Patent Publication Number: US-2023141848-A1

Title: Aerosol generating device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Example embodiments relate to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to an aerosol generating device that effectively blocks heat from being discharged to the outside of the aerosol generating device. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, the demand for alternative methods to overcome the shortcomings of an aerosol generating article has increased. Especially, there is a growing demand for an aerosol generating device for generating aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article, rather than by combusting the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, studies on a heating-type aerosol generating article and a heating-type aerosol generating device have been actively conducted. 
     In general, an aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol generating article. Accordingly, for safety of the user, there is a need for an efficient way of blocking heat generated by a heater from transferring to the outside of the aerosol generating article. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Solution to Problem 
     Example embodiments provide an aerosol generating device including a heater flange and a heat barrier structure that are coupled to each other by combining a fastening member and an accommodating portion. 
     In addition, example embodiments provide an aerosol generating system including the aerosol generating device and an cradle which accommodates the aerosol generating device and charges a battery of the aerosol generating device. 
     The technical problems to be solved by the present example embodiments are not limited to the aforementioned technical problems, and other technical problems may be derived from the embodiments described hereinafter. 
     The aerosol generating device may include a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article; a heater flange supporting one end of the heater a heat barrier coupled to the heater flange and surrounding the heater without contact; and a housing accommodating the heater and the heat barrier, wherein a fastening member is formed on one of the heater flange and the heat barrier, and an accommodating portion for accommodating the fastening member is formed on the other of the heater flange and the heat barrier, and wherein the heater flange and the heat barrier are coupled to each other by the fastening member and the accommodating portion. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     An aerosol generating device according to the embodiments may include a heat barrier structure which is coupled to a heater flange, wherein one end of a heater is located on the heater flange. Thereby, the heat barrier structure may hermetically seal the heater and the heater flange. 
     In addition, the aerosol generating devices according to the embodiments provides various methods of combining the heater flange and the heat barrier structure. As can be seen from the various methods, the heater flange and the heat barrier structure are tightly coupled to each other, so that the interior space of the aerosol generating device may be efficiently utilized. 
     In addition, the aerosol generating device according to the embodiments may provide various types of a heat barrier structure having a tube shape in which the internal space is vacuum. The heat emitted from the heaters may be effectively prevented from being transferred to the housing by the provided heat barrier structure, and a user may use the aerosol generating device without thermal injury or discomfort. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device corresponding to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 B  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device corresponding to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  2 C  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device corresponding to yet another embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  among the components of the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device according to another embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including a cradle and the aerosol generating device, according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment may include a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article; a heater flange supporting one end of the heater; a heat barrier coupled to the heater flange and surrounding the heater without contact; and a housing accommodating the heater and the heat barrier, wherein a fastening member is formed on one of the heater flange and the heat barrier, and an accommodating portion for accommodating the fastening member is formed on the other of the heater flange and the heat barrier, and wherein the heater flange and the heat barrier are coupled to each other by the fastening member and the accommodating portion. 
     An O-ring may be disposed between the heat barrier and the heater flange such that fluid is prevented from leaking between the heat barrier and the heater flange. 
     The fastening member in the aerosol generating device may be a protrusion formed on an outer circumferential surface of the heater flange, and the accommodating portion may be a groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier. 
     In addition, the fastening member in the aerosol generating device may be a protrusion formed on an inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier, and the accommodating portion may be a groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the heater flange. 
     The accommodating portion may be formed in an extension portion extending from an end of the heat barrier such that a portion of the heater flange is exposed out of the heat barrier when the heater flange is coupled to the heat barrier, and the fastening member may be formed at a position corresponding to the accommodating portion, on an outer circumferential surface of the heater flange. 
     A length of the heat barrier in a longitudinal direction of the heat barrier may be 1 to 3 times a length of the heater in the longitudinal direction. 
     The heat barrier may have a tube shape including a first wall facing the heater and a second wall facing the housing, and a space between the first wall and the second wall of the heat barrier may be in a vacuum state. 
     The heat barrier includes at least one of graphite, ceramic, carbon nanotube, and glass fiber. 
     The aerosol generating device may further include a tubular member disposed between the heat barrier and the housing, and blocking heat transfer from the heat barrier structure to the housing. 
     The tubular member may be a pipe including aluminum. 
     An air gap may be formed between the tubular member and the housing. 
     The aerosol generating device may include an air flow channel, through which a fluid communication between the outside of the housing and the inside of the heat barrier structure is provided, and the air flow channel may include an air inlet located between an inner wall and an outer wall of the housing. 
     An aerosol generating system may include the aerosol generating device according to embodiments; and a cradle for accommodating the aerosol generating device and charging the battery of the aerosol generating device. 
     MODE FOR THE INVENTION 
     With respect to the terms used to describe the various embodiments, 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 new technology, and the like. In addition, in certain cases, a term which is not commonly used can be selected. In such a case, the meaning of the term 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/or operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components and combinations thereof. 
     As used herein, expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, the expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c. 
     It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “over,” “above,” “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly over, above, on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over,” “directly above,” “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
     Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
       FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include a heater  120 , a battery  50 , a heater flange  110 , a heat barrier structure  130 , and a housing  140 . 
     The heater  120  heats an aerosol generating article by power supplied from a battery  50 . One end of the heater  120  may be located on the heater flange  110 . The heat barrier structure  130  may be disposed apart from the heater  120  in the radial direction and coupled to the heater flange  110  at one side. The housing  140  has an opening  145  into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The aerosol generating article is a device that contains an aerosol generating material that turns into aerosol when heated to a proper temperature. The housing  140  accommodates the heater  120  and the heat barrier structure  130  in its inner cavity. A fastening member  20  may be formed on one of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 , and an accommodating portion  30  for accommodating the fastening member  20  may be formed on the other of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 . The heater flange  110  and heat barrier structure  130  are fastened by coupling the fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  to each other. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include the heater  120  which is supplied with power from the battery  50  to heat the aerosol generating article. One end of the heater may be located on and supported by the heater flange  110 . 
     The battery  50  in the aerosol generating device  100  may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, the battery  50  may supply power to the heater so that the heater  120  may be heated. In addition, the battery  50  may supply power so that a display, a sensor, and a motor installed in the aerosol generating device  100  may operate. 
     The heater  120  may heat the aerosol generating article by power supplied from the battery  50 . The aerosol generating article (e.g., a storage or an atomizer) containing the aerosol generating material may be inserted into the aerosol generating device  100  by a user such that the inserted aerosol generating article may contact the heater  120 . 
     For example, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device  100 , the heater  120  may be located inside the aerosol generating article. Thus, the heated heater  120  may raise the temperature of an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article. 
     The heater  120  may include an electro-resistive heater. For example, the heater  120  may include an electrically conductive track, and the heater  120  may be heated when currents flow through the electrically conductive track. However, the heater  120  is not limited to the example described above and may include any heaters capable of being heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be pre-set in the aerosol generating device  100  or may be set by a user. 
     As another example, the heater  120  may include an induction heater. In detail, the heater  120  may include an electrically conductive coil for heating an aerosol generating article by an induction heating method, and the aerosol generating article may include a susceptor which may be heated by the induction heater. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates that the heater  120  is a rod-shaped, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device  100 , but the shape and the arrangement of the heater  120  are not limited thereto. For example, the heater  120  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, according to the shape of the heating element. 
     Also, the aerosol generating device  100  may include a plurality of heaters  120 . Here, the plurality of heaters  120  may be inserted into the aerosol generating article. Alternatively, the plurality of heaters  120  may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article. Otherwise, some of the plurality of heaters  120  may be inserted into the aerosol generating article, and the others may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article. 
     One end of the heater  120  may be located on the heater flange  110 . The heater flange  110  may support the heater  120  and provide an electrical connection between the heater  120  and the battery  50 . The heater flange  110  may also be coupled to the heat barrier structure  130  surrounding the heater  120  as will be described later. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include a heat barrier structure  130  that is disposed apart from the heater in a radial direction and is combined with the heater flange  110  at one side. The heat barrier structure  130  may be disposed a predetermined distance apart from the heater  120  in the radial direction to surround the heater  120 . That is, at least a part of the heater  120  may be located inside the heat barrier structure  130 , so that the heat barrier structure  130  may prevent heat emitted from the heater  120  from being directly transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     At least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  and at least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130  may contact each other. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , when the heater flange  110  may have a cylindrical shape, the heat barrier structure  130  may also have a cylindrical shape, so that the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130  may closely contact the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 . However, the shapes of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  are not limited thereto and may be variously changed. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include the housing  140  which has the opening  145  into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The housing  140  may accommodate the heater  120  and the heat barrier structure  130  in its inner cavity. The housing  140  may have the opening  145  that guides the aerosol generating article to be inserted. For example, the opening  145  may be formed at one end of the housing  140 , and may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the aerosol generating article so that the aerosol generating article may be inserted into the housing  140  through the opening  145 . 
     The inner cavity may be formed in the housing  140 . The inner cavity may extend from the opening  145  into the aerosol generating device  100 , and may accommodate the heater  120 , the heater flange  110 , and the heat barrier structure  130  of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     The housing  140  may form the outer shape of the aerosol generating device  100 . The housing  140  may protect components inside the aerosol generating device  100 , and the user may use the aerosol generating device  100  by gripping the housing  140 . The heat barrier structure  130  is disposed between the housing  140  and the heater  120  to effectively block heat emitted from the heater  120  from being transferred to the user holding the housing  140 . 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment, the fastening member  20  may be formed on one of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 , and the accommodating portion  30  for accommodating the fastening member  20  may be formed on the other of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  may be fastened by coupling the fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  to each other For example, a protrusion that is the fastening member  20  may be formed on the heater flange  110 , and the accommodating portion  30  that accommodates the protrusion may be formed on the heat barrier structure  130 . The protrusion may protrude from the surface of the heater flange  110  by a predetermined distance, and the accommodating portion  30  may accommodate the protrusion by having a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion (i.e., fastening member  20 ). 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include an O-ring  40 . The O-ring  40  may be disposed between the heat barrier structure  130  and the heater flange  110 . The O-ring  40  may block droplets formed from the aerosol from flowing in the flange direction. That is, the O-ring  40  may prevent fluid from leaking between the heat barrier structure  130  and the heater flange  110 . 
     A plurality of O-rings  40  may be provided and may be located in one or more concave portions formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 . The concave portion and the O-ring  40  may have a substantially same width so that the O-ring  40  tightly fits in the concave portion. As such, a gap between the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  may be hermetically sealed, thereby preventing fluid from leaking downwards. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  illustrated in  FIG.  1   , only components related to the present embodiment are illustrated. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art related to present embodiment may understand that additional components other than those shown in  FIG.  1    may be further included in the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     For example, the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include a controller (not shown). The controller may generally control operations of the aerosol generating device  100 . For example, the controller may control operations of the battery  110 , the heater  120 , and other components included in the aerosol generating device  100 . Also, the controller may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device  100  to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device  100  is able to operate. 
     The controller may include at least one processor. A processor can be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates or can be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which a program executable in the microprocessor is stored. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the processor can be implemented in other forms of hardware 
       FIGS.  2 A to  2 C  are partial cross-sectional views in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to an example embodiment. Referring to  FIGS.  2 A to  2 C , the fastening aspects of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  in the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment will be described in more detail. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to an embodiment according to a fastening aspect of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  according to the embodiment. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to the embodiment, the fastening member  20  may be a protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 , the accommodating portion  30  is a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 , and the protrusion may be coupled to the groove. 
     A plurality of fastening members  20  may be formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the heater flange  110 , and the plurality of fastening members  20  may be spaced apart at the same interval. For example, two or four fastening members  20  may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 . 
     The fastening member  20  may have, for example, a shape inclined downward. That is, as shown in  FIG.  2 A , the lower portion of the fastening member  20  may protrude more than the upper portion of the fastening member  20  from the heater flange  110 . As such, it is possible to prevent the heater flange  110  from being caught by the fastening member  20  when the heater flange  110  is inserted in the heat barrier structure  130  from the bottom of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The fastening member  20  may have elasticity. When the heater flange  110  is inserted into the heat barrier structure  130 , the fastening member  20  may be deformed by the pressure from the heat barrier structure  130 . For example, the fastening member  20  may be deformed by a predetermined distance such that the heater flange  110  may be inserted into the heat barrier structure  130  without the fastening member  20  being caught by the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The accommodating portion  30  may be a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 . The number of the accommodating portion  30  may correspond to the number of the fastening member  20 . For example, four fastening members  20  and four accommodating portions  30  may be provided. 
     The accommodating portion  30  may have a shape capable of accommodating the fastening member  20 . In other words, the fastening member  20  may be fitted in the accommodating portion  30 . The position of the accommodating portion  30  may correspond to the fastening member  20 . For example, when the fastening member  20  is formed at the heat barrier structure  130 , the accommodating portion  30  may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  at a position facing the fastening member  20  to accommodate the fastening member  20  of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     As described above, the aerosol generating device  100  according to the example embodiment may include the O-ring  40 . The O-ring  40  may be disposed between the heat barrier structure  130  and the heater flange  110 . The O-ring  40  may block the droplets generated from the aerosol from flowing in the downward direction. That is, the O-ring  40  may prevent fluid from leaking between heat barrier structure  130  and the heater flange  110 . In this case, the fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  may be formed to be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the position of the O-ring. 
       FIG.  2 B  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device  100  according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to the embodiment, the fastening member  20  may be the protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 , the accommodating portion  30  is a groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 , wherein the protrusion may be coupled to the groove. 
     A plurality of fastening members  20  may be formed along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the heat barrier structure  130 , and the plurality of fastening members  20  may be spaced apart at the same interval. For example, two or four fastening members  20  may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The protrusion (i.e., the fastening member  20 ) may have a shape extending from the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130  toward the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 . The fastening member  20  may be, for example, a prismatic column including a cylinder, but the shape of the fastening member  20  is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary. 
     The fastening member  20  may have elasticity, and the fastening member  20  may be deformed by the pressure from the heater flange  110  when the heater  120  is inserted into the heat barrier structure  130 . Accordingly, when the heat barrier structure  130  is inserted into the heater flange  110 , the fastening member  20  may not be caught by the heater flange  110 . 
     The accommodating portion  30  may be a groove portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 , the number of the accommodating portion  30  may correspond to the number of the fastening member  20 . For example, four fastening members  20  and four accommodating portions  30  may be provided. 
     The accommodating portion  30  may have a shape capable of accommodating the fastening member  20 . In other words, the fastening member  20  may be fitted in the accommodating portion  30 . For example, when the shape of the fastening member  20  is a square pillar, the accommodating portion  30  may be a square groove corresponding to the square pillar. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the shape of the accommodating portion  30  may be changed corresponding to the shape of the fastening member  20  so as to accommodate the shape of the fastening member  20 . 
     The position of the accommodating portion  30  may correspond to the fastening member  20 . For example, when the fastening member  20  is formed on the heat barrier structure  130 , the accommodating portion  30  may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  at a position facing the fastening member  20  to accommodate the fastening member  20 . 
       FIG.  2 C  is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to yet another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to the embodiment, the accommodating portion  30  may be formed in an extension portion  135  extending in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure  130 , and the fastening member  20  may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  at a position corresponding to the accommodating portion  30  formed in the extension portion  135 . 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  corresponding to the embodiment, a portion of the heater flange  110  may be exposed out of the end of the heat barrier structure  130 . That is, as illustrated in  FIG.  2 C , a portion of the heater flange  110  may be exposed out of the heat barrier structure  130 , so that a stepped jaw may be formed between the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The accommodating portion  30  may be formed in the extension portion  135  extending in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure  130 . The extension portion  135  may extend by a predetermined distance in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure  130 , and the inner surface of the extension portion  135  may contact the exposed portion of the heater flange  110 . A plurality of extension portions  135  may be formed at the end of the heat barrier structure  130 . For example, there may be two extension portions  135 , and the extension portions  135  may be extended in one direction so as to face each other. 
     The accommodating portion  30  to be coupled with the fastening member  20  may be formed in the extension portion  135 . A plurality of accommodating portions  30  may be formed in one extension portion  135 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  2 C , two accommodating portions  30  may be formed in one extension portion  135 . That is, as an example, when there are two extension portions  135 , a total of four accommodating portions  30  may be formed, and each accommodating portion  30  may accommodate one fastening member  20 . 
     The fastening member  20  on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  may be formed at a position corresponding to the accommodating portion  30  formed in the extension portion  135 . That is, the fastening member  20  may be formed to protrude from the exposed portion of the heater flange  110 . As the fastening member  20  is formed on the exposed portion of the heater flange  110 , the fastening member  20  may also be exposed out of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The fastening member  20  may be a protrusion projecting in the radial direction of the heater flange  110  on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 . For example, the fastening member  20  may be a prismatic column including a cylinder, but the shape of the member  20  is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary. The fastening member  20  may be accommodated in the accommodating portion  30  to bind the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  to each other. 
     A plurality of fastening members  20  may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 , and the plurality of fastening members  20  may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater flange  110  at the same interval. The number of the fastening member  20  may correspond to the number of the accommodating portion  30 . For example, four fastening member  20  may be provided when two accommodating portions  30  are formed in each of the two extension portions  135 . However, as long as the number of the fastening member  20  and the number of the accommodating portion  30  correspond to each other, the number of the fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary. 
       FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  among the components of the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may include the heater  120 , the heater flange  110  that supports one end of the heater  120 , and the heat barrier structure  130  which is disposed apart from the heater  120  in the radial direction of the heater  120  and is coupled with the heater flange  110  at one side thereof. The heat barrier structure  130  in the aerosol generating device  100  may surround the heater  120  from a predetermined distance. That is, at least a portion of the heater  120  may be located inside the heat barrier structure  130 , and the heat barrier structure  130  may prevent heat emitted from the heater  120  from being directly transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     At least a portion of the heater  120  and the heater flange  110  may be inserted into the heat barrier structure  130 . Herein, at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110  and at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130  may contact each other. 
     As described above, in the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment, the fastening member  20  is formed on one of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 , and the accommodating portion  30  for accommodating the fastening member  20  is formed on the other of the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 . Referring to  FIG.  3   , the fastening member  20  is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange  110 , the accommodating portion  30  is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 . However, the shape and position of the fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  are not limited thereto. 
     The fastening member  20  and the accommodating portion  30  are described above with reference to  FIGS.  2 A to  2 C . Accordingly, detailed descriptions in the overlapping ranges are omitted. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment, the height (i.e., a length in the longitudinal direction of the heat barrier structure  130 ) of the heat barrier structure  130  may be 1 to 3 times the height of the heater  120 . As such, the heat barrier structure  130  may cover the entire heater  120 , and accordingly, heat emitted from the heater  120  may be more effectively blocked from being transferred to the housing  140 . 
     The heat barrier structure  130  in the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment may be a tube shape including a first wall  131  facing the heater  120  and a second wall  132  facing the housing  140 . The space between the first wall  131  and the second wall  132  of the heat barrier structure  130  may be formed in a vacuum state to block heat transfer between the first wall  131  and the second wall  132 . 
     The vacuum state may include low pressure and ultra-low pressure. As the space between the first wall  131  and the second wall  132  of the heat barrier structure  130  is formed in the vacuum state, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure  130  may be reduced. That is, the inner space of the heat barrier structure  130  may be formed in the vacuum state, and accordingly, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure  130  may be reduced. 
     As the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure  130  is reduced, it is possible to effectively prevent heat emitted from the heater  120  from being transferred to the housing  140 . As the heat barrier structure  130  having a vacuum tube shape with reduced thermal conductivity is disposed between the housing  140  and the heater  120 , it is possible to block heat from being transferred to the user gripping the housing  140 , thereby effectively preventing the user from feeling discomfort or getting a thermal injury. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment, the heat barrier structure  130  may include at least one of graphite, ceramic, carbon nanotubes, and glass fibers. Graphite, ceramic, carbon nanotubes, and glass fibers have excellent heat resistance and may be easy to produce in a sheet shape. 
     Since the heat barrier structure  130  includes at least one of graphite, ceramic, carbon nanotubes, and glass fibers, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure  130  may be reduced, and thus an excellent heat barrier effect may be obtained. In addition, in the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment, the heat barrier structure  130  may be thinly manufactured in a sheet shape, thereby effectively utilizing the internal space of the aerosol-generating device  100 . As the thermal conductivity and the volume of the heat barrier structure  130  are reduced, heat emitted from the heater  120  may be effectively prevented from being transferred to the housing  140 . 
       FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment may include a tubular member  150  which is disposed between the heat barrier structure  130  and the housing  140 , and blocks heat transferred from the heater  120  to the housing  140  together with the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The components of the aerosol generating device  100  other than the tubular member  150  have been described above, and detailed descriptions thereon are omitted. 
     The tubular member  150  may be disposed between the heat barrier structure  130  and the housing  140  to surround at least a portion of the heat barrier structure  130 . As such, the tubular member  150  may block heat transferred from the heater  120  to the housing  140  together with the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The tubular member  150  may support components in the aerosol-generating device  100 . The tubular member  150  is inserted into the aerosol generating device  100  to maintain the position of the components of the aerosol generating device  100 , and protect the components in the aerosol-generating device  100  from external impacts, thereby preventing components from being damaged. 
     The tubular member  150  may be a pipe including aluminum. The material and shape of the tubular member  150  are not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment, an air gap may be formed between the tubular member  150  and the housing  140 . The air gap formed between the tubular member  150  and the housing  140  may effectively prevent heat emitted from the heater  120  from being transferred to the housing  140 . 
     The aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment may further include an extractor (not shown) that may easily separate the aerosol generating article from the heat barrier structure  130 . The extractor may be disposed inside the heat barrier structure  130 , contacting the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 , and may accommodate the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device  100 . The aerosol generating article may be removed while being accommodated in the extractor. 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device  100  according to another embodiment. 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , an air flow channel  160  is formed to facilitate fluid communication between the exterior of the housing  140  and the interior of the heat barrier structure  130 . The air flow channel  160  may have an inlet between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the housing  140 . 
     In the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment, in order for the user to inhale the generated aerosol, external air needs to be introduced into the aerosol generating device  100 . In the aerosol generating device  100  according to an embodiment, the air flow channel  160  is formed to facilitate fluid communication between the exterior of the housing  140  and the interior of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     Herein, a plurality of air flow channels  160  may be formed. For example, as shown in  FIG.  5   , four air flow channels  160  may be formed between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the housing  140 , and the four air flow channels may be spaced apart at the same interval. 
     Alternatively, a single air flow channel may be formed. In this case, the single air flow channel  160  may be an opening extending along the circumference of the top surface of the housing  140 , between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing  140 . The shape and number of the air flow channels  160  are not limited to the above-described disclosure and may be changed as necessary. 
     The position of the air flow channel  160  may be aligned with the position of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 . That is, the radius from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device  100  to the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130  and the radius from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device  100  to the air flow channel  160  may be substantially the same. 
     Accordingly, external air that has passed through the air flow channel  160  may flow to the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure  130 . Through the air flow channel  160 , fluid may flow in and out of the aerosol generating device  100  between the exterior of the housing  140  and the interior of the heat barrier structure  130 . 
     The air outside the aerosol generating device  100  may flow into the heat barrier structure  130  through the air flow channel  160  formed in the housing  140 . The air introduced into the aerosol generating device  100  may be heated by the heater  120  together with the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol, and the user may inhale the generated aerosol. 
       FIG.  6    is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment. 
     The aerosol generating system according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device  100  and the cradle  200  which accommodates the aerosol generating device  100  and charges the battery  50  of the aerosol generating device  100 . 
     The configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device  100  according to the embodiments are as described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 
     In the aerosol generating system according to an embodiment, the aerosol generating device  100  may be accommodated and charged in the cradle  200 . The cradle  200  may include a charging power source  250  therein, and the aerosol generating device  100  may be inserted into the cradle  200  and electrically connected to the charging power source  250  installed in the cradle  200 . The battery  50  of the aerosol generating device  100  may be charged by the charging power source  250  in the cradle  200 . 
     The aerosol generating device  100  may provide various methods of combining the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130 . Since the heater flange  110  and the heat barrier structure  130  are tightly coupled to each other, the internal space of the aerosol generating device  100  may be effectively utilized. 
     In addition, the aerosol generating device  100  may provide various types of heat barrier structure  130  including the tube shape in which the internal space is vacuum. Heat emitted from the heater  120  may be effectively blocked from being transferred to the housing  140  by the heat barrier structure  130 , and the user may use the aerosol generating device  100  without thermal injury or discomfort. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art pertaining to the present embodiments can understand that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the scope of the characteristics described above. The disclosed methods should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present disclosure.