Aerosol Generator

Abstract

The aerosol generating device includes a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product, and an airflow path that is a path through which a fluid moves inside the housing, and the volume of the airflow path is variable.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to an aerosol generating device capable of adjusting the drawing resistance and smoking taste. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there has been an increasing demand for alternative methods to overcome the drawbacks of conventional cigarettes. For example, there has been an increasing demand for a system that generates an aerosol by heating a cigarette or an aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generating device, rather than a method of generating an aerosol by burning a cigarette. As a result, research into heated aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

[0003] Since users of aerosol generating devices have their own preferences when using them, active research is being conducted into aerosol generating devices that allow users to change the internal structure or settings of the device so that they can use the aerosol generating device according to their preferences. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The aerosol generating device includes an airflow path through which air and the aerosol can travel, which affects the resistance to draw and the taste of the aerosol product.

[0005] Specifically, the resistance to inhalation when the user inhales the aerosol varies depending on the cross-sectional area and volume of the airflow path, and the intensity of the taste felt by the user when inhaling the aerosol and the amount of atomization of the aerosol may also vary.

[0006] If the user could directly adjust the airflow path, the user could adjust the draw resistance and smoking taste of the aerosol product to suit his or her preferences, and therefore a structure that allows the airflow path to be adjusted is required.

[0007] Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device having a structure for varying the volume of the airflow path.

[0008] Additionally, embodiments provide an aerosol generating device that can use a wide variety of aerosol producing products.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An aerosol generating device according to one embodiment includes a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product, and an airflow path through which a fluid moves inside the housing, and the volume of the airflow path is variable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the aerosol generation device of the embodiment, the amount of air movement inside the aerosol generation device can be adjusted, allowing the user to use the aerosol generation device according to their preferences.

[0012] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment can accommodate various types of aerosol product, thereby increasing the utility of the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments pertain from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 1C] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0015] [Figure 2A] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an airflow path applied to an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2B] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an airflow path applied to an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an airflow path applied to an aerosol generating device.

[0016] [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 4A] 4 is a perspective view showing a first operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 4B] 4 is a top view showing a first operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

[0018] [Figure 4C] 4 is a perspective view showing a second operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 4D] 4 is a top view showing a second operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

[0019] [Figure 4E] 10 is a perspective view showing a third operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 4F] 4 is a top view showing a third operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. FIG.

[0020] [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in an operating state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in an operating state.

[0021] [Figure 6A] 4 is a top view showing the adjusting plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in an operating state. FIG. [Figure 6B] 4 is a top view showing the adjusting plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in an operating state. FIG. [Figure 6C] 4 is a top view showing the adjusting plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in an operating state. FIG.

[0022] [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in an operating state. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in an operating state. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment in an operating state.

[0023] [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first operating state of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a first operating state of an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment.

[0024] [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is a perspective view showing a second operating state of the aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. [Figure 8D] 8C is a top view showing a second operating state of the aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG.

[0025] [Figure 9A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which an example of a support element is applied. [Figure 9B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which an example of a support element is applied.

[0026] [Figure 10A] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which another example of the support element is applied. [Figure 10B] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which another example of the support element is applied.

[0027] [Figure 11A] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which yet another example of the support element is applied. [Figure 11B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which yet another example of the support element is applied.

[0028] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The terms used in the embodiments are currently commonly used terms, and are selected as much as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention must be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components and may further include other components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, terms such as "... unit" and "... module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be realized by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0032] As used herein, when a phrase such as "at least one of" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array and not each individual element in the array. For example, the phrase "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including a, b, and c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0033] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device is also a device that generates the aerosol by electrically heating a cigarette contained in the interior space.

[0034] The aerosol generating device includes a heater. In one embodiment, the heater is an electrically resistive heater. For example, the heater may include a conductive track, and when an electric current is passed through the conductive track, the heater may be heated.

[0035] The heater may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the cigarette depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0036] Cigarettes include tobacco rods and filter rods. Tobacco rods can be made in sheet or strand form, and tobacco sheets can be made from shredded tobacco. The tobacco rod is surrounded by a thermally conductive material. For example, the thermally conductive material can be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited to this.

[0037] The filter rod may also be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may be composed of at least one or more segments. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters out specific components contained in the aerosol.

[0038] In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol using a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating substance.

[0039] The aerosol generating device includes a cartridge that holds an aerosol generating material and a body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge is detachably connected to the body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be formed integrally with the body or assembled and fixed so that it cannot be removed by a user. The cartridge may be attached to the body with the aerosol generating material stored therein. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the aerosol generating material may be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is connected to the body.

[0040] The cartridge holds an aerosol-forming material in any one of a variety of states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gas state, or a gel state. The aerosol-forming material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance.

[0041] The cartridge is activated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body, and functions to convert the phase of the aerosol-generating material inside the cartridge into a gas phase to generate an aerosol. The aerosol refers to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from the aerosol-generating material are mixed with air.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device heats a liquid composition to generate an aerosol, and the generated aerosol can be delivered to the user through the cigarette, i.e., the aerosol generated from the liquid composition travels along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage can be configured to deliver the aerosol through the cigarette to the user.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol generating material using an ultrasonic vibration method. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration method refers to a method of generating an aerosol by atomizing an aerosol generating material using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a vibrator.

[0044] The aerosol generating device includes a vibrator that generates short-period vibrations to atomize the aerosol generating material. The vibrations generated by the vibrator are ultrasonic vibrations, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibrations is about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs the aerosol-generating substance, for example, the wick being positioned to surround or contact at least a region of the transducer.

[0046] When a voltage (e.g., an AC voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations are generated from the vibrator, and the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator are transferred to the aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick. The aerosol-forming substance absorbed in the wick is converted into a gas phase by the heat and / or ultrasonic vibrations transferred from the vibrator, resulting in the generation of an aerosol.

[0047] For example, the viscosity of the aerosol-generating substance absorbed into the core is reduced by heat generated from the vibrator, and the reduced viscosity aerosol-generating substance is broken down into fine particles by ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, thereby generating an aerosol, but this is not limited to this.

[0048] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol product contained in the aerosol generating device by induction heating.

[0049] The aerosol generating device includes a susceptor and a coil. In one embodiment, the coil can apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. When power is supplied from the aerosol generating device to the coil, a magnetic field is formed inside the coil. In one embodiment, the susceptor is a magnetic material that generates heat when an external magnetic field is applied. The susceptor is located inside the coil, and generates heat when a magnetic field is applied, thereby heating the aerosol product. Alternatively, the susceptor can be located inside the aerosol product.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

[0051] The aerosol generating device may be configured as a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may charge a battery of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the heater may be heated when the cradle and the aerosol generating device are coupled together.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be embodied in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating device of the various embodiments described above, or may be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0054] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device.

[0055] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing an example of an aerosol generating device with a cigarette inserted therein.

[0056] 1A, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, a control unit 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. An aerosol product 2 is inserted into the internal space of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0057] 1A to 1C show components according to this embodiment. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can understand that the aerosol generating device 1 may further include other general components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0058] Furthermore, although the aerosol generating device 1 includes a heater 13 in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the heater 13 can be omitted if necessary.

[0059] 1A shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. FIG. 1B shows that the battery 11, the control unit 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are arranged in a row. FIG. 1C shows that the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generation device 1 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. That is, the arrangement of the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 can be changed depending on the design of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0060] When the aerosol production product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, the aerosol generation device 1 can activate the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and / or vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol production product 2 and is delivered to the user.

[0061] If necessary, the aerosol generating device 1 can heat the heater 13 even when no aerosol product 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0062] The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the battery 11 can supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and can supply power necessary for the operation of the control unit 12. The battery 11 can also supply power necessary for the operation of a display, a sensor, a motor, and the like provided in the aerosol generation device 1.

[0063] The control unit 12 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 1. Specifically, the control unit 12 controls the operation of not only the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14, but also the other components included in the aerosol generation device 1. The control unit 12 can also check the state of each component of the aerosol generation device 1 and determine whether the aerosol generation device 1 is in an operable state.

[0064] The control unit 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates or as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 12 may also be implemented by other forms of hardware.

[0065] The heater 13 can be heated by power supplied from the battery 11. For example, when a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the heater 13 can be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13 can increase the temperature of the aerosol generating material inside the cigarette.

[0066] The heater 13 may also be an electrical resistance heater. For example, the heater 13 may include a conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when a current flows through the conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may be any heater that can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol generation device 1, or may be set to a desired temperature by a user.

[0067] On the other hand, as another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13 may include a conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor heated by the induction heater.

[0068] For example, the heater 13 may include a tubular heating element, a plate heating element, a needle heating element, or a rod heating element, and may heat the interior or exterior of the aerosol production article 2 depending on the shape of the heating element.

[0069] A plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, or may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be arranged so as to be inserted inside the aerosol product 2, and the rest may be arranged outside the aerosol product 2. Furthermore, the shape of the heater 13 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, and various shapes may be produced.

[0070] The vaporizer 14 heats the liquid composition to generate an aerosol, which is then transmitted to the user through the aerosol-producing article 2. That is, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 travels along an airflow passage in the aerosol-generating device 1, and the airflow passage is configured to allow the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14 to pass through the cigarette and be transmitted to the user.

[0071] For example, the vaporizer 14 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid storage unit, a liquid transfer means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage unit, the liquid transfer means, and the heating element can be included in the aerosol generation device 1 as independent modules.

[0072] The liquid storage unit can store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance including a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be detachable from / attachable to the vaporizer 14, or may be configured integrally with the vaporizer 14.

[0073] For example, the liquid composition may contain water, solvent, ethanol, plant extract, fragrance, flavoring, or vitamin mixture. Flavoring includes, but is not limited to, menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit fragrance components. Flavoring includes components that can provide the user with a variety of flavors or smoking experiences. The vitamin mixture includes, but is not limited to, a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The liquid composition may also include an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0074] The liquid transfer means can transfer the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element, for example, but not limited to, a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic.

[0075] The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition transferred by the liquid transfer means. For example, the heating element may be, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like. The heating element may be made of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire and arranged as a structure wound around the liquid transfer means. The heating element is heated by supplying an electric current and transfers heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, an aerosol is generated.

[0076] For example, but not limited to, the vaporizer 14 may also be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer.

[0077] Meanwhile, the aerosol generator 1 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11, the control unit 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generator 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. The aerosol generator 1 may also include at least one sensor (such as a puff sensor, a temperature sensor, or a cigarette insertion sensor). The aerosol generator 1 is fabricated to have a structure that allows external air to flow in or internal gas to flow out even when the aerosol product 2 is inserted.

[0078] Although not shown in Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol generation device 1 can also constitute a system together with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle is used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generation device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 can be heated while the cradle and the aerosol generation device 1 are coupled together.

[0079] The aerosol-producing product 2 is similar to a typical combustion-type cigarette. For example, the aerosol-producing product 2 is divided into a first portion 21 containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion 22 containing a filter or the like. Alternatively, the second portion 22 of the aerosol-producing product 2 may also contain an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material in granular or encapsulated form may be inserted into the second portion 22.

[0080] The first portion 21 includes a first aerosol-generating rod and a second aerosol-generating rod. The first aerosol-generating rod and the second aerosol-generating rod are aligned in order along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 2. Here, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 2 is the direction in which the length of the aerosol product 2 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product 2 is the direction from the first portion 21 to the second portion 22.

[0081] The aerosol generated by the first aerosol-generating rod and the second aerosol-generating rod can pass through the first aerosol-generating rod, the second aerosol-generating rod, and the second portion 22 in sequence to form an airflow, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale the aerosol from the second portion 22.

[0082] The first aerosol-generating rod can be heated to generate an aerosol. The first aerosol-generating rod contains an aerosol-generating substance. The first aerosol-generating rod may also contain other additives, such as a humectant and / or an organic acid, or may contain a flavoring liquid, such as menthol. For example, the aerosol-generating substance may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

[0083] The first aerosol-generating rod includes an aerosol-generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate includes a crimped sheet, and the aerosol-generating material is contained in the first aerosol-generating rod in a state where it is impregnated in the crimped sheet. In addition, other additives such as flavoring agents, humectants, and / or organic acids, and flavoring liquids are contained in the first aerosol-generating rod in a state where they are absorbed in the crimped sheet.

[0084] The aerosol-generating substrate is wound up and placed inside the first aerosol-generating rod, and the wound aerosol-generating substrate is wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol product article 2, but is not limited to this.

[0085] The crimped sheet may also be a sheet made of a polymeric material, such as at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not produce an unpleasant thermal odor even when heated to a high temperature.

[0086] The first aerosol-generating rod extends from the end of the aerosol product 2 to a point about 7 mm to about 20 mm, and the second aerosol-generating rod extends from the end of the first aerosol-generating rod to a point about 7 mm to about 20 mm. However, these numerical ranges are not necessarily limited, and the extension lengths of the first aerosol-generating rod and the second aerosol-generating rod can be appropriately adjusted within a range that can be easily changed by an ordinary technician.

[0087] The second aerosol-generating rod can be heated to generate an aerosol containing nicotine. For example, the second aerosol-generating rod can contain tobacco material. The tobacco material can be in the form of, but is not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extract.

[0088] For example, the second aerosol-generating rod includes a plurality of tobacco strands, and the plurality of tobacco strands include flat cut tobacco. Flat cut tobacco is produced by shredding a flat sheet. Flat cut tobacco is produced by the following process: Tobacco raw material is ground to produce a slurry containing an aerosol-generating substance (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), water, etc. Natural pulp or cellulose is added to the slurry, and one or more binders are mixed. The slurry is cast to form a sheet, which is then dried to produce a flat sheet. The produced flat sheet can be cut or shredded to produce flat cut tobacco. The tobacco raw material is tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, and / or tobacco fines generated during tobacco processing. The flat sheet may also contain other additives, such as wood cellulose fibers.

[0089] The second aerosol-generating rod may contain shredded tobacco produced by processing and cutting various types of tobacco leaves. The second aerosol-generating rod may also contain a mixture of flat shredded tobacco and shredded tobacco.

[0090] As another example, the second aerosol-generating rod may include a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules are particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. The tobacco granules are produced by extruding a mixture of ground tobacco, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

[0091] The plurality of tobacco granules are disposed among the filter material. The filter material may, for example, comprise a fiber bundle of agglomerated cellulose acetate fiber strands. The plurality of tobacco granules are disposed in a uniformly dispersed form among the plurality of cellulose fibers. As another example, the filter material may comprise a crimped paper sheet. The crimped paper sheet is disposed inside the second aerosol-generating rod in a rolled state. The crimped paper sheet is rolled around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-producing product 2. The plurality of tobacco granules are dispersed within the rolled paper sheet.

[0092] The second aerosol-generating rod includes an aerosol-generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol-generating composition. The aerosol-generating substrate includes a crimped sheet, and the liquid aerosol-generating composition is contained in the second aerosol-generating rod in a state where it is impregnated into the crimped sheet. The same applies to the aerosol-generating substrate included in the second aerosol-generating rod as described above for the aerosol-generating substrate included in the first aerosol-generating rod.

[0093] The liquid aerosol-generating composition contains nicotine. Nicotine includes freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine refers to neutral nicotine without a proton. For example, if a strong base such as ammonia is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base is converted into a positive ion, and the nicotine salt becomes freebase nicotine, which is neutral.

[0094] The liquid aerosol-generating composition also contains an aerosol-generating material, and the same applies to the aerosol-generating material as described above for the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the first aerosol-generating rod.

[0095] About 0.05 g to about 1.0 g of the liquid aerosol-forming composition is impregnated per gram of the aerosol-forming base, for example, about 0.1 g to about 0.8 g of the liquid aerosol-forming composition is impregnated per gram of the aerosol-forming base.

[0096] The entire first portion 21 is inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, and the second portion 22 is exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion 21 may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1, or the entire first portion 21 and a portion of the second portion 22 may be inserted into the aerosol generation device 1. A user can inhale the aerosol with the second portion 22 held in their mouth. In this case, the aerosol is generated by external air passing through the first portion 21, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion 22 and is delivered to the user's mouth.

[0097] For example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1. For example, the opening and / or closing of the air passage formed in the aerosol generation device 1 and / or the size of the air passage may be adjusted by the user. This allows the user to adjust the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, etc. As another example, external air may be introduced into the aerosol product 2 through at least one hole formed in the surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0098] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing examples of airflow paths applied to an aerosol generating device.

[0099] 2A to 2C, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a housing 110 and an airflow path 120.

[0100] The housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 and includes an internal space in which the components of the aerosol generating device 1 are arranged.

[0101] The internal space of the housing 110 is provided with components for heating the aerosol product 2 inserted into the housing 110 to generate an aerosol, as well as components that perform additional functions in connection with heating the aerosol product, which will be described in detail below.

[0102] The housing 110 includes an opening 110h through which the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the housing 110 and a storage space 110i in which the aerosol product 2 is stored. The opening 110h is open toward the outside of the housing 110 at one end of the storage space 110i.

[0103] At least a portion of the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the housing 110 through the opening 110h, and the aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 100i of the housing 110. The aerosol product 2 inserted or accommodated inside the housing 110 is heated by a heater (e.g., heater 13 in Figures 1A to 1C).

[0104] The airflow path 120 can fluidly communicate (or connect) the outside of the aerosol generation device 1 with the storage space 110i inside the housing 110. The airflow path 120 can serve as a passageway for air and / or aerosol movement. The airflow path 120 is disposed in one region of the housing 110 and includes an air inlet 120h that introduces air into the inside of the aerosol generation device 1.

[0105] Air flowing into the interior space of the housing 110 through the air inlet 120h travels along the airflow path and reaches one end of the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. The air flowing into the aerosol product 2 through the one end of the aerosol product mixes with vaporized particles generated by heating the aerosol product 2, generating an aerosol. A user can inhale the aerosol emitted from the aerosol product 2.

[0106] The portion of the aerosol product 2 into which air flows is not limited to one end of the aerosol product 2. For example, the aerosol product 2 may include perforations (not shown) in a portion of the outer periphery. The perforations may serve to transfer air outside the aerosol product 2 and heat generated by the heater to the inside of the aerosol product 2.

[0107] 2A to 2C, various configurations of the airflow path 120 that can be applied to the aerosol generating device 1 are shown.

[0108] 2A, for example, the air inlet 120h may be disposed at the opening 110h of the housing 110. The air inlet 120h is similar to the opening 110h. Even if the aerosol product 2 is inserted through the opening 110h, air can flow in through the opening 110h because the diameter of the opening 110h is larger than the diameter of the aerosol product 2.

[0109] The air flowing in through the opening 110h moves along the receiving space 110i. Even when the receiving space 110i contains the aerosol product 2, the air moves along the free space present inside the receiving space 110i. In other words, the airflow path 120 may be included in the receiving space 110i.

[0110] Since the air flowing into the storage space 110i flows into one end of the aerosol product 2, the air flow path 120 is substantially formed in a "U" shape and is arranged to surround the aerosol product 2 and heater contained in the storage space 110i.

[0111] 2B, as another example, the air inlet 120h may be disposed at the lower end of the housing (e.g., a region facing the -z direction). In this case, the air flow path 120 has a "1" shape. The air flowing in through the air inlet 120h moves along the air flow path 120 in substantially one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) and can reach one end of the aerosol product 2 contained in the containing space 110i.

[0112] 2C, as another example, the air inlet 120h may be arranged on a side portion of the housing (e.g., one side facing the +y direction). The air flow path 120 has an "L" shape. Air flowing in through the air inlet 120h travels along the shape of the air flow path 120 and can reach one end of the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. However, the arrangement and shape of the air flow path 120 are not limited to the above example.

[0113] The following description of airflow path 120 will focus on the structure of airflow path 120 shown in FIG. 2A, in which air inlet 120h of airflow path 120 is similar to opening 110h.

[0114] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0115] 3, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, and a control unit 200. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 2A, and therefore, a redundant description will be omitted below.

[0116] The airflow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 affects the draw resistance and smoking taste of the aerosol product 2 .

[0117] For example, if the volume of the airflow path 120 is increased, the smoking taste is reduced, the user can experience a mellow taste, the inhalation resistance is reduced, and the user can inhale the aerosol sufficiently even with weak inhalation. Also, the amount of atomized aerosol increases. "Mellow taste" means that the intensity of the original taste of the aerosol product is reduced.

[0118] On the other hand, if the volume of the airflow path 120 is reduced, the smoking taste will be enhanced, the user will feel a stronger taste, the inhalation resistance will increase, the user will have to inhale strongly to inhale the aerosol, and the amount of atomized aerosol will decrease.

[0119] Both the cross-sectional area and volume of the airflow path 120 affect the resistance to draw and the smoking taste, but the main factor affecting the resistance to draw is the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path 120, and the main factor affecting the smoking taste is the volume of the airflow path 120. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path 120 is mainly inversely proportional to the resistance to draw, and the volume of the airflow path 120 is mainly inversely proportional to the smoking taste.

[0120] If the user could directly adjust the airflow path 120, the user could adjust the inhalation resistance and taste of the aerosol product to suit their preferences. Adjusting the volume of the airflow path 120 would also adjust the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path 120, thereby allowing various factors related to the user's preferences (e.g., inhalation resistance, taste, atomization amount, etc.) to be adjusted at once, and therefore a structure that allows the volume of the airflow path 120 to be adjusted is required.

[0121] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the aerosol generating device 1 according to one embodiment includes a control unit 200. The control unit 200 is disposed inside the housing 110, surrounds at least a portion of the airflow path 120, and can control the volume of the airflow path 120.

[0122] 3, the airflow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment is formed inside the accommodation space 110i starting from the opening 110h, and therefore the control unit 200 is shown inside the accommodation space 110i. However, the location of the control unit 200 is not limited to the embodiment.

[0123] The control unit 200 includes a movable structure. At least a portion of the control unit 200 can move to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120. For example, at least a portion of the control unit 200 can move from the airflow path 120 in a first state s1 indicated by a solid line to the airflow path 120 in a second state s2 indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0124] As at least a portion of the adjustment portion 200 moves and the air flow path 120 changes from the first state s1 to the second state s2, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the radius of the storage space 110i may decrease by a distance obtained by subtracting the distance d2 from the longitudinal central axis of the storage space 110i to the edge of the air flow path 120 in the second state s2 from the distance d1 from the longitudinal central axis of the storage space 110i to the edge of the air flow path 120 in the first state s1.

[0125] As a result, the volume of the airflow path 120 including a region of the accommodation space 110i may decrease. Conversely, when the airflow path 120 is changed from the second state s2 to the first state s1 by the control unit 200, the volume of the airflow path 120 may increase.

[0126] In this specification, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the z-axis direction, which is the direction extending longitudinally in one direction of the receiving space 110i. The term "longitudinal direction" also refers to the direction in which the aerosol product 2 is inserted into the housing 110. The term "longitudinal direction" will be used in the same sense hereinafter.

[0127] When the aerosol product 2 is contained in the storage space 110i, the suction resistance value adjusted by the adjustment unit 200 is 30 mH2O to 60 mmH2O in the first state s1 where the volume of the airflow path 120 is maximum, and is 60 mH2O to 90 mmH2O in the second state s2 where the volume of the airflow path 120 is minimum.

[0128] The ratio of the attraction resistance value in the first state s1 to the attraction resistance value in the second state s2 is 1:1 to 3:1. Also, the ratio is 1:1 to 2:1. Also, the ratio is 1:1 to 1.5:1. Also, the ratio is 1:1 to 1.2:1.

[0129] The volume of the airflow path 120 can be adjusted by the adjuster 200 in various ways. For example, the volume of the airflow path 120 can be adjusted passively by a mechanical or physical method. For another example, the volume of the airflow path 120 can be adjusted automatically by an electronic method using software.

[0130] According to one embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1, the volume of the air flow path 120 is variable, and the volume of the air flow path 120 can be adjusted by the adjustment unit 200, so that the aerosol generating device 1 can be used according to the user's preferences in terms of inhalation resistance and smoking taste.

[0131] Hereinafter, the operation principle of the adjusting unit 200 for adjusting the volume of the airflow path 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F.

[0132] Figures 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, showing a first operating state of the adjusting unit applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figures 4C and 4D are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, showing a second operating state of the adjusting unit. Figures 4E and 4F are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, showing a third operating state of the adjusting unit.

[0133] 4A and 4B, the adjustment section 200 includes a plurality of adjustment units 210. Each adjustment unit 210 is a movable component. The phrase "movement of an adjustment unit 210" or "movement of at least a portion of an adjustment unit 210" includes both the movement of a portion of the adjustment unit 210 and the movement of the entire adjustment unit 210, and will be used hereinafter with the same meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0134] A plurality of adjustment units 210 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120. The adjustment units 210 arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120 may move independently. Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, four adjustment units 210 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120. That is, the adjustment part 200 includes a first adjustment unit 210a, a second adjustment unit 210b, a third adjustment unit 210c, and a fourth adjustment unit 210d. However, the number of adjustment units is not limited to that in the above embodiment.

[0135] At least a portion of one adjustment unit 210 can move in a "first direction," which is a direction from the edge of the airflow path 120 toward the inside of the airflow path 120, or in a "second direction," which is a direction opposite to the first direction. "Inward" refers to the central axis in the direction in which the airflow path 120 extends, and in Figures 4A and 4B, it refers to the central longitudinal axis of the accommodation space 110i. The expressions "first direction," "second direction," and "inward" will be used interchangeably hereinafter.

[0136] The adjustment units 210 can move within a predetermined range of movement. The term "predetermined range of movement" means a range of movement in which one adjustment unit 210 does not interfere with the movement of other adjustment units 210 and at least a portion of an adjustment unit 210 is not completely physically separated from one adjustment section 200. The same meaning is used hereinafter.

[0137] The range of movement is not limited to the above examples and can be varied in various ways. The range of movement can be set by various methods, such as mechanical or physical methods using an interlocking structure or stopper arrangement, or electronic methods using software. The same applies to the "range of movement" referred to hereinafter throughout the specification.

[0138] 4A and 4B , in one embodiment, a first operating state of the adjustment unit 210 is shown, in which the adjustment unit 210 has moved within a predetermined range to maximize the volume of the airflow path 120. In the first operating state of FIGS. 4A and 4B , at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210 can only move in the first direction out of the first and second directions. The movement limit of the adjustment unit 210 is determined by the predetermined range and is not limited to this embodiment. As the predetermined movement range varies, the final position to which at least a portion of the adjustment unit has moved in the second direction can be determined.

[0139] The airflow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment is included in the accommodation space 110i, so that the volume of the accommodation space 110i is maximum when all of the adjustment units 210 are adjusted to the first operating state.

[0140] 4C and 4D, a second operating state of the adjustment unit 210 is shown in which the adjustment unit 210 has moved to reduce the volume of the airflow path 120 from the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. To adjust the volume of the airflow path 120, the adjustment unit 210 includes a fixed portion 210s and a moving portion 210m.

[0141] The fixed portion 210s refers to at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210 that does not move relative to the airflow path 120 even when the operating state of the adjustment unit 210 is changed. The fixed portion 210s is disposed on an edge of the airflow path 120 and can movably support the moving portion 210m. The fixed portion 210s includes a guide surface that comes into contact with the moving portion 210m and guides the moving portion 210m so that it can move linearly.

[0142] The movable portion 210m refers to another portion of the adjustment unit 210 that is movable relative to the airflow path 120. The shape and size of the fixed portion 210s and the movable portion 210m in one adjustment unit 210 may vary depending on the embodiment. The movable portion 210m is installed so that its movement is not hindered by the fixed portion 210s within a predetermined movement range.

[0143] The moving part 210m can move in the first direction or the second direction within a predetermined movement range. A stopper (not shown) can be arranged to limit the movement of the moving part 210m. The stopper can determine the movement range of the moving part.

[0144] 4A and 4B, the moving portion 210m can move only in the first direction according to a predetermined movement range. The moving portion 210m can move in the first direction to reduce the volume of the airflow path 120 and can move until it meets the moving portion 210m of another adjustment unit 210.

[0145] 4C and 4D, the moving part 210m of one adjusting unit is aligned with the moving part of another adjusting unit and does not move any further (second operating state of the adjusting unit). In the second operating state, the moving part 210m can move in the second direction to increase the volume of the airflow path 120, and can move to the first operating state.

[0146] 4E and 4F show a third operating state of the adjustment unit 210 in which the volume of the airflow path 120 has been reduced from the state shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D. To enable stepwise volume adjustment of the airflow path, the movable ranges of each section of the moving section 210m may differ. In this embodiment, the moving section 210m includes a first moving section 211 and a second moving section 212, each having a different movable range.

[0147] In the second operating state, the first moving part 211 does not move any further in the first direction. In order to reduce the volume of the airflow path 120 in the second operating state, the second moving part 212 adjacent to the first moving part 211 can move in the first direction relative to the first moving part 211.

[0148] 4E and 4F, the second moving part 212 of one adjusting unit is aligned with the second moving part of another adjusting unit and does not move any further (third operating state of the adjusting unit). In the third operating state, the second moving part 212 can move in a second direction to increase the volume of the airflow path 120 and enter the second operating state.

[0149] The first mover 211 and the second mover 212 can move independently. According to one embodiment, between the first operating state and the second operating state, the first mover 211 and the second mover 212 can move together as one mover 210m. Between the second operating state and the third operating state, the second mover 212 can move independently of the first mover 211.

[0150] In this specification, the moving section 210m is shown to include only the first moving section 211 and the second moving section 212, but a person skilled in the art will understand that, based on the same principle as described above, it can include multiple moving sections, such as the third moving section, to further reduce the volume of the airflow path 120.

[0151] A plurality of adjustment units 210 may be arranged not only in the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120 but also along the extension direction of the airflow path 120. Hereinafter, a plurality of adjustment units 210 arranged along the extension direction of the airflow path 120 will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0152] 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views showing the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in different operating states.

[0153] 5A and 5B, the control part 200 includes a first control unit 210, a second control unit 220, and a third control unit 230, which are arranged in this order in the extension direction of the airflow path 120.

[0154] In this embodiment, four adjustment units 210 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120, and three adjustment units 210, 220, and 230 are arranged along the extension direction of the airflow path 120, so that the adjustment part 200 includes a total of 12 adjustment units 210. However, the number of adjustment units 210 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0155] 5A, the volume of the airflow path 120 is maximized within a predetermined movement range. At this time, the plurality of adjustment units 210 arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the airflow path 120 can move independently to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120.

[0156] 5B shows a state in which each of the adjustment units 210 has moved in the first direction. At this time, the second adjustment unit 220 has moved further in the first direction than the first adjustment unit 210, and the third adjustment unit 230 has moved further in the first direction than the second adjustment unit 220. As a result, the volume of the airflow path 120 decreases toward one end of the aerosol product 2 (e.g., the lower end in the -z direction). The movement of each adjustment unit 210 is not limited to the drawing, and the volume of the airflow path 120 may vary in various ways along the extension direction of the airflow path 120.

[0157] 6A to 6C are top views showing the adjusting plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in different operating states.

[0158] 6A to 6C, an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 in FIG. 3) includes a baffle 130. The baffle 130 is disposed at the opening 110h of the aerosol generating device. The baffle 130 is disposed so as to face the direction in which the opening 110h is open (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0159] The arrangement of the adjusting plate 130 is not limited to the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the adjusting plate 130 is arranged at the opening 110h, which is the air inlet (e.g., the air inlet 120h in FIG. 2A ). However, the adjusting plate 130 may be arranged inside the airflow path 120.

[0160] The adjustment plate 130 includes a structure that can move to adjust the open area of ​​the opening 110h. For example, the adjustment plate 130 includes an aperture. When at least a portion of the adjustment plate 130 moves, the open area of ​​the opening 110h is changed, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path 120 is changed.

[0161] Specifically, the adjustment plate 130 includes a plurality of blades 131. Each blade 131 is a movable component. In this case, the term "movement of the blade 131" includes both the movement of at least a portion of the blade 131 and the movement of the entire blade 131, and unless otherwise specified, the terms will be used in the following description with the same meaning.

[0162] A plurality of blades 131 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120 and the circumferential direction of the opening 110h. Referring to Figures 6A to 6C, eight blades 131 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120, but the number of blades is not limited to that in the above embodiment.

[0163] Each vane 131 can adjust the open area of ​​the opening 110h by moving in a direction from the edge of the airflow path 120 toward the inside of the airflow path 120 or in the opposite direction. Similar to the adjustment unit 210 described in Figures 4A to 4F, each vane 131 can move independently within a predetermined movement range.

[0164] Fig. 6A shows a first operating state in which the opening 110h is fully opened by the baffle 130. Fig. 6B shows a second operating state in which the opening of the opening 110h is reduced as each vane 131 of the baffle 130 moves inward into the airflow path 120. Fig. 6C shows a third operating state in which the opening of the opening 110h is further reduced than in the second operating state shown in Fig. 6B. Although not shown, when the vane 131 moves inward into the airflow path 120 and meets the aerosol product 2, the airflow path 120 may be closed.

[0165] The adjustment plate 130 adjusts the opening of the opening 110h, thereby adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path 120. In addition, the adjustment plate 130 is used together with the adjustment part 200 shown in Figures 4A to 4F, and can cover the airflow path 120, which is separated into multiple parts inside the accommodation space 110i, by the movement of the adjustment unit 210.

[0166] Specifically, referring to Figures 4A to 4F, as the moving part 210m of the adjustment unit 210 moves in a first direction, the airflow path 120 can be separated into not only one central area in which the aerosol product 2 is contained, but also multiple peripheral areas surrounded by the fixed part 210s and the moving part 210m.

[0167] At this time, the blades 131 of the adjusting plate 130 arranged at the opening 110h can move to cover a plurality of peripheral areas, so that only the central area where the aerosol product 2 is accommodated can be fluidly connected to the outside. That is, the adjusting plate 130 affects the volume adjustment of the airflow path 120 by the adjusting unit 200.

[0168] 7A to 7C are perspective views showing an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment in different operating states.

[0169] 7A to 7C, an aerosol generating device 1 according to yet another embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, and a control unit 300. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0170] At least a portion of the adjustment portion 300 can move along the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space (for example, the accommodation space 110i in FIG. 3) to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120.

[0171] The adjusting unit 300 includes one or more sliding units 310 arranged in a direction from the edge of the airflow path 120 toward the inside. The sliding unit 310 has a tubular shape that surrounds the airflow path 120. However, the shape of the sliding unit 310 is not limited to the above example, and as another example, the sliding unit may have an arc shape.

[0172] In this embodiment, two sliding parts 310 are shown. The adjusting part 300 includes a first sliding part 311 and a second sliding part 312 in a direction toward the inside of the airflow path 120. However, the number of sliding parts 310 is not limited thereto.

[0173] The sliding part 310 can move in the extension direction of the accommodation space and the extension direction of the airflow path within a predetermined range of movement. A stopper can be disposed to limit the movement of the sliding part 310. The stopper can determine the movement range of the sliding part 310.

[0174] When the slider 310 is accommodated in the airflow path 120, the volume of the airflow path 120 decreases by the amount of the slider 310 accommodated in the airflow path 120. That is, the volume of the airflow path 120 may change as the slider 310 moves.

[0175] 7A shows a first operating state in which the first sliding part 311 and the second sliding part 312 are not accommodated in the airflow path 120. In the first operating state, the volume of the airflow path 120 is at its maximum.

[0176] 7B, a second operating state is shown in which the first sliding part 311 is accommodated in the airflow path 120 along the extension direction of the airflow path 120. At this time, the second sliding part 312 does not move, and only the first sliding part 311 moves to be accommodated in the airflow path 120. The volume of the airflow path 120 in the second operating state is smaller than the volume of the airflow path 120 in the first operating state.

[0177] 7C shows a third operating state in which the second sliding part 312 is accommodated in the airflow path 120 along the extension direction of the airflow path 120. At this time, both the first sliding part 311 and the second sliding part 312 are accommodated in the airflow path 120. The volume of the airflow path 120 in the third operating state is smaller than the volume of the airflow path 120 in the second operating state.

[0178] The extent to which the sliding part 310 moves along the extension direction of the airflow path 120 is not limited to the embodiment. As a result, only a portion of the sliding part 310 is accommodated in the airflow path 120. In addition, the moving lengths of the multiple sliding parts 310 may vary. For example, if only 70% of the first sliding part 311 is accommodated in the airflow path 120 and only 30% of the second sliding part 312 is accommodated in the airflow path 120, the volume of the airflow path 120 decreases toward one end of the aerosol product 2 (e.g., the lower end in the -z direction).

[0179] 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, illustrating an aerosol generating device according to yet another embodiment in a first operating state, and 8C and 8D are a perspective view and a top view, respectively, illustrating an aerosol generating device shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B in a second operating state.

[0180] 8A to 8D, an aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, and a control unit 400. At least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 8A to 8D is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0181] At least a portion of the adjusting part 400 can adjust the volume of the airflow path 120 by rotating about the central axis of the longitudinal direction of the receiving space (for example, the receiving space 110i in FIG. 3).

[0182] The adjusting unit 400 includes one or more rotating units 410 arranged along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120, and one or more rotating grooves 420 that accommodate the rotating units 410. The number of rotating units 410 and the number of rotating grooves 420 correspond to each other one to one, and the rotating units 410 and the rotating grooves 420 form pairs. In this embodiment, four pairs of rotating units 410 and rotating grooves 420 are shown, but the number of rotating units 410 and the number of rotating grooves 420 are not limited to this.

[0183] The airflow path 120 is disposed between two pairs of rotating parts 410 and rotating grooves 420. That is, the rotating parts 410 and the rotating grooves 420 separate the airflow path 120 into a plurality of parts, and the number of the separated airflow paths 120 is the same as the number of rotating parts 410 and rotating grooves 420. In this embodiment, the airflow path 120 is separated into four parts.

[0184] The rotating unit 410 may rotate around a rotation axis within a predetermined range of movement along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120. In this case, the rotation axis is the central axis of the length of the accommodation space 110i, and refers to the central axis of the extension direction of the airflow path 120 that is spaced apart from the plurality of separated airflow paths 120 by the same distance. A stopper may be disposed to limit the movement of the rotating unit 410. The stopper may determine the rotational movement range of the rotating unit 410.

[0185] 8A and 8B, a first operating state is shown in which the entire rotating part 410 is accommodated in the rotation groove 420. When the entire rotating part 410 is accommodated in the rotation groove 420, the volume of the airflow path is maximized.

[0186] 8C and 8D, a second operating state is shown in which the rotating part 410 moves along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120, and a portion of the rotating part 410 is accommodated in the rotation groove 420. At this time, the other portion of the rotating part 410 that is not accommodated in the rotation groove 420 closes a portion of the airflow path 120, and the volume of the airflow path 120 is reduced compared to the first operating state shown in FIGS.

[0187] Although not shown, when the rotating part 410 moves along the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120 and one surface of the rotating part 410 facing the circumferential direction of the airflow path 120 meets one surface of the airflow path, the airflow path 120 can be closed.

[0188] The volume change of the airflow path 120 contained in the receiving space 110i and the supporting element for supporting the aerosol product 2 will now be described.

[0189] 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which an example of the support element is applied.

[0190] 9A and 9B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, a heater 140, and a control unit 200.

[0191] 9A and 9B can be inserted into the aerosol product 2 contained in the containing space 110i to heat the aerosol product 2. In this case, the heater 140 can have various shapes that can be inserted into the aerosol product 2, including a rod shape, a needle shape, and an elongated shape.

[0192] The heater 140 inserted inside the aerosol product 2 may serve as a support element for the aerosol product 2. By inserting the heater 140 into the aerosol product 2, the aerosol product 2 may be supported inside the receiving space 110i by the heater 140 without a separate support element.

[0193] With the aerosol production product 2 fixed in one region of the receiving space 110i by the heater 140, the adjusting part 200 can adjust the volume of the airflow path 120 without contacting the aerosol production product 2.

[0194] 9A shows that the control unit 200 reduces the volume of the airflow path 120, thereby reducing the amount of air flowing into the airflow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the airflow path 120. FIG. 9B shows that the control unit 200 increases the volume of the airflow path 120, thereby increasing the amount of air flowing into the airflow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the airflow path 120.

[0195] When the receiving space 110i includes the airflow path 120, the adjusting unit 200 can adjust the opening 110h and the volume of the receiving space 110i without contacting the aerosol product 2 inserted into the heater 140. By adjusting the volume of the receiving space 110i with the adjusting unit 200, various types (e.g., thicknesses) of aerosol product 2 can be accommodated in the receiving space 110i.

[0196] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views showing the operation states of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which another example of the support element is applied.

[0197] 10A and 10B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, a heater 140, a support part 150, and an adjustment part 200.

[0198] 10A and 10B is disposed outside the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i to heat the aerosol product 2. In this case, the heater 140 may have various shapes, including a tubular shape and a plate shape, that can be disposed outside the aerosol product 2.

[0199] The heater 140 is connected to the support 150 and supported within the receiving space 110i, but the manner in which the heater 140 is supported is not limited thereto. The heater 140 may also be supported by a separate component.

[0200] The heater 140 disposed outside the aerosol product 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i can support the outer circumferential surface of the aerosol product 2. That is, the heater 140 disposed outside the aerosol product 2 can serve as a support element for the aerosol product 2. The aerosol product 2 is supported inside the accommodation space 110i by the heater 140 without a separate support element.

[0201] The support part 150 is disposed at the bottom of the storage space 110i (e.g., in the -z direction) and can accommodate one end of the aerosol product 2 and support the aerosol product 2. The support part 150 includes an air passage that allows air moving along the airflow path 120 to move to the bottom of the storage space 110i and one end of the aerosol product.

[0202] The aerosol product 2 is supported within the receiving space 110i by the support 150. At this time, the aerosol product is supported simultaneously by the support 150 and the heater 140. If the aerosol product 2 includes a susceptor material that generates heat by induction heating, the aerosol product 2 is supported only by the support 150 without a separate heater 140.

[0203] When the aerosol product 2 is fixed in a region of the storage space 110i by the heater 140 or the support part 150, the adjustment part 200 can adjust the volume of the airflow path 120 without contacting the aerosol product 2.

[0204] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, similar to Figures 9A and 9B, it is shown that the adjustment unit 200 reduces or increases the volume of the air flow path 120, thereby reducing or increasing the amount of air flowing into the air flow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the air flow path 120.

[0205] When the storage space 110i includes the airflow path 120, the adjusting unit 200 can adjust the volume of the opening 110h and the storage space 110i without contacting the aerosol product 2. Unlike the configurations shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the size of the heater 140 or the support unit 150 disposed outside the aerosol product 2 affects the type (e.g., thickness) of the aerosol product that can be stored in the storage space.

[0206] For example, if the thickness of the aerosol product 2 is smaller than the accommodation diameter of the heater 140 or the support part 150, the aerosol product 2 will sway inside the accommodation space 110i without being supported by the heater 140 or the support part 150. Conversely, if the thickness of the aerosol product 2 is larger than the accommodation diameter of the heater 140 or the support part 150, the aerosol product 2 will not be accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0207] 11A and 11B, an improved structure for accommodating various types of aerosol production items 2 will now be described.

[0208] 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 to which still another example of the support element is applied.

[0209] 11A and 11B, an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a housing 110, an airflow path 120, a control unit 200, a heater assembly 540, a support unit 550, and the control unit 200. As a configuration for solving the above-mentioned problems, the heater assembly 540 and the support unit 550 will be described. The heater assembly 540 and the support unit 550 function to accommodate aerosol product 2 of various thicknesses in the accommodation space 110i by changing the volume of the accommodation space 110i. The heater assembly 540 and the support unit 550 may be arranged independently.

[0210] The heater assembly 540 includes a heater adjustment portion 541, a heater connection portion 542, and a heater 543. In this case, the heater refers to the heater 140 disposed outside the aerosol product 2 shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0211] 4A to 4F. Specifically, the heater control unit 541 includes a plurality of heater control units, and the heater control units can move in a first direction from the edge of the airflow path 120 toward the inside of the airflow path 120 or in a second direction opposite thereto, according to the same principle as the control units 210 of the control unit 200 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4F. Here, the first direction refers to the direction from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space 110i.

[0212] The heater connection part 542 connects the heater 543 to the heater adjustment part 541 and can move in the first direction or the second direction independently of the heater adjustment part 541 to bring the heater 543 close to the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol product 2.

[0213] The heater connectors 542 may be arranged in a plurality and may be thin rod-shaped with a small volume, but the number and shape of the heater connectors 542 are not limited to the embodiment. The heater connectors 542 may have various structures that can support the heaters 543 without shaking and do not significantly affect the volume of the airflow path 120.

[0214] The heater adjusting unit 541 operates together with the adjusting unit 200 to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120. The heater connecting unit 542 can move the heater 543 in the first direction or the second direction by sufficiently allowing the flow of air moving along the airflow path 120. As a result, even if the thickness of the aerosol product 2 varies, the aerosol product 2 can be accommodated and supported in the accommodation space 110i through the moving heater 543.

[0215] The support portion 550 includes a funnel-shaped or tapered inclined surface 551 that is partially open in the z-axis direction. The inclined surface 551 enables the support portion 550 to accommodate and support one end of different types of aerosol product 2 regardless of the thickness of the aerosol product.

[0216] 11A shows a state in which a relatively thick aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, and FIG. 11B shows a state in which a relatively thin aerosol product 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

[0217] When the volume of the airflow path 120 decreases and the volume of the receiving space 110i decreases, only a relatively thin aerosol product 2 can be used. On the other hand, when the volume of the airflow path 120 increases and the volume of the receiving space 110i increases, not only a relatively thick aerosol product 2 but also a thin aerosol product 2 can be used.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the volume of the airflow path 120 can be adjusted to adjust the resistance to inhalation and the smoking taste, so that the aerosol generation device 1 can be used according to the user's preference.

[0219] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when the accommodation space 110i includes an airflow path 120, the volume of the accommodation space 110i can be adjusted by adjusting the volume of the airflow path 120. Aerosol product 2 of various thicknesses can be accommodated in the accommodation space 110i having a variable volume. This allows various types of aerosol product 2 to be used with one aerosol generation device 1.

[0220] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment.

[0221] 12, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment includes a control unit 610, a driving unit 620, and an input unit 630. In the following description of FIG. 12, reference will be made to the components of the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3.

[0222] The control unit 610 is similar to the control unit 12 in Figures 1A to 1C. The control unit 610 is electrically connected to the driving unit 620 and the input unit 630 and can control them.

[0223] The driver 620 is connected to at least one of the controller 601, the controller plate 602, and the heater assembly 603, and can move the connected components. In this case, the controller 601, the controller plate 602, and the heater assembly 603 are the same as or similar to the controllers 200, 300, and 400, the controller plate 130, and the heater assembly 540, respectively, described above through the preceding drawings.

[0224] The driving unit 620 includes one or more actuators. In this case, the actuators include various components that perform mechanical work using electricity, hydraulics, compressed air, etc. For example, the actuators include, but are not limited to, motors, electromagnets, and solenoid valves.

[0225] The actuator is connected to the adjustment portion 601 and can move at least one of the adjustment unit (e.g., adjustment unit 200 in FIGS. 4A and 5A), the sliding portion (e.g., sliding portion 310 in FIG. 7A), and the rotating portion (e.g., rotating portion 410 in FIG. 8A). The actuator is connected to the adjustment plate 602 and can move the vanes (e.g., vanes 131 in FIG. 6A). The actuator is connected to the heater assembly 603 and can move the heater adjustment portion (e.g., heater adjustment portion 541 in FIG. 11A) and the heater connection portion (e.g., heater connection portion 542 in FIG. 11A).

[0226] The input unit 630 is a component that allows a user to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120. The input unit 630 is disposed in a portion of the housing 110 and is operated by a user. The input unit 630 generates a signal in response to an input operation by the user, and the control unit 610 can instruct the driving unit 620 to adjust the volume of the airflow path 120 based on the signal generated by the input unit 630. The driving unit 620 can change the volume of the airflow path 120 by moving the adjustment unit 601 in response to a command from the control unit 610.

[0227] The input 630 is used to adjust the adjustment portion 601 as well as the adjustment plate 602 and heater assembly 603. Again, the same principles as those for the user adjustment method described above apply.

[0228] Although FIG. 12 illustrates the control of the control unit 601, the control plate 602, and the heater assembly 603 in an electronic manner by the control unit 610, a person skilled in the art will understand that the user can directly operate the control unit 601, the control plate 602, and the heater assembly 603, or can control them in a mechanical or physical manner by operating separate components connected thereto.

[0229] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an aerosol generating device 1300 according to another embodiment.

[0230] The aerosol generating device 1300 includes a control unit 1310, a sensing unit 1320, an output unit 1330, a battery 1340, a heater 1350, a user input unit 1360, a memory 1370, and a communication unit 1380. However, the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1300 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 13. That is, a person skilled in the art of this embodiment can understand that some of the components shown in Fig. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added depending on the design of the aerosol generating device 1300.

[0231] The sensing unit 1320 may sense the state of the aerosol generating device 1300 or the state around the aerosol generating device 1300, and transmit the sensed information to the control unit 1310. Based on the sensed information, the control unit 1310 may control the aerosol generating device 1300 to perform various functions such as controlling the operation of the heater 1350, restricting smoking, determining whether an aerosol product (e.g., cigarette, cartridge, etc.) is inserted, and displaying notifications.

[0232] The sensing unit 1320 includes at least one of, but is not limited to, a temperature sensor 1322, an insertion sensor 1324, and a puff sensor 1326.

[0233] The temperature sensor 1322 can sense the temperature to which the heater 1350 (or the aerosol-generating substance) is heated. The aerosol-generating device 1300 can include a separate temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the heater 1350, or the heater 1350 itself can function as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1322 can be disposed around the battery 1340 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1340.

[0234] The insertion detection sensor 1324 can detect the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1324 can include at least one of a film sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, and an infrared sensor, and can detect a signal change due to the insertion and / or removal of an aerosol product article.

[0235] The puff sensor 1326 can sense a user's puff based on various physical changes in the airflow passage or channel, such as a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, or a pressure change.

[0236] The sensing unit 1320 may further include at least one of a temperature / humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a position sensor (e.g., GPS), a proximity sensor, and an RGB (illuminance) sensor, in addition to the aforementioned temperature sensor 1322, insertion sensor 1324, and puff sensor 1326. The function of each sensor can be intuitively inferred by a person skilled in the art from its name, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0237] The output unit 1330 can output and provide to a user information about the status of the aerosol generating device 1300. The output unit 1330 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a display unit 1332, a haptic unit 1334, and an audio output unit 1336. When the display unit 1332 and the touchpad are layered to form a touch screen, the display unit 1332 is used as an input device in addition to an output device.

[0238] The display unit 1332 can visually provide a user with information about the aerosol generating device 1300. For example, the information about the aerosol generating device 1300 refers to various information such as the charge / discharge status of the battery 1340 of the aerosol generating device 1300, the preheating status of the heater 1350, the insertion / removal status of an aerosol product, or a status in which use of the aerosol generating device 1300 is restricted (e.g., abnormal item detection), and the display unit 1332 can output the information to the outside. The display unit 1332 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light emitting display panel (OLED), or the like. The display unit 1332 can also be in the form of an LED light emitting element.

[0239] The haptic unit 1334 can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical or electrical stimulus and provide the user with tactile information about the aerosol generating device 1300. For example, the haptic unit 1334 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0240] The acoustic output unit 1336 can audibly provide the user with information about the aerosol generating device 1300. For example, the acoustic output unit 1336 can convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and output it to the outside.

[0241] The battery 1340 can supply power used for operating the aerosol generating device 1300. The battery 1340 can supply power to heat the heater 1350. The battery 1340 can also supply power necessary for the operation of other components included in the aerosol generating device 1300 (e.g., the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380). The battery 1340 can be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1340 can be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0242] The heater 1350 can heat the aerosol-generating substance by receiving power from the battery 1340. Although not shown in Fig. 13, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter) that converts the power of the battery 1340 and supplies it to the heater 1350. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating device 1300 generates an aerosol by an induction heating method, the aerosol-generating device 1300 may further include a DC / AC converter that converts the DC power of the battery 1340 into AC power.

[0243] The control unit 1310, the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380 can function by receiving power from the battery 1340. Although not shown in FIG. 13 , the device may further include a power conversion circuit, for example, an LDO (low dropout) circuit or a voltage regulator circuit, that converts the power of the battery 1340 and supplies it to each component.

[0244] In one embodiment, the heater 1350 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals or metal alloys including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, etc. Additionally, the heater 1350 may be embodied by, but is not limited to, a metal hot wire, a metal hot plate with a conductive track disposed thereon, a ceramic heating element, etc.

[0245] In other embodiments, heater 1350 is an induction heater. For example, heater 1350 may include a susceptor that generates heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil to heat the aerosol-generating material.

[0246] The user input unit 1360 may receive information input by a user or output information to a user. For example, the user input unit 1360 may be, but is not limited to, a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (touch-type capacitance type, pressure-type resistive film type, infrared sensing type, surface ultrasonic conduction type, integral tension measurement type, piezoelectric effect type, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc. Although not shown in FIG. 13 , the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a connection interface such as a USB (universal serial bus) interface. The aerosol generating device 1300 may be connected to another external device through the connection interface such as the USB interface to transmit and receive information or charge the battery 1340.

[0247] The memory 1370 is hardware that stores various data processed within the aerosol generating device 1300 and can store data that has been processed by the control unit 1310 and data to be processed by the control unit 1310. The memory 1370 includes at least one type of recording medium selected from the group consisting of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card-type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1370 can store data related to the operating time of the aerosol generating device 1300, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, and the user's smoking pattern.

[0248] The communication unit 1380 includes at least one component for communication with other electronic devices. For example, the communication unit 1380 includes a short-range communication unit 1382 and a wireless communication unit 1384.

[0249] The short-range wireless communication unit 1382 includes, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a Near Field Communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, a UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, etc.

[0250] The wireless communication unit 1384 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN) communication unit, etc. The wireless communication unit 1384 can also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1300 within the communication network using subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)).

[0251] The control unit 1310 can control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1300. In one embodiment, the control unit 1310 includes at least one processor. The processor may be embodied as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be embodied by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. Those skilled in the art will understand that the processor may also be embodied by other forms of hardware.

[0252] The control unit 1310 can control the temperature of the heater 1350 by controlling the supply of power from the battery 1340 to the heater 1350. For example, the control unit 1310 can control the power supply by controlling the switching of a switching element between the battery 1340 and the heater 1350. As another example, a heating direct circuit can control the power supply to the heater 1350 according to a control command from the control unit 1310.

[0253] The control unit 1310 may analyze the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320 and control subsequent processing. For example, the control unit 1310 may control the power supplied to the heater 1350 to start or stop operation of the heater 1350 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320. As another example, the control unit 1310 may control the amount and duration of power supplied to the heater 1350 based on the results sensed by the sensing unit 1320 to heat the heater 1350 to a predetermined temperature or maintain an appropriate temperature.

[0254] The control unit 1310 may control the output unit 1330 based on the result sensed by the sensing unit 1320. For example, if the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1326 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 1310 may notify the user through at least one of the display unit 1332, the haptic unit 1334, and the audio output unit 1336 that the aerosol generating device 1300 will soon be shut down.

[0255] An embodiment may also be embodied in the form of a recording medium containing computer-executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. Computer-readable media are any available media accessible by a computer, including both volatile and nonvolatile media, and both separate and non-separate media. Computer-readable media also include both computer recording media and communication media. Computer recording media include both volatile and non-volatile, separate and non-separate media embodied in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in a modulated data signal, such as a program module, or other transmission mechanism, and include any information delivery media.

[0256] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to the contents of the claims should be construed as being included in the scope of protection determined by the claims.

Claims

1. a housing including a storage space for storing an aerosol product; an airflow path that is a path through which fluid moves inside the housing; An aerosol generating device, wherein the volume of the airflow path is variable.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment portion disposed within the storage space, surrounding at least a portion of the air flow path, and movable to adjust the volume of the air flow path.

3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a moving part arranged along the circumferential direction of the air flow path and movable within a predetermined range of movement in a first direction toward the inside of the air flow path or in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 , further comprising a fixed portion arranged in a circumferential direction of the airflow path to support the moving portion and including a guide surface that guides the moving portion so that it can move linearly.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3 , wherein the moving unit includes a first moving unit and a second moving unit that is movable in the first direction relative to the first moving unit.

6. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of adjustment units arranged in sequence in the extension direction of the air flow path and movable within a predetermined range of movement in a direction toward the inside from the edge of the air flow path or in a direction opposite to the direction.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6 , wherein the plurality of adjustment units are independently movable.

8. the housing includes an opening at one end of the receiving space that is open to the outside, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment plate disposed at the opening and movable to adjust the area of ​​the opening.

9. one or more tubular sliders arranged in sequence in a direction from an edge of the airflow path toward the inside, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the sliding portion is movable in the extension direction of the airflow path within a predetermined range of movement.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 , wherein the sliding portion includes a tube surrounding the airflow path.

11. one or more rotating portions arranged along a circumferential direction of the airflow path, and one or more rotating grooves that accommodate the rotating portions; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating portion is rotatable around a rotation axis within a predetermined range of movement along the circumferential direction of the airflow path.

12. a support for supporting one end of the aerosol product; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the support portion includes an inclined surface so as to be able to support aerosol production products of different thicknesses.

13. Further comprising a heater for heating the aerosol product contained in the containing space; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heater is movable in a direction from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space or in a direction opposite to the direction.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising an input unit that generates a signal according to a user's input operation so that the user can adjust the volume of the airflow path.

15. an adjustment portion movable to adjust the volume of the airflow path; The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising: an actuator for moving the adjusting portion.

Images