Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device includes: a heater holder defining an intermediate insertion space having an opening at a top thereof; a fixing element coupled to the bottom of the heater holder; and a heating element coupled to an upper portion of the fixing element and disposed in the intermediate insertion space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that extracts certain components from a medium or substance by forming an aerosol. The medium may include a multi-component substance. The substances included in the medium may be multi-component flavoring substances. For example, the substances included in the medium may include nicotine components, herbal components, and / or coffee components. Recently, various studies have been conducted on aerosol generating devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical Problems An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above and other problems.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to isolate heat generated from a heating element, thereby preventing components other than the heating element from overheating.

[0005] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to prevent a heater holder from melting when the heater holder is insert-molded.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that improves the power efficiency of a heater.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can more easily attach / detach or replace a heater.

[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that is easy to clean and maintain.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to prevent a heater from separating from the device when the rod is inserted.

[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to prevent a heater from rotating in the circumferential direction.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device having an improved or increased heater replacement cycle.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce factors that change the taste of the rod.

[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can more easily remove the rod.

[0014] Technical Solutions According to one aspect of the subject matter described in the present application, an aerosol generating device includes: a heater holder that defines an intermediate insertion space having an opening at its top; a fixing element coupled to the bottom of the heater holder; and a heating element coupled to the upper part of the fixing element and disposed in the intermediate insertion space.

[0015] Advantageous effects According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the heat generated from the heating element is isolated, overheating of components other than the heating element can be prevented.

[0016] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that increases the power efficiency of the heater can be provided.

[0017] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that prevents the heater holder from melting when the heater holder is insert-molded can be provided.

[0018] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that can more easily attach / detach or replace the heater can be provided.

[0019] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, overheating of the aerosol generating device can be reduced.

[0020] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that can be easily cleaned and managed can be provided.

[0021] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device having a heater that is easy to attach / detach or replace can be provided.

[0022] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, separation of the heater from the device when inserting the rod can be prevented.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rotation of the heater in the circumferential direction can be prevented.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device having an increased heater replacement cycle can be provided.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, factors that change the taste of the rod can be reduced.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device that can more easily remove the rod can be provided.

[0027] The further scope of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments such as the preferred embodiments are given by way of example only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figures 1 to 30 An example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0029] A detailed description will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. For a brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0030] In the following description, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. The use of such suffixes herein is only for the convenience of description in the specification, and the suffixes themselves are not intended to give any special meaning or function.

[0031] In the present disclosure, for the sake of brevity, what is well known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art is usually omitted. The drawings are used to help easily understand the technical concept of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that the concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The concept of the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any variant, equivalent, and alternative solution other than the drawings.

[0032] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0033] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, the component may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or there may be an intermediate component. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another component, there is no intermediate component.

[0034] As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular form is intended to include the plural form.

[0035] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the aerosol generating device may include at least one of a battery 101, a controller 102, and a sensor 103. At least one of the battery 101, the controller 102, and the sensor 103 may be disposed in a main body 10 of the aerosol generating device. The main body 10 may provide a space that is open at the top to allow a stick S to be inserted into the space. A lower end of the stick S may be inserted into the main body 10, and an upper end of the stick S may protrude outside the main body 10. A user may inhale air while holding the upper end of the stick S that is exposed to the outside in his or her mouth.

[0036] A heater 50 may heat the stick S. The heater 50 may extend upward in an elongated manner in the space into which the stick S is inserted. The heater 50 may be inserted into a lower portion of the stick S. The heater 50 may be a resistive heater.

[0037] The battery 101 may supply power to operate components of the aerosol generating device. The battery 101 may supply power to at least one of the controller 102, the sensor 103, an induction coil 15, and the heater 50. The battery 101 may supply power required to operate a display, a motor, etc. mounted on the aerosol generating device.

[0038] The controller 102 may control the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. The controller 102 may control the operation of at least one of the battery 101, the induction coil 15, and the sensor 103. The controller 102 may control the operation of a display, a motor, etc. mounted on the aerosol generating device. The controller 102 may check the state of each of the components of the aerosol generating device to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in an operable state.

[0039] The sensor 103 may sense the temperature of the heater 50. The controller 102 may control the temperature of the heater 50 based on the temperature of the heater 50 sensed by the sensor 103. The controller 102 may send information about the temperature of the heater 50 sensed by the sensor 103 to the user through a user interface.

[0040] The aerosol generating device may include an induction coil 15 surrounding the heater 50. The induction coil 15 may cause the heater 50 to generate heat. The heater 50 serving as a susceptor may generate heat through a magnetic field generated by an AC current flowing through the induction coil 15. The magnetic field may pass through the heater 50 and generate eddy currents in the heater 50. The current may cause heat to be generated in the heater 50. Different from Figure 1 as shown, the heater 50 may be electrically connected to the battery 101. In the case where the induction coil 15 is not required, the heater 50 may directly generate heat by using the current supplied from the battery 101.

[0041] Refer to Figures 2 to 4, the main body 10 may have a vertically elongated shape. The main body 10 may provide a first insertion space 14 therein. The first insertion space 14 may be open at the top. The first insertion space 14 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. The first insertion space 14 may be defined by a main body tube 11 provided in the main body 10. The main body tube 11 may include a side wall 111 surrounding the outer periphery of the first insertion space 14 and a lower wall 112 covering the bottom of the first insertion space 14. The lower wall 112 may be formed at the bottom of the main body tube 11. The side wall 111 of the main body tube 11 may be referred to as the inner side wall 111 of the main body 10. The first insertion space 14 may be referred to as the outer insertion space 14.

[0042] The heater holder 20 may be detachably inserted into the first insertion space 14. The heater holder 20 may provide a second insertion space 24 therein. The second insertion space 24 may be open at the top. The second insertion space 24 may have a cylindrical shape. The second insertion space 24 may be defined by a tube 20' of the heater holder 20. The tube 20' may include a side wall 21 surrounding the outer periphery of the second insertion space 24 and a lower wall 22 covering the bottom of the second insertion space 24. The lower wall 22 of the tube 20' may be referred to as the bottom 22 or the mounting portion 22. The lower wall 22 of the tube 20' may define the bottom 22 of the heater holder 20. The heater 50 may be coupled to or fixed to the heater holder 20. The tube 20' may be referred to as the heater holder tube 20'. The second insertion space 24 may be referred to as the intermediate insertion space 24.

[0043] The extractor 30 may be detachably inserted into the second insertion space 24. The extractor 30 may provide a third insertion space 34 therein. The third insertion space 34 may be open at one side. The third insertion space 34 may have a cylindrical shape. The third insertion space 34 may be defined by a side wall 31 and a lower wall 32 of the extractor 30. The outer peripheral surface of the extractor 30 may have a cylindrical shape. The third insertion space 34 may be referred to as the inner insertion space 34.

[0044] The lower end of the rod S may be inserted into the third insertion space 34, and the upper end of the rod S may protrude to the outside of the aerosol generating device. The heater 50 may heat the first insertion space 14, the second insertion space 24, and the third insertion space 34. The heater 50 may heat the rod S inserted into the third insertion space 34.

[0045] Therefore, the heater 50 can be easily replaced. Due to the small sizes of the insertion spaces 14, 24, 34 and the heater 50 provided in the insertion spaces 14, 24, 34, it may be difficult to replace them. However, by removing the heater holder 20 from the aerosol generating device and putting a new heater holder 20 into the aerosol generating device, the user can easily replace the heater 50.

[0046] In addition, the foreign matter (or impurities) generated from the rod S can be extracted by the extractor 30 so that no foreign matter remains near the heater 50 and on the heater holder 20. Therefore, the aerosol generating device (i.e., near the heater 50) can be more easily cleaned, and the convenience of management can be improved. In addition, the replacement cycle of the heater 50 can be extended by reducing the factors that reduce the performance of the heater 50 and by improving the durability of the heater 50. In addition, the factors that change the taste of the rod S can be reduced.

[0047] The lower end of the heater 50 can be fixed to the mounting portion 22. The heater 50 can extend toward the opening of the second insertion space 24. The heater 50 can be formed in a cylindrical shape and have a pointed upper end that narrows toward the top. As another example, the heater 50 can have a shape that extends in the circumferential direction and can be coupled to the side wall 21 of the heater holder 20. However, this is merely an example. The shape of the heater 50 is not limited to the shapes described above or shown in the drawings, and any other shape can be used as long as the heater 50 can be coupled to the heater holder 20 and heat the rod S inserted into the third insertion space 34.

[0048] The heater holder 20 can be insert-molded into the heater 50. The heater holder 20 can have high heat resistance and excellent rigidity. For example, the heater holder 20 can be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, the material of the heater holder 20 is not limited to this.

[0049] The lower wall 32 of the extractor 30 can be opened to define a through hole 35. The through hole 35 can be opened at the top and bottom. When the extractor 30 is inserted into the second insertion space 24, the heater 50 can protrude into the third insertion space 34 through the through hole 35. When the rod S is inserted into the third insertion space 34, the heater 50 can be inserted into the lower part of the rod S.

[0050] The induction coil 15 can surround the first insertion space 14. The induction coil 15 can be wound around the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11. The induction coil 15 can surround the heater 50. The induction coil 15 can cause the heater 50 to generate heat. As another example, the heater 50 can generate heat by using the power supplied from a power source that is directly electrically connected to the heater 50 through a terminal provided at the heater holder 20.

[0051] Therefore, the rod S can be easily removed from the heater 50. The user can easily remove the rod S from the heater 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. When the rod S inserted into the extractor 30 is removed from the heater 50, the rod S can be more easily separated from the extractor 30. The rod S can be removed without separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other.

[0052] In addition, the foreign matter generated from the rod S can be extracted by the extractor 30 so that no foreign matter remains near the heater 50 and on the heater holder 20. Therefore, the aerosol generating device (i.e., near the heater 50) can be more easily cleaned, and the convenience of management can be improved. In addition, the replacement cycle of the heater 50 can be extended by reducing the factors that reduce the performance of the heater 50 and by improving the durability of the heater 50. In addition, the factors that change the taste of the rod S can be reduced.

[0053] The heater holder 20 can be disposed between the main body 10 and the extractor 30. The side wall 111 of the main body tube 11 can surround the side wall 21 of the heater holder 20. The lower wall 112 of the main body tube 11 can face the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20. The side wall 21 of the heater holder 20 can surround the side wall 31 of the extractor 30. The lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20 can face the lower wall 32 of the extractor 30.

[0054] The side wall 31 of the extractor 30 can be spaced inwardly from the side wall 21 of the heater holder 20. The lower wall 32 of the extractor 30 can be spaced upwardly from the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 20. Air can flow between the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20, pass through the through hole 35, and then be delivered to the rod S inserted into the third insertion space 34.

[0055] The upper wall 12 of the main body 10 can extend outwardly from the upper end of the main body tube 11 in the horizontal direction. The upper wall 12 of the main body 10 can cover the upper end of the induction coil 15. The outer side wall 13 of the main body 10 can extend downward from the outer end of the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The outer side wall 13 of the main body 10 can face the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11. The outer side wall 13 of the main body 10 can be spaced outwardly from the main body tube 11. The induction coil 15 can be disposed between the main body tube 11 and the outer side wall 13 of the main body 10.

[0056] The upper case 40 can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. The upper case 40 can be coupled to the upper side of the main body 10. The upper case 40 can cover the periphery of the first insertion space 14 and the periphery of the upper portion of the main body 10. The upper case 40 can have an insertion hole 44. The rod S can be inserted into the insertion hole 44. The upper case 40 can include a cover 45 for opening and closing the insertion hole 44. The cover 45 can slide laterally to open and close the insertion hole 44. The heater holder 20 can be disposed between the main body 10 and the upper case 40.

[0057] The upper case 40 can include an upper case body 41. The upper case body 41 can be open at the top and bottom to define the insertion hole 44. The insertion hole 44 can be formed at a position eccentric from the center of the upper case body 41 toward one side. The lower surface of the upper case body 41 can have a shape corresponding to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The lower surface of the upper case body 41 can extend in the horizontal direction to be parallel to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The cover 45 can be mounted to be slidable on the upper case body 41.

[0058] The upper shell 40 may include upper shell wings 42. The upper shell wings 42 may extend downward from each of the two sides of the upper shell body 41. A part of the lateral portion of the upper shell body 41 may be exposed between a pair of upper shell wings 42 (see Figure 7 ). The upper shell wings 42 may be referred to as upper shell grips 42.

[0059] The extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper shell 40. The upper end of the extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper shell 40, and the lower end of the extractor 30 may protrude below the upper shell 40. The extractor 30 may be coupled to a position corresponding to the insertion hole 44. The insertion hole 44 may be located above the third insertion space 34. The insertion hole 44 may communicate the third insertion space 34 with the outside of the aerosol generating device with each other.

[0060] The upper end of the extractor 30 may be coupled to the upper shell body 41. The extractor 30 may extend downward from the upper shell body 41. The extractor 30 may be disposed between a pair of upper shell wings 42.

[0061] The main body 10 may include main body wings 16. The main body wings 16 may extend upward from the edge of the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. A pair of main body wings 16 may be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the upper portion of the main body 10 (see Figure 7 ). The main body wings 16 may be formed at positions that do not overlap with the upper shell wings 42.

[0062] When the upper shell 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper shell 40 may define the outside (or appearance) of the upper portion of the aerosol generating device. When the upper shell 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the main body wings 16 may cover the lateral portion of the upper shell body 41 that is exposed between a pair of upper shell wings 42. When the upper shell 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper shell wings 42 may cover the outer side wall 13 of the main body 10.

[0063] Accordingly, the user may more easily remove the extractor 30 from the main body 10. Without the inconvenience of gripping the extractor 30 inserted into the second insertion space 24, the user may remove the extractor 30 by separating the upper shell 40 from the main body 10 while holding the outside of the upper shell 40. For example, the user may easily remove the upper shell 40 and the extractor 30 from the main body 10 by holding a pair of upper shell wings 42 and pulling the pair of upper shell wings 42 away from the main body 10.

[0064] The extractor 30 may include engaging protrusions 37. The engaging protrusions 37 may protrude outward from the upper outer peripheral surface of the extractor 30 along the horizontal direction. A plurality of engaging protrusions 37 may be provided. The plurality of engaging protrusions 26 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The engaging protrusions 37 may be inserted and snapped into recesses formed in the upper housing body 41 near the insertion holes 44, fixing the extractor 30 to the upper housing 40. The engaging protrusions 37 may be engaged with the upper housing body 41 in the circumferential direction.

[0065] Accordingly, during insertion and removal of the rod S, rotation of the extractor 30 relative to the upper housing 40 in the circumferential direction can be prevented.

[0066] The heater holder 20 may include an extension portion 23. The extension portion 23 may be formed at the upper end of the heater holder 20. The extension portion 23 may extend outward from the upper end of the tube 20' along the horizontal direction. The extension portion 23 may have a plate shape. One side of the extension portion 23 may be longer relative to the tube 20'. The extension portion 23 may be referred to as the heater holder extension portion 23.

[0067] The extension portion 23 may have a shape corresponding to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The extension portion 23 may be formed horizontally with the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. When the tube 20' is inserted into the first insertion space 14, the extension portion 23 may be supported or placed on the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The upper wall 12 of the main body 10 may support the extension portion 23, and the extension portion 23 may support the tube 20'. The tube 20' may be spaced upward from the lower wall 112 of the main body tube 11 while being suspended on the extension portion 23, thereby forming an air gap. The outer peripheral surface of the tube 20' may be spaced inward from the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11 to form an air gap.

[0068] The extension portion 23 may have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the upper housing body 41. The extension portion 23 may be formed horizontally with the lower surface of the upper housing body 41. When the upper housing 40 is coupled to the main body 10, the extractor 30 may be inserted into the tube 20', such that the extension portion 23 contacts the lower surface of the upper housing body 41.

[0069] The first coupling member 27 may be fixed to the heater holder 20. For example, the first coupling member 27 may be fixed to the extension portion 23. The first coupling member 27 may be fixed to the inner surface or the outer surface of the extension portion 23. The heater holder 20 may be insert-molded to the first coupling member 27 and the heater 50.

[0070] The extension part 23 may include a first extension part 231 and a second extension part 232. The first extension part 231 may extend from the tube 20' to one side, and the second extension part 232 may extend from the tube 20' to the other side. The first extension part 231 may extend longer than the second extension part 232. The circumference of the first extension part 231 may be greater than the circumference of the second extension part 232. The first extension part 231 may be wider than the second extension part 232 in the horizontal direction. With respect to the tube 20' extending downward from the plate-shaped extension part 23, one side may be defined as the first extension part 231, and the other side may be defined as the second extension part 232. The tube 20' may extend downward from a part eccentric to one side from the center of the extension part 23.

[0071] The first coupling member 27 may be fixed to the first extension part 231 that extends longer than the other side with respect to the tube 20' in a part of the extension part 23. The first coupling member 27 may have a plate shape. The first coupling member 27 may be widely disposed at the first extension part 23 in the horizontal direction. The position where the first coupling member 27 is disposed is not limited thereto. For example, the first coupling member 27 may be fixed to the tube 20'.

[0072] The first coupling member 27 may be made of a magnetic material. The first coupling member 27 may be ferromagnetic. For example, the first coupling member 27 may be made of stainless steel. However, the material of the first coupling member 27 is not limited thereto.

[0073] The second coupling member 47 may be fixed to the upper housing 40. The second coupling member 47 may be fixed inside the upper housing body 41. The second coupling member 47 may be adjacent to the lower surface of the upper housing body 41. However, the position where the second coupling member 47 is disposed is not limited thereto. For example, the second coupling member 47 may be fixed to the upper housing wing part 42. As another example, the second coupling member 47 may be fixed to the extractor 30. The second coupling member 47 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first coupling member 27.

[0074] An attractive force may act between the second coupling member 47 and the first coupling member 27. For example, the first coupling member 27 may be a ferromagnetic material, and the second coupling member 47 may be a magnet. However, the materials of the first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 are not limited thereto.

[0075] The third coupling member 17 may be fixed within the main body 10. The third coupling member 17 may be adjacent to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The third coupling member 17 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first coupling member 27. However, the position where the third coupling member 17 is disposed is not limited thereto. For example, the third coupling member 17 may be adjacent to the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11. An attractive force may act between the third coupling member 17 and the first coupling member 27. For example, the first coupling member 27 may be a ferromagnetic material, and the third coupling member 17 may be a magnet. However, the materials of the first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 are not limited thereto.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5 , the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 21 of the tube 20' may form a plurality of corners in the circumferential direction. The lateral plane or cross-section of the outer circumferential surface of the side wall 21 of the tube 20' may have a polygonal shape. The outer circumferential surface of the side wall 21 of the tube 20' may extend vertically and may include a plurality of surfaces disposed at an angle to each other in the circumferential direction. The outer circumferential surface of the tube 20' may be spaced inwardly from the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11, thereby forming an air gap (see Figure 3 ). The extractor 30 and the tube 20' may surround the heater 50. The extractor 30 and the tube 20' may be spaced apart from each other to form an air gap.

[0077] Therefore, the heat generated from the heater 50 and transferred to the main body tube 11 through the tube 20' (see Figure 3 ) may be reduced, thereby reducing overheating of the aerosol generating device.

[0078] Referring to Figure 6 , the guiding portion 25 may be formed on the upper inner circumferential surface of the tube 20'. The guiding portion 25 may be disposed between the tube 20' and the extension portion 23. The guiding portion 25 may be in contact with the opening of the second insertion space 24. The guiding portion 25 may be inclined downward. The guiding portion 25 may extend in the circumferential direction to surround the opening of the second insertion space 24.

[0079] Therefore, the guiding portion 25 may be in contact with the lower portion of the extractor 30, thereby guiding the extractor 30 to be easily inserted into the second insertion space 24.

[0080] The lower end of the heater 50 can be inserted into the mounting part 22 and fixed to the mounting part 22. The heater 50 may include a heater rod (rob) 51. The heater rod 51 may define the exterior of the heater 50. The heater rod 51 may extend vertically. The heater rod 51 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod 51 may be provided therein with a hollow portion that is open at the bottom. The hollow portion may extend vertically. The hollow portion of the heater rod 51 may have a cylindrical shape. The heater rod 51 may have a pointed upper end that tapers toward the top. The heater rod 51 may have high thermal expansibility, excellent heat insulation, and low thermal conductivity. The heater rod 51 may have high rigidity. For example, the heater rod 51 may be made of zirconia. However, the material of the heater rod 51 is not limited thereto.

[0081] The heater 50 may include a heating part 52. The heating part 52 may be inserted into the hollow portion of the heater rod 51. The heating part 52 may extend vertically. The heating part 52 may have a cylindrical shape. The heating part 52 may be made of a resistive metal. The heat generated from the heating part 52 may be transferred to the exterior of the heater 50 through the heater rod 51. The heating part 52 may be disposed at a height corresponding to the third insertion space 34 (see Figure 3 ). The lower end of the heating part 52 may be adjacent to the lower end of the through hole 35.

[0082] The heater 50 may include a support part 53. The support part 53 may be inserted into the hollow portion of the heater rod 51. The support part 53 may be disposed below the heating part 52. The support part 53 may be fixed to the heater rod 51 in the hollow portion. The support part 53 may support the lower part of the heating part 52. The lower end of the support part 53 may be supported by the bottom 22a of the mounting part 22. The hole 22c provided at the center of the mounting part 22 may be formed by the process of insert molding the heater holder 20. The width of the hole 22c may be smaller than the width of the support part 53, thereby preventing the support part 53 from separating. The hole 22c may not be included. The support part 53 may have high heat resistance. The support part 53 will not be thermally deformed due to the heat generated by the heating part 52. The support part 53 may be made of polyamide. However, the material of the support part 53 is not limited thereto.

[0083] The heater 50 may include a flange 55. The flange 55 may be formed at the lower end of the heater rod 51. The flange 55 may extend outward from the outer peripheral surface of the lower end of the heater rod 51 in the horizontal direction. The flange 55 may extend in the circumferential direction of the heater rod 51. The lower end of the heater rod 51 and the flange 55 may be inserted into the mounting part 22. When the heater holder 20 is insert molded onto the heater 50, the mounting part 22 may be integrally joined to the flange 55.

[0084] The cross-section of the outer peripheral surface of the flange 55 may have a non-circular shape. The inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion 22 may have a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the flange 55. The inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the flange 55 may be engaged with each other in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, when the rod S is inserted into or removed from the heater 50, the heater 50 can be prevented from rotating relative to the heater holder 20 in the circumferential direction.

[0085] The flange 55 may include a first engaging portion 55a. The first engaging portion 55a may project outward from the outer periphery of the flange 55. The first engaging portion 55a may be formed at the lower portion of the flange 55. The first engaging portion 55a may extend along the outer periphery of the flange 55.

[0086] The mounting portion 22 may include a second engaging portion 22b. The second engaging portion 22b may project inward toward the concave portion of the mounting portion 22. The second engaging portion 22b may have a shape corresponding to the first engaging portion 55a. The first engaging portion 55a may be disposed below the second engaging portion 22b. The first engaging portion 55a and the second engaging portion 22b may vertically overlap. The second engaging portion 22b may support the first engaging portion 55a, thereby preventing the flange 55 from separating upward from the mounting portion 22.

[0087] The extension portion 23 may extend longer to one side with respect to the tube 20' or the second insertion space 24. With respect to the horizontal direction, the length L1 of the first extension portion 231 may be greater than the length L2 of the second extension portion 232. The length L1 of the first extension portion 231 may be greater than the diameter L0 of the second insertion space 24. Alternatively, the length L1 of the first extension portion 231 may be closer to the diameter L0 of the second insertion space 24 than the length L2 of the second extension portion 232. The first coupling member 27 may have a plate shape. The first coupling member 27 may be horizontally fixed to the first extension portion 231.

[0088] Referring Figures 7 to 9 , the upper case 40 can be detached from the main body 10. The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the upper case 40. When the upper case 40 is detached from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 may be removed from the main body 10 together with the upper case 40 while being coupled to the upper case 40. In a state where the upper case 40 to which the heater holder 20 is coupled is separated from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 can be detached from the upper case 40.

[0089] In another example, the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the extractor 30. When the extractor 30 is detached from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 may be removed from the main body 10 together with the extractor 30 while being coupled to the extractor 30. In a state where the extractor 30 to which the heater holder 20 is coupled is separated from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 can be detached from the extractor 30.

[0090] The first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 can exert an attractive force on each other. The first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 can detachably couple the heater holder 20 to the upper case 40 and / or the extractor 30. In one example, the first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 can be magnets that attract each other. In another example, one of the first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 can be a ferromagnetic material and the other can be a magnet. However, not limited to the above examples, any other configuration can be used as long as the first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47 attract each other by electric or magnetic force.

[0091] The extension portion 23 can define a horizontal surface corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case body 41. The first extension portion 231 can define a horizontal surface corresponding to the lower surface of the upper case body 41. The upper surface of the extension portion 23 can be horizontally supported by the upper case body 41. The area of the first extension portion 231 supported by the upper case body 41 can be larger than the area of the second extension portion 232 supported by the upper case body 41.

[0092] The first coupling member 27 can have a plate shape. The first coupling member 27 can be horizontally fixed to the first extension portion 231. The second coupling member 47 can be disposed adjacent to the lower surface of the upper case body 41. The second coupling member 47 can be formed at a position corresponding to the first coupling member 27. Due to the attractive force acting between the first coupling member 27 and the second coupling member 47, the first extension portion 231 can contact the lower surface of the upper case body 41.

[0093] In another example, the heater holder 20 can be detachably coupled to the upper case 40 by a threaded connection. In this case, the heater holder 20 can be rotated in the circumferential direction so that the heater holder 20 is removed from or coupled to the upper case 40 by a threaded connection. Optionally, the heater holder 20 and the upper case 40 can be detachably coupled to each other using a fastening screw. In another example, the heater holder 20 can be detachably coupled to the upper case 40 by a snap-fit connection. In this case, one of the heater holder 20 and the upper case 40 can have a coupling hook and the other can have a recess that engages with the hook. However, this is only an example, and the method of detachably coupling the heater holder 20 to the upper case 40 is not limited to the above methods. The heater holder 20 can be detachably coupled to the upper case 40 by various known methods.

[0094] The heater holder 20 coupled to the upper case 40 can protrude downward from the upper case 40. The heater holder 20 can be disposed between a pair of upper case wings 42. The tube 20' can protrude downward from the upper case body 41 in a manner that protrudes more downward than the upper case wings 42. This can make it easier to hold the heater holder 20.

[0095] Therefore, the heater holder 20 can not only be easily detached from the upper case 40, but also be firmly coupled to the upper case 40. In addition, the heater 50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0096] In addition, the rod S can be easily removed from the heater 50. The user can easily remove the rod S from the heater 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. When the rod S inserted in the extractor 30 is separated from the heater 50, the rod S can be more easily removed from the extractor 30.

[0097] Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the heater holder 20 can be detachably coupled to the main body 10. In a state where the heater holder 20 is coupled to the main body 10, the upper case 40 and / or the extractor 30 can be detached from the main body 10 and the heater holder 20. In a case where the upper case 40 and / or the extractor 30 are removed from the main body 10 and the heater holder 20, the heater holder 20 can be detached from the main body 10.

[0098] The first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 can exert an attractive force on each other. The first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 can detachably couple the heater holder 20 to the main body 10. In one example, the first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 can be magnets that attract each other. In another example, one of the first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 can be a ferromagnetic material and the other can be a magnet. However, it is not limited to the above examples, and any other configuration can be used as long as the first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 17 attract each other by electric power or magnetic force.

[0099] The extension portion 23 can cover the upper wall 12 of the main body 10, and the tube 20' can be inserted into the first insertion space 14. The extension portion 23 can define a horizontal surface corresponding to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The first extension portion 231 can correspond to the upper wall 12 on one side of the main body 10, and the second extension portion 232 can correspond to the upper wall 12 on the other side of the main body 10. The lower surface of the extension portion 23 can be horizontally supported by the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The area of the first extension portion 231 supported by the main body 10 can be larger than the area of the second extension portion 232 supported by the main body 10.

[0100] The first coupling member 27 may have a plate shape. The first coupling member 27 may be horizontally fixed to the first extension portion 231. The third coupling member 17 may be disposed adjacent to the upper wall 12 of the main body 10. The third coupling member 17 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first coupling member 27. The first coupling member 27 may be disposed at the first extension portion 231, and the third coupling member 17 may be disposed adjacent to the upper wall 12 of the side of the main body 10 covered by the first extension portion 231. Due to the attractive force acting between the first coupling member 27 and the third coupling member 47, the first extension portion 231 may be in contact with the upper wall 12 of the main body 10.

[0101] In another example, the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10 by a screw connection. In this case, the heater holder 20 may be rotated in the circumferential direction such that the heater holder 20 is removed from or coupled to the main body 10 by a screw connection. Alternatively, the heater holder 20 and the main body 10 may be detachably coupled to each other using fastening screws. In another example, the heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10 by a snap connection. In this case, one of the heater holder 20 and the main body 10 may have a coupling hook, and the other may have a recess for coupling with the hook. However, this is merely an example, and the method of detachably coupling the heater holder 20 to the main body 10 is not limited to the above methods. The heater holder 20 may be detachably coupled to the main body 10 by various known methods.

[0102] The extension portion 23 coupled to the main body 10 may be exposed upward from the main body 10. The extension portion 23 may be disposed between a pair of main body wings 16. The extension portion 23 may be disposed adjacent to the outer side wall 13 of the main body 10, or may be disposed at a position vertically parallel to the outer side wall 13 between a pair of main body wings 16. This may make it easier to hold the heater holder 20.

[0103] Therefore, the heater holder 20 can not only be easily detached from the main body 10, but also be firmly coupled to the main body 10. In addition, the heater 50 can be conveniently replaced.

[0104] In addition, the rod S can be easily removed from the heater 50. The user can easily remove the rod S from the heater 50 by separating the extractor 30 and the heater holder 20 from each other. When the rod S inserted into the extractor 30 is separated from the heater 50, the rod S can be more easily removed from the extractor 30.

[0105] The first engaging member 27 can be disposed between the second engaging member 47 and the third engaging member 17. The first engaging member 27 and the second engaging member 47 can exert an attractive force on each other, and the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17 can exert an attractive force on each other. For example, each of the second engaging member 47 and the third engaging member 17 can be a magnet, and the first engaging member 27 can be a magnet that exerts an attractive force on each of the second engaging member 47 and the third engaging member 17 between the second engaging member 47 and the third engaging member 17. In another example, the first engaging member 27 can be a ferromagnetic material, and each of the second engaging member 47 and the third engaging member 17 can be a magnet. However, not limited to the above examples, any other configuration can be used as long as the first engaging member 27 and the second engaging member 47 attract each other by electric power or magnetic force and the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17 attract each other by electric power or magnetic force.

[0106] Therefore, in the case where the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30 is removed from the main body 10, the user can selectively couple the heater holder 20 to any one of the main body 10 and the extractor 30. In addition, the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30 can be more easily and firmly coupled to the main body 10.

[0107] The attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the second engaging member 47 and the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17 can be different from each other. For example, the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the second engaging member 47 can be greater than the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17.

[0108] Therefore, when the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30 is disassembled from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 can be removed from the main body 10 together. In addition, when the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30 is coupled to the main body 10 while the heater holder 20 is coupled to the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30, due to the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17, the upper shell 40 can be more easily coupled to the main body 10 and maintain a more stable coupled state.

[0109] In another example, the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the third engaging member 17 can be greater than the attractive force between the first engaging member 27 and the second engaging member 47. Therefore, when the upper shell 40 and / or the extractor 30 is disassembled from the main body 10, the heater holder 20 can remain coupled to the main body 10, and the rod S can be more easily removed from the extractor 30 by separating from the heater 50.

[0110] Refer to Figures 12 to 14, the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can together define a fourth insertion space 340 that is open at the top. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can each cover at least one side of the fourth insertion space 340. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can together define the lateral outer periphery of the fourth insertion space 340. The fourth insertion space 340 can be referred to as the combined insertion space 340.

[0111] The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 can extend vertically or elongate vertically. The side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can elongate vertically. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be spaced apart from the center of the fourth insertion space 340 by the same distance in the radial direction. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be located on the same extension line of the outer periphery of the fourth insertion space 340. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can each extend in a curved manner along the outer periphery of the fourth insertion space 340 in the circumferential direction.

[0112] In one implementation, a plurality of side walls 210 of the heater holder 200 can be arranged along the outer periphery of the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200. A plurality of slits 214 that are open at the top and elongate vertically can be formed at the intervals between the plurality of side walls 210 of the heater holder 200. The plurality of side walls 210 of the heater holder 200 and the plurality of first slits 214 can be alternately arranged along the outer periphery of the fourth insertion space 340 in the circumferential direction.

[0113] For example, two side walls 210 of the heater holder 200 can be arranged to be opposite to each other with respect to the fourth insertion space 340. Two first slits 214 that are opposite to each other with respect to the fourth insertion space 340 can be formed between the two side walls 210 of the heater holder 200. However, the number of the side walls 210 and the first slits 214 of the heater holder 200 is not limited to this, and can be a single number (see Figure 17 ), or three or more.

[0114] In one implementation, a plurality of side walls 310 of the extractor 300 can be arranged along the outer periphery of the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300. A plurality of second slits 314 that elongate vertically can be formed at the intervals between the plurality of side walls 310 of the extractor 300. The plurality of side walls 310 of the extractor 300 and the plurality of second slits 314 can be alternately arranged along the outer periphery of the fourth insertion space 340 in the circumferential direction.

[0115] For example, two side walls 310 of the extractor 300 may be arranged to face each other with respect to the fourth insertion space 340. Two second slits 314 arranged to face each other with respect to the fourth insertion space 340 may be formed between the two side walls 310 of the extractor 300. However, the number of the side walls 310 and the second slits 314 of the extractor 300 is not limited thereto, and may be single (see Figure 17 ), or three or more.

[0116] The extractor 300 may be inserted into the heater holder 200. When the extractor 300 is inserted into the heater holder 200, the side walls 210 of the heater holder 200 may be disposed in the second slits 314, and the side walls 310 of the extractor 300 may be disposed in the first slits 214.

[0117] Therefore, the side walls 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side walls 310 of the extractor 300 may define the fourth insertion space 340. In addition, the thickness of the wall between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50 may be reduced, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the heater 50. This will be described in detail later with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 this.

[0118] The lower wall 32 of the extractor 300 may cover the lower part of the fourth insertion space 340. The lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200 may be disposed below the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300 so as to cover the lower side of the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300. The heater 50 fixed to the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200 and protruding from the lower wall 22 may be exposed to the fourth insertion space 340 through a through hole 35 formed in the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300.

[0119] The lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200 may be spaced upward from the lower wall 112 of the main body tube 11. An air gap may be formed between the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200 and the lower wall 112 of the main body tube 11. The lower wall 32 of the extractor 300 may be spaced upward from the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200. An air gap may be formed between the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300 and the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200. Some heat generated by the heater 50 may be transferred from the lower wall 22 to the side walls 210 of the heater holder 200, and then to the lower wall 112 and the side wall 111 of the main body tube 11, thereby allowing heat dissipation. In addition, some heat generated from the heater 50 may be dissipated through the air gap formed between the heater holder 200 and the extractor 300 surrounding the heater 50.

[0120] Therefore, the heat conducted from the heater 50 to the components in the aerosol generating device may be reduced, thereby preventing damage or malfunction of the aerosol generating device. In addition, the heat conducted from the heater 50 to the outside of the aerosol generating device may be reduced, thereby reducing the heat transferred to the user.

[0121] Refer to Figure 14 , the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be joined in the radial direction. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can support each other in the radially inward direction and the radially outward direction.

[0122] Therefore, the heater holder 200 and the extractor 300 can be firmly positioned without shaking or shifting relative to each other in the radial direction.

[0123] For example, each side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 may include a first recess 211 that is recessed from its opposite ends 212 in the circumferential direction. The opposite ends 212 of each side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 may protrude more in the circumferential direction than the first recess 211. The first recess 211 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface side of the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200. Optionally, the first recess 211 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface side of the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200. The ends 212 of the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 may be referred to as first protrusions 212.

[0124] Each side wall 310 of the extractor 300 may include a second recess 311 that is recessed from its opposite ends 312 in the circumferential direction. The opposite ends 312 of each side wall 310 of the extractor 300 may protrude more in the circumferential direction than the second recess 311. The second recess 311 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface side of the side wall 310 of the extractor 300. Optionally, the second recess 311 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface side of the side wall 310 of the extractor 300. The ends 312 of the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 may be referred to as second protrusions 312.

[0125] Relative to the radial direction, the first recess 211 and the second protrusion 312 may be located at corresponding positions with respect to each other. The second protrusion 312 may be disposed in the first recess 211. Relative to the radial direction, the first protrusion 212 and the second recess 311 may be located at corresponding positions with respect to each other. The first protrusion 212 may be disposed in the second recess 311. The second protrusion 312 may overlap the first protrusion 212 in the radial direction.

[0126] Therefore, the first protrusion 212 and the second protrusion 312 can support each other in the radial direction, and the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be stably positioned with respect to each other.

[0127] This is only an example, and the form or method in which the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 are joined in the radial direction is not limited to this.

[0128] As another example, engaging grooves (not shown) may be formed in opposite ends of the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200, and engaging protrusions (not shown) inserted into the engaging grooves may be formed on opposite ends of the side wall 310 of the extractor 300. The positions of the engaging grooves and the engaging protrusions may be interchanged with each other. As another example, opposite ends of the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and opposite ends of the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 may be formed along diagonal lines corresponding to each other, so as to support each other in the radial direction.

[0129] Figure 15 is shown Figures 2 to 11 cross-sectional views (a) of an embodiment of Figures 12 to 14 and cross-sectional views (b) of an embodiment of Figure 16 is shown Figure 15 to show a comparison of the thicknesses of the side walls (21, 210) of the heater holders (20, 200) and the side walls (31, 310) of the extractors (30, 300) provided between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50, and a comparison of the distances between the heater 50 and the induction coil 15.

[0130] Referring to Figure 15 , in the case of embodiment (a), the thickness of the wall formed by the side wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the side wall 31 of the extractor 30 provided between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50 may be defined as A2. In the case of embodiment (b), the thickness of the wall formed by the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 provided between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50 may be defined as B2. For embodiment (a), the wall formed by the side wall 21 of the heater holder 20 and the side wall 31 of the extractor 30 in the radial direction is double-layered, while for embodiment (b), the wall formed by the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 in the radial direction is single-layered. The thickness B2 may be less than the thickness A2. Therefore, the distance B1 between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50 in embodiment (b) may be less than the distance A1 between the induction coil 15 and the heater 50 in embodiment (a).

[0131] Therefore, the amount of current consumed for the heater 50 to reach a predetermined temperature when the heater 50 generates heat may be less in the case of embodiment (b) than in the case of embodiment (a) (see Figure 16). Additionally, the speed at which the heater 50 reaches a predetermined temperature when generating heat can be faster in the case of Example (b) than in the case of Example (a) (refer to Figure 16 ).

[0132] Refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the heater holder 200 can be provided with a side wall 210. The first slit 214 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 210 can be formed at positions opposite to each other. The extractor 300 can be provided with a side wall 310. The second slit 314 of the extractor 300 and the side wall 310 can be formed at positions opposite to each other.

[0133] The side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be formed at a position corresponding to the first slit 214. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 can be formed at a position corresponding to the second slit 314. The side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be disposed in the first slit 214, and the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 can be disposed in the second slit 314.

[0134] Therefore, the heater holder 200 and the extractor 300 can be more easily cleaned. To further improve the ease of cleaning, the first slit 214 and the second slit 314 can be opened in a direction corresponding to the main body wing portion 16.

[0135] The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can define a fourth insertion space 340. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 can cover one side of the fourth insertion space 340, and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can cover the other side of the fourth insertion space 340. The side wall 210 of the heater holder 200 and the side wall 310 of the extractor 300 can be disposed opposite to each other with respect to the fourth insertion space 340.

[0136] Refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300 can be spaced upward from the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200. An inlet passage 240 can be formed between the lower wall 22 of the heater holder 200 and the lower wall 32 of the extractor 300. The inlet passage 240 can be disposed at a position not overlapping with the side wall 210 of the heater holder 200. The inlet passage 240 can be formed below the side wall 310 of the extractor 300. The inlet passages 240 can be disposed opposite to each other. The inlet passage 240 can communicate with the through hole 35.

[0137] When the user inhales air while holding the rod S inserted into the fourth insertion space 340, the air can be introduced into the inlet passage 240 to sequentially pass through the through hole 35 and the rod S, and then be delivered to the user.

[0138] Refer toFigure 20 and Figure 21 As for Figure 21 , the heater 500 of the aerosol generating device may include a heating element 510 and a fixing element 520. The fixing element 520 may be coupled to the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200. The fixing element 520 may protrude upward from the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200. The fixing element 520 may extend vertically. The fixing element 520 may pass through the through hole 35. The fixing element 520 may be disposed between the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 and the heating element 510. The fixing element 520 may be made of a material having excellent heat resistance and low thermal conductivity. The fixing element 520 may not be a metal. The fixing element 520 may be formed of a material that does not generate heat by a magnetic field induced by the induction coil 15.

[0139] The lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 may be fixed to the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200. The middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520 may protrude from the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 and be positioned in the inlet passage 240 and the through hole 35. The upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 may be positioned in the through hole 35, or may be positioned in the coupling insertion space 340 or the inner insertion space 34 (see Figure 3 ) by passing through the through hole 35.

[0140] The lower portion 513 of the heating element 510 may be coupled to the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520. The heating element 510 may protrude upward from the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520. The middle portion 511 of the heating element 510 may have a cylindrical shape. The upper portion 512 of the heating element 510 may taper sharply upward from the upper end of the middle portion 511. The lower portion 513 of the heating element 510 may be open. The upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 may be inserted into the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510. Optionally, the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510 may be inserted into the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520.

[0141] The heating element 510 may pass through the through hole 35. The heating element 510 may be surrounded by the extractors 30, 300. The heating element 510 may be disposed in the coupling insertion space 340, or may be disposed in the inner insertion space 34 (see Figure 3 ). The heating element 510 may be a resistive metal. The heating element 510 may be surrounded by the induction coil 15 (see Figure 3 or Figure 13 ). The heating element 510 may generate heat by the induction coil 15 (see Figure 3 or Figure 13 ).

[0142] Therefore, some of the heat generated by the heating element 510 can be dissipated to the fixing element 520, thus preventing overheating of the heater holder 200 or the extractor 300 due to heat transfer. In addition, heat conduction to the electronic components in the device can be reduced. As a result, damage or malfunction of the components can be prevented.

[0143] The lower end of the heating element 510 can be located at the same height as the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300, or the lower end of the heating element 510 can be higher than the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300. For example, the heating element 510 can be located at a height t1 higher than the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300, which can be expressed as t1≥0. The through hole 35 can have a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the heating element 510.

[0144] The upper end of the fixing element 520 can be positioned at the same height as the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300, or the upper end of the fixing element 520 can be higher than the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300. For example, the upper end of the fixing element 520 can be located at a height t2 higher than the lower wall 32 or the through hole 35 of the extractor 300, which can be expressed as t2≥0. The through hole 35 can have a perimeter larger than the perimeter of the fixing element 520.

[0145] Therefore, the heating element 510 can effectively heat only the rod S inserted into the extractor 300, thereby reducing unnecessary heat transfer to the heater holder 200 or the extractor 300.

[0146] The fixing element 520 can have a first cavity 524. The first cavity 524 can extend vertically. The first cavity 524 can form a heat insulation layer through an air gap. The first cavity 524 can be open at the top. The first cavity 524 can be open at the bottom.

[0147] The heating element 510 can have a second cavity 514. The second cavity 514 can extend vertically. The second cavity 514 can form a heat insulation layer through an air gap. The second cavity 514 can be open at the bottom. The second cavity 514 can communicate with the first cavity 524.

[0148] Therefore, the heat generated from the heating element 510 can be isolated by the first cavity 524 and the second cavity 514, thereby reducing heat conduction to other components.

[0149] The heater holder 200 can be insert - molded into the fixing element 520. During insert - molding, the injection - molding material can surround the outer surface of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 to form the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200. The outer surface of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 and the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 can be joined to engage in the up - down direction or the vertical direction. For example, based on Figure 21The longitudinal cross-section is formed with an engaging groove 522a in the outer surface of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 (see Figure 22 ), and the second engaging portion 22b horizontally protruding from the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 can be engaged with the engaging groove 522a in a concave-convex shape so as to support each other in the vertical direction. After the heater holder 200 is insert-molded into the fixing element 520, the heating element 510 can be assembled to the fixing element 520.

[0150] Since the fixing element 520 has lower heat resistance and thermal conductivity than the heating element 510, the fixing element 520 can be rapidly cooled during insert molding. Therefore, when the heater holder 200 is insert-molded into the fixing element 520, it is possible to prevent the heater holder 200 from melting immediately after insert molding as compared with the case where the heater holder 200 is directly insert-molded into the heating element 510.

[0151] The bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 may include a first protrusion 22d. During insert molding, a part of the injection molding material may flow into the bottom of the first cavity 524, thereby forming the first protrusion 22d. The first protrusion 22d may fill the lower portion of the first cavity 524. The first protrusion 22d may protrude upward from the lower end 22a of the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200.

[0152] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fixing element 520 from tilting or separating from the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200.

[0153] The upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 may be inserted into the lower portion of the second cavity 514 of the heating element 510. The fixing element 520 may be press-fit into the heating element 510 (see Figure 24 and Figure 25 ). The fixing element 520 and the heating element 510 may be coupled in a hook-coupling manner (see Figure 24 and Figure 25 ). The upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 may be surrounded and fixed by the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510. The outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 may be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510. The middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520 may support the lower end of the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510. Alternatively, the lower portion 513 of the heating element 510 may be inserted into the upper portion of the first cavity 524 of the fixing element 520. The heating element 510 may be press-fit into the fixing element 520.

[0154] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heating element 510 from tilting or separating from the fixing element 520. The height t2 of the insertion of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 into the second cavity 514 may be set to an appropriate height to prevent tilting and breakage.

[0155] Refer toFigure 22 and Figure 23 As for Figure 23 , the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 can protrude upward from the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520. The upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. The lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 can be disposed below the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520. The lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 can protrude outward relative to the middle portion 521. The lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 can extend in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral surface of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 can be recessed inward to define an engaging groove 522a. The engaging groove 522a can extend in the circumferential direction. The middle portion 521, the upper portion 523, and the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 can surround a first cavity 524.

[0156] A stopper 528 can be formed between the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 and the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520. The outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 can be recessed inward relative to the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520, such that the stopper 528 can be formed at the upper end of the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520. The stopper 528 can face upward and can extend in the circumferential direction.

[0157] A first chamfer 526 can be formed on the top outer edge of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520. The first chamfer 526 can be inclined such that the width gradually decreases upward. The first chamfer 526 can extend in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 can extend downward from the lower end of the first chamfer 526.

[0158] Hook recesses 525 can be formed in the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520. The outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 can be recessed inward to define the hook recesses 525. A plurality of hook recesses 525 can be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520. The hook recesses 525 can be positioned below the first chamfer 526.

[0159] A mound 527 can be formed between the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520 and the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520. The mound 527 can be formed at the upper end of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520. The mound 527 can bend upward from the upper end of the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520 toward the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520. The mound 527 can support the middle portion 521 of the fixing element 520 such that the middle portion 521 does not break from the lower portion 522 of the fixing element 520.

[0160] The middle part 511 of the heating element 510 and the lower part 513 of the heating element 510 can surround the second cavity 514. The top of the second cavity 514 can be closed or blocked, and the bottom of the second cavity 514 can be open. The lower part 513 of the heating element 510 can extend downward from the periphery of the middle part 511 of the heating element 510. The lower part 513 of the heating element 510 can extend in the circumferential direction.

[0161] The hook 515 can be provided on the lower part 513 of the heating element 510. The hook 515 can protrude inward from the inner surface of the lower part 513 of the heating element 510 toward the second cavity 514. A plurality of hooks 515 can be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the lower part 513 of the heating element 510.

[0162] The second chamfer 516 can be formed on the bottom inner edge of the lower part 513 of the heating element 510. The second chamfer 516 can be inclined so that the width gradually increases downward. The second chamfer 516 can extend in the circumferential direction. The second chamfer 516 can be formed below the hook 515.

[0163] Referring to Figure 24 and Figure 25 ,The upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 can be inserted into the lower part of the second cavity 514. The width w2 of the outer peripheral surface of the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 can be greater than or equal to the width w1 of the lower part 513 of the heating element 510. Therefore, the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 can be press-fitted into the lower part 513 of the heating element 510 and fixed to the lower part 513 of the heating element 510, thereby preventing the heating element 510 from separating from or breaking the fixing element 520. The heating element 510 can have a higher hardness than the fixing element 520.

[0164] The upper end width of the second chamfer 526 can be smaller than the width of the second cavity 514. When the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 is inserted into the lower part of the second cavity 514, the first chamfer 526 and the second chamfer 516 can slide on each other, thereby guiding the insertion of the fixing element 520.

[0165] When the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 is inserted into the lower part of the second cavity 514, the stopper 528 can support the lower end of the heating element 510 and can limit the insertion of the heating element 510. When the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520 is inserted into the lower part of the second cavity 514, the inner surface of the lower part 513 of the heating element 510 can surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper part 523 of the fixing element 520.

[0166] When the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520 is inserted into the lower portion of the second cavity 514, the hook 515 can be inserted into or engaged with the hook recess 525. The hook 515 can be engaged with the hook recess 525 in a non-releasable (or permanent) snap-fit manner. For example, the hook 515 can be tilted upward to be inserted into the hook recess 525, while the upper end surface of the hook 515 is in smooth contact with the upper end surface of the hook recess 525, thereby preventing separation from each other.

[0167] In addition, the hook recess 525 can be formed by press-fitting the heating element 510 into the fixing element 520. For example, the hardness of the heating element 510 can be higher than that of the fixing element 520. Therefore, when the heating element 510 is press-fitted into the fixing element 520, the hook 515 of the heating element 510 can bite into the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion 523 of the fixing element 520, thereby forming the hook recess 525.

[0168] Referring Figure 26 , the fixing element 5200 can be coupled to the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200. The heater holder 200 can be insert-molded into the fixing element 5200. The fixing element 5200 can be disposed below the bottom 32 of the extractor 300. The upper surface of the fixing element 5200 can face the inlet passage 240. A part of the inlet passage 240 can be formed between the bottom 32 of the extractor 300 and the upper surface of the fixing element 5200. The outer peripheral surface of the fixing element 5200 can be engaged with the heater holder 200 in the vertical direction. For example, based on Figure 26 's longitudinal section, the engaging groove 5220a formed on the outer surface of the lower portion 5220 of the fixing element 5200 (see Figure 28 ) and the second engaging portion 22b horizontally protruding from the bottom 22 of the heater holder 200 can be engaged in a concave-convex shape so as to support each other in the vertical direction.

[0169] The lower end of the heating element 5100 can be inserted into the fixing element 5200. The heating element 5100 can be coupled to the fixing element 5200. The heating element 5100 and the fixing element 5200 can be hooked to each other. The heating element 5100 can protrude upward from the upper surface of the fixing element 5200 and extend longer. The heating element 5100 can pass through the through hole 35. The lower portion of the heating element 5100 can be positioned at the inlet passage 240, and the middle and upper portions of the heating element 5100 can be positioned in the extractor 300.

[0170] The third cavity 5140 formed in the heating element 5100 can be vertically elongated and open at the bottom. The fixing element 5200 can include a second protrusion 5230. The second protrusion 5230 can protrude upward to fill the lower portion of the third cavity 5140 of the heating element 5100.

[0171] Therefore, the heating element 5100 can be prevented from separating from or tilting with respect to the fixing element 5200.

[0172] Referring Figure 27 and Figure 28 to FIGS. and, an intermediate portion 5110 of the heating element 5100 may have a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. An upper portion 5120 of the heating element 5100 may taper sharply upward. A lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may extend downward from the intermediate portion 5110 of the heating element 5100. The lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. An outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may be recessed inward with respect to an outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 5110 of the heating element 5100.

[0173] A hook 5150 may project outward from an outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100. A plurality of hooks 5150 may be arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100.

[0174] The fixing element 5200 may be provided with an assembly groove 5240 that is open at the top. An upper surface of the fixing element 5200 may be recessed downward to define the assembly groove 5240. The assembly groove 5240 may extend in a circumferential direction and may have a cylindrical shape or an annular shape. An outer circumferential surface of the assembly groove 5240 may be recessed to define a hook recess 5250. A second protrusion 5230 may be surrounded by the assembly groove 5240.

[0175] Referring Figure 29 and Figure 30 to FIGS. and, a periphery of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may be inserted and assembled into the assembly groove 5240. When the periphery of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 is inserted into the assembly groove 5240, the hook 5150 may be inserted into and engaged with the hook recess 5250. The hook 5150 may be engaged with the hook recess 5250 in a non-releasable (or permanent) snap-fit manner. For example, the hook 5150 may be tilted upward to be inserted into the hook recess 5250 while an upper end surface of the hook 515 is in smooth contact with an upper end surface of the hook recess 5250, thereby preventing separation from each other.

[0176] A width W3' of the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may be greater than or equal to a width W4' of the assembly groove 5240. The heating element 5100 may have a higher hardness than the fixing element 5200. Therefore, the lower portion 5130 of the heating element 5100 may be press-fitted into the assembly groove 5240 and fixed to the assembly groove 5240.

[0177] The width w4 of the second protrusion 5230 may be greater than or equal to the width w3 of the third cavity 5140. Accordingly, the second protrusion 5230 may be press-fitted into the third cavity 5140 and fixed thereto, thereby preventing the heating element 5100 from separating from or breaking the fixing element 520.

[0178] In addition, the hook recess 5250 may be formed by press-fitting the heating element 5100 into the fixing element 5200. For example, the hardness of the heating element 5100 may be higher than that of the fixing element 5200. Accordingly, when the heating element 5100 is press-fitted into the fixing element 5200, the hook 5150 of the heating element 5100 may bite into the fixing element 5200, thereby forming the hook recess 5250.

[0179] Referring Figures 1 to 30 , an aerosol generating device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a heater holder defining an intermediate insertion space having an opening at its top; a fixing element coupled to the bottom of the heater holder; and a heating element coupled to the upper part of the fixing element and disposed in the intermediate insertion space.

[0180] The heating element and the fixing element may be coupled together by a hook on one of the heating element and the fixing element, the hook being configured to be coupled to a hook recess on the other of the heating element and the fixing element.

[0181] A plurality of hooks and a plurality of hook recesses may be correspondingly arranged along the perimeter of the lower part of the heating element or the perimeter of the upper part of the fixing element.

[0182] The hook may be coupled to the hook recess in a non-releasable snap-fit manner.

[0183] The fixing element may protrude upward from the bottom of the heater holder.

[0184] The fixing element may have a first cavity.

[0185] The fixing element may be shaped to define a top opening leading to the first cavity and a bottom opening leading to the first cavity. The heating element may have a second cavity and may be shaped to define a bottom opening leading to the second cavity such that when the heating element is coupled to the fixing element, the second cavity communicates with the first cavity.

[0186] The diameter of the upper part of the fixing element may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the bottom opening leading to the second cavity such that the upper part of the fixing element is press-fitted into the bottom opening leading to the second cavity.

[0187] The top outer edge of the fixing element may be chamfered such that the diameter of the fixing element at the chamfered top is less than the diameter of the second cavity.

[0188] The heater holder may include a first protrusion configured to cover a bottom opening leading to a first chamber and surround an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the fixing element.

[0189] The fixing element and the heater holder may be coupled to engage with each other in a vertical direction.

[0190] The aerosol generating device may further include a main body defining an outer insertion space, and the heater holder is removably inserted into the outer insertion space.

[0191] The aerosol generating device may further include an extractor removably inserted into an intermediate insertion space and defining an inner insertion space therein, the inner insertion space having an opening at its top. The heating element may extend into the inner insertion space through a through hole formed at a bottom of the inner insertion space of the extractor.

[0192] The aerosol generating device may further include an extractor removably inserted into the intermediate insertion space. Side walls of the heater holder and the extractor may together define a combined insertion space having an opening at its top. The heating element may extend into the combined insertion space through a through hole formed at a bottom of the extractor.

[0193] The fixing element may be surrounded by the through hole. A lower end of the heating element may be positioned higher than the through hole.

[0194] The aerosol generating device may further include an induction coil mounted in the main body and configured to cause the heating element to generate heat.

[0195] The heating element may have a third chamber and may be shaped to define a bottom opening leading to the third chamber. The fixing element may include a second protrusion configured to cover the bottom opening leading to the third chamber and may surround an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the heating element.

[0196] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any element or all elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure above may be combined with another element or with each other in terms of structure or function.

[0197] For example, a structure “A” described in one embodiment and drawings of the present disclosure and a structure “B” described in another embodiment and drawings of the present disclosure may be combined with each other. That is, although the combination between the structures is not directly described, it may be combined except for the cases described as impossible to combine.

[0198] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to their several illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many other modifications and embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More specifically, various changes and modifications may be made to the components and / or layout of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of this disclosure, the drawings, and the appended claims. In addition to the changes and modifications to the components and / or layout, alternative uses will also be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heater holder defining an intermediate insertion space having an opening at its top; a fixing element coupled to the bottom of the heater holder; and a heating element coupled to the upper part of the fixing element and disposed in the intermediate insertion space.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, the heating element and the fixing element are coupled together by a hook on one of the heating element and the fixing element, the hook being configured to be coupled to a hook recess on the other of the heating element and the fixing element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, a plurality of hooks and a plurality of hook recesses are correspondingly arranged along the periphery of the lower part of the heating element or the periphery of the upper part of the fixing element.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein, the hook is coupled to the hook recess in a non - releasable snap - fit manner.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, the fixing element projects upward from the bottom of the heater holder.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein, the fixing element has a first cavity.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein, the fixing element is shaped to define a top opening leading to the first cavity and a bottom opening leading to the first cavity, and wherein the heating element has a second cavity and is shaped to define a bottom opening leading to the second cavity, such that when the heating element is coupled to the fixing element, the second cavity communicates with the first cavity.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein, the diameter of the upper part of the fixing element is greater than or equal to the diameter of the bottom opening leading to the second cavity, such that the upper part of the fixing element is press - fitted into the bottom opening leading to the second cavity.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 8, wherein, the outer edge of the top of the fixing element is chamfered such that the diameter of the fixing element at the top of the chamfer is less than the diameter of the second cavity.

10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein, the heater holder includes a first protrusion configured to cover the bottom opening leading to the first cavity and surround the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the fixing element, and wherein the fixing element and the heater holder are coupled to engage with each other in the vertical direction.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5, the aerosol generating device further includes a main body defining an external insertion space, and the heater holder is removably inserted into the external insertion space.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, the aerosol generating device further includes an extractor removably inserted into the intermediate insertion space and defining an internal insertion space therein, the internal insertion space having an opening at its top, wherein, The heating element extends into the internal insertion space by passing through a through hole formed at the bottom of the internal insertion space of the extractor, wherein the fixing element is surrounded by the through hole, and wherein the lower end of the heating element is positioned above the through hole.

13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an extractor detachably inserted into the intermediate insertion space, wherein, a side wall of the heater holder and a side wall of the extractor together define a combined insertion space having an opening at its top, and wherein the heating element extends into the combined insertion space by passing through a through hole formed at the bottom of the extractor, wherein the fixing element is surrounded by the through hole, and wherein the lower end of the heating element is positioned above the through hole.

14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an induction coil mounted in the body and configured to cause the heating element to generate heat.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein, the heating element has a third cavity and is shaped to define a bottom opening leading to the third cavity, and wherein the fixing element includes a second protrusion configured to cover the bottom opening leading to the third cavity and surround an outer peripheral surface of a lower portion of the heating element.

Images