EA044173B1 - SMOKING SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR POWER SUPPLY MANAGEMENT, PRIMARY DEVICE AND SECONDARY DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A smoking system having a structure for charging, using a portable charger, a heating device to heat an aerosol-forming article by means of an electric heater each time a predetermined number of smoking events are performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In particular, in the case where a large amount of electrical power is required to generate the aerosol to be released from the aerosol-forming article, successive smoking acts cannot be performed since the smoking act cannot be performed while charging.

To solve the above problem, there is an idea to generate an aerosol by directly supplying power from a generator to the heater, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, for example. In such a case, it is necessary to switch between the mode for charging the internal rechargeable battery of the heating device by charger in the normal manner and mode to directly supply power from the charger to the heater.

Bibliography

Patent literature.

Patent Document 1. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-527222.

Patent Document 2. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-500647.

The essence of the invention

Technical problem

It is generally known that it is advisable to regulate the amount (power) of supplied electric power to a suitable value in accordance with the characteristics, application, etc. of the object to which power is to be supplied. Therefore, in general, the amount of electric power to be supplied when charging the rechargeable battery is different from the amount of electric power to be supplied when electric power is supplied to the heater. Accordingly, when considering the transition between the mode for charging the internal rechargeable battery through the charger and the mode for directly supplying power to the heater, if the switch between the above two modes is performed immediately without any special analysis, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, then there are risks that the rechargeable battery is deteriorating and/or the heater is not operating satisfactorily. In addition, if direct power supply to the heater is started before the aerosol-forming article is attached to the heating device, there is a risk that the electrical power supplied by the charger is lost.

The present invention is made in view of the above issues; and it is the object of the present invention to smoothly perform switching between charging mode and direct heating mode while ensuring its safety and convenience for the user.

Solution

To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention includes a smoking system that includes: a secondary device that contains a load for vaporizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power supply that can supply power to the load; a primary device that can supply, when connected to a secondary device, power to a load and a power supply; and a control part that can perform a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source; wherein, during the time between the first mode and the second mode during at least one of the first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and the second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control part executes the transition mode , which contains a transition time for changing a preset variable parameter related to power supply.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the control part performs a transition mode during both the first transition and the second transition.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the smoking system of the above embodiment, wherein the duration of the transition time in the transition mode in the first transition process is different from the duration of the transition time in the transition mode in the second transition process.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the smoking system of the above embodiment, wherein the duration of the transition time in the transition mode during the first transition is less than the duration of the transition time in the transition mode during the second transition.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the smoking system of the above embodiment, wherein the predetermined variable is an amount of electricity supplied from the primary device to the secondary device; and the control part executes the respective modes such that: a first amount of electric power is supplied from the primary device to the load in the first mode; a process is applied to the primary device to reduce the amount of electric power to be supplied from the first amount, and the supply of electric power from the primary device to the power source is not transiently performed in the first transition process; and from the primary device, a second amount of electric power that is less than the first amount is supplied to the power source in the second mode.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system according to the above embodiment, wherein the smoking system includes means that can switch 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 from the primary device to the power source. power supply; wherein the predetermined variable parameter is an amount of electricity supplied from the primary device to the secondary device; wherein the control part executes the corresponding modes in such a way that: a first amount of electricity is supplied from the primary device to the load in the first mode; control of the means is performed to enter a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source, and a process is applied to the primary device to reduce the amount of power to be supplied from the first amount, in a transient mode in the first transition process; and control of the above means is performed to enter a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source, and a second amount of power that is less than the first amount is supplied from the primary device to the power source in a second mode.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the above means is a switch located between the primary device and the power supply; and the control portion electrically disconnects the primary device from the power supply by executing control to open the switch in a transient mode during the first transition, and electrically connects the primary device to the power source by executing control to close the switch in the second mode.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the smoking system includes a diode that is located between the primary device and the power supply, and the forward direction of the diode is a direction from the primary device to the power source; wherein the above means is a regulator that can regulate the relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the power supply; and the control part controls the regulator to provide an output voltage of the primary device higher than the voltage of the power supply in the transient mode during the first transition, and controls the regulator to provide a voltage of the power source higher than the output voltage of the primary device in the second mode.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the control part applies to the primary device a process of gradually reducing the amount of electricity to be supplied from the first amount to the second amount, and supplies the gradually decreasing amount of electricity from the primary device to the load.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the control part does not supply power from the primary device to the power supply and load in a transient mode during the first transition.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system according to the above embodiment, wherein the smoking system includes a switch that is located between the primary device and the power supply and the load, and can be switched 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 supply and load; and the control portion electrically disconnects the primary device from the power supply and the load by executing control to open the transient switch during the first transition.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the primary device includes a locking part that can lock the connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a locking state and can release the connection in a non-locking state; and the control part distinguishes between the first transition and the second transition based on the state of the fixing part.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a smoking system according to the above embodiment, in which the control part maintains the transient mode in

- 2 044173 process of the second transition until the load is brought into contact with the aerosol-forming article containing the aerosol source in a non-latching state.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for controlling the supply of power from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, and the method comprises the following steps: a step of recognizing one of the first mode and the second mode as a mode to be executed, wherein the first mode is a mode to be admitted supplying power from the primary device to a load that is contained in the secondary device and is used to vaporize the aerosol source or heat the flavor source, and the second mode is a mode for allowing power to be supplied from the primary device to a power source that is contained in the secondary device and is capable of supplying power to load; a step of receiving a command for performing a transition from a mode that is being executed, that is, one of the first mode and the second mode to another mode; and, during the time between the first mode and the second mode, in the process of 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, a step of executing on command of the transition mode , which contains a transition time for changing a preset variable parameter related to power supply.

Another embodiment of the present invention contains a program that causes the smoking system to perform the above-described method.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a primary device that can supply power to a load and a power supply that are contained in a secondary device when the primary device is connected to the secondary device, wherein the load vaporizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source, and the power source can supply power into the load; wherein the primary device includes a control portion that can perform a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to a load and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to a power source; wherein, during the time between the first mode and the second mode during at least one of the first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and the second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control part executes the transition mode, which contains a transition time for changing a preset variable parameter related to power supply.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a secondary device that includes a load for evaporating an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power supply that can supply power to the load and is connectable to a primary device that can supply power to the load and the power source; wherein the secondary device includes a control part that can perform a first mode for supplying power from the primary device to the load and a second mode for supplying power from the primary device to the power source; wherein, during the time between the first mode and the second mode during at least one of the first transition, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, and the second transition, which is a transition from the second mode to the first mode, the control part executes the transition mode, which contains a transition time for changing a preset variable parameter related to power supply.

Beneficial effects of the invention

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

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates state transitions in electrical circuit 200 in relation to multiple modes of operation in smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is an example of a timing diagram showing transitions between states of the smoking system 100 when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode.

Fig. 4B is an example of a timing diagram showing transitions between states of the smoking system 100 when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode.

Fig. 4C is an example of a timing diagram showing transitions between states of the smoking system 100 when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode.

Fig. 4D is an example of a timing diagram showing transitions between states of the smoking system 100 when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an example process 500 performed by a control portion (control portion 134 and/or control portion 154) in the smoking system 100 in

- 3 044173 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a task to perform control for switching between modes of operation of the smoking system 100.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of another example process 600 performed by a control portion (control portion 134 and/or control portion 154) in the smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention to perform control to switch between modes of operation of the smoking system 100.

Fig. 7A illustrates an example of an air intake flow path 810 formed in the secondary device 140.

Fig. 7B illustrates an example of an air intake flow path 820 formed in the primary device 120.

Description of Embodiments

In the following description, embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be recalled that FIG. 1 represents the corresponding elements contained in the smoking system 100 schematically and conceptually, and does not show the exact location, shapes, sizes, relative positions, etc. of the corresponding elements and the smoking system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking system 100 includes a primary device 120 and a secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 is configured such that it can have a first use form in which the secondary device 140 is electrically coupled to the primary device 120, and a second use form in which the secondary device 140 is not electrically connected to primary device 120. For example, with respect to the exemplary smoking system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120 by inserting the secondary device 140 into a connection port 122 in the primary device 120, and is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120 by removing the secondary device 140 from the connection port 122. In another example, electrical connection/disconnection the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 may be performed by connecting/disconnecting an electrically conductive cable, such as a USB cable.

The secondary device 140 is a device for generating an aerosol or vapor containing an aromatic component by electrically heating the aerosol-forming smoking article 160. A user who is a smoker may inhale the aerosol or vapor generated by the secondary device 140. The primary device 120 is a device for supplying power to the secondary device 140 in a first form of use. In a first form of use, the primary device 120 may charge a secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140. The secondary device may operate using a secondary power source 148 contained therein in a second form of use. For example, in the case where a predetermined amount of electrical power from the secondary power source 148 is consumed in the smoking system 100 in the second use form, the form is changed back to the first use form. Upon return to the first form of use, the secondary device 140 may provide recharging to the secondary power supply 148 by allowing electrical power to be supplied from the primary device 120, and further may directly heat the aerosol-forming article 160 using electrical power supplied from the primary device 120.

As shown in FIG. 1, the secondary device 140 includes an aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, a load 144, a control circuit 146, a secondary power supply 148, a user control portion 152, a control portion 154, and a memory 156. For example, the secondary device 140 is designed to be shaped and sizes that are suitable for the user to inhale the aerosol or vapor. For example, a user may hold the secondary device 140 with their fingers and smoke it. For example, the external shape of the secondary device 140 may be approximately cylindrical, similar to the shape of a cigarette; however, the shape is not limited to the shape described above, and the device may be constructed with any other shape and size.

The aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 is a cavity configured to hold the aerosol-forming article 160. Thus, the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 may be shaped to match the shape of the aerosol-forming article 160. For example, the aerosol-forming article 160 may contain a solid aerosol starting material formed in the shape a cylindrical stick having a diameter similar to that of a cigarette. Fig. 1 shows the secondary device 140 in a state in which the aerosol-forming article 160 configured in the above-described manner is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. For example, an aerosol source material is made by processing cut tobacco or a tobacco source material having a granular form or a powder form that releases a flavor component for inhalation when heated into a cylindrical shape and adding an aerosol source in liquid form thereto. At the same time, in the present

- 4 044173 embodiment, the aerosol starting material and/or aerosol source functions as a source of flavoring. As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating article 160 is held by the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 such that the end and main portion of the aerosol-generating article 160, which contains the aerosol starting material, is received in the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, and the other end of the aerosol-generating article 160 extends outward from the holding portion 142. aerosol-forming product. The user can smoke while holding in the mouth the end of the aerosol-forming article 160, which protrudes from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142.

In view of ease of use, the secondary device 140 is preferably configured to provide a shape similar to that of a conventional cigarette. However, there is a limitation associated with the arrangement of electrical components within the secondary device 140, since the secondary device 140 has a hollow aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. Therefore, the secondary power source 148 is preferably small; so its capacity should be relatively small. On the other hand, since there is no such limitation in the primary device 120, it is advantageous to provide the primary power supply 126 having a capacitance large enough relative to the capacitance of the secondary power supply 148 to make the primary power supply 126 capable of charging the secondary power supply 148 multiple times. For example, it is advisable to set the capacity of the primary power supply 126 to be 5 to 40 times the capacity of the secondary power source 148; however, the range of relationships between the capacitances is not limited to the mentioned range. It is also advantageous for each of the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 to be configured using a lithium-ion battery; however, power supply designs are not limited to this.

The aerosol-generating article 160 and the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 may be configured to provide structures different from those shown in FIG. 1. For example, aerosol-forming article 160 may be a source of an aerosol that is in the form of a liquid that includes a flavor component (flavor source). For example, the liquid aerosol source including a flavor component (flavor source) is a polyol such as glycerin, propylene glycol or the like polyol in which a nicotine component is included. In the present embodiment, the aerosol source functions as a flavor source. In the case where the aerosol-generating article 160 is an aerosol source including a fragrance component (fragrance source), the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 is configured using a fiber or porous material, such as glass fibers, porous ceramics or the like, to hold the aerosol source in the form of a liquid in cavities between fibers or in pores, for example in a porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 may be configured as a liquid storage container. In such a design, the secondary device 140 further includes a mouthpiece element. The user can inhale the generated aerosol or vapor while holding the mouthpiece in the mouth.

The load 144 is a heating element for electrically heating the aerosol-forming article 160 held in the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. The load 144 is positioned to be in contact with the aerosol-generating article 160 or close to the aerosol-generating article 160 so that the load can heat the aerosol-forming article 160. In a second form of use, when the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120, the load 144 heats the aerosol-generating article 160 using power supply supplied from the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140. In the first form of use, in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, the load 144 heats the aerosol-forming article 160 using the power supply supplied from the primary device 120. Here, in the case When the aerosol-generating article 160 contains an aerosol source and an aerosol starting material, an aerosol is generated by increasing the temperature of the aerosol source by heating the aerosol-generating article 160 with the load 144, as explained above. In contrast, in the case where the aerosol-generating article 160 contains a liquid aerosol source including a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol can be generated by directly heating the aerosol source with the load 144.

Any arrangement may be used to ensure that the load 144 and the aerosol-forming article 160 are in contact with each other. For example, the load 144 may be positioned such that the load 144 extends onto the surface of the inner wall of the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. According to the above arrangement, when the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming article 160 (eg, the side surface of the cylindrical stick) is configured to contact the load 144; therefore, the aerosol-forming article 160 may be heated by the outer peripheral portion. In another example, the load 144 may be incorporated into the aerosol feedstock (by immersing the load 144 in the aerosol feedstock

- 5 044173 sol) when the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. In such a design, the load 144 may heat the aerosol-forming article 160 from within the article. It should be remembered that, instead of positioning the load 144 in direct contact with the aerosol-generating article 160, the load 144 may be positioned so that it is in a position near the aerosol-forming article 160, the position being sufficiently close to the aerosol-forming article 160 that the aerosol-forming article 160 can be heated by load 144.

The secondary power supply 148 is a power source used to drive the secondary device 140 in the second form of use. The secondary power supply 148 may supply power to the load 144 through the control circuit 146. The residual charging capacity of the secondary power supply 148 decreases when power is supplied to the load 144; however, since the secondary power supply 148 is charged by the primary device 120 in the first use form, the residual charging capacity of the secondary power supply 148 can be recovered.

The user control portion 152 is configured to receive user control inputs to the secondary device 140. For example, the user inputs to the secondary device 140 include a start command to start the secondary device 140 and a power command to supply power to the load 144. The user control portion 152 may include a run command output portion for inputting a start command and a power supply command output portion for inputting a power supply command, the above-mentioned portions being separated from each other; or may comprise a single command issuing portion that can receive both a start command and a power command. For example, the user control portion 152 is in the form of a button, switch, control, lever, tactile sensor, or the like that can be physically manipulated by the user.

The control portion 154 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer and programmed to control the operation of the secondary device 140 in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in memory 156. Memory 156 is a storage medium, such as read-only memory (ROM), memory with random access (RAM), flash memory and so on. Memory 156 stores, in addition to computer-executable commands, configuration data necessary to control secondary device 140.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the primary device 120 includes a connection port 122, a power supply circuit 124, a primary power supply 126, a user control portion 132, a control portion 134, and a memory 136. The above related elements in the primary device 120 are housed in, for example, a main body portion. 120A of the primary device 120. The primary device 120 further includes a locking portion 120B, which is in the form of a cap in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the cap 12 0B is attached to the top of the main body portion 120A by engaging the cap 120B with the main body portion 120A at the hinge 120C so that the main body portion 120A can be opened/closed. Fig. 1 shows the primary device 120 in a state in which the cap 120B is open. In the state in which the cap 120B is closed, the cap 120B holds the secondary device 140 so that the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 does not fall out of the connection port 122. The cap 120B may be an open/close sliding cap. Alternatively, rather than providing the locking portion 120B in the form of a cap, the locking portion 120B may be constructed using a different member that is capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (e.g., a structure for engaging the staple with the secondary device 140, a force-using structure magnetic attraction and so on).

The connection port 122 is a cavity that receives the secondary device 140 in the first form of use of the smoking system 100. The connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 is configured to contact the connection terminal 124-2 in the connection port 122 on the side of the primary device 120 when the secondary the device 140 is inserted into the connecting port 122. The connecting terminal 146-1 is a terminal that is part of the control circuit 146 of the secondary device 140, and the connecting terminal 124-2 is a terminal that is part of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120. By using the above-described terminals , the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120.

The primary power supply 126 is a power supply used to supply power to the secondary device 140 in the first form of use. In the case where the smoking system 100 is turned on in the charging mode, which is explained later, in the first form of use, the primary power supply 126 charges the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 through the power supply circuit 124 and the control circuit 146. Moreover, in the case When the smoking system 100 is turned on to the direct heating mode, which is explained later, in the first form of use, the primary power source 126 can supply electrical power

- 6 044173 loading 144 in the secondary device 140 via power supply circuit 124 and control circuit 146. Therefore, immediately after the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, and without having to wait for the residual charging capacity of the secondary power supply 148 to recover during secondary device 140, the load 144 in the secondary device 140 can heat the aerosol-forming article 160 by receiving power from the primary power source 126. Although the residual charging capacity of the primary power supply 126 is reduced if power is supplied to the secondary device 140, the residual charging capacity of the primary power supply 126 can be restored by charging it from an external charger (which is not shown in the figure) through an external connection terminal (which is not shown in the figure). ).

The user control portion 132 is configured to receive control command from the user to the primary device 120. The user manipulation to the primary device 120 includes a control command, for example, to provide power to the secondary device 140. For example, the user control portion 132 is in the form of a button, switch, control, lever, tactile sensor or the like that can be physically manipulated by the user.

The control portion 134 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or microcomputer and programmed to control the operation of the primary device 120 in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 13 6. The memory 136 is a storage medium, such as ROM, RAM, flash. memory and so on. Memory 156 stores, in addition to computer-executable instructions, configuration data necessary to control primary device 120.

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the electrical circuit 200 in the smoking system 100 includes a power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120 and a control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. The power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120 includes a DC/DC converter 124-1 (DC-DC converter) and connecting pin 124-2. The DC/DC converter 124-1 increases and/or decreases the voltage of the primary power supply 126 in accordance with the control of the control part (the control part 134 in the primary device 120 or the control part 154 in the secondary device 140) to adjust the output voltage of the primary device 120. On the other hand On the other hand, in general, since the DC/DC converter has a voltage regulation mode to adjust the output voltage and a current mode (electricity) to regulate the output current (electricity), the DC/DC 124-1 converter can regulate the output current (electricity) of the primary device 120. The control circuit 146 in 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 or the like; and each switch is individually controlled by a control portion (control portion 154 in the secondary device 140 and/or control portion 134 in the primary device 120) to switch to an on state and an off state. Electrical circuitry 200 is created by inserting a secondary device 140 into a connection port 122 of the primary device 120 for electrical connection to the primary device 120 via a connection terminal 146-1 on the side of the secondary device 140 and a connection terminal 124-2 on the side of the primary device 120.

Fig. 3 shows transitions between states 300 in electrical circuit 200 in relation to multiple modes of operation in smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The smoking system 100 can be used in four modes, namely, a normal smoking mode, a normal non-smoking mode, a charging mode, and a direct heating mode. The normal smoking mode is a mode in which the secondary device 140 has no electrical connection with the primary device 120 and is used independently to facilitate the act of smoking. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is suspended and 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, and the secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140 is charged by the primary source 126 supply in the primary device 120. The direct heating mode is a mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, and power is supplied directly from the primary power source 126 in the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140 to enable the act of smoking. The normal smoking mode and normal non-smoking mode correspond to the modes in the second use form, and the charging mode and direct heating mode correspond to the modes in the first use form.

As shown in FIG. 3, in normal smoking mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1, second switch SW2 and fourth switch SW4 to on

- 7 044173 changed state and sets the third switch SW3 to the off state. As a result, power is supplied from the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 to the load 144, and the aerosol-forming article 160 is heated by the load 144. Accordingly, the user can perform the act of smoking in the second use form. In normal non-smoking mode, the control part sets each of all switches SW1, SW2, SW3 and SW4 to the off state. As a result, power supply to the load 144 is blocked and the heating process of the aerosol-forming article 160 is stopped. In the charging mode, the control part sets the third switch SW3 to the on state and sets each of 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 in the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140, and thereby the secondary power source 148. On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the on state, and sets each of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to the off state. As a result, power is supplied directly from the primary power source 126 in the primary device 120 to the load 144, and the aerosol-forming article 160 is heated by the load 144. Thus, the user can perform the act of smoking also in the first use form.

As explained above, the smoking system 100 can switch between operating modes by controlling the on state and the off state of each switch contained in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. Moreover, the smoking system 100 is configured such that, in the first form of use, in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, and in the case where the mode is switched between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, a transition mode is performed between the two modes, instead of immediately changing the charging mode to the direct heating mode and instead of immediately changing the direct heating mode to charging mode. That is, in relation to switching between operating modes of the smoking system 100 in the first use form, the charging mode is changed to a direct heating mode through a transition mode, and the direct heating mode is changed to a charging mode through a transition mode. Transition mode can be performed between transitions in both directions, i.e. when changing from charging mode to direct heating mode and changing from direct heating mode to charging mode, or transition mode can be carried out when changing in one of two directions.

The transient mode is a mode in which a process of changing a variable parameter related to the supply of power from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is performed. In a non-limiting example, the variable parameter related to the power supply includes the amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to secondary device 140 (ie, the discharge rate of the primary power supply 126 in the primary device 120). For example, since it is advisable to determine the appropriate amount (power) of electric power supplied depending on the characteristics and use of the facility to which the electric power is to be supplied, the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in charging mode is different from the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device. device 120 into a secondary device 140 in direct heating mode.

For example, although there may be differences between lithium-ion batteries in electrode materials and designs, electrolytic solutions, active materials, conductive additives, and so on, a lithium-ion battery has a characteristic that is speed dependent when lithium-ion the ion battery is used as a secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140. Rate dependence is the relationship between the magnitude of the charging rate or the discharge rate and its effect on the wear of the lithium-ion battery. In this example, the wear of a lithium-ion battery is represented, for example, by the ratio of the current charge capacity or current discharge capacity of the battery to the charge capacity or discharge capacity when the battery is new (at the time of delivery from the manufacturer). According to the general trend, the impact on the wear of the lithium-ion battery accelerates when the speed becomes high. Even at the same speed, the effect of charging on wear is 2-3 times stronger than the effect of discharging on wear. Therefore, the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode is preferably controlled so that the amount is set relatively small to restrain wear and tear on the secondary power supply 140 to be charged.

On the other hand, in direct heating mode, since power is supplied primarily from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144, such limitation as explained above, i.e. there is no limitation that applies when considering wear control of the secondary power supply 140. Conversely, since the aerosol-forming article 160 must be heated to a temperature that is sufficient to form an aerosol, the amount of electrical power

- 8 044173 supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in direct heating mode is preferably controlled so that the amount is set relatively large. Upon closer examination, it is found that, in the case where the lithium-ion battery is also used as the primary power source 126 in the primary device 120, and if the control provides a large amount of electrical power from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140, then it is necessary consider whether the primary power supply 126 wears out due to its speed dependence. However, it should be remembered that the primary power supply 126 should preferably have a capacity greater than the capacity of the secondary power supply 148 sufficiently to be able to charge the secondary power source 148 multiple times; however, in general, the speed decreases as the secondary battery capacity becomes larger, as is widely known. In addition, although the primary power supply 126 is discharged to the secondary device 140, as explained above, the wear effect due to discharge is less than the wear effect due to charging. Therefore, even if the control supplies a large amount of electric power from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140, wear and tear of the primary power supply 126 can be suppressed to a sufficient extent if the amount is controlled to be within a suitable range of values.

To fill the gap between the amounts of electric 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 in the transient mode performs a process of varying the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electric power supplied in the operating mode before the switching operation (i.e., in one mode from the charging mode and direct heating mode), to the amount of electricity supplied in the operating mode after the switching operation (i.e., in the other mode from the charging mode and direct heating mode ). Changing the amount of electric power supplied is realized, for example, by controlling the output voltage or output current (electricity) from the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120. When the smoking system 100 performs the process of changing the amount of electric power supplied in a transient mode, as explained above, Switching between charging mode and direct heating mode in the first form of use can be performed smoothly.

The duration of the transition mode (hereinafter, transition time) can be set to one of various values. For example, regarding the transition time in the case where the operating mode is switched from direct heating mode to charging mode, the duration can simply be set equal to the period of time required for the output voltage or output current (electricity) to change by the DC/DC converter 124-1V primary device 120. The time period depends only on the processing of electrical parameters in the DC/DC converter 124-1 and can usually be less than one second. Also, for example, in the case where the operation mode is switched from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, the transition mode may continue after the voltage is changed by the DC/DC converter 124-1 until the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted by the user into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 to prepare for the start of the act of smoking. The transition time in the above case is usually longer than one second and can be several tens of seconds, since it is necessary to wait for control manipulation from the user himself.

Fig. 4A is a timing diagram showing an example of a transition between states of the smoking system 100 when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode. As shown in FIG. 4A, the smoking system 100 is initially operated in a direct heating mode. As explained above, in the direct heating mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the on state and sets each of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to the off state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. Moreover, by control of the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120, the control part regulates the electric power to be supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140 so that the aerosol-forming article 160 is heated to raise its temperature to preset target temperature, or to maintain its temperature at a preset target temperature.

Next, the smoking system 100 changes its mode to a transient mode at a time when a triggering event occurs, for example, an event such as the execution of a predetermined user operation on the user control portion 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs, through the user control portion 132 or 152, a command to switch the mode of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. After the control part has received such user manipulation, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the on state to the off state and, at the same time, maintains the off state of the third switch SW3 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 and thereby changes the mode

- 9 044173 smoking system 100 for transitional mode. Also, in the transient mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode to the amount of electricity supplied in charging mode. As explained above, in general, the maximum amount (charging rate) of electrical power allowed to be supplied during charging of the rechargeable battery (secondary power supply 148) is less than the amount of electrical power required for the heating process by the heater (load 144). In the case where the charging process is performed using a speed higher than the maximum allowable speed, there is a risk that the performance of the secondary power supply 148 will deteriorate. Therefore, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 such that the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 is reduced from the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large, to the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small. It takes a finite amount of time (eg, less than one second) to reduce the amount of electricity supplied to the target amount; however, since the third switch SW3 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 was set to the off state in the transient mode shown in FIG. 4A, it is possible to prevent the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 from being charged with a relatively large amount of electric power, which corresponds to the amount until it is completely reduced to the amount of electric power supplied in the charging mode. Moreover, in view of the short time required to reduce the amount of supplied electric power to an amount of electric power that is small supplied to the charging mode, it is possible to realize substantially fast switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode.

After the transition time, which is a predetermined period of time, expires, the mode of the smoking system 100 changes from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control part maintains the off state that was set in the transient mode of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the off state to the on state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. As a result, from of the primary device 120, the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 is supplied with a lesser amount of electricity that is set to be supplied in the charging mode, and the secondary power supply 148 is thereby charged. At the same time, it should be remembered that, in the sequence of transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode through the transition mode, the control of the fourth switch SW4 constantly keeps it in the off state.

Fig. 4B is a timing diagram showing an example of transition between states of the smoking system 100 when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode. As shown in FIG. 4B, the smoking system 100 first operates in a charging mode. As explained above, in the charging mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the off state and sets the third switch SW3 to the on state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. Also, the control part controls the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device 120 to a secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140, to a predetermined low value by controlling the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120.

Next, the smoking system 100 changes its mode to a transient mode at a time when a triggering event occurs, for example, an event such as the execution of a predetermined user operation on the user control portion 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs, through the user control portion 132 or 152, a command to switch the mode of the smoking system 100 from a charging mode to a direct heating mode. After the control part has received such user manipulation, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the off state to the on state and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state in the control part. circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 and thereby changes the mode of the smoking system 100 to a transition mode. Also, in the transient mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small, to the amount electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large (for example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the amount gradually increases from the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small, to the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large ). Unlike the case in FIG. 4A, there is no special limitation on the amount of electricity to be supplied to the load 144 in the direct heating mode, that is, in the mode after the switching process; therefore, the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to ON

- 10 044173 state in the transient mode shown in FIG. 4B. As a result, the supply of power from the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140 begins in a transient mode, and therefore the aerosol-forming article 160 can quickly heat up. At the same time, it should be remembered that, in the sequence of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode through the transition mode, the control of the fourth switch SW4 constantly keeps it in the off state.

Fig. 4C is a timing diagram showing another example of the transition between states of the smoking system 100 when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode. The timing diagram shown in FIG. 4C is different from the timing diagram shown in FIG. 4A, only in that each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to the on state in the transient mode. The control part, which has received the user's predetermined operation in the direct heating mode, stores the on state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and the off state of the third switch SW3 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 and, therefore, changes the mode of the smoking system 100 to transition mode. In the transient mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to gradually reduce the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large, to the amount electricity supplied in charging mode, which is small.

In a smoking system 100 configured in which the load 144 in the secondary device 140 is configured to be in physical contact with the aerosol-forming article 160, a component of the aerosol-forming article 160 may remain on the surface of the load 144 after the user has completed the act of smoking and the aerosol-forming article 160 is removed. from the aerosol-forming article holding part 142. If the residual component is left in this state, there may be a risk that the reliability and heating capacity of the load 144 will be adversely affected due to this. In the transient mode shown in FIG. 4C, since each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 is set to the on state, heating by the load 144 continues even if the direct heating mode is stopped. As a result, the component of the aerosol-forming article 160 remaining on the surface of the load 144 is evaporated, and therefore the load 144 is cleaned.

The duration of the transition time to continue the transition mode can be set equal to a predetermined period of time, which is considered necessary, for example, for sufficient and efficient cleaning of the load 144. After the transition time equal to such a predetermined period of time has expired, the smoking system 100 changes its mode from transition mode to charging mode. In the charging mode, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the on state to the off state, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the off state to the on state. As a result, the secondary power source 148 is charged in the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120. It should be remembered that, in the sequence of transition from the direct heating mode to the transient charging mode, control of the fourth switch SW4 constantly keeps it in the off state.

Fig. 4D is a timing diagram showing an example of a transition between states of the smoking system 100 when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode. The timing diagram shown in FIG. 4D is different from the timing diagram shown in FIG. 4B, in that each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to the off state in a transient mode. The control part, which has received the user's preset operation in the charging mode, maintains the off state, that is, the same as the state in the charging mode, of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 and thereby changes the mode of the smoking system 100 to a transition mode. In the transient mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small, to the amount of electricity served in direct heat mode, which is large. However, unlike the case shown in FIG. 4B, power supply to the load 144 is suspended since each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is in the off state. For example, immediately after switching from the charging mode to the transition mode, it may be that the aerosol-forming article 160 is not yet secured to the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. In such a case, heating of the load 144, in the absence of an object to be heated by the load 144, may be blocked since the supply of electrical power to the load 144 is suspended.

In the example shown in FIG. 4D, the transition may continue, for example, until the aerosol-forming article 160 is secured in the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. Alternatively, the transient duration may be set independently of the mounting of the aerosol-generating article 160 in the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. In other words, the transient condition may continue from a time before the aerosol-generating article 160 is secured to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 to a time after the aerosol-forming article 160 is secured to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. For example, the transient mode may continue until the process for obtaining or estimating the charging state of the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 is completed. The control portion changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an off state to an on state and, at the same time, time, maintains the off state of the third switch SW3 after detecting a state in which the aerosol-generating article 160 is secured in the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. As a result, the smoking system 100 changes its mode from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, and power is supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140. It should be recalled that, in the sequence of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, through transient mode, control of the fourth switch SW4 constantly keeps it in the off state.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 500 performed by a control portion (control portion 134 and/or control portion 154) in the smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention to perform control to switch between modes of operation of the smoking system 100. Process 500 begins in a first use form in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, or in a second use form in which the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120.

When the process 500 starts, the control part first determines in step S502 whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. For example, the control part may evaluate whether the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 in the primary device 120, that is, whether the secondary device 120 is connected device 140 to the primary device 120 by detecting electrical contact between the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 and the connection terminal 124-2 of the primary device 120. Process 500 proceeds to step S504 if the secondary device 140 is already connected to the primary device 120, and at step S524 if the device data is not connected.

If the secondary device 140 has been connected to the primary device 120, that is, if the smoking system 100 is in the first use form, then the control part judges in step S504 whether the locking portion 120B in the primary device 120 is in the locking state or the non-latching state. The clamping state of the clamping portion 120B is a state in which the clamping portion 120B holds the secondary device 140 such that an electrical connection is maintained between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122. In contrast, the non-latching state of the locking portion 120B is a state in which the locking portion 120B does not hold 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 may be disconnected. For example, in a structure in which the locking part 120B is a cap, a state in which the cap is closed is a latching state, and a state in which the cap is open is a non-latching state. For example, the control portion may judge whether the latch portion 120B is in a latch state or a non-latch state based on a signal from a mechanical switch that is actuated depending on the movement of the latch portion 120B. Alternatively, the primary device 120 may be configured such that the cap 120B is automatically opened when the main power button is manipulated to turn on, and the cap 120B is automatically closed when the main power button is manipulated to be turned off. Process 500 proceeds to step S506 if the latch portion 120B is in the non-latching state, and proceeds to step S516 if the latch portion 120B is in the latch state. The 120V cap may be a cap that moves when opening/closing. Alternatively, instead of forming the locking portion 120B in the form of a cap, the locking portion 120B may be configured using a different member that is capable of limiting the movement of the secondary device 140 (for example, in the form of a structure for engaging the staple with the secondary device 140, a structure that uses force magnetic attraction and so on).

If the fixing portion 120B in the primary device 120 is in the non-latching state, the control portion judges in step S506 whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 in 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-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol holding portion 142

- 12 044173 of the cutting product. The mechanical switch supplies the control part with an electrical signal that represents a state in which it is pressed by the aerosol-forming article 160. The control part can judge from the signal whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. Process 500 proceeds to step S508 if the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, and process 500 repeats step S506 if the aerosol-forming article 160 is not inserted. In the present embodiment, if it is judged in step S506 that the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 in the secondary device 140, then in step S508 the direct heating mode is executed. Additionally, at the time between step S506 and step S508, it can be judged whether there remains sufficient volume of the aerosol-forming article 160 that is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. If there is not enough volume of the aerosol-forming article 160 left, a sufficient amount of aerosol cannot be generated even if the direct heating mode is performed in step S508; therefore, the structure can be designed such that, in such a case, the direct heating mode is not performed, or the direct heating mode is stopped when the residual volume of the aerosol-forming article 160 is completely consumed.

In step S508, the control part executes control to operate the smoking system 100 in the direct heating mode. Specifically, as explained above, the control part sets the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the on state and sets the state of the third switch SW3 to the off state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. Moreover, by controlling the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120, the control part regulates the power supply to be supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140 so that the aerosol-forming article 160 is heated to raise its temperature to a predetermined target temperature or maintained its temperature at the preset target temperature. The above-described step S508 corresponds to the direct heating mode shown in the timing chart in each of FIGS. 4A and 4C, which is first performed when the operation of the smoking system 100 is switched from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. As a result of the power being supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 in the secondary device 140 in step S508, the user can perform the act of smoking while the first use form in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 is maintained.

Then, in step S510, the control part judges whether the state of the latch portion 120B in the primary device 120 changes from a non-latch state to a latch state (eg, whether the cap 120B is closed). For example, a user may command the smoking system 100 to change the operating mode of the smoking system 100 from a direct heating mode to a charging mode by changing the state of the latching portion 120B from a non-latching state to a latching state (eg, by manipulating the closing of the cap 120B). Process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the state of the latch portion 120B changes to the latch state, and returns to step S508 if the non-latch state is maintained.

However, it should be remembered that in step S510, a process for judging whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is removed from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 can be performed instead of a process for judging whether the state of the fixing part 120B changes from the non-latching state to the latching state. In this example, process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the aerosol-forming article 160 is removed from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, and returns to step S508 if the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142.

After the state of the fixing part 120B changes to the fixing state, the control part executes control to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the transition mode in step S512. For example, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the on state to the off state and stores the off state of the third switch SW3 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. Moreover, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large, to the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small. The above-described control corresponds to control performed in the transient mode on the timing chart shown in FIG. 4A. By performing such control in a transient mode, it is possible to prevent the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 from being charged with a large amount of electrical power. Alternatively, the control part may store the on state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and the off state of the third switch SW3 in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140 and gradually reduce the amount

- 13 044173 The quality of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the direct heating mode, which is large, to the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small. The above-described control corresponds to control performed in the transient mode on the timing chart shown in FIG. 4C. By performing such control in a transient mode, it is possible to prevent the secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140 from being charged with a large amount of electricity, and it is possible to clean the load 144.

Here, to enhance the cleaning effect of the load 144, it is possible to evaluate, while cleaning is performed, whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is actually removed from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. For example, the control part can judge, from the rate of increase in the temperature of the load 144 when power is supplied to the load 144 in a transient mode, whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is removed from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. The heat capacity in the state in which the aerosol-forming article 160 is secured to the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 is greater than the heat capacity in the state in which the aerosol-forming article 160 is removed from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142; therefore, in the first state, there is a low rate of temperature rise of the load 144 when the same current or the same amount of electrical power is supplied to the load 144. By using this characteristic, it is possible to accurately judge whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is actually removed from the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 while cleaning is being performed, even if a special sensor is not used. In another example, the control portion may present a notification to the user that prompts the user to remove the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 in the case that the control portion has determined that the aerosol-forming article 160 is secured to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 while cleaning is being performed. It is also possible to stop clearing the load 144 while the notification is being submitted.

For example, after the predetermined transition time period elapses after changing the mode of the smoking system 100 to the transition mode, the control part executes control to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the transition mode to the charging mode in step S514. As a result, the user can ensure that the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 is charged using the primary device 120. Step S514 corresponds to the charging mode that is performed after the mode switching in the timing chart in each of FIGS. 4A and 4C. Process 500 then returns to step S504.

On the contrary, if the evaluation result in step S504 shows that the latch portion 120B in the primary device 120 is in the latch state, then the control part executes control to cause the smoking system 100 to operate in the charging mode in step S516. Specifically, as explained above, the control part sets the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an off state and sets the state of the third switch SW3 to an on state. Also, the control portion controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the power supply circuit 124 in the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of electric power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. The above-described step S516 corresponds to the charging mode shown in the timing chart in each of FIGS. 4B and 4D, which is performed first when the operation of the smoking system 100 is switched from the charging mode to the direct heating mode.

Next, in step S518, the control part judges whether the state of the latch portion 120B in the primary device 120 changes from the latch state to the non-latch state (eg, whether the cap 120B is open). For example, a user may command the smoking system 100 to change the operating mode of the smoking system 100 from a charging mode to a direct heating mode by changing the state of the latching portion 120B from a latching state to a non-latching state (eg, performing a manipulation to open the cap 120B). Process 500 proceeds to step S520 if the state of the latch portion 120B changes to the non-latch state, and returns to step S516 if the latch state is maintained.

After the state of the latch portion 120B changes to the non-latch state, the control part executes control to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the transition mode in step S520. For example, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the off state to the on state and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state, in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. In addition Moreover, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small, to the amount of electricity supplied to direct heat mode, which is great. The above-described control corresponds to control performed in the transient mode on the timing chart shown in FIG. 4B. Thanks to the implementation of such control in the transient fiddling mode

- 14 044173 allows for rapid heating of the aerosol-forming product 160.

For example, after the predetermined transition time period elapses after changing the mode of the smoking system 100 to the transition mode, the control part executes control to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the transition mode to the direct heating mode in step S522. Step S522 corresponds to the direct heating mode, which is executed after the mode switching, in the timing chart in FIG. 4B. At step S522, the user can perform the act of smoking while the first use form in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 is maintained. Thereafter, the process 500 returns to step S504.

If the evaluation result in step S502 shows that the secondary device 140 is not connected to the primary device 120, that is, if the form of the smoking system 100 is the second use form, then the control part sets the mode of the smoking system 100 to the normal smoking mode or the normal non-smoking mode, at step S524. For example, in the case where the main power supply button (user control portion 152) on the secondary device 140 is manipulated to turn on, the control portion configures the smoking system 100 to operate in a normal smoking mode. As a result, electric power is supplied from the secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140 to the load 144, and the user can perform the act of smoking using only the secondary device 140. Moreover, for example, in the case where the main power supply button on the secondary device 140 is manipulated to switching off, the control part configures the smoking system 100 to operate in normal non-smoking mode. As explained above, the secondary device 140 may operate independently in a second form of use, in which the secondary device 140 is disconnected from the primary device 120.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of another example process 600 performed by a control portion (control portion 134 and/or control portion 154) in the smoking system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention to perform control for switching between modes of operation of the smoking system 100.

The process 600 differs from the above-described process 500 in that it includes steps S519 and S521, which are executed when it is judged in step S518 that the state of the latch portion 120B is changed to a non-latch state.

In step S519, the control part judges whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 in the secondary device 140. After the manipulation to insert the aerosol-forming article 160 into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 is performed, the process 600 proceeds to step S522 (which is the same as the step described for process 500) to perform the direct heating mode. On the other hand, if the aerosol-forming article 160 has not yet been inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, the process 600 proceeds to step S521.

In step S521, the control part executes control to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the transition mode. For example, the control part stores the off state, which is the same as the state in the charging mode, of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and changes the state of the third switch SW3 from the on state to the off state in the control circuit 146 in the secondary device 140. In addition Moreover, the control part controls the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 to change the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the amount of electricity supplied in the charging mode, which is small, to the amount of electricity supplied to direct heat mode, which is great. The above-described control corresponds to control performed in the transient mode on the timing chart shown in FIG. 4D. With this transient control, it is possible to prevent the load 144 from heating in the absence of an object to be heated by the load 144.

After step S521, process 600 repeats the evaluation at step S519. Therefore, until the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, the transition mode in step S521 is performed continuously. When an event such as insertion of an aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142 by the user is used as a trigger for changing the mode of the smoking system 100, control of the smoking system 100 may change its mode to a direct heat mode.

It should be remembered, however, that in process 500 shown in FIG. 5, the control part (control part 134 and/or control part 154) can change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the pre-change process mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode based on the state of the locking part 120B. Additionally, in process 600 shown in FIG. 6, the control part (control part 134 and/or control part 154) can change the mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the transition mode based on judging whether the aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142, in addition to the state of the locking part 120B. . Alternatively, the mode change tolerance condition

- 15 044173 from the mode before the process of changing to the transition mode, can only refer to the evaluation of whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. In another alternative example, input to portion 132 or 152 may be used for user control.

As explained above, the control part (control part 134 and/or control part 154) in the smoking system 100 changes the mode of the smoking system 100 from a pre-change mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to a transition mode based on conditions that require actual and direct manipulation by the user, such as the state of the locking portion 121B, the state regarding whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, input to the user control portion 132 or 152, and so on. Instead, it is possible to change the mode of the smoking system 100 from a mode before the change process (direct heating mode or charging mode) to a transition mode based on a condition that is not related to user manipulation or a condition related to indirect user manipulation. As an example condition related to indirect manipulation by the user, information regarding whether the residual volume of the aerosol-generating article 160 is below a predetermined threshold can be used. The control portion (control portion 134 and/or control portion 154) may estimate the residual volume of the aerosol-generating article 160 by the number of smoking events, or by using a value representing the accumulated amount of power supply time, or a value representing the accumulated amount of electrical power supplied from the secondary power supply 148 into the load 144 from the time the new aerosol-forming article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-forming article holding portion 142. It should be remembered that the method for estimating the residual volume of the aerosol-generating article 160 is not limited to the methods described above, and various methods can be applied. It is also possible to use a sensor that can accurately measure the residual volume of the aerosol-generating article 160. As such a sensor, for example, a weight sensor, an optical sensor, and so on can be used.

Fig. 7A shows an example of an air intake flow path 710 formed in the secondary device 140. FIG. 7B shows an example of an air intake flow path 720 formed in the primary device 120. The smoking system 100 is designed such that the act of smoking can be performed by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 in the primary device 120 in the first form of use (direct heating mode); therefore, a structure is required to supply sufficient air to the aerosol-forming article 160 even in the state in which the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122. An exemplary air intake flow path 710 formed in the secondary device 140 allows air to be drawn in from the opening side of the portion 142 holding the aerosol-generating article inward and flowing toward the vicinity of the load 144. On the other hand, an air intake flow passage 720 formed in the primary device 120 is configured to draw air from the bottom of the main body portion 120A of the primary device 120 inward and direct the air to the deepest portion in the connecting port 122. The air directed to the connection port 122 through the air intake flow path 720 is directed further to the vicinity of the load 144 in the secondary device 140 through an air intake flow path that is different from the air intake flow path 710 shown in FIG. 7A, in the secondary device 140, wherein the air intake flow path is provided with an opening at the top (end portion opposite the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142) of the secondary device 140, which is inserted into the connection port 122 (the secondary device 140 is not shown in FIG. 7B ). The smoking system 100 may include one of an air intake flow path 710 and an air intake flow path 720, or both. By using the air intake flow path 710 and/or the air intake flow path 720, a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the aerosol-forming article 160 in the secondary device 140, even in the case where the act of smoking is performed by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 in the primary device 120. direct heating mode.

In addition, although the control of the flow of electric power in the direct heating mode, the transient mode and the charging mode is carried out by switching the state of each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 between an on state and an off state in the above-described embodiments, the means for controlling the flow of electricity in each mode is not limited to the above-described means. For example, reverse current-preventing diodes may be added to the circuitry in control circuit 146 in FIG. 2, specifically, add diodes to a circuit comprising taps that branch from a main positive line and a main negative line that connect the connection terminal 146-1 to the load 144, and continue to the secondary power supply 148, respectively; wherein the charging direction from the primary power supply 126 to the secondary power supply 148 is the forward direction of each of the reverse current preventing diodes. In direct heating mode, in which the power supply

- 16 044173 gy from the primary power source 126 to the secondary power source 148 is stopped, the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 can be controlled such that the output voltage of the primary device 120 is reduced to a level below the voltage at the terminals of the secondary power source 148 . On the other hand, in a charging mode in which electric power is supplied from the primary power source 126 to the secondary power source 148, control of the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120 can be performed such that the output voltage of the primary device 120 is increased to a level higher voltage at the terminals of the secondary power source 148.

It should be remembered that the means for adjusting the relative voltage between the voltage at the terminals of the primary power supply 126 and the voltage at the terminals of the secondary power supply 148 is not limited to the DC/DC converter 124-1 in the primary device 120. For example, the secondary device 140 may also include a DC/DC converter. DC. In another example, at least one of the primary power supply 126 and the secondary power supply 148 may be configured using a plurality of power storage devices, and may be switched between a series configuration and a parallel configuration.

The above description has explained the embodiments of the present invention, however, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, although the above description of the embodiments explains an example in which the primary device 120 in direct heating mode supplies electricity only to the load 144 in the secondary device 140, and the primary device 120 in the charging mode supplies electricity only to the secondary power supply 148 in the secondary device 140 , the embodiments are not limited to the above example, and it is possible to simultaneously supply a portion of the electrical power to the load 144 and a portion of the electrical power to the secondary power source 148 in the secondary device 140.

LIST OF POSITIONS

[0089] 100 Smoking system

120 Primary device

120A Main body part

120V Fixing part (cap)

OS Hinge

122 Connection port

124 Power supply circuit

124-1 DC/DC converter

124-2 Connection terminal

126 Primary power supply

132 User control part

134 Control part

136 Memory

140 Secondary device

142 Aerosol-forming article holding part

144 Load

146 Control circuit

146-1 Connection terminal

148 Secondary power supply

152 User control part

154 Control part

156 Memory

160 Aerosol-forming product

200 Electrical diagram

710 Air intake flow channel

720 Air intake flow channel

Claims (10)

1. A primary device for supplying electrical power to a secondary device, which includes a load and a power source, wherein the primary device is configured to supply electrical power to the secondary device when the primary device is connected to the secondary device, wherein the load is configured to evaporate the aerosol or heating source a flavor source, and the power source is configured to supply electrical power to the load, the primary device comprising: a control part capable of executing a first mode for supplying electricity from the primary device to the load and a second mode for supplying electricity from the primary device to the power source; wherein, during the time between the first mode and the second mode in the first transition process, which is a transition from the first mode to the second mode, the control part is capable of executing a transition mode that includes a transition time for changing the amount of electricity supplied from the primary device to the secondary device. 2. The primary device according to claim 1, in which the control part has the ability to perform the corresponding modes in such a way that: supplying a first amount of electrical power from the primary device to the load in a first mode; and supplying from the primary device to the power source in the second mode a second amount of electric power that is less than the first amount. 3. Primary device according to claim 1 or 2, containing: means switchable between a state in which electric power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and a state in which electric power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source; in this case, the control part has the ability to execute the corresponding modes in such a way that: supplying a first amount of electrical power from the primary device to the load in a first mode; control said means for entering a state in which electric power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power supply, and apply to the primary device a process for reducing the amount of electric power to be supplied from the first amount, in a transient mode, in the first transition process; and control the above means to enter a state in which electric power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source, and supply a second amount of electric power that is less than the first amount from the primary device to the power source, in a second mode. 4. The primary device according to claim 3, wherein said means is a switch located between the primary device and the power source; and the control portion is configured to electrically disconnect the primary device from the power source by executing control to open the switch in a transient mode during the first transition, and electrically connecting the primary device to the power source by executing control to close the switch in the second mode. 5. Primary device according to claim 3, containing: a diode that is located between the primary device and the power supply, and the forward direction of the diode is the direction from the primary device to the power supply; wherein said means is a regulator that is capable of adjusting the relative voltage between the output voltage of the primary device and the voltage of the power supply; and the control part is configured to control the regulator to provide an output voltage of the primary device higher than the voltage of the power supply in the transient mode during the first transition, and to control the regulator to provide a voltage of the power source higher than the output voltage of the primary device in the second mode. 6. The primary device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control part is capable of applying to the primary device a process of gradually reducing the amount of electricity to be supplied from the first amount to the second amount and supplying the gradually decreasing amount of electricity from the primary device to the load. 7. Primary device according to any one of claims 2-5, in which the control part is configured not to supply electricity from the primary device - 18 044173 power supply and load in transient mode during the first transition. 8. Primary device according to claim 7, containing: a switch that is located between the primary device and the power source and load and is configured to switch between a state in which electric power can be supplied from the primary device to the power source and load, and a state in which electric power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source and load; wherein the control part is configured to electrically disconnect the primary device from the power source and load by performing control to open the switch in a transient mode during the first transition. 9. The primary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the primary device includes a locking part, which is capable of fixing the connection between the secondary device and the primary device in the locking state and disconnecting/connecting in the non-locking state; and the control part is able to distinguish between the first transition and the second transition based on the state of the fixing part. 10. The primary device according to claim 9, wherein the control part is configured to maintain the transient state during the second transition until the load is brought into contact with the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol source in a non-latching state.