Smoking system, power supply control method, program, primary device, and secondary device

Abstract

To smoothly switch a mode between a charging mode and a direct heating mode.SOLUTION: A smoking system comprises: a secondary device including a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and a power supply capable of feeding electric power to the load; a primary device capable of feeding electric power to the load and the power supply when the primary device is connected to the secondary device; and a control unit capable of executing a first mode for feeding electric power from the primary device to the load, and a second mode for feeding electric power from the primary device to the power supply. The control unit executes a transition mode having a transition period for changing a predefined variable related to power feeding between the first mode and the second mode, in at least one of first transition which is transition from the first mode to the second mode and second transition from the second mode to the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoking system, a power supply control method, a program, a primary device, and a secondary device. [Background technology]

[0002] A smoking system is known in which a heating device that heats an aerosol-generating article with an electric heater is charged with a portable charger after each predetermined number of cigarettes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, when a large amount of power is required to emit aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, smoking is not possible while the device is charging, making continuous smoking impossible.

[0003] To address this issue, it is conceivable to generate aerosols by supplying power directly from a charger to a heater, as disclosed in Patent Document 2. In this case, it is necessary to switch between a conventional mode in which the built-in rechargeable battery of the heating device is charged by the charger, and a mode in which power is supplied directly from the charger to the heater. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-527222 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2015-500647 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As is widely known, it is preferable to set the power supply amount (rate) to an appropriate value depending on the characteristics and application of the power supply target. Therefore, the amount of power supplied when charging a rechargeable battery generally differs from the amount of power supplied when supplying power to a heater. Therefore, when switching between a mode in which the charger charges the built-in rechargeable battery and a mode in which power is supplied directly to the heater, if the mode is switched immediately without special consideration, as in Patent Document 2, there is a risk of the rechargeable battery being deteriorated or the heater not functioning properly. Furthermore, if direct power supply to the heater is started before an aerosol-generating article is attached to the heating device, there is a risk of wasting power from the charger.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and one of its objectives is to smoothly switch between the charging mode and the direct heating mode while ensuring safety and ease of use for the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a smoking system comprising: a secondary device having a load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load; a primary device that can supply power to the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device; and a control unit capable of executing a first mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the load and a second mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the power source, wherein the control unit executes a transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first transition that is a transition from the first mode to the second mode and a second transition that is a transition from the second mode to the first mode.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the control unit executes the transition mode in both the first transition and the second transition.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system, in which the transition time of the transition mode in the first transition and the transition time of the transition mode in the second transition are different in length.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system, in which, in the above aspect, the transition time of the transition mode in the first transition is shorter than the transition time of the transition mode in the second transition.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device, and the control unit executes each mode such that, in the first mode, the primary device supplies power to the load at a first power supply amount, and in the transition mode of the first transition, the control unit performs processing on the primary device to reduce the power supply amount from the first power supply amount and does not supply power from the primary device to the power source, and in the second mode, the control unit supplies power from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount.

[0012] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system according to the above aspect, further comprising means for switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and a state in which power cannot be supplied, wherein the predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device, and the control unit executes each mode by controlling the means to supply power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount in the first mode, and by controlling the means to set the primary device in a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source and to perform processing on the primary device to reduce the amount of power supplied from the first power supply amount in the transition mode of the first transition, and by controlling the means to set the primary device in a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and to supply power from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount in the second mode.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the means is a switch provided between the primary device and the power source, and the control unit, in the transition mode of the first transition, controls the switch to open, thereby electrically disconnecting the primary device from the power source, and in the second mode, controls the switch to close, thereby electrically connecting the primary device to the power source.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, a diode is provided between the primary device and the power source, with the forward direction being from the primary device to the power source, the means is a regulator capable of adjusting the relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the power source, and the control unit controls the regulator in the transition mode of the first transition so that the output voltage of the primary device is higher than the voltage of the power source, and in the second mode so that the voltage of the power source is higher than the output voltage of the primary device.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the control unit performs a process on the primary device to gradually reduce the power supply amount from the first power supply amount to the second power supply amount in the transition mode of the first transition, and supplies power from the primary device to the load at the gradually decreasing power supply amount.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the control unit does not supply power from the primary device to the power source and the load in the transition mode of the first transition.

[0017] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a power supply for a power supply according to the above aspect, comprising: The smoking system includes a switch that is provided between the primary device and a 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, and the control unit electrically disconnects the primary device from the power source and the load by controlling the switch to open in the transition mode of the first transition.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the primary device is provided with a restraint unit that can maintain a connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and can release the connection in an unrestrained state, and the control unit distinguishes between the first transition and the second transition based on the state of the restraint unit.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a smoking system in which, in the above aspect, the control unit maintains the transition mode of the second transition in the unrestrained state until contact is made between the load and an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol source.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, the power supply control method including the steps of recognizing, as an active mode, one of a first mode in which the primary device supplies power to a load provided in the secondary device that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source, and a second mode in which the primary device supplies power to a power source provided in the secondary device that can supply power to the load; accepting an instruction to transition from the active mode to the other of the first mode and the second mode; and, in response to the instruction, executing a transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first transition that is a transition from the first mode to the second mode and a second transition that is a transition from the second mode to the first mode.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a smoking system to execute the above method.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention is a primary device capable of supplying power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a secondary device having a power source capable of supplying power to the load when connected to the secondary device, the primary device comprising a control unit capable of executing a first mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the load and a second mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the power source, wherein the control unit executes a transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first transition from the first mode to the second mode and a second transition from the second mode to the first mode.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention is a secondary device connectable to a primary device that includes a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and that includes a control unit that is capable of executing a first mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the load and a second mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the power source, and the control unit executes a transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable related to power supply between the first mode and the second mode in at least one of a first transition from the first mode to the second mode and a second transition from the second mode to the first mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode can be performed smoothly while ensuring safety and ease of use for the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an electrical diagram of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]2 shows state transitions of an electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 10 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. [Figure 4B] 10 is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. [Figure 4C] 10 is another example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. [Figure 4D] 10 is another example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention to perform control for switching the operation mode of the smoking system 100. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process 600 for the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 to switch the operating mode of the smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] An example of an air intake channel 810 provided in the secondary device 140 is shown. [Figure 7B] An example of an air intake channel 820 provided in the primary device 120 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that Fig. 1 shows each element of the smoking system 100 in a schematic and conceptual manner, and does not show the exact arrangement, shape, dimensions, positional relationship, etc. of each element and the smoking system 100.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, smoking system 100 includes a primary device 120 and a secondary device 140. Smoking system 100 is configured to be capable of using a first usage mode in which secondary device 140 is electrically connected to primary device 120, and a second usage mode in which secondary device 140 is electrically disconnected from primary device 120. For example, in the smoking system 100 illustrated in Fig. 1, secondary device 140 is electrically connected to primary device 120 by being inserted into connection port 122 of primary device 120, and is electrically disconnected from primary device 120 by being removed from connection port 122. As another example, electrical connection and disconnection between primary device 120 and secondary device 140 may be performed by connecting and disconnecting a conductive cable, such as a USB cable.

[0029] The secondary device 140 is a device that generates an aerosol or vapor containing a flavor component by electrically heating an aerosol-generating article 160 for smoking. A user who is a smoker can inhale the aerosol or vapor generated from the secondary device 140. The primary device 120 is a device for supplying power to the secondary device 140 in a first usage mode. In the first usage mode, the primary device 120 can charge a secondary power source 148 built into the secondary device 140. In a second usage mode, the secondary device 140 can operate using the built-in secondary power source 148. The smoking system 100 is returned from the second usage mode to the first usage mode when, for example, a predetermined amount of the secondary power source 148 has been consumed. When returned to the first usage mode, the secondary device 140 can not only recharge the secondary power source 148 by receiving power from the primary device 120, but also Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article 160 may be heated directly using the power supplied from the primary device 120 .

[0030] 1 , secondary device 140 includes an aerosol-generating article holder 142, a load 144, a drive circuit 146, a secondary power source 148, a user operation unit 152, a control unit 154, and a memory 156. Secondary device 140 is configured, for example, to have a shape and dimensions suitable for a user to inhale aerosol or vapor. A user can smoke by holding secondary device 140 between their fingers, for example. As an example, the outer shape of secondary device 140 may be generally cylindrical, similar to a cigarette, but this should not be construed as being limiting, and any other shape and size may be used.

[0031] The aerosol-generating article-holding section 142 is a space configured to hold the aerosol-generating article 160. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article-holding section 142 can have a shape corresponding to the aerosol-generating article 160. For example, the aerosol-generating article 160 may include a solid aerosol substrate formed into a cylindrical stick with a diameter similar to that of a cigarette. FIG. 1 shows a secondary device 140 in which such an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article-holding section 142. The aerosol substrate is formed, for example, by processing shredded tobacco or granular or powdered tobacco material that releases flavor components upon heating into a cylindrical shape and adding a liquid aerosol source to the processed material. In this embodiment, the aerosol substrate and / or the aerosol source function as the flavor source. 1, the aerosol-generating article 160 is held in the aerosol-generating article holding part 142 with one end thereof and a main part including the aerosol base contained inside the aerosol-generating article holding part 142 and the other end thereof protruding from the aerosol-generating article holding part 142. A user can smoke by holding the end of the aerosol-generating article 160 protruding from the aerosol-generating article holding part 142 in their mouth.

[0032] In consideration of ease of use, it is preferable that secondary device 140 be configured in a shape similar to that of an existing cigarette. Furthermore, because secondary device 140 has a hollow aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, restrictions are placed on the placement of electrical components within secondary device 140. As a result, secondary power source 148 is also preferably small, and its capacity is also relatively small. On the other hand, primary device 120 does not have such restrictions, so it is preferable that primary power source 126 have a sufficiently large capacity compared to secondary power source 148 so that secondary power source 148 can be charged multiple times. For example, it is preferable that primary power source 126 have a capacity 5 to 40 times that of secondary power source 148, although this range is not limited. Furthermore, it is preferable that both primary power source 126 and secondary power source 148 be lithium-ion secondary batteries, although this is not limited thereto.

[0033] The aerosol-generating article 160 and the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 may be configured differently from those shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the aerosol-generating article 160 may be a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source). As an example, the liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source) is a polyol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, containing a nicotine component. In this embodiment, the aerosol source functions as the flavor source. When the aerosol-generating article 160 is an aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 is made of a fibrous or porous material, such as glass fiber or porous ceramic, and holds the aerosol source in liquid form in the gaps between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 may be configured as a tank for storing a liquid. In such a configuration, the secondary device 140 additionally includes a mouthpiece member. The user can inhale the generated aerosol or vapor by holding the mouthpiece in their mouth.

[0034] The load 144 is a heating element for electrically heating the aerosol-generating article 160 held in the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. The load 144 is arranged in contact with or near the aerosol-generating article 160 so as to heat the aerosol-generating article 160. In a second usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120, the load 144 receives power from a secondary power source 148 built into the secondary device 140 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160. In a first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, the load 144 receives power from the primary device 120 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160. Note that when the aerosol-generating article 160 includes an aerosol source and an aerosol base, the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144 as described above, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol source and generating aerosol. On the other hand, when the aerosol-generating article 160 is a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol may be generated by directly heating the aerosol source with the load 144 .

[0035] Any arrangement may be used for bringing the load 144 into contact with the aerosol-generating article 160. For example, the load 144 may be arranged so as to be exposed to the surface of the inner wall of the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. With this arrangement, the aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 comes into contact with the load 144 at its outer peripheral surface (e.g., the side surface of a cylindrical stick), thereby allowing the aerosol-generating article 160 to be heated from the periphery. As another example, the load 144 may penetrate into 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 arrangement, the load 144 can heat the aerosol-generating article 160 from the inside. Note that the load 144 may not be in direct contact with the aerosol-generating article 160, but may be arranged close enough to the aerosol-generating article 160 to heat it.

[0036] Secondary power source 148 is a power source used to operate secondary device 140 in the second usage mode. Secondary power source 148 can supply power to load 144 via drive circuit 146. The remaining capacity of secondary power source 148 decreases when power is supplied to load 144, but secondary power source 148 can recover the remaining capacity by being charged by primary device 120 in the first usage mode.

[0037] The user operation unit 152 is configured to be able to accept operations on the secondary device 140 from the user. User operations on the secondary device 140 include, for example, a startup instruction to start the secondary device 140 and a power supply instruction to supply power to the load 144. The user operation unit 152 may be provided with a startup instruction unit for inputting the startup instruction and a power supply instruction unit for inputting the power supply instruction separately, or may be provided with a single instruction unit that can accept both the startup instruction and the power supply instruction. As an example, the user operation unit 152 is configured as a button, switch, knob, lever, touch sensor, or the like that can be physically operated by the user.

[0038] Control unit 154 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer, and is programmed to control the operation of secondary device 140 in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in memory 156. Memory 156 is an information storage medium such as ROM, RAM, or flash memory. Memory 156 stores not only computer-executable instructions but also setting data necessary for controlling secondary device 140.

[0039] 1 and 2, the primary device 120 includes a connection port 122, a power supply circuit 124, a primary power source 126, a user operation unit 132, a control unit 134, and a memory 136. Each of these elements of the device 120 is provided, for example, on the main body 120A of the primary device 120. The primary device 120 further includes a restraining portion 120B, which is depicted as a lid in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 120B is attached to the top of the main body 120A by engaging with the main body 120A via a hinge 120C, allowing the main body 120A to be opened and closed. FIG. 1 shows the primary device 120 with the lid 120B in an open state. When the lid 120B is in a closed state, the lid 120B restrains the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 so that the secondary device 140 does not fall out of the connection port 122. The lid 120B may be a slide-open / close type lid. Alternatively, the restraining portion 120B may be configured as another member capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (for example, a structure in which a tab engages with the secondary device 140 or a structure in which a magnet is used for attraction) instead of a lid.

[0040] Connection port 122 is a space for accommodating secondary device 140 in the first usage mode of smoking system 100. When secondary device 140 is inserted into connection port 122, connection terminal 146-1 of secondary device 140 comes into contact with connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side, which is arranged within connection port 122. Connection terminal 146-1 is a terminal that forms part of drive circuit 146 of secondary device 140, and connection terminal 124-2 is a terminal that forms part of power supply circuit 124 of primary device 120. This electrically connects secondary device 140 to primary device 120.

[0041] The primary power source 126 is a power source used to supply power to the secondary device 140 in the first usage mode. When the smoking system 100 is operated in a charging mode (described later) in the first usage mode, the primary power source 126 charges the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. When the smoking system 100 is operated in a direct heating mode (described later) in the first usage mode, the primary power source 126 can also supply power to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. This allows the load 144 of the secondary device 140 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 by receiving power from the primary power source 126 immediately when the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, without waiting for the remaining capacity of the secondary power source 148 built into the secondary device 140 to be restored. Although the remaining capacity of primary power source 126 decreases due to power supply to secondary device 140, primary power source 126 can recover its remaining capacity by being charged by an external charging device (not shown) via an external connection terminal (not shown).

[0042] User operation unit 132 is configured to be able to accept operations from a user on primary device 120. User operations on primary device 120 include, for example, an operation instruction to permit power supply to secondary device 140. As an example, user operation unit 132 is configured as a button, switch, knob, lever, touch sensor, or the like that can be physically operated by the user.

[0043] The control unit 134 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer, and is programmed to control the operation of the primary device 120 in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 136. The memory 136 is an information storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory. The memory 136 stores the computer-executable instructions as well as setting data required to control the primary device 120.

[0044] 2 shows an electrical circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical circuit 200 of the smoking system 100 includes a power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 and a drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. The power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 includes a DC / DC converter 124-1 and a connection terminal 124-2. The DC / DC converter 124-1 increases or decreases the voltage of the primary power supply 126 under the control of a control unit (the control unit 134 of the primary device 120 and / or the control unit 154 of the secondary device 140), thereby The secondary device 140 adjusts the output voltage of the secondary device 120. Generally, a DC / DC converter has a voltage control mode for controlling the output voltage and a current (power) mode for controlling the output current (power). Therefore, the DC / DC converter 124-1 may adjust the output current (power) of the primary device 120. The drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 includes a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and a connection terminal 146-1. Each of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 is an electrical switch, such as a transistor, and is controlled by a control unit (the control unit 154 of the secondary device 140 and / or the control unit 134 of the primary device 120) to individually switch between an on state and an off state. The electric circuit 200 is configured by the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 and electrically connecting to the primary device 120 via the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side and the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows state transitions 300 of electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Smoking system 100 can operate in four modes: normal smoking mode, normal non-smoking mode, charging mode, and direct heating mode. The normal smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is carried out by electrically disconnecting secondary device 140 from primary device 120 and operating it independently. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is stopped while secondary device 140 is disconnected from primary device 120. The charging mode is a mode in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120 and charges secondary power source 148 of secondary device 140 from primary power source 126 of primary device 120. The direct heating mode is a mode in which smoking is carried out by connecting secondary device 140 to primary device 120 and directly supplying power to load 144 of secondary device 140 from primary power source 126 of primary device 120. The normal smoking mode and the normal non-smoking mode correspond to the second usage mode, and the charging mode and the direct heating mode correspond to the first usage mode.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3 , in the normal smoking mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fourth switch SW4 to an ON state and sets the third switch SW3 to an OFF state. This causes power to be supplied from the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144, and the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. This allows the user to smoke in the second usage mode. In the normal non-smoking mode, the control unit sets all of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to an OFF state. This cuts off the power supply to the load 144, and stops heating the aerosol-generating article 160. In the charging mode, the control unit sets the third switch SW3 to an ON state and sets the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fourth switch SW4 to an OFF state. This causes power to be supplied from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140, and the secondary power source 148 is charged. On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an ON state and sets the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to an OFF state. This causes power to be directly supplied from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144, and the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Therefore, the user can smoke even in the first usage mode.

[0047] In this way, the smoking system 100 can switch between operation modes by controlling the on and off states of the switches included in the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 is further configured to execute a transition mode in between the charging mode and the direct heating mode when switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, rather than immediately transitioning from the charging mode to the direct heating mode or from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. That is, the switching of the operation 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 the transition mode, or from the direct heating mode via the transition mode. The transition mode may be present in both 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 may be present in only one of the directions.

[0048] The transition mode is a mode in which a process is performed to change variables related to the power supply from primary device 120 to secondary device 140. The variables related to the power supply include, by way of non-limiting example, the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 to secondary device 140 (i.e., the discharge rate from primary power source 126 of primary device 120). For example, since it is preferable to set the amount (rate) of power supply to an appropriate value depending on the characteristics and application of the power supply target, the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 to secondary device 140 in the charging mode is different from the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 to secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode.

[0049] For example, when a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140, the lithium-ion secondary battery exhibits rate dependence, although this depends on the materials and structures of the electrodes, electrolyte, active material, and conductive additives. This rate dependence refers to the correlation between the magnitude of the charge or discharge rate and the impact on the degradation of the lithium-ion secondary battery. The degradation of a lithium-ion secondary battery is expressed, for example, by the ratio of its current chargeable or dischargeable capacity to its chargeable or dischargeable capacity when new (as shipped from the factory). Generally, the higher the rate, the greater the impact on the degradation of the lithium-ion secondary battery. Even at the same rate, the impact of charging on degradation is approximately two to three times greater than the impact of discharging on degradation. Therefore, it is preferable to control the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode to a relatively small value to suppress degradation of the secondary power source 140 being charged.

[0050] On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, power is supplied primarily from the primary power source 126 to the load 144, so there are no restrictions on suppressing deterioration of the secondary power source 140, as described above. Rather, because the aerosol-generating article 160 must be heated to a temperature at which aerosols are generated, it is preferable to control the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode to a relatively large value. Considering this in more detail, if a lithium-ion secondary battery is also used as the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120, controlling the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 to a large value raises concerns about whether deterioration of the primary power source 126 will occur due to the rate dependency of the primary power source 126 itself. Here, as described above, it is preferable that the primary power source 126 has a sufficiently large capacity compared to the secondary power source 148 so that the secondary power source 148 can be charged multiple times. However, as is widely known, the larger the capacity of a secondary battery, the lower the rate. Furthermore, the primary power source 126 discharges power to the secondary device 140, but as described above, discharging has a smaller impact on deterioration than charging. Therefore, even if the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is controlled to a large value, deterioration of the primary power source 126 can be sufficiently suppressed by adjusting this within an appropriate range.

[0051] In order to compensate for the difference in the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the smoking system 100 executes a process in the transition mode to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of power supplied in the mode before the operation mode switch (either the charging mode or the direct heating mode) to the amount of power supplied in the mode after the switch (the other of the charging mode or the direct heating mode). The change in the amount of power supplied is realized, for example, by controlling the output voltage and output current (power) from the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120. By executing the process of changing the amount of power supplied by the smoking system 100 in the transition mode in this way, the switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first usage pattern can be performed smoothly.

[0052] The duration of the transition mode (hereinafter referred to as the transition time) may be set to various values. For example, when switching the operating mode from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, the transition time may be set simply 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). This time length depends only on the electrical processing of the DC / DC converter 124-1 and may typically be less than one second. For example, when switching the operating mode from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, the transition mode may be postponed after the voltage is changed by the DC / DC converter 124-1 and until the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140 in preparation for starting smoking. In this case, the transition time is expected to be typically longer than one second, for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds, because it is necessary to wait for the user's manual operation.

[0053] 4A is a timing chart showing an example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. Referring to FIG. 4A, the smoking system 100 initially operates in the direct heating mode. As described above, in the 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 the third switch SW3 to the OFF state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 so that the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated to or maintained at a predetermined target temperature.

[0054] The smoking system 100 then transitions to the transition mode, triggered, for example, by a predetermined user operation input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs an instruction to switch the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the user operation unit 132 or 152. Upon receiving such a user operation, the control unit transitions the smoking system 100 to the transition mode by changing 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 maintaining the third switch SW3 in the off state. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount for the direct heating mode to the amount for the charging mode. As described above, the maximum amount of power supply (charging rate) allowed when charging the rechargeable battery (secondary power source 148) is generally smaller than the amount of power required to heat the heater (load 144). Charging at a rate greater than the maximum allowable rate may degrade the performance of secondary power source 148. Therefore, the control unit controls DC / DC converter 124-1 to reduce the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 from the high amount of power supplied for direct heating mode to the low amount of power supplied for charging mode. It takes a finite amount of time (e.g., less than one second) for the amount of power supplied to decrease completely. However, in the transition mode of FIG. 4A , third switch SW3 of drive circuit 146 of secondary device 140 is set to the off state, which prevents secondary power source 148 of secondary device 140 from being charged by the relatively high amount of power supplied before the amount of power supplied to the secondary device 140 decreases completely to the low amount of power supplied for charging mode. Furthermore, because it takes only a short time for the amount of power supplied to decrease to the low amount of power supplied for charging mode, a rapid switchover from direct heating mode to charging mode can be achieved.

[0055] After a predetermined transition time has elapsed, the smoking system 100 transitions from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, 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 transition mode, and changes the third switch SW3 from the off state to the on state. This causes the primary device 120 to supply power to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 at a low power supply rate for the charging mode, thereby charging the secondary power source 148. Note that during the series of transitions from the direct heating mode via the transition mode to the charging mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to remain in the off state.

[0056] 4B is a timing chart showing an example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Referring to FIG. 4B, the smoking system 100 first operates in the charging mode. As described above, in the 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 the third switch SW3 to the ON state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value.

[0057] The smoking system 100 then transitions to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined user operation is input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs an instruction to switch the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the user operation unit 132 or 152. Upon receiving such a user operation, the control unit transitions the smoking system 100 to the transition mode by changing 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 changing the third switch SW3 from the ON state to the OFF state. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low amount for the charging mode to a high amount for the direct heating mode (for example, gradually increasing the amount of power supplied from the low amount for the charging mode to a high amount for the direct heating mode as shown in FIG. 4B ). Unlike the case of Fig. 4A, in the direct heating mode, which is the mode after switching, there are no particular restrictions on the amount of power supplied to the load 144, so in the transition mode in Fig. 4B, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the ON state. As a result, power supply from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 begins in the transition mode, allowing the aerosol-generating article 160 to be heated quickly. Note that during the series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to the OFF state.

[0058] 4C is a timing chart showing another example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. The timing chart of FIG. 4C differs from the timing chart of FIG. 4A only in that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the ON state in the transition mode. When a predetermined user operation is received in the direct heating mode, the control unit transitions the smoking system 100 to the transition mode while maintaining the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the ON state and the third switch SW3 in the OFF state. In the transition mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to gradually reduce the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a high amount for the direct heating mode to a low amount for the charging mode.

[0059] In a smoking system 100 configured such that the load 144 of the secondary device 140 comes into direct physical contact with the aerosol-generating article 160, components of the aerosol-generating article 160 may remain on the surface of the load 144 after a user finishes smoking and removes the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holder 142. Leaving these residual components unattended may adversely affect the reliability and heating capacity of the load 144. In the transition mode shown in FIG. 4C , 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, so that heating of the load 144 continues even after the direct heating mode ends. This allows the components of the aerosol-generating article 160 remaining on the surface of the load 144 to evaporate, cleaning the load 144.

[0060] The transition time for the transition mode to last is, for example, sufficient to effectively clean the load 144. The transition time may be set to a predetermined length of time expected to be necessary for the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the charging mode. When the predetermined transition time has elapsed, the smoking system 100 transitions from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an on state to an off state, and changes the third switch SW3 from an off state to an on state. This allows charging of the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120. Note that during the series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to remain in an off state.

[0061] FIG. 4D is a timing chart showing another example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. The timing chart of FIG. 4D differs from the timing chart of FIG. 4B in that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the off state in the transition mode. When a predetermined user operation is received in the charging mode, the control unit transitions the smoking system 100 to the transition mode by maintaining the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the off state, the same as in the charging mode, and by changing the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low amount for the charging mode to a high amount for the direct heating mode. However, unlike the case of FIG. 4B, because the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are off, power supply to the load 144 is suspended while the transition mode continues. For example, immediately after switching from the charging mode to the transition mode, the aerosol-generating article 160 may not yet be attached to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140. In such a situation, the power supply to the load 144 is suspended, thereby preventing the load 144 from running dry.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 4D , the transition mode may continue, for example, until the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. Alternatively, the duration of the transition mode may be set independently of whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. In other words, the transition mode may continue both before and after the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. For example, the transition mode may continue until the state of charge of the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 is acquired or estimated. When the control unit detects that the aerosol-generating article 160 has been attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the OFF state to the ON state, while maintaining the third switch SW3 in the OFF state. This causes the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, and power is supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. During the series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to be continuously in the off state.

[0063] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for a control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention to control switching between operational modes of smoking system 100. Process 500 begins in either a first mode of use in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120, or a second mode of use in which secondary device 140 is disconnected from primary device 120.

[0064] When process 500 starts, first, in step S502, the control unit determines whether or not secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120. For example, the control unit detects electrical contact between connection terminal 146-1 of secondary device 140 and connection terminal 124-2 of primary device 120 to determine whether secondary device 140 is inserted into connection port 122 of primary device 120, i.e., whether secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120. The process 500 proceeds to step S504 if the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, and proceeds to step S524 if the secondary device 140 is not connected.

[0065] When the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, i.e., when the smoking system 100 is in the first usage configuration, in step S504, the control unit determines whether the restraining unit 120B of the primary device 120 is in a restrained state or an unrestrained state. The restraining state of the restraining unit 120B is a state in which the restraining unit 120B restrains the secondary device 140 so as to maintain an electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122. The unrestrained state of the restraining unit 120B is a state in which the restraining unit 120B does not restrain the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122, and therefore the electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 can be released. For example, in a configuration in which the restraining unit 120B is a lid, a state in which the lid 120B is closed is the restrained state, and a state in which the lid 120B is open is the unrestrained state. The control unit can determine whether the restraint unit 120B is in a restrained state or an unrestrained state, for example, based on a signal from a mechanical switch linked to the movement of the restraint unit 120B. Alternatively, the primary device 120 may be configured so that the lid 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 if the restraint unit 120B is in an unrestrained state, and proceeds to step S516 if the restraint unit 120B is in a restrained state. Note that the lid 120B may be a slide-open / close type lid. Furthermore, the restraint unit 120B may not be in the form of a lid, but may be configured by another member capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (for example, a structure that engages a claw with the secondary device 140 or a structure that utilizes magnetic attraction).

[0066] If the restraining section 120B of the primary device 120 is in the unrestrained state, in step S506, the control section determines whether or not an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in 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 the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. The mechanical switch supplies an electrical signal indicating that it has been pressed by the aerosol-generating article 160 to the control section. Based on this signal, the control section can determine whether or not an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. If an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding section 142, process 500 proceeds to step S508; if not, step S506 is repeated. In this embodiment, if it is determined in step S506 that an aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140, the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. In addition, between steps S506 and S508, it may be determined whether or not there is a sufficient amount of aerosol-generating article 160 remaining in the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. If there is not a sufficient amount of aerosol-generating article 160 remaining, executing the direct heating mode in step S508 will not produce sufficient aerosol, so the direct heating mode may not be executed, or direct heating may be stopped when there is no remaining aerosol-generating article 160.

[0067] In step S508, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to operate in the direct heating mode. More specifically, as described above, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the on state and the third switch SW3 to the off state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 so that the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated to or maintained at a predetermined target temperature. This step S508 corresponds to the direct heating mode that is first implemented when switching the operation of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, as shown in the timing charts of Figures 4A and 4C. In step S508, In this case, power is supplied from primary device 120 to load 144 of secondary device 140, allowing the user to smoke in a first usage mode in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120.

[0068] The control unit then determines in step S510 whether the state of the restraining unit 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from an unrestrained state to a restrained state (e.g., whether the lid 120B has been closed). For example, a user can instruct the smoking system 100 to switch the operating mode of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode by changing the state of the restraining unit 120B from an unrestrained state to a restrained state (e.g., by performing an operation to close the lid 120B). If the state of the restraining unit 120B has changed to the restrained state, the process 500 proceeds to step S512, and if the restraining unit 120B remains in the unrestrained state, the process 500 returns to step S508.

[0069] In step S510, instead of determining whether the state of the restraining unit 120B has changed from the non-restrained state to the restrained state, it may 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.

[0070] When the restraint unit 120B is changed to the restraint state, in step S512, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to transition from the direct heating mode to the transition 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, while maintaining the third switch SW3 in the off state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a high amount for the direct heating mode to a low amount for the charging mode. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart of FIG. 4A. Such transition mode control can prevent the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by a high amount of power supplied. Alternatively, the control unit may gradually reduce the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 to secondary device 140 from a high amount of power for the direct heating mode to a low amount of power for the charging mode while keeping first switch SW1 and second switch SW2 of drive circuit 146 of secondary device 140 in the on state and third switch SW3 in the off state. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing chart in Figure 4C. Such transition mode control makes it possible to prevent secondary power source 148 of secondary device 140 from being charged by a high amount of power and to perform cleaning of load 144.

[0071] In order to improve the cleaning effect on the load 144, it may be determined whether the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 during cleaning. As an example, the control unit may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 based on the rate of temperature rise of the load 144 when power is supplied to the load 144 in the transition mode. The aerosol-generating article 160 attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 146 has a larger heat capacity than the aerosol-generating article 160 removed from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. Therefore, the rate of temperature rise of the load 144 when the same current or power is supplied to the load 144 is slower. By utilizing this characteristic, it is possible to accurately determine whether the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 during cleaning, without using a dedicated sensor. As another example, when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 during cleaning, the control unit may issue a notification to urge the user to remove the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. In addition, when issuing the notification, the control unit may also notify the user that cleaning of the load 144 is required. It may be interrupted.

[0072] After the smoking system 100 has transitioned to the transition mode, for example, after a predetermined transition time has elapsed, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the charging mode in step S514. This allows the user to charge the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 using the primary device 120. Step S514 corresponds to the charging mode implemented after mode switching in the timing charts of Figures 4A and 4C. The process 500 then returns to step S504.

[0073] On the other hand, if the determination result of step S504 indicates that the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 is in the restrained state, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to operate in the charging mode in step S516. 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 the third switch SW3 to the ON state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. This step S516 corresponds to the charging mode that is first implemented when switching the operation of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, as shown in the timing charts of Figures 4B and 4D.

[0074] The control unit then determines in step S518 whether the state of the restraining unit 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from a restrained state to an unrestrained state (e.g., whether the lid 120B has been opened). For example, a user can instruct the smoking system 100 to switch the operating mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode by changing the state of the restraining unit 120B from a restrained state to an unrestrained state (e.g., by opening the lid 120B). If the state of the restraining unit 120B has changed to an unrestrained state, the process 500 proceeds to step S520, and if the restraining unit 120B remains in the restrained state, the process 500 returns to step S516.

[0075] When the restraint unit 120B is changed to the non-restraint state, in step S520, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to transition from the charging mode to the transition 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 an OFF state to an ON state, and changes the third switch SW3 from an ON state to an OFF state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply amount for the charging mode to a high power supply amount for the direct heating mode. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart of FIG. 4B. Such control in the transition mode allows the aerosol-generating article 160 to be heated quickly.

[0076] After the smoking system 100 transitions to the transition mode, for example, after a predetermined transition time has elapsed, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the direct heating mode in step S522. Step S522 corresponds to the direct heating mode implemented after mode switching in the timing chart of FIG. 4B. In step S522, the user can smoke in the first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. Process 500 then returns to step S504.

[0077] If the determination result in step S502 indicates that the secondary device 140 is not connected to the primary device 120, i.e., if the smoking system 100 is in the second usage mode, the control unit sets the mode of the smoking system 100 to the normal smoking mode or the normal non-smoking mode in step S524. For example, if the main power button (user operation unit 152) of the secondary device 140 is turned on, the control unit operates the smoking system 100 in the normal smoking mode. As a result, power is supplied from secondary power source 148 of secondary device 140 to load 144, and the user can smoke using secondary device 140 alone. Also, for example, when the main power button of secondary device 140 is turned off, the control unit causes smoking system 100 to operate in the normal non-smoking mode. In this way, secondary device 140 can operate alone in the second usage mode, separated from primary device 120.

[0078] 6 is a flowchart showing another exemplary process 600 for the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform control for switching the operation mode of the smoking system 100. Process 600 differs from process 500 described above in that process 600 includes steps S519 and S521 that are performed when the state of restraint unit 120B changes to the non-restraint state in step S518.

[0079] In step S519, the control unit determines whether or not an aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 of the secondary device 140. If an operation to insert the aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 is performed, process 600 proceeds to step S522 (same as described with respect to process 500) and the direct heating mode is implemented. On the other hand, if an aerosol-generating article 160 has not yet been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142, process 600 proceeds to step S521.

[0080] In step S521, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to transition from the charging mode to the 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 off state, the same as in the charging mode, and changes the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state. The control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply amount for the charging mode to a high power supply amount for the direct heating mode. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart of FIG. 4D. Such transition mode control can prevent the load 144 from running dry.

[0081] Following step S521, the process 600 further repeats the determination of step S519. As a result, the transition mode of step S521 is continuously performed until an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. The smoking system 100 can be operated to transition to the direct heating mode when the user inserts an aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142.

[0082] In the process 500 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) may transition the smoking system 100 from the previous mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode based on the state of the restraint unit 120B. In the process 600 shown in FIG. 6, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) may transition the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the transition mode based on whether an aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140, in addition to the state of the restraint unit 120B. Alternatively, the condition for transitioning from the previous mode to the transition mode may be solely whether an aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. Alternatively, a user input to the operation unit 132 or 152 may be used.

[0083] As described above, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 changes the smoking system 100 back to the mode before the change by using conditions that require specific and direct user operation, such as the state of the restraint unit 120B, whether or not 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. The smoking system 100 may transition from the previous mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode using a condition unrelated to a user operation or a more indirect condition related to a user operation. An example of a more indirect condition related to a user operation is whether the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 has fallen below a predetermined threshold. The control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) may estimate the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 using the number of cigarettes smoked since a new aerosol-generating article 160 was inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142, or the accumulated value of the time or amount of power supplied from the secondary power source 148 to the load 144. Note that the method for estimating the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is not limited to these, and various methods may be employed. Alternatively, a sensor capable of accurately measuring the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 may be used. For example, a weight sensor or an optical sensor may be used as such a sensor.

[0084] FIG. 7A shows an example of an air intake channel 710 provided in the secondary device 140. FIG. 7B shows an example of an air intake channel 720 provided in the primary device 120. Since the smoking system 100 is configured so that smoking can be performed by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 in the first usage mode (direct heating mode), a structure is required to supply a sufficient amount of air to the aerosol-generating article 160 even when the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122. The exemplary air intake channel 710 provided in the secondary device 140 allows air to be taken in from the open side of the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 and circulate near the load 144. The exemplary air intake channel 720 provided in the primary device 120 is configured to take in air from the bottom of the main body portion 120A of the primary device 120 and direct it to the innermost portion of the connection port 122. The air introduced into the connecting port 122 through the air intake passage 720 passes through an air intake passage of the secondary device 140 (not shown in FIG. 7B ) inserted into the connecting port 122, which is formed as a passage different from the air intake passage 710 of FIG. 7A and opens at the tip portion (the end opposite the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142) of the secondary device 140, and is further introduced to the vicinity of the load 144 inside the secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 may include either the air intake passage 710 or 720, or may include both. Such air intake passages 710 and / or 720 allow a sufficient amount of air to be supplied to the aerosol-generating article 160 in the secondary device 140, even when smoking is performed in the direct heating mode with the secondary device 140 inserted into the connecting port 122 of the primary device 120.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the flow of power in the direct heating mode, transition 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, respectively. However, the means for controlling the flow of power in each mode is not limited to this. As an example, in FIG. 2, a backflow prevention diode that sets the direction of charging from the primary power supply 126 to the secondary power supply 148 as the forward direction may be provided on a circuit branching from each of the main positive bus and the main negative bus of the drive circuit 146 that connects the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144 and leads to the secondary power supply 148. In the direct heating mode, in which 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 may be controlled so that the output voltage from the primary device 120 is lower than the voltage between the terminals of the secondary power supply 148. On the other hand, in a charging mode in which power is supplied from the primary power source 126 to the secondary power source 148, 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 voltage between the terminals of the secondary power source 148.

[0086] The means for adjusting the relative voltage between the terminals of the primary power supply 126 and the terminals of 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, the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 may be provided with a DC / DC converter. At least one of the power sources 148 may be configured with a plurality of power storage devices, which may be switched between series connection and parallel connection.

[0087] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0088] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the primary device 120 in the direct heating mode supplies power only to the load 144 of the secondary device 140, and the primary device 120 in the charging mode supplies power only to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140. However, this is not limited to this, and the primary device 120 may simultaneously supply a portion of power to both the load 144 of the secondary device 140 and the secondary power source 148. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100 Smoking System 120 Primary device 120A main body 120B Restraint part (lid) 120C hinge 122 Connecting Port 124 Power Supply Circuit 124-1 DC / DC Converter 124-2 Connection terminal 126 Primary power supply 132 User operation section 134 Control Unit 136 memory 140 Secondary device 142 Aerosol-generating article holding section 144 Load 146 Drive Circuit 146-1 Connection terminal 148 Secondary power supply 152 User operation section 154 Control Unit 156 memory 160 Aerosol-generating items 200 Electrical Circuits 710 Air intake channel 720 Air intake channel

Claims

1. a secondary device including a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, and a power source capable of powering the load; a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device; Including, In a first mode of supplying power to the load, power is supplied from the primary device to the secondary device at a first power supply rate, and in a second mode of supplying power to the power source, power is supplied from the primary device to the secondary device at a second power supply rate; a transition mode between the first mode and the second mode, in which the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device is changed, and in which power is not supplied from the primary device to the power supply; Smoking system.

2. The second power supply amount is smaller than the first power supply amount.

10. The smoking system of claim 1.

3. the first mode is a heating mode for atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; the second mode is a charging mode in which the power source is charged; 3. A smoking system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The smoking system comprises: In the first mode, the primary device can simultaneously power the load and the power source.

4. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The smoking system comprises: A transition from the first mode to the second mode is possible.

5. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The power supply device further includes a means for switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the load and a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the load; The smoking system comprises: controlling the means to transition from the first mode to the second mode; 6. A smoking system according to claim 5.

7. the means is a switch disposed between the primary device and the load; The smoking system comprises: Controlling the switch to an on state to transition from the first mode to the second mode.

7. A smoking system according to claim 6.

8. a diode provided between the primary device and the power supply, the diode having a forward direction from the primary device to the power supply; the means is a voltage adjustment circuit capable of adjusting the relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the load; The smoking system comprises: transitioning from the first mode to the second mode by controlling the voltage regulation circuit so that the voltage of the load is higher than the output voltage of the primary device; 7. A smoking system according to claim 6.

9. A control method for controlling power supply between a secondary device including a load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and a primary device that can supply power to the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device, comprising: supplying power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply rate in a first mode of supplying power to the load; supplying power from the primary device to the power source at a second power supply rate in a second mode of supplying power to the power source; Including, a transition mode between the first mode and the second mode, in which the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device is changed, and in which power is not supplied from the primary device to the power supply; Control method.

10. The second power supply amount is smaller than the first power supply amount. The control method according to claim 9.

11. the first mode is a heating mode for atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; the second mode is a charging mode in which the power source is charged; The control method according to claim 9 or 10.

12. In the first mode, the primary device can simultaneously power the load and the power source.

12. A control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. a load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source; a power source capable of supplying power to the load; a control unit that controls power supply between the load and a primary device that can supply power to the power supply when the load and the primary device are connected to the power supply, The control unit In a first mode of supplying power to the load, power is supplied from the primary device to the secondary device at a first power supply rate, and in a second mode of supplying power to the power source, power is supplied from the primary device to the secondary device at a second power supply rate; a transition mode between the first mode and the second mode, in which the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device is changed, and in which power is not supplied from the primary device to the power supply; Secondary device.

14. The second power supply amount is smaller than the first power supply amount. The secondary device of claim 13.

15. the first mode is a heating mode for atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; the second mode is a charging mode in which the power source is charged; 15. A secondary device according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The control unit In the first mode, the primary device simultaneously supplies power to the load and the power source. A secondary device according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The control unit transitioning from the first mode to the second mode; A secondary device according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. a means for switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the load and a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the load; The control unit controlling the means to transition from the first mode to the second mode; 20. The secondary device of claim 17.

19. the means is a switch disposed between the primary device and the load; The control unit Controlling the switch to an on state to transition from the first mode to the second mode; 20. The secondary device of claim 18.

20. a diode provided between the primary device and the power supply, the diode having a forward direction from the primary device to the power supply; the means is a voltage adjustment circuit capable of adjusting the relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the load; The control unit controlling the voltage regulation circuit so that the voltage of the load is higher than the output voltage of the primary device, thereby transitioning from the first mode to the second mode; 20. The secondary device of claim 18.

Images