EP2303043B1 - Smoke-free cigarette - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a smoke-free cigarette with a heat unit for self-sufficient generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is located.

Smoke-free cigarettes are known in numerous different embodiments from the prior art.

From the DE 10 2005 034 159 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 For example, a smoke-free cigarette is known which has a nicotine depot and which is distinguished by the fact that heating the air stream passed through the nicotine depot is not required to release the nicotine is. The nicotine reservoir contains a carrier that is already in its gas phase at ambient temperature.

The WO 2007/054157 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 there is known a smokeless cigarette having a reusable and a non-reusable part, the reusable part having a heating source, while the non-reusable part comprises a nicotine reservoir and a mouthpiece.

The present invention has for its object to provide a smoke-free cigarette, which is relatively simple and leads to an effective heating of the inhaled by a user air and / or the nicotine reservoir.

This object is achieved by a smoke-free cigarette having the features of the independent claims.

The present invention comprises a smoke-free cigarette with a heat unit for self-sufficient generation of heat and a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is, wherein the heat unit comprises a crystallizable medium which releases heat in its crystallization. According to the invention it is thus provided that heat is released by the crystallization of the medium, which serves to heat the nicotine reservoir and promote the release of nicotine and / or to heat the air inhaled by the user.

Advantageously, the heating unit heats up to a temperature between 40 ° C and 70 ° C, advantageously to a temperature between 45 ° C and 55 ° C. This allows for sufficient heating of the user-inspired air and / or nicotine reservoir without the cigarette itself becoming too hot to be kept comfortable and / or requiring elaborate thermal insulation.

Advantageously, the heating unit radiates heat continuously between 3 and 15 minutes, advantageously between 5 and 10 minutes. Advantageously, during this time, the heating unit maintains a temperature between 40 ° C and 70 ° C, more advantageously between 45 ° C and 55 ° C.

Furthermore, the crystallisable medium may be a supersaturated metastable solution. This supersaturated solution may crystallize with the release of heat when the crystallization process has been initiated.

It is preferably provided that the crystallisable medium, in particular the solution, at least at ambient temperature in a metastable, supersaturated Condition is present, so that even at ambient temperature, the crystallization can be triggered.

The crystallizable medium may contain stabilizers which counteract unwanted crystallization. However, the medium may also be free from stabilizers.

The crystallizable medium may further contain crystallization nuclei. These facilitate the triggering of the crystallization process. Advantageously, however, the medium is essentially free of crystallization nuclei. The crystallization process can then be e.g. are triggered by crystallization seeds are introduced by a triggering mechanism in the medium.

Advantageously, it is provided according to the invention that the crystallisable medium has a liquid containing a salt hydrate. Advantageously, this is a supersaturated solution of the salt hydrate.

Alternatively, the crystallizable medium may also contain sugar. However, such heat units heat up more than those based on a salt hydrate, so that the cigarette can become too hot.

The salt hydrate may be sodium acetate trihydrate and / or Glauber's salt and / or magnesium nitrate hexahydrate. It is provided that the cigarette has a self-sufficient heat unit for generating heat and a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is located. The heating unit is designed to comprise a liquid containing sodium acetate trihydrate and / or sodium sulfate and / or Glauber's salt and / or magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, which is present in the thermal unit in a metastable, supersaturated form and in the crystallization of the sodium acetate trihydrate , sodium sulphate, Glauber's salt and / or magnesium nitrate hexahydrate gives off heat.

According to the smoke-free cigarette is made in one piece. By this is meant that a user does not have to assemble the cigarette from several parts, but that it is ready to use as a complete smoke-free cigarette.

Furthermore, the smoke-free cigarette in its entirety is designed as a disposable article. The entire cigarette is therefore discarded after a single use. In particular, the heat unit is not reusable. This allows a cost-effective design and ease of use.

Advantageously, the smokeless cigarette has an outer shell surrounding the nicotine reservoir and the heating unit.

In this case, the cigarette may have a mouthpiece, in particular in the form of a filter, wherein the outer shell surrounds the nicotine reservoir, the heating unit and the mouthpiece. The nicotine reservoir, the heat unit and the mouthpiece are combined by the outer shell to form a unit. Advantageously, the outer shell connects the mouthpiece with the nicotine reservoir and the heat unit mechanically.

The outer shell advantageously forms an air passage through which air sucked in by a user flows. Advantageously, the air flows from one end of the cigarette through the nicotine reservoir to the other end of the cigarette.

Advantageously, the smokeless cigarette comprises a multi-layered outer shell, the outer layer of which has the optical properties of a conventional cigarette, of which another layer is a desorption barrier designed to prevent the desorption of nicotine and / or flavoring agents or at least substantially limited, and of which another layer is a stabilization layer designed to give the cigarette the mechanical stability required for use.

The present invention thus relates to a smokeless cigarette with a multi-layer outer shell whose layers fulfill different tasks. In order to achieve the required shelf life, the multi-layer outer casing is preferably completely or substantially desorption-tight, that is, nicotine and / or flavors remain in the space surrounding the outer casing, even if the smoke-free cigarette is stored for a long time.

The outer shell may have the three layers mentioned or consist of these.

Furthermore, the non-smoking cigarette may comprise a multi-layered outer shell, of which the outer layer is made of paper or paper, of which another layer consists of metal or metal and of which another layer consists of a plastic material or a plastic material.

The paper layer may be the layer having the optical properties of a conventional cigarette, the metal layer may be the layer preventing or at least substantially hindering desorption, and the plastic layer may be the layer act, which gives the smoke-free cigarette the required mechanical stability.

The outer layer of paper serves to configure the haptic, optical and tactile properties of a conventional cigarette. The directly or indirectly inwardly following metal layer, preferably aluminum layer forms the desorption barrier for nicotine and flavorings. Preferably, it also serves to regulate the heat during the active phase, that is, during the use phase of the smokeless cigarette.

The further and relative to the metal layer inside layer may consist of a plastic layer. On the one hand, it provides the necessary overall stability and, preferably, tension control and aroma resistance.

The overall arrangement, that is, the multi-layer outer shell can be made single-layered or as a composite material.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the desorption barrier is arranged between the outer layer and the stabilization layer, or that the layer consisting of metal or metal is disposed between the outermost layer and the layer consisting of plastic material or having a plastic material. In this case, the desorption barrier forms a "middle layer" which is located between the outer layer and the inner layer.

The layers of the multilayer outer shell can adjoin one another directly. In principle, however, the invention also includes that one or more further intermediate layers are arranged between the individual layers. However, it is preferred if the said layers of the outer shell directly adjoin one another. Furthermore provided is preferably, but not mandatory, if the outer shell consists only of these three layers.

As stated, the metal is preferably aluminum. The desorption barrier is thus preferably formed by an aluminum layer or by a layer comprising at least aluminum:

The desorption barrier may be in the form of a film, preferably in the form of a metal foil and particularly preferably in the form of an aluminum foil.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one layer, preferably several or all layers of the outer shell in the form of a cigarette is cylindrical.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the layers of the outer shell all extend over the same length or over different lengths of the cigarette. For example, it is conceivable that the smoke-free cigarette has a mouthpiece, and that the desorption barrier and / or the stabilization layer extend as far as the mouthpiece and the outer layer also around the mouthpiece. It is conceivable that the outer layer that surrounds the mouthpiece has the same color as a conventional cigarette in the region of the filter. Preferably, the mouthpiece is arranged so that the user picks up the nicotine and / or the flavorings with a warmed draft of air through the mouthpiece. Thus, it is conceivable, for example, for the mouthpiece to be adjoined by a space in which the nicotine reservoir and / or a reservoir for flavoring substances and / or the self-sufficient heating unit are arranged.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the thickness of the layers of the outer shell is identical.

However, the invention also includes that one layer has a smaller thickness than the other two layers or that one layer has a greater thickness than the other two layers.

Thus, for example, it is conceivable that the desorption barrier, which can be embodied as a foil, has a smaller thickness than at least one or else both of the other two layers.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the stabilization layer has a greater thickness than at least one or both of the other layers.

As stated, it is preferably provided that the outer shell surrounds a space in which the heat unit and / or the nicotine reservoir are arranged.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the multilayer outer shell has been manufactured in the form of a composite material or that the layers of the outer shell are produced individually and then possibly joined together by the use of connecting means.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the cigarette further has a triggering mechanism to be actuated by a user, which initiates the crystallization. It can be provided that the crystallization is initiated by a mechanical process.

The smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention further comprises a triggering mechanism, by the operation of which the heating unit is activated. Advantageously, it is provided that the triggering mechanism is designed such that it can be triggered by the action of a compressive force.

Activation of the smokeless cigarette is thus very easily possible by the user exerting a compressive force resulting in activation of the heat unit, i. that the crystallization process is initiated and the heat unit gives off heat.

It is conceivable for the triggering mechanism to be formed by a small plate projecting into the solution, preferably a metal plate. Due to the activation or movement of this plate or of the clip, the activation or the initiation of the crystallization takes place. Due to the crystallization process, heat is continuously released over a certain period of time, which - as stated - serves to heat the nicotine reservoir and / or to heat the air inhaled by the user.

Advantageously, however, it is provided that the triggering mechanism is designed such that it penetrates into the heating unit when it is triggered.

It is thus conceivable, for example, to provide an injection pen or the like which penetrates into the heating unit when the triggering mechanism is actuated. By the term "penetration" it can be understood that the triggering mechanism or a part thereof opens the enclosure of the heating unit, i. breaks through, or that it is pressed without this opening only in the heating unit. This penetration may serve to initiate crystallization in the heat unit, thereby releasing heat. This heat may serve, for example, to heat the air stream that the user inhales and / or to accelerate the release of nicotine from the reservoir.

Advantageously, the penetration is effected by exerting a compressive force.

A particularly compact arrangement results when the triggering mechanism is arranged inside the cigarette and can be triggered by pressure on one or more outer surfaces of the cigarette. It is conceivable if the triggering takes place by finger pressure on the exterior of the cigarette.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the triggering mechanism comprises one or more injection elements, in particular pins or needles, which penetrate into the heating unit upon actuation of the triggering mechanism. If a plurality of injection elements are present, it can be provided that they are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the cigarette. It is conceivable, for example, to arrange injection elements on two opposite sides of the heating unit. It is also possible to provide three or four injection elements, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction in each case in the 125 ° angle or in the 90 ° angle. Of course, it is also conceivable to provide only one or more than four injection elements.

It is conceivable that the one or more injection elements are arranged on at least one spring. The spring may be, for example, a leaf spring.

The spring can serve as a guide for the injection element or elements.

The spring may be arranged on the heating unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a fixing element is provided, by means of which the position of the injection element or elements can be fixed. By means of the fixing element can thus be carried out an adjustment of the position of the injection elements.

The injection element or elements may be arranged on the fixing element or on the above-mentioned spring.

The fixing element may be, for example, a fixing ring.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fixing element surrounds the injection element or elements and / or the at least one spring.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the fixing element is deformable. It is conceivable that the user causes by exerting a compressive force on the deformable fixing that the injection element or elements are pressed into the heat unit.

According to the invention it can be provided that the crystallization is initiated by the penetration of the injection element into the heating unit. It is conceivable that the injection element contains crystallization nuclei, which are released upon penetration into the heating unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the heat unit in the circumferential direction is partially or completely surrounded by the nicotine-containing reservoir. The heat unit is thus arranged inside the smokeless cigarette and partially or completely surrounded by the nicotine reservoir Furthermore, it can be provided that the heat unit comprises a rear side facing the user and a front side facing away from the user, and that the rear side and / or the front side adjoin a tobacco element or are surrounded by it at least in sections.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the heat unit is present in a hollow cylindrical space, in the interior of which the nicotine reservoir is located. As an alternative, it can also be provided that the heat unit and the nicotine reservoir are arranged directly or indirectly one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette.

The nicotine reservoir may be in the form of a substrate having on its surface the nicotine or nicotine-containing compound, or in the form of a substrate containing the nicotine or nicotine-containing compound. It is conceivable that the substrate is tobacco and in particular tobacco enriched with nicotine or a nicotine compound.

Preferably, the nicotine reservoir is arranged such that it can be heated by the heating unit. The heating of the nicotine reservoir may cause the nicotine to evaporate more readily, desorb or otherwise detach from the substrate, and thus be more easily conducted into the airflow generated by the user.

As stated above, alternatively or additionally, an embodiment of the invention is that the air flow generated by the user can be heated by the heating unit. This results in a more pleasant feeling compared to a cold air stream to be inhaled by the user.

The cigarette may have a filter which essentially serves to limit the flow of air through the cigarette. Alternatively or additionally may be provided be that the filter serves to retain substances that should not get into the air inhaled by the user.

The cigarette may have a jacket surrounding the thermal unit. Such an embodiment of the invention has the advantage that the user does not directly contact the heating unit, but the sheath, which preferably has a heat-insulating effect, so that their temperature is below the temperature of the heat unit.

The present invention further relates to a smoke-free cigarette with a self-sufficient heat unit for generating heat and with a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a nicotine-containing compound is located, wherein the heat unit is arranged so that it surrounds the nicotine reservoir at least in sections , It is thus conceivable that the heat unit is closer to the outside of the cigarette than the nicotine reservoir. In the case of a preferably circular in cross-section running cigarette can thus be provided that the heat unit is located in a region which is located in the radial direction further out than the nicotine reservoir.

Conversely, it can be provided that the nicotine reservoir is closer to the outside of the cigarette than the heat unit. In the case of a preferably circular in cross-section running cigarette can thus be provided that the heat unit is located in a region which is located in the radial direction further inward than the nicotine reservoir. In particular, the nicotine reservoir can have a region in the form of a hollow cylinder, in the interior of which the heat unit is arranged.

The cigarette may have a closure element, in particular a cap or the like. Preferably, the closure member seals the end of the cigarette which is spaced from the end in use in the mouth. It is thus conceivable that the one end of the cigarette is formed through the mouthpiece or through the portion of the cigarette located in the mouth and that the other end is closed by the cap. The closure can be airtight.

The present disclosure further includes a method for producing a smokeless cigarette comprising the steps of: providing a heat unit, providing a nicotine reservoir which advantageously surrounds the heating unit, providing a mouthpiece, and arranging the mouthpiece, the nicotine reservoir and the heating unit in one common outer shell. As a result, a ready-smoke-free cigarette is provided. Advantageously, a cigarette is produced, as has been shown above.

The present disclosure further includes a method of providing a heating unit for use in a smokeless cigarette as set forth above, characterized in that the crystallizable medium is heated to a temperature at least partially dissolving, and then the heating unit filled with the solution.

Advantageously, the salt hydrate is heated to a temperature at which the salt at least partially goes into solution in its own water of crystallization.

The present disclosure thus includes a method of filling a receptacle of a self-sufficient heating unit for use in a smokeless cigarette. It is provided that the medium before and / or during its filling in the recording of the self-sufficient heating unit at a temperature of at least 50 ° C, preferably maintained at least 60 ° C or processed.

It has been found that the spontaneous crystallization and also the doping with crystallization nuclei can be effectively prevented if the medium, in particular sodium acetate or a sodium acetate solution at a temperature of more than 50 ° C, preferably maintained above 60 ° C and / or processed. According to the invention, a process is thus provided in this temperature range, whereby the crystallizable medium without spontaneous crystallization and can be reliably filled into the recording of a self-sufficient heating unit without the said doping with crystallization nuclei. This leads to a high reliability of the smoke-free cigarette designed with the self-sufficient heating unit, since the crystallization and thus the heat generation does not occur prematurely, but occurs when the user so desires.

As stated, the medium may be sodium acetate or a sodium acetate-containing solution. However, the disclosure is not limited to this medium, but may include other crystallizable media, and especially salts, preferably salt hydrates, such as hydrated sodium sulfate or magnesium nitrate hexahydrate.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the medium is introduced into a receptacle which has an inner diameter in the range from 2 mm to 7 mm, preferably in the range from 3 mm to 6 mm and particularly preferably at most 6 mm.

The receptacle may for example have a length in the range of 70 mm to 110 mm, preferably in the range of 80 mm to 100 mm and particularly preferably of at most 100 mm.

These are exemplary values that do not limit the disclosure.

The receptacle can be embodied, for example, in the form of a tube, which can be round or also rectangular in cross-section. This tube is closed after its filling with the medium.

The activation, that is, the triggering of the crystallization process is preferably carried out by applying pressure to the outside of the recording by the user of the smokeless cigarette.

In a further embodiment of the disclosure, it is provided that the medium is hydrate- or water-containing and that the storage and / or the filling is carried out under a water vapor pressure which is above the desorption pressure of the water of the medium. In this way, the dehydration of the salt hydrate solution or of the medium during storage and / or during the filling process can be prevented. This dehydration would have the disadvantage that it leads to an increase in the probability of crystallization. Therefore, the storage and / or the filling process is preferably carried out under a higher water vapor pressure than the water vapor pressure of the water in the salt hydrate solution or the medium.

It is conceivable to fill the medium through a filling cannula from a storage container into the receptacle of the self-sufficient heating unit. It can be provided that also the filling cannula is heated or is ensured that these and / or the recording is held even at a relatively high temperature in the above ranges, the unwanted crystallization of the medium and the unwanted doping of the medium to prevent with crystallization germs.

It is conceivable that the medium is received before being filled in a storage container and is conveyed by means of a filling mechanism, preferably with a hydraulically operating filling mechanism from the reservoir directly or indirectly, for example by means of said cannula or other supply means in the recording of self-sufficient heat unit.

The present disclosure further relates to a smokeless cigarette having one or more self-sufficient thermal units filled according to the illustrated method.

The present disclosure further includes a method of filling a smokeless cigarette with a thermal unit according to the invention. It is intended in that the sodium acetate trihydrate and / or the sodium sulphate and / or the Glauber's salt and / or the magnesium nitrate hexahydrate are heated to a temperature at which the salt at least partially dissolves and the solution then enters the space provided to receive the heating unit the cigarette is filled.

It can preferably be provided that the sodium acetate trihydrate and / or the sodium sulfate and / or the Glauber's salt and / or the magnesium nitrate hexahydrate are heated to a temperature at which the salt at least partially dissolves in its own water of crystallization.

• Figur 1: eine rauchfreie Zigarette gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung in einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 2: einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt des in Figur 1 gezeigten Auslösemechanismus,
• Figur 3: eine rauchfreie Zigarette gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 4: eine rauchfreie Zigarette gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung in einer dritten Ausführungsform.
• Figur 5: eine rauchfreie Zigarette gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Längsschnittdarstellung in einer vierten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 6: eine Schnittansicht durch eine dreilagige Außenhülle einer erfindungsgemäßen rauchfreien Zigarette, und
• Figur 7: eine schematische Zeichnung eines Befüllvorgangs einer Wärmeeinheit.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

• FIG. 1 FIG. 2 shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a first embodiment, FIG.
• FIG. 2 : an enlarged section of the in FIG. 1 shown release mechanism,
• FIG. 3 FIG. 2 shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a second embodiment, FIG.
• FIG. 4 FIG. 2: shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a third embodiment.
• FIG. 5 FIG. 1 shows a smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention in a longitudinal section in a fourth embodiment, FIG.
• FIG. 6 a sectional view through a three-layer outer shell of a smoke-free cigarette according to the invention, and
• FIG. 7 : A schematic drawing of a filling operation of a heating unit.

The smoke-free cigarette according to the present invention is intended to deliver nicotine to the smoker, but preferably not pollutants and carcinogenic substances. The smoke-free cigarette 10 comprises a self-sufficient heating unit 14 or 40, a nicotine-containing substrate 15 or 50 and a mouthpiece 20.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 according to the present invention works without heat or energy from outside and is thus self-sufficient. The smoke-free cigarette of the present invention is designed so that it is immediately ready for action, if the user so desires. In particular, it is a disposable cigarette which is usable only once and then discarded.

In the interior of the heating unit there is a liquid to be crystallized, which is able to give off heat during the crystallization. The crystallization process will be released again by actuating a trigger mechanism, with the entire unit heating to about 45 to 55 ° C and giving off heat continuously for about 5 to 10 minutes. These values are exemplary values. The temperature and the time during which heat is given off can be adjusted, for example, via the amount of salt to be crystallized.

It is advantageous if the heat unit is dimensioned such that it releases heat over at least one minute, preferably in the range of 2 to 4 minutes.

If the user draws air through the mouthpiece 20, the air flow is guided through the tobacco 15 or 50 and thereby heated on the effective length due to the heat generated by the heat unit 14 and 40 over the effective length. The air stream absorbs the vaporizing nicotine along with flavorings and is passed through the mouthpiece 20, which can also serve as a filter. The mouthpiece 20 limits the flow of air and is dimensioned such that maximum nictitious limit values are not reached or exceeded.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 according to the present invention works without heat or energy from outside and is thus self-sufficient. Upon activation of the heat unit, crystallization begins in the supersaturated, metastable solution. It may be, for example, a solution of sodium acetate trihydrate (CH ₃ COONa 3 H ₂ O) in liquid. The heat of crystallization released in the exothermic reaction is released in several steps.

Upon activation, the sodium acetate trihydrate spontaneously crystallizes and releases the heat stored in the unit in the form of latent heat (CH ₃ COO ^- (aq.) + Na ⁺ (aq.) → CH ₃ COONa 3 H ₂ O (solid) plus Heat), the ions present in the unit initially forming the ion lattice.

Simultaneously with this process, the water molecules occupy sites defined in the interstices of the thus formed ion lattice, precisely aligning their dipoles. In this way, the water molecules form a lattice in the crystal lattice.

In the case of the sodium acetate trihydrate, three water molecules are placed per formula unit.

The heat released in the crystallization thus consists, on the one hand, of the latent heat of the salt, that is, of its heat of solution or heat of crystallization. On the other hand, heat is generated in the strongly exothermic formation of the water molecule lattice that proceeds in parallel. This heat of formation of the hydrate is also a latent heat.

Alternatively or in addition to the use of sodium acetate trihydrate, sodium sulfate or the so-called Glauber's salt, that is the decahydrate (Na ₂ SO ₄ 10 H ₂ O) can be used. It comes alternatively or additionally also the use of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (Mg (NO ₃ ) ₂ 6 H ₂ O) as such or in a mixture with lithium nitrate (LiNO ₃ ).

The mouthpiece 20 ensures a constant draft of air within the cigarette.

In Fig. 1 Here, a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cigarette 10 in this case has an outer shell 22, which may have a design as it corresponds to a conventional cigarette. The outer shell 22 and thus the outer shape of the cigarette 10 is preferably cylindrical. The outer shell can be constructed as it is still based on Fig. 6 is shown in more detail.

At its end facing the user, the cigarette 10 has a filter 20, by means of which the air volume to be inhaled per unit of time can be limited or kept at a constant value.

The filter 20 is adjoined by a tobacco piece 30, in which the end area of a heating unit 40 facing the user is arranged. The heat unit 40 is located inside the cigarette 10 and is circumferentially completely surrounded by tobacco 50 enriched with nicotine. This tobacco filling 50 is located in the annulus surrounding the heat unit 40.

This nicotine-enriched tobacco substrate 50 is adjoined by another piece of tobacco 60, which forms the end of the cigarette 10 facing away from the user.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 further comprises a jacket surrounding the heat unit 40 on its outside, which is e.g. consists of a plastic film.

The triggering mechanism of the first embodiment, which is shown in FIG Fig. 2 will be described in more detail will now be described. Here are in the remote from the user Area of the heat unit 40 fixed to this one or more resilient guides 70.

The spring 70 has a sloped portion that extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the heat unit 40, and an adjoining portion that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heat unit 40 or the cigarette 10.

The springs 70 are surrounded in a region by a fixing ring 80 which is deformable.

On the fixing ring 80 or on the spring or springs 70, one or more injection pins 90 are arranged, which extend perpendicular to the heat unit 40.

If the injection pin or pins 90 are arranged on the spring 70, this is preferably the case in the region in which the spring 70 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating unit 40.

While the spring 70 exerts a force directed away from the heat unit 40, it may be provided that the fixing ring 80 has the task of positioning the springs 70 and thus the injection pins 90 so that they rest on the surface of the heating unit 40 in the non-actuated state or have only a small distance, but only penetrate into this when a pressure force from the outside acts on the fixing ring 80 or on the injection pins 90.

Like this Fig. 2 As can be seen, the injection pins 90 have a tapered end, with which they penetrate upon actuation of the trigger mechanism in the heating unit 40.

As a result of the penetration of the injection pen or pins 90, a change in state, in particular crystallization, can be triggered in which heat is released. It is conceivable that the change of state due to the penetration of the Injection pin 90 is effected in the heating unit 40 or that the injection pin 90, for example, has means that promote the change of state, such as crystallization nuclei.

The embodiment of the cigarette according to the invention has a comparatively simple design and easy-to-actuate trigger mechanism. In addition, this can be made so that it builds small, so that miniaturization is possible.

In Fig. 3 Now, a second embodiment is shown, which differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of nicotine reservoir and heat unit and in the triggering mechanism. The medium used in the heating unit is designed exactly as described above.

In the second embodiment is in a cylindrical interior 15, which is surrounded by the hollow cylindrical arranged or running unit of heat 14, conventional tobacco, which is slightly enriched with nicotine. The mouthpiece 20 provides a constant draft within the system. About one in Fig. 3 not shown trigger mechanism, the crystallization is set in motion, thereby initiating the heat release process. The initiation of the crystallization process takes place, for example, by a metal clip projecting into the solution, which is mechanically actuated and by which the crystallization is initiated or accelerated.

The smoke-free cigarette 10 further comprises a jacket 12 surrounding the heat unit 14 on its outer side. This consists of a double-coated plastic film, in the interior of which there is the crystalline or liquid to be crystallized, which is able to store heat. The sheath 12 surrounds according to the embodiment shown in the drawing, only the heat unit, but not the mouthpiece. In principle, however, it is also conceivable to guide the sheathing 12 over the entire length of the smokeless cigarette and thus also via the mouthpiece 20.

The jacket 12 of the cigarette serves on the one hand to prevent direct contact with the heat source in the form of the heat unit 14 and / or is designed such that it looks like a conventional cigarette. The sheath 12 may be designed as described with reference to FIG FIG. 6 will be shown below.

As a difference from the embodiment according to FIG. 3 is according to FIG. 4 provided that the end of the cigarette 10 spaced from the mouthpiece 20 is closed by a capping 25. Before use, the user disconnects or tears the cap 25 from the cigarette 10, with the result that air can be drawn through the cigarette 10 or through the nicotine-containing substrate 15.

Except in the Figure 1 to 4 illustrated embodiments, 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, to arrange the heating unit at the end of the cigarette remote from the mouthpiece 20 and to arrange the nicotine-containing substrate between the heating unit and the mouthpiece.

Such a design of the cigarette is off FIG. 5 seen. Between heat unit 14 and mouthpiece 20 is the nicotine-containing substrate 15. Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 the heat unit 14 is closed by the cap 25, which prevents the access of air to the substrate 15 until it is removed by the user.

Out FIG. 5 It is further apparent that the heating unit 14 is penetrated by air channels 16. These extend in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette 10. The feature that in the heating unit 14, one or more air ducts 16 are arranged to improve the air supply or even to allow, is not on the embodiment according to FIG. 5 limited, but is a fundamentally possible embodiment of the present invention.

It is conceivable to make the jacket of the cigarette airtight. However, it is conceivable to make the jacket permeable to air, with the result that oxygen also (or exclusively) penetrates via the jacket surface into the thermal unit 14 or into the substrate 15. In order to prevent this from happening before the user wishes to do so, provision may be made for providing the sheath with a preferably airtight sheath which can be removed by the user.

In FIG. 6 is a longitudinal section through an embodiment of a three-layer outer shell of a smoke-free cigarette shown. In particular, such an outer shell can be used in one of the preceding embodiments.

As shown, the outer shell consists of three layers of material. The outer paper layer 1 serves to configure the haptic, optical and tactile properties of a conventional cigarette.

On the inside, this paper layer 1 is adjoined by an aluminum layer 2, which forms the desorption barrier for nicotine and flavors / aromas present in the space surrounded by the outer shell.

During the use phase of the smokeless cigarette, d. H. during the heat development by the self-sufficient heat unit, the aluminum layer serves at the same time the heat regulation.

Inwardly, the aluminum layer 2 is followed by a plastic or plastic layer 3. This consists of a plastic layer and ensures on the one hand for the necessary overall stability of the smokeless cigarette, for the train regulation and for the flavor stability.

Like this FIG. 6 Thus, three layers can be provided to form the entire outer shell.

However, the invention also encompasses that between two or all of the illustrated layers there are intermediate layers which have certain functional properties, such as, for example, the adhesion of the layers to one another, etc.

However, it is preferred if the outer shell consists only of the three layers shown. A major advantage of the arrangement shown is that a smokeless cigarette is provided which is storable over a longer period, since the desorption of nicotine or flavorants is largely hindered or completely prevented without having to give up the usual feel of conventional cigarettes.

The paper layer may form the outermost layer of the multilayer outer shell. In principle, however, the invention also includes that a further layer, such as a coating or the like, is applied to this layer. Similarly, the inner layer, that is, the plastic layer 3 may form the innermost layer of the multilayer outer shell. However, it is also encompassed by the invention that adjoins the inner layer, a further layer, such as an inner coating.

In the drawing, the three layers 1, 2, 3 of the outer shell are shown with identical or largely identical thickness. However, the invention also includes the case that different thicknesses can be provided. For example, it may be sufficient. To provide the desorption barrier in the form of a comparatively thin aluminum foil, which may be the thinnest layer of the three illustrated layers.

In the FIG. 6 shown in longitudinal section outer shell has the shape of a hollow cylindrical body, in the interior of which there is a matrix on which there are nicotine and flavorings. Furthermore, in the interior of the self-sufficient heat unit in the form of a crystallizable medium. This self-sufficient thermal unit can be activated, for example, by pressure on the outer shell shown from the outside by the user. This leads to crystallization and thus heat dissipation. This heat release, on the one hand, heats a draft of air which is drawn through the interior of the smokeless cigarette and possibly a mouthpiece. The heating further results in facilitating the desorption of nicotine and / or flavor from the aforementioned matrix.

The production of a heating unit will now be described in more detail. To fill the heat unit with a supersaturated metastable solution, the salt is first heated. At first, the crystal water grating collapses. At the same time also ion grid is destroyed. This process takes place when the salt is heated to a temperature of approx. 58 ° C.

This process is a dissolution process.

In the case of sodium acetate trihydrate, this process takes place at a temperature of about 58 ° C. It initially produces anhydrous sodium acetate. If heated further, the resulting sodium acetate dissolves at least partially in its own water of crystallization. Corresponding processes take place when using Glauber's salt, ie the sodium sulfate decahydrate and also when using magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, which may be present in a combination with lithium nitrate.

A method of manufacturing a heating unit will now be described with reference to FIG Fig. 7 shown in more detail. FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of the heat pad tube 100, which is closed after its filling with a crystallizable medium and then used as a self-sufficient heat unit of a smokeless cigarette.

As can be seen from the figure, the heat pad tube, which may have a maximum diameter of 6 mm and a maximum total length of 100 mm, is filled by means of a filling cannula 120, which in turn communicates with a storage container 130. The storage container 130 is not one connected filling hydraulic, which has the task of filling the crystallizable medium through the filling cannula 120 in the interior of the Wärmepadröhrchens 100.

As can be seen by the double arrow in the figure, the reservoir 130 or the filling cannula 120 can be moved relative to the heat pad tube 100 in its axial direction, so that, for example, first the left portion of the tube 100 according to the figure and in the further course be filled at the opening of the Wärmepadröhrchens 100 subsequent areas.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, sodium acetate is to be processed and filled in liquid, ready-to-use state.

The sodium acetate is introduced into the prefabricated, single-sided heat pad tubes 100 by means of one or more cannulas 120, and then the tubes 100 are closed. As stated above, in order to prevent the unwanted spontaneous crystallization and the unwanted doping with crystallization nuclei, the sodium acetate is kept in the reservoir 130 and optionally also in the filling cannula 120 at a temperature of more than 60 ° C and processed. This process control prevents spontaneous crystallization and the doping with crystallization nuclei.

In order to prevent the water content of the sodium acetate solution from being changed, the water vapor pressure of the salt hydrate solution in the reservoir becomes 130 or set in the filling cannula 120 to a higher value than the desorption pressure of the water in the salt hydrate solution.

In principle, it is possible to adjust the above-described temperature conditions as well as the water vapor pressure in the reservoir 130 and / or in the filling cannula 120 and / or in the heat pad tube 100 itself. In this way, it is reliably prevented that it comes to the unwanted, premature crystallization.

The sodium acetate heat pad according to the embodiment shown here is ready for use immediately after its filling. Due to the filling process shown above, the further processing of the heat pads or the Wärmepadröhrchen 100 is straightforward and they or the smoke-free cigarettes provided with it, for example, can be stored for a long period of time, without causing unwanted crystallization of sodium acetate.

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

Claims (15)

1. A smoke-free cigarette having a heating unit for the independent generation of heat as well as a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a compound containing nicotine is located, wherein the heating unit includes a medium capable of crystallisation which emits heat on its crystallisation,
   characterised in that
   the smoke-free cigarette is designed in one part and as a disposable article in its entirety.
2. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the heating unit heats up to a temperature between 40°C and 70°C, advantageously to a temperature between 45°C and 55°C.
3. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the heating unit irradiates heat continuously for between 3 and 15 minutes, advantageously between 5 and 10 minutes.
4. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the medium capable of crystallisation is an oversaturated metastable solution.
5. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the medium capable of crystallization comprises or is composed of a liquid containing a salt hydrate, with the salt hydrate preferably being a sodium acetate trihydrate and/or Glauber salt and/or magnesium nitrate hexahydrate.
6. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the smoke-free cigarette has an outer casing which surrounds the nicotine reservoir and the heating unit.
7. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the cigarette has a mouthpiece, in particular in the form of a filter, with the outer casing surrounding the nicotine reservoir, the heating unit and the mouthpiece, with the outer casing advantageously mechanically connecting the mouthpiece to the nicotine reservoir and to the heating unit.
8. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the claims 5 or 6, having an outer casing comprising a plurality of layers of which the outer layer consists of paper or comprises paper, of which a further layer consists of metal or comprises metal and of which a further layer consists of a plastic material or comprises a plastic material.
9. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cigarette furthermore has a release mechanism which has to be activated by the user and which initiates the crystallisation.
10. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims having a heating unit for the independent generation of heat and having a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a compound containing nicotine is located, with a trigger mechanism being provided by means of which the heating unit is activated on the actuation of the trigger mechanism, characterised in that the trigger mechanism is designed such that the trigger mechanism or a part thereof can be triggered by the action of a compression force.
11. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims having a heating unit for the independent generation of heat and having a nicotine reservoir in which nicotine or a compound containing nicotine is located, with a trigger mechanism being provided by means of which the heating unit is activated on the actuation of the trigger mechanism, characterised in that the trigger mechanism is designed such that the trigger mechanism or a part thereof penetrates into the heating unit on its triggering.
12. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the trigger mechanism is arranged in the interior of the cigarette such that it can be triggered by pressure on one or more outer surfaces of the cigarette.
13. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the trigger mechanism has one or more injection elements, in particular injection pins or injection needles, which penetrate into the heating unit on actuation of the trigger mechanism.
14. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the heating unit is surrounded regionally or completely in the peripheral direction by the reservoir containing nicotine; and/or in that the heating unit includes a rear side facing the user and a front side remote from the user; and that the rear side and/or the front side is adjacent to a tobacco element or is at least sectionally surrounded by it; and/or characterised in that the nicotine reservoir is arranged such that it is heatable by the heating unit; and/or characterised in that the heating unit is present in a space of hollow cylindrical design in whose inner space the nicotine reservoir is located; or in that the heating unit and the nicotine reservoir are arranged directly or indirectly behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette.
15. A smoke-free cigarette in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the heating unit is arranged such that an airflow generated by a user is heatable by the heating unit; and/or characterised in that the cigarette has a filter which causes a limiting of the air volume flow generated by a user; and/or characterised in that the cigarette has a jacket surrounding the heating unit; and/or characterised in that the cigarette has a closure element, in particular a cap.

Images