Non-combustion type flavor inhaler

Abstract

We provide technology that accurately detects information from flavor sticks. [Solution] The non-combustion type flavor inhaler comprises: a housing section for inserting and removing a flavor stick having a flavor rod section and a mouthpiece section; a first capacitance sensor for detecting the capacitance of at least the location where the flavor rod section is located when the flavor stick is housed in the housing section; a second capacitance sensor for detecting the capacitance of at least the location where the mouthpiece section is located when the flavor stick is housed in the housing section; and a control unit for controlling the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler based on the values ​​detected by the first capacitance sensor and the second capacitance sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a non-combustion type flavor inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Non-combustion flavor inhalation systems have been proposed as an alternative to conventional combustion-type tobacco products, which involve burning tobacco leaves for smoking. For example, a non-combustion heated tobacco product is known that comprises an electrically heated device having a heater assembly, a battery unit that serves as a power source for the heater assembly, and a control unit that controls the heating element of the heater assembly, and a tobacco stick used together with the electrically heated device.

[0003] In this non-combustion type flavor inhaler, various functions are being considered to improve user convenience. For example, in an inhaler in which the user inserts a tobacco stick and heats the tobacco stick, a mechanism is known that detects the insertion of the tobacco stick by a change in capacitance (Patent Document 1). In addition, a mechanism is known that detects the insertion of a tobacco stick and the type of tobacco stick by measuring the capacitance related to a marker on the stick (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-510270 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 185748 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In non-combustion type flavor inhalers, accurately detecting information about the flavor stick is essential for controlling functions such as heating. However, since tobacco sticks consist of multiple segments, such as the tobacco rod and mouthpiece, accurately detecting them can be difficult depending on the placement of the capacitive sensor. Furthermore, attempting to detect accurately by placing markers on the tobacco stick itself increases the burden on the tobacco stick manufacturing process.

[0006] The object of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is to provide a technology for accurately detecting information from flavor sticks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technology according to the present invention is A non-combustion type flavor inhaler, A housing section that allows for the insertion and removal of a flavor stick having a flavor rod portion and a mouthpiece portion, A first capacitance sensor detects the capacitance of at least the location where the flavoring rod portion is positioned when the flavoring stick is housed in the housing portion, A second capacitance sensor detects the capacitance at least at the location where the mouthpiece is positioned when the flavor stick is housed in the housing, A control unit that controls the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler based on the values ​​detected by the first capacitance sensor and the values ​​detected by the second capacitance sensor, It is equipped with.

[0008] The non-combustion type flavor inhaler has a control unit that uses the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and Based on the values ​​detected by the second capacitance sensor, at least one of the following may be determined: the presence or absence of the flavor stick, the insertion position of the flavor stick, whether or not the flavor stick has been heated, the moisture content of the flavor stick, the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick, the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick, and the type of flavor stick.

[0009] In the non-combustible fragrance attractor, the first capacitance sensor has a first electrode and a second electrode arranged at intervals from each other, and detects the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, The first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged with a space for accommodating the fragrance rod portion therebetween such that at least a part of the fragrance rod portion is inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode when the fragrance stick is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0010] In the non-combustible fragrance attractor, the second capacitance sensor has a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged at intervals from each other, and detects the capacitance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode, The third electrode and the fourth electrode may be arranged with a space for accommodating the suction port portion therebetween such that at least a part of the suction port portion is inserted between the third electrode and the fourth electrode when the fragrance stick is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0011] The non-combustible fragrance attractor further includes a heating portion for heating the fragrance stick, The accommodating portion extends in the insertion and extraction direction of the fragrance stick and has an internal space into which the fragrance stick is inserted, The internal space has a heating region where the fragrance rod portion is located and is heated by the heating portion when the fragrance stick is inserted, and a non-heating region that is adjacent to the heating region in the insertion and extraction direction and where at least a part of the suction port portion is located when the fragrance stick is inserted, and includes, the first electrode and the second electrode of the first capacitance sensor are arranged with the heating region therebetween, the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the second capacitance sensor may be arranged with the non-heating region therebetween.

[0012] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the housing portion is cylindrical, and the first electrode and the second electrode may be curved along the peripheral wall of the housing portion.

[0013] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the third electrode and the fourth electrode may be curved along the peripheral wall of the housing.

[0014] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode may be arranged on a flexible substrate.

[0015] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the control unit may determine that the flavor stick has been inserted, the flavor stick has been heated, the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value when both the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor satisfy the conditions specified by each unit.

[0016] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the control unit detects the first capacitance sensor When the sum of the output value and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value, it may be determined that the flavor stick has been inserted, that the flavor stick has been heated, that the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value.

[0017] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the control unit may determine that the flavor stick has been inserted, the flavor stick has been heated, the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value when the difference between the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0018] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler, the control unit may, after detecting that the value detected by the first capacitance sensor or the value detected by the second capacitance sensor has changed by a predetermined value or more, control the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler based on the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor, which are acquired at a predetermined time interval.

[0019] Furthermore, the means for solving the problems in this invention can be combined and employed as much as possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, a technology can be provided to accurately detect information from flavor sticks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhalation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a tobacco stick according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a tobacco stick according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows the internal structure of a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example in which flat plates are arranged as the first to fourth electrodes. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a configuration with curved first to fourth electrodes. [Figure 7] This figure shows examples of a first sensor and a second sensor formed on a flexible substrate. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example in which the first to fourth electrodes are placed on the inner surface of the peripheral wall. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example in which the first to fourth electrodes are embedded in the peripheral wall. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 11] This figure shows the results of measuring capacitance when no tobacco stick is inserted between the electrodes of the capacitance sensor, and when the position of the electrodes relative to the tobacco stick is changed. [Figure 12] This figure shows the positional relationship between the tobacco stick and the electrode during the measurement shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This graph shows the results of detecting capacitance using electrodes of different sizes. [Figure 14] This figure shows the change in capacitance caused by a puff. [Figure 15] This figure shows the change in capacitance when the user's hand is touching the tobacco stick and when it is not. [Figure 16] This figure shows the change in capacitance over time when inserting and removing a tobacco stick. [Figure 17] This figure shows the change in capacitance over time when you place your mouth on the mouthpiece, inhale, and then release your mouth from the mouthpiece and exhale. [Figure 18A] This figure shows the time change in the capacitance values ​​detected by the first and second sensors when a tobacco stick is inserted. [Figure 18B] This figure shows the time change in the difference between the capacitance detected by the first sensor and the capacitance detected by the second sensor when a tobacco stick is inserted. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the control method executed by the control unit. [Figure 20A] This is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20B]This is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 20A. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example where each electrode is placed on the upper side of the outer surface of the heater. [Figure 22] This figure shows an example where each electrode is positioned to fit into the gap between the heater elements. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example where the installation position of the cylindrical heater is offset to the axial front side of the housing. [Figure 24] This is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view of an induction coil. [Figure 26] This is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view along the BB line. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example in which electrodes are provided on the upper side of the outer surface of the heating element. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example where each electrode is positioned to fit into the gap between the heating elements. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example where the installation position of the cylindrical heating element is offset to the axial front side of the housing. [Figure 31] This is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Here, embodiments of the flavor stick and non-combustion type flavor inhalation system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are examples only. For example, in this embodiment, a flavor stick containing tobacco filler as a flavor source (hereinafter also referred to as "tobacco stick") will be described as an example of a flavor stick, but the flavor stick may not contain tobacco filler and may contain other flavor components.

[0023] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 200 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tobacco stick 100 according to the embodiment, and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the tobacco stick 100 according to the embodiment. In Figures 1 to 3, the left-right direction of the tobacco stick 100 or the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 into which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted is shown as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the depth direction as the Z direction. The same applies to subsequent figures. These directions are merely illustrative for the sake of explanation and do not limit the elements of the non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 200. For example, the elements of the non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 200 are not limited to being arranged in the directions shown in the figures.

[0024] The non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 200 comprises a tobacco stick 100 and a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 that heats the tobacco rod portion (flavor rod portion) 110 of the tobacco stick 100. The tobacco stick 100 is inserted into and removed from the housing cavity 313 of the housing portion 310 through the insertion port 3A of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30.

[0025] In the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30, when used by the user, a tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313. In this state, a heater 32 provided in the housing section 310 is heated, and the tobacco filling inside the tobacco stick 100 is heated, thereby generating an aerosol containing tobacco components for the user to inhale.

[0026] [Tobacco sticks] The tobacco stick 100 according to this embodiment is a substantially cylindrical rod shape. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tobacco stick 100 includes a tobacco rod portion 110, a mouthpiece portion (mouthpiece) 120, and a tip paper 130 that integrally connects them. The mouthpiece portion 120 is connected coaxially with the tobacco rod portion 110 by being wound together with the tobacco rod portion 110 by the tip paper 130.

[0027] Reference numeral 101 denotes the mouthpiece end of the tobacco stick 100 (mouthpiece portion 120). Reference numeral 102 denotes the tip of the tobacco stick 100 opposite to the mouthpiece end 101. The tobacco rod portion 110 is located on the tip 102 side of the tobacco stick 100. In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tobacco stick 100 has a substantially constant diameter along its entire length in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the axial direction or Z direction) from the mouthpiece end 101 to the tip 102.

[0028] [Chip paper] The material of the chip paper 130 is not particularly limited, and can be paper made from general plant fibers (pulp), sheets using polymer-based chemical fibers (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon), polymer-based sheets, metal foil, or composite materials combining these. For example, the chip paper 130 may be made from a composite material in which a polymer-based sheet is laminated to a paper base material. Here, the chip paper 130 refers to a sheet-like material that connects multiple segments of the tobacco stick 100, such as connecting the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120.

[0029] The basis weight of the chip paper 130 is not particularly limited, but is usually 32 gsm or more and 40 gsm or less, preferably 33 gsm or more and 39 gsm or less, and more preferably 34 gsm or more and 38 gsm or less. The air permeability of the chip paper 130 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 cholesta units or more and 30,000 cholesta units or less, preferably greater than 0 cholesta units and 10,000 cholesta units or less. The air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is measured per 1 cm² area per minute when the differential pressure between both sides of the paper is 1 kPa. 2 Flow rate of gas passing through (cm 3 It is expressed as follows: 1 cholesta unit (1 cholesta unit, 1 C.U.) is equivalent to 1 cm at 1 kPa. 3 / (min·cm 2 )

[0030] In addition to the pulp described above, the chip paper 130 may contain fillers, such as metal carbonates like calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides like titanium oxide, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates like barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides like zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, and gypsum. It is particularly preferable that the chip paper contains calcium carbonate from the viewpoint of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. These fillers may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0031] In addition to the pulp and fillers mentioned above, chip paper 130 may contain various additives. For example, it may contain a water-resistance enhancer to improve water resistance. Water-resistance enhancers include wet strength enhancers (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength enhancers include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a saponification degree of 90% or higher.

[0032] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces of the chip paper 130, the front and the back. There are no particular restrictions on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce the permeability of liquids is preferred.

[0033] The method for manufacturing the chip paper 130 is not particularly limited, and general methods can be applied. For example, in the case of a form in which pulp is the main component, a method can be used in which the pulp is used in the papermaking process using a wire screen machine, cylinder screen machine, or short-and-long composite cylinder machine to even out the consistency and make it uniform. If necessary, a wet strength enhancer can be added to give the roll paper water resistance, or a sizing agent can be added to adjust the print quality of the roll paper.

[0034] <Tobacco Rod Section> The configuration of the tobacco rod portion 110 is not particularly limited and can be in a general form. For example, a tobacco filler 111 can be wrapped in rolling paper 112.

[0035] [Tobacco Fillings] In this embodiment, the tobacco filler 111 is composed of shredded tobacco. The material of the shredded tobacco contained in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as laminas and backbones can be used. Alternatively, it may be made by crushing dried tobacco leaves to an average particle size of 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less to obtain a tobacco powder, homogenizing this powder, and then processing it into a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet) which is then shredded. Furthermore, it may be a so-called strand type in which a homogenized sheet having a length approximately the same as the longitudinal direction of the tobacco rod is shredded substantially horizontally to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco rod and filled into the tobacco rod. The width of the shredded tobacco is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less when filling the tobacco rod portion 110. The content of dried tobacco leaves contained in the tobacco rod portion 110 is not particularly limited, but can be 200 mg / rod portion or more and 800 mg / rod portion or less, and preferably 250 mg / rod portion or more and 600 mg / rod portion or less. This range is particularly suitable for the tobacco rod portion 110, which has a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.

[0036] Regarding the tobacco leaves used in the production of shredded tobacco and homogenized sheets, various types of tobacco can be used. For example, yellow varieties, Burley varieties, Oriental varieties, native varieties, other Nicotiana-tabacum varieties, Nicotiana-rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof can be used. For mixtures, the above varieties can be blended as appropriate to achieve the desired taste. Details of the tobacco varieties are disclosed in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009. There are several conventional methods for manufacturing the homogenized sheets, that is, for crushing tobacco leaves and processing them into homogenized sheets. The first is a method of producing a paper-made sheet using a papermaking process. The second is a method of mixing a suitable solvent such as water with crushed tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then thinly casting the homogenized material onto a metal plate or metal plate belt and drying it to produce a cast sheet. The third is a method of mixing a suitable solvent such as water with crushed tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then extruding the mixture into a sheet to produce a rolled sheet. Details regarding the types of uniformizing sheets mentioned above are disclosed in "The Tobacco Encyclopedia," Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009.

[0037] The moisture content of the tobacco filling 111 can be 10% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less, and preferably 11% by weight or more and 13% by weight or less, relative to the total amount of the tobacco filling 111. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of rolling stains and improves the suitability for rolling the tobacco rod portion 110 during manufacturing. There are no particular restrictions on the size of the tobacco particles contained in the tobacco filling 111 or the method of preparing them. For example, dried tobacco leaves may be cut to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Alternatively, when using a crushed homogenized sheet, dried tobacco leaves may be crushed to an average particle size of about 20 μm to 200 μm, homogenized, processed into a sheet, and then cut to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0038] The tobacco filler 111 may contain an aerosol base material that generates aerosol smoke. The type of aerosol base material is not particularly limited, and various extracts from natural products and / or their components can be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol base materials include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol base material in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of generating sufficient aerosol and imparting a good flavor, it is usually 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and usually 50% by weight or less, preferably 15% by weight or more and 25% by weight or less, relative to the total amount of the tobacco filler.

[0039] Tobacco filling 111 may contain flavorings. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peruvian balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronella Nerol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, cognac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenyl acetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, genus absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, γ-heptalactone, γ-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol , hexyl phenylacetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid lactone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, inmortel absolute, β-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine Absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpene oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, lovage root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, paramethoxybenzaldehyde, methyl-2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute Honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, γ-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, δ-octaractone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, ω-pentadecalactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenyl guaetol, propyl acetate, 3-propylenediphthalide, pruritus, Rose juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8,3,0,0(4,9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexyl Examples include (2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratrolaldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred. These fragrances may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0040] The flavoring content in the tobacco filling 111 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, it is usually 10,000 ppm or more, preferably 20,000 ppm or more, more preferably 25,000 ppm or more, and also usually 70,000 ppm or less, preferably 50,000 ppm or less, more preferably 40,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 33,000 ppm or less.

[0041] [rolled paper] The rolling paper 112 is a sheet material for rolling up the tobacco filler 111, and its composition is not particularly limited; general materials can be used. For example, cellulose fiber paper can be used as the base paper for the rolling paper 112, and more specifically, hemp, wood, or mixtures thereof can be used. The basis weight of the base paper in the rolling paper 112 is usually 20 gsm or more, preferably 25 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is usually 65 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and even more preferably 45 gsm or less. The thickness of the rolling paper 112 having the above characteristics is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of rigidity, breathability, and ease of adjustment during papermaking, it is usually 10 μm or more, preferably 20 μm or more, more preferably 30 μm or more, and also usually 100 μm or less, preferably 75 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or less.

[0042] The rolling paper 112 for the tobacco rod portion 110 (tobacco filler 111) can be square or rectangular in shape. When used as rolling paper 112 for rolling the tobacco filler 111 (for making the tobacco rod portion 110), the length of one side can be approximately 6 mm to 70 mm, the length of the other side can be approximately 15 mm to 28 mm, a preferred length of the other side can be approximately 22 mm to 24 mm, and a more preferred length can be approximately 23 mm.

[0043] In addition to the pulp mentioned above, the roll paper 112 may contain fillers. The filler content can be 10% or more and less than 60% by weight of the total weight of the roll paper 112, and is preferably 15% or more and 45% or less by weight. In the roll paper 112, it is preferable that the filler content be 15% or more and 45% or less by weight within the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less). Furthermore, when the basis weight is 25 gsm or more and 35 gsm or less, it is preferable that the filler content be 15% or more and 45% or less by weight, and when the basis weight is greater than 35 gsm and 45 gsm or less, it is preferable that the filler content be 25% or more and 45% or less by weight. Calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, etc., can be used as fillers, but calcium carbonate is preferred from the viewpoint of enhancing flavor and whiteness.

[0044] Various additives other than the base paper and fillers may be added to the roll paper 112. For example, a water resistance enhancer may be added to improve water resistance. Water resistance enhancers include wet strength enhancers (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength enhancers include urea formaldehyde resin, melamine formaldehyde resin, and polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE). Examples of sizing agents include rosin soap, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), and highly saponified polyvinyl alcohol with a degree of saponification of 90% or more. Paper strength enhancers may also be added as additives, such as polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, it is known that using a very small amount of oxidized starch improves air permeability (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-218699). The roll paper 112 may also be coated as appropriate.

[0045] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces of the rolled paper 112, the front and the back. There are no particular restrictions on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce the permeability of liquids is preferred. Examples include alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salts), polysaccharides such as pectin, cellulose derivatives such as ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and nitrocellulose, and starch and its derivatives (e.g., ether derivatives such as carboxymethyl starch, hydroxyalkyl starch, and cationic starch, and ester derivatives such as starch acetate, starch phosphate, and starch octenyl succinate).

[0046] The axial length of the tobacco rod portion 110 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 12 mm or more, even more preferably 18 mm or more, and usually 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less.

[0047] <Mouthpiece section> The configuration of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited and can be in a general form. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the mouthpiece portion 120 includes two segments (sections), namely a cooling segment 121 and a filter segment 122. The cooling segment 121 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the filter segment 122, in contact with them. In other embodiments, gaps may be formed between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the cooling segment 121, and between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the filter segment 122. The mouthpiece portion 120 may also be formed from a single segment.

[0048] [Cooling segment] The configuration of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of cooling the mainstream tobacco smoke. For example, it can be made by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. In this case, the inside of the cylinder is hollow, and the vapor containing the aerosol generating substrate and tobacco flavor components comes into contact with the air inside the cavity and is cooled.

[0049] One embodiment of the cooling segment 121 is a paper tube made by processing a single sheet of paper or multiple sheets of paper glued together into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, it is preferable that there are holes around the paper tube for introducing outside air in order to increase the cooling effect by bringing ambient air at room temperature into contact with high-temperature steam. The cooling segment 121 is provided with ventilation holes 103, which are openings for taking in air from the outside. The number of ventilation holes 103 in the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, multiple ventilation holes 103 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction of the cooling segment 121. The group of vent holes 103 may be formed in multiple stages along the axial direction of the cooling segment 121. By providing vent holes 103 in the cooling segment 121, when the tobacco stick 100 is inhaled, low-temperature air flows into the cooling segment 121 from the outside, lowering the temperature of volatile components and air flowing in from the tobacco rod portion 110. In addition, the vapor containing the aerosol-generating substrate and tobacco flavor components is cooled by the low-temperature air introduced into the cooling segment 121 through the vent holes 103 and condenses. This promotes aerosol generation and allows for control of the size of aerosol particles. Furthermore, by applying a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin to the inner surface of the paper tube, the cooling effect can be increased by utilizing the endothermic effect of the coating and the heat of dissolution associated with the phase change. The airflow resistance of this cylindrical cooling segment is zero mmH2O.

[0050] When filling the cooling segment 121 with a sheet or the like for cooling volatile components and air flowing from the tobacco rod portion 110 into the cooling segment 121, the total surface area of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be 300 mm 2 / mm or more and 1000 mm 2 / mm or less. This surface area is the surface area per millimeter of the length (mm) in the ventilation direction of the cooling segment 121. The total surface area of the cooling segment 121 is 400 mm 2 / mm or more which is preferable, and more preferably 450 mm 2 / mm or more. On the other hand, it is preferably 600 mm 2 / mm or less, and more preferably 550 mm 2 / mm or less.

[0051] The cooling segment 121 preferably has a large total surface area with its internal structure. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling segment 121 may be wrinkled to form channels and then formed by sewing, gathering, and folding a thin sheet of material. More folds or pleats within a given volume of the element result in a larger total surface area of the cooling segment 121. The thickness of the constituent material of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, or 10 μm or more and 250 μm or less.

[0052] Using paper as the material for the cooling sheet member is also desirable from the perspective of reducing environmental impact. The paper as the material for the cooling sheet is preferably 30 to 100 g / m 2 in basis weight and 20 to 100 μm in thickness. From the perspective of reducing the removal of flavor source components and aerosol base components in the cooling segment, it is desirable that the air permeability of the paper as the material for the cooling sheet is low, and the air permeability is preferably 10 Gurley or less. By applying a polymer coating such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide coating such as pectin to the paper as the material for the cooling sheet, the cooling effect can also be increased by utilizing the heat absorption of the coating and the heat of solution associated with the phase change.

[0053] It is preferable that the ventilation holes 103 in the cooling segment 121 are positioned at a distance of 4 mm or more from the boundary between the cooling segment 121 and the filter segment 122. This not only improves the cooling capacity of the cooling segment 121 but also suppresses the retention of components generated by heating within the cooling segment 121, thereby improving the delivery amount of these components. It is also preferable that the chip paper 130 has openings directly above (overlapping vertically with) the ventilation holes 103 provided in the cooling segment 121. The openings in the cooling segment 121 are preferably provided such that the air inflow rate from the openings (the volume percentage of air inflowing from the openings, when the air inhaled from the mouthpiece end is set to 100% by volume) is 10 to 90% by volume, preferably 50 to 80% by volume, and more preferably 55 to 75% by volume when an automatic smoking machine draws air at 17.5 ml / second. This can be achieved, for example, by selecting the number of openings V per opening group from the range of 5 to 50, and the diameter of the openings V from the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, and by a combination of these selections. The above air inflow rate is determined by an automatic smoking machine (for example, a single-cylinder automatic smoking machine manufactured by Borgwaldt). It can be measured using a method compliant with ISO 9512. The axial length (ventilation direction) of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited, but is usually 10 mm or more, preferably 15 mm or more, and usually 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. The axial length of the cooling segment 121 is particularly preferably 20 mm. By setting the axial length of the cooling segment 121 to be above the lower limit above, sufficient cooling effect can be ensured and good flavor can be obtained. Furthermore, by setting the axial length of the cooling segment 121 to be below the upper limit above, losses caused by vapor and aerosol generated during use adhering to the inner wall of the cooling segment 121 can be suppressed.

[0054] [Filter segment] The structure of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a general filter; for example, it can be made by processing cellulose acetate tow into a cylindrical shape. The single filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited, but when the filter segment 122 has a circumference of 22 mm, the single filament fineness is preferably 5 to 20 g / 9000 m and the total fineness is preferably 12,000 to 30,000 g / 9000 m. The cross-sectional shape of the cellulose acetate tow fibers may be Y-shaped or R-shaped. When filling with cellulose acetate tow to form the filter segment 122, triacetin may be added at a rate of 5 to 10% by weight relative to the weight of the cellulose acetate tow to improve the filter hardness. In the example shown in Figure 2, the filter segment 122 is composed of a single segment, but the filter segment 122 may be composed of multiple segments. When the filter segment 122 is composed of multiple segments, for example, a hollow segment such as a center hole can be placed on the upstream side (tobacco rod portion 110 side), and an acetate filter with a mouthpiece cross-section filled with cellulose acetate tow can be placed as the segment on the downstream side (mouthpiece end 101 side). This configuration prevents unnecessary loss of the generated aerosol and improves the appearance of the tobacco stick 100. Alternatively, from the viewpoint of changes in the sensation of smoking and the feel in the mouth, an acetate filter can be placed on the upstream side (tobacco rod portion 110 side), and a hollow segment such as a center hole can be placed on the downstream side (mouthpiece end 101 side). Furthermore, the filter segment 122 can also use other alternative filter materials instead of an acetate filter, such as a paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper.

[0055] The general functions of the filter in filter segment 122 include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed when inhaling aerosols, reducing flavor, and reducing nicotine and tar, but it is not necessary for the filter to have all of these functions. Furthermore, in electrically heated tobacco products, which tend to produce fewer components and have a lower filling rate of tobacco compared to conventional cigarette products, preventing the tobacco filling from falling out while suppressing the filtration function is also an important function.

[0056] The cross-sectional shape of the filter segment 122 is substantially circular, and the diameter of the circle can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 4.0 mm or more and 9.0 mm or less, preferably 4.5 mm or more and 8.5 mm or less, and more preferably 5.0 mm or more and 8.0 mm or less. If the cross-section is not circular, the above diameter applies when assuming a circle with the same area as the area of ​​the cross-section. The circumference of the filter segment 122 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 14.0 mm or more and 27.0 mm or less, preferably 15.0 mm or more and 26.0 mm or less, and more preferably 16.0 mm or more and 25.0 mm or less. The axial length of the filter segment 122 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the product, but is usually 5 mm or more and 35 mm or less, and is preferably 10.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less. The shape and dimensions of the filter material and dimensions should be such that the shape and dimensions of the filter segment 122 fall within the above range. The law can be adjusted as needed.

[0057] The airflow resistance per 120 mm of axial length of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, but is usually 40 mmH2O or more and 300 mmH2O or less, preferably 70 mmH2O or more and 280 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 90 mmH2O or more and 260 mmH2O or less. The above airflow resistance is measured according to the ISO standard method (ISO 6565), for example using a filter airflow resistance meter manufactured by Cerulean Chemical Industries. The airflow resistance of the filter segment 122 refers to the pressure difference between the first end face and the second end face when air is flowed from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) at a predetermined airflow rate (17.5 cc / min) while air does not permeate through the sides of the filter segment 122. The unit of airflow resistance can generally be expressed in mmH2O. It is known that the relationship between the airflow resistance of the filter segment 122 and the length of the filter segment 122 is proportional within the commonly used length range (lengths from 5 mm to 200 mm), meaning that if the length of the filter segment 122 is doubled, its airflow resistance also doubles.

[0058] Furthermore, the density of the filter media in filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.10 g / cm³. 3 More than 0.25g / cm 3 The following is the result: 0.11 g / cm³ 3 More than 0.24g / cm 3 Preferably, it is 0.12 g / cm³. 3 More than 0.23g / cm 3The following is more preferable: The filter segment 122 may be provided with a winding paper (filter plug winding paper) for winding the filter material, etc., from the viewpoint of improving strength and structural rigidity. The form of the winding paper is not particularly limited and may include one or more rows of joints containing adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further contain polyvinyl alcohol. Also, if the filter segment 122 consists of two or more segments, it is preferable that the winding paper winds these two or more segments together. The material of the winding paper in the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited and known materials can be used, and it may also contain fillers such as calcium carbonate.

[0059] The thickness of the roll paper is not particularly limited, but is usually 20 μm or more and 140 μm or less, preferably 30 μm or more and 130 μm or less, and more preferably 30 μm or more and 120 μm or less. The basis weight of the roll paper is not particularly limited, but is usually 20 gsm or more and 100 gsm or less, preferably 22 gsm or more and 95 gsm or less, and more preferably 23 gsm or more and 90 gsm or less. Furthermore, the roll paper may or may not be coated, but from the viewpoint of providing functions other than strength and structural rigidity, it is preferable to coat it with a desired material.

[0060] If the filter segment 122 includes a center hole segment and filter material, the center hole segment and filter material may be connected by, for example, an outer plug wrapper (outer winding paper). The outer plug wrapper can be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco rod section 110, the cooling segment 121, and the connected center hole segment and filter material may also be connected by, for example, mouthpiece lining paper. These connections can be made, for example, by applying an adhesive such as vinyl acetate adhesive to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper, and then inserting the tobacco rod section 110, the cooling segment 121, and the connected center hole segment and filter material and winding it up. These connections may also be made in multiple steps using multiple lining papers.

[0061] The filter media of the filter segment 122 may include a crushable additive release container (e.g., a capsule) containing a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule (also called "additive release container" in the art) is not particularly limited, and known forms may be adopted, for example, a crushable additive release container containing a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. This can be done. The form of the capsule is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be an easily breakable capsule, and its shape is preferably spherical. The additives contained in the capsule may include any of the above-mentioned additives, but it is particularly preferable to include flavoring agents and activated carbon. In addition, one or more materials that help filter the smoke may be added as additives. The form of the additives is not particularly limited, but is usually liquid or solid. The use of capsules containing additives is well known in the art. Easily breakable capsules and methods for manufacturing them are well known in the art.

[0062] The flavoring agent may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, or clove, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the flavoring agent is menthol.

[0063] The filter material of the filter segment 122 may contain added fragrance. Adding fragrance to the filter material increases the amount of fragrance delivered during use compared to the conventional technique of adding fragrance to the tobacco filling that constitutes the tobacco rod portion 110. The degree of increase in the amount of fragrance delivered increases further depending on the position of the openings provided in the cooling segment 121. There are no particular restrictions on the method of adding fragrance to the filter material; it is sufficient to add it so that it is dispersed substantially uniformly in the filter material to which the fragrance is to be added. As for the amount of fragrance to add, one example is to add it to 10 to 100% by volume of the filter material. As for the method of addition, it may be added to the filter material before the formation of the filter segment, or it may be added after the formation of the filter segment. The type of fragrance is not particularly limited, but the same type of fragrance as that contained in the tobacco filling 111 described above may be used.

[0064] The filter segment 122 includes a filter material, and activated carbon may be added to at least a portion of the filter material. The amount of activated carbon added to the filter material is 15.0 m² per tobacco stick 100, calculated as the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon × the weight of the activated carbon / the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter material perpendicular to the air permeability direction. 2 / cm 2 Above, 80.0m 2 / cm 2 The following is also acceptable. The above formula, "Specific surface area of ​​activated carbon × Weight of activated carbon / Cross-sectional area of ​​the filter media perpendicular to the airflow direction," may be expressed as "Surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area" for convenience. This surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be calculated based on the specific surface area of ​​activated carbon added to the filter media of one cigarette stick (100 units), the weight of the added activated carbon, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter media. Note that activated carbon may not be uniformly dispersed in the filter media to which it is added, and it is not required that the above range be satisfied in all cross-sections of the filter media (cross-sections perpendicular to the airflow direction).

[0065] The surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is 17.0 m².2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that the value be greater than or equal to 35.0m 2 / cm 2 It is even more preferable that it be greater than or equal to 77.0m. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that the following conditions apply: 73.0m 2 / cm 2 The following is even more preferable: The surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon, the amount added, and the cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the air permeability direction of the filter media. The above calculation of the surface area of ​​activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is calculated based on the filter media to which the activated carbon is added. If the filter segment 122 is composed of multiple filter media, the cross-sectional area and length of only the filter media to which the activated carbon is added are used as the basis.

[0066] Examples of activated carbon include those made from wood, bamboo, coconut shells, walnut shells, and coal. Furthermore, activated carbon has a BET specific surface area of ​​1100 m². 2 / g or more, 1600m 2 It is possible to use materials with a value of 1200m or less, preferably 1200m 2 / g or more, 1500m 2 It is possible to use materials that are less than or equal to / g, and more preferably 1250m 2 / g or more, 1380m 2 You can use materials that are less than or equal to / g. The BET specific surface area is This can be determined by the nitrogen gas adsorption method (BET multipoint method). Furthermore, activated carbon with a pore volume of 400 μL / g or more and 800 μL / g or less can be used, more preferably 500 μL / g or more and 750 μL / g or less, and even more preferably 600 μL / g or more and 700 μL / g or less. The pore volume can be calculated from the maximum adsorption amount obtained using the nitrogen gas adsorption method. The amount of activated carbon added per unit length in the air permeability direction of the filter media is preferably 5 mg / cm or more and 50 mg / cm or less, more preferably 8 mg / cm or more and 40 mg / cm or less, and even more preferably 10 mg / cm or more and 35 mg / cm or less. By keeping the specific surface area of ​​the activated carbon and the amount of activated carbon added within the above ranges, the surface area of ​​the activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted to the desired level.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferable that the activated carbon has a cumulative 10% volume particle size (particle size D10) of 250 μm or more and 1200 μm or less. It is also preferable that the cumulative 50% volume particle size (particle size D50) of activated carbon has a cumulative 50% volume particle size (particle size D50) of 350 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. The particle sizes D10 and D50 can be measured by laser diffraction scattering. A suitable device for this measurement is the LA-950 laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer from Horiba, Ltd. In this device, powder is poured into the cell along with pure water, and the particle size is detected based on the light scattering information of the particles. The measurement conditions using the above measuring device are as follows: Measurement mode: Manual flow-type cell measurement Dispersion medium: Ion-exchanged water Dispersion method: Measurement after 1 minute of ultrasound irradiation. Refractive index: 1.92-0.00i (sample refraction) / 1.33-0.00i (dispersion medium refractive index) Number of measurements: Two measurements were taken using different samples.

[0068] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the method of adding activated carbon to the filter media of filter segment 122; it is sufficient to add it so that it is dispersed substantially uniformly in the filter media to which it is to be added.

[0069] Furthermore, the tobacco stick 100 configured as described above may have a portion of the outer surface of the tip paper 130 coated with a lip-release material. The lip-release material refers to a material configured to help the lips and the tip paper 130 separate easily without substantially sticking when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 120 of the tobacco stick 100 in their mouth. The lip-release material may include, for example, ethylcellulose or methylcellulose. For example, the outer surface of the tip paper 130 may be coated with the lip-release material by applying an ethylcellulose-based or methylcellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tip paper 130.

[0070] In this embodiment, the lip-release material of the tip paper 130 is positioned at least in a predetermined mouthpiece area that comes into contact with the user's lips when the user holds the mouthpiece 120 in their mouth. More specifically, the lip-release material placement area R1 (see Figure 2) on the outer surface of the tip paper 130, which is covered by the lip-release material, is defined as the area located between the mouthpiece end 101 of the mouthpiece 120 and the vent hole 103.

[0071] Furthermore, the airflow resistance in the longitudinal direction per tobacco stick 100 configured as described above is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of ease of smoking, it is usually 8 mmH2O or more, preferably 10 mmH2O or more, more preferably 12 mmH2O or more, and usually 100 mmH2O or less, preferably 80 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 60 mmH2O or less. The airflow resistance is measured according to the ISO standard method (ISO 656 The air permeability resistance is measured according to 5:2015), for example, using a filter air permeability resistance meter manufactured by Cerulean Chemical Industries. Air permeability resistance refers to the pressure difference between the first and second end faces of the tobacco stick 100 when a predetermined airflow rate (17.5 cc / min) of air is flowed from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) without air permeation on the sides of the tobacco stick 100. The unit is generally expressed in mmH2O. The relationship between air permeability resistance and the tobacco stick 100 is known to be proportional in the length range that is usually implemented (length 5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length of the tobacco stick 100 is doubled, its air permeability resistance also doubles.

[0072] The rod-shaped tobacco stick 100 preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the following definition of an aspect ratio of 1 or more. Aspect ratio = h / w

[0073] w is the width of the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100, and h is the length in the axial direction, preferably h ≥ w. The cross-sectional shape of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited and may be a polygon, a rounded polygon, a circle, or an ellipse. The width w of the tobacco stick 100 is the diameter if the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco stick 100 is circular, the major axis if it is an ellipse, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse if it is a polygon or a rounded polygon. The length h in the axial direction of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited, for example it is usually 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. Also, it is usually 100 mm or less, preferably 90 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or less. The width w of the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited, for example it is usually 5 mm or more, preferably 5.5 mm or more. Also, it is usually 10 mm or less, preferably 9 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or less. The ratio of the lengths of the cooling segment 121 and the filter segment 122 (cooling segment:filter segment) in relation to the length of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the amount of flavor delivered and an appropriate aerosol temperature, it is usually 0.60~1.40:0.60~1.40, preferably 0.80~1.20:0.80~1.20, more preferably 0.85~1.15:0.85~1.15, even more preferably 0.90~1.10:0.90~1.10, and particularly preferably 0.95~1.05:0.95~1.05. By setting the ratio of the lengths of the cooling segment 121 and the filter segment 122 within the above range, a balance can be achieved between the cooling effect, the effect of suppressing loss due to the adhesion of generated vapor and aerosol to the inner wall of the cooling segment 121, and the filter's air volume and flavor adjustment function, resulting in a good flavor and flavor intensity.

[0074] <Non-combustion type flavor inhaler> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 according to the first embodiment. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 has a housing 31 which is a casing for housing various components. The housing 31 houses a heater 32, a first sensor 33, a second sensor 34, a temperature sensor 35, a suction sensor 36, a control unit 37, a power supply 38, and the like.

[0075] [Accommodation] The housing 31 has a housing portion 310 that accommodates the tobacco stick 100 so that it can be inserted and removed from the front end to the rear end. The housing portion 310 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 312 that extends in the direction of insertion and removal of the tobacco stick 100 and defines the outer circumference of the space into which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, and a disc-shaped rear wall 311 that closes the rear end of the peripheral wall 312 so as to define the rear end of the space. The peripheral wall 312 and the rear wall 311 of the housing portion 310 may be formed integrally with the housing 31, or they may be formed separately from the housing 31 and assembled to the housing 31.

[0076] The open end of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing section 310 is open to the outside of the housing 31 and serves as an insertion opening 3A for inserting the tobacco stick 100. The internal space of the peripheral wall 312 is a cylindrical housing cavity 313 through which the tip portion of the tobacco stick 100 can be inserted and removed. In Figure 4, the symbol CL indicates the central axis of the housing cavity 313 in the direction of insertion and removal of the tobacco stick 100. Hereafter, the direction along this central axis CL will also be referred to as the axial direction. The outer diameter of the housing cavity 313, i.e., the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 312, may be equal to the outer diameter of the tobacco stick 100, or it may be slightly larger or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tobacco rod portion 110.

[0077] A heater 32 is provided inside the housing cavity 313. The peripheral wall 312 and rear wall 311 of the housing section 310 are made of a material that has both thermal insulation and heat resistance properties, capable of withstanding the heat of the heater 32 and preventing the heat from diffusing. Examples of materials that can be used for such a housing section 310 include alumina-silica ceramics, and resins with high heat resistance such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0078] [Heater] The heater 32 receives power from the control unit 37 and generates heat, heating the tobacco sticks 100 housed in the storage unit 310. In other words, the heater 32 is a form of heating unit that heats the tobacco sticks 100.

[0079] The heater 32 is a generally rod-shaped member extending along the axial direction of the housing cavity 313, and in this embodiment, it is conical in shape. The heater 32 protrudes forward from the central part of the rear wall 311 in the housing section 310 along the axial direction. Reference numeral 321 denotes the base end of the heater 32, and reference numeral 322 denotes the tip end of the heater 32.

[0080] The heater 32 extends from the rear wall 311 toward the insertion opening 3A, and gradually tapers from the base end 321 toward the tip end 322. However, the shape of the heater 32 is not limited to this, and it may be rod-shaped or flat plate-shaped (blade-shaped) with the same diameter from the base end 321 toward the tip end 322.

[0081] Furthermore, the type of heater 32 is not particularly limited, but for example, a heater with heating wires (for example, nichrome, iron-chromium, iron-nickel, etc., wires with high electrical resistance) arranged around a steel material, or a ceramic heater, sheathed heater, etc. can be used. Yes, it can. A sheathed heater is a heater in which a heating element is covered with a metal pipe along with a filling material.

[0082] When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313, the heater 32 is fitted into the tobacco rod portion 110 from the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100. Figure 1 shows the state in which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313. In this state, the heater 32 receives power from the control unit 37 as described later and heats the tobacco rod portion 110 to a predetermined temperature. Here, the space in the housing cavity 313 that is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat of the heater 32 is defined as the heating region A1, and the space adjacent to the insertion side of the heating region A1 in the axial direction (insertion / removal direction) is defined as the non-heating region A2. The non-heating region A2 is formed on the insertion side of the housing cavity 313, and the heating region A1 is formed on the back side of the housing cavity 313. Here, the heater 32 extends along the central axis CL in the heating region A1 and heats the heating region A1 from the inside. Furthermore, the heater 32 does not only heat the area it is in contact with, but also heats areas away from the heater 32 through radiation and heat transfer. For example, the heater 32 is positioned 31 on the insertion side of the front end of the heater 32A in the axial direction. The heating is performed up to a predetermined temperature of 7. Therefore, the heating region A1 is the region from position 317 to the rear wall 311 in the axial direction of the housing section 310. That is, position 317 is the boundary between the heating region A1 and the unheated region A2, and the unheated region A2 is the region from this boundary 317 to the front end of the housing cavity 313 in the axial direction. Note that this boundary 317 may be defined as the boundary between the region that reaches a predetermined temperature and the region that is below the predetermined temperature when actually heated by the heater 32, or it may be defined as the estimated boundary between the region that reaches a predetermined temperature and the region that is below the predetermined temperature when the heater 32 generates heat under predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the boundary position between the region that reaches a predetermined temperature and the region that is below the predetermined temperature is estimated on the central axis CL, and the boundary 317 is defined as the plane passing through this boundary position and perpendicular to the central axis CL, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313, the tobacco rod portion 110 is located in the heating region A1, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion (mouthpiece) 120 is located in the non-heating region A2. Alternatively, when the tobacco stick 100 is in a predetermined state, for example, when the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313 until it abuts against the rear wall 311 of the housing portion 310, the portion of the housing cavity 313 where the tobacco rod portion 110 is located may be designated as the heating region A1, and the portion where the mouthpiece portion 120 is located may be designated as the non-heating region A2.

[0083] [Sensor] The first sensor (first capacitance sensor) 33 is a capacitance sensor that detects the capacitance at least at the location where the tobacco rod portion 110 is positioned when the tobacco stick 100 is housed in the housing portion 310. The first sensor 33 has a first electrode (first electrode) 301 and a second electrode (second electrode) 302, and detects the capacitance between these first electrode 301 and second electrode 302. The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are positioned opposite each other across the heating region A1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (radial direction) of the housing cavity 313. In other words, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are positioned such that when the tobacco stick 100 is housed in the housing cavity 313, at least a part of the tobacco rod portion 110 is inserted between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302. At this time, the capacitance generated between electrodes 301 and 302 via the tobacco rod portion 110 changes depending on, for example, whether or not the tobacco rod portion 110 is inserted, the insertion position of the tobacco rod portion 110, and the moisture content of the tobacco filling in the tobacco rod portion 110. Therefore, the first sensor 33 can detect information indicating the state of the tobacco rod portion 110 by detecting this capacitance.

[0084] The second sensor (second capacitance sensor) 34 is a capacitance sensor that detects the capacitance at least at the location where the mouthpiece portion 120 is positioned when the tobacco stick 100 is housed in the housing portion 310. The second sensor 34 has a third electrode (third electrode) 303 and a fourth electrode (fourth electrode) 304, and detects the capacitance between these third electrode 303 and fourth electrode 304. The third electrode 303 and fourth electrode 304 are positioned opposite each other across the non-heating region A2 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (radial direction) of the housing cavity 313. In other words, the third electrode 303 and fourth electrode 304 are positioned such that when the tobacco stick 100 is housed in the housing cavity 313, at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 120 is inserted between the third electrode 303 and fourth electrode 304. At this time, the capacitance generated between electrodes 303 and 304 via the mouthpiece portion 120 changes depending on factors such as whether or not the mouthpiece portion 120 is inserted, the insertion position of the mouthpiece portion 120, and the amount of deposits such as moisture, flavor components, and aerosol components that adhere to the mouthpiece portion 120 as a result of puffing. Therefore, the second sensor 34 can detect information indicating the state of the mouthpiece portion 120 by detecting this capacitance. The specific changes in capacitance detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 will be described later.

[0085] Each electrode 301 to 304 is provided along at least the depth direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing cavity on the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 of the housing portion 310. Here, peripheral wall 312 The outer peripheral surface 360 ​​is the surface opposite to the inner peripheral surface 361 on the housing cavity 313 side, in the radial direction of the peripheral wall 312, and is located on the side of the internal space in the housing 31 that houses the first sensor 33, the second sensor 34, and the control unit 37, etc.

[0086] Figure 5 shows an example in which flat electrodes 301 to 304 are arranged. As shown in Figure 5, the first sensor 33 has a flat first electrode 301 and a flat second electrode 302, which are positioned on the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​facing each other radially across the peripheral wall 312. The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are held in contact with the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​so as to be parallel to each other. The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are electrically connected to the control unit 37 via wiring 307, and the capacitance detection result is acquired by the control unit.

[0087] Similarly, the second sensor 34 has a flat third electrode 303 and a flat fourth electrode 304 positioned on the outer circumferential surface 360, facing each other radially across the peripheral wall 312. The third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 are held in contact with the outer circumferential surface 360 ​​so as to be parallel to each other. The third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 are electrically connected to the control unit 37 via wiring 308, and the capacitance detection results are acquired by the control unit.

[0088] The shape of electrodes 301 to 304 is not particularly limited and may be other than a flat plate shape. Figure 6 shows an example in which curved electrodes 301 to 304 are arranged. In the example in Figure 6, each electrode 301 to 304 is provided curved along the circumferential direction of the outer surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312. The other configurations are the same as in the example in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, by using curved electrodes 301 to 304, it is easier to reduce the size in the radial direction compared to the example in Figure 5. In addition, by using curved electrodes 301 to 304, each electrode 301 to 304 is positioned along the housing cavity 313 in the circumferential direction and close to the tobacco stick 100 over the entire circumferential direction, so the influence of noise is suppressed and capacitance can be detected with high accuracy.

[0089] Figure 7 shows an example of a first sensor 33 and a second sensor 34 formed on a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate 330 includes a first strip-shaped portion 331 formed longitudinally in one direction, a third strip-shaped portion 333 formed longitudinally from the longitudinal center of the first strip-shaped portion 331 in a direction perpendicular to the first strip-shaped portion 331, and a second strip-shaped portion 332 arranged parallel to the first strip-shaped portion 331 with a gap L1 in the longitudinal direction of the third strip-shaped portion 333 relative to the first strip-shaped portion 331.

[0090] The first strip-shaped portion 331 has a predetermined spacing in the longitudinal center, with the third electrode 303 of the second sensor 34 provided on one longitudinal side and the fourth electrode 304 on the other. Similarly, the second strip-shaped portion 332 has a predetermined spacing in the longitudinal center, with the first electrode 301 of the first sensor 33 provided on one longitudinal side and the second electrode 302 on the other. The third strip-shaped portion 333 has wiring 307 and 308 connected to each electrode 301 to 304, which extends along the longitudinal direction of the third strip-shaped portion 333 to an end 334 connected to the control unit 37.

[0091] The longitudinal length L2 of the first strip portion 331 and the second strip portion 332 is formed to be approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the circumferential length of the outer surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312. By arranging the first strip portion 331 and the second strip portion 332 of this flexible substrate 330 along the outer surface 360 ​​of the housing portion 310, the electrodes 301 to 304 can be provided in a curved manner as shown in Figure 6. The spacing L1 between the first strip portion 331 and the second strip portion 332 is determined so that when the first sensor 33 is positioned on the outer surface of the heating region A1, the second sensor 34 is positioned on the outer surface of the non-heating region A2.

[0092] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, each electrode 301 to 304 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312. However, the arrangement is not limited to this; as shown in Figure 8, each electrode 301 to 304 may be placed on the inner circumferential surface 361 of the peripheral wall 312. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, each electrode 301 to 304 may be embedded in the peripheral wall 312.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a temperature sensor 35 is provided near the outer periphery of the heating region A1 in the housing section 310. The temperature sensor 35 is connected to the control unit 37 and detects the temperature of the heating region A1, inputting the detection result to the control unit 37. In addition, a suction sensor 36 is provided in the housing section 310. The suction sensor 36 is a sensor for detecting the status of puffing, such as whether or not puffing has been performed, and is, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure inside the housing cavity 313. The suction sensor 36 is connected to the control unit 37 and inputs the detection result to the control unit 37. Note that if the control unit 37 does not use temperature information for control, the temperature sensor 35 may be omitted. Similarly, if suction information is not used for control, the suction sensor 36 may be omitted.

[0094] [Control Unit] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the control unit 37. The control unit 37 controls the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30, such as controlling heating by the heater 32. The control unit 37 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA. The system includes a processor 71 such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array, memory 72 such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), and an input / output unit 73. It is a computer. Furthermore, the control unit 37 of this embodiment includes a drive circuit 74 for the heater 32.

[0095] The memory 72 may include a main memory unit 721 and an auxiliary memory unit 722. The memory 72 may also be formed integrally with the processor 71 (on a single chip). Examples of memory 72 include volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD, or removable memory. Examples include storage media such as Blu-ray media.

[0096] Memory 72 can store the operating system (OS), various programs (firmware), various data tables, various databases, configuration data, user data, and other information necessary for the operation of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30.

[0097] The input / output unit 73 is a means for inputting information such as power on / off by the user (smoker) to the processor 71, or outputting information to the user. The input / output unit 73 is an interface that operates the first sensor 33, the second sensor 34, the temperature sensor 35, and the inhalation sensor 36 at predetermined timings and acquires detection values ​​from each of the sensors 33 to 36. In addition, the input / output unit 73 of this embodiment may also include input means such as operation buttons and a touch panel, and output means such as a display unit, a vibrator, and a speaker. The input / output unit 73 may also include a communication unit for communicating with an external device via a communication line. For example, the communication unit can connect to another computer via a communication cable, receive programs and data for controlling the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30, and store them in the memory 72 to update the firmware, heating profile, etc. The display unit is a means for displaying information, and may be, for example, an indicator such as an LED, a liquid crystal display device, or an organic EL display device.

[0098] The drive circuit 74 supplies power from the power supply 38 to the heater 32 according to instructions from the processor 71, thereby operating the heater 32. The drive circuit 74 is, for example, a converter that adjusts the amount of current flowing to the heater 32.

[0099] The control unit 37 reads the program stored in the memory 72 by the processor 71 into the working area of ​​the main memory and executes it, functioning as a predetermined functional unit, such as a determination unit 711, a heating control unit 712, and an output control unit 713. These functional units are not limited to those implemented based on a program (software), and some or all of them may be composed of hardware circuits such as a processor, integrated circuit, and logic circuit.

[0100] The determination unit 711 determines information such as user operation, the state of the tobacco stick 100, and the heating status by the heater 32 based on the detection results of each sensor 33 to 36 and the input information from the input means. For example, the determination unit 711 determines at least one of the following from the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34: the presence or absence of the tobacco stick 100, the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100, whether the tobacco stick 100 is heated or not, the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100, the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100, the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100, and the type of flavor stick. In other words, the determination unit 711 acquires this information about the tobacco stick 100. The determination conditions will be described later.

[0101] The heating control unit 712 controls the power supplied from the power supply 38 to the heater 32 via the drive circuit 74 by controlling the drive circuit 74 based on the determination result of the determination unit 711. For example, the heating control unit 712 may start heating when it is determined that a tobacco stick 100 has been inserted into the storage cavity 313, or it may perform heating with a heating profile corresponding to the type of tobacco stick 100 when it is determined to be the type of tobacco stick 100.

[0102] The output control unit 713 outputs notifications, warnings, etc., to the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 711. For example, if the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100 is not appropriate, the output control unit 713 outputs a warning, etc., by displaying it on the display unit, outputting sound through the speaker, or vibrating with the vibrator.

[0103] [Detection of tobacco sticks using a capacitive sensor] Figure 11 is a graph showing the results of capacitance measurements when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted between electrodes 305 and 306 of the capacitance sensor, and when the positions of electrodes 305 and 306 relative to the tobacco stick 100 are different. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the tobacco stick 100 and electrodes 305 and 306 when the measurements in Figure 11 were performed.

[0104] As shown in Figure 12, electrodes 305 and 306 sandwiched the tobacco stick 100 radially, and detected capacitance at different positions P1 to P3 along the long axis of the tobacco stick 100. Position P1 is where the distance from the tip of the tobacco stick 100 to the tip of the electrode is 7.8 mm, and the tobacco rod portion 110 is sandwiched between electrodes 305 and 306. Position P2 is where the distance from the tip of the tobacco stick 100 to the tip of the electrode is 16.8 mm, and the boundary between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 is sandwiched between electrodes 305 and 306. Position P3 is where the distance from the tip of the tobacco stick 100 to the tip of the electrode is 22.8 mm, and the mouthpiece portion 120 is sandwiched between electrodes 305 and 306. Furthermore, electrodes 305 and 306 were positioned opposite each other at the same interval as positions P1 to P3, and capacitance was detected at state P0 when no tobacco stick 100 was inserted between electrodes 305 and 306. Figure 11 shows the detection results of capacitance by electrodes 305 and 306, with the horizontal axis representing the sensor position and the vertical axis representing capacitance, indicated by bars B0 to B3.

[0105] Here, the detection result shown by bar B0 is between electrodes 305 and 306, and the tobacco stick 1 This detection was performed in state P0, where no 00 is inserted, and corresponds to the detection results of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 in the state before the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313 shown in Figure 5.

[0106] The detection result shown by bar B1 is obtained by placing electrodes 305 and 306 at position P1 on the outer circumference of the tobacco rod portion 110 of the tobacco stick 100. The detection result shown by bar B1 corresponds to the detection result of the first sensor 33 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313 shown in Figure 5.

[0107] The detection results shown in bar B2 were obtained by placing electrodes 305 and 306 at position P2 on the outer circumference of the tobacco stick 100, spanning the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120.

[0108] The detection result shown in bar B3 is obtained by placing electrodes 305 and 306 at position P3 on the outer circumference of the mouthpiece portion 120 of the tobacco stick 100. The detection result shown in bar B3 corresponds to the detection result of the second sensor 34 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313 shown in Figure 5.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11, when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, the capacitance at all positions P1 to P3 becomes larger than the capacitance at position P0 when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted. This is thought to be because, compared to the case where the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted and the substance present between electrodes 305 and 306 is air, the presence of the tobacco stick 100, which has a high dielectric constant, between electrodes 305 and 306 increases the degree of polarization due to electrostatic induction, thereby increasing the capacitance. For this reason, for example, the control unit 37 can determine that the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted when the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 exceed a predetermined threshold (first threshold), and determine that the tobacco stick 100 has not been inserted when the detection values ​​do not exceed the first threshold. Furthermore, the predetermined thresholds may be different for the first sensor and the second sensor. In addition, the threshold for the first sensor may be a higher value than the threshold for the second sensor. Alternatively, the control unit 37 may determine that a tobacco stick 100 has been inserted if the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 fall within a range of predetermined values ​​that are separately defined, and determine that a tobacco stick 100 has not been inserted if one or both of the detected values ​​do not fall within the range of predetermined values.

[0110] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the detected capacitance differs depending on the positions P1 to P3 where electrodes 305 and 306 are positioned on the tobacco stick 100. This is thought to be because, for example, the tobacco rod portion 110 positioned at position P1 and the mouthpiece portion 120 positioned at position P2 have different relative permittivity, resulting in different degrees of polarization due to electrostatic induction. For this reason, the control unit 37 can determine the position of the tobacco stick 100 inserted into the housing cavity 313 based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34. For example, the control unit 37 may pre-measure the capacitance value (default value) when the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100 is inserted to the position where it abuts the rear wall 311 of the housing portion 310 (default state) and store it in the memory 72. If the detected value is less than the default value, the control unit 37 may determine that the tobacco stick 100 has not reached the default position and output a message or the like instructing it to insert it deeper.

[0111] Figure 13 is a graph showing the results of detecting capacitance with different sizes of electrodes 305 and 306. Similar to Figure 11, Figure 13 shows the results of detecting capacitance when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted between electrodes 305 and 306, and when electrodes 305 and 306 are positioned at positions P1 to P3 relative to the tobacco stick 100. Bars B0-4, B1-4, B2-4, and B3-4 show the detection results for electrodes 305 and 306 with dimensions of 4mm x 4mm. Similarly, bars B0-6, B1-6, B2-6, and B3-6 show the detection results when the electrode size is 6mm x 6mm, bars B0-8, B1-8, B2-8, and B3-8 show the detection results when the electrode size is 8mm x 8mm, and bars B0-10, B1-10, B2-10, and B3-10 show the detection results when the electrode size is 10mm x 10mm.

[0112] As shown in Figure 13, when the electrode sizes are different, the larger the electrode size, the larger the detected capacitance value. This is thought to be because a larger electrode size results in a larger area receiving electrostatic induction, and therefore a larger increase in charge at electrodes 305 and 306. Furthermore, even when the electrode sizes are different, as in Figure 11, when a tobacco stick 100 is inserted, the capacitance at each of positions P1 to P3 is greater than the capacitance at position P0 when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted. Also, electrodes 305 and 306 can detect capacitance values ​​corresponding to positions P1 to P3 relative to the tobacco stick 100. Thus, regardless of the size of electrodes 301 to 304 of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 can detect the presence and position of the tobacco stick 100. For this reason, for example, by setting electrodes 305 and 306 to be large, stable detection results can be obtained, and by setting electrodes 305 and 306 to be small, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 can be miniaturized.

[0113] Figure 14 shows the change in capacitance due to puffing. Similar to Figure 11, Figure 14 shows the results of detecting capacitance by changing the number of puffs when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted between electrodes 305 and 306, and when the positions of electrodes 305 and 306 relative to the tobacco stick 100 are different.

[0114] Bars B0-1, B1-1, B2-1, and B3-1 show the detection results after one puff (hereinafter also referred to as "after 1 puff"). Similarly, bars B0-3, B1-3, B2-3, and B3-3 show the detection results after 3 puffs, and bars B0-5, B1-5, B2-5, and B3-5 show the detection results after 5 puffs. In addition, bars B0-1, B0-3, and B0-5 show the detection results when detection is performed in state P0, where the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted between electrodes 305 and 306. Furthermore, bars B1-1, B1-3, and B1-5 are the detection results from electrodes 305 and 306 located at position P1, bars B2-1, B2-3, and B2-5 are the detection results from electrodes 305 and 306 located at position P2, and bars B3-1, B3-3, and B3-5 are the detection results from electrodes 305 and 306 located at position P3.

[0115] As shown in Figure 14, when electrodes 305 and 306 are placed at position P1 for detection, the capacitance decreases with each puff. This is thought to be because the amount of moisture and flavorings contained in the tobacco rod portion 110 decreases with each inhalation. On the other hand, when electrodes 305 and 306 are placed at position P3, the capacitance increases with each puff. This is thought to be because the amount of aerosol components etc. adhering to the mouthpiece portion 120 increases with each inhalation. When electrodes 305 and 306 are placed at position P2, the change in capacitance due to the increase in puffs is small, and there was no significant increase or decrease trend. Therefore, the control unit 37 can determine the number of puffs based on the detection value of the first sensor 33 located on the outer circumference of the tobacco rod portion 110 or the second sensor 34 located on the outer circumference of the mouthpiece portion 120. Thus, when the amount of moisture or flavoring agent in the tobacco stick 100 changes, the capacitance detected by the first sensor 33 or the second sensor 34 changes, allowing the control unit 37 to determine the amount of moisture or flavoring agent in the tobacco stick 100 based on this detected value. For example, if the moisture content of the tobacco rod portion 110 is a known value, the first sensor 33 detects the capacitance, associates this moisture content with the detected capacitance value, and then repeats the capacitance detection while changing the moisture content. The detected capacitance values ​​corresponding to each moisture content are used as calibration data and stored in the memory 72. This allows the control unit 37 to detect the capacitance of the inserted tobacco rod portion 110 using the first sensor 33 and determine the moisture content corresponding to this detected value from the calibration data. Alternatively, calibration data can be created using this moisture content instead of the amount of flavor source or aerosol source, and the amount of flavor source or aerosol source can be determined from the detected capacitance value. Similarly, calibration data can be created according to the moisture content, flavor source, or aerosol source in the mouthpiece portion 120, and the control unit 37 can determine the moisture content, flavor source, or aerosol source corresponding to the detected value of the second sensor 34 from the calibration data. Furthermore, the moisture content or capacitance values ​​of a reference tobacco stick 100 before inhalation (unused state) and after inhalation (used state) may be detected in advance and stored as reference data in memory 72. When a tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the storage cavity 313, the control unit 37 may compare the moisture content or capacitance values ​​of the inserted tobacco stick 100 with the reference data to determine whether the inserted tobacco stick 100 has been used or not.

[0116] Figure 15 shows the change in capacitance when the user's hand is in contact with the tobacco stick 100 and when it is not. In Figure 15, as in Figure 11, detection is performed when the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted between electrodes 305 and 306, and when the positions of electrodes 305 and 306 relative to the tobacco stick 100 are different. Note that bars B0-N, B1-N, B2-N, and B3-N represent detection when the user's hand is not in contact with the tobacco stick 100, while bars B0-T, B1-T, B2-T, and B3-T represent detection when the user's hand is in contact with the tobacco stick 100.

[0117] As shown in Figure 15, the capacitance is higher when the user's hand is touching the tobacco stick 100 compared to when it is not. This is thought to be because the amount of charge transferred from the tobacco stick 100 to the user's hand increases when the user's hand touches the tobacco stick 100. For this reason, the control unit 37 can determine whether or not the user's hand is touching the tobacco stick 100 based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34. Alternatively, the control unit 37 may determine whether or not the user's hand is touching the tobacco stick 100 based on the detection value of either the first sensor 33 or the second sensor 34, and in this case, it is particularly preferable to make the determination based on the detection value of the second sensor 34. Furthermore, the control unit 37 may weight the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 or the second sensor 34 by multiplying them by a coefficient, and then determine whether or not the user's hand is touching the tobacco stick 100 based on the weighted detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34. In this case, it is particularly desirable that the weight of the detection value related to the second sensor 34 be set higher than the weight of the detection value related to the first sensor 33.

[0118] Figure 16 shows the change in capacitance over time when inserting and removing a tobacco stick 100. In Figure 16, T0 is the time (period) before the user holds the tobacco stick 100 in their hand, T1 is the time when the user holds the tobacco stick 100 in their hand and inserts it, T2 is the time when the user releases the tobacco stick 100 after insertion, T3 is the time when the user holds the tobacco stick 100 in their hand and removes it, and T4 is the time when the tobacco stick 100 has been removed and is not inserted.

[0119] As shown in Figure 16, inserting or removing the tobacco stick 100 while holding it in the hand causes a rapid increase and decrease in capacitance. This rapid increase and decrease in capacitance is caused by the tobacco stick passing over the sensor position and the user touching the tobacco stick with their hand. For example, the control unit 37 determines that the user is holding and inserting the tobacco stick 100 at timing T1, from a state where the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted (timing T0) to a state where the capacitance rapidly increases, then rapidly decreases, and the period until this decrease subsides. The control unit 37 also determines, for example, the rate of change of the detected value per unit time, and when the rate of change when the detected value increases exceeds a predetermined threshold (second threshold), If the detection value decreases, it is determined that the user has started inserting the tobacco stick 100. When the rate of change when the detected value decreases exceeds a second threshold, and the detection value falls below a predetermined value, and the rate of change no longer exceeds the second threshold, it is determined that the user has finished inserting the tobacco stick 100. The period from the start to the end of inserting the tobacco stick 100 is determined as timing T1.

[0120] The control unit 37 determines that timing T2 is the period after timing T1 until the rate of change next exceeds the second threshold. The control unit 37 compares the detected capacitance values ​​at timings T0 and T2 with the aforementioned first threshold to detect that timing T0 is the state where the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted, and timing T2 is the state where the tobacco stick 100 is inserted. When removing the tobacco stick 100, the control unit 37 determines that timing T3 is the period from when the rate of change when the detected value increases exceeds the second threshold, until the rate of change when the detected value decreases exceeds the second threshold, and until the rate of change no longer exceeds the second threshold when the detected value falls below a predetermined value. The control unit 37 determines that timing T4 is the period after timing T3 until the rate of change next exceeds the second threshold. The control unit 37 detects that the tobacco stick 100 has been removed when the detected value at timing T4 does not exceed the aforementioned first threshold.

[0121] Furthermore, the control unit 37 may use the capacitance value detected at a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) after switching from timing T1, T3 to timing T2, T4 to determine the state of the tobacco stick 100, such as the moisture content. This allows the control unit 37 to eliminate the influence of the user's hand touching the tobacco stick 100 and to accurately detect the state of the tobacco stick 100.

[0122] Furthermore, when the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece 120 during puffing, the capacitance increases. Figure 17 shows the change in capacitance over time when the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece 120, inhales, and then removes their mouth from the mouthpiece 120 and exhales. In Figure 17, T6 indicates the timing when the user places their mouth on the mouthpiece 120 of the tobacco stick 100, and T7 indicates the timing when the user removes their mouth from the mouthpiece 120.

[0123] As shown in Figure 17, when the mouthpiece portion 120 is placed in the mouth, the capacitance increases rapidly, and when the mouth is removed, the capacitance decreases rapidly. For this reason, for example, the control unit 37 determines that timing T6 is when the capacitance increases rapidly from the state in which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, then the detected value decreases rapidly to below a predetermined value, and the rate of change no longer exceeds the third threshold. After timing T6, timing T7 is determined to be when the rate of change exceeds the third threshold.

[0124] The control unit 37 may use the capacitance value detected at a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) after switching from timing T6 to timing T7 to determine the moisture content and other conditions of the tobacco stick 100. This allows the control unit 37 to eliminate the influence of the user's mouth touching the tobacco stick 100 and accurately detect the condition of the tobacco stick 100.

[0125] The capacitance changes when the user touches the tobacco stick 100 with their hand or mouth. When the capacitance changes as shown at timing T6 due to the user touching the tobacco stick 100 with their hand or mouth, the control unit 37 may determine that timing T6 has occurred based on the detection result of the inhalation sensor 36, or if inhalation has not occurred, it may determine that the user was touching the tobacco stick with their hand at that time.

[0126] As described above, the capacitance values ​​detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 are, Since this changes depending on the state of the tobacco stick 100, the control unit 37 may determine that the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted, that the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, that the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, when the detected values ​​from the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 both meet the respective specified conditions.

[0127] Furthermore, the control unit 37 may determine, when the sum of the values ​​detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 is equal to or greater than a reference value, that the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted, that the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, that the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value.

[0128] The control unit 37 may determine, when the difference between the value detected by the first sensor 33 and the value detected by the second sensor 34 is greater than or equal to a reference value, that the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted, the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, or the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value.

[0129] The control unit 37 may determine that a tobacco stick 100 has been inserted, that the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, that the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, when the detected values ​​from the first sensor 33 or the second sensor 34 satisfy the specified conditions and the sum or difference of the detected values ​​from the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0130] Furthermore, the control unit 37 may continuously acquire the sum or difference of the values ​​detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, and determine from that value or its rate of change whether a tobacco stick 100 has been inserted, whether the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, whether the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, whether the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value, or whether the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100 has reached a specified value.

[0131] Figure 18A shows the time change in capacitance detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 when a tobacco stick 100 is inserted, with the first sensor 33 positioned at position P1 and the second sensor 34 positioned at position P3. As shown in Figure 18A, the detected value of the first sensor 33 increases rapidly as the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, and the rapid change disappears once insertion is complete. This is because, as the tobacco stick is inserted, the first sensor 33 is affected by the tobacco rod portion 110, which has a high dielectric constant. On the other hand, the detected value of the second sensor 34 increases rapidly as the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, then decreases rapidly, and the rapid change disappears once insertion is complete. This is because, as the tobacco stick is inserted, the second sensor 34 is initially affected by the tobacco rod portion 110, which has a high dielectric constant, and then is affected by the mouthpiece portion 120, which has a lower dielectric constant than the tobacco rod portion 110.

[0132] Figure 18B shows the time variation of the difference between the capacitance detected by the first sensor 33 and the capacitance detected by the second sensor 34 when a tobacco stick 100 is inserted, with the first sensor 33 positioned at position P1 and the second sensor 34 positioned at position P3. As shown in Figure 18B, as the tobacco stick is inserted, the difference decreases initially, then rises sharply, and the sharp change disappears once insertion is complete. The control unit 37 operates from a state where the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted, while the difference in capacitance decreases and then rapidly increases, assuming the user is holding the tobacco stick 100 in their hand. The timing of insertion is determined. For example, the control unit 37 may determine the change in the difference between the detected values ​​per unit time of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 as the rate of change, and when the rate of change when the difference decreases exceeds a predetermined threshold, it may determine that the user has taken the tobacco stick 100 in their hand and started to insert it. Then, when the rate of change when the difference increases exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the rate of change no longer exceeds a predetermined threshold when the difference is within a predetermined range, it may determine that the user has finished inserting the tobacco stick 100.

[0133] [Control Method] Figure 19 shows the control method performed by the control unit 37. The control unit 37 periodically performs the process shown in Figure 19.

[0134] In step S10, the control unit 37 acquires the detection values ​​from each sensor, including the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34. The control unit 37 also stores the acquired detection values ​​in the memory 72 and records the temporal changes in each detection value.

[0135] In step S20, the control unit 37 determines whether the rate of change of the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 exceeds a threshold. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, when inserting the tobacco stick 100 into the storage cavity 313 while holding the tobacco stick 100 in the hand, or when the mouth touches the tobacco stick 100 when inhaling, the capacitance value changes significantly, making it difficult to use the state of the tobacco stick 100 for determination. Therefore, the control unit 37 determines whether the detected values ​​of each sensor 33 and 34 can be used based on the rate of change. If the determination in step S20 is positive, the control unit 37 returns to step S10 and repeats the detection by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 and the determination of the rate of change. If the determination in step S20 is negative, the control unit 37 proceeds to step S30.

[0136] In step S30, the control unit 37 determines whether the detected value is one obtained after a predetermined time has elapsed since the rate of change of the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 no longer exceeds a threshold. If the control unit 37 determines in step S30 that it is negative, it returns to step S10; if it determines it is positive, it proceeds to step S40.

[0137] In step S40, the control unit 37 determines whether or not the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted into the storage cavity 313 based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 acquired in step S10. If the detection value does not exceed the first threshold, the control unit 37 makes a negative determination (S40, No), proceeds to step S45, outputs a message such as "No tobacco stick has been inserted", and then terminates the process shown in Figure 19. Alternatively, in step S40, the control unit 37 may detect the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100 based on the detection value, and if the position of the tobacco stick 100 has not reached a predetermined state, it may output a message in step S45 prompting the user to insert the tobacco stick deeper, such as "Please insert the tobacco stick deeper".

[0138] On the other hand, if the detected value in step S40 exceeds the first threshold, the control unit 37 makes a positive determination (S40, Yes) and proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the control unit 37 determines whether a heating profile has been selected or not. If the determination is positive, it proceeds to step S80; otherwise, it proceeds to step S60.

[0139] In step S60, the control unit 37 determines the type of tobacco stick 100 based on the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 acquired in step S10. For example, the control unit 37 stores the capacitance values ​​corresponding to each type of tobacco stick 100 in the memory 72 as a data table (type table), and the type of tobacco stick 100 corresponding to the detection values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 acquired in step S10 is determined in the data The value is obtained from the data table. In addition, the capacitance value corresponding to "heated" is registered in this data table, and the control unit 37 determines if the detected value obtained in step S10 corresponds to the value of "heated". If this is the case, the process shown in Figure 19 may be terminated if it is determined that the tobacco stick 100 has been heated.

[0140] In step S70, the control unit 37 selects a heating profile based on the type of tobacco stick 100 determined in step S60. Here, the heating profile is setting data that includes at least one of the following: heating temperature, heating time, number of puffs, and timing for changing the heating temperature.

[0141] In step S80, the control unit 37 performs heating control based on the heating profile selected in step S70. For example, the control unit 37 controls the heater 32 so that the temperature of heating region A1 becomes the heating temperature specified in the heating profile. The control unit 37 is not limited to controlling the heating temperature to a constant level, but may also change the heating temperature to a higher temperature to promote (boost) aerosol generation or to a lower temperature to suppress aerosol generation at a predetermined time after the start of heating or after a predetermined number of puffs have been performed.

[0142] In step S90, the control unit 37 determines whether or not to terminate the heating control based on the heating profile. For example, the control unit 37 determines to terminate the heating control when the detected values ​​meet predetermined termination conditions, such as when the elapsed time from the start of heating reaches the upper limit (termination time), when the number of puffs reaches the upper limit, or when the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 correspond to the value of heated food. Alternatively, the control unit 37 may set a minimum heating time and determine not to terminate the heating process until the elapsed time exceeds the minimum time, even if other termination conditions are met, such as when the number of puffs reaches the upper limit. In step S90, if the determination is negative, the control unit 37 returns to step S10; if the determination is positive, it terminates the heating process and deselects the heating profile.

[0143] In the example above, the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 are used, but the sum or difference of the detected values ​​of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 may also be used.

[0144] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to this embodiment, the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 detect the capacitance in at least the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120, and the state of the tobacco stick 100 is detected based on these detected values, so that information about the tobacco stick 100 can be obtained with high accuracy. Therefore, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 can be controlled appropriately.

[0145] Furthermore, in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 of this embodiment, at least one of the following is determined from the values ​​detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34: the presence or absence of a tobacco stick 100, the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100, whether or not the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100, the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100, the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100, and the type of tobacco stick 100. This makes it possible to perform appropriate control corresponding to the state of the tobacco stick 100, thereby improving the usability of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30.

[0146] Furthermore, in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 of this embodiment, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the first sensor 33 are arranged on either side of the tobacco rod portion 110 (heating area). This allows information about the tobacco rod portion 110 to be acquired, and the operation of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 can be controlled based on the state of the tobacco rod portion 110.

[0147] Furthermore, in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 of this embodiment, the third electrode 303 of the second sensor 34 and The fourth electrode 304 is positioned on either side of the mouthpiece portion 120 (non-heating region). This allows information about the mouthpiece portion 120 to be acquired, and the operation of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 can be controlled based on the state of the mouthpiece portion 120.

[0148] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which a conical heater 32 was provided in the center of the rear wall 311 of the housing 310. However, in the second embodiment, the configuration differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a cylindrical heater 32A. Note that the other components are the same, so the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and further explanation is omitted.

[0149] Figure 20A is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30A according to the second embodiment, and Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 20A. As shown in Figures 20A and 20B, in this embodiment, a cylindrical heater 32A is provided along the inner circumferential surface 361 of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing section 310.

[0150] Each electrode 301, 302 of the first sensor 33 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the heater 32A. In this embodiment as well, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the first sensor 33 are positioned opposite each other across the heating region A1, and the third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 of the second sensor 34 are positioned opposite each other across the non-heating region A2. That is, in the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30A of this embodiment, when a tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313, the tobacco rod portion 110 is positioned between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302, and a part of the mouthpiece portion 120 is positioned between the third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304.

[0151] In Figure 20A, electrodes 301 and 302 are provided on the inner circumferential surface side of the heater 32A, but this is not the only option. Figure 21 shows an example in which electrodes 301 to 304 are provided along the outer circumferential surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing 310. In this case, electrodes 301 to 304 may be flat, as in Figure 5, or curved along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface 360 ​​of the heater 32A, as in Figure 6. Furthermore, in a generally cylindrical heater 32A, a slit, hole, notch, or other part of the peripheral wall of the heater 32A (hereinafter also referred to as a gap) may be provided in the circumferential direction, and electrodes 301 and 302 of the first sensor 33 may be arranged to fit into this gap. Figure 22 shows an example in which a hole-shaped gap 324 is provided in the heater 32A, and electrodes 301 and 302 are arranged to fit into this hole-shaped gap 324. In the examples shown in Figures 20A to 22, the positions of each electrode 301 to 304 in the axial direction of the housing section 310 are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0152] Figure 23 also shows an example in which the installation position of the cylindrical heater 32A is offset to the axial front side of the housing section 310. In the examples of Figures 20A to 22 described above, the heater 32A is positioned so that its rear end is in contact with the rear wall 311 of the housing section 310, and heats the tobacco stick 100 inserted into the housing cavity 313 so as to be in contact with this rear wall 311. However, the heater 32A does not only heat the area in contact, but also heats areas away from the heater 32A through radiation and heat transfer, so in the example of Figure 23, the heater 32A is positioned with a gap 327 between it and the rear wall 311.

[0153] In this case, the distance between the rear end of the heater 32A and the rear wall 311 is determined so that the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100 that contacts the rear wall 311 can be heated to a predetermined temperature. That is, in the example of Figure 23 as well, the heating region A1 is the area of ​​the housing cavity 313 from the rear wall 311 to the point (boundary 317) where the rear end of the tobacco rod portion 110 or the tip of the mouthpiece portion 120 is located. In other words, the tobacco rod portion 110 is configured to be located within the heating region A1 from its tip to its rear end.

[0154] In the example shown in Figure 23, the electrodes 301 and 302 of the first sensor 33 are provided along the inner surface 361 of the peripheral wall 312 within the gap 327 between the heater 32A and the rear wall 311. This allows the first sensor 33 to detect capacitance without the heater 32A being placed between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302, and to accurately detect information about the tobacco stick 100.

[0155] The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30A of this embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, detects capacitance in at least the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 using the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, and detects the state of the tobacco stick 100 based on these detected values, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of information about the tobacco stick 100.

[0156] <Third Embodiment> In the third embodiment, the configuration differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a heating unit 32B that uses electromagnetic induction heating. However, since the other components are the same, the same reference numerals are used for identical elements, and further explanation is omitted.

[0157] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30B according to the third embodiment. The heating section 32B includes a coil (induction coil) 325 for electromagnetic induction heating and a heating element 326 that generates heat through electromagnetic induction by the coil 325. The heating element 326 is a generally rod-shaped member formed longitudinally along the axial direction of the housing cavity 313, and in this embodiment it is conical in shape. The heating element 326 protrudes forward from the center of the rear wall 311 in the housing section 310 along the axial direction. Reference numeral 321 denotes the base end of the heating element 326, and reference numeral 322 denotes the tip end of the heating element 326. The heating element 326 extends from the center of the circular rear wall 311 toward the insertion opening 3A, and gradually tapers from the base end 321 toward the tip end 322. The shape of the heating element 326 is not limited to this, and it may be rod-shaped with approximately the same diameter from the base end 321 to the tip end 322, or flat plate-shaped (blade-shaped). The heating element 326 may be made of a ferromagnetic metal, such as iron or an iron alloy (stainless steel). When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313, the heating element 326 is fitted into the tobacco rod portion 110 from the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100. The heating element 326 is not attached to the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30B, but may be pre-embedded in the tobacco rod portion 110 of each tobacco stick 100.

[0158] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the coil 325. As shown in Figure 25, the coil 325 is a cylindrical hollow coil, and the winding 350 is arranged to be wound circumferentially along the outer circumference of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing 310.

[0159] The power supply (battery unit) 38 is a power supply that provides power for heating to the coil 325 via the control unit 37, and in this embodiment, it supplies DC current to the control unit 37. In this embodiment, the drive circuit 74 of the control unit 37 (Figure 10) includes a DC / AC inverter for supplying high-frequency AC current to the coil 325. The control unit 37 operates when the operation switch is operated. Alternatively, when it is determined that a tobacco stick 100 has been inserted into the housing cavity 313, the heating operation is instructed to begin, and an AC current of a predetermined frequency is supplied to the coil 325. For example, the control unit 37 may be equipped with a resonant capacitor, and the AC current may be supplied by resonating this capacitor with the coil (inductor) 325. In this case, the frequency (resonant frequency) f0 of the AC current is determined by the capacitance C of the resonant capacitor and the inductance L of the coil 325, so f0 = 1 / (2π√(LC)).

[0160] The coil 325, upon receiving AC current, generates a fluctuating electromagnetic field (alternating magnetic field) of the predetermined frequency. The frequency of the electromagnetic field is, for example, 1 kHz or higher and 30 MHz or lower, preferably 50 kHz or higher and 500 kHz or lower, and more preferably 100 kHz or higher and 250 kHz or lower. It is preferable to do so. In this embodiment, the inductance L of the coil is set to 1 μH and the frequency of the fluctuating electromagnetic field is set to 200 kHz.

[0161] This fluctuating electromagnetic field generates eddy currents in the heating element 326, which is located within the hollow portion of the coil 325, i.e., within the fluctuating electromagnetic field. This eddy current loss causes the heating element 326 to heat up.

[0162] The control unit 37 initiates heating control, for example, when a tobacco stick 100 is inserted or when a heating start operation is performed, and controls the power supplied to the coil 325 to heat the heating element 326, thereby heating the tobacco rod portion 110 to a predetermined temperature. In this case, the space within the housing cavity 313 that is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat of the heating element 326 is defined as the heating region A1, and the space adjacent to the insertion side of the heating region A1 in the axial direction (insertion / removal direction) is defined as the non-heating region A2.

[0163] The electrodes 301 to 304 of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 are provided along the outer circumferential surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing 310. In this embodiment as well, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the first sensor 33 are arranged opposite each other across the heating region A1, and the third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 of the second sensor 34 are arranged opposite each other across the non-heating region A2. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 can detect information about the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 of the tobacco stick 100. Furthermore, the heating control based on the detection results of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0164] In this embodiment of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30B, which heats the tobacco stick 100 using an electromagnetic induction heating method, the capacitance in at least the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 is detected by the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, similar to the first embodiment described above, and information about the tobacco stick 100 can be obtained with high accuracy based on these detected values.

[0165] <Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment described above, an example was shown in which a conical heating element 326 was provided in the center of the rear wall 311 of the housing 310. However, in the fourth embodiment, the configuration differs from the third embodiment in that it includes a cylindrical heating element 326C. Note that the other components are the same, so the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and further explanation is omitted.

[0166] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30C according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Figure 26. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, in this embodiment, a cylindrical heating element 326C is provided along the inner surface of the peripheral wall 312 in the housing section 310.

[0167] Each electrode 301 and 302 of the first sensor 33 is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the heating element 326C. In this embodiment as well, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the first sensor 33 are arranged opposite each other across the heating region A1, and the third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 of the second sensor 34 are arranged opposite each other across the non-heating region A2.

[0168] In Figure 26, electrodes 301 and 302 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the heating element 326C, but this is not the only option. Figure 28 shows an example where electrodes 301 to 304 are provided on the upper circumferential surface of the heating element 326C. In this case, electrodes 301 to 304 may be flat, as in Figure 5, or curved along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface 363 of the heating element 326C, as in Figure 6. Furthermore, in a generally cylindrical heating element 326C, there may be a slit, hole, notch, or other portion in the circumferential direction where the circumferential wall of the heating element 326C does not exist (hereinafter also referred to as a gap). A gap may be provided, and the electrodes 301 and 302 of the first sensor 33 may be arranged to fit into this gap. Figure 29 shows an example in which a perforated gap 324 is provided in the heating element 326C, and the electrodes 301 and 302 are arranged to fit into this perforated gap 324. The positions of the electrodes 301 to 304 in the axial direction of the housing 310 are the same as in the third embodiment described above.

[0169] Figure 30 also shows an example in which the installation position of the cylindrical heating element 326C is offset to the axial front side of the housing section 310. In the examples in Figures 26 to 29, the heating element 326C is positioned so that its rear end is in contact with the rear wall 311 of the housing section 310, and heats the tobacco stick 100 inserted into the housing cavity 313 so as to be in contact with this rear wall 311. However, the heating element 326C does not only heat the area in contact, but also heats areas away from the heating element 326C through radiation and heat transfer, so in the example of Figure 30, the heating element 326C is positioned with a gap 329 between it and the rear wall 311.

[0170] In this case, the distance between the rear end of the heating element 326C and the rear wall 311 is determined so that the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100 that contacts the rear wall 311 can be heated to a predetermined temperature. That is, in the example of Figure 30 as well, the heating region A1 is the area within the housing cavity 313 from the rear wall 311 to the point (boundary 317) where the rear end of the tobacco rod portion 110 or the tip of the mouthpiece portion 120 is located. In other words, the tobacco rod portion 110 is configured to be located within the heating region A1 from its tip to its rear end.

[0171] In the example shown in Figure 30, the electrodes 301 and 302 of the first sensor 33 are provided along the inner surface 361 of the peripheral wall 312 within the gap 329 between the heating element 326C and the rear wall 311. This allows the first sensor 33 to detect capacitance without the heating element 326C being placed between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302, and to accurately detect information about the tobacco stick 100.

[0172] The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30C of this embodiment, like the third embodiment described above, detects capacitance in at least the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 using the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, and can accurately acquire information about the tobacco stick 100 based on these detected values.

[0173] <Fifth Embodiment> Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30D according to the fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the electrodes 301 to 304 of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 are arranged in the axial direction of the housing section 310, which is different from the first embodiment described above. Note that the other components are the same, so the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and further explanation is omitted.

[0174] As shown in Figure 31, in this embodiment, the electrodes 301 to 304 of the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 along the axial direction of the housing portion 310.

[0175] The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 of the first sensor 33 are located on the outer periphery of the heating region A1. That is, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are positioned in close proximity to the tobacco rod portion 110 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313. Therefore, the first sensor 33 detects the capacitance of the tobacco rod portion 110 of the inserted tobacco stick 100. The third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 of the second sensor 34 are located on the outer periphery of the non-heating region A2. That is, the third electrode 303 and the fourth electrode 304 are positioned in close proximity to the mouthpiece portion 120 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the housing cavity 313. Therefore, the second sensor 34 detects the capacitance of the tobacco rod portion 110 of the inserted tobacco stick 100. The capacitance of the mouthpiece portion 120 in the box stick 100 is detected.

[0176] The non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30D of this embodiment, like the first embodiment described above, detects capacitance in at least the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120 using the first sensor 33 and the second sensor 34, and detects the state of the tobacco stick 100 based on these detected values, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of information about the tobacco stick 100. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0177] 100: Tobacco sticks 101: Mouthpiece 102: Tip 103: Ventilation holes 110: Tobacco rod section 111: Filling 112: Rolled paper 120: Mouthpiece section 121: Cooling segment 122: Filter Segment 130: Chip paper 200: Non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 30,30A,30B,30C,30D: Non-combustion flavor inhaler 301: First electrode 302: Second electrode 303: Third electrode 304: Fourth electrode 305,306: Electrode 307,308: Wiring 31: Housing 310: Detention Unit 311: Back wall 312: Peripheral wall 313: Containment Cavity 32,32A: Heater 321: Proximal end 322: Tip 324: Gap 325, 325B: Coil 326,326C: Heating element 32B: Heating section 33: First Sensor 330: Flexible circuit board 331: First band-shaped area 332: Second zoning area 333: Third zoning area 334: End 34: Second sensor 35: Temperature sensor 350: Winding 36: Suction sensor 37: Control Unit 38: Power supply (battery unit) 3A: Insertion port 71: Processor 711: Judgment section 712: Heating Control Unit 713: Output Control Unit 72: Memory 73: Input / output section 74: Drive Circuit

Claims

1. A non-combustion type flavor inhaler, A housing section that allows for the insertion and removal of a flavor stick having a flavor rod portion and a mouthpiece portion, When the flavor stick is housed in the housing, a first capacitance sensor detects the capacitance at least at the location where the flavor rod portion is positioned, A second capacitance sensor detects the capacitance at least at the location where the mouthpiece is positioned when the flavor stick is housed in the housing, A control unit that controls the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler based on the values ​​detected by the first capacitance sensor and the values ​​detected by the second capacitance sensor, A non-combustion type flavor inhaler equipped with the following features.

2. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines, based on the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor, at least one of the following: the presence or absence of the flavor stick, the insertion position of the flavor stick, whether or not the flavor stick has been heated, the amount of moisture in the flavor stick, the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick, the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick, and the type of flavor stick.

3. The first capacitance sensor has a first electrode and a second electrode arranged at a distance from each other, and detects the capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged on either side of the space in which the flavor rod portion is housed, such that when the flavor stick is housed in the housing, at least a portion of the flavor rod portion is inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode.

4. The second capacitance sensor has a third electrode and a fourth electrode arranged at a distance from each other, and detects the capacitance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 3, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are arranged on either side of the space in which the mouthpiece is housed, such that when the flavor stick is housed in the housing, at least a portion of the mouthpiece is inserted between the third electrode and the fourth electrode.

5. The aforementioned housing portion extends in the direction of insertion and removal of the flavor stick and has an internal space into which the flavor stick is inserted. The aforementioned internal space is When the flavor stick is inserted, the flavor rod portion is located in a heating region where the flavor rod portion is heated by the heating portion, It includes a non-heating region adjacent to the heating region in the insertion / removal direction, where at least a part of the mouthpiece is located when the flavoring stick is inserted, The first electrode and the second electrode of the first capacitance sensor are arranged with the heating region in between. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 4, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode of the second capacitance sensor are arranged on either side of the non-heating region.

6. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 4, wherein the housing is cylindrical, and the first electrode and the second electrode are curved along the peripheral wall of the housing.

7. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 6, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are curved along the peripheral wall of the housing.

8. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, the third electrode, and the fourth electrode are arranged on a flexible substrate.

9. The control unit determines, when the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor both satisfy the specified conditions, that the flavor stick has been inserted, that the flavor stick has been heated, that the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The control unit determines, when the sum of the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value, that the flavor stick has been inserted, that the flavor stick has been heated, that the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value. Non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The control unit determines, when the difference between the value detected by the first capacitance sensor and the value detected by the second capacitance sensor is greater than or equal to a reference value, that the flavor stick has been inserted, that the flavor stick has been heated, that the moisture content of the flavor stick has reached a specified value, that the amount of aerosol source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, or that the amount of flavor source in the flavor stick has reached a specified value, according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler based on the detected value from the first capacitance sensor and the detected value from the second capacitance sensor, which are acquired at a predetermined time interval after the control unit has detected that the detected value from the first capacitance sensor or the detected value from the second capacitance sensor has changed by a predetermined value or more.

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