WO2023022370A1

WO2023022370A1 - Sidestream smoke removing device and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023022370A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/010040
Authority: WO
Inventors: 한승규; 박진원; 김재현; 김태헌
Original assignee: 주식회사 케이티앤지
Priority date: 2021-08-19
Filing date: 2022-07-11
Publication date: 2023-02-23
Also published as: JP2023554302A; US20240081393A1; KR20230027463A; EP4252558A1; CN116669579A

Abstract

A sidestream smoke removing device and a control method thereof are provided. A sidestream smoke removing device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a housing having a smoke-generating space formed therein; an article insertion part positioned at one end of the housing and forming an opening through which a smoking article is inserted into a smoke-generating space; an ignition part for igniting the smoking article inserted into the smoke-generating space; a sidestream smoke processing part for processing sidestream smoke generated in the smoking article inserted in the smoke-generating space; and a heating part disposed in the housing to heat the smoke-generating space. The heating part can remove odor generated by a smoking by-product by heating the smoke-generating space, so that the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removing device can be improved.

Description

Sidestream smoke removal device and control method thereof

The present disclosure relates to a sidestream smoke removal device and a control method thereof. More specifically, it relates to a sidestream smoke removal device capable of improving device cleanliness and user satisfaction by removing odors caused by smoking by-products remaining inside the device and a control method thereof.

A sidestream smoke removal device is a type of smoking aid that usually has a smoking space enclosed therein and a sidestream smoke removal means. Users can receive beneficial effects such as reducing hand odor and removing (purifying) sidestream smoke by inserting a cigarette into the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device and smoking.

However, since smoking by-products such as cigarette ash and sidestream smoke remain in the closed smoking space even after smoking, the resulting unpleasant smell remains in the smoking space and deteriorates the cleanliness of the device. In addition, the smell accumulated in the smoking space may diffuse to the outside when the device is opened, causing discomfort to the user.

A technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a sidestream smoke removal device capable of improving device cleanliness and user satisfaction by removing odors caused by smoking by-products remaining in the device and a control method of the device. is to provide

Another technical problem to be solved through some embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a sidestream smoke removal device and a control method of the device with improved usability and safety.

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

In order to solve the above technical problem, a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing having a smoking space formed therein, and an opening positioned at one end of the housing for inserting a smoking article into the smoking space. An article insertion part forming an article insertion part, an ignition part for igniting a smoking article inserted into the smoking space, a sidestream smoke processing part for treating sidestream smoke generated from a smoking article inserted into the smoking space, and a sidestream smoke treatment part disposed inside the housing to form the smoking space It may include a heating unit for heating.

In some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating unit may be 50°C to 200°C.

In some embodiments, an operation time of the heating unit may be determined based on a smoking end time.

In some embodiments, an operating time of the heating unit may be determined based on a puff time.

In some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating unit may be determined based on a smoking time.

In some embodiments, the sidestream smoke removal device includes a temperature sensor disposed to measure a temperature near a downstream end of the smoking material portion constituting the inserted smoking article and determining whether to quit smoking based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. A control unit may be further included.

In some embodiments, a vent hole through which outside air is introduced may be formed in the housing.

In some embodiments, a vent hole through which outside air is introduced is formed in the housing, the sidestream smoke processing unit includes an exhaust fan for exhausting the sidestream smoke, and the sidestream smoke removal device responds to detecting termination of smoking to perform the sidestream smoke treatment. The controller may further include a controller for closing the vent hole and stopping the operation of the exhaust fan.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure described above, a heating unit for heating a smoking space may be disposed inside the device. The heating unit can improve the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device by removing unpleasant odors generated by smoking by-products through heating. In addition, as a result, the odor accumulated in the smoking space is diffused to the outside, thereby solving the problem of causing discomfort to the user.

Also, information on the progress of smoking may be automatically provided to the user through the display unit. Accordingly, the user can directly check the progress of smoking without manipulating the device, and thus convenience and safety of use can be greatly improved.

Additionally, by using one or more temperature sensors disposed within the smoking space, smoking progress can be easily monitored without an additional monitoring module. For example, a puff event can be easily monitored by measuring a change in temperature, and the current burning position of a smoking article can also be easily monitored by comparing the measured temperatures at a plurality of temperature sensors.

In addition, the vent hole and the exhaust fan can be appropriately controlled according to the progress of smoking, and thus the user's satisfaction with smoking can be improved.

In addition, an automatic fire extinguishing function may be performed as the end of smoking is sensed. Accordingly, the risk of fire and the risk of burns due to the user's negligence can be minimized, and user convenience can be improved.

Effects according to the technical spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

1 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the basic configuration of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

8 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

9 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a current combustion position determination method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods of achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented in various different forms, and only the following embodiments complete the technical idea of the present disclosure, and in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs. It is provided to completely inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is only defined by the scope of the claims.

In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. In addition, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In addition, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly specifically defined. Terminology used herein is for describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms unless specifically stated otherwise in a phrase.

Also, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used in describing the components of the present disclosure. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, order, or order of the corresponding component is not limited by the term. When an element is described as being “connected,” “coupled to,” or “connected” to another element, that element is directly connected or connectable to the other element, but there is another element between the elements. It will be understood that elements may be “connected”, “coupled” or “connected”.

As used in this disclosure, "comprises" and/or "comprising" means that a stated component, step, operation, and/or element is one or more other components, steps, operations, and/or elements. Existence or additions are not excluded.

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

In the following examples, a “smoking article” means any smokeable product, whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Alternatively, it may mean any product capable of providing a smoking experience. For example, smoking articles may include smokeable products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, and the like.

In the following embodiments, “smoking material” may refer to a material that generates smoke and/or aerosol or is used for smoking. For example, the smoking material may include tobacco material. Tobacco material may include, for example, pieces of tobacco leaf, tobacco stems or materials processed therefrom, and the like. As a more specific example, the tobacco material may include shredded tobacco leaves, shredded reconstituted tobacco, puffed cut filler, puffed midribs, leaflets, and the like. However, it is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, "upstream" or "upstream direction" means a direction away from the user's bend, and "downstream" or "downstream direction" means a direction closer to the user's bend. can do. The terms upstream and downstream may be used to describe the relative positioning of elements making up a smoking article. For example, in the smoking article 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like, the filter portion is positioned downstream or downstream of the smoking material portion, and the smoking substance portion is positioned upstream or upstream of the filter portion.

In the following embodiments, “longitudinal direction” may mean a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article.

In the following embodiments, "puff" means user's inhalation, and inhalation may mean a situation in which the user's mouth or nose is pulled into the user's oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs. .

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

1 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the basic configuration of a sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, figures such as FIG. 1 illustrate a state in which the smoking article 30 is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 includes a housing 11, an article insertion part 12, a back cover 13, an insulator 14, a temperature sensor 20, and an ignition part 15. , a sidestream smoke processing unit 16, a mesh network 17, a display unit 19, and a control unit 18. However, only components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. 1 . Accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs may know that other general-purpose components may be further included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a battery (not shown) for supplying power to electrical components (e.g., the control unit 18, the display unit 19, etc.).

Also, some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may not be essential components of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 . That is, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a form in which some of the illustrated components are omitted. Hereinafter, each component of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 will be described.

The housing 11 may form a smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device 1 and may form at least a part of the exterior of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 . Although FIG. 1 shows the housing 11 as referring to the sidewall of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, the housing 11 includes an article insertion portion 12, a back cover 13, and an insulation portion 14. It may also refer to all of the exterior forming structures. In order to ensure the durability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 and minimize the risk of damage, the housing 11 may be preferably made of a sturdy material.

In some embodiments, a vent hole 111 may be formed in the housing 11 so that outside air can be smoothly introduced into the smoking space. The vent hole 111 can promote combustion of the smoking article 30 by allowing outside air to flow in during smoking, and accordingly, the smoking function of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be greatly improved. Although FIG. 1 shows that one vent hole 111 is formed in the housing 11 as an example, the number of vent holes 111 may be plural. In addition, the formation position, size, interval, etc. of the vent hole 111 may be designed in various ways. Whether and/or the degree of opening and closing of the vent hole 111 may be controlled by the control unit 18, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 .

Next, the article insertion portion 12 may be positioned at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the housing 11 to form an opening through which the smoking article 30 is inserted. A user may insert the smoking article 30 into the smoking space in the sidestream smoke removal device 1 through the article insertion portion 12 . In order to block heat inside the smoking space from being discharged to the outside, the article insertion portion 12 may be made of a heat-insulating material. Further, in order to prevent the inserted smoking article 30 from shaking, it may be desirable for the article insert 12 to have a holder structure capable of holding the smoking article 30 therein.

In some embodiments, the article insert 12 may be structured to adjust the size of the opening. For example, the article insertion unit 12 may have a structure capable of tightening or expanding the opening through manual manipulation. As another example, article insert 12 may be configured to automatically tighten the opening to fit smoking article 30 . As a more specific example, in response to detection of insertion of the smoking article 30 through a sensor or reception of a user input (eg, push of a button), the control unit 18 may control the opening of the article insertion portion 12 to be tightened. . According to this embodiment, since the size of the opening is adjusted to fit the smoking article 30, shaking of the smoking article 30 can be prevented and support stability can be improved. Furthermore, since smoking articles of various sizes can be inserted, the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be improved.

The smoking article 30 may consist of a filter section located downstream and a smoking material section abutting the upstream end of the filter section. However, the detailed structure of the smoking article 30 may be changed as much as possible. The filter unit may include a filter material capable of filtering smoke, and the smoking material unit may include a smoking material. Examples of smoking articles 30 include, but are not limited to, combustible cigarettes, and smoking articles 30 may include any article that produces sidestream smoke when smoked.

Next, the back cover 13 is located at the other end (e.g., the lower end) of the housing 11 and may function as a cover of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 . A gas discharge passage may be formed in the back cover 13 so that the sidestream smoke treated (purified) through the sidestream smoke treatment unit 16 can be discharged to the outside. For example, a gas discharge passage such as a micro hole may be formed in the back cover 13 .

Next, the heat insulator 14 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing 11 to block heat inside the smoking space from being discharged (transferred) to the outside. The insulator 14 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, and prevents the risk of burns due to internal heat when the user's body touches the sidestream smoke removal device 1 (eg, when holding the device 1 for smoking). can play a role

Next, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed within the smoking space to measure 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, and may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, as shown, a temperature sensor 20 may be positioned to measure the temperature near the downstream end of the smoking material portion. In this case, the end of smoking can be accurately determined using only the temperature sensor 20 without an additional monitoring module. . For example, the controller 18 controls whether the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is higher than a reference value (e.g. when the current combustion position has reached the downstream end of the smoking material part), or the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 increases and then drops below the reference value. When it decreases (e.g., when the combustion power at the downstream end of the smoking material part becomes weak), it can be determined that smoking is terminated.

Next, the ignition unit 15 can be disposed in the smoking space to ignite the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The ignition unit 15 may be controlled by the control unit 18 and may provide an ignition function through a user's manual manipulation. The number, shape, arrangement, etc. of the ignition units 15 may be designed in various ways, which may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, ignition unit 15 may be disposed in a fixed location. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the ignition portion 15 may be arranged 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, and the defect rate during manufacturing can be minimized.

In some other embodiments, ignition unit 15 may be designed and implemented to be movable. Any specific implementation method is free. For example, the ignition unit 15 may be implemented to be moved in the longitudinal direction by a user's manual manipulation or by the control of the control unit 18 . In some instances, control member 18 may move ignition member 15 to the upstream end of smoking article 30 in response to sensing insertion of smoking article 30 . According to this embodiment, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be universally applied to smoking articles of various lengths, so that the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be greatly improved.

Next, the sidestream smoke treatment unit 16 may perform various treatments for sidestream smoke generated from the smoking article 30 disposed and inserted into the smoking space. For example, the sidestream smoke treatment unit 16 may be positioned between the inserted smoking article 30 and the back cover 13 to perform a purification function for the sidestream smoke. In addition, the sidestream smoke processing unit 16 may further perform an exhaust function of discharging the purified sidestream smoke to the outside. However, the detailed structure and operating method of the sidestream smoke processing unit 16 may be designed in various ways, which may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, as shown, sidestream smoke treatment unit 16 may be configured to include filter structure 161 and exhaust fan 162 . The filter structure 161 may perform a function of purifying sidestream smoke, and the exhaust fan 162 may perform a function of exhausting sidestream smoke. For example, the exhaust fan 162 may suck sidestream smoke toward the filter structure 161 through rotation and smoothly discharge the sidestream smoke passing through the filter structure 161 to the outside. The operation of the exhaust fan 162 may be controlled by the controller 18, which will be described later with reference to drawings such as FIG. 7.

Next, the mesh network 17 may be disposed between the sidestream smoke treatment unit 16 and the back cover 13 to serve as a safety net. For example, the mesh network 17 may prevent a specific object (e.g., some pieces of the filter structure 161, etc.) from escaping toward the back cover 13 in the smoking space.

Next, the display unit 19 is located on the outer surface of the housing 11 and can display various types of information under the control of the controller 18 . For example, the display unit 19 may display smoking progress information, device information, smoking history information, user information, and the like. Here, the information on the smoking progress is, for example, smoking progress information (e.g. all information related to smoking progress, such as the degree of smoking progress, current combustion position, number of remaining puffs, smoking time, remaining smoking time, etc.), puff information (e.g. puff All information related to the puff event, such as the number of times, puff length, puff interval, puff intensity, whether or not a puff is in progress), etc. may be included, but is not limited thereto. The device information may include information such as, for example, power status, failure status, battery status (e.g. remaining battery level, whether charging is required), etc., but is not limited thereto. The smoking history information may include, but is not limited to, the cumulative smoking count.

The display unit 19 may visually display the various types of information by having a visual display means such as an LED display. However, the specific display means may be varied.

Next, the controller 18 may control the overall operation of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 . For example, the controller 18 may control the operation of the exhaust fan 162, may control the operation of the display unit 19, and may also control the operation of other components included in the sidestream smoke removal device 1. You can control it. In addition, the control unit 18 may determine the progress of smoking for the smoking article 30, check the state of each component of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 to determine whether the sidestream smoke removal device 1 is in an operable state. can also judge. A detailed operation method of the controller 18 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10 .

The controller 18 may be implemented by at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of a plurality of logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable by the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can clearly understand that the control unit 18 may be implemented with other types of hardware.

1 shows the control unit 18 as being located outside the housing 11 of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, but this is only for convenience of understanding, and the position of the control unit 18 can be varied. For example, in order to prevent failure due to external impact, the control unit 18 may be disposed at a specific location inside the housing 11 .

Meanwhile, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a module providing an auditory and/or tactile output. For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a speaker, a vibration module, and the like. In this case, the control unit 18 may provide various types of information to the user by further using the above-exemplified modules.

So far, the basic configuration of the sidestream 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 above-described sidestream smoke removal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 . However, for clarity of the present disclosure, descriptions of overlapping contents with the previous embodiments will be omitted.

2 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a first modified example of a 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 modified example may further include a heating unit 40 disposed inside the housing 11 (ie, the smoking space).

The heating unit 40 may remove odors generated by smoking by-products (e.g., cigarette ash, sidestream smoke, etc.) by heating the smoking space. By doing so, the cleanliness of the smoking space can be improved, and the problem that odor accumulated in the smoking space diffuses to the outside and causes discomfort to the user can be solved. Operation and heating temperature of the heating unit 40 may be controlled by the control unit 18 .

On the other hand, the shape of the heating unit 40, operation time, heating temperature (intensity), heating time, etc. can be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the heating element 40 can have a shape (e.g. an elongated shape illustrated in FIG. 2 , a shape similar to support 22 illustrated in FIG. 5 ) and a configuration capable of supporting a side of a smoking article 30 . can have In this case, the heating unit 40 may serve to support the smoking article 30 during smoking, and may serve to remove odors caused by smoking by-products after smoking.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating unit 40 may heat the smoking space to a temperature of about 50°C to 200°C, preferably about 70°C to 180°C, about 90°C to 150°C, or about 110°C. It can be heated to a temperature of °C to 130 °C. Within this numerical range, it was confirmed that odors due to smoking by-products are effectively removed.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 may be determined based on the puff length or puff strength. For example, the control unit 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 as a higher value as the puff length is longer or the puff strength is stronger. This is because the amount of smoking by-products (e.g. cigarette ash, sidestream smoke) generated will increase as the puff length increases (or the puff strength increases). In the opposite case, the control unit 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 as a lower value. The puff length and puff strength may be measured in any way.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 may be determined based on the smoking time. For example, the controller 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 as a higher value as the smoking time increases. This is because the generation of smoking by-products (e.g. cigarette ash, sidestream smoke) will increase as the smoking time increases. In the opposite case, the control unit 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 as a lower value. The smoking time may be obtained by the difference between the smoking start time and the end time, and any method may be used to detect the smoking start time and end time. For example, the control unit 18 may detect smoking start and end times using the temperature sensor 20 .

Also, in some embodiments, an operation time point of the heating unit 40 may be determined based on a puff time point. For example, the controller 18 may operate the heating unit 40 whenever a puff is sensed. This is because every time a puff is performed, smoking by-products will be generated. Any method of detecting the puff may be used. For example, the controller 18 may detect a puff using the temperature sensor 20, which will be described later.

Also, in some embodiments, an operation time of the heating unit 40 may be determined based on a smoking end time. For example, the control unit 18 may operate the heating unit 40 at the end of smoking. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may operate the heating unit 40 after the smoking end point (eg, operating the heating unit 40 1 second after the smoking end point), or before the expected smoking end point, the heating unit 40 ) may be operated (e.g. the heating unit 40 is operated 1 second before the predicted end of smoking). A method of detecting or predicting quitting smoking may be any method. 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 (e.g., smoking ends when the number of puffs reaches a certain value). predicted to end).

Also, in some embodiments, the heating (operation) time of the heating unit 40 may be determined based on the smoking time. For example, the controller 18 may determine the heating time of the heating unit 40 as a larger value as the smoking time increases. This is because the generation of smoking by-products (e.g. cigarette ash, sidestream smoke) will increase as the smoking time increases. In the opposite case, the control unit 18 may determine the heating time of the heating unit 40 as a smaller value.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating unit 40 may operate based on a combination of various embodiments described above. For example, the control unit 40 may operate the heating unit 40 whenever a puff is detected, and dynamically determine (adjust) the heating temperature of the heating unit 40 based on the length or strength of the detected puff. . Alternatively, the controller 40 may operate the heating unit 40 after smoking is finished, and dynamically determine (adjust) the heating time or heating temperature of the heating unit 40 based on the smoking time.

3 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a second modified example of a 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 modified example may include a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1 and 20-2 disposed at different positions in the smoking space. For example, the plurality of temperature sensors 20-1 and 20-2 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the smoking article 30. Alternatively, the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1 and 20-2) may be disposed at positions facing each other. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the arrangement of two temperature sensors 20-1 and 20-2 as an example, 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. If a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1, 20-2) are used, the smoking progress (e.g. smoking progress) can be more accurately monitored, and various monitoring information can be obtained. However, a specific monitoring method may vary depending on the number of temperature sensors and their arrangement positions.

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

Further, in some embodiments, the degree of smoking progress (e.g. current combustion position) of smoking article 30 is determined by comparing measured temperatures of a plurality of longitudinally disposed temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1, 20-2). It can be. This example will be described in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 .

Further, in some embodiments, a plurality of temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1, 20-2) are disposed at opposite positions with respect to the inserted smoking article 30, or in relation to the smoking article 30 within the smoking space. It may be arranged in the circumferential direction of (e.g. four temperature sensors 20 arranged at 90 degree intervals). In this case, the degree of inclination (shaking) of the smoking article 30 may be determined by comparing the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1 and 20-2). For example, if the measured temperature of the specific temperature sensor is higher than that of the other temperature sensors, the controller 18 may determine that the inserted smoking article 30 is tilted in the direction of the specific temperature sensor. Alternatively, when the measured temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g. 20-1, 20-2) fluctuate beyond a reference value, the controller 18 may determine that the inserted smoking article 30 is shaking.

4 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a third modified example of a 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 include an elastic support part 21 coupled to the ignition part 15 . The elastic support portion 21 is made of an elastic body capable of extension and contraction, and may play a role of elastically supporting the upstream end of the inserted smoking article 30 . For example, as the smoking article 30 is inserted, the ignition part 15 is in close contact with the upstream end of the smoking article 30 and the elastic support part 21 is contracted by the insertion force so that the smoking article 30 is stably supported. can In addition, the elastic support 21 stably supports smoking articles (e.g. 30) of various lengths (e.g. L1) through extension and contraction, thereby greatly improving the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the ignition unit 15 may have a sharp protruding shape (e.g. a needle shape) toward the product insertion unit 12 . In this case, as the smoking article 30 is inserted, the ignition portion 15 penetrates the upstream end of the smoking article 30 so that the smoking article 30 is more strongly supported upon ignition. In addition, the problem of poor ignition due to shaking of the smoking article 30 during ignition can be greatly alleviated.

5 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a fourth modified example of a 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 supporting the side of the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The support portion 22 supports the side of the smoking article 30 to prevent the smoking article 30 from shaking during smoking.

The number, arrangement, and shape of the support parts 22 may be designed in various ways. For example, as shown, a plurality of supports 22 may be arranged to simultaneously support the side of the first portion and the side of the second portion of the smoking article 30 . Further, in order to support a specific portion of the smoking article 30, a plurality of supports 22 may be arranged in the circumferential direction of the smoking article 30 (e.g. four supports 22 arranged at 90 degree intervals), ring-shaped. One support portion 22 made of may be disposed.

6 is an exemplary diagram for explaining a fifth modified example of a 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 this modification may further include a cutout 23 disposed in the smoking space. The cutting part 23 cuts the burning smoking article 30 to prevent additional combustion, thereby providing a safe fire extinguishing function at the user's desired time, and the risk of burns that may occur due to the user's negligence (e.g. carelessness in direct fire extinguishing). burn hazard) and fire hazard can be minimized. However, the implementation method of the cutting part 23 may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may be disposed at a fixed location and configured to cut a specific portion of the inserted smoking article 30 . For example, the cutting part 23 may be fixedly disposed at a position capable of cutting between the filter part and the smoking material part. In this case, a safe extinguishing function can be ensured regardless of the current combustion (smoking) 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 unit 23 may be configured to be moved by a user's external force (manual operation) or may be configured to be moved by the control of the control unit 18 . As a more specific example, the cut 23 may be automatically moved by the control 18 to the vicinity of the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 . The manner in which the controller 18 determines the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 refers to the description of FIG. 9 .

Also, in some embodiments, the cutting part 23 may include an operation by which the user presses a push-type button (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the housing 11, an operation of twisting the housing 11, and an operation of moving the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction. It may also be operated by an operation of extending or contracting with a . The cutting part 23 may be made of a structure that mechanically interlocks with the housing 11 so as to be operated by the above-exemplified operations, and implemented so that the control unit 18 operates the cutting part 23 by the above-exemplified operations. It could be.

So far, various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 . Hereinafter, a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings below in FIG. 7 .

Each step of the control method to be described below may be performed by the controller (e.g. 18) of the sidestream smoke removal device (e.g. 1). In addition, each step of the control method may be implemented as one or more instructions executed by the control unit. The control method may be applied to various types of sidestream smoke removal devices, but for convenience of understanding, the description will be continued on the assumption that the control method is performed in the sidestream smoke removal device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 . Therefore, when the subject of a specific operation is omitted in the following description, it can be understood that it is performed by the control unit 18 of the device 1 described above.

7 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the object of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that some steps may be added or deleted as needed.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the control method may start at step S10 of detecting the start of smoking. A method of detecting initiation of smoking at this stage may vary.

In some embodiments, the control unit 18 may detect the start of smoking through a user input (eg, a button input, etc.) that operates the ignition unit 15 . Alternatively, the control unit 18 may recognize the start of smoking through a user input (e.g. button input, etc.) requesting to start smoking and operate the ignition unit 15.

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may detect the start of smoking in response to determining that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is equal to or greater than a reference value. In this case, the temperature sensor 20 may be, for example, arranged to measure the temperature near the upstream end of the smoking article 30 within the smoking space.

In step S20, in response to detection of the start of smoking, the control unit 18 may open the vent hole 111 (e.g. partially open or fully open). This is because outside air introduced through the vent hole 111 can promote combustion of the smoking article 30 . Also, the controller 18 may operate the exhaust fan 162 . This is because sidestream smoke generated during smoking can be smoothly exhausted as the exhaust fan 162 operates.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 18 may control the vent hole 111 and the exhaust fan 162 based on a user's puff event while smoking. However, the specific control method may vary.

In some examples, the controller 18 may adjust the degree of opening and closing of the vent hole 111 based on the puff event. Specifically, the controller 18 may further open the vent hole 111 during puffing and less open the vent hole 111 during non-puffing. In this case, outside air is introduced more smoothly during puffing, and combustion of the smoking article 30 can be more promoted. In addition, the problem of unpurified sidestream smoke leaking through the vent hole 111 during buffing can be alleviated. For reference, since sidestream smoke is not generated much during puffing and an airflow path through which gas flows in is formed through the vent hole 111, a problem of sidestream smoke leaking may not occur even when the vent hole 111 is opened.

In some other examples, the controller 18 may operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in a reverse direction during puffing and operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in a forward direction during non-puffing. Here, the forward direction may mean a rotation direction in which sidestream smoke is sucked toward the filter structure 161, and the reverse direction may mean a rotation direction opposite to that. In this case, when puffing, the airflow is concentrated toward the upstream end of the smoking article 30 to promote combustion, and during non-puffing, sidestream smoke is sucked toward the filter structure 161 and sidestream smoke can be smoothly exhausted.

In some other examples, the controller 18 may determine the degree of opening and closing of the vent hole 111 and/or the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 based on information about the puff event (eg, puff strength, puff interval, puff length, etc.) can be adjusted. For example, when puff intensity increases, puff length increases, or puff interval decreases, the controller 18 may further open the vent hole 111 . In the opposite case, the controller 18 may open the vent hole 111 less. This is because there is a high possibility that the puff strength increases when the smoking article 30 does not burn smoothly. Alternatively, when the puff strength increases, the length of the puff increases, or the interval between puffs decreases, the controller 18 may increase the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 (ie, the rotational speed in the reverse direction) during puffing. . In the opposite case, the controller 18 may decrease the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 .

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

In the previous embodiments, the method by which the controller 18 detects the puff may vary. For example, the controller 18 may detect a puff based on a change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 . Specifically, the control unit 18 may recognize that a puff has been generated when the degree of temperature change is equal to or greater than a reference value (eg, when the combustion temperature of the smoking article 30 instantaneously rises). This can be understood as taking advantage of a phenomenon in which combustion is accelerated at the upstream end of the smoking article 30 upon puffing. In addition, the control unit 18 may determine the puff strength based on the degree of temperature change. For example, the control unit 18 may determine that the puff intensity increases as the degree of temperature change increases, and the puff intensity decreases as the degree of temperature change decreases.

In step S30, the control unit 18 can detect the end of smoking. In this step, the method by which the control unit 18 detects the end of smoking may vary, and this may vary depending on the embodiment.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 may detect the end of smoking based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 . In this case, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed near the downstream end of the smoking material portion of the smoking article 30, for example. For example, the controller 18 may determine that smoking has ended when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is equal to or higher than a reference value or when the measured temperature increases and then decreases.

In some other embodiments, the control unit 18 may detect the end of smoking based on an elapsed time after the start of smoking, a puff event, and the like. For example, the controller 18 may determine that smoking has ended when a certain amount of time elapses after smoking starts, when the number of puffs exceeds a reference value, or when a puff is not detected for a certain amount of time or more after a recent puff.

In some other embodiments, a smoking cessation condition may be set. For example, smoking termination conditions may be set based on the number of puffs, the elapsed smoking time, and the like. In this case, the control unit 18 may determine the end of smoking in response to satisfaction of a preset smoking end condition.

In step S40, in response to detection of the end of smoking, the control unit 18 may perform an automatic fire extinguishing function. In this step, the method by which the control unit 18 performs the automatic fire extinguishing function may vary.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 may close the vent hole 111 and stop the operation of the exhaust fan 162 . In this case, since the inflow of outside air is stopped by closing the vent hole 111, the smoking article 30 can be naturally extinguished due to lack of oxygen.

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may close the vent hole 111 and operate the exhaust fan 162 for a certain period of time and then stop or continuously operate the exhaust fan 162 . In this case, the inflow of outside air is stopped by the closing of the vent hole 111, and the smoking article 30 can be naturally extinguished as the inside air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust fan 162.

In some other embodiments, the control unit 18 may perform an automatic fire extinguishing function by operating the cutting unit 23 .

In some other embodiments, control unit 18 may perform an automatic fire extinguishing function based on a combination of the above embodiments. For example, the controller 18 may perform a first extinguishing process of closing the vent hole 111 and stopping the operation of the exhaust fan 162 and a second extinguishing process of cutting the inserted smoking article 30 through the cutting portion 23 You can also perform an automatic fire extinguishing function through. At this time, the first extinguishing process and the second extinguishing process may be performed regardless of order.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 18 may operate the exhaust fan 162 in the forward direction (ie, the suction direction) for a predetermined time in response to the detection of the end of smoking. In this case, smoking by-products such as cigarette ash are collected near the filter structure 161 by the exhaust fan 162, so that the inside of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be cleaned more easily. In some instances, controller 18 may adjust the rotational speed of exhaust fan 162 based on the degree of exhaustion of smoking article 30 . For example, if the smoking article 30 is exhausted, there will be more by-products, so the controller 18 can rotate the exhaust fan 162 faster and vice versa. The degree of exhaustion of the smoking article 30 may be determined based on the number of puffs, the elapsed smoking time, the current combustion (smoking) position (see FIG. 9), and the like.

In step S50, the control unit 18 may operate the heating unit 40 to heat the smoking space. By doing so, odors generated due to smoking by-products in the smoking space can be effectively removed. However, in some cases, the control unit 18 may operate the heating unit 40 periodically or non-periodically even during smoking. For example, the controller 18 may operate the heating unit 40 whenever a puff is sensed in order to quickly remove the smell of smoking by-products generated by the puff.

An operation time point, a heating temperature, a heating time, and the like of the heating unit 40 may be designed in various ways, and a description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundant description.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 illustrates as an example that steps S40 and S50 are performed in order, but this is only for convenience of understanding, and steps S40 and S50 may be performed in a different order from those illustrated and at the same time may be performed.

So far, a method for 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 above method, the vent hole 111 and the exhaust fan 162 can be appropriately controlled according to the progress of smoking, so that the user's satisfaction with the device can be improved. In addition, when smoking ends, an automatic fire extinguishing function is performed, so that the risk of fire and the risk of burns due to the user's negligence can be minimized. Furthermore, by effectively removing odors remaining in the smoking space through heating, the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be improved.

Hereinafter, a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . However, for clarity of the present disclosure, descriptions of overlapping contents with the control method illustrated in FIG. 7 will be omitted.

8 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a control method of a sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is only a preferred embodiment for achieving the object of the present disclosure, and it goes without saying that some steps may be added or deleted as needed.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the control method may start at step S110 of detecting the start of smoking. In this step, the control unit 18 may display a display indicating the start of smoking through the display unit 19 . For further description of this step, refer to step S10 illustrated in FIG. 7 .

In step S120, the controller 18 may monitor the progress of smoking. Here, the smoking progress status may include all circumstances related to smoking, such as a smoking progress level and a puff event.

In some embodiments, the control unit 18 compares the measured temperatures of a plurality of temperature sensors 20 disposed at different locations to accurately determine the degree of smoking progress (or current smoking (combustion) position) of the smoking article 30. can judge Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , assume that a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 are disposed in the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device 1 in the longitudinal direction. Then, the control unit 18 compares the measured temperatures of the first temperature sensor 20-1, the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3 to compare the current combustion of the smoking article 30. (Smoking) Location and progress of smoking can be judged. For example, the measured temperature of the first temperature sensor 20-1 is the lowest, the measured temperature of the second temperature sensor 20-2 is lower than that of the third temperature sensor 20-3, and the third temperature sensor 20-2 When the measured temperature of 3) is the highest, the controller 18 determines that the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 is between the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3. It can be determined that there is, and it is closer to the third temperature sensor 20-3. At this time, the controller 18 may determine that the temperature difference between the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3 is greater, the closer the temperature sensor 20-3 is to the third temperature sensor 20-3.

In step S130 , the control unit 18 may display monitoring information through 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 unit 18 may display information about the progress of smoking through the display unit 19 . For example, the controller 18 may display an indication (e.g., a cigarette-shaped object) indicating the smoking article 30 (or progress of smoking), such that the length of the indication decreases as smoking progresses. ) can be controlled. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 10 , the control unit 18 displays a display area (e.g. LED lighting area/section) indicating the progress of smoking through the display unit 19, but displays the display as smoking progresses. The display unit 19 may be controlled so that the size of the area (e.g. the number of LED lighting areas/sections) is changed. In this case, as smoking progresses, the size of the display area may increase or decrease.

In some other embodiments, the control unit 18 may display information about the puff event through the display unit 19 . For example, the controller 18 may display the number of puffs. As another example, the controller 18 may display an indication indicating that the puff is in progress in response to the puff being sensed.

In step S140, the control unit 18 can detect the end of smoking. In this step, the control unit 18 may display a display indicating the end of smoking through the display unit 19 . For further description of this step, refer to the description of step S30 illustrated in FIG. 7 .

On the other hand, when the end of smoking is detected, the control unit 18 performs an automatic extinguishing function, may display a display indicating automatic extinguishing through the display unit 19, or display indicating the completion of automatic extinguishing when automatic extinguishing is completed. can also be displayed.

So far, the control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 . According to the method described above, information on the progress of smoking may be displayed through the display unit 19 . Accordingly, the user can check the smoking progress in real time through the display unit 19, and thus convenience and safety of use can be greatly improved.

At least some of the technical ideas of the present disclosure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 so far may be implemented as computer readable codes on a computer readable medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be, for example, a removable recording medium (CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, USB storage device, removable hard disk) or a fixed recording medium (ROM, RAM, computer-equipped hard disk). can The computer program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium may be transmitted to another computing device through a network such as the Internet, installed in the other computing device, and thus used in the other computing device.

In the above, even though all the components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being combined or operated as one, the technical idea of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure, all of the components may be selectively combined with one or more to operate.

Although actions are shown in a particular order in the drawings, it should not be understood that the actions must be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or that all shown actions must be performed to obtain a desired result. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation, and the described program components and systems may generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. It should be understood that there is

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may implement the present disclosure in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. can understand that there is Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The protection scope of the present disclosure should be construed by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the technical ideas defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

A housing having a smoking space formed therein;

an article insertion portion located at one end of the housing and forming an opening through which a smoking article is inserted into the smoking space;

an ignition unit for igniting a smoking article inserted into the smoking space;

a sidestream smoke processing unit that processes sidestream smoke generated from a smoking article inserted into the smoking space; and

A heating unit disposed inside the housing to heat the smoking space,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

The heating temperature of the heating part is 50 ℃ to 200 ℃,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

The operation time of the heating unit is determined based on the smoking end time,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

The operation time of the heating unit is determined based on the puff time,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 4,

The heating temperature of the heating unit is determined based on the puff length or puff strength,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

The heating time of the heating part is determined based on the smoking time,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

The heating temperature of the heating part is determined based on the smoking time,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

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

Further comprising a control unit for determining whether to quit smoking based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

A vent hole through which outside air is introduced is formed in the housing,

Sidestream smoke removal device.
According to claim 1,

A vent hole through which outside air is introduced is formed in the housing,

The sidestream smoke processing unit includes an exhaust fan to exhaust the sidestream smoke,

Further comprising a control unit for closing the vent hole and stopping the operation of the exhaust fan in response to detection of the end of smoking.

Sidestream smoke removal device.