AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

Abstract

An aerosol generating device includes a housing including an accommodation space in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated and an air flow path through which fluid moves inside the housing, wherein a volume of the air flow path is variable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2023-0030819 and 10-2023-0063279, respectively filed on Mar. 8, 2023 and May 16, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device having adjustable draw resistance and smoke taste.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, the demand for alternative methods for overcoming the shortcomings of general cigarettes has increased. For example, there is an increasing demand for a system for generating aerosols by heating a cigarette or an aerosol generating material by using an aerosol generating device, rather than by burning cigarettes. Accordingly, research on heating-type aerosol generating devices has been actively conducted.

Because users who use aerosol generating devices have their own preferences when using the aerosol generating devices, research is actively being conducted on an aerosol generating device allowing a structure or settings inside the device to be changed so that a user uses the aerosol generating device according to his/her preference.

SUMMARY

An aerosol generating device may include therein an air flow path through which air and aerosol may move. The air flow path may affect draw resistance and smoke taste of an aerosol generating article.

In general, according to a cross-sectional area and a volume of an air flow path, draw resistance when a user inhales aerosol may vary, and the intensity of smoke taste the aerosol and the atomization amount of the aerosol that the user may feel when inhaling the aerosol may vary.

When a user may directly adjust an air flow path, the user may adjust draw resistance and smoke taste of an aerosol generating article to suit his/her preference, and thus, a structure capable of adjusting an air flow path is required.

Embodiments provide an aerosol generating device having a structure capable of varying a volume of an air flow path.

Also, embodiments provide an aerosol generating device capable of using various types of aerosol generating articles.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described description, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may include a housing including an accommodation space in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated and an air flow path through which fluid moves inside the housing, and a volume of the air flow path may be variable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are views illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are views illustrating examples of an air flow path applied to an aerosol generating device;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a first operation state of an adjuster applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4C and 4D are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a second operation state of the adjuster applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4E and 4F are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a third operation state of the adjuster applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 according to an operation state;

FIGS. 6A to 6C are top views illustrating an adjustment plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 according to an operation state;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are perspective views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment according to an operation state;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a first operation state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 8C and 8D are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a second operation state of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 8A and 8B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which an example of a support element is applied;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which another example of a support element is applied;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which another example of a support element is applied;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Regarding the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, terms which can be arbitrarily selected by the applicant in particular cases. In such a case, the meaning of the terms will be described in detail at the corresponding portion in the description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the descriptions provided herein.

In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms “-er”, “-or”, and “module” described in the specification mean units for processing at least one function and operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof.

As used herein, when an expression such as “at least any one” precedes arranged elements, it modifies all elements rather than each arranged element. For example, the expression “at least any one of a, b, and c” should be construed to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

In an embodiment, an aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by electrically heating a cigarette accommodated in an interior space thereof.

The aerosol generating device may include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track.

The heater may include a tube-shaped heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and may heat the inside or outside of a cigarette according to the shape of a heating element.

A cigarette may include a tobacco rod and a filter rod. The tobacco rod may be formed of sheets, strands, and tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet. Also, the tobacco rod may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil.

The filter rod may include a cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod may include at least one segment. For example, the filter rod may include a first segment configured to cool aerosols, and a second segment configured to filter a certain component in aerosols.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols by using a cartridge containing an aerosol generating material.

The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge that contains an aerosol generating material, and a main body that supports the cartridge. The cartridge may be detachably coupled to the main body, but is not limited thereto. The cartridge may be integrally formed or assembled with the main body, and may also be fixed to the main body so as not to be detached from the main body by a user. The cartridge may be mounted on the main body while accommodating an aerosol generating material therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. An aerosol generating material may also be injected into the cartridge while the cartridge is coupled to the main body.

The cartridge may contain an aerosol generating material in any one of various states, such as a liquid state, a solid state, a gaseous state, a gel state, or the like. The aerosol generating material may include a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material.

The cartridge may be operated by an electrical signal or a wireless signal transmitted from the main body to perform a function of generating aerosols by converting the phase of an aerosol generating material inside the cartridge into a gaseous phase. The aerosols may refer to a gas in which vaporized particles generated from an aerosol generating material are mixed with air.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may generate aerosols by heating a liquid composition, and generated aerosols may be delivered to a user through a cigarette. That is, the aerosols generated from the liquid composition may move along an airflow passage of the aerosol generating device, and the airflow passage may be configured to allow aerosols to be delivered to a user by passing through a cigarette.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may be a device that generates aerosols from an aerosol generating material by using an ultrasonic vibration method. At this time, the ultrasonic vibration method may mean a method of generating aerosols by converting an aerosol generating material into aerosols with ultrasonic vibration generated by a vibrator.

The aerosol generating device may include a vibrator, and generate a short-period vibration through the vibrator to convert an aerosol generating material into aerosols. The vibration generated by the vibrator may be ultrasonic vibration, and the frequency band of the ultrasonic vibration may be in a frequency band of about 100 kHz to about 3.5 MHz, but is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device may further include a wick that absorbs an aerosol generating material. For example, the wick may be arranged to surround at least one area of the vibrator, or may be arranged to contact at least one area of the vibrator.

As a voltage (for example, an alternating voltage) is applied to the vibrator, heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations may be generated from the vibrator, and the heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator may be transmitted to the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick. The aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be converted into a gaseous phase by heat and/or ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the vibrator, and as a result, aerosols may be generated.

For example, the viscosity of the aerosol generating material absorbed in the wick may be lowered by the heat generated by the vibrator, and as the aerosol generating material having a lowered viscosity is granulated by the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the vibrator, aerosols may be generated, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol generating article accommodated in the aerosol generating device in an induction heating method.

The aerosol generating device may include a susceptor and a coil. In an embodiment, the coil may apply a magnetic field to the susceptor. As power is supplied to the coil from the aerosol generating device, a magnetic field may be formed inside the coil. In an embodiment, the susceptor may be a magnetic body that generates heat by an external magnetic field. As the susceptor is positioned inside the coil and a magnetic field is applied to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat to heat an aerosol generating article. In addition, optionally, the susceptor may be positioned within the aerosol generating article.

In another embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further include a cradle.

The aerosol generating device may configure 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 to each other.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in a form that can be implemented in the aerosol generating devices of the various embodiments described above or may be implemented in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1A to 1C are views illustrating examples of an aerosol generating device.

FIGS. 1A to 1C are views illustrating examples where a cigarette is inserted into an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an aerosol generating device 1 includes a battery 11, and a controller 12, and a heater 13. Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the aerosol generating device 1 further includes a vaporizer 14. Also, an aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into an inner space of the aerosol generating device 1.

Elements related to the present embodiment are included in the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. Accordingly, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose elements in addition to the elements shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C may be further included in the aerosol generating device 1.

Also, although the heater 13 is included in the aerosol generating device 1 in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the heater 13 may be omitted when necessary.

In FIG. 1A, the battery 11, the controller 12, and the heater 13 are aligned with each other. Also, in FIG. 1B, the battery 11, the controller 12, the vaporizer 14, and the heater 13 are aligned with each other. Also, in FIG. 1C, the vaporizer 14 and the heater 13 are arranged in parallel. However, an internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is not limited to those illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C. In other words, according to a design of the aerosol generating device 1, the arrangement of the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 may be changed.

When the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may operate the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 to generate aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13 and/or the vaporizer 14 passes through the aerosol generating article 2 and is delivered to a user.

When necessary, even when the aerosol generating article 2 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, the aerosol generating device 1 may heat the heater 13.

The battery 11 supplies power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the battery 11 may supply power to heat the heater 13 or the vaporizer 14, and may supply power necessary for the controller 12 to operate. Also, the battery 11 may supply power required to operate a display, a sensor, or a motor provided in the aerosol generating device 1.

The controller 12 controls an overall operation of the aerosol generating device 1. In detail, the controller 12 controls not only operations of the battery 11, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14 but also operations of other elements included in the aerosol generating device 1. Also, the controller 12 may determine whether the aerosol generating device 1 is able to operate by checking a state of each of elements of the aerosol generating device 1.

The controller 12 includes at least one processor. The processor may include an array of logic gates, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that the processor includes another type of hardware.

The heater 13 may 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 may be located outside the cigarette. Accordingly, the heated heater 13 may increase a temperature of an aerosol generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13 may be an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater 13 may be heated when current flows through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater 13 is not limited to the above example, and may include any heater that may be heated to a desired temperature. The desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device 1, or may be set as a temperature desired by the user.

In another example, the heater 13 may be an induction heater. In detail, the heater 13 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette by induction heating, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that may be heated by the induction heater.

For example, the heater 13 may include a tube-type heating element, a plate-type heating element, a needle-type heating element, or a rod-type heating element, and may heat the inside or the outside of the aerosol generating article 2 according to a shape of the heating element.

Also, a plurality of heaters 13 may be located in the aerosol generating device 1. In this case, the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2 or may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. Also, some of the plurality of heaters 13 may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, and the others may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2. Also, a shape of the heater 13 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, and may include various shapes.

The vaporizer 14 may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may pass through the aerosol generating article 2 to be delivered to the user. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporizer 14 may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device 1, and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporizer 14 passes through the cigarette to be delivered to the user.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid storage, a liquid delivery element, and a heating element. For example, the liquid storage, the liquid delivery element, and the heating element may be included as independent modules in the aerosol generating device 1.

The liquid storage may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid including a tobacco-containing material having a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid including a non-tobacco material. The liquid storage may be formed to be attachable/detachable to/from the vaporizer 14, or may be integrally formed with the vaporizer 14.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, spices, flavorings, or vitamin mixtures. The spices may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and various fruit-flavored ingredients, but are not limited thereto. The flavorings may include ingredients capable of providing various flavors or smoke tastes to the user. The vitamin mixtures may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but are not limited thereto. Also, the liquid composition may include an aerosol forming substance, such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery element may deliver the liquid composition of the liquid storage to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery element may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery element. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal hot plate, a ceramic heater, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heating element may include a conductive filament such as nichrome wire and may be located as being wound around the liquid delivery element. The heating element may be heated by current supply and may transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosol may be generated.

For example, the vaporizer 14 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but it is not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating device 1 may further include general-purpose elements in addition to the battery 11, the controller 12, the heater 13, and the vaporizer 14. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device 1 may include at least one sensor (e.g., a puff detecting sensor, a temperature detecting sensor, and a cigarette insertion detecting sensor). Also, the aerosol generating device 1 may be manufactured so that external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even in a state where the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the aerosol generating device 1 may constitute a system along with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11 of the aerosol generating device 1. Alternatively, the heater 13 may be heated in a state where the cradle and the aerosol generating device 1 are combined with each other.

The aerosol generating article 2 may be similar to a general combustive cigarette. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may be divided into a first portion 21 including an aerosol generating material and a second portion 22 including a filter, etc. Alternatively, an aerosol generating material may also be included in the second portion 22 of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, an aerosol generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second portion 22.

The first portion 21 may include a first aerosol generating rod and a second aerosol generating rod. The first aerosol generating rod and the second aerosol generating rod may be sequentially aligned along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 2. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 2 may be a direction in which a length of the aerosol generating article 2 extends. For example, the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 2 may be a direction from the first portion 21 toward the second portion 22.

Aerosol generated in the first aerosol generating rod and the second aerosol generating rod may sequentially pass through the first aerosol generating rod, the second aerosol generating rod, and the second portion 22 to form an air flow, and thus, a smoker may inhale the aerosol from the second portion 22.

The first aerosol generating rod may be heated to generate aerosol. The first aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating material. Also, the first aerosol generating rod may include other additives such as a wetting agent and/or organic acid, and may include a flavored liquid such as menthol. For example, the aerosol generating material may include at least one of glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

The first aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the aerosol generating material may be included in the first aerosol generating rod while being impregnated in the crimped sheet. Also, other additives such as a tobacco flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid and a flavored liquid may be included in the first aerosol generating rod while being absorbed into the crimped sheet.

The aerosol generating substrate may be located inside the first aerosol generating rod while being wound. The wound aerosol generating substrate may be wound around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 2, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The crimped sheet may be a sheet formed of a polymer material. For example, the polymer material may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, lyocell, and polylactic acid. For example, the crimped sheet may be a paper sheet that does not give out a nasty smell due to heat even when heated to a high temperature.

The first aerosol generating rod may extend from a distal end of the aerosol generating article 2 to a point of about 7 mm to about 20 mm, and the second aerosol generating rod may extend from a point where the first aerosol generating rod ends to a point of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. However, it is not limited to this numerical range, and lengths of the first aerosol generating rod and the second aerosol generating rod may be appropriately adjusted within a range that may be easily changed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The second aerosol generating rod may be heated to generate aerosol including nicotine. For example, the second aerosol generating rod may include a tobacco material. The tobacco material may be in the form of, but not limited to, tobacco strands, tobacco particles, tobacco sheets, tobacco beads, tobacco granules, tobacco powder, or tobacco extracts.

For example, the second aerosol generating rod may include a plurality of tobacco strands, and the plurality of tobacco strands may include a reconstituted tobacco cut filler. The reconstituted tobacco cut filler may be manufactured by fine-cutting a reconstituted tobacco sheet. The reconstituted tobacco cut filler may be manufactured by the following process. A tobacco raw material is crushed to generate a slurry in which an aerosol generating material (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, etc.), a flavored liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.), and water are mixed. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to the slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. A sheet may be formed by casting the slurry, and then dried to manufacture a reconstituted tobacco sheet. A reconstituted tobacco cut filler may be manufactured by cutting or fine-cutting the manufactured reconstituted tobacco sheet. The tobacco raw material may be fragments of tobacco leaf, tobacco stems, and/or fine tobacco powder generated during tobacco processing. Also, the reconstituted tobacco sheet may include other additives such as wood cellulose fiber.

Also, the second aerosol generating rod may include a tobacco cut filler manufactured by mixing, processing and cutting various types of tobacco leaves. Also, the second aerosol generating rod may include a mixture of a reconstituted tobacco cut filler and a tobacco cut filler.

In another example, the second aerosol generating rod may include a plurality of tobacco granules. The tobacco granules may be particles having a diameter of about 100 μm to about 2,000 μm. The tobacco granules may be manufactured by extruding a mixture of ground tobacco leaves, a pH adjuster, and a solvent.

The plurality of tobacco granules may be located between filter materials. The filter materials may include, for example, a fiber bundle of cellulose acetate fiber strands. The plurality of tobacco granules may be uniformly dispersed between a plurality of cellulose fibers. In another example, the filter material may include a crimped paper sheet. The crimped paper sheet may be located inside the second aerosol generating rod while being wound. The crimped paper sheet may be wound around an axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating article 2. The plurality of tobacco granules may be dispersed inside the wound paper sheet.

Also, the second aerosol generating rod may include an aerosol generating substrate impregnated with a liquid aerosol generating composition. The aerosol generating substrate may include a crimped sheet, and the liquid aerosol generating composition may be included in the second aerosol generating rod while being impregnated in the crimped sheet. The description of the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod may apply to the aerosol generating substrate included in the second aerosol generating rod.

The liquid aerosol generating composition may include nicotine. The nicotine may include freebase nicotine and nicotine salt. The freebase nicotine may refer to neutral nicotine to which protons are not added. For example, when a strong base such as ammonia is added to a positively charged nicotine salt, the strong base may be converted into a cation, and the nicotine salt may become free base nicotine that is in a neutral state.

Also, the liquid aerosol generating composition may include an aerosol generating material. The description of the aerosol generating substrate included in the first aerosol generating rod may apply to the aerosol generating material.

About 0.05 g to about 1.0 g of liquid aerosol generating composition may be impregnated per gram of aerosol generating substrate. For example, about 0.1 g to about 0.8 g of liquid aerosol generating composition may be impregnated per gram of aerosol generating substrate.

The entire first portion 21 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, and the second portion 22 may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a part of the first portion 21 may be inserted into the aerosol generating device 1, or the entire first portion 21 and a part of the second portion 22 may be inserted. The user may inhale aerosol while holding the second portion 22 with his/her mouth. In this case, aerosol is generated when external air passes through the first portion 21, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion 22 and is delivered to the user's mouth.

For example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1. For example, the opening/closing and/or a size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 1 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization and a smoking impression may be adjusted by the user. In another embodiment, external air may be introduced into the aerosol generating article 2 through at least one hole formed in a surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

FIGS. 2A to 2C are views illustrating examples of an air flow path applied to an aerosol generating device.

Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the aerosol generating device 1 may include a housing 110 and an air flow path 120.

The housing 110 may form the overall exterior of the aerosol generating device 1, and may include an inner space in which elements of the aerosol generating device 1 may be located.

Elements for generating aerosol by heating the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the housing 110 and elements for performing auxiliary functions in relation to the heating of the aerosol generating article may be located in the inner space of the housing 110, which will be described below in detail.

The housing 110 may include an opening 110h through which the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 110 and an accommodation space 110i in which the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated. The opening 110h may be open toward the outside of the housing 110 at one end of the accommodation space 110i.

At least a part of the aerosol generating article 2 may be inserted into the housing 110 through the opening 110h so that the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 100i of the housing 110. The aerosol generating article 2 inserted into or accommodated in the housing 110 may be heated by a heater (e.g., the heater 13 of FIGS. 1A to 1C).

The air flow path 120 may fluidly communicate (fluidly connect) the outside of the aerosol generating device 1 and the accommodation space 110i inside the housing 110. The air flow path 120 may function as a passage through which air and/or aerosol moves. The air flow path 120 may include an air inlet 120h located in an area of the housing 110 and configured to introduce air into the aerosol generating device 1.

Air introduced into the inner space of the housing 110 through the air inlet 120h may move along the air flow path and may reach one end of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. The air introduced into the aerosol generating article 2 through the one end of the aerosol generating article may be mixed with vaporized particles generated by heating of the aerosol generating article 2 to generate aerosol. A user may inhale the aerosol discharged from the aerosol generating article 2.

A portion of the aerosol generating article 2 through which air is introduced is not limited to the one end of the aerosol generating article 2. For example, the aerosol generating article 2 may include a perforated hole (not shown) in a portion of an outer circumferential surface. The perforated hole may deliver air outside the aerosol generating article 2 and heat generated by the heater into the aerosol generating article 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, air flow paths 120 having various arrangement structures applicable to the aerosol generating device 1 are illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in an example, the air inlet 120h may be located in the opening 110h of the housing 110. The air inlet 120h may be the same as the opening 110h. Even when the aerosol generating article 2 in inserted through the opening 110h, because a diameter of the opening 110h is greater than a diameter of the aerosol generating article 2, air may be introduced through the opening 110h.

The air introduced through the opening 110h may move along the accommodation space 110i. Even when the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, the air may flow along a free space existing inside the accommodation space 110i. That is, the air flow path 120 may be included in the accommodation space 110i.

Because the air introduced into the accommodation space 110i is introduced into one end of the aerosol generating article 2, the air flow path 120 may be formed in a substantially ‘U’ shape to surround the aerosol generating article 2 and the heater accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in another example, the air inlet 120h may be located at a lower end (e.g., an area facing a −z direction) of the housing. In this case, the air flow path 120 may have a ‘1’ shape. Air introduced through the air inlet 120h may move in substantially one direction (e.g., z axis direction) along the air flow path 120 and may reach one end of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

Referring to FIG. 2C, in another embodiment, the air inlet 120h may be located in a side surface (e.g., a surface facing a +y direction) of the housing. The air flow path 120 may have an ‘L’ shape. Air introduced through the air inlet 120h may move along a shape of the air flow path 120 and may reach one end of the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. However, the arrangement and shape of the air flow path 120 are not limited to the above examples.

Hereinafter, the air flow path 120 will be described focusing on a structure of the air flow path 120 of FIG. 2A in which the air inlet 120h of the air flow path 120 is the same as the opening 110h.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, and an adjuster 200. At least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3 may be the same as or similar to at least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 2A, and thus, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

The air flow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 may affect draw resistance and smoke taste of the aerosol generating article 2.

For example, when a volume of the air flow path 120 increases, smoke taste may decrease so that the user feels a mild taste, and draw resistance may decrease so that the user sufficiently inhales aerosol even with weak inhalation. Also, the atomization amount of aerosol may increase. ‘Mild taste’ refers to a state where the intensity of an original taste of an aerosol generating article is reduced.

On the other hand, when a volume of the air flow path 120 decreases, smoke taste may increase so that the user feels a strong taste, and draw resistance may increase so that the user should inhale aerosol strongly. Also, the atomization amount of aerosol may decrease.

Both a cross-sectional area and a volume of the air flow path 120 may affect draw resistance and smoke taste, but a main factor affecting draw resistance may be a cross-sectional area of the air flow path 120 and a main factor affecting smoke taste may be a volume of the air flow path 120. A cross-sectional area of the air flow path 120 may be mainly inversely proportional to draw resistance, and a volume of the air flow path 120 may be mainly inversely proportional to smoke taste.

When the user may directly adjust the air flow path 120, the user may adjust draw resistance and smoke taste of the aerosol generating article to suit his/her preference. When a volume of the air flow path 120 is adjusted, a cross-sectional area of the air flow path 120 may also be adjusted, and thus various factors related to the user's preference (e.g., draw resistance, smoke taste, and atomization amount) may be adjusted at once, and thus, a structure capable of adjusting a volume of the air flow path 120 is required.

To solve the above problem, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the adjuster 200. The adjuster 200 may be located inside the housing 110 to surround at least a portion of the air flow path, and may adjust a volume of the air flow path 120.

Referring to FIG. 3, because the air flow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is formed inside the accommodation space 110i starting from the opening 110h, the adjuster 200 is illustrated inside the accommodation space 110i. However, the arrangement of the adjuster 200 is not limited thereto.

The adjuster 200 may include a movable structure. At least a portion of the adjuster 200 may move to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120. For example, at least a portion of the adjuster 200 may move to change from the air flow path 120 in a first state s1 marked by a solid line to the air flow path 120 in a second state s2 marked by a two dot chain line.

As at least a portion of the adjuster 200 moves to change the air flow path 120 from the first state s1 to the second state s2, in a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3, a radius of the accommodation space 110i may be reduced by a distance obtained by subtracting a distance d2 from a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 110i to an edge of the air flow path 120 in the second state s2 from a distance d1 from the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 110i to an edge of the air flow path 120 in the first state s1.

Accordingly, a volume of the air flow path 120 including an area of the accommodation space 110i may decrease. In contrast, when the air flow path 120 is changed from the second state s2 to the first state s1 by the adjuster 200, a volume of the air flow path 120 may increase.

In the specification, a ‘longitudinal direction’ may refer to a Z axis direction, and may refer to a direction in which the accommodation space 110i extends long in one direction. Also, a ‘longitudinal direction’ may refer to a direction in which the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the housing 110. The definition of the ‘longitudinal direction’ may be the same below.

In a state where the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i, a draw resistance value through adjustment of the adjuster 200 may be 30 mH2O to 60 mmH2O in the first state s1 where a volume of the air flow path 120 is maximized and may be 60 mH2O to 90 mmH2O in the second state s2 where a volume of the air flow path 120 is minimized.

A ratio between a draw resistance value of the first state s1 and a draw resistance value of the second state s2 may be 1:1 to 3:1. Also, the ratio may be 1:1 to 2:1. Also, the ratio may be 1:1 to 1.5:1. Also, the ratio may be 1:1 to 1.2:1.

A volume of the air flow path 120 may be adjusted by the adjuster 200 in various ways. In an example, a volume of the air flow path 120 may be manually adjusted by using a mechanical or physical method. In another embodiment, a volume of the air flow path 120 may be automatically adjusted according to an electronic method using software.

According to the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment, because a volume of the air flow path 120 is variable and a volume of the air flow path 120 may be adjusted by the adjuster 200, the aerosol generating device 1 may be used according to the user's preference in terms of draw resistance and smoke taste.

Hereinafter, an operating principle of the adjuster 200 for adjusting a volume of the air flow path 120 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a first operation state of an adjuster applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3. FIGS. 4C and 4D are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a second operation state of the adjuster. FIGS. 4E and 4F are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a third operation state of the adjuster.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the adjuster 200 may include a plurality of adjustment units 210. Each adjustment unit 210 is a movable element. ‘Movement of the adjustment unit 210’ or ‘movement of at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210’ may include both a case where a portion of the adjustment unit 210 moves and a case where the entire adjustment unit 210 moves, and may be used with the same meaning below unless otherwise described.

A plurality of adjustment units 210 may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the air flow path 120. The adjustment units 210 arranged along the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 may move independently. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, four adjustment units 210 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120. That is, the adjuster 200 may include 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 the above embodiment.

At least a portion of one adjustment unit 210 may move in a ‘first direction’ that is a direction from an edge of the air flow path 120 to the inside of the air flow path 120 or a ‘second direction’ opposite to the first direction. The ‘inside’ may refer to a central axis in a direction in which the air flow path 120 extends, and in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the ‘inside’ may refer to a central axis in a longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 110i. The expressions ‘first direct’, ‘second direction’, and ‘inside’ may be used with the same meaning below.

The adjustment unit 210 may move within a preset movement range. The ‘preset movement range’ may refer to a movement range in which one adjustment unit 210 does not interfere with movement of another adjustment unit 210 and at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210 is not physically completely separated from the one adjuster 200. The preset movement range may be used with the same meaning below.

The movement range is not limited to the above example and may be changed in various ways. Also, the movement range may be set in various ways. For example, the movement range may be set by a mechanical or physical method using an engagement structure or an arrangement of a stopper or an electronic method using software. The description may apply to the ‘movement range’ mentioned throughout the specification.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in an embodiment, a first operation state of the adjustment unit 210 in which the adjustment unit 210 moves so that a volume of the air flow path 120 is maximized according to a preset range is illustrated. In the first operation state of FIGS. 4A and 4B, at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210 may move only in the first direction from among the first direction and the second direction. The movement restriction of the adjustment unit 210 is determined according to a preset range and is not limited to the embodiment. As the preset movement range varies, a final position to which at least a portion of the adjustment unit moves in the second direction may be determined.

Because the air flow path 120 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment is included in the accommodation space 110i, a volume of the accommodation space 110i may be maximized when all of the plurality of adjustment units 210 are adjusted to the first operation state.

Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D, a second operation state of the adjustment unit 210 in which the adjustment unit 210 moves so that a volume of the air flow path 120 decreases to be less than that in the state of FIGS. 4A and 4B is illustrated. In order to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120, the adjustment unit 210 may include a fixed portion 210s and a movable portion 210m.

The fixed portion 210s may refer to at least a portion of the adjustment unit 210 which does not move with respect to the air flow path 120 even when an operation state of the adjustment unit 210 changes. The fixed portion 210s may be located at an edge of the air flow path 120 and may support the movable portion 210m so that the movable portion 210m is movable. The fixed portion 210s may include a guide surface contacting the movable portion 210m and guiding the movable portion 210m to linearly move.

The movable portion 210m may refer to the other portion of the adjustment unit 210 which is movable with respect to the air flow path 120. Shapes and sizes of the fixed portion 210s and the movable portion 210m in one adjustment unit 210 may vary according to an embodiment. The movable portion 210m may be provided so that movement of the movable portion 210m is not hindered by the fixed portion 210s within the preset movement range.

The movable portion 210m may move in the first direction or the second direction within the preset movement range. A stopper (not shown) may be located to restrict movement of the movable portion 210m. The stopper may determine the movement range of the movable portion.

In the first operation state of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the movable portion 210m may move only in the first direction according to the preset movement range. In order to reduce a volume of the air flow path 120, the movable portion 210m may move in the first direction until the movable portion 210m meets the movable portion 210m of another adjustment unit 210.

Referring to FIGS. 4C and 4D, a state (second operation state of the adjustment unit) where the movable portion 210m of one adjustment unit meets the movable portion of another adjustment unit and may not move any further is illustrated. In order to increase a volume of the air flow path 120 in the second operation state, the movable portion 210m may move in the second direction to be in the first operation state.

Referring to FIGS. 4E and 4F, a third operation state of the adjustment unit 210 in which the adjustment unit 210 moves so that a volume of the air flow path 120 decreases to be less than that in the state of FIGS. 4C and 4D is illustrated. In order to adjust a volume of the air flow path at each step, a movable range of each portion of the movable portion 210m may be different. In the present embodiment, the movable portion 210m may include a first movable portion 211 and a second movable portion 212 having different movable ranges.

In the second operation state, the first movable portion 211 may no longer move in the first direction. In order to reduce a volume of the air flow path 120 in the second operation state, the second movable portion 212 adjacent to the first movable portion 211 may move in the first direction with respect to the first movable portion 211.

Referring to FIGS. 4E and 4F, a state (third operation state of the adjustment unit) where the second movable portion 212 of one adjustment unit meets the second movable portion of another adjustment unit and may not move any further is illustrated. In order to increase a volume of the air flow path 120 in the third operation state, the second movable portion 212 may move in the second direction to be in the second operation state.

The first movable portion 211 and the second movable portion 212 may move independently. According to an embodiment, between the first operation state and the second operation state, the first movable portion 211 and the second movable portion 212 may move together as one movable portion m. Between the second operation state and the third operation state, the second movable portion 212 may move independently from the first movable portion 211.

Although the movable portion 210m includes only the first movable portion 211 and the second movable portion 212 in the specification, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that a volume of the air flow path 120 may be further reduced by including a plurality of movable portions such as a third movable portion according to the same principle as described above.

A plurality of adjustment units 210 may be arranged not only in the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 but also along an extension direction of the air flow path 120. Hereinafter, the plurality of adjustment units 210 arranged along the extension direction of the air flow path 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 according to an operation state.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the adjuster 200 may include a first adjustment unit 210, a second adjustment unit 220, and a third adjustment unit 230 sequentially arranged in an extension direction of the air flow path 120.

In the present embodiment, because four adjustment units 210 are arranged along a circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 and three adjustment units 210 are arranged along the extension direction of the air flow path 120, the adjuster 200 may include a total of 12 adjustment units 210. However, the number of adjustment units 210 is not limited to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a state where a volume of the air flow path 120 is maximized according to a preset movement range is illustrated. A plurality of adjustment units 210 sequentially arranged along the extension direction of the air flow path 120 may independently move to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120.

Referring to FIG. 5B, a state where each of the adjustment units 210 moves in the first direction is illustrated. In this case, the second adjustment unit 220 moves in the first direction more than the first adjustment unit 210, and the third adjustment unit 230 moves in the first direction more than the second adjustment unit 220. As a result, a volume of the air flow path 120 may decrease toward one end of the aerosol generating article 2 (e.g., a lower end in the −z direction). A movement state of each adjustment unit 210 may not be limited thereto, and a volume of the air flow path 120 may be variously changed along the extension direction of the air flow path 120.

FIGS. 6A to 6C are top views illustrating an adjustment plate applied to the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 according to an operation state.

Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment (e.g., the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3) may include an adjustment plate 130. The adjustment plate 130 may be located in an opening 100h of the aerosol generating device. The adjustment plate 130 may be located to face a direction in which the opening 110h is open (e.g., the z axis direction).

The arrangement of the adjustment plate 130 is not limited to the above embodiment. Although the adjustment plate 130 is located in the opening 110h that is an air inlet (e.g., the air inlet 120h of FIG. 2A) in the present embodiment, the adjustment plate 130 may be located inside the air flow path 120.

The adjustment plate 130 may include a movable structure to adjust an open area of the opening 110h. For example, the adjustment plate 130 may have an aperture shape. As at least a portion of the adjustment plate 130 moves to change an open area of the opening 110h, a cross-sectional area of the air flow path 120 may change.

In detail, the adjustment plate 130 may include a plurality of wings 131. Each of the wings 131 is a movable element. In this case, ‘movement of the wing 131’ may include both a case where at least a portion of the wing 131 moves and a case where the entire wing 131 moves, and may be used with the same meaning below unless otherwise described.

A plurality of wings 131 may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 and a circumferential direction of the opening 110h. Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, although eight wings 131 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120, the number of wings is not limited to the above example.

Each of the wings 131 may move in a direction from an edge of the air flow path 120 to the inside of the air flow path 120 or a direction opposite to the direction, to adjust an open area of the opening 110h. Each of the wings 131 may independently move within a preset movement range, like the adjustment unit 210 described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4F.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a first operation state where the opening 110h is maximally open by the adjustment plate 130 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 6B, a second operation state where an opening degree of the opening 110h decreases as each wing 131 of the adjustment plate 130 moves to the inside of the air flow path 120 is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 6C, a third operation state where an opening degree of the opening 110h is less than that in the second operation state of FIG. 6B is illustrated. Although not shown, when the wing 131 moves to the inside of the air flow path 120 and meets the aerosol generating article 2, the air flow path 120 may be closed.

Because an opening degree of the opening 110h is adjusted by the adjustment plate 130, a cross-sectional area of the air flow path 120 may be adjusted. Also, the adjustment plate 130 may be used together with the adjuster 200 of FIGS. 4A to 4F, to cover the air flow path 120 that is divided into a plurality of air flow paths inside the accommodation space 110i according to movement of the adjustment unit 210.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 4A to 4F, as the movable portion 210m of the adjustment unit 210 moves in the first direction, the air flow path 120 may be divided into a plurality of peripheral areas surrounded by the fixed portion 210s and the movable portion 210m as well as one central area in which the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated.

In this case, the wings 131 of the adjustment plate 130 located in the opening 110h may move to cover the plurality of peripheral areas. Accordingly, only the central area where the aerosol generating article 2 is accommodated may fluidly communicate with the outside. That is, the adjustment plate 130 may affect volume control of the air flow path 120 by the adjuster 200.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are perspective views illustrating an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment according to an operation state.

Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, and an adjuster 300. At least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 7A to 7C may be the same as or similar to at least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3, and thus, a repeated description will be omitted.

At least a portion of the adjuster 300 may move along a longitudinal direction of an accommodation space (e.g., the accommodation space 110i of FIG. 3) to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120.

The adjuster 300 may include one or more sliding portions 310 sequentially arranged in a direction from an edge of the air flow path 120 toward the inside of the air flow path 120. The sliding portions 310 may have a tubular shape surrounding the air flow path 120. However, a shape of the sliding portion 310 is not limited to the above example, and in another embodiment, may have an arc shape.

In the present embodiment, two sliding portions 310 are illustrated. The adjuster 300 may include a first sliding portion 311 and a second sliding portion 312 in a direction toward the inside of the air flow path 120. However, the number of sliding portions 310 is not limited thereto.

The sliding portion 310 may move in an extension direction of the accommodation space and an extension direction of the air flow path within a preset movement range. A stopper may be located to restrict movement of the sliding portion 310. The stopper may determine the movement range of the sliding portion 310.

When the sliding portion 310 is accommodated in the air flow path 120, a volume of the air flow path 120 may decrease by a volume in which the sliding portion 310 is accommodated in the air flow path 120. That is, a volume of the air flow path 120 may vary as the sliding portion 310 moves.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a first operation state where the first sliding portion 311 and the second sliding portion 312 are not accommodated in the air flow path 120 is illustrated. In the first operation state, a volume of the air flow path 120 may be maximized.

Referring to FIG. 7B, a second operation state where the first sliding portion 311 is accommodated in the air flow path 120 along the extension direction of the air flow path 120 is illustrated. In this case, the second sliding portion 312 may not move, and only the first sliding portion 311 may move to be accommodated in the air flow path 120. A volume of the air flow path 120 in the second operation state may be less than a volume of the air flow path 120 in the first operation state.

Referring to FIG. 7C, a third operation state where the second sliding portion 312 is accommodated in the air flow path 120 according to the extension direction of the air flow path 120 is illustrated. In this case, both the first sliding portion 311 and the second sliding portion 312 may be accommodated in the air flow path 120. A volume of the air flow path 120 in the third operation state may be less than a volume of the air flow path 120 in the second operation state.

A degree to which the sliding portion 310 moves along the extension direction of the air flow path 120 is not limited to the above embodiment. Accordingly, only a portion of the sliding portion 310 may be accommodated in the air flow path 120. Also, moving lengths of a plurality of sliding portions 310 may be different from each other. For example, when only 70% of the first sliding portion 311 is accommodated in the air flow path 120 and only 30% of the second sliding portion 312 is accommodated in the air flow path 120, a volume of the air flow path 120 may decrease toward one end (e.g., a lower end in the −z direction) of the aerosol generating article 2.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a first operation state of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment. FIGS. 8C and 8D are respectively a perspective view and a top view illustrating a second operation state of the aerosol generating device of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8D, the aerosol generating device 1 according to another embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, and an adjuster 400. At least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIGS. 8A to 8D may be the same as or similar to at least one of elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3, and thus, a repeated description will be omitted.

At least a portion of the adjuster 400 may rotate around a central axis in a longitudinal direction of an accommodation space (e.g., the accommodation space 110i of FIG. 3) to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120.

The adjuster 400 may include one or more rotating portions 410 arranged along a circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 and one or more rotating grooves 420 in which the rotating portions 410 are accommodated. The rotating portions 410 and the rotating grooves 420 may correspond to each other in a one-to-one manner, and one rotating portion 410 and one rotating groove 420 may form one pair. Although four pairs of rotating portions 410 and rotating grooves 420 are illustrated in the present embodiment, the number of the rotating portions 410 and the rotating grooves 420 is not limited thereto.

The air flow path 120 may be located between two pairs of rotating portions 410 and rotating grooves 420. That is, the rotating portions 410 and the rotating grooves 420 may divide the air flow path 120 into a plurality of air flow paths, and the number of air flow paths 120 may be the same as the number of rotating portions 410 and rotating grooves 420. In the present embodiment, the air flow path 120 may be divided into four air flow paths.

The rotating portions 410 may rotate along the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 around a rotation axis within a preset movement range. In this case, the rotation axis may refer to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation space 110i and a central axis in an extension direction of the air flow path 120 which is spaced apart at the same distance from the plurality of separated air flow paths 120. A stopper may be located to restrict movement of the rotating portions 410. The stopper may determine a rotation range of the rotating portions 410.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a first operation state where the entire rotating portion 410 is accommodated in the rotating groove 420 is illustrated. When the entire rotating portion 410 is accommodated in the rotating groove 420, a volume of the air flow path may be maximized.

Referring to FIGS. 8C and 8D, a second operation state where the rotating portion 410 moves along the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 so that a part of the rotating portion 410 is accommodated in the rotating groove 420 is illustrated. In this case, the other portion of the rotating portion 410 not accommodated in the rotating groove 420 may close a part of the air flow path 120 so that a volume of the air flow path 120 is reduced compared to that in the first operation state of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Although not shown, when the rotating portion 410 moves along the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 and one surface of the rotating portion 410 facing the circumferential direction of the air flow path 120 meets one surface of the air flow path, the air flow path 120 may be closed.

Hereinafter, a support element that changes a volume of the air flow path 120 included in the accommodation space 110i and supports the aerosol generating article 2 will be described.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which an example of a support element is applied.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, a heater 140, and the adjuster 200.

The heater 140 of FIGS. 9A and 9B may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i to heat the aerosol generating article 2. In this case, the heater 140 may have a rod shape, a needle shape, or an elongated shape, and may have any of various shapes that may be inserted into the aerosol generating article 2.

The heater 140 inserted into the aerosol generating article 2 may be a support element of the aerosol generating article 2. As the heater 140 is inserted into the aerosol generating article 2, the aerosol generating article 2 may be supported inside the accommodation space 110i by the heater 140 without a separate support element.

In a state where the aerosol generating article 2 is fixed to an area of the accommodation space 110i by the heater 140, the adjuster 200 may adjust a volume of the air flow path 120 without contacting the aerosol generating article 2.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when the adjuster 200 reduces a volume of the air flow path 120, the amount of air introduced into the air flow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the air flow path 120 is reduced. Referring to FIG. 9B, when the adjuster 200 increases a volume of the air flow path 120, the amount of air introduced into the air flow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the air flow path 120 is increased.

When the accommodation space 110iu includes the air flow path 120, the adjuster 200 may adjust a volume of the accommodation space 110i and the opening 110h without contacting the aerosol generating article 2 inserted into the heater 140. As the adjuster 200 adjusts a volume of the accommodation space 110i, various types (thicknesses) of aerosol generating articles 2 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which another example of a support element is applied.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, the heater 140, a support portion 150, and the adjuster 200.

The heater 140 of FIGS. 10A and 10B may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i to heat the aerosol generating article 2. In this case, the heater 140 may have a tubular shape or a plate shape, and may have any of various shapes that may be located outside the aerosol generating article 2.

The heater 140 may be connected to the support portion 150 and supported inside the accommodation space 110i. However, a method of supporting the heater 140 is not limited thereto. The heater 140 may be supported by a separate element.

The heater 140 located outside the aerosol generating article 2 accommodated in the accommodation space 110i may support an outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 2. That is, the heater 140 located outside the aerosol generating article 2 may be a support element of the aerosol generating article 2. The aerosol generating article 2 may be supported by the heater 140 inside the accommodation space 110i without a separate support element.

The support portion 150 may be located under the accommodation space (e.g., the −z direction) to accommodate one end of the aerosol generating article 2 and support the aerosol generating article. The support portion 150 may include an air passage through which air moving along the air flow path 120 may move to a bottom surface of the accommodation space 110i and one end of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating article 2 may be supported by the support portion 150 inside the accommodation space 110i. In this case, the aerosol generating article may be simultaneously supported by the support portion 150 and the heater 140. When the aerosol generating article 2 includes a susceptor material that generates heat through induction heating, the aerosol generating article 2 may be supported only by the support portion 150 without the separate heater 140.

In a state where the aerosol generating article 2 is fixed to one area of the accommodation space 110i by the heater 140 or the support portion 150, the adjuster 200 may adjust a volume of the airflow path 120 without contacting the aerosol generating article 2.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, like in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the adjuster 200 reduces or increases a volume of the air flow path 120, the amount of air introduced into the air flow path 120 or the amount of air moving inside the air flow path 120 is reduced or increased.

When the accommodation space 110i includes the air flow path 120, the adjuster 200 may adjust a volume of the accommodation space 110i and the opening 110h without contacting the aerosol generating article 2. Unlike in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a size of the heater 140 or the support portion 150 located outside the aerosol generating article 2 may affect a type (e.g., a thickness) of an aerosol generating article that may be accommodated in the accommodation space.

For example, when a thickness of the aerosol generating article 2 is less than a receiving diameter of the heater 140 or the support portion 150, the aerosol generating article 2 may be shaken inside the accommodation space 110u without being supported by the heater 140 or the support portion 150. In contrast, when a thickness of the aerosol generating article 2 is greater than a receiving diameter of the heater 140 or the support portion 150, the aerosol generating article 2 may not be accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

Hereinafter, an improved structure for accommodating various types of aerosol generating articles 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views illustrating an operation state of the aerosol generating device of the embodiment of FIG. 3 to which another example of a support element is applied.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include the housing 110, the air flow path 120, the adjuster 200, a heater assembly 540, a support portion 550, and the adjuster 200. As a configuration for solving the above problem, the heater assembly 540 and the support portion 550 will be described. The heater assembly 540 and the support portion 550 serve to accommodate the aerosol generating articles 2 having various thicknesses in the accommodation space 110i according to a volume change of the accommodation space 110i. Each of the heater assembly 540 and the support portion 550 may be independently located.

The heater assembly 540 may include a heater adjuster 541, a heater connector 542, and a heater 543. In this case, the heater may refer to the heater 543 located outside the aerosol generating article 2 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

The heater adjuster 541 may operate under the same principle as the adjuster 200 of FIGS. 4A to 4F. In detail, the heater adjuster 541 may include a plurality of heater adjustment units, and the heater adjustment unit may move in a first direction from an edge of the air flow path 120 toward the inside of the air flow path 120 or a second direction opposite to the first direction according to the same principle of the adjustment unit 210 of the adjuster 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4F. In this case, the first direction may refer to a direction from the outside to the inside of the accommodation space 110i.

The heater connector 542 may connect the heater 543 to the heater adjuster 541, and may move in the first direction or the second direction independently of the heater adjuster 541 to bring the heater 543 closer to an outer circumferential surface of the aerosol generating article 2.

A plurality of heater connectors 542 may be arranged, and may have a thin rod shape with a small volume. However, the number and shape of the heater connectors 542 are not limited to the embodiment. The heater connector 542 may support the heater 543 without shaking, and may include any of various structures not greatly affecting a volume of the air flow path 120.

The hater adjuster 541 may operate together with the adjuster 200 to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120. The heater connector 542 may sufficiently allow the flow of air moving along the air flow path 120 and may move the heater 543 in the first direction or the second direction. Accordingly, even when a thickness of an aerosol generating article varies, the aerosol generating article 2 may be accommodated and supported in the accommodation space 110i through the moving heater 543.

The support portion 550 may include an inclined surface 551 having a funnel shape or a tapered shape which is open in the z axis direction at one portion. The inclined surface 551 may enable the support portion 550 to accommodate and support ends of different types of aerosol generating articles 2 regardless of thicknesses of the aerosol generating articles.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the aerosol generating article 2 having a relatively large thickness is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i. Referring to FIG. 11B, the aerosol generating article 2 having a relatively small thickness is accommodated in the accommodation space 110i.

When a volume of the air flow path 120 decreases and a volume of the accommodation space 110i decreases, only the aerosol generating article 2 having a relatively small thickness may be used. In contrast, when a volume of the air flow path 120 increases and a volume of the accommodation space 110i increases, not only the aerosol generating article 2 having a relatively large thickness but also the aerosol generating article 2 having a relatively small thickness may be used.

According to an embodiment, because draw resistance and smoke taste may be adjusted by adjusting a volume of the air flow path 120, the aerosol generating device 1 may be used according to a user's preference.

Also, according to an embodiment, when the accommodation space 110i includes the air flow path 120, a volume of the accommodation space 110i may be adjusted by adjusting a volume of the air flow path 120. The aerosol generating articles 2 having various thicknesses may be accommodated in the accommodation space 110i having a variable volume. Accordingly, various types of aerosol generating articles 2 may be used by using one aerosol generating device 1.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment may include a controller 610, a driver 620, and an input unit 630. Hereinafter, FIG. 12 will be described with reference to elements of the aerosol generating device 1 of FIG. 3.

The controller 610 may be the same as the controller 12 of FIGS. 1A to 1C. The controller 610 may be electrically connected to the driver 620 and the input unit 630 and may control the driver 620 and the input unit 630.

The driver 620 may be connected to at least one of an adjuster 601, an adjustment plate 602, and a heater assembly 603 and may move the connected element. In this case, each or the adjuster 601, the adjustment plate 602, and the heater assembly 603 may be respectively the same as the adjuster 200, 300, or 400, the adjustment plate 130, and the heater assembly 540 described above with reference to the drawings.

The driver 620 may include one or more actuators. In this case, the actuators may include various components for performing mechanical operations by using electricity, hydraulic pressure, compressed air, etc. For example, the actuators may include, but are not limited to, a motor, an electromagnet, and a solenoid valve.

The actuators may be connected to the adjuster 601 and may move at least one of an adjustment unit (e.g., the adjuster 200 of FIGS. 4A and 5A), a sliding portion (e.g., the sliding portion 310 of FIG. 7A), and a rotating portion (e.g., the rotating portion 410 of FIG. 8A). The actuator may be connected to the adjustment plate 602 and may move a wing (e.g., the wing 131 of FIG. 6A). The actuator may be connected to the heater assembly 603 and may move a heater adjuster (e.g., the heater adjuster 541 of FIG. 11A) and a heater connector (e.g., the heater connector 542 of FIG. 11A).

The input unit 630 is configured to allow a user to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120. The input unit 630 may be located on a portion of the housing 110 and may be manipulated by the user. The input unit 630 may generate a signal according to the user's input, and the controller 610 may command the driver 620 to adjust a volume of the air flow path 120 based on the signal generated by the input unit 630. The driver 620 may move the adjuster 601 according to the command of the controller 610 to change a volume of the air flow path 120.

The input unit 630 may be used to adjust the adjustment plate 602 and the heater assembly 603 as well as the adjuster 601. Even in this case, the same principle as the adjustment method by the user described above may be applied.

Although the adjuster 601, the adjustment plate 602, and the heater assembly 603 are controlled by the controller 610 by using an electronic method in FIG. 12, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the user may control the adjuster 601, the adjustment plate 602, and the heater assembly 603 directly or through a separate element by using a mechanical or physical method.

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

The aerosol generating device 1300 may include a controller 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 those illustrated in FIG. 13. That is, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 1300, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that some of the components shown in FIG. 13 may be omitted or new components may be added.

The sensing unit 1320 may sense a state of the aerosol generating device 1300 and a state around the aerosol generating device 1300, and transmit sensed information to the controller 1310. Based on the sensed information, the controller 1310 may control the aerosol generating device 1300 to perform various functions, such as controlling an operation of the heater 1350, limiting smoking, determining whether an aerosol generating article (e.g., a cigarette, a cartridge, or the like) is inserted, displaying a notification, or the like.

The sensing unit 1320 may include at least one of a temperature sensor 1322, an insertion detection sensor, and a puff sensor 1326, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 1322 may sense a temperature at which the heater 1350 (or an aerosol generating material) is heated. The aerosol generating device 1300 may include a separate temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater 1350, or the heater 1350 may serve as a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 1322 may also be arranged around the battery 1340 to monitor the temperature of the battery 1340.

The insertion detection sensor 1324 may sense insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article. For example, the insertion detection sensor 1324 may 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 may sense a signal change according to the insertion and/or removal of an aerosol generating article.

The puff sensor 1326 may sense a user's puff on the basis of various physical changes in an airflow passage or an airflow channel. For example, the puff sensor 1326 may sense a user's puff on the basis of any one of a temperature change, a flow change, a voltage change, and a pressure change.

The sensing unit 1320 may include, in addition to the temperature sensor 1322, the insertion detection sensor 1324, and the puff sensor 1326 described above, at least one of a temperature/humidity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a location sensor (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS)), a proximity sensor, and a red-green-blue (RGB) sensor (illuminance sensor). Because a function of each of sensors may be intuitively inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art from the name of the sensor, a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The output unit 1330 may output information on a state of the aerosol generating device 1300 and provide the information to a user. The output unit 1330 may include at least one of a display unit 1332, a haptic unit 1334, and a sound output unit 1336, but is not limited thereto. When the display unit 1332 and a touch pad form a layered structure to form a touch screen, the display unit 1332 may also be used as an input device in addition to an output device.

The display unit 1332 may visually provide information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user. For example, information about the aerosol generating device 1300 may mean various pieces of information, such as a charging/discharging state of the battery 1340 of the aerosol generating device 1300, a preheating state of the heater 1350, an insertion/removal state of an aerosol generating article, or a state in which the use of the aerosol generating device 1300 is restricted (e.g., sensing of an abnormal object), or the like, and the display unit 1332 may output the information to the outside. The display unit 1332 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, or the like. In addition, the display unit 1332 may be in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) light-emitting device.

The haptic unit 1334 may tactilely provide information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user by converting an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus or an electrical stimulus. For example, the haptic unit 1334 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The sound output unit 1336 may audibly provide information about the aerosol generating device 1300 to the user. For example, the sound output unit 1336 may convert an electrical signal into a sound signal and output the same to the outside.

The battery 1340 may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device 1300. The battery 1340 may supply power such that the heater 1350 may be heated. In addition, the battery 1340 may supply power required for operations of other components (e.g., the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380) in the aerosol generating device 1300. The battery 1340 may be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery. For example, the battery 1340 may be a lithium polymer (LiPoly) battery, but is not limited thereto.

The heater 1350 may receive power from the battery 1340 to heat an aerosol generating material. Although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a power conversion circuit (e.g., a direct current (DC)/DC converter) that converts power of the battery 1340 and supplies the same to the heater 1350. In addition, when the aerosol generating device 1300 generates aerosols in an induction heating method, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a DC/alternating current (AC) converter that converts DC power of the battery 1340 into AC power.

The controller 1310, the sensing unit 1320, the output unit 1330, the user input unit 1360, the memory 1370, and the communication unit 1380 may each receive power from the battery 1340 to perform a function. Although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a power conversion circuit that converts power of the battery 1340 to supply the power to respective components, for example, a low dropout (LDO) circuit, or a voltage regulator circuit.

In an embodiment, the heater 1350 may be formed of any suitable electrically resistive material. For example, the suitable electrically resistive material may be a metal or a metal alloy including titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, iron, copper, stainless steel, nichrome, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the heater 1350 may be implemented by a metal wire, a metal plate on which an electrically conductive track is arranged, a ceramic heating element, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, the heater 1350 may be a heater of an induction heating type. For example, the heater 1350 may include a susceptor that heats an aerosol generating material by generating heat through a magnetic field applied by a coil.

The user input unit 1360 may receive information input from the user or may output information to the user. For example, the user input unit 1360 may include a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (a contact capacitive method, a pressure resistance film method, an infrared sensing method, a surface ultrasonic conduction method, an integral tension measurement method, a piezo effect method, or the like), a jog wheel, a jog switch, or the like, but is not limited thereto. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the aerosol generating device 1300 may further include a connection interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, and may connect to other external devices through the connection interface, such as the USB interface, to transmit and receive information, or to charge the battery 1340.

The memory 1370 is a hardware component that stores various types of data processed in the aerosol generating device 1300, and may store data processed and data to be processed by the controller 1310. The memory 1370 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card-type memory (for example, secure digital (SD) or extreme digital (XD) memory, etc.), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The memory 1370 may store an operation time of the aerosol generating device 1300, the maximum number of puffs, the current number of puffs, at least one temperature profile, data on a user's smoking pattern, etc.

The communication unit 1380 may include at least one component for communication with another electronic device. For example, the communication unit 1380 may include a short-range wireless communication unit 1382 and a wireless communication unit 1384.

The short-range wireless communication unit 1382 may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit, a wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication unit, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication unit, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication unit 1384 may include a cellular network communication unit, an Internet communication unit, a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) communication unit, or the like, but is not limited thereto. The wireless communication unit 1384 may also identify and authenticate the aerosol generating device 1300 within a communication network by using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)).

The controller 1310 may control general operations of the aerosol generating device 1300. In an embodiment, the controller 1310 may include at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable by the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor may be implemented in other forms of hardware.

The controller 1310 may control the temperature of the heater 1350 by controlling supply of power of the battery 1340 to the heater 1350. For example, the controller 1310 may control power supply by controlling switching of a switching element between the battery 1340 and the heater 1350. In another example, a direct heating circuit may also control power supply to the heater 1350 according to a control command of the controller 1310.

The controller 1310 may analyze a result sensed by the sensing unit 1320 and control subsequent processes to be performed. For example, the controller 1310 may control power supplied to the heater 1350 to start or end an operation of the heater 1350 on the basis of a result sensed by the sensing unit 1320. As another example, the controller 1310 may control, based on a result sensed by the sensing unit 1320, an amount of power supplied to the heater 1350 and the time the power is supplied, such that the heater 1350 may be heated to a certain temperature or maintained at an appropriate temperature.

The controller 1310 may control the output unit 1330 on the basis of a result sensed by the sensing unit 1320. For example, when the number of puffs counted through the puff sensor 1326 reaches a preset number, the controller 1310 may notify the user that the aerosol generating device 1300 will soon be terminated through at least one of the display unit 1332, the haptic unit 1334, and the sound output unit 1336.

One embodiment may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as a program module executable by the computer. The computer-readable recording medium may be any available medium that may be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may include both a computer storage medium and a communication medium. The computer storage medium includes all of volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication medium typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, other data in modulated data signals such as program modules, or other transmission mechanisms, and includes any information transfer media.

The descriptions of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and equivalents thereof may be made. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be defined by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent to those described in the claims will be construed as being included in the scope of protection defined by the claims.

According to an aerosol generating device according to embodiments, the aerosol generating device may be used according to a user's preference by adjusting the amount of air moving inside the aerosol generating device.

Also, according to an aerosol generating device according to embodiments, because various types of aerosol generating articles may be accommodated, the applicability of the aerosol generating device may be increased.

Effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and effects that are not mentioned could be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art from the present specification and the attached drawings.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising:

a housing comprising an accommodation space in which an aerosol generating article is accommodated; and

an air flow path through which fluid moves inside the housing,

wherein a volume of the air flow path is variable.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising an adjuster located inside the accommodation space, surrounding at least a portion of the air flow path, and movable to adjust a volume of the air flow path.

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

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, further comprising a fixed portion arranged in the circumferential direction to support the movable portion, and comprising a guide surface along which the movable portion is guided to linearly move.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the movable portion comprises a first movable portion and a second movable portion that is movable in the first direction with respect to the first movable portion.

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

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

8. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an opening open toward an outside at one end of the accommodation space,

wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an adjustment plate located in the opening and movable to adjust an area of the opening.

9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising one or more sliding portions having tubular shapes and sequentially arranged in a direction from an edge of the air flow path toward an inside,

wherein the one or more sliding portions are movable in an extension direction of the air flow path within a preset movement range.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the one or more sliding portions have tubular shapes surrounding the air flow path.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising one or more rotating portions arranged along a circumferential direction of the air flow path and one or more rotating grooves in which the one or more rotating portions are accommodated,

wherein the one or more rotating portions are rotatable along the circumferential direction of the air flow path around a rotation axis within a preset movement range.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a support portion supporting one end of the aerosol generating article,

wherein the support portion comprises an inclined surface to support aerosol generating articles having different thicknesses.

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in the accommodation space,

wherein the heater is movable in a direction from an outside to an inside of the accommodation space or a direction opposite to the direction.

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising an input unit configured to generate a signal according to a user's input so that the user adjusts a volume of the air flow path.

15. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising:

an adjuster movable to adjust a volume of the air flow path; and

an actuator configured to move the adjuster.