Patent Description:
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. <CIT> relates to an aerosol generation device having a rotating heater comprising: a hollow case having a passage for accommodating a cigarette; a rotation part rotatably coupled to the case; and a heater rotated along with the rotation part by being coupled to the rotation part and heating the cigarette when electricity is applied, while one end portion is disposed in the passage so as to be inserted into the cigarette accommodated in the passage.

The invention provides 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, the invention provides 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 invention are not limited to the aforementioned technical problems, and other technical problems may be derived from the embodiments described hereinafter. The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are presented in the dependent claims. Advantageous Effects.

An aerosol generating device according to the invention includes 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 invention 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 invention provides 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.

The invention is defined by an aerosol generating device specified in claim <NUM>.

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 is a protrusion formed on an outer circumferential surface of the heater flange, and the accommodating portion is a groove formed on an inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier.

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 is 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 <NUM> to <NUM> times a length of the heater in the longitudinal direction.

The heat barrier has 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 and a cradle for accommodating the aerosol generating device and charging the battery of the aerosol generating device.

Hereinafter, the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present invention are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention includes a heater <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a heater flange <NUM>, a heat barrier structure <NUM>, and a housing <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> heats an aerosol generating article by power supplied from a battery <NUM>. One end of the heater <NUM> is located on the heater flange <NUM>. The heat barrier structure <NUM> is disposed apart from the heater <NUM> in the radial direction and coupled to the heater flange <NUM> at one side. The housing <NUM> has an opening <NUM> 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 <NUM> accommodates the heater <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> in its inner cavity. A fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heater flange <NUM> and an accommodating portion <NUM> for accommodating the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The heater flange <NUM> and heat barrier structure130 are fastened by coupling the fastening member <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> to each other.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention includes the heater <NUM> which is supplied with power from the battery <NUM> to heat the aerosol generating article. One end of the heater is located on and supported by the heater flange <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> in the aerosol generating device <NUM> may supply power used to operate the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the battery <NUM> may supply power to the heater so that the heater <NUM> may be heated. In addition, the battery <NUM> may supply power so that a display, a sensor, and a motor installed in the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate.

The heater <NUM> may heat the aerosol generating article by power supplied from the battery <NUM>. The aerosol generating article (e.g., a storage or an atomizer) containing the aerosol generating material may be inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM> by a user such that the inserted aerosol generating article may contact the heater <NUM>.

For example, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the heater <NUM> may be located inside the aerosol generating article. Thus, the heated heater <NUM> may raise the temperature of an aerosol generating material in the aerosol generating article.

However, the heater <NUM> 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 <NUM> or may be set by a user.

<FIG> illustrates that the heater <NUM> is a rod-shaped, and is arranged along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, but the shape and the arrangement of the heater <NUM> are not limited thereto. For example, the heater <NUM> 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.

Here, the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the aerosol generating article. Alternatively, the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article. Otherwise, some of the plurality of heaters <NUM> may be inserted into the aerosol generating article, and the others may be arranged outside the aerosol generating article.

One end of the heater <NUM> is located on the heater flange <NUM>. The heater flange <NUM> supports the heater <NUM> and may provide an electrical connection between the heater <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The heater flange <NUM> is also coupled to the heat barrier structure <NUM> surrounding the heater <NUM> as will be described later.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a heat barrier structure <NUM> that is disposed apart from the heater in a radial direction and is combined with the heater flange <NUM> at one side. The heat barrier structure <NUM> is disposed a predetermined distance apart from the heater <NUM> in the radial direction to surround the heater <NUM>. That is, at least a part of the heater <NUM> may be located inside the heat barrier structure <NUM>, so that the heat barrier structure <NUM> may prevent heat emitted from the heater <NUM> from being directly transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

At least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> and at least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM> contact each other. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the heater flange <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape, the heat barrier structure <NUM> may also have a cylindrical shape, so that the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM> closely contacts the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>. However, the shapes of the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> are not limited thereto and may be variously changed.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention includes the housing <NUM> which has the opening <NUM> into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The housing <NUM> accommodates the heater <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> in its inner cavity. The housing <NUM> may have the opening <NUM> that guides the aerosol generating article to be inserted. For example, the opening <NUM> may be formed at one end of the housing <NUM>, 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 <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

The inner cavity may be formed in the housing <NUM>. The inner cavity may extend from the opening <NUM> into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and may accommodate the heater <NUM>, the heater flange <NUM>, and the heat barrier structure <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may form the outer shape of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may protect components inside the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and the user may use the aerosol generating device <NUM> by gripping the housing <NUM>. The heat barrier structure <NUM> is disposed between the housing <NUM> and the heater <NUM> to effectively block heat emitted from the heater <NUM> from being transferred to the user holding the housing <NUM>.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment, the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heater flange <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> for accommodating the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure130 may be fastened by coupling the fastening member <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> to each other such that a protrusion that is the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heater flange <NUM>, and the accommodating portion <NUM> that accommodates the protrusion is formed on the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The protrusion protrudes from the surface of the heater flange <NUM> by a predetermined distance, and the accommodating portion <NUM> accommodates the protrusion by having a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion (i.e., fastening member <NUM>).

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention may include an O-ring <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may be disposed between the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the heater flange <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may block droplets formed from the aerosol from flowing in the flange direction. That is, the O-ring <NUM> may prevent fluid from leaking between the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the heater flange <NUM>.

A plurality of O-rings <NUM> may be provided and may be located in one or more concave portions formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>. The concave portion and the O-ring <NUM> may have a substantially same width so that the O-ring <NUM> tightly fits in the concave portion. As such, a gap between the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be hermetically sealed, thereby preventing fluid from leaking downwards.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, only components related to the present invention are illustrated. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art related to present invention may understand that additional components other than those shown in <FIG> may be further included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention may include a controller (not shown). The controller may generally control operations of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the controller may control operations of the battery <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and other components included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Also, the controller may check a state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to determine whether or not the aerosol generating device <NUM> 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.

<FIG> are partial cross-sectional views in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device Referring to <FIG>, the fastening aspects of the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> in the aerosol generating device will be described in more detail.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device <NUM> corresponding to the invention according to a fastening aspect of the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> according to the invention.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> corresponding to the invention, , the fastening member <NUM> is a protrusion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> is a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and the protrusion may be coupled to the groove.

A plurality of fastening members <NUM> may be formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the heater flange <NUM>, and the plurality of fastening members <NUM> may be spaced apart at the same interval. For example, two or four fastening members <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>.

The fastening member <NUM> has a shape inclined downward. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the lower portion of the fastening member <NUM> protrudes more than the upper portion of the fastening member <NUM> from the heater flange <NUM>. As such, it is possible to prevent the heater flange <NUM> from being caught by the fastening member <NUM> when the heater flange <NUM> is inserted in the heat barrier structure <NUM> from the bottom of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The fastening member <NUM> has elasticity. When the heater flange <NUM> is inserted into the heat barrier structure <NUM>, the fastening member <NUM> is deformed by the pressure from the heat barrier structure <NUM>. For example, the fastening member <NUM> may be deformed by a predetermined distance such that the heater flange <NUM> may be inserted into the heat barrier structure <NUM> without the fastening member <NUM> being caught by the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The accommodating portion <NUM> is a groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The number of the accommodating portion <NUM> may correspond to the number of the fastening member <NUM>. For example, four fastening members <NUM> and four accommodating portions <NUM> may be provided.

The accommodating portion <NUM> has a shape capable of accommodating the fastening member <NUM>. In other words, the fastening member <NUM> may be fitted in the accommodating portion <NUM>. The position of the accommodating portion <NUM> may correspond to the fastening member <NUM>. For example, when the fastening member <NUM> is formed at the heat barrier structure <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> at a position facing the fastening member <NUM> to accommodate the fastening member <NUM> of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

As described above, the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the example embodiment may include the O-ring <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may be disposed between the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the heater flange <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may block the droplets generated from the aerosol from flowing in the downward direction. That is, the O-ring <NUM> may prevent fluid from leaking between heat barrier structure <NUM> and the heater flange <NUM>. In this case, the fastening member <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed to be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the position of the O-ring.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol generating device which is not a part of the invention.

In the aerosol generating device according to this example, the fastening member <NUM> may be the protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> is a groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>, wherein the protrusion may be coupled to the groove.

A plurality of fastening members <NUM> may in this example be formed along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and the plurality of fastening members <NUM> may be spaced apart at the same interval. For example, two or four fastening members <NUM> may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The protrusion (i.e., the fastening member <NUM>) may have a shape extending from the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM> toward the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>. The fastening member <NUM> may be, for example, a prismatic column including a cylinder, but the shape of the fastening member <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary.

The fastening member <NUM> may in this example which is not a part of the invention, elasticity, and the fastening member <NUM> may be deformed by the pressure from the heater flange <NUM> when the heater <NUM> is inserted into the heat barrier structure <NUM>. Accordingly, when the heat barrier structure <NUM> is inserted into the heater flange <NUM>, the fastening member <NUM> may not be caught by the heater flange <NUM>.

The accommodating portion <NUM> may be a groove portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>, the number of the accommodating portion <NUM> may correspond to the number of the fastening member <NUM>. For example, four fastening members <NUM> and four accommodating portions <NUM> may be provided.

The accommodating portion <NUM> may have a shape capable of accommodating the fastening member <NUM>. In other words, the fastening member <NUM> may be fitted in the accommodating portion <NUM>. For example, when the shape of the fastening member <NUM> is a square pillar, the accommodating portion <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be changed corresponding to the shape of the fastening member <NUM> so as to accommodate the shape of the fastening member <NUM>.

The position of the accommodating portion <NUM> in this example which is not a part of the invention may further correspond to the fastening member <NUM>. For example, when the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heat barrier structure <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> at a position facing the fastening member <NUM> to accommodate the fastening member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of another aerosol generating device which is also not a part of the present invention.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> corresponding to this example the accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed in an extension portion <NUM> extending in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and the fastening member <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> at a position corresponding to the accommodating portion <NUM> formed in the extension portion <NUM>.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> corresponding to this example, a portion of the heater flange <NUM> may be exposed out of the end of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, a portion of the heater flange <NUM> may be exposed out of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, so that a stepped jaw may be formed between the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The accommodating portion <NUM> in this example which is not a part of the invention, may be formed in the extension portion <NUM> extending in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The extension portion <NUM> may extend by a predetermined distance in one direction from the end of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and the inner surface of the extension portion <NUM> may contact the exposed portion of the heater flange <NUM>. A plurality of extension portions <NUM> may be formed at the end of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. For example, there may be two extension portions <NUM>, and the extension portions <NUM> may be extended in one direction so as to face each other.

The accommodating portion <NUM> to be coupled with the fastening member <NUM> may in this example which is not a part of the invention, be formed in the extension portion <NUM>. A plurality of accommodating portions <NUM> may be formed in one extension portion <NUM>. For example, as exemplified in <FIG>, two accommodating portions <NUM> may be formed in one extension portion <NUM>. That is, as an example, when there are two extension portions <NUM>, a total of four accommodating portions <NUM> may be formed, and each accommodating portion <NUM> may accommodate one fastening member <NUM>.

The fastening member <NUM> on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the accommodating portion <NUM> formed in the extension portion <NUM>. That is, the fastening member <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the exposed portion of the heater flange <NUM>. As the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the exposed portion of the heater flange <NUM>, the fastening member <NUM> may also be exposed out of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The fastening member <NUM> may be a protrusion projecting in the radial direction of the heater flange <NUM> on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>. For example, the fastening member <NUM> may be a prismatic column including a cylinder, but the shape of the member <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary. The fastening member <NUM> may be accommodated in the accommodating portion <NUM> to bind the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> to each other.

A plurality of fastening members <NUM> may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>, and the plurality of fastening members <NUM> may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the heater flange <NUM> at the same interval. The number of the fastening member <NUM> may correspond to the number of the accommodating portion <NUM>. For example, four fastening member <NUM> may be provided when two accommodating portions <NUM> are formed in each of the two extension portions <NUM>. However, as long as the number of the fastening member <NUM> and the number of the accommodating portion <NUM> correspond to each other, the number of the fastening member <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> among the components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention includes the heater <NUM>, the heater flange <NUM> that supports one end of the heater <NUM>, and the heat barrier structure <NUM> which is disposed apart from the heater <NUM> in the radial direction of the heater <NUM> and is coupled with the heater flange <NUM> at one side thereof. The heat barrier structure <NUM> in the aerosol generating device <NUM> surrounds the heater <NUM> from a predetermined distance. That is, at least a portion of the heater <NUM> is located inside the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and the heat barrier structure <NUM> may prevent heat emitted from the heater <NUM> from being directly transferred to the outside of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

At least a portion of the heater <NUM> and the heater flange <NUM> may be inserted into the heat barrier structure <NUM>. Herein, at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM> and at least a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM> contact each other.

As described above, in the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention, the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heater flange <NUM> and the accommodating portion <NUM> for accommodating the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the heat barrier structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the fastening member <NUM> is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the heater flange <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention, the height (i.e., a length in the longitudinal direction of the heat barrier structure <NUM>) of the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM> times the height of the heater <NUM>. As such, the heat barrier structure <NUM> may cover the entire heater <NUM>, and accordingly, heat emitted from the heater <NUM> may be more effectively blocked from being transferred to the housing <NUM>.

The heat barrier structure <NUM> in the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention is a tube shape including a first wall <NUM> facing the heater <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> facing the housing <NUM>. The space between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> of the heat barrier structure <NUM> is formed in a vacuum state to block heat transfer between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>.

The vacuum state may include low pressure and ultra-low pressure. As the space between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM> of the heat barrier structure <NUM> is formed in the vacuum state, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be reduced. That is, the inner space of the heat barrier structure <NUM> is formed in the vacuum state, and accordingly, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be reduced.

As the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure <NUM> is reduced, it is possible to effectively prevent heat emitted from the heater <NUM> from being transferred to the housing <NUM>. As the heat barrier structure <NUM> having a vacuum tube shape with reduced thermal conductivity is disposed between the housing <NUM> and the heater <NUM>, it is possible to block heat from being transferred to the user gripping the housing <NUM>, thereby effectively preventing the user from feeling discomfort or getting a thermal injury.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment, the heat barrier structure <NUM> 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 <NUM> includes at least one of graphite, ceramic, carbon nanotubes, and glass fibers, the thermal conductivity of the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be reduced, and thus an excellent heat barrier effect may be obtained. In addition, in the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the heat barrier structure <NUM> may be thinly manufactured in a sheet shape, thereby effectively utilizing the internal space of the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. As the thermal conductivity and the volume of the heat barrier structure <NUM> are reduced, heat emitted from the heater <NUM> may be effectively prevented from being transferred to the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the invention.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment may include a tubular member <NUM> which is disposed between the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, and blocks heat transferred from the heater <NUM> to the housing <NUM> together with the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The components of the aerosol generating device <NUM> other than the tubular member <NUM> have been described above, and detailed descriptions thereon are omitted.

The tubular member <NUM> may be disposed between the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to surround at least a portion of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. As such, the tubular member <NUM> may block heat transferred from the heater <NUM> to the housing <NUM> together with the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The tubular member <NUM> may support components in the aerosol-generating device <NUM>. The tubular member <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM> to maintain the position of the components of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, and protect the components in the aerosol-generating device <NUM> from external impacts, thereby preventing components from being damaged.

The tubular member <NUM> may be a pipe including aluminum. The material and shape of the tubular member <NUM> are not limited thereto and may be changed as necessary.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment, an air gap may be formed between the tubular member <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. The air gap formed between the tubular member <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may effectively prevent heat emitted from the heater <NUM> from being transferred to the housing <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include an extractor (not shown) that may easily separate the aerosol generating article from the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The extractor may be disposed inside the heat barrier structure <NUM>, contacting the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>, and may accommodate the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>. The aerosol generating article may be removed while being accommodated in the extractor.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol -generating device <NUM> according to another embodiment of the invention.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, an air flow channel <NUM> is formed to facilitate fluid communication between the exterior of the housing <NUM> and the interior of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. The air flow channel <NUM> may have an inlet between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the housing <NUM>.

In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention, in order for the user to inhale the generated aerosol, external air needs to be introduced into the aerosol generating device <NUM>. In the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to an embodiment, the air flow channel <NUM> is formed to facilitate fluid communication between the exterior of the housing <NUM> and the interior of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

Herein, a plurality of air flow channels <NUM> may be formed. For example, as shown in <FIG>, four air flow channels <NUM> may be formed between the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the housing <NUM>, 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 <NUM> may be an opening extending along the circumference of the top surface of the housing <NUM>, between the inner wall and the outer wall of the housing <NUM>. The shape and number of the air flow channels <NUM> are not limited to the above-described disclosure and may be changed as necessary.

The position of the air flow channel <NUM> may be aligned with the position of the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. That is, the radius from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM> and the radius from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device <NUM> to the air flow channel <NUM> may be substantially the same.

Accordingly, external air that has passed through the air flow channel <NUM> may flow to the inner circumferential surface of the heat barrier structure <NUM>. Through the air flow channel <NUM>, fluid may flow in and out of the aerosol generating device <NUM> between the exterior of the housing <NUM> and the interior of the heat barrier structure <NUM>.

The air outside the aerosol generating device <NUM> may flow into the heat barrier structure <NUM> through the air flow channel <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The air introduced into the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be heated by the heater <NUM> together with the aerosol generating article to generate the aerosol, and the user may inhale the generated aerosol.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system according to an embodiment of the invention.

The aerosol generating system according to an embodiment may include the aerosol generating device <NUM> and the cradle <NUM> which accommodates the aerosol generating device <NUM> and charges the battery <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The configuration and effects of the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the embodiments are as described above, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

In the aerosol generating system the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be accommodated and charged in the cradle <NUM>. The cradle <NUM> may include a charging power source <NUM> therein, and the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be inserted into the cradle <NUM> and electrically connected to the charging power source <NUM> installed in the cradle <NUM>. The battery <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be charged by the charging power source <NUM> in the cradle <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may provide various methods of combining the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM>. Since the heater flange <NUM> and the heat barrier structure <NUM> are tightly coupled to each other, the internal space of the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be effectively utilized.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generating device (<NUM>) comprising:
a heater (<NUM>) configured to heat an aerosol generating article;
a heater flange (<NUM>) supporting one end of the heater (<NUM>);
a heat barrier (<NUM>) coupled to the heater flange (<NUM>) and surrounding the heater (<NUM>) without contact to the heater (<NUM>); and
a housing (<NUM>) accommodating the heater (<NUM>) and the heat barrier (<NUM>),
wherein a fastening member (<NUM>) is formed on the heater flange (<NUM>), wherein the fastening member (<NUM>) has a shape inclined downward, and an accommodating portion (<NUM>) accommodating the fastening member (<NUM>) is formed on the heat barrier (<NUM>), and
wherein the heater flange (<NUM>) and the heat barrier (<NUM>) are coupled to each other by the fastening member (<NUM>) and the accommodating portion, wherein the fastening member (<NUM>) has elasticity and when the heater flange (<NUM>) is inserted into the heat barrier structure (<NUM>), the fastening member (<NUM>) is deformed by pressure from the heat barrier structure (<NUM>),
wherein the heat barrier (<NUM>) has a tube shape including a first wall (<NUM>) facing the heater (<NUM>) and a second wall (<NUM>) facing the housing (<NUM>), and
a space between the first wall (<NUM>) and the second wall (<NUM>) of the heat barrier (<NUM>) is in a vacuum state.