Patent Description:
A smoking system having a construction for charging, by use of a portable charger, a heating device for heating an aerosol generating article by an electric heater, every time after a predetermined number of times of smoking actions are completed (for example, refer to Patent Literature <NUM>). Especially, in the case that a large quantity of electric power is required for making aerosol to be released from an aerosol generating article, it is impossible to perform successive smoking actions since no smoking action can be performed during a charging period.

For solving the above problem, there is an idea such that aerosol is generated by directly supplying electric power from a generator to a heater, as disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, for example. In such a case, it is necessary to switch between a mode for charging an internal rechargeable battery of a heating device by a charger in a conventional charging manner and a mode for directly supplying electric power from the charger to a heater. In addition, <CIT> discloses an electronic cigarette charging system that includes a rechargeable electronic cigarette and a cradle that are connected to each other by means of first and second contacts. Yet further, <CIT> discloses a method for power charging that involves a first and a second electronic device and the method starts at the time of establishing a connection between said electronic devices.

As widely known, it is preferable to adjust, according to characteristics, use, and so on of an object to which electric power is to be supplied, the quantity (rate) of supplied electric power to have an appropriate value. Thus, in general, the quantity of electric power to be supplied when charging a rechargeable battery is different from the quantity of electric power to be supplied when the electric power is supplied to a heater. Accordingly, regarding transition between the mode for charging an internal rechargeable battery by a charger and the mode for directly supplying electric power to a heater, if switching between the above two mode is immediately performed without any special consideration as disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, there may be risks that a rechargeable battery is made to be deteriorated and/or a heater does not work sufficiently. Further, if direct supply of electric power to the heater is started before an aerosol generating article is attached to the heating device, there may be a risk that electric power supplied by the charger is wasted.

The present invention has been made by taking the above matters into consideration; and an object of the present invention is to smoothly perform switching between a charging mode and a direct heating mode, while guaranteeing its safety and user-friendliness.

For solving the above problems, there is provided the subject-matter of the independent claims.

According to the present invention, switching between a charging mode and a direct heating mode can be performed smoothly, while guaranteeing its safety and user-friendliness.

In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the figures.

<FIG> is a configuration diagram of a smoking system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be reminded that <FIG> shows respective elements included in the smoking system <NUM> in a schematic and conceptual manner, and does not show precise arrangement, shapes, sizes, positional relationship, and so on of the respective elements and the smoking system <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the smoking system <NUM> comprises a primary device <NUM> and a secondary device <NUM>. The smoking system <NUM> is constructed in such a manner that it can take a first use form wherein the secondary device <NUM> is electrically connected to the primary device <NUM> and a second use form wherein the secondary device <NUM> is electrically disconnected from the primary device <NUM>. For example, with respect to the example smoking system <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the secondary device <NUM> is electrically connected to the primary device <NUM> by inserting the secondary device <NUM> in a connection port <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>, and is electrically disconnected from the primary device <NUM> by pulling out the secondary device <NUM> from the connection port <NUM>. In another example, electrical connection/disconnection between the primary device <NUM> and the secondary device <NUM> may be done by attaching/detaching an electrically conductive cable such as a USB cable, for example.

The secondary device <NUM> is a device for generating aerosol or vapor including a flavor component, by electrically heating an aerosol generating article <NUM> for smoking. A user, who is a smoker, can inhale aerosol or vapor generated by the secondary device <NUM>. The primary device <NUM> is a device for supplying electric power to the secondary device <NUM> in the first use form. In the first use form, the primary device <NUM> can charge a secondary power source <NUM> within the secondary device <NUM>. The secondary device can operate by use of the secondary power source <NUM> therein in the second use form. For example, in the case that a predetermined quantity of electric power in the secondary power source <NUM> is consumed in the smoking system <NUM> in the second use form, the form is reverted to the first use form. After returning to the first use form, the secondary device <NUM> can make the secondary power source <NUM> to be recharged by accepting supply of electric power from the primary device <NUM>, and, in addition, can directly heat the aerosol generating article <NUM> by use of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the secondary device <NUM> comprises an aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, a load <NUM>, a driving circuit <NUM>, the secondary power source <NUM>, a user manipulation part <NUM>, a control part <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>. For example, the secondary device <NUM> is constructed to have a shape and a size that are appropriate for a user to inhale aerosol or vapor. For example, a user may hold the secondary device <NUM> between fingers of the user and smoke it. For example, the external shape of the secondary device <NUM> may be approximately cylindrical, that is similar to the shape of a cigarette; however, the shape is not limited to that explained above, and the device may be constructed to have any other shape and size.

The aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> is a space constructed to be able to hold the aerosol generating article <NUM>. Thus, the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to that of the aerosol generating article <NUM>. For example, the aerosol generating article <NUM> may comprise a solid aerosol base-material formed to have a cylindrical stick shape having a diameter similar to that of a cigarette. <FIG> shows the secondary device <NUM> in a state that the aerosol generating article <NUM> constructed as explained above is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. For example, the aerosol base-material is constructed by processing shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material having a granular form or a powder form, which releases a fragrance inhaling taste component when it is heated, to have a cylindrical shape, and adding thereto an aerosol source in a liquid form. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the aerosol base-material and/or the aerosol source function(s) as a flavor source. As shown in <FIG>, the aerosol generating article <NUM> is held by the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> in such a manner that an end and a main part, which comprises the aerosol base-material, of the aerosol generating article <NUM> is housed in the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, and the other end of the aerosol generating article <NUM> extends to the outside of the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. A user can perform smoking by holding the end of the aerosol generating article <NUM>, that projects from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, in the user's mouth.

When usability is taken into consideration, it is preferable that the secondary device <NUM> be constructed to have a shape similar to that of a conventional cigarette. In this regard, there is restriction relating to arrangement of electric components in the inside of the secondary device <NUM>, since the secondary device <NUM> has the hollow aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. Thus, it is preferable that the secondary power source <NUM> be small; so that the capacity thereof is forced to be relatively small. On the other hand, since there is no such restriction in the primary device <NUM>, it is preferable to construct a primary power source <NUM> to have a capacity sufficiently larger than that of the secondary power source <NUM>, for making the primary power source <NUM> to be able to charge the secondary power source <NUM> plural number of times. For example, it is preferable to set that the capacity of the primary power source <NUM> is <NUM>-<NUM> times larger than the capacity of the secondary power source <NUM>; however, in this regard, the range of ratios between the capacities are not limited thereto. Also, it is preferable that each of the primary power source <NUM> and the secondary power source <NUM> be constructed by use of a lithium-ion secondary battery; however, the constructions of the power sources are not limited thereto.

The aerosol generating article <NUM> and the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> may be constructed to have constructions different from those shown in <FIG>. For example, the aerosol generating article <NUM> may be an aerosol source which is in the form of a liquid including a flavor component (a flavor source). For example, a liquid aerosol source including a flavor component (a flavor source) is polyol such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like in which a nicotine component is included. In the present embodiment, the aerosol source functions as the flavor source. In the case that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is an aerosol source including a flavor component (a flavor source), the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> is constructed by use of fibrous or porous material, such as glass fibers, porous ceramics, or the like, to hold the aerosol source in the form of a liquid by spaces between fibers or in pores in the porous material, for example. Alternatively, the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> may be constructed as a tank for storing the liquid. In such a construction, the secondary device <NUM> additionally comprises a mouthpiece member. A user can inhale generated aerosol or vapor by holding the mouthpiece member in the user's mouth.

The load <NUM> is a heating element for electrically heating the aerosol generating article <NUM> held in the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. The load <NUM> is positioned to be in contact with the aerosol generating article <NUM> or positioned close to the aerosol generating article <NUM>, for making it to be able to heat the aerosol generating article <NUM>. In the second use form wherein the secondary device <NUM> is disconnected from the primary device <NUM>, the load <NUM> heats the aerosol generating article <NUM> by use of electric power supplied from the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. In the first use form wherein the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, the load <NUM> heats the aerosol generating article <NUM> by use of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM>. In this regard, in the case that the aerosol generating article <NUM> comprises an aerosol source and an aerosol base-material, aerosol is generated by raising the temperature of the aerosol source by heating the aerosol generating article <NUM> by the load <NUM>, as explained above. On the other hand, in the case that the aerosol generating article <NUM> comprises a liquid aerosol source including a flavor component (a flavor source), aerosol may be generated by directly heating the aerosol source by the load <NUM>.

Any arrangement for making the load <NUM> and the aerosol generating article <NUM> to be in contact with each other may be used. For example, the load <NUM> may be arranged in such a manner that the load <NUM> is exposed on a surface of an inner wall of the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. According to the above arrangement, when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating article <NUM> (for example, a side surface of the cylindrical stick) is made to be in contact with the load <NUM>; thus, the aerosol generating article <NUM> can be heated from the outer peripheral part. In another example, the load <NUM> may enter into the aerosol base-material (by plunging the load <NUM> in the aerosol base-material), when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. In such a construction, the load <NUM> can heat the aerosol generating article <NUM> from the inside thereof. In this regard, it should be reminded that, instead of arranging the load <NUM> to be in direct contact with the aerosol generating article <NUM>, the load <NUM> may be arranged in such a manner that it is arranged at a position near the aerosol generating article <NUM>, wherein the position is that sufficiently close to the aerosol generating article <NUM> so that the aerosol generating article <NUM> can be heated by the load <NUM>.

The secondary power source <NUM> is a power source used for driving the secondary device <NUM> in the second use form. The secondary power source <NUM> can supply electric power to the load <NUM> via the driving circuit <NUM>. The remaining charged capacity of the secondary power source <NUM> decreases when electric power is supplied to the load <NUM>; however, since the secondary power source <NUM> is charged by the primary device <NUM> in the first use form, the remaining charged capacity of the secondary power source <NUM> can be recovered.

The user manipulation part <NUM> is constructed to accept manipulation with respect to the secondary device <NUM> by a user. For example, user manipulation with respect to the secondary device <NUM> includes a start instruction for starting the secondary device <NUM> and a power supplying instruction for supplying electric power to the load <NUM>. The user manipulation part <NUM> may comprise a start instructing part for inputting the start instruction and a power supplying instructing part for inputting the power supplying instruction, wherein the above parts are separated from each other; or may comprise a single instruction part which can receive both the start instruction and the power supplying instruction. For example, the user manipulation part <NUM> is constructed as a button, a switch, a control, a lever, a touch sensor, or the like which can be physically manipulated by a user.

The control part <NUM> is an electronic circuit module constructed as a microprocessor or a microcomputer, and programmed to control operation of the secondary device <NUM> in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is an information storing medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and so on. The memory <NUM> stores, in addition to the computer-executable instructions, setting data required for controlling the secondary device <NUM>.

When <FIG> and <FIG> are referred to, the primary device <NUM> comprises the connection port <NUM>, an electric power supplying circuit <NUM>, the primary power source <NUM>, a user manipulation part <NUM>, a control part <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>. The above respective elements in the primary device <NUM> are included in a main body part 120A of the primary device <NUM>, for example. The primary device <NUM> further comprises a holding part 120B which is drawn as a lid in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the lid 120B is attached to a top part of the main body part 120A by engaging the lid 120B with the main body part 120A by a hinge 120C, so that the main body part 120A can be opened/closed. <FIG> shows the primary device <NUM> in a state that the lid 120B is being opened. In a state that the lid 120B is being closed, the lid 120B holds the secondary device <NUM> in such a manner that the secondary device <NUM> inserted into the connection port <NUM> does not drop from the connection port <NUM>. The lid 120B may be a slide-opening/closing-type lid. Alternatively, instead of constructing the holding part 120B to have the form of a lid, the holding part 120B may be constructed by use of a different member which is able to restrict movement of the secondary device <NUM> (for example, a construction for engaging a hook with the secondary device <NUM>, a construction using attracting force of a magnet, and so on).

The connection port <NUM> is a space in which the secondary device <NUM> is housed in the first use form of the smoking system <NUM>. When the secondary device <NUM> is inserted into the connection port <NUM>, a connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of the secondary device <NUM> is made to be in contact with a connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> in the connection port <NUM> at the primary device <NUM> side. The connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> is a terminal which is a part of the deriving circuit <NUM> of the secondary device <NUM>, and the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> is a terminal which is a part of the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> of the primary device <NUM>. By use of the above terminals, the secondary device <NUM> is electrically connected to the primary device <NUM>.

The primary power source <NUM> is a power source used for supplying electric power to the secondary device <NUM> in the first use form. In the case that the smoking system <NUM> is driven in a charging mode, that will be explained later, in the first use form, the primary power source <NUM> charges the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> via the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> and the driving circuit <NUM>. Also, in the case that the smoking system <NUM> is driven in a direct heating mode, that will be explained later, in the first use form, the primary power source <NUM> can supply electric power to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> via the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> and the driving circuit <NUM>. Thus, right after the secondary device <NUM> is inserted into the connection port <NUM>, so that without necessity to wait recovery of the remaining charged capacity of the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> can heat the aerosol generating article <NUM> by receiving electric power from the primary power source <NUM>. Although the remaining charged capacity of the primary power source <NUM> decreases if electric power is supplied to the secondary device <NUM>, the remaining charged capacity of the primary power source <NUM> can be recovered by charging it by an external charger (which is not shown in the figure) via an external connection terminal (which is not shown in the figure).

The user manipulation part <NUM> is constructed in such a manner that it can accept manipulation with respect to the primary device <NUM> by a user. User manipulation with respect to the primary device <NUM> includes a driving instruction for allowing supply of electric power to the secondary device <NUM>, for example. For example, the user manipulation part <NUM> is constructed as a button, a switch, a control, a lever, a touch sensor, or the like which can be physically manipulated by a user.

The control part <NUM> is an electronic circuit module constructed as a microprocessor or a microcomputer, and programmed to control operation of the primary device <NUM> in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is an information storing medium such as a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, and so on. The memory <NUM> stores, in addition to the computer-executable instructions, setting data required for controlling the primary device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an electric circuit diagram of the smoking system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in <FIG>, an electric circuit <NUM> in the smoking system <NUM> comprises an electric power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> and a driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. The electric power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> comprises a DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> and a connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM>. The DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> boosts and/or steps down a voltage of the primary power source <NUM> in accordance with control by a control part (the control part <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> or the control part <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>) for adjusting an output voltage of the primary device <NUM>. On the other hand, in general, since a DC/DC converter has a voltage controlling mode for controlling an output voltage and a current (electric power) mode for controlling output current (electric power), the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> may adjust output current (electric power) of the primary device <NUM>. The driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> comprises a first switch SW1, a second switch SW2, a third switch SW3, a fourth switch SW4, and a connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM>. Each of the switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 is an electric switch such as a transistor or the like, for example; and each switch is controlled individually by the control part (the control part <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>) to be switched between an ON state and an OFF state. The electric circuit <NUM> is constructed by making the secondary device <NUM> inserted into the connection port <NUM> of the primary device <NUM> to be electrically connected to the primary device <NUM>, via the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> at the secondary device <NUM> side and the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> at the primary device <NUM> side.

<FIG> shows state transitions <NUM> in the electric circuit <NUM> with respect to plural operation modes in the smoking system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention. The smoking system <NUM> can be operated in four modes, specifically, a normal smoking mode, a normal non-smoking mode, a charging mode, and a direct heating mode. The normal smoking mode is a mode wherein the secondary device <NUM> is electrically disconnected from the primary device <NUM> and operated independently for allowing a smoking action. The normal non-smoking mode is a mode wherein smoking is stopped while the secondary device <NUM> is being separated from the primary device <NUM>. The charging mode is a mode wherein the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, and the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is charged by the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>. The direct heating mode is a mode wherein the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, and electric power is directly supplied from the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> for allowing a smoking action. The normal smoking mode and the normal non-smoking mode correspond to those in the second use form, and the charging mode and the direct heating mode correspond to those in the first use form.

As shown in <FIG>, in the normal smoking mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fourth switch SW4 to an ON state, and sets the third switch SW3 to an OFF state. As a result, electric power is supplied from the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> to the load <NUM>, and the aerosol generating article <NUM> is heated by the load <NUM>. Accordingly, a user can perform a smoking action in the second use form. In the normal non-smoking mode, the control part sets each of all switches SW1, SW2, SW3, and SW4 to an OFF state. As a result, supply of electric power to the load <NUM> is blocked, and the heating process of the aerosol generating article <NUM> is stopped. In the charging mode, the control part sets the third switch SW3 to an ON state, and sets each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and the fourth switch SW4 to an OFF state. As a result, electric power is supplied from the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and the secondary power source <NUM> is charged thereby. On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an ON state, and sets each of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to an OFF state. As a result, electric power is directly supplied from the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM>, and the aerosol generating article <NUM> is heated by the load <NUM>. Thus, a user can perform a smoking action in the first use form, also.

As explained above, the smoking system <NUM> can perform switching between operation modes, by controlling an ON state and an OFF stare of each switch included in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, the smoking system <NUM> is constructed in such a manner that, in the first use form wherein the secondary device <NUM> is being connected to the primary device <NUM>, and in the case that the mode is switched between the charging mode and the direct heating mode, a transition mode is executed between the above two modes, instead of immediately changing the charging mode to the direct heating mode and instead of immediately changing the direct heating mode to the charging mode. That is, regarding switching between operation modes of the smoking system <NUM> in the first use form, the charging mode is changed to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, and the direct heating mode is changed to the charging mode via the transition mode. The transition mode may be interposed in both transition directions, i.e., the transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode and the transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, or the transition mode may be interposed in one of the two transition directions.

The transition mode is a mode wherein a process for changing a variable relating to supply of electric power from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> is performed. In a non-limiting example, the variable relating to supply of electric power includes a quantity of electric power suppled from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> (that is, a discharge rate of the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>). For example, since it is preferable to determine an appropriate quantity (rate) of supplied electric power according to characteristics and use of an object to which electric power is to be supplied, the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> in the charging mode is different from the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> in the direct heating mode.

For example, although there may be differences between lithium-ion secondary batteries in terms of materials and constructions of electrodes, electrolytic solutions, active materials, conductive additives, and so on, there is a characteristic that a lithium-ion secondary battery has rate dependency, in the case that a lithium-ion secondary battery is used as the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. The rate dependency is correlation between the magnitude of a charging rate or a discharging date and the effect thereof on deterioration of the lithium-ion secondary battery. In this example, deterioration of the lithium-ion secondary battery is represented by a ratio of the present chargeable capacity or the present dischargeable capacity of the battery to the chargeable capacity or the dischargeable capacity when the battery is new (at the time of shipment from the factory), for example. In a general trend, effect on degradation of a lithium-ion secondary battery increases acceleratingly as the rate becomes large. Also, even in the same rate, the effect, due to charging, on degradation is <NUM>-<NUM> times lager than the effect, due to discharging, on degradation. Thus, it is preferable that the value of the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> in the charging mode be controlled in such a manner that the value is set to be relatively small for suppressing degradation of the secondary power source <NUM> which is to be charged.

On the other hand, in the direct heating mode, since electric power is mainly supplied from the primary power source <NUM> to the load <NUM>, restriction such as that explained above, i.e., restriction that is applied by taking suppression of deterioration of the secondary power source <NUM> into consideration, does not exist. Rather, since it is necessary to heat the aerosol generating article <NUM> to have temperature that is sufficient for generating aerosol, it is preferable that the value of the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> in the direct heating mode be controlled in such a manner that the value is set to be relatively large. As a result of more detailed study, it is found that, in the case that a lithium-ion secondary battery is also used as the primary power source <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> and if the value of the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> is controlled to be large, it is necessary to consider whether the primary power source <NUM> degrades due to its rate dependency. In this regard, it should be reminded that it is preferable that the primary power source <NUM> has a capacity sufficiently larger than that of the secondary power source <NUM> for making it to be able to charge the secondary power source <NUM> plural number of times; however, in general, the rate becomes smaller as the capacity of the secondary battery becomes larger, as widely known. Further, although the primary power source <NUM> discharges toward the secondary device <NUM>, the effect, due to discharging, on deterioration is smaller than the effect, due to charging, on deterioration, as explained above. Thus, even if the value of the quantity of supply of electric power from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> is controlled to be large, deterioration of the primary power source <NUM> can be sufficiently suppressed if the value is adjusted to be that in an appropriate range of values.

For filling a gap between the quantities of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> in the charging mode and the direct heating mode, the smoking system <NUM> in the transition mode performs a process for changing the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the operation mode before switching operation (i.e., in one of the charging mode and the direct heating mode) to the quantity of electric power supplied in the operation mode after switching operation (i.e., in the other of the charging mode and the direct heating mode). Changing of the quantity of supplied electric power is realized by controlling the output voltage or the output current (electric power) from the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary deice <NUM>, for example. By making the smoking system <NUM> to perform the process for changing the quantity of electric power supplied in the transition mode as explained above, switching between the charging mode and the direct heating mode in the first use form can be performed smoothly.

The length of duration of the transition mode (hereinafter, the "transition time") may be set to one of various values. For example, regarding the transition time in the case that the operation mode is switched from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, it may simply be set to a length of time that is required for changing, by the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM>, the output voltage or the output current (electric power). The length of time depends only on electrical processing in the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM>, and it may be less than one second, typically. Also, for example, in the case that the operation mode is switched from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, the transition mode may be extended after the voltage is changed by the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM>, until the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> by a user for preparation to start a smoking action. The transition time in the above case is typically longer than one second, and may be several seconds to several tens of seconds, since it is necessary to wait for artificial manipulation by a user.

<FIG> is a timing chart showing an example of transition between states of the smoking system <NUM> when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode. When <FIG> is referred to, the smoking system <NUM> operates in the direct heating mode, initially. As explained above, in the direct heating mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an ON state, and sets each of the third switch SW3 and the fourth switch SW4 to an OFF state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, by controlling the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>, the control part adjusts electric power to be supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> in such a manner that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is heated to raise its temperature to predetermined target temperature or to keep its temperature at the predetermined target temperature.

Next, the smoking system <NUM> changes its mode to the transition mode, at the time that a triggering event, for example, an event that a predetermined user manipulation is inputted to the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, has occurred. For example, a user inputs, via the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, an instruction for switching the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. When the control part has received such a user manipulation, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an ON state to an OFF state, and, at the same time, maintains an OFF state of the third switch SW3 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and changes the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode thereby. Also, in the transition mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode. As explained above, in general, the maximum quantity (charging rate) of electric power allowed to be supplied when charging a rechargeable battery (the secondary power source <NUM>) is smaller than the quantity of electric power required for a heating process by a heater (the load <NUM>). In the case that a charging process using a rate larger than the maximum allowed rate is performed, there is a risk that performance of the secondary power source <NUM> is degraded. Thus, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in such a manner that the electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> is reduced from the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low. It takes finite time (for example, less than one second) to reduce the quantity of supplied electric power to the intended quantity; however, since the third switch SW3 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> has been set to an OFF state in the transition mode shown in <FIG>, charging of the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> by a relatively large quantity of electric power, that corresponds to the quantity before completely reduced to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, can be prevented. Further, since time required for reducing the quantity of supplied electric power to the quantity, that is low, of electric power supplied in the charging mode is short, quick switching from the direct heating mode to the charging mode can be realized, substantially.

After the transition time having a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the mode of the smoking system <NUM> is changed from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control part keeps an OFF state, that has been set in the transition mode, of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an OFF state to an ON state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. As a result, a lower quantity of electric power, that is set to be supplied in the charging mode, is supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and the secondary power source <NUM> is charged thereby. In this regard, it should be reminded that, in the sequence of transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to be in a OFF state continuously.

<FIG> is a timing chart showing an example of transition between states of the smoking system <NUM> when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode. When <FIG> is referred to, the smoking system <NUM> operates in the charging mode, initially. As explained above, in the charging mode, the control part sets each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an OFF state, and sets the third switch SW3 to an ON state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Also, the control part adjusts the value of the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> to a predetermined low value, by controlling the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>.

Next, the smoking system <NUM> changes its mode to the transition mode, at the time that a triggering event, for example, an event that a predetermined user manipulation is inputted to the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, has occurred. For example, a user inputs, via the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, an instruction for switching the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the charging mode to the direct heating mode. When the control part has received such a user manipulation, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an OFF state to an ON state, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an ON state to an OFF state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and changes the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode thereby. Also, in the transition mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high (for example, as shown in <FIG>, the quantity is gradually increased from the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the directly heating mode, that is high). Unlike the case in <FIG>, there is no specific restriction relating to the quantity of electric power to be supplied to the load <NUM> in the direct heating mode, that is the mode after the switching process; thus, the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to an ON state in the transition mode in <FIG>. As a result, supply of electric power from the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is started in the transition mode, thus, the aerosol generating article <NUM> can be heated quickly. In this regard, it should be reminded that, in the sequence of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to be in a OFF state continuously.

<FIG> is a timing chart showing another example of transition between states of the smoking system <NUM> when the direct heating mode is switched to the charging mode. The timing chart shown in <FIG> is different from the timing chart shown in <FIG> only in the point that each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to an ON state in the transition mode. The control part, which has received a predetermined user manipulation in the direct heating mode, maintains an ON state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and an OFF state of the third switch SW3 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and changes the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode thereby. In the transition mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to gradually decrease the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low.

In the smoking system <NUM> having a construction that the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is made to be in contact with the aerosol generating article <NUM> physically, a component of the aerosol generating article <NUM> may remain on the surface of the load <NUM>, after a user has completed a smoking action and the aerosol generating article <NUM> has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. If the residual component is left as it is, there may be a risk that reliability and heating ability of the load <NUM> is adversely affect thereby. In the transition mode shown in <FIG>, since each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is set to an ON state, heating by the load <NUM> is continued even if the direct heating mode is terminated. As a result, the component of the aerosol generating article <NUM> remaining on the surface of the load <NUM> is transpired, and, thus, the load <NUM> is cleaned thereby.

The length of the transition time for continuing the transition mode may be set to a predetermined length of time that is assumed to be required for sufficiently and effectively cleaning the load <NUM>, for example. After the transition time having such a predetermined length of time has elapsed, the smoking system <NUM> changes its mode from the transition mode to the charging mode. In the charging mode, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an ON state to an OFF state, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an OFF state to an ON state. As a result, charging from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is performed. In this regard, it should be reminded that, in the sequence of transition from the direct heating mode to the charging mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to be in a OFF state continuously.

<FIG> is a timing chart showing an example of transition between states of the smoking system <NUM> when the charging mode is switched to the direct heating mode. The timing chart shown in <FIG> is different from the timing chart shown in <FIG> in the point that each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is set to an OFF state in the transition mode. The control part, which has received a predetermined user manipulation in the charging mode, maintains an OFF state, that is the same as the state in the charging mode, of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an ON state to an OFF state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and changes the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode thereby. In the transition mode, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high. However, unlike the case shown in <FIG>, supply of electric power to the load <NUM> is suspended, since each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is in an OFF state. For example, right after switching from the charging mode to the transition mode, there may be a case that the aerosol generating article <NUM> has not yet attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. In such a case, heating of the load <NUM>, without an object to be heated by the load <NUM>, can be prevented, since supply of electric power to the load <NUM> is suspended.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the transition mode may be continued until the aerosol generating article <NUM> is attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, for example. Alternatively, the duration of the transition mode may be set independently from attaching of the aerosol generating article <NUM> to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. In other words, the transition mode may be continued from a point in time before the aerosol generating article <NUM> is attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> to a point in time after the aerosol generating article <NUM> is attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. For example, the transition mode may be continued until a process for obtaining or estimating the state of charging of the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> is completed. The control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an OFF state to an ON state, and, at the same time, maintains an OFF state of the third switch SW3, after detecting the state that the aerosol generating article <NUM> has been attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. As a result, the smoking system <NUM> changes its mode from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, and electric power is supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. In this regard, it should be reminded that, in the sequence of transition from the charging mode to the direct heating mode via the transition mode, the fourth switch SW4 is controlled to be in a OFF state continuously.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing an example process <NUM> for making the control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) in the smoking system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform control for switching between operation modes of the smoking system <NUM>. The process <NUM> starts in the first use form, wherein the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, or in the second use form, wherein the secondary device <NUM> is disconnected from the primary device <NUM>.

When the process <NUM> is started, the control part first judges whether the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, in step S502. For example, the control part can judge whether the secondary device <NUM> is inserted into the connection port <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>, that is, whether the secondary device <NUM> is connected to the primary device <NUM>, by detecting electric contact between the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of the secondary device <NUM> and the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> of the primary device <NUM>. The process <NUM> proceeds to step S504 if the secondary device <NUM> has been connected to the primary device <NUM>, and to step S524 if they are not connected.

If the secondary device <NUM> has been connected to the primary device <NUM>, that is, if the smoking system <NUM> is in the first use form, the control part judges whether the holding part 120B in the primary device <NUM> is in a holding state or a non-holding state, in step S504. The holding state of the holding part 120B is a state wherein the holding part 120B holds the secondary device <NUM> in such a manner that electrical connection between the primary device <NUM> and the secondary device <NUM> inserted into the connection port <NUM> is maintained. On the other hand, the non-holding state of the holding part 120B is a state wherein the holding part 120B does not hold the secondary device <NUM> inserted into the connection port <NUM>, thus, electrical connection between the primary device <NUM> and the secondary device <NUM> can be released. For example, in the construction that the holding part 120B is a lid, a state that the lid is being closed is the holding state, and a state that the lid is being opened is the non-holding state. For example, the control part can judge whether the holding part 120B is in the holding state or the non-holding state, based on a signal from a mechanical switch which is operated in relation to movement of the holding part 120B. Alternatively, the primary device <NUM> may be constructed in such a manner that the lid 120B automatically opens when a main power source button is manipulated to turn on, and the lid 120B automatically closes when the main power source button is manipulated to turn off. The process <NUM> proceeds to step S506 if the holding part 120B is in the non-holding state, and proceeds to step S516 if the holding part 120B is in the holding state. The lid 120B may be a slide-opening/closing-type lid. Alternatively, instead of constructing the holding part 120B to have the form of a lid, the holding part 120B may be constructed by use of a different member which is able to restrict movement of the secondary device <NUM> (for example, a construction for engaging a hook with the secondary device <NUM>, a construction using attracting force of a magnet, and so on).

If the holding part 120B in the primary device <NUM> is in the non-holding state, the control part judges whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, in step S506. For example, the secondary device <NUM> comprises a mechanical switch which is pushed by the aerosol generating article <NUM> when the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. The mechanical switch supplies, to the control part, an electric signal that represents a state that it is being pushed by the aerosol generating article <NUM>. Based on the signal, the control part can judge whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. The process <NUM> proceeds to step S508 if the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, and the process <NUM> repeats step S506 if the aerosol generating article <NUM> is not inserted. In the present embodiment, if it is judged in step S506 that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, the direct heating mode is executed in step S508. In addition, in a point between step S506 and step S508, it is possible to judge whether a sufficient capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM>, which has been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, remains. If a sufficient capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM> does not remain, a sufficient quantity of aerosol cannot be generated even if the direct heating mode is executed in step S508; thus, it may be constructed in such a manner that, in such a case, the direct heating mode is not executed, or the direct heating mode is stopped when the remained capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM> is completely consumed.

In step S508, the control part performs control for operating the smoking system <NUM> in the direct heating mode. More specifically, as explained above, the control part sets the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an ON state, and sets the state of the third switch SW3 to an OFF state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, by controlling the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the electric power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM>, the control part adjusts electric power to be supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> in such a manner that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is heated to raise its temperature to predetermined target temperature or to keep its temperature at the predetermined target temperature. Above-explained step S508 corresponds to the direct heating mode shown in the timing chart in each of <FIG> and <FIG>, that is first executed when the operation of the smoking system <NUM> is switched from the direct heating mode to the charging mode. As a result that electric power is supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> in step S508, a user can perform a smoking action while the first use form, in which the secondary device <NUM> is being connected to the primary device <NUM>, is maintained.

Next, in step S510, the control part judges whether the state of the holding part 120B in the primary device <NUM> is changed from the non-holding state to the holding state (for example, whether the lid 120B is closed). For example, a user can give, to the smoking system <NUM>, an instruction for changing the operation mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the direct heating mode to the charging mode, by changing the state of the holding part 120B from the non-holding state to the holding state (for example, performing a manipulation for closing the lid 120B). The process <NUM> proceeds to step S512 if the state of the holding part 120B is changed to the holding state, and returns to step S508 if the non-holding state is kept.

In this regard, it should be reminded that, in step S510, it may be possible to perform a process for judging whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, in place of the process for judging whether the state of the holding part 120B is changed from the non-holding state to the holding state. In such an example, the process <NUM> proceeds to step S512 if the aerosol generating article <NUM> is removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, and returns to step S508 if the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>.

After the state of the holding part 120B is changed to the holding state, the control part performs control for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the direct heating mode to the transition mode in step S512. For example, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an ON state to an OFF state, and maintains an OFF state of the third switch SW3 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low. The above control corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart shown in <FIG>. By performing such control in the transition mode, it becomes possible to prevent charging of the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> by a large quantity of electric power. Alternatively, the control part may maintain an ON state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 and an OFF state of the third switch SW3 in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, and gradually decreases the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low. The above control corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart shown in <FIG>. By performing such control in the transition mode, it becomes possible to prevent charging of the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> by a large quantity of electric power, and it becomes possible to clean the load <NUM>.

In this regard, for improving effect of cleaning with respect to the load <NUM>, it may be possible to judge, while cleaning is being performed, whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is certainly removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. For example, the control part may judge, based on a temperature rising rate of the load <NUM> when electric power is being supplied to the load <NUM> in the transition mode, whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. The heat capacity in the state that the aerosol generating article <NUM> has been attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> is larger than the heat capacity in the state that the aerosol generating article <NUM> has been removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>; thus, the temperature rising rate of the load <NUM> when the same quantity of current or electric power is supplied to the load <NUM> is low in the former state. By using such a characteristic, it becomes possible to precisely judge whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is certainly removed from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> while cleaning is being performed, even if a dedicated sensor is not used. In another example, the control part may provides a user with notice that prompts a user to remove the aerosol generating article <NUM> from the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, in the case that it is judged that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being attached to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> while cleaning is being performed. Also, when providing the notice, it may be possible to stop cleaning of the load <NUM>.

For example, after a predetermined length of transition time has elapsed after changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode, the control part performs control for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the transition mode to the charging mode, in step S514. As a result, a user can make the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> to be charged by use of the primary device <NUM>. Step S514 corresponds to the charging mode, that is executed after switching the mode, in the timing chart in each of <FIG> and <FIG>. Thereafter, the process <NUM> returns to step S504.

On the other hand, if the result of judgment in step S504 shows that the holding part 120B in the primary device <NUM> is in the holding state, the control part performs control for making the smoking system <NUM> to operate in the charging mode, in step S516. More specifically, as explained above, the control part sets the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to an OFF state, and sets the state of the third switch SW3 to an ON state. Also, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the power supplying circuit <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to adjust the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> to have a predetermined low value. Above step S516 corresponds to the charging mode shown in the timing chart in each of <FIG> and <FIG>, that is first executed when the operation of the smoking system <NUM> is switched from the charging mode to the direct heating mode.

Next, in step S518, the control part judges whether the state of the holding part 120B in the primary device <NUM> is changed from the holding state to the non-holding state (for example, whether the lid 120B is opened). For example, a user can give, to the smoking system <NUM>, an instruction for changing the operation mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the charging mode to the direct heating mode, by changing the state of the holding part 120B from the holding state to the non-holding state (for example, performing a manipulation for opening the lid 120B). The process <NUM> proceeds to step S520 if the state of the holding part 120B is changed to the non-holding state, and returns to step S516 if the holding state is kept.

After the state of the holding part 120B is changed to the non-holding state, the control part performs control for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the charging mode to the transition mode in step S520. For example, the control part changes the state of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 from an OFF state to an ON state, and, at the same time, changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an ON state to an OFF stare, in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high. The above control corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart shown in <FIG>. By performing such control in the transition mode, it becomes possible to quickly heat the aerosol generating article <NUM>.

For example, after a predetermined length of transition time has elapsed after changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the transition mode, the control part performs control for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the transition mode to the direct heating mode, in step S522. Step S522 corresponds to the direct heating mode, that is executed after switching the mode, in the timing chart in <FIG>. In step S522, a user can perform a smoking action while the first use form, in which the secondary device <NUM> is being connected to the primary device <NUM>, is maintained. Thereafter, the process <NUM> returns to step S504.

If the result of judgment in step S502 shows that the secondary device <NUM> is not connected to the primary device <NUM>, that is, if the form of the smoking system <NUM> is the second use form, the control part sets the mode of the smoking system <NUM> to the normal smoking mode or the normal non-smoking mode, in step S524. For example, in the case that the main power source button (the user manipulation part <NUM>) in the secondary device <NUM> is manipulated to turn on, the control part makes the smoking system <NUM> to operate in the normal smoking mode. As a result, electric power is supplied from the secondary power source <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> to the load <NUM>, and a user can perform a smoking action by using the secondary device <NUM> only. Further, for example, in the case that the main power source button in the secondary device <NUM> is manipulated to turn off, the control part makes the smoking system <NUM> to operate in the normal non-smoking mode. As explained above, the secondary device <NUM> can operate independently in the second use form in which the secondary device <NUM> is disconnected from the primary device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing another example process <NUM> for making the control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) in the smoking system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention to perform control for switching between operation modes of the smoking system <NUM>. The process <NUM> is different from the above-explained process <NUM> in the point that it comprises steps S519 and S521 that are performed when it is judged in step S518 that the state of the holding part 120B is changed to the non-holding state.

In step S519, the control part judges whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. After manipulation for inserting the aerosol generating article <NUM> into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> is completed, the process <NUM> proceeds to step S522 (that is the same as that explained in relation to the process <NUM>) to execute the direct heating mode. On the other hand, if the aerosol generating article <NUM> has not yet been inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, the process <NUM> proceeds to step S521.

In step S521, the control part performs control for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the charging mode to the transition mode. For example, the control part maintains an OFF state, that is the same as the state in the charging mode, of each of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, and changes the state of the third switch SW3 from an ON state to an OFF state in the driving circuit <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>. Further, the control part controls the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> to change the quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device <NUM> to the secondary device <NUM> from the quantity of electric power supplied in the charging mode, that is low, to the quantity of electric power supplied in the direct heating mode, that is high. The above control corresponds to the control performed in the transition mode in the timing chart shown in <FIG>. By performing such control in the transition mode, heating of the load <NUM>, without an object to be heated by the load <NUM>, can be prevented.

After step S521, the process <NUM> repeats judgment in step S519. Thus, until the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, the transition mode in step S521 is continuously executed. By using, as a trigger for changing the mode of the smoking system <NUM>, an event that the aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> by a user, the smoking system <NUM> can be operated to change its mode to the direct heating mode.

In this regard, it should be reminded that in the process <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) may change the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from a mode before the changing process (the direct heating mode or the charging mode) to the transition mode, based on the state of the holding part 120B. Further, in the process <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) may change the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from the charging mode to the transition mode, based on judgment regarding whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, in addition to the state of the holding part 120B. Alternatively, the condition for allowing changing of the mode from a mode before the changing process to the transition mode may relate only to judgment regarding whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. In another alternative example, an input to the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM> may be used.

As explained above, the control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) in the smoking system <NUM> changes the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from a mode before the changing process (the direct heating mode or the charging mode) to the transition mode, based on conditions that require tangible and direct user manipulation, such as the state of the holding part 121B, the state regarding whether the aerosol generating article <NUM> is being inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>, an input to the user manipulation part <NUM> or <NUM>, and so on. In place thereof, it may be possible to change the mode of the smoking system <NUM> from a mode before the changing process (the direct heating mode or the charging mode) to the transition mode, based on a condition that does not relate to user manipulation or a condition relating to more indirect user manipulation. Regarding an example of a condition relating to more indirect user manipulation, it may be possible to use information regarding whether the remaining capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM> is below a predetermined threshold. The control part (the control part <NUM> and/or the control part <NUM>) may estimate the remaining capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM>, by use of the number of times of smoking actions, or by use of a value representing an accumulated length of time of supply of electric power or a value representing an accumulated quantity of electric power supplied from the secondary power source <NUM> to the load <NUM>, since a new aerosol generating article <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>. It should be reminded that the method for estimating the remaining capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM> is not limited to those explained above, and various methods can be adopted. Also, it may be possible to use a sensor which can precisely measure the remaining capacity of the aerosol generating article <NUM>. Regarding such a sensor, a weight sensor, an optical sensor, and so on may be used, for example.

<FIG> shows an example of an air taking-in flow path <NUM> constructed in the secondary device <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example of an air taking-in flow path <NUM> constructed in the primary device <NUM>. The smoking system <NUM> is constructed in such a manner that a smoking action can be performed by inserting the secondary device <NUM> into the connection port <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> in the first use form (the direct heating mode); thus, it is necessary to have a construction for supplying a sufficient quantity of air to the aerosol generating article <NUM> even in the state that the secondary device <NUM> is being inserted into the connection port <NUM>. The example air taking-in flow path <NUM> constructed in the secondary device <NUM> allows the air to be taken from the opening side of the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM> into the inside and flown toward the vicinity of the load <NUM>. On the other hand, the air taking-in flow path <NUM> constructed in the primary device <NUM> is constructed to take the air form a bottom part of the main body 120A of the primary device <NUM> into the inside and guide the air to the deepest part in the connection port <NUM>. The air guided into the connection port <NUM> via the air taking-in flow path <NUM> is further guided to the vicinity of the load <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM> via an air taking-in flow path, which is different from the air taking-in flow path <NUM> shown in <FIG>, in the secondary device <NUM>, wherein the air taking-in flow path is formed to have an opening at a top part (the end part positioned opposite to the aerosol generating article holding part <NUM>) of the secondary device <NUM> that is inserted in the connection port <NUM> (the secondary device <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>). The smoking system <NUM> may comprise one of the air taking-in flow path <NUM> and the air taking-in flow path <NUM>, or both of them. By use of the air taking-in flow path <NUM> and/or the air taking-in flow path <NUM>, a sufficient quantity of air can be supplied to the aerosol generating article <NUM> in the secondary device <NUM>, even in the case that a smoking action is performed by inserting the secondary device <NUM> into the connection port <NUM> in the primary device <NUM> in the direct heating mode.

Further, although flow of electric power in the direct heating mode, the transition mode, and the charging mode is controlled by switching the state of each of the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, the third switch SW3, and the fourth switch SW4 between an ON state and an OFF state in the above embodiments, the means for controlling the flow of electric power in each mode is not limited to those explained above. For example, it may be possible to add backflow preventing diodes to a circuit in the driving circuit <NUM> in <FIG>, specifically, add the diodes to the circuit comprising branch lines which are divided from a main positive bus and a main negative bus, which connect the connection terminal <NUM>-<NUM> to the load <NUM>, and extended to reach the secondary power source <NUM>, respectively; wherein the direction of charging from the primary power source <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> is the forward direction of each of the backflow preventing diodes. In the direct heating mode wherein supply of electric power from the primary power source <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM> is stopped, the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> may be controlled in such a manner that an output voltage of the primary device <NUM> is made to be lower than a voltage across the terminals of the secondary power source <NUM>. On the other hand, in the charging mode wherein electric power is supplied from the primary power source <NUM> to the secondary power source <NUM>, the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM> may be controlled in such a manner that an output voltage of the primary device <NUM> is made to be higher than a voltage across the terminals of the secondary power source <NUM>.

It should be reminded that the means for adjusting a relative voltage between a voltage across terminals of the primary power source <NUM> and a voltage across terminals of the secondary power source <NUM> is not limited to the DC/DC converter <NUM>-<NUM> in the primary device <NUM>. For example, the secondary device <NUM> may also be provided with a DC/DC converter. In another example, at least one of the primary power source <NUM> and the secondary power source <NUM> may be constructed by use of plural power storage devices, and a series connection configuration and a parallel connection configuration thereof may be switched between them.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the above description, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A smoking system (<NUM>) comprising:
a secondary device (<NUM>) which comprises a load (<NUM>) for atomizing an aerosol source (<NUM>) or heating a flavor source, and a power source (<NUM>) which can supply electric power to the load (<NUM>);
a primary device (<NUM>) which can supply, when it is connected to the secondary device (<NUM>), electric power to the load (<NUM>) and the power source (<NUM>); and
a control part (<NUM>) which can execute a first mode for supplying electric power from the primary device (<NUM>) to the load (<NUM>) and a second mode for supplying electric power from the primary device (<NUM>) to the power source (<NUM>); characterised in that
in changing between the first mode and the second mode, in at least one of a first transition direction from the first mode to the second mode, and a second transition direction from the second mode to the first mode, the control part (<NUM>) executes a transition mode lasting for a transition time during which a predetermined variable relating to supply of electric power is changed,
wherein the predetermined variable is a quantity of electric power supplied from the primary device (<NUM>) to the secondary device (<NUM>); and
the control part (<NUM>) executes the respective modes in such a manner that:
a first quantity of electric power is supplied from the primary device (<NUM>) to the load (<NUM>) in the first mode;
a process for reducing the quantity of to-be-supplied electric power from the first quantity is applied to the primary device (<NUM>), and supply of electric power from the primary device (<NUM>) to the power source (<NUM>) is not performed, in the transition mode in the first transition direction; and
a second quantity, that is smaller than the first quantity, of electric power is supplied from the primary device (<NUM>) to the power source (<NUM>) in the second mode.