Patent Description:
An aerosol-generating article such as a combustion-type cigarette or a non-combustion type (e.g., heating-type) cigarette includes a filter rod for filtering a specific component included in aerosol or cooling the aerosol. Recently, research for improving filter performance by changing components constituting a filter rod or changing a structure of the filter rod has been conducted.

During smoking, a user's mouth contacts a filter rod. When the filter rod is short, aerosol may not be sufficiently cooled, thereby causing burns to the user. In some aerosol-generating articles, in order to increase a length of the filter rod to a certain length or more, a space can be formed between segments and then wrapped with a wrapper.

However, when an external force is applied to the filter rod while the user holds the filter rod by hand or inserts the filter rod into a heating device, a shape of the filter rod may be distorted or bent, and thus there is a need for a solution to such a problem. <CIT> relates to a cigarette product containing fragrance beads for electric heating, comprising an aerosol-generating carrier, a fragrance segment adjacent to the aerosol-generating carrier, a cigarette holder adjacent to the fragrance segment, the aerosol-generating carrier, the fragrance segment, and a cigarette holder, the aerosol-generating carrier, the fragrance segment, and the cigarette holder are communicated inside to allow the aerosol to pass through, the fragrance segment comprises a plurality of fragrance beads, and the aerosol generated when the aerosol-generating carrier is electrically heated passes through the fragrance segment and then enters the cigarette holder. <CIT> relates to a smoking article having a mouth end portion that includes a central filter plug having an outer surface. The mouth end portion further includes a peripheral region disposed about the outer surface of the central filter plug. The peripheral region may include one or more channels through which smoke may flow. The smoking article includes an exterior wrap that is disposed about the peripheral region of the mouth end filter portion. The permeability of smoke through the peripheral region is five times or more greater than the permeability of smoke through the central filter plug. <CIT> relates to a filter for tobacco products and smoking utensils, which consists of a cylindrical filter jacket and a filter core containing smoke ducts, a gas mixing chamber in the form of a substantially empty space enclosed by the filter jacket is disposed in front of the filter core at the inlet end of the filter, which chamber communicates with the circulating air via at least one small hole arranged in the filter jacket. In addition, the gas mixing chamber is closed off at its smoke inlet end by a wall which has narrow openings for the smoke inlet. In the gas mixing chamber, a turbulent mixing of the tobacco smoke with the air takes place due to the inflow of the circulating air and also of the smoke in the form of sharp jets, which results in a significant reduction of the CO and NO content of the smoke.

A technical problem to be solved by the disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating article capable of maintaining a shape of a filter rod even when an external force is applied.

Also, a technical problem to be solved by the disclosure is to provide an aerosol-generating article capable of improving homogeneity by mixing aerosol.

Technical problems to be solved by the disclosure are not limited thereto, and objectives or effects which may be derived from the following solution or embodiments may also be included.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes: a tobacco rod; a filter rod located downstream of the tobacco rod; and a wrapper surrounding outer circumferential surfaces of the tobacco rod and the filter rod, wherein the filter rod includes: a structure supporting the wrapper in a transverse direction; and at least one channel formed between the wrapper and the structure.

The structure may include a plurality of support surfaces contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper in a longitudinal direction.

The structure may further include a plurality of plates extending from a longitudinal axis to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper.

An angle formed by two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates may be <NUM>/n, n being a positive integer.

The plurality of plates may include: a first plate; a second plate perpendicular to the first plate; a third plate parallel to the first plate with the longitudinal axis located in between; and a fourth plate parallel to the second plate with the longitudinal axis located in between.

The structure may include at least one support surface spirally contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper in a longitudinal direction.

The at least one channel may include a channel for forming a vortex of aerosol around a longitudinal axis.

The structure may further include a spiral plate member spirally formed along the longitudinal axis.

The structure may further include a hollow formed along the longitudinal axis.

An airflow of aerosol may be formed along the hollow.

A central portion of the structure along the longitudinal axis may be sealed.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when an aerosol-generating article is stored and used, deformation of a shape may be minimized, and thus design characteristics may be maintained. As a result, a smoking feeling as intended through the design may be provided to a user.

Also, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, because aerosol is mixed by a vortex or the like when the aerosol flows through a channel, the homogeneity of the aerosol may be improved.

Various and beneficial advantages and effects of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and will be more easily understood in the course of describing specific embodiments of the disclosure.

As the disclosure allows for various changes and numerous examples, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description.

For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "accessed" to or by any other component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or accessed by the other component, but another new component may also be interposed between them. Contrarily, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly accessed" to or by any other component, it should be understood that there is no new component between the component and the other component.

The terms used in the present specification are merely used to describe exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In the present specification, it is to be understood that the terms such as "including," "having," and "comprising" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical terms and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted to have the meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined in various embodiments of the disclosure.

In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description thereof will not be given.

An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the disclosure may refer to a cigarette. An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a cigarette that generates aerosol by combustion. Also, an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a cigarette that generates aerosol when a part of the cigarette is heated without combustion by a heating source such as a heater assembly.

<FIG> is a view for describing an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol-generating article may include a tobacco rod <NUM> and a filter rod <NUM>.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may include an aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include at least one of, but not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may include other additive materials such as a flavoring agent, a wetting agent, and/or an organic acid. For example, the flavoring agent may include licorice, sucrose, fructose syrup, isosweet, cocoa, lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, fenugreek, cascara, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, mint oil, cinnamon, keragene, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cinnamon, ylang, salvia, spearmint, ginger, coriander, or coffee. In addition, the wetting agent may include glycerine or propylene glycol.

A flavoring liquid such as menthol or a moisturizer may be sprayed and added to the tobacco rod <NUM>.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may be filled with a reconstituent tobacco sheet. In another example, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be filled with tiny bits. The tiny bits may be generated by finely cutting the reconstituent tobacco sheet. In another example, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be filled with a plurality of tobacco strands obtained by finely cutting the reconstituent tobacco sheet is finely cut. For example, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be formed by combining the plurality of tobacco strands arranged in the same direction (i.e., arranged parallel to one another) or randomly. For example, the reconstituent tobacco sheet may be manufactured by using the following process. First, a tobacco raw material is crushed to generate a slurry in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), a flavoring liquid, a binder (e.g., guar gum, xanthan gum, or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)), and water are mixed, and then a reconstituent tobacco sheet is formed by using the slurry. Natural pulp or cellulose may be added to make a slurry, and one or more binders may be mixed and used. Tobacco strands may be generated by drying the reconstituent tobacco sheet and cutting or shredding the dried reconstituent tobacco sheet.

The tobacco raw material may be tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, and/or tobacco powder generated during tobacco processing. In addition, the reconstituent tobacco sheet may contain other additives such as wood cellulose fiber. The slurry may contain <NUM>% to <NUM>% of aerosol-generating material, and <NUM>% to <NUM>% of aerosol-generating material may remain in the reconstituent tobacco sheet. Preferably, <NUM>% to <NUM>% of aerosol-generating material may remain in the reconstituent tobacco sheet.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. The heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod <NUM> may uniformly distribute heat transmitted to the tobacco rod <NUM>, and thus heat conductivity applied to the tobacco rod <NUM> may be improved and the flavor of aerosol generated from the tobacco rod <NUM> may be improved.

The filter rod <NUM> may contact the tobacco rod <NUM> and may be located downstream of the tobacco rod <NUM>. The term "downstream" refers to a direction in which the aerosol flows toward the mouth of a user who smokes the aerosol-generating article. On the other hand, the term "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the mouth of the user who smokes the aerosol-generating article.

The filter rod <NUM> may include a plurality of segments. The plurality of segments may be sequentially arranged in a longitudinal direction. The term "longitudinal direction" may refer to a lengthwise direction of the aerosol-generating article.

According to an embodiment, one of the plurality of segments may be a first segment <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> may be a cellulose acetate filter. For example, the first segment <NUM> may be a tubular structure having a hollow therein. The hollow may function as a channel through which aerosol passes. A length of the first segment <NUM> may be an appropriate length within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Preferably, a length of the first segment <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, <NUM>. A diameter of the hollow (channel) in the first segment <NUM> may be an appropriate diameter within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, but the disclosure is not limited to.

The first segment <NUM> may contain a volatile flavor component. The volatile flavor component may be applied as a liquid to the first segment <NUM>. The volatile flavor component may be, but is not limited to, menthol.

According to an embodiment, the first segment <NUM> may not be included in the filter rod <NUM>. That is, the filter rod <NUM> may not include the first segment <NUM>, and may include only a second segment <NUM> and a third segment <NUM>.

One of the plurality of segments may be the second segment <NUM> capable of filtering a specific component of aerosol. The second segment <NUM> may be a cellulose acetate filter. A length of the second segment <NUM> may be appropriately selected within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, a length of the second segment <NUM> may be, but is not limited to, about <NUM>.

In a process of manufacturing the second segment <NUM>, the second segment <NUM> may be manufactured to generate flavor by spraying a flavoring liquid to the second segment <NUM>. Alternatively, a separate fiber to which a flavoring liquid is applied may be inserted into the second segment <NUM>. Aerosol generated by the tobacco rod <NUM> is cooled as passing through the first segment <NUM>, and the cooled aerosol is delivered to the user through the second segment <NUM>. Accordingly, when a flavoring element is added to the second segment <NUM>, the durability of flavor delivered to the user may be increased.

Any one of the plurality of segments may be the third segment <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third segment <NUM> may cool aerosol that is generated when the tobacco rod <NUM> is burned or when the tobacco rod <NUM> is heated by a heater. Accordingly, the user may inhale the aerosol cooled to a suitable temperature. According to an embodiment, the third segment <NUM> may support a wrapper <NUM> surrounding the segments included in the filter rod <NUM>. Accordingly, a circular shape of the aerosol-generating article may be maintained when the user inhales aerosol. According to an embodiment, the third segment <NUM> may mix an aerosol airflow. Accordingly, the user may inhale homogenized aerosol. The third segment <NUM> may include a structure and a channel.

The structure may support the wrapper <NUM> in a transverse direction. A plurality of structures may be formed. The channel may be formed between the wrapper <NUM> and the structure. One or a plurality of channels may be formed.

According to an embodiment, the structure may include a plurality of support surfaces contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may refer to a lengthwise direction of an aerosol-generating device.

The structure may include a plurality of plates extending toward the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper from a central axis that extends in the longitudinal direction (i.e., longitudinal axis). In this case, a plurality of channels may be formed between the plurality of plates. An angle formed between two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates may be <NUM>/n. In this case, n may be a positive integer. For example, the plurality of plates may include a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, and a fourth plate. The second plate may be arranged perpendicular to the first plate. The third plate may be parallel to the first plate with the central axis located in between. The fourth plate may be parallel to the second plate the central axis located in between. In this case, the channel may be formed between plates, and the third segment <NUM> may include four channels.

According to an embodiment, the structure may include at least one support surface spirally contacting the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the third segment <NUM> may include a channel for forming a vortex of aerosol around the central axis extending in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the longitudinal axis).

The structure may include a spiral plate member that is spirally formed along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the structure may have a hollow formed along the longitudinal axis. An airflow of aerosol may be formed along the hollow. In another example, a central portion of the structure along the longitudinal axis may be sealed.

The wrapper <NUM> may be wrapped around the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may surround outer circumferential surfaces of the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged by one wrapper <NUM>. In another embodiment, the tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged by two or more wrappers <NUM>. In detail, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be packaged by a first wrapper, and the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged by a second wrapper. The tobacco rod <NUM> packaged by the first wrapper and the filter rod <NUM> packaged by the second wrapper may be re-packaged by a third wrapper. In another embodiment, the plurality of segments included in the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged by different wrappers <NUM>. In detail, the first segment <NUM> may be packaged by a <NUM>-<NUM>st wrapper, the second segment <NUM> may be packaged by a <NUM>-<NUM>nd wrapper, and the third segment <NUM> may be packaged by a <NUM>-<NUM>rd wrapper. The plurality of segments respectively packaged by the wrappers <NUM> and the tobacco rod <NUM> packaged by the first wrapper may be re-packaged by one wrapper <NUM>.

The wrapper <NUM> may have at least one hole through which external air is introduced or internal air is discharged. According to an embodiment, the wrapper <NUM> may have a hole in a portion surrounding any one segment included in the filter rod <NUM>. For example, the wrapper may have a hole in a portion corresponding to the third segment <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may refer to wrapping paper.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a filter rod including a segment according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a filter rod according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be arranged in the order of the first segment <NUM>, the third segment <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> along a downstream direction (i.e., a direction in which the aerosol generated in the tobacco rod <NUM> flows toward the user's mouth). According to another embodiment, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be arranged in the order of the first segment <NUM>, the second segment <NUM>, and the third segment <NUM> along the downstream direction. According to another embodiment, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be arranged in the order of the third segment <NUM>, the first segment <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> along the downstream direction. That is, when the filter rod is divided into an upper end, a middle end, and terminal end, the third segment <NUM> may be located in any one of the upper end, the middle end, and the terminal end.

The filter rod including the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM> may be packaged by the wrapper <NUM>. That is, the wrapper <NUM> may surround an outer circumferential surface of the filter rod including the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM>. As the wrapper <NUM> surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM>, a plurality of channels may be formed between the filter rod and a structure included in the third segment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the third segment according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating the third segment according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the third segment according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

The third segment <NUM> according to the first embodiment of the disclosure may include a structure. The wrapper may surround the third segment <NUM>, that is, the structure. As the wrapper <NUM> surrounds the structure, the third segment <NUM> may include a plurality of channels formed by the structure and the wrapper <NUM>.

A structure <NUM> may include a plurality of support surfaces <NUM> contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM> in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the structure <NUM> may include four support surfaces <NUM> contacting the wrapper <NUM>. The four support surfaces <NUM> may be formed in a lengthwise direction of an aerosol-generating device which is the longitudinal direction. The four support surfaces <NUM> may be symmetric about a central axis C (i.e., longitudinal axis). A first support surface <NUM>-<NUM> and a third support surface <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetric to each other about the central axis C. A second support surface <NUM>-<NUM> and a fourth support surface <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetric to each other about the central axis C. Even if a force is applied to the wrapper <NUM> surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM> in a transverse direction, a shape of the filter rod may be maintained because the force may be offset through symmetric support surfaces <NUM>. Although the number of the support surfaces <NUM> is not limited, it is preferable that the structure <NUM> includes an even number of support surfaces <NUM> and paired support surfaces <NUM> are symmetric to each other about the central axis C.

The structure <NUM> may include a plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> extending from the central axis C of the longitudinal direction to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>. The plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may respectively correspond to the plurality of support surfaces <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. That is, each of the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may include one support surface <NUM>. As the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> extend from the central axis C to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>, forces applied to the wrapper in a transverse direction may be transferred to the central axis C through the support surfaces <NUM>. As the forces transferred to the central axis C are offset, a shape of the filter rod may be maintained.

A certain angle may be formed by every two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. In this case, certain angles formed by two plates may be the same. As the certain angles formed by the two plates are the same, forces applied to the wrapper in the transverse direction may be efficiently offset. According to an embodiment, an angle formed by two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM>/m. In this case, m may be a positive integer equal to or greater than <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an angle formed by two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may be <NUM>/n. In this case, n may be a positive integer. According to an embodiment, the plurality of plates may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the plurality of plates <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM> may be separately formed and then may be coupled to one another. In another example, a pair of plates that are arranged parallel to each other may be integrally formed and then individual plates may be coupled to one another.

The plurality of plates may support other segments connected to a front end a rear end of the third segment <NUM> or a tobacco rod in the longitudinal direction. Because the plurality of plates provide another support surface for the front end and the rear end of the third segment <NUM>, a shape may be maintained against a force applied to the aerosol-generating device in the longitudinal direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the plurality of plates may include four plates. The plurality of plates may include the first plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the second plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the third plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM>. The first plate <NUM>-<NUM> may extend from the central axis C to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>, and may support the wrapper <NUM> through the first support surface <NUM>-<NUM>. The second plate <NUM>-<NUM> may extend from the central axis C to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>, and may be arranged perpendicular to the first plate <NUM>-<NUM>. The second plate <NUM>-<NUM> may support the wrapper <NUM> through the second support surface <NUM>-<NUM>. The third plate <NUM>-<NUM> may extend from the central axis C to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>, and may be parallel to the first plate <NUM>-<NUM> with the central axis C located in between. The third plate <NUM>-<NUM> may support the wrapper <NUM> through the third support surface <NUM>-<NUM> that is symmetric to the first support surface <NUM>-<NUM> about the central axis C. The fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM> may extend from the central axis C to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM>, and may be parallel to the second plate <NUM>-<NUM> with the central axis C located in between. The fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM> may support the wrapper <NUM> through the fourth support <NUM>-<NUM> that is symmetric to the second support <NUM>-<NUM> about the central axis C. The first plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be at right angles to the second plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM> which are adjacent to the first plate <NUM>-<NUM>. The third plate <NUM>-<NUM> may be at right angles to the second plate <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM> which are adjacent to the third plate <NUM>-<NUM>.

A plurality of channels <NUM> may be formed by the structure <NUM> and the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the structure <NUM>. One channel <NUM> may be formed by two adjacent plates and the wrapper <NUM> surrounding a space between the two plates. Accordingly, the number of the plurality of plates and the number of the plurality of channels <NUM> may be the same. When a user smokes, an aerosol airflow may be formed in each of the plurality of channels <NUM>. Because each of the plurality of channels <NUM> includes a surface of each of two plates and a wrapper surface surrounding the plates, the channel <NUM> may accelerate cooling of aerosol.

Referring to <FIG>, the third segment <NUM> may include first through fourth channels <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. The first channel <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed by the first plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the second plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the wrapper. The second channel <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed by the second plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the third plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM>. The third channel <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed by the third plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM>. The fourth channel <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed by the fourth plate <NUM>-<NUM>, the first plate <NUM>-<NUM>, and the wrapper <NUM>. When the user smokes, an aerosol airflow may be formed in each of the first through fourth channels <NUM>-<NUM> through <NUM>-<NUM>. The aerosol airflows may be mixed by collision when passing through a downstream end of the third segment <NUM>, thereby homogenizing aerosol.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a filter rod including a third segment according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the filter rod <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in the order of the first segment <NUM>, the third segment <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> along a downstream direction. According to another embodiment, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in the order of the first segment <NUM>, the second segment <NUM>, and the third segment <NUM> along the downstream direction. According to another embodiment, the segments of the filter rod <NUM> may be sequentially arranged in the order of the third segment <NUM>, the first segment <NUM>, and the second segment <NUM> along the downstream direction. That is, when the filter rod <NUM> is divided into an upper end, a middle end, and a terminal end, the third segment <NUM> may be located in any one of the upper end, the middle end, and the terminal end.

The filter rod <NUM> including the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM> may be packaged by the wrapper <NUM>. That is, the wrapper <NUM> may surround an outer circumferential surface of the filter rod <NUM> including the first through third segments <NUM> through <NUM>. As the wrapper <NUM> surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM>, a channel may be formed between a structure included in the third segment <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM>. In this case, the structure may have a spiral shape.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the third segment according to the second embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating the third segment according to the second embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the third segment according to the second embodiment of the disclosure.

The third segment <NUM> according to the second embodiment of the disclosure may include the structure <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may surround the third segment <NUM>, that is, the structure <NUM>. As the wrapper <NUM> surrounds the structure <NUM>, the third segment <NUM> may include the channel <NUM> formed by the structure <NUM> and the wrapper <NUM>.

The structure <NUM> may include at least one support surface <NUM> spirally contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM> in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the structure <NUM> may include one support surface <NUM> contacting the wrapper <NUM>. The one support surface <NUM> may be spirally formed in a lengthwise direction of an aerosol-generating device which is the longitudinal direction. The support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed may maintain a certain interval in the longitudinal direction. The support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed may have a certain angle with respect to a cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. An interval in the longitudinal direction and an angle with respect to the cross-section for the support surface <NUM> may be changed by one of ordinary skill in the art. Because a force applied to the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM> in a transverse direction may be offset by the support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed, a shape of the filter rod <NUM> may be maintained. Also, the structure <NUM> may support other segments connected to a front end and a rear end of the third segment <NUM> or a tobacco rod in the longitudinal direction. Because the structure <NUM> may provide another support surface for the front end and the rear end of the third segment <NUM>, a shape may be maintained against a force applied to the aerosol-generating device in the longitudinal direction.

The structure <NUM> may include a spiral plate member that is spirally formed along the central axis C extending in the longitudinal direction (i.e., longitudinal axis). The spiral plate member may have a shape obtained by twisting one plate. According to an embodiment, the spiral plate member may include a first edge a in the lengthwise direction and a second edge b facing the first edge a. The spiral plate member may have a helicoidal shape in which the first edge a surrounds the central axis C and the second edge b is spaced apart from the central axis C by a certain distance. Accordingly, a central portion of the structure <NUM> along the central axis C of the longitudinal direction may be sealed.

Referring to <FIG>, it is found that the structure <NUM> includes the spiral plate member. The spiral plate member may include the first edge a and the second edge b, which spirally extend in the longitudinal direction. The first edge a surrounds the central axis C and the second edge b is spaced apart from the central axis C by a certain distance. The support surface <NUM> having a spiral shape may be located on the second edge b. As the first edge a of the spiral plate member surrounds the central axis C and the second edge b is spaced apart from the central axis C by a certain distance, the central portion of the structure <NUM> may be sealed. Accordingly, a force applied to the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM> in the transverse direction may be transferred to the central axis C through the support surface <NUM> formed on the second edge b, and thus the force may be efficiently offset.

The channel <NUM> may be formed by the structure <NUM> and the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the structure <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the channel <NUM> may be formed by the spiral plate member and the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the spiral plate member. In this case, one channel <NUM> may be formed. When a user smokes, an aerosol airflow may be formed in the channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may form a vortex of aerosol around the central axis C. Because the channel <NUM> is formed by the spiral plate member and a surface of the wrapper <NUM> surrounding the spiral plate member, a contact area of aerosol passing through the channel <NUM> may be increased and cooling may be accelerated. In addition, homogenization of the aerosol may be improved due to the vortex.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a third segment according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating the third segment according to the third embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the third segment according to the third embodiment of the disclosure.

The third segment <NUM> according to the third embodiment of the disclosure may include the structure <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may surround the third segment <NUM>, that is, the structure <NUM>. As the wrapper <NUM> surrounds the structure <NUM>, the third segment <NUM> may include the channel <NUM> formed by the structure <NUM> and the wrapper <NUM>.

The structure <NUM> may include at least one support surface <NUM> spirally contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper <NUM> in a longitudinal direction. Referring to <FIG>, the structure <NUM> may include one support surface <NUM> contacting the wrapper <NUM>. The one support surface <NUM> may be spirally formed in a lengthwise direction of an aerosol-generating device which is the longitudinal direction. The support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed may maintain a certain interval in the longitudinal direction. The support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed may have a certain angle with respect to a cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. An interval in the longitudinal direction and an angle with respect to the cross-section for the support surface <NUM> may be changed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Because a force applied to the wrapper <NUM> surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the third segment <NUM> in a transverse direction may be offset by the support surface <NUM> that is spirally formed, a shape of a filter rod <NUM> may be maintained. Also, the structure <NUM> may support other segments connected to a front end and a rear end of the third segment <NUM> or a tobacco rod in the longitudinal direction. Because the structure <NUM> may provide another support surface for the front end and the rear end of the third segment <NUM>, a shape may be maintained against a force applied to the aerosol-generating device in the longitudinal direction.

The structure <NUM> may include a spiral plate member that is spirally formed along the central axis C. The spiral plate member have a shape obtained by twisting one plate. According to an embodiment, the spiral plate member may include the first edge a and the second edge b, which spirally extend in the lengthwise direction. The spiral plate member may have a helicoidal shape in which the first edge a is spaced apart from the central axis C by a first distance and the second edge b is spaced apart from the central axis C by a second distance. The first distance may be smaller than the second distance. Accordingly, the structure <NUM> may have a hollow formed along the central axis C.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure <NUM> includes the spiral plate member. The spiral plate member may include the first edge a and the second edge b, which spirally extend in the lengthwise direction. The first edge a may be spaced apart from the central axis C by the first distance, and the second edge b may be spaced apart from the central axis C by the second distance. The support surface <NUM> that spirally contacts the wrapper <NUM> may be located on the second edge b. As the first edge a of the spiral plate member is spaced apart from the central axis C by the first distance and the second edge b is spaced apart from the central axis C by the second distance, the hollow may be formed in a central portion of the structure <NUM>. As the hollow is formed in the structure <NUM>, manufacturing costs of the structure <NUM> may be reduced.

Claim 1:
An aerosol-generating article comprising:
a tobacco rod (<NUM>);
a filter rod (<NUM>) located downstream of the tobacco rod (<NUM>); and
a wrapper (<NUM>) surrounding outer circumferential surfaces of the tobacco rod (<NUM>) and the filter rod (<NUM>),
wherein the filter rod (<NUM>) comprises:
a structure (<NUM>) supporting the wrapper (<NUM>) in a transverse direction; and
at least one channel (<NUM>) formed between the wrapper (<NUM>) and the structure (<NUM>),
wherein the structure (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of support surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction,
wherein the structure (<NUM>) further comprises a plurality of plates (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) extending from a longitudinal axis to the inner circumferential surface of the wrapper (<NUM>), and
wherein an angle formed by two adjacent plates of the plurality of plates (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) is <NUM>/n, n being a positive integer; or
wherein the structure (<NUM>) comprises at least one support surface (<NUM>) spirally contacting an inner circumferential surface of the wrapper (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction,
wherein the at least one channel (<NUM>) comprises a channel for forming a vortex of aerosol around a longitudinal axis,
wherein the structure (<NUM>) further comprises a spiral plate member spirally formed along the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the structure (<NUM>) further comprises a hollow formed along the longitudinal axis.