, the aerosol generating rod (2a) may contain an aerosol forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0139] The heater assembly (400) may include a microwave coupler (430) configured to supply electromagnetic waves to a resonator (420). Microwaves are supplied into the cavity of the heater assembly (400) through the microwave coupler (430), and the microwaves can be resonated by the resonator (420). An amplified electromagnetic field is formed within the resonator (420) by the resonated microwaves, and the aerosol generating rod (2a) can be heated by at least a portion of the electromagnetic field.

[0140] At least a portion of the electromagnetic field can act on the aerosol generating rod (2a) through the open end (425) formed by not connecting the inner conductor (424) and the heater opening (440h). In particular, since a strong electromagnetic field is formed around the open end (425), the aerosol generating rod (2a) can be easily heated. For example, the strongest electromagnetic field may be generated at the open end (425) where a resonance peak is formed on the side of the resonator (420). A portion of the formed electromagnetic field leaks into the aerosol generating rod (2a) adjacent to the resonator (420), and the leaked electromagnetic field can heat the aerosol generating rod (2a). That is, the method of heating the aforementioned aerosol generating rod (2a) may be a method in which the electromagnetic field leaking out through the open end (425) heats the aerosol generating substrate, rather than a method of directly heating the aerosol generating substrate located within the resonator (420).

[0141] In addition, due to the structure of the above-described resonator (420), the electromagnetic field can be prevented from leaking in the direction of the heater opening (440h) rather than the resonator (420) region. That is, the electromagnetic field that leaks into the aerosol generating rod (2a) only heats the aerosol generating rod (2a) and does not propagate to the outside (e.g., towards the user's mouth). Since the electromagnetic field does not propagate (or leak) into the space other than the resonator (420) region, the function or structure of a separate aerosol generating device (300) for shielding the electromagnetic field is not required.

[0142] The diameter of the heater opening (440h) may be less than half the wavelength of the microwave. If the diameter of the heater opening (440h) is less than half the wavelength of the microwave, the microwave that causes resonance may be cut off.

[0143] The user can inhale the aerosol generated by the heated aerosol generating rod (2a) through the aerosol generating article (2).

[0144] The cavity of the resonator (420) can be filled with a low-loss dielectric (Teflon, quartz, alumina, etc.). If the cavity is filled with a dielectric with low dielectric loss, the size of the resonator (420) can be further reduced.

[0145] With reference to FIG. 3, an aerosol generating device (300) for resonating electromagnetic waves using a resonator (420) formed based on a heater assembly (400) has been described, but the method of resonating electromagnetic waves is not limited to the method described above. For example, the sleeve (440) may include a conductor and function as an additional inner conductor. The region formed between the side wall (423) functioning as an outer conductor and the sleeve (440) functioning as an inner conductor may function as a second resonator that generates an electric field through the resonance of microwaves. The sleeve (440) functioning as an inner conductor may be coupled (e.g., capacitive coupling) with the inner conductor (424), and when an electric field is generated by the inner conductor (424), an induced electric field may also be generated on the sleeve (440) side. For example, as microwaves generated from an oscillator (410) are transmitted to an inner conductor (424), an electric field may be generated around the inner conductor (424) by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated in the area formed by the side wall (423) which functions as an outer conductor and the sleeve (440) which functions as an inner conductor coupled to the inner conductor (424).

[0146] The aerosol generating device (300) may include a cooling coil (500) configured to cool an aerosol generating article (2). The cooling coil (500) may include an inlet (510) through which air is introduced from the outside. The inlet (510) may be configured to be openable and closable. For example, the inlet (510) may include a valve (511), and a user may open or close the inlet (510) by adjusting the valve (511). The inlet (510) may penetrate from the outside of the resonator (420) into the inside of the resonator (420). The inlet (510) may extend from the outside of the cavity (424C) toward the center of the cavity (424C).

[0147] The cooling coil (500) may include a winding portion (520) disposed on the inner side of an inner conductor (424) and containing a channel through which incoming air flows. The winding portion (520) may include a shape wound about one axis (e.g., the Z-axis, or the center axis of the aerosol generating article (2). At least a portion of the winding portion (520) may come into contact with a portion of the aerosol generating article (2). For example, a portion of the winding portion (520) facing the center axis of the winding portion (520) may come into contact with a portion of the aerosol generating rod (2a). When the aerosol generating article (2) is received in this cavity (424C), the aerosol generating rod (2a) may be fitted into the winding portion (520).

[0148] The outer surface of the winding portion (520) may include metal. The outer surface of the winding portion (520) may be configured to scatter electromagnetic waves. Even if the winding portion (520) is placed inside the inner conductor (424), overheating of the aerosol generating rod (2a) can be reduced or prevented while causing the aerosol generating article (2) to heat up.

[0149] The cooling coil (500) may include an outlet (530) through which air exits from the flow path. The outlet (530) may be positioned on the inner side of the conductor (424). When a user inhales an aerosol generating item (2), an airflow channel may be defined leading from the inlet (510) through the flow path of the winding portion (520) to the outlet (530). When a user wishes to inhale an aerosol by cooling the (overheated) aerosol generating item (2) (i.e., the aerosol generating rod (2a)), the user may inhale the aerosol generating item (2) with the inlet (510) open via the valve (511), and the air flowing through the airflow channel may cool the aerosol generating item (2).

[0150] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 4, an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (300) of FIG. 2) may include a cooling coil (500-1) configured to cool an aerosol generating article (2). The cooling coil (500-1) may include an inlet (510-1) through which air is introduced from the outside. The inlet (510-1) may penetrate from the outside of the resonator (420) into the inside of the resonator (420). The inlet (510-1) may extend from the outside of the sleeve (440) toward the center of the sleeve (440).

[0152] The cooling coil (500-1) may include a passage through which incoming air flows and a winding portion (520-1) disposed on the inner side of the sleeve (440). At least a portion of the winding portion (520-1) may come into contact with a portion of the filter rod (2b). For example, a portion of the winding portion (520-1) facing the central axis of the winding portion (520-1) may come into contact with a portion of the filter rod (2b). When the aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the heater opening (440h), the filter rod (2b) may be fitted into the winding portion (520-1).

[0153] The winding portion (520-1) can reduce or prevent overheating of the filter rod (2b). When the aerosol inhaled from the aerosol generating article (2) becomes too hot, the user can use the cooling coil (500) to cool the filter rod (2b) and reduce the temperature of the inhaled aerosol.

[0154] The cooling coil (500-1) may include an outlet (530-1) through which air flows out from the flow path and is positioned on the inner side of the sleeve (440).

[0155] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 5, the cooling coil (500-2) may include an inlet (510-2) through which air is introduced from the outside. The inlet (510-2) may penetrate from the outside of the resonator (420) into the inside of the resonator (420) around the open end (425). The inlet (510-2) may extend from the outside of the cavity (424C) around the open end (425) toward the center of the cavity (424C).

[0157] The cooling coil (500-2) may include a winding portion (520-2) disposed on the inner side of the inner conductor (424) and containing a passage through which incoming air flows. The winding portion (520-2) may include a shape wound about one axis (e.g., the Z axis, or the center axis of the aerosol generating article (2)). The winding shape of the winding portion (520-2) may include a shape that winds while advancing in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction or the direction from the filter rod (2b) toward the aerosol generating rod (2a)) and then returns to a direction opposite to the one direction (e.g., the +Z direction or the direction from the aerosol generating rod (2a) toward the filter rod (2b)) at a specific position (e.g., a position adjacent to a closed end (e.g., the -Z direction end)), i.e., a double winding structure.

[0158] The double winding structure allows the inlet (510-2) and the outlet (530-2) to be positioned adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the aerosol-generating article (2), thereby enabling the aerosol-generating article (2) to be cooled evenly. The winding portion (520-2) including this double winding structure can cool the aerosol-generating article (2) more efficiently. Although the starting point and the ending point of the winding portion (520-2) have been described as being around the open end (425), they are not limited thereto, and the starting point and the ending point of the winding portion (520-2) may be around the closed end.

[0159] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 6, the cooling coil (500) may include a winding portion (520) having a circular cross-sectional shape. Although the cross-section of the winding portion (520) is shown as having a circular shape, the cross-sectional shape of the winding portion (520) can be modified into various shapes. For example, the cross-section of the winding portion (520) can be modified to have various multifaceted shapes such as polygons or ellipses.

[0161] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 7, the cooling coil (500-3) may include a plurality of external protrusions (521) disposed on the outer surface of the winding portion (520). The plurality of external protrusions (521) may increase the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the winding portion (520).

[0163] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the winding portion.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 8, the cooling coil (500-4) may include a plurality of internal protrusions (522) disposed on the inner surface of the winding portion (520). The plurality of internal protrusions (522) may increase the surface area of ​​the inner surface of the winding portion (520).

[0165] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinguishable from one another. Any or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combination of their respective components or functions.

[0166] 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 the configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0167] 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

An oscillator configured to generate microwaves; A resonator configured to resonate the microwave, comprising a conductor defining a cavity configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article; and A cooling coil configured to cool the above-mentioned aerosol generating article, wherein the cooling coil, An inlet through which air enters from the outside, A winding portion disposed on the inner side of the conductor, comprising a channel through which incoming air flows, and An outlet through which air exits from the above Euro The cooling coil comprising; An aerosol generating device including In Article 1, An aerosol generating device configured such that at least a portion of the above-mentioned winding portion contacts at least a portion of the aerosol generating rod of the above-mentioned aerosol generating article. In Article 1, The outer surface of the above-mentioned winding portion is an aerosol generating device containing metal. In Article 1, The above-mentioned inlet is configured to be openable and closable, forming an aerosol generating device. In Article 1, The above outlet is an aerosol generating device disposed on the inner side of the above conductor. In Article 1, The above-mentioned inlet is an aerosol generating device that penetrates from the outside of the resonator into the inside of the resonator. In Article 6, The above-mentioned inlet is an aerosol generating device extending from the outer side of the cavity toward the center of the cavity. In Article 1, The above-mentioned winding portion is an aerosol generating device including a double winding structure. A sleeve defining an opening into which an aerosol-generating article is inserted; An oscillator configured to generate microwaves; A resonator configured to resonate the microwave, comprising a conductor defining a cavity configured to accommodate the aerosol generating article; and A cooling coil configured to cool the above-mentioned aerosol generating article, wherein the cooling coil, An inlet through which air enters from the outside, A winding portion disposed on the inner side of the sleeve, comprising a channel through which the introduced air flows, and An outlet through which air exits from the above Euro The cooling coil comprising; An aerosol generating device including In Article 9, An aerosol generating device in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned winding portion contacts at least a portion of the filter rod of the above-mentioned aerosol generating article. In Article 9, The outer surface of the above-mentioned winding portion is an aerosol generating device containing metal. In Article 9, The above-mentioned inlet is configured to be openable and closable, forming an aerosol generating device. In Article 9, The above outlet is an aerosol generating device placed in the above sleeve. In Article 9, The above-mentioned inlet is an aerosol generating device that penetrates from the outside of the resonator into the inside of the resonator. In Article 9, The above-mentioned inlet is an aerosol generating device extending from the outside of the sleeve toward the center of the sleeve.

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