SIDESTREAM 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 sidestream smoke removal device which removes a smell generated due to by-products of smoking that remain in the device, thus improving device cleanliness and user satisfaction, and a control method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a sidestream smoke removal device is a type of smoking aid that has a sealed smoking space and a sidestream smoke remover provided therein. Users may insert a cigarette into the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device and perform smoking to receive beneficial effects such as reduction of a smell on the user's hands and removal (purification) of a sidestream smoke.

However, the by-products of smoking such as cigarette ash and sidestream smoke remain in the sealed smoking space even after smoking, and thus an unpleasant smell caused thereby lingers in the smoking space and inevitably lowers the cleanliness of the device. Further, a smell accumulated in the smoking space may spread to the outside when the device is opened and cause discomfort to the user.

DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing a sidestream smoke removal device which removes a smell generated due to by-products of smoking that remain in the device, thus improving device cleanliness and user satisfaction, and a control method thereof.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to providing a sidestream smoke removal device with improved ease of use and safety and a control method thereof.

Objectives of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objectives, and other unmentioned objectives should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

Technical Solution

A sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure for achieving the above objectives may include a housing in which a smoking space is formed, an article insertion portion which is disposed at one end of the housing and forms an opening for insertion of a smoking article into the smoking space, an ignition portion configured to ignite the smoking article inserted into the smoking space, a sidestream smoke processing portion configured to process sidestream smoke generated from the smoking article inserted into the smoking space, and a heating portion disposed inside the housing and configured to heat the smoking space.

In some embodiments, a heating temperature of the heating portion may be in a range of 50° C. to 200° C.

In some embodiments, an operation start time point of the heating portion may be determined on the basis of a smoking end time point.

In some embodiments, an operation start time point of the heating portion may be determined on the basis of a puff start time point.

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

In some embodiments, the sidestream smoke removal device may further include a temperature sensor disposed to measure a temperature near a downstream end of a smoking material portion constituting the inserted smoking article and a controller configured to, on the basis of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, determine whether smoking has ended.

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

In some embodiments, a vent through which outside air enters may be formed in the housing, the sidestream smoke processing portion may include an exhaust fan configured to exhaust the sidestream smoke, and the sidestream smoke removal device may further include a controller configured to, in response to detection of an end of smoking, close the vent and stop an operation of the exhaust fan.

Advantageous Effects

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a heating portion configured to heat a smoking space inside a sidestream smoke removal device may be disposed. Through heating, the heating portion can remove an unpleasant smell generated due to by-products of smoking and thus improve cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device. Also, accordingly, a problem of causing discomfort to a user as a smell accumulated in the smoking space spreads to the outside can also be addressed.

Also, information on smoking progress can be automatically provided to a user through a display. Accordingly, the user can directly check the smoking progress without operating the device, and thus ease of use and safety can be significantly improved.

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

Also, a vent and an exhaust fan can be appropriately controlled according to smoking progress, and accordingly, a user's smoking satisfaction can be improved.

In addition, an automatic extinguishing function can be performed upon detection of an end of smoking. Accordingly, the risk of fire or burns due to the user's carelessness can be minimized, and user convenience can be improved.

The advantageous effects according to the technical spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned advantageous effects should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the description below.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

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

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

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

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view for describing a method of determining the current combustion position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view for describing a method of displaying smoking progress according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary 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 the same should become clear from embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and may be implemented in various different forms. The following embodiments only make the technical spirit of the present disclosure complete and are provided to completely inform those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains of the scope of the disclosure. The technical spirit of the present disclosure is defined only by the scope of the claims.

In assigning reference numerals to components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components where possible even when the components are illustrated in different drawings. Also, in describing the present disclosure, when detailed description of a known related configuration or function is deemed as having the possibility of obscuring the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical or scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In this specification, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Also, in describing components of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are only used for distinguishing one component from another component, and the essence, order, sequence, or the like of the corresponding component is not limited by the terms. In a case in which a certain component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that, although the component may be directly connected or linked to the other component, still another component may also be “connected,” “coupled,” or “linked” between the two components.

The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” used herein do not preclude the possibility of presence or addition of one or more components, steps, operations, and/or devices other than those mentioned.

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

In the following embodiments, “smoking article” may refer to any product that can be smoked or any product that can provide a smoking experience, regardless of whether the product is based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. For example, smoking articles may include products that can be smoked, such as a cigarette, a cigar, and a cigarillo.

In the following embodiments, “smoking material” may refer to any material that generates smoke and/or aerosol or is used in smoking. For example, the smoking material may include a tobacco material. For example, the tobacco material may include pieces of tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, or materials obtained by processing the pieces of tobacco leaves or tobacco stems. As a more specific example, the tobacco material may include ground tobacco leaves, ground reconstituted tobacco, expanded shredded tobacco, expanded tobacco midribs, and reconstituted tobacco leaves. However, the tobacco material is not limited thereto.

In the following embodiments, “upstream” or “upstream direction” may refer to a direction moving away from an oral region of a user, and “downstream” or “downstream direction” may refer to a direction approaching the oral region of the user. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” may be used to describe relative positions of components constituting a smoking article. For example, in a smoking article 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 or the like, a filter portion is disposed downstream or in a downstream direction of a smoking material portion, and the smoking material portion is disposed upstream or in an upstream direction of the filter portion.

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

In the following embodiments, “puff” refers to inhalation by a user, and the inhalation may be a situation in which a user draws smoke into his or her oral cavity, nasal cavity, or lungs through the mouth or nose.

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

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

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may include a housing 11, an article insertion portion 12, a back cover 13, an insulating portion 14, a temperature sensor 20, an ignition portion 15, a sidestream smoke processing portion 16, a mesh 17, a display 19, and a controller 18. However, only the components relating to the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include general-purpose components other than the components illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a battery (not illustrated) configured to supply power to electrical components (e.g., the controller 18, the display 19, etc.).

Also, some of the components illustrated 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 portion of an exterior of the sidestream smoke removal device 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the housing 11 as referring to a sidewall of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, but the housing 11 may also refer to the entire exterior-forming structure including the article insertion portion 12, the back cover 13, and the insulating portion 14. In order to ensure the durability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 and minimize the risk of damage thereto, the housing 11 may be made of a sturdy material.

In some embodiments, a vent 111 may be formed in the housing 11 to allow outside air to smoothly enter the smoking space. By allowing the outside air to enter during smoking, the vent 111 may promote combustion of the smoking article 30, and accordingly, a smoking function of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be significantly improved. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a single vent 111 is formed in the housing 11, but the number of vents 111 may also be plural. In addition, positions at which vents 111 are formed, sizes of the vents, intervals between the vents, etc. may also be designed in various ways. The opening/closing of the vent 111 and/or a degree of opening/closing thereof may be controlled by the controller 18. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 7.

Next, the article insertion portion 12 may be disposed at one end (e.g., an upper end) of the housing 11 and form an opening for insertion of the smoking article 30. A user may insert the smoking article 30 into the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device 1 through the article insertion portion 12. In order to block the heat inside the smoking space from being released to the outside, the article insertion portion 12 may be made of an insulating material. Also, in order to prevent shaking of the inserted smoking article 30, the article insertion portion 12 may have a holder structure that can hold the smoking article 30.

In some embodiments, the article insertion portion 12 may have a structure in which it is possible to adjust the size of the opening. For example, the article insertion portion 12 may have a structure that allows the opening to be tightened or expanded through manual operation. As another example, the article insertion portion 12 may also be configured to automatically tighten the opening to fit the smoking article 30. As a more specific example, the controller 18 may control the opening of the article insertion portion 12 to be tightened in response to insertion of the smoking article 30 that is detected by a sensor or in response to reception of a user input (e.g., a push on a button). According to the present 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 for the smoking article 30 can be improved. Further, since it becomes possible to insert smoking articles of various sizes, usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can also be improved.

The smoking article 30 may consist of a filter portion which is disposed at a downstream portion and a smoking material portion which abuts an upstream end of the filter portion. However, a detailed structure of the smoking article 30 may be modified in various ways. The filter portion may include a filter material that can filter smoke, and the smoking material portion may include a smoking material. Examples of the smoking article 30 may include a combustion-type cigarette, but the smoking article 30 is not limited thereto and may be any article which generates sidestream smoke during smoking.

Next, the back cover 13 may be disposed at the other end (e.g., a lower end) of the housing 11 and serve as a cover of the sidestream smoke removal device 1. A gas discharge path may be formed in the back cover 13 to allow sidestream smoke processed (purified) through the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 to be discharged to the outside. For example, a gas discharge path such a fine hole may be formed in the back cover 13.

Next, the insulating portion 14 may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing 11 and block the heat inside the smoking space from being released (transferred) to the outside. The insulating portion 14 may be made of a material having low thermal conductivity and may serve to prevent the risk of burns due to internal heat when the user's body comes in contact with the sidestream smoke removal device 1 (e.g., when the user grips the device 1 for smoking).

Next, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed inside the smoking space and measure the temperature of the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The number of temperature sensors 20, the shape of temperature sensors 20, positions at which temperature sensors 20 are disposed, intervals at which temperature sensors 20 are disposed, etc. may be designed in various ways and may vary according to embodiments.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed to measure the temperature near a downstream end of the smoking material portion. In this case, whether smoking has ended may be accurately determined using only the temperature sensor 20 without an additional monitoring module. This may be understood as using the fact that smoking usually ends upon complete combustion of the smoking material portion. For example, the controller 18 may determine that smoking has ended when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is a reference value or more (e.g., when the current combustion position reaches the downstream end of the smoking material portion) or when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 increases and then decreases to less than the reference value (e.g., when combustion power weakens at the downstream end of the smoking material portion).

Next, the ignition portion 15 may be disposed inside the smoking space and ignite the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. The ignition portion 15 may be controlled by the controller 18 or may perform an ignition function due to manual operation by a user. The number of ignition portions 15, the shape of ignition portions 15, the arrangement form thereof, etc. may be designed in various ways and may vary according to embodiments.

In some embodiments, the ignition portion 15 may be disposed at a fixed position. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and so on, the ignition portion 15 may be disposed 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 may be simplified, and thus a defect rate during manufacture may be minimized.

In some other embodiments, the ignition portion 15 may be designed and implemented to be movable. A specific implementation method may vary. For example, the ignition portion 15 may be implemented to move in the longitudinal direction due to manual operation by a user or control by the controller 18. In some examples, the controller 18 may, in response to detecting the insertion of the smoking article 30, move the ignition portion 15 to the upstream end of the smoking article 30. According to the present embodiment, since it becomes possible to universally apply the sidestream smoke removal device 1 to smoking articles of various lengths, the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be significantly improved.

Next, the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 may be disposed inside the smoking space and perform various processes for sidestream smoke generated from the inserted smoking article 30. For example, the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 may be disposed between the inserted smoking article 30 and the back cover 13 and perform a purification function for the sidestream smoke. Also, the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 may further perform an exhaust function that allows the purified sidestream smoke to be easily discharged to the outside. However, a detailed structure and an operation method of the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 may be designed in various ways and may vary according to embodiments.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 may be configured to include a filter structure 161 and an exhaust fan 162. The filter structure 161 may perform a purification function for the sidestream smoke, and the exhaust fan 162 may perform an exhaust function for the sidestream smoke. For example, the exhaust fan 162 may suction the sidestream smoke toward the filter structure 161 through rotation and allow the sidestream smoke that has passed through the filter structure 161 to be smoothly discharged to the outside. The operation of the exhaust fan 162 may be controlled by the controller 18. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 and so on.

Next, the mesh 17 may be disposed between the sidestream smoke processing portion 16 and the back cover 13 and serve as a safety net. For example, the mesh 17 may prevent a specific object (e.g., some pieces of the filter structure 161, etc.) inside the smoking space from being detached toward the back cover 13.

Next, the display 19 may be disposed on an outer surface of the housing 11 to display various pieces of information according to control by the controller 18. For example, the display 19 may display smoking progress information, device information, smoking history information, user information, and the like. Here, examples of the smoking progress information may include information on smoking progress (e.g., any information related to smoking progress such as the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked, the current combustion position, the number of remaining puffs, smoking time, remaining smoking time, etc.) and puff information (e.g., any information related to puff events such as a puff number, a puff duration, a puff interval, a puff intensity, whether puffs are performed, etc.), but the smoking progress information is not limited thereto. Examples of the device information may include information such as a power state, whether a failure has occurred, and a battery state (e.g., a battery level, whether charging is needed, etc.), but the device information is not limited thereto. The smoking history information may include the cumulative number of cigarettes smoked but is not limited thereto.

The display 19 may include a visual display means such as a light emitting diode (LED) display and thus visually display the various pieces of information. However, a specific display means may vary.

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, control the operation of the display 19, and also control the operation of other components included in the sidestream smoke removal device 1. In addition, the controller 18 may determine smoking progress of the smoking article 30 and may check a state of each of the components of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 to determine whether the sidestream smoke removal device 1 is in an operable state. A specific operation method of the controller 18 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.

The controller 18 may be implemented with at least one processor. The processor may also be implemented with an array of a plurality of logic gates or implemented with a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory which stores a program that may be executed by the microprocessor. Also, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should clearly understand that the controller 18 may also be implemented with other forms of hardware.

FIG. 1 illustrates the controller 18 as being disposed outside the housing 11 of the sidestream smoke removal device 1, but this is only for convenience of understanding, and the position at which the controller 18 is disposed may vary. For example, in order to prevent a failure due to external impact, the controller 18 may be disposed at a specific position inside the housing 11.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a module configured to provide aural and/or tactual outputs. For example, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may further include a speaker, a vibration module, etc. In this case, the controller 18 may further use these modules to provide various pieces of information to the user.

The basic configuration of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. However, for clarity of the present disclosure, description of contents overlapping with the previous embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view for describing a first modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated 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 (that is, the smoking space).

The heating portion 40 may heat the smoking space to remove a smell generated due to by-products of smoking (e.g., cigarette ash, sidestream smoke, etc.). In that way, the cleanliness of the smoking space can be improved, and a problem of causing discomfort to a user as a smell accumulated in the smoking space spreads to the outside can also be addressed. The operation, heating temperature, etc. of the heating portion 40 may be controlled by the controller 18.

Meanwhile, the shape, operation start time point, heating temperature (intensity), heating time, etc. of the heating portion 40 may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may have an arrangement form and shape that can support a side surface of the smoking article 30 (e.g., an elongated shape illustrated in FIG. 2, a shape similar to the shape of a support portion 22 illustrated in FIG. 5). In this case, the heating portion 40 may serve to support the smoking article 30 during smoking and may serve to remove a smell due to by-products of smoking after smoking.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may heat the smoking space to a temperature in a range of about 50° C. to 200° C. or may heat the smoking space to a temperature in a range of about 70° C. to 180° C., about 90° C. to 150° C., or about 110° C. to 130° C. It was confirmed that, within such numerical ranges, the smell due to by-products of smoking is effectively removed.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 may be determined on the basis of a puff duration or a puff intensity. For example, the controller 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 as a higher value with an increase in the puff duration or puff intensity. This is because the amount of by-products of smoking (e.g., cigarette ash, sidestream smoke) increases with an increase in the puff duration (or an increase in the puff intensity). In the opposite case, the controller 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 as a lower value. A method of measuring the puff duration and puff intensity may vary.

Also, in some embodiments, the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 may be determined on the basis of smoking time. For example, the controller 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 as a higher value with an increase in smoking time. This is because the amount of by-products of smoking (e.g., cigarette ash, sidestream smoke) increases with an increase in smoking time. In the opposite case, the controller 18 may determine the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 as a lower value. The smoking time may be obtained by obtaining a difference between a smoking start time point and a smoking end time point, and a method of detecting the smoking start time point and the smoking end time point may vary. For example, the controller 18 may use the temperature sensor 20 to detect the smoking start time point and the smoking end time point.

Also, in some embodiments, the operation start time point of the heating portion 40 may be determined on the basis of a puff start time point. For example, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 every time a puff is detected. This is because by-products of smoking are generated every time a puff is performed. A method of detecting a puff may vary. For example, the controller 18 may use the temperature sensor 20 to detect a puff, and this will be described below.

Also, in some embodiments, the operation start time point of the heating portion 40 may be determined on the basis of a smoking end time point. For example, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 at a smoking end time point. Alternatively, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 after a smoking end time point (e.g., operate the heating portion 40 one second after the smoking end time point) or operate the heating portion 40 before a predicted smoking end time point (e.g., operate the heating portion 40 one second before the predicted smoking end time point). A method of detecting or predicting an end of smoking may vary. For example, the heating portion 40 may use the temperature sensor 20 to detect or predict an end of smoking or may predict an end of smoking on the basis of a puff number (e.g., predict that smoking will end upon a puff number reaching a certain value).

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

Also, in some embodiments, the heating portion 40 may operate on the basis of a combination of various embodiments described above. For example, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 every time a puff is detected and may dynamically determine (adjust) the heating temperature of the heating portion 40 on the basis of a detected puff duration or puff intensity. Alternatively, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 after an end of smoking and may dynamically determine (adjust) the heating time or heating temperature of the heating portion 40 on the basis of the smoking time.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view for describing a second modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may include a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1 and 20-2 disposed at different positions inside 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. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the two temperature sensors 20-1 and 20-2 are disposed, but the number of temperature sensors may also be three or more. Here, the intervals at which the temperature sensors are disposed may be the same or different. When the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1 and 20-2) are used, smoking progress (e.g., the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked) may be more accurately monitored, and various pieces of monitoring information may be obtained. However, a specific monitoring method may vary according to the number of temperature sensors, positions at which the temperature sensors are disposed, and the like.

In some embodiments, the start of smoking may be detected (determined) through the 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 temperature measured by the temperature sensor (e.g., 20-2) is a reference value or more.

Also, in some embodiments, temperatures measured by the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1 and 20-2) disposed in the longitudinal direction may be compared to determine the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked (e.g., the current combustion position). This example will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

Also, in some embodiments, the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1 and 20-2) may be disposed at opposite positions with respect to the inserted smoking article 30 or may be disposed in the circumferential direction of the smoking article 30 inside the smoking space (for example, four temperature sensors 20 may be disposed at 90° intervals). In this case, temperatures measured by the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1 and 20-2) may be compared to determine the extent to which the smoking article 30 is tilted (shaken). For example, when a temperature measured by a specific temperature sensor is higher than a temperature measured by another temperature sensor, the controller 18 may determine that the inserted smoking article 30 is tilted in a direction toward the specific temperature sensor. Alternatively, when temperatures measured by the plurality of temperature sensors (e.g., 20-1 and 20-2) fluctuate by a reference value or more, the controller 18 may determine that the inserted smoking article 30 is shaking.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view for describing a third modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include an elastic support portion 21 coupled to the ignition portion 15. The elastic support portion 21 may be made of an elastic body that is able to stretch and contract and may serve to elastically support the upstream end of the inserted smoking article 30. For example, as the smoking article 30 is inserted, the ignition portion 15 may come in close contact with the upstream end of the smoking article 30, and the elastic support portion 21 may be contracted due to an insertion force, and thus the smoking article 30 may be stably supported. Further, through stretching and contracting, the elastic support portion 21 may stably support smoking articles (e.g., 30) of various lengths (e.g., L1) and thus significantly improve the usability of the sidestream smoke removal device 1.

Meanwhile, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the ignition portion 15 may have a sharp protruding shape (e.g., the shape of a needle) in a direction toward the article insertion portion 12. In this case, since the ignition portion 15 passes through the upstream end of the smoking article 30 as the smoking article 30 is inserted, the smoking article 30 may be supported more strongly at the time of ignition. Also, a problem that the smoking article 30 is not ignited well due to shaking at the time of ignition can be significantly mitigated.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view for describing a fourth modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include the support portion 22 configured to support the side surface of the smoking article 30 inserted into the smoking space. By supporting the side surface of the smoking article 30, the support portion 22 may prevent the smoking article 30 from shaking during smoking.

The number of support portions 22, the arrangement form thereof, the shape thereof, etc. may be designed in various ways. For example, as illustrated, a plurality of support portions 22 may be disposed to simultaneously support a side surface at a first portion and a side surface at a second portion of the smoking article 30. Also, in order to support a specific portion of the smoking article 30, a plurality of support portions 22 may be disposed in the circumferential direction of the smoking article 30 (for example, four support portions 22 may be disposed at 90° intervals), or a single support portion 22 formed in a ring shape may be disposed.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary view for describing a fifth modification of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to the present modification may further include a cutting portion 23 disposed inside the smoking space. By cutting the smoking article 30, which is undergoing combustion, to prevent further combustion, the cutting portion 23 may provide a safe extinguishing function at a point in time desired by the user and can minimize the risk of burns that may occur due to carelessness of the user (e.g., the risk of burns due to carelessness when directly extinguishing the smoking article 30) and the risk of fire. However, an implementation method of the cutting portion 23 may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may be disposed at a fixed position and configured to cut a specific portion of the inserted smoking article 30. For example, the cutting portion 23 may be disposed to be fixed at a position where the cutting portion 23 is able to cut between the filter portion and the smoking material portion. In this case, regardless of the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30, a safe extinguishing function may be ensured, and the structure of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 may 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 move due to an external force (manual operation) by the user or may be configured to move due to control by the controller 18. As a more specific example, due to the controller 18, the cutting portion 23 may automatically move to the vicinity of the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30. Refer to description of FIG. 9 below for description of a method in which the controller 18 determines the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30.

Also, in some embodiments, the cutting portion 23 may be operated due to a user pressing a push-type button (not illustrated) disposed on an outer surface of the housing 11, twisting the housing 11, or stretching or contracting the housing 11 in the longitudinal direction. The cutting portion 23 may have a structure mechanically linked to the housing 11 in order to be operated due to the above actions, or the controller 18 may be implemented to operate the cutting portion 23 in response to the above actions.

Various modifications of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. Hereinafter, a control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and so on.

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

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing a control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is only an exemplary embodiment for achieving the objectives of the present disclosure, and, of course, some steps may be added or omitted as necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control method may begin by detecting the start of smoking (S10). In this step, a method of detecting the start of smoking may vary.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 may detect the start of smoking through a user input (e.g., an input on a button, etc.) operating the ignition portion 15. Alternatively, the controller 18 may recognize the start of smoking through a user input (e.g., an input on a button, etc.) requesting to start smoking and may operate the ignition portion 15.

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may detect the start of smoking in response to determining that a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20 is a reference value or more. Here, for example, the temperature sensor 20 may be disposed to measure the temperature near the upstream end of the smoking article 30 inside the smoking space.

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

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller 18 may perform control of the vent 111 and the exhaust fan 162 on the basis of puff events of the user during smoking. However, a specific control method thereof may vary.

In some examples, the controller 18 may adjust a degree of opening/closing of the vent 111 on the basis of puff events. Specifically, the controller 18 may make the vent 111 more open when puffs are performed and make the vent 111 less open when puffs are not performed. In this case, outside air may more smoothly enter while puffs are performed, and thus combustion of the smoking article 30 may be further promoted. Also, a problem that unpurified sidestream smoke leaks through the vent 111 while puffs are not performed may be mitigated. For reference, while puffs are performed, since sidestream smoke is not generated much and an air flow path through which gas enters is formed through the vent 111, leaking of sidestream smoke may not occur even though the vent 111 is opened.

In some other examples, the controller 18 may operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in a reverse direction while puffs are performed and may operate (rotate) the exhaust fan 162 in a forward direction while puffs are not performed. Here, the forward direction may refer to a rotational direction that causes sidestream smoke to be suctioned toward the filter structure 161, and the reverse direction may refer to the opposite rotational direction. In this case, while puffs are performed, an airflow may be concentrated toward the upstream end of the smoking article 30 and combustion may be promoted, and while puffs are not performed, sidestream smoke may be suctioned toward the filter structure 161 and smoothly exhausted.

In still some other examples, the controller 18 may adjust the degree of opening/closing of the vent 111 and/or the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 on the basis of information on puff events (e.g., a puff intensity, a puff interval, a puff duration, etc.). For example, in a case in which the puff intensity increases, the puff duration increases, or the puff interval decreases, the controller 18 may make the vent 111 more open. In the opposite case, the controller 18 may make the vent 111 less open. This is because the puff intensity is likely to increase when combustion of the smoking article 30 is not smoothly performed. Alternatively, in the case in which the puff intensity increases, the puff duration increases, or the puff interval decreases, the controller 18 may increase the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 (that is, the rotational speed thereof in the reverse direction) while puffs are performed. In the opposite case, the controller 18 may decrease the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162.

In yet some other examples, the controller 18 may perform control on the basis of combinations of the above-described examples.

In the previous embodiments, a method in which the controller 18 detects a puff may vary. For example, the controller 18 may detect a puff on the basis of a change in temperature measured by the temperature sensor 20. Specifically, when a degree of temperature change is a reference value or more (e.g., when a combustion temperature of the smoking article 30 instantaneously increases), the controller 18 may recognize that a puff is generated. This may be understood as using a phenomenon in which combustion is accelerated at the upstream end of the smoking article 30 while puffs are generated. Also, the controller 18 may determine a puff intensity on the basis of a degree of temperature change. For example, the controller 18 may determine the puff intensity to be higher as the degree of temperature change is higher and determine the puff intensity to be lower as the degree of temperature change is lower.

In step S30, the controller 18 may detect the end of smoking. In this step, the controller 18 may detect the end of smoking using various methods, and the method may vary according to embodiments.

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

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may detect the end of smoking on the basis of puff events, the time elapsed after the start of smoking, and the like. For example, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed after the start of smoking, a puff number is a reference value or more, or a puff has not been detected for a predetermined amount of time or more after a previous puff, the controller 18 may determine that smoking has ended.

In still some other embodiments, smoking termination conditions may be set. For example, smoking termination conditions may be set on the basis of a puff number, the time elapsed after the start of smoking, and the like. In this case, in response to predetermined smoking termination conditions being satisfied, the controller 18 may determine to end smoking.

In step S40, in response to detecting the end of smoking, the controller 18 may perform an automatic extinguishing function. In this step, a method in which the controller 18 performs the automatic extinguishing function may vary.

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

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may close the vent 111 and operate the exhaust fan 162 for a predetermined amount of time and then stop the operation or continuously operate the exhaust fan 162. In this case, since outside air stops entering due to closing of the vent 111, and inside air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust fan 162, the smoking article 30 may be naturally extinguished.

In still some other embodiments, the controller 18 may perform the automatic extinguishing function by operating the cutting portion 23.

In yet some other embodiments, the controller 18 may perform the automatic extinguishing function on the basis of combinations of the above-described embodiments. For example, the controller 18 may perform the automatic extinguishing function through a first extinguishing process of closing the vent 111 and stopping operation of the exhaust fan 162 and a second extinguishing process of cutting the inserted smoking article 30 through the cutting portion 23. Here, the first extinguishing process and the second extinguishing process may be performed in any order.

Meanwhile, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in response to detecting the end of smoking, the controller 18 may operate the exhaust fan 162 in the forward direction (that is, the suctioning direction) for a predetermined amount of time. In this case, since by-products of smoking such as cigarette ash gather near the filter structure 161 due to the exhaust fan 162, the inside of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be cleaned more easily. In some examples, the controller 18 may also adjust the rotational speed of the exhaust fan 162 on the basis of the extent to which the smoking article 30 is burned. For example, when the smoking article 30 is completely burned, since the amount of by-products is large, the controller 18 may rotate the exhaust fan 162 at a higher speed. In the opposite case, the controller 18 may rotate the exhaust fan 162 at a lower speed. The extent to which the smoking article 30 is burned may be determined on the basis of a puff number, the time elapsed after the start of smoking, the current combustion (smoking) position (see FIG. 9), and the like.

In step S50, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 to heat the smoking space. In that way, a smell generated due to by-products of smoking can be effectively removed from inside the smoking space. However, in some cases, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 periodically or non-periodically even during smoking. For example, in order to rapidly remove a smell of by-products of smoking that is generated due to puffs, the controller 18 may operate the heating portion 40 every time a puff is detected.

The operation start time point, heating temperature, heating time, etc. of the heating portion 40 may be designed in various ways, and description thereof will be omitted to avoid repeated description.

Meanwhile, FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which step S40 and step S50 are performed in that order, but this is only for providing convenience of understanding, and step S40 and step S50 may be performed in an order different from the illustrated order or may be simultaneously performed.

The control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIG. 7. According to the above-described method, since the vent 111 and the exhaust fan 162 may be appropriately controlled according to smoking progress, a user's satisfaction with the device can be improved. Also, since the automatic extinguishing function is performed upon the end of smoking, the risk of fire and burns due to the user's carelessness can be minimized. Further, by effectively removing a smell remaining in the smoking space through heating, the cleanliness of the sidestream smoke removal device 1 can be improved.

Hereinafter, a control method of the 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, description of contents overlapping with those related to the control method illustrated in FIG. 7 will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart showing the control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, this is only an exemplary embodiment for achieving the objectives of the present disclosure, and, of course, some steps may be added or omitted as necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control method may begin by detecting the start of smoking (S110). In this step, the controller 18 may display an indicator indicating the start of smoking on the display 19. For additional description of this step, refer to step S10 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

In step S120, the controller 18 may monitor smoking progress. Here, smoking progress may include any situation related to smoking such as the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked, puff events, and the like.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 may compare temperatures measured by a plurality of temperature sensors 20 disposed at different positions to accurately determine the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked (or the current smoking (combustion) position thereof). Specifically, let's assume that, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of temperature sensors 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 are disposed in the longitudinal direction in the smoking space inside the sidestream smoke removal device 1. Then, the controller 18 may compare temperatures measured by a first temperature sensor 20-1, a second temperature sensor 20-2, and a third temperature sensor 20-3 to determine the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 and the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked. For example, in a case in which the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 20-1 is the lowest, the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 20-2 is lower than the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 20-3, and the temperature measured by the third temperature sensor 20-3 is the highest, the controller 18 may determine 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 and closer to the third temperature sensor 20-3. Here, the controller 18 may determine that the larger the temperature difference between the second temperature sensor 20-2 and the third temperature sensor 20-3, the closer the current combustion (smoking) position of the smoking article 30 is to the third temperature sensor 20-3.

In step S130, the controller 18 may display monitoring information through the display 19. However, types of monitoring information and a specific display method therefor may be designed in various ways.

In some embodiments, the controller 18 may display, through the display 19, information related to the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked. For example, the controller 18 may display an indicator (e.g., a cigarette-shaped object) indicating the smoking article 30 (or the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked) and may control the display 19 to reduce the length of the indicator as smoking is performed. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the controller 18 may display, through the display 19, a display area (e.g., LED lighting areas/sections) indicating the extent to which the smoking article 30 is smoked and may control the display 19 to change the size of the display area (e.g., the number of LED lighting areas/sections) as smoking is performed. Here, the size of the display area may increase or decrease as smoking is performed.

In some other embodiments, the controller 18 may display information related to puff events through the display 19. For example, the controller 18 may display a puff number. As another example, the controller 18 may, in response to detecting puffs, display an indicator indicating that puffs are being performed.

In step S140, the controller 18 may detect the end of smoking. In this step, the controller 18 may display an indicator indicating the end of smoking through the display 19. For additional description of this step, refer to step S30 described above with reference to FIG. 7.

Meanwhile, the controller 18 may perform the automatic extinguishing function upon detecting the end of smoking, may display an indicator indicating automatic extinguishing through the display 19, and may also display an indicator indicating the completion of automatic extinguishing upon completion of automatic extinguishing.

The control method of the sidestream smoke removal device according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. According to the above-described method, smoking progress information may be displayed through the display 19. Accordingly, since the user may check smoking progress in real time through the display 19, the ease of use and safety can be significantly improved.

The technical spirit of the present disclosure described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 may at least partially be implemented with computer-readable code on computer-readable recording media. Examples of the computer-readable recording media may include removable recording media (a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray disk, a universal serial bus (USB) storage device, or a removable hard disk) or non-removable recording media (a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or a built-in hard disk). Computer programs recorded in the computer-readable recording media may be sent to other computing devices through a network, such as the Internet, and installed in the other computing devices so as to be used in the other computing devices.

All the components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above as being combined into one body or being operated in combination, but the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the embodiments. That is, any one or more of the components may be selectively operated in combination within the intended scope of the present disclosure.

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

The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should understand that the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as being illustrative, instead of limiting, in all aspects. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the claims below, and any technical spirit within the scope equivalent to the claims should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the technical spirit defined by the present disclosure.

SIDESTREAM SMOKE REMOVAL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

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