HK40013402A - Smoking system, power supply control method, program, primary device, and secondary device - Google Patents

Description

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

Technical Field

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

Background

There is known a smoking system in which a heating device for heating an aerosol-generating substance by an electric heater is charged by a portable charger every time a predetermined number of smoking operations are performed (see, for example, patent document 1). In particular, when a large amount of electric power is required to emit smoke from the aerosol-generating material, the cigarette cannot be smoked during charging, and thus the cigarette cannot be smoked continuously.

To cope with this problem, for example, as disclosed in patent document 2, it is considered that the charger directly supplies power to the heater to generate smoke. In this case, as in the conventional case, the mode for charging the heating device from the charger and the mode for directly supplying power to the heater from the charger are switched.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese Kokai publication Hei 2012-527222

Patent document 2: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2015-500647

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, there is no switching condition for switching from the mode in which the charger charges the heating device to the mode in which the charger directly supplies power to the heater so that smoke is immediately generated by direct power supply from the charger to the heater when the user is about to smoke. For example, in patent document 2, when the user's suction is detected, power is supplied directly from the charger to the heater, but there is a problem that it takes time from the user's suction to the actual generation of smoke.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a heater capable of immediately smoking and providing a sufficient charging opportunity by switching a mode in which a heating device is charged by a charger and a mode in which power is directly supplied to the heater by the charger at an appropriate timing.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a smoking system including: a secondary device provided with a load capable of atomizing the smoke source or heating the fragrance source and a power supply capable of supplying power to the load; a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device; and a control unit that performs power supply from the primary device to the load on the condition that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other in a use state in which smoking can be continued by the secondary device.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, when the secondary device is connected to the primary device after the power supply from the power supply to the load is performed, the control unit determines whether or not the condition is satisfied based on a usage state of at least one of the primary device and the secondary device, and performs the power supply from the primary device to the load when it is determined that the condition is satisfied.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the control unit may supply power from the primary device to the load before the secondary device performs suction for smoking.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the condition is set to be satisfied before the sub-unit is smoked for smoking.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the secondary device includes a power supply instruction unit configured to instruct power supply to the load, and the control unit determines that the condition is satisfied when the secondary device is in a use state in which the power supply instruction unit instructs power supply to the load, and executes power supply from the primary device to the load.

In a smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the primary device includes: an operation instruction unit that instructs an operation of the primary device; and a restraint unit that can maintain a connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and can release the connection in an unrestrained state, wherein the control unit determines that the condition is satisfied and executes power supply from the primary device to the load when the restraint unit of the primary device is in the unrestrained state and is in a use state in which the operation instruction unit is operated.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the operation instructing unit is an instructing unit that instructs the primary device to supply power to the load in the non-restricted state and instructs the primary device to supply power to the power source in the restricted state.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the operation instructing unit is an instructing unit that changes the restricting unit from the restricting state to the non-restricting state.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the above-described aspect, when the secondary device is in a use state in which the load can atomize the aerosol source or can heat the flavor source, the control unit determines that the condition is satisfied, and performs power supply from the primary device to the load.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, at least one of the primary device and the secondary device includes a flow path that supplies air to the smoke source or the flavor source in a state where the secondary device is connected to the primary device.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the control unit may acquire a value indicating a remaining capacity or a voltage of the power supply, and may perform power supply from the primary device to the load only when the value is smaller than a threshold value.

In the smoking system according to the other aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the control unit may acquire a value indicating a temperature of the load, and may stop the power supply from the primary device to the load when a temperature increase rate of the load is greater than a threshold value.

In the smoking system according to another aspect of the present invention, in the one aspect, the control unit may acquire a value indicating power to be supplied to the load, and may stop power supply from the primary device to the load if the value indicating the power is lower than a threshold value in the control of converging the temperature of the load to the target temperature.

Another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control method for controlling power supply in a smoking system, including: a step of acquiring a connection state between a primary device and a secondary device, the secondary device including a load that atomizes a mist source or heats a fragrance source and a power supply that can supply power to the load, the primary device being capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply when connected to the secondary device; and a step of performing power supply from the primary device to the load on condition that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other in a use state in which smoking can be continued using the secondary device.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a smoking system to execute the above method.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is a primary device capable of supplying power to a load capable of atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source and a secondary device including a power supply capable of supplying power to the load when the primary device is connected to the load, wherein the primary device includes a control unit that executes power supply from the primary device to the load on condition that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other in a use state in which smoking can be continued by the secondary device.

In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secondary device including a load that atomizes a mist source or heats a flavor source and a power supply that can supply power to the load, and being connectable to a primary device that can supply power to the load and the power supply, wherein the secondary device includes a control unit that executes power supply from the primary device to the load on condition that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other in a use state in which smoking can be continued by the secondary device.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, by switching the mode in which the heating device is charged by the charger and the mode in which the heater is directly supplied with power by the charger at an appropriate timing, it is possible to immediately smoke and provide a sufficient opportunity for charging.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 200 for the control unit to perform control according to condition 1.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 300 for the control unit to perform control according to condition 2.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 400 for the control unit to perform control according to condition 3.

Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a state change of the circuit 500 corresponding to a plurality of operation modes of the smoking system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic graph for explaining temperature control when power is supplied to the load 144 of the secondary device 140.

Fig. 8A shows an example of the air intake flow path 810 provided in the secondary device 140.

Fig. 8B shows an example of the air intake flow path 820 provided in the primary unit 120.

Figure 9 shows a circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 in an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 schematically and conceptually shows each element provided in the smoking system 100, and it should be noted that the elements and the smoking system 100 are not shown in a strict arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, and the like.

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 to be capable of adopting a 1 st use mode in which the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120 and a 2 nd use mode in which the secondary device 140 is electrically separated from the primary device 120. 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 the secondary device 140 is electrically disconnected from the primary device 120 by being pulled out of the secondary device 140 from the connection port 122. As another example, the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 may be electrically connected or not electrically connected by attaching or detaching a conductive cable such as a USB cable.

The secondary device 140 is a device that generates an aerosol or vapor containing a flavor component by electrically heating the aerosol-generating material 160 for smoking. A user who is a smoker can draw on the smoke 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 1 st usage mode. In the 1 st usage mode, the primary device 120 is able to charge the secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140. In the use mode 2, the secondary device 140 can be operated by the built-in secondary power supply 148. For example, when the secondary power supply 148 consumes a predetermined amount, the smoking system 100 returns from the 2 nd usage mode to the 1 st usage mode. When the usage mode 1 is returned, the secondary device 140 receives the power supply from the primary device 120, and thus not only can the secondary power supply 148 be recharged, but also the aerosol generating product 160 can be continuously heated by the power supplied from the primary device 120 when a certain predetermined condition described later is satisfied.

As shown in fig. 1, the secondary device 140 includes a smoke generator holding unit 142, a load 144, a drive circuit 146, a secondary power supply 148, a user operation unit 152, a control unit 154, and a memory 156. The secondary device 140 is configured, for example, to have a shape and size suitable for a user to smoke or vapor. The user can hold the secondary device 140 between the fingers, for example, to smoke. For example, the outer shape of the secondary device 140 may be a cylindrical shape substantially similar to a cigarette, but this is not to be construed as limiting, and any other shape and size may be adopted.

The aerosol-generating substance holder 142 is a space configured to hold the aerosol-generating substance 160. Therefore, the aerosol-generating substance holder 142 can have a shape corresponding to the aerosol-generating substance 160. For example, the smoke generator 160 may comprise a solid smoke substrate shaped as a cylindrical rod of the same extent of diameter as a cigarette. In fig. 1, a secondary device 140 is shown with such an aerosol-generating article 160 inserted into an aerosol-generating article holder 142. The smoke base is formed by processing tobacco shreds, which emit flavor components by heating, or a granular or powdery cigarette material into a cylindrical shape, and adding a liquid smoke source thereto, for example. In the present embodiment, the smoke base and/or the smoke source function as a fragrance source. As shown in fig. 1, the aerosol-generating material 160 is held by the aerosol-generating material holding portion 142 in a shape in which one end portion and a main body portion including an aerosol base material are accommodated inside the aerosol-generating material holding portion 142 and the other end portion protrudes from the aerosol-generating material holding portion 142. The user can smoke by holding the end of the aerosol-generating article 160 projecting from the aerosol-generating article holder 142 in the mouth.

In addition, considering convenience of use, it is preferable that the secondary device 140 be small and lightweight to the extent that a user can hold the secondary device 140 to suck smoke or vapor. For example, the secondary device 140 may be configured to approximate the shape of an existing cigarette. In addition, since the secondary device 140 has the cavity-shaped aerosol-generating-substance holder 142, the arrangement of the electric components is limited in the secondary device 140. As a result, the secondary power supply 148 is also preferably small in size, and its capacity becomes relatively small. On the other hand, the primary device 120 is not so limited, so in order to be able to charge the secondary power supply 148 multiple times, it is preferable that the primary power supply 126 have a capacity much larger than the secondary power supply 148. For example, it is preferable that the primary power source 126 have a capacity 5 to 40 times that of the secondary power source 148, but not limited to this range. In addition, it is preferable that the primary power source 126 and the secondary power source 148 are both constituted by lithium ion secondary batteries, but not limited thereto.

The aerosol-generating material 160 and the aerosol-generating material holder 142 may be configured differently from those shown in fig. 1. For example, the aerosol-generating material 160 may be a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source). As an example, the liquid smoke source containing a flavor component (flavor source) is a polyol (polyol) such as glycerol or propylene glycol containing a nicotine component. In the present embodiment, the smoke source functions as a fragrance source. When the aerosol-generating material 160 is an aerosol source containing an aroma component (aroma source), the aerosol-generating material holding portion 142 is made of a fibrous or porous material such as glass fiber or porous ceramic, and holds the aerosol source as a liquid in gaps between the fibers or pores of the porous material. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating product holding portion 142 may be configured as a cartridge that contains a liquid. In such a configuration, the secondary device 140 additionally includes a mouthpiece member. The user is able to draw the generated smoke or vapour by gripping the mouthpiece member in the mouth.

The load 144 is a heating element for electrically heating the aerosol 160 held in the aerosol holder 142. The load 144 is in contact with the aerosol generating substrate 160 or is disposed in the vicinity of the aerosol generating substrate 160 so as to be able to heat the aerosol generating substrate 160. In the 2 nd mode of use, in which the secondary device 140 is separate from the primary device 120, power is supplied to the load 144 from the secondary power supply 148 built into the secondary device 140, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 160. In the 1 st use mode in which the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, the load 144 is supplied with power from the primary device 120, whereby the aerosol generating object 160 is heated. Further, in the case where the aerosol generating material 160 includes an aerosol source and an aerosol base material, as described above, the aerosol source is heated by heating the aerosol generating material 160 with the load 144, thereby raising the temperature of the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. On the other hand, in the case where the aerosol-generating substance 160 is a liquid aerosol source containing a flavor component (flavor source), the aerosol may be generated by directly heating the aerosol source using the load 144.

Any configuration for contacting the load 144 with the aerosol generating substrate 160 may be used. For example, the load 144 may be exposed to the inner wall surface of the aerosol-generating object holder 142. According to this arrangement, the aerosol-generating material 160 inserted into the aerosol-generating material holder 142 contacts the load 144 on its outer circumferential surface (e.g., the side surface of a cylindrical rod), so the aerosol base material can be heated from the outer circumference. As another example, the load 144 may enter the aerosol-substrate (e.g., by penetrating the aerosol-substrate) when the aerosol-generating article 160 is inserted into the aerosol-substrate holder 142. According to such a structure, the load 144 can heat the aerosol-generating article 160 from the inside of the aerosol-generating article 160. Further, the load 144 may not be in direct contact with the aerosol generating substrate 160, but rather may be disposed in the vicinity of the aerosol generating substrate 160 to the extent that it is capable of heating the aerosol generating substrate 160.

The secondary power supply 148 is a power supply for operating the secondary device 140 in the 2 nd usage mode. The secondary power supply 148 is capable of supplying power to the load 144 via the driver circuit 146. Although the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 is reduced by supplying power to the load 144, the secondary power supply 148 can be charged by the primary device 120 in the 1 st usage mode, thereby restoring the remaining capacity.

The user operation unit 152 is configured to be able to receive an operation of the secondary device 140 by a user. The user operation on the secondary device 140 includes, for example, a start instruction for starting the secondary device 140 and a power supply instruction for performing power supply to the load 144. The user operation unit 152 may be provided with a start instruction unit for inputting a start instruction and a power supply instruction unit for inputting a power supply instruction, or may be provided with one instruction unit capable of receiving both a start instruction and a power supply instruction. 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 a user, for example.

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

Referring to fig. 1 and 5, the primary device 120 includes a connection port 122, a power supply circuit 124, a primary power supply 126, an external connection terminal 128, a user operation unit 132, a control unit 134, and a memory 136. For example, these elements of the primary unit 120 are provided in the main body 120A of the primary unit 120. The primary unit 120 is also provided with a restraint 120B depicted in fig. 1 as a cover. As shown in fig. 1, the lid 120B is attached to the upper part of the body 120A by engaging the body 120A with the hinge 120C, and can open and close the body 120A. The primary unit 120 is shown in fig. 1 in a state where the cover 120B is opened. When the cover 120B is in the closed state, the secondary device 140 is restrained so as to prevent the secondary device 140 inserted into the linking port 122 from falling off the linking port 122. The cover 120B may be a slide-open type cover. The restraint portion 120B may be configured by another member (for example, a structure in which a claw is engaged with the secondary device 140, a structure in which a magnet is attracted, or the like) capable of restraining the movement of the secondary device 140, instead of being configured as a cover.

The junction 122 is a space for receiving the secondary device 140 in the 1 st mode of use 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 contacts the connection terminal 124-2 of the primary device 120 disposed in the connection port 122. Connection terminal 146-1 is a terminal that becomes part of the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140, and connection terminal 124-2 is a terminal that becomes part of the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120. Thus, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120.

The primary power supply 126 is a power supply for supplying power to the secondary device 140 in the 1 st usage mode. When predetermined conditions described later are satisfied in the 1 st usage mode, the primary power supply 126 can supply power to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. Accordingly, the load 144 of the secondary device 140 can heat the aerosol generating material 160 by receiving power from the primary power supply 126 immediately after the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 without waiting for the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 built in the secondary device 140 to recover. In addition, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied in the 1 st usage mode, the primary power supply 126 charges the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 via the power supply circuit 124 and the drive circuit 146. Although the remaining capacity of the primary power supply 126 decreases by supplying power to the secondary device 140, the remaining capacity can be recovered by charging the primary power supply 126 with an external charging device (see fig. 5) via the external connection terminal 128.

The user operation unit 132 is configured to be able to receive an operation of the primary apparatus 120 by a user. User operations on the primary device 120 include, for example, action instructions for allowing power to be supplied to the secondary device 140. 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 a user, for example.

The control unit 134 is an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer, and the control unit 134 is programmed to control the operation of the primary apparatus 120 in accordance with a computer-executable command stored in the memory 136. The memory 136 is an information storage medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, or the like. In addition to computer executable commands, the memory 136 also stores setting data required to control the primary unit 120.

As mentioned previously, in the 1 st use mode in which the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120, the smoking system 100 is operated such that power is supplied to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120, thereby heating the aerosol generating article 160, if a prescribed condition is met. The predetermined condition for directly supplying power from the primary power source 126 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is that when the user who smokes in the 2 nd usage mode connects the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120 (for example, because the remaining capacity of the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140 decreases) and changes the smoking system 100 to the 1 st usage mode, the smoking system 100 is in a usage state in which smoking can continue using the secondary device 140. That is, the smoking system 100 operates such that power is directly supplied from the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 on condition that the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120 in a use state in which smoking can continue using the secondary device 140. On the other hand, if the usage state is not a usage state in which smoking can be continued using the secondary device 140, the smoking system 100 operates to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120. The control section 134 of the primary device 120 and/or the control section 154 of the secondary device 140 control such actions of the smoking system 100.

A specific example of a case where the smoking system 100 that shifts from the 2 nd use mode to the 1 st use mode is in a use state where smoking can be continued using the sub-device 140 next, the following 3 conditions are exemplified in the present disclosure. However, this illustration should not be construed as limiting, and it should be understood that the present disclosure includes all instances where the primary device 120 and/or the secondary device 140 are in a state set to enable continued smoking. In addition, 3 conditions exemplified below and other conditions that may be included in the present disclosure may be used in appropriate combinations.

The 1 st condition is that the secondary device 140 is in a use state in which the user operation unit 152 instructs the load 144 to supply power when connected to the primary device 120. For example, in the 2 nd usage mode, the user turns ON (ON) a main power button (the user operation unit 152 as the power supply instruction unit) of the secondary device 140 to smoke. After smoking one or more times, the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 decreases, so the user holds the main power button of the secondary device 140 in an on state and inserts the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. By this operation of the user, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120, and the smoking system 100 is converted to the 1 st mode of use. At this time, the secondary device 140 is in an operation state in which smoking can be continued because the main power button is kept on. The control unit 134 and/or 154 detects this state of the secondary device 140, and performs control so that the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is directly supplied with power from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 (see the flowchart of fig. 2). Thus, the user can immediately resume smoking without waiting for the time to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140. On the other hand, when the user turns OFF (OFF) the main power button of the secondary device 140 and then inserts the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, the secondary device 140 is not in an operation state in which smoking can be continued. Thus, the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is charged.

The 2 nd condition is that the primary device 120 does not restrain the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122 with the restraint portion 120B, and is in a use state in which power supply to the secondary device 140 is permitted by the user operation portion 132. For example, after the user smokes one or more times in the 2 nd usage mode, the cover 120B of the primary unit 120 is opened, and the secondary unit 140 is inserted into the coupling port 122 of the primary unit 120. By this operation, the smoking system 100 is shifted to the 1 st usage mode, but the user can close the lid 120B of the primary unit 120 and can keep the opened state. When the user sets the main power button (the user operation section 132 as an operation instruction section that allows power supply to the secondary device 140) of the primary device 120 to be on while keeping the cover 120B open, the primary device 120 is in an operation state in which smoking can be continued since the smoke generator 160 (the smoke generator 160 of which a part protrudes from the smoke generator holding section 142 and is held) held in the secondary device 140 hidden inside the connection port 122 is not covered with the cover 120B. The control unit 134 and/or 154 detects the state of the primary device 120, and performs control so that the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is directly supplied with power from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 (see the flowchart of fig. 3). Thus, the user can immediately resume smoking without waiting for the time to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140. On the other hand, when the user closes the lid 120B and turns on the main power button of the primary device 120, the smoke generator 160 is covered and hidden by the lid 120B, and therefore the primary device 120 is not in an operating state in which smoking can be continued. In addition, it is also conceivable that the lid 120B is closed in a state where the aerosol-generating-substance holder 142 of the secondary device 140 does not hold the aerosol-generating substance 160. In any of the above states, the primary device 120 is not in an operation state in which smoking can be continued. Thus, the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is charged. Further, at least one of the primary device 120, the secondary device 140, and the aerosol-generating substance 160 may be configured such that the lid 120B cannot be closed in a state where the aerosol-generating substance 160 is held by the aerosol-generating substance holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140. With such a configuration, the 2 nd condition can be satisfied more reliably.

Condition 3 is that the secondary device 140 is in a use condition in which it is capable of heating the aerosol generating substrate 160 in the 1 st mode of use. For example, during smoking in the use mode 2, the user inserts the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 while keeping the aerosol-generating material 160 with the remaining smokable portion. Alternatively, after the user smokes one or more times in the use mode 2, the secondary device 140 from which the used aerosol-generating substance 160 has been removed is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, and then a new aerosol-generating substance 160 is attached to the aerosol-generating substance holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140. The secondary device 140 holds the aerosol-generating material 160 during smoking or a new aerosol-generating material 160 in the aerosol-generating material holding section 142, and thus can continue smoking. The control unit 134 and/or 154 detects this state of the secondary device 140, and performs control so that the load 144 of the secondary device 140 is directly supplied with power from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 (see the flowchart of fig. 4). Thus, the user can immediately resume smoking without waiting for the time to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140.

Further, it should be noted that the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd conditions are conditions that can be satisfied before the user performs a puff for smoking.

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process 200 for the control unit 134 and/or 154 (hereinafter, the control unit is simply referred to as "control unit" without reference numerals unless otherwise explicitly stated in the description of the flowchart and the flowcharts of fig. 3 and 4) to execute control in accordance with the above-described condition 1. The process 200 begins in use mode 2, where the secondary device 140 operates alone.

When the process 200 is started, first, in step S202, the control unit determines whether or not the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. For example, the control unit can determine whether the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 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. If it is determined that the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the process 200 proceeds to step S204, and if it is determined that the secondary device 140 is not inserted into the connection port 122, the process repeats step S202.

When the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the control unit determines whether the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 incorporated in the secondary device 140 is less than a predetermined threshold value in step S204. The charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 is defined as a ratio of a current charge amount of the secondary power supply 148 to a charge amount when the secondary power supply 148 is fully charged, and can be calculated from, for example, a remaining capacity, a voltage value, or a charge/discharge history of the secondary power supply 148. The predetermined threshold value is set, for example, to a charging rate when an amount of electricity equal to the amount of electricity consumed during a period when one smoking is performed (i.e., until a new amount of aerosol-generating material 160 has been used up) remains in the secondary power supply 148. That is, the exemplary threshold value means that at least one smoking can be performed if the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and that one smoking cannot be performed to the end if the charging rate is lower than the threshold value (the amount of electricity of the secondary power supply 148 is exhausted before one amount of the aerosol-generating substance 160 is used up). If the charging rate of secondary power supply 148 is less than the predetermined threshold value, process 200 proceeds to step S206, and if the charging rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value, proceeds to step S212.

If it is determined that the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 is less than the predetermined threshold value, the control unit determines whether or not the main power supply button (the user operation unit 152 as the power supply instruction unit) of the secondary device 140 is on in step S206. The process 200 proceeds to step S208 when the main power button of the secondary device 140 is on, and proceeds to step S210 when it is off.

Step S208 corresponds to the case where the user inserts the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 while keeping the power on. Therefore, in this case, it is assumed that the user also wishes to continue smoking. In step S208, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 so that the power is supplied from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 directly to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. For example, the control portion may directly supply power from the primary power source 126 to the load 144 before the user performs a puff for smoking (without waiting for an indication from a puff sensor provided with the secondary device 140). As a result, the aerosol-generating material 160 is heated at least to some extent when the user performs smoking, so that the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the user can continue smoking as soon as possible.

As described above, the smoke base material included in the smoke generator 160 may be made of any material of a substance containing a flavor component (flavor source) such as tobacco leaves and a fibrous or porous material, but when the heat capacity of the smoke base material is large, the time required for heating the smoke generator 160 from the start of heating to the temperature of the smoke source to the release temperature of the smoke or vapor is not short. However, even in the case of using such a smoke base material having a large heat capacity, it is possible to provide smoking immediately after detecting the user's smoking by preheating the smoke generator 160 before the user performs the smoking for smoking. In particular, when the aerosol base material is made of a raw material such as tobacco leaves containing an aroma component (aroma source), the effect of preheating between puffs by a user tends to be greater because the heat capacity thereof is greater than when the aerosol base material is made of a raw material such as glass fiber on which a liquid aerosol source containing an aroma component (aroma source) is supported. In addition, not limited to the heat capacity of the aerosol base material, the same effect can be obtained by preheating the aerosol generating material 160 before the user performs smoking for smoking in the case of using the load 144 having a large heat capacity, the aerosol source having a large heat capacity, or the aerosol source having a high boiling point.

Step S210 corresponds to a case where the user turns off the power supply of the secondary device 140 and then inserts the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. Thus, in this case, it is assumed that the user has already wished to end smoking. In step S210, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 so that the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 charges the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140.

On the other hand, step S212 corresponds to a case where the secondary device 140 is connected to the primary device 120, but the capacity of the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is still sufficient. In step S212, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 to supply power to the load 144 using the secondary power supply 148 built in the secondary device 14, similarly to the case where the secondary device 140 operates alone in the use mode 2. Thereafter, the process 200 returns to step S204 to determine the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148, and if the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 is less than the threshold value by supplying power from the secondary power supply 148 to the load 144, the determination of step S206 is performed as described above.

In the present embodiment, the determination based on the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148 is performed in step S204 before it is determined in step S206 whether to directly supply power from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144 or to charge the secondary power supply 148 from the primary power supply 126, but this step S204 may be omitted. That is, it may be determined whether to directly supply power from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144 or to charge the secondary power supply 148 from the primary power supply 126 based only on step S206, not depending on the charging rate of the secondary power supply 148.

In the present embodiment, if steps S202, S204, and S206 are all affirmative determinations, then in step S208, power is supplied directly from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144. In order to improve the accuracy of the determination as to whether or not the usage state in which smoking can be continued is determined in the control based on the 1 st condition, an additional determination may be optionally performed before step S208. For example, the step of determining whether or not the lid 120B is open may be performed between step S206 and step S208, and power may be directly supplied from the primary power supply 126 to the load 144 in step S208 only when the determination result is affirmative. As described above, the state in which the cover 120B is opened is a state in which the user can continue smoking. Since the state of the lid 120B is considered by this additional determination in the control based on the 1 st condition, the accuracy of determining whether or not the use state is a use state in which smoking can be continued can be further improved.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 300 for the control section 134 and/or 154 ("control section") to perform control in accordance with condition 2 described above. Process 300 begins in use mode 2 with secondary device 140 acting alone.

When the process 300 is started, first, in step S302, the control unit determines whether or not the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. If it is determined that the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the process 300 proceeds to step S304, and if it is determined that the secondary device 140 is not inserted into the connection port 122, step S302 is repeated.

When the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the control unit determines whether or not the main power button (the user operation unit 132 serving as the operation instruction unit for allowing power supply to the secondary device 140) of the primary device 120 is on in step S304. The process 300 proceeds to step S306 when the main power button of the primary apparatus 120 is on, and proceeds to step S310 when the main power button of the primary apparatus 120 is off.

When the main power button of the primary apparatus 120 is on, the control unit determines whether the constraining unit 120B of the primary apparatus 120 is in the constrained state or the unconstrained state in step S306. The restraining state of the restraining portion 120B is a state in which the restraining portion 120B restrains the secondary device 140 to maintain the primary device 120 electrically connected to the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122. The non-restraint state of the restraint portion 120B is a state in which the restraint portion 120B does not restrain the secondary device 140 inserted into the connection port 122, and thus the electrical connection between the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 can be released. For example, in a configuration in which the restraint portion 120B is a lid, the state in which the lid 120B is closed is a restrained state, and the state in which the lid 120B is opened is an unrestrained state. The control unit can determine whether the constraining unit 120B is in the constrained state or the unconstrained state based on a signal from a mechanical switch linked to the movement of the constraining unit 120B, for example. Alternatively, the primary unit 120 may be configured such that the cover 120B is automatically opened when the main power button is on, and the cover 120B is automatically closed when the main power button is off. If the constraint unit 120B is in the unconstrained state, the process 300 proceeds to step S308, and if the constraint unit is in the constrained state, the process proceeds to step S310.

The determinations in step S304 and step S306 may be performed in the same order.

Step S308 corresponds to, for example, a case where the user keeps the state of opening the cover 120B of the primary device 120 after inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. Therefore, in this case, it is assumed that the user also wishes to continue smoking. In step S308, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to directly supply power from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. For example, the control portion may directly supply power from the primary power source 126 to the load 144 before the user performs a puff for smoking (without waiting for an indication from a puff sensor provided with the secondary device 140). As a result, at least the aerosol-generating material 160 is heated to some extent when the user performs smoking, so that the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the user can continue smoking as soon as possible.

The step S310 corresponds to, for example, a case where the user closes the cover 120B of the primary device 120 after inserting the secondary device 140 into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120, or does not turn on the power supply of the primary device 120. Thus, in this case, it is assumed that the user has already wished to end smoking. In step S310, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120.

Further, process 300 may include: similarly to step S204 and step S212 of the process 200 shown in fig. 2, when the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is still sufficient, a step for supplying power to the load 144 using the secondary power supply 148 is performed.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process 400 for the control unit 134 and/or 154 ("control unit") to perform control according to condition 3 described above. The process 400 begins in use 2 with the secondary device 140 acting alone.

When the process 400 is started, first, in step S402, the control unit determines whether or not the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120. If it is determined that the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the process 400 proceeds to step S404, and if it is determined that the secondary device 140 is not inserted into the connection port 122, step S402 is repeated.

When the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122, the control unit determines whether the aerosol generator 160 is inserted into the aerosol generator holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140 in step S404. For example, the secondary device 140 includes a mechanical switch that is pressed by the aerosol-generating material 160 when the aerosol-generating material 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating material holder 142. The mechanical switch supplies an electrical signal indicating that the aerosol-generating material 160 is pressed to the control unit. The control section can determine whether or not the aerosol-generating material 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating material holding section 142 based on the signal. The process 400 proceeds to step S406 if the aerosol-generating substance 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substance holder 142, and proceeds to step S408 if the aerosol-generating substance 160 is not inserted into the aerosol-generating substance holder 142. The determination of whether or not the aerosol-generating substance 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substance holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140 is not limited to the method using the above-described mechanical switch, and various other methods may be used. For example, in the case where the aerosol generating material 160 is inserted into the aerosol generating material holding portion 142 and in the case where the aerosol generating material 160 is not inserted, the temperature increase rate of the load 144 shown in fig. 7 to be described later is different depending on the difference in heat capacity, and the amount of electric power required to maintain the temperature of the load 144 constant is also different. The control unit can determine whether or not the aerosol generator 160 is inserted into the aerosol generator holding unit 142 of the secondary device 140 based on the temperature increase rate of the load 144 or the value of the amount of power supplied to the load 144. As another example, the secondary device 140 may include an optical sensor whose output value changes depending on whether or not the aerosol-generating substance 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substance holding portion 142, and the control portion may determine whether or not the aerosol-generating substance 160 is inserted into the aerosol-generating substance holding portion 142 of the secondary device 140 based on the output value from the optical sensor. As another example, an identifier made of, for example, conductive ink may be attached to the surface of the aerosol generating material 160, the sub-device 140 may include a reading member that reads the identifier, and the control unit may perform the same determination as described above based on whether or not the reading member reads the identifier.

Step S406 is a case where the secondary device 140 connected to the primary device 120 is provided with the aerosol generating material 160 that can be smoked, and therefore it is assumed that the user wishes to continue smoking. In step S406, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to directly supply power from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. For example, the control portion may directly supply power from the primary power source 126 to the load 144 before the user performs a puff for smoking (without waiting for an indication from a puff sensor provided with the secondary device 140). As a result, at least the aerosol-generating material 160 is heated to some extent when the user performs smoking, so that the waiting time of the user can be shortened and the user can continue smoking as soon as possible.

Step S408 is a case where the aerosol generating material 160 is removed from the secondary device 140 connected to the primary device 120, so it is assumed that the user already wishes to end smoking. In step S408, the control unit operates the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 to charge the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120.

Further, process 400 may also include: similarly to step S204 and step S212 of the process 200 shown in fig. 2, when the remaining capacity of the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is still sufficient, the secondary power supply 148 is used to supply power to the load 144.

In the above, 3 specific examples of the case where the smoking system 100 changed from the 2 nd usage mode to the 1 st usage mode is in a usage state in which smoking can be continued by using the sub-device 140 next have been illustrated. When determining whether or not the smoking system 100 that has shifted from the 2 nd usage mode to the 1 st usage mode is in a usage state in which smoking can be continued by using the secondary device 140 next, any one of the 3 conditions described above may be selected, or two or more of the 3 conditions described above for improving the determination accuracy may be appropriately combined. When two or more of the 3 conditions are combined, if it is determined that both of the two or more conditions are affirmative, it is determined that the smoking can be continued. Alternatively, the usage state determined to be possible to continue smoking may be updated when the condition to be preferentially determined or the condition that can be determined earlier in the time series is determined to be affirmative, and then the usage state determined to be difficult to continue smoking may be updated when the remaining condition is determined to be negative. For example, when the 2 nd condition and the 3 rd condition are combined, first, if the 2 nd condition is determined to be affirmative, it is determined that the usage state in which smoking can be continued is present. Then, if the 3 rd condition is judged to be qualitative, the use state judged to be difficult to continue smoking is updated.

According to such a determination method, the determination accuracy of whether the usage state is a usage state in which smoking can be continued can be further improved by using not only the usage states of the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 but also the usage state of the aerosol-generating material 160 (whether the aerosol-generating material 160 is inserted into the secondary device 140). In particular, when the above-described 2 nd and 3 rd conditions are combined and the 2 nd condition is determined with higher priority, an excellent effect is obtained from the viewpoint of convenience in actual use of the smoking system 100. More specifically, when the user desires to smoke continuously, a method of using the primary device 120 is contemplated in which the user operation unit 132 is turned on before a new aerosol generating material 160 is inserted into the secondary device 140 after the aerosol generating material 160 is taken out from the secondary device 140. In such a usage method, if it is not determined that the smoking can be continued until a new aerosol generating material 160 is inserted into the secondary device 140, the supply of power to the load 144 is delayed, and as a result, there is a fear that continuous smoking cannot be promptly provided to the user. Therefore, in order to improve the convenience of the use method of the smoking system 100 as described above, when the user operation unit 132 of the primary device 120 is turned on, it is first determined that the user can continue smoking, and power supply to the load 144 is started. Thereafter, if the aerosol generating substance 160 is not inserted into the secondary device 140 for a predetermined period of time, the smoking is determined to be difficult to continue, and the power supply to the load 144 is stopped. In this way, it is possible to quickly respond to the desire of the user who is to smoke continuously, and it is also possible to suppress waste of the stored electric energy of the primary power source 126 caused by useless continuation of power supply to the load 144 even if a new aerosol generating substance 160 is not inserted into the secondary device 140.

Figure 5 shows a circuit diagram of a smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 5, the circuit 500 of the smoking system 100 includes the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120, the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140, and the charging circuit 522 of the charging device 520. The charging device 520 is a device for charging the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120, and the charging circuit 522 of the charging device 520 includes an AC power supply 522-1 and an AC/DC inverter 522-2. The charging device 520 is connected to the primary device 120 via the external connection terminal 128 of the primary device 120, and thereby can charge the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 with the DC voltage output from the AC/DC inverter 522-2. 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 steps up or down the voltage of the primary power supply 126 under the control of the control unit (the control unit 134 of the primary device 120 and/or the control unit 154 of the secondary device 140), thereby adjusting the output voltage of the primary device 120. The drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140 includes a 1 st switch SW1, a 2 nd switch SW2, a 3 rd switch SW3, a 4 th switch SW4, and a connection terminal 146-1. The switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are, for example, electric switches such as transistors, and the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 are controlled by the control unit to be individually switched between an ON (ON) state and an OFF (OFF) state. As described above, the secondary device 140 is electrically connected to the primary device 120 by the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side contacting the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side when the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 is inserted.

Fig. 6 shows a state change 600 of the circuit 500 for a plurality of modes of operation of the smoking system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The smoking system 100 can operate in 4 modes, i.e., a normal smoking mode, a normal non-smoking mode, a charging mode, and a direct heating mode. The normal smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by electrically separating the secondary device 140 from the primary device 120 and operating the secondary device alone. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode in which smoking is stopped while keeping the secondary device 140 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 supply 148 of the secondary device 140 is charged from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120. The direct heating mode is a mode in which smoking is performed by connecting the secondary device 140 to the primary device 120 and supplying power from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 directly to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. The normal smoking mode and the normal non-smoking mode correspond to the 2 nd usage mode, and the charging mode and the direct heating mode correspond to the 1 st usage mode.

As shown in fig. 6, in the normal smoking mode, the controller sets the 1 st switch SW1, the 2 nd switch SW2, and the 4 th switch SW4 to the on state, and sets the 3 rd switch SW3 to the off state. Thus, power is supplied to the load 144 from the secondary power source 148 of the secondary device 140, and the aerosol generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Therefore, the user can smoke in the 2 nd usage mode. In the normal non-smoking mode, the controller turns off all of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW 4. This cuts off power supply to the load 144, and stops heating of the aerosol generating material 160. In the charging mode, the control unit sets the 3 rd switch SW3 to the on state and sets the 1 st switch SW1, the 2 nd switch SW2, and the 4 th switch SW4 to the off state. Thus, power is supplied from the primary power supply 126 of the primary device 120 to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140, and the secondary power supply 148 is charged. On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, the control unit sets the 1 st switch SW1 and the 2 nd switch SW2 to the on state, and sets the 3 rd switch SW3 and the 4 th switch SW4 to the off state. Thus, power is supplied directly from the primary power source 126 of the primary device 120 to the load 144, and the aerosol-generating article 160 is heated by the load 144. Thus, in the 1 st usage mode, the user can also smoke.

Fig. 7 is a schematic graph for explaining temperature control when power is supplied to the load 144 of the secondary device 140. The horizontal axis of the graph 700 represents time T, the right vertical axis represents temperature T of the load 144, and the left vertical axis represents supply power P supplied to the load 144. The control unit performs feedback control so that the temperature T of the load 144 converges to the target temperature T_target. For example, the control unit acquires the current temperature T of the load 144, and calculates the acquired temperature T and the target temperature T_targetThe magnitude of the supply power P to the load 144 is adjusted according to the temperature difference Δ T. The current temperature T of the load 144 can be obtained using, for example, a temperature sensor, or a resistance value measured for the load 144 in the case where the load 144 has a temperature-dependent resistance value. As shown in fig. 7, the temperature T of the load 144 gradually approaches the target temperature T by the feedback control_targetOn the other hand, the supply power P to the load 144 approaches the target temperature T as the temperature T of the load 144 approaches the target temperature T_targetAnd decreases.

As indicated by reference numeral 710 in fig. 7, the temperature T of the load 144 immediately after the start of control exhibits a large temperature rise rate. In a state where the smoke generator 160 is not present in the smoke generator holding portion 142 or in a state where a sufficient smoke source is not present in the vicinity of the load 144, that is, in a case where power is supplied to the load 144, the temperature increase rate (the temperature rise per unit time) is much greater than in a state where the smoke generator 160 is appropriately held in the smoke generator holding portion 142 or in a case where a sufficient smoke source is present in the vicinity of the load 144. Therefore, in order to prevent such dry burning, for example, the control unit may perform control to stop power supply to the load 144 (for example, power supply from the primary power supply 126 directly to the load 144 in the direct heating mode) when the temperature increase rate of the load 144 is greater than a predetermined threshold value. However, when using the smoking system 100, preventing dry burn is not an essential element, and dry burn can also be used as a means to preheat the load 144 before the user begins a puff for smoking. When the load 144 is warmed up, the control unit controls the supply power P to be supplied to the load 144 by the feedback control as described above. For example, the control unit performs control to acquire the value of the current supply power P, and if the current supply power P is lower than a predetermined threshold value as indicated by reference numeral 720 in fig. 7, it is determined that the load 144 is sufficiently warmed up, and the power supply to the load 144 is stopped (for example, the power supply from the primary power supply 126 directly to the load 144 in the direct heating mode). This allows the load 144 to be preheated by the air-fuel combustion, and prevents the load 144 from overheating. The preheating of the load 144 is not limited to the case where the aerosol-generating material 160 is not present in the aerosol-generating material holder 142, and may be performed in the case where the aerosol-generating material 160 is present in the aerosol-generating material holder 142.

Fig. 8A shows an example of the air intake flow path 810 provided in the secondary device 140. Fig. 8B shows an example of the air intake flow path 820 provided in the primary unit 120. 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 1 st use mode (direct heating mode), and therefore a structure for supplying a sufficient amount of air to the aerosol-generating material 160 in a state where the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 is required. An exemplary air introduction flow path 810 provided to the secondary device 140 enables air to be introduced from the opening side of the aerosol generating matter holding portion 142 and circulated to the vicinity of the load 144. The exemplary air intake passage 820 provided in the primary unit 120 is configured to introduce air from the bottom of the main body 120A of the primary unit 120 and guide the air to the innermost portion in the connection port 122. The air introduced into the joint port 122 via the air introduction flow path 820 is further introduced to the vicinity of the load 144 inside the secondary device 140 through the air introduction flow path of the secondary device 140 formed as a flow path different from the air introduction flow path 810 of fig. 8A, and the flow path different from the air introduction flow path 810 of fig. 8A is opened at the front end portion (the end portion on the opposite side of the aerosol-generating substance holder 142) of the secondary device 140 (not shown in fig. 8B) inserted into the joint port 122. The smoking system 100 may be provided with either one of the air introduction flow paths 810 or 820, or both. According to the air introduction flow paths 810 and 820, even when the secondary device 140 is inserted into the connection port 122 of the primary device 120 in the direct heating mode and smoking is performed, a sufficient amount of air can be supplied to the aerosol-generating material 160 in the secondary device 140.

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit 900 of another example of the smoking system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 9, the circuit 900 includes the power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 and the drive circuit 146 of the secondary device 140. The power supply circuit 124 of the primary device 120 includes not only the DC/DC converter 124-1 but also the AC power supply 124-3 and the AC/DC inverter 124-4. In comparison with the circuit 500 of fig. 5, the primary unit 120 of fig. 9 is configured to have the functions of the primary unit and the charging unit of fig. 5. The primary device 120 of fig. 9 converts the output voltage from the AC/DC converter 124-4 by the DC/DC converter 124-1 and supplies the converted output voltage to the secondary device 140. In the smoking system 100 of fig. 1, whether or not the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 are electrically connected is determined based on the insertion of the secondary device 140 into the coupling port 122 of the primary device 120. In the embodiment of the circuit 900 of fig. 9, instead, it may be determined whether the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 are electrically connected based on the detection of the mating of the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side and the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side. For example, when the primary device 120 is configured as a charging cable, the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side is configured as a plug (male) of a plug-in connector, and the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side is configured as a receptacle (female) of the plug-in connector, whether or not the primary device 120 and the secondary device 140 are electrically connected can be determined based on whether or not the connection terminal 146-1 on the secondary device 140 side is inserted into the connection terminal 124-2 on the primary device 120 side.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the primary device 120 in the direct heating mode supplies power only to the load 144 of the secondary device 140 and the primary device 120 in the charging mode supplies power only to the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto and a part of the power may be simultaneously supplied to the load 144 and the secondary power supply 148 of the secondary device 140.

Description of the reference symbols

100 smoking system

120 primary unit

120A body part

120B restraint part (cover)

120C hinge

122 connecting port

124 supply circuit

124-1 DC/DC converter

124-2 connection terminal

124-3 AC power supply

124-4 AC/DC inverter

126 primary power supply

128 external connection terminal

132 user operation part

134 control part

136 memory

140 secondary device

142 aerosol-generating article holding part

144 load

146 drive circuit

146-1 connection terminal

148 secondary power supply

152 user operation part

154 control section

156 memory

160 smoke generator

500 circuit

522 charging circuit

522-1 AC power supply

522-2 AC/DC inverter

810 air introduction flow path

820 air introduction flow path

900 circuit

Claims (16)

1. A smoking system is provided with:

a secondary device provided with a load capable of atomizing the smoke source or heating the fragrance source and a power supply capable of supplying power to the load;

a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source when connected to the secondary device; and

a control part for controlling the operation of the display device,

the control unit is configured to:

detecting that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other after an action is performed that supplies power from the power source to the load,

determining whether a usage status of at least one of the primary device and the secondary device indicates that smoking using the secondary device can continue even after the action,

and performing power supply from the primary device to the load when it is determined that smoking using the secondary device can be continued even after the action.

2. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the control unit performs power supply from the primary device to the load before performing smoking for smoking on the secondary device.

3. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the condition that the primary device and the secondary device are interconnected after the action is set to be satisfied before a puff on the secondary device for smoking.

4. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the secondary device includes a power supply instruction unit for instructing power supply to the load,

the control section performs power supply from the primary apparatus to the load when the secondary apparatus is in a use state in which the power supply instruction section instructs power supply to the load.

5. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the primary device is provided with: an operation instruction unit that instructs an operation of the primary device; and a restraining section capable of holding the connection between the secondary device and the primary device in a restrained state and releasing the connection in an unrestrained state,

the control unit executes power supply from the primary device to the load when the restraint unit of the primary device is in the non-restraint state and the use state in which the operation instruction unit is operated.

6. The smoking system according to claim 5,

the operation instruction unit is an instruction unit that instructs the primary device to supply power to the load in the non-restricted state and instructs the primary device to supply power to the power source in the restricted state.

7. The smoking system according to claim 5,

the operation instructing unit is an instructing unit that changes the restraining unit from the restraining state to the non-restraining state.

8. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the control portion performs power supply from the primary device to the load when the secondary device is in a use state in which the load can atomize the aerosol source or can heat the fragrance source.

9. The smoking system according to claim 1,

at least one of the primary device and the secondary device is provided with a flow path for supplying air to the smoke source or the fragrance source in a state where the secondary device is connected to the primary device.

10. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the control unit may acquire a value indicating a remaining capacity or a voltage of the power source, and may perform power supply from the primary device to the load only when the value is smaller than a threshold value.

11. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the control unit may acquire a value indicating a temperature of the load, and may stop power supply from the primary device to the load when a temperature increase rate of the load is greater than a threshold value.

12. The smoking system according to claim 1,

the control unit may acquire a value indicating power to be supplied to the load, and may stop power supply from the primary device to the load if the value indicating the power is lower than a threshold value in control to converge the temperature of the load to a target temperature.

13. A power supply control method for controlling power supply in a smoking system, comprising:

a step of acquiring a connection state between a primary device and a secondary device, the secondary device including a load that atomizes a mist source or heats a fragrance source and a power supply that can supply power to the load, the primary device being capable of supplying power to the load and the power supply when connected to the secondary device; and

the method includes the steps of detecting that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other after an operation in which power supply from the power source to the load is performed, determining whether or not a usage state of at least one of the primary device and the secondary device indicates that smoking can be continued using the secondary device even after the operation, and performing power supply from the primary device to the load when it is determined that smoking can be continued using the secondary device even after the operation.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein,

a program for causing a smoking system to perform the steps recited in claim 13 is stored.

15. A primary device capable of supplying power to a load capable of atomizing a mist source or heating a fragrance source and a power supply capable of supplying power to the load when the primary device is connected to a secondary device having the load and the power supply,

the primary device is provided with a control part,

the control unit is configured to:

detecting that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other after an action is performed that supplies power from the power source to the load,

determining whether a usage status of at least one of the primary device and the secondary device indicates that smoking using the secondary device can continue even after the action,

and performing power supply from the primary device to the load when it is determined that smoking using the secondary device can be continued even after the action.

16. A secondary device comprising a load for atomizing a mist source or heating a fragrance source and a power source capable of supplying power to the load, and being connectable to a primary device capable of supplying power to the load and the power source,

the secondary device is provided with a control unit,

the control unit is configured to:

detecting that the primary device and the secondary device are connected to each other after an action is performed that supplies power from the power source to the load,

determining whether a usage status of at least one of the primary device and the secondary device indicates that smoking using the secondary device can continue even after the action,

and performing power supply from the primary device to the load when it is determined that smoking using the secondary device can be continued even after the action.