JP2020058394A - Smoking system, power feeding control method, program, primary device and secondary device - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

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

  BACKGROUND ART 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 every predetermined number of times of smoking (see Patent Document 1, for example). In particular, when a large amount of electric power is required to discharge the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article, it is not possible to smoke during charging, so continuous smoking is impossible.

  In order to deal with this problem, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is conceivable to supply power from a charger directly to a heater to generate an aerosol. In this case, it is necessary to switch between the conventional mode of charging the built-in rechargeable battery of the heating device from the charger and the mode of directly supplying power from the charger to the heater.

Special table 2012-527222 gazette Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-500647

  By the way, as widely known, it is preferable to set the amount of power supply (rate) to an appropriate value in accordance with the characteristics and application of the power supply target. Therefore, generally, the amount of power supplied when charging the rechargeable battery is different from the amount of power supplied when supplying power to the heater. Therefore, when the mode is switched between the mode for charging the built-in rechargeable battery from the charger and the mode for directly supplying power to the heater, the rechargeable battery is deteriorated when the mode is immediately switched without special consideration as in Patent Document 2. Or the heater may not function properly. Further, if the direct power supply to the heater is started before the aerosol-generating article is attached to the heating device, the electric power of 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 perform switching between a charging mode and a direct heating mode while ensuring safety and user convenience. is there.

  In order to solve the problems described above, one embodiment of the present invention is a connection between a secondary device including a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and the secondary device. A primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply, 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 control unit is configured such that 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, with the first mode. The smoking system is configured to execute a transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable regarding power feeding, between the second mode and the second mode.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the above aspect, wherein the control unit 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 above aspect, wherein a transition time of the transition mode in the first transition and a transition time of the transition mode in the second transition have different lengths.

  Moreover, another aspect of the present invention is the smoking system according to the above aspect, 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, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, the predetermined variable is a power supply amount from the primary device to the secondary device, and the control unit, in the first mode, the primary variable. Power is supplied from the device to the load at a first power supply amount, and in the transition mode of the first transition, a process of reducing the power supply amount from the first power supply amount is performed on the primary device, and at the same time from the primary device. The smoking system is configured to execute each mode such that power is not supplied to the power source and power is supplied from the primary device to the power source with a second power supply amount smaller than the first power supply amount in the second mode.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, comprises means capable of switching between a state in which power can be supplied from the primary device to a power source and a state in which power cannot be supplied from the primary device, and the predetermined variable is from the primary device. The amount of power supply to the secondary device, the control unit supplies power from the primary device to the load at a first power supply amount in the first mode, and controls the means in the transition mode of the first transition. In the second mode, in the second mode, the control is performed so that power cannot be supplied from the primary device to the power source, and a process of reducing the power supply amount from the first power supply amount is performed. And performing a mode such that power is supplied 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. It is a smoke system.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, the means is a switch provided between the primary device and the power source, and the control unit is the transition of the first transition. In the 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

  Further, another aspect of the present invention is, in the above-mentioned one aspect, provided with a diode provided between the primary device and the power supply, and having a forward direction from a direction from the primary device to the power supply, and the means. A controller capable of adjusting a relative voltage between an output voltage of the primary device and a voltage of the power supply, wherein the control unit is configured such that the output voltage of the primary device is equal to that of the power supply in the transition mode of the first transition. A smoking system, wherein the regulator is controlled to be higher than a voltage, and in the second mode, the regulator is controlled such that a voltage of the power supply is higher than an output voltage of the primary device.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, the control unit, in the transition mode of the first transition, performs a process of gradually reducing a power supply amount from the first power supply amount to the second power supply amount. It is a smoking system which is carried out to the primary device and supplies power from the primary device to the load at the gradually decreasing power supply amount.

  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 supply and the load in the transition mode of the first transition. is there.

  Another aspect of the present invention is, in the above-mentioned one aspect, 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. A switch capable of switching states is provided, and the control unit electrically controls the primary device, the power supply, and the load by controlling the switch to open in the transition mode of the first transition. It is a smoking system that cuts off.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, the primary device is a restraint portion capable of holding a connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and releasing the connection in a non-restrained state. And the control unit is a smoking system that identifies the first transition and the second transition based on a state of the restraint unit.

  Further, another aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned one aspect, the control unit, when the transition mode of the second transition is in contact with an aerosol-generating article including the load and the aerosol source in the unconstrained state. It is a smoking system that lasts until done.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling power supply from a primary device to a secondary device in a smoking system, wherein an aerosol source provided in the secondary device is atomized or flavored. One of a first mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to a load that heats the load and a second mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to a power supply that is provided in the secondary device and that can supply power to the load are being executed. Recognizing as a mode, accepting an instruction to make a transition from the running mode to the other of the first mode and the second mode, and responding to the instruction, changing from the first mode to the first mode. 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, is related to power feeding between the first mode and the second mode. Performing a transition mode with a transition time for changing the default variable, a power supply control method comprising.

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

  Further, another aspect of the present invention is capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply when connected to a secondary device including 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, comprising: a control unit capable of executing a first mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the load and a second mode in which power is supplied from the primary device to the power source. 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 fed between the first mode and the second mode. Is a primary device that implements a transition mode having a transition time for changing a default variable for.

  Another embodiment of the present invention includes a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power supply capable of supplying power to the load, and a secondary device connectable to the load and a primary device capable of supplying power to the power supply. A secondary 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. 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 fed between the first mode and the second mode. A secondary device that implements a transition mode having a transition time for changing a default variable for.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly switch between the charging mode and the direct heating mode while ensuring safety and user friendliness.

It is a block diagram of the smoking system 100 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 shows an electrical circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. 5 illustrates state transitions of the electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of the smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 at the time of switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. It is an example of a timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 at the time of switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. It is another example of the timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 at the time of switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. It is another example of the timing chart showing the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 at the time of switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process 500 for performing control for switching the operation mode of the smoking system 100 by the control unit (the control units 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a flowchart showing another exemplary process 600 for performing control for switching the operation mode of the smoking system 100 by the control unit (the control units 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. . An example of the air intake flow path 810 provided in the secondary device 140 is shown. An example of the air intake flow path 820 provided in the primary device 120 is shown.

  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 an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 1 schematically and conceptually shows each element of the smoking system 100 and does not show the exact arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each element and the smoking system 100. I want to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the smoking system 100 includes a primary device 120 and a secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 includes a first usage pattern in which the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120 and a second usage pattern in which the secondary device 140 is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120. Is configured so that 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 is extracted from the connection port 122. Is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120. As another example, the electrical connection and disconnection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 may be performed by attaching and detaching a conductive cable such as a USB cable.

  The secondary device 140 is a device that electrically heats the aerosol-generating article 160 for smoking to generate an aerosol or vapor containing a flavor component. A user who is a smoker can inhale the aerosol or vapor generated from the secondary device 140. The primary device 120 is a device for supplying power to the secondary device 140 in the first usage pattern. In the first usage pattern, the primary device 120 can charge the secondary power source 148 incorporated in the secondary device 140. The secondary device 140 can be operated by the built-in secondary power source 148 in the second usage pattern. The smoking system 100 is returned from the second usage pattern to the first usage pattern when, for example, the secondary power source 148 is consumed by a predetermined amount. When the secondary device 140 is returned to the first usage pattern, the secondary device 140 receives power from the primary device 120 so that the secondary power source 148 can be recharged. It is also possible to directly heat the aerosol-generating article 160 using the electric power supplied from the device 120.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the secondary device 140 includes an aerosol generation article holding unit 142, a load 144, a drive circuit 146, a secondary power supply 148, a user operation unit 152, a control unit 154, and a memory 156. Secondary device 140 is configured, for example, to have a shape and size suitable for a user to inhale aerosols or vapors. The user can smoke, for example, holding the secondary device 140 between his fingers. By way of example, the outer 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 size. You can also

  The aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 is a space configured to hold the aerosol-generating article 160. Therefore, the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 can have a shape corresponding to the aerosol-generating article 160. For example, the aerosol-generating article 160 may include a solid aerosol substrate shaped into a cylindrical stick about the same diameter as a cigarette. FIG. 1 shows a secondary device 140 in which such an aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into an aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. The aerosol base material is constituted, for example, by processing a chopped tobacco or granular or powdery tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component by heating into a cylindrical shape, and adding a liquid aerosol source thereto. However, in the present embodiment, the aerosol base material and / or the aerosol source functions as a flavor source. As shown in FIG. 1, in the aerosol-generating article 160, one end portion and a main portion including the aerosol base material are housed inside the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, and the other end portion is the aerosol-generating article holding portion. It is held by the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 in a form protruding from the 142. The user can smoke by holding the end of the aerosol-generating article 160, which is protruding from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142, in his mouth.

  Note that, in consideration of usability, the secondary device 140 is preferably configured to have a shape similar to that of an existing cigarette. Further, since the secondary device 140 has the hollow aerosol-generated article holding portion 142, restrictions are placed on the arrangement of electrical components inside the secondary device 140. As a result, it is preferable that the secondary power source 148 is also small, and the capacity thereof is relatively small. On the other hand, since the primary device 120 does not have such a limitation, it is preferable that the primary power source 126 has a sufficiently large capacity as compared with the secondary power source 148 so that the secondary power source 148 can be charged multiple times. For example, the primary power source 126 preferably has a capacity that is 5 to 40 times that of the secondary power source 148, but is not limited to this range. Further, both the primary power source 126 and the secondary power source 148 are preferably composed of lithium ion secondary batteries, but are not limited thereto.

  The aerosol-generating article 160 and the aerosol-generating article holder 142 may be configured differently than that shown in FIG. For example, the aerosol-generating article 160 may be a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source). As an example, the liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source) is a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol containing a nicotine component. In this embodiment, the aerosol source functions as a flavor source. When the aerosol-generating article 160 is an aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 is made of, for example, a fibrous or porous material such as glass fiber or porous ceramic, The aerosol source as a liquid is held in the spaces between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 may be configured as a tank that stores a liquid. In such a configuration, the secondary device 140 additionally includes a suction member. The user can suck the generated aerosol or vapor by holding the mouthpiece member in his mouth.

  The load 144 is a heating element for electrically heating the aerosol-generating article 160 held by the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. The load 144 is placed in contact with or near the aerosol-generating article 160 so that the aerosol-generating article 160 can be heated. In the second usage pattern in which the secondary device 140 is separated from the primary device 120, the load 144 heats the aerosol-generating article 160 by being supplied with power from the secondary power source 148 incorporated in the secondary device 140. . In the first usage pattern in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, the load 144 heats the aerosol-generating article 160 by being supplied with power from the primary device 120. When the aerosol-generating article 160 includes an aerosol source and an aerosol base material, the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144 to heat the aerosol source and generate an aerosol as described above. On the other hand, when the aerosol-generating article 160 is a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol may be generated by directly heating the aerosol source with the load 144.

  Any arrangement for contacting the load 144 and the 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 holding portion 142. According to this arrangement, the aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 contacts the load 144 on the outer peripheral surface (for example, the side surface of the cylindrical stick), so that the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated from the outer periphery. be able to. As 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 holding portion 142. With such a configuration, the load 144 can heat the aerosol-generating article 160 from the inside. It should be noted that the load 144 may be arranged in the vicinity of the aerosol-generating article 160 to the extent that the aerosol-generating article 160 can be heated, rather than being in direct contact with the aerosol-generating article 160.

  The secondary power source 148 is a power source used to operate the secondary device 140 in the second usage pattern. The secondary power source 148 can supply power to the load 144 via the driving circuit 146. The remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 is reduced by supplying power to the load 144, but the secondary power supply 148 can recover the remaining capacity by being charged by the primary device 120 in the first usage pattern.

  The user operation unit 152 is configured to be able to receive an operation on the secondary device 140 from the user. The user operation on the secondary device 140 includes, for example, an activation instruction for activating 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, or one user operation unit that can accept both the start instruction and the power supply instruction. An instruction unit may be provided. As an example, the user operation unit 152 is configured as a button, a switch, a knob, a lever, a touch sensor or the like that can be physically operated by the user.

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

  1 and 2, the primary device 120 includes a connection port 122, a power feeding circuit 124, a primary power source 126, a user operation unit 132, a control unit 134, and a memory 136. Each of these elements of the primary device 120 is provided in the main body 120A of the primary device 120, for example. Primary device 120 further comprises a restraint 120B, depicted in FIG. 1 as a lid. As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 120B is attached to the upper portion of the main body 120A by being engaged with the main body 120A by the hinge 120C, and the main body 120A can be opened and closed. FIG. 1 shows the primary device 120 with the lid 120B opened. The lid 120B restrains the secondary device 140 so that the secondary device 140 inserted in the coupling port 122 does not drop out from the coupling port 122 when in the closed state. The lid 120B may be a slide opening / closing type lid. Further, the restraint part 120B is not a form as a lid, but another member capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (for example, a structure in which a claw is engaged with the secondary device 140, or a structure utilizing attraction by a magnet). Etc.).

  The connection port 122 is a space for housing the secondary device 140 in the first usage pattern of the 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 on the primary device 120 side arranged in the connection port 122. The connection terminal 146-1 is a terminal forming a part of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140, and the connection terminal 124-2 is a terminal forming a part of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120. As a result, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120.

  The primary power source 126 is a power source used to supply power to the secondary device 140 in the first usage pattern. The primary power source 126 charges the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 via the power feeding circuit 124 and the driving circuit 146 when the smoking system 100 is driven in the charging mode described below in the first usage pattern. The primary power supply 126 also supplies power to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146 when the smoking system 100 is driven in the direct heating mode described below in the first usage pattern. Is possible. As a result, the load 144 of the secondary device 140 does not wait for the remaining capacity of the secondary power source 148 incorporated in the secondary device 140 to recover, and immediately after the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122. By receiving power from the primary power source 126, the aerosol-generating article 160 can be heated. Although the remaining capacity of the primary power source 126 is reduced by supplying power to the secondary device 140, the primary power source 126 is charged by an external charging device (not shown) via an external connection terminal (not shown), and thus the remaining capacity is reduced. Capacity can be restored.

  The user operation unit 132 is configured to be able to receive an operation on the primary device 120 from the user. The user operation on the primary device 120 includes, for example, an operation instruction for permitting power supply to the secondary device 140. As an example, the user operation unit 132 is configured as a button, a switch, a knob, a lever, a touch sensor or the like that can be physically operated by the user.

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

  FIG. 2 shows an electric circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the electric circuit 200 of the smoking system 100 includes a power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 and a drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. The power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 includes a DC / DC converter 124-1 and a connection terminal 124-2. The DC / DC converter 124-1 boosts or lowers the voltage of the primary power source 126 according to the control by the control unit (the control unit 134 of the primary device 120 and / or the control unit 154 of the secondary device 140), and thereby the primary device 120. Adjust the output voltage of. Further, since the DC / DC converter generally has a voltage control mode for controlling the output voltage and a current (power) mode for controlling the output current (power), the DC / DC converter 124-1 is 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). It is controlled to switch each individually. In the electric circuit 200, the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 is connected to the primary device 120 via the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side and the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side. It is configured by being electrically connected.

  FIG. 3 illustrates state transitions 300 of the electrical circuit 200 for multiple operating modes of the smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The smoking system 100 is capable of operating 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 the device independently. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is stopped while the secondary device 140 is disconnected 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 primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 charges the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140. The direct heating mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by connecting the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120 and directly supplying power from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. 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 the on state, and sets the third switch SW3 to the off state. As a result, 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. Further, the control unit sets all the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to the off state in the normal non-smoking mode. As a result, the power supply to the load 144 is cut off, and the heating of the aerosol-generating article 160 is stopped. 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 control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the ON state, and sets the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to the OFF state. As a result, the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 directly supplies power to the load 144, and the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Therefore, the user can smoke in the first usage pattern.

  As described above, the smoking system 100 can switch the operation mode by controlling the on state and the off state of each switch included in the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. The smoking system 100 further includes, when switching the mode between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first usage mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, immediately switches from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Alternatively, the transition mode is executed during the transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode immediately. That is, the 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 to the charging mode via the transition mode. It is done by shifting. The transition mode may intervene both in the direction from the charging mode to the direct heating mode and in the direction from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, or the transition mode may intervene in only one direction. Good.

  The transition mode is a mode for performing a process of changing a variable relating to power feeding from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140. The variable relating to the power supply includes, as a non-limiting example, the amount of power supply from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 (that is, the discharge rate from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120). For example, since it is preferable to set the power supply amount (rate) to an appropriate value according to the characteristics and application of the power supply target, the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the charging mode is the primary power in the direct heating mode. The amount of power supply from the device 120 to the secondary device 140 is different.

  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 varies depending on the materials such as electrodes, electrolytic solution, active material, or conductive auxiliary agent and its structure. Has the property of rate dependence. The rate dependency refers to a correlation between the magnitude of the charge rate or the discharge rate and the influence on the deterioration of the lithium ion secondary battery. The term "deterioration of the lithium ion secondary battery" as used herein is represented by, for example, the ratio of the current chargeable capacity or dischargeable capacity to the chargeable capacity or dischargeable capacity at the time of new product (factory shipment). As a general tendency, as the rate increases, the influence on the deterioration of the lithium-ion secondary battery increases at an accelerating rate. Further, even at the same rate, the effect of charging on deterioration is about 2-3 times larger 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 to be charged.

  On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, power is mainly supplied from the primary power source 126 to the load 144, so that there is no restriction considering the suppression of deterioration of the secondary power source 140 as described above. Rather, since it is necessary to heat the aerosol-generating article 160 to a temperature at which the aerosol is generated, the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 in the direct heating mode is preferably controlled to a relatively large value. In more detail, when a lithium ion secondary battery is also used as 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 about whether or not the primary power supply 126 is deteriorated due to the rate dependence of the. Here, it is preferable that the primary power source 126 has a sufficiently large capacity as compared with the secondary power source 148 so that the secondary power source 148 can be charged a plurality of times as described above, but it is widely known. In general, the rate of the secondary battery decreases as the capacity increases. Further, the primary power source 126 discharges the secondary device 140, but as described above, the discharge has a smaller influence on the deterioration than the charging. Therefore, even if the power supply amount 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.

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

  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 the output current (voltage). May be done. This length of time depends only on the electrical processing of the DC / DC converter 124-1 and may typically be less than 1 second. Further, for example, in the case of switching the operation mode from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, the transition mode is further changed after the voltage is changed by the DC / DC converter 124-1 and then the user further prepares to start smoking the aerosol-generating article 160. May be postponed until it is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140. The transition time in this case is typically longer than 1 second, for example, several seconds to several tens of seconds because it is necessary to wait for a user's artificial operation.

  FIG. 4A is a timing chart showing an example of transition of the state of the 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 the direct heating mode. As described above, in the direct heating mode, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the on state and the third switch SW3 to the off state, respectively. In addition, the control unit 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 held at a predetermined target temperature from the primary device 120 to the secondary device. The amount of power supply to the load 144 of 140 is adjusted.

  Next, the smoking system 100 shifts to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined user operation is input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs an instruction to switch the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the user operation unit 132 or 152. 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 the third switch SW3 as it is in the OFF state. By keeping the smoking system 100 in the transition mode. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the power supply amount for the direct heating mode to the charge mode. Change to the power supply amount of. As described above, generally, the maximum power supply amount (charge rate) allowed when charging the rechargeable battery (secondary power source 148) is smaller than the power supply amount required for heating the heater (load 144). If the charging is performed at a rate higher than the maximum allowable rate, the performance of the secondary power supply 148 may deteriorate. Therefore, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 so that the power supply amount from the primary device 120 decreases from the high power supply amount for the direct heating mode to the low power supply amount for the charging mode. It takes a finite time (for example, less than 1 second) for the power supply amount to be completely reduced, but in the transition mode of FIG. It is possible to prevent the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by the relatively high power supply amount before the power supply is reduced to a low power supply amount. Moreover, since the time taken for the power supply amount to fall to the low power supply amount for the charging mode is very short, it is possible to substantially realize the quick switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode.

  After a predetermined length of transition time, smoking system 100 transitions from transition mode to charging mode. In the charging mode, the control unit keeps the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the same off state as in the transition mode, and changes 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. In addition, in the series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

  FIG. 4B is a timing chart showing an example of transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the 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. Further, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power feeding circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power feeding from the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. To do.

  Next, the smoking system 100 shifts to the transition mode, for example, when a predetermined user operation is input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. For example, the user inputs an instruction to switch the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the user operation unit 132 or 152. Upon receiving such a user operation, the control unit 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. Changing to the off state causes smoking system 100 to transition to the transition mode. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 so that the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from the low power supply amount for the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Change to a high power supply amount for the heating mode (for example, gradually increase from a low power supply amount for the charging mode to a high power supply amount for the direct heating mode as shown in FIG. 4B). Unlike the case of FIG. 4A, since there is no particular restriction on the amount of power supplied to the load 144 in the direct heating mode that is the mode after switching, in the transition mode in FIG. 4B, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are Set to ON state. Thereby, the power supply from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is started in the transition mode, and the aerosol-generating article 160 can be heated quickly. In addition, in the series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

  FIG. 4C is a timing chart showing another example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. The timing chart of FIG. 4C differs from the timing chart of FIG. 4A only in that the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are set to the ON state in the transition mode. When the controller receives a predetermined user operation in the direct heating mode, the controller keeps the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the on state and the third switch SW3 in the off state. As it is, the smoking system 100 is shifted to the transition mode. In the transition mode, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 to change the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from the high power supply amount for the direct heating mode to the charge mode. The power supply is gradually reduced.

  In the smoking system 100 in which the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is configured to make direct physical contact with the aerosol-generating article 160, in the smoking system 100, the user finishes smoking and removes the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 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 capacity of the load 144. In the transition mode shown in FIG. 4C, since the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 are set to the ON state, the heating of the load 144 continues even after the direct heating mode ends. Done. As a result, the components of the aerosol-generating article 160 remaining on the surface of the load 144 can be evaporated and the load 144 can be cleaned.

  The transition time for sustaining the transition mode may be set to, for example, a predetermined length of time that is assumed to be sufficient for cleaning the load 144 effectively. After such a predetermined length of transition time, smoking system 100 transitions from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the ON state to the OFF state, and changes the third switch SW3 from the OFF state to the ON state. As a result, the primary device 120 charges the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140. In addition, in the series of transitions from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

  FIG. 4D is a timing chart showing another example of the transition of the state of the smoking system 100 when switching from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. The timing chart of FIG. 4D is different 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 the controller receives a predetermined user operation in the charging mode, the controller keeps the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the same OFF state as in the charging mode, and at the same time, the third switch SW3. The smoking system 100 is transitioned to the transition mode by changing from the on state to the off state. In the transition mode, the control unit also controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 so that the power supply amount from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 is changed from the low power supply amount for the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Change to a higher power supply for use. However, unlike the case of FIG. 4B, since the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are in the OFF state, the power supply to the load 144 is suspended while the transition mode is maintained. For example, immediately after switching from the charging mode to the transition mode, the aerosol-generating article 160 may not yet be attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. In such a situation, by suspending the power supply to the load 144, it is possible to prevent the load 144 from being dried.

  In the example of FIG. 4D, the transition mode may continue until, for example, the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. Alternatively, the duration of the transition mode may be set irrespective of attachment of the aerosol-generating article 160 to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. In other words, the transition mode may continue before and after the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142. As an example, the transition mode may continue until acquisition or estimation of the state of charge of the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 is completed. When the control unit detects that the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142, the control unit changes the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from the off state to the on state, and turns off the third switch SW3. Keep in the state. This causes the smoking system 100 to transition from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, and the primary device 120 supplies power to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. In addition, in the series of transitions from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is continuously controlled to be in the off state.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process 500 for the control unit (control units 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform control to switch the operation mode of the smoking system 100. Is. Process 500 begins in either a first usage pattern in which secondary device 140 is connected to primary device 120, or a second usage pattern in which secondary device 140 is disconnected from primary device 120.

  When the process 500 is started, first, in step S502, the control unit determines whether the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. For example, the control unit detects the electrical contact between the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 and the connection terminal 124-2 of the primary device 120, so that the secondary device 140 causes the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. The secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. The process 500 proceeds to step S504 if the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, and proceeds to step S524 if not connected.

  When the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, that is, when the smoking system 100 is in the first usage pattern, in step S504, the control unit determines whether the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 is restrained. Determine if it is unrestrained. The restraint state of the restraint part 120B is a state where the restraint 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-restraint state of the restraint portion 120B means that the restraint portion 120B does not restrain the secondary device 140 inserted in 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 the configuration in which the restraint part 120B is a lid, the closed state of the lid 120B is the restrained state, and the opened state of the lid 120B is the non-restrained state. The control unit can determine whether the restraint unit 120B is in the restraint state or the non-restraint state, for example, based on a signal from a mechanical switch that is interlocked with the movement of the restraint unit 120B. Alternatively, the primary device 120 may be configured such that the lid 120B is automatically opened when the main power button is turned on and the lid 120B is automatically closed when the main power button is turned off. The process 500 proceeds to step S506 if the restraint unit 120B is in the non-restraint state, and proceeds to step S516 if it is in the restraint state. The lid 120B may be a slide opening / closing lid. Further, the restraint part 120B is not a form as a lid, but another member capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140 (for example, a structure in which a claw is engaged with the secondary device 140, or a structure utilizing attraction by a magnet). Etc.).

  When the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 is in the unrestrained state, in step S506, the control unit determines whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. For example, the secondary device 140 includes a mechanical switch that is pressed by the aerosol-generating article 160 when the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 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 unit can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. The process 500 proceeds to step S508 when the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142, and repeats step S506 when it is not inserted. In the present embodiment, if it is determined in step S506 that the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted in the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140, the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. In addition to this, it may be determined between Step S506 and Step S508 whether or not the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 is sufficient. If the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is not sufficient, the aerosol cannot be generated even if the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. Therefore, the direct heating mode is not executed, or the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is low. It is also possible to stop the heating directly at the time of disappearance.

  In step S508, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to operate in the direct heating mode. More specifically, as described above, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the on state and the third switch SW3 to the off state. In addition, the control unit 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 held at a predetermined target temperature from the primary device 120 to the secondary device. The amount of power supply to the load 144 of 140 is adjusted. This step S508 corresponds to the first direct heating mode performed 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 usage pattern 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 the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from the non-restrained state to the restrained state (for example, whether or not the lid 120B has been closed). For example, the user changes the restraint part 120B from the non-restraint state to the restraint state (for example, performs an operation of closing the lid 120B), thereby giving an instruction to switch the operation mode of the smoking system 100 from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. Can be given to 100. The process 500 proceeds to step S512 when the state of the restraint unit 120B changes to the restrained state, and returns to step S508 when it remains in the unrestrained state.

  In step S510, instead of determining whether or not the state of the restraint portion 120B has changed from the non-restrained 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 portion 142. It may be determined. In such an example, the process 500 proceeds to step S512 if the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holder 142, and if the aerosol-generating article 160 remains inserted in the aerosol-generating article holder 142. Returns to step S508.

  When the restraint unit 120B is changed to the restraint state, in step S512, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to directly shift from the 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 maintains the third switch SW3 as it is 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 power supply amount for direct heating mode to a low power supply for charging mode. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing chart of FIG. 4A. By controlling such a transition mode, it is possible to prevent the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by a high power supply amount. Alternatively, the control unit may change the primary device 120 to the secondary device while maintaining the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 in the on state and the third switch SW3 in the off state. The power supply amount to 140 may be gradually reduced from a high power supply amount for the direct heating mode to a low power supply amount for the charging mode. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing chart of FIG. 4C. By controlling the transition mode as described above, it is possible to prevent the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from being charged by a high power supply amount, and it is possible to perform the cleaning of the load 144.

  In order to enhance the effect of cleaning the load 144, it may be determined whether the aerosol-generating article 160 is actually removed from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 during the cleaning. As an example, the control unit may determine whether the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 based on the temperature rising rate of the load 144 when the load 144 is supplied with power in the transition mode. The state in which the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding section 146 has a larger heat capacity than the state in which the aerosol-generating article 160 is removed from the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. Alternatively, the rate of temperature increase of the load 144 when power is supplied is slow. By using such characteristics, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 has been removed from the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 during cleaning, without using a dedicated sensor. Further, as an example, when it is determined that the aerosol-generating article 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating article holding section 142 during the cleaning operation, the control unit prompts the user to remove the aerosol-generating article 160 from the aerosol-generating article holding section 142. You may give a notice. Further, the cleaning of the load 144 may be interrupted when the notification is also sent.

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

  On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S504 indicates that the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 is in the restrained state, the control unit controls in step S516 to operate the smoking system 100 in the charging mode. More specifically, as described above, the control unit sets the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to the off state, and sets the third switch SW3 to the on state. Further, the control unit controls the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the power feeding circuit 124 of the primary device 120 to adjust the amount of power feeding from the primary device 120 to the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 to a predetermined low value. To do. This step S516 corresponds to the first charging mode performed when switching the operation of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, which is shown in the timing charts of FIGS. 4B and 4D.

  Next, in step S518, the control unit determines whether or not the state of the restraint unit 120B of the primary device 120 has changed from the restraint state to the non-restraint state (for example, whether or not the lid 120B has been opened). For example, the user changes the restraint part 120B from the restraint state to the non-restraint state (for example, performs an operation of opening the lid 120B), thereby giving an instruction to switch the operation mode of the smoking system 100 from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. Can be given to 100. The process 500 proceeds to step S520 when the state of the restraint unit 120B changes to the non-restraint state, and returns to step S516 when the restraint part 120B remains in the restraint state.

  When the restraint unit 120B is changed to the non-restraint state, in step S520, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to shift 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 amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply amount for the charging mode to a high power supply for the direct heating mode. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing chart of FIG. 4B. By controlling the transition mode as described above, the aerosol-generating article 160 can be quickly heated.

  After the smoking system 100 has transitioned to the transition mode, for example, when a transition time of a predetermined length has elapsed, the control unit performs control in step S522 so as to transition the smoking system 100 from the transition mode to the direct heating mode. Step S522 corresponds to the direct heating mode performed after the mode switching in the timing chart of FIG. 4B. In step S522, the user may smoke in the first usage pattern in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120. The process 500 then returns to step S504.

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

  FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary process 600 for the control of the smoking system 100 (controls 134 and / or 154) to switch operating modes of the smoking system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart shown. The process 600 differs from the process 500 described above in that the process 600 includes steps S519 and S521 that are performed when the state of the restraint unit 120B changes to the non-restraint state in step S518.

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

  In step S521, the control unit controls the smoking system 100 to shift 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 amount of power supplied from the primary device 120 to the secondary device 140 from a low power supply amount for the charging mode to a high power supply for the direct heating mode. Change to quantity. This corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode of the timing chart of FIG. 4D. By controlling the transition mode as described above, it is possible to prevent the load 144 from being dried.

  Following step S521, the process 600 further repeats the determination of step S519. As a result, the transition mode of step S521 is continuously executed until the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142. The smoking system 100 can operate to directly shift to the heating mode when the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142.

  In the process 500 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit (control unit 134 and / or 154) causes the smoking system 100 to transition from the mode before the change (direct heating mode or charging mode) based on the state of the restraint unit 120B. You may switch to the mode. Further, in the process 600 shown in FIG. 6, the control unit (the control units 134 and / or 154) inserts the aerosol-generating article 160 into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140 in addition to the state of the restraining unit 120B. The smoking system 100 may be transitioned from the charging mode to the transition mode based on whether or not the smoking mode is performed. Instead of these, the condition for shifting from the mode before the change to the transition mode may be only whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140. Alternatively, instead of these, an input to the user operation unit 132 or 152 may be used.

  As described above, the control unit (control units 134 and / or 154) of the smoking system 100 is in the state of the restraint unit 120B and whether or not the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating article holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140. , The smoking system 100 is changed from the mode before the change (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode by using a condition that requires a specific and direct user operation such as input to the user operation unit 132 or 152. . Instead of these, the smoking system 100 may be transitioned from the pre-change mode (direct heating mode or charging mode) to the transition mode by using a condition that is not related to a user operation or a condition that is related to a more indirect user operation. . As an example of the condition relating to the more indirect user operation, whether or not the remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 is below a predetermined threshold 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 source 148 to the load 144 after the new aerosol generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding unit 142. The remaining amount of the aerosol-generating article 160 may be estimated using the integrated value of the power supply amount. 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 the 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 the air intake passage 710 provided in the secondary device 140. FIG. 7B shows an example of the air intake passage 720 provided in the primary device 120. Since the smoking system 100 is configured to be able to smoke by inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 in the first usage pattern (direct heating mode), the secondary device 140 is configured. It is necessary to have a structure for supplying a sufficient amount of air to the aerosol-generating article 160 even in a state in which is inserted into the connection port 122. An exemplary air intake passage 710 provided in the secondary device 140 allows air to be taken from the open side of the aerosol-generating article holder 142 and flow to the vicinity of the load 144. Further, the exemplary air intake passage 720 provided in the primary device 120 is configured to take in air from the bottom of the main body 120A of the primary device 120 and guide it to the innermost part in the connection port 122. The air introduced into the connection port 122 through the air intake passage 720 is opposite to the tip portion (the aerosol generation article holding portion 142) of the secondary device 140 (not shown in FIG. 7B) inserted in the connection port 122. Of the load 144 inside the secondary device 140 through the air intake passage of the secondary device 140 formed as a flow passage different from the air intake passage 710 of FIG. Further guided to the neighborhood. The smoking system 100 may include either one of the air intake passages 710 or 720, or both. According to such an air intake flow path 710 and / or 720, even when the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 and smoking is performed in the direct heating mode, the secondary device 140 is not used. A sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the aerosol generating article 160 therein.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, by switching the ON state and the OFF state of each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4, the direct heating mode, the transition mode, and the Although the power flow in the charging mode is controlled, the means for controlling the power flow in each mode is not limited to this. As an example, in FIG. 2, the primary power source is provided on the circuit that branches from the main positive bus and the main negative bus of the drive circuit 146 connected to the load 144 from the connection terminal 146-1 of the secondary device 140 to the secondary power source 148. A backflow prevention diode having a forward direction of charging from 126 to the secondary power source 148 may be provided. In the direct heating mode in which the power supply from the primary power source 126 to the secondary power source 148 is stopped, the DC / DC converter 124 of the primary device 120 is set so that the output voltage from the primary device 120 becomes lower than the terminal voltage of the secondary power source 148. -1 may be controlled. On the other hand, in the charging mode in which power is supplied from the primary power source 126 to the secondary power source 148, the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120 is set so that the output voltage from the primary device 120 becomes higher than the terminal voltage of the secondary power source 148. Should be controlled.

  The means for adjusting the relative voltage between the terminal voltage of the primary power supply 126 and the terminal voltage of the secondary power supply 148 is not limited to the DC / DC converter 124-1 of the primary device 120. For example, the secondary device 140 may also be provided with a DC / DC converter. Alternatively, at least one of the primary power source 126 and the secondary power source 148 may be formed of a plurality of power storage devices and these series connection and parallel connection may be switched.

  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 the direct heating mode powers only the load 144 of the secondary device 140, and the primary device 120 in the charging mode powers only the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140. As described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the load 144 and the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 may be partially supplied with electric power at the same time.

100 Smoking System 120 Primary Device 120A Body 120B Restraint (Lid)
120C Hinge 122 Connection port 124 Feeding circuit 124-1 DC / DC converter 124-2 Connection terminal 126 Primary power source 132 User operation part 134 Control part 136 Memory 140 Secondary device 142 Aerosol generating article holding part 144 Load 146 Driving 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 passage 720 Air intake passage

Claims (1)

A secondary device comprising a load for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load,
A primary device capable of supplying power to 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;
The control unit is configured such that 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, with the first mode. Executing a transition mode with the second mode, the transition mode having a transition time for changing a predetermined variable relating to power supply;
Smoking system.

Images