RU2846541C2 - Heater assembly and an aerosol generating device comprising such an assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of electrically driven smoking devices, namely to devices heating an article for aerosol generation by dielectric heating. Aerosol-generating device comprises a heater assembly for heating an aerosol-generating article comprising a resonator unit comprising a housing, which comprises a housing space configured to accommodate the aerosol-generating article, and an opening through which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. Heater assembly comprises a plurality of plates spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article received in a space for accommodating, and connecting part connecting plurality of plates with housing, and a connector configured to supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates to generate microwave resonance in the resonator unit for heating the article to generate an aerosol.

EFFECT: obtaining a low coefficient Q of the cavity and heating an article for generating an aerosol with high efficiency of using energy.

15 cl, 21 dwg

Description

Field of technology

One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a heater assembly capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article using a dielectric heating method, and to an aerosol-generating device comprising the heater assembly.

State of the art

[1] Recently, there has been a growing demand for alternative ways to overcome the disadvantages of conventional cigarettes. For example, there is a growing demand for a method of generating aerosol by heating a cigarette (or an aerosol generating product) using an aerosol generating device instead of burning cigarettes.

Microwave heating technology is a method of heating an object based on the principle of dielectric heating. When an aerosol generating article is heated using microwave heating technology, the aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article can be heated rapidly.

Microwave heating in industrial settings typically uses magnetrons that emit microwaves with a power of kilowatts (kW). Household microwaves are rated for microwave power of about 700 watts to about 1000 watts.

In order to realize an aerosol generating device capable of heating an aerosol generating article using microwave heating technology, the aerosol generating device must be made compact in order to be portable.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure a high energy efficiency for heating using electricity so that users can wear the aerosol generating device and use it for a sufficient period of time. In order to reduce the energy loss in the aerosol generating device that uses the microwave heating method, the Q coefficient of the resonator cavity should be low to minimize the power loss caused by the surface currents generated on the conductive surface of the resonator.

When microwaves generated by a resonator are not converted into heat used to heat the aerosol generating material (medium) in the aerosol generating article, but instead generate heat on the conductive surface of the resonator, overheating of the heater assembly containing the resonator and the aerosol generating device is possible, in addition to an increase in energy loss.

The essence of the invention

Technical task

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device are provided that enable an aerosol generating article to be heated using microwaves.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device are provided that are configured to achieve a low Q coefficient of the cavity and heat the article to generate the aerosol with a high energy efficiency.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device are provided that minimize power losses caused by surface currents in the resonator and reduce heat generation.

[2] The beneficial effects according to one embodiment of the invention are not limited to the effects disclosed above, and effects not mentioned herein will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

Technical solution

A heater unit for heating an aerosol-generating article according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a resonator unit comprising a housing which comprises a space for accommodation configured to accommodate an aerosol-generating article, and an opening through which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, a plurality of plates arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article placed in the space for accommodation, and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates to the housing, and a connector configured to supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates to form a microwave resonance in the resonator unit for heating the aerosol-generating article.

Some ends of the plurality of plates may be connected to the connecting portion, and other ends of the plurality of plates may be open and spaced apart from each other.

The other ends of the plurality of plates may face the opening.

A plurality of plates may be arranged symmetrically relative to the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

The plurality of plates may be two plates located in opposite places relative to the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

A plurality of plates may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, and at least a portion of the plurality of plates may be curved so as to protrude outward from the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article.

The connector can penetrate the housing and contact any of the multiple plates.

The connector may be located next to the connecting part.

The body may be located at a distance from the plurality of plates.

The housing may be spaced apart from the plurality of plates, and the heater assembly may further comprise a dielectric between the housing and the plurality of plates.

The end of the dielectric may protrude toward the hole from the ends of the plurality of plates.

The end of the dielectric may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing or located at a distance from it.

The heater assembly may further comprise a support tube inserted into the plurality of plates and configured to support the aerosol generating article.

The plurality of plates may extend in one direction, and the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space through the opening may intersect with the one direction.

In other embodiments of the invention, the aerosol generating device comprises

a heater unit for heating an aerosol-generating article, wherein the heater unit comprises a resonator unit comprising a housing that comprises a receiving space configured to receive the aerosol-generating article, and an opening through which the aerosol-generating article is inserted, a plurality of plates arranged separately from each other in a circumferential direction of the aerosol-generating article placed in the receiving space, and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates to the housing, and a connector configured to supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates to form a microwave resonance in the resonator unit for heating the aerosol-generating article, and

an oscillating unit configured to generate high-frequency microwave power and supply the high-frequency microwave power to the heater assembly.

Beneficial effects of the invention

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device are provided that enable an aerosol generating article to be heated using microwaves.

In a heater unit and an aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments of the invention, since the aerosol generating material (medium) of the aerosol generating article can be placed as a dielectric material in a resonator unit containing a plurality of plates, a sufficient electric field can be formed for generating an aerosol while reducing the overall size of the resonator unit.

In a heater unit and an aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the size of the resonator unit is reduced by using a structure in which dielectrics are placed in a space for placing dielectrics, which makes it possible to reduce the installation space required for installing the resonator unit in the aerosol generating device, and thereby reduce the size of the aerosol generating device.

In addition, in the heater unit and the aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments of the invention, the resonator unit can be configured to obtain a low Q coefficient of the cavity and heat the article to generate the aerosol with a high energy efficiency.

In addition, in one or more embodiments of the invention, a heater assembly and an aerosol generating device are provided that minimize power losses caused by surface currents in the resonator and reduce heat generation.

In addition, since triple resonance occurs in the resonator unit of the heater unit and the aerosol generating device, it is possible to uniformly and efficiently heat the aerosol generating product.

In addition, in the heater unit and the aerosol generating device according to one or more embodiments of the invention, resonance peaks are formed in a section corresponding to the open end of the resonator unit, and accordingly, a strong electric field can be formed. Since the part of the aerosol generating article containing the dielectric material (dielectric) is located in the region where the electric field of the resonator unit is the strongest, it is possible to improve the efficiency of dielectric heating of the aerosol generating article.

[3] The beneficial effects according to one embodiment of the invention are not limited to the effects disclosed above, and effects not mentioned herein will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

[4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[5] FIG. 2 shows an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[6] FIG. 3 is an internal block diagram of the dielectric heater shown in FIG. 2.

[7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[8] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing the electric field distribution of the heater assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing the electric field distribution of the heater assembly according to FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the heating density distribution of the aerosol generating article, which is heated by the heater assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a schematic fragment of a heater assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the components of the heater assembly of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly according to FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electric field distribution of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the heating density distribution of the aerosol generating article, which is heated by the heater assembly according to FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of the heater assembly according to FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a partial section of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

The best example of the invention's implementation

[9] From here on, the embodiments disclosed in this description will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, with identical or similar components being assigned the same reference designations regardless of the designations in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[10] The suffixes "module" and "block" used in this disclosure are assigned or used interchangeably solely for convenience of description and have no separate meaning or role in themselves.

[11] Furthermore, when disclosing the embodiments claimed in this specification, a detailed disclosure of known technologies may be omitted if it is found that they may distort the essence of the embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the essence of the present invention is not limited to the drawings. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that correspond to the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are included in the protected scope of the invention.

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

[13] When a component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another component, it is to be understood that it may be directly connected or linked to the other component, or there may be intermediate components between them. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it is to be understood that there are no intermediate components between them.

[14] The singular also implies the plural, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[15] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[16] As shown in FIG. 1, an aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a housing 110 that houses an aerosol generating article 10 and a heater unit 200 configured to heat the aerosol generating article 10 housed in the housing 110.

[17] The housing 110 may define the external shape of the aerosol generating device 100, and the components of the aerosol generating device 100 may be located in the internal space (or mounting space) of the housing 110. For example, the heater assembly 200, the battery, the processor, and/or the sensor unit may be located in the internal space of the housing 110, but the components located in the internal space are not limited to this example.

[18] The insertion opening 110h may be formed on one portion of the body 110, and at least one portion of the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the body 110 through the insertion opening 110h. For example, the insertion opening 110h may be formed on one portion of the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z direction) of the body 110, but the location of the insertion opening 110h is not limited to this example. In another example of implementing the invention, the insertion opening 110h may be formed on one portion of the side surface (for example, the surface facing in the x direction) of the body 110.

[19] The heater unit 200 is located in the interior space of the housing 110 and heats the aerosol-generating article 10 inserted into the housing 110 or placed therein through the insertion opening 110h. For example, the heater unit 200 can heat the aerosol-generating article 10 by being positioned around at least one region of the aerosol-generating article 10 inserted into the housing 110 or placed therein.

[20] In one embodiment of the invention, the heater unit 200 may heat the article 10 to generate an aerosol using a dielectric heating method. According to the invention, the dielectric heating method is a method of heating a dielectric, which is an object to be heated, using microwave resonance and/or an electric field (or magnetic field) of microwaves. Microwaves serve as a source of energy for heating the object to be heated and are generated using high-frequency energy, so the term "microwaves" may be considered synonymous with the term "microwave power" hereinafter.

[21] The charges or ions of the dielectric included in the aerosol generating article 10 may vibrate or rotate within the heater assembly 200 due to microwave resonance, and heat may be generated in the dielectric due to frictional heat generated by the vibration or rotation of the charges or ions, which allows the aerosol generating article 10 to be heated.

[22] When the aerosol generating article 10 is heated by the heater unit 200, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating article 10. According to the invention, the "aerosol" can be understood to mean gas particles formed by mixing air and steam generated by heating the aerosol generating article 10.

[23] The aerosols generated by the aerosol generating article 10 may exit from the aerosol generating device 100 by passing through the aerosol generating article 10 or through the empty space between the aerosol generating article 10 and the insertion opening 110h. The user may smoke by contacting with the mouth the area of the aerosol generating article 10 that exits to the outside from the housing 110 and inhale the aerosol emitted to the outside from the aerosol generating device 100.

[24] The aerosol generating device 100 according to one embodiment of the invention may further comprise a cover 111 disposed on the housing 110 in a slidable manner to open or close the insertion opening 110h. For example, the cover 111 may be slidably connected to the upper surface of the housing 110 and may open the insertion opening 110h to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100 or close the insertion opening 110h in such a way as to prevent the opening of the insertion opening 110h to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100.

[25] In one embodiment of the invention, the lid 111 in the first position (or "open position") may open the opening 110h for introducing the aerosol generating device 100 to the outside. When the opening 110h for introducing is opened to the outside, the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the housing 110 through the opening 110h for introducing.

[26] In another embodiment of the invention, the cover 111 may cover the insertion opening 110h in the second position (or "closed position") such that the insertion opening 110h is not open to the outside of the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the cover 111 may prevent external foreign materials from entering the heater assembly 200 through the insertion opening 110h when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use.

[27] FIG. 1 shows only an aerosol generating device 100 for heating an article 10 to generate an aerosol in a solid state, but the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to this example.

[28] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state by means of a heater unit 200 instead of heating an aerosol generating article 10 in a solid state.

[29] An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention may comprise a heater unit 200 configured to heat an aerosol generating article 10, and a cartridge (or evaporator) containing an aerosol generating material in a liquid or gel state and configured to heat the aerosol generating material. Aerosols generated from the aerosol generating material may enter the aerosol generating article 10 through an air flow channel communicating with the cartridge and the aerosol generating article 10, and mix with aerosols generated from the aerosol generating article 10, and then pass through the aerosol generating article of the article 10 to be transferred to the user.

[30] FIG. 2 shows an internal block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[31] As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 100 may include an input unit 102, an output unit 103, a sensor unit 104, a communication unit 105, a memory 106, a battery 107, an interface 108, a power converter 109, and a dielectric heater 200. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 100 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2. According to the design of the aerosol generating device 100, some of the components shown in FIG. 2 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[32] The input unit 102 may be configured to receive user commands. For example, the input unit 102 may be a single push button. In another example, the input unit 102 may be a touch panel comprising at least one touch sensor. The input unit 102 may transmit an input signal to the processor 101. The processor 101 may supply power to the dielectric heater 200 based on the user command or control the output unit 103 to output a notification to the user.

[33] The output unit 103 may output information on the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The output unit 103 may output data on the charge/discharge state of the battery 107, the heating state of the dielectric heater 200, the insertion state of the aerosol generating article 10, and error information of the aerosol generating device 100. In this regard, the output unit 103 may include a display, a tactile motor, and a sound output device.

[34] The sensor unit 104 may detect the state of the aerosol generating device 100 and the state of the environment around the aerosol generating device 100, and transmit the obtained information to the processor 101. Based on the information from the sensors, the processor 101 may control the aerosol generating device 100 to perform various functions, such as controlling the heating of the dielectric heater 200, restricting smoking, determining the introduction of the aerosol generating article 10, and displaying a notification, etc.

[35] The sensor unit 104 may comprise a temperature sensor, a puff sensor, and an insertion recognition sensor.

[36] The temperature sensor may detect the temperature inside the dielectric heater 200 in a non-contact manner or directly upon contact with the dielectric heater 200. In one embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the article 10 for generating an aerosol. In addition, the temperature sensor may be located near the battery 107 to measure the temperature of the battery 107. The processor 101 may control the power supplied to the dielectric heater 200 based on the temperature information received from the temperature sensor.

[37] The puff sensor may detect a user's puff. The puff sensor may detect a user's puff based on a change in temperature and/or flow rate and/or power and/or pressure. The processor 101 may control the power supplied to the dielectric heater 200 based on the puff information received from the puff sensor. For example, the processor 101 may count the number of puffs and turn off the power supply to the dielectric heater 200 when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined maximum number of puffs. In another example, the processor 101 may turn off the power supply to the dielectric heater 200 if a puff is not detected for a predetermined time or longer.

[38] The insertion recognition sensor may be located within the insertion space 220h in FIG. 4 or near the insertion space 220h and, thus, may recognize the insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article 10 placed in the insertion opening 110h. For example, the insertion recognition sensor may be an inductive sensor and/or a capacitive sensor. When the aerosol-generating article 101 is inserted into the insertion opening 110h, the processor 200 may supply power to the dielectric heater 10.

[39] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit 104 may further comprise a reuse recognition sensor, a motion recognition sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a cover removal recognition sensor, a location sensor (global positioning system (GPS)) and a contactless sensor. Since the purpose of each sensor may be intuitively clear from its name to a person skilled in the art, a detailed disclosure of this purpose may be omitted in this document.

[40] The communication unit 105 may comprise at least one communication module for communicating with an external electronic device. The processor 101 may control the communication unit 105 to transmit information about the aerosol generating device 100 to the external electronic device. In an alternative example, the processor 101 may receive information from the external electronic device via the communication unit 105 and control components included in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the information transmitted between the communication unit 105 and the external electronic device may comprise user authentication information, microcode update information, and user smoking habits.

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

[42] The battery 107 can supply power to the dielectric heater 200 so that the article 10 can be heated to generate an aerosol. In addition, the battery 107 can supply the power necessary for the operation of other components included in the device 100 for generating an aerosol. The battery 107 can be a rechargeable battery or a detachable removable battery.

[43] The interface 108 may comprise a connection terminal that may be physically connected to an external electronic device. For example, the connection terminal may be a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector and/or a USB connector and/or a secure digital card (SD) connector and/or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector), as well as a combination thereof. The interface 108 may transmit information to and receive information from the external electronic device through the connection terminal, as well as perform charging.

[44] The power converter 109 can convert the direct current power from the battery 107 into the alternating current power. In addition, the power converter 109 can supply the alternating current power to the dielectric heater 200. The power converter 109 can be an inverter comprising at least one switching device, and the processor 101 can control the switching on/off of the switching device included in the power converter 109 and convert the direct current power into the alternating current power. The power converter 109 can be implemented as a full or half bridge.

[45] The dielectric heater 200 may heat the article 10 to generate an aerosol by a dielectric heating method. The dielectric heater 200 may be a component corresponding to the heater assembly 200 in FIG. 1.

[46] The dielectric heater 200 can heat the article 10 to generate an aerosol using microwaves and/or an electric field of microwaves (hereinafter referred to as microwaves or microwave power if there is no need to distinguish). The heating method of the dielectric heater 200 may be a method of heating the heated object by generating microwaves in a resonant structure, rather than a method of emitting microwaves by means of an antenna. The resonator structure will be explained below with reference to FIG. 4.

[47] The dielectric heater 200 may output high frequency microwaves to the resonator 220 according to FIG. 3. The microwaves may be power in the frequency range for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) equipment, approved for heating; other options are also possible. The resonator 220 may be designed taking into account the wavelength of microwave radiation such that the microwaves can resonate in the resonator 220.

[48] The aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the resonator 220, and a dielectric material in the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated by the resonator 220. For example, the aerosol generating article 10 may comprise a polar material, and molecules of the polar material may be polarized within the resonator 220. The molecules may vibrate or rotate due to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated by frictional heat generated by such a process. Additional information about the dielectric heater 200 will be disclosed below with reference to FIG. 3.

[49] The processor 101 may control all operations of the aerosol generating device 100. The processor 101 may be implemented as a series of logic elements or a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executed in the general-purpose microprocessor is stored. The processor 101 may be implemented as other hardware components.

[50] The processor 101 may control the DC power supplied from the battery 107 to the power converter 109 and/or the AC power supplied from the power converter 109 to the dielectric heater 200, depending on the power required for the dielectric heater 200. In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating device 100 may comprise a converter configured to step up or step down the DC power, and the processor 101 may regulate the DC power by controlling the converter. In addition, the processor 101 may control the AC power supplied to the dielectric heater 200 by adjusting the switching frequency and the duty cycle of the switching device included in the power converter 109.

[51] The processor 101 can control the heating temperature of the article 10 for generating an aerosol by controlling the microwave power of the dielectric heater 200 and the resonant frequency of the dielectric heater 200. Accordingly, the oscillating unit 210, the insulator 240, the power control unit 250 and the matching unit 260 according to FIG. 3, disclosed below, can be some components of the processor 101.

[52] The processor 101 may control the microwave power of the dielectric heater 200 based on the temperature profile information stored in the memory 106. In other words, the temperature profile may contain information about a set temperature of the dielectric heater 200 depending on time, and the processor 101 may control the microwave power of the dielectric heater 200 depending on time.

[53] The processor 101 can adjust the microwave frequency so that the resonant frequency of the dielectric heater 200 is not uniform. The processor 101 can monitor the change in the resonant frequency of the dielectric heater 200 in real time as the heated object is heated and control the dielectric heater 200 to output the microwave frequency in accordance with the change in the resonant frequency. In other words, the processor 101 can change the microwave frequency in real time regardless of the previously stored temperature profile.

[54] FIG. 3 shows an internal block diagram of the dielectric heater 200 shown in FIG. 2.

[55] As shown in FIG. 3, the dielectric heater 200 may include an oscillating unit, an isolator 240, a power control unit 250, a matching unit 260, a microwave output unit 230, and a resonator 220. However, the internal configuration of the dielectric heater 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 3. According to the design of the dielectric heater 200, some of the components shown in FIG. 3 may be omitted, or new components may be added.

[56] The oscillatory unit 210 may receive alternating current power from the power converter 109 and generate high-frequency microwave power. In one embodiment of the invention, the power converter 109 may be included in the oscillatory unit 210. The microwave power may be selected from frequency ranges such as 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz, which are included in the frequency range for industrial, scientific and medical equipment.

[57] The oscillating unit 210 may comprise a solid-state radio frequency generating device and generate microwave power using it. The solid-state radio frequency generating device may be implemented as a semiconductor. If the oscillating unit 210 is implemented as a semiconductor, the size of the dielectric heater 200 may be minimized and the service life of the device may be increased.

[58] The oscillating unit 210 may direct the microwave power to the resonator 220. The oscillating unit 210 may comprise a power amplifier configured to increase or decrease the microwave power, and the power amplifier may adjust the amount of microwave power in accordance with the control from the processor 101. For example, the power amplifier may decrease or increase the amplitude of the microwaves. The power of the microwaves may be adjusted by adjusting the amplitude of the microwaves.

[59] The processor 101 may adjust the amount of output microwave power of the oscillating unit 210 based on a previously stored temperature profile. For example, the temperature profile may contain information about a set temperature according to a preheating period and a smoking period, and the oscillating unit 210 may supply microwave power as a first power in the preheating period and supply microwave power of a second power, which is less than the first power, in the smoking period.

[60] The insulator 240 may block the supply of microwave power from the resonator 220 to the oscillating unit 210. The microwave power supplied by the oscillating unit 210 is mainly absorbed by the heated object, but some of the microwave power may be reflected from the heated object and transmitted back to the oscillating unit 210, depending on the nature of the heating of the heated object. This is due to the fact that the impedance from the oscillating unit 210 to the resonator 220 changes depending on the depletion of polar molecules as a result of the heating of the heated object. The value of the change in impedance from the oscillating unit 210 to the resonator 220 coincides with the value of the change in the resonant frequency of the resonator 220. When the microwave power reflected from the resonator 220 is supplied to the oscillating unit 210, not only the operation of the oscillating unit 210 is disrupted, but also the expected output characteristics are not achieved. The isolator 240 may not return the microwave power reflected from the resonator 220 back to the oscillating unit 210, but may induce the microwave power in a certain direction and absorb it. For this, the isolator 240 may comprise a circulator and an absorbing load.

[61] The power control unit 250 may control both the output microwave power of the oscillatory unit 210 and the reflected microwave power reflected by the resonator 220. The power control unit 250 may transmit information about the microwave power and the reflected microwave power to the matching unit 260.

[62] The matching unit 260 may match the impedance from the oscillating unit 210 to the resonator 220 with the impedance from the resonator 220 to the oscillating unit 210, which makes it possible to minimize the reflected microwave power. The impedance matching may have the same meaning as the matching of the frequency of the oscillating unit 210 and the resonant frequency of the resonator 220. Accordingly, to match the impedance, the matching unit 260 may change the frequency of the oscillating unit 210. In other words, the matching unit 260 may adjust the frequency of the microwave power output from the oscillating unit 210 to minimize the reflected microwave power. The impedance matching of the matching unit 260 may be performed in real time regardless of the temperature profile.

[63] The oscillating unit 210, the isolator 240, the power control unit 250 and the matching unit 260 are separate components that differ from the microwave output unit 230 and the resonator 220 described below, and can be implemented as microwave sources in the form of microcircuits. In addition, in one embodiment, the oscillating unit 210, the isolator 240, the power control unit 250 and the matching unit 260 can be implemented as part of the configuration of the processor 101.

[64] The microwave output unit 230 may be a component configured to supply microwave power to the resonator 220, and may correspond to the connector shown in FIG. 3 and below. The microwave output unit 230 may be implemented as subminiature connectors of version A (SMA), subminiature connectors of version B (SMB), micro coaxial connectors (MCX) and micro miniature coaxial connectors (MMCX). The microwave output unit 230 may connect the resonator 220 to a microwave source in the form of a chip and supply microwave power generated by the microwave source to the resonator 220.

[65] The resonator 220 may heat the heated object by generating microwaves in a resonant structure. The resonator 220 may comprise a space for accommodating in which the aerosol-generating article 10 is placed, and the aerosol-generating article 10 may be dielectrically heated by exposure to microwaves. For example, the aerosol-generating article 10 may comprise a polar material, and the molecules of the polar material may be polarized within the resonator 220 by exposure to microwaves. The molecules may vibrate or rotate by exposure to the polarization phenomenon, and the aerosol-generating article 10 may be heated by frictional heat generated by such a process.

[66] The resonator 220 comprises at least one internal conductor for resonating microwaves, and the microwaves can resonate within the resonator 220 depending on the location, thickness and length of the internal conductor.

[67] The resonator 220 can be designed taking into account the wavelength of the microwave radiation so that the microwaves can resonate in the resonator 220. In order for the microwaves to resonate in the resonator 220, the resonator 220 must have a closed end/short end in which its cross-section is closed, and an open end opposite the closed end in which at least a part of the cross-section of the open end is open. In addition, the distance between the closed and open ends must be equal to an integer multiple of 1/4 of the wavelength of the microwave radiation. In order to reduce the size of the aerosol generating device 100, a wavelength of the microwave radiation of 1/4 of the wavelength of the microwave radiation is selected for the resonator 220 according to the invention. In other words, the distance between the closed and open ends of the resonator 220 can be set equal to 1/4 of the wavelength of the microwave radiation.

[68] The resonator 220 may comprise a space for accommodating a dielectric material. In the space for accommodating the dielectric material, which is a component different from the space for accommodating the article 10 for generating an aerosol, a material is located that is capable of changing the resonant frequency of a part of the resonator 220 as a whole and reducing the size of the resonator 220. In one example of implementing the invention, a dielectric material with a low level of absorption of microwave radiation may be placed in the space for accommodating the dielectric material. This is necessary to prevent heating of the dielectric material caused by the transfer of power, which must be transferred to the heated object, into the dielectric material. The absorption of microwaves can be expressed by the loss tangent, that is, the ratio of the imaginary part of the complex permittivity to the real part of the complex permittivity. In one embodiment of the invention, a dielectric material with a loss tangent equal to or less than a specified value may be placed in the space 227 for accommodating the dielectric material, wherein the specified value may be 1/100. For example, the dielectric may be quartz and/or tetrafluoroethylene and/or aluminum oxide or a combination thereof, and other options are also possible. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a heater assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[69] As shown in FIG. 4, the heater assembly 200 in one embodiment of the invention may comprise an oscillatory unit 210 and a resonator 220. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the heater assembly 200 and the dielectric heater 200 disclosed above, and the description will not be repeated hereinafter.

[70] When power is supplied, the oscillating unit 210 can generate microwaves in a certain frequency range. The microwaves generated in the oscillating unit 210 can be supplied to the resonator 220 through a connector (not shown in the figure).

[71] The resonator 220 may comprise a space 220h for accommodating at least one portion of the aerosol generating article 10 and heat the aerosol generating article 10 by a dielectric heating method by resonating microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210. For example, due to the resonance of microwaves, the electric charges of the glycerin included in the aerosol generating article 10 may vibrate or rotate, and the frictional heat generated during the vibration or rotation of the electric charge causes heat to be generated in the glycerin, as a result of which the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated.

[72] In one embodiment of the invention, the resonator 220 may comprise a material with a low level of microwave absorption to prevent the microwaves generated in the oscillatory unit 210 from being absorbed in the resonator 220.

[73] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the resonator 220 of the heater unit 200 is disclosed with reference to FIG. 5.

[74] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly 200 shown in FIG. 4 taken along line A-A’.

[75] As shown in FIG. 5, the heater assembly 200 in one embodiment of the invention may include an oscillatory unit 210, a resonator 220, and a connector 230. The components of the heater assembly 200 may be similar or identical to at least one of the components of the heater assembly 200 in FIG. 4, and will not be described again hereinafter.

[76] When an alternating voltage is applied, the oscillating unit 210 can generate microwaves in a certain frequency range, and the microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210 can be supplied to the resonator 220 through the connector 230.

[77] In one embodiment of the invention, during use of the device 100 for generating an aerosol, the oscillating unit 210 may be secured to the resonator 220 to prevent separation from the resonator 220. In one example, the oscillating unit 210 may be secured to the resonator 220 by means of a bracket 220b that projects in the x direction in the region of the resonator 220. In another example, the resonator 220 may be secured to the resonator 220 by fastening to the region of the resonator 220 without the bracket 220b.

[78] Although FIG. 5 shows only an embodiment of the invention in which the oscillating unit 210 is fixed in the region along the x-axis of the resonator 220, the position of the oscillating unit 210 is not limited to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5. In another embodiment of the invention, the oscillating unit 210 may be fixed in another region in the a-z direction of the resonator 220.

[79] The resonator 220 may be arranged so as to surround at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the aerosol generating device, and may heat the aerosol generating article 10 with microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210. For example, dielectric materials included in the aerosol generating article 10 may generate heat under the action of an electric field created in the resonator 220 under the action of microwaves, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric material.

[80] In one embodiment of the invention, the aerosol generating article 10 may comprise a tobacco rod 11 and a filter rod 12.

[81] The tobacco rod 11 may comprise an aerosol generating material and may be made from a sheet, threads or cut filler obtained by finely cutting a tobacco leaf. For example, the aerosol generating material may comprise at least one of the following components: glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol and oleyl alcohol; other components are also possible. In addition, the tobacco rod 11 may comprise other additives such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent and/or an organic acid. In addition, an aromatic liquid such as menthol or a humectant may be added to the tobacco rod 11, which is added to the tobacco rod 11 by injection.

[82] The filter rod 12 may comprise a cellulose acetate filter. There are no limitations on the shape of the filter rod 12. For example, the filter rod 12 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow tube. In addition, the filter rod 12 may be a rod with a recess. If the filter rod 12 comprises multiple segments, at least one of the multiple segments may have a different shape.

[83] At least a portion (for example, glycerin) of the aerosol generating material included in the aerosol generating article 10 may comprise a dielectric material having polarity in an electric field, and at least a portion of the aerosol generating material may heat the aerosol generating article 10 by generating heat by a dielectric heating method.

[84] In one embodiment of the invention, the resonator 220 may comprise an outer conductor 221, a first inner conductor 223, and a second inner conductor 225.

[85] The outer conductor 221 may form the appearance of the resonator 220 as a whole, and since the inside of the outer conductor 221 is formed hollow, the components of the resonator 220 may be located in the outer conductor 221. The outer conductor 221 may comprise a space 220h for accommodating the aerosol generating article 10, and the aerosol generating article 10 may be inserted into the outer conductor 221 through the space 220h for accommodating.

[86] In one embodiment of the invention, the outer conductor 221 may comprise a first surface 221a, a second surface 221b facing the first surface 221a, and side surfaces 221c surrounding the empty space between the first surface 221a and the second surface 221b. At least a portion (for example, the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225) of the components of the resonator 220 may be located in the inner space of the resonator 220 formed by the first surface 221a, the second surface 221b, and the side surfaces 221c.

[87] The first inner conductor 223 may be formed in the form of a hollow cylinder extending in the direction from the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221 to the inner space of the outer conductor 221.

[88] In one embodiment of the invention, a portion of the first inner conductor 223 may be in contact with a connector 230 connected to the oscillating unit 210, and microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210 may be transmitted to the first inner conductor 223 through the connector 230. For example, the connector 230 may be positioned so that it penetrates the outer conductor 221 and contacts the oscillating unit 210 through one end of the connector 230 and a portion of the first inner conductor 223 through the other end of the connector 230, and microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210 may be supplied to the first inner conductor 223 through the connector 230.

[89] In this case, for transmitting microwaves, the connector 230 may be arranged so that it penetrates the outer conductor 221 without touching the outer conductor 221. However, since the microwaves generated by the oscillating unit 210 may be supplied to the first inner conductor 223, the arrangement structure of the connector 230 may not be limited to this example.

[90] The first region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 may be configured to function as a "first resonator" configured to generate an electric field by resonance of microwaves. The first region may refer to a space formed by the first surface 221a and the side surfaces 221c of the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223, and within the first region an electric field may be generated by resonance of microwaves passing through the connector 230.

[91] The second inner conductor 225 may be formed in the form of a hollow cylinder extending in the direction from the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221 to the inner space of the outer conductor 221. In the inner space of the outer conductor 221, the second inner conductor 225 may be located at a certain distance from the first inner conductor 223, and a gap 226 may be formed between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225.

[92] The second region formed between the outer conductor 221 and the second inner conductor 225 may be configured to function as a "second resonator" configured to generate an electric field by resonance of microwaves. The second inner conductor 225 and the first inner conductor 223 may be coupled to each other (e.g., by capacitive coupling), and due to this coupling, when an electric field is generated in the first region, an induced electric field may be formed in the second region. In the present disclosure, "capacitive coupling" may be understood to mean a coupling in which energy can be transferred due to the capacitance between two conductors.

[93] For example, when microwaves generated by the oscillatory unit 210 are supplied to the first inner conductor 223, an electric field may be generated in the first region due to resonance, and an induced electric field may be generated in the second region formed by the second inner conductor 225 connected to the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223.

[94] In one embodiment of the invention, the first region and the second region of the resonator 220 may be configured to operate as a resonator containing 1/4 (λ) of the wavelength of microwave radiation.

[95] In one embodiment of the invention, one end (e.g., the end in the z direction) of the first region may be formed as a closed end/short end, since the cross-section of the first region is closed by the first surface 221a of the outer conductor 221, and the other end (e.g., the end in the z direction) of the first region may be formed as an open end, since the first surface 221a is absent, and the cross-section of the other end of the first region is open. In another example, one end (e.g., the end in the z direction) of the second region may be formed as an open end, since the end surface of the second region is open, and the other end (e.g., the end in the z direction) may be formed as a closed end/short end, since the cross-section of the second region is closed by the second surface 221b of the outer conductor 221.

[96] That is, in the xz plane, the first region and the second region, each of which has a closed end and an open end, can be formed in a “U” shape, and due to the above-mentioned structure, the first region and the second region can operate as a resonator having 1/4 wavelength of microwave radiation.

[97] In one embodiment of the invention, the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 may have the same length relative to the z-axis and may be arranged such that the first region and the second region are symmetrical; other variations are also possible.

[98] The aerosol generating article 10 introduced into the inner space of the outer conductor 221 through the accommodation space 220h may be surrounded by the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 and may be heated by a dielectric heating method.

[99] At least a portion of the electric field generated as a result of the resonance of microwaves in the first and/or second region can propagate into the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225 through the gap 226 between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225, and the aerosol generating article 10 surrounded by the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 can be heated by the propagated electric field. For example, a dielectric material included in the aerosol generating article 10 can generate heat by the action of an electric field propagating through the gap 226, and the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated by the heat generated by the dielectric material.

[100] In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment of the invention, by selecting the diameters of the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 to be less than a certain value, it is possible to prevent the electric field that has been propagated into the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225 from leaking out of the heater assembly 200 or the resonator 220. In this description, the term "certain value" may mean the value of the diameters of the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 at which the electric field begins to leak out of the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225. For example, when the value of the diameter of the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225 is equal to or greater than the certain value, a portion of the electric field introduced into the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225 can leak out of the resonator 220. On the other hand, due to the structure in which the value of the diameters of the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225 are less than a certain value, the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment can prevent the electric field from spreading to the outside of the resonator 220, and as a result, the leakage of the electric field to the outside of the heater assembly 200 or the resonator 220 can be prevented without additional blocking elements.

[101] In one embodiment of the invention, when the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonator 220 through the receiving space 220h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 may be positioned in a position corresponding to a gap 226 between the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225.

[102] Since the electric field generated in the first region and the electric field generated in the second region are input into the first inner conductor 223 and/or the second inner conductor 225 through the gap 226, the strongest electric field can be generated in the peripheral region of the gap 226 in the inner region of the resonator 220.

[103] In the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment, the heating efficiency (or “dielectric heating efficiency”) of the heater assembly 200 can be improved by arranging the tobacco rod 11, which comprises a dielectric material that generates heat under the influence of an electric field, in a position corresponding to the position of the gap 226 with the strongest electric field.

[104] In one embodiment of the invention, the resonator 220 may further comprise a closing block 224 located in the first inner conductor 223 and limiting the direction of movement of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating article 10 by closing the cross-section of the first inner conductor 223. For example, the closing block 224 may prevent movement in the z-direction of the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating article 10 by closing the cross-section of the first inner conductor 223.

[105] As the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating article 10 or the droplets formed as a result of the liquefaction of the aerosols move in the -z direction and enter another component of the aerosol generating device (for example, the aerosol generating device 100 shown in FIG. 1), this may lead to a malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device. On the other hand, in the heater unit 200 according to one embodiment, a malfunction or damage to the components of the aerosol generating device due to aerosols or droplets can be prevented by limiting the direction of movement of the aerosols through the closing unit 224.

[106] In one embodiment of the invention, the resonator 220 may further comprise a space 227 for accommodating a dielectric material, intended for accommodating a dielectric material. The space 227 for accommodating a dielectric material may designate an empty space between the outer conductor 221 and the first inner conductor 223 and the second inner conductor 225, and a dielectric material with a low level of microwave absorption may be disposed in the space 227 for accommodating a dielectric material. For example, the dielectric material may be quartz and/or tetrafluoroethylene and/or aluminum oxide or a combination thereof, and other options are also possible.

[107] In the heater assembly 200 according to an embodiment example, by arranging a dielectric material in the space 227 for arranging the dielectric material, it is possible to generate an electric field identical to the electric field of the resonator 220 that does not contain the dielectric material, while simultaneously reducing the overall size of the resonator 220. That is, in the heater assembly 200 according to one embodiment example, the installation space of the resonator 220 in the aerosol generating device can be reduced by reducing the size of the resonator 220 by means of the dielectric material located in the space 227 for arranging the dielectric material, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the aerosol generating device 100.

Principle of the invention

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

The heater assembly 300 shown in the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 6 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The resonator unit 320 may comprise a housing 321, a plurality of plates 323a and 323b, and a connecting portion 322 connecting the housing 321 to the plates 323a and 323b.

The connector 311 may supply microwaves to at least one of the plates 323a and 323b to create resonance in the resonator unit 320.

The resonator unit 320 can surround at least a part of the article 10 for generating an aerosol inserted into the device for generating an aerosol. The connector 311 can supply the resonator unit 320 with microwaves generated by the oscillatory unit (not shown in the figure). When the microwaves are supplied to the resonator unit 320, a microwave resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320, as a result of which the resonator unit 320 can heat the article 10 for generating an aerosol. For example, dielectrics included in the article 10 for generating an aerosol can be heated by an electric field generated inside the resonator unit 320 under the action of microwaves, and the article 10 for generating an aerosol can be heated by the heat released by the dielectrics.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 performs the function of the "outer conductor". Since the housing 321 has a hollow shape, the components of the resonator unit 320 can be located inside the housing 321.

The housing 321 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 10, and an opening 321a through which the aerosol-generating article 10 can be inserted. The opening 321a is connected to the space 320h for accommodating. Since the opening 321a is open to the outside of the housing 321, the space 320h for accommodating can be connected to the external space through the opening 321a. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 10 can be inserted into the space 320h for accommodating the housing 321 through the opening 321a of the housing 321.

The housing 321 in the drawing has a square shape, but other shapes are possible. For example, the housing 321 can have different cross-sectional shapes, such as a rectangle, oval or circle. The housing 321 can be elongated in any direction.

A plurality of plates 323a and 323b, which function as “internal conductors” of the resonator unit 320, may be located inside the housing 321.

The plates 323a and 323b may be arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article 10, located in the accommodation space 320h. The plates 323a and 323b may comprise a first plate 323a arranged so that it surrounds a part of the aerosol generating article 10, and a second plate 323b arranged so that it surrounds another part of the aerosol generating article 10.

The plates 323a and 323b can be connected to the body 321 by means of the connecting portion 322. In addition, one end of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b can be connected to one end portion of the second plate 323b by means of the connecting portion 322. Therefore, closed ends/short ends can be formed at one end of the plates 323a and 323b by means of the connecting portion 322.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b of the plates 323a and 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus be open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, open ends may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

When the plates 323a and 323b are connected to the connecting portion 322, the assembly of the resonator can be completed. The cross-sectional shape of the resonator in the longitudinal direction can have a horseshoe shape.

The plates 323a and 323b extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 10. At least a portion of the plates 323a and 323b may be curved so as to protrude outward from the center of the aerosol generating article 10 in its longitudinal direction.

For example, if the aerosol generating article 10 has a cylindrical shape, the plates 323a and 323b can be curved in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 10. The radius of curvature of the cross section of the plates 323a and 323b can be identical to the radius of curvature of the aerosol generating article 10. The radius of curvature of the cross section of the plates 323a and 323b can be changed in various ways. For example, the radius of curvature of the cross section of the plates 323a and 323b can be larger or smaller than that of the aerosol generating article 10.

According to the structure in which the plates 323a and 323b are curved in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 10, a more uniform electric field can be formed in the resonator unit 320, and thus the heater unit 300 can uniformly heat the aerosol generating article 10.

The open ends at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may face the opening 321a of the housing 321. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be located at a distance from the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

The open end at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be aligned with the opening 321a of the housing 321. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted through the opening 321a of the housing 321 and placed in the accommodation space 320h, the part of the aerosol generating article 10 located in the space 320h may be surrounded by the plates 323a and 323b.

Two plates 323a and 323b can be located in opposite places relative to the center of the article 10 for generating an aerosol in its longitudinal direction. One or more examples of implementing the invention are not limited to the number of plates 323a and 323b, and the number of plates 323a and 323b can be, for example, three or at least four.

The plates 323a and 323b may be arranged symmetrically to each other relative to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 10, that is, the central axis in the length direction of the aerosol generating article 10.

At least one of the plates 323a and 323b can contact the connector 311 connected to the oscillating unit (not shown in the figure). More precisely, at least a part of the first plate 323a can contact the connector 311. If microwaves are supplied to the first plate 323a through the connector 311, a microwave resonance is formed between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, a microwave resonance is formed not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321. Therefore, between the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting portion 322, between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321, corresponding electric fields can be generated.

When the connector 311 penetrates into the housing 321, one end of the connector 311 can contact the oscillating unit (not shown in the figure), and the other end thereof can contact a part of the first plate 323a. When the microwaves generated by the oscillating unit (not shown in the figure) are supplied to the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting part 322 through the connector 311, an electric field can be generated inside the assembly of the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting part 322.

In addition, according to the structure of the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit 300, a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonator unit 320. A resonance of the transverse electric and magnetic (TEM) mode of microwaves is formed between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, the resonance of the TEM mode, which is different from the resonance between the plates 323a and 323b, occurs not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321. Since the resonator unit 320 in FIG. 6 can resonate in the TEM mode using the plates 323a and 323b, the resonator unit 320 in FIG. 6 can have a smaller size than the resonator unit 220 in FIG. 5, which can resonate only in transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes.

Since a triple resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit 300, the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated more efficiently and uniformly.

The resonator unit 320 according to one embodiment of the invention may comprise a closed end/short end in which the cross-section is closed and has a length equal to a quarter (λ/4) of the wavelength (λ) of the microwave radiation, and an open end in which at least part of the cross-section is open.

The region at one end of the resonator unit 320, which corresponds to the region on the left in FIG. 6, can form a closed end/short end due to the structure in which the connecting portion 322 and the ends of the plates 323a and 323b are connected to the housing 321. The region at the other end of the resonator unit 320, which corresponds to the region on the right in FIG. 6, forms an open end, since the opening 321a of the housing 321 is opened to the outside. With the above-described structure of the resonator unit 320, the resonator unit 320 can function as a resonator with a length of a quarter of the wavelength of microwave radiation.

According to the above-described resonant structure of the resonator unit 320, the electric field may not spread to the outer region of the resonator unit 320. Thus, the heater unit 300 can prevent the electric field from leaking outward from the heater unit 300 without a separate blocking element for blocking the electric field.

The aerosol generating article 10 placed in the space 320h for accommodating the housing 321 can be surrounded by the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b and thus heated by the dielectric heating method. For example, the part containing the carrier of the aerosol generating article 10 inserted into the space 320h for accommodating the housing 321 can be located in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b. Since the dielectrics included in the aerosol generating article 10 emit heat under the action of the electric field formed in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b, the aerosol generating article 10 can be heated.

In addition, secondary heating of the article 10 for generating an aerosol can occur under the action of an electric field arising as a result of resonance modes between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321.

When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the resonator unit 320 through the accommodation space 320h, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 may be disposed between the plates 323a and 323b.

The length L4 of the tobacco rod 11 may be greater than the length L1 of the plates 323a and 323b. Therefore, the front end 11f of the tobacco rod 11, which contacts the filter rod 12, protrudes further in the direction of the opening 321a of the housing 321 than the other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b.

At the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, which work as resonators, resonance peaks are formed, which makes it possible to generate a stronger electric field at the other ends than in other areas. When the article 10 for generating an aerosol is inserted into the heater unit 300, the tobacco rod 11, which contains dielectrics capable of generating heat under the action of an electric field, is located in the area where the strength of the electric field is greatest, which makes it possible to increase the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the heater unit 300.

As shown in FIG. 6, the length L1 of the plates 323a and 323b may be less than the length L1+L2 of the inner space of the housing 321. Therefore, the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be located on the inner side of the housing 321 with respect to the opening 321a. In other words, the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be removed from the rear end portion of the opening 321a by the length L2.

The length from the rear end of the opening 321a, where the opening 321a is connected to the body 321, to the front end of the opening 321a, where the opening 321a is open, can be L3. The total length of the body 321 in the longitudinal direction of the body 321 can be L. The total length L of the body 321 can be determined by the sum of the length L1 of the plates 323a and 323b, the length L2 between the plates 323a and 323b and the rear end of the opening 321a, and the length L3, at which the opening 321a protrudes from the body 321.

In order to prevent leakage of microwaves, the front part of the opening 321a, when the opening 321a is opened, protrudes from the housing 321 by a length L3. Since the opening 321a of the housing 321 protrudes from the housing 321, the opening 321a can prevent leakage of microwaves from the housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 to the outside of the housing 321.

The resonator unit 320 may further comprise a space 327 for accommodating dielectrics, intended for accommodating dielectrics. The space 327 for accommodating dielectrics may be formed in the empty space between the housing 321 and the plates 323a and 323b. Dielectrics with a low level of microwave absorption may be placed in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics.

Since the dielectrics are located in the space 327 for accommodating the dielectrics, it is possible to generate an electric field similar to the electric field generated by a resonator unit that does not contain dielectrics, while simultaneously reducing the overall size of the resonator unit 320. In other words, the mounting space for the resonator unit 320 in the aerosol generating device can be reduced by reducing the size of the resonator unit 320 by using dielectrics located in the space 327 for accommodating the dielectrics, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the aerosol generating device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 7 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and an opening 321a through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the connecting part 322. The plates 323a and 323b can be connected to the housing 321 by means of the connecting part 322. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b can be open in the direction of the opening 321a of the housing 321.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320, the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting portion 322 may comprise a metallic material.

The plates 323a and 323b may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space 320h. The plates 323a and 323b may comprise a first plate 323a arranged so that it surrounds a part of the aerosol generating article, and a second plate 323b arranged so that it surrounds another part of the aerosol generating article.

The expression "a plurality of plates are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article" may mean that the plurality of plates are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article.

In addition, the expression "a plurality of plates are spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article" may indicate that the plurality of plates may be located at different locations along a circumferential direction relative to the "longitudinal direction" in which the heater assembly or aerosol generating device extends.

The expression "a plurality of plates surround some parts of the aerosol generating article" may mean that a plurality of plates are arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article and are arranged so that they face the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. The plates may have a plane shape and surround some portions of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article. In another example, the plates may surround some portions of the outer surface of the aerosol generating article, while taking a curved or curvilinear shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating article.

The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may be respectively located on the upper and lower parts of the accommodation space 320h and facing each other. Both the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may be extended in the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted, and comprise a thin and flat rectangular plate.

The shape of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b can be changed in various ways. For example, each of the plates 323a and 323b can be made in the form of a square, polygonal, round or oval plate.

The plates 323a and 323b can be connected to the body 321 by means of the connecting portion 322. In addition, one end of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b can be connected to one end of the second plate 323b by means of the connecting portion 322. Therefore, closed ends/short ends can be formed at the ends of the plates 323a and 323b by means of the connecting portion 322.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, open ends may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

The space 320h for placement between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b is open into the inner space of the housing 321 due to the side surfaces of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b.

The open ends at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may face the opening 321a of the housing 321. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be located at a distance from the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b. The opening 321 protruding from the housing 321 may prevent the leakage of microwaves in the housing 321 to the outside of the housing 321.

The open end at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be aligned with the opening 321a of the housing 321. Therefore, when the aerosol generating article is inserted through the opening 321a of the housing 321 and placed in the accommodation space 320h, the part of the aerosol generating article located in the space 320h may be surrounded by the plates 323a and 323b.

When microwaves are supplied to the resonator unit 320 through the connector 311, microwave resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320, and thus the resonator unit 320 can heat the aerosol generating article inserted between the plates 323a and 323b.

The space 327 for accommodating dielectrics may be formed between the body 321 and each of the plates 323a and 323b. The space 327 for accommodating dielectrics may be empty. In an alternative example, dielectrics with a low level of microwave absorption may be placed in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics.

FIG. 8 is a side view schematically showing the electric field distribution of the heater assembly of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a front view schematically showing the electric field distribution of the heater assembly of FIG. 7. The electric field distributions in FIGS. 8 and 9 represent the voltage intensity (V/m) per unit length of the resonator block.

The region at one end of the resonator unit 320, which corresponds to the region on the right in FIG. 8, forms a closed end/short end due to the structure in which the connecting portion 322 and the ends of the plates 323a and 323b are connected to the body 321. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320, corresponding to the left side in FIG. 8, form an open end. With the above-described structure of the resonator unit 320, the resonator unit 320 can function as a resonator with a length of a quarter of the wavelength of microwave radiation.

A strong electric field can be generated in the areas corresponding to the open end of the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320. At the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, resonance peaks are formed, generating a stronger electric field than in other areas. When the article 10 for generating an aerosol is inserted into the heater unit 300, the tobacco rod 11 containing dielectrics capable of generating heat under the action of an electric field is located in the area in which the strength of the electric field is greatest, which makes it possible to increase the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") of the article 10 for generating an aerosol.

According to the design of the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit, a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonator unit 320. A resonance of the TEM microwave mode is formed between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, the resonance of the TEM mode, which is different from the resonance between the plates 323a and 323b, occurs not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321.

Since a triple resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit, the aerosol generating article can be heated more efficiently and uniformly. Due to the triple resonance occurring in the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit, the temperature distribution is formed symmetrically with respect to the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article. Therefore, the tobacco rod 11 can be gradually consumed by the heater unit in the radial direction toward the outside from the center of the tobacco rod.

In addition, the opening 321a protruding from the housing 321 can prevent microwaves from leaking from the housing 321 to the outside of the housing 321 and being delivered to the user.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a heating density distribution of an aerosol generating article heated by a heater assembly according to FIG. 7. The heating density distribution in FIG. 10 denotes the temperature energy (W/°C) per unit volume in each region of the heated aerosol generating article.

A strong electric field can be generated in the areas corresponding to the open end of the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320. At the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, resonance peaks are formed that generate a stronger electric field than in other areas. The electric field in the areas corresponding to the closed/short end of the resonator unit 320 can be zero. Since the tobacco rod 11 containing a dielectric that can generate heat under the action of an electric field in the aerosol generating article is located in the area of the strongest electric field in the resonator unit 320, the part of the resonator unit 320 corresponding to the tobacco rod 11 can be heated to the highest temperature.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exploded view schematically showing the components of the heater assembly according to FIG. 11.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 11 and 12 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating an aerosol generating article, and an opening 321a through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted. The housing 321 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder and be extended in the longitudinal direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the housing 321 via the connecting portion 322. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b can be open in the direction of the opening 321a of the housing 321.

The plates 323a and 323b may comprise a first plate 323a and a second plate 323b spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article located in the accommodation space 320h.

The plates 323a and 323b extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 321. At least parts of the plates 323a and 323b may have a curved shape protruding outward from the center of the accommodation space 320h in which the aerosol generating article is placed, in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 320h. The first plate 323a may have a curved shape and extend in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article so as to surround a part of the aerosol generating article. The second plate 323b may have a curved shape and extend in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article so as to surround another part of the aerosol generating article.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, an open end may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

The open ends at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may face the opening 321a of the housing 321. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be located at a distance from the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

The resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 327 for accommodating dielectrics, intended for accommodating dielectrics. The space 327 for accommodating dielectrics may be formed in the empty space between the housing 321 and the plates 323a and 323b. Dielectrics 324 with a low level of microwave absorption may be placed in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics.

The dielectrics 324 may comprise a cylindrical cavity. The plates 323a and 323b may be inserted into the empty space in the dielectrics 324. The dielectrics 324 and the plates 323a and 323b may be mounted in the housing 321. The dielectrics 324 may protrude further than the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b in the direction of the opening 321a in the longitudinal direction in which the housing 321 is extended.

Since the dielectrics 324 are located in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics of the resonator unit 320, an electric field similar to the electric field generated by the resonator unit without dielectrics can arise when the overall size of the resonator unit 320 is reduced. That is, the size of the resonator unit 320 can be reduced by using the dielectrics 324 located in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics. Since the dielectrics 324 are located in the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics, the thickness of the resonator unit 320 can be reduced, as a result of which the overall outer diameter of the resonator unit 320 can be reduced. For this, the mounting space for the resonator unit 320 in the aerosol generating device can be reduced, and the aerosol generating device can become compact.

The term "mounting space" may refer to the area of the aerosol generating device where various components may be mounted.

The support tube 325 can be located inside the plates 323a and 323b. The support tube 325 can comprise a cylindrical cavity with one closed end and another open end. The aerosol generating article can be inserted into the support tube 325. Since the support tube 325 is located between the plates 323a and 323b, the aerosol generating article inserted into the heater unit can be held between the plates 323a and 323b. The closed surface at one end of the support tube 325 can contact the end of the aerosol generating article inserted into the support tube 325 and support the aerosol generating article.

The support tube 325 may comprise a polymeric material with water-impermeable and/or insulating properties, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The support tube 325 can prevent the droplets that are generated during the re-liquefaction of aerosols or the moisture released by the aerosol generating article from leaking to the outside of the support tube 325. In addition, the support tube 325 can prevent the heat that is generated at the location of the aerosol generating article from leaking to the outside of the support tube 325. The support tube 325 can perform a leak protection function to prevent liquid from leaking to other structures of the resonator unit 320, as well as an insulation function to prevent heat loss.

The resonator unit 320 may comprise an air supply channel through which external air may be supplied. The air introduction path may be formed in the support tube 325 or between the support tube 325 and the housing 321. When the user holds the aerosol generating article 10 in the mouth and inhales, external air may be supplied to the resonator unit 320 through the air supply channel. The air is supplied to the aerosol generating article 10 through the end of the aerosol generating article 10. The air may pass through the aerosol generating article 10 and be supplied to the user together with the aerosol generated in the aerosol generating article 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIG. 11.

When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the support tube 325 of the resonator unit 320, the tobacco rod 11 of the aerosol generating article 10 may be located between the plates 323a and 323b. Since the closed surface at one end of the support tube 325 supports the left end of the tobacco rod 11, the displacement of the aerosol generating article 10 in the direction of the left side can be restricted.

The front end of the tobacco rod 11, which is in contact with the filter rod, protrudes further in the direction toward the opening 321a of the housing 321 than the other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b.

The length L1 of the plates 323a and 323b may be less than the length L1+L2 of the inner space of the housing 321. Therefore, the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be located on the inner side of the housing 321 with respect to the opening 321a. In other words, the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be removed from the rear part of the opening 321a by the length L2.

The length of the opening 321a protruding from the housing 321 may be equal to L3. The total length of the housing 321 along the longitudinal direction of the housing 321 may be L. The total length L of the housing 321 may be determined in the range of approximately 25 mm to 35 mm, and the total length L of the housing 321 according to FIG. 13 may be approximately 29 mm. In order to prevent microwave leakage, the length L3 of the opening 321a may be not less than 5 mm.

The height H of the housing 321 in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the housing 321 can be determined in the range of approximately 13 mm to 25 mm, and the height H of the housing 321 in FIG. 13 is approximately 16 mm.

The front end of the dielectric 324, located inside the resonator unit 320, can protrude further than the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b in the longitudinal direction of the housing 321. As shown in FIG. 13, the front end of the dielectric 324 can contact the inner surface of the housing 321. The length L2, by which the front end of the dielectric 324 protrudes further than the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, can be different. Therefore, the front end of the dielectric 324 can be removed from the inner surface of the housing 321 in such a way that the front end of the dielectric 324 protrudes further than the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, but does not contact the inner surface of the housing 321.

At least a portion of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b may contact the connector 311. The contact point of the connector 311 with the first plate 323a may be determined as closer to the connecting portion 322 than to the opening 321a in the area from the opening 321a to the connecting portion 322.

If microwaves are supplied to the first plate 323a through the connector 311, a microwave resonance is generated between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, a microwave resonance is generated not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321. Therefore, between the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting portion 322, between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321, corresponding electric fields can be generated.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electric field distribution of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 11. The electric field distribution in FIG. 14 reflects the voltage intensity (V/m) per unit length of the resonator block.

According to the design of the resonator unit 320 of the heater assembly, a triple resonance mode can be formed in the resonator unit 320. A resonance of the TEM microwave mode is formed between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, the resonance of the TEM mode, which is different from the resonance between the plates 323a and 323b, occurs not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321.

Since a triple resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320 of the heater unit, the aerosol generating article can be heated more efficiently and uniformly.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a heating density distribution of an aerosol generating article heated by a heater assembly according to FIG. 11. The heating density distribution in FIG. 15 denotes the temperature energy (W/ ^m3 ) per unit volume in each region of the heated aerosol generating article.

A strong electric field can be generated in the areas corresponding to the open end of the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320. At the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, resonance peaks are formed that generate a stronger electric field than in other areas. The electric field in the areas corresponding to the closed/short end of the resonator unit 320 can be zero. Since the tobacco rod 11 containing a dielectric that can generate heat under the action of an electric field in the aerosol generating article is located in the area of the strongest electric field in the resonator unit 320, the part of the resonator unit 320 corresponding to the tobacco rod 11 can be heated to the highest temperature.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 16 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space for accommodating an aerosol-generating article and an opening 321a through which the aerosol-generating article may be inserted. The housing 321 may have the form of a hollow tube oriented in the longitudinal direction, in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted.

The plurality of plates of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a first plate 323a, a second plate 323b and a third plate 323c, which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the article for generating an aerosol located in the space 320h for placement.

Three plates are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction relative to the central axis X of the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article located in the housing 321. A plurality of plates can be arranged separately from each other in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the housing 321, in which the housing 321 is extended. The number of plates in one or more embodiments is not limited, and the number of plates can be, for example, at least four.

Since one end of the first plate 323a, the second plate 323b and the third plate 323c is connected to the body 321 through the connecting portion 322, a closed end/short end can be formed on the side of the connecting portion 322. When the first plate 323a, the second plate 323b and the third plate 323c are connected to the connecting portion 322, the resonator assembly can be completed.

Since the other ends of the first plate 323a, the second plate 323b and the third plate 323c are spaced apart from each other and open toward the opening 321a of the housing 321, an open end can be formed at the other ends of the first plate 323a, the second plate 323b and the third plate 323c.

A plurality of plates may extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 321. At least a part of the plates may have a curved shape protruding outward from the center of the space 320h for accommodation, in which the aerosol generating article is placed, in the longitudinal direction of the space 320h for accommodation. The first plate 323a, the second plate 323b and the third plate 323c may be curved and be oriented in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article to surround various parts of the aerosol generating article.

According to the structural design in which the plates are curved in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article, a more uniform electric field can be formed in the resonator unit 320, and thus the heater unit can uniformly heat the aerosol generating article.

Although embodiment examples have been described in which each plate is curved in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article and thus has a circular arcuate cross-section, the shape in which each plate is curved may be different. For example, each plate may have a generally flat shape, but the curved surface curved along the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article may be formed in such a way that the inner surface of each plate facing the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article coincides with the outer circumferential surface.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly according to FIG. 17.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 17 and 18 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating the aerosol generating article 10 and an opening 321a through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the connecting part 322. The plates 323a and 323b can be connected to the housing 321 by means of the connecting part 322. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b can be open into the inner space of the housing 321.

The plates 323a and 323b may be located in opposite places relative to the aerosol generating article 10 placed in the accommodation space 320h. The plates 323a and 323b may comprise the first plate 323a located so that it surrounds a part of the aerosol generating article 10, and the second plate 323b located so that it surrounds another part of the aerosol generating article 10.

The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b can be respectively located on the upper and lower parts of the accommodation space 320h and facing each other. Each of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b can be oriented in a direction intersecting the central axis X of the direction in which the aerosol generating article 10 is oriented. The direction in which the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b extend can be substantially perpendicular to the orientation direction of the aerosol generating article 10.

The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may have the shape of a thin and flat rectangular plate. In addition, each of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may contain a concave surface 323r, which is formed in a concave shape on the surface of each of the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b facing the aerosol generating article 10 at the location where the aerosol generating article 10 is placed.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, open ends may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b. The direction in which the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are open may intersect with the direction (the X-axis direction) in which the opening 321a of the housing 321 is open.

As shown in FIG. 18, a space 327 for accommodating dielectrics is formed between the body 321 and each of the plates 323a and 323b. In the space 327 for accommodating dielectrics, dielectrics 324 with a low level of microwave absorption can be arranged.

In addition, the support tube 325 can be located inside the plates 323a and 323b. The support tube 325 can have a cylindrical hollow shape with one closed end and the other open end. The article 10 for generating an aerosol can be inserted into the support tube 325.

To avoid complicating the design, the support tube 325 and the dielectrics 324 are not shown in FIG. 17.

The support tube 325 can be installed on the concave surfaces 323r of the plates 323a and 323b. Since the support tube 325 is fixed between the plates 323a and 323b, the support tube 325 can support the article 10 for generating an aerosol between the plates 323a and 323b.

In FIG. 17 and 18, the concave surfaces 323r of the plates 323a and 323b are located at a distance in the direction toward the connecting portion 322 from the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b. The location of the concave surface 323r may be different; for example, the concave surfaces 323r may be located at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b. If the concave surfaces 323r are located at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, the aerosol generating article 10 may be installed at the ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

When microwaves are supplied to the resonator unit 320 through the connector 311, microwave resonance occurs in the resonator unit 320, and thus the resonator unit 320 can heat the aerosol generating article 10 inserted between the plates 323a and 323b.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

An article for generating an aerosol that can be heated by a heater unit according to FIG. 19 can be implemented as a cartridge 390. The heater unit can comprise a resonator unit 320 that generates microwave resonance and a connector 311 that supplies microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space for accommodating an aerosol generating article and an opening 321a through which the aerosol generating article can be inserted.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the housing 321 via the connecting portion 322. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b can be open in the direction of the opening 321a of the housing 321.

The plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 may include a first plate 323a and a second plate 323b, located at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 390 accommodated in the accommodation space. The plates 323a and 323b may be arranged symmetrically relative to the central axis of the cartridge 390 in its longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 19, the two plates, that is, the plates 323a and 323b, are arranged in opposite positions relative to the central axis of the cartridge 390 in its longitudinal direction.

In the empty space between the housing 321 of the resonator block 320 and the plates 323a and 323b, dielectrics 324 with a low level of microwave absorption can be placed.

The aerosol generating article located between the plates 323a and 323b may be made in the form of a cartridge 390. The cartridge 390 may comprise a device 393 for storing an aerosol generating material and a generator 392 for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material stored in the storage device 393.

The generator 392 may comprise an absorbent portion 392a which absorbs the aerosol generating material from the storage device 393, and a generating portion 392b which generates the aerosol by heating the aerosol generating material obtained from the absorbent portion 392a. The mouthpiece 391 which comprises an outlet channel 391p for releasing the aerosol is connected to the generator 392 of the cartridge 390.

The cartridge 390 may contain an aerosol generating material, which may be, for example, in a liquid, solid, gaseous, gel or other state. For example, the aerosol generating material may contain a liquid composition. The liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco material, which includes a volatile component of a tobacco flavoring agent, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge 390 can be controlled in response to an electrical or wireless signal transmitted from the main body of the aerosol generating device to perform the aerosol generating function by converting the aerosol generating material in the cartridge 390 into a gaseous phase. Aerosols can be a gaseous mixture of vaporized particles of the aerosol generating material and air.

The absorbent portion 392a and/or the generating portion 392b may comprise wicks such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, and porous ceramic.

At least a part of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b can contact the connector 311. If microwaves are supplied to the first plate 323a through the connector 311, a microwave resonance is formed between the plates 323a and 323b. In addition, a microwave resonance is formed not only between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321, but also between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321. Therefore, between the plates 323a and 323b and the connecting portion 322, between the first plate 323a and the upper side plate of the housing 321 and between the second plate 323b and the lower side plate of the housing 321, corresponding electric fields can be generated.

The front end of the generating portion 392b of the cartridge 390 is arranged so that the front end projects further than the other end 323af of the first plate 323a and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b in the direction toward the opening 321a of the housing 321.

The cartridge 390 inserted into the space 320h for accommodating the body 321 can be surrounded by the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b and heated by a dielectric heating method. Under the action of the electric field created in the space between the first plate 323a and the second plate 323b, the dielectrics of the aerosol generating material included in the generating part 392b of the cartridge 390 emit heat, as a result of which the aerosol generating material can be heated.

The aerosol produced by heating the aerosol generating material in the generating portion 392b may be delivered to the user through the outlet channel 391p of the mouthpiece 391.

At the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, which act as resonators, resonance peaks can be formed, creating a stronger electric field at these ends compared to other parts. When the cartridge 390 is inserted into the resonator unit 320, the generating part 392b can be positioned so as to correspond to the region of the strongest electric field, which increases the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") when heating the generating part 392b of the cartridge 390.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

Compared with the heater assembly of FIG. 19, in the heater assembly of FIG. 20, the direction in which the cartridge 390 is installed in the resonator unit 320 is changed.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 20 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating a cartridge 390, which is an article for generating an aerosol, and an opening 321a through which the cartridge 390 can be inserted.

The cartridge 390 may comprise a device 393 for storing an aerosol generating material, a generator 392 for generating an aerosol from the aerosol generating material stored in the storage device 393, and a mouthpiece 391 for releasing the aerosol generated by the generator 392 to the outside.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the housing 321 via the connecting part 322. The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b can be open into the inner space of the housing 321.

The plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 may include a first plate 323a and a second plate 323b, located at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction of the cartridge 390, placed in the space 320h for placing. The first plate 323a is located so as to surround a part of the cartridge 390. The second plate 323b is located so as to surround another part of the cartridge 390.

The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may be respectively located on the upper and lower portions of the accommodation space 320h and face each other. The first plate 323a and the second plate 323b may extend in a direction intersecting the direction of the cartridge 390.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, open ends may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b. The direction in which the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are open may intersect with the direction in which the opening 321a of the housing 321 is open.

As shown in FIG. 20, the position in which the generator 392 of the cartridge 390 is located between the plates 323a and 323b is at a distance from the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b in the direction toward the connecting portion 322.

The position in which the generator 392 of the cartridge 390 can be located between the plates 323a and 323b can be different; for example, the generator 392 of the cartridge 390 can be located so that it corresponds to the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

Near the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b, which operate as resonators, resonance peaks are formed, which allows generating a stronger electric field at the other ends than in other areas. When the cartridge 390 is inserted into the resonator unit 320, the generator 392 can be positioned so as to correspond to the region of the strongest electric field, which increases the heating efficiency (or "dielectric heating efficiency") when heating the generator 392 of the cartridge 390.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a partial section of a heater assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

The heater assembly according to the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 21 may comprise a resonator unit 320 generating microwave resonance and a connector 311 supplying microwaves to the resonator unit 320.

The housing 321 of the resonator unit 320 may comprise a space 320h for accommodating an article for generating an aerosol, and an opening 321a through which the article for generating an aerosol may be inserted. The housing 321 may have the shape of a hollow cylinder and be extended in the longitudinal direction in which the article for generating an aerosol is inserted. The opening 321a of the housing 321 may be formed in the connecting portion 322 connected to the housing 321.

The ends of the plates 323a and 323b of the resonator unit 320 can be connected to the housing 321 through the connecting portion 322. The connecting portion 322 has essentially the shape of a circular plate, and the opening 321a through which the article for generating an aerosol can be inserted is formed in the center of the connecting portion 322. The connecting portion 322 can be installed in the open mounting hole 321p at the front end of the housing 321.

One or more embodiment examples are not limited to the structure in which the opening 321a is formed directly in the connecting portion 322, and the structure in which the opening 321a is formed in the body 321 can be changed in various ways. For example, as shown in the embodiment of the invention in FIG. 21, the opening 321a can be formed directly in the body 321 so that the opening 321a protrudes from the front end of the body 321. If the opening 321a is formed directly in the body 321, the connecting portion 322 can contain a through opening through which an article for generating an aerosol can pass at a location corresponding to the opening 321a of the body 321.

The other ends of the plates 323a and 323b may be open into the interior of the housing 321 towards the opposite side of the opening 321a.

The plates 323a and 323b may comprise a first plate 323a and a second plate 323b spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article located in the accommodation space 320h.

The plates 323a and 323b extend in the longitudinal direction of the body 321. At least a part of the plates 323a and 323b may be curved to protrude outward from the center of the accommodation space 320h in its longitudinal direction. An article for generating an aerosol may be placed in the accommodation space 320h. The first plate 323a may have a curved shape and extend in the circumferential direction of the article for generating an aerosol so as to surround a part of the article for generating an aerosol. The second plate 323b may have a curved shape and extend in the circumferential direction of the article for generating an aerosol so as to surround another part of the article for generating an aerosol.

One end of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and one end of the second plate 323b are connected to the connecting part 322 and are spaced apart from each other and thus open. The space in which the ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other and open can be connected to the opening 321a.

The other end 323af of the first plate 323a of the plates 323a and 323b and the other end 323bf of the second plate 323b may be spaced apart from each other and thus open. Since the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b are spaced apart from each other, open ends may be formed at the other ends of the plates 323a and 323b.

The resonator unit 320 may comprise a space for accommodating dielectrics. The space for accommodating dielectrics may be formed in the empty space between the housing 321 and the plates 323a and 323b. Dielectrics 324 with a low level of microwave absorption may be placed in the space for accommodating dielectrics.

The dielectrics 324 may have the form of a hollow cylinder with one closed end and the other open end. The plates 323a and 323b may be inserted into the empty space in the dielectrics 324. The dielectrics 324 and the plates 323a and 323b may be mounted in the housing 321.

The aerosol generating article can successively pass through the spaces between the opening 321a and the ends of the plates 323a and 323b and can be installed between the plates 323a and 323b. One end of the aerosol generating article can rest on the closed end of the dielectric 324.

In contrast to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 11, in the heater unit according to FIG. 21, the position in which the connector 311 contacts the plates 323a and 323b is changed. The connector 311 contacts the portions of the plates 323a and 323b that are adjacent to the opening 321a.

One end of the connector 311 contacts the oscillating unit (not shown). The connector 311 passes into the housing 321 and the dielectrics 324. The other end of the connector 311 can contact a part of one end of the first plate 323a connected to the connecting part 322.

When microwaves generated by the oscillating unit (not shown) are supplied to the first plate 323a through the connector 311, microwave resonance may occur in the resonator unit 320, thereby creating an electric field inside the resonator unit 320.

In the heater assembly according to FIG. 21, based on the structure in which the connector 311 is located near the opening 321a, sufficient space can be provided for placing the oscillating unit (not shown) outside the housing 321.

For example, the oscillating unit (not shown) connected to the connector 311 may comprise components, in particular a printed circuit board, the length of which exceeds the length of the housing 321. According to the structure of the heater unit in FIG. 21, the oscillating unit connected to the connector may be arranged so that it extends in the longitudinal direction of the housing 321 outside the housing 321. Therefore, even if the overall length of the oscillating unit is large, space for the oscillating unit can be provided without significantly increasing the overall length of the heater unit, which makes it possible to minimize the size of the heater unit and the aerosol generating device.

[108] Any of the embodiments of the present invention or other embodiments of the invention disclosed above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any of the embodiments of the invention or other embodiments of the invention described in this disclosure may be combined with each other in both configuration and functionality.

[109] For example, configuration A from a certain embodiment of the invention and/or drawing may be combined with configuration B from another embodiment of the invention and/or drawing. This means that even if the combination of components is not explicitly described, such combinations are still possible unless otherwise indicated.

[110] The foregoing detailed disclosure is not intended to be limiting in any respect, but rather is illustrative. The scope of the present invention is determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications that come within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure are included within its protected scope.

Industrial applicability

One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a heater assembly capable of generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol-generating article using a dielectric heating method, and to an aerosol-generating device comprising the heater assembly.

Claims (19)

1. A heater unit for heating an article to generate an aerosol, comprising: a resonator unit comprising a housing comprising a placement space configured to accommodate an aerosol generating article and an opening through which the aerosol generating article is inserted; a plurality of plates arranged separately from each other in a circumferential direction of the aerosol generating article accommodated in the placement space; and a connecting portion connecting the plurality of plates to the housing; and a connector configured to supply microwaves to at least one of the plurality of plates to generate microwave resonance in the resonator unit for the purpose of heating the article to generate an aerosol. 2. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein one ends of the plurality of plates are connected to the connecting part, and the other ends of the plurality of plates are open and spaced apart from each other. 3. The heater assembly of claim 2, wherein the other ends of the plurality of plates face the opening. 4. The heater unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of plates are arranged symmetrically relative to the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. 5. The heater assembly according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of plates comprises two plates located in opposite places relative to the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. 6. The heater unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of plates extend along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article, at least part of the plurality of plates has a curved shape and protrudes outward from the center of the aerosol generating article in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article. 7. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector extends into the housing and contacts any one of the plurality of plates. 8. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector is located near the connecting part. 9. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is located at a distance from the plurality of plates. 10. The heater assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is located at a distance from the plurality of plates and the heater assembly further comprises a dielectric between the housing and the plurality of plates. 11. The heater assembly of claim 10, wherein the end of the dielectric projects toward the opening from the ends of the plurality of plates. 12. The heater assembly according to claim 11, wherein the end of the dielectric contacts the inner surface of the housing or is located at a distance from it. 13. The heater assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support tube inserted into the plurality of plates and configured to support the aerosol generating article. 14. The heater assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates extend in one direction and the direction in which the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodation space through the opening intersects with one direction. 15. An aerosol generating device comprising: a heater unit according to any one of paragraphs 1-14; an oscillating unit configured to generate high-frequency microwave power and supply the high-frequency microwave power to the heater assembly.