DE102008030549A1 - Smoke-free cigarette - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smoke-free cigarette having a heat unit for self-sufficient generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir containing nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound, wherein the heat unit is made to have a metal or metal compound which / which is in an oxidizable form in the heating unit and at the time of its oxidation heat is released.

Description

The The present invention relates to a smoke-free cigarette.

smoke Free Cigarettes are in many different embodiments known from the prior art.

From the DE 10 2005 034 169 A1 For example, a smoke-free cigarette is known that has a heat pipe that is heated by the flame of a lighter. Due to its high heat capacity, the heat pipe releases heat over a sufficiently long period of time so that the stimulant contained in a reservoir can evaporate.

From the WO 2007/090594 A1 is a smoke-free cigarette is known, which has a nicotine depot and which is characterized in that a heating of the guided through the nicotine depot airflow to release the nicotine is not required. The nicotine reservoir contains a carrier that is already in its gas phase at ambient temperature.

The WO 2007/054167 A1 relates to a smokeless cigarette having a heater running with a current-carrying heating wire for heating a reservoir from which nicotine is released.

From the DE 20 2006 001 663 U1 is a smoke-free cigarette is known, which is optically and geometrically adapted to a commercial cigarette and which consists of two parts, which are connected by a suitable connection technique, preferably by plugging together.

The DE 10 2006 047 146 A1 relates to a smoke-free cigarette with a heat storage for heating a nicotine-containing insert wherein the heat storage is heated by a burner.

From the DE 10 2006 004 484 A1 is a smoke-free cigarette is known, which has a heat storage for heating a nicotine-containing reservoir, which is heated by a filament.

The DE 690 12 823 T2 relates to a smokeless cigarette containing a nicotine-containing granules, which the user can take through a sleeve in the mouth.

From the WO 2004/098324 A2 For example, a non-smoking cigarette with a reusable and a non-reusable part is known, which has a heating source, for example comprising a heating wire, or which may be made such that the heat is generated by a crystallization process or by a chemical reaction.

Of the present invention is based on the object, a smoke-free To provide cigarette that has a comparatively simple structure is and effective heating of the inhaled by a user Air and / or the nicotine reservoir leads.

These Task is characterized by a smoke-free cigarette with the characteristics of Claim 1 solved.

After that It is envisaged that the smoke-free cigarette is a heating unit for self-sufficient generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir, containing nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound, wherein the heating unit is designed in such a way that it comprises a metal or metal compound, the / in the heating unit in an oxidizable form and in the oxidation of which heat is released.

at the metal or the metal compound is preferably iron or an iron-containing metal compound, preferably by Oxygen is oxidized as an oxidant, with heat arises.

The Ingredients of the smokeless cigarette are comparatively inexpensive and the use of the cigarette is comparatively easy since the heat unit is self-sufficient, that is no external heat unit, power supply or other Energy supply is required.

Preferably is provided that the metal or metal compound in the form a powder is present. In this case, results in a particularly large Surface, which is a particularly effective oxidation process of the metal or metal compound, which is also designed as an alloy can be.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the heat unit Furthermore, an activating agent for initiating and / or for Has support of said oxidation reaction. The activating agent may comprise activated carbon, for example. The activated carbon can thus as it were as a catalyst in the initiation the oxidation reaction and / or while maintaining the oxidation reaction Act.

In Another embodiment of the invention provides that the cigarette a triggering mechanism for initiating the oxidation reaction or for activating the activating agent.

The activation can be done by a suitable Actuating mechanism to be triggered by the user.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the heat unit further comprises common salt and / or water. This can be the water serve as a solvent and / or as a reactant. The common salt can also be used to initiate the oxidation reaction and / or serve to maintain the oxidation reaction.

In A preferred embodiment of the invention is provided that the Heat unit is hermetically sealed. Preferably provided that the heat unit designed in such a way is that it is hermetically sealed before being activated by the user and after their activation by the user the air inlet in the heat unit is possible.

The airtight sealing of the heating unit before use does not cause the heat-releasing reaction already starts before the user wishes. Becomes the access of air after the activation of the smoke-free cigarette allows the user, the atmospheric oxygen can be used be to oxidize the metal or the metal compound.

alternative or in addition to the use of atmospheric oxygen as Oxidizing agent may be provided that the heat unit itself contains the oxidizing agent. In this case is not even the access of atmospheric oxygen required. A preferred Embodiment of the invention, however, provides that the oxygen for the oxidation of the metal or metal powder by atmospheric oxygen formed after activation of the smoke-free cigarette pour the user into the heat unit and there make the oxidation of the metal or the metal compound can.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the heat unit in a hollow cylindrical space is present in the interior of which the nicotine reservoir is located. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the heat unit and the Nicotine reservoir in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette immediately or also spaced from each other are arranged one behind the other.

Preferably is provided that the nicotine reservoir in the form of a substrate is present on the surface of which the nicotine or the nicotine-containing compound, or in the form of a substrate, that contains the nicotine or the nicotine-containing compound.

at the substrate may be, for example, tobacco and preferably nicotine or nicotine-fortified tobacco act.

In Another embodiment of the invention provides that the nicotine reservoir is arranged so that it can be heated by the heat unit is. In this case, the heat of reaction of the oxidation reaction used to release the nicotine from the nicotine reservoir or into the gas phase. Then you can be inhaled with the user initiated draft.

In Another embodiment of the invention is provided that the generated Air flow through the heat unit is heated. Such an embodiment of the invention causes the user more comfortable feeling than inhaling cold air.

The Cigarette may further comprise a filter, which is primarily the task has a limitation of the user generated To ensure air flow and / or in the To retain airborne pollutants. In a further embodiment The invention provides that the cigarette is a heat unit having surrounding sheath. The sheath can, for example be made of coated paper. She can do that Task, the direct contact of the user with the heat source or the heat unit to prevent. Preferably, this is Sheath designed so that it looks like a conventional Cigarette looks like.

The Cigarette can be a closure element, in particular a cap or have the like. Preferably, the closure element closes the end of the cigarette that is in the mouth when in use End is spaced. It is therefore conceivable that the one end of the Cigarette through the mouthpiece or through the mouth Section of the cigarette is formed and that the other end through the cap is closed.

The Closure element may be designed such that the Prevention of air or at least of atmospheric oxygen prevented or so far reduced that the oxidation reaction is not or not to a considerable extent gets underway when the closure element still on the cigarette. By removing the closure element the user can the oxidation reaction and thus the heat release initiate.

Further Details and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a in the Drawing illustrated embodiment closer explained. Show it:

1 : A smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a first embodiment,

2 FIG. 2 shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a second embodiment, FIG.

3 FIG. 2: shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a third embodiment.

The smokeless cigarette according to the present embodiment according to 1 should provide the smoker with nicotine, but preferably not pollutants and carcinogenic substances. The smoke-free cigarette 10 consists of a sheath 12 , a self-sufficient heating unit 14 , a nicotine-containing substrate 16 as well as from a mouthpiece 18 , The cigarette 10 is circular in cross section.

The smoke-free cigarette further has one not closer shown triggering mechanism, the initiation the chemical oxidation reaction is used.

In the cylindrical interior of the hollow cylindrical heat unit 14 is surrounded, is conventional tobacco 16 which is easily enriched with nicotine. The mouthpiece 18 ensures a constant draft within the system. By means of a release mechanism not shown in detail, the chemical reaction is initiated, thereby initiating the heat release process.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 further comprises a the heat unit 14 surrounding shell on its outside 12 , This is made of coated paper and prevents direct contact of the user with the heating unit 14 , The jacket 12 is designed so that it looks like the conventional cigarette.

The jacket 12 surrounds only the heat unit according to the embodiment shown in the drawing 14 but not the mouthpiece 18 , In principle, it is conceivable the sheathing 12 also over the entire length of the smokeless cigarette and thus also over the mouthpiece 18 respectively.

The user draws air through the mouthpiece 18 the airflow through the tobacco 16 guided and thereby due to the heat unit 14 heat generated over the Wirklänge heated. This leads to a warming of the air and a promotion of the release of nicotine in the air stream. The air stream absorbs the vaporizing nicotine along with flavorings and is delivered via the mouthpiece 18 , which can also serve as a filter, directed. The mouthpiece 18 limits the flow of air and is dimensioned so that nicotine thresholds are not reached.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 According to the present invention works without heat or energy from outside and is therefore self-sufficient. The smokeless cigarette of the present invention is designed so that it is immediately ready for use, if the user so desires.

In the heat units are except iron powder, fresh, fine activated charcoal, cooking salt and water.

The heat unit (pad) 14 is hermetically sealed before being activated by the user. If the activation process is initiated, results in the surface of the heating unit 14 a temperature of about 80 ° C. The amount of reactants is such that the heat is released for a few minutes or lasts for a few minutes.

The Reaction of iron is an oxidation reaction. In the present For example, the oxidation is carried out by atmospheric oxygen, which reduces it becomes.

The reaction scheme is based on the following reactions: Oxidation Fe → Fe ^{3 +} + 3e ^- Reduction O + 2e ^- → O ^2- respectively. Oxidation 2Fe → 2Fe ^{3 +} + 6e ^- Reduction 3O + 6e ^- → 3O ₂ ^-

Oxygen is present as O ₂ , thus: Oxidation 4Fe → 4Fe ^{3 +} + 12e ^- Reduction 3O ₂ + 12e ^- → 6O ² respectively. Oxidation 4Fe + 12H ₂ O → 4Fe (OH) ₃ + 12H ⁺ + 12e ^- Reduction 3O ₂ + 6H ₂ O + 12e ^- → 12OH ^-

This gives the general reaction equation (including the reaction H ⁺ + OH ^- → H ₂ O) 4Fe + 3O ₂ + 6H ₂ O → 4Fe (OH) ₃

2 shows an embodiment that is largely to 1 corresponds explained, so that reference is made accordingly.

As a difference from the embodiment according to 1 is according to 2 provided that from the mouthpiece 18 spaced end of the cigarette 10 through a capping 20 closed is. Before use, the user disconnects or tears the cap 20 from the cigarette 10 with the result that atmospheric oxygen can contact the iron and initiate the oxidation reaction. Removing the cap 20 also has the effect that ever an air flow through the cigarette or through the tobacco substrate 16 can be done.

Except in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment, it is also conceivable to change the arrangement of the heat unit and the nicotine-containing substrate. It is conceivable, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette heat unit and nicotine-containing substrate to be arranged one behind the other. It is conceivable, for example, the heat unit on the mouthpiece 18 To arrange spaced end of the cigarette and to arrange the nicotine-containing substrate between the heat unit and mouthpiece.

Such a design of the cigarette is off 3 seen. Between heat unit 14 and mouthpiece 18 is the nicotine-containing substrate 16 , Also in the embodiment according to 3 is the heat unit 14 through the cap 20 closed, the access of oxygen to the heating unit 14 prevents it from being removed by the user.

Out 3 it is further apparent that the heat unit 14 of air channels 15 is interspersed. These run in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 10 , The feature that in the heat unit 14 one or more air channels 15 are arranged to improve the air supply is not on the embodiment according to 3 limited, but is a fundamentally possible embodiment of the present invention.

Conceivable is to make the jacket of the cigarette airtight. It is conceivable, however, on the sheathing permeable to air perform, with the result that oxygen also (or exclusively) over the lateral surface enters the heating unit. To prevent this the case is before the user wants it, can be provided to provide the casing with an airtight envelope, which can be deducted by the user.

The The present invention not only concerns cigarettes in the actual Senses, but also cigars. The term "cigarette" stands thus for both cigarettes and cigars.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005034169 A1 [0003]
• - WO 2007/090594 A1 [0004]
• - WO 2007/054167 A1 [0005]
• - DE 202006001663 U1 [0006]
• DE 102006047146 A1 [0007]
• DE 102006004484 A1 [0008]
• - DE 69012823 T2 [0009]
• - WO 2004/098324 A2 [0010]

Claims (19)

Smoke-free cigarette with a heat unit for self-sufficient generation of heat as well as with a nicotine reservoir, containing nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound, wherein the heating unit is designed in such a way that it comprises a metal or metal compound, the / in the heating unit in an oxidizable form and at the oxidation of which heat is released. Smoke-free cigarette according to claim 1, characterized that the metal is iron or that it is the metal compound is an iron-containing metal compound. Smoke-free cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the metal or the metal compound in one is oxygen oxidizable form. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the metal or the metal compound is in the form of a powder. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit Furthermore, a means of initiation or support having the oxidation reaction. Smoke-free cigarette according to claim 5, characterized in that that the activating agent comprises activated carbon. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the cigarette has a Triggering mechanism for initiating the oxidation reaction or for activating the activating agent. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit further comprises common salt and / or water. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit is hermetically sealed. Smoke-free cigarette according to claim 9, characterized that the heating unit is designed such that they are hermetically sealed before being activated by the user is and after its activation by the user the air inlet in the heat unit is possible. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit contains an oxidizing agent and / or that the heat unit is carried out in such a way that it measures the supply of an oxidizing agent, in particular, atmospheric oxygen to the metal or metal compound allows. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit in a hollow cylindrical space is present in the interior of which the nicotine reservoir is located or that the heat unit and the nicotine reservoir in Longitudinal direction of the cigarette directly or indirectly arranged one behind the other. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the nicotine reservoir in the form of a substrate, on its surface the nicotine or nicotine-containing compound is, or in the form of a substrate containing nicotine or nicotine Contains connection. Smoke-free cigarette according to claim 13, characterized that the substrate is tobacco and in particular with nicotine or a nicotine compound enriched tobacco. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the nicotine reservoir is arranged so that it can be heated by the heat unit is. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the heat unit is arranged such that a generated by a user airflow can be heated by the heat unit. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the cigarette has a Filter having a limitation of the user generated Air volume flow conditionally. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the cigarette is a the heat unit at least partially surrounding sheath having. Smoke-free cigarette after one of the previous ones Claims, characterized in that the cigarette a closure element, in particular a cap.