Aerosol generator with odor suppression assembly

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The device includes a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate and an odor control assembly. The odor control assembly includes at least one chamber for receiving at least one odor control substrate. The aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating device and at least one odor control substrate disposed within the at least one chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating device comprising an odor suppression assembly.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating articles are known in the art in which an aerosol forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned. Typically, in such aerosol generating articles, the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separated aerosol forming substrate or material, which may be in contact with the heat source, within the heat source, around the heat source, or downstream of the heat source. During use of the aerosol generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense or nucleate to form an aerosol.

[0003] Numerous prior art documents disclose aerosol generating devices for consuming aerosol generating articles. Such devices include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from one or more electrical heater elements of the aerosol generating device to the aerosol forming substrate of a heated aerosol generating article.

[0004] However, the process of heating the aerosol-forming substrate has also been found to potentially lead to the generation of undesirable and unpleasant odors. This problem can be particularly pronounced when the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. In some cases, aerosols generated by aerosol generators have been observed to remain in the air and surrounding environment after the user has finished using the aerosol generator. This is known as an off-odor. In other cases, improper use or maintenance of aerosol generators has been observed to potentially lead to distinctive and unpleasant odors. This can occur, for example, when the electric heater element of an aerosol generator is not properly cleaned. This is known as a malodor. Both off-odors and malodors can be experienced by both the user of the aerosol generator and other users in close proximity to the aerosol generator. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As a result, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generator that reduces or prevents unpleasant odors such as off-flavors and malodors caused by heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0006] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that allows the user to control or customize the odor experienced by the user and people around the aerosol generator.

[0007] It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that reduces or prevents unpleasant odors without using very strong or pleasant fragrances. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article includes an aerosol forming substrate. The device may include a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate. The device may also include an odor suppression assembly.

[0009] The advantage of providing odor-suppressing assemblies is that they may reduce or prevent unpleasant odors, such as off-flavors and malodors, caused by heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] The odor suppression assembly may include at least one chamber for receiving at least one odor suppression substrate.

[0011] Providing an odor suppression assembly equipped with a chamber for receiving an odor suppression substrate may allow the user to replace the odor suppression substrate after it has been consumed. This may, advantageously, allow the odor suppression assembly to be reused. This may also allow the user to easily remove the odor suppression substrate, thereby potentially allowing the user to substantially temporarily disable the odor suppression assembly if desired.

[0012] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided for use with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate and an odor suppression assembly. The odor suppression assembly comprises at least one odor suppression assembly having at least one chamber for receiving at least one odor suppression substrate.

[0013] A user may use an aerosol generator that works in conjunction with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heater of the aerosol generator heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol that may be inhaled by the user. This may also release certain compounds that produce unpleasant odors, such as foul or malodorous odors. An odor suppression assembly may release at least one odor suppression molecule to reduce or prevent these unpleasant odors. In particular, at least one odor suppression molecule may be released from at least one odor suppression substrate received within at least one chamber of the odor suppression assembly. As presented in more detail below, the odor suppression substrate may release odor suppression molecules, including odor masking molecules such as fragrances. The odor suppression substrate may release odor suppression molecules (or a particular combination of odor suppression molecules) configured to produce an olfactory white based on the odor generated by heating the aerosol generating article. The odor suppression substrate may release a combination of odor masking molecules and molecules configured to produce an olfactory white. The smell isn't pleasant, but it's not a bad smell either.

[0014] The odor suppression assembly releases odor suppression molecules into the air surrounding the aerosol generator. In this way, any unpleasant odors in the air surrounding the aerosol generator may be advantageously reduced or prevented. This may be beneficial to both the user of the aerosol generator and others in close proximity to it.

[0015] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article in which an aerosol-forming substrate is heated therein to generate an inhalable aerosol, which is then delivered to a consumer. As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate having the ability to generate an aerosol by releasing volatile compounds upon heating.

[0016] Conventional cigarettes are ignited when the user holds a flame to one end of the cigarette and draws air through the other end. The localized heat from the flame and the oxygen in the air drawn through the cigarette ignites the end of the cigarette, and the resulting combustion produces inhalable smoke. In contrast, in heated aerosol generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating an aerosol-forming substrate (such as a cigarette). Well-known heated aerosol generating articles include, for example, electrically heated aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating articles in which an aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a flammable fuel element or heat source to a physically separated aerosol-forming material. Heated aerosol generating articles also include vaping devices configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] The apparatus may further include a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and at least one chamber is separated from the recess so that air cannot pass from the chamber through the aerosol generator to the recess.

[0018] Providing at least one chamber separated from the recess may prevent odor-suppressing molecules from the odor-suppressing assembly from passing into the recess and being directly inhaled into the user's mouth. As presented above, the odor-suppressing molecules are intended to be released into the ambient air to reduce or prevent unpleasant odors resulting from the use of the aerosol generator. It may be undesirable for the odor-suppressing molecules to directly interact with the mainstream aerosol generated within the aerosol generator before both the odor-suppressing molecules and the mainstream aerosol generated within the aerosol generator are inhaled into the user's mouth. Separating at least one chamber from the recess may advantageously prevent this from happening.

[0019] The aerosol generator may include air control that completely separates the airflow passing through the odor suppression assembly from the airflow passing through the recess for receiving the aerosol generating article.

[0020] The aerosol generator may generally have an elongated shape and may extend between a proximal end and a distal end.

[0021] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term “proximal end” refers to the end of the aerosol generator closest to the recess for receiving the aerosol generating article. The term “distal end” refers to the end of the aerosol generator opposite to the “proximal end.”

[0022] When an aerosol generator is generally elongated and extends between its proximal and distal ends, the direction between the proximal and distal ends is sometimes referred to as the "long axis" or "long axis direction" of the aerosol generator.

[0023] The odor suppression assembly can be placed anywhere on the device. For example, the odor suppression assembly may be placed between the proximal and distal ends of the device. The odor suppression assembly may be placed closer to the proximal end of the device than to the distal end of the device; in other words, the odor suppression assembly may be located within the proximal half of the aerosol generator. The odor suppression assembly may be placed at the proximal end of the device.

[0024] The odor suppression assembly may be located closer to the distal end of the device than to the proximal end; in other words, the odor suppression assembly may be located within the distal half of the aerosol generator. The odor suppression assembly may be located at the distal end of the device.

[0025] Positioning the odor suppression assembly at the distal end of the device may ensure the maximum distance between the odor suppression assembly and the recess for receiving aerosol-generating articles. This may advantageously further prevent the odor suppression molecules of the odor suppression assembly from passing into the recess for receiving aerosol-generating articles and being directly inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0026] Advantageously, positioning the odor suppression assembly at the distal end of the device helps ensure that odor suppression molecules from the odor suppression assembly are widely dispersed into the air surrounding the aerosol generating device, in order to most effectively reduce or prevent unpleasant odors in the ambient air. This may be particularly relevant to improving the experience of people around the aerosol generating device who are not users of the aerosol generating device.

[0027] The odor suppression assembly may be located on the longitudinal surface of the aerosol generating device. The odor suppression assembly may be located on the distal end face of the aerosol generating device. This advantageously may further ensure maximum separation of the odor suppression assembly from the recess at the proximal end of the device.

[0028] The recess for receiving the aerosol generating article may be disposed on the longitudinal surface of the aerosol generating device. The recess for receiving the aerosol generating article may be located on the proximal end face of the aerosol generating device. This advantageously may further ensure maximum separation between the odor suppression assembly and the recess.

[0029] At least one chamber may be an open chamber that does not close.

[0030] The odor suppression assembly may further comprise a cover movable between a closed position where at least one chamber is closed by the cover and an open position where at least one chamber is not closed by the cover.

[0031] The provision of the cover advantageously may enable the odor suppression substrate to be held within the chamber during use, regardless of the orientation of the aerosol generating device. The provision of the cover may also prevent the user from inadvertently touching the odor suppression substrate when using the aerosol generating device. This may be advantageous for hygienic reasons and may also ensure that the odor suppression substrate functions effectively.

[0032] Providing a cover that can move between open and closed positions may allow the user to replace the odor-suppressing substrate when it is consumed. This may, advantageously, allow the odor-suppressing assembly to be reused.

[0033] The cover may be attached to the rest of the aerosol generator by any means. The cover may be attached to the rest of the aerosol generator by a sliding mechanism or a swivel mechanism. Advantageously, the cover is attached to the rest of the aerosol generator by a hinge mechanism. The cover may be formed integrally with at least a portion of the rest of the aerosol generator, in which case the hinge mechanism may be an integrated hinge.

[0034] The cover may be completely removable from the rest of the aerosol generator.

[0035] The odor suppression assembly may include retaining means for holding the cover in the closed position. The retaining means may include magnetic closures, bolts, fasteners, locks, latches, or interlocking fits.

[0036] The cover may be provided with a window through which at least one cavity may be visible. Providing a window may be advantageous in that it may allow the user to easily determine whether at least one cavity contains an odor-suppressing substrate. The window may further allow the user to check the condition of the odor-suppressing substrate within at least one cavity.

[0037] The window may have a portion made of transparent material. The cover may be formed entirely from transparent material.

[0038] The window may have a mesh portion through which at least one cavity may be visible, while still holding the odor-suppressing substrate (if present).

[0039] If the odor suppression assembly includes a cover, the odor suppression assembly may also include means that allow odor suppression molecules to pass out of the odor suppression assembly when the cover is in the closed position.

[0040] The odor suppression assembly may include an airflow path configured such that air passes through an air intake into the assembly, through at least one chamber, and out of the air outlet. In other words, the odor suppression assembly provides a unidirectional airflow path.

[0041] Providing a unidirectional airflow path may allow air to enter the odor suppression assembly through an air intake and pass into at least one chamber, where the air may become accompanied by odor suppression molecules from an odor suppression substrate located within at least one chamber. The air accompanied by the odor suppression molecules may then pass out of the odor suppression assembly through an air outlet, so that the odor suppression molecules may be dispersed into the air surrounding the aerosol generator.

[0042] The air intake and air outlet are in fluid communication with at least one chamber.

[0043] Providing a unidirectional airflow path can be advantageous in that it can maximize the concentration of odor-suppressing molecules released into the surrounding air.

[0044] The air intake may have any number of openings. For example, the air intake may have 1 to 10 openings.

[0045] The air outlet may have any number of openings. For example, the air outlet may have 1 to 10 openings.

[0046] The aerosol generator may include a housing. At least one of the air intake and air outlet may have at least one opening provided through the housing of the aerosol generator.

[0047] The odor suppression assembly may further include a filter to reduce or prevent foreign matter from entering the odor suppression assembly. The filter may be positioned between the air intake and at least one chamber, so that all air entering the odor suppression assembly through the air intake must pass through the filter. The filter may be a paper filter configured to remove fine foreign matter such as dust. The filter may also include a mesh or gauze configured to remove only larger foreign matter.

[0048] The air outlet may be provided through a cover. The air outlet may have at least one opening provided through the cover.

[0049] Providing an air outlet through the cover may be advantageous in that it may provide a convenient way to release air containing odor-suppressing molecules from the chamber. As shown above, allowing the user to view the inside of the chamber through the cover may be advantageous. Providing an air outlet within the cover may be advantageous in that it may allow the user to view the inside of the cavity through the air outlet.

[0050] The air outlet may have multiple elongated openings or slits.

[0051] The aerosol generator may further include a charging port for connecting the aerosol generator to an external power source, the charging port being in fluid communication with at least one chamber, and the charging port serving as an air intake.

[0052] If the aerosol generator includes an electric heater, the device may include a charging port for connecting the aerosol generator to an external power source. The external power source may be used to charge a rechargeable battery in the aerosol generator. Alternatively, or additionally, the external power source may directly supply power to the electric heater and other electronic components of the aerosol generator.

[0053] The charging port can be any type of charging port. For example, the charging port can be a micro USB port or a mini USB port.

[0054] The charging port may include a recess having an electrical connection located within the recess. To enable the charging port to also function as an air intake, the recess may include at least one opening within the recess, the at least one opening being in fluid communication with the chamber.

[0055] During use, air enters the recess of the charging port, passes through at least one opening, and enters the chamber.

[0056] Providing a charging port that also serves as an air intake is advantageous in that it reduces the number of openings required for the housing of the aerosol generator. This can reduce manufacturing complexity and improve the appearance of the device. Providing a charging port that also serves as an air intake may be particularly suitable for devices that include an internal power supply that is charged by an external power supply. This allows the charging port to be empty when the aerosol generator is in use, and the air intake is advantageously not obstructed by the external power supply.

[0057] The charging port may be located anywhere on the aerosol generator. Preferably, the charging port is located near the odor suppression assembly. This may be advantageous as it can limit the distance the air needs to travel from the air intake to at least one chamber.

[0058] The charging port may be located on the distal end face of the aerosol generator. The charging port may be located adjacent to at least one chamber of the odor suppression assembly. If at least one chamber comprises two chambers, the charging port may be located between the two chambers.

[0059] The cover may further include an opening configured to align with the charging port when the cover is in the closed position. This may be particularly advantageous when the charging port is located adjacent to at least one chamber, or when the charging port is located between two separate chambers, as this allows a single cover to extend outside all chambers and close all chambers.

[0060] When the aerosol generator is connected to an external power source, the external power supply passes through an opening in the cover and into the charging port of the aerosol generator.

[0061] The opening also allows air to enter the charging port when the cover is in the closed position. The opening may also allow the aerosol generator to be connected to an external power source while the cover is in the closed position. This is advantageous as it means the device may be connected to an external power source while any odor suppression substrate is still held in at least one chamber.

[0062] The odor suppression assembly may further include means to ensure that air passes along the airflow path from the air intake to the air outlet. For example, the odor suppression assembly may include at least one valve along the airflow path to prevent air from passing from the air outlet to the air intake.

[0063] The odor suppression assembly may further include a fan configured to move air along an airflow path. The fan may move air from an air intake to an air outlet. The provision of a fan may also advantageously force higher concentrations of odor suppression molecules into the air surrounding the aerosol generating article. The fan may include a plurality of fan blades arranged to rotate about a central axis. The central axis of the fan may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0064] The fan may be positioned at any point along the airflow path. The fan may be configured such that the air intake is in communication with the center of the fan and the air outlet is in communication with the outer region of the fan. Since the outer region of the fan blades moves faster than the central region of the fan, this configuration may be advantageous in that it may allow air to be drawn in through the air intake and forced out into at least one chamber.

[0065] The odor suppression assembly may be equipped with two or more fans.

[0066] The fan may be activated by a user input device, such as a button or a switch integrated into the aerosol generator. This may be advantageous as it may allow the user to increase the delivery of odor-suppressing molecules when an unpleasant odor is detected.

[0067] The fan may be configured to activate whenever the heater of the aerosol generator is activated. This may be advantageous in that it ensures that the odor suppression arrangement releases odor suppression molecules when the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0068] The fan may be configured to be activated by a smoke detection means. In this case, the aerosol generator includes a smoke detection sensor to detect when air is drawn through the aerosol generator by the user. This may be advantageous as it may ensure that the odor suppression arrangement releases odor suppression molecules when an aerosol is released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The fan can be of any size. For example, the fan may have a diameter of approximately 5 mm to 15 mm. The fan may have a diameter of approximately 10 mm.

[0070] The total depth of the fan may be approximately 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters in the direction perpendicular to the fan's diameter. The fan may have a total depth of approximately 2 millimeters.

[0071] The fan may be configured to operate at any voltage. For example, the fan may be configured to operate at approximately 1 volt to 5 volts. The fan may also be configured to operate at approximately 3.3 volts.

[0072] The fan may have a power consumption of approximately 100 milliwatts to approximately 200 milliwatts. The fan may have a power consumption of approximately 165 milliwatts.

[0073] Alternatively, or additionally, the odor suppression assembly may include a pump to ensure that air flows along the airflow path from the air intake to the air outlet. The pump may function substantially the same as the fan discussed above.

[0074] The fan may have any airflow. The fan may have an airflow of at least about 0.5 liters per minute. An airflow of at least about 0.5 liters per minute may be advantageous in that it may ensure that sufficient airflow passes through the odor suppression assembly to release odor suppression molecules at the desired concentration.

[0075] The fan may have an airflow of at least about 1 liter per minute.

[0076] The fan may have an airflow of approximately 3 liters per minute or less. Providing a fan with an airflow of approximately 3 liters per minute or less may be advantageous in that it may prevent odor suppression molecules from being excessively dispersed in the air surrounding the aerosol generator.

[0077] The fan may have an airflow of approximately 0.5 liters per minute to approximately 3 liters per minute. The fan may have an airflow of approximately 1.1 liters per minute.

[0078] The aerosol generator may further include an internal power supply configured to power both the heater and the fan. The internal power supply may include a battery. The internal power supply may include a capacitor. The internal power supply may be rechargeable from an external power supply via a charging port.

[0079] At least one chamber may have a porous support structure that allows air to enter at least one chamber.

[0080] Providing chambers at least partially defined by a porous support structure may allow air to access all sides of an odor-suppressing substrate located within at least one chamber. This may advantageously maximize the concentration of odor-suppressing molecules entrained in the air flowing through the odor-suppressing assembly.

[0081] The porous support structure may house at least one odor-suppressing substrate. The porous support structure may be open on one side to allow access to the interior of at least one chamber. The open side is preferably aligned with the opening of at least one chamber.

[0082] The porous support structure may include a wire mesh.

[0083] The porous support structure may be removable from the chamber. This may be advantageous as it may allow the user to clean the porous support structure, which may be necessary after repeated contact with the odor-suppressing substrate.

[0084] At least one chamber may have a thickness of at least about 2 millimeters.

[0085] As used herein, “thickness” of at least one chamber refers to the minimum dimension of at least one chamber. If the minimum dimension of at least one chamber aligns with the opening of at least one chamber, “thickness” may be called the “depth” of the chamber. If at least one chamber is located on the distal end face of the aerosol generator and the minimum dimension of at least one chamber aligns with the opening of at least one chamber, “thickness” is the dimension of at least one chamber aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0086] The size and shape of at least one chamber may be selected to accommodate one or more odor-suppressing substrates.

[0087] At least one chamber may have a thickness of about 10 millimeters or less. For example, at least one chamber may have a thickness of about 8 millimeters or less, or about 6 millimeters or less.

[0088] At least one chamber may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm to 8 mm, or approximately 2 mm to 6 mm.

[0089] The size and shape of the chamber may be selected to accommodate at least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five odor suppression substrates. At least one chamber may comprise a plurality of individual chambers, each configured to accommodate a single odor suppression substrate.

[0090] At least one chamber may comprise a first chamber for receiving a first odor-suppressing substrate and a second chamber for receiving a second odor-suppressing substrate.

[0091] Providing a first chamber and a second chamber may provide an increase in the volume within at least one chamber. This may advantageously allow a larger number of odor-suppressing substrates to be held by the odor-suppressing assembly. This may allow the odor-suppressing assembly to be used more times before the odor-suppressing substrates need to be replaced. Furthermore, providing two chambers for accommodating two separate odor-suppressing substrates may be preferable to providing a single large chamber, even if one large chamber has the same volume as the combined volume of two smaller chambers. This is because two separate odor-suppressing substrates may have a larger surface area than one larger odor-suppressing substrate. A larger surface area of ​​the odor-suppressing substrate may advantageously increase the concentration of odor-suppressing molecules entrained in the air passing through at least one chamber.

[0092] The provision of a first chamber and a second chamber may allow the user to customize their experience by combining two different odor-suppressing substrates. For example, the first odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to release odor-suppressing molecules having a first fragrance, and the second odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to release odor-suppressing molecules having a second fragrance. Alternatively, the first odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to release odor-suppressing molecules having a first fragrance, and the second odor-suppressing substance may be configured to release odor-suppressing molecules that produce an olfactory white.

[0093] The aerosol generator includes a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heater may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols.

[0094] The heater may be any type of heater. The heater may be an internal heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the heater may be a pin heater or a blade heater configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0095] The heater may be an external heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0096] The internal or external heater may be an electrical resistance heater.

[0097] The heater may be an induction heater. The induction heater may include an induction coil configured to inductively heat the susceptor. The susceptor may be located inside the aerosol generator or inside an aerosol generating article used with the aerosol generator.

[0098] The aerosol generator may be configured to produce aerosols from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, the heater may be equipped with a coil wick arrangement.

[0099] The aerosol generator may include control electronic equipment for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may include a user input device to allow a user to activate the aerosol generator. The user input device may allow a user to activate a heater. The user input device may allow a user to activate an odor suppression device. The user input device may include at least one button.

[0100] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating system is also provided, comprising an aerosol generating device according to the present invention as described in any of the prior claims, and at least one odor-suppressing substrate disposed in at least one chamber.

[0101] At least one odor-suppressing substrate may be a consumable odor-suppressing substrate. The consumable odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to release a sufficient concentration of odor-suppressing molecules to inhibit odors associated with the consumption of one aerosol-generating article. This may be advantageous because it may make it easier for the user to determine when the odor-suppressing substrate needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to release a sufficient concentration of odor-suppressing molecules to inhibit odors associated with the consumption of two or more aerosol-generating articles. This may be advantageous because it may extend the time between replacements of the odor-suppressing substrates.

[0102] The aerosol generating system may be configured such that at least one odor suppression substrate needs to be replaced following the consumption of at least two aerosol generating articles, at least five aerosol generating articles, at least ten aerosol generating articles, or at least twenty aerosol generating articles.

[0103] At least one odor-suppressing substrate may provide an indicator of when at least one odor-suppressing substrate needs to be consumed and replaced. For example, at least one odor-suppressing substrate may be configured to change color when the odor-suppressing substrate needs to be consumed and replaced.

[0104] The odor-suppressing substrate may include at least one of a gel or solid configured to release at least one odor-suppressing molecule.

[0105] The odor-suppressing substrate may comprise a solid substrate structure configured to adsorb a liquid containing odor-suppressing molecules. The solid substrate structure may include at least one of paper, cellulose acetate, expanded foam, or wire mesh.

[0106] The odor-suppressing substrate may include a solid porous substrate configured to release at least one odor-suppressing molecule.

[0107] Providing a solid porous substrate may increase the surface area of ​​the odor-suppressing substrate. As shown above, a larger surface area of ​​the odor-suppressing substrate may advantageously increase the concentration of odor-suppressing molecules entrained in the air passing through at least one chamber.

[0108] At least one odor-suppressing molecule may include a masking odor molecule.

[0109] The masking odor molecules may contain fragrances that mask or obscure unpleasant odors, such as off-odors and malodors, caused by heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. The fragrances may be any fragrances. For example, the fragrances may include at least one of the following: rose, mint, menthol, chocolate, vanilla, floral fragrances, herbal fragrances, or spices.

[0110] Odor-suppressing molecules may include odor substance molecules configured to produce olfactory white. Compounds that produce olfactory white are generally mixtures of multiple odor substances (e.g., 10 components, 20 components, or up to 40 components) that stimulate the sense of smell in such a way that they produce the perception of the "same" smell.

[0111] The human nose is comprised of the olfactory epithelium, a piece of tissue containing millions of sensory neurons. Each sensory neuron is configured to receive only a limited number of types of odor molecules. While we do not wish to be bound by theory, it is conceivable that certain odor molecules, leading to unpleasant odors such as foul and malodors, may be identified, triggered by the heating of an aerosol-forming substrate. It may then be possible to provide odor-suppressing molecules configured to occupy the same sensory neurons that would otherwise be occupied by the molecules causing the unpleasant odor. Because the relevant sensory neurons are occupied, the user is unable to perceive the unpleasant odor. In doing so, these odor-suppressing molecules are said to produce an "olfactory white."

[0112] Odor-suppressing molecules configured to generate olfactory white may include molecules that inhibit the interaction of ATP or ATP analogs with P2X or P2Y purine receptors.

[0113] While we do not wish to be bound by theory, exposure of the olfactory epithelium to multiple different odor molecules may suppress a person's ability to distinguish individual odors. This may be particularly true when the olfactory epithelium is exposed to a large number of different odor molecules that cover a wide range of odors. For example, the multiple odor molecules may include at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, or at least 30 different odor molecules that cover a wide range of odors. It may also be necessary for the multiple different odor molecules to be present at substantially the same concentration.

[0114] Odor-suppressing molecules configured to generate olfactory white include, for example, abhexone, acetophenone, ortho-acetylpyridine, strawberry aldehyde, gamma-nonalactone, isoamyl acetate, amyl butyrate, iso-pentylphenyl acetate, pentyl valerate, anisole, benzaldehyde, isobornyl acetate, butanoic acid, butyl sulfide, caryophyllene, celeriax, chlorothymol, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, p-cresol, p-cresyl acetate, p-cresyl isobutyrate, 4-methylanisole, cumin aldehyde, cyclohexanol, 2,4-trans-trans-decadienal, dibutylamine, diethyl sulfide, dimethyl benzyl carbonyl butyrate, muguet carbinol carbinol), 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, Dimethyl Trisulfide, Diphenyl Oxide, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl Propionate, 2-Ethylpyrazine, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Furfuryl Mercaptan, Guaiacol, Heptanal, Hexanoic Acid, 1-Hexanol, 3-Hexanol, Trans-1-Hexanal, 2-Phenylpropionaldehyde Dimethylacetal, Hydroxyl Citronellal, Indole, Linalool, Melanal, 1-Menthol, 2-Methoxynaphthalene, Methyl Anthranilate, Methylacetaldehyde Dimethylacetal, Para-Methylquinolone The aerosol generating system may further comprise at least one of the following components: quinolone, methyl salicylate, S-(methylthio)butyrate, musk galaxolide, nonyl acetate, 1-octanol, 1-octen-3-ol, pentanoic acid, 4-pentanoic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenylacetylene, phenylethanol, isophorone, alpha-pinene, propyl butyrate, propyl sulfide, skatole, α-terpineol, thioglycolic acid, thiophene, thymol, ortho-tolualdehyde, toluene, gamma-undedecalactone, undecyclenic acid, isovaleraldehyde, isovaleric acid, gamma-valerolactone, vanillin, flower extracts, herbal extracts, tobacco, tobacco extracts, fruit extracts, spices, spice extracts, or other components. The aerosol generating system may further comprise an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating article being arranged to be heated by a heater.

[0115] The aerosol-generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further contain one or more aerosol-forming materials. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming materials include, but are not limited to, water, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

[0116] The aerosol-generating article may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine.

[0117] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco substrate. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a rod containing a tobacco-containing material.

[0118] The aerosol generating article may further comprise additional components, including but not limited to a hollow acetate tube, a moving element, a cooling element, a filter, or a mouthpiece.

[0119] Aerosol-generating articles are generally cylindrical and may also have an elongated shape.

[0120] The aerosol-forming substrate and other components of the aerosol-generating article may be connected by wrappers.

[0121] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0122] Example 1: An aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, comprising a heater for heating the aerosol forming substrate and an odor suppression assembly, wherein the odor suppression assembly comprises at least one chamber for receiving at least one odor suppression substrate. Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Example 1, wherein the device further comprises a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and at least one chamber is separated from the recess so that air cannot pass from the chamber through the aerosol generator to the recess. Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the odor suppression assembly is located at the distal end of the device. Example 4: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the odor suppression assembly further comprises a cover that is movable between a closed position in which at least one chamber is closed by a cover and an open position in which at least one chamber is not closed by a cover. Example 5: The aerosol generator according to Example 4, wherein the odor suppression assembly has an airflow path configured such that air may pass through an air intake into the assembly, through at least one chamber, and out of the air outlet. Example 6: The aerosol generator according to Example 5, wherein the air outlet is provided through a cover. Example 7: The aerosol generator according to Example 5 or Example 6, further comprising a charging port for connecting the aerosol generator to an external power source, wherein the charging port is in fluid communication with at least one chamber, and the charging port serves as an air intake. Example 8: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 7, wherein the cover further comprises an opening configured to align with a charging port when the cover is in the closed position. Example 9: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 5 to 8, wherein the odor suppression assembly further comprises a fan configured to move air along an airflow path. Example 10: The aerosol generator according to Example 9, wherein the fan has an airflow of at least about 0.5 liters per minute. Example 11: The aerosol generator according to Example 9 or Example 10, further comprising an internal power supply configured to power both the heater and the fan. Example 12: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein at least one chamber comprises a porous support structure that allows air to enter at least one chamber. Example 13: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein at least one chamber comprises a chamber having a thickness of at least about 2 millimeters. Example 14: The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein at least one chamber comprises a first chamber for receiving a first odor-suppressing substrate and a second chamber for receiving a second odor-suppressing substrate. Example 15: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 14 and at least one odor-suppressing substrate disposed in at least one chamber. Example 16: The aerosol generating system according to Example 15, wherein the odor-suppressing substrate comprises a solid porous substrate configured to release at least one odor-suppressing molecule. Example 17: The aerosol generating system according to Example 16, wherein at least one odor suppression molecule includes an odor masking molecule. Example 18: The aerosol generating system according to Example 16 or Example 17, wherein at least one odor-suppressing molecule comprises a molecule configured to generate olfactory white. Example 19: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, further comprising an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is arranged to be heated by a heater. Example 20: The aerosol generation system according to Example 19, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a tobacco substrate.

[0123] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0124] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a side view of the aerosol generator according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2, 3, and 4 show side views of the aerosol generator according to the present invention, having a specified odor suppression assembly. Figures 2, 3, and 4 show the same aerosol generator with the odor suppression assembly at different stages of operation. Figures 2, 3, and 4 also show plan views from the distal end of the odor suppression assembly at different stages of operation. [Figure 3] Same as above [Figure 4] Same as above [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the odor suppression assembly used in the aerosol generator according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0125] The aerosol generator 100 of the present invention may include a housing 101 extending between a distal end and a proximal end. A heater (not shown) for heating the aerosol generating article 200 is located in a recess 102 at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 200. The recess 102 is sized to accommodate a single aerosol generating article 200. The heater is a resistance-heated blade heater. The aerosol generator 100 further includes a battery (not shown) and control electronics (not shown) to power the heater.

[0126] As best shown in Figure 5, the aerosol generator 100 includes a charging port 115 located at the distal end of the device 100 to allow the device 100 to be connected to an external power source. The charging port 115 includes an electrical connection 120 to provide an electrical connection to the external power source.

[0127] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generator 100 further comprises an odor suppression assembly 110. The odor suppression assembly 110 is located on the distal end face of the aerosol generator 100. The odor suppression assembly 110 comprises a first chamber 112 for receiving a first odor suppression substrate 122 and a second chamber 113 for receiving a second odor suppression substrate 123. The first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 are located on either side of the charging port 115. The first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 are each sized to accommodate the first odor suppression substrate 122 and the second odor suppression substrate 123, respectively. The first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 each have a depth of approximately 5 millimeters.

[0128] The charging port 115 further includes an opening that fluidly communicates with the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113, allowing air to pass into the odor suppression assembly 110. In this way, the charging port 115 serves as an air intake for the odor suppression arrangement 110.

[0129] The odor suppression assembly 110 further comprises a cover 114 connected to the rest of the aerosol generator 100 by a hinge connection. The cover 114 is movable between an open position in which the odor suppression bases 122 and 123 are inserted into and may be removed from the chambers 112 and 113, and a closed position in which the odor suppression bases 122 and 123 are held within the chambers 112 and 113. The open position is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The closed position is shown in Figure 4.

[0130] As best shown in Figure 4, the cover 114 has a central opening 117 configured to align with the charging port 115 to allow air to enter the odor suppression assembly 110. The cover 114 has a series of slits 118 on either side of the central opening. These slits 118 are configured to align with the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 to allow air to leave the odor suppression assembly. In this way, the slits 118 serve as air outlets for the odor suppression arrangement 110.

[0131] As best shown in Figures 2 and 5, the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113 each contain a porous support structure in the form of a wire mesh 119 configured to hold the first odor-suppressing substrate 122 and the second odor-suppressing substrate 123, while allowing air to pass around all sides of the odor-suppressing substrates 122 and 123.

[0132] As best shown in Figure 5, the odor suppression assembly 110 includes a filter 121 in the form of a mesh, located within the charging port 115.

[0133] The odor suppression assembly 110 provides an airflow path that allows air to enter the odor suppression assembly into the chambers 112 and 113 through the charging port 115, which acts as an air intake, and to exit through the slit 118, which acts as an air outlet.

[0134] The odor suppression assembly 110 further comprises a fan 116 configured to move air along an airflow path from an air intake to an air outlet. The fan 116 is located behind the proximal ends of the chambers 112 and 113. The fan 116 is a rotary fan with multiple fan blades arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 100. The fan 116 is powered by the battery of the aerosol generator 100. The activation of the fan 116 is controlled by a user input device (not shown). The fan operates at approximately 3.3 volts. The fan 116 has a power consumption of approximately 165 milliwatts. The fan 116 has a diameter of approximately 10 millimeters. The fan 116 has a depth of approximately 2 millimeters.

[0135] The odor suppression assembly 110 is configured to be used together with a first odor suppression substrate 122 and a second odor suppression substrate 123. The first odor suppression substrate 122 and the second odor suppression substrate 123 have a solid substrate structure configured to adsorb a liquid containing odor suppression molecules. The odor suppression molecules released by both the first odor suppression substrate 122 and the second odor suppression substrate 123 are configured to generate an olfactory white based on the odor generated by heating the aerosol generating article 200.

[0136] During use, the user ensures that the cover 114 is in the open position, the first odor suppression base 122 is inserted into the first chamber 112, and the second odor suppression base 123 is inserted into the second chamber 113. This is shown in Figure 3. The cover 114 is then closed.

[0137] Next, the aerosol generating article 200 is inserted into the recess 102, thereby inserting the resistance-heated blade heater into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 200. The aerosol generator 100 is then activated by the user, and the resistance-heated blade heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The user may also activate the fan 116 of the odor suppression assembly 110. This draws air into the odor suppression assembly 110 through the charging port 115, into the first chamber 112 and the second chamber 113. As the air passes around the first odor suppression substrate 122 and the second odor suppression substrate 123, the air becomes entrained with odor suppression molecules and then leaves the odor suppression assembly through the slit 118. The air entrained with odor suppression molecules is released into the air surrounding the aerosol generating article to reduce or prevent unpleasant odors such as off-odors and malodors caused by the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0138] When the concentration of odor-suppressing molecules released from odor-suppressing substrates 122 and 123 decreases, the odor-suppressing substrates 122 and 123 are considered to have been consumed. Subsequently, the consumed odor-suppressing substrates 122 and 123 are replaced.

[0139] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., should be understood in all cases as being modified by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10%. In this context, the number A may be considered to include a number that falls within the general standard error to the measurement of the characteristic that the number A modifies. In some cases as used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentage listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points and any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device used in conjunction with an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, A heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, Odor suppression assembly comprising at least one chamber for receiving at least one odor suppression substrate, an airflow path configured such that air may pass through an air intake into the odor suppression assembly, through the at least one chamber, and out of the odor suppression assembly through an air outlet, and further comprising at least one fan or pump configured to move air along the airflow path toward the air outlet, A control unit configured to control the startup of at least one fan or pump, An aerosol generator comprising a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein at least one chamber is separated from the recess so that air cannot pass from the chamber through the aerosol generator to the recess.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the odor suppression assembly is located at the distal end of the apparatus.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the odor suppression assembly further comprises a cover that is movable between a closed position in which at least one chamber is closed by the cover and an open position in which at least one chamber is not closed by the cover.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the air outlet is provided through the cover.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a charging port for connecting the aerosol generator to an external power source, wherein the charging port is in fluid communication with at least one chamber, and the charging port serves as the air intake.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the cover further comprises an opening configured to align with the charging port when the cover is in the closed position.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is communicably coupled to a smoke extraction detection device, and the control unit is configured to activate the at least one fan or pump in response to detected smoke extraction.

8. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is communicably coupled to a user input device, and the control unit is configured to activate the at least one fan or pump in response to a signal from the user input device.

9. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit is configured to start the at least one fan or pump whenever the heater is started.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a first chamber for receiving a first odor-suppressing substrate and a second chamber for receiving a second odor-suppressing substrate.

11. Aerosol generation system, an aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An aerosol generating system comprising at least one odor-suppressing substrate disposed within the at least one chamber.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the odor-suppressing substrate comprises a solid porous substrate configured to release at least one odor-suppressing molecule.

13. The aerosol generating system according to claim 12, wherein the at least one odor-suppressing molecule includes a molecule configured to generate an olfactory white based on the odor generated by the heating of the aerosol generating article.

14. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating article is arranged to be heated by the heater.

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol forming substrate is a tobacco substrate.

Images