JP7230152B2 - Smoking system, power supply control method, program, primary device, and secondary device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a smoking system, power supply control method, program, primary device, and secondary device.

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 each time smoking is performed a predetermined number of times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Especially when a lot of power is required to emit the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, continuous smoking was not possible because smoking could not be done between charges.

In order to deal with this problem, it is conceivable to generate aerosol by supplying power directly from the charger to the heater, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example. In this case, it is 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 power is supplied directly from the charger to the heater, as in the conventional art.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-527222 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-500647

By the way, as is widely known, it is preferable to set the power supply amount (rate) to an appropriate value according to the characteristics and applications of the power supply target. Therefore, in general, the power supply amount for charging the rechargeable battery differs from the power supply amount for powering the heater. Therefore, when the mode is switched between the mode of charging the built-in rechargeable battery from the charger and the mode of directly supplying power to the heater, if the mode is switched immediately without special consideration as in Patent Document 2, the rechargeable battery deteriorates. or the heater may not function properly. Also, if power is initiated directly to the heater before the aerosol-generating article is attached to the heating device, power from the charger may be wasted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and one of its objects is to smoothly switch between the charging mode and the direct heating mode while ensuring safety and user-friendliness. be.

In order to solve the above-described problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a secondary device comprising a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power supply capable of supplying power to the load; a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply at times; 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 supply, The controller controls the first mode and the A smoking system for executing a transition mode having a transition time between said second mode for changing a predetermined variable relating to power supply.

Another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the aspect described above, wherein the control section executes the transition mode in both the first transition and the second transition.

Another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the aspect described above, wherein 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.

Another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the aspect described above, wherein 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.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect, the predetermined variable is an amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device, and the control unit controls, in the first mode, the primary supplying power from the device to the load at a first power supply amount, and in the transition mode of the first transition, performing processing on the primary device to decrease the power supply amount from the first power supply amount, and from the primary device The smoking system executes each mode such that power is not supplied to the power supply and, in the second mode, power is supplied from the primary device to the power supply at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the aspect described above, there is provided means for switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power supply and a state in which power cannot be supplied, and the predetermined variable is wherein the control unit supplies power from the primary device to the load with a first power supply amount in the first mode, and the means in the transition mode of the first transition; performing a process of controlling the primary device to disable power supply from the primary device to the power source and reducing the amount of power supply from the first amount of power supply to the primary device; is controlled to enable power supply from the primary device to the power supply, and power is supplied from the primary device to the power supply at a second power supply amount that is smaller than the first power supply amount. Smoking system.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the aspect described above, the means is a switch provided between the primary device and the power supply, and the controller controls the transition of the first transition. In the second mode, the primary device and the power source are electrically cut off by controlling the switch to open, and in the second mode, the primary device and the power source are controlled to close the switch. is a smoking system that electrically connects the

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the aspect described above, a diode is provided between the primary device and the power supply and has a forward direction from the primary device to the power supply, and the means includes: , a regulator capable of adjusting a relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the power supply, wherein the controller controls, in the transition mode of the first transition, the output voltage of the primary device to be equal to that of the power supply. a smoking system for controlling the regulator to be higher than the voltage and, in the second mode, controlling the regulator so that the voltage of the power supply is higher than the output voltage of the primary device.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect, the control unit performs processing for gradually decreasing the power supply amount from the first power supply amount to the second power supply amount in the transition mode of the first transition. A smoking system embodied in the primary device and powering the load from the primary device at the tapered amount of power.

Further, another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the above aspect, wherein 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. be.

In another aspect of the present invention, in the above aspect, a power supply is provided between the primary device and the power supply and the load, and a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power supply and the load and a state in which power cannot be supplied is provided. a state-switchable switch, wherein the controller electrically connects the primary device, the power source, and the load by controlling the switch to open in the transition mode of the first transition; Blocking, smoking system.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the aspect described above, the primary device includes a restraining section capable of maintaining connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and releasing the connection in a non-constrained state. wherein said controller distinguishes between said first transition and said second transition based on the state of said restraint.

In another aspect of the present invention, in the aspect described above, the controller controls the transition mode of the second transition such that contact between the load and an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol source in the unrestrained state is A smoking system that lasts until done.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling power from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, wherein an aerosol source provided in the secondary device is an atomization or flavor source. and a second mode of supplying power from the primary device to a power supply on the secondary device capable of supplying the load. receiving an instruction to transition from the currently executing mode to the other of the first mode and the second mode; and responding to the instruction from the first mode to the second mode. In at least one of a first transition, which is a transition to two modes, and a second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, between the first mode and the second mode, a default for power supply executing a transition mode having a transition time for changing variables of .

Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a smoking system to execute the above method.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply when connected to a secondary device comprising a load that atomizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source and a power supply that can supply power to the load. A primary device, comprising: a controller 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 controller controls the load from the first mode; In at least one of a first transition that is a transition to the second mode and a second transition that is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, power is supplied between the first mode and the second mode. A primary device that executes a transition mode with a transition time for changing a predefined variable for .

In addition, another aspect of the present invention includes a load that atomizes an aerosol source or heats a flavor source and a power supply that can supply power to the load, and two devices that can be connected to a primary device that can supply power to the load and the power supply. A secondary device, comprising 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 controls the load from the first mode. In at least one of a first transition that is a transition to the second mode and a second transition that is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, power is supplied between the first mode and the second mode. A secondary device that executes a transition mode with a transition time for changing a predefined variable for .

According to the present invention, switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode can be performed smoothly while ensuring safety and usability for the user.

1 is a configuration diagram of a smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 shows an electrical schematic of smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 4 illustrates state transitions of electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing transition of states of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. 4 is an example of a timing chart showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. 4 is another example of a timing chart showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. 4 is another example of a timing chart showing the state transition of the smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for a controller (controller 134 and/or 154) of smoking system 100 to control switching operating modes of smoking system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flow chart illustrating another exemplary process 600 for a controller (controllers 134 and/or 154) of smoking system 100 to implement controls for switching operating modes of smoking system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. . An example of an air intake channel 810 provided in the secondary device 140 is shown. An example of an air intake channel 820 provided in the primary device 120 is shown.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

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 schematically and conceptually shows each element included in the smoking system 100 and does not show the exact arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each element and the smoking system 100. sea bream.

As shown in FIG. 1, smoking system 100 comprises primary device 120 and secondary device 140 . Smoking system 100 has a first configuration of use in which secondary device 140 is electrically connected to primary device 120 and a second configuration of use in which secondary device 140 is electrically disconnected from primary device 120. is configured to be able to take For example, in the smoking system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, 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 withdrawn from the connection port 122. is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120 at . As another example, the electrical connection and disconnection between primary device 120 and secondary device 140 may be accomplished by connecting and disconnecting a conductive cable, such as a USB cable.

The secondary device 140 is a device that generates a flavored aerosol or vapor by electrically heating an aerosol-generating article 160 for smoking. A user who is a smoker can inhale the aerosol or vapor generated by the secondary device 140 . Primary device 120 is a device for supplying power to secondary device 140 in a first usage pattern. In a first mode of use, primary device 120 can charge secondary power source 148 contained in secondary device 140 . The secondary device 140 can operate from an internal secondary power source 148 in a second mode of use. Smoking system 100 is returned from the second configuration to the first usage configuration, for example, when secondary power source 148 has been consumed by a predetermined amount. When returned to the first configuration of use, the secondary device 140 may receive power from the primary device 120 to allow recharging of the secondary power source 148 as well as the primary power source 148 . Heating of the aerosol-generating article 160 can also be achieved directly using power supplied by the device 120 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , secondary device 140 includes aerosol-generating article holder 142 , load 144 , drive circuit 146 , secondary power supply 148 , user interface 152 , controller 154 , and memory 156 . Secondary device 140 is configured, for example, to have a shape and size suitable for inhaling an aerosol or vapor by a user. A user may hold the secondary device 140 between their fingers, for example, while smoking. As an example, the external shape of the secondary device 140 may be generally cylindrical, similar to a cigarette, but this should not be construed as limiting and may take any other shape and dimensions. can also

The aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 is a space configured to hold the aerosol-generating article 160 . Accordingly, the aerosol-generating article retainer 142 can have a shape that corresponds to the aerosol-generating article 160 . For example, aerosol-generating article 160 may comprise a solid aerosol substrate shaped into a cylindrical stick with a diameter similar to that of a cigarette. FIG. 1 shows a secondary device 140 with such an aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into an aerosol-generating article holder 142 . The aerosol base is formed, for example, by processing chopped tobacco or granular or powdered tobacco raw materials that release flavor and taste components when heated into a cylindrical shape and adding a liquid aerosol source to the cylindrical shape. However, in this embodiment, the aerosol base and/or the aerosol source function as the flavor source. As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 160 is housed inside the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 at one end and a main portion including the aerosol base material, and at the other end is the aerosol-generating article holding portion. It is held by the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 in a form protruding from 142 . The user can smoke by holding the end of the aerosol-generating article 160 protruding from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 in his or her mouth.

In consideration of usability, the secondary device 140 is preferably configured in a shape similar to an existing cigarette. In addition, since the secondary device 140 has a hollow aerosol-generating article holder 142 , there are restrictions on the arrangement of electrical components inside the secondary device 140 . As a result, the secondary power supply 148 is also preferably small, and its capacity is relatively small. On the other hand, since the primary device 120 does not have such restrictions, the primary power source 126 preferably has a sufficiently large capacity compared to the secondary power source 148 so that the secondary power source 148 can be charged multiple times. For example, primary power source 126 preferably has 5 to 40 times the capacity of secondary power source 148, but is not limited to this range. Both the primary power source 126 and the secondary power source 148 are preferably composed of lithium ion secondary batteries, but are not limited to this.

Aerosol-generating article 160 and aerosol-generating article retainer 142 may be configured differently than shown in FIG. For example, aerosol-generating article 160 may be a liquid aerosol source containing flavoring ingredients (flavor sources). As an example, a 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 section 142 is made of, for example, a fibrous or porous material such as glass fiber or porous ceramic, The aerosol source is retained as a liquid in the interstices between fibers and pores of the porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article retainer 142 may be configured as a tank containing a liquid. In such a configuration, the secondary device 140 additionally comprises a mouthpiece. The user can inhale the generated aerosol or vapor by holding the mouthpiece member in the mouth.

Load 144 is a heating element for electrically heating aerosol-generating article 160 held in aerosol-generating article holder 142 . Load 144 is placed on or near aerosol-generating article 160 such that aerosol-generating article 160 can be heated. In a second mode of use in which the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120, the load 144 is powered by a secondary power source 148 contained within the secondary device 140 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160. . Load 144 also heats aerosol-generating article 160 by being powered by primary device 120 in a first configuration of use in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120 . 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 to raise the temperature of the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. On the other hand, if 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 .

Any arrangement for contacting load 144 and aerosol-generating article 160 may be used. As an example, the load 144 may be arranged so as to be exposed on the surface of the inner wall of the aerosol-generating article holder 142 . With this arrangement, the aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 contacts the load 144 at its outer peripheral surface (e.g., the side of the cylindrical stick), thereby heating the aerosol-generating article 160 from the outer periphery. be able to. As yet another example, the load 144 may penetrate into the aerosol substrate (eg, by piercing the aerosol substrate) when the aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article retainer 142 . Such a configuration allows the load 144 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 from within. It should be noted that the load 144 may be placed in close proximity to the aerosol-generating article 160 rather than in direct contact with the aerosol-generating article 160 so as to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 .

Secondary power source 148 is a power source used to operate secondary device 140 in the second mode of use. Secondary power source 148 may power load 144 via drive circuit 146 . Although the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 decreases due to the power supply to the load 144, the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 can be recovered by being charged by the primary device 120 in the first usage pattern.

User operation unit 152 is configured to be able to receive an operation on secondary device 140 from a user. User operations for the secondary device 140 include, for example, a start instruction for starting the secondary device 140 and a power supply instruction for executing power supply to the load 144 . The user operation unit 152 may separately include a start instruction unit for inputting a start instruction and a power supply instruction unit for inputting a power supply instruction. An indicator may be provided. As an example, the user operation unit 152 is configured as buttons, switches, knobs, levers, touch sensors, etc. that can be physically operated by the user.

Controller 154 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer and is programmed to control the operation of secondary device 140 according to computer-executable instructions stored in memory 156 . The memory 156 is an information storage medium such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Memory 156 stores computer-executable instructions as well as configuration data required to control secondary device 140 .

1 and 2, primary device 120 includes connection port 122, power supply circuit 124, primary power source 126, user operation unit 132, control unit 134, and memory 136. FIG. Each of these elements of primary device 120 is provided, for example, in main body 120A of primary device 120 . Primary device 120 further comprises restraint 120B, depicted as a lid in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 120B is attached to the upper portion of the body portion 120A by being engaged with the body portion 120A by a hinge 120C, and can open and close the body portion 120A. FIG. 1 shows primary device 120 with lid 120B open. When the lid 120B is in the closed state, the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 restrains the secondary device 140 from falling out of the connection port 122 . Lid 120B may be a slide openable lid. Further, the restraining portion 120B is not a lid, but is a 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 attraction by a magnet). etc.).

Connection port 122 is a space for receiving secondary device 140 in the first configuration of use of smoking system 100 . When the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 , the connection terminal 146 - 1 of the secondary device 140 comes into contact with the connection terminal 124 - 2 of the primary device 120 arranged inside the connection port 122 . The connection terminal 146 - 1 is a terminal forming part of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 , and the connection terminal 124 - 2 is a terminal forming part of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 . This electrically connects the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120 .

Primary power source 126 is the power source used to power secondary device 140 in the first mode of use. Primary power source 126 charges secondary power source 148 of secondary device 140 via power supply circuit 124 and drive circuit 146 when smoking system 100 is driven in a charging mode described below in the first usage pattern. Primary power source 126 also provides power to load 144 of secondary device 140 via power supply circuit 124 and drive circuit 146 when smoking system 100 is driven in the direct heating mode described below in the first configuration of use. is possible. As a result, the load 144 of the secondary device 140 can be restored as soon as the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 without waiting for the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140 to recover. , the heating of the aerosol-generating article 160 can be effected by receiving power from the primary power source 126 . Although the remaining capacity of the primary power supply 126 is reduced by supplying power to the secondary device 140, the primary power supply 126 is charged by an external charging device (not shown) via an external connection terminal (not shown). Capacity can be recovered.

User operation unit 132 is configured to be able to receive an operation on primary device 120 from a user. A user operation on primary device 120 includes, for example, an operation instruction for permitting power supply to secondary device 140 . As an example, the user operation unit 132 is configured as buttons, switches, knobs, levers, touch sensors, etc. that can be physically operated by the user.

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

FIG. 2 shows an electrical schematic of the smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical circuit 200 of the smoking system 100 includes the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 and the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 . The feeder circuit 124 of the primary device 120 comprises a DC/DC converter 124-1 and connection terminals 124-2. DC/DC converter 124-1 increases or decreases the voltage of primary power supply 126 according to control by the control unit (control unit 134 of primary device 120 and/or control unit 154 of secondary device 140), whereby primary device 120 to adjust the output voltage of the In general, a DC/DC converter has a voltage control mode for controlling output voltage and a current (power) mode for controlling output current (power). The output current (power) of the primary device 120 may be adjusted. 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 turned on and off by a control unit (the control unit 154 of the secondary device 140 and/or the control unit 134 of the primary device 120). Each is controlled to be switched individually. In the electric circuit 200, the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 connects with 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. It is configured by being electrically connected.

FIG. 3 illustrates state transitions 300 of electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of smoking system 100 in accordance with an 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 for smoking by electrically disconnecting the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120 and operating it independently. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is stopped while the secondary device 140 is separated from the primary device 120 . The charging mode is a mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 to charge the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 . The direct heating mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by connecting the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120 and powering the load 144 of the secondary device 140 directly from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 . The normal smoking mode and the normal non-smoking mode correspond to the second usage pattern, and the charging mode and the direct heating mode correspond to the first usage pattern.

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 ON state, and sets the third switch SW3 to OFF state. Thereby, power is 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 . Therefore, the user can smoke in the second usage pattern. In addition, the control unit sets all the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to the OFF state in the normal non-smoking mode. This cuts off power 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 the ON state, and sets the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fourth switch SW4 to the OFF state. As a result, power is 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 controller 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 provides direct power from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144 to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 by the load 144 . Therefore, the user can smoke even in the first usage pattern.

Thus, the smoking system 100 can switch the operation mode by controlling the ON state and OFF state of each switch provided in the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 . The smoking system 100 is further configured such that, in the first configuration of use in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, when switching modes between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the smoking system 100 immediately transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Alternatively, instead of transitioning directly from the heating mode to the charging mode immediately, the transition mode is configured to execute on the way. That is, switching of the operation mode in the first usage pattern of the smoking system 100 is performed by shifting from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, or from the direct heating mode via the transition mode to the charging mode. It is done by migrating. The transition mode may intervene both in the direction of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode and in the direction of transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, or the transition mode may intervene in only one of the directions. good too.

The transition mode is a mode in which processing for changing variables related to power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is performed. Variables related to power supply include, by way of non-limiting example, the amount of power supplied from primary device 120 to secondary device 140 (ie, the discharge rate of primary device 120 from primary power source 126). For example, it is preferable to set the power supply amount (rate) to an appropriate value according to the characteristics and applications of the power supply target. It is different from the amount of power supplied from the device 120 to the secondary device 140 .

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 may has the property of rate dependence. This rate dependence refers to the correlation between the magnitude of the charge rate or discharge rate and the influence on deterioration of the lithium ion secondary battery. The deterioration of the lithium-ion secondary battery referred to here is represented, for example, by the ratio of the current chargeable capacity or dischargeable capacity to the chargeable capacity or dischargeable capacity when the battery is new (at the time of shipment from the factory). As a general trend, as the rate increases, the influence on deterioration of the lithium-ion secondary battery increases at an accelerating rate. Moreover, even if the rate is the same, the effect of charging on deterioration is about two to three times greater than the effect of discharging on deterioration. Therefore, the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode is preferably controlled to a relatively small value in order to suppress deterioration of the secondary power source 140 being charged.

On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, power is mainly supplied from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144, so there is no restriction in consideration of deterioration suppression of the secondary power supply 140 as described above. Rather, the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode is preferably controlled to a relatively large value because it is necessary to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 to a temperature at which aerosol is generated. In more detail, when a lithium ion secondary battery is also used for the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120, if the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is controlled to a large value, the primary power source 126 itself There is concern whether the primary power supply 126 will deteriorate due to the rate dependence of . Here, the primary power source 126 preferably has a sufficiently large capacity compared to the secondary power source 148 so that the secondary power source 148 can be charged multiple times as described above. In general, the higher the capacity of a secondary battery, the lower the rate. Also, the primary power supply 126 discharges the secondary device 140, but as described above, discharging has less influence 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, the deterioration of the primary power supply 126 can be sufficiently suppressed by adjusting this to an appropriate range.

To compensate for this difference in the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the smoking system 100 reduces the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the transition mode. is changed from the power supply amount in the mode (one of the charging mode and the direct heating mode) before switching the operation mode to the power supply amount in the mode after switching (the other of the charging mode and the direct heating mode). A change in the power supply amount is realized by controlling the output voltage and output current (power) from the DC/DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120, for example. In this manner, the smoking system 100 performs the process of changing the power supply amount in the transition mode, so that switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first usage pattern can be performed smoothly.

The length of time that the transition mode lasts (hereinafter referred to as transition time) may be set to various values. For example, the transition time when switching the operation mode from the direct heating mode to the charging mode is 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). may be The length of this time depends solely on the electrical processing of DC/DC converter 124-1 and can typically be less than one second. Also, for example, when switching the operation mode from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, the transition mode is such that after the voltage is changed by the DC/DC converter 124-1, the user can also use the aerosol-generating article 160 in preparation for starting smoking. into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 of the secondary device 140 . The transition time in this case is assumed to be typically longer than 1 second, for example several seconds to several tens of seconds, since it is necessary to wait for user's manual operation.

FIG. 4A is a timing chart showing an example of the state transition of smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. Referring to FIG. 4A, smoking system 100 is initially operating in direct heating mode. As described above, in the direct heating mode, the controller 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. The control unit also controls 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 or maintained at a predetermined target temperature from the primary device 120 to the secondary device. It adjusts the amount of power supplied to the load 144 of 140 .

Smoking system 100 then shifts to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined user operation is input to user operation unit 132 or 152 . For example, the user inputs an instruction via the user controls 132 or 152 to switch the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the 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 also keeps the third switch SW3 in the OFF state. to transition the smoking system 100 to the transition mode. The control unit also controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 in the transition mode so that the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from that for the direct heating mode to that for the charging mode. power supply amount. As described above, generally the maximum amount of power supply (charging rate) allowed when charging the rechargeable battery (secondary power supply 148) is smaller than the amount of power supply required to heat the heater (load 144). Charging at a rate greater than the maximum allowable rate may degrade the performance of the secondary power source 148 . Accordingly, the controller controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 such that the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 is reduced from a high amount of power for the direct heating mode to a low amount of power for the charging mode. It takes a finite amount of time (for example, less than 1 second) for the amount of power supply to drop completely, but in the transition mode of FIG. It is possible to avoid charging the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 with a relatively high amount of power supply before it completely drops to a low level of power supply for use. Also, the time it takes for the power supply to drop to the lower power supply for charge mode is very short, effectively enabling a fast switch from direct heating mode to charge mode.

Smoking system 100 transitions from the transition mode to the charge mode after a predetermined amount of transition time has elapsed. In the charging mode, the controller continues to keep the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the OFF state as in the transition mode, and turns the third switch SW3 from the OFF state to the ON state. change. As a result, power is supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 with a low power supply amount for the charging mode, and the secondary power source 148 is charged. It should be noted that the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be off during a series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode.

FIG. 4B is a timing chart showing an example of the state transition of smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to direct heating mode. Referring to FIG. 4B, smoking system 100 is initially operating in 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 sets 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 supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. do.

Smoking system 100 then shifts to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined user operation is input to user operation unit 132 or 152 . For example, the user inputs an instruction via the user controls 132 or 152 to switch the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the 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 also changes the third switch SW3 from the ON state. Changing to the OFF state transitions the smoking system 100 to the transition mode. The control unit also controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 in the transition mode so that the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from the low power supply for the charging mode to the direct heating mode. (eg, gradually increasing from a low power supply for charge mode to a high power supply for 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 is no particular restriction on the amount of power supplied to the load 144. Therefore, in the transition mode in FIG. 4B, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are Set to ON state. This allows power from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 to begin in the transition mode to quickly heat the aerosol-generating article 160 . It should be noted that the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be off during a series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode.

FIG. 4C is a timing chart showing another example of the state transition of 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 the control unit receives a predetermined user operation in the direct heating 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 ON state, and the third switch SW3 in the OFF state. Then, the smoking system 100 transitions to the transition mode. In the transition mode, the controller controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 so that the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from a high amount for the direct heating mode to a high amount for the charging mode. to a lower feed rate.

In smoking systems 100 configured such that load 144 of secondary device 140 is in direct physical contact with aerosol-generating article 160 , the user quits smoking and removes aerosol-generating article 160 from aerosol-generating article holder 142 . Components of the aerosol-generating article 160 may remain on the surface of the load 144 after removal. If this residual component is left as it is, it may adversely affect the reliability and heating capability 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 the heating of the load 144 continues even after the direct heating mode ends. is done. This allows components of the aerosol-generating article 160 remaining on the surface of the load 144 to transpire and clean the load 144 .

The transition time for which the transition mode lasts may, for example, be set to a predetermined amount of time assumed to be required to sufficiently effectively clean the load 144 . After such a predetermined amount of transition time has elapsed, the smoking system 100 transitions from the transition mode to the charge mode. In the charge mode, the controller 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. Thereby, charging from the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is performed. It should be noted that the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be off during a series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode.

FIG. 4D is a timing chart showing another example of the state transition of smoking system 100 when switching from charging mode to 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 charge 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 OFF state as in the charge mode, and turns off the third switch SW3. from the on state to the off state causes the smoking system 100 to transition to the transition mode. The control unit also controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 in the transition mode so that the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from the low power supply for the charging mode to the direct heating mode. change to a higher power supply for However, unlike the case of FIG. 4B, power to the load 144 is withheld for the duration of the transition mode because the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are in the off state. For example, immediately after switching from the charge mode to the transition mode, the aerosol-generating article 160 may not yet be attached to the aerosol-generating article holder 142 of the secondary device 140 . In such a situation, by withholding the power supply to the load 144, it is possible to prevent the load 144 from being boiled dry.

In the example of FIG. 4D, the transition mode may persist until, for example, attachment of aerosol-generating article 160 to aerosol-generating article retainer 142 occurs. Alternatively, the transition mode duration may be set independently of the attachment of the aerosol-generating article 160 to the aerosol-generating article retainer 142 . In other words, the transition mode may persist before and after the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article retainer 142 . As an example, the transition mode may persist until the state of charge of the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 is obtained or estimated. When the controller detects that the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holder 142, the controller changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the off state to the on state, and turns off the third switch SW3. keep in condition. This causes the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, powering the load 144 of the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120 . It should be noted that the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be off during a series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 500 for a controller (controllers 134 and/or 154) of smoking system 100 to implement controls for switching operating modes of smoking system 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. is. Process 500 begins in either a first configuration in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120 or a second configuration in which secondary device 140 is disconnected from primary device 120 .

When the process 500 is started, the control unit first determines whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 in step S502. For example, the controller detects electrical contact between the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 and the connection terminal 124-2 of the primary device 120, thereby allowing the secondary device 140 to connect to the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. , ie, whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 . If the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, the process 500 continues to step S504; otherwise, the process 500 continues to step S524.

If the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, i.e., if the smoking system 100 is in the first configuration of use, in step S504, the controller determines whether the restraining portion 120B of the primary device 120 is in the restrained state. Determine whether it is in the unconstrained state. The restraining state of the restraining part 120B is a state in which the restraining part 120B restrains the secondary device 140 so that the electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 is maintained. is. The non-restraining state of the restraining portion 120B means that the restraining portion 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 is released. is also possible. For example, in a configuration in which the restraining portion 120B is a lid, the state in which the lid 120B is closed is the restrained state, and the state in which the lid 120B is open is the unrestrained state. The control section can determine whether the restraining section 120B is in the restrained state or in the unrestrained state based on, for example, a signal from a mechanical switch interlocked with the movement of the restraining section 120B. Alternatively, primary device 120 may be configured to automatically open lid 120B when the main power button is turned on, and automatically close lid 120B when the main power button is turned off. The process 500 proceeds to step S506 if the restraint unit 120B is in the unrestrained state, and proceeds to step S516 if it is in the restrained state. Note that the lid 120B may be a slide opening/closing type lid. Further, the restraining portion 120B is not a lid, but is a 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 attraction by a magnet). etc.).

When the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 is in the unrestrained state, the control unit determines whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 of the secondary device 140 in step S506. For example, secondary device 140 comprises a mechanical switch that is pushed by aerosol-generating article 160 when aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into aerosol-generating article retainer 142 . The mechanical switch provides an electrical signal to the controller indicating that it has been pressed by the aerosol-generating article 160 . Based on this signal, the control section can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding section 142 . The process 500 proceeds to step S508 if the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holder 142, otherwise repeats step S506. In this embodiment, if it is determined in step S506 that the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 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 inserted into aerosol-generating article holder 142 . If the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is insufficient, sufficient aerosol cannot be generated even if the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. It is also possible to directly stop the heating when there is no more.

In step S508, the controller 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 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. The control unit also controls 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 or maintained at a predetermined target temperature from the primary device 120 to the secondary device. It adjusts the amount of power supplied to the load 144 of 140 . This step S508 corresponds to the first direct heating mode when switching the operation of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 4A and 4C. In step S508, power is supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140, so that the user can smoke in the first mode of use in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. .

Next, in step S510, the control unit determines whether or not the state of restraint unit 120B of primary device 120 has changed from the unrestrained state to the restrained state (eg, whether lid 120B has been closed). For example, the user instructs the smoking system 100 to switch the operation mode of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode by changing the restraint portion 120B from the unrestrained state to the restrained state (for example, closing the lid 120B). 100 can be given. The process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the state of the restraining unit 120B has changed to the restrained state, and returns to step S508 if it remains in the non-restrained state.

It should be noted that in step S510, instead of determining whether or not the state of the restraining section 120B has changed from the unrestrained state to the restrained state, it is determined whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. It may be determined. In such an example, process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article retainer 142, and if the aerosol-generating article 160 remains inserted in the aerosol-generating article retainer 142. returns to step S508.

When the restraint portion 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, and keeps 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. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing diagram of FIG. 4A. Such transition mode control can prevent the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged with a high power supply amount. Alternatively, 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 ON state, and the third switch SW3 in the OFF state, while maintaining the primary device 120 to the secondary device. The power supply to 140 may be tapered from a high power supply for direct heating mode to a low power supply for charge mode. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing diagram of FIG. 4C. By controlling the transition mode in this way, it is possible to avoid charging the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 with a high power supply amount, and to clean the load 144 .

In order to enhance the cleaning effect on the load 144, it may be determined whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is indeed removed from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 during cleaning. As an example, the controller may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holder 142 based on the rate at which the load 144 heats up when the load 144 is powered in the transition mode. The heat capacity is greater with the aerosol-generating article 160 attached to the aerosol-generating article holder 146 than with the aerosol-generating article 160 removed from the aerosol-generating article holder 142, and therefore the same current flow through the load 144. Alternatively, the temperature rise rate of the load 144 when power is supplied is slow. By using such characteristics, it can be determined with high accuracy whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is certainly removed from the aerosol-generating article holding section 142 during cleaning without using a dedicated sensor. As another example, if the controller determines that the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding section 142 during cleaning, the control section instructs the user to remove the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. A prompt notice may be sent. Also, cleaning of the load 144 may be interrupted when the notification is given at the same time.

After the smoking system 100 transitions to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined length of transition time elapses, 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 use the primary device 120 to charge the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 . Step S514 corresponds to the charging mode implemented after mode switching in the timing charts of FIGS. 4A and 4C. Process 500 then returns to step S504.

On the other hand, if the determination result of step S504 indicates that the restraining 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 sets 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 supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. do. This step S516 corresponds to the first performed charging mode when switching the operation of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 4B and 4D.

Next, in step S518, the control unit determines whether or not the state of restraint unit 120B of primary device 120 has changed from the restraint state to the unrestraint state (eg, whether lid 120B has been opened). For example, the user instructs 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 restraint portion 120B from the restraint state to the unrestraint state (for example, opening the lid 120B). 100 can be given. The process 500 proceeds to step S520 if the state of the restraint unit 120B has changed to the unrestrained state, and returns to step S516 if it remains in the restrained state.

When restraint portion 120B is changed to the unrestrained state, in step S520, the control portion controls 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 the off state to the on state, 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 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. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing diagram of FIG. 4B. Such transition mode control allows the aerosol-generating article 160 to heat up quickly.

After the smoking system 100 transitions to the transition mode, for example, after a transition period of a predetermined length has elapsed, the controller 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 mode of use with the secondary device 140 connected to the primary device 120. FIG. Process 500 then returns to step S504.

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 pattern, the controller causes the smoking system 100 to mode to the normal smoking mode or the normal non-smoking mode. For example, if the main power button (user control 152) of the secondary device 140 is turned on, the control causes the smoking system 100 to operate in normal smoking mode. As a result, power is supplied from the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 to the load 144, and the user can use the secondary device 140 alone to smoke. Also for example, the controller operates the smoking system 100 in a normal non-smoking mode when the main power button of the secondary device 140 is turned off. In this manner, secondary device 140 can operate alone in a second mode of use disconnected from primary device 120 .

FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary process 600 for a controller (controllers 134 and/or 154) of smoking system 100 to implement controls for switching operating modes of smoking system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart showing. Process 600 differs from process 500 described above in that it includes steps S519 and S521 that are performed when the state of restraint unit 120B changes to the unrestrained state in step S518.

In step S<b>519 , the control unit determines whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding section 142 of the secondary device 140 . Once the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142, process 600 continues (same as described with respect to process 500) to step S522, where the direct heating mode is performed. On the other hand, if the aerosol-generating article 160 has not yet been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142, the process 600 proceeds to step S521.

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 same off state 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 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. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing diagram of FIG. 4D. Such transition mode control can prevent the load 144 from being boiled dry.

Subsequent to step S521, process 600 further repeats the determination of step S519. Thus, the transition mode of step S521 continues until the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142. FIG. The smoking system 100 can operate to transition to a direct heating mode triggered by a user inserting an aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 .

In processing 500 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit (control unit 134 and/or 154) causes smoking system 100 to transition from the mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) before change based on the state of restraint unit 120B. You can switch to mode. 6, the control unit (control unit 134 and/or 154) changes the state of the restraint unit 120B and inserts the aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. smoking system 100 may be transitioned from the charging mode to the transition mode based on whether or not Alternatively, the condition for shifting from the pre-change mode to the transition mode may be only whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140 . Alternatively, an input to the user operation unit 132 or 152 may be used.

As described above, the control unit (control unit 134 and/or 154) of the smoking system 100 determines the state of the restraining unit 120B and whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 has been inserted into the aerosol-generating article holder 142 of the secondary device 140. , input to the user operation unit 132 or 152, which requires a specific and direct user operation, to cause the smoking system 100 to transition from the mode before change (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode. . Alternatively, a condition unrelated to user operation or a more indirect condition related to user operation may be used to cause smoking system 100 to transition from the mode before change (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode. . As an example of a more indirect user operation-related condition, whether or not the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 has fallen below a predetermined threshold value may be used. The control unit (control unit 134 and/or 154) controls the number of times of smoking, or the power supply time from the secondary power supply 148 to the load 144 after the new aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. The remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 may be estimated using the integrated value of the amount of power supplied. Note that the method for estimating the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is not limited to these, and various methods can be adopted. Alternatively, a sensor that can accurately measure the remaining amount of aerosol-generating article 160 may be used. As such a sensor, for example, a weight sensor or an optical sensor can be used.

FIG. 7A shows an example of air intake channel 710 provided in secondary device 140 . FIG. 7B shows an example of an air intake channel 720 provided in the primary device 120 . Since smoking system 100 is configured to enable smoking by inserting secondary device 140 into connection port 122 of primary device 120 in a first configuration of use (direct heating mode), secondary device 140 A structure is required to supply a sufficient amount of air to the aerosol-generating article 160 even when the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the connection port 122 . An exemplary air intake channel 710 provided in the secondary device 140 allows air to be ingested from the open side of the aerosol-generating article holder 142 and flowed into the vicinity of the load 144 . The exemplary air intake channel 720 provided in the primary device 120 is also configured to take in air from the bottom of the body portion 120A of the primary device 120 and direct it to the innermost portion within the connection port 122 . Air introduced into connection port 122 via air intake channel 720 is directed to the tip portion (opposite to aerosol-generating article holder 142) of secondary device 140 (not shown in FIG. 7B) inserted into connection port 122. of the load 144 inside the secondary device 140 through the air intake channel of the secondary device 140 formed as a different channel than the air intake channel 710 of FIG. It leads further to the neighborhood. Smoking system 100 may include either air intake channel 710 or 720, or both. According to such air intake channels 710 and/or 720, even when smoking is performed by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 in the direct heating mode, the secondary device 140 A sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the aerosol-generating article 160 therein.

In the above-described embodiment, the direct heating mode, the transition mode, and the transition mode are switched by switching the ON state and OFF state of each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4. Although the power flow is controlled in the charge mode, the means for controlling the power flow in each mode is not limited to this. As an example, in FIG. 2, the primary power supply is connected to the secondary power supply 148 by branching from the main positive bus line and the main negative bus line of the drive circuit 146 connected to the load 144 from the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140. A diode for preventing backflow may be provided so that the charging direction from 126 to the secondary power supply 148 is the forward direction. In a direct heating mode in which primary power supply 126 de-energizes secondary power supply 148 , DC/DC converter 124 of primary device 120 is controlled such that the output voltage from primary device 120 is less than the voltage across secondary power supply 148 . -1 should be controlled. On the other hand, in the charging mode in which primary power supply 126 supplies power to secondary power supply 148, DC/DC converter 124-1 of primary device 120 is adjusted so that the output voltage from primary device 120 is higher than the voltage across the terminals of secondary power supply 148. should be controlled.

Note that means for adjusting the relative voltage between the voltage across the terminals of the primary power supply 126 and the voltage across 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, secondary device 140 may also be provided with a DC/DC converter. Alternatively, at least one of the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 may be composed of a plurality of power storage devices, and switching between series connection and parallel connection may be performed.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the primary device 120 in direct heating mode powers only the load 144 of the secondary device 140, and the primary device 120 in charging mode powers only the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140. Although described, but not limited to, the load 144 of the secondary device 140 and the secondary power source 148 may each be supplied with a portion of the power at the same time.

100 smoking system 120 primary device 120A main body 120B restraint (lid)
120C Hinge 122 Connection port 124 Power supply circuit 124-1 DC/DC converter 124-2 Connection terminal 126 Primary power supply 132 User operation unit 134 Control unit 136 Memory 140 Secondary device 142 Aerosol-generating article holder 144 Load 146 Drive circuit 146-1 Connection terminal 148 Secondary power supply 152 User operation unit 154 Control unit 156 Memory 160 Aerosol-generating article 200 Electric circuit 710 Air intake channel 720 Air intake channel

Claims (15)

a secondary device comprising 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 powering the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device;
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 supply;
In at least one of a first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and a second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit controls a predetermined variable related to power supply to change the
smoking system. 2. The smoking system of Claim 1, wherein the controller changes the predetermined variable for the power supply in both the first transition and the second transition. the predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device;
The control unit
in the first mode, supplying power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount;
In the first transition, the power supply amount is decreased from the first power supply amount,
In the second mode, power is supplied from the primary device to the power supply at a second power supply amount that is smaller than the first power supply amount.
3. A smoking system according to claim 1 or 2. comprising means capable of switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power supply and a state in which power cannot be supplied;
the predetermined variable is the amount of power supplied from the primary device to the secondary device;
The control unit
in the first mode, supplying power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount;
In the second mode, the means is controlled to enable power supply from the primary device to the power supply, and power is supplied from the primary device to the power supply at a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount.
4. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1-3. said means is a switch provided between said primary device and said power supply;
The control unit
In the second mode, electrically connecting the primary device and the power source by controlling the switch to be on.
5. A smoking system according to claim 4. a diode provided between the primary device and the power supply and having a forward direction from the primary device to the power supply;
said means is a voltage regulation circuit capable of regulating the relative voltage between the output voltage of said primary device and the voltage of said power supply;
The control unit
in the second mode, controlling the voltage regulation circuit such that the voltage of the power supply is higher than the output voltage of the primary device;
5. A smoking system according to claim 4. In the first transition, the control unit performs a process of gradually decreasing the amount of power supply from the first amount of power supply to the second amount of power supply to the primary device, and gradually reduces the amount of power supply from the primary device to the load. 7. A smoking system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, powered by a power supply. 5. A smoking system according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the controller does not power the power source and the load from the primary device during execution of the first transition. A switch is provided 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;
9. The control unit according to claim 8, wherein during execution of the first transition, the control unit electrically disconnects the primary device from the power supply and the load by controlling the switch to be in an off state. smoking system. The primary device comprises a restraining part capable of maintaining connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and releasing the connection in an unrestrained state,
The control unit identifies the first transition and the second transition based on the state of the restraint unit.
10. A smoking system according to any one of claims 1-9. The control unit is capable of executing the first mode and the second mode when a predetermined amount of power is consumed.
11. The smoking system of any one of claims 1-10. A method for controlling power from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, comprising:
a first mode of powering a load on the secondary device for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source from the primary device, and a power source on the secondary device capable of powering the load. recognizing one of the second modes of powering from the primary device as an active mode;
receiving an instruction to transition from the running mode to the other of the first mode and the second mode;
In response to the indication, 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, default modifying the variables of
A power supply control method including. A program that causes a smoking system to perform the method of claim 12. A primary device capable of powering a load and a power source when connected to a secondary device comprising a load and a power source capable of powering the load for nebulizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source, said 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 supply;
In at least one of a first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and a second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit controls a predetermined variable related to power supply to change the
primary device. A secondary device comprising a load for nebulizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of powering the load and connectable to a primary device capable of powering the load and the power source, said 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 supply;
In at least one of a first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and a second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control unit controls a predetermined variable related to power supply to change the
secondary device.

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