RU2781302C1 - Inhaler, control apparatus for the inhaler, method for processing information and machine-readable data storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an inhaler, a control apparatus for the inhaler, a method for processing information, and a machine-readable data storage medium containing a program for controlling the control unit of the inhaler. Inhaler comprises a retaining part with an internal space, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the inner wall of the retaining part, and a control unit determining the location of the base material forming the aromatic component in the internal space of the retaining part based on the result of pressure measurement by the sensor.

EFFECT: prevented risk of non-uniform heating or object-free heating due to the precise location of the cigarette in the apparatus.

24 cl, 11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates to an inhaler, an inhaler control device, an information processing method, and a program.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Inhalers such as an electronic cigarette, a nebulizer, and so on, are widely available on the market, each of which generates a gas to which an aromatic component is added to be drawn in by the user. For example, the inhaler is provided with a base material forming an aroma component that promotes the formation of a gas to which aroma components are added, for example, a flavor source for adding to an aerosol source to form an aerosol or an aerosol; and the contents stored in the base material forming the aroma component are consumed each time an aroma-added gas is produced. The user can taste the aroma along with the gas by drawing in (hereinafter referred to as puffing) the aroma-added gas formed by each of the aforementioned inhalers.

[0003] In order to be able to produce a satisfactory flavor-added gas, it is desirable that the base material constituting the flavor be accurately installed in the inhaler. In view of the foregoing, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting, using an optical sensor, a condition regarding whether a cigarette is inserted into a device that heats the inserted cigarette therein to allow the aroma component to be drawn in.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

PATENT DOCUMENT

[0004] Patent Document (PTL) 1: Japanese Patent Publication Publication No. H07-184627

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0005] However, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to simply judge whether a cigarette is inserted into the device, and does not judge how accurately the cigarette is inserted into the device. For example, if the cigarette is not installed in the correct position, such as the deepest part or the like in the internal volume of the device, and if the cigarette is heated in such a state, then there is a risk of uneven heating or heating without an object to be heated.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problem; and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a means that can determine the location of the base material forming the aroma component in the inhaler.

SOLUTION

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the present invention, an inhaler is provided, the inhaler being characterized in that it comprises: a holding portion containing an inner space; a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure applied to an inner wall of the holding portion; and a control unit that determines, from the result of the measurement by the pressure sensor, the arrangement of the base material forming the aroma component in the interior of the holding portion.

[0008] The inhaler may further comprise a functional part that performs, with respect to the base material forming the aroma component held in the interior of the holding part, a function that causes the main material forming the aroma component to form a gas with the added aroma component.

[0009] The retaining portion may include an opening that allows communication of the inner space with the outer space; and the pressure sensor can measure the pressure applied to the inner wall part of the holding part, while the inner wall part is in a position which is closer to the hole side than the position in which the functional part performs a function.

[0010] The aroma component forming base material may comprise an aroma component forming part and a part that is not an aroma component forming part, wherein the parts are arranged in order from one end to the other end, and each of the parts has a hardness, different from the hardness of the other part; and the control unit can determine that the location of the base material forming the aroma component corresponds to the predetermined position if the pressure corresponding to the hardness of the part that is not the part forming the aroma component is measured by the pressure sensor.

[0011] The predetermined arrangement may be an arrangement in which the aroma component forming part and one part of the part that is not the aroma component forming part are held in the interior space, and the other part of the part that is not the aroma component forming part , protrudes into the outer space from the hole.

[0012] The predetermined location may be the location in which the portion constituting the aromatic component is located at a position in relation to which the functional portion performs a function.

[0013] The retaining portion may include an opening that allows communication of the inner space with the outer space; the inhaler may include a first resilient member mounted at a position in an inner wall portion of the holding portion that is closer to the opening side than the position at which the functional portion performs a function; and the pressure sensor can measure the pressure applied to the first resilient member.

[0014] Parts of the base material forming the aromatic component, from one end to the other end, may have different degrees of hardness; the inhaler may contain many functional parts; and the control unit can determine the position of one end of the base material constituting the aroma component in the interior space, and, based on the determined position, can select from the plurality of functional parts the functional part to be supplied with power.

[0015] The retaining portion may include an opening that allows communication of the inner space with the outer space; the base material constituting the aromatic component can be inserted into the interior through the opening; and the pressure sensor can measure the pressure applied to the part which is located in the end part located in the insertion direction of the inner wall of the holding part.

[0016] The inhaler may include a piston member, which is installed in a part that is located in the end part located in the insertion direction, the inner wall of the holding part, and can move in the insertion direction; and the control unit can determine that the location of the base material forming the aroma component corresponds to the predetermined location if the pressure sensor measures the pressure indicative of the state in which the travel distance of the piston member in the insertion direction has reached the predetermined threshold value.

[0017] The main material forming the aromatic component may include a second elastic element that protrudes in the transverse direction; the holding part may include an opening that communicates the inside with the outside, and a grooved part that is formed on the inside wall and along which the second resilient member can move when the base material constituting the aroma component is inserted or removed; the grooved part may include a first end located in the insertion direction and a second end located between the first end and the hole and in the extraction direction, and a position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage that is formed in the hole, the grooved part and the first end part in the internal space exceeds the position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage and the second end portion in the interior space; and the inhaler may further comprise a third elastic member that applies an elastic force in the extraction direction to the base material constituting the aroma component.

[0018] The inhaler may include a fourth resilient member that protrudes transversely into the interior space, and may further comprise a movable member that can move in the interior space along the inner wall of the holding portion, and a fifth resilient member that exerts a resilient force in the extraction direction. to the movable element; the holding part may include an opening that communicates the inside with the outside, and a grooved part that is formed on the inside wall and along which the fourth elastic member can move when the moveable member moves; and the grooved portion may include a first end located in the insertion direction and a second end located between the first end and the opening and in the extraction direction, and a position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage that is formed in the opening, the grooved portion and the first end portion in the inner space may exceed the position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage and the second end portion in the inner space.

[0019] The holding portion may include a first body and a second body, which can be separated or joined with each other, and the base material constituting the aroma component can be held between the first body and the second body in a state in which the bodies are connected to each other.

[0020] The control unit may control the power supply to the functional part based on a certain arrangement of the base material forming the aromatic component.

[0021] The control unit can switch the state of power supply to the functional part to a state that allows power to be supplied to the functional part if it is determined that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component corresponds to the predetermined location.

[0022] The inhaler may further comprise an input operation portion; and the control unit may turn on the power supply to the functional part if the predetermined operation is entered into the operation input part during the state that allows power supply to the functional part.

[0023] The control unit may turn on the power supply to the functional part, if during the state that allows the power supply to the functional part, a pull-in action performed by the user is detected.

[0024] The control unit can switch the state of power supply to the functional part to a state that does not allow power to be supplied to the functional part if it is determined that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component does not match the predetermined location.

[0025] The inhaler may include a notification unit; and the control unit may control the notification unit to output a notification corresponding to the position of the base material constituting the aroma component.

[0026] The control unit may control the notification unit to output a notification that changes depending on an assessment of whether the determined location of the aromatic component-forming base material corresponds to a predetermined location.

[0027] The notification unit may perform at least one of light emission, information display, sound output, and vibration.

[0028] In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a control device for an inhaler is provided, the control device being characterized in that the device comprises: a control unit which, based on a measurement result from a pressure sensor, which measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding part, which contains the inner space, determines the location of the main material forming the aromatic component in the inner space of the holding part.

[0029] In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided, the method being characterized in that the method comprises: a measurement result by a pressure sensor that measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding portion that contains the inner space.

[0030] In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided, wherein the program is a program that performs a computer function as a control unit that determines the location of the base material forming the aromatic component in the interior of the holding part, on based on a measurement result by a pressure sensor that measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding portion that contains the inner space.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0031] As explained above, according to the present invention, there is provided a means that can determine the position of a base material forming an aroma component in an inhaler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a figure showing an exemplary construction of an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a base material constituting an aroma component, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a smoking article.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a smoking article according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary flow of the heating control method performed in the inhaler according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a smoking article according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a smoking article according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a smoking article according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an exemplary flow of the heating control method performed in the inhaler according to the above embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a procedure for inserting a smoking article into an inhaler according to the first exemplary modification.

Fig. 11 is an exemplary construction of an inhaler according to a second exemplary modification.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In this regard, in the description and figures, in order to avoid duplicative explanations, a numerical position that is identical to a numerical position assigned to one component is assigned to another component in the event that the other component has a function/design that is essentially identical functions/designs of one component.

[0034] <<1. Basic design>>

In the following description, an example of the basic construction of an inhaler according to the present invention is explained with reference to FIG. 1-3. Fig. 1 is a figure representing an exemplary construction of an inhaler 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an overall perspective view of an inhaler in a state in which it holds a base material constituting an aroma component, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol including a flavorant, for example, by heating a base material forming a flavoring component, for example, a smoking article, which contains an aerosol source and a filling article including a flavorant source. In the present embodiment, the smoking article 200 is used as the base material forming the flavor component.

[0036] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the smoking article 200 is merely an example of a base material that forms a flavor component. The source of the aerosol included in the main material forming the aromatic component may be solid or liquid. The source of the aerosol may be liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, or the like. The aerosol source may comprise a tobacco starting material or an extract from a tobacco starting material that releases an inhalable flavor component when it is heated. In the case where the inhaler 100 is a medical use inhaler such as a nebulizer or the like, the aerosol source may contain a drug that is inhaled by the patient. The base material that forms the flavor component may not contain a source of flavor, depending on the intended use of said material. In addition, the gas to which the aromatic components emitted from the base material forming the aromatic component is to be added is not limited to aerosol, and, for example, may be generated by invisible vapor.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the inhaler 100 includes an upper body 171A, a lower body 171B, a cover 172, a power supply switch 173, and a cap portion 174. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the inhaler 100 includes a holding portion 175 and a heating block 176 enclosed therein. The outer case 171 of the inhaler 100 is structurally formed by connecting the upper case 171A and the lower case 171B to each other. Housing 171 may be sized to fit in the user's palm. In the above case, when the user uses the inhaler 100, the user can hold the inhaler 100 in the user's hand and draw in the aerosol.

[0038] The top case 171A includes an opening (not shown in the figures), and the cover 172 is connected to the top case 171A to cover the opening. As shown in FIG. 2, the cap 172 has an opening 172a into which the smoking article 200 can be inserted. The cap portion 174 is structurally configured to open/close the opening 172a of the cap 172. In particular, the cap portion 174 is attached to the cap 172 and is structurally movable along the surface of the cap. 172 between the first position for closing the cover 172a and the second position for opening the cover 172a.

[0039] The power supply switch 173 is used to switch between the on state and the off state of operation of the inhaler 100. For example, in a state in which the smoking article 200 is inserted into and fixed in the hole 172a as shown in FIG. 2, the user can heat the smoking article 200 without burning it by operating the power supply switch 173 to thereby supply power from a battery (not shown in the figures) to the heating unit 176. As a result of the smoking article 200 being heated, an aerosol is formed from an aerosol source contained in the smoking article 200, and flavoring from the source is taken into the aerosol. The user can draw in the aerosol including flavorant by drawing it from the portion of the smoking article 200 protruding from the inhaler 100 (the portion shown in FIG. 2).

[0040] Incidentally, in the present description, the direction along which the main material forming the aroma component, such as the smoking article 200, is inserted into the hole 172a is also referred to as the insertion direction, and the direction along which the main material forming the the flavor component, such as the smoking article 200, is also referred to as the extraction direction. In the case where it is not necessary, in particular, to distinguish between the insertion direction and the withdrawal direction, these directions are collectively referred to as the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The holding portion 175 includes an interior space and accommodates a portion of the smoking article 200 in the interior space and holds the smoking article 200. The holding portion 175 includes an opening 172a that communicates the inside with the outside and holds the smoking article 200 inserted from the opening 172a into inner space. For example, the holding portion 175 is a cylindrical sleeve extending along the longitudinal direction and defines a cylindrical interior space. The holding portion 172 may be designed such that at least a portion of it in the longitudinal direction has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the smoking article and can hold the smoking article 200 inserted into the interior space by crimping the smoking article 200 from its outer periphery. . The holding part 175 also has the function of limiting the flow path for the air supplied to the smoking article.

[0042] In the state in which the smoking article 200 is held by the holding portion 175, if the user holds the part protruding from the opening 172a of the smoking article 200 in his mouth and performs a pulling action, air flows into the holding portion 175 from the opening which is not shown in the figures. . The air that has flowed into the inside of the holding portion 175 flows through the interior space and, together with the aerosol generated from the smoking article 200, enters the user's mouth. Thus, the side closest to the opening 172a of the holding portion 175 is the exit side, and the opposite side is the entrance side. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the extraction direction is the direction to the output side, and the insertion direction is the direction to the input side.

[0043] The heating unit 176 has a function of heating the smoking article 200 held in the interior of the holding portion 175 from the outer periphery of the smoking article 200 by heating the interior of the holding portion 175 from its outer periphery. At least a portion of the holding portion 175 may be a heating block 176. For example, the heating block 176 may be a cylindrical sleeve extending along the longitudinal direction and may be part of the structure of the holding portion 175. The heating block 176 may also be located around the circumference of the holding portion 175 and can heat the smoking article 200 across the holding part 175. In this regard, the heating block 176 is just an example of a functional part that performs, with respect to the aroma component-forming base material held in the holding part, the function that causes the aroma-forming base material to component, to form a gas with an added aromatic component. As for the function performed on the base material constituting the aromatic component, the function is not limited to the heating function, and may be any function such as an ultrasonic vibration function or the like.

[0044] The design of the inhaler 100 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 is just an example of an inhaler according to the present invention. The inhaler according to the present invention can be structured in any of various types of shapes, wherein, in each shape, the flavor-added gas is generated from the flavor-forming base material while holding the flavor-forming base material and performing the function , and the generated gas is available for drawing in by the user.

[0045] Next, an example of the base material forming the flavor component used in the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment, the structure of the smoking article 200, will be explained. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a smoking article 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the smoking article 200 includes a base material portion 200A that includes a filling article 201 and a first cigarette paper 202 in which the filling article 201 is wrapped, and a puff hole portion 200B that forms an end portion opposite to the base material portion 200A. The base material portion 200A and the puff hole portion 200B are connected by the second cigarette paper 203, which is different from the first cigarette paper 202. In this regard, the base material portion 200A and the puff hole portion 200B can be joined using the first cigarette paper 202, i. with the exception of the second cigarette paper 203.

[0046] The tightening hole portion 200B shown in FIG. 3 includes a paper sleeve portion 204, a filter portion 205, and a hollow segment portion 206 located between the paper sleeve portion 204 and the filter portion 205. For example, the hollow segment portion 206 includes a fill layer including one or a plurality of hollow channels, and an insert wrapper. to cover the filling layer. Since the density of the filling fibers in the filling layer is high, air and aerosol only flow through the hollow channel, and neither air nor aerosol almost flows through the filling layer when the drawing action is performed. If smoking article 200 desires to reduce the reduction in aerosol delivery due to filtering of aerosol components in filter portion 205, then shortening filter portion 205 and replacing that portion with hollow segment portion 206 would be an effective solution to increase aerosol delivery.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the puff hole portion 200B has three segments. However, in another embodiment, the puff hole portion 200B may be constructed using one or two segments, or may be constructed using four or more segments. For example, it is possible to dispense with the use of the hollow segment part 206 and form the puff hole part 200B by placing the paper sleeve part 204 and the filter part 205 close to each other.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when designating the length of the smoking article 200 in the longitudinal direction, this length is preferably set in the range of 40-90 mm, more preferably in the range of 50-75 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 50-60 mm. When assigning the circumference of the smoking article 200, this circumference is preferably set within 15-25 mm, more preferably within 17-24 mm, and even more preferably within 20-22 mm. In addition, in the smoking article 200, the length of the base material portion 200A may be 20 mm, the length of the first cigarette paper 202 may be 20 mm, the length of the hollow segment portion 206 may be 8 mm, and the length of the filter portion 205 may be 7 mm. The length of each of said segments can be suitably varied depending on the suitability for manufacture, the required quality, and so on.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the filling article 201 in the smoking article 200 may contain an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when it is heated at a predetermined temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracted material and/or components derived from various natural substances can be selected as the aerosol source, depending on the intended use. A list of aerosol sources may include, for example, glycerin, propylene glycol, triacetin, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the filling article 201 is not specifically limited; and, in order to generate sufficient aerosol and satisfactorily add an inhalable aromatic flavor, the content of the aerosol source is usually not less than 5 mass percent and preferably not less than 10 mass percent, and usually does not exceed 50 mass percent, and preferably does not exceed 20 mass percent. percent.

[0050] The filling article 201 in the smoking article 200 in the present embodiment may contain cut tobacco as a flavoring source. The shredded tobacco material is not particularly limited, and generally known material such as tobacco leaf, stem, and so on can be used as such material. The content range of the filling article 201 in the smoking article 200 in the case where the circumference is 22 mm and the length is 20 mm is, for example, 200-400 mg, and preferably 250-320 mg. The moisture content of the filling article 201 is, for example, 8-18 mass percent, and preferably 10-16 mass percent. In the case where the moisture content is as above, the formation of spots during curling is suppressed, and satisfactory curlability is ensured at the time of manufacturing the base material portion 200A. There is no particular limitation on the size, manufacturing method, and so on of the cut tobacco used as the filler product 201. For example, dried tobacco leaves cut into pieces, each with a width of 0.8-1.2 mm, can be used. Alternatively, dried tobacco leaves are crushed and homogenized into particles which have an average particle size of about 20-200 µm, and the particles are processed into a sheet, and a sheet cut into pieces, each with a width of 0, can be used. 8-1.2 mm. In addition, said sheet formed by the sheet forming technology can be processed to be collected without being cut, and the collected sheet can be used as the filling product 201. In addition, the filling product 201 can contain one kind or at least two kinds of flavors. Kinds of flavors are not specifically limited; however, in connection with providing a flavor with a satisfactory flavor, the flavor is preferably menthol.

[0051] In the present embodiment, each sheet of the first and second cigarette papers 202 and 203 in the smoking article 200 may be made using a base paper that has a density of, for example, 20-65 gsm, preferably 25 -45 g/sq.cm The thickness of each sheet of the first and second cigarette papers 202 and 203 is not specifically limited; however, in view of the rigidity, gas permeability and ease of adjustment during papermaking, the thickness is set in the range of 10-100 µm, preferably in the range of 20-75 µm, and more preferably in the range of 30-50 µm.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the filler may be incorporated into the cigarette paper 202 and 203 in the smoking article 200. The filler content may be no less than 10 mass percent and less than 60 mass percent, and may preferably be 15-45 mass percent. , in relation to the total weight of the first cigarette paper 202 and the second cigarette paper 203. In the present embodiment, the preferred filler content is 15-45 mass percent in relation to the preferred density range (25-45 g/cm2). As the filler, for example, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, kaolin and so on can be used. The paper including such a filler as described above has a white color which is preferable for the appearance of the paper used as the cigarette paper of the smoking article 200 and is capable of maintaining whiteness for a long time. By incorporating a large amount of such a filler as mentioned above, the ISO whiteness of cigarette paper can be increased, for example, to at least 83%. In addition, in view of the practicality of using this paper as the cigarette paper in the smoking article 200, it is preferable that the first cigarette paper 202 and the second cigarette paper 203 have a tear strength of at least 8 N/15 mm. The tear resistance can be increased by reducing the filler content. In particular, tear resistance can be improved by lowering the filler content to values lower than the lower limit of filler content that has been given for each density range mentioned above in the description.

[0053] <<2. First Embodiment>>

The present embodiment has a form in which the pressure sensor is installed at the end part on the outlet side of the holding part, and the location state of the base material forming the aroma component in the holding part is determined from the measurement result of the pressure sensor.

[0054] (Construction example)

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of the inhaler 100 in the state in which it holds the smoking article 200 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the inhaler 100 includes a pressure sensor 177, a battery 178, a notification unit 179, and a control unit 180, in addition to the components described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2. In this regard, the representation of the same components (for example, the heating block 176 and the pressure sensor 177) in the figure, which are shown so that they accommodate the holding portion 175 between them from the upper side and the lower side of the holding portion 175, represents a construction in which the components are mounted so that they surround the holding portion 175. In the following description, the above provision also applies to other block diagrams.

[0055] The pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding portion 175. The inner wall of the holding portion 175 is a wall that defines the interior of the holding portion 175. For example, the pressure sensor 177 can measure the pressure applied to at least one location on the inner wall, may measure the total value of the pressure applied to the predetermined area of the inner wall, or may measure the distribution of pressure applied to the predetermined area of the inner wall. The pressure sensor 177 is installed at a position on the inner wall of the holding portion 175 that is closer to the side of the hole 172a than the position heated by the heating block 176, and measures the pressure applied to the inner wall at the position where the pressure sensor 177 is installed. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a pressure sensor 177 is installed at the outlet side end portion of the holding portion 175 and senses the pressure applied to the inner wall of the outlet side end portion. For example, the holding portion 175 is a portion housing the smoking article 200 such that it applies pressure to the outer periphery of the smoking article 200, and the pressure sensor 177 is installed in a portion in the holding portion 175 where its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the smoking article. 200. Thereby, the pressure applied to the above part is measured by the pressure sensor 177 . The pressure sensor 177 may also determine attachment/separation of the smoking article 200 to/from the inhaler/a 100 based on an assessment of whether or not the measured pressure is at or above a predetermined threshold value. Since the pressure sensor 177 is installed at the downstream end of the holding portion 175, the pressure sensor 177 can be separated from the heating block 176, and damage to the pressure sensor 177 due to heat can be prevented.

[0056] The inhaler 100 may include any sensors other than pressure sensor 177. For example, the inhaler 100 may include a pressure sensor to measure the change in air pressure inside the holding portion 175 or a flow rate sensor to measure the flow rate of the aerosol, and these sensors can determine the performance/non-performance of a drawing action and the dose drawn by the user. The aforementioned pressure sensor or flow rate sensor may be configured to count the number of puffs taken by the user with the inhaler 100. In addition, the inhaler 100 may include a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the smoking article 200. In addition, the inhaler 100 may include a sensor that folds the heating block 176. In addition, the inhaler 100 may include a sensor to determine the SOC (state of charge), the integrated value of the current, voltage, or something similar to the battery 178. The integrated current value can be obtained using an integration method, the SOC method - OCV for detecting the state of charge (by voltage at open terminals) or a similar method.

[0057] The battery 178 is a power source that stores electricity and supplies power to the corresponding components in the inhaler 100, such as the heating unit 176, the notification unit 179, the pressure sensor 177, the control unit 180, and so on. Battery 178 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Battery 178 can be recharged by connecting it to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of inhaler 100. Battery 178 may only be capable of being detached from inhaler 100 and may be capable of being replaced with a new battery 178.

[0058] The notification unit 179 may include a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, and so on. The notification unit 179 is configured to provide some information to the user by performing at least one of light emission, information display, audio output, and vibration, if necessary. In addition, the notification unit 179 may include a communication device and transmit information to another device, such as a smart phone or the like, to provide the user with information through the other device.

[0059] The control unit 180 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control device, and controls the overall operation of the inhaler 100. The control unit 180 may be an electronic circuit module implemented as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 180 may be configured to control the operation of the inhaler 100 in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in a memory device that is not shown in the figure. A storage device is a storage medium such as ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), flash memory, or the like. The storage device can store, in addition to such computer-executable instructions as mentioned above, setting data that is necessary to control the inhaler 100 and other data. For example, the memory may store various data such as control methods of the notification unit 179 (modes of light emission, sound output, vibration, and the like), values measured by the pressure sensor 177, heating statistics of the heating unit 176, and so on. The control unit 180 reads data from the storage device and uses the data to control the inhaler 100, if necessary, and writes the data to the storage device, if necessary.

[0060] The smoking article 200 is inserted into the holding portion 175 and thereby fixed. In a state in which the smoking article 200 is held in the holding portion 175, the longitudinal direction of the inhaler 100 and the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 200 coincide or approximately coincide with each other. In the following description, it is assumed that the longitudinal direction of the inhaler 100 and the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 200 coincide with each other, unless specifically explained. The smoking article 200 is inserted into the interior of the holding portion 175 through the opening 172a so that the base material portion 200A, which is designated as the front portion, is first inserted into the holding portion 175 and fixed in a state in which at least a portion of the opening portion 200B the puff protrudes into the outer space. When considering the ends of the smoking article 200 in the longitudinal direction, one end located on the side of the base material part 200A is called the tip 210a, and the other end located on the side of the puff hole part 200B is also called the rear end 210b.

[0061] Meanwhile, the base material portion 200A includes, as content, an aerosol source and a flavor source that is introduced into the aroma-added gas. The base material part 200A corresponds to the aroma component forming part of the base material forming the aroma component. On the other hand, the puff hole part 200B is the part that the user holds in the mouth to draw in the aerosol generated by the base material part 200A, and usually does not contain a flavor source or an aerosol source. The puff hole portion 200B corresponds to a portion that is not a flavor component-forming portion of the flavor component-forming base material.

[0062] (Work)

- Location detection

The control unit 180 determines, based on the result of the measurement by the pressure sensor 177, the location of the smoking article 200 in the interior of the holding portion 175. The location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 refers to the location of the smoking article 200 inserted into the interior of the holding portion 175 in the longitudinal direction. More simply, the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 refers to the position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 in the longitudinal direction, in other words, to the depth at which the smoking article 200 is inserted.

[0063] For example, the control unit 180 judges whether the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 corresponds to a predetermined correct location. The arrangement shown in Fig. 4 is an example of a correct arrangement. The correct arrangement is one in which the base material part 200A and a part of the tightening hole part 200B are held in the inside of the holding part 175, and the other part of the tightening hole part 200B protrudes from the hole 172a to the outside. The length L _S in the longitudinal direction from the lower portion 175a of the holding portion 175 to the opening 172a is longer than the length L _TA in the longitudinal direction of the base material portion 200A and is shorter than the length L _T in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 200. Thus, for example, if the smoking article 200 is inserted so that the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 touches the bottom 175a of the holding portion 175 (ie, reaches the deepest point), the location of the smoking article 200 is considered to be correct. On the other hand, correct positioning means the position in which the smoking article 200 is placed in the position heated by the heating block 176. In the case where the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning, heat is supplied by the heating block 176 to such a portion in the base material portion 200A that has a size larger than the portion, in the case where the arrangement of the smoking article 200 is not in the correct arrangement, uneven heating can be prevented, and aerosol can be effectively generated with the addition of an aromatic component. In addition, in the case where the arrangement of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct arrangement, it is possible to prevent heating by the heating unit 176 in the absence of an object to be heated.

[0064] With regard to the smoking article 200, the smoking article 200 includes a base material portion 200A and a puff hole portion 200B, which are arranged in the longitudinal direction in order from the position of the tip 210a to the position of the rear end 210b, and the hardness of one of them is different from the hardness of another. The hardness range of the base material portion 200A and the hardness range of the puff hole portion 200B are desirably set to be separated from each other by more than a predetermined amount to ensure accurate positioning of the smoking article 200. Generally, the base material portion 200A has a uniform hardness, and the tightening hole portion 200B has uniform hardness in the longitudinal direction; and the base material part 200A is more pliable than the other part, i. e. the tightening hole part 200B has a hardness higher than the other part.

[0065] The control unit 180 uses the difference between the hardness of the base material portion 200A and the hardness of the puff hole portion 200B to determine the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175. when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 177 is in a pressure range containing the pressure that is supposed to be measured when the position of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position. In the present case, the length L _C in the longitudinal direction from the lower portion 175a of the holding portion 175 to the position where the pressure sensor 177 senses pressure is longer than the length L _TA in the longitudinal direction of the base material portion 200A and is shorter than the length L _T in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 200. Therefore, in the case where the positioning of the smoking article 200 is correct, the puff hole portion 200B is placed at the position where the pressure sensor 177 senses the pressure, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the control unit 180 judges that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning when the pressure corresponding to the hardness of the puff hole portion 200B is measured by the pressure sensor 177 . For example, the control unit 180 judges that the location of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct location in the case where the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 177 is not lower than a predetermined threshold value. On the other hand, the control unit 180 judges that the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning in the case where the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 177 is below a predetermined threshold value. For example, the predetermined threshold value is any value between a pressure value corresponding to the hardness of the base material portion 200A and a pressure value corresponding to the hardness of the puff hole portion 200B.

[0066] With regard to the operating modes of the inhaler 100, the modes may include a standby mode, a standby mode, and a heating mode. The standby mode is the operation mode for controlling the pressing of the power supply switch 173 . The standby mode is an operation mode for controlling the positioning of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 and controlling the evaluation of whether the heating execution condition is satisfied. The heating mode is an operation mode for performing power supply to the heating unit 176. If the power supply switch 173 is pressed when the operation mode of the inhaler 100 is the standby mode, the mode switches to the standby mode. After the mode is switched to the standby mode, power is supplied from the battery 178 to the pressure sensor 177, which puts the pressure sensor 177 into a state in which it can measure pressure, and the above-described process of determining the location of the smoking article 200 is performed. 200 may also continue in heating mode.

[0067] - Control according to a certain location

The control unit 180 controls, based on the detected position of the smoking article 200, the power supply state to the heating unit 176. In more detail, in the case where it is determined that the position of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position, the control unit 180 switches the power supply state to the heating unit 176 to a state that allows power to be supplied to the heating unit 176. A state that allows power to be supplied to the heating unit 176 is a state in which power is supplied to the heating unit 176 if the predetermined condition (hereinafter, condition performing heating). On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning, the control unit 180 switches the state of supplying power to the heating unit 176 to a state that does not allow power to be supplied to the heating unit 176. A state that does not allow power supply to the heating unit 176 is a state in which power supply to the heating unit 176 is not performed regardless of whether the heating execution condition is satisfied. Power supply to the heating unit 176 is allowed only when the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning, and therefore it is possible to prevent uneven heating and heating from occurring in the absence of an object to be heated.

[0068] The heating execution condition may be the occurrence of an event such as pressing the power supply switch 173. In the above case, the control unit 180 starts supplying power to the heating unit 176 in the case that the power supply switch 173 is pressed during a state that allows power to be supplied to the heating unit 176. More specifically, the control unit 180 causes the battery 178 to turn on the power supply to the heating unit. block 176 so that the heating block 176 performs heating. In the aforementioned case, the user can obtain a suitable inhalation feeling during which no uneven heating or heating occurs in the absence of an object to be heated by simply pressing the power supply switch 173 and without specifically checking whether the position of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position. In this regard, in the case where the operation mode of the inhaler 100 is the standby mode, the power supply to the heating unit 176 is turned on by pressing the power supply switch 173 twice. The first actuation of the power supply switch 173 is an action to return the inhaler 100 to standby mode from the standby mode. The second pressing action on the power supply switch 173 is an action of turning on the power supply to the heating unit 176. It should be remembered that the power supply switch 173 is an example of an operation input part that receives an input related to an operation from the user, and pressing the power supply switch 173 is an example of a predetermined operation entered in the operation input part. Alternatively, the input portion of the operations may be performed using any input device, such as a lever, a tactile sensor, or the like; and the preset operation may be moving the lever up or down or touching the tactile sensor.

[0069] In another example, the heating execution condition may be the occurrence of an event such as a user performing an action to draw in an aerosol. In this case, the control unit 180 starts supplying power to the heating unit 176 in the case where the aerosol drawing action performed by the user is detected during a state that allows power to be supplied to the heating unit 176. In this case, the user can also receive suitable an inhalation sensation during which no uneven heating or heating occurs in the absence of an object to be heated by simply performing a retracting action, and without specifically checking whether the positioning of the smoking article 200 is correct.

[0070] In another example, the heating execution condition may be the occurrence of an event such as securing the smoking article 200 such that its position is correct. In such a case, the control unit 180 starts supplying power to the heating unit 176 in the case where it is determined that the position of the smoking article 200 is correct based on the result of pressure measurement by the pressure sensor 177. Since heating starts immediately after the smoking article 200 is fixed in such a way that its position is correct, it becomes possible for the user to quickly start drawing in the aerosol.

[0071] The control unit 180, when it has determined, based on the result of the pressure measurement by the pressure sensor 177, that the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning, cuts off the power supply to the heating unit 176 immediately or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed to stop heating. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent uneven heating and heating from occurring in the absence of an object to be heated when the smoking article 200 is removed from the holding portion 175 or when the position of the smoking article 200 is displaced by the user's mistaken operation.

[0072] As for an example of control other than control of the heating unit 176, the control unit 180 may control the notification unit 179 to cause it to present a notice corresponding to a certain location of the smoking article 200. For example, the control unit 180 causes the notification unit 179 to output light emission, display information, sound, or vibrations corresponding to the location of the smoking article 200. Here, the control unit 180 may control the notification unit 179 to cause it to output different notices, depending on the evaluation of whether the determined location of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct location. For example, the notification unit 179 emits light having a different emission pattern or a different color, and/or outputs a different sound, depending on the assessment of whether the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning. In another example, the notification unit 179 provides a notification if the location of the smoking article 200 is the correct location and does not issue a notification if the location of the smoking article 200 is not the correct location. In any case, the user can easily check whether the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning.

[0073] (Sequence of operations)

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary flow of the heating control method performed in the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. At the point in time when execution of the heating control method related to the aforementioned sequence of operations is started, the operation mode of the inhaler 100 is the standby mode. In the case where the mode is the ready mode, the execution of the method starts from step S106.

[0074] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 180 monitors the state corresponding to whether the power supply switch 173 has been pressed (step S102). If the power supply switch 173 is pressed (step S102/YES), the control unit 180 starts to supply power from the battery 178 to the pressure sensor 177 (step S104). On the contrary, if the power supply switch 173 is not pressed (step S102/No), the method returns to step S102. After step S104, the control unit 180 obtains the pressure measurement result of the pressure sensor 177 (step S106). Then, the control unit 180 determines, based on the result of the pressure measurement by the pressure sensor 177, the location of the smoking article 200 in the interior of the holding portion 175 (step S108). If the evaluation indicates that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning (step S110/Yes), the control unit 180 switches the power supply state to the heating unit 176 to a state that allows power supply (step S112). On the other hand, if the judgment indicates that the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning (step S110/No), the control unit 180 switches the state of supplying power to the heating unit 176 to a state that does not allow power to be supplied (step S114). Thereafter, the method returns to step S110. After step S112, the control unit 180 judges whether the power supply switch 173 has been pressed and whether the pull-in action has been determined (step S116). If the judgment indicates that the power supply switch 173 has been pressed or a pull-in action is detected (Step S116/Yes), the control unit 180 performs power supply to the heating unit 176 to turn on the heating of the smoking article 200 (Step S118). After that, the execution of the method is completed. On the other hand, if the judgment indicates that the power supply switch 173 has not been pressed and no pull-in action has been detected (S116/No), the method returns to S116.

[0075] (Effect)

As explained above, the heating block 176 is only energized when the position of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 is correct. That is, even if the smoking article 200 is inserted into the holding portion 175, power supply to the heating unit 176 is not performed if the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning. Accordingly, the implementation of uneven heating and heating in the absence of an object to be heated is unmistakably prevented. In addition, since the judgment of whether or not the position is the correct position is automatically performed using the pressure sensor, the user-friendliness can be improved.

[0076] (Addendum)

The inhaler 100 may include an additional pressure sensor positioned between the pressure sensor 177 and the heating block 176 shown in FIG. 4. It is desirable that the length in the longitudinal direction from the lower part 175a of the holding portion 175 to the position where the additional pressure sensor measures the pressure is shorter than the length L _TA in the longitudinal direction of the base material part 200A. In such a case, if the positioning of the smoking article 200 is correct, then the base material portion 200A is in the position where the additional pressure sensor measures the pressure. The control unit 180 determines that the position of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position if the pressure corresponding to the hardness of the puff hole portion 200B is measured by the pressure sensor 177 and the pressure corresponding to the hardness of the base material portion 200A is measured by the additional pressure sensor. Therefore, in the case where the smoking article 200 is inserted to a position too deep, so that the puff hole portion 200B is inserted before being placed at the position of the additional sensor, it can be determined that the above-described positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning.

[0077] <<3. Second Embodiment>>

The present embodiment is in a form in which the pressure sensor is located at the upstream end of the holding part, and the position of the base material constituting the aroma component in the holding part is determined by the measurement result of the pressure sensor. The following description will not discuss the parts common to the present embodiment and the first embodiment, and will mainly explain the parts of the present embodiment different from the parts of the first embodiment.

[0078] (Construction Example)

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of the inhaler 100 in the state in which it holds the smoking article 200 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment contains components similar to those in the inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment, which has been described with reference to FIG. 4. In this regard, the structure of the pressure sensor 177 in the present embodiment is different from the structure in the first embodiment.

[0079] The pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding portion 175. In the present embodiment, the pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure applied to the inner wall, which is a portion on the inner wall of the holding portion 175 and is disposed at the end portion in the insertion direction . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the pressure sensor 177 senses the pressure additionally applied to the bottom 175a of the holding portion 175. Meanwhile, the bottom 175a according to the present embodiment can be designed as a piston member that can move in the insertion direction. The reverse side of the lower part 175a is provided with a cylindrical convex part 175b that extends in the insertion direction. The resilient member 175c is structured, for example, using a compression coil spring that is mounted around the periphery of the convex portion 175b, compresses in the insertion direction, and applies an elastic force in the extraction direction. In a state in which the smoking article 200 is inserted into the holding portion 175 and the tip 210a is brought into contact with the lower portion 175a, if the smoking article 200 is further inserted, the lower portion 175a moves in the insertion direction from the initial position. Thereafter, if the smoking article 200 is removed from the holding portion 175, the lower portion 175a is pushed back by the elastic member 175c in the withdrawal direction and returns to the initial position. The structure of the piston element is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 6, provided that such movement as described above can be realized.

[0080] (Work)

The only difference between the operation of the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment and the inhaler in the first embodiment is the method for determining the location. In the following description, the above feature is explained in detail.

[0081] The control unit 180 according to the present embodiment determines that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning if the pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure indicative of the state in which the movement distance of the lower portion 175a in the insertion direction has reached a predetermined threshold value. In an example, the pressure sensor 177 may be connected to the elastic element 175c. In such a case, the control unit 180 determines that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position if the pressure additionally applied to the pressure sensor 177 by the elastic member 175c has reached a predetermined threshold value. In another example, the pressure sensor 177 may be set to a position where the convex portion 175 is brought into contact with the pressure sensor 177 when the movement distance of the lower portion 175a in the insertion direction has reached a predetermined threshold value. In such a case, the control unit 180 determines that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct position if a situation is detected that the convex portion 175b is in contact with the pressure sensor 177. In this regard, in the design for determining the state of the contact, instead of the pressure sensor 177, a contact sensor can be installed. On the other hand, the control unit 180 determines that the positioning of the smoking article 200 does not correspond to the correct positioning if the pressure sensor 177 does not measure the pressure indicative of the state in which the movement distance of the lower part 175a in the insertion direction has reached a predetermined threshold value.

[0082] (Sequence of operations)

The flow of the method in the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment.

[0083] (Effect)

According to the present embodiment, since the pressure sensor 177 is installed at a position away from the holding portion 175, the heating effect of the pressure sensor 177 from the heating unit 176 can be further reduced compared to the position in the first embodiment. Thus, it becomes possible to more surely prevent damage to the pressure sensor 177 due to heat.

[0084] <<4. Third Embodiment>>

The present embodiment is in a form in which the resilient member is located at the end portion on the downstream side of the holding portion, and the additional pressure applied to the resilient member is measured by a pressure transducer. The following description will not discuss the parts common to the present embodiment and the first embodiment, and will mainly explain the parts of the present embodiment different from the parts of the first embodiment.

[0085] (Construction Example)

Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of the inhaler 100 in the state in which it holds the smoking article 200 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment includes an elastic member 181 in addition to components similar to those in the inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment, which has been described with reference to FIG. four.

[0086] The resilient member 181 is installed at a position, in the inner wall of the holding portion 175, which is closer to the side of the opening 172a than the position heated by the heating block 176. from the inner wall of the holding part 175 towards the inner space and is designed in such a way that the inner space in the protruding part has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the smoking article 200. In addition, the elastic member 181 fixes the smoking article 200 by applying pressure from the periphery smoking article 200 inserted into the interior of the holding portion 175. The elastic member 181 is made using any material such as rubber, porous material and the like. According to the above structure, the placement of the smoking article 200 can be facilitated, and the location of the smoking article 200 can be more reliably prevented from being displaced from the correct location.

[0087] The pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure applied to the elastic element 181. For example, the pressure sensor 177 may be an elastic meter that measures pressure based on the deformation of the elastic element 181. The pressure sensor 177 measures the pressure that is applied to the elastic element 181 when the elastic member 181 fixes the smoking article 200 by applying pressure to the periphery of the smoking article 200. The pressure sensor 177 is also capable of measuring the attachment/separation of the smoking article 200 to/from the inhaler/a 100, based on an assessment of whether the measured pressure is at or above a predetermined level. threshold value.

[0088] (Work)

The inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment operates similarly to the inhaler according to the first embodiment.

[0089] (Sequence of operations)

The flow of the method in the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment.

[0090] (Effect)

According to the present embodiment, the smoking article 200 is held by the resilient member 181. Thus, compared with the first embodiment, the placement of the smoking article can be facilitated and the positioning of the smoking article 200 can be more reliably prevented from being displaced from the correct position.

[0091] <<5. Fourth Embodiment>>

The present embodiment is made in a form in which a plurality of functional parts are installed, and the functional part to be included is selected according to a certain arrangement of the base material constituting the aromatic component. The following description will not discuss the parts common to the present embodiment and the first embodiment, and will mainly explain the parts of the present embodiment different from the parts of the first embodiment.

[0092] (Construction example)

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of the inhaler 100 in the state in which it holds the smoking article 200 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment contains components similar to those in the inhaler 100 according to the first embodiment, which has been described with reference to FIG. 4. However, the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of heating blocks 176 (heating block 176A and heating block 176B).

[0093] The heating blocks 176 of said plurality are installed, respectively, in different positions in the longitudinal direction. For example, the distance L _HA from the bottom 175a of the holding part 175 to the position where the heating block 176A is installed is different from the distance L _HB from the bottom part 175a of the holding part 175 to the position where the heating block 176B is installed. In addition, the plurality of heating blocks 176 heat the smoking article 200 held in the holding portion 175, respectively, from different positions in the longitudinal direction. It should be remembered that although in FIG. 8 shows an example in which two heating blocks 176 are installed, it is possible to install three or more heating blocks 176.

[0094] (Work)

- Location detection

In the present embodiment of the smoking article 200, from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction, the smoking article 200 includes a part having a hardness different from that of other parts. For example, the hardness of the smoking article 200 gradually changes in the longitudinal direction. The change in hardness may be a uniform increase or a uniform decrease. To ensure accuracy in determining the location of the smoking article 200, as will be explained later, it is desirable that the positions in the smoking article 200 in the longitudinal direction have a one-to-one relationship with the degrees of hardness.

[0095] The control unit 180 determines the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 by taking advantage of the difference in degrees of hardness of the parts in the smoking article 200 from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the control unit 180 performs discrimination on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 177 to determine which specific pressure corresponding to a specific position in the smoking article 200 in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the measured pressure. After that, the control unit 180 determines the position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 in the interior of the holding portion 175 based on the distance L _I between the position P _I of the smoking article 200 corresponding to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 177 and the tip 210a of the smoking article 200.

[0096] - Control according to a certain location

The control unit 180 selects from the plurality of heating units 176 the heating unit 176 to be supplied with power based on the determined position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 in the interior of the holding portion 175. More specifically, the control unit 180 selects from the plurality of heating units 176 the heating unit 176, to which the power supply is to be supplied, which supplies heat from a position closer to the side of the opening 172a than the position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200. For example, the control unit 180 calculates, based on the distance L _I , the distance L _R between the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 and the lower part 175a of the holding portion 175. Next, the control unit 180 selects the heating blocks 176A and 176b if the distance L _R is less than the distance L _HB , selects the heating block 176A if the distance L _R is not less than the distance L _HB but less than L _HA , and does not select any of the heating blocks, if the distance L _R is not less than the distance L _HA . In the example shown in FIG. 8, the distance L _R satisfies the condition not less than the distance L _HB but less than LH-A, and therefore the control unit 180 selects the heating unit 176A as the unit to be supplied with power.

[0097] Here, after the power supply destination is selected, the power supply state of the heating unit 176, which is selected as the power supply destination, switches to a state that allows power supply. On the other hand, the state of supplying power to the heating unit 176, which is not selected as a power supply destination, switches to a state that does not allow power supply.

[0098] As explained above, due to the fact that, among the plurality of heating units 176, the heating unit 176 that supplies heat from the position where the smoking article 200 is not inserted is not selected as the power supply destination, uneven heating and heating can be prevented from occurring. in the absence of an object to be heated. Further, because among the plurality of heating units 176, the heating unit 176 which supplies heat from the position at which the smoking article 200 is inserted is selected as the power supply destination, the smoking article 200 can be heated to generate aerosol even in the case where the smoking article article 200, although inserted, does not reach the deepest point in holding portion 175.

[0099] (Sequence of operations)

Fig. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary flow of the heating control method performed in the inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment. At the point in time when execution of the heating control method pertaining to the above flow is started, the operation mode of the inhaler 100 is the standby mode. In the case where the mode is the ready mode, the execution of the method starts from step S206.

[0100] The method steps pertaining to steps S202-206 are the same as the method steps pertaining to steps S102-106 described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 9, after step S206, the control unit 180 determines, based on the pressure measurement result of the pressure sensor 177, the position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200 in the interior of the holding portion 175 (step S208). Then, based on the determined position of the tip 210a of the smoking article 200, the control unit 180 selects, among the plurality of heating units 176, the heating unit 176 as the power supply destination (step S210). Then, the control unit 180 switches the power supply state of the heating unit 176, which is selected as the power supply destination, to a state that allows power supply (step S212). Next, the control unit 180 judges whether the power supply switch 173 has been pressed and whether the pull-in action has been determined (step S214). If the judgment indicates that the power supply switch 173 has been pressed or the pull-in action has been detected (step S214/YES), then the control unit 180 performs power supply to the heating unit 176, which is selected as the power supply destination, to start heating the smoking article 200 ( step S216). After that, the execution of the method is completed. On the other hand, if the judgment indicates that the power supply switch 173 has not been pressed and no pull-in action has been detected (step S214/No), the method returns to step S214.

[0101] It should be remembered that the above described process flow is exemplary, and the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the method steps related to steps S212 and S214 can be omitted. In such a case, the inhaler 100 selects the heating unit 176 as the power supply destination, and immediately after selection, performs power supply to the heating unit 176 selected as the power supply destination.

[0102] (Effect)

According to the present embodiment, even in the case where the smoking article 200 does not reach the deepest part of the holding portion 175, although inserted into the holding portion 175, the smoking article 200 can be heated to form an aerosol while preventing uneven heating or heating in the absence of object to be heated.

[0103] <<6. Approximate modifications>>

<6.1. First exemplary modification>

In each of the above embodiments, a judgment as to whether the positioning of the smoking article 100 corresponds to the correct positioning is made based on the pressure measurement result of the pressure sensor; however, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the assessment of whether the location of the smoking article 100 corresponds to the correct location can be made using a physical mechanism. The following description provides a detailed description of said solution.

[0104] (Construction example)

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a procedure for inserting a smoking article 200 into an inhaler according to the first exemplary modification. The insertion procedure is performed step by step from step S302 to step S306. Step S302 shows the state before insertion. Step S304 shows the state at the time of insertion. Step S306 shows the state after pasting is performed.

[0105] As shown in step S302, the smoking article 200 according to the present exemplary modification includes, in addition to the base material portion 200A and the puff hole portion 200B, a tobacco stick holder 200C that is positioned to cover the tip 210a of the base material portion 200A. The tobacco stick holder 200C includes an elastic member 211 that protrudes in a direction transverse to the smoking article 200. Here, the transverse direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and therefore, for example, if the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco stick holder 200C is round, then the transverse direction is the radial direction. The resilient member 211 is structured using a resilient member such as rubber or the like, for example, to provide a cylindrical shape extending in the transverse direction and apply an elastic force in a direction orthogonal to the transverse direction.

[0106] The holding portion 175 according to the present exemplary modification includes a grooved portion 182 along which the resilient member 211 can move when the smoking article 200 is inserted or removed. The grooved part 182 is formed in the inner wall of the holding part 175. The smoking article 200 is inserted into the holding part 175 after the passage position 182A of the grooved part 182 formed in the hole 172a and the position of the elastic member 211 are aligned with each other. the inner side of the grooved portion 182 in the insertion direction when the smoking article 200 is inserted, and moves along the inner side of the grooved portion 182 in the extraction direction when the smoking article 200 is removed. Hereinafter, the axis passing through the passage 182A and continuing in the longitudinal direction is also referred to as the central axis 182B. As shown in FIG. 10, the grooved portion 182 is curved in the circumferential direction of the interior of the holding portion 175. In the section in which the position shift d from the position of the passage 182A in the circumferential direction (i.e., the position shift from the center axis 182B in the circumferential direction) exceeds 0, the elastic member 211 is in a state in which it bends in the circumferential direction, and its tip moves along the inside of the grooved portion 182. In the above-described state, the elastic member 211 applies an elastic force that tends to move it back towards the central axis 182B. The grooved portion 182 includes a first end 183 (183A and 183B) located in the insertion direction and a second end 184 located between the first end 183 and the opening 172a and in the extraction direction. In addition, the inhaler 100 includes an elastic member 185 that applies an elastic force to the smoking article 200 in the extraction direction. The resilient member 185 is constructed, for example, using a compression coil spring or the like.

[0107] As shown in step S304, when the smoking article 200 is inserted by the user's hand in the insertion direction, the elastic member 185 is compressed while the smoking article 200 is inserted. At the point in time when the insertable smoking article 200 has reached its deepest point, the elastic member 211 reaches the first end portion 183. At this point, the position shift d ₁ in the circumferential direction between passage 128A and the first end portion 183 exceeds the position shift d ₂ in the circumferential direction between passage 128A and second end portion 184. In the example of FIG. 10 shows that d ₁ >0 and D ₂ =0. Thus, in a state in which the elastic member 211 has reached the first end portion 183, the elastic member 211 applies an elastic force that tends to move it back toward the central axis 182B. In the above state, if the user removes his hand from the smoking article 200, the elastic member 211 tends to move back towards the central axis 182B, i.e. applies an elastic force that tends to move it towards the second end portion 184, where the position shift from the central axis 182B is of lesser importance. As a result, the elastic member 211 moves along the inner side of the grooved portion 182 from the first end portion 183 to the second end portion 184, and under the elastic force applied by the elastic member 185 as it moves, the smoking article 200 is squeezed back in the extraction direction. . Then, when the elastic member 211 has reached the second end portion 184, the repulsive action in the extraction direction is stopped. Meanwhile, in the case where the end portion of the elastic member 211 to be in contact with the grooved portion 182 is plated with metal or the like, a collision sound may be emitted when the elastic member 211 (its end portion) collides with the second end portion. 184, as a result of repulsion.

[0108] Step S306 shows the state in which the resilient member 211 has moved back and reached the second end portion 184. The correct positioning of the smoking article 200 according to the present exemplary modification refers to the state shown in step S306.

[0109] On the other hand, when removing the smoking article 200, the user first presses it until the elastic member 211 reaches the first end portion 183. Thereafter, the user removes the smoking article 200 so that when it is taken out, it rotates into the direction along which the elastic member 211 is retracted from the central axis 182B. In this way, the smoking article 200 can be removed from the holding portion 175.

[0110] (Effect)

According to the present exemplary modification, the user inserts the smoking article 200 by hand in the insertion direction, and then can recognize that the positioning of the smoking article 200 corresponds to the correct positioning when the operation is completed in which the resilient member 211 is pushed back until it reaches the second position. of the end portion 184. Simply put, the user can also recognize that the positioning of the smoking article 200 is correct by the sound of collision between the elastic member 211 and the second end portion 184. In addition, according to the present exemplary modification, it is possible to prevent poor insertion of the smoking article. of the article 200, and therefore, uneven heating and heating in the absence of an object to be heated can be prevented.

[0111] (Appendix 1)

It should be remembered that the inhaler 100 in accordance with this exemplary modification may include a pressure sensor 177. For example, the pressure sensor 177 may be installed in the manner described for each of the above embodiments, and the location of the smoking article 200 may be determined using said sensor. In another example, the pressure sensor 177 may be installed in the second end portion 184, and the location of the smoking article 200 may be determined based on whether the pressure sensor 177 measures the state in which the elastic member 211 has reached the second end portion 184. Next, a method may be performed, corresponding to a specific location of the smoking article 200.

[0112] (Appendix 2)

In addition, although in FIG. 10 shows an example in which a tobacco stick holder 200C is mounted on the smoking article 200, the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the tobacco stick holder 200C may not be mounted on the smoking article 200, and may be mounted in the inhaler 100, in the form of a movable member that moves within the interior of the holding portion 175. Such a movable member is mounted within the interior of the holding portion 175 such that it can move along the inner wall of the holding portion 175, in the interior of the holding portion 175. Like the tobacco stick holder 200C shown in FIG. 10, the movable member includes a resilient member 211 extending laterally into the interior of the holding portion 175. Here, the transverse direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and therefore, for example, if the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the holding portion 175 is circular, then the transverse direction is the radial direction.

[0113] Other designs are similar to those shown in FIG. 10. For example, the retaining portion 175 includes a grooved portion 182 along which the resilient member 211 can move as the slider moves. The movable member moves within the inside of the holding portion 175 in the insertion direction or the withdrawal direction when the smoking article 200 is inserted or removed. and moves along the inside of the grooved portion 182 in the extraction direction when the smoking article 200 is removed. The grooved portion 182 includes a first end 183 and a second end 184. In addition, the inhaler 100 includes an elastic member 185 that applies an elastic force to the movable member in the extraction direction.

[0114] The insertion/removal procedure for inserting/removing the smoking article into/from the inhaler/s 100 is also similar to the procedure described above with reference to FIG. 10. However, during the insertion procedure, the smoking article 200 is inserted into the holding portion 175 such that the movable member is pushed by the tip of the smoking article 200 and the movable member is shifted in the direction of insertion. The user can insert the smoking article 200 by sliding the movable member in the insertion direction. On the other hand, during the withdrawal procedure, the resilient member 185 applies an elastic force in the withdrawal direction, which acts on the movable member and pushes the movable member back to the position in the withdrawal direction in the holding portion 175. In connection with the above operation, the user can remove the smoking article. 200 from holding part 175.

[0115] According to the present design, since the tobacco stick holder 200C is optional in the smoking article 200, the manufacturing cost of the smoking article 200 can be reduced compared to the design in which the smoking article 200 includes the tobacco stick holder 200C.

[0116] <6.1. Second Exemplary Modification>

Although in the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the smoking article 200 is inserted through the opening 172a into the interior of the holding portion 175, the present invention is not limited to the above-described example. In the following description, another example is explained.

[0117] (Construction example)

Fig. 11 is a schematic example of the construction of an inhaler 100 according to a second exemplary modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the holding portion 175 according to the present exemplary modification includes a first body 190A and a second body 190B that can be separated from or connected to each other. For example, the first body 190A is connected to the second body 190B via a pivot shaft 191 and can be rotated on the pivot shaft 191 as a pivot point. Thus, the first body 190A and the second body 190B are separated by turning them in the separation direction from each other, and connected to each other by turning them until they are brought into contact with each other. It should be remembered that, in Fig. 11 does not show the structures of the heating block 176 and other components.

[0118] To insert the smoking article 200 into the inhaler 100, first, the first body 190A and the second body 190B are brought into a state in which they are separated from each other, and the smoking article 200 is inserted into the grooved portion 192 in the second body 190B. While maintaining the above state, the first body 190A is rotated until it is brought into contact with the second body 190B and fixed in the contact state, and as a result, the first body 190A and the second body 190B are connected to each other. The holding portion 175 holds the smoking article 200 between the first body 190A and the second body 190B, which are in a state in which they are connected to each other. For example, a pressure sensor 177 is mounted on the grooved portion 192 in the second housing 190B and measures the pressure applied thereto when the smoking article 200 is held between the housings.

[0119] (Addendum)

It should be remembered that the location of the smoking article 200 may be determined from a pressure sensor measurement and using the method described in connection with each of the above-described embodiments. In addition, a method corresponding to a specific location of the smoking article 200 can be performed.

[0120] <<7. Conclusion>>

Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-11. As explained above, according to each embodiment, the inhaler 100 includes a holding part for holding the smoking article 200 in the interior space, and a pressure sensor 177 for measuring the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding part 175. In addition, the inhaler 100 determines, from the measurement result, pressure sensor 177, the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175. In addition to assessing whether the smoking article 200 is inserted in the holding portion 175, the inhaler 100 can determine whether the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 corresponds to the correct location. In addition, since the pressure sensor 177 is not affected by ambient light, the measurement accuracy can be improved compared to the case where an optical sensor is used.

[0121] In the above description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying figures; however, the present invention is not limited to the above examples. One of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains should appreciate that various types of exemplary modifications or improvements may be envisioned within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the claims; and it is clear that the mentioned modifications or examples are also included in the technical solution of the present invention.

[0122] For example, with respect to each of the above embodiments, it has been explained that the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 refers to the location of the smoking article 200 inserted into the interior of the holding portion 175 in the longitudinal direction; however, the present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the location of the smoking article 200 in the holding portion 175 may refer to the angle of the smoking article 200 inserted into the interior of the holding portion 175. In this regard, the angle of the smoking article 200 is the angle formed between the axis in the longitudinal direction of the inhaler 100 and the axis in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article. For example, a plurality of pressure sensors 177 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction in the inner wall of the holding portion 175, and the angle of the smoking article 200 is determined from the slope of pressure values measured by the plurality of pressure sensors 177.

[0123] In addition, each of the above embodiments can be combined with another embodiment as appropriate. For example, the first embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment. In such a case, pressure sensors are installed at both the outlet side end portion and the upstream end portion of the holding portion, and the location of the base material constituting the aroma component in the holding portion is determined based on the measurement result of these pressure sensors. In the above case, the location accuracy of the base material constituting the aroma component can be improved compared to the case where only one of the pressure sensors is installed.

[0124] It should be remembered that the inhaler 100 disclosed herein may be implemented as a single device, or a device containing another device as a component thereof, or containing different devices as components constituting the device. For example, in functional arrangements in the inhaler 100 described with reference to FIG. 4 and so on, the control unit 180 may be installed in a control device which, for the inhaler 100, is in a smartphone, server, or the like, which is connected to the inhaler 100 via a network or the like. In the above case, the inhaler 100 transmits the measurement result of the pressure sensor 177 to the control device. Then, the control device determines the location of the smoking article 200 from the measurement result of the pressure sensor 177, generates control information (for example, a command to start heating the heating block 176) corresponding to the determined location, and transmits the generated control information to the inhaler 100. Then, the inhaler 100 performs the method specified a control information command received from the control device.

[0125] It should be remembered that the sequence of operations of the method performed by the respective devices explained in the present description can be implemented using any means of software, hardware, and a combination of software and hardware. Programs that are software components are pre-recorded on a storage medium (non-durable medium: non-durable medium) embodied, for example, inside or outside the respective devices. In addition, for example, each program is read into RAM (Random Access Memory) when the computer is running and executed by a processor such as a CPU (central processing unit). Said storage medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, flash memory or the like Further, the aforementioned computer program can be delivered over a network, for example, without using a storage medium.

[0126] In addition, the methods disclosed using each of the flowcharts and sequence diagrams in the present description may not necessarily be performed in the order presented. Some data processing steps can be performed in parallel. In addition, an additional data processing step can be applied and some data processing steps can be omitted.

LIST OF SYMBOLS

[0127] 100 Suction Device

171 Corps

171A Upper case

171B Lower housing

172 Lid

172a Hole

173 Power supply switch

174 Cap part

175 Retaining part

175a Lower part

175b Convex part

175c Spring element

176 Heating block

177 pressure sensor

178 Battery

179 Notification block

180 Control unit

181 Elastic element

182 Grooved part

182A Passage

182B Central axle

183 First end

184 Second end

185 Elastic element

190A First building

190B Second Corps

191 Pivot

192 Grooved part

200 Smoking article

200A Part of base material

200B Tightening hole part

201 Filling product

202 First cigarette paper

203 Second cigarette paper

204 Paper sleeve

205 Filter part

206 Hollow segment part

210a Tip

210b Rear end

211 Elastic element

Claims (24)

1. An inhaler, characterized in that it comprises a holding part containing an inner space, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding part, and a control unit that determines, from the measurement result of the pressure sensor, the location of the base material forming the aromatic component in the inner space in the holding part. 2. The inhaler according to claim. 1, characterized in that it contains at least one functional part, which performs in relation to the main material forming the aromatic component held in the interior of the holding part, the function that forces the main material forming the aromatic component to form gas with an added aromatic component. 3. The inhaler according to claim. 2, characterized in that the holding part contains an opening that allows communication of the internal space with the external space, and the pressure sensor measures the pressure applied to the part of the inner wall of the holding part, while the part of the inner wall is in a position that closer to the side of the hole than the position in which the functional part performs the function. 4. The inhaler according to claim. 3, characterized in that the main material forming the aromatic component contains a part forming an aromatic component, and a part that is not a part forming an aromatic component, while the parts are arranged in order from one end to the other end , and each of them has a hardness different from that of the other part, and the control unit determines that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component corresponds to the predetermined location, if the pressure corresponding to the hardness of the part that is not the aromatic component forming part is measured by the pressure sensor. component. 5. The inhaler according to claim. 4, characterized in that the predetermined arrangement is the arrangement in which the part forming the aromatic component and one part of the part that is not the part forming the aromatic component are held in the internal space, and the other part of the part, which is not a portion constituting the aromatic component protrudes into the outer space from the opening. 6. The inhaler according to claim. 4 or 5, characterized in that the predetermined location is the location in which the part forming the aromatic component is located in the position in relation to which the functional part performs a function. 7. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-6, characterized in that the holding part contains an opening that provides communication of the internal space with the external space, the inhaler contains the first elastic element installed in a position in the part of the inner wall of the holding part, which is closer to the side of the opening than the position in which the functional part performs a function, the pressure sensor measures the pressure applied to the first elastic element. 8. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-7, characterized in that the parts of the main material forming the aromatic component, from one end to the other end, have different degrees of hardness, the inhaler contains a plurality of functional parts, and the control unit determines the position of one end of the main material forming the aromatic component, during interior space and, based on the determined position, selects from among the plurality of functional parts the functional part to which power is to be supplied. 9. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, characterized in that the holding part contains an opening that provides communication between the internal space and the external space, the main material forming the aromatic component is inserted into the internal space through the opening, and the pressure sensor measures the pressure applied to the part, which is located in the end the part located in the insertion direction of the inner wall of the holding part. 10. The inhaler according to claim. 9, characterized in that the inhaler contains a piston element that is installed in a part that is located in the end part located in the insertion direction, the inner wall of the holding part, and can move in the insertion direction, and the control unit determines, that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component corresponds to the predetermined location if the pressure sensor measures the pressure indicative of the state in which the travel distance of the piston member in the insertion direction has reached the predetermined threshold value. 11. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the base material forming the aromatic component contains a second elastic element that protrudes in the transverse direction, the holding part contains an opening that provides communication between the inner space and the outer space, and a grooved part that is formed on the inner wall and along which the second resilient member can move when the base material constituting the aromatic component is inserted or removed, the grooved portion has a first end located in the insertion direction and a second end located between the first end and the opening and in the extraction direction, and a position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage, which is formed in the hole, the grooved part and the first end part in the inner space exceeds the position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage and the second end part in the inner space, and the inhaler further comprises a third elastic element, which applies an elastic force in the direction of extraction to the base material forming the aromatic component. 12. The inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the inhaler contains a fourth elastic element that protrudes in the transverse direction in the internal space, and additionally contains a movable element that can move in the internal space along the inner wall of the holding part, and a fifth elastic element that applies an elastic force in the extraction direction towards the movable element, the retaining part comprises an opening that communicates the internal space with the external space, and a grooved part, which is formed on the inner wall and along which the fourth elastic element can move when the movable element moves, and the grooved part contains the first end located in the insertion direction, and the second end located between the first end and the hole and in the extraction direction, and the position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage that is formed in the hole, the grooved part and the first end part in the inner pr space exceeds the position shift in the circumferential direction between the passage and the second end portion in the interior space. 13. The inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, characterized in that the holding portion includes a first body and a second body that can be separated or connected to each other, and the base material forming the aromatic component is held between the first body and the second body in a state in which the bodies are connected to each other. friend. 14. The inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-13, characterized in that the control unit controls the state of power supply to the functional part based on the determined arrangement of the base material forming the aromatic component. 15. The inhaler according to claim 14, characterized in that the control unit switches the state of supplying power to the functional part to a state that allows power supply to the functional part, if it is determined that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component corresponds to a predetermined location. 16. The inhaler according to claim. 15, characterized in that the inhaler further comprises an operation input part, and the control unit starts supplying power to the functional part if a predetermined operation is entered into the operation input part during a state that allows power supply to the functional part. 17. The inhaler according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the control unit starts supplying power to the functional part if a retracting action performed by the user is detected during a state that allows power supply to the functional part. 18. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 14-17, characterized in that the control unit switches the state of supplying power to the functional part to a state that does not allow power supply to the functional part if it is determined that the location of the base material forming the aromatic component does not correspond to the predetermined location. 19. Inhaler according to any one of paragraphs. 1-18, characterized in that the inhaler contains a notification unit, and the control unit controls the notification unit to output a notification corresponding to a certain location of the main material forming the aromatic component. 20. The inhaler according to claim 19, characterized in that the control unit controls the notification unit to output a notification that changes depending on an assessment of whether the determined location of the aroma component-forming base material corresponds to a predetermined location. 21. The inhaler according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the notification unit performs at least one of light emission, information display, sound output, and vibration. 22. A control device for an inhaler, characterized in that it comprises a control unit that, based on a measurement result of a pressure sensor that measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding part that contains the inner space, determines the location of the base material forming the aromatic component in the inner holding part space. 23. A method for processing information by a control device for an inhaler, characterized in that it comprises a process of determining the location of the base material forming the aroma component in the interior of the holding part, based on the measurement result of a pressure sensor that measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding part, which contains interior space. 24. A computer-readable storage medium containing a program for controlling the control unit of the inhaler according to claim 1 so that the control unit determines the location of the base material forming the aromatic component in the interior of the holding part, based on the measurement result of the pressure sensor, which measures the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holding portion that contains the inner space.

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