Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This aerosol generating device comprises: a source unit for generating microwaves; a resonance unit, comprising an accommodation space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article, for giving rise to microwave resonance due to the microwaves generated by the source unit; a cover disposed in the resonance unit so as to move between open and closed positions, opening and closing the accommodation space; and a control unit for controlling the source unit on the basis of external force exerted by the aerosol-generating article on the cover.

Description

Aerosol generating device

[0001] The embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating article using a dielectric heating method.

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is an increasing demand for systems that generate aerosols by heating a cigarette (or 'aerosol-generating article') using an aerosol-generating device, rather than by burning a cigarette to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Aerosol generation devices that generate aerosols by heating aerosol-generating materials using resistance heating or induction heating methods have been common, but recently, aerosol generation devices using dielectric heating methods that heat aerosol-generating materials using microwaves have also been proposed.

[0004] A dielectric heating type aerosol generating device refers to a device capable of generating heat in a dielectric material contained within an aerosol generating material through microwave resonance and heating the aerosol generating material using the heat generated from the dielectric.

[0005] To enhance the usability of dielectric heating aerosol generators, it is necessary to miniaturize the heater assembly required to generate microwave resonance; however, while miniaturizing the heater assembly improves usability, it may result in a decrease in dielectric heating efficiency. Accordingly, there is a growing need for a dielectric heating aerosol generator that includes a heater assembly with a new structure capable of increasing dielectric heating efficiency while simultaneously achieving miniaturization.

[0006] The technical problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an aerosol generating device capable of blocking microwaves or electromagnetic waves from leaking to the outside when the separation of an aerosol generating article is detected.

[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 from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment may include: a source unit for generating microwaves; a resonance unit including a receiving space for receiving an aerosol generating article, wherein microwave resonance occurs by the microwaves generated by the source unit; a cover disposed on the resonance unit to move between an open position that opens the receiving space and a closed position that closes the receiving space; and a control unit for controlling the source unit based on an external force applied by the aerosol generating article to the cover.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when separation of an aerosol-generating article is detected, the leakage of microwaves or electromagnetic waves to the outside is blocked, thereby improving the safety of use of the aerosol-generating device.

[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 perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly along the line IV-IV of Figure 3.

[0015] FIG. 5a is a side view illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating article before it is inserted into an aerosol generating device including a cover according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5b is a side view illustrating an aerosol generating article fully inserted into an aerosol generating device including a cover according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5c is a side view illustrating one aspect in which an aerosol generating article is separated from an aerosol generating device including a cover according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating another aspect in which an aerosol generating article is separated from an aerosol generating device including a cover according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7a illustrates an example of a connected circuit in a closed circuit state.

[0020] FIG. 7b illustrates an example of a connected circuit in an open circuit state.

[0021] FIG. 8a illustrates another embodiment of a connected circuit in a closed circuit state.

[0022] FIG. 8b illustrates another embodiment of a connection circuit in an open circuit state.

[0023] FIG. 9a is a side view illustrating the appearance of an aerosol generating article before it is inserted into an aerosol generating device including a cover according to another embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9b is a side view illustrating an aerosol generating article fully inserted into an aerosol generating device including a cover according to another embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0035] The power connector (110) may refer to a physical connection device used to transmit and receive power by being electrically connected to an electronic device or system (e.g., an external power source) outside the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the power connector (110) may receive power from an external power source and transmit the received power to a component that requires charging (e.g., a power source (130)). The power connector (110) may also provide a path for data transmission. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] As another example, the puff sensor may include a capacitance sensor. In the present disclosure, the capacitance sensor may 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.

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

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

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

[0072] As another example, the insertion detection sensor may include an inductive sensor. The inductive sensor may include at least one coil, and said at least one coil may be positioned adjacent to the insertion space. If the aerosol generating article (e.g., a wrapper of the aerosol generating article) includes a conductor, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the insertion space or removed from the insertion space, a change in the magnetic field may occur around the coil through which the current flows. The processor (170) may detect the insertion and / or removal of the aerosol generating article including the conductor based on the characteristics of the current output from or detected by the inductive sensor (e.g., frequency of 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (170) can control the power supply to the source unit (20) or the cartridge heater based on whether the cartridge is coupled and / or removed. For example, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0110] The aerosol generating article mentioned in the present disclosure may include at least one aerosol generating rod (e.g., a medium part) and at least one filter rod. The spinning part (30) may be positioned to correspond to at least one aerosol generating rod and may be designed differently depending on the arrangement order and / or position of the aerosol generating rod and the filter rod. The aerosol generating rod may include at least one of nicotine, an aerosol generating material, and an additive. For example, the aerosol generating material may include glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin (VG)) and / or propylene glycol (PG), and may include various other materials. For example, the additive may include flavoring agents and / or organic acids, and may include various other materials. For example, the aerosol generating rod may comprise an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., a sheet) impregnated with a 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.

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

[0112] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 2, an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may include a housing (100) capable of receiving an aerosol generating article (2) and a heater assembly (50) for heating the aerosol generating article (2) received in the housing (100).

[0114] The housing (100) can form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device (1), and components of the aerosol generating device (1) can be placed in the internal space (or 'mounting space') of the housing (100). For example, a heater assembly (50), a control unit (10) of FIG. 1, a source unit (20), a radiation unit (30), and / or a sensor may be placed in the internal space of the housing (100), but the components placed in the internal space are not limited thereto.

[0115] An insertion opening (100h) may be formed in a portion of the housing (100), and at least a portion of the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (100) through the insertion opening (100h). For example, the insertion opening (100h) may be formed in a portion of the top surface of the housing (100) (e.g., the surface facing the +y direction), but the location where the insertion opening (100h) is formed is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the insertion opening (100h) may be formed in a portion of the side surface of the housing (100) (e.g., the surface facing the +x direction).

[0116] A heater assembly (50) is positioned in the internal space of the housing (100) and can heat an aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (100) through an insertion port (100h). For example, the heater assembly (50) can be positioned to surround at least one area of ​​the aerosol generating article (2) inserted or received inside the housing (100) to heat the aerosol generating article (2).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the heater assembly (50) can heat an aerosol generating article (2) by the dielectric heating method described in FIG. 1. In this disclosure, the term "dielectric heating method" may refer to a method of heating a dielectric material, which is the object to be heated, by utilizing the resonance of microwaves and / or the electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Microwaves serve as an energy source for heating the object to be heated and may be identical or similar to the RF signal described in FIG. 1. Since microwaves are generated by high-frequency power, they may be used interchangeably with microwave power below.

[0118] The charges or ions of the dielectric material contained within the aerosol generating article (2) can vibrate or rotate due to microwave resonance inside the heater assembly (50), and heat can be generated in the dielectric material by frictional heat generated during the process of the charges or ions vibrating or rotating, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0119] As the aerosol generating article (2) is heated by the heater assembly (50), an aerosol may be generated from the aerosol generating article (2). In the present disclosure, 'aerosol' may refer to gaseous particles generated by mixing steam and air as the aerosol generating article (2) is heated.

[0120] The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2) can pass through the aerosol generating article (2) or be discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the empty space between the aerosol generating article (2) and the insertion port (100h). The user can smoke by contacting the mouth to a part of the aerosol generating article (2) exposed to the outside of the housing (100) and inhaling the aerosol discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0121] The heater assembly (50) may include the source portion (20) and the radiation portion (30) of FIG. 1. The heater assembly (50) may heat an aerosol generating article (2) by receiving power from a power source (130 of FIG. 1).

[0122] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a power converter that converts DC power supplied from a power source (130 in FIG. 1) into AC power. The power converter may provide the converted AC power to a heater assembly (50). The power converter may be an inverter including at least one switching element, and a processor (170 in FIG. 1) may convert DC power into AC power by controlling the ON / OFF of the switching element included in the power converter. The power converter may be configured as a full-bridge or a half-bridge. The power converter may include at least one of the first power converter (140), the second power converter (150), or the third power converter (160) of FIG. 1.

[0123] The heater assembly (50) can heat an aerosol generating article (2) using microwaves and / or an electric field of microwaves (hereinafter referred to as microwaves or microwave power, unless there is a need to distinguish). The heating method of the heater assembly (50) may be a method of heating the object to be heated by forming microwaves within a resonant structure, rather than a method of radiating microwaves using an antenna. An example of a resonant structure will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and below.

[0124] An aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment may further include a cover (200) movably disposed in a housing (100) for opening or closing an insertion port (100h). For example, the cover (200) may expose the insertion port (100h) and the receiving space to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1), or cover the insertion port (100h) and the receiving space so that the insertion port (100h) and the receiving space are not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0125] In one example, the cover (200) may allow the insertion opening (100h) and the receiving space to be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) in an open position. At this time, the aerosol generating article (2) may be inserted into the interior of the housing (100) through the insertion opening (100h).

[0126] In another example, the cover (200) can cover the insertion port (100h) in a closed position so that the insertion port (100h) and the receiving space are not exposed to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1). The cover (200) can prevent external foreign matter from entering the interior of the heater assembly (50) through the insertion port (100h) when the aerosol generating device (1) is not in use.

[0127] FIG. 2 illustrates only an aerosol generating device (1) for heating a solid state aerosol generating article (2), but the aerosol generating device (1) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

[0128] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by heating a liquid or gel-state aerosol generating material (described in FIG. 1) rather than a solid-state aerosol generating article (2) through a heater assembly (50).

[0129] According to another embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly (50) for heating an aerosol generating article (2) and an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state, and may also include a cartridge (or 'vaporizer') for heating the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generated from the aerosol generating material may travel to the aerosol generating article (2) along an airflow passage communicating the cartridge and the aerosol generating article (2), mix with the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2), and then pass through the aerosol generating article (2) to be delivered to the user.

[0130] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 3, a heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment may include a source part (500) and a resonance part (510). FIG. 3 may be an embodiment of the heater assembly (50) described above, and redundant descriptions below will be omitted.

[0132] The heater assembly (50) can output high-frequency microwaves to the resonant section (510). The microwaves may be power in the ISM (Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment) band permitted for heating, but are not limited thereto. The resonant section (510) may be designed with consideration for the wavelength of the microwaves so that the microwaves can resonate within the resonant section (510).

[0133] The aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the resonance section (510), and the dielectric material within the aerosol generating article (2) can be heated by the resonance section (510). For example, the aerosol generating article (2) may contain a polar material, and molecules within the polar material may be polarized inside the resonance section (510). The molecules may vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by frictional heat generated during this process.

[0134] The source unit (500) can generate microwaves of a specified frequency band as power is supplied. In the present disclosure, the source unit (500) of FIG. 3 and below may be the same or similar to the source unit (20) of FIG. 1.

[0135] The source unit (500) can generate high-frequency microwave power by receiving alternating current power from the power converter. The microwave power can be selected from the 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands included in the ISM bands, but is not limited thereto.

[0136] The source unit (500) includes a solid-state based RF generating device and can generate microwave power using it. The solid-state based RF generating device can be implemented as a semiconductor. When the source unit (500) is implemented as a semiconductor, the heater assembly (50) can be miniaturized, and there is an advantage of increasing the lifespan of the device.

[0137] The source unit (500) can output microwave power toward the resonant unit (510). Specifically, the microwave generated in the source unit (500) can be transmitted to the resonant unit (510) through a coupler (520 in FIG. 4). The source unit (500) includes a power amplifier (230 in FIG. 1) that increases or decreases the microwave power, and the power amplifier can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power under the control of a processor (170 in FIG. 1). For example, the power amplifier can decrease or increase the amplitude of the microwave. As the amplitude of the microwave is adjusted, the microwave power can be adjusted.

[0138] The processor can adjust the magnitude of the microwave power output from the source unit (500) based on a pre-stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile includes target temperature information according to a preheating section and a smoking section, and the source unit (500) can supply microwave power at a first power during the preheating section and supply microwave power at a second power smaller than the first power during the smoking section.

[0139] Although not shown, the aerosol generating device may further include an isolation section.

[0140] The isolation unit can block microwave power input from the resonant unit (510) toward the source unit (500). Most of the microwave power output from the source unit (500) is absorbed by the object being heated, but depending on the heating pattern of the object being heated, some of the microwave power may be reflected by the object being heated and transmitted back toward the source unit (500). This is because the impedance viewed from the source unit (500) toward the resonant unit (510) changes as polar molecules are depleted due to the heating of the object being heated. The meaning of "the impedance viewed from the source unit (500) toward the resonant unit (510) changes" may be the same as the meaning of "the resonant frequency of the resonant unit (510) changes." If microwave power reflected from the resonant unit (510) is input to the source unit (500), not only will the source unit (500) fail, but it will also be unable to achieve the expected output performance. The isolation unit can absorb microwave power reflected from the resonance unit (510) by guiding it in a predetermined direction, rather than sending it back to the source unit (500). To this end, the isolation unit may include a circulator and a dummy load.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the source portion (500) may be fixed to the resonant portion (510) to prevent separation from the resonant portion (510) during the use of the aerosol generating device. In one example, the source portion (500) may be fixed on the resonant portion (510) by being supported by a bracket (500b) that protrudes along the +z direction in one area of ​​the resonant portion (510). In another example, the source portion (500) may be fixed on the resonant portion (510) by being attached to one area of ​​the resonant portion (510) without the bracket (500b).

[0142] Although the drawing illustrates only an embodiment in which the source portion (500) is fixed in a region facing the +z direction of the resonant portion (510), the position of the source portion (500) is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the source portion (500) may be fixed in another region facing the +x direction of the resonant portion (510).

[0143] The resonance unit (510) may include a receiving space (510h) for accommodating at least one region of the aerosol generating article (2), and may heat the aerosol generating article (2) by dielectric heating by resonating the microwave generated from the source unit (500). For example, the charges of glycerin contained in the aerosol generating article (2) may vibrate or rotate due to the resonance of the microwave, and heat may be generated in the glycerin due to the frictional heat generated when the charges vibrate or rotate, thereby heating the aerosol generating article (2).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the resonant part (510) may be formed of a material with a low microwave absorption rate to prevent microwaves generated from the source part (500) from being absorbed by the resonant part (510).

[0145] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly (50) along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 4, a heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment may include a source section (500), a resonant section (510), and a coupler (520). Among the components of the heater assembly (50) shown in FIG. 4, at least one (e.g., the source section (500)) is described above, and a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0147] The resonant part (510) can heat a body to be heated by forming microwaves within the resonant structure. The resonant part (510) includes a receiving space (510h) in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received, and the aerosol generating article (2) can be exposed to microwaves and dielectric heated.

[0148] The resonance section (510) includes at least one inner conductor so that microwaves can resonate, and microwaves can resonate inside the resonance section (510) depending on the arrangement, thickness, and length of the inner conductor.

[0149] The resonant section (510) can be designed with consideration of the wavelength of the microwave so that the microwave can resonate within the resonant section (510). For the microwave to resonate within the resonant section (510), a short end with a closed cross section and an open end with at least one region of the cross section open in the direction opposite to the short end are required. Additionally, the length between the short end and the open end must be set as an integer multiple of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength. The resonant section (510) of the present disclosure selects a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength for device miniaturization. In other words, the length between the short end and the open end of the resonant section (510) can be set to a length of 1 / 4 of the microwave wavelength.

[0150] The coupler (520) can perform the function of inputting microwave power to the resonant section (510). The coupler (520) can be implemented in the form of an SMA, SMB, MCX, or MMCX connector. The coupler (520) can connect a chip-type microwave source and the resonant section (510) to each other, thereby transmitting microwave power generated from the source section (500) to the resonant section (510). In the present disclosure, the coupler (520) may also be referred to as a 'microwave output section'.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the aerosol generating article (2) may include an aerosol generating rod (21) and a filter rod (22). As the aerosol generating rod (21) and the filter rod (22) are described in detail in FIG. 1, a redundant description will be omitted.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the resonant part (510) may include an outer conductor (511), a first inner conductor (513), and a second inner conductor (515).

[0153] The outer conductor (511) can form the overall exterior of the resonance section (510) and is formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior so that the components of the resonance section (510) can be placed inside the outer conductor (511). The outer conductor (511) may include a receiving space (510h) in which an aerosol generating article (2) can be received, and the aerosol generating article (2) can be inserted into the interior of the outer conductor (511) through the receiving space (510h).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the outer conductor (511) may include a first surface (511a), a second surface (511b) positioned to face the first surface (511a), and a side (511c) surrounding the empty space between the first surface (511a) and the second surface (511b). At least some of the components of the resonant part (510) (e.g., a first inner conductor (513) and a second inner conductor (515)) may be positioned in the internal space of the resonant part (510) formed by the first surface (511a), the second surface (511b), and the side (511c).

[0155] The first inner conductor (513) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the first surface (511a) of the outer conductor (511) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (511).

[0156] According to one embodiment, a portion of the first inner conductor (513) may come into contact with a coupler (520) connected to a source portion (500), and microwaves generated from the source portion (500) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (513) through the coupler (520). For example, the coupler (520) may be positioned to penetrate the outer conductor (511), with one end in contact with the source portion (500) and the other end in contact with a portion of the first inner conductor (513), and microwaves generated from the source portion (500) may be transmitted to the first inner conductor (513) through the coupler (520).

[0157] At this time, the coupler (520) may be positioned to penetrate the outer conductor (511) without contacting the outer conductor (511) for the transmission of microwaves, but the arrangement structure of the coupler (520) is not limited thereto as long as the microwaves generated in the source part (500) can be transmitted to the first inner conductor (513).

[0158] A first region formed between an outer conductor (511) and a first inner conductor (513) can operate as a 'first resonator' that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The first region may refer to a space formed by the first surface (511a), side surface (511c) of the outer conductor (511) and the first inner conductor (513), and within the first region, microwaves transmitted through a coupler (520) can resonate to generate an electric field.

[0159] The second inner conductor (515) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape extending from the second surface (511b) of the outer conductor (511) toward the inner space of the outer conductor (511). The second inner conductor (515) may be spaced apart from the first inner conductor (513) by a predetermined distance in the inner space of the outer conductor (511), and a gap (516) may be formed between the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515).

[0160] A second region formed between an outer conductor (511) and a second inner conductor (515) can operate as a 'second resonator' that generates an electric field through microwave resonance. The second inner conductor (515) can be coupled (e.g., capacitive coupling) with the first inner conductor (513), and an induced electric field can be generated within the second region when an electric field is generated within the first region due to the coupling relationship described above. In this disclosure, 'capacitive coupling' may refer to a coupling relationship in which energy can be transferred by the capacitance between two conductors.

[0161] For example, as microwaves generated from the source portion (500) are transmitted to the first inner conductor (513), an electric field may be generated inside the first region by resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated inside the second region formed by the outer conductor (511) and the second inner conductor (515) coupled to the first inner conductor (513).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first region and the second region of the resonance unit (510) can operate as a resonator having a length of 1 / 4 wavelength (λ) of microwave.

[0163] In one example, one end of the first region (e.g., the end in the -y direction) may be formed as a short end as the cross-section of the first region is closed by the first surface (511a) of the outer conductor (511), and the other end of the first region (e.g., the end in the +y direction) may be formed as an open end as the cross-section is open as the first surface (511a) is not positioned.

[0164] In another example, one end of the second region (e.g., the end in the -y direction) may be formed as an open end as the cross section is opened, and the other end of the second region (e.g., the end in the +y direction) may be formed as a closed end as the cross section of the second region is closed by the second surface (511b) of the outer conductor (511).

[0165] That is, the first region and the second region can be formed in an overall "C" shape including a closed end and an open end when viewed on the yz plane, and through the structure described above, the first region and the second region can operate as resonators having a wavelength of 1 / 4 of a microwave.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515) may be formed to have the same length with respect to the y-axis so that the first region and the second region are symmetrical to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0167] An aerosol generating article (2) inserted into the inner space of the outer conductor (511) through the receiving space (510h) can be heated by a dielectric heating method surrounded by the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515).

[0168] At least a portion of the electric field generated by microwave resonance in the first region and / or the second region may propagate toward the interior of the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515) through the gap (516) between the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515), and the aerosol generating article (2) surrounded by the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515) may be heated by the propagated electric field. For example, the dielectric contained in the aerosol generating article (2) may generate heat by the electric field propagating through the gap (516), and the aerosol generating article (2) may be heated by the heat generated from the dielectric.

[0169] A heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can prevent an electric field propagated into the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515) from leaking out of the heater assembly (50) or the resonant part (510) by making the diameters of the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515) less than a specified value.

[0170] In the present disclosure, 'specified value' may mean a diameter value at which the electric field begins to leak to the outside of the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515). For example, if the diameter of the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515) is greater than or equal to the specified value, a situation may occur in which a portion of the electric field introduced into the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515) leaks to the outside of the resonant part (510).

[0171] On the other hand, a heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can prevent an electric field from propagating outside the resonant part (510) through a structure in which the diameters of the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515) are less than a specified value, and as a result, it can prevent the electric field from leaking outside the heater assembly (50) or the resonant part (510) without a separate shielding member.

[0172] According to one embodiment, when an aerosol generating article (2) is inserted into the interior of a resonant member (510) through a receiving space (510h), the aerosol generating rod (21) of the aerosol generating article (2) may be positioned at a location corresponding to the gap (516) between the first inner conductor (513) and the second inner conductor (515).

[0173] As the electric field generated in the first region and the electric field generated in the second region flow into the interior of the first inner conductor (513) and / or the second inner conductor (515) through the gap (516), the strongest electric field can be generated in the area surrounding the gap (516) among the internal regions of the resonant part (510).

[0174] A heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can improve the heating efficiency (or 'dielectric heating efficiency') of the heater assembly (50) by positioning an aerosol generating rod (21) containing a dielectric that generates heat by an electric field at a location corresponding to the gap (516) where the electric field is strongest.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the resonant member (510) may further include a closing member (514) located inside the first inner conductor (513) and closing the cross-section of the first inner conductor (513) to restrict the flow direction of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2). For example, the closing member (514) may close the cross-section of the first inner conductor (513) to block the flow of the aerosol generated from the aerosol generating article (2) in the -y direction.

[0176] If an aerosol generated from an aerosol generating article (2) or a droplet generated as the aerosol is liquefied flows in the -y direction and enters another component of an aerosol generating device (e.g., the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 1 and 2), it may cause malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device. On the other hand, a heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can prevent malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device by restricting the flow direction of the aerosol through a closed portion (514).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the resonance unit (510) may further include a dielectric receiving space (517). The dielectric receiving space (517) is configured to be distinct from the receiving space (510h) of the aerosol generating article (2), and a material capable of miniaturizing the resonance unit (510) by changing the overall resonance frequency of the resonance unit (510) is disposed therein. In one embodiment, a dielectric with low microwave absorption may be received in the dielectric receiving space (517). This is to prevent the phenomenon where energy that should be transferred to the body to be heated is transferred to the dielectric, causing the dielectric itself to generate heat. It can be expressed as a loss tangent, which is the ratio of the imaginary part to the real part of the complex dielectric constant that absorbs microwaves. In one embodiment, a dielectric having a loss tangent less than or equal to a preset size may be received in the dielectric receiving space (517), and the preset size may be 1 / 100. For example, the dielectric may be at least one of quartz, tetrafluoroethylene, and aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0178] A heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can generate an electric field similar to that of a resonant part (510) that does not include a dielectric, while reducing the overall size of the resonant part (510) by placing a dielectric inside a dielectric receiving space (517). That is, the heater assembly (50) according to one embodiment can reduce the size of the resonant part (510) through the dielectric placed inside the dielectric receiving space (517), thereby reducing the mounting space of the resonant part (510) within the aerosol generating device, and as a result, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0179] FIG. 5a is a side view showing the appearance of an aerosol generating article (2) before it is inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to one embodiment, FIG. 5b is a side view showing the appearance of the aerosol generating article (2) completely inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5c is a side view showing the appearance of the aerosol generating article (2) being separated from an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to one embodiment.

[0180] Referring to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), a housing (100), a power supply (130), a cover (200), a detection sensor (300), a resonance unit (510), and a receiving space (510h). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 5a to 5c (e.g., the source unit (20)) has been described above, so a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) based on the external force applied by the aerosol generating article (2) to the cover (200). When the aerosol generating device (1) detects the separation of the aerosol generating article (2), the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves based on the detection operation.

[0182] The cover (200) may be rotatably positioned on the housing (100). The cover (200) may be rotatably positioned between a closed position (CP, illustrated in FIG. 5a) that closes the receiving space (510h) and an open position (OP, illustrated in FIG. 5b through 5c) that opens the receiving space (510h). For example, the cover (200) may be rotatably positioned on the housing (100) through a hinge (200a) coupled to each of the housing (100) and the cover (200).

[0183] In the present disclosure, a closed position (CP) may be a position of the cover (200) such that the receiving space (510h) is completely sealed by being surrounded by the cover (200) and the housing (100). Additionally, an open position (CP) may be a position of the cover (200) such that at least a portion of the receiving space (510h) is opened through the space between the cover (200) and the housing (100).

[0184] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a restoring member. The restoring member may apply elastic force to the cover (200) to move the cover (200) from an open position (OP) to a closed position (CP). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating article (2) is completely separated from the receiving space (510h), the cover (200) may automatically move from the open position (OP) to the closed position (CP) through the restoring member. For example, the restoring member may be a spring. The restoring member may be coupled to be wound around the hinge (200a), but the method of coupling is not limited to this as long as it can apply elastic force to the cover (200).

[0185] The detection sensor (300) can detect the separation of an aerosol-generating item (2). When an external force is applied to the detection sensor (300) in a direction that separates the aerosol-generating item (2) from the receiving space (510h) while the aerosol-generating item (2) is received in the receiving space (510h), the detection sensor (300) can output a signal corresponding to the separation of the aerosol-generating item (2), and the control unit (10) can determine the separation of the aerosol-generating item (2) based on the output signal.

[0186] Additionally, the detection sensor (300) may detect the insertion of an aerosol generating item (2). When the aerosol generating item (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h), if an external force is applied to the detection sensor (300) in a direction toward the receiving space (510h), the detection sensor (300) may output a signal corresponding to the insertion of the aerosol generating item (2), and the control unit (10) may determine the insertion of the aerosol generating item (2) based on the output signal.

[0187] That is, the detection sensor (300) can detect the separation or insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) based on the direction of the external force that the aerosol generating article (2) applies to the cover (200).

[0188] In one embodiment, the sensing sensor (300) may be a piezoelectric element. In the present disclosure, the piezoelectric element may be a device that converts physical pressure into an electrical signal using the piezoelectric effect. As an external force is applied to the sensing sensor (300), which is a piezoelectric element, electric polarization occurs within the piezoelectric element, and as a result, the piezoelectric element itself can form an electric field and generate an electric current.

[0189] That is, as a physical external force is applied to the sensing sensor (300), which is a piezoelectric element, a polarization phenomenon is induced, and as a result, the sensing sensor (300) can produce power by being energized (= generating voltage). The power produced by the sensing sensor (300) may have a range of approximately microwatts (μW) to milliwatts (mW). The external force required for the piezoelectric element to produce power may be approximately 10 kN, but is not limited thereto.

[0190] For example, the piezoelectric element may mainly comprise at least one crystalline material from ceramic or quartz.

[0191] Although not illustrated, the sensing sensor (300) may include a first electrode, a second electrode, a sensing layer, and a substrate. In this case, the substrate, the first electrode, the sensing layer, and the second electrode may be stacked sequentially.

[0192] When no external force is applied to the sensing sensor (300), the charges can be arranged without directionality within the sensing layer. As a result, the first electrode and the second electrode are not charged and remain in an electrically neutral state, and the sensing sensor (300) cannot generate current.

[0193] At this time, when an external force is applied to the sensing sensor (300), a polarization phenomenon may be induced by the charges inside the sensing layer. Specifically, when a region of the sensing sensor (300) (e.g., the second electrode) is pressurized, the sensing layer may also be pressurized, and as a result, a polarization phenomenon of the sensing sensor (300) may be induced by the charges inside the sensing layer.

[0194] For example, when an external force is applied to the sensing sensor (300), the charges are arranged to have a specific directionality, and negative charges may be deflected toward the first electrode and positive charges may be deflected toward the second electrode. As a result, the first electrode is charged with a negative pole and the second electrode is charged with a positive pole, so that the sensing sensor (300) can form its own electric field and be energized. Through this process, the sensing sensor (300) can generate an electric current using the external force, which is mechanical energy, and produce electrical energy.

[0195] However, the charged state of the first electrode and the second electrode is merely one example, and depending on the embodiment, the first electrode may be charged as a positive electrode and the second electrode as a negative electrode.

[0196] In one embodiment, the greater the magnitude of the external force applied to the sensing sensor (300), the greater the magnitude of the current and power generated by the sensing sensor (300).

[0197] A first electrode, a second electrode, and a sensing layer may be disposed on the substrate. As an example, the substrate may be a silicon substrate or a silicon thin film for making semiconductor devices or integrated circuits (ICs). As another example, the substrate may be a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Furthermore, it is obvious that the substrate may correspond to a substrate made of other materials capable of performing the same function.

[0198] For example, the substrate may include a metal material. In such cases, an insulating layer may be formed between the first electrode and the substrate to prevent electrical contact. An insulating layer refers to a separate layer made using an insulating material so as not to conduct electricity or heat, and the insulating layer may correspond to an oxide film or a nitride film formed by stacking one or more materials, such as silicon dioxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (Si3N4), on the substrate.

[0199] As another example, the substrate may be an insulator. In this case, the first electrode may be deposited directly on the substrate.

[0200] However, the structure of the sensing sensor (300) is not limited to that described above, and other variations may be included in the structure of the sensing sensor (300) as long as it can generate current using mechanical energy and generate electrical energy.

[0201] In one embodiment, a sensing sensor (300) may be placed on a cover (200). The sensing sensor (300) may be placed on one side of the cover (200) so as to be in contact with an aerosol-generating article (2) contained in a receiving space (510h). That is, at least a portion of the sensing sensor (300) may be exposed to the outside of the cover (200). When the aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted into the receiving space (510h), the sensing sensor (300) may be exposed to the outside of the cover (200) so as to face the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0202] The detection sensor (300) may be electrically connected to the components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the detection sensor (300) may be electrically connected to at least one of the control unit (10) or the power supply (130).

[0203] The length of the detection sensor (300) may be the same as the length of the cover (200). Accordingly, since the area where the detection sensor (300) detects the aerosol-generating article (2) can be increased, the control unit (10) can easily determine the separation or insertion of the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0204] Referring to FIGS. 5a to 5c, the aerosol generating article (2) may include a shielding portion (2a).

[0205] The shielding part (2a) can shield microwaves generated from the source part (20) from leaking out of the aerosol generating item (2) through the aerosol generating item (2). That is, microwaves generated by the source part (20) can be transmitted into the internal space of the resonance part (510), and microwaves can be transmitted out of the aerosol generating item (2) through the aerosol generating item (2) contained in the receiving space (510h). Since the shielding part (2a) can shield microwaves from leaking out through the aerosol generating item (2), the safety of the aerosol generating system in use can be improved.

[0206] The shielding portion (2a) may be placed inside the aerosol generating article (2). The diameter of the shielding portion (2a) may be less than or equal to the diameter of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0207] The shielding part (2a) may include a shielding material that is a metal material. The shielding material may include an electrically conductive material or a thermally conductive material, and may include at least one of, for example, an aluminum material or a stainless steel material.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the shielding portion (2a) may include a mesh structure. In the present disclosure, the mesh may be a structure that includes a plurality of holes to allow air or aerosol to pass through while blocking microwaves.

[0209] The size of the mesh hole can be determined by the frequency (or wavelength) of the microwave generated by the source unit (20). Specifically, the size of the hole can be set to be smaller than 1 / 3 of the length of the microwave wavelength generated by the source unit (20). For example, since the wavelength of the microwave with a frequency of 2.45 GHz is about 120 mm, the diameter of the hole can be set to be smaller than 40 mm.

[0210] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a control unit (10) controls a source unit (20) and a power source (130) during the process in which an aerosol generating article (2) is received in a receiving space (510h) and separated from the receiving space (510h) will be described.

[0211] First, as illustrated in FIG. 5a, the aerosol generating article (2) begins to move into the receiving space (510h) while separated from the aerosol generating device (1). After the aerosol generating article (2) comes into contact with the cover (200) located in the closed position (CP), the cover (200) can be pushed and rotated. Accordingly, the cover (200) can rotate about the hinge (200a), and at least a portion of the receiving space (510h) can be opened.

[0212] In one example, when the aerosol generating device (1) is in an off state, the detection sensor (300) may not operate even though the aerosol generating article (2) is in contact with the cover (200) and may not detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2).

[0213] In another example, when the aerosol generating device (1) is in the on state, the detection sensor (300) may detect the insertion of the aerosol generating article (2) by the aerosol generating article (2) coming into contact with the cover (200).

[0214] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, the cover (200) can move to an open position (OP) as it rotates around the hinge (200a). When the aerosol generating article (2) is fully contained in the receiving space (510h), the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to output microwaves. To do this, the control unit (10) can control the power supplied to the source unit (20) from the power source (130).

[0215] When the aerosol generating article (2) is completely contained in the receiving space (510h), the shielding part (2a) can be located at the same position as the upper surface of the housing (100). Accordingly, a gap may not be formed between the upper surface of the housing (100) and the shielding part (2a) with respect to the direction in which the housing (100) extends. Therefore, the blocking power to prevent the microwave generated by the source part (20) from leaking through the space between the housing (100) and the shielding part (2a) can be improved.

[0216] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 5c, the aerosol generating article (2) can be separated from the receiving space (510h). While the source unit (20) is in operation, a situation may occur in which the aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the aerosol generating device (1) due to the user's choice or user's mistake. In this case, a situation may occur in which microwaves leak out of the aerosol generating device (1) through the receiving space (510h).

[0217] According to one embodiment, when an external force is applied to the cover (200) in a direction that separates the aerosol generating article (2) from the receiving space (510h), the external force is sequentially applied to the detection sensor (300), and the detection sensor (300) can detect the separation of the aerosol generating article (2). At this time, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves. Accordingly, even if a situation occurs where the aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the aerosol generating device (1) due to the user's choice or user's mistake, microwaves may not leak to the outside of the aerosol generating device (1) through the receiving space (510h). Therefore, the safety of the use of the aerosol generating device (1) can be improved.

[0218] In one embodiment, when the aerosol generating item (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h) by more than a preset range, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves. At this time, the preset range may be the distance (DL, illustrated in FIG. 5c) from the bottom surface of the receiving space (510h) to the bottom surface of the aerosol generating item (2). During smoking, a situation may occur in which an external force is applied to the cover (200) in a direction in which the aerosol generating item (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h) contrary to the user's intention. Even in such a case, if the control unit (10) blocks the generation of microwaves, inconvenience in using the aerosol generating device (1) may occur. In an aerosol generating device (1) according to one embodiment, the generation of microwaves is blocked only when the aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h) by more than a preset range, so safety and convenience in the use of the aerosol generating device (1) can be achieved.

[0219] In one example, when an external force is applied to the cover (200) for more than a preset time, the detection sensor (300) can detect that the aerosol-generating item (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h) by more than a preset range. At this time, the preset time (e.g., 1.5 sec) can be entered in advance into memory and can be changed by the user's selection.

[0220] In another example, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a separate motion detection sensor that detects when an aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the receiving space (510h) by a preset range. The motion detection sensor may be located within a preset range from the bottom surface of the receiving space (510h).

[0221] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating another aspect in which an aerosol generating article (2) is separated from an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to one embodiment.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), a housing (100), a power supply (130), a cover (200), a detection sensor (300), a resonance unit (510), and a receiving space (510h). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIG. 6 (e.g., the detection sensor (300)) has been described above, so a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) based on the movement of the cover (200). That is, when the cover (200) is in a fully open state (a state shown in FIG. 5b), at the time when the cover (200) begins to move as the aerosol generating article (2) is separated, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves.

[0224] Accordingly, even if the detection sensor (300) malfunctions or the detection sensor (300) is not present, when the aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the aerosol generating device (1), microwaves may not leak out of the aerosol generating device (1) through the receiving space (510h). Therefore, the safety of the aerosol generating device (1) in use can be further improved.

[0225] Meanwhile, although not shown, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a microwave recognition sensor.

[0226] The microwave recognition sensor can detect microwaves generated by the source unit (20). The microwave recognition sensor can be placed in the housing (100) so as to be exposed toward the receiving space (510h).

[0227] For example, the microwave recognition sensor may be a capacitance sensor. As microwaves leak into the receiving space (510h), the dielectric constant inside the receiving space (510h) may change. At this time, the microwave recognition sensor can detect the change in dielectric constant, and the control unit (10) can detect microwaves based on a signal corresponding to the dielectric constant inside the receiving space (510h) output from the capacitance sensor.

[0228] In an open position (OP, illustrated in FIG. 5b) where the aerosol generating article (2) is completely contained in the receiving space (510h), the microwave recognition sensor may be positioned in the housing (100) so as to be covered by the cover (200). At this time, even if microwaves leak into the receiving space (510h), the microwave recognition sensor may not be able to detect the microwaves.

[0229] When the cover (200) is in a fully open position (OP) and the cover (200) begins to move as the aerosol generating article (2) is separated, a space may be formed between the cover (200) and the inner surface of the housing (100) facing the receiving space (510h). At this time, a microwave recognition sensor may detect microwaves leaked through the space between them, and the control unit (10) may control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves.

[0230] Accordingly, even if the detection sensor (300) malfunctions or the detection sensor (300) is not present, when the aerosol generating article (2) is separated from the aerosol generating device (1), microwaves may not leak out of the aerosol generating device (1) through the receiving space (510h). Therefore, the safety of the aerosol generating device (1) in use can be further improved.

[0231] A structure for controlling the source unit (20) so that the control unit (10) blocks the generation of microwaves based on the movement of the cover (200) will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 7a to 8b below.

[0232] FIG. 7a illustrates an embodiment of a connection circuit (400) in a closed circuit state, and FIG. 7b illustrates an embodiment of a connection circuit (400) in an open circuit state.

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), a power supply (130), a cover (200), a connection circuit (400), and a receiving space (510h). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 7a and 7b (e.g., the receiving space (510h))) has been described above, so a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0234] The connection circuit (400) can electrically connect the control unit (10), the source unit (20), and the power source (130). The connection circuit (400) may be located inside the housing (100 in FIG. 6) and may be connected to the cover (200). In the present disclosure, 'circuit' may mean a system that allows electrical / electronic components (control unit, source unit) to interact based on power supplied by the power source (130). The connection circuit (400) may include a power source (130), a load (control unit (10) and source unit (20)), and a conductor.

[0235] The connection circuit (400) may include a fixed circuit (410) and a moving circuit (420).

[0236] The fixed circuit (410) can be fixed in position inside the housing. A control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a power supply (130) can be connected to the fixed circuit (410). The fixed circuit (410) may include a fixed contact (410a) for electrically connecting to a moving circuit (420).

[0237] The moving circuit (420) can move together with the movement of the cover (200) inside the housing. The moving circuit (420) can be connected to the cover (200) via mechanical means. The mechanical means may include a cam that induces the movement of the moving circuit (420) by utilizing the rotation of the cover (200). The moving circuit (420) may include a moving contact (420a) for electrically connecting to a fixed contact (410a) of the fixed circuit (410).

[0238] However, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b, depending on the embodiment, the control unit (10), source unit (20), and power supply (130) may be connected to the moving circuit (420).

[0239] According to one embodiment, the connection circuit (400) can be switched between an open circuit and a closed circuit based on the movement of the cover (200).

[0240] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 7a, when the cover (200) is in an open position where the aerosol generating article is fully contained in the receiving space (510h), the connecting circuit (400) can be a closed circuit. In the closed circuit, the fixed contact (410a) and the moving contact (420a) are connected to each other, so that the fixed circuit (410) and the moving circuit (420) can be electrically connected. Accordingly, power supplied by the power source (130) can be supplied to the components of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to output microwaves normally.

[0241] In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 7b, when the cover (200) begins to move to a closed position as the aerosol generating article is separated from the receiving space (510h) by a preset range, the connection circuit (400) may become an open circuit. In the open circuit, the fixed contact (410a) and the moving contact (420a) are separated from each other, so that the fixed circuit (410) and the moving circuit (420) are not electrically connected. Accordingly, power supplied by the power source (130) cannot be supplied to the components of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (10) cannot control the source unit (20) to output microwaves normally.

[0242] FIG. 8a illustrates another embodiment of a connection circuit (400) in a closed circuit state, and FIG. 8b illustrates another embodiment of a connection circuit (400) in an open circuit state.

[0243] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), a power supply (130), a cover (200), a connection circuit (400), and a receiving space (510h). At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 8a and 8b (e.g., the receiving space (510h))) has been described above, so a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0244] The connection circuit (400) can electrically connect the control unit (10), the source unit (20), and the power supply (130). The connection circuit (400) can be located inside the housing (100 in FIG. 6) and can be connected to the cover (200).

[0245] The connection circuit (400) may be fixed in position inside the housing. A control unit (10), a source unit (20), and a power supply (130) may be connected to the connection circuit (400). The connection circuit (400) may include a fixed contact (410a) and a movable contact (420a) that moves together with the cover (200) as the cover (200) moves. The movable contact (420a) may be connected to the cover (200) via mechanical means. The mechanical means may include a cam that induces movement of the movable contact (420a) by utilizing the rotation of the cover (200).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the connection circuit (400) can be switched between an open circuit and a closed circuit based on the movement of the cover (200).

[0247] In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 8a, when the cover (200) is in an open position where the aerosol generating article is fully contained in the receiving space (510h), the connection circuit (400) can be a closed circuit. In the closed circuit, the fixed contact (410a) and the movable contact (420a) can be connected to each other. Accordingly, power supplied by the power source (130) can be supplied to the components of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to output microwaves normally.

[0248] In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 8b, when the cover (200) begins to move to a closed position as the aerosol generating article is separated from the receiving space (510h) by a preset range, the connection circuit (400) can become an open circuit. In the open circuit, the fixed contact (410a) and the movable contact (420a) can be separated from each other. Accordingly, power supplied by the power source (130) cannot be supplied to the components of the aerosol generating device (1), and the control unit (10) cannot control the source unit (20) to output microwaves normally.

[0249] FIG. 9a is a side view showing the aerosol generating article (2) before being inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to another embodiment, and FIG. 9b is a side view showing the aerosol generating article (2) completely inserted into an aerosol generating device (1) including a cover (200) according to another embodiment.

[0250] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the aerosol generating device (1) may include a control unit (10), a source unit (20), a housing (100), a power supply (130), a cover (200), a detection sensor (300), a resonance unit (510), and a receiving space (510h). Since the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 9a and 9b differs from the aerosol generating device (1) of FIGS. 5a through 8b only in the movement structure of the cover (200), redundant descriptions will be omitted below, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) based on the external force applied by the aerosol generating article (2) to the cover (200). When the detection sensor (300) detects the separation of the aerosol generating article (2), the control unit (10) can control the source unit (20) to block the generation of microwaves based on the detection operation of the detection sensor (300).

[0252] The cover (200) may be positioned to slide on the housing (100). The cover (200) may slide between a closed position (CP, illustrated in FIG. 9a) that closes the receiving space (510h) and an open position (OP, illustrated in FIG. 9b) that opens the receiving space (510h). For example, the cover (200) may slide on the upper surface of the housing (100).

[0253] Although not illustrated, the aerosol generating device (1) may further include a restoring member. The restoring member may apply an elastic force to the cover (200) to move the cover (200) from an open position (OP) to a closed position (CP). Accordingly, when the aerosol generating article (2) is completely separated from the receiving space (510h), the cover (200) can automatically move from the open position (OP) to the closed position (CP) through the restoring member. Additionally, when the aerosol generating article (2) is completely inserted into the receiving space (510h), the cover (200) can always be in contact with the aerosol generating article (2) by the restoring member. The restoring member may be connected to the housing (100) and the cover (200), respectively.

[0254] The detection sensor (300) can detect the separation of an aerosol-generating item (2). When an external force is applied to the detection sensor (300) in a direction that separates the aerosol-generating item (2) from the receiving space (510h) while the aerosol-generating item (2) is received in the receiving space (510h), the detection sensor (300) can output a signal corresponding to the separation of the aerosol-generating item (2), and the control unit (10) can determine the separation of the aerosol-generating item (2) based on the output signal.

[0255] In one embodiment, the sensing sensor (300) may be a piezoelectric element.

[0256] In one embodiment, a sensing sensor (300) may be placed on a cover (200). The sensing sensor (300) may be placed on one side of the cover (200) so as to come into contact with an aerosol-generating article (2) contained in a receiving space (510h). That is, at least a portion of the sensing sensor (300) may be exposed to the outside of the cover (200). For example, when an aerosol-generating article (2) is inserted into the receiving space (510h), the sensing sensor (300) may be exposed to the outside of the cover (200) so as to face the aerosol-generating article (2).

[0257] The detection sensor (300) may be electrically connected to the components of the aerosol generating device (1). For example, the detection sensor (300) may be electrically connected to at least one of the control unit (10) or the power supply (130).

[0258] The thickness of the detection sensor (300) may be the same as the thickness of the cover (200). Accordingly, since the area where the detection sensor (300) detects the aerosol-generating item (2) can be increased, the control unit (10) can easily determine the separation of the aerosol-generating item (2).

[0259] The aerosol generating article (2) may include a shielding part (2a).

[0260] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the control method in which the control unit (10) controls the source unit (20) and the power supply (130) during the process in which the aerosol generating article (2) is received in the receiving space (510h) and separated from the receiving space (510h) is applicable as in the embodiments of FIGS. 5a to 5c, so a redundant description is omitted.

[0261] 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.

[0262] 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, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that combination is possible, except where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0263] 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

Source unit that generates microwaves; A resonance part comprising a receiving space for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein microwave resonance is generated by the microwave generated by the source part; A cover disposed on the resonant part to move between an open position that opens the receiving space and a closed position that closes the receiving space; and An aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit that controls the source unit based on an external force applied by the aerosol generating article to the cover. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein when an external force is applied to the cover in a direction in which the aerosol generating article is separated from the receiving space, the control unit controls the source unit to block the generation of the microwave. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising: a sensing sensor disposed on the cover and detecting that the aerosol generating article is separated from the receiving space. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned sensing sensor is an aerosol generating device disposed on one surface of the cover to contact the aerosol generating article contained in the receiving space. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned sensing sensor is an aerosol generating device comprising a piezoelectric element that generates an electric current as it is pressurized by the aerosol generating article. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device further comprising: a restoring member that applies elastic force to the cover so that the cover moves from the open position to the closed position. In paragraph 1, The above cover is positioned to rotate between the above open position and the above closed position, an aerosol generating device. In paragraph 1, The above cover is positioned to slide between the above open position and the above closed position, an aerosol generating device. In paragraph 1, A power source that supplies power to the above source unit; and It further includes a connection circuit connecting the above power source and the above source part; and The above-described connection circuit is an aerosol generating device that switches between an open circuit and a closed circuit based on the movement of the cover. In Paragraph 9, In the open position of the cover in which the above aerosol-generating article is completely contained in the above receiving space, The above-mentioned connecting circuit is an aerosol generating device that becomes the above-mentioned closed circuit. In Paragraph 9, When the cover begins to move to the closed position as the aerosol-generating article is separated from the receiving space by a preset range, The above connection circuit is an aerosol generating device that becomes the above open circuit. In Paragraph 9, The above-described connection circuit comprises a moving circuit that moves together with the cover and a fixed circuit that is electrically connected to the moving circuit, in an aerosol generating device. In Paragraph 9, The above-described connection circuit comprises a movable contact that moves together with the cover and a fixed contact that is electrically connected to the movable contact, in an aerosol generating device. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein if the above-mentioned aerosol generating article is separated from the above-mentioned receiving space by more than a preset range, the control unit controls the source unit to block the generation of the microwave. In paragraph 1, An aerosol generating device, wherein if the above aerosol generating article applies an external force to the above cover for a period of time longer than a preset time, the control unit controls the source unit to block the generation of the above microwave.

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