CN116669579A - Lateral flow smoke removal device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a lateral flow smoke removal device and a method of controlling the same. A lateral flow smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a housing having a smoking space formed therein; an article insertion portion located at one end of the housing and formed with an opening for inserting a smoking article into a smoking space; a lighting portion for lighting a smoking article inserted into the smoking space; a sidestream smoke treatment portion for treating sidestream smoke generated by a smoking article inserted into a smoking space; and a heating unit which is disposed inside the housing and heats the smoking space. The heating part can remove smell generated by smoking by heating the smoking space, thereby improving the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device.

Description

Lateral flow smoke removal device and control method thereof

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a sidestream smoke removal device and a control method thereof. And more particularly, to a lateral flow smoke removing device capable of improving the cleanliness and user satisfaction of the device by removing odors generated by smoking byproducts remaining inside the device, and a control method thereof.

Background

A sidestream smoke removal device is a type of smoking aid device that typically has an enclosed smoking space and a sidestream smoke removal unit within its interior. The user performs smoking by inserting cigarettes into the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device, so that the beneficial effects of reducing hand odor and sidestream smoke (purification) can be obtained.

However, since smoke by-products such as soot, sidestream smoke and the like remain in the enclosed smoking space after smoking, the unpleasant odor generated thereby remains in the smoking space, and thus the cleanliness of the device is inevitably lowered. Further, when the device is turned on, the smell accumulated in the smoking space may spread to the outside, and thus may also cause discomfort to the user.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a lateral flow smoke removing device capable of improving device cleanliness and user satisfaction by removing odors generated by smoking byproducts remaining inside the device, and a control method of the device.

Another technical problem to be solved by some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a lateral flow smoke removing device with improved convenience and safety in use and a control method of the same.

The technical problems of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described technical problems, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for solving the problems

To address the above-described technical problems, a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a housing having a smoking space formed therein; an article insertion portion located at one end of the housing and formed with an opening for inserting a smoking article into the smoking space; a lighting portion for lighting a smoking article inserted into the smoking space; a sidestream smoke treatment portion for treating sidestream smoke generated by a smoking article inserted into said smoking space; and a heating unit disposed inside the housing and configured to heat the smoking space.

In some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating part may be 50 ℃ to 200 ℃.

In some embodiments, the operating time point of the heating portion may be determined based on the smoking end time point.

In some embodiments, the operating point of the heating part may be determined based on the pumping point of time.

In some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating portion may be determined based on the suction duration.

In some embodiments, the lateral flow smoke removal device may further comprise: a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature near a downstream end of a smoking material portion for constituting the inserted smoking article; and a control unit that determines whether or not smoking is completed based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor.

In some embodiments, a vent hole may be formed in the housing, the vent hole allowing external air to enter.

In some embodiments, a vent hole may be formed in the housing, the vent hole being for external air to enter, the sidestream smoke treatment section may include an exhaust fan for exhausting the sidestream smoke, and the sidestream smoke removal device may further include a control section to close the vent hole and stop operation of the exhaust fan in response to detecting the end of smoking.

Effects of the invention

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a heating portion for heating the smoking space may be provided inside the device. The heating portion may enhance the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device by removing unpleasant odors generated by heating the smoking by-products. In addition, the problem of discomfort to the user can be solved by diffusing the smell accumulated in the smoking space to the outside.

Further, information on the smoking progress status may be automatically provided to the user through the display section. Thus, the user can directly confirm the smoking progress status without operating the device, thereby greatly improving the convenience and safety of use.

Furthermore, by using one or more temperature sensors disposed within the smoking space, the smoking progress can be easily monitored without an additional monitoring module. For example, puff events may be readily monitored by measuring temperature changes, and the current combustion location of the smoking article may also be readily monitored by comparing temperatures measured by a plurality of temperature sensors.

In addition, the ventilation hole and the exhaust fan can be appropriately controlled according to the smoking progress condition, so that the user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

In addition, when the end of smoking is detected, an automatic fire extinguishing function may be performed. Therefore, the risk of fire and burn caused by carelessness of the user can be minimized, and user convenience can be improved.

The effects of the technical ideas according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the basic structure of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 to 6 are schematic views for explaining various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method of controlling a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method of controlling a sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of determining a current combustion position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a display method of smoking progress according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods of accomplishing the same may be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the examples described in detail below. However, the technical ideas of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described below, but can be implemented in various forms different from each other, and the following embodiments are only for enabling the present disclosure to be fully disclosed, so that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can fully understand the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical ideas of the present disclosure are determined by the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

When adding reference numerals to components of all figures, it should be noted that even though components are shown in different figures, like reference numerals refer to like components. In the process of describing the present disclosure, it is assumed that detailed descriptions of the structures and functions of the related known technologies will obscure the gist of the present disclosure, and the detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Further, generally used terms defined in a dictionary are not interpreted abnormally or excessively unless specifically defined. The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. In this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, singular nouns also include plural forms.

Further, in describing the components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), and the like may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the nature, order, sequence, etc. of the associated elements is not limited by the terms. It will be understood that if an element is referred to as being "connected," coupled, "or" linked "to another element, it can be directly connected," "coupled," or "linked" to the other element or indirectly via a third element.

The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, and/or elements.

First, some terms used in various embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained.

In the following examples, "smoking article" may refer to any article that is smokeable or that may provide a smoking experience, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco (expanded tobacco), reconstituted tobacco (rec onstituted tobacco), or tobacco substitutes. For example, smoking articles may include smokable articles such as cigarettes, cigars (cigars), and cigarillos (cigari llo).

In the following examples, "smoking material" may refer to smoke (smoky) and/or aerosol (aerosol) generating substances or substances used for smoking. For example, the smoking material may comprise tobacco material. For example, the tobacco material may include tobacco lamina, tobacco stem, or materials processed therefrom, and the like. As more specific examples, the tobacco material may include crushed tobacco leaves, crushed reconstituted tobacco, cut filler tobacco, cut expanded stems, reconstituted tobacco and the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" may refer to a direction away from the user's mouth, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" may refer to a direction closer to the user's mouth. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" may be used to describe the relative positions of the elements making up the smoking article. For example, in the smoking article 30 illustrated in fig. 1 and the like, the filter portion is located at a position downstream or in the downstream direction of the smoking material portion, and the smoking material portion is located at a position upstream or in the upstream direction of the filter portion.

In the following embodiments, the "longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction)" may refer to a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

In the following embodiments, "aspiration" refers to inhalation (inhalation) of a user, which refers to a condition of inhaling into the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lung of the user through the mouth or nose of the user.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view for explaining the basic structure of a sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, a state in which the smoking article 30 is inserted is illustrated in the drawings of fig. 1 and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 includes a housing (housing) 11, a product insertion section 12, a back cover (back cover) 13, a heat insulation section 14, a temperature sensor 20, an ignition section 15, a sidestream smoke treatment section 16, a mesh screen 17, a display section 19, and a control section 18. However, only the constituent elements related to the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in fig. 1. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that other general-purpose components besides those shown in fig. 1 may also be included. For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further comprise a battery (not shown in the figures) for supplying power to the electrical components (e.g., the control portion 18, the display portion 19, etc.).

In addition, some of the components shown in fig. 1 may not be necessary components of the sidestream smoke removal device 1. That is, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 of some other embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a form in which some of the illustrated constituent elements are omitted. Next, each constituent element of the lateral flow mist removing device 1 will be described.

The housing 11 may form a smoking space inside the lateral flow smoke removal device 1 and may form at least a part of the appearance of the lateral flow smoke removal device 1. Although the case 11 is illustrated in fig. 1 as referring to the side wall of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, the case 11 may refer to all of the exterior forming structures including the product insertion portion 12, the rear cover 13, and the heat insulating portion 14. In order to ensure durability of the lateral flow smoke removal device 1 and minimize the risk of breakage, the housing 11 is preferably made of a strong material.

In some embodiments, ventilation holes 111 may be formed in the housing 11 so that outside air can smoothly enter into the smoking space. The ventilation holes 111 allow the inflow of external air during smoking, thereby promoting combustion of the smoking article 30, and thus greatly improving the smoking function of the sidestream smoke removal device 1. Although one vent hole 111 is illustrated as being formed in the housing 11 in fig. 1 as an example, the number of vent holes 111 may be plural. In addition, the formation position, size, interval, etc. of the ventilation holes 111 may be designed in various ways. Whether the vent hole 111 is opened or closed and/or the degree of opening or closing of the vent hole 111 may be controlled by the control section 18, which will be described later with reference to fig. 7.

Second, the article insertion portion 12 may be located at one end (e.g., upper end) of the housing 11, and may form an opening into which the smoking article 30 is inserted. The user may insert the smoking article 30 into the smoking space of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 via the article insertion portion 12. In order to prevent heat from being discharged to the outside from the inside of the smoking space, the article insertion portion 12 is preferably made of a heat insulating material. Further, in order to prevent the inserted smoking article 30 from shaking, the article insertion portion 12 preferably has a holder structure capable of holding the smoking article 30.

In some embodiments, the article insertion portion 12 may have a structure capable of adjusting the size of the opening. For example, the article insertion portion 12 may have a structure for tightening or enlarging the opening by a manual operation. As another example, the article insert 12 may also be configured to automatically tighten the opening to fit the smoking article 30. As a more specific example, the control portion 18 may control to tighten the opening of the article insertion portion 12 in response to insertion of the smoking article 30 or receipt of a user input (e.g., a button press) detected by a sensor. According to the present embodiment, since the size of the opening is adjusted to fit the smoking article 30, the rocking phenomenon of the smoking article 30 can be prevented, and the support stability can be improved. Furthermore, smoking articles of various sizes may be inserted, and thus the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may be improved.

The smoking article 30 may be formed of a filter portion located downstream and a smoking material portion bordering the upstream end of the filter portion. However, the detailed structure of the smoking article 30 can be freely varied. The filter portion may include a filter substance capable of filtering smoke, and the smoking substance portion may include a smoking substance. Examples of the smoking article 30 may include, but are not limited to, a burning cigarette, and the smoking article 30 may include any article that produces a sidestream smoke when smoked.

Second, the rear cover 13 may be located at the other end (e.g., lower end) of the housing 11 and serve as a cover for the lateral flow smoke removal device 1. A gas discharge passage may be formed at the rear cover 13 so that the sidestream smoke treated (purified) by the sidestream smoke treatment portion 16 is discharged to the outside. For example, a gas discharge passage such as a micropore or the like may be formed in the rear cover 13.

Next, the heat insulating portion 14 may be disposed on the outer surface of the housing 11 to prevent heat inside the smoking space from being released (transferred) to the outside. The heat insulating part 14 may be made of a material having low heat conductivity to function as a protection against the risk of burning of the user's body due to internal heat when contacting the lateral flow smoke removing device 1 (for example, when holding the device 1 for smoking).

Next, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed within the smoking space, thereby measuring the temperature of the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The number, shape, arrangement position, arrangement interval, etc. of the temperature sensors 20 may be designed in various ways, which may vary according to embodiments.

In some embodiments, as shown, the temperature sensor 20 may be configured to measure the temperature near the downstream end of the smoking material section. In this case, only the temperature sensor 20 may be used to accurately determine whether smoking is finished without an additional monitoring module, which may be generally understood as utilizing the end of smoking when the smoking material portion is fully combusted. For example, the control section 18 may judge that smoking is ended when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is equal to or higher than a reference value (for example, when the current combustion position reaches the downstream end of the smoking material section), or when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is decreased to or lower than a reference value after being increased (for example, when the combustion force at the downstream end of the smoking material section becomes weak).

Next, the ignition portion 15 may be arranged in the smoking space, thereby igniting the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The ignition portion 15 may be controlled by the control portion 18, and the ignition function may also be provided by a manual operation by a user. The number, shape, configuration, etc. of the ignition portions 15 may be designed in various ways, which may vary according to the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the ignition portion 15 may be configured in a fixed position. Specifically, as shown in fig. 1 or the like, the ignition portion 15 may be configured to ignite the vicinity of the upstream end of the inserted smoking article 30. In this case, the structure of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 is simplified, so that the defect rate at the time of manufacture can be minimized.

In some other embodiments, the ignition portion 15 may be designed and implemented to be movable. The specific implementation method can be any method. For example, the ignition portion 15 may be implemented to be moved in the longitudinal direction by a manual operation by a user or a control edge of the control portion 18. In some examples, the control portion 18 may move the ignition portion 15 to the upstream end of the smoking article 30 in response to detecting the insertion of the smoking article 30. According to the present embodiment, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 is universally applicable to smoking articles of various lengths, thereby enabling a great improvement in the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1.

Next, the sidestream smoke treatment portion 16 may be configured in the smoking space, thereby performing various treatments on sidestream smoke generated by the inserted smoking article 30. For example, the sidestream smoke treatment portion 16 may be located between the inserted smoking article 30 and the rear cover 13, thereby performing a function for purifying sidestream smoke. In addition, the sidestream smoke treatment section 16 may also perform an exhaust function for smoothly discharging the purified sidestream smoke to the outside. However, the detailed structure and manner of operation of the sidestream smoke treatment section 16 may be designed in a variety of ways and may vary from one embodiment to another.

In some embodiments, as shown, the sidestream smoke treatment portion 16 may be configured to include a filtering structure 161 and an exhaust fan 162. The filter structure 161 may function to purify sidestream smoke and the exhaust fan 162 may function to exhaust sidestream smoke. For example, the exhaust fan 162 may suck the side stream smoke toward the filter structure 161 side by rotating, and may smoothly discharge the side stream smoke passing through the filter structure 161 to the outside. The operation of the exhaust fan 162 may be controlled by the control section 18, which will be described later with reference to the drawings of fig. 7 and the like.

Second, a mesh net 17 may be disposed between the sidestream smoke treatment portion 16 and the back cover 13, thereby functioning as a safety net. For example, the mesh screen 17 may prevent certain objects (e.g., pieces of the filter structure 161, etc.) inside the smoking space from escaping in the direction of the back cover 13.

Next, the display portion 19 may be located at the outer surface of the housing 11, and display various types of information under the control of the control portion 18. For example, the display unit 19 may display information related to the smoking progress status, device information, smoking history information, user information, and the like. Here, for example, the information on the smoking progress status may include smoking progress status information (e.g., any information on the smoking progress status such as smoking progress, current combustion position, the number of remaining puffs, smoking time, remaining smoking time, etc.), smoking information (e.g., all information on a puff event such as the number of puffs, a puff duration (duration of one puff), a puff interval, a puff intensity, whether or not in progress of puff, etc.), and the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, the device information may include information of a power supply state, whether a malfunction, a battery state (e.g., a remaining power, whether charging is required, etc.), and the like, but is not limited thereto. The smoking history information may include, but is not limited to, the number of accumulated smoking times, and the like.

The display section 19 is provided with a visual display unit such as an LED display or the like to be able to visually display the various information. However, the specific display unit thereof can be freely changed.

Next, the control unit 18 can control the overall operation of the sidestream smoke removal device 1. For example, the control unit 18 may control the operation of the exhaust fan 162, the operation of the display unit 19, and the operation of other components included in the sidestream smoke removal apparatus 1. The control unit 18 may determine the smoking progress of the smoking article 30, and determine whether or not the sidestream smoke removal device 1 is in an operable state by checking the state of the constituent elements of each sidestream smoke removal device 1. A detailed operation method of the control section 18 will be described later in detail with reference to fig. 7 to 10.

The control section 18 may be implemented by at least one processor (processor). The processor may be implemented by a plurality of logic gate arrays, or by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable by the microprocessor. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the control unit 18 may be realized by other hardware.

Although the control section 18 is shown in fig. 1 as being located outside the housing 11 of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, this is for ease of understanding only and the location of the control section 18 may be freely changed. For example, the control section 18 may be disposed at a specific position inside the housing 11 in order to prevent a malfunction due to an external impact.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, on the other hand, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may also include a module that provides an audible and/or tactile output. For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may also include speakers, vibration modules, etc. In this case, the control section 18 can provide various information to the user by further using the illustrated module.

Thus far, the basic structure of a lateral flow smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to fig. 1. Hereinafter, various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 6. However, for the sake of clarity of the present disclosure, description of the contents repeated with the foregoing embodiments will be omitted.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 2, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include a heating portion 40 disposed inside the housing 11 (i.e., smoking space).

The heating portion 40 may remove odors generated by smoking byproducts (e.g., soot, sidestream smoke, etc.) by heating the smoking space. Therefore, the cleanliness of the smoking space can be improved, and the problem of discomfort of users caused by the diffusion of smell accumulated in the smoking space to the outside can be solved. The operation of the heating unit 40, the heating temperature, and the like can be controlled by the control unit 18.

On the other hand, the shape, the operation time, the heating temperature (intensity), the heating time, and the like of the heating portion 40 may be variously designed.

In some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may have a shape (e.g., an elongated shape as illustrated in fig. 2, a shape similar to the support portion 22 as illustrated in fig. 5) and a configuration shape that is capable of supporting the sides of the smoking article 30. In this case, the heating portion 40 may function to support the smoking article 30 during smoking, and may function to remove odors caused by smoking byproducts after smoking.

Further, in some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may heat the smoking space to a temperature of about 50 ℃ to 200 ℃, preferably about 70 ℃ to 180 ℃, about 90 ℃ to 150 ℃, or about 110 ℃ to 130 ℃. Within this range, it was confirmed that the odor caused by the smoking by-product was effectively removed.

Further, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 may be determined based on the suction duration or the suction intensity. For example, as the suction period increases or the suction intensity increases, the control section 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating section 40 to be a higher value. This is because as the puff length increases (or puff intensity increases), the smoking by-products (e.g., soot and sidestream smoke) will also increase. In the opposite case, the control section 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating section 40 to be a lower value. The length of the suction and the suction strength can be measured in any way.

Further, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 may be determined based on the smoking time. For example, as the smoking time increases, the control section 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating section 40 to a higher value. This is because as smoking time increases, the smoking byproducts (e.g., soot and sidestream smoke) will also increase. In the opposite case, the control section 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating section 40 to be a lower value. The smoking time can be found by the difference between the smoking start time point and the smoking end time point, and any method can be used as a method for detecting the smoking start time point and the end time point. For example, the control section 18 may detect the smoking start time point and the end time point using the temperature sensor 20.

Further, in some embodiments, the operating time point of the heating portion 40 may be determined based on the suction time point. Further, the control section 18 may cause the heating section 40 to operate each time suction is detected. This is because each puff produces a smoking by-product. The method for detecting suction may be any method. For example, the control section 18 may detect suction using the temperature sensor 20, which will be described later.

Further, in some embodiments, the operating time point of the heating portion 40 may be determined based on the smoking end time point. For example, the control unit 18 may operate the heating unit 40 at a point in time when smoking is completed. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may cause the heating unit 40 to operate after the smoking end time point (for example, cause the heating unit 40 to operate after 1 second has elapsed from the smoking end time point), or may cause the heating unit 40 to operate before the smoking end time point (for example, cause the heating unit 40 to operate before 1 second of the estimated smoking end time point). Any method may be used as a method for detecting or predicting the end of smoking. For example, the heating unit 40 may detect or predict the end of smoking using the temperature sensor 20, or may predict the end of smoking based on the number of puffs (for example, if the number of puffs reaches a certain value, it is predicted that smoking will end).

Further, in some embodiments, the heating (operating) time of the heating portion 40 may be determined based on the smoking time. For example, as the smoking time increases, the control section 18 may determine the heating time of the heating section 40 to a higher value. This is because as the smoking time becomes longer, the smoking byproducts (e.g., soot and sidestream smoke) will also increase. In the opposite case, the control section 18 may determine the heating time of the heating section 40 to be a lower value.

Further, in some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may operate based on a combination of the various embodiments. For example, the control portion 40 causes the heating portion 40 to operate each time suction is sensed, and the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 may be dynamically determined (adjusted) based on the length or intensity of the detected suction. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may operate the heating unit 40 after the end of smoking, and dynamically determine (adjust) the heating time or the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 based on the smoking time.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 3, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may include a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2 disposed at different positions from each other within the smoking space. For example, the plurality of temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2 may be configured in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 30. Alternatively, a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2) may be disposed at positions opposite to each other. Although two temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2 are illustrated in fig. 2, the number of temperature sensors may be three or more. In this case, the arrangement intervals of the temperature sensors may be the same or different. When a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2) are used, the smoking progress status (e.g., smoking progress) can be monitored more accurately, and various monitoring information can be obtained. However, the specific monitoring method may vary depending on the number and configuration of the temperature sensors.

In some embodiments, the onset of smoking is detected (judged) by a temperature sensor (e.g., 20-2) disposed near the upstream end of the smoking material section. For example, when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor (e.g., 20-2) is equal to or higher than a reference value, the control unit 18 may determine that smoking has started.

Further, in some embodiments, the smoking progress (e.g., current smoking (combustion) position) of the smoking article 30 may be determined by comparing measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2) configured in the longitudinal direction. This example will be described in more detail later with reference to fig. 8 and 9.

Further, in some embodiments, a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2) may be disposed at positions opposite to each other with respect to the smoking article 30 being inserted, or may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the smoking article 30 (e.g., four temperature sensors 20 disposed at 90 degree intervals) within the smoking space. In this case, the degree of tipping (rocking) of the smoking article 30 may be determined by comparing the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2). For example, when the measured temperature of a particular temperature sensor is higher than the measured temperatures of other temperature sensors, the control section 18 may determine that the smoking article 30 inserted in the direction of the particular temperature sensor is inclined. Alternatively, when the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1, 20-2) are changed to be equal to or higher than the reference value, the control unit 18 may determine that the inserted smoking article 30 is being shaken.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view for explaining a third modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 4, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further comprise an elastic support portion 21 coupled to the ignition portion 14. The elastic support portion 21 is formed of an elastic body capable of expanding and contracting, thereby being capable of performing a function of elastically supporting the upstream end of the inserted smoking article 30. For example, as the smoking article 30 is inserted and brought into close contact with the upstream end of the smoking article 30, the elastic support portion 21 contracts by the insertion force, so that the smoking article 30 can be stably supported. In addition, the elastic support 21 can stably support smoking articles (e.g., 30) having various lengths (e.g., L1) by expanding and contracting, so that the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be greatly improved.

On the other hand, in some embodiments, the ignition portion 15 may have a shape (for example, needle-like) at least a portion of which protrudes acutely toward the article insertion portion 12. In this case, the ignition portion 15 penetrates the upstream end of the smoking article 30 as the smoking article 30 is inserted, and thus can more firmly support the smoking article 30 upon ignition. That is, the problem of misfire due to rocking of the smoking article 30 upon ignition can be significantly alleviated.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fourth modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 5, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include a support portion 22 for supporting a side surface of the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The support 22 may support the sides of the smoking article 30, thereby enabling the smoking article 30 to be prevented from rocking during smoking in advance.

The number, arrangement, shape, etc. of the support portions 22 may be designed in various ways. For example, as shown, a plurality of support portions 22 may be provided to simultaneously support the side of the first portion and the side of the second portion of the smoking article 30. In order to support a specific portion of the smoking article 30, a plurality of support portions 22 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the smoking article 30 (for example, four support portions 22 may be arranged at 90 degree intervals), or one annular support portion 22 may be arranged.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a fifth modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown in fig. 6, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include a cutting portion 23 disposed in the smoking space. The cut 23 prevents further combustion by cutting off the smoking article 30 being combusted, so that a safe fire extinguishing function can be provided at a point in time desired by the user, and the risk of burns caused by carelessness of the user (for example, the risk of burns caused by carelessness in the case of directly extinguishing a fire) and the risk of fire can be minimized. However, the implementation method of the cutting portion 23 may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may be configured in a fixed position and configured to sever a particular portion of the inserted smoking article 30. For example, the cutting portion 23 may be fixedly disposed at a position where it is possible to cut between the filter portion and the smoke-absorbing material portion. In this case, a safe fire extinguishing function can be ensured regardless of the current smoking (burning) position of the smoking article 30, and the structure of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be simplified.

In some other embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may be configured to be movable. For example, the cutting portion 23 may be configured to be moved by an external force (manual operation) of a user, or may be configured to be moved under the control of the control portion 18. As a more specific example, the cutting portion 23 may be automatically moved by the control portion 18 into proximity of the current smoking (combustion) position of the smoking article 30. For the method for the control section 18 to determine the current smoking (combustion) position of the smoking article 30, reference may be made to the description of fig. 9.

Further, in some embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may operate by an action of a user pressing a button (not shown in the drawings) provided on the outer surface of the housing 11, an action for rotating the housing 11, an action of expanding or contracting the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction, or the like. The cutting portion 23 may have a structure mechanically linked with the outer case 11 so as to operate by the illustrated operation, and may be realized such that the control portion 18 operates the cutting portion 23 by the illustrated operation.

Thus far, various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to fig. 2 to 6. Hereinafter, a control method of the lateral flow smoke removing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 7 and the following drawings.

The various steps of the control method to be described below may be performed by the control portion (e.g., 18) of the sidestream smoke removal device (e.g., 1). Furthermore, each step of the control method may be implemented by one or more instructions executed by the control section. The control method may be applied to various types of sidestream smoke removal devices, but for ease of understanding, it is assumed that the control method is performed in the sidestream smoke removal device 1 illustrated in fig. 1 to 6 to continue the description. Therefore, in the following description, when the subject of a specific action is omitted, it can be understood that it is performed by the illustrated control section 18 of the apparatus 1.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method of controlling a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is just a preferred embodiment for achieving the objects of the present disclosure, and some steps may be added or deleted as necessary, of course.

As shown in fig. 7, the control method may be performed starting from step S10 for detecting the start of smoking. The onset of smoking can be detected in this step in a number of ways.

In some embodiments, the control portion 18 may detect the start of smoking by receiving a user input (e.g., a button input, etc.) for causing the ignition portion 15 to operate. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may recognize the start of smoking by receiving a user input (for example, a button input or the like) requesting the start of smoking, and may cause the ignition unit 15 to operate.

In some other embodiments, the control portion 18 may detect the start of smoking in response to a determination that the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 20 is above a reference value. At this time, for example, the temperature sensor 20 may be configured to measure the temperature near the upstream end of the smoking article 30 within the smoking space.

In step S20, the control section 18 may open (e.g., partially open, fully open) the ventilation hole 111 in response to detecting the start of smoking. This is because the combustion of the smoking article 30 can be promoted by the external air that enters via the ventilation holes 111. Further, the control unit 18 may operate the exhaust fan 162. This is because the sidestream smoke generated during smoking can be smoothly discharged with the operation of the exhaust fan 162.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control portion 18 may also control the ventilation hole 111 and the exhaust fan 162 according to a user's smoking event during smoking. However, the specific control method may be various.

In some examples, the control 18 may adjust the opening and closing degree of the vent 111 according to the pumping event. Specifically, the control section 18 may open the exhaust hole 111 more at the time of suction and open the exhaust hole 111 less at the time of non-suction. In this case, when smoking, outside air more smoothly enters, so that combustion of the smoking article 30 can be promoted. In addition, the problem of leakage of the side stream smoke that is not purified when not sucked can be alleviated. For reference, since a large amount of sidestream smoke is not generated at the time of suction and an air flow path of the air entering through the exhaust hole 111 is formed, a problem of sidestream smoke leakage does not occur even if the exhaust hole 111 is opened.

In some other examples, the control portion 18 may operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in the reverse direction when suctioning, and operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in the forward direction when non-suctioning. Here, the forward direction may refer to a rotational direction in which the side stream smoke is sucked toward the filter structure 161 side, and the reverse direction may refer to a rotational direction opposite thereto. In this case, the airflow is concentrated on the upstream end side of the smoking article 30 at the time of smoking, thereby promoting combustion, and the sidestream smoke is inhaled toward the filter structure 161 at the time of non-smoking, thereby enabling smooth discharge of sidestream smoke.

In some other examples, the control portion 18 may adjust the degree of opening and closing of the exhaust hole 111 and/or the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 according to information about the suction event (e.g., suction intensity, suction interval, suction duration, etc.). For example, the control portion 18 may open the ventilation hole 111 more when the intensity of suction increases or the length of suction increases or the suction interval is shortened. In the opposite case, the control section 18 may open the vent hole 111 less. This is because, when the smoking article 30 burns unevenly, the likelihood of the puff strength increasing is high. Alternatively, when the suction intensity increases or the suction duration increases or the suction interval shortens, the control portion 18 may increase the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 (i.e., the rotational speed in the opposite direction) at the time of suction. In the opposite case, the control portion 18 may reduce the rotation speed of the exhaust fan 162.

In some other examples, the control section 18 may also perform control based on a combination of the examples.

In the above-described embodiment, the method by which the control section 18 detects suction may be various. For example, the control section 18 may detect suction from a temperature change measured by the temperature sensor 20. Specifically, when the degree of temperature change is equal to or greater than the reference value (for example, in the case where the combustion temperature of the smoking article 30 is instantaneously raised), the control portion 18 may recognize that suction has occurred. This is to be understood as taking advantage of the phenomenon that combustion at the upstream end of the smoking article 30 is accelerated when smoking. Further, the control section 18 may determine the suction intensity based on the degree of temperature change. For example, the control unit 18 may determine that the higher the degree of temperature change, the stronger the suction intensity, and the lower the degree of temperature change, the weaker the suction intensity.

In step S30, the control unit 18 may detect the end of smoking. In this step, the manner in which the control section 18 detects the end of smoking may be varied, and may be varied according to the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the control 18 may detect the end of smoking based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20. At this time, for example, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed in the vicinity of the downstream end of the smoking material portion of the smoking article 30. For example, when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 20 is equal to or higher than the reference value or is lowered again after the measured temperature rises, the control section 18 may determine that smoking has ended.

In some other embodiments, the control portion 18 may also detect the end of smoking based on the elapsed time after the start of smoking, a puff event, and the like. For example, the control section 18 may determine that smoking has ended when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of smoking, when the number of puffs is equal to or greater than a reference value, or when no puff has been detected for a predetermined time or more since the last puff.

In some other embodiments, the end of smoking condition may be set. For example, the smoking end condition may be set according to the number of puffs, the elapsed time of smoking, and the like. In this case, the control section 18 may determine the end of smoking in response to a preset smoking end condition being satisfied.

In step S40, the control section 18 may perform an automatic fire extinguishing function in response to detecting the end of smoking. In this step, the manner in which the control section 18 performs the automatic fire extinguishing function may be varied.

In some embodiments, the control portion 18 may close the vent 111 and stop the operation of the exhaust fan 162. In this case, since the entry of outside air is prevented by the closing of the ventilation hole 111, the extinguishment of the smoking article 30 is naturally achieved by the lack of oxygen.

In some other embodiments, the control portion 18 may stop the operation after closing the ventilation hole 111 and operating the exhaust fan 162 for a predetermined time, or continue to operate the exhaust fan 162. In this case, the entry of external air is blocked by the closing of the ventilation hole 111, and the internal air is discharged to the outside by the exhaust fan 162, so that the fire extinguishing of the smoking article 30 can be naturally achieved.

In some other embodiments, the control section 18 may also perform a self-extinguishing function by causing the cutting section 23 to act.

In some other embodiments, the control section 18 may perform the automatic fire extinguishing function based on a combination of the above embodiments. For example, the control section 18 may perform the self-extinguishing function by a first extinguishing process of closing the ventilation hole 111 and stopping the operation of the exhaust fan 162 and a second extinguishing process of cutting the inserted smoking article 30 with the cutting section 23. In this case, the first fire extinguishing process and the second fire extinguishing process may be performed regardless of the order.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the control part 18 may operate the exhaust fan 162 in the positive direction (i.e., the suction direction) for a predetermined time in response to detecting the end of smoking. In this case, smoke by-products such as soot are collected in the vicinity of the filter structure 161 by the exhaust fan 162, so that the inside cleaning of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be more easily performed. In some examples, the control portion 18 may adjust the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 based on the degree of burn-up of the smoking article 30. For example, when the smoking article 30 is completely burned out, there are more byproducts, so the control portion 18 may rotate the exhaust fan 162 more rapidly, and in the opposite case, rotate the exhaust fan 162 more slowly. The degree of burn-up of the smoking article 30 can be determined based on the number of puffs, the elapsed time of smoking, the current combustion (smoking) position (see fig. 9), and the like.

In step S50, the control unit 18 may heat the smoking space by operating the heating unit 40. Thereby, the odor generated by the smoking by-product in the smoking space can be effectively removed. However, the control unit 18 may periodically or aperiodically operate the heating unit 40 even during smoking, as the case may be. For example, the control portion 18 may also cause the heating portion 40 to operate each time a puff is sensed in order to quickly remove the smell of the smoking by-product resulting from the puff.

The operating time point, heating temperature, heating time, etc. of the heating portion 40 may be designed in various ways, and a description thereof will be omitted in order to exclude duplicate descriptions.

On the other hand, although step S40 and step S50 are illustrated in fig. 7 as being sequentially performed, this is for convenience of understanding only, and step S40 and step S50 may be performed in a different order from the illustrated one or may be performed simultaneously.

Thus far, a method of controlling a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to fig. 7. According to the method, the ventilation hole 111 and the exhaust fan 162 can be appropriately controlled according to the smoking progress situation, so that the user's satisfaction with the device can be improved. In addition, since the automatic fire extinguishing function is performed at the end of smoking, the risk of fire and burn caused by carelessness of the user can be minimized. Further, the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be improved by effectively removing odors remaining in the smoking space by heating.

Hereinafter, a control method of the lateral flow smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 8. However, for the sake of clarity of the present disclosure, description of the contents repeated with the control method illustrated in fig. 7 will be omitted.

Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating a method of controlling a sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is just a preferred embodiment for achieving the objects of the present disclosure, and some steps may be added or deleted as necessary, of course.

As shown in fig. 8, the control method may be performed starting from step S110 at which smoking start is detected. In this step, the control unit 18 may display a presentation for instructing the end of smoking via the display unit 19. For further explanation of this step, reference may be made to step S10 illustrated in fig. 7.

In step S120, the control unit 18 may monitor the smoking progress status. Here, the smoking progress condition may include all conditions related to smoking such as smoking progress and a smoking event.

In some embodiments, the control portion 18 may accurately determine the smoking progress (or the current smoking (combustion) position) of the smoking article 30 by comparing the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors 20 disposed at different positions. Specifically, as shown in fig. 9, it is assumed that a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 are arranged in the longitudinal direction in the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device 1. At this time, the control unit 18 may determine the current combustion (smoking) position and smoking progress of the smoking article 30 by comparing the measured temperatures of the first temperature sensor 20-1, the second temperature sensor 20-2, and the third temperature sensor 20-3. For example, when the measured temperature of the first temperature sensor 20-1 is lowest, the measured temperature of the second temperature sensor 20-2 is lower than the measured temperature of the third temperature sensor 20-3, and the measured temperature of the third temperature sensor 20-3 is highest, the control portion 18 may determine that the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 is located between the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3 and closer to the third temperature sensor 20-3. At this time, the control unit 18 may determine that the current combustion (smoking) position is closer to the third temperature sensor 20-3 as the temperature difference between the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3 is larger.

In step S130, the control unit 18 may display the monitoring information on the display unit 19. However, the type of monitoring information and its specific display method may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the control portion 18 may display information about the progress of smoking via the display portion 19. For example, the control section 18 may control the display section 19 to display a representation (e.g., a cigarette-shaped object) for indicating the smoking article 30 (or the smoking progress), and decrease the length of the representation as smoking proceeds. As another example, as illustrated in fig. 10, the control section 18 may control the display section 19 to display a presentation area (e.g., LED lighting area/section) for indicating the progress of smoking through the display section 19, and change the size of the presentation area (e.g., the number of LED lighting areas/sections) as smoking progresses. In this case, the size of the presentation area may increase or may decrease as smoking proceeds.

In some other embodiments, the control portion 18 may display information about the pumping event via the display portion 19. For example, the control section 18 may display the number of times of suction. As another example, the control section 18 may display a representation indicating that suction is being performed in response to detecting suction.

In step S140, the control unit 18 may detect the end of smoking. In this step, the control unit 18 may display a presentation for instructing the end of smoking via the display unit 19. For further explanation of this step, reference may be made to step S30 illustrated in fig. 7.

On the other hand, when the end of smoking is detected, the control section 18 performs the automatic fire extinguishing function, and a representation for indicating the automatic fire extinguishing may be displayed by the display section 19, or when the automatic fire extinguishing is completed, a representation for indicating the completion of the automatic fire extinguishing may be displayed.

Thus far, a control method of a lateral flow smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to fig. 8 to 10. According to the method, information about the smoking progress status can be displayed by the display section 19. Thus, the user can confirm the smoking progress in real time through the display unit 19, and thus the convenience and safety of use can be greatly improved.

The technical ideas of the present disclosure, which have been described so far with reference to fig. 1 to 10, may be implemented by computer-readable codes in a computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium may be, for example, a removable storage medium (CD, DVD, blu-ray disc, USB storage device, removable hard disk) or a fixed storage medium (ROM, RAM, computer-provided hard disk). The computer program stored in the computer-readable storage medium can be transmitted to another computing device via a network such as the internet, and can be used in the other computing device.

Even though all the components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above as being combined as a single unit or combined to operate as a single unit, the technical ideas of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments. That is, within the scope of the objects of the present disclosure, one or more components may be selectively combined to operate as one or more units among these components.

Operations are illustrated in a particular order in the figures, but should not be understood as requiring only the performance of the operations in the particular order illustrated or in a stepwise order, or as requiring only the performance of all of the operations illustrated. In certain cases, multitasking and parallel processing may also be advantageous. In particular, the separation of various structures in the embodiments described above should not be understood as necessarily requiring such separation, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can be integrated together as a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that other specific forms may be practiced without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and not limiting in all respects. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the claims, and all technical spirit explanations within the equivalent scope should fall within the scope of the technical ideas defined by the present disclosure.

Claims (10)

1. A sidestream smoke removal device, comprising:

a housing having a smoking space formed therein;

an article insertion portion located at one end of the housing and formed with an opening for inserting a smoking article into the smoking space;

a lighting portion for lighting a smoking article inserted into the smoking space;

a sidestream smoke treatment portion for treating sidestream smoke generated by a smoking article inserted into said smoking space; and

and a heating unit which is disposed inside the housing and heats the smoking space.

2. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

the heating temperature of the heating part is 50 ℃ to 200 ℃.

3. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

the operating time point of the heating portion is determined based on the smoking end time point.

4. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

the operating time point of the heating section is determined based on the suction time point.

5. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 4, wherein,

the heating temperature of the heating portion is determined based on the suction period or the suction intensity.

6. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

the heating time of the heating portion is determined based on the smoking time.

7. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

the heating temperature of the heating portion is determined based on the smoking time.

8. The sidestream smoke removal device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature near a downstream end of a smoking material portion for constituting the inserted smoking article; and

and a control unit that determines whether or not smoking is completed based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor.

9. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

a vent hole is formed in the housing, the vent hole allowing external air to enter.

10. The sidestream smoke removal device of claim 1, wherein,

a vent hole for allowing external air to enter is formed in the housing,

the sidestream smoke treatment portion includes an exhaust fan for exhausting the sidestream smoke,

the sidestream smoke removal device further comprises a control portion that closes the vent and stops operation of the exhaust fan in response to detecting the end of smoking.