DE102015113193A1 - Electric inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical inhaler having at least one reservoir (3) for accommodating at least one vaporization substance and having at least one enveloping structure (1), the at least one enveloping structure (1) comprising at least one heating element (2) and electrical connections (6, 7). for supplying required for operation of the inhaler electrical energy. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adapter (14, 19) for supplying the electrical inhaler (12) with electrical energy as well as a manufacturing method for the electrical inhaler (12) and the adapter (14, 19).

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical inhaler and an adapter for supplying the electrical inhaler with electrical energy. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing the electrical inhaler and a method of manufacturing the adapter.

Electric inhalers, such as electric cigarettes, are used to evaporate vaporizing substances such as nicotine-containing liquid and provide it to a user for inhalation.

In the US-American publication US 2006/0016453 A1 is presented an electric cigarette that evaporates a nicotine mixture and provides a user for inhalation.

Against this background, an electrical inhaler with at least one memory for accommodating at least one substance and having at least one enveloping structure is presented, wherein the at least one enveloping structure has at least one heating element and electrical connections for supplying electrical energy required for operating the inhaler.

In the context of the present invention, an enveloping structure is to be understood as meaning a structure which delimits the electrical inhaler at least partially outwards, which in particular is substantially cylindrical in shape and imitates, for example, a shape of a cigarette. The at least one inventively provided enveloping structure may, for example, from plastic and / or metal and / or paper and any other technically suitable material and has at least one heating element and electrical connections for feeding electrical energy. This means that at least one heating element and electrical connections are integrated into the at least one enveloping structure provided according to the invention.

In the context of the present invention, an enveloping structure comprising respective components is to be understood as an enveloping structure to which respective components are applied and / or introduced into the respective components. Accordingly, the at least one heating element and the electrical connections can be applied to the inventively provided at least one envelope structure or introduced into the at least one envelope structure, d. H. be enveloped or surrounded at least partially by a material of the enveloping structure. In particular, it is provided that the at least one heating element is integrated into the at least one enveloping structure in such a way that the at least one enveloping structure is formed integrally with the at least one heating element and the electrical connections and only electrical energy is required to operate the electrical inhaler vaporize respective substance from the at least one memory.

Advantageously, the electrical connections encompassed by the at least one enveloping structure are designed such that they are to be connected to an adapter in order to supply electrical energy from a battery or a memory of the adapter to the electrical inhaler, i. H. For example, to supply the at least one heating element and / or control electronics of the electrical inhaler, d. H. feed and thereby operate the electrical inhaler. It is provided in particular that the enveloping structure provided according to the invention has a printed and / or flexible battery.

An electrical connection in the context of the present invention is understood to mean a location which makes it possible to establish a connection to an electrical energy source. An electrical connection can be designed, for example, wireless or wired. In particular, it is provided that the electrical connections provided according to the invention are designed as, for example, metallic electrical conductors and together with the at least one enveloping structure provided according to the invention form a receptacle into which a respective electrical energy source is to be introduced in order to supply the presented electrical inhaler with electrical energy , This means that the inventively provided at least one envelope structure as the core of a respective electrical inhaler with alternating electrical energy sources or adapters to couple and reuse it several times. Of course, it is also conceivable that the inventively provided at least one envelope structure can be made as a disposable item to be coupled with a multi-reusable adapter.

In the context of the present invention, a substance is to be understood as any chemical substance or any combination of chemical substances. In particular, a substance is to be understood as an active substance, such as, for example, a medicinal active ingredient, nicotine or a flavoring agent, the active ingredient being produced by means of an evaporation substance, ie. H. a carrier material for forming an aerosol from, for example, liquid and / or solid suspended particles of an active substance and a gaseous carrier material, from which the inventively provided memory can be released or released from the memory and applied to a respective user.

Furthermore, the electrical connections provided by the invention make it possible conditional modular design of the presented electrical inhaler use of a variety of different energy sources, such as, for example, battery arrangements or energy sources, which are included in other devices, such as mobile computing units. It is also conceivable that respective electrical connections of a respective electrical inhaler are connected via a connecting element or an adapter to a power source which is not suitable for connection to the electrical connections of the electrical inhaler per se. Accordingly, the presented inhaler can be operated with a variety of different energy sources.

In particular, it is provided that the at least one enveloping structure provided according to the invention integrates respective components of the presented electrical inhaler and, as a result, avoids complicated assembly steps for the separate arrangement and connection of individual components of a respective electrical inhaler.

The presented electrical inhaler is designed, in particular, as a mobile inhaler, which is advantageously of compact construction and, in particular, is modeled in the shape of a cigarette.

A component in the context of the present invention is a part of the electrical inhaler, such as a heating element, an electrical connection, a memory, a power supply, a control electronics, a communication interface, a user interface, a display unit, a sensor, a dosing device such as to understand a pump, a fan, a light source, a functional unit of at least one memory and at least one heating element or any other possible element of an electrical inhaler.

It is provided in an embodiment that the inventively provided at least one envelope structure is shaped such that the at least one envelope structure forms a space in which respective components of the corresponding electrical inhaler can be arranged, wherein the at least one envelope structure at least partially delimits the space and wherein the at least one enveloping structure may be at least partially surrounded by another enveloping structure, such as a protective film. Such a protective film can electrically insulate or shield the at least one enveloping structure provided in accordance with the invention in particular in areas in which the at least one enveloping structure has electrically conductive components, such as conductor tracks and / or electrical connections.

In a possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the at least one memory with the at least one heating element forms a functional unit which is configured to use when feeding the required for the operation of the inhaler electrical energy to use them to one in the functional substance released substance release.

The term "release" in the context of the presented invention is to be understood as a process in which a respective substance, i. H. an active ingredient and / or a combination of active substance and carrier material and / or a carrier material, such as, for example, an evaporation substance, dissolved from a storage, d. H. For example, expelled or evaporated. In particular, the term "release" includes splitting of bonds between a respective substance and a respective storage so that the substance is provided for application to a respective user.

By combining a memory with a heating element into a functional unit, it is possible to quickly, efficiently and in particular selectively release a substance stored in the memory or the functional unit and thereby to apply it to a respective user. This means that, for example, only certain parts of a respective memory or a respective corresponding functional unit are heated or activated, so that a certain amount of substance is released from the memory and a respective user regardless of its operating actions, such as strong Pull or push, only the specific amount of substance inhaled or can apply. Accordingly, a functional unit of memory and heating element allows a given, d. H. defined, drug delivery per operating cycle of the presented electrical inhaler.

For example, by controlling a concentration of drug delivery per cycle, it is possible to control an environmental load with drug released by a respective inhaler and thereby, for example, comply with limit values in protection zones such as non-smoking areas.

Of course, it can also be provided to set a concentration or a quantity of substance to be released from a respective functional unit or a memory via a heat energy to be provided by means of the heating element provided according to the invention. This means that the heat energy provided by the heating element is varied to vary a concentration or amount of released substance. For example, an increased amount of heat energy may be provided to increase a concentration of released substance.

By using a zeolite as storage, it is possible to apply a particular substance, such as an active ingredient, pure, ie without additional carrier substances. This means that using a zeolite on carriers for forming aerosols, as they are traditionally provided in electrical inhalers, can be dispensed with and associated with respective carriers, such as, for example, propylene glycol, side effects, such as. Eye and / or mucous membrane irritation , be avoided.

In the context of the presented electrical inhaler, a heating element is to be understood as any structure for releasing energy, in particular heat energy, in the electrical inhaler. It is conceivable that as a heating element electrical connections are used, which lead directly into a respective memory in order to supply the memory with electrical energy and release a certain amount of substance from the memory or a corresponding functional unit. In order to form a functional unit of heating element and storage, a respective memory with a respective heating element can be integrated together in the enveloping structure provided according to the invention or arranged on the respective heating element or the enveloping structure.

Accordingly, the functional unit can be formed by integration of the at least one heating element in the at least one memory or the at least one memory in the at least one heating element. Of course, the functional unit can also be formed by a functional and / or spatial connection of the at least one memory to the at least one heating element.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that a zeolite is selected as the at least one memory, in the grid of which molecules of the at least one substance are deposited when the at least one substance is received.

Zeolites are structures with microporous grids which comprise pores of in particular 0.4 nm to 2 nm in diameter and which are advantageously suitable for the absorption of substances. Through the microporous lattice or the pores of a zeolite molecules of a particular substance can be effectively bound and released again when needed. It is provided, in particular, that a respective zeolite is supplied with electrical energy in order to selectively release respective molecules of a respective substance of a predetermined amount or concentration and, as a result, to control an active ingredient release in a time course.

It is accordingly provided in a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler that the functional unit is configured to release the molecules of the at least one substance deposited in the zeolite from the zeolite by means of an electrical energy conducted into the zeolite.

While traditional inhalers are highly dependent on a use action such as a user's suction and / or pressure behavior, by means of the presented electrical inhaler using selective selective release electrical energy, i. H. Evaporation or

Expelling, a substance from a memory or a corresponding functional unit regardless of behavior of the user a certain drug concentration in a given time course are guaranteed, so that under or overdoses are avoided and an optimal course of therapy is brought about.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the inhaler comprises a controller which is configured to supply the heating element or the functional unit with a defined amount of electrical energy to a defined amount of substance from the memory or the functional unit release.

To a course of drug release, d. H. a course of release of substance from a respective memory, d. H. For example, a memory of a functional unit to control, it is provided that a control is used, which is configured, for example, depending on a user action, such as activating a switch, the memory with a predetermined amount of energy, in particular electrical energy to supply, whereby the memory or the functional unit is heated and / or polarized or repolarized. By heating and / or polarization or repolarization of the respective memory or the functional unit bonds between molecules of the substance and the memory or the functional unit are dissolved and released the substance. In particular, it is provided that the memory or the functional unit is selectively heated and / or polarized or repolarized in order to release only substance from selected areas of the memory or the functional unit. For this example, individual modules of the memory or the functional unit can be heated independently of other modules or supplied with electrical energy.

To release a substance from a respective memory, in particular a zeolite, it is usually necessary that a provided electrical energy is converted into heat energy, which is a bond between a respective substance and the zeolite, which by, for example. Physi- and / or Chemisorption arises, dissolves. Accordingly, it is provided that by means of the heating element provided according to the invention, that is, for example, an electrical energy retrieved by means of a control pulse electrical energy is converted or converted into heat energy, so that, for example. Temperatures between 100 ° C and 350 ° C in the Zeolites are formed. By means of heat energy generated in this way, it is possible to detach from the zeolite a substance, such as nicotine, bound with a binding energy of 80 KJ / mol in the case of physisorption and 800 KJ / mol in the case of chemisorption, and release it accordingly, by dissolving bonds between the respective substance and the zeolite and / or vaporizing the substance, ie converting it into its gas phase. In this case, the control pulse for retrieving the electrical energy from the energy store can be selected as a function of a temperature coefficient and / or a binding coefficient of a respective substance.

The presented electrical inhaler is particularly suitable for vaporizing or applying active substances from the active ingredient groups of opiates, morphines, analgesics, sedatives, psychoactives, anabolic steroids, asthma, vitamins, narcotics, cytostatics, antiallergic drugs, cardiac glycosides and any other physiologically useful drug group. In particular, the presented electric inhaler is suitable for vaporizing or providing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, nicotine, tobacco, basic alkaloids and corresponding derivatives.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the at least one enveloping structure is configured as a foil.

In the context of the present invention, a film is to be understood as meaning a substantially flexible structure which, for example, is manufactured flatly and in a production step, such as a bending, folding or folding step or any further technically suitable production method for deforming a film is to be deformed, so that, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape of the at least one enveloping structure is achieved.

By using a film for producing the enveloping structure, the at least one enveloping structure can be constructed, for example, from printed circuit film in which or onto which, for example, the at least one heating element and / or the electrical connections are introduced or applied, ie. H. integrated, are. Advantageously, an embodiment of the at least one envelope structure of foil allows the at least one envelope structure to be bent in such a way that the at least one envelope structure simulates a substantially cylindrical portion of a conventional cigarette, so that an aesthetically pleasing, more compact and thus technically, for example, for arranging components of the electrical inhaler and / or the substance to be used space.

In particular, it is provided that the inventively provided at least one envelope structure of printed circuit film with a thickness of, for example. 0.01 to 1 mm is formed. It is conceivable that the inventively provided at least one envelope structure of adhesive film, stretch film, adhesive film, tubular film or stretch film is formed and / or formed into a blown film.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler, it is provided that the at least one enveloping structure, which can be configured, for example, as a foil, at least partially integrates at least one further component of the inhaler in addition to the heating element and the electrical connections.

By integrating respective components of the presented inhaler into the at least one enveloping structure, the respective components can be electrically and / or mechanically shielded or protected from the material forming the at least one enveloping structure to the outside or alternately under the components.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the inhaler is designed for coupling to an adapter for supplying the inhaler with electrical energy and / or for controlling respective components of the inhaler.

It is provided in particular that the presented inhaler can be connected to an adapter with supply elements, such as, for example, electrical energy stores and / or storage for the provision of substances and, as a result, can be individually configured by a respective user according to its intended use. For this purpose, it is provided that the presented electrical inhaler interfaces, d. H. In particular, electrical connections and / or connections for supplying substance, are to be connected to the correspondingly shaped adapter pieces or modules provides.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler provided that the electrical connections are designed as electrical contacts.

Electrical contacts allow transmission of electrical energy via a direct, d. H. physical contact, which may be formed, for example, via a cable or an electrically conductive contact point of, for example, metal. By contrast, the electrical connections can also be used for wire-free or contactless transmission of electrical energy with, for example, an inductive charging method.

The inventively provided electrical connections can, for example, punctiform, annular, one-piece or multi-piece, or integrated in any technically meaningful shape and / or distribution in the at least one enveloping structure, d. H. be introduced into the at least one enveloping structure or applied to the at least one enveloping structure. In particular, it is provided that respective electrical connections form a receptacle together with a respective envelope structure, which are to be positively connected to a respective adapter piece or module to be connected, so that a substantially cylindrical overall shape results.

The electrical connections provided according to the invention can, for example, be spatially emphasized or embedded on the at least one enveloping structure in order to ensure reliable electrical connection to a respective adapter or energy carrier. The electrical connections provided according to the invention may, for example, be designed in accordance with a jack connection provided for connecting a headphone to an audio source or any other technically suitable connection for transmitting electrical energy.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler is provided on the at least one envelope structure on a first side electrical connections and on a second side at least one further component, which is necessary for operation of the electrical inhaler, are applied or incorporated. In this case, respective components on the at least one enveloping structure or the at least one enveloping structure with itself, d. H. For example, the first side of the at least one enveloping structure may be connected to the second side of the at least one enveloping structure, in particular via electrical contact adhesive.

By a two-sided integration of components in a respective enveloping structure, it is possible to integrate sensitive components, such as thin-wire heating elements on an inner side of the respective envelope structure and those components, the mechanical stresses due to frictional forces when connecting a respective adapter piece with the at least are exposed to a shell structure to integrate on a respective outside. Of course, it is conceivable that a respective first side can be electrically connected to a respective second side of a respective enveloping structure, so that, for example, electrical connections on an outer side are electrically connected to heating elements on an inner side of the at least one enveloping structure in order to supply them with electrical energy. which is made available in particular by means of a respective adapter to supply via an electrical connection, for example. In the form of electrical contact adhesive.

In a further possible embodiment of the electrical inhaler it is provided that the at least one enveloping structure further comprises at least one control electronics and / or at least one sensor for controlling respective components of the inhaler.

Advantageously, the inventively provided at least one envelope structure at least partially delimits the presented electrical inhaler to the outside, d. H. to a particular environment, and provides, conditional, a contact for a particular user ready. Accordingly, it is provided that control components, such as, for example, a sensor and / or control electronics, such as, for example, a user interface, for example in the form of a touch screen, are arranged on the at least one enveloping structure.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the presented electrical inhaler comprises an electronic control unit which is configured for mixing a mixture of a plurality of substances by means of a mixture device, wherein the number of substances are stored in a plurality of memories.

A mixture device in the context of the present invention is to be understood as a device which mixes different substances. For this purpose, a respective mixture device, for example, be configured as a pump and pump different substances in different amounts from their respective memories and convey to the inventively provided heating element.

Especially in the field of medical applications, mixtures of a multiplicity of substances are frequently used, which, for example, are to be mixed individually according to the needs of a particular user. Accordingly, it is provided that the control electronics, for example, controls one or more metering devices, such as, for example, pumps, removes or removes the respective substances from respective storages and feeds them to the at least one heating element at a specific time or. respectively. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that respective nicotine-containing substances are mixed with an additional flavor, such as, for example, a vanilla flavor, in order to correspond to individual preferences of a respective user.

A dosing device is any technically suitable device for controlling a concentration of a respective substance when applying for a particular user to understand. In particular, dosing devices can be designed as connections between respective storage devices and / or as compartments which burst under pressure due to, for example, mechanical stress or a suction and release their contents.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented inhaler is provided that the control electronics for providing a sequence of substances from a variety of substances, d. H. Evaporating substances and / or agents is configured from a corresponding plurality of memories, wherein the control electronics is configured to provide the sequence of substances in parallel or staggered in time.

In particular, when using a heating element for evaporating evaporation substances and / or active substances, a time provision of respective evaporation substances or active substances plays a decisive role for a respective substance mixture to be produced. Accordingly, it is provided that respective substances from a plurality of substances from which a respective vapor or a respective substance mixture is to be formed in parallel, d. H. be fed simultaneously to a respective heating element or staggered in time, d. H. one behind the other, are supplied to the heating element. In the case of staggered provision of respective substances, it may further be provided that a respective heating element for evaporating the substances in its temperature range is adapted to a respective substance to be vaporized, so that, for example, a respective substance is vaporized at 250 ° C. and another substance How, for example, an active ingredient is passed to a cooled heating element, so that a corresponding aerosol is formed.

In a further possible embodiment it is provided that the at least one heating element is to be controlled in its heating behavior by the at least one control electronics and / or the at least one sensor.

In order to set the presented electrical inhaler to substances selected by a respective user, it is provided that the electrical inhaler is to be configured via the at least one control electronics such that the at least one heating element has a temperature required for a respective substance in a corresponding time interval, ie. H. a certain heating behavior, provides. This means that a multiplicity of different mixtures of substances has to be provided by means of the electrical inhaler.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the at least one control electronics and / or the at least one sensor is or are integrated into the enveloping structure.

By integrating the control electronics or a respective sensor for controlling the electrical inhaler into the enveloping structure provided according to the invention, these can be produced in a single integrative manufacturing process together with other components of the presented electrical inhaler, so that expensive wiring steps for a separate arrangement of the control electronics or the at least one sensor omitted. Furthermore, electrical connection paths can be minimized and, as a result, electrical resistances or consumption of electrical energy can be reduced by control elements integrated into the at least one enveloping structure.

In a further possible embodiment of the electrical inhaler it is provided that the at least one memory for accommodating a respective substance is integrated into the at least one enveloping structure.

In order to integrate a respective memory into the enveloping structure provided according to the invention, the memory can, for example, be designed as a pocket which is applied to the enveloping structure according to the invention or formed by means of, for example, textile fibers during the production of the at least one enveloping structure, d. H. For example, printed, and is introduced according to the invention provided in the enveloping structure.

In particular, it is provided that the at least one memory is integrated in an integrative production process, ie in a common production step, into which at least one enveloping structure is provided and filled, for example, with a respective substance. For this purpose, the substance can, for example, be printed on the at least one memory. Accordingly, it is provided that the at least one memory for receiving at least one substance is configured and formed from a substance of the present list of substances: textile fibers, source color, foam, porous paint, gel, plastic, urethane, carbon composites, metal mesh composites, tile, zeolites or any technical suitable material for temporary absorption of substances.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler is provided that the inhaler comprises a plurality of memory for receiving a plurality of substances and at least one metering device for mixing a mixture of the plurality of substances.

In order to provide vapor mixtures of a multiplicity of substances, it is provided that the presented electrical inhaler comprises a metering device which, for example, is integrated into the at least one enveloping structure, i. H. introduced into this, or can be applied to this. The metering device can, for example, comprise connecting elements, such as hoses and / or at least one pump.

In a further possible embodiment of the electrical inhaler it is provided that the inhaler comprises at least one fan.

A blower which can be arranged, for example, on the enveloping structure provided according to the invention or integrated into it, can be used, for example, to actively blow a respective substance mixture out of the electrical inhaler and, as a result, apply it in a predetermined dosage to a respective user ,

Further, a fan is suitable for redeploying heat within the electrical inhaler so that, for example, substances may be preheated before they are vaporized by the respective heating elements and the heating elements must accordingly provide less energy for vaporization, thereby increasing the overall electrical inhaler less electrical energy needed. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the blower is used to support the respective electrical heating elements in their heating effect and to save energy accordingly.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that at least one battery for supplying respective components of the inhaler with electrical energy is integrated into the enveloping structure.

In order to reliably supply the electrical inhaler with electrical energy, it is provided that at least one battery, such as, for example, an accumulator, is integrated into the enveloping structure provided according to the invention, ie. H. introduced into the enveloping structure or applied to the enveloping structure. In particular, it is provided that the battery is a printed battery, which is produced in an integrative manufacturing process, such as, for example, a printing operation, together with the enveloping structure provided according to the invention. This means that the enveloping structure provided according to the invention is printed together with the battery in a single printing process, so that the enveloping structure and the battery form a one-piece or single element which comprises both the elements of the enveloping structure provided according to the invention, i. H. the at least one heating element and the electrical contacts and optionally further components and the battery for supplying the at least one heating element comprises.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented inhaler it is provided that the at least one envelope structure is made of a substantially flexible substrate, integrated into the respective components, d. H. at least partially introduced or applied. It is conceivable that a flexible rechargeable battery or film rechargeable battery may be selected for example as an aluminum ion-graphite-based substrate. Aluminum ion-graphite based batteries have proven to be very safe as they are much harder to ignite than traditional lithium ion based batteries. Correspondingly, rechargeable batteries based on aluminum-ion-graphite are particularly suitable for supplying the presented electrical inhaler with electrical energy.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler is provided that the electrical connections are designed for coupling to an energy source of the present list of energy sources: USB port, inductive charger, battery, button cell, mobile computing unit, power supply, power socket, such as. Automotive 12-volt power socket, in particular a power socket on a vehicle, fuel cell, solar cell and a printed battery.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the enveloping structure comprises at least one light source.

In order, for example, to indicate a functional state of the electrical inhaler, the electrical inhaler can comprise a luminous source which can be designed, for example, as an LED, LED or luminous granules, luminescent film, organic LED or any other technical device for visually displaying a functional state of the presented inhaler ,

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler it is provided that the inhaler comprises an interface for controlling and / or for data exchange of the inhaler with a mobile communication unit.

An interface for communication with a computing unit, ie a communication interface through which, for example, data of the electrical inhaler are to be exchanged with the mobile computing unit, can be used to analyze, for example, a user behavior and / or the electrical inhaler for respective tasks such as. a respective substance mixture to configure. Accordingly, it is provided that by means of the provided interface, a control electronics of the electrical inhaler is to be configured.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler is provided that the inhaler is designed as an electric cigarette. Of course, the presented electric inhaler can also be designed as an electric whistle, cigar or any other electrified smoking device.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical inhaler for the treatment of respiratory diseases and / or for the provision of medical agents.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing an electrical inhaler for providing at least one substance in which respective components of the electrical inhaler are integrated into an enveloping structure of the electrical inhaler.

The presented method is used in particular for producing the presented electrical inhaler such that respective components of the electrical inhaler, i. H. For example, the at least one heating element and the electrical connections integrated into the enveloping structure, d. H. For example, introduced into the enveloping structure or applied to the enveloping structure. Accordingly, the presented method provides an enveloping structure comprising a number of components of a respective electrical inhaler, and in particular provided in one piece according to the method presented.

In one possible embodiment of the presented method, it is provided that the enveloping structure and at least one component of the electric cigarette are printed in a 3D printing process.

The presented method is based in particular on an integrative production process in which a number of components of the inhaler are manufactured together, wherein the integrative production process is based in particular on a 3D printing method, in which, for example, in different layers, respective components of the inhaler, such as the electric Cigarette, so for example. The at least one heating element, in which at least one enveloping structure integrated, d. H. introduced into the enveloping structure, or applied to the enveloping structure. This means that the method according to the invention is suitable for providing an enveloping structure comprising components of an electrical inhaler. Furthermore, the proposed method provides that the at least one enveloping structure produced in an integrative manufacturing process is deformed, ie. H. for example, rolled, bent, kinked or deformed in any other technically meaningful manner to form the presented electrical inhaler. In particular, it is intended to combine various deformation methods, such as, for example, bending and thermal welding, in order to shape respective regions of the at least one enveloping structure to respective structures of the inhaler.

In order to integrate respective components into the enveloping structure provided according to the invention, the components may for example be inserted or applied during a production process of the enveloping structure, i. H. For example, be printed. It is also conceivable that the enveloping structure may be formed around respective components, i. H. For example, printed, layered, welded, glued, sprayed or molded according to any other technically suitable method for producing the enveloping structure according to the invention.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented method, it is provided that electrical connections for supplying the inhaler with electrical energy are integrated in the at least one enveloping structure in a printing process. For this purpose, for example, a material forming the electrical connections, such as metal, in a liquid state by a 3D printer on a by the same 3D printer with a further material, such as plastic printed base layer of the inventively provided enveloping structure can be printed. Accordingly, it is provided to integrate electrical connections for supplying a respective electrical inhaler with electrical energy in a printing process in the at least one enveloping structure, so that a corresponding enveloping structure together with an electrical power supply by, for example, an adapter forms an operable electrical inhaler.

In a further possible embodiment of the presented method, it is provided that the electrical connections and / or at least one further component of the presented electrical inhaler are integrated into the at least one enveloping structure by a method of the following list of methods: coating, welding, printing, gluing, Spraying, thermal bonding, thermal welding, jamming, crimping, electrostatic bonding, wire bonding, chip bonding, thermocompression bonding, Thermosonic Bonding Thermosonic Bali wedge bonding, ultrasonic wedge-wedge bonding, ultrasonic bonding and foil embossing, as well as any further technically suitable method for arranging a component on the enveloping structure provided according to the invention.

The term "foil stamping" is to be understood in particular as a hot foil stamping in which a coating, such as a metallic ink, is removed from a film by pressure and heat and pressed onto a substrate, such as the at least one enveloping structure provided according to the invention. Accordingly, it is provided to apply respective components, such as, for example, a heating element, to the enveloping structure by means of a film embossing process and to correspondingly connect there, for example, to the enveloping structure by means of a screen printing process.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an adapter for supplying the presented inhaler with electrical energy and / or for controlling respective components of the inhaler, wherein the adapter comprises at least one enveloping structure, in which at least one interface for electrical coupling with the electrical connections of the inhaler is integrated and wherein the adapter is configured to be reversibly connected to the inhaler.

It is advantageously provided that the presented electrical inhaler can be supplied with electrical energy via the electrical connections provided in accordance with the invention by means of an adapter which, for example, can be designed as a mouthpiece and is thereby put into operation.

The presented adapter comprises, analogously to the presented inhaler, at least one enveloping structure into which at least part of the components of the adapter are integrated. Under components of the adapter are in particular an electrical energy storage, electrical connections and possibly other components for operating the presented inhaler, such as, a user interface, a memory or the like to understand.

By using a plurality of adapters as replaceable energy sources to supply the presented electrical inhaler with electrical energy, different adapters can be alternately charged so that both the adapters and the electrical inhaler are reusable.

In one possible embodiment of the presented adapter, it is provided that the adapter comprises an interface for communication with a control electronics included in the inhaler.

In order to enable a data exchange between the electrical inhaler and a respective adapter, it is provided that the adapter has an interface for communication with the electrical inhaler, i. H. in particular with a control electronics included in the electrical inhaler. Of course, it is conceivable that the interface for communication or data exchange between the adapter and the electrical inhaler is also to be used by the inhaler for controlling the inhaler through the adapter or for controlling, for example, an energy delivery of the adapter.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for an adapter. The adapter is reversibly connected to an electrical inhaler according to a possible embodiment.

The presented production method is used in particular for the joint production of the presented adapter and the presented electrical inhaler.

In particular, the presented production method provides that respective components of the presented adapter are manufactured together with a respective enveloping structure or integrated in an integrative manufacturing process analogous to the integrative manufacturing process for producing the at least one enveloping structure provided according to the invention.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination indicated, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention is illustrated diagrammatically by means of embodiments in the drawings and will be described below schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing.

Embodiments result from the description and the dependent claims.

1 shows a possible embodiment of the inventively provided enveloping structure as a conductor foil.

2 shows a further possible embodiment of the inventively provided enveloping structure with a luminescent film.

3 shows caps for molding a possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler.

4 shows a possible embodiment of the presented method for producing the presented electrical inhaler.

5 shows a possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler.

6 shows a printed as a possible embodiment of the present invention provided envelope structure with electrical connections.

7 shows the envelope structure 6 in a folded state.

8th shows a possible embodiment of the present invention presented envelope structure, which is configured for connection to a printed battery.

9 shows a still further possible embodiment of the inventively provided enveloping structure with electrical contacts.

10 shows a possible embodiment of the presented adapter for connecting an inhaler with an electrical energy source.

11 shows a combination of a possible embodiment of the presented adapter with a possible embodiment of the presented electrical inhaler.

12 shows a further possible embodiment of the presented adapter.

13 shows a printed film from which a still further possible embodiment of the presented adapter is formed.

The figures are described coherently. Like reference numerals denote like features.

In 1 is a possible embodiment of the invention provided enveloping structure 1 shown. The envelope structure 1 is designed here as a conductor foil in which a sensor 4 for controlling an electrical inhaler comprising the enveloping structure, a substance-impregnated reservoir 3 , which is designed, for example, as a tile, a heating element 2 for vaporizing in the memory 3 stored substance, electrical lines 5 and electrical connections 6 and 7 are integrated.

Through the electrical connections 6 and 7 becomes the envelope structure 1 with electrical energy, ie supplied with electric current, depending on one of the sensor 4 Generated switching signal is used to heat the heating element 2 to warm and the substance in the store 3 to evaporate.

The envelope structure 1 can be produced, for example, in an integrative manufacturing process in which by means of a 3D printer first a substrate layer is produced, to which the electrical lines 5 be applied, in turn, the sensor 4 , the heating element 2 and the electrical connections 6 and 7 be applied. Furthermore, a further substrate layer of, for example, plastic can be applied to components, ie, for example, the electrical lines 5 , the sensor 4 , the heating element 2 and the electrical connections 6 and 7 on the substrate or in the enveloping structure 1 , which consists in particular of several layers of substrate to fix, so that the components at least partially of the enveloping structure 1 are surrounded or surrounded by forming material. In particular, the manufacturing process described above may be performed in a single assembly step in a single machine, such as a 3D printer. In this case, the 3D printer itself can print components or to respective components, for example by means of a robot arm on the envelope structure 1 applied or in the enveloping structure 1 are introduced, print around and this on or in the envelope structure 1 fix.

In 2 is in the shell structure 1 In addition, a printed battery integrated via the electrical contacts 6 and 7 directly with the sensor 4 connected and controlled by the sensor 4 , the envelope structure 1 supplied with electrical energy. Furthermore, in the envelope structure 1 a luminescent film 8th integrated, depending on a through the sensor 4 generated switching signal generates or changes a visual signal and, as a result, an operating state of the envelope structure 1 indicating comprehensive electrical inhaler.

In 3 are caps 9 and 10 shown to the the envelope structure 1 can be bent in a manufacturing process, so that a substantially cylindrical shape is formed. This means that the caps 9 and 10 as a reference for shaping the enveloping structure 1 are to be used and a printed as a foil shell structure 1 only needs to be rolled along the caps and then glued to form an electrical inhaler.

In 4 is the envelope structure 1 presented in a state in which they are around the caps 9 and 10 is wound to form a substantially cylindrical shape. The heating element 2 and the memory 3 are already inside the shell structure 1 ie on a through the envelope structure 1 formed cavity facing side, whereas the sensor 4 such on the hull structure 1 is arranged that this at an upper layer of the enveloping structure 1 is positioned to efficiently detect any input to be made by a user and to minimize any occurring friction losses of a force applied by a user input when activating, for example, a pushbutton.

In 5 is the envelope structure 1 in a completely around the caps 9 and 10 wrapped state, so that a cigarette-like structure is formed. To the envelope structure 1 to fix, the envelope structure becomes 1 along a trailing edge 17 bonded.

In 6 is an embodiment of the enveloping structure 1 shown in which the electrical connections 6 and 7 to a plug 11 are summarized. The plug 11 is here only on the envelope structure 1 applied, the memory 3 and the heating element 2 integrated into the enveloping structure, ie in the enveloping structure 1 introduced or from the enveloping structure 1 are at least partially surrounded. The flat envelope structure 1 is configured so that it by a folding process to an electric inhaler 12 , as he eg. in 7 is shown, can be shaped.

In 7 is the electrical inhaler 12 represented by the envelope structure 1 out 6 was formed. Due to the spatial arrangement of the plug 11 on the hull structure 1 The plug was molded by means of a thermal Verspressungsverfahrens to a spatial structure, which has a base part 13 the envelope structure 1 sticks out. The electric inhaler 12 is over the plug 11 to connect to an electrical energy source, such as a charging port of a mobile communication unit, so that the heating element 2 supplying electricity to the substance from the store 3 to evaporate.

In 8th is an embodiment of the enveloping structure 1 represented, the flat electrical connections 6 and 7 includes, through which the heating element 2 to supply electrical energy to substance from the store 3 to evaporate. By deforming the enveloping structure 1 can the inhaler 12 are formed, wherein the flat electrical connections 6 and 7 the base part 13 of the inhaler 12 surrounded, ie complete to the outside, to a simple positive connection with an energy source, for example. In the form of a printed battery 15 to enable.

The printed battery 15 can be printed as a film and then folded into a substantially cylindrical enveloping structure. The printed battery 15 includes electrical cables 5 , by the electricity from the printed battery 15 can be directed. To the printed battery 15 with the inhaler 12 To connect, the cylindrically shaped printed battery 15 on the inhaler 12 pushed, leaving a positive connection between the electrical wires 5 and the electrical connections 6 and 7 of the inhaler 12 arises and electricity from the printed battery 15 over the electrical wires 5 on the electrical connections 6 and 7 and, conditionally, to the heating element 2 flows, this warms and substance from the store 3 evaporated. It is conceivable that the printed battery 15 and / or the inhaler 12 include a sensor or the control electronics, the or an exchange of electricity between the printed battery 15 and the inhaler 12 regulates.

In 9 is an embodiment of the enveloping structure 1 shown in which the electrical connections 6 and 7 only be applied after a winding step, so that the electrical connections 6 and 7 the envelope structure 1 radially enclose and serve to engage in a radial electrical energy source.

Here was the envelope structure 1 wrapped so that the heating element 2 and the memory 3 on an inner side, ie one of the enveloping structure 1 formed cavity facing side lie. The electrical connections 6 and 7 are designed as closed bands, of course, any other technically suitable form, such as, diamonds, dots, geometric patterns, in particular three-dimensional pattern can be provided to the electrical connections 6 and 7 to build. Accordingly, the electrical connections 6 and 7 , which in particular form different electric poles, also vary in number. The electrical connections are via electrical contact adhesive, which is used to fix the enveloping structure in the substantially cylindrical position along an end edge 17 is provided, or any other electrically conductive structure with components, such as. The heating element 2 electrically connected.

In 10 is an adapter 14 for coupling the inhaler 12 with an energy source, such as a mobile computing unit shown. The adapter 14 includes electrical connection elements 25 for electrical connection with the electrical connections 6 and 7 of the inhaler 12 are suitable. This means that the electrical connections 6 and 7 in particular form-fitting with the connecting elements 25 To connect, so that electrical energy from one over another electrical connection 16 with the adapter 14 connected mobile computing unit via that of the adapter 14 included energy storage through the fasteners 25 over the electrical connections 6 and 7 in the inhaler 12 flows to operate this.

Of course, the electrical connections 16 also be designed for connection to an electrical energy source, such as, for example, with a mains connection to, for example, an energy storage of the adapter 14 to fill. Through a detachable connection between the adapter 14 and the envelope structure 1 or the electrical connections 6 and 7 can use different adapters 14 alternately used to operate the electric inhaler while unloaded adapters 14 be recharged with electrical energy at an energy source.

It is conceivable that the adapter 14 a number of components necessary for the operation of the inhaler 12 are required, such as, for example, a control electronics and / or a user interface, so that the inhaler 12 inexpensive to produce with minimal material costs and is to change accordingly low. It is also conceivable that the adapter 14 is manufactured only with a minimum of material, so that the inhaler 12 for the operation of the inhaler 12 carries essential components and the adapter 14 is cheap to change.

In 11 is one with the adapter 14 connected electrical inhaler 12 shown. The adapter 14 provides that from the hull structure 1 of the electrical inhaler 12 included heating element 2 with electrical energy, leaving the heating element 2 warms up and in the store 3 stored substance releases.

Here is in an envelope structure of the adapter 14 a communication interface 18 integrated, which is configured for connection to a mobile computing unit, such as a smartphone, and by the adapter when connected to a respective mobile computing unit 14 to supply with electrical energy and / or control electronics of the electric inhaler 12 is to regulate. Accordingly, with a respective mobile communication unit, for example, an end temperature of the heating element 2 set or current operating parameters, such as a number of evaporation cycles are read out. Of course, the communication interface 18 also be configured wirelessly as a Bluetooth module, for example.

In 12 is an adapter 17 shown, the electrical connections 16 includes, corresponding to respective electrical connections 6 and 7 a respective inhaler 12 are designed to receive electrical energy from the adapter 17 to the inhaler 12 to transmit.

In 13 is an adapter 19 shown, which consists of an envelope structure 20 which in turn is produced by means of a printing process, in particular a 3D printing process, in an integrative production process. This means that electrical connections 16 be applied to a substrate, which in, for example, a bending process to the adapter 19 bent or thermally deformed.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2006/0016453 A1 [0003]

Claims (27)

Electric inhaler with at least one reservoir ( 3 ) for receiving at least one substance and having at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ), wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) at least one heating element ( 2 ) and electrical connections ( 6 . 7 ) for supplying required for operation of the inhaler electrical energy. An electrical inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the at least one memory ( 3 ) with the at least one heating element ( 2 ) forms a functional unit that is configured, when feeding the electrical energy needed to operate the inhaler, to use it to release a substance to be stored in the functional unit from the memory. An electric inhaler according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein as the at least one memory ( 3 ) a zeolite is selected, in whose lattice molecules of the at least one substance accumulate when the at least one substance is taken up. The electrical inhaler of claim 3, wherein the functional unit is configured to release the molecules of the at least one substance deposited in the zeolite from the zeolite by means of an electrical energy conducted into the zeolite. An electrical inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler comprises a controller configured to supply the heating element or the functional unit with a defined amount of electrical energy to deliver a defined amount of substance from the reservoir (10). 3 ) or the functional unit. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) is formed of at least one film. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) Conductor tracks ( 5 ) having. An electrical inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler ( 12 ) for coupling with an adapter ( 14 . 19 ) for supplying the inhaler ( 12 ) with electrical energy and / or for controlling respective components ( 2 . 3 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 . 13 ) of the inhaler ( 12 ) is configured. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connections ( 6 . 7 ) are designed as electrical contacts. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) at least one control electronics and / or as a component of the inhaler ( 12 ) at least one sensor ( 4 ) for controlling respective further components ( 2 . 3 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 . 13 ) of the inhaler ( 12 ). An electrical inhaler according to claim 10, wherein the at least one envelope structure ( 1 ) on a first side electrical connections ( 6 . 7 ) and on a second side at least one further component ( 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 . 13 ) to be used for operating the electric inhaler. The electrical inhaler of claim 11, wherein the first side is electrically connected to the second side. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory ( 3 ) is configured to receive a variety of substances, and the inhaler ( 12 ) further comprises at least one mixture device for mixing a substance mixture of the plurality of substances. The electrical inhaler of claim 13, wherein the control electronics are configured to mix a mixture of a plurality of substances, and wherein the number of substances in the at least one memory ( 3 In particular, the control electronics are configured to provide a sequence of substances from the plurality of substances by means of the mixture device and wherein the control electronics are configured to provide the sequence of substances in parallel or staggered in time. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one memory ( 3 ) is formed from a substance of the following list of substances: textile fiber, swelling paint, foam, porous paint, gel, plastic, urethane, carbon composites, metal mesh composites, fleece or at least one zeolite. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) at least one battery ( 15 ) for supplying respective components of the inhaler ( 12 ) having electrical energy. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical connections ( 6 . 7 ) for coupling to a power source of the following list of power sources: USB port, inductive charger, battery, coin cell, bendable battery, mobile computing unit, power connector, power socket, fuel cell, solar cell and a printed battery. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one enveloping structure ( 1 ) at least one light source ( 8th ) having. An electrical inhaler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler is an interface ( 18 ) for controlling and / or exchanging data of the inhaler with a mobile computing unit. Electric inhaler according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inhaler is designed as an electric cigarette. Electric inhaler according to one of claims 1 to 19 for the treatment of respiratory diseases and / or for the provision of medical active substances. A method for producing an electrical inhaler for providing at least one substance, in which at least one component of the electrical inhaler is integrated into at least one enveloping structure of the electrical inhaler. The method of claim 22, wherein the sheath structure and at least one component of the electrical inhaler are printed in a 3D printing process. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the electrical inhaler is manufactured in an integrative manufacturing process, and wherein a number of components of the inhaler are manufactured and / or combined together. The method of claim 24, wherein electrical connections are integrated into the at least one cladding structure by a method of the following list of methods: coating, welding, printing, gluing, spraying, thermally bonding, thermal welding, crimping and foil stamping. Adapter for supplying an inhaler ( 12 ) according to one of claims 1 to 21 with electrical energy and / or for controlling respective components ( 2 . 3 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 . 13 ) of the inhaler ( 12 ), whereby the adapter ( 14 . 19 ) comprises at least one envelope structure into which at least one interface for electrical coupling of the adapter ( 14 . 19 ) with the electrical connections ( 6 . 7 ) of the inhaler is integrated and wherein the adapter ( 14 . 19 ) is configured to be reversibly connected to the inhaler. Adapter according to claim 26, wherein the envelope structure of the adapter ( 14 . 19 ) an interface for communication with one of the inhalers ( 12 ) comprise control electronics.

Images