Power supply control method, storage medium, primary device, and secondary device

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a method for controlling power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, comprising: identifying one of a first mode and a second mode as the mode being executed, wherein the first mode is a mode for allowing power supply from the primary device to a load included in the secondary device and used for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and the second mode is a mode for allowing power supply from the primary device to a power source included in the secondary device and capable of supplying power to the load; receiving an instruction for performing a migration from the mode being executed (i.e., one of the first and second modes) to another mode; and, in response to the instruction, executing a migration mode including a migration time for changing predetermined variables related to power supply during timing between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of the first migration (i.e., a migration from the first mode to the second mode) and the second migration (i.e., a migration from the second mode to the first mode), in response to the instruction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 13, 2017, with application number 201780088312.4 and entitled "Smoking System, Power Supply Control Method, Program, Primary Device and Secondary Device". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a smoking system, a power supply control method, a program, a primary device, and a secondary device. Background Technology

[0003] A known smoking system involves charging a heating device that heats an aerosol generating article via an electric heater using a portable charger (see, for example, Patent Document 1) every prescribed number of cigarettes. Specifically, in cases where a significant amount of electricity is required to release aerosol from the aerosol generating article, continuous smoking is not possible because smoking is not permitted during charging.

[0004] To address this problem, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is considered to generate an aerosol by directly supplying power to the heater from the charger. In this case, it has always been necessary to switch between a mode in which the built-in rechargeable battery of the heating device is charged from the charger and a mode in which the charger directly supplies power to the heater.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-527222

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-500647 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, it is well known that the power supply rate (rate) is preferably set to an appropriate value based on the characteristics or purpose of the object being powered. Therefore, the power supply when charging a rechargeable battery is typically different from the power supply when powering a heater. Consequently, when switching between modes—charging the built-in rechargeable battery from the charger and directly powering the heater—there is a concern that the rechargeable battery may deteriorate or the heater may not function properly if the mode is switched immediately without special consideration, as in Patent Document 2. Furthermore, there is a concern that the charger's power may be wasted if direct power is supplied to the heater before the aerosol-generating article is installed on the heating device.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the above aspects, and one of its objectives is to ensure safety or user convenience and to smoothly switch between charging mode and direct heating mode.

[0012] Solution for solving the problem

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention is a smoking system comprising: a secondary device including a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load; a primary device, which, when connected to the secondary device, is capable of supplying power to the load and the power source; and a control unit capable of executing a first mode of supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode of supplying power from the primary device to the power source, wherein the control unit, in at least one of a first migration from the first mode to the second mode and a second migration from the second mode to the first mode, executes a migration mode having a migration time between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the migration time is used to change predetermined variables related to power supply.

[0014] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the control unit performs the migration mode in both the first migration and the second migration.

[0015] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the migration time of the migration pattern in the first migration is different from the migration time length of the migration pattern in the second migration.

[0016] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the migration time of the migration mode in the first migration is shorter than the migration time of the migration mode in the second migration.

[0017] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device, and the control unit executes various modes such that, in the first mode, power is supplied from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount; in the migration mode of the first migration, the power supply to the primary device is reduced from the first power supply amount and no power is supplied from the primary device to the power source; and in the second mode, power is supplied from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount.

[0018] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system, in which a component is included capable of switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and a state in which power can not be supplied from the primary device to the power source. The predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device. The control unit executes various modes such that, in the first mode, power is supplied from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount; in the migration mode of the first migration, the component is controlled to be set to a state in which power can not be supplied from the primary device to the power source and the primary device is processed to reduce the power supply amount from the first power supply amount; and in the second mode, the component is controlled to be set to a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and the primary device is supplied to the power source at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount.

[0019] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the component is an opener / closer disposed between the primary device and the power source. The control unit controls the opening / closer to open in the first migration mode, thereby electrically disconnecting the primary device and the power source, and controls the closing / closer to close in the second mode, thereby electrically connecting the primary device and the power source.

[0020] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system, in which a diode is disposed between the primary device and the power source and is positioned in the positive direction from the primary device toward the power source. The component is a regulator capable of adjusting the relative voltage of the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the power source. The control unit controls the regulator in the migration mode of the first migration to make the output voltage of the primary device higher than the voltage of the power source, and in the second mode to make the voltage of the power source higher than the output voltage of the primary device.

[0021] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the control unit performs a process on the primary device to gradually reduce the power supply from the first power supply to the second power supply in the migration mode of the first migration, and supplies power from the primary device to the load with the gradually decreasing power supply.

[0022] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the control unit does not supply power from the primary device to the power source and the load in the migration mode of the first migration.

[0023] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system, in which an on / off switch is disposed between the primary device and the power source and the load, and is capable of switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and the load and a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source and the load. The control unit controls the opening of the on / off switch in the migration mode of the first migration, thereby electrically disconnecting the primary device, the power source and the load.

[0024] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the primary device includes a constraint unit capable of maintaining the connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a constrained state and capable of releasing the connection in an unconstrained state, and the control unit identifies the first migration and the second migration based on the state of the constraint unit.

[0025] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which the control unit maintains the migration mode of the second migration until the load and the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol source come into contact in the unconstrained state.

[0026] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control method for controlling power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, comprising: identifying one of a first mode and a second mode as the mode in operation, wherein the first mode is a mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to a load disposed in the secondary device for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and the second mode is a mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to a power source disposed in the secondary device capable of supplying power to the load; receiving an instruction to migrate from the mode in operation to the other of the first mode and the second mode; and, in response to the instruction, performing a migration mode having a migration time between the first mode and the second mode, in at least one of a migration from the first mode to the second mode (i.e., a first migration) and a migration from the second mode to the first mode (i.e., a second migration), wherein the migration time is used to change predetermined variables related to power supply.

[0027] In addition, another aspect of the present invention is to make the smoking system perform the above-described method.

[0028] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a primary device that, when connected to a secondary device comprising a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a fragrance source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, is capable of supplying power to the load and the power source. The primary device includes a control unit capable of executing a first mode of supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode of supplying power from the primary device to the power source. The control unit, in at least one of a first migration from the first mode to the second mode and a second migration from the second mode to the first mode, executes a migration mode with a migration time between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the migration time is used to change predetermined variables related to power supply.

[0029] Furthermore, another aspect of the invention is a secondary device having a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a fragrance source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and being connectable to a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source. The secondary device includes a control unit capable of executing a first mode of supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode of supplying power from the primary device to the power source. The control unit, in at least one of a first migration from the first mode to the second mode and a second migration from the second mode to the first mode, executes a migration mode with a migration time between the first mode and the second mode, wherein the migration time is used to change predetermined variables related to power supply.

[0030] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, comprising the following steps: identifying one of a first mode and a second mode as the mode being executed, wherein the first mode is a mode for allowing power supply from the primary device to a load included in the secondary device and used for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and the second mode is a mode for allowing power supply from the primary device to a power source included in the secondary device and capable of supplying power to the load; receiving an instruction for performing a migration from the currently executed mode (i.e., one of the first mode and the second mode) to another mode; and, in response to the instruction, executing a migration mode including a migration time for changing predetermined variables related to power supply during timing between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of the first migration (i.e., a migration from the first mode to the second mode) and the second migration (i.e., a migration from the second mode to the first mode).

[0031] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause a processor of a smoking system to perform the method described according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a primary device, which, when connected to a secondary device, is capable of supplying power to a load and a power source included in the secondary device, wherein the load is an atomized aerosol source or a heated fragrance source, and the power source is capable of supplying power to the load; the primary device includes a control unit capable of executing a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source; wherein, during timing between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first migration (i.e., a migration from the first mode to the second mode) and a second migration (i.e., a migration from the second mode to the first mode), the control unit executes a migration mode including a migration time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply.

[0033] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides a secondary device comprising a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a fragrance source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and connectable to a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source; the secondary device includes a control unit capable of executing a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source; wherein, during timing between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first migration (i.e., a migration from the first mode to the second mode) and a second migration (i.e., a migration from the second mode to the first mode), the control unit executes a migration mode including a migration time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply. Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the present invention, safety and user convenience can be ensured, and the switching between charging mode and direct heating mode can be performed smoothly. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This indicates the state transitions of the circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4A This is an example of a timing diagram showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from direct heating mode to charging mode.

[0039] Figure 4BThis is an example of a timing diagram showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode.

[0040] Figure 4C This is another example of a timing diagram showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from direct heating mode to charging mode.

[0041] Figure 4D This is another example of a timing diagram showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 in which the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention performs control over switching the operating mode of the smoking system 100.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 600 of the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for implementing control of switching the operating mode of the smoking system 100.

[0044] Figure 7A This represents an example of an intake airflow path 810 provided in the secondary device 140.

[0045] Figure 7B This represents an example of an intake airflow path 820 provided in the primary device 120. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please note that... Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly and conceptually represents the elements included in the smoking system 100, and is not a diagram that represents the precise configuration, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of these elements and the smoking system 100.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the smoking system 100 includes a primary device 120 and a secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 is configured to enable a first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120, and a second usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120. For example, in... Figure 1In the illustrated smoking system 100, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120 by being inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, and electrically disconnected from the primary device 120 by being unplugged from the connection port 122. As another example, the electrical connection and disconnection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 can also be achieved, for example, by attaching or detaching a conductive cable such as a USB cable.

[0049] The secondary device 140 is a device that generates an aerosol or vapor containing flavoring ingredients by electrically heating the aerosol generating article 160 for smoking. The smoker, i.e., the user, can inhale the aerosol or vapor generated from the secondary device 140. The primary device 120 is a device that supplies power to the secondary device 140 in a first mode of use. In the first mode of use, the primary device 120 can charge the secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140. In a second mode of use, the secondary device 140 can operate via the built-in secondary power supply 148. The smoking system 100 returns to the first mode of use, for example, when a predetermined amount of the secondary power supply 148 has been consumed. Upon returning to the first mode of use, the secondary device 140, by receiving power from the primary device 120, can not only recharge the secondary power supply 148 but also directly heat the aerosol generating article 160 using the power supplied from the primary device 120.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the secondary device 140 includes an aerosol-generating article holding unit 142, a load 144, a drive circuit 146, a secondary power supply 148, a user operation unit 152, a control unit 154, and a memory 156. The secondary device 140 is configured, for example, to have a shape and size suitable for a user to inhale an aerosol or vapor. For example, a user can hold the secondary device 140 between their fingers while smoking. As an example, the external shape of the secondary device 140 can be roughly similar to the cylindrical shape of a cigarette, but this should not be construed as limiting; any other shape and size can be adopted.

[0051] The aerosol generating article holding portion 142 is a space configured to hold the aerosol generating article 160. Therefore, the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 can have a shape corresponding to the aerosol generating article 160. For example, the aerosol generating article 160 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate shaped into a cylindrical rod with a diameter similar to that of a cigarette. Figure 1The diagram shows an aerosol generating article 160 inserted into a secondary device 140 within an aerosol generating article holding section 142. The aerosol substrate is constructed, for example, by processing shredded tobacco or granular or powdered tobacco raw material that releases aroma components upon heating into a cylindrical shape, and adding a liquid aerosol source therein. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the aerosol substrate and / or the aerosol source function as a aroma source. Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating article 160 is housed within the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 with one end and the main portion containing the aerosol substrate inside, and is held in the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 with the other end protruding from it. A user can smoke by placing the protruding end of the aerosol generating article 160 from the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 into their mouth.

[0052] Furthermore, considering convenience, the secondary device 140 is preferably configured in a shape similar to that of conventional cigarettes. Additionally, since the secondary device 140 has a cavity-shaped aerosol-generating article holding section 142, the arrangement of electrical components within the secondary device 140 is constrained. As a result, the secondary power supply 148 is preferably also small in size and has a smaller capacity. On the other hand, since the primary device 120 does not have such constraints, the primary power supply 126 is preferably configured with a sufficiently large capacity compared to the secondary power supply 148 to enable multiple charging of the secondary power supply 148. For example, the primary power supply 126 is preferably configured with a capacity 5 to 40 times that of the secondary power supply 148, but is not limited to this range. Furthermore, both the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 are preferably constructed from lithium-ion secondary batteries, but are not limited to this.

[0053] The aerosol generating article 160 and the aerosol generating article holding part 142 may also be configured to be compatible with... Figure 1The aerosol generating articles shown are different from other aerosol generating articles. For example, aerosol generating article 160 may also be a liquid aerosol source containing a fragrance component (fragrance source). As an example, the liquid aerosol source containing a fragrance component (fragrance source) is a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol containing nicotine. In this embodiment, the aerosol source functions as a fragrance source. When aerosol generating article 160 is an aerosol source containing a fragrance component (fragrance source), the aerosol generating article holding part 142 is made of, for example, a fibrous or porous raw material such as glass fiber or porous ceramic, and holds the liquid aerosol source in the gaps between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article holding part 142 may also be configured as a container for holding liquid. In such a structure, the secondary device 140 additionally includes a suction member. By holding the suction member in the mouth, the user can inhale the generated aerosol or vapor.

[0054] The load 144 is a heating element used to electrically heat the aerosol generating article 160 held in the aerosol generating article holding section 142. The load 144 is in contact with the aerosol generating article 160 or is positioned near the aerosol generating article 160 to heat it. In a second usage mode where the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120, the load 144 is powered by a secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140 to heat the aerosol generating article 160. Furthermore, in a first usage mode where the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, the load 144 is powered by the primary device 120 to heat the aerosol generating article 160. Additionally, when the aerosol generating article 160 includes an aerosol source and an aerosol substrate, as described above, heating the aerosol generating article 160 with the load 144 raises the temperature of the aerosol source, generating an aerosol. On the other hand, if the aerosol generating article 160 is a liquid aerosol source containing a fragrance component (fragrance source), the aerosol can also be generated by directly heating the aerosol source with a load 144.

[0055] Any configuration that brings the load 144 into contact with the aerosol generating article 160 can be used. As an example, the load 144 can also be configured to protrude from the surface of the inner wall of the aerosol generating article holding portion 142. With this configuration, since the aerosol generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 contacts the load 144 at its outer peripheral surface (e.g., the side of a cylindrical rod), the aerosol generating article 160 can be heated from the outer periphery. Furthermore, as another example, the load 144 can enter the aerosol substrate (e.g., by piercing the aerosol substrate) when the aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding portion 142. With this structure, the load 144 can heat the aerosol generating article 160 from within. Alternatively, the load 144 may not be in direct contact with the aerosol generating article 160, but may be positioned near the aerosol generating article 160 to a degree that can heat the aerosol generating article 160.

[0056] The secondary power supply 148 is a power source used to operate the secondary device 140 in the second usage mode. The secondary power supply 148 can supply power to the load 144 via the drive circuit 146. Due to supplying power to the load 144, the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 is reduced, but the secondary power supply 148 is charged by the primary device 120 in the first usage mode, thereby restoring the remaining capacity.

[0057] The user operation unit 152 is configured to accept operations from the user on the secondary device 140. User operations on the secondary device 140 may include, for example, a start instruction for activating the secondary device 140 and a power supply instruction for supplying power to the load 144. The user operation unit 152 may include a start instruction unit for inputting a start instruction and a power supply instruction unit for inputting a power supply instruction, or it may include a single instruction unit capable of accepting both a start instruction and a power supply instruction. As an example, the user operation unit 152 may be configured as a button, switch, knob, joystick, touch sensor, or the like that can be physically operated by the user.

[0058] The control unit 154 is a circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer, programmed to control the operation of the secondary device 140 according to computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 156. The memory 156 is an information storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to storing computer-executable instructions, the memory 156 also stores setting data required for controlling the secondary device 140.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The primary device 120 includes a connection port 122, a power supply circuit 124, a primary power supply 126, a user operation unit 132, a control unit 134, and a memory 136. These elements of the primary device 120 are, for example, present in the body portion 120A of the primary device 120. The primary device 120 also includes... Figure 1 The constraint part 120B is depicted as a cover. (Example) Figure 1 As shown, the cover 120B is engaged with the body 120A via a hinge 120C, and is mounted on the upper part of the body 120A, enabling the body 120A to be opened and closed. Figure 1 The diagram shows the primary device 120 with its cover 120B open. When closed, the cover 120B restrains the secondary device 140, preventing it from detaching from the connection port 122. The cover 120B can also be a sliding cover. Furthermore, the restraining part 120B may not be a cover, but rather composed of other components capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (e.g., a mechanism for engaging a gripper in the secondary device 140, or a mechanism utilizing magnets for adsorption, etc.).

[0060] Connection port 122 is a space used to accommodate secondary device 140 in the first mode of use of the smoking system 100. When secondary device 140 is inserted into connection port 122, connection terminal 146-1 of secondary device 140 contacts connection terminal 124-2 on the side of primary device 120 disposed within connection port 122. Connection terminal 146-1 is a terminal forming part of drive circuit 146 of secondary device 140, and connection terminal 124-2 is a terminal forming part of power supply circuit 124 of primary device 120. Thus, secondary device 140 can be electrically connected to primary device 120.

[0061] The primary power supply 126 is used to supply power to the secondary device 140 in the first usage mode. When the smoking system 100 is activated in the charging mode described later in the first usage mode, the primary power supply 126 charges the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. Furthermore, when the smoking system 100 is activated in the direct heating mode described later in the first usage mode, the primary power supply 126 can supply power to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. Therefore, the load 144 of the secondary device 140 does not need to wait for the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140 to be restored; if the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, it immediately receives power from the primary power supply 126, thereby enabling the heating of the aerosol generating article 160. Because the power supply to the secondary device 140 reduces the remaining capacity of the primary power supply 126, the primary power supply 126 can be restored by being charged by an external charging device (not shown) via an external connection terminal (not shown).

[0062] The user operation unit 132 is configured to allow the user to perform operations on the primary device 120. User operations on the primary device 120 may include, for example, an action indication to allow power to be supplied to the secondary device 140. As an example, the user operation unit 132 may be configured as a button, switch, knob, joystick, touch sensor, or similar device that can be physically operated by the user.

[0063] The control unit 134 is a circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer, programmed to control the operation of the primary device 120 according to computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 136. The memory 136 is an information storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to storing computer-executable instructions, the memory 136 also stores setting data required for controlling the primary device 120.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram illustrating a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2As shown, the circuit 200 of the smoking system 100 includes a power supply circuit 124 for the primary device 120 and a drive circuit 146 for the secondary device 140. The power supply circuit 124 for the primary device 120 includes a DC / DC converter 124-1 and connection terminals 124-2. The DC / DC converter 124-1, under control by a control unit (control unit 134 of the primary device 120 and / or control unit 154 of the secondary device 140), boosts or bucks the voltage of the primary power supply 126, thereby regulating the output voltage of the primary device 120. Furthermore, since the DC / DC converter typically has a voltage control mode for controlling the output voltage and a current (electricity) mode for controlling the output current (electricity), the DC / DC converter 124-1 can also regulate the output current (electricity) of the primary device 120. The drive circuit 146 for the secondary device 140 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and connection terminals 146-1. Each switch SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 is an electrical switch such as a transistor, controlled by a control unit (control unit 154 of secondary device 140 and / or control unit 134 of primary device 120) to individually switch between on and off states. The circuit 200 is configured such that the secondary device 140, inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, is electrically connected to the primary device 120 via connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side and connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side.

[0065] Figure 3 This describes the state transition 300 of the circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The smoking system 100 can operate in four modes: a normal smoking mode, a normal non-smoking mode, a charging mode, and a direct heating mode. The normal smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by electrically disconnecting the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is directly stopped by disconnecting the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120. The charging mode is a mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 and charged from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140. The direct heating mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by directly supplying power from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 by connecting the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120. The normal smoking mode and the normal non-smoking mode correspond to a second usage mode, while the charging mode and the direct heating mode correspond to a first usage mode.

[0066] like Figure 3As shown, in normal smoking mode, the control unit sets switches SW1, SW2, and SW4 to the ON state and switches SW3 to the OFF state. This allows power to be supplied from the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144, and the aerosol generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Therefore, the user can smoke in the second usage mode. Furthermore, in normal non-smoking mode, the control unit sets all switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to the OFF state. This cuts off power supply to the load 144, and stops heating of the aerosol generating article 160. In charging mode, the control unit sets switch SW3 to the ON state and switches SW1, SW2, and SW4 to the OFF state. This allows power to be supplied from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140, and the secondary power supply 148 is charged. On the other hand, in direct heating mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the ON state, and sets the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to the OFF state. This allows direct power supply from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144, and the aerosol generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Therefore, in the first usage mode, the user can also smoke.

[0067] As described above, the smoking system 100 can switch operating modes by controlling the on and off states of the switches in the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. Furthermore, the smoking system 100 is configured such that, in the first usage mode where the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, when switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the transition is not immediate from the charging mode to the direct heating mode or vice versa, but rather a transition mode is executed midway. That is, the switching of the operating mode in the first usage mode of the smoking system 100 is performed by transitioning from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via a transition mode, or vice versa. The transition mode can be sandwiched between the direction of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode and the direction of transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, or it can be sandwiched between only one of these directions.

[0068] The migration mode is a mode for processing changes related to variables concerning the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140. As a non-limiting example, the power supply-related variables include the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 (i.e., the discharging date of the primary power supply 126 from the primary device 120). For example, since the amount of power supplied (rate) is preferably set to an appropriate value according to the characteristics or purpose of the object being supplied, the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode differs from the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode.

[0069] For example, when using a lithium-ion secondary battery as the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140, although there are differences due to materials or their construction such as electrodes, electrolytes, active materials, or conductive additives, lithium-ion secondary batteries have a rate dependency property. This rate dependency refers to the correlation between the magnitude of the charging rate or discharging rate and the impact on the degradation of the lithium-ion secondary battery. Furthermore, the degradation of the lithium-ion secondary battery mentioned here is expressed as the ratio of the current rechargeable or discharging capacity to, for example, the rechargeable or discharging capacity when it is new (at the time of factory shipment). Generally, the higher the rate, the more rapidly the degradation of the lithium-ion secondary battery is affected. Moreover, even at the same rate, the impact of charging on degradation is 2 to 3 times greater than the impact of discharging. Therefore, in order to suppress the degradation of the charged secondary power supply 148, it is preferable to control the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode to a small value.

[0070] In the direct heating mode, since the main power supply is from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144, the aforementioned constraints regarding the suppression of degradation of the secondary power supply 148 do not exist. Instead, since the aerosol generating article 160 needs to be heated until the aerosol is generated, the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode is preferably controlled to a larger value. In more detail, if a lithium-ion secondary battery is also used in the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120, controlling the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 to a larger value raises concerns about potential degradation in the primary power supply 126 due to its inherent rate dependence. Here, it is preferable that the primary power supply 126 has a sufficiently large capacity compared to the secondary power supply 148 to allow for multiple charging of the secondary power supply 148 as described above; however, it is well known that a larger secondary battery capacity generally results in a lower charging rate. Furthermore, the primary power supply 126 discharges to the secondary device 140, but as mentioned above, the effect of discharging on degradation is smaller than that of charging. Therefore, even if the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is controlled to a large value, as long as it is adjusted to an appropriate range, degradation of the primary power supply 126 can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0071] To compensate for the difference in power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the smoking system 100 performs a process in the migration mode to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the power supply in the mode before the operation mode switch (one of the charging mode and the direct heating mode) to the power supply in the mode after the switch (the other of the charging mode and the direct heating mode). This change in power supply is achieved, for example, by controlling the output voltage or output current (electricity) of the DC / DC converter 124-1 from the primary device 120. By implementing this power supply change process by the smoking system 100 in the migration mode, the switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first usage mode can be performed smoothly.

[0072] The duration of the transition mode (hereinafter referred to as the transition time) can be set to various values. For example, the transition time when switching the operating mode from direct heating mode to charging mode can be simply set to the time required for the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the output voltage or output current (voltage). The length of this time depends only on the electrical processing of the DC / DC converter 124-1 and is typically less than 1 second. Furthermore, for example, when switching the operating mode from charging mode to direct heating mode, the transition mode may be further delayed after the voltage is changed by the DC / DC converter 124-1 until the user inserts the aerosol generating article 160 into the aerosol generating article holding part 142 of the secondary device 140 as preparation for starting smoking. Since it requires waiting for the user's manual operation, it is envisioned that the transition time in this case is typically longer than 1 second, for example, several seconds to tens of seconds.

[0073] Figure 4A This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from direct heating mode to charging mode. (See also...) Figure 4A The smoking system 100 initially operates in direct heating mode. As described above, in direct heating mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the on state, and sets the third switch SW3 to the off state. Furthermore, the control unit regulates the power supply from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 by controlling the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120, so that the aerosol generating article 160 is heated to or maintained at a predetermined target temperature.

[0074] The smoking system 100 then transitions to a transfer mode, for example, triggered by a predetermined user operation input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For instance, the user inputs an instruction via the user operation unit 132 or 152 to switch the smoking system 100 from direct heating mode to charging mode. Upon receiving such a user operation, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 from the on state to the off state, and maintains the third switch SW3 in the off state, thereby transitioning the smoking system 100 to the transfer mode. Furthermore, in the transfer mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the power supply used in the direct heating mode to the power supply used in the charging mode. As mentioned earlier, typically, the maximum allowable power supply (charging rate) during charging of the rechargeable battery (secondary power supply 148) is less than the power supply required for heating the heater (load 144). If charging is performed at a rate higher than the maximum permissible rate, there is a concern about the performance degradation of the secondary power supply 148. Therefore, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 to reduce the power supply from the primary device 120 from the high power supply used in direct heating mode to the low power supply used in charging mode. The power supply reduction takes a limited time (e.g., less than 1 second), but... Figure 4A In the migration mode, since the third switch SW3 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 is set to the off state, it is possible to avoid the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 being charged due to the high power supply before the power supply drops to the low power supply for the charging mode. In addition, since the time required for the power supply to drop to the low power supply for the charging mode is very short, it is practically possible to achieve a rapid switch from the direct heating mode to the charging mode.

[0075] If the specified migration time elapses, the smoking system 100 transitions from migration mode to charging mode. In charging mode, the control unit keeps the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the same off state as in migration mode, and changes the third switch SW3 from the off state to the on state. As a result, a low power supply based on the charging mode is supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140, and the secondary power supply 148 is charged. In addition, during the series of transitions from direct heating mode to charging mode via migration mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

[0076] Figure 4B This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode. (See reference...) Figure 4BThe smoking system 100 initially operates in charging mode. As described above, in charging mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the off state, and sets the third switch SW3 to the on state. Furthermore, by controlling the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120, the control unit can adjust the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value.

[0077] The smoking system 100 then transitions to a transfer mode, for example, triggered by a predetermined user operation input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For instance, the user inputs an instruction via the user operation unit 132 or 152 to switch the smoking system 100 from charging mode to direct heating mode. Upon receiving such a user operation, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 from the off state to the on state, and changes the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state, thereby transitioning the smoking system 100 to the transfer mode. Furthermore, in the transfer mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply for charging mode to a high power supply for direct heating mode (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4B As shown, the power supply gradually increases from the low power supply used in charging mode to the high power supply used in direct heating mode. This differs from... Figure 4A In this situation, since there are no particular restrictions on the power supply to load 144 in the switched mode, i.e., direct heating mode, there are no restrictions on the power supply to load 144. Figure 4B In the migration mode, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the on state. Thus, power supply from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 begins in the migration mode, enabling earlier heating of the aerosol generating article 160. Furthermore, during the series of transitions from the charging mode to the migration mode and then to the direct heating mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to the off state.

[0078] Figure 4C This is a timing diagram showing other examples of the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from direct heating mode to charging mode. Figure 4C The timing diagram differs from the previous one only in that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the ON state in the migration mode. Figure 4AThe timing diagrams are different. If the control unit receives a specified user operation in the direct heating mode, it keeps the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the on state and keeps the third switch SW3 in the off state, thereby directly causing the smoking system 100 to switch to the transfer mode. In the transfer mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to gradually reduce the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the high power supply used in the direct heating mode to the low power supply used in the charging mode.

[0079] In a smoking system 100 where the load 144, configured as a secondary device 140, is in direct physical contact with the aerosol generating article 160, after the user finishes smoking and removes the aerosol generating article 160 from the aerosol generating article holding section 142, sometimes components of the aerosol generating article 160 remain on the surface of the load 144. If these residual components are left untouched, there are concerns that this may negatively impact the reliability or heating capacity of the load 144. Figure 4C In the migration mode shown, since the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 are set to the on state, the heating of the load 144 continues even after the direct heating mode ends. As a result, the components of the aerosol-generating article 160 remaining on the surface of the load 144 evaporate, and the load 144 can be cleaned.

[0080] The duration of the migration mode can be set, for example, to a predetermined length of time required for sufficiently and effectively cleaning the load 144. Once this predetermined migration time has elapsed, the smoking system 100 transitions from the migration mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the ON state to the OFF state, and changes the third switch SW3 from the OFF state to the ON state. This initiates charging of the secondary power supply 148 from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140. Furthermore, during the series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the migration mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to the OFF state.

[0081] Figure 4D This is a timing diagram showing other examples of the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode. Figure 4D The timing diagram shows that in migration mode, switches SW1 and SW2 are set to the off state, which is consistent with... Figure 4BThe timing diagrams are different. If the control unit receives a specified user operation in charging mode, it maintains the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the same off state as in charging mode, and changes the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state, thereby switching the smoking system 100 to the migration mode. In addition, in migration mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the low power supply used in charging mode to the high power supply used in direct heating mode. However, unlike Figure 4B In this case, since the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are in the off state, the power supply to the load 144 is suspended during the transition mode. For example, immediately after switching from charging mode to transition mode, the aerosol generating item holding section 142 of the secondary device 140 may not yet have the aerosol generating item 160 installed. In such a case, the power supply to the load 144 is suspended, thereby preventing the load 144 from idling.

[0082] exist Figure 4D In this example, the migration mode may continue until the aerosol generating article 160 is installed into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. Alternatively, the duration of the migration mode may be set to be independent of the installation of the aerosol generating article 160 into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. In other words, the migration mode may continue both before and after the aerosol generating article 160 is installed into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. As an example, the migration mode may continue until the charging state of the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is obtained or estimated to be completed. If the control unit detects that the aerosol generating article 160 has been installed into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142, it changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the off state to the on state, and keeps the third switch SW3 in the off state. As a result, the smoking system 100 switches from the migration mode to the direct heating mode, and supplies power from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. In addition, during the series of transitions from charging mode to direct heating mode via migration mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

[0083] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 in which the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention performs control over switching the operating mode of the smoking system 100. The process 500 begins in either a first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, or a second usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120.

[0084] If process 500 begins, firstly, in step S502, the control unit determines whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. For example, the control unit can determine whether the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, i.e., whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, by detecting the electrical contact between the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 and the connection terminal 124-2 of the primary device 120. If the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, process 500 proceeds to step S504; if the secondary device 140 is not connected to the primary device 120, process 500 proceeds to step S524.

[0085] When the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, i.e., when the smoking system 100 is in its first mode of use, in step S504, the control unit determines whether the restraint part 120B of the primary device 120 is in a restrained state or an unrestrained state. The restrained state of the restraint part 120B means that the restraint part 120B restrains the secondary device 140 to maintain the electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122. Furthermore, the unrestrained state of the restraint part 120B means that the restraint part 120B does not restrain the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122, thus allowing the electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 to be released. For example, in a structure where the restraint part 120B is a cover, the closed state of the cover 120B is the restrained state, and the open state of the cover 120B is the unrestrained state. The control unit can, for example, determine whether the constraint unit 120B is in a constrained state or an unconstrained state based on a signal from a mechanical switch that is linked to the movement of the constraint unit 120B. Alternatively, the primary device 120 can be configured such that the cover 120B automatically opens when the main power button is turned on, and automatically closes when the main power button is turned off. Process 500 proceeds to step S506 when the constraint unit 120B is in an unconstrained state, and proceeds to step S516 when the constraint unit 120B is in a constrained state. In addition, the cover 120B can also be a sliding cover. Furthermore, the constraint unit 120B may not be in the form of a cover, but may be composed of other components capable of constraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (e.g., a structure that engages the gripper with the secondary device 140, or a structure that uses magnets for adsorption, etc.).

[0086] When the constraint section 120B of the primary device 120 is in an unconstrained state, in step S506, the control unit determines whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142 of the secondary device 140. For example, the secondary device 140 includes a mechanical switch that is pressed by the aerosol generating article 160 when it is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142. The mechanical switch supplies an electrical signal indicating that the aerosol generating article 160 has been pressed to the control unit. Based on this signal, the control unit can determine whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142. If the aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142, process 500 proceeds to step S508; if the aerosol generating article 160 is not inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142, step S506 is repeated. In this embodiment, if it is determined in step S506 that the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142 of the secondary device 140, the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. Alternatively, it can be determined between steps S506 and S508 whether the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142 is sufficient. If the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 is insufficient, since sufficient aerosol cannot be generated even if the direct heating mode is executed in step S508, the direct heating mode may not be executed, or direct heating may be stopped when the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 becomes zero.

[0087] In step S508, the control unit performs control to cause the smoking system 100 to operate in direct heating mode. More specifically, as described above, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the on state, and sets the third switch SW3 to the off state. Furthermore, the control unit adjusts the power supply from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 by controlling the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120, so that the aerosol generating article 160 is heated to or maintained at a predetermined target temperature. This step S508 corresponds to... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4C The timing diagram shows the initial implementation of the direct heating mode when the smoking system 100 switches from direct heating mode to charging mode. In step S508, by supplying power from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140, the user is able to smoke in a first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120.

[0088] The control unit then determines in step S510 whether the state of the restraint part 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from a non-restrained state to a restrained state (e.g., whether the cover 120B has been closed). For example, the user can instruct the smoking system 100 to switch its operating mode from direct heating mode to charging mode by changing the restraint part 120B from a non-restrained state to a restrained state (e.g., by closing the cover 120B). Processing 500 proceeds to step S512 if the state of the restraint part 120B has changed to a restrained state, and returns to step S508 if the state of the restraint part 120B remains in a non-restrained state.

[0089] Alternatively, in step S510, instead of determining whether the state of the restraint unit 120B has changed from the unrestrained state to the restrained state, it can be determined whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. In such an example, process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the aerosol generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding unit 142, and returns to step S508 if the aerosol generating article 160 remains inserted in the aerosol generating article holding unit 142.

[0090] If the constraint unit 120B is changed to a constraint state, in step S512, the control unit performs control to switch the smoking system 100 from direct heating mode to migration mode. For example, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 from the on state to the off state, and keeps the third switch SW3 in the off state. In addition, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a high power supply for direct heating mode to a low power supply for charging mode. This corresponds to... Figure 4A Control is implemented in a transition mode of the timing diagram. This transition mode control prevents the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by a high power supply. Alternatively, the control unit can maintain the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the ON state and maintain the third switch SW3 in the OFF state, so that the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 gradually decreases from the high power supply for the direct heating mode to the low power supply for the charging mode. This corresponds to... Figure 4C Control is implemented in the migration mode of the timing diagram. By controlling in this migration mode, it is possible to prevent the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by high power supply, and it is possible to clean the load 144.

[0091] Furthermore, to improve the cleaning effect on the load 144, it is also possible to determine whether the aerosol generating article 160 has indeed been removed from the aerosol generating article holding section 142 during the cleaning process. For example, the control unit can also determine whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding section 142 based on the heating rate of the load 144 when power is supplied to it in migration mode. Compared to the state where the aerosol generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding section 142, the state where the aerosol generating article 160 is installed in the aerosol generating article holding section 142 has a larger heat capacity; therefore, the heating rate of the load 144 is slower when the same current or power is supplied to it. Utilizing this characteristic, even without using a dedicated sensor, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether the aerosol generating article 160 has indeed been removed from the aerosol generating article holding section 142 during the cleaning process. Furthermore, as an example, if it is determined that the aerosol generating article 160 is installed in the aerosol generating article holding unit 142 during cleaning, the control unit may also notify the user to remove the aerosol generating article 160 from the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. Additionally, the cleaning of the load 144 may be interrupted simultaneously with the notification.

[0092] After the smoking system 100 transitions to the migration mode, for example, if a predetermined migration time has elapsed, the control unit performs control in step S514 to transition the smoking system 100 from the migration mode to the charging mode. This allows the user to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 using the primary device 120. Step S514 corresponds to... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4C The charging mode implemented after mode switching in the timing diagram. After processing 500, return to step S504.

[0093] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S504 indicates that the constraint part 120B of the primary device 120 is in a constrained state, the control unit performs control in step S516 to make the smoking system 100 operate in charging mode. More specifically, as described above, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the off state and sets the third switch SW3 to the on state. In addition, the control unit adjusts the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value by controlling the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120. This step S516 corresponds to Figure 4B as well as Figure 4D The timing diagram shows the initial charging mode implemented when the smoking system 100 switches from charging mode to direct heating mode.

[0094] The control unit then determines in step S518 whether the state of the constraint part 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from a constrained state to a non-constrained state (e.g., whether the cover 120B has been opened). For example, by changing the state of the constraint part 120B from a constrained state to a non-constrained state (e.g., by opening the cover 120B), the user can issue an instruction to the smoking system 100 to switch the operating mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. If the state of the constraint part 120B has changed to a non-constrained state, the process 500 proceeds to step S520; if the constrained state remains unchanged, it returns to step S516.

[0095] If the restraint unit 120B is changed to an unrestrained state, in step S520, the control unit performs control to change the smoking system 100 from charging mode to migration mode. For example, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 from the off state to the on state, and changes the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state. In addition, the control unit changes the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply for charging mode to a high power supply for direct heating mode by controlling the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120. This corresponds to... Figure 4B Control is implemented in the migration mode of the timing diagram. Through this migration mode control, the aerosol generating item 160 can be heated as early as possible.

[0096] After the smoking system 100 transitions to the migration mode, for example, if a predetermined migration time has elapsed, the control unit performs control in step S522 to transition the smoking system 100 from the migration mode to the direct heating mode. Step S522 corresponds to... Figure 4B The direct heating mode is implemented after mode switching in the timing diagram. In step S522, the user is able to smoke in a first usage mode where the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. After process 500, the process returns to step S504.

[0097] If the determination result in step S502 indicates that the secondary device 140 is not connected to the primary device 120, that is, when the smoking system 100 is in the second usage mode, the control unit sets the mode of the smoking system 100 to either the normal smoking mode or the normal non-smoking mode in step S524. For example, when the main power button (user operation unit 152) of the secondary device 140 is turned on, the control unit causes the smoking system 100 to operate in the normal smoking mode. Thus, power is supplied from the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144, allowing the user to smoke using the secondary device 140 alone. Furthermore, for example, when the main power button of the secondary device 140 is turned off, the control unit causes the smoking system 100 to operate in the normal non-smoking mode. As described above, the secondary device 140 can operate independently in the second usage mode when disconnected from the primary device 120.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 600 of the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention for implementing control of switching the operating mode of the smoking system 100. Process 600 differs from the process 500 described above in that it includes steps S519 and S521 implemented when the state of the constraint unit 120B has changed to the unconstrained state in step S518.

[0099] In step S519, the control unit determines whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142 of the secondary device 140. If the operation of inserting the aerosol generating article 160 into the aerosol generating article holding section 142 is performed, then process 600 proceeds to step S522 (the same as described regarding process 500), and the direct heating mode is implemented. On the other hand, if the aerosol generating article 160 has not yet been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding section 142, then process 600 proceeds to step S521.

[0100] In step S521, the control unit performs control to switch the smoking system 100 from charging mode to transition mode. For example, the control unit maintains the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the same off state as in the charging mode, and changes the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state. Furthermore, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply for the charging mode to a high power supply for the direct heating mode. This corresponds to... Figure 4D Control is implemented in the migration mode of the timing diagram. This migration mode control can prevent the load 144 from idling.

[0101] After step S521, process 600 further repeats the determination in step S519. Thus, the transition mode of step S521 is continuously implemented until the aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part 142. The smoking system 100 can operate to switch to direct heating mode based on the user inserting the aerosol generating article 160 into the aerosol generating article holding part 142.

[0102] In addition, Figure 5 In the illustrated process 500, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) can also, based on the state of the constraint unit 120B, switch the smoking system 100 from the previous mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the migration mode. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the illustrated process 600, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) may switch the smoking system 100 from charging mode to migration mode based not only on the state of the constraint unit 120B, but also on whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. Alternatively, the condition for switching from the previous mode to the migration mode may be set solely to whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. Alternatively, input to the user operation unit 132 or 152 may be used instead.

[0103] As described above, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 uses specific and direct user-operation-required conditions, such as the state of the restraint unit 120B, whether the aerosol generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140, and input to the user operation unit 132 or 152, to switch the smoking system 100 from the previous mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode. Alternatively, conditions unrelated to user operation or conditions more indirectly related to user operation can be used to switch the smoking system 100 from the previous mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode. As an example of a condition more indirectly related to user operation, it is also possible to use whether the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 is less than a predetermined threshold. The control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) may also estimate the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 using the number of times it is smoked after the new aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142, or the cumulative value of the power supply time or power supply amount from the secondary power supply 148 to the load 144. However, the method for estimating the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 is not limited to this, and various methods can be used. Alternatively, a sensor capable of accurately measuring the remaining amount of the aerosol generating article 160 may be used. Such a sensor may include, for example, a weight sensor or an optical sensor.

[0104] Figure 7A This represents an example of an intake airflow path 710 provided in the secondary device 140. Figure 7B This illustrates an example of an air intake path 720 provided in the primary device 120. Since the smoking system 100 is configured to allow smoking in the first usage mode (direct heating mode) by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, a structure is needed to supply a sufficient amount of air to the aerosol generating article 160 even after the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122. The exemplary air intake path 710 provided in the secondary device 140 allows air to be drawn in from the opening side of the aerosol generating article holding portion 142 and flow towards the vicinity of the load 144. Furthermore, the exemplary air intake path 720 provided in the primary device 120 is configured to draw air from the bottom of the main body portion 120A of the primary device 120 and guide it to the innermost part of the connection port 122. The air guided into the connection port 122 via the air intake path 720 passes through the secondary device 140 inserted in the connection port 122 (in... Figure 7B The front end portion (the end opposite to the aerosol generating article holding portion 142) of the part not shown in the figure is open, as a... Figure 7AThe secondary device 140, formed by different flow paths from the primary device 120's air intake path 710, is further guided towards the vicinity of the load 144 inside the secondary device 140. The fumigation system 100 may include either or both of the air intake paths 710 and 720. According to such air intake paths 710 and / or 720, even when the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 for fumigation in direct heating mode, a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the aerosol generating article 160 inside the secondary device 140.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the flow of electricity in direct heating mode, migration mode, and charging mode is controlled by switching the on and off states of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4. However, the components controlling the flow of electricity in each mode are not limited to this. As an example, it is also possible to... Figure 2 In the circuit where the main positive bus and main negative bus of the drive circuit 146 branch off to the secondary power supply 148, an anti-backflow diode is installed with the charging direction from the primary power supply 126 to the secondary power supply 148 set in the positive direction. The drive circuit 146 is connected from the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144. In the direct heating mode, when the power supply from the primary power supply 126 to the secondary power supply 148 is stopped, the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 is controlled so that the output voltage from the primary device 120 is lower than the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary power supply 148. On the other hand, in the charging mode, when the power supply from the primary power supply 126 to the secondary power supply 148 is supplied, the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 is controlled so that the output voltage from the primary device 120 is higher than the inter-terminal voltage of the secondary power supply 148.

[0106] Furthermore, the component that adjusts the relative voltage between the terminals of the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 is not limited to the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120. For example, a DC / DC converter may also be provided in the secondary device 140. Alternatively, at least one of the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 may be composed of multiple energy storage devices, and their series connection and parallel connection may be switched.

[0107] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified in many ways without departing from its spirit.

[0108] For example, in the above embodiments, an example is described in which the primary device 120 in the direct heating mode supplies power only to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 and in the charging mode, the primary device 120 supplies power only to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140. However, it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to supply a portion of the power to both the load 144 of the secondary device 140 and the secondary power supply 148 at the same time.

[0109] Label Explanation

[0110] 100 Smoking Systems

[0111] 120 Primary Unit

[0112] 120A Main body part

[0113] 120B Restraint Part (Cover)

[0114] 120C hinge

[0115] 122 Connection Port

[0116] 124 Power Supply Circuit

[0117] 124-1 DC / DC Converter

[0118] 124-2 Connecting Terminal

[0119] 126 Primary power supply

[0120] 132 User Operations Department

[0121] 134 Control Department

[0122] 136 memory

[0123] 140 secondary devices

[0124] 142 Aerosol Generating Article Holding Section

[0125] 144 load

[0126] 146 Drive Circuit

[0127] 146-1 Connecting Terminal

[0128] 148 Secondary Power Supply

[0129] 152 User Operations Department

[0130] 154 Control Department

[0131] 156 Memory

[0132] 160 aerosol-generating items

[0133] 200 circuit

[0134] 710 Intake Air Path

[0135] 720 Intake Air Path

Claims

1. A method for controlling the power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, comprising the following steps: One of the first mode and the second mode is identified as the mode being executed, wherein the first mode is for allowing power to be supplied from the primary device to a load included in the secondary device and used for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a fragrance source at a first power supply, and the second mode is for allowing power to be supplied from the primary device to a power source included in the secondary device and capable of supplying power to a load at a second power supply less than the first power supply. Receive instructions for performing a migration from one of the first and second modes to another of the first and second modes; and During a migration between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first migration from the first mode to the second mode and a second migration from the second mode to the first mode, in response to the instruction, a migration mode is executed including a migration time for switching the migration amount of power supply from the primary device to the secondary device between the first power supply and the second power supply.

2. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause a processor of a smoking system to perform the method according to claim 1.

3. A primary device, when connected to a secondary device, capable of supplying power to a load and a power source included in the secondary device, wherein the load atomizes an aerosol source or heats a fragrance source, and the power source is capable of supplying power to the load; the primary device comprises: The control section is capable of executing a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply amount less than the first power supply amount; wherein, During the migration of the first mode and the second mode in at least one of the first migration from the first mode to the second mode and the second migration from the second mode to the first mode, the control portion executes a migration mode including switching the migration time of the power supply from the primary device to the secondary device between the first power supply and the second power supply.

4. A secondary device comprising a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and connectable to a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source; the secondary device comprising: The control section is capable of executing a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply amount less than the first power supply amount; wherein, During a migration between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first migration from the first mode to the second mode and a second migration from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit executes a migration mode including switching the migration time of the power supply from the primary device to the secondary device between the first power supply and the second power supply.

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