Aerosol generation device and aerosol generation system

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism for enabling further improvement in the quality of a user experience. [Solution] This aerosol generation device comprises: a first generation unit that generates a first aerosol using a first aerosol source containing an olfactory component; a second generation unit that generates a second aerosol using a second aerosol source containing a taste component; and a mouthpiece that has a first flow path through which the first aerosol passes and a second flow path through which the second aerosol passes.

Description

Aerosol generation device and aerosol generation system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation system.

[0002] Suction devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely spread. For example, a suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol to which a flavor component is imparted. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is imparted, which is generated by the suction device. The operation of the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as puff or puff operation. Examples of devices classified as suction devices include those used as an alternative to so-called cigarettes, such as electronic cigarettes, and nebulizers used for medical purposes. Note that an electronic cigarette is a type of suction device that generates an aerosol by atomizing a liquid aerosol source.

[0003] As a technology related to suction devices, for example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for separately transporting two types of aerosols into a user's oral cavity by a mouthpiece having two flow paths.

[0004] International Publication No. 2022 / 112781

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 above has been developed for a short time yet, and there is still room for improvement from various viewpoints.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of the user experience.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device including: a first generation unit that generates a first aerosol using a first aerosol source containing an olfactory component; a second generation unit that generates a second aerosol using a second aerosol source containing a taste component; and a mouthpiece having a first flow path through which the first aerosol passes and a second flow path through which the second aerosol passes.

[0008] The first aerosol source may contain at least one of propylene glycol or glycol.

[0009] The first generation unit may generate the first aerosol by heating the first aerosol source.

[0010] The second aerosol source may contain water.

[0011] The second generation unit may generate the second aerosol by applying vibration to the second aerosol source.

[0012] The outlet of the second channel may be located lower than the outlet of the first channel.

[0013] The outlet of the second channel may be located outside the outlet of the first channel.

[0014] The outlet of the first flow path may be located on the front surface of the mouthpiece, and the outlet of the second flow path may be located on the side or bottom surface of the mouthpiece.

[0015] The outlet portion of the second flow path may be inclined downwards.

[0016] The outlet portion of the second flow path may be inclined outwards.

[0017] The inclination angle of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path may be 5 degrees or more and 15 degrees or less.

[0018] The length of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path may be 10 mm or more.

[0019] The diameter of the outlet-side portion of the second flow path may widen as it approaches the outlet.

[0020] The second channel may be shorter than the first channel.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising: a first aerosol source containing olfactory components; a second aerosol source containing gustatory components; a first generation unit that generates a first aerosol using the first aerosol source; a second generation unit that generates a second aerosol using the second aerosol source; and a mouthpiece having a first channel through which the first aerosol passes and a second channel through which the second aerosol passes.

[0022] As explained above, this disclosure provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0023] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a suction device 1 according to the same embodiment. This is a diagram showing the distribution of taste receptors on the tongue 9. This is a diagram showing the concept of a mouthpiece 3 according to the same embodiment. This is a perspective view of a mouthpiece 3A according to the first configuration example. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3A according to the first configuration example, cut through the center in the left-right direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3B according to the second configuration example, cut through the center in the left-right direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3C according to the third configuration example, cut through the center in the left-right direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3D according to the fourth configuration example, cut through the center in the left-right direction. This is a perspective view of a mouthpiece 3E according to the fifth configuration example, cut through the center in the up-down direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3E according to the fifth configuration example, cut through the center in the up-down direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3F according to the sixth configuration example, cut through the center in the up-down direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3G according to the seventh configuration example, cut through the center in the up-down direction. This is a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 3H according to the eighth configuration example, cut through the center in the up-down direction. This is a perspective view of a mouthpiece 3I according to the ninth configuration example. This is an upward view of the mouthpiece 3J according to the 10th configuration example. This is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3J according to the 10th configuration example, cut through the center in the left-right direction.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0025] <1. Configuration Example> Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a suction device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the suction device 1 includes a main body 2, a mouthpiece 3, and cartridges 4 (4A and 4B).

[0026] Figure 1 shows the suction device 1 in its assembled state, i.e., the main body 2, mouthpiece 3, and cartridge 4 connected to each other. Figure 2 shows the suction device 1 in its disassembled state, i.e., the main body 2, mouthpiece 3, and cartridge 4 have been removed.

[0027] The following describes the general configuration of the suction device 1 with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0028] The main unit 2 includes a power supply unit 11, a sensor unit 12, a notification unit 13, a storage unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a control unit 16.

[0029] The power supply unit 11 stores power. Based on the control by the control unit 16, the power supply unit 11 supplies power to each component of the suction device 1. The power supply unit 11 may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0030] The sensor unit 12 acquires various information related to the suction device 1. For example, the sensor unit 12 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 12 is composed of an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch.

[0031] The notification unit 13 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 13 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that emits sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0032] The memory unit 14 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 1. The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0033] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include those using Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy®), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0034] The control unit 16 functions as a calculation processing unit and control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 1 according to various programs. In particular, the control unit 16 controls the operation of the heating unit 43A and the vibration unit 24B, which will be described later. For example, when the control unit 16 detects a user operation such as puffing or pressing a button, it operates the heating unit 43A and the vibration unit 24B to generate an aerosol. The control unit 16 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0035] Furthermore, the main body 2 has an air inlet 21, a housing section 22A, a housing section 22B, and a main body channel 23.

[0036] The air inlet 21 is an opening provided on the surface of the main body 2, and draws air into the main body channel 23 provided inside the main body 2. The main body channel 23 is a passage for the air drawn in through the air inlet 21. The main body channel 23 is configured to communicate fluidly with the housing section 22A and the housing section 22B.

[0037] The housing section 22A is configured to accommodate the first cartridge 4A. The housing section 22A is configured in a concave shape and has an internal space that is in contact with the first cartridge 4A.

[0038] The housing section 22B is configured to accommodate the second cartridge 4B. The housing section 22B is concave in shape and has an internal space that is in contact with the second cartridge 4B.

[0039] The cartridge 4 is a base material containing an aerosol source (45A and 45B). The cartridge 4 is configured to be replaceable. For example, the cartridge 4 may be configured in a predetermined shape such as a columnar shape, and may be detachably accommodated in a space (for example, the accommodating portions 22A and 22B) provided in the suction device 1 that can accommodate the predetermined shape.

[0040] The cartridge 4 includes a first cartridge 4A and a second cartridge 4B.

[0041] The first cartridge 4A includes a liquid storage portion 41A, a liquid guiding portion 42A, a heating portion 43A, a cartridge channel 44A, and an aerosol source 45A.

[0042] The liquid storage portion 41A stores the aerosol source 45A which is a liquid. The aerosol source 45A is an example of a first aerosol source containing an olfactory component. The olfactory component here is a flavoring agent that mainly acts on the sense of smell. Examples of the olfactory component include flavoring agents derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. The aerosol source 45A may be a liquid in which an olfactory component is dissolved in a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. Polyhydric alcohols have a lower boiling point than water and are more easily atomized by heating. That is, by making the aerosol source 45A based on a polyhydric alcohol, it becomes possible to more easily generate an aerosol containing an olfactory component.

[0043] The liquid guiding portion 42A guides and holds the aerosol source 45A which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 41A from the liquid storage portion 41A. The liquid guiding portion 42A is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source 45A stored in the liquid storage portion 41A is guided by the capillary action of the wick.

[0044] The heating unit 43A heats the aerosol source 45A to generate an aerosol containing olfactory components. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the heating unit 43A is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guiding unit 42A. Then, the heating unit 43A generates an aerosol containing olfactory components by heating the aerosol source 45A held by the liquid guiding unit 42A. The heating unit 43A is an example of a first generation unit that generates a first aerosol using a first aerosol source.

[0045] The cartridge channel 44A is a flow path for the aerosol containing olfactory components and air. The cartridge channel 44A is configured such that when housed in the housing unit 22A, the cartridge channel 44A is in fluid communication with the main body channel 23 and the air inlet hole 21. Therefore, the air taken in through the air inlet hole 21 passes along the main body channel 23 and the cartridge channel 44A. Then, in the cartridge channel 44A, the air taken in through the air inlet hole 21 and the aerosol containing olfactory components are mixed.

[0046] The second cartridge 4B includes a liquid storage unit 41B, a cartridge channel 44B, and an aerosol source 45B.

[0047] The liquid storage unit 41B stores the aerosol source 45B which is a liquid. The aerosol source 45B is an example of a second aerosol source containing gustatory components. Here, the gustatory component is a flavoring agent that mainly acts on taste. Examples of gustatory components include salt, sugar, acetic acid, citric acid, or a mixture thereof. The aerosol source 45B may be a liquid in which the gustatory component is dissolved in water. For example, the aerosol source 45B may be a saline solution with a concentration of 8%. Gustatory components are easily soluble in water. Therefore, by atomizing the water in which the gustatory component is dissolved, an aerosol containing gustatory components can be generated. That is, by making the aerosol source 45B water-based, it becomes possible to generate an aerosol that can make the user feel the taste more strongly.

[0048] The main body 2 has a vibrating section 24B. The vibrating section 24B is positioned close to the liquid storage section 41B when the suction device 1 is assembled. The vibrating section 24B applies vibration to the aerosol source 45B stored in the liquid storage section 41B, atomizing the aerosol source 45B and generating an aerosol containing taste components. For example, the vibrating section 24B is composed of a plate-shaped member containing piezoelectric ceramics that function as an ultrasonic transducer, or a member that generates surface acoustic waves (SAW). The vibrating section 24B is an example of a second generation section that generates a second aerosol using a second aerosol source.

[0049] Because taste components do not evaporate or evaporate very slowly, it has been difficult to generate aerosols containing taste components even when a taste component-containing aerosol source is heated. In this respect, the suction device 1 according to this embodiment generates aerosols by applying vibration to the taste component-containing aerosol source 45B, making it possible to easily generate aerosols containing taste components.

[0050] The cartridge channel 44B is a passage for aerosol containing taste components and air. When the cartridge channel 44B is housed in the housing section 22B, it is configured to be in fluid communication with the main channel 23 and the air inlet 21. Therefore, the air taken in from the air inlet 21 passes through the main channel 23 and the cartridge channel 44B. In the cartridge channel 44B, the air taken in from the air inlet 21 and the aerosol containing taste components are mixed.

[0051] The mouthpiece 3 is a component that the user holds in their mouth during suction. The housing 30 of the mouthpiece 3 is configured to be detachable from the main body 2. For example, the connection portion between the main body 2 and the mouthpiece 3 may be provided with a mounting mechanism that allows for fitting or screwing. Furthermore, the main body 2 and the mouthpiece 3 are configured to be connectable with the cartridge 4 housed inside.

[0052] The mouthpiece 3 has two openings (air outlets 31A and 31B) at one end and two openings (connection ports 32A and 32B) at the other end. The mouthpiece 3 also has a mouthpiece channel 33A, which is an air passage with air outlets 31A and 32A at both ends. The mouthpiece 3 also has a mouthpiece channel 33B, which is an air passage with air outlets 31B and 32B at both ends.

[0053] Air outlets 31A and 31B are positioned so that the user can cover them with their mouth at the same time. The user covers air outlets 31A and 31B with their mouth and inhales the aerosol.

[0054] The connection port 32A connects (i.e., establishes fluid communication) the cartridge channel 44A of the first cartridge 4A housed in the housing section 22A and the mouthpiece channel 33A when the suction device 1 is assembled. For example, the connection port 32A is configured in a convex shape. When the suction device 1 is assembled, the connection port 32A is inserted into the housing section 22A (more specifically, the end of the cartridge channel 44A).

[0055] The connection port 32B connects (i.e., establishes fluid communication with) the cartridge channel 44B of the second cartridge 4B housed in the housing section 22B and the mouthpiece channel 33B when the suction device 1 is assembled. For example, the connection port 32A is configured in a convex shape. When the suction device 1 is assembled, the connection port 32B is inserted into the housing section 22B (more specifically, the end of the cartridge channel 44B).

[0056] As described above, in the assembled state of the suction device 1, the air outlet 31A and the air outlet 31B are in fluid communication with the air inlet hole 21.

[0057] Therefore, when the user covers the air outlets 31A and 31B with their mouth and inhales, a mixed fluid of air flowing in from the air inlet 21 and the first aerosol generated in the first cartridge 4A flows into the user's oral cavity from the air outlet 31A. At the same time, a mixed fluid of air flowing in from the air inlet 21 and the second aerosol generated in the second cartridge 4B flows into the user's oral cavity from the air outlet 31B. The mouthpiece channel 33A is an example of a first channel through which the first aerosol containing olfactory components passes. The mouthpiece channel 33B is an example of a second channel through which the second aerosol containing taste components passes.

[0058] Thus, the mouthpiece 3 has two independent mouthpiece channels, 33A and 33B. Here, "independent" means that the mouthpiece channels 33A and 33B are separated and each has a different inlet (i.e., connection port 32A and connection port 32B) and outlet (air outlet 31A and air outlet 31B). With this configuration, as will be explained in detail later, it is possible to prevent the mixing of aerosols containing olfactory components and aerosols containing gustatory components, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0059] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 1.

[0060] In Figures 1 and 2, an example is described in which the main body 2 has a concave housing portion 22A and the mouthpiece 3 has a convex connection port 32A, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 1 can take any configuration as long as it is capable of housing the first cartridge 4A and the mouthpiece channel 33A is configured to communicate fluidly with the cartridge channel 44A of the first cartridge 4A. For example, both the main body 2 and the mouthpiece 3 may have concave housing portions for housing the first cartridge 4A, and the connection port 32A may be provided in the housing portion formed on the mouthpiece 3 side. The same applies to the housing portion 22B and the connection port 32B.

[0061] The suction device 1 is an example of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. Considering that the suction device 1 is a combination of a main body 2, a mouthpiece 3, and cartridges 4 (4A and 4B), the suction device 1 can be considered as an aerosol generating system. The cartridges 4 (4A and 4B) are an example of aerosol products containing an aerosol source.

[0062] <2. Basic Concept of the Mouthpiece> Figure 3 shows the distribution of taste receptors on the tongue 9. As shown in Figure 3, the area at the tip of the tongue 9 is also called the tongue body 9-1. The area at the posterior end of the tongue 9 is also called the tongue root 9-2. Tastes are classified into sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. These tastes are mainly perceived in the tongue body 9-1. In particular, sweetness is said to be strongly perceived in the tip region 9A of the tongue body 9-1, saltiness in the region 9B behind region 9A and on the outside of the tongue body 9-1, sourness in the region 9C behind region 9B and on the outside of the tongue body 9-1, and bitterness in the posterior region 9D of the tongue body 9-1.

[0063] Figure 4 shows the concept of the mouthpiece 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the mouthpiece 3 of the suction device 1 according to this embodiment discharges the airflow 5B containing aerosols with taste components in a direction more toward the user's tongue 9, and more specifically toward the tongue body 9-1, compared to the airflow 5A containing aerosols with olfactory components. With this configuration, it is possible to directly apply the aerosols with taste components to the user's tongue 9 (particularly the tongue body 9-1), making the user feel the taste more strongly.

[0064] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the suction device 1 discharges the airflow 5A containing the olfactory component aerosol in a different direction from the user's tongue 9 (particularly the tongue body 9-1) compared to the airflow 5B containing the gustatory component aerosol. For example, the suction device 1 discharges the airflow 5A containing the olfactory component aerosol towards the throat. As a result, the airflow 5A containing the olfactory component aerosol passes through the throat and reaches the nasal cavity 8, making it possible for the user to perceive the smell more strongly.

[0065] In this manner, the suction device 1 independently transports the airflow 5A containing an aerosol with olfactory components and the airflow 5B containing an aerosol with gustatory components, and discharges them in different directions. This configuration makes it difficult for the airflow 5A containing the aerosol with olfactory components and the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with gustatory components to mix, and allows them to be directed to different sensory organs. As a result, it becomes possible to make the user perceive both taste and smell more strongly.

[0066] Furthermore, it becomes possible to further improve the quality of taste perceived by the user. Specifically, the taste provided by the aerosol containing taste components can be prevented from being inhibited by the off-flavors of polyhydric alcohols contained in the aerosol containing olfactory components. Consequently, the irritation caused by the off-flavors of polyhydric alcohols can be reduced. Moreover, since the aerosol containing taste components is generated larger with the particles of taste components as nuclei, it becomes possible to increase the amount of aerosol perceived by the user.

[0067] Conventionally, only one channel was formed in the mouthpiece of an inhalation device. Even if it were possible to generate aerosols containing taste components and aerosols containing olfactory components separately, if they were mixed in a single channel, the intensity of the taste would be significantly reduced. Patent Document 1 described above merely forms two channels in the mouthpiece and does not generate and transport aerosols containing taste components and aerosols containing olfactory components separately.

[0068] In this regard, the suction device 1 according to the embodiment described above allows the user to perceive both taste and smell more strongly, and also improves the quality of taste perceived by the user. In this way, the suction device 1 can significantly improve the quality of the user experience.

[0069] <3. Detailed Configuration of the Mouthpiece> The following describes a detailed example of the configuration of the mouthpiece 3. In the following description, when the suction device 1 is in use (i.e., when the user is holding the mouthpiece 3 in their mouth), the up, down, left, and right directions are defined as such from the user's perspective, the direction approaching the user is considered the front, and the direction moving away from the user is considered the back.

[0070] (1) First Configuration Example Figure 5 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece 3A according to the first configuration example. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3A according to the first configuration example, cut at the center in the left-right direction. This configuration example will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0071] The front portion of the mouthpiece 3A (hereinafter also referred to as the tip portion 34) is thin vertically and wide horizontally. This configuration makes it easier to hold the tip portion 34 in the mouth and prevents the suction device 1 from being used in a 90-degree rotated state.

[0072] The air outlets 31A and 31B are located on the tip portion 34. Specifically, the air outlets 31A and 31B are located on the front surface of the tip portion 34. With this configuration, when the user puts the mouthpiece 3A (i.e., the tip portion 34) in their mouth, the air outlets 31A and 31B are covered by the user's mouth.

[0073] The rear portion of the mouthpiece 3A (hereinafter also referred to as the body portion 35) is configured in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. A connection port 32A is located on the upper surface of the body portion 35, and a connection port 32B is located on the rear surface of the body portion 35. The body portion 35 is fitted into the main body 2, which has the cartridge 4 housed in the respective housing sections 22A and 22B, thereby connecting the main body 2, mouthpiece 3, and cartridge 4, and assembling the suction device 1.

[0074] The mouthpiece channel 33A is configured to bend 90 degrees from the vertical direction to the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3A, from the connection port 32A to the air outlet 31A. The mouthpiece channel 33B is configured to run parallel to the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3A, from the connection port 32B to the air outlet 31B.

[0075] Here, the air outlet 31B, which is the outlet of the mouthpiece channel 33B, is positioned lower than the air outlet 31A, which is the outlet of the mouthpiece channel 33A. With this configuration, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components can be discharged lower than the airflow 5A containing the aerosol with olfactory components, i.e., towards the user's tongue 9.

[0076] (2) Figure 7 of the second configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3B relating to the second configuration example, cut at the center in the left-right direction. The configuration example will be described below with reference to Figure 7. Since this configuration example is similar to the first configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first configuration example will be omitted.

[0077] The portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the side of the air outlet 31B is inclined downward. With this configuration, compared to the case where the mouthpiece channel 33B is configured to be parallel in the front-to-back direction, it becomes possible to direct the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components more directly onto the user's tongue 9.

[0078] The inclination angle θ of the inclined portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side (i.e., the angle it makes with the front-to-back direction of the mouthpiece 3) is preferably between 1 degree and 30 degrees, and more preferably between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. For example, the inclination angle θ may be around 10 degrees. With this configuration, it becomes possible to direct the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components more directly onto the user's tongue 9.

[0079] The length L of the inclined portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side is preferably 5 mm or more, and more preferably 10 mm or more. By ensuring a sufficient length L in this way, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components can be sufficiently directed to flow along the inclination angle θ. As a result, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components can be directed more directly onto the user's tongue 9.

[0080] (3) Figure 8 of the third configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3C relating to the third configuration example, cut at the center in the left-right direction. The following description of this configuration example will be made with reference to Figure 8. Since this configuration example is similar to the first configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first configuration example will be omitted.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the diameter of the portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side widens as it approaches the air outlet 31B. Specifically, the diameter R of the end portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B formed at the tip portion 34 on the air outlet 31B side. １ The diameter R of the end on the connection port 32B side. ２ It's wider than that.

[0082] Such a widening of the diameter can be achieved by widening the cross-sectional shape of the mouthpiece channel 33B in the vertical direction. In that case, it is expected that the same effect as in the second configuration example will be achieved.

[0083] (4) Figure 9 of the fourth configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3D relating to the fourth configuration example, cut at the center in the left-right direction. This configuration example will be described below with reference to Figure 9. Since this configuration example is similar to the first configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first configuration example will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, the air outlet 31A is located on the front surface of the tip portion 34. On the other hand, the air outlet 31B is located on the underside of the tip portion 34. With this configuration, the airflow 5A containing olfactory component aerosols and the airflow 5B containing gustatory component aerosols can be completely separated in the user's oral cavity. Furthermore, the airflow 5B containing gustatory component aerosols can be directed more directly at the user's tongue 9.

[0085] As shown in this example configuration, the air outlets 31A and 31B may be positioned on different surfaces of the mouthpiece 3, and their arrangement is not limited to the example described above. As another example, the air outlet 31A may be positioned on the upper surface of the tip portion 34, and the air outlet 31B may be positioned on the front surface of the tip portion 34. As yet another example, the air outlet 31A may be positioned on the upper surface of the tip portion 34, and the air outlet 31B may be positioned on the lower surface of the tip portion 34.

[0086] (5) Fifth Configuration Example Figure 10 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece 3E according to the fifth configuration example. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3E according to the fifth configuration example, cut at the center in the vertical direction. This configuration example will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0087] The configuration of the tip portion 34 and the body portion 35 of the mouthpiece 3 is the same as that of the first configuration example described above.

[0088] The air outlet 31A is located on the front of the tip portion 34, and the connection port 32A is located on the upper surface of the body portion 35. The mouthpiece channel 33A is formed by bending 90 degrees from the vertical direction to the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3A, from the connection port 32A to the air outlet 31A.

[0089] The two air outlets 31B are located on the front of the tip portion 34, and the connection port 32B is located on the rear of the body portion 35. The mouthpiece channel 33B is configured to run parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3E, from the connection port 32B to the air outlets 31B, and is divided into two branches midway.

[0090] Here, the air outlet 31B, which is the outlet of the mouthpiece channel 33B, is positioned further out than the air outlet 31A, which is the outlet of the mouthpiece channel 33A. More specifically, the air outlet 31A is positioned in the center of the front surface of the tip portion 34, and the two air outlets 31B are positioned on both the left and right sides of it. With this configuration, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components is discharged in a direction toward the outside of the tongue 9, more specifically toward the side of the tongue body 9-1, compared to the airflow 5A containing the aerosol with olfactory components. With this configuration, the inhalation device 1 can directly apply the aerosol with taste components to the area on the outside of the user's tongue 9 where taste is particularly easily perceived (for example, areas 9B and 9C shown in Figure 3), making the user feel the taste more strongly.

[0091] (6) Figure 12 of the sixth configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3F relating to the sixth configuration example, cut at the center in the vertical direction. This configuration example will be described below with reference to Figure 12. Since this configuration example is similar to the fifth configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the fifth configuration example will be omitted.

[0092] The portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the side of the air outlet 31B is inclined outwards. With this configuration, compared to the case where the mouthpiece channel 33B is configured to be parallel in the front-to-back direction, it becomes possible to direct the airflow 5B containing the taste component aerosol more directly to the outside of the user's tongue 9.

[0093] The inclination angle θ of the inclined portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side (i.e., the angle it makes with the front-to-back direction of the mouthpiece 3) is preferably between 1 degree and 30 degrees, and more preferably between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. For example, the inclination angle θ may be around 10 degrees. With this configuration, it becomes possible to direct the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components more directly to the outside of the user's tongue 9.

[0094] The length L of the inclined portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side is preferably 5 mm or more, and more preferably 10 mm or more. By ensuring a sufficient length L in this way, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components can be sufficiently directed to flow along the inclination angle θ. As a result, the airflow 5B containing the aerosol with taste components can be directed more directly to the outside of the user's tongue 9.

[0095] (7) Figure 13 of the seventh configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3G relating to the seventh configuration example, cut at the center in the vertical direction. The following description of this configuration example will be made with reference to Figure 13. Since this configuration example is similar to the fifth configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the fifth configuration example will be omitted.

[0096] As shown in Figure 13, the diameter of the portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B on the air outlet 31B side widens as it approaches the air outlet 31B. Specifically, the diameter R of the end portion of the mouthpiece channel 33B formed at the tip portion 34 on the air outlet 31B side. １ The diameter R of the end on the connection port 32B side. ２ It's wider than that.

[0097] Such a widening of the diameter can be achieved by widening the cross-sectional shape of the mouthpiece channel 33B in the left-right direction. In that case, it is expected that the same effect as in the sixth configuration example will be achieved.

[0098] (8) Figure 14 of the eighth configuration example is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3H relating to the eighth configuration example, cut at the center in the vertical direction. The following description of this configuration example will be made with reference to Figure 14. Since this configuration example is similar to the fifth configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the fifth configuration example will be omitted.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14, the air outlet 31A is located on the front of the tip portion 34. On the other hand, the air outlet 31B is located on the side of the tip portion 34. More specifically, the mouthpiece channel 33B is bent 90 degrees to the left and right at the tip portion 34 after it has split into two branches, and is connected to the two air outlets 31B located on both the left and right sides of the tip portion 34. With this configuration, the airflow 5A containing olfactory component aerosols and the airflow 5B containing gustatory component aerosols can be completely separated in the user's oral cavity. Furthermore, the airflow 5B containing gustatory component aerosols can be directed more directly to the outside of the user's tongue 9.

[0100] As shown in this example configuration, the air outlets 31A and 31B may be located on different surfaces of the mouthpiece 3, and their arrangement is not limited to the example described above. For example, the air outlet 31A may be located on the upper surface of the tip portion 34, and the air outlet 31B may be located on the side surface of the tip portion 34.

[0101] (9) Figure 15 of the ninth configuration example is a perspective view of the mouthpiece 3I relating to the ninth configuration example. The following explanation of this configuration example will be given with reference to Figure 15. Since this configuration example is similar to the fifth configuration example described above, the explanation of the parts that overlap with the fifth configuration example will be omitted.

[0102] An air outlet 31A is positioned on the upper center of the front surface of the tip portion 34, and two air outlets 31B are positioned diagonally to the lower left and diagonally to the lower right of it. In other words, in this configuration, the air outlets 31B are positioned below the air outlet 31A, as in the first configuration example, and outside the air outlet 31A, as in the fifth configuration example. Therefore, in this configuration, both the effects described in the first configuration example and the effects described in the fifth configuration example are achieved.

[0103] In this configuration example, the air outlets 31A and 31B may be located on different surfaces of the mouthpiece 3. For example, the air outlet 31A may be located on the upper or front surface of the tip portion 34, and the two air outlets 31B may be located on the lower surface of the tip portion 34.

[0104] (10) Figure 16 of the 10th configuration example is an upward view of the mouthpiece 3J according to the 10th configuration example. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 3J according to the 10th configuration example, cut at the center in the left-right direction. The configuration example will be explained below with reference to these figures. Since this configuration example is similar to the first configuration example described above, the explanation of parts that overlap with the first configuration example will be omitted.

[0105] The air outlet 31A is located on the front of the tip portion 34. The connection port 32A is located on the rear of the body portion 35. The mouthpiece channel 33A is configured to run parallel to the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3J, from the connection port 32A to the air outlet 31A.

[0106] The air outlet 31A is located on the front of the tip portion 34. The connection port 32B is located on the underside of the body portion 35. The mouthpiece channel 33B is formed by bending 90 degrees from the vertical direction to the front-to-back direction within the mouthpiece 3J, from the connection port 32B to the air outlet 31B.

[0107] The mouthpiece channel 33B is shorter than the mouthpiece channel 33A. With this configuration, when the user puts the mouthpiece 3J in their mouth and inhales, the suction device 1 can discharge the airflow 5B containing the aerosol of taste components into the user's oral cavity before the airflow 5A containing the aerosol of olfactory components. During the period when only the airflow 5B containing the aerosol of taste components is discharged into the user's oral cavity, the user's oral cavity is filled with the aerosol of taste components, making it possible to make the user perceive the taste more strongly. After a delay, the airflow 5A containing the aerosol of olfactory components is delivered into the user's oral cavity, allowing the user to perceive the smell as well.

[0108] <4. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and these will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] The various configurations of the mouthpiece 3 may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the second to ninth configurations, the tenth configuration may be combined, with the connection port 32A located on the rear surface of the body portion 35 and the connection port 32B located on the lower surface of the body portion 35, and the mouthpiece channel 33B may be shorter than the mouthpiece channel 33A.

[0110] The means for generating aerosols containing taste components are not limited to vibration. For example, an aerosol containing salt particles may be generated by mixing an acid-containing vapor (hereinafter also referred to as acid vapor) and a base-containing vapor (hereinafter also referred to as base vapor) in an air channel and allowing them to react chemically. Acid vapor and base vapor can be generated, for example, by heating the acid source and base source, respectively.

[0111] One of the aerosols containing olfactory components and the other containing gustatory components may be a water-soluble aerosol, and the other an amphiphilic aerosol. The mouthpiece channels 33A and 33B may merge midway, and the water-soluble aerosol and the amphiphilic aerosol, each generated separately, may be mixed and aggregated at the merging point. With this configuration, the evaporation rate and absorption rate of the active ingredient contained in the water-soluble aerosol can be adjusted, and the active ingredient can be delivered to the intended distance and location. The flow rates of these two types of aerosols may be different. By controlling the flow rates of these two types of aerosols, the mouthpiece 3 can deliver the active ingredient to the intended distance and location more efficiently. In other words, it is desirable that the mouthpiece channels 33A and 33B be appropriately designed to enable the delivery of the active ingredient to the intended distance and location.

[0112] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure: (1) An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a first generating unit that generates a first aerosol using a first aerosol source containing olfactory components; a second generating unit that generates a second aerosol using a second aerosol source containing taste components; and a mouthpiece having a first channel through which the first aerosol passes and a second channel through which the second aerosol passes. (2) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (1), wherein the first aerosol source contains at least one of propylene glycol or glycol. (3) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the first generating unit generates the first aerosol by heating the first aerosol source. (4) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second aerosol source contains water. (5) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second generating unit generates the second aerosol by applying vibration to the second aerosol source. (6) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the outlet of the second flow path is located below the outlet of the first flow path. (7) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the outlet of the second flow path is located outside the outlet of the first flow path. (8) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (6) or (7), wherein the outlet of the first flow path is located on the front surface of the mouthpiece, and the outlet of the second flow path is located on the side or bottom surface of the mouthpiece. (9) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the outlet-side portion of the second flow path is inclined downward. (10) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the outlet-side portion of the second flow path is inclined outward. (11) The aerosol generating apparatus according to (9) or (10), wherein the inclination angle of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path is 5 degrees or more and 15 degrees or less. (12) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the length of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path is 10 mm or more.(13) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the diameter of the outlet portion of the second flow path widens as it approaches the outlet. (14) The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the second flow path is shorter than the first flow path. (15) An aerosol generating system comprising: a first aerosol source containing olfactory components; a second aerosol source containing gustatory components; a first generating unit that generates a first aerosol using the first aerosol source; a second generating unit that generates a second aerosol using the second aerosol source; and a mouthpiece having a first flow path through which the first aerosol passes and a second flow path through which the second aerosol passes.

[0113] 1. Suction device 11. Power supply unit 12. Sensor unit 13. Notification unit 14. Memory unit 15. Communication unit 16. Control unit 2. Main body 21. Air inlet 22A. Housing unit 22B. Housing unit 23. Main body channel 24B. Vibration unit 3. Mouthpiece 30. Housing 31A. Air outlet 31B. Air outlet 32A. Connection port 32A. Connection port 33A. Mouthpiece channel 33B. Mouthpiece channel 34. Tip section 35. Body section 4. Cartridge (4A: 1st cartridge, 4B: 2nd cartridge) 41A. Liquid storage unit 41B. Liquid storage unit 42A. Liquid induction unit 43A. Heating unit 44A. Cartridge channel 44B. Cartridge channel 45A. Aerosol source 45B. Aerosol source 5A. Airflow containing aerosol with olfactory components 5B Airflow containing aerosols with taste components

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising: a first generating unit that generates a first aerosol using a first aerosol source containing olfactory components; a second generating unit that generates a second aerosol using a second aerosol source containing taste components; and a mouthpiece having a first channel through which the first aerosol passes and a second channel through which the second aerosol passes.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first aerosol source comprises at least one of propylene glycol or glycol.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first generating unit generates the first aerosol by heating the first aerosol source.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second aerosol source contains water.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second generating unit generates the second aerosol by applying vibration to the second aerosol source.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outlet of the second channel is located below the outlet of the first channel.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet of the second channel is located outside the outlet of the first channel.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outlet of the first flow path is located on the front surface of the mouthpiece, and the outlet of the second flow path is located on the side or bottom surface of the mouthpiece.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outlet portion of the second flow path is inclined downward.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outlet portion of the second flow path is inclined outwards.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the inclination angle of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path is 5 degrees or more and 15 degrees or less.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the length of the inclined portion on the outlet side of the second flow path is 10 mm or more.

13. The diameter of the outlet portion of the second flow path widens as it approaches the outlet, the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second channel is shorter than the first channel.

15. An aerosol generation system comprising: a first aerosol source containing olfactory components; a second aerosol source containing gustatory components; a first generation unit that generates a first aerosol using the first aerosol source; a second generation unit that generates a second aerosol using the second aerosol source; and a mouthpiece having a first channel through which the first aerosol passes and a second channel through which the second aerosol passes.

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