Aerosol generating system and aerosol-forming article

Abstract

An aerosol generation system (1) comprises: an aerosol-forming article (100) that includes an aerosol source (110); a housing unit (12) capable of housing the aerosol-forming article (100); and a high-frequency wave oscillator (20) that produces microwave oscillations. The housing unit (12) has a microwave shield (SD1) that blocks microwaves, and the aerosol-forming article (100) has a microwave shield (SD2) that blocks microwaves and allows air to pass. The microwave shield (SD1) and the microwave shield (SD2) form an applicator (AP) for confining microwaves. The applicator (AP) transitions between a blocking state and a non-blocking state according to the position of the microwave shield (SD2). The control unit (30) prohibits the supplying of microwaves from the microwave oscillator (20) depending on the position of the microwave shield (SD2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system and an aerosol-forming article. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices such as heated tobacco products are equipped with a heating unit that heats an aerosol-forming article (such as a capsule or stick) that has an aerosol source built in. Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol generating device in which a high-frequency oscillator that oscillates microwaves (electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz) serves as the heating unit, and discloses a configuration in which the aerosol source is heated by microwaves. The microwave heating method has the advantages of being able to heat the aerosol source uniformly and, because it is non-contact heating, being able to prevent residue from the aerosol source from accumulating on the heating unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 013477 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a microwave heating method, when an aerosol-forming article placed in a chamber is heated, it is important that the microwaves are reliably consumed within the chamber. If the microwaves leak outside the aerosol generating device, there is a risk that they may have unintended effects on the outside of the aerosol generating device (such as the user or surrounding electronic devices).

[0005] One way to prevent microwave leakage is to incorporate a microwave shield into the aerosol-forming article. In this case, if the microwave shield is not positioned properly when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the chamber of the aerosol generation device and microwave supply is started, microwaves may leak outside the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, if the microwave supply is not stopped properly when the aerosol-forming article is removed during microwave supply, microwaves may leak outside.

[0006] The present invention provides an aerosol generation system and an aerosol-forming article that can suppress leakage of microwaves outside the aerosol generation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol source; a storage section capable of storing at least a portion of the aerosol-forming article through an opening; a microwave oscillator that oscillates microwaves; a power supply unit that supplies power to the microwave oscillator unit; an antenna that supplies the microwave to the housing; A control unit that controls the microwave oscillator, the housing portion has a first microwave shield that blocks the microwaves, the aerosol-forming article has a second microwave shield that blocks the microwaves and allows air to pass through; the first microwave shield and the second microwave shield cooperate to form an applicator that confines the microwaves; the applicator transitions between a blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is restricted and a non-blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is possible, depending on the position of the second microwave shield; The control unit The supply of the microwave from the microwave oscillator is prohibited depending on the position of the second microwave shield.

[0008] The present invention also provides 1. A microwave-heated aerosol-forming article comprising: an aerosol source; a microwave shield arranged next to the aerosol source in a predetermined direction, blocking the microwaves and allowing air to pass through; a conductive portion electrically connected to the microwave shield, The conductive portion is The microwave shield is provided as a separate body, and provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article, It extends from the position of the microwave shield toward the aerosol source in the predetermined direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent microwaves from leaking outside the aerosol generation system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first position P1 to a third position P3 of a microwave shield SD2 of a tobacco stick 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a time chart showing the process of attaching, heating, and removing a tobacco stick 100 to the flavor inhaler 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is attached to the flavor inhaler 10 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10 of the first embodiment while the tobacco stick 100 is being heated. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a time chart showing the process of attaching, heating, and removing a tobacco stick 100 to a flavor inhaler 10 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is attached to the flavor inhaler 10 of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10 of the second embodiment while the tobacco stick 100 is being heated. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tobacco stick 100, which is a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram of a flavor inhaler 10 according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a tobacco stick 100. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a tobacco stick 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an aerosol generation system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First Embodiment (Overview of Aerosol Generation System 1) An aerosol generation system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The aerosol generation system 1 does not need to have all of the components described below, and may have a configuration that does not include some of the components.

[0013] The aerosol generation system 1 includes a tobacco stick 100 incorporating a flavor source and an aerosol source, and a flavor inhaler 10 for generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol source with microwaves and inhaling the generated aerosol. The aerosol generation system 1 is preferably sized to fit in the hand.

[0014] The tobacco stick 100 according to this embodiment has a substantially cylindrical rod shape. The tobacco stick 100 includes a tobacco rod portion 110, a mouthpiece portion (suction mouth portion) 120, and tipping paper 130 that connects them together. The mouthpiece portion 120 is connected coaxially to the tobacco rod portion 110 by being wrapped around the tobacco rod portion 110 by the tipping paper 130. Although not specifically shown, the tobacco stick 100 may have a plug portion, composed of a filter segment or the like, at the end upstream of the tobacco rod portion 110, that prevents the tobacco filler from falling out. Here, the tobacco stick 100 corresponds to the "aerosol-forming article" in the present invention. Furthermore, the tobacco rod portion 110 corresponds to the "aerosol source" in the present invention.

[0015] Reference numeral 101 denotes the mouth end of the tobacco stick 100 (mouthpiece portion 120). Reference numeral 102 denotes the tip of the tobacco stick 100 opposite the mouth end 101. The tobacco rod portion 110 is disposed on the tip 102 side of the tobacco stick 100.

[0016] The mouthpiece portion 120 is provided with a microwave shield SD2 that blocks microwaves but allows air to pass through. The tobacco stick 100 is detachable from the flavor inhaler 10 so that the microwave shield SD2 and the tobacco rod portion 110 are disposed inside the flavor inhaler 10. Details of the tobacco stick 100 will be described later using Figures 12 and 13.

[0017] The flavor inhaler 10 includes a case 11 in which various components, which will be described later, are mounted. The case 11 is provided with a storage section 12 capable of storing at least a portion of the tobacco stick 100 through an opening 12a, a guide section 13 disposed between the opening 12a and the storage section 12 and for guiding the insertion of the tobacco stick 100, and an air flow path 14 communicating with the storage section 12 and capable of introducing air into the storage section 12. The guide section 13 is a hole having approximately the same dimensions as the outer diameter of the tobacco stick 100, and communicates with the storage section 12. The air flow path 14 has an air intake port 14a that opens to the outside. The air flow path 14 may be provided at any position, and may be provided on the bottom surface of the storage section 12 or along the guide section 13.

[0018] The flavor inhaler 10 further includes a high-frequency oscillator 20, an antenna 21, a control unit 30, a power supply unit 40, a notification unit 50, a communication unit 60, and an occlusion detection sensor 70. These components will be described in detail below.

[0019] The high-frequency oscillator 20 is, for example, a semiconductor (solid-state) oscillator, and generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency. Examples of semiconductor oscillators include an LDMOS transistor, a GaAs FET, a SiC MESFET, and a GaN HFET. In this specification, the high-frequency electromagnetic field refers to a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 3 Hz and 3 THz. Furthermore, the microwave refers to a high-frequency electromagnetic field between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. The high-frequency oscillator 20 is not particularly limited, but may generate microwaves with a frequency of 2.40 to 2.50 GHz. In this embodiment, the high-frequency oscillator 20 generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz. Here, the high-frequency oscillator 20 corresponds to the "microwave oscillator" in the present invention.

[0020] The high-frequency oscillator 20 may include an amplifier for amplifying the high-frequency electromagnetic field. The high-frequency oscillator 20 itself may have the amplifier function, or an amplifier may be provided using electronic components separate from the high-frequency oscillator 20.

[0021] Although magnetron oscillators are also used as devices for generating high-frequency electromagnetic fields, when a semiconductor oscillator is used as the high-frequency oscillator 20, it is possible to make the main body smaller than when a magnetron oscillator is used. Furthermore, semiconductor oscillators can operate at a lower operating voltage than magnetron oscillators, and have high frequency stability and output stability. However, the high-frequency oscillator 20 of this embodiment may be a magnetron oscillator as long as it can generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field of a predetermined frequency.

[0022] The microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillator 20 propagate through the waveguide 22 and are guided to the antenna 21. The antenna 21 radiates the microwaves for heating the aerosol source into the housing 12. Note that a coaxial cable may be used instead of the waveguide 22. Furthermore, when the high-frequency oscillator 20 and the antenna 21 are directly connected, the waveguide 22 or the coaxial cable may be omitted.

[0023] Antenna 21 is, for example, rod-shaped and radiates microwaves radially outward. The antenna length can be set appropriately depending on the frequency of the radiated high-frequency electromagnetic waves. For example, if antenna 21 is a rod-shaped antenna (dipole antenna) and the frequency of the generated microwaves is 2.45 GHz (wavelength of approximately 120 mm), the antenna length can be set to approximately 30 mm (i.e., 1 / 4 wavelength). The antenna diameter is, for example, 1 mm. The shape of antenna 21 is not limited to a rod shape, and for example, a planar antenna (such as a patch antenna) may also be used.

[0024] The antenna 21 is arranged so that the microwave oscillation point faces the storage portion 12. Various modes can be adopted for arranging the antenna 21. At least a portion of the antenna 21 may be arranged so that it is located inside the storage portion 12. Furthermore, at least a portion of the antenna 21 may be arranged so that it is inserted into or pierced into the tobacco stick 100 inside the storage portion 12. Furthermore, the antenna 21 may be arranged so that it is in contact with the tobacco stick 100, or may be arranged spaced apart from the tobacco stick 100. Furthermore, the antenna 21 does not have to be located inside the storage portion 12, and a waveguide may be provided between the antenna 21 and the storage portion 12.

[0025] The waveguide 22 is a tube that connects the high-frequency oscillator 20 and the antenna 21 and guides the microwaves generated by the high-frequency oscillator 20 to the antenna 21. The waveguide 22 may be provided with an isolator that protects the high-frequency oscillator 20 by absorbing reflected waves that are not absorbed by the tobacco stick 100 and return toward the high-frequency oscillator 20. The waveguide 22 may also be provided with a power monitor that detects the power of the incident wave from the high-frequency oscillator 20 and the power of the reflected wave from the tobacco stick 100, or an impedance matching unit that matches the impedance on the high-frequency oscillator 20 side with the impedance on the tobacco stick 100 side to reduce the power of the reflected wave.

[0026] The control unit 30 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the flavor inhaler 10 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 30 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0027] The power supply unit 40 supplies power to the high-frequency oscillation unit 20 under the control of the control unit 30. The power supply unit 40 is configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0028] The notification unit 50 notifies the user of information based on the control of the control unit 30. Information notified to the user includes, for example, detection of insertion of the tobacco stick 100, start of heating by microwaves, transition of the aerosol to a state where it can be inhaled, error information, and the remaining charge of the power supply unit 40. The notification unit 50 may be configured with a light-emitting element such as an LED, a vibration element such as a vibration motor, or a sound output element. The notification unit 50 may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the group consisting of a light-emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound output element.

[0029] The communication unit 60 is an interface that acquires information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 10 and transmits it to an external data server or a user's mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a data server, etc.), and also receives data from a data server, etc. For example, the communication unit 60 transmits information about the usage status of the flavor inhaler 10, such as error information and information about the date and time of use, to a data server, etc. This allows the manufacturer of the flavor inhaler 10 to understand the usage status of the flavor inhaler 10 and to create information about updating the firmware built into the control unit 30. The communication unit 60 can receive information about firmware updates.

[0030] The communication unit 60 can communicate with a data server, etc., by, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is a short-distance wireless communication, or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), which is a long-distance wireless communication. Note that the communication between the communication unit 60 and the data server, etc., is not limited to the above-mentioned wireless communication, and may be another form of wireless communication or wired communication.

[0031] The shielding detection sensor 70 is a sensor that detects the position of the microwave shield SD2 of the tobacco stick 100. The shielding detection sensor 70 is, for example, an induction-type proximity sensor or a capacitance-type proximity sensor, but is not limited to these, and a contact-type sensor such as a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or the like may also be used. The shielding detection sensor 70 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the guide portion 13 described below, and is arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the microwave shield SD2 in the insertion direction when the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is complete. Here, the shielding detection sensor 70 corresponds to the "detection unit" and "first detection unit" in the present invention.

[0032] (Microwave shielding structure) Next, the microwave shielding structure formed by the storage portion 12, the guide portion 13, and the tobacco stick 100 will be described.

[0033] A microwave shield SD1 is formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the accommodation section 12 and the guide section 13 and on the air flow path 14 to prevent microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator section 20 from leaking to the outside. The microwave shield SD1 is composed of a microwave shield SD1a formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the accommodation section 12 and the guide section 13, and a microwave shield SD1b formed in the air flow path 14 near the accommodation section 12.

[0034] The microwave shield SD1a is made of a material that is opaque to microwaves, such as a metal layer made of at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, and alloys containing these. This metal layer is formed, for example, by plating or applying a film. Instead of a metal layer, the housing portion 12 and the guide portion 13 themselves may be formed as metal moldings, in which case the housing portion 12 and the guide portion 13 themselves constitute the microwave shield SD1a.

[0035] The microwave shield SD1b has a plurality of holes, and the microwave shield SD1b blocks microwaves while allowing air to pass through. Like the microwave shield SD1a, the microwave shield SD1b is made of a material that is opaque to microwaves. The microwave shield SD1b is, for example, a metal mesh or a punched metal. The microwave shield SD1b may also be formed by coating the surface of a material such as resin with the above-mentioned metal material. With this configuration, a lightweight and inexpensive microwave shield SD1b can be formed. The microwave shield SD1b may also be provided near the air intake 14a. Here, the microwave shield SD1 corresponds to the "first microwave shield" in this invention.

[0036] The microwave shield SD2 of the tobacco stick 100 has a plurality of holes formed therein so as to block microwaves while allowing air to pass through. The microwave shield SD2 is, for example, a metal mesh or a punched metal. Like the microwave shield SD1, the microwave shield SD2 is made of a material that is opaque to microwaves, and is formed of, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, and alloys containing these. The microwave shield SD2 may also be formed by coating the surface of a material such as resin with the above-mentioned metal material. With this configuration, a lightweight and inexpensive microwave shield SD2 can be formed. Here, the microwave shield SD2 corresponds to the "second microwave shield" in this invention.

[0037] When the tobacco stick 100 is securely attached to the flavor inhaler 10, the microwave shield SD2 is disposed at a position where the guide portion 13 is formed in the insertion direction of the tobacco stick 100. As a result, microwaves propagating from the storage portion 12 toward the microwave shield SD2 are blocked by the microwave shield SD2. Note that, in the attached state, the microwave shield SD2 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the opening 12a. This is to prevent the microwave shield SD2 from being immediately positioned outside the guide portion 13, which could result in microwave leakage, if the tobacco stick 100 is unintentionally removed from the flavor inhaler 10 by the user during microwave heating.

[0038] As described above, holes are formed in the microwave shield SD1b and the microwave shield SD2 to allow air to pass through. Generally, if the diameter of the hole is smaller than half the wavelength of the microwave, the microwave will not pass through the hole and will be blocked, so the diameter of the hole needs to be smaller than half the wavelength of the microwave. In this embodiment, the wavelength of microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz is approximately 120 mm, so the diameter of the hole should be smaller than 60 mm.

[0039] Generally, the outer diameter of the tobacco stick 100 is designed to be smaller than 60 mm, and therefore the diameter of the holes formed in the microwave shield SD2 is also designed to be smaller than 60 mm. The diameter of the holes formed in the microwave shield SD1b is also designed to be smaller than 60 mm. However, even if the hole diameter is smaller than 60 mm, there is a risk of some microwaves leaking if the hole has a certain size. Furthermore, there is also a risk of some microwaves leaking if the aperture ratio (the ratio of holes to the area of the microwave shield) is large. Therefore, in order to suppress microwave leakage, it is preferable to reduce the hole diameter and aperture ratio, but reducing these increases the difficulty of air passing through (airflow resistance). Therefore, it is preferable to design the hole diameter and aperture ratio taking into consideration microwave blocking and airflow resistance.

[0040] The microwave shields SD1 and SD2 configured in this manner cooperate with each other to form an applicator AP that confines microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator 20. When the microwave shield SD2 is located inside the guide part 13, the applicator AP is in a blocking state in which propagation of microwaves from the applicator AP to the outside is restricted, and when the microwave shield SD2 is located outside the guide part 13 (i.e., outside the flavor inhaler 10), the applicator AP is in a non-blocking state in which propagation of microwaves from the applicator AP to the outside is permitted. In other words, the applicator AP transitions between a blocking state and a non-blocking state depending on the position of the microwave shield SD2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, when the microwave shield SD2 is located inside the guide section 13 and the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is completed, the position of the microwave shield SD2 is defined as a first position P1. When the microwave shield SD2 is at the first position P1, the shielding detection sensor 70 detects the position of the microwave shield SD2 and is turned ON. Next, when the removal of the tobacco stick 100 begins, the microwave shield SD2 enters a state where the microwave shield SD2 is located inside the guide section 13 and the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is not completed. The position of the microwave shield SD2 at this time is defined as a second position P2. The second position P2 is a position farther away from the storage section 12 than the first position P1. As the removal of the tobacco stick 100 progresses further, the microwave shield SD2 is positioned outside the guide section 13. The position of the microwave shield SD2 at this time is defined as a third position P3. The third position P3 is a position farther away from the storage section 12 than the second position P2. In this manner, the microwave shield SD2 is movable between a first position P1, a second position P2, and a third position P3.

[0042] As described above, the applicator AP transitions between the blocking state and the non-blocking state depending on the position of the microwave shield SD2, i.e., the position of the microwave shield SD2 from the first position P1 to the third position P3. Specifically, when the microwave shield SD2 is at the first position P1 and the second position P2, the microwave shield SD2 is located inside the guide portion 13, and therefore the applicator AP is in the blocking state. On the other hand, when the microwave shield SD2 is at the third position P3, the microwave shield SD2 is located outside the guide portion 13, and therefore the applicator AP is in the non-blocking state.

[0043] (Microwave supply control) Next, a description will be given of the control of the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 and when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10. These controls are executed by the control unit 30. Note that, with regard to the removal of the tobacco stick 100, the following description will focus on the case where the tobacco stick 100 is removed by the user while the tobacco stick 100 is being heated. Therefore, a description will be omitted of the case where the tobacco stick 100 is removed after the heating of the tobacco stick 100 has been completed normally or forcibly terminated due to an error.

[0044] First, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 will be described.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3 , at time t0, which is the initial state, the microwave shield SD2 is located at the third position P3. At this time, the high-frequency oscillator 20 is in the OFF state, the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the OFF state, and the applicator AP is in the non-shielding state. As the tobacco stick 100 is further inserted, at time t1, the microwave shield SD2 is located at the second position P2. At this time, the applicator AP is in the shielding state, but the high-frequency oscillator 20 is in the OFF state and the shielding detection sensor 70 is maintained in the OFF state. As the tobacco stick 100 is further inserted, at time t2, the microwave shield SD2 reaches the first position. At this time, the shielding detection sensor 70 detects that the microwave shield SD2 is located at the first position and is turned on. In addition, the shielding detection sensor 70 transmits a signal indicating that it is in the ON state to the control unit 30. The high-frequency oscillator 20 is maintained in the OFF state.

[0046] At time t3, in response to receiving a signal from the occlusion detection sensor 70, the control unit 30 switches the high-frequency oscillator unit 20 to the ON state, allowing the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20. After time t3, the tobacco stick 100 is heated.

[0047] 4 shows a control flow by the control unit 30. When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10, in step S10, the control unit 30 determines whether the shielding detection sensor 70 has detected that the microwave shield SD2 is placed in the first position, that is, whether the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the ON state. If the shielding detection sensor 70 is not in the ON state (NO), the control unit 30 returns to step S10 and monitors until the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the ON state. If the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the ON state (YES), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the control unit 30 allows the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillation unit 20, and in step S12, the tobacco stick 100 is heated.

[0048] In step S12, heating may be started in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button provided on the flavor inhaler 10, or may be started automatically after completion of step S11. Furthermore, when an instruction to start heating is given by a user operation, such as pressing a button, during the state of step S10, the supply of microwaves is prohibited, and the notification unit 50 notifies the user that heating will not be started.

[0049] In this way, when the microwave shield SD2 is placed in the first position, the control unit 30 allows the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillation unit 20. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that microwaves will leak to the outside.

[0050] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10 will be described.

[0051] After time t3 when the tobacco stick 100 is being heated, the user may pull out the tobacco stick 100. The user may also unintentionally detach the tobacco stick 100. In this case, unless the supply of microwaves is prohibited before the applicator AP enters the non-blocking state, there is a risk that the microwaves will leak outside the flavor inhaler 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to prohibit the supply of microwaves in response to the transition of the blockage detection sensor 70 from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, at time t4, removal of the tobacco stick 100 begins, and the microwave shield SD2 is located at the second position P2. At this time, the occlusion detection sensor 70 is turned off, but the applicator AP remains in the blocked state. As the occlusion detection sensor 70 is turned off, the occlusion detection sensor 70 stops transmitting the signal indicating the ON state as described above, and reception of this signal by the control unit 30 is cut off. As a result, at time t5, the control unit 30 switches the high-frequency oscillator unit 20 to the OFF state, and stops the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20. As the removal of the tobacco stick 100 continues, at time t6, the microwave shield SD2 is located at a third position outside the guide unit 13. At this time, the applicator AP transitions to the non-blocking state.

[0053] 5 shows a control flow by the control unit 30. During heating with microwaves, in step S20, it is determined whether the occlusion detection sensor 70 has switched to the OFF state. If the occlusion detection sensor 70 has not switched to the OFF state (NO), the process returns to step S20 again and monitors the occlusion detection sensor 70 until it switches to the OFF state. If the occlusion detection sensor 70 has switched to the OFF state (YES), the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the control unit 30 stops the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20, and the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the notification unit 50 notifies the user that the supply of microwaves has been stopped.

[0054] In this way, when the shielding detection sensor 70 switches from the ON state to the OFF state and the microwave shield SD2 is disposed at the second position P2, which is in the shielding state, the control unit 30 is configured to stop the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20. Therefore, the supply of microwaves can be prohibited before the applicator AP enters the non-shielding state, and the possibility of microwaves leaking to the outside can be reduced.

[0055] Second Embodiment (Overview of Aerosol Generation System 1) Next, an aerosol generation system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The aerosol generation system 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the flavor inhaler 10 further includes an insertion detection sensor 71 that detects the insertion of a tobacco stick 100. Members common to those of the first embodiment are denoted by common reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0056] The insertion detection sensor 71 is turned on when the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is complete, and is turned off when the tobacco stick 100 is in the middle of being inserted or when the tobacco stick 100 is removed. The insertion detection sensor 71 is, for example, a capacitance-type proximity sensor, but is not limited to this, and a contact-type sensor such as a pressure sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or the like may also be used. Here, the insertion detection sensor 71 corresponds to the "second detection unit" in the present invention.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 6, the insertion detection sensor 71 is disposed at the bottom of the storage section 12, and detects the completion of insertion of the tobacco stick 100. However, the insertion detection sensor 71 only needs to be able to detect the insertion of the tobacco stick 100, and may be disposed in the guide section 13 or midway through the storage section 12. Detection by the insertion detection sensor 71 is repeatedly performed when the flavor inhaler 10 is in an operating state.

[0058] (Microwave supply control) Next, the control of the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 and when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10 will be described.

[0059] First, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10 will be described.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7 , at time t0, which is the initial state, the microwave shield SD2 is located at the third position P3. At this time, the high-frequency oscillator 20 is in the OFF state, the insertion detection sensor 71 is in the OFF state, the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the OFF state, and the applicator AP is in the non-shielding state. As the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 progresses, at time t1, the microwave shield SD2 is located at the second position P2. At this time, the applicator AP is in the shielding state, but the high-frequency oscillator 20 is in the OFF state, and the shielding detection sensor 70 remains in the OFF state. As the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 further progresses, at time t2, the microwave shield SD2 reaches the first position. At this time, the shielding detection sensor 70 detects that the microwave shield SD2 is located at the first position and is in the ON state. In addition, the shielding detection sensor 70 transmits a signal indicating the ON state to the control unit 30. Thereafter, at time t3, the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is completed. At this time, the insertion detection sensor 71 detects the completion of insertion of the tobacco stick 100 and turns ON. The insertion detection sensor 71 also transmits a signal indicating the ON state to the control unit 30. The high-frequency oscillation unit 20 remains OFF.

[0061] At time t4, in response to receiving signals transmitted from the occlusion detection sensor 70 and the insertion detection sensor 71, the control unit 30 switches the high-frequency oscillator unit 20 to the ON state, allowing the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20. After time t4, the tobacco stick 100 is heated.

[0062] 8 shows a control flow by the control unit 30. When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10, in step S30, the control unit 30 determines whether the insertion detection sensor 71 is in the ON state. If the insertion detection sensor 71 is not in the ON state (NO), the control unit 30 returns to step S30 and monitors until the insertion detection sensor 71 is in the ON state. If the insertion detection sensor 71 is in the ON state (YES), the control unit 30 proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the control unit 30 determines whether the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the ON state. If the shielding detection sensor 70 is in the ON state, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the control unit 30 allows the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillation unit 20, and in step S33, the tobacco stick 100 is heated.

[0063] In step S33, heating may be started in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button provided on the flavor inhaler 10, or may be started automatically after completion of step S32. Furthermore, when an instruction to start heating is given by a user operation, such as pressing a button, during the state of step S30, the supply of microwaves is prohibited, and the notification unit 50 notifies the user that heating will not be started.

[0064] Here, a case where the shielding detection sensor 70 does not enter the ON state (NO) in step S31 will be described. A case where the shielding detection sensor 70 does not enter the ON state even though the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 is detected (step S30: YES) is when, for example, the inserted aerosol-forming article does not have the microwave shield SD2. That is, when an unauthorized aerosol-forming article other than the flavor inhaler 10 of this embodiment is inserted. In such a case, the control unit 30 prohibits the supply of microwaves in step S34. Then, in step S35, the notification unit 50 notifies the user that the supply of microwaves has been prohibited, i.e., that heating of the aerosol-forming article will not be performed.

[0065] In this way, when the shielding detection sensor 70 detects that the microwave shield SD2 is located in the first position and the insertion detection sensor 71 detects that the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted into the storage portion 12, the control portion 30 allows the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator portion 20. This also makes it possible to reduce the possibility of microwaves leaking to the outside.

[0066] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the insertion detection sensor 71 is configured to turn on after the occlusion detection sensor 70 turns on. However, the occlusion detection sensor 70 may be configured to turn on at the same time as the insertion detection sensor 71 turns on, or after the insertion detection sensor 71 turns on.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, a control flow relating to the supply of microwaves when the tobacco stick 100 is removed from the flavor inhaler 10 will be described.

[0068] After time t4 when the tobacco stick 100 is being heated, the user may pull out the tobacco stick 100. The user may also unintentionally remove the tobacco stick 100. In this case, unless the supply of microwaves is prohibited before the applicator AP enters the non-blocking state, there is a risk that microwaves will leak outside the flavor inhaler 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to prohibit the supply of microwaves in response to the insertion detection sensor 71 transitioning from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, at time t5 during heating, removal of the tobacco stick 100 begins. At this time, the insertion detection sensor 71 turns OFF, but the blocking detection sensor 70 remains ON, and the applicator AP remains blocked. As the insertion detection sensor 71 turns OFF, it stops transmitting the signal indicating the ON state as described above, and reception of this signal by the control unit 30 is cut off. The high-frequency oscillation unit 20 remains ON.

[0070] When reception of the signal from the insertion detection sensor 71 is cut off, the control unit 30 switches the high-frequency oscillator unit 20 to the OFF state at time t6 before the occlusion detection sensor 70 is turned OFF, thereby stopping the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20. Thereafter, at time t7, the microwave shield SD2 is located in the second position. At this time, the occlusion detection sensor 70 is turned OFF. As the occlusion detection sensor 70 is turned OFF, it no longer transmits the signal indicating the ON state as described above, and reception of this signal by the control unit 30 is cut off. After the signal from the occlusion detection sensor 70 is cut off, the applicator AP transitions from the cut-off state to the non-cut-off state at time t8. Note that the applicator AP may transition from the cut-off state to the non-cut-off state simultaneously with the signal from the occlusion detection sensor 70 being cut off.

[0071] 9 shows a control flow by the control unit 30. During heating with microwaves, in step S40, it is determined whether the insertion detection sensor 71 has switched to the OFF state. If the insertion detection sensor 71 has not switched to the OFF state (NO), the process returns to step S40 again and monitors until the insertion detection sensor 71 switches to the OFF state. If the insertion detection sensor 71 has switched to the OFF state (YES), the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the control unit 30 stops the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20, and the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the notification unit 50 notifies the user that the supply of microwaves has been stopped.

[0072] 7, when the tobacco stick 100 is removed, the control unit 30 is configured to stop the supply of microwaves from the high-frequency oscillator unit 20 in response to the insertion detection sensor 71 switching to the OFF state before the occlusion detection sensor 70 switches to the OFF state. Therefore, the supply of microwaves can be stopped more quickly than when the supply of microwaves is stopped in response to the occlusion detection sensor 70 switching to the OFF state.

[0073] Note that, when the tobacco stick 100 is removed, the signal from the insertion detection sensor 71 may be cut off (to the OFF state) after the signal from the occlusion detection sensor 70 is cut off (to the OFF state). In this case, after the signal from the insertion detection sensor 71 is cut off, the control unit 30 may stop the supply of microwaves before the applicator AP is brought into the non-blocking state.

[0074] Variation 1 FIG. 10 shows a tobacco stick 100 according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0075] The tobacco stick 100 is provided with a conductive part 104 that is electrically connected to the microwave shield SD2. The conductive part 104 is formed in a ring shape on the outer circumferential surface of the tobacco stick 100, extending around the outer periphery of the microwave shield SD2. The conductive part 104 is formed of, for example, a thin foil. Because the conductive part 104 is electrically connected to the microwave shield SD2, the shielding detection sensor 70 can detect the conductive part 104, thereby also detecting the microwave shield SD2.

[0076] The conductive portion 104 extends from the position of the microwave shield SD2 toward the tobacco rod portion 110 in the axial direction of the tobacco stick 100. This increases the area in which the position of the microwave shield SD2 can be detected. Furthermore, the distance L from the microwave shield SD2 to the end of the conductive portion 104 on the tobacco rod portion 110 side can increase the time difference between detection by the insertion detection sensor 71 and detection by the shielding detection sensor 70 in the second embodiment. Specifically, in FIG. 7, the time difference between the time t5 when the insertion detection sensor 71 is switched OFF and the time t7 when the shielding detection sensor 70 is switched OFF can be increased. Note that the configuration of the tobacco stick 100 is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the microwave shield SD2 is thickened in the axial direction may be associated with the conductive portion 104 as a configuration that increases the above-mentioned time difference.

[0077] The conductive part 104 also has a microwave shielding function. Even if the microwave shield SD2 is positioned outside the guide part 13 during the process of removing the tobacco stick 100, a microwave shielding structure is formed by the microwave shield SD2, the conductive part 104, and the microwave shield SD1. Therefore, the period during which the applicator AP is in the blocked state can be extended.

[0078] Variation 2 FIG. 11 shows a flavor inhaler 10 according to a modified example of the present invention.

[0079] A plurality of protrusions 13a are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide portion 13 of the flavor inhaler 10, from the opening 12a side toward the housing portion 12 side. Each of the protrusions 13a has a semicircular cross section and is provided in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the guide portion 13. The surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 13a are made of a material that is opaque to microwaves, such as a metal layer made of at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel, silver, gold, copper, nickel, chromium, and alloys containing these. This metal layer constitutes the microwave shield SD1. The plurality of protrusions 13a may themselves be formed of a metal, in which case the plurality of protrusions 13a themselves constitute the microwave shield SD1.

[0080] The multiple protrusions 13a protrude in the axial direction of the guide part 13 so as to be able to come into contact with the tobacco stick 100. This reduces the insertion resistance when inserting the tobacco stick 100 into the guide part 13 compared to when the multiple protrusions 13a are not provided.

[0081] Furthermore, since the microwave shield SD1 formed on the plurality of protrusions 13a is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, when the tobacco stick 100 comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions 13a, it is possible to cool the smoke passing through the tobacco stick 100. This cooling function can be adjusted by adjusting the number of protrusions 13a and the contact area with the tobacco stick 100.

[0082] <Composition of tobacco sticks> Next, with reference to Figs. 12 and 13, the configuration of the tobacco stick 100 in the first and second embodiments will be described in detail.

[0083] As described above, the tobacco stick 100 includes a tobacco rod portion 110, a mouthpiece portion (mouthpiece portion) 120, tipping paper 130, and a microwave shield SD2. In the example shown in Figures 12 and 13, the tobacco stick 100 has a substantially constant diameter over the 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. The X and Y directions in Figures 12 and 13 are directions perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0084] <Tip paper> The material of the tipping paper 130 is not particularly limited, and can be paper made from general plant fiber (pulp), a sheet made from polymer-based chemical fiber (polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc.), a polymer-based sheet, metal foil, or a composite material combining these. For example, the tipping paper 130 can be made from a composite material in which a polymer-based sheet is bonded to a paper base material. Note that the tipping paper 130 referred to here refers to a sheet-like material that connects multiple segments of the tobacco stick 100, for example, connecting the tobacco rod portion 110 and the mouthpiece portion 120.

[0085] The basis weight of the tipping 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 tipping paper 130 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0 Coresta units or more and 30,000 Coresta units or less, and preferably more than 0 Coresta units and 10,000 Coresta units or less. The air permeability is a value measured in accordance with ISO 2965:2009, and is the value of the air permeability measured at a pressure difference of 1 kPa between the two surfaces of the paper and an area of 1 cm per minute. 2 Flow rate of gas passing through (cm3 ) 1 Coresta Unit (1 Coresta Unit, 1 C.U.) is cm under 1 kPa. 3 / (min·cm 2 )

[0086] In addition to the pulp, the tipping paper 130 may contain fillers, such as metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, metal oxides such as titanium oxide, titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide, metal sulfates such as barium sulfate and calcium sulfate, metal sulfides such as zinc sulfide, quartz, kaolin, talc, diatomaceous earth, gypsum, etc., and it is particularly preferable that the tipping paper 130 contains calcium carbonate from the viewpoints of improving whiteness and opacity and increasing the heating rate. Furthermore, these fillers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0087] In addition to the pulp and fillers, various auxiliary agents may be added to the tipping paper 130. For example, the tipping paper 130 may contain a water resistance improver to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents 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 more.

[0088] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces, the front and back surfaces, of the tipping paper 130. 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 liquid permeability is preferred.

[0089] The method for producing the tipping paper 130 is not particularly limited, and a general method can be applied, for example, in the case of an embodiment in which pulp is the main component, a method can be mentioned in which the texture is adjusted and made uniform using pulp in a papermaking process using a Fourdrinier paper machine, a cylinder paper machine, a combined cylinder and short-circuit paper machine, etc. If necessary, a wet strength agent can be added to impart water resistance to the cigarette paper, or a sizing agent can be added to adjust the printing condition of the cigarette paper.

[0090] <Tobacco rod part> The configuration of the tobacco rod portion 110 is not particularly limited and may be any common configuration. For example, a tobacco filler 111 wrapped in cigarette paper 112 may be used.

[0091] [Tobacco filler] The tobacco filler 111 contains, as a flavor source, for example, tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf extracts, or processed products thereof. In this embodiment, the tobacco filler 111 is configured to contain tobacco shreds. The material of the tobacco shreds contained in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina or ribs can be used. Alternatively, the tobacco filler 111 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 tobacco grounds, homogenizing the resulting grounds, and processing them into a sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as a homogenized sheet). Furthermore, the tobacco filler 111 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 approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tobacco rod and filled into the tobacco rod. The width of the tobacco shreds 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 may be 200 mg or more and 800 mg or less per rod portion, and preferably 250 mg or more and 600 mg or less per rod portion. This range is particularly suitable for a tobacco rod portion 110 having a circumference of 22 mm and a length of 20 mm.

[0092] Various types of tobacco can be used for the production of shredded tobacco and homogenized sheets. Examples include flue-cured tobacco, burley, oriental tobacco, native tobacco, other Nicotiana tabacum varieties, Nicotiana rustica varieties, and mixtures thereof. Mixtures can be created by blending the aforementioned varieties appropriately to achieve the desired flavor. Details of the tobacco varieties are disclosed in the "Encyclopedia of Tobacco," published by the Tobacco Research Center on March 31, 2009. There are several conventional methods for producing homogenized sheets, i.e., grinding tobacco leaves and processing them into homogenized sheets. The first method is to produce a paper-making sheet using a papermaking process. The second method involves mixing a suitable solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, then casting a thin layer of the homogenized material onto a metal plate or metal belt and drying it to produce a cast sheet. The third method involves mixing a suitable solvent, such as water, with ground tobacco leaves to homogenize them, and extruding the mixture into a sheet to produce a rolled sheet. The types of the homogenizing sheets are disclosed in detail in "Encyclopedia of Tobacco, Tobacco Research Center, March 31, 2009."

[0093] The moisture content of the tobacco filler 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, based on the total amount of the tobacco filler 111. Such a moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco rod portion 110 and improves the suitability for wrapping during the production of the tobacco rod portion 110. There are no particular restrictions on the size or preparation method of the tobacco shreds contained in the tobacco filler 111. For example, dried tobacco leaves shredded to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less may be used. Furthermore, when using a ground homogenized sheet, dried tobacco leaves may be ground to an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm, homogenized, and then processed into a sheet, which may then be shredded to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0094] The tobacco filler 111 contains an aerosol base that generates aerosol smoke. The type of aerosol base is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. Examples of aerosol bases include glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol base in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and 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, based on the total weight of the tobacco filler.

[0095] The tobacco filler 111 may contain a flavoring. The type of the flavoring is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoint of imparting a good flavor, the following may be used: acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru 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-citronellal, ... Nerol, clary sage extract, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, delta-decalactone, gamma-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 phenylacetate, 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, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, la Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl 2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadecamethyl Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, alpha-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-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1,3-cyclohexene) Examples of the fragrance include (oxadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), and ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide) acetate (WS-5), with menthol being particularly preferred. These fragrances may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0096] The content of flavoring in the tobacco filler 111 is not particularly limited, and 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 is 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.

[0097] [Scrolling paper] The cigarette paper 112 is a sheet material for wrapping the tobacco filler 111, and its composition is not particularly limited, and a common one can be used. For example, the base paper used for the cigarette paper 112 can be cellulose fiber paper, and more specifically, hemp, wood, or a mixture thereof. The basis weight of the base paper in the cigarette paper 112 is, for example, usually 20 gsm or more, and preferably 25 gsm or more. On the other hand, the basis weight is usually 65 gsm or less, preferably 50 gsm or less, and more preferably 45 gsm or less. The thickness of the cigarette paper 112 having the above properties is not particularly limited, and from the viewpoints 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 usually 100 μm or less, preferably 75 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or less.

[0098] The cigarette paper 112 for the tobacco rod portion 110 (tobacco filler 111) may have a square or rectangular shape. When used as cigarette paper 112 for wrapping the tobacco filler 111 (for producing the tobacco rod portion 110), the length of one side may be approximately 6 mm to 70 mm, and the length of the other side may be 15 mm to 28 mm, with the preferred length of the other side being 22 mm to 24 mm, and the more preferred length being approximately 23 mm.

[0099] In addition to the above-mentioned pulp, the cigarette paper 112 may contain a filler. The content of the filler can be 10% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight, and preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the cigarette paper 112. In the cigarette paper 112, within the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm or more and 45 gsm or less), the filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less. Furthermore, when the basis weight is 25 gsm or more and 35 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 15% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less, and when the basis weight is more than 35 gsm and 45 gsm or less, the filler content is preferably 25% by weight or more and 45% by weight or less. As the filler, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin, etc. can be used, but calcium carbonate is preferably used from the viewpoint of enhancing flavor and whiteness, etc.

[0100] Various auxiliary agents other than the base paper and fillers may be added to the wrapping paper 112. For example, a water resistance improver may be added to improve water resistance. Water resistance improvers include wet strength agents (WS agents) and sizing agents. Examples of wet strength agents include urea-formaldehyde resin, melamine-formaldehyde resin, polyamide epichlorohydrin (PAE), etc. 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 more. A paper strength agent may also be added as an auxiliary agent, and examples of such an auxiliary agent include polyacrylamide, cationic starch, oxidized starch, CMC, polyamide epichlorohydrin resin, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, it is known that the use of a very small amount of oxidized starch improves the breathability (for example, JP 2017-218699 A). The wrapping paper 112 may be coated as appropriate.

[0101] A coating agent may be added to at least one of the two surfaces, the front and back surfaces, of the wrapping paper 112. There are no particular limitations on the coating agent, but a coating agent that can form a film on the surface of the paper and reduce liquid permeability is preferred. Examples of the coating agent include polysaccharides such as alginic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium salts), pectin, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and nitrocellulose, 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).

[0102] The axial length of the tobacco rod portion 110 can be changed appropriately according to the size of the product, but is, for example, 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 12 mm or more, and even more preferably 18 mm or more, and is usually 70 mm or less, preferably 50 mm or less, more preferably 30 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less.

[0103] <Mouthpiece section> The configuration of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited and can be any common configuration. In the configuration shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, the mouthpiece portion 120 includes two segments (divisions), namely, a cooling segment 121 and a filter segment 122. The cooling segment 121 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the filter segment 122 while abutting against them. In other configurations, 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.

[0104] [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, and an example thereof is a cylindrical piece of cardboard. In this case, the inside of the cylinder is hollow, and the vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor components is cooled by contact with the air in the hollow.

[0105] One embodiment of the cooling segment 121 may be a paper tube formed by processing a single sheet of paper or multiple sheets of paper into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, it is preferable that the paper tube has holes around it for introducing external air, so that room-temperature external air comes into contact with high-temperature steam to enhance the cooling effect. The cooling segment 121 is provided with ventilation holes 103, which are openings for introducing 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 around the circumferential direction of the cooling segment 121. Furthermore, the group of ventilation holes 103 arranged around the circumferential direction of the cooling segment 121 may be formed in multiple stages along the axial direction of the cooling segment 121. By providing the ventilation holes 103 in the cooling segment 121, low-temperature air flows into the cooling segment 121 from the outside when the tobacco stick 100 is sucked, thereby lowering the temperature of the volatile components and air flowing in from the tobacco rod portion 110. The vapor containing the aerosol base material and tobacco flavor components is cooled by the low-temperature air introduced into the cooling segment 121 through the ventilation holes 103, causing it to condense. This promotes aerosol generation and allows the size of the aerosol particles to be controlled. The cooling effect can also be increased by coating the inner surface of the paper tube with a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or a polysaccharide such as pectin, utilizing the heat of dissolution associated with the heat absorption and phase change of the coating. The airflow resistance of this cylindrical cooling segment is zero mmH2O.

[0106] When the cooling segment 121 is filled with a sheet or the like for cooling the 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, and may be, for example, 300 mm2 / mm or more, 1000mm 2 / mm or less. This surface area is the surface area per length (mm) of the cooling segment 121 in the airflow direction. The total surface area of the cooling segment 121 is 400 mm 2 / mm or more is preferable, and 450mm 2 / mm or more is more preferable, while 600mm 2 / mm or less is preferable, and 550mm 2 / mm or less is more preferable.

[0107] It is desirable for the cooling segment 121 to have a large total surface area due to its internal structure. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the cooling segment 121 may be formed from a thin sheet of material that is wrinkled to form channels, and then pleated, gathered, and folded. The more folds or pleats within a given volume of the element, the greater the 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, from 5 μm to 500 μm, or from 10 μm to 250 μm.

[0108] It is also desirable to use paper as the material for the cooling sheet member from the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load. Paper as the material for the cooling sheet has a basis weight of 30 to 100 g / m 2 The thickness is preferably 20 to 100 μm. From the viewpoint of minimizing the removal of flavor source components and aerosol base components in the cooling segment, it is desirable that the air permeability of the paper used as the cooling sheet material is low, and the air permeability is preferably 10 Coresta or less. By applying a polymer porting such as polyvinyl alcohol or a coating of a polysaccharide such as pectin to the paper used as the cooling sheet material, the cooling effect can be increased by utilizing the heat of solution associated with the endothermic heat and phase change of the coating.

[0109] The ventilation hole 103 in the cooling segment 121 is preferably 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 prevents components generated by heating from remaining in the cooling segment 121, thereby improving the delivery amount of the components. Note that the tipping paper 130 preferably has an opening directly above the ventilation hole 103 provided in the cooling segment 121 (at a position where they overlap vertically). The openings in the cooling segment 121 are preferably arranged so that the air inflow rate (volume rate of air inflowing through the openings when the volume rate of air inhaled from the mouth end is taken as 100 volume%) when inhaled at 17.5 ml / sec using an automatic smoking machine is 10 to 90 volume%, preferably 50 to 80 volume%, and more preferably 55 to 75 volume%. For example, this can be achieved by selecting the number of openings V per opening group from a range of 5 to 50, selecting the diameter of the openings V from a range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm, or by combining these selections. The above air inflow rate can be measured using an automatic smoking machine (e.g., a Borgwaldt single-cigarette automatic smoking machine) according to a method conforming to ISO 9512. The axial length (airflow direction) of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited, but is typically 10 mm or more, preferably 15 mm or more, and typically 40 mm or less, preferably 35 mm or less, and more preferably 30 mm or less. It is particularly preferable that the axial length of the cooling segment 121 be 20 mm. By setting the axial length of the cooling segment 121 to be equal to or greater than the above-mentioned lower limit, a sufficient cooling effect can be ensured and a good flavor can be obtained. Furthermore, by setting the axial length of the cooling segment 121 to be equal to or less than the above-mentioned upper limit, loss caused by vapor and aerosol generated during use adhering to the inner wall of the cooling segment 121 can be suppressed.

[0110] [Filter Segment] The configuration of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited as long as it functions as a general filter. For example, it may be cellulose acetate tow processed into a cylindrical shape. The single-filament fineness and total fineness of the cellulose acetate tow are not particularly limited. However, 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 either a Y-shaped cross section or an R-shaped cross section. When the filter segment 122 is formed by packing cellulose acetate tow, 5 to 10 wt. % of triacetin may be added to the cellulose acetate tow to improve filter hardness. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the filter segment 122 is composed of a single segment, but the filter segment 122 may also 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 may be arranged on the upstream side (tobacco rod portion 110 side), and an acetate filter with a mouthpiece cross section filled with cellulose acetate tow may be arranged as a segment on the downstream side (mouthpiece end 101 side). This type of arrangement prevents unnecessary loss of the generated aerosol and improves the appearance of the tobacco stick 100. Furthermore, from the perspective of changes in the smoking sensation and comfort in the mouth, an acetate filter may be arranged on the upstream side (tobacco rod portion 110 side) and a hollow segment such as a center hole may be arranged on the downstream side (mouthpiece end 101 side). Furthermore, the filter segment 122 may be arranged using an alternative filter material, such as a paper filter filled with sheet-like pulp paper, instead of an acetate filter.

[0111] Typical functions of the filter in the filter segment 122 include, for example, adjusting the amount of air mixed in 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 tobacco filler filling rate than cigarette products, another important function is to prevent the tobacco filler from falling out while suppressing the filtering function.

[0112] The cross-sectional shape of the filter segment 122 is substantially circular. The diameter of the circle can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 4.0 mm to 9.0 mm, preferably 4.5 mm to 8.5 mm, and more preferably 5.0 mm to 8.0 mm. If the cross section is not circular, the above diameter refers to the diameter of a circle assumed to have the same area as the cross section. The circumferential length of the filter segment 122 can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 14.0 mm to 27.0 mm, preferably 15.0 mm to 26.0 mm, and more preferably 16.0 mm to 25.0 mm. The axial length of the filter segment 122 can be varied depending on the size of the product, but is typically 5 mm to 35 mm, and preferably 10.0 mm to 30.0 mm. The shape and dimensions of the filter medium can be adjusted so that the shape and dimensions of the filter segment 122 fall within the above ranges.

[0113] The airflow resistance per 120 mm of axial length of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, but is typically 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 airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO 6565), for example, using a filter airflow resistance measuring device manufactured by Cerulean Co., Ltd. The airflow resistance of the filter segment 122 refers to the air pressure difference between the first end face and the second end face when air is flowed at a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc / min) from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) of the filter segment 122 with no air permeation through the side faces. The airflow resistance is generally 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 normally used length range (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length of the filter segment 122 is doubled, the airflow resistance also doubles.

[0114] The density of the filter material in the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.10 g / cm 3 More than 0.25g / cm 3 less than 0.11 g / cm 3 More than 0.24g / cm 3 Preferably, it is 0.12 g / cm or less. 3 More than 0.23g / cm 3The following is more preferable. From the viewpoint of improving strength and structural rigidity, the filter segment 122 may be provided with a wrapper (filter plug wrapper) around which the filter medium or the like is wound. The form of the wrapper is not particularly limited, and it may include one or more rows of seams containing adhesive. The adhesive may include a hot melt adhesive, and the hot melt adhesive may further include polyvinyl alcohol. Furthermore, when the filter segment 122 is composed of two or more segments, it is preferable that the wrapper wraps these two or more segments together. The material of the wrapper in the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used, and it may also include a filler such as calcium carbonate.

[0115] The thickness of the roll is not particularly limited, but is usually 20 μm to 140 μm, preferably 30 μm to 130 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 120 μm. The basis weight of the roll is not particularly limited, but is usually 20 gsm to 100 gsm, preferably 22 gsm to 95 gsm, and more preferably 23 gsm to 90 gsm. The roll may be coated or uncoated, but is preferably coated with a desired material to impart functions other than strength and structural rigidity.

[0116] When the filter segment 122 includes a center hole segment and a filter medium, the center hole segment and the filter medium may be connected by, for example, an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper). The outer plug wrapper may be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco rod portion 110, the cooling segment 121, and the connected center hole segment and filter medium may also be connected by, for example, a mouthpiece lining paper. These connections can be made by, for example, applying glue such as vinyl acetate glue to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper, and then wrapping the tobacco rod portion 110, the cooling segment 121, and the connected center hole segment and filter medium. These may also be connected in multiple layers using multiple lining papers.

[0117] The filter medium of the filter segment 122 may include a crushable additive release container (e.g., a capsule) having a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule (also referred to in the art as an "additive release container") is not particularly limited and may be any known form, for example, a crushable additive release container having a crushable outer shell such as gelatin. The form of the capsule is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a frangible capsule, preferably spherical in shape. The additive contained in the capsule may include any of the additives described above, but preferably includes flavoring agents and activated carbon. One or more materials that help filter smoke may also be added as the additive. The form of the additive is not particularly limited, but is usually a liquid or solid. The use of capsules containing additives is well known in the art. Frangible capsules and methods for manufacturing them are well known in the art.

[0118] The flavoring agent may be, for example, menthol, spearmint, peppermint, fenugreek, clove, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), or the like, or a combination thereof. The flavoring agent in this embodiment is menthol.

[0119] A flavoring may be added to the filter material of the filter segment 122. Adding a flavoring to the filter material increases the amount of flavoring delivered during use compared to conventional techniques in which flavoring is added to the tobacco packing that constitutes the tobacco rod portion 110. The degree of increase in the amount of flavoring delivered further increases depending on the position of the openings provided in the cooling segment 121. There are no particular limitations on the method for adding a flavoring to the filter material, and it is sufficient to add it so that it is dispersed approximately uniformly in the filter material to which the flavoring is added. The amount of flavoring added may be 10 to 100 volume % of the filter material. The flavoring may be added to the filter material before or after the filter segment is constructed. The type of flavoring is not particularly limited, and may be the same as the flavoring contained in the tobacco packing 111 described above.

[0120] The filter segment 122 includes a filter medium, and activated carbon may be added to at least a portion of the filter medium. The amount of activated carbon added to the filter medium is 15.0 m 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 medium in the direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. 2 / cm 2 Over 80.0m 2 / cm 2 or less. For convenience, the above-mentioned "specific surface area of activated carbon × weight of activated carbon / cross-sectional area of filter medium perpendicular to the airflow direction" is sometimes expressed as "surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area." 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 medium of one tobacco stick 100, the weight of the added activated carbon, and the cross-sectional area of the filter medium. Note that activated carbon may not be uniformly dispersed in the filter medium to which it is added, and therefore it is not required that the above range be satisfied for all cross-sections of the filter medium (cross-sections perpendicular to the airflow direction).

[0121] The surface area of activated carbon per unit cross section is 17.0 m 2 / cm2 More preferably, it is 35.0m or more. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that the value is 77.0m or more. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that it is 73.0m or less. 2 / cm 2 It is more preferable that the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is less than 1 / 2. The surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the specific surface area of activated carbon, the amount of activated carbon added, and the cross-sectional area of the filter medium in a direction perpendicular to the airflow direction. The calculation of the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area is based on the filter medium to which activated carbon is added. If the filter segment 122 is composed of multiple filter mediums, the cross-sectional area and length of only the filter medium to which activated carbon is added are used as the basis.

[0122] Examples of activated carbon include those made from raw materials such as wood, bamboo, coconut shells, walnut shells, and coal. Activated carbon with a BET specific surface area of 1100 m 2 / g or more, 1600m 2 / g or less, and preferably 1200m 2 / g or more, 1500m 2 / g or less, and more preferably 1250m 2 / g or more, 1380m 2 / g or less can be used. The BET specific surface area can be determined by nitrogen gas adsorption (BET multipoint method). Activated carbon can be used with a pore volume of 400 μL / g or more and 800 μL / g or less, 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 nitrogen gas adsorption. The amount of activated carbon added per unit length in the airflow direction of the filter medium to which activated carbon is added 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 setting the specific surface area of activated carbon and the amount of activated carbon added within the above ranges, the surface area of activated carbon per unit cross-sectional area can be adjusted to the desired value.

[0123] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cumulative 10% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D10) of activated carbon particles is 250 μm or more and 1200 μm or less. It is also preferable that the cumulative 50% by volume particle diameter (particle diameter D50) of activated carbon particles is 350 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. The particle diameters D10 and D50 can be measured by a laser diffraction scattering method. An example of a suitable device for this measurement is the HORIBA Laser Diffraction / Scattering Particle Size Distribution Analyzer "LA-950." Powder is poured into the cell of this device together with pure water, and the particle diameter is detected based on the light scattering information of the particles. The measurement conditions for the above-mentioned measuring device are as follows: Measurement mode: Manual flow cell measurement Dispersion medium: ion-exchanged water Dispersion method: Measured after 1 minute of ultrasonic irradiation Refractive index: 1.92-0.00i (sample refractive index) / 1.33-0.00i (dispersion medium refractive index) Number of measurements: Measure twice with different samples

[0124] The method for adding activated carbon to the filter medium of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited, and the activated carbon may be added so as to be dispersed substantially uniformly in the filter medium to which the activated carbon is added.

[0125] <Microwave shield> The microwave shield SD2 provided on the tobacco stick 100 is attached to the cooling segment 121 upstream of the ventilation hole 103, and is located inside the guide part 13 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10. This allows the microwave shield SD2 to cooperate with the guide part 13 to put the applicator AP into a blocking state.

[0126] However, as long as the microwave shield SD2 is configured to be located inside the guide portion 13 when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the flavor inhaler 10, the microwave shield SD2 may be attached to the filter segment 122 or disposed adjacent to the filter segment 122, for example. Alternatively, the microwave shield SD2 may be provided at the upstream or downstream end of another filter segment disposed adjacent to the cooling segment 121. The microwave shield SD2 may be a pre-formed shielding member disposed at a predetermined position on the aerosol-forming article, or may be formed by printing on the filter segment 122.

[0127] Furthermore, when the aperture ratio of the microwave shield SD2 is designed taking into consideration microwave blocking and airflow resistance, the aperture ratio is, for example, 10% or more, preferably 30% or more, and more preferably 50% or more. The aperture ratio is 90% or less, preferably 80% or less, and more preferably 70% or less. With the above-described microwave shield aperture ratio, the overall airflow resistance of the flavor inhaler 10 and tobacco stick 100 is 8 mmH2O or more, preferably 10 mmH2O or more, more preferably 12 mmH2O or more, and 100 mmH2O or less, preferably 80 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 60 mmH2O or less. In this case, a system can be provided that achieves both suppression of microwave leakage and desirable airflow resistance with a simple device configuration. As mentioned above, the airflow resistance is measured based on the ISO standard method (ISO 6565).

[0128] Furthermore, the tobacco stick 100 configured as described above may have a portion of the outer surface of the tipping paper 130 coated with a lip release material. The lip release material refers to a material configured to help the lips and the tipping paper 130 to easily separate without causing substantial adhesion when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 120 of the tobacco stick 100 in their mouth. The lip release material may contain, for example, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, etc. For example, the outer surface of the tipping paper 130 may be coated with the lip release material by applying an ethyl cellulose-based or methyl cellulose-based ink to the outer surface of the tipping paper 130.

[0129] In this embodiment, the lip release material of the tipping paper 130 is disposed at least in a predetermined mouthpiece region that comes into contact with the lips of a user when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 120 in his / her mouth. More specifically, the lip release material-disposed region R1 (see FIG. 12 ) of the outer surface of the tipping paper 130 that is covered with the lip release material is defined as the region located between the mouthpiece end 101 and the air hole 103 of the mouthpiece portion 120.

[0130] 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, and more preferably 12 mmH2O or more, and is usually 100 mmH2O or less, preferably 80 mmH2O or less, and more preferably 60 mmH2O or less. Airflow resistance is measured in accordance with the ISO standard method (ISO6565:2015), for example, using a filter airflow resistance meter manufactured by Cerulean Co., Ltd. Airflow resistance refers to the difference in air pressure between one end face (first end face) and the other end face (second end face) when air is flowed at a predetermined air flow rate (17.5 cc / min) from one end face (first end face) to the other end face (second end face) in a state where air does not pass through the side faces of the tobacco stick 100. The unit is generally expressed in mmH2O. It is known that the relationship between the airflow resistance and the tobacco stick 100 is proportional within the normally used length range (5 mm to 200 mm), and if the length of the tobacco stick 100 is doubled, the airflow resistance also doubles.

[0131] The rod-shaped tobacco stick 100 preferably has a columnar shape that satisfies the requirement of an aspect ratio of 1 or greater, as defined below. Aspect ratio = h / w

[0132] where w is the width of the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100, h is the length in the axial direction, and it is preferable that h≧w. The cross-sectional shape of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited, and may be polygonal, rounded polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like. The width w of the tobacco stick 100 is the diameter when the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco stick 100 is circular, the major axis when the cross-sectional shape is elliptical, and the diameter of the circumscribed circle or the major axis of the circumscribed ellipse when the cross-sectional shape is polygonal or rounded polygonal. The axial length h of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, typically 40 mm or more, preferably 45 mm or more, and more preferably 50 mm or more. It is also typically 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, and is, for example, typically 5 mm or more, and preferably 5.5 mm or more. It is also typically 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 to the length of the tobacco stick 100 (cooling segment:filter segment) 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 length ratio of the cooling segment 121 and the filter segment 122 within the above range, a balance is achieved between the cooling effect, the effect of suppressing losses due to adhesion of the generated steam and aerosol to the inner wall of the cooling segment 121, and the filter's air volume and flavor adjustment function, thereby achieving a good flavor and flavor intensity.

[0133] The above embodiments can be freely combined. The above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the tobacco stick 100 is shown as an example of the "aerosol-forming article" of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the "aerosol-forming article" may be any filler that has a built-in aerosol source and is equipped with a microwave shield. The aerosol source includes the aerosol base material described above. The aerosol source may also include a flavor source, but the flavor source may also be a plant other than tobacco, such as mint, Chinese medicine, or herbs. Furthermore, the "aerosol-forming article" does not have to be in a stick shape, but may also be in a capsule or cartridge shape.

[0135] Moreover, for example, Modifications 1 and 2 can be applied to both Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. Furthermore, Modifications 1 and 2 may be combined.

[0136] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiment, but are not limited to these.

[0137] (1) an aerosol-forming article (tobacco stick 100) including an aerosol source (tobacco rod portion 110); a storage section (storage section 12) capable of storing at least a portion of the aerosol-forming article through an opening (opening 12a); a microwave oscillator (high frequency oscillator 20) that oscillates microwaves; a power supply unit (power supply unit 40) that supplies power to the microwave oscillator unit; an antenna (antenna 21) that supplies the microwave to the housing; a control unit (control unit 30) that controls the microwave oscillator, The housing portion has a first microwave shield (microwave shield SD1) that blocks the microwaves, the aerosol-forming article has a second microwave shield (microwave shield SD2) that blocks microwaves and allows air to pass through, The first microwave shield and the second microwave shield cooperate with each other to form an applicator (applicator AP) that confines the microwaves, the applicator transitions between a blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is restricted and a non-blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is possible, depending on the position of the second microwave shield; The control unit An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator depending on the position of the second microwave shield.

[0138] According to (1), the supply of microwaves is prohibited depending on the position of the second microwave shield of the aerosol-forming article, so that it is possible to prevent microwaves from being supplied when the aerosol-forming article is improperly attached, thereby preventing microwaves from leaking to the outside.

[0139] (2) The aerosol generating system according to (1), Further provided is a detection unit (shielding detection sensor 70) that detects the position of the second microwave shield, The control unit prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0140] According to (2), the position of the second microwave shield is detected by the detection unit. The supply of microwaves is prohibited based on the detection result of the detection unit, so that the supply of microwaves can be prevented when the aerosol-forming article is improperly attached. Therefore, the leakage of microwaves to the outside can be prevented.

[0141] (3) The aerosol generating system according to (2), the second microwave shield is movable among a first position (first position P1), a second position (second position P2) that is farther away from the accommodating section than the first position, and a third position (third position P3) that is farther away from the accommodating section than the second position, the applicator is configured such that the second microwave shield is in the blocking state at the first position and the second position, and the second microwave shield is in the non-blocking state at the third position; The control unit When the second microwave shield is in the first position, the supply of the microwave from the microwave oscillator unit is permitted; An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator when the second microwave shield is in the second position and the third position.

[0142] According to (3), the supply of microwaves is prohibited when the second microwave shield is in the second position, so that leakage of microwaves to the outside can be suppressed compared to when the supply of microwaves is stopped after the applicator becomes non-blocking.

[0143] (4) The aerosol generating system according to (3), the detection unit transmits a signal to the control unit when detecting that the second microwave shield is disposed at the first position; An aerosol generation system, wherein the control unit allows the microwave oscillator to supply the microwaves when the signal is received.

[0144] According to (4), the supply of microwaves is permitted when a signal indicating that the second microwave shield is positioned in the first position is received, so that microwaves can be supplied when the applicator is in a blocked state.

[0145] (5) The aerosol generating system according to (4), An aerosol generation system in which the control unit stops supplying the microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit when reception of the signal is interrupted.

[0146] According to (5), the supply of microwaves is stopped when the reception of the signal indicating that the second microwave shield is positioned in the first position is cut off, so the supply of microwaves can be stopped in the blocked state. Therefore, compared to when the supply of microwaves is stopped after the second microwave shield is placed in the non-blocked state, leakage of microwaves to the outside can be suppressed.

[0147] (6) An aerosol generating system according to (1), a first detection unit (shielding detection sensor 70) that detects the position of the second microwave shield; a second detection unit (insertion detection sensor 71) that detects insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the storage unit, The control unit prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

[0148] According to (6), the supply of microwaves is prohibited based on the detection results regarding the position of the second microwave shield and the insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the storage section, thereby more reliably preventing microwaves from leaking to the outside.

[0149] (7) The aerosol generating system according to (6), The control unit when the first detection unit detects that the second microwave shield is at a first position (first position P1) and the second detection unit detects that the aerosol-forming article has been inserted into the storage unit, the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillation unit is permitted; An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator when the first detection unit does not detect that the second microwave shield is in the first position, or when the second detection unit does not detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the storage unit.

[0150] According to (7), when the second microwave shield is not detected to be in the first position, or when the second detection unit does not detect the insertion of an aerosol-forming article into the storage unit, the supply of microwaves is prohibited, so microwaves are not supplied unless the second detection unit is reliably in the blocked state, thereby more reliably preventing microwaves from leaking to the outside.

[0151] (8) The aerosol generating system according to (7), When the aerosol-forming article is removed from the storage unit, the signal from the second detection unit is cut off, and then the signal from the first detection unit is cut off, An aerosol generation system, wherein the applicator transitions from the blocked state to the non-blocked state when or after the signal from the first detection unit is cut off.

[0152] According to (8), when the signals from the first detection unit and the second detection unit are cut off, or until after the signals from the first detection unit and the second detection unit are cut off, the applicator is in a cut-off state, so that microwaves can be prevented from being supplied when the applicator is in a non-cut-off state.

[0153] (9) The aerosol generating system according to (7), When the aerosol-forming article is removed from the storage unit, the signal from the first detection unit is cut off, and then the signal from the second detection unit is cut off, An aerosol generation system, wherein the applicator transitions from the blocked state to the non-blocked state when or after the signal from the second detection unit is cut off.

[0154] According to (9), when the signals from the first detection unit and the second detection unit are cut off, or until after the signals from the first detection unit and the second detection unit are cut off, the applicator is in a cut-off state, and therefore, since the applicator is in a cut-off state, it is possible to prevent microwaves from being supplied when the applicator is in a non-cut-off state.

[0155] (10) An aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (9), the second microwave shield is provided on the opening side of the aerosol source in a state in which the aerosol-forming article is accommodated, An aerosol generation system in which a conductive portion (conductive portion 104) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article, the conductive portion being electrically connected to the second microwave shield and extending from the position of the second microwave shield toward the aerosol source.

[0156] According to (10), since the conductive portion extending from the position of the second microwave shield toward the aerosol source is provided, the area in which the position of the second microwave shield can be detected is enlarged. Also, the period during which the applicator is in the cut-off state can be extended when the aerosol-forming article is attached or detached.

[0157] (11) The aerosol generating system according to (10), a guide part (guide part 13) having the opening and guiding the aerosol-forming article to the storage part, An aerosol generation system, wherein a plurality of protrusions (protrusions 13a) are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the guide portion from the opening side toward the storage portion side.

[0158] According to (11), a plurality of protrusions are provided on the inner surface of the guide portion from the opening side toward the storage portion side, thereby reducing the insertion resistance when inserting the aerosol-forming article into the guide portion.

[0159] (12) An aerosol-forming article (tobacco stick 100) heated by microwaves, an aerosol source (tobacco rod portion 110); a microwave shield (microwave shield SD2) arranged next to the aerosol source in a predetermined direction and blocking the microwaves while allowing air to pass through; a conductive portion (conductive portion 104) electrically connected to the microwave shield, The conductive portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article, an aerosol-forming article extending in the predetermined direction from the position of the microwave shield toward the aerosol source;

[0160] According to (12), a conductive portion is provided extending from the position of the microwave shield toward the aerosol source, so that when the aerosol-forming article is heated by microwaves, the microwave shield and the conductive portion can form a space that blocks microwaves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 1. Aerosol generation system 10 Flavor aspirator 12 Storage section 12a opening 13 Guide section 13a Protrusion 20 High frequency oscillator (microwave oscillator) 21 Antenna 30 Control Unit 40 Power supply section 70 Shielding detection sensor (detection unit, first detection unit) 71 Insertion detection sensor (second detection unit) 100 Tobacco sticks (aerosol-forming articles) 104 Conductive part 110 Tobacco rod part (aerosol source) P1 1st position P2 2nd position P3 3rd position SD1 Microwave Shield (First Microwave Shield) SD2 Microwave Shield (Second Microwave Shield)

Claims

1. an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol source; a storage section capable of storing at least a portion of the aerosol-forming article through an opening; a microwave oscillator that oscillates microwaves; a power supply unit that supplies power to the microwave oscillator unit; an antenna that supplies the microwave to the housing; A control unit that controls the microwave oscillator, the housing portion has a first microwave shield that blocks the microwaves, the aerosol-forming article has a second microwave shield that blocks the microwaves and allows air to pass through; the first microwave shield and the second microwave shield cooperate to form an applicator that confines the microwaves; the applicator transitions between a blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is restricted and a non-blocking state in which propagation of the microwave from the applicator to the outside is permitted, depending on the position of the second microwave shield; The control unit An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator depending on the position of the second microwave shield.

2. 10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit that detects the position of the second microwave shield; The control unit prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit based on the detection result of the detection unit.

3. 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2, the second microwave shield is movable among a first position, a second position that is farther away from the housing than the first position, and a third position that is farther away from the housing than the second position, the applicator is configured such that the second microwave shield is in the blocking state at the first position and the second position, and the second microwave shield is in the non-blocking state at the third position; The control unit When the second microwave shield is in the first position, the supply of the microwave from the microwave oscillator unit is permitted; An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator when the second microwave shield is in the second position and the third position.

4. 4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, the detection unit transmits a signal to the control unit when detecting that the second microwave shield is disposed at the first position; An aerosol generation system, wherein the control unit allows the microwave oscillator unit to supply the microwaves when the control unit receives the signal.

5. 5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4, An aerosol generation system in which the control unit stops supplying the microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit when reception of the signal is interrupted.

6. 10. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, a first detection unit that detects the position of the second microwave shield; a second detection unit that detects insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the storage unit, The control unit prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator unit based on the detection results of the first detection unit and the second detection unit.

7. 7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 6, The control unit when the first detection unit detects that the second microwave shield is in a first position and the second detection unit detects that the aerosol-forming article has been inserted into the storage unit, the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillation unit is permitted; An aerosol generation system that prohibits the supply of microwaves from the microwave oscillator when the first detection unit does not detect that the second microwave shield is in the first position, or when the second detection unit does not detect the insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the storage unit.

8. 8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, When the aerosol-forming article is removed from the storage unit, the signal from the second detection unit is cut off, and then the signal from the first detection unit is cut off, An aerosol generation system, wherein the applicator transitions from the blocked state to the non-blocked state when or after the signal from the first detection unit is cut off.

9. 8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, When the aerosol-forming article is removed from the storage unit, the signal from the first detection unit is cut off, and then the signal from the second detection unit is cut off, An aerosol generation system, wherein the applicator transitions from the blocked state to the non-blocked state when or after the signal from the second detection unit is cut off.

10. 10. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the second microwave shield is provided on the opening side of the aerosol source in a state in which the aerosol-forming article is accommodated, An aerosol generation system, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article is provided with a conductive portion that is electrically connected to the second microwave shield and extends from the position of the second microwave shield toward the aerosol source.

11. 11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, a guide portion having the opening and configured to guide the aerosol-forming article to the storage portion, An aerosol generation system in which a plurality of protrusions are provided on the inner surface of the guide portion from the opening side toward the storage portion side.

12. 1. A microwave-heated aerosol-forming article comprising: an aerosol source; a microwave shield arranged next to the aerosol source in a predetermined direction, blocking the microwaves and allowing air to pass through; a conductive portion electrically connected to the microwave shield, The conductive portion is a microwave shield provided as a separate body from the microwave shield and provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article; an aerosol-forming article extending in the predetermined direction from the position of the microwave shield toward the aerosol source;

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