Non-combustion-type flavor inhaler and capacitive sensor

Abstract

A non-combustion-type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure is provided with: a housing section in which a flavor stick having a flavor rod part and a suction part is housed in an insertable and extractable manner; a capacitive sensor which is provided with a plurality of electrodes arranged along the housing section and detects an electrostatic capacitance between the plurality of electrodes which varies depending on the state of the flavor stick that is inserted into and extracted from the housing section; and a shield member which covers at least a part of the plurality of electrodes to electrically shield the part of the electrodes. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to provide a technology for reducing the influence of noises and improving measurement accuracy when an electrostatic capacitance is measured.

Description

Non-burning flavor inhaler and capacitance sensor

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-burning flavor inhaler and a capacitance sensor.

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

[0003] Also, in a non-combustion flavor inhaler in which a user inserts a tobacco stick into the inhaler and heats the tobacco stick, a mechanism is known that detects the insertion of the tobacco stick by a change in capacitance (Patent Document 1).Furthermore, a mechanism is known that provides a marker on the stick and detects the insertion and type of tobacco stick by measuring the capacitance associated with the marker (Patent Document 2).

[0004] JP 2017-510270 A, WO 2019 / 185748 A

[0005] In a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, when the state of a flavor stick (hereinafter also referred to as a tobacco stick) is detected using a capacitance sensor, a minute capacitance on the order of pF is detected due to conditions such as the size of the electrodes, the distance between the electrodes, and the material of the flavor stick, which poses the problem of being susceptible to noise.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and is to provide a technology for suppressing the influence of noise when measuring capacitance and improving measurement accuracy.

[0007] (Aspect 1) In order to achieve the above object, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a storage section that stores a flavor stick having a flavor rod section and a mouthpiece section in an insertable and removable manner; a capacitance sensor that has a plurality of electrodes arranged along the storage section and detects the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes depending on the state of the flavor stick inserted or removed from the storage section; and a shielding member that covers at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes to electrically shield them.

[0008] (Aspect 2) In the above aspect 1, the capacitance sensor may include a measurement unit that supplies signals to the plurality of electrodes and measures capacitance between the plurality of electrodes based on the signals transmitted through the electrodes, and an amplifier that amplifies the signals.

[0009] (Aspect 3) In the above aspect 2, the plurality of electrodes may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode, and the amplifier may amplify a signal supplied to the second electrode to increase the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode when the signal is supplied.

[0010] (Aspect 4) In any of the above aspects 1 to 3, the shielding member may be a conductor.

[0011] (Aspect 5) In any of Aspects 1 to 4 above, the shielding member may have a thickness of 1 μm to 1000 μm.

[0012] (Aspect 6) In any of Aspects 1 to 5 above, the electrode may be formed on one surface of a flexible substrate, and the shielding member may be formed on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface on which the electrode is formed.

[0013] (Aspect 7) In order to achieve the above object, a capacitance sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a capacitance sensor provided in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a storage section that stores flavor sticks in an insertable and removable manner, and includes a plurality of electrodes arranged along the storage section, a measuring section that measures the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes depending on the state of the flavor stick inserted and removed from the storage section, and a shielding member that covers and electrically shields parts of the plurality of electrodes other than the surface facing the storage section.

[0014] (Aspect 8) In the aspect 7, the device may further include an amplifier that amplifies signals supplied from the measurement unit to the plurality of electrodes.

[0015] The means for solving the problems in the present invention can be adopted in combination as much as possible.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for suppressing the influence of noise when measuring capacitance and improving measurement accuracy.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion flavor inhalation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tobacco stick according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a tobacco stick according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a non-combustion flavor inhaler according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example in which electrodes are arranged along the peripheral wall of a housing portion. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a capacitance sensor formed on a flexible substrate. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a shielding member formed on a flexible substrate. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a shielding member (part 1). FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of a shielding member (part 2). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of a capacitance sensor. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of a capacitance sensor as a comparative example, which does not have an amplifier or a shielding member. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor of the comparative example. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor of this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a control unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a control method executed by the control unit.

[0018] Here, an embodiment of a non-combustion type flavor inhalation system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in this embodiment are merely examples. For example, in this embodiment, a flavor stick (hereinafter also referred to as a "tobacco stick") containing a tobacco filler as a flavor source will be described as an example of a flavor stick, but the flavor stick may not contain a tobacco filler and may contain other flavor components.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a non-combustion flavor inhalation system 200 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tobacco stick 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the tobacco stick 100 according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 1 to 3, the left-right direction of the tobacco stick 100 or the non-combustion flavor inhaler 30 into which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted is indicated as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the depth direction as the Z direction. This also applies to the subsequent figures. These directions are merely examples for the sake of convenience of explanation, and do not limit the elements of the non-combustion flavor inhalation system 200. For example, the elements of the non-combustion flavor inhalation system 200 are not limited to being arranged in the directions shown in the figures.

[0020] The non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 200 includes a tobacco stick 100 and a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 that heats the tobacco rod portion (flavor rod portion) 110 of the tobacco stick 100. The tobacco stick 100 is accommodated in the accommodation cavity 313 of the accommodation portion 310 through an insertion port 3A of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 so as to be freely insertable into and removable from the accommodation cavity 313.

[0021] When a user uses the non-combustion flavor inhaler 30, the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the storage cavity 313, and in this state, the heater 32 provided in the storage portion 310 is made to generate heat, which heats the tobacco filler in the tobacco stick 100, thereby generating an aerosol containing tobacco components, which is then inhaled by the user. At this time, the tobacco stick 100 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the storage portion 310 so that it can be heated by the heater 32. In this embodiment, the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the storage portion 310 in the Z direction, and the position where the tip of the tobacco stick 100 hits the bottom surface 319 of the storage portion 310 is the predetermined position.

[0022] [Tobacco Stick] The tobacco stick 100 according to this embodiment is in the form of a substantially cylindrical rod. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tobacco stick 100 includes a tobacco rod portion 110, a mouthpiece portion (suction mouth portion) 120, and tipping paper 130 that connects these 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.

[0023] 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. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, 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 mouth end 101 along the tip 102.

[0024] <Tobacco rod portion> The tobacco rod portion 110 is one form of a flavor rod portion that includes a tobacco filler 111 as a flavor source. The configuration of the tobacco rod portion 110 is not particularly limited and can be a general form. For example, a tobacco rod portion in which the tobacco filler 111 is wrapped in cigarette paper 112 can be used.

[0025] [Tobacco Filler] In this embodiment, the tobacco filler 111 is configured to include 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 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 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.

[0026] 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 weight of the tobacco filler 111. This moisture content suppresses the occurrence of stains on the surface of the tobacco rod 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 shredded to a width of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less.

[0027] The tobacco filler 111 may contain an aerosol base material for generating aerosol smoke. The type of the aerosol base material is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and / or their constituent components may be selected depending on the application. The tobacco filler 111 may also contain a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0028] [Cigarette Paper] The cigarette paper 112 is a sheet material for wrapping the tobacco filler 111, and its configuration is not particularly limited, and a general 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 can be used.

[0029] <Mouthpiece portion> The configuration of the tobacco stick 100 is not particularly limited and can be a general embodiment. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, 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 in abutting contact therewith. In other embodiments, gaps may be formed between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the cooling segment 121, and between the tobacco rod portion 110 and the filter segment 122. The mouthpiece portion 120 may also be formed from a single segment.

[0030] [Cooling Segment] The configuration of the cooling segment 121 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of cooling the tobacco mainstream 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-generating base material and tobacco flavor components is cooled by contact with the air in the hollow. 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.

[0031] [Filter Segment] The configuration of the filter segment 122 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of a general filter, and examples thereof include cellulose acetate tow processed into a cylindrical shape. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the filter segment 122 is configured from a single segment, but the filter segment 122 may also be configured from multiple segments.

[0032] <Non-burning Flavor Inhaler> Figure 4 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the non-burning flavor inhaler 30 according to the first embodiment. The non-burning flavor inhaler 30 has a housing 31, which is a case for accommodating various components. The housing 31 accommodates a heater 32, a capacitance sensor 33, a temperature sensor 35, a suction sensor 36, a control unit 37, a power source 38, etc.

[0033] [Storage section] The housing 31 has a storage section 310 that stores the tobacco stick 100 in an insertable / removable manner from the front end to the rear end. The storage section 310 extends in the insertion / removal direction of the tobacco stick 100 and includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 312 that defines the outer periphery of the space into which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, and a disk-shaped rear wall 311 that closes the rear end of the peripheral wall 312 so as to define the rear end of the space. The peripheral wall 312 and rear wall 311 of the storage section 310 may be formed integrally with the housing 31, or may be formed separately from the housing 31 and assembled to the housing 31. In the present embodiment, the inner wall surface of the rear wall 311, i.e., the surface facing the space into which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, is the bottom surface 319 of the storage section 310.

[0034] The open end of the peripheral wall 312 of the storage portion 310 is open toward the outside of the housing 31, and serves as an insertion opening 3A for inserting the tobacco stick 100. The internal space of the peripheral wall 312 serves as a cylindrical storage cavity 313 into which the tip portion of the tobacco stick 100 can be inserted and removed via the insertion opening 3A. In FIG. 4 , symbol CL indicates the central axis of the storage cavity 313 in the insertion and removal direction of the tobacco stick 100. Hereinafter, the direction along this central axis CL will also be referred to as the axial direction. The outer diameter of the storage cavity 313, i.e., the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 312, may be equal to the outer diameter of the tobacco stick 100, or may be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tobacco rod portion 110. It may also be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tobacco rod portion 110.

[0035] The heater 32 is provided in the housing cavity 313. The peripheral wall 312 and rear wall 311 of the housing portion 310 are formed of a material that can withstand the heat of the heater 32 and has heat insulating and heat resistant properties so as to prevent the heat from diffusing from the heater 32. Examples of materials that can be used for the housing portion 310 include alumina-silica ceramics and highly heat-resistant resins such as PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0036] [Heater] The heater 32 generates heat upon receiving power supply from the control unit 37, and heats the tobacco sticks 100 stored in the storage unit 310. In other words, the heater 32 is one form of a heating unit that heats the tobacco sticks 100.

[0037] The heater 32 is a generally rod-shaped member extending along the axial direction of the accommodation cavity 313, and in this embodiment is conical. The heater 32 protrudes forward along the axial direction from the center of the rear wall 311 of the accommodation portion 310. Reference numeral 321 denotes a base end of the heater 32, and reference numeral 322 denotes a tip end of the heater 32.

[0038] The heater 32 extends from the rear wall 311 toward the insertion opening 3A, and gradually tapers from the base end 321 toward the tip end 322. The shape of the heater 32 is not limited to this, and it may be a rod-like shape with the same diameter from the base end 321 to the tip end 322, or a flat plate-like shape (blade-like shape).

[0039] The type of heater 32 is not particularly limited, but examples include a steel material with a heating wire (e.g., a wire material with high electrical resistance, such as nichrome, iron chromium, or iron nickel) strung throughout, a ceramic heater, a sheathed heater, etc. A sheathed heater is a heater in which a heating wire is covered with a metal pipe together with a filler.

[0040] When the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the storage cavity 313, the heater 32 is fitted into the tobacco rod portion 110 from the tip 102 of the tobacco stick 100. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the tobacco stick 100 is inserted into the storage cavity 313. In this state, the heater 32 receives a supply of power from the control unit 37, as described below, and heats the tobacco rod portion 110 to a predetermined temperature. Note that the heating method of the heater 32 is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the tobacco rod portion 110 to generate an aerosol. For example, while FIG. 4 shows a method in which the tobacco rod portion 110 is heated from the inside, a heating method in which the tobacco rod portion 110 is heated from the outer periphery or a heating method using an inductive heater may also be used.

[0041] [Sensor] The capacitance sensor 33 is a sensor that detects the capacitance of the tobacco stick 100 when the tobacco stick 100 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 310. The capacitance sensor 33 has a first electrode (first electrode) 301 and a second electrode (second electrode) 302, and detects the capacitance between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302. The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are arranged at positions facing each other across the heating region A1 in a direction (radial direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the accommodation cavity 313. In other words, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are arranged so that at least a part of the tobacco rod portion 110 is inserted between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 when the tobacco stick 100 is accommodated in the accommodation cavity 313. At this time, the capacitance generated between the electrodes 301 and 302 via the tobacco rod portion 110 varies depending on, for example, whether the tobacco rod portion 110 is inserted, the insertion position of the tobacco rod portion 110, the moisture content of the tobacco filler in the tobacco rod portion 110, the aerosol base material, etc. Therefore, the capacitance sensor 33 can detect information indicating the state of the tobacco rod portion 110 by detecting this capacitance.

[0042] The electrodes 301 and 302 are provided at least along the depth direction of the accommodating cavity (Z-axis direction) of an outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 of the accommodating portion 310. Here, the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312 is the surface on the opposite side of the peripheral wall 312 in the radial direction from the surface (inner peripheral surface) 361 on the accommodating cavity 313 side, across the peripheral wall 312, and is the surface located on the side of the internal space in the housing 31 that accommodates the capacitance sensor 33, the control unit 37, etc.

[0043] 5 is a diagram showing an example in which curved electrodes 301 and 302 are arranged along a peripheral wall 312 of a housing portion 310. In the example of FIG. 5, each of the electrodes 301 and 302 is curved along the circumferential direction of an outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312, and a shielding member 34 is arranged to cover the outside of the electrodes. The first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are electrically connected to a control unit 37 via wiring 307, and the detection result of the capacitance is acquired by the control unit 37.

[0044] The shielding member 34 is disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the electrodes 301 and 302, for example, portions other than the surfaces facing the housing portion 310. In other words, the shielding member 34 is disposed outside the electrodes 301 and 302 in the radial direction of the housing portion 310, and covers the outer peripheries of the electrodes 301 and 302.

[0045] The shapes of the electrodes 301, 302 and the shield member 34 are not particularly limited and may be flat. That is, the flat first electrode 301 and the flat second electrode 302 may face each other across the peripheral wall 312 in the radial direction, be held in contact with the outer circumferential surface 360 ​​so as to be parallel to each other, and the shield member 34 may be disposed outside them. However, as shown in FIG. 5 , by using curved electrodes 301, 302, it is easier to reduce the radial size compared to when flat electrodes 301, 302 are disposed. Furthermore, by using curved electrodes 301, 302, the electrodes 301, 302 are disposed circumferentially along the storage cavity 313 and close to the tobacco stick 100 over the entire circumferential direction, which reduces the influence of noise and enables accurate capacitance detection.

[0046] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a capacitance sensor 33 formed on a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate 330 includes a first band-shaped portion 331 formed longitudinally in one direction, and a second band-shaped portion 333 formed longitudinally from the center of the first band-shaped portion 331 in a direction perpendicular to the first band-shaped portion 331.

[0047] The first belt-shaped portion 331 has a first electrode 301 of the capacitance sensor 33 provided on one side in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval in the center, and a second electrode 302 on the other side. In addition, the second belt-shaped portion 333 has wiring 307 connected to the electrodes 301 and 302 formed along the longitudinal direction of the second belt-shaped portion 333 to an end portion 334 connected to the control unit 37.

[0048] The length LA of the first belt-shaped portion 331 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be approximately the same as or slightly shorter than the circumferential length of the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312. By arranging the first belt-shaped portion 331 of the flexible substrate 330 along the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the accommodating portion 310, the electrodes 301 and 302 can be curved along the peripheral wall as shown in FIG.

[0049] 7A is a diagram showing an example of a shielding member 34 formed on a flexible substrate. The shielding member 34 is formed on a surface 336 of the flexible substrate 330 opposite to a surface 335 on which the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are provided. As shown in FIG. 5 , when the flexible substrate 330 is provided along the peripheral wall 312, the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 are located on the inner side, and the shielding member 34 is located on the outer side. That is, the shielding member 34 is arranged to cover the outer sides of the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302. In the example of FIG. 7A , the outer sides of the electrodes 301 and 302 are covered by a separate layer (shielding member 34) provided on the surface of the flexible substrate 330 opposite the electrodes 301 and 302. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shielding member 34 may have another configuration as long as it can reduce noise to the electrodes 301 and 302. For example, as shown in Fig. 7B, another member (shielding member 34) may be disposed on the outside of flexible substrate 330 to cover the outer peripheries of first electrode 301 and second electrode 302. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7C, a configuration may be used in which shielding member 34 is disposed as a GND layer so as to surround the peripheries of first electrode 301 and second electrode 302 on approximately the same plane as first electrode 301 and second electrode 302. Furthermore, these configurations may be used in combination.

[0050] 5, the electrodes 301, 302 and the shielding member 34 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 360 ​​of the peripheral wall 312, but this is not limiting, and the electrodes 301, 302 and the shielding member 34 may be provided on the inner peripheral surface 361 side of the peripheral wall 312. Furthermore, the electrodes 301, 302 and the shielding member 34 may be embedded in the peripheral wall 312.

[0051] The shielding member 34 is made of a conductor such as copper, aluminum, iron, or an alloy thereof, and is connected to the ground of the control unit. The shielding member 34 covers the electrodes 301 and 302 to electrically shield them and suppress the effects of noise on the electrodes 301 and 302.

[0052] The thickness of the shield member 34 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1 μm to 1000 μm. The thickness of the shield member 34 in this embodiment is 30 μm. Note that although the shield member 34 in this embodiment is provided integrally with the electrodes 301 and 302, it may also be provided separately from the electrodes 301 and 302. In this case, it is desirable to position the shield member 34 between the electrodes 301 and 302 and a user who touches the non-combustion flavor inhaler 30. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a portion of the housing that covers the electrodes 301 and 302 is formed of metal and functions as the shield member 34.

[0053] 8 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the capacitance sensor 33. The capacitance sensor 33 is equipped with a measurement unit 39 that measures the capacitance between the electrodes 301 and 302. The IC 391 of the measurement unit 39 applies a measurement signal to the electrodes 301 and 302, and converts the capacitance between the first electrode 301 and the second electrode 302 into a voltage, thereby detecting the capacitance between the electrodes. When the tobacco stick 100 is not inserted, the capacitance between the electrodes is detected as a specified value, whereas when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted, the capacitance changes, and the amount of this change is detected as the capacitance of the tobacco stick 100.

[0054] The measuring unit 39 of this embodiment also includes an amplifier 392 to improve detection sensitivity. A measurement signal from the IC 391 is applied to one electrode 301 via a wiring 393, amplified by the amplifier 392, and applied to the other electrode 302. As shown in FIG. 8 , the amplifier 392 of this embodiment includes an amplifier AP1 and an amplifier AP2. The amplifier AP1 achieves high input impedance and low output impedance, and the amplifier AP2 amplifies the output signal of the amplifier AP1 by a predetermined factor and inverts the phase before applying it to the electrode 302. This increases the potential difference between the electrodes 301 and 302 when the measurement signal is applied, thereby artificially increasing the electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes 301 and 302.

[0055] 9 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of a capacitance sensor 90, which does not have an amplifier 392 or a shield member 34, as a comparative example. In the capacitance sensor 90 of FIG. 9, a measurement signal is applied from an IC 391 to an electrode 301, and the capacitance between the electrodes 301 and 302 is calculated. In this case, the detected capacitance C total is the capacitance C of the tobacco stick 100, as shown in Equation 1 in FIG. stick Noise C noize The analytical expressions in Figs. 10 and 11 are simply expressed, and the capacitance C total Here, C noize is a capacitance variation component caused by, for example, a user touching the non-burning flavor inhaler 30 or the tobacco stick 100 inserted into the non-burning flavor inhaler 30. The non-burning flavor inhaler 30 is held in the user's hand when used, and the capacitance C total In this case, the capacitance C total The fluctuation component of noize is, for example, 1 pF to 200 pF. On the other hand, the electrostatic capacitance C stick is in the order of pF, so the capacitance C stick In order to accurately detect the noise component, it is desirable to effectively suppress the noise component.

[0056] 11 is a diagram showing the capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor 33 of this embodiment. In Equation 2 of FIG. 11, k is the amplification factor of the amplifier 392, 1 / l １ , 1 / l ２ indicates the noise attenuation rate due to the shielding member 34. If the capacitance is amplified without inserting the shielding member 34, noise C noize As a result, the S / N ratio is not improved. noize In order to relatively reduce the influence of noise C, the noise component is shielded by the shield member 34. noize Of these, the capacitance C stick and the component (C noize１ ) is amplified by the amplifier 392, but the capacitance component (C noize２ ) is not amplified by the amplifier 392. Therefore, the noise component is substantially reduced, and the S / N ratio can be improved. Note that, in order to reduce the parasitic capacitance component, it is desirable to place the amplifier 392 as close to the second electrode 302 as possible. For example, the distance from the second electrode 302 is determined depending on the required accuracy, and the amplifier 392 is placed so as to be within this predetermined distance from the second electrode 302.

[0057] The non-combustion flavor inhaler 30 may also include a sensor other than the capacitance sensor 33. As shown in FIG. 1 , a temperature sensor 35 is provided near the outer periphery of the storage unit 310. The temperature sensor 35 is connected to the control unit 37, detects the temperature of the heating region A1, and inputs the detection result to the control unit 37. The storage unit 310 is also provided with a suction sensor 36. The suction sensor 36 is a sensor for detecting the puffing status, such as whether or not a puff has been performed, and is, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure inside the storage cavity 313. The suction sensor 36 is connected to the control unit 37 and inputs the detection result to the control unit 37. Note that the temperature sensor 35 is not an essential component, and if the detection result of the temperature sensor is not used for control, such as when the control unit 37 controls the temperature based on the current value supplied to the heater 32, the temperature sensor 35 may be omitted. Similarly, if suction information is not used for control, the suction sensor 36 may be omitted.

[0058] 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 37. The control unit 37 controls the operating state of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30, such as controlling heating by the heater 32. The control unit 37 is a computer including a processor 71, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a memory 72, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an input / output unit 73. The control unit 37 of this embodiment also includes a drive circuit 74 for the heater 32.

[0059] The memory 72 may include a memory that functions as a main memory unit 721 and a memory that functions as an auxiliary memory unit 722. The memory 72 may be formed integrally (on one chip) with the processor 71. Examples of the memory 72 include storage media such as volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD (Solid State Drive), and removable media.

[0060] The memory 72 can store an operating system (OS), various programs (firmware), various data tables, various databases, setting data, user data, etc., for executing the operation of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30.

[0061] The input / output unit 73 is a means for inputting operational information, such as power on / off by the user (smoker), to the processor 71 or outputting information to be presented to the user. The input / output unit 73 is, for example, an interface that operates the capacitance sensor 33, the temperature sensor 35, and the suction sensor 36 at predetermined timing and acquires the detected values ​​of the sensors 33, 35, and 36. The input / output unit 73 of this embodiment may also include input means such as operation buttons and a touch panel, as well as output means such as a display, a vibrator, and a speaker. The input / output unit 73 may also include a communication unit for communicating with an external device via a communication line. For example, the communication unit may connect to another computer via a communication cable, receive programs and data for controlling the non-combustion flavor inhaler 30, and store them in the memory 72, thereby updating the firmware, heating profile, and the like. The display is a means for displaying information, and may be, for example, an indicator such as an LED, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display.

[0062] The drive circuit 74 supplies power from the power supply 38 to the heater 32 in accordance with instructions from the processor 71, thereby operating the heater 32. The drive circuit 74 is, for example, a converter that adjusts the amount of current flowing to the heater 32.

[0063] The control unit 37 has a processor 71 that reads a program stored in the memory 72 into a working area of ​​the main storage unit and executes it, and functions as predetermined functional units, such as a determination unit 711, a heating control unit 712, and an output control unit 713. Note that these functional units are not limited to those that are realized based on a program (software), and some or all of them may be configured by hardware circuits such as a processor, an integrated circuit, and a logic circuit.

[0064] Based on the detection results of the sensors 33, 35, and 36 and input information from the input means, the determination unit 711 determines information such as the user's operation, the state of the tobacco stick 100, and the heating status by the heater 32. For example, based on the detection value of the capacitance sensor 33, the determination unit 711 determines at least one of whether the tobacco stick 100 has been inserted into a specified position, the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100, whether the tobacco stick 100 has been heated, the moisture content of the tobacco stick 100, the amount of aerosol source in the tobacco stick 100, the amount of flavor source in the tobacco stick 100, and the type of flavor stick.

[0065] The heating control unit 712 controls the drive circuit 74 based on the determination result of the determination unit 711 , thereby controlling the power supplied from the power source 38 to the heater 32 via the drive circuit 74 .

[0066] The output control unit 713 outputs a notification, a warning, etc. to the user based on the determination result of the determination unit 711. For example, the output control unit 713 outputs a warning when the insertion position of the tobacco stick 100 is not appropriate, and as an output to the user, the output control unit 713 outputs a warning, for example, by displaying on the display unit, outputting sound from a speaker, or vibrating with a vibrator.

[0067] [Control Method] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a control method executed by the control unit 37. The control unit 37 starts the process of Fig. 9 when the power of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30 is turned on.

[0068] In step S10, the control unit 37 acquires a detection value from the capacitance sensor 33. The control unit 37 also stores the acquired detection value in the memory 72.

[0069] In step S20, the control unit 37 determines whether the detection value detected in step S10 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. This threshold value is the lower limit of the detection value that can be obtained when the tobacco stick 100 is inserted at a specified position. In other words, if the detection value detected in step S10 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 37 can determine that the tobacco stick 100 has reached the specified position. If the determination in step S20 is negative, the control unit 37 returns to step S10. At this time, a message indicating that the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 has not been completed, such as "Please insert a tobacco stick," may be output.

[0070] If the determination in step S20 is affirmative, the control unit 37 proceeds to step S30, where it notifies the user that the insertion of the tobacco stick 100 has been completed, for example by turning on an indicator.

[0071] In step S40, the control unit 37 performs heating control based on a predetermined heating profile. For example, the control unit 37 controls the power supplied to the heater 32 so that the temperature of the region heated by the heater 32 (heating region) reaches the heating temperature defined in the heating profile.

[0072] In step S50, the control unit 37 obtains the detection values ​​from the capacitance sensor 33, the temperature sensor 35, and the suction sensor 36.

[0073] In step S60, the control unit 37 determines whether or not to terminate heating based on the detection result acquired in step S50. That is, the control unit 37 makes a positive determination based on the detection result acquired in step S50 when a predetermined termination condition is met, such as when the moisture content of the tobacco rod portion falls below a predetermined value or when the number of puffs reaches a predetermined value.

[0074] If the determination in step S60 is affirmative, the control unit 37 proceeds to step S70, turns off the power to the non-combustion type flavor inhaler 30, and ends the processing of FIG.

[0075] Effect of the embodiment The non-burning flavor inhaler 30 of the present embodiment is able to suppress the influence of noise and improve the accuracy of capacitance measurement by including the shield member 34 that covers at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes 301, 302. Furthermore, the non-burning flavor inhaler 30 of the present embodiment is also equipped with an amplifier 392 that increases the detected capacitance relative to the noise, thereby suppressing the influence of noise and improving the accuracy of capacitance measurement.

[0076] (Aspect 1) In order to achieve the above object, a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a storage section that stores a flavor stick having a flavor rod section and a mouthpiece section in an insertable and removable manner; a capacitance sensor that has a plurality of electrodes arranged along the storage section and detects the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes depending on the state of the flavor stick inserted or removed from the storage section; and a shielding member that covers at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes to electrically shield them.

[0077] (Aspect 2) In the above aspect 1, the capacitance sensor may include a measurement unit that supplies signals to the plurality of electrodes and measures capacitance between the plurality of electrodes based on the signals transmitted through the electrodes, and an amplifier that amplifies the signals.

[0078] (Aspect 3) In the above aspect 2, the plurality of electrodes may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode, and the amplifier may amplify a signal supplied to the second electrode to increase the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode when the signal is supplied.

[0079] (Aspect 4) In any of the above aspects 1 to 3, the shielding member may be a conductor.

[0080] (Aspect 5) In any of Aspects 1 to 4 above, the shielding member may have a thickness of 1 μm to 1000 μm.

[0081] (Aspect 6) In any of Aspects 1 to 5 above, the electrode may be formed on one surface of a flexible substrate, and the shielding member may be formed on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface on which the electrode is formed.

[0082] (Aspect 7) In order to achieve the above object, a capacitance sensor according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a capacitance sensor provided in a non-combustion type flavor inhaler having a storage section that stores flavor sticks in an insertable and removable manner, and includes a plurality of electrodes arranged along the storage section, a measuring section that measures the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes depending on the state of the flavor stick inserted and removed from the storage section, and a shielding member that covers and electrically shields parts of the plurality of electrodes other than the surface facing the storage section.

[0083] (Aspect 8) In the aspect 7, the device may further include an amplifier that amplifies signals supplied from the measurement unit to the plurality of electrodes.

[0084] 100: tobacco stick 101: mouth end 102: tip 103: vent hole 110: tobacco rod portion 111: filler 112: cigarette paper 120: mouthpiece portion 121: cooling segment 122: filter segment 130: tip paper 200: non-combustion type flavor inhalation system 30: non-combustion type flavor inhaler 301: first electrode 302: second electrode 307, 308: wiring 31: housing 310: storage portion 311: rear wall 312: peripheral wall 313: storage cavity 32: heater 321: base end 322: tip end 325: gap portion 325: void portion 325: coil 326: heating element 33: capacitance sensor 330: Flexible board 35: Temperature sensor 36: Suction sensor 37: Control unit 38: Power supply (battery unit) 39: Measurement unit 391: IC 392: Amplification unit 3A: Insertion port 71: Processor 711: Determination unit 712: Heating control unit 713: Output control unit 72: Memory 73: Input / output unit 74: Drive circuit

Claims

1. A non-combustible fragrance attractor, comprising a housing portion for removably accommodating a fragrance stick having a fragrance rod portion and a suction port portion, a capacitance sensor including a plurality of electrodes arranged along the housing portion, for detecting the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes according to the state of the fragrance stick inserted into and removed from the housing portion, and a shield member that covers at least a part of the plurality of electrodes and electrically shields them. The non-combustible fragrance attractor comprising the above.

2. The non-combustible fragrance attractor according to claim 1, wherein the capacitance sensor includes a measuring portion that supplies a signal to the plurality of electrodes and measures the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes based on the signal via the electrodes, and an amplifying portion that amplifies the signal.

3. The plurality of electrodes consist of a first electrode and a second electrode, and the amplifying portion amplifies the signal supplied to the second electrode to increase the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode when the signal is supplied. The non-combustible fragrance attractor according to claim 2.

4. The non-combustible fragrance attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shield member is a conductor.

5. The non-combustible fragrance attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the shield member is 1 μm to 1000 μm.

6. The non-combustible fragrance attractor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrodes are formed on one surface of a flexible substrate, and the shield member is formed on the surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the surface on which the electrodes are formed.

7. A capacitance sensor provided in a non-combustible fragrance attractor having a housing portion for removably accommodating a fragrance stick, comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged along the housing portion, a measuring portion for measuring the capacitance between the plurality of electrodes that changes according to the state of the fragrance stick inserted into and removed from the housing portion, and a shield member that covers a portion other than the surface facing the housing portion among the plurality of electrodes and electrically shields them. The capacitance sensor comprising the above.

8. The capacitance sensor according to claim 7, further comprising an amplifying portion that amplifies the signal supplied from the measuring portion to the plurality of electrodes.