Stick for flavor inhalation and system for flavor inhalation

Abstract

A stick (1) for flavor inhalation is inserted into a flavor inhaler and thereby heated, the stick (1) comprising: a heated part (10) to which heat is applied when the stick (1) is inserted into the flavor inhaler; and a plurality of capsules (50) which release contents (51) therein when broken. One capsule (50) of the plurality of capsules (50) breaks other capsules (50).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a stick for flavor inhalation a system for flavor inhalation.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a heat not burn product comprising an encapsulated aerosol generating agent. Patent document 1 indicates that the timing of the release of the aerosol generating agent during use of the heat not burn product is adjusted by encapsulating the aerosol generating agent using two or more different barrier materials having different melting points, or encapsulating the aerosol generating agent using barrier materials having different thicknesses.CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE

[0003] PTL 1: JP 2016-73307 ASUMMARY OF INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0004] In sticks for flavor inhalation that generate an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, a plurality of capsules may be arranged for reasons such as improving the delivery amount of the smoking flavor imparted to the aerosol. When it is desired to break the plurality of capsules to release the contents thereof, if it is necessary to apply a physical external force to each of the plurality of capsules, this takes time and effort. Therefore, even when a plurality of capsules are disposed, it is desirable that the plurality of capsules can be broken using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a stick for flavor inhalation and a system for flavor inhalation in which it is possible to break a plurality of capsules using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule.SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0006] The present disclosure, completed in light of this objective, provides a stick for flavor inhalation that is heated by being inserted into a flavor inhaler, the stick for flavor inhalation comprising a heated portion to which heat is applied when inserted into the flavor inhaler, and a plurality of capsules each having contents that are released when the capsule breaks, wherein one of the plurality of capsules breaks at least one of the other capsules.

[0007] Here, when said one of the plurality of capsules comes into contact with said other capsule, the other capsule may be broken by the one capsule.

[0008] Furthermore, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released matches between the one capsule and the other capsule, the one capsule may also break together with the other capsule.

[0009] Also, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released is higher for the one capsule than for the other capsule, the one capsule may not break, and the other capsule may be broken by the one capsule.

[0010] Furthermore, the one capsule may be broken by the contents of the other capsule that has been broken.

[0011] Also, the other capsule may be broken by the contents of the one capsule.

[0012] Also, the plurality of capsules may be disposed within the heated portion.

[0013] Further, the present disclosure, completed in light of the abovementioned objective, also provides a system for flavor inhalation comprising the stick for flavor inhalation, and a flavor inhaler for heating the stick for flavor inhalation.ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a stick for flavor inhalation in which it is possible to break a plurality of capsules using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the longitudinal cross section of a stick according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an overall oblique view of a flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration example of the flavor inhaler. Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between a plurality of capsules according to the first embodiment, where 4A is a diagram showing a state in which first capsules and second capsules are in contact with each other, and 4B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules and the second capsules are broken. Figs. 5A and 5B arediagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules according to the first embodiment, where 5A is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules and the second capsules are in contact with each other, and 5B is a diagram showing a state in which the second capsules are broken. Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules according to the first embodiment, where 6A is a diagram showing a state in which the contents of the second capsules are in contact with the first capsules, and 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules are broken. Figs. 7A and B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules according to a modified example of the first embodiment, where 7A is a diagram showing a state in which the contents of the second capsules are in contact with the first capsules, and 7B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules are broken. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the longitudinal cross section of a stick according to a second embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings, identical parts are indicated by identical reference signs.<First Embodiment>

[0017] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the longitudinal cross section of a stick 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0018] A stick 1 for flavor inhalation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as 'stick') according to the first embodiment comprises a heated portion 10, a cooling portion 20, a cooling portion 20, a filter portion 30, first capsules 51 and second capsules 52. The heated portion 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. When there is no need to distinguish between the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52, they may be referred to as capsules 50.

[0019] Hereinafter, the direction of a centerline CL of the heated portion 10 may be referred to as the "centerline direction" . The stick 1 is additionally provided with a tipping paper that is wrapped around the heated portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30 arranged in the stated order in the centerline direction, thereby integrating these components. Hereinafter, one end side (the left side in fig. 1) in the centerline direction may be referred to as the first side, and the other end side (right side in fig. 1) in the centerline direction may be referred to as the second side. The first side is the end side that is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100. The second side is the opposite side to the first side, and is the end side that is held in the user's mouth for inhalation. Additionally, a cross section along the centerline direction is referred to as a "longitudinal cross section," and a cross section cut along a plane orthogonal to the centerline direction is defined as a "transverse cross section."[System for flavor inhalation]

[0020] Fig. 2 is an overall oblique view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration example of the flavor inhaler 100.

[0021] The system for flavor inhalation according to the present embodiment comprises a stick 1 according to the first embodiment and a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 100 that heats the heated portion 10 of the stick 1 from the outside. The stick according to the first embodiment is inserted into the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 100 for use.

[0022] In the example shown in fig. 2, the flavor inhaler 100 comprises a front cover 110 that buffers heat released from the interior of the device to the exterior, a pushing member 115 that pushes the stick 1, a main body housing 120 to and from which the front cover 110 can be attached and detached, and a shutter 150 that opens and closes an insertion opening into which the stick 1 is inserted. The main body housing 120 accommodates a main body 130 of the flavor inhaler 100. As shown in fig. 3, the main body 130 also comprises a holding portion 140 that holds the stick 1 and an insertion opening 142 which provides communication between an internal space 141 and the outside, and into which the stick 1 is inserted.

[0023] In the example shown in fig. 2, the shutter 150 is shown to be closing the insertion opening 142. The shutter 150 has a slide mechanism, and is capable of moving along the surface of an outer casing between a first position for closing the insertion opening 142 and a second position for opening the insertion opening 142. The insertion opening 142 is opened by the user sliding the shutter 150 along a side face with a finger. As a result of the opening insertion opening 142 being opened, the stick 1 is inserted by the user into the holding portion 140 that holds the stick 1, as shown in fig. 3.

[0024] As an example of a means for applying a physical external force to the capsules 50, the pushing member 115 shown in fig. 2 is located adjacent to the internal space 141 (see fig. 3) and can be moved into the internal space 141. When the pushing member 115 is moved into the internal space 141, it applies a physical external force to at least a portion of the region of the stick 1 in which the plurality of capsules 50 1 are disposed. Specifically, the pushing member 115 that has moved into the internal space 141 indirectly applies pressure to at least one capsule 50 among the plurality of capsules 50.

[0025] The pushing member 115 may, for example, be a member that moves into the internal space 141 when pushed by the user, or may be a member that moves into the internal space 141 when turned by the user.

[0026] It should be noted that the means for applying a physical external force to the capsules 50 is not limited to the means described above, and known techniques may be used.

[0027] Furthermore, in the example shown in fig. 3, the main body 130 of the flavor inhaler 100 includes a power source unit 131 for storing electric power and supplying electric power to each component of the main body 130, a sensor unit 132 for detecting various types of information relating to the main body 130, and a notification unit 133 for notifying the user of information. Furthermore, the main body 130 also includes a memory unit 134 for storing various types of information for the operation of the main body 130, a communication unit 135 for transmitting and receiving information between the main body 130 and other devices, and a control unit 136 for controlling the overall operation within the main body 130. The main body 130 also includes a heating unit 121 for heating the stick 1 and a heat insulating portion 144 for preventing heat transfer from the heating unit 121 to other components of the main body 130. In the flavor inhaler 100, inhalation by the user is performed while the stick 1 is held in the holding portion 140.

[0028] The heating unit 121 heats the heated portion 10 of the stick 1. The heating unit 121 is formed by any material such as a metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, an aerosol source contained in a substrate portion 11 of the stick 1 (see fig. 1) is heated from the outer periphery of the stick 1. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with electricity from the power source unit 131. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 132 detects a prescribed user input. Inhalation by the user becomes possible when the temperature of the stick 1 heated by the heating unit 121 has reached a prescribed temperature. Thereafter, the supply of power may be stopped when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 132. As another example, power may be supplied to generate the aerosol during a period in which inhalation by the user is detected by the sensor unit 132.

[0029] The heat insulating portion 144 is disposed so as to cover at least the outer periphery of the heating unit 121. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured by a vacuum heat insulating material or an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like. It should be noted that a vacuum insulating material is a heat insulating material in which a state of high vacuum is created by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film, for example, so that heat conduction by gas is as close as possible to zero.[Stick 1]

[0030] The stick 1 is a heat-not-burn type flavor inhalation article.

[0031] In the example shown in fig. 1, the transverse cross section of the stick 1 is substantially circular, and the outer diameter and size in the centerline direction can be modified as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product.[Cooling portion 20]

[0032] In the example shown in fig. 1, the cooling portion 20 is positioned adjacent to the heated portion 10 and the filter portion 30, and is a part that is formed by wrapping a sheet 21 such that the transverse cross section is hollow (a cavity), such as a cylinder. The cooling portion 20 generates an aerosol by cooling vapor generated by heating the substrate portion 11 of the heated portion 10. For example, the cooling portion 20 is a paper tube formed by winding a sheet 21 made of paper.

[0033] The transverse cross section of the cooling portion 20 is substantially circular, and the outer diameter thereof can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product, but is preferably approximately the same as the outer diameter of the filter 31 discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that when the transverse cross-section is not circular, the aforementioned outer diameter is applied assuming a circle having the same area as the area of the cross-section.

[0034] Although the size of the cooling portion 20 in the centerline direction can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product, it is desirable that the size be such that a good flavor can be obtained while ensuring a sufficient cooling effect, and such that losses due to adhesion of the generated vapor and aerosol to the sheet 21 can be suppressed.

[0035] The material of the sheet 21 is not particularly restricted and may, for example, be a material having pulp as the main component, a material having polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, or aluminum foil as the main component, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The cooling portion 20 has been described as a part formed by wrapping the sheet 21, but is not limited to this configuration provided that the transverse cross section is hollow. The cooling portion 20 may equally be formed, for example, by a tube of a synthetic resin or the like that already has a hollow transverse cross section.

[0037] The cooling portion 20 is provided with through-holes 60 (also referred to as a "ventilation filter (Vf)" in this technical field) which are provided in the circumferential direction and are concentric. The through-holes 60 are holes that penetrate through the sheet 21. Examples of the shape of the holes include polygonal, rounded-corner polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc. The through-holes 60 are present in a region in which air can flow in from outside the stick 1, in other words, in a region that protrudes from the opening 142 when the stick 1 is held in the holding portion 140 of the inhalation device 100.

[0038] The presence of the through-holes 60 allows the concentrations of the flavor and taste components and the aerosol that are inhaled to be adjusted. Further, the presence of the plurality of through-holes 60 allows air to flow into the cooling portion 20 from the outside during inhalation, enabling the temperature of the vapor and air flowing in from the substrate portion 11 to be lowered.

[0039] It should be noted that vapor generated by heating the substrate portion 11, with the aerosol acting as the condensation nuclei, liquefies as a result of a decrease in temperature upon coming into contact with air from the outside, and this can promote the generation of the aerosol.

[0040] If a plurality of the through-holes 60 that are present concentrically in the cooling portion 20 are treated as one group of through-holes, there may be one group of through-holes, or there may be two or more groups of through-holes.

[0041] Furthermore, if the stick 1 is of a form in which the heated portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30 are wrapped with tipping paper 40, it is preferable that vent holes are provided in the tipping paper 40 in positions immediately above the through-holes 60 provided in the cooling portion 20. When manufacturing such a stick 1, the tipping paper 40 provided with vent holes overlapping the through-holes 60 may be prepared and wrapped, but, from the point of view of ease of production, it is preferable to manufacture the stick 1 without the through-holes 60, and to then form holes simultaneously penetrating through the cooling portion 20 and the tipping paper 40.[Filter portion 30]

[0042] The filter portion 30 includes a first filter 31, which is connected to the second side of the substrate portion 20, and a second filter 32, which is positioned on the second side of the first filter 31. The first filter 31 has a hollow transverse cross section and the second filter 32 has a solid transverse cross section.

[0043] The filter portion 30 is connected (linked) to the cooling portion 20 by wrapping the second side end of the cooling portion 20 and the first side end of the filter portion 30 together integrally using the tipping paper, which is discussed hereinafter. There may also be a rolling paper 33 which is wrapped between the outer peripheral surfaces of the first filter 31 and the second filter 32, and the tipping paper 40.

[0044] The transverse cross sections of the first filter 31 and the second filter 32 of the filter portion 30 are substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle and the length around the transverse cross section can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product. It should be noted that if the transverse cross section not circular, the abovementioned diameter is applied assuming a circle having the same area as the area of the transverse cross section.

[0045] The first filter 31 and the second filter 32 are not particularly restricted provided that they include a filter material and have the general functions of a filter. General functions of a filter that may be cited include, for example, reducing undesirable sensations such as stimulation and reducing nicotine and tar, and in addition, if openings corresponding to the through-holes 60 are present on the second side of the filter, adjusting the amount of air that is mixed when the aerosol, etc., is inhaled, but not all of these functions need to be provided. Furthermore, in the stick 1, which generates fewer components and tends to have a lower filling rate of the aerosol source in the substrate portion 11 than a cigarette product, important functions of the filter also lie in preventing the aerosol source 11 from falling out, while controlling a filtration function, and adjusting the ventilation resistance for imparting an appropriate ease of suction during inhalation.

[0046] The filter material constituting the first filter 31 and the second filter 32 is, for example, a filling material such as cellulose acetate fibers, nonwoven fabric, or pulp paper formed into a cylindrical shape. A paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper may also be used.

[0047] There is no particular restriction on the form of the rolling paper 33, which may include a seam including one or more lines of adhesive. The adhesive may comprise a hot-melt adhesive, and further, the hot-melt adhesive may comprise polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, if the filter portion 30 consists of two or more members, it is preferable to wrap each of the two or more members with rolling paper and then further wrap them together with another rolling paper.

[0048] There is no particular restriction on the material of the rolling paper 33, and well-known materials may be used, and the rolling paper may furthermore include a filler such as calcium carbonate, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the rolling paper 33 may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material from the viewpoint of imparting functions such as strength and structural rigidity.[Tipping paper 40]

[0050] The tipping paper 40 is wrapped around outer peripheral surfaces of the heated portion 10, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 30. The shape of the tipping paper 40 is not particular limited, and may be square or rectangular, for example.

[0051] The configuration of the tipping paper 40 is not particularly limited, and can take a general form, examples of which include those having pulp as the main component. The pulp may be made of wood pulp such as softwood pulp and hardwood pulp, or produced with an admixture of non-wood pulp that is typically used in rolling paper for smoking products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto. These pulps can be used alone or in combination of multiple types in any ratio.

[0052] In addition to the materials described above, the tipping paper 40 may also contain fillers, for example calcium carbonate from the viewpoint of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. In addition to the materials and fillers described above, various aids may be added to the tipping paper 40, which may also contain water-resistance improving agents, including wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents.

[0053] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces of the tipping paper 40, namely the front surface and the rear surface. There is no particular restriction on the coating agent, but a coating agent that is capable of forming a film on the surface and reducing liquid permeability is preferable.

[0054] A portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 40 may be coated with a lip-release material. A lip-release material means a material configured for assisting in easy separation, substantially without adhesion, of the lips and the tipping paper 40 when the user holds the filter portion 30 of the stick 1 in their mouth.[Heated portion 10]

[0055] The heated portion 10 comprises the substrate portion 11 containing an aerosol source, a rolling paper 12 covering the outer periphery of the substrate portion 11, and a solid member 13 preventing the capsules 50 falling out from the first side end surface of the heated portion 10. In addition, the plurality of capsules 50, which release their contents when a coating thereof is broken, are arranged in the heated portion 10.

[0056] The heated portion 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape by wrapping the substrate portion 11 and the solid member 13 with the rolling paper 12. Additionally, if the heated portion 10 consists of two or more members, such as including the substrate portion 11 and the solid member 13, it is preferable to wrap each of the two or more members with the rolling paper 12 and then further wrap them together with another rolling paper 12.

[0057] In addition, the heated portion 10 has a hollow cavity 14 formed between the substrate portion 11 and the solid member 13. The cavity 14 is formed by arranging the substrate portion 11 and the solid member 13, and wrapping these with the rolling paper 12. Furthermore, the heated portion 10 is connected (coupled) to the cooling portion 20 by wrapping the cooling portion 20 and the heated portion 10 integrally using the tipping paper 40 on the outside of the rolling paper 12.

[0058] The aerosol source filling the substrate portion 11 may, for example, be a tobacco-derived substance such as tobacco shreds, or processed products obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular form, a sheet form, or a powder form. Furthermore, the aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived substances produced from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herb, etc.). As an example, the aerosol source may include a fragrance. The type of fragrance is not particularly restricted, but menthol is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor. When the flavor inhaler 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may equally be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water, for example. In a state in which the stick 1 is being held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 11 is accommodated in the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140.

[0059] The size of the substrate portion 11 in the centerline direction and the aerosol source content thereof can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product.

[0060] Further, the aerosol source may include tobacco shreds, etc. The material of the tobacco shreds is not particularly restricted, and known materials such as lamina and midrib can be used. Furthermore, ground tobacco may be formed by grinding dried tobacco leaves, then homogenized using a known means and processed into a sheet (also referred to below simply as a "homogenized sheet") which is shredded. Furthermore, filling with a so-called strand type is also possible, this being obtained by shredding, substantially parallel to the centerline direction of the substrate portion 11, a homogenized sheet having a size similar to that of the substrate portion 11 in the centerline direction.

[0061] Examples of tobacco types that may be cited include yellow, Burley, orient, or native type, and other Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. When a mixture is used, each variety is blended as appropriate to achieve the intended taste.

[0062] The shape of the rolling paper 12 can be square or rectangular, for example. When wrapping the aerosol source cylindrically with the rolling paper 12, one end of the rolling paper 12 and the other end of the rolling paper 12 in the circumferential direction, for example, can be overlapped by about 2 mm and glued together to form a cylindrical paper tube shape, with the aerosol source 11 filled inside.

[0063] The material of the rolling paper 12 is not particularly restricted, and examples that can be cited include those having pulp as the main component. The pulp may be made of wood pulp such as softwood pulp and hardwood pulp, or produced with an admixture of non-wood pulp that is typically used in rolling paper 12 for smoking products, such as flax pulp, hemp pulp, sisal pulp, or esparto.

[0064] Types of pulp that can be used include chemical pulps obtained by means of kraft pulping, acid / neutral / alkaline sulfite pulping, and soda pulping, etc., groundwood pulps, chemigroundwood pulps, and thermomechanical pulps, etc.

[0065] The solid member 13 is a member preventing the plurality of capsules 50 from falling out from the first side end face of the heated portion 10.

[0066] The transverse cross section of the solid member 13 is substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle and the length around the transverse cross section can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the size of the product. It should be noted that if the transverse cross section not circular, the abovementioned diameter is applied assuming a circle having the same area as the area of the transverse cross section.

[0067] The material constituting the solid member 13 is not particularly restricted, but is preferably a material that is capable of preventing the contents of the capsules 50 from leaking out of the stick 1. For example, the material constituting the solid member 13 may be a paper filter filled with sheet-shaped pulp paper, or a filter obtained by forming a filling material such as cellulose acetate fibers, nonwoven fabric, or pulp paper into a cylindrical shape.

[0068] The cavity 14 is a space formed inside the heated portion 10, and is a cylindrical space surrounded by the first side surface of the substrate portion 11, the second side surface of the solid member 13 and the rolling paper 12. The cavity 14 only needs to have a size allowing the plurality of capsules 50 to be placed therein. There is no particular restriction on the number of capsules 50 to be installed, provided that the number is two or more. Furthermore, there is no particular restriction to the shape of the cavity 14 and the number of cavities 14 that are formed.

[0069] The capsules 50 are a filling material arranged inside the heated portion 10. In each capsule 50, contents containing flavor and taste components are encapsulated in a coating. It should be noted that the contents of the capsules 50 may, for example, contain an aerosol source or may contain only an aerosol source without flavor and taste components.

[0070] The shape of each of the capsules 50 is not particularly restricted, and may be spherical, cylindrical, truncated conical, or the like. The method for producing the capsules 50 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a dropping method capable of producing capsules with a seamless coating.

[0071] The positions of the plurality of capsules 50 in a longitudinal cross section of the heated portion 10 are preferably positions at which the plurality of capsules 50 can come into contact with one another, for example. Here, "the plurality of capsules 50 coming into contact with one another" includes cases in which each of the plurality of capsules 50 moves and the plurality of capsules 50 come into colliding contact with one another, and cases in which contents released from one capsule 50 come into contact with the coating of another capsule 50.

[0072] The contents of the capsules 50 include, for example, a fragrance component serving as a flavor and taste component. Furthermore, the contents of the capsules 50 may include a flavor component, for example, serving as a flavor and taste component.

[0073] The fragrance components are not particularly limited, and may include, for example, powdered fragrances and oil-based fragrances. Main powdered fragrances include chamomile, fenugreek, menthol, mint, cinnamon, herbs, etc., in powdered form. Main oil-based fragrances include lavender, cinnamon, cardamom, celery, clove, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon, orange, mint, cinnamon bark, caraway, cognac, jasmine, chamomile, menthol, cassia, ylang-ylang, sage, spearmint, fennel, pimento, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, tobacco, etc. Fragrance components may be used alone or in combinations of two or more. When using powdered fragrances, the particle size is preferably 500 µm or less.

[0074] Examples of flavor components include citric acid, tartaric acid, monosodium glutamate, neotame, thaumatin, stevia, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, aspartame, rutin, hesperidin, oxalic acid, tannic acid, catechin, naringin, quinine, quinic acid, limonin, caffeine, capsaicin, vitamins, amino acids, polyphenols, alginic acid, flavonoids, lecithin, etc. Flavor components are preferably liquid or are substantially soluble in the oral cavity.

[0075] The contents of the capsules 50 may include colorants such as synthetic colorants and natural colorants in addition to flavor and taste components. Preferred colorants include food additives such as Red No. 3 and No. 106, Beta-Carotene, Copper Chlorophyllin, Gardenia Blue, Yellow No. 4, etc.

[0076] The contents may further include a solvent for dissolving the flavor and taste components and colorants. Examples of solvents include medium-chain triglycerides, glycerin, propylene glycol, water, ethanol, etc.

[0077] If the contents of the capsules 50 are liquid or gel-like, the boiling point of the contents is preferably higher than the temperature at which the coating melts.

[0078] Furthermore, if the contents of the capsules 50 are liquid or gel-like, it is preferable that the viscosity and liquid amount of the contents are such that the contents do not leak out from the second side end face of the substrate portion 11 and do not leak out from the first side end face of the solid member 13. In other words, it is preferable that the viscosity and liquid amount of the contents of the capsules 50 are such that the contents do not leak into the cooling portion 20, and do not reach the first side end face of the stick 1 and spill into the flavor inhaler 100. This makes it possible to prevent the contents of the capsules 50 from bleeding out to the outside of the stick 1, while imparting a new flavor and taste when the contents of the capsules 50 spread inside the heated portion 10.

[0079] The coating of the capsules 50 is partially or fully broken when the plurality of capsules 50 come into contact with each other. Here, "partially broken" means that the coating is cracked or perforated to the extent that the contents of the capsule 50 are gradually released. Also, "fully broken" means that the coating is cracked or melted to the extent that the contents of the capsule 50 are released all at once. Hereinafter, when the extent of the breakage of the capsule 50 coating is not being distinguished, the expression "the coating of capsule 50 is broken" may be used. Furthermore, "the coating of the capsule 50 is broken" may also be expressed as "the capsule 50 is broken".

[0080] It should be noted that one of the plurality of capsules 50 may break when subjected to a physical external force or heat by a known means.

[0081] The coating of the capsules 50 is not particularly restricted, provided that the composition is such that the coating can be broken. Examples of materials for the capsule include starch, dextrin, polysaccharides, agar, gellan gum, gelatin, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, styrene-butadiene-acrylonitrile copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, ethylene-acrylic acid plastic, ethylene-vinyl acetate plastic, ethylene-vinyl alcohol plastic, lipophilic materials, various natural gelling agents, etc. The coating may also include fragrance components, plasticizers, colorants, etc.

[0082] Lipophilic materials include, for example, fats and oils, fatty acids, sugar fatty acid esters, hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chain ethers, higher fatty acid esters, higher alcohols, and hydrogenated products thereof. Fats and oils include, for example, glycerin fatty acid esters of safflower oil, linseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, soybean oil, mustard oil, rapeseed oil, corn oil, castor oil, evening primrose oil, palm kernel oil, jojoba oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, cacao oil, etc. Examples of sugar fatty acid esters include sucrose fatty acid esters, etc. Examples of hydrocarbons include terpenes, paraffins, beeswax, etc. Examples of hydrogenated products include hydrogenated products of fats and oils such as margarine, shortening, etc.

[0083] The composition of the coating of capsules 50 may have one of the abovementioned materials as the main component, or may be any combination thereof.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the capsule 50 breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released is based on the thickness and composition of the coating of the capsule 50. Specifically, by changing the thickness or composition of the capsule 50 coating, it is possible to adjust the capsule 50 breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released.

[0085] For example, by changing the thickness or composition of the capsule 50 coating, it is possible to increase or decrease the hardness of the capsule 50 coating or the temperature at which the coating melts. In addition, it is possible to make the capsule 50 coating hydrophilic or hydrophobic, for example by changing the composition of the capsule 50 coating.

[0086] Here, the breaking strength is the degree to which the capsule 50 does not break to the extent that the contents are released.

[0087] For example, the maximum value of stress immediately before the capsule 50 breaks may be defined as the breaking strength. The maximum stress immediately before the capsule 50 breaks can be measured using a rheometer such as the CR-3000EX-S manufactured by Sun Scientific Co., Ltd., which uses a contact for compressive strength testing. As the contact continuously descends, the capsule 50 begins to distort, generating stress on the contact.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, the temperature applied to the capsule 50 immediately before the capsule 50 breaks may be used as the breaking strength, and a value relating to the hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of the capsule 50 coating may equally be used as the breaking strength. In addition, for example, the breaking strength may be determined on the basis of at least two of the above-mentioned matters.

[0089] Figs. 4A and 4B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules 50 according to the first embodiment, where 4A is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 are in contact with each other, and 4B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 are broken.

[0090] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate, by way of example, a case in which the capsule 50 breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released matches between the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the user shakes the stick 1 vigorously, causing the plurality of capsules 50 within the stick 1 to collide with each other, to the extent that the plurality of capsules 50 break. In addition, in the present embodiment, the user may press with the fingers from the outside of the stick 1 to move the plurality of capsules 50 and apply pressure to the plurality of capsules 50 within the stick 1 to the extent that the plurality of capsules 50 break.

[0092] It is preferable that the plurality of capsules 50 are not broken by impacts or pressure resulting from normal vibrations or shaking associated with transporting of the stick 1 using a car, etc., carrying of the stick 1 by the user, insertion of the stick 1 into the flavor inhaler 100 by the user, etc.

[0093] The first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 move, and as shown in fig. 4A, the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 come into colliding contact with one another. If the breaking strength matches between the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 that are in contact with one another, the second capsules 52 will break together with the first capsules 51, thereby releasing the contents of the first capsules 51 and the contents of the second capsules 52, as indicated by reference sign 53 in fig. 4B.

[0094] In other words, when the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 having coatings with the same hardness collide as shown in fig. 4A, the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 break at the same time, thereby releasing the contents of the first capsules 51 and the contents of the second capsules 53, as shown by reference sign 53 in fig. 4B.

[0095] It should be noted that the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 may equally be broken as a result of colliding contact between first capsules 51 or colliding contact between second capsules 52. Also, if a plurality of capsules 50 collide with one another, not all of the capsules 50 need to break at the same time.

[0096] Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules 50 according to the first embodiment, where 5A is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 are in contact with each other, and 5B is a diagram showing a state in which the second capsules 52 are broken.

[0097] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate, by way of example, a case in which the capsule 50 breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released differs between the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the user shakes the stick 1 vigorously, causing the plurality of capsules 50 within the stick 1 to collide with each other, to the extent that the plurality of capsules 50 break. In addition, in the present embodiment also, the user may press with the fingers from the outside of the stick 1 to move the plurality of capsules 50 and apply pressure to the plurality of capsules 50 within the stick 1 to the extent that the plurality of capsules 50 break.

[0099] The first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 move, and as shown in fig. 5A, the first capsules 51 and the second capsules 52 come into colliding contact with one another. If the breaking strength of the first capsules 51 is higher than the breaking strength of the second capsules 52, the first capsules 51 do not break, and the contents of the broken second capsules 52 are released, as indicated by reference sign 53 in fig. 5B.

[0100] In other words, if the first capsules 51 having a coating that is tougher than the coating of the second capsules 52 collide with the second capsules 52, as shown in fig. 5A, the second capsules 52 are broken by the first capsules 51, and the contents of the second capsules 52 are released, as indicated by the reference sign 53 in fig. 5B.

[0101] Moreover, the second capsules 52 may also break if the second capsules 52 come into colliding contact with one another, and, furthermore, not all of the plurality of second capsules 52 need to break at the same time. In addition, the first capsules 51 may break if the first capsules 51 come into colliding contact with one another.

[0102] Figs. 6A and 6B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules 50 according to the first embodiment, where 6A is a diagram showing a state in which the contents of the second capsules 52 are in contact with the first capsules 51, and 6B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules 51 are broken.

[0103] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an example in which the second capsules 52 have already been broken and the contents have been released. It should be noted that the second capsules 52 may have been broken by the application of a physical external force or heat by known means, or may have been broken as a result of collisions with the first capsules 51. The second capsules 52 have a lower breaking strength against a physical external force, heat, or pressure than the first capsules 51.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the second capsules 52, among the plurality of capsules 50, are already broken in a state in which the first capsules 51 are not broken.

[0105] In this case, the contents of the second capsules 52 spread within the cavity 14 of the stick 1, and the coating of the first capsules 51 comes into contact with the contents of the second capsules 52 denoted by the reference sign 53, as shown in fig. 6A. For example, if the coating of the first capsules 51 is dissolved by the contents of the second capsules 52, the first capsules 51 break, and the contents of the first capsules 51 are released together with the contents of the second capsules 52, as indicated by the reference sign 53 in fig. 6B.

[0106] In other words, when the first capsules 51 having a coating that is dissolved by the contents of the second capsules 52 come into contact with the contents of the second capsules 52, as shown in fig. 6A, the first capsules 51 are broken by the second capsules 52, and the contents of the first capsules 51 are also released, as shown by the reference sign 53 in fig. 6B.

[0107] It should be noted that if not all of the plurality of second capsules 52 are broken, it is preferable that the coating of the unbroken second capsules 52 is not dissolved by the contents of the other second capsules 52 that have already been broken.

[0108] For example, the first capsules 51 have hydrophobic contents and a hydrophilic coating, whereas the second capsules 52 have hydrophilic contents and a hydrophobic coating. If the second capsules 52 break, the hydrophilic contents of the second capsules 52 come into contact with the hydrophilic coating of the first capsules 51, causing the hydrophilic coating of the first capsules 51 to break and releasing the hydrophobic contents of the first capsules 51.

[0109] Also in a case in which the first capsules 51 have hydrophobic contents and a hydrophilic coating, and the second capsules 52 have hydrophobic contents and a hydrophilic coating, the hydrophobic contents of the second capsules 52 break the hydrophobic coating of the first capsules 51 and release the hydrophilic contents of the first capsules 51.

[0110] Moreover, the interactions are not limited to hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions, provided that the contents released from the broken second capsules 52 break the other first capsules 51, and the contents released from the destroyed second capsule 52 may, for example, dissolve the coating of the other first capsules 51 by a known chemical reaction.<Modified example 1>

[0111] Figs. 7A and 7B are diagrams used to illustrate breaking between the plurality of capsules 50 according to a modified example of the first embodiment, where 4A is a diagram showing a state in which the contents of the second capsules 52 are in contact with the first capsules 51, and 4B is a diagram showing a state in which the first capsules 51 are broken.

[0112] The heated portion 10 according to the modified example shown in figs. 7A and 7B do not have a cavity 14, and has a solid member 13 in which the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded.

[0113] Furthermore, in the example shown in figs. 7A and 7B, similarly to figs. 6A and 6B, the second capsules 52 have a lower breaking strength against a physical external force, heat, or pressure than the first capsules 51, and the example illustrates a case in which the second capsules 52 have already been broken and the contents have been released. It should be noted that the second capsules 52 may have been broken by the application of a physical external force or heat by a known means. Furthermore, the second capsules 52 may also have been broken by being pushed by the first capsules 51 through the solid member 13 when the solid member 13 in which the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded was pushed by a finger from the outside of the stick 1.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded in the solid member 13 in a positional relationship such that the capsules 50 come into contact with one another when broken but do not come into contact with one another when not broken. In other words, in the present embodiment, the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded in the solid member 13 such that the coatings thereof do not come into contact with one another, but the range over which the contents of one capsule 50 penetrates includes another capsule 50.

[0115] In this case, the contents of the second capsules 52 spread within the solid member 13 and the coatings of the first capsules 51 come into contact with the contents of the second capsules 52, indicated by the reference sign 53, as shown in fig. 7A. For example, if the coating of the first capsules 51 is dissolved by the contents of the second capsules 52, the first capsules 51 break, and the contents of the first capsules 51 are released together with the contents of the second capsules 52, as indicated by the reference sign 53 in fig. 7B.

[0116] Alternatively, the heated portion 10 may not include the solid member 13 or the cavity 14, and may have the plurality of capsules 50 embedded in the substrate portion 11. For example, as in the modified example discussed hereinabove, the contents of the second capsules 52 that have already been broken spread within the substrate portion 11 and the coatings of the first capsules 51 come into contact with the contents of the second capsules 52. Then, the coatings of the first capsules 51 are broken by the contents of the second capsules 52, and the contents of the first capsules 51 are released together with the contents of the second capsules 52.<Modified example 2>

[0117] In the example discussed hereinabove, each capsule 50 was broken by one of several means, such as a collision between capsules 50, pressure from a user pressing with a finger from outside the stick 1, heat applied to the capsule 50, or contact with the contents of another capsule 50, but the breaking means is not limited to one means.

[0118] Here, we will assume that the breaking strength of the second capsules 52 against a physical external force, heat, or pressure is lower than that of the first capsules 51; and that the coating of the first capsules 51 is dissolved by the contents of the second capsules 52. In this case, the second capsules 52, which are more fragile than the first capsules 51, break preferentially when the user presses with a finger from outside the stick 1 on the location where the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded, but if the pressure applied to the second capsules is insufficient, all of the second capsules 52 may not be destroyed. Furthermore, the first capsules 51 are dissolved and broken by the contents of the second capsules 52 of which the coating has been broken, but in some cases not all of the first capsules 51 will break, for example as a result of not coming into contact with the contents of the second capsules 52, or only coming into contact with a small amount of the contents of the second capsules 52.

[0119] For example, the second capsules 52 that were not broken when the solid member 13 in which the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded was pressed from outside the stick 1 by the user's finger break preferentially when heat is applied to the heated portion 10. Furthermore, the increase in temperature within the heated portion 10 also breaks the first capsules 51 that were not broken by the contents of the broken second capsules 52.

[0120] This makes it possible to also destroy the capsules 50 that could not be destroyed by one means. Furthermore, the plurality of capsules 50 can be destroyed in multiple stages.

[0121] In addition, the second capsules 52 that were not destroyed when the solid member 13 in which the plurality of capsules 50 are embedded was pressed from the outside of the stick 1 by the user's finger may be dissolved and broken by the contents of the broken first capsules 51. Breaking the hitherto unbroken second capsules 52 causes the amount of the released contents of the second capsules 52 to increase, and the unbroken first capsules 51 may also be destroyed.

[0122] This makes it possible to also break the capsules 50 that could not be destroyed by the one means, even if heat is not applied to the capsules 50.

[0123] As explained above, the stick 1 is a stick for flavor inhalation that is heated when inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, and includes the heated portion 10 that is heated when inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, and the plurality of capsules 50 that release their contents when broken. It should be noted that the stick 1 need not include the cooling portion 20 shown in fig. 1, from the viewpoint of making the size more compact in the centerline direction.

[0124] The stick 1 is inserted into the holding portion 140 of the flavor inhaler 100. After the temperature of the substrate 11 heated by means of the heating unit 121 has reached a predetermined temperature, an aerosol is generated when the user inhales. When the user inhales, vapor and aerosol are cooled in the cooling portion 20.

[0125] Then, one of the plurality of capsules 50 breaks at least one of the other capsules 50.

[0126] By employing the capsules 50 themselves as the breaking means, a plurality of capsules 50 can be broken using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule 50.

[0127] Furthermore, when one of the capsules 50 comes into contact with another capsule 50, the other capsule 50 may be broken by the one capsule 50.

[0128] When one capsule 50 breaks, this causes the contents of other capsules 50 to be released, and therefore contact between the capsules 50 can impart a new flavor and taste.

[0129] Furthermore, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released matches between the contacting capsule 50 and the other capsule, the one capsule 50 may also break together with the other capsule 50.

[0130] Contact between the plurality of capsules 50 causes a plurality of capsules 50 to break at once, and thus a plurality of capsules 50 can be broken using with the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule 50.

[0131] Also, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released is higher for the one capsule 50 than for the contacting other capsule 50, the one capsule 50 may not break, and the other capsule 50 may be broken by the one capsule 50.

[0132] By allowing the plurality of capsules 50 to be broken in stages as a result of contact between the plurality of capsules 50, the timing of the release of the contents of each of the plurality of capsules 50 can be staggered. Furthermore, by staggering the timing at which the contents of each of the plurality of capsules 50 are released, a decrease in the concentration of the flavor and taste components inhaled by the user can be prevented. Furthermore, if the contents of each of the plurality of capsules 50 are different, the flavor of the aerosol can be varied while the user is inhaling.

[0133] In addition, the contents of one broken capsule 50 may break other capsules 50.

[0134] It is not necessary to exert time and effort to apply a physical external force, separately from the breaking of the one capsule 50, to the other capsules 50 that were not broken, and the other capsules 50 can be broken using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking one capsule 50. Furthermore, the need to apply heat to the unbroken other capsules 50 separately from the breaking of the one capsule 50 is eliminated, and the amount of heat required to break the plurality of capsules 50 can be reduced.

[0135] Furthermore, the plurality of capsules 50 may be arranged within the heated portion 10.

[0136] Specifically, the heated portion 10 includes at least the substrate portion 11 filled with an aerosol source. Also, the plurality of capsules 50 that release their contents when broken are arranged within the heated portion 10. Heat within the substrate portion 11 that has been heated by the heating unit 121 propagates to the region in which the plurality of capsules 50 are located, and the heat of the heating unit 121 is also applied to the plurality of capsules 50. The application of heat to the contents released from the plurality of capsules 50 promotes evaporation of the flavor and taste components contained in the contents.

[0137] This allows the delivery efficiency of a new flavor and taste to be improved in comparison with a configuration in which heat is not applied to the plurality of capsules 50.<Second Embodiment>

[0138] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the longitudinal cross section of a stick 2 according to a second embodiment.

[0139] The stick 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the stick 1 according to the first embodiment in that the heated portion 210 corresponding to the heated portion 10 and the filter portion 230 corresponding to the filter portion 30 are different. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the same reference signs are used for the same components, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0140] The heated portion 210 differs from the heated portion 10 in that it does not include a solid member 13 and therefore no cavity 14 is formed, and no capsules 50 are arranged therein. The heated portion 210 includes a substrate portion 211 containing an aerosol source and a rolling paper 212 corresponding to the rolling paper 12. By way of example, the aerosol source filling the substrate portion 211 may be the identical to the aerosol source filling the substrate portion 11.

[0141] The heated portion 210 is connected (coupled) to the cooling portion 20 by integrally wrapping the cooling portion 20 and the filter portion 210 using the tipping paper 40.

[0142] The heated portion 210 is formed in a cylindrical shape by wrapping the substrate portion 211 with rolling paper 212. Additionally, if the heated portion 210 consists of two or more members, it is preferable to wrap each of the two or more members with the rolling paper 212 and then further wrap them together with another rolling paper 212.

[0143] The filter portion 230 differs from the filter portion 30 in that the capsules 50 are arranged therein. The filter portion 230 allows the aerosol to pass through. The filter portion 230 includes a first filter 231, which is connected to the second side of the cooling portion 20, a second filter 32, which is positioned on the second side of the first filter 231, and the plurality of capsules 50. Furthermore, the filter portion 230 accommodates the plurality of capsules 50 in hollow cavity 234 formed between the first filter 231 and the second filter 232. The cavity 234 is formed by arranging the first filter 231 and the second filter 232, and wrapping these with rolling paper 233. Furthermore, a portion of the heated portion 210, the cooling portion 20, and the filter portion 230 are wrapped by the tipping paper 40 outside the wrapping paper 233. The filter portion 230 is connected (coupled) to the cooling portion 20 by integrally wrapping the cooling portion 20 and the filter portion 230 using the tipping paper 40. The material of the wrapping paper 233 is not particularly restricted, and may, for example, be the same as the material of the rolling paper 33.

[0144] The first filter 231 and the second filter 232 of the filter portion 230 have the function of preventing the capsules 50 from falling out. The material constituting the first filter 231 and the second filter 232 may, for example, be identical to the material constituting the first filter 31 and the second filter 32. The shape and dimensions of the first filter 231, the second filter 232, and the cavity 234 can be appropriately adjusted such that the shape and dimensions of the filter portion 230 fall within the aforementioned ranges.

[0145] It should be noted that the first filter 231 and the second filter 232 may include a first filter rolling paper and a second filter rolling paper that are present between the respective filters and the rolling paper 233 and that are wrapped around the outer peripheral surfaces of the respective filters.

[0146] The cavity 234 is a space formed inside the filter portion 230, and is a cylindrical space surrounded by the second side surface of the first filter 231, the first side surface of the second filter 232 and the rolling paper 233. The cavity 234 only needs to have a size allowing the plurality of capsules 50 to be placed therein. Furthermore, there is no particular restriction to the shape of the cavity 234 and the number of cavities 234 that are formed.

[0147] The plurality of capsules 50 may be arranged within the stick 2, or may be embedded in the first filter 231 or the second filter 232. Furthermore, the stick 2 may have no cavity 234 formed inside the filter portion 230, and the plurality of capsules 50 may be embedded in the first filter 231 or the second filter 232. Moreover, the plurality of capsules 50 may be arranged in the cooling portion 20.

[0148] In the present embodiment, the capsules 50 break when the plurality of capsules 50 come into contact with each other. It should be noted that one of the plurality of capsules 50 may break when subjected to a physical external force by a known means.

[0149] As explained above, the stick 2 is a stick for flavor inhalation that is heated when inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, and includes the heated portion 210 that is heated when inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, and the capsules 50 that release their contents when broken. It should be noted that the stick 2 need not include the cooling portion 20 shown in fig. 8, from the viewpoint of making the size more compact in the centerline direction.

[0150] According to the stick 2, it is possible to provide a stick for flavor inhalation in which it is possible to break the plurality of capsules 50 using the same amount of time and effort as when breaking a single capsule 50.

[0151] Furthermore, the capsules 50 are arranged within the filter portion 230 through which the aerosol passes.

[0152] By arranging the plurality of capsules 50 in the filter portion 230, the contents of the plurality of capsules 50 are released in a region that is closer to the second side end face of the stick 2 than the heated portion 210.

[0153] The flow path of the flavor and taste components included in the contents of the plurality of capsules 50, from the region in which the contents are released to the location where the user inhales, is shorter that with the configuration in which the plurality of capsules 50 are arranged in the heated portion 210. When the flow path is short, the amount of the flavor and taste components that adhere to the members constituting the stick 2 is reduced compared to a case in which the flow path is long, and a reduction in the delivery amount of the flavor and taste components can be suppressed.<Summary>

[0154] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features. (1) A stick for flavor inhalation that is heated by being inserted into a flavor inhaler, the stick for flavor inhalation comprising a heated portion to which heat is applied when inserted into the flavor inhaler, and a plurality of capsules each having contents that are released when the capsule breaks, wherein one of the plurality of capsules breaks at least one of the other capsules. (2) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in (1), wherein, when said one of the plurality of capsules comes into contact with said other capsule, the other capsule is broken by the one capsule. (3) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in (2), wherein, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released matches between the one capsule and the other capsule, the one capsule also breaks together with the other capsule. (4) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in (2), wherein, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released is higher for the one capsule than for the other capsule, the one capsule is not broken and the other capsule is broken by the one capsule. (5) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in (4), wherein the one capsule is broken by the contents of the other capsule that has been broken. (6) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in (1), wherein the other capsule is broken by the contents of the one capsule. (7) The stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in any one of (1) to (6), wherein the plurality of capsules are disposed within the heated portion. (8) A system for flavor inhalation comprising the stick for flavor inhalation as set forth in any one of (1) to (7), and a flavor inhaler for heating the stick for flavor inhalation.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0155] 1, 2 ... stick, 10, 210 ... heated portion, 11 ... substrate portion, 12 ... rolling paper, 20 ... cooling portion, 30, 230 ... filter portion, 40 ... tipping paper, 50 ... capsule, 100 ... flavor inhaler, 121 ... heating unit

Claims

1. A stick for flavor inhalation that is heated by being inserted into a flavor inhaler, the stick for flavor inhalation comprising a heated portion to which heat is applied when inserted into the flavor inhaler, and a plurality of capsules each having contents that are released when the capsule breaks, wherein one of the plurality of capsules breaks at least one of the other capsules.

2. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when said one of the plurality of capsules comes into contact with said other capsule, the other capsule is broken by the one capsule.

3. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in claim 2, wherein, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released matches between the one capsule and the other capsule, the one capsule also breaks together with the other capsule.

4. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in claim 2, wherein, if the breaking strength for breakage to the extent that the contents are released is higher for the one capsule than for the other capsule, the one capsule is not broken and the other capsule is broken by the one capsule.

5. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one capsule is broken by the contents of the other capsule that has been broken.

6. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the other capsule is broken by the contents of the one capsule.

7. The stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in any one of claim 1 to claim 6, wherein the plurality of capsules are disposed within the heated portion.

8. A system for flavor inhalation comprising the stick for flavor inhalation as claimed in any one of claim 1 to claim 7, and a flavor inhaler for heating the stick for flavor inhalation.

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