EP3403517A1 - Electrical smoking product and device for the production of electrical smoking products - Google Patents
Electrical smoking product and device for the production of electrical smoking products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3403517A1 EP3403517A1 EP18000127.3A EP18000127A EP3403517A1 EP 3403517 A1 EP3403517 A1 EP 3403517A1 EP 18000127 A EP18000127 A EP 18000127A EP 3403517 A1 EP3403517 A1 EP 3403517A1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- segments
- electrical
- rod
- strand
- cylindrical
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/70—Manufacture
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D3/00—Tobacco smoke filters, e.g. filter-tips, filtering inserts; Filters specially adapted for simulated smoking devices; Mouthpieces for cigars or cigarettes
- A24D3/02—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters
- A24D3/0275—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features
- A24D3/0287—Manufacture of tobacco smoke filters for filters with special features for composite filters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
Definitions
- the invention relates to an electrical smoke product comprising components comprising at least one electrical energy source, a storage reservoir for storing at least one of the electrical flavoring agent, an electrical transducer for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent and an electrical heating element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing such electrical smoke products.
- a so-called electric or electronic cigarette or whistle is currently on the market, comprising as important components at least one electric energy source, an electric evaporator, a storage memory for storing at least one flavoring agent to be evaporated by the electric evaporator and an electric heating element ,
- the evaporator and the heating element are supplied with electrical energy from the electrical energy source, which is usually a battery.
- the battery can be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable.
- the heating element causes evaporation of the flavoring agent stored in the storage store, wherein the resulting steam is inhaled by the user.
- a liquid is used as the flavoring agent and, accordingly, the storage reservoir is designed as a liquid tank.
- the electric evaporator is currently a particularly common embodiment of the above-mentioned electrical converter for changing the state of matter of the flavor, wherein a liquid is used as a flavoring and the evaporator causes a change in the state of matter of the aroma of liquid in gaseous and thus the flavoring evaporated.
- electrical smoke products available in which the flavoring of a solid, for example in the form of particles, and the electrical evaporator is designed to convert the flavor of the solid into a gaseous phase, for example by melting and evaporation.
- Such electronic cigarettes and pipes provide an alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, cigars and whistles, which are also broadly referred to as "smoking products". Because electrical or electronic smoke products can have health benefits, in particular by flavorings are used, which contain less carcinogenic substances.
- the electronic cigarettes or pipes have a fixed housing, the shape of which is modeled on a conventional cigarette or pipe, for example, in the case of an electronic cigarette, the housing has the shape of a substantially cylindrical, elongated body.
- the housing accommodates the components mentioned above, which indeed comprise at least one electrical energy source, an electric evaporator, a storage reservoir for storing at least one flavoring agent to be vaporized by the electrical evaporator and an electrical heating element and thus surrounded by the housing and thereby protected.
- the housing is at the front end with a cap in which a lamp, nowadays a light-emitting diode, sits and as glowing light simulates the glow process optically, and on the back end is limited by a mouthpiece.
- an electric smoke product with components comprising at least one electric energy source, a storage for storing at least one flavoring substance), an electrical transducer for changing the state of aggregation of the flavoring agent and an electric heating element, characterized by a plurality of cylindrical segments, each segment containing at least one component, and a connection structure interconnecting the cylindrical segments substantially coaxially aligned and frontally mutually contacting one another to form the electric smoking product.
- the electric smoke product is composed of a plurality of cylindrical segments, each segment of which contains at least one component, the structure of the electric smoking product is converted into such a form, the mass production, ie a production in large quantities and high Production speed, allows.
- the individual components are provided in segment form. Since the individual segments each form self-contained units, they can be assembled to produce an electrical smoke product particularly simple and in an automated form and, depending on the requirements of the thereby to be manufactured electrical smoke product also basically combine in any way.
- the individual segments are each provided with their own housing in a substantially standard form across the segments, there is also no need to provide a complexly constructed, overarching common housing for the electrical smoke product to be produced, which hitherto has been the case in the prior art Components conditional and thus has made production in large quantities under high production speed and automated form impossible.
- the segments are preassembled and supplied by suitable suppliers, which are likely to be specialized component manufacturers.
- the diameter, especially the outer diameter, of the cylindrical segments should preferably be about equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the corresponding conventional smoking products.
- the assembly of the components is effected by coaxially aligned arrangement of the cylindrical segments to each other by each two adjacent cylindrical segments placed on their opposite end sides in mutual contact with each other and the longitudinal or central axes of the individual segments are joined together to form a common longitudinal or central axis and preferably the lateral surfaces of the cylindrical segments are aligned substantially aligned with each other.
- the required interaction between the components of each segment should only take place via defined interfaces, which are formed in a standardized arrangement on the end faces of the segments.
- a connection structure ensures that the cylindrical segments are converted from a substantially loosely coaxially aligned arrangement into a solid unit in the form of a rod or strand.
- the construction according to the invention allows a continuous, automated, consisting of various coupled workstations production process for the industrial production of electric smoking products in large quantities.
- the production process can be operated in particular also at least in sections in a drum or strand process. This, in turn, advantageously permits the use of plant components such as heretofore used for the production of conventional smoking products.
- cylindrical segments should have substantially the same diameter and / or length.
- cylindrical segments are provided at their ends with standardized interfaces for producing at least one fluid connection and / or an electrical connection between two adjacent segments.
- a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connecting structure has a flexible wrapping layer, which together surrounds the arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical segments and is bounded by two longitudinal edges extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical segments which form a closed enclosure with one another connected, preferably glued, are.
- a flexible overwrap layer not only provides optical similarity to conventional combustion fume products, but also, in a particularly advantageous manner, enables mass production using a known overwrapping technology already used to produce conventional incineration fume products.
- the wrapper layer may be formed from a wrapper strip and comprise paper.
- the wrapping layer but also consist of a plastic film.
- the wrapper layer may be provided with a coating and / or printed.
- a further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connecting structure has fastening means which are provided on the end faces of the cylindrical elements in order to fix the cylindrical segments to one another via their end faces in order to form the electrical smoke product.
- This type of attachment can be chosen instead of the previously described use of a flexible wrapping layer.
- a combined use is conceivable by using the fastening means precombined groups of segments are formed, which are then connected together using a flexible wrapping layer.
- the attachment means may be configured to mechanically make a connection between the segments by preferably operating according to the click principle or the plug-in principle.
- the fastening means may have adhesive and thus cause a connection of the segments to each other by gluing.
- the cylindrical segments should at least partially have electrical conductors terminating in electrical coupling means provided on at least one end face of the cylindrical segments and formed for electrical connection to corresponding electrical coupling means on the opposite face of an adjacent cylindrical segment.
- at least one electrical conductor track may be arranged at least in sections on the outside, in particular on its lateral surface, of at least one cylindrical segment.
- the at least one electrical conductor can run axially and / or in the circumferential direction and / or helically.
- a plurality of electrical conductor tracks may also be provided.
- At least one cylindrical segment may preferably contain at least one channel extending over its entire length.
- a channel can be used for example as a cable channel or for a fluid connection.
- a segment of the first type comprises an electrical energy source, a segment of the second type a supply storage, a segment of the third type an electric evaporator and a segment of the fourth type an electric heating element.
- a mouthpiece is conceivable, which can then form a segment of the fifth type.
- an electrical switching device for connecting the electrical energy source to at least one electrical load such as an electric evaporator and an electric heating element and also a negative pressure sensor is provided which causes the electrical switching device when electrical under pressure occurs in the electric smoke product, an electrical connection between the produce electrical energy source and the at least one electrical load.
- the electrical smoke product is automatically turned on when recording the use of the negative pressure sensor detects a user generated negative pressure in the smoke product and causes the occurrence of a negative pressure, the establishment of an electrical connection between the electrical energy source and the at least one electrical load.
- a vacuum sensor which may also act as a flow switch, can be used to check the function of the smoke product during manufacture.
- a cylindrical segment of the sixth type together has the switching device and the vacuum sensor.
- a cylindrical segment of the sixth type only for receiving the electrical switching device and a cylindrical segment of the seventh type only for receiving the vacuum sensor.
- a device for producing electric smoking products characterized by storage means adapted to receive cylindrical segments, feeding means which are formed, segments from the storage means refer to, alignment means which are adapted to the segments obtained from the feed substantially coaxially aligned with each other and frontally mutually touching and thus form a rod or strand of substantially loosely coaxial aligned segments, conveying means which are formed, the rod or strand from the alignment device, and an assembly device configured to interconnect the segments in the rod or strand.
- the storage means are used for singling segments supplied, in particular, in magazines or as bulk material, if appropriate also with a preliminary or input test.
- the stocking serve in particular, to separately store the different segments depending on their design and / or function;
- a storage means may be adapted to receive or stockpile only segments with energy sources.
- the segments are treated like semi-finished products.
- the inventively provided feeding means, alignment means and conveying means provide for an arrangement, alignment and acceleration of the different segments for further processing (in particular in a drum process).
- the assembly device then ensures that the segments, which until then have only been loosely combined to form a bar or strand, are connected to one another in order then to form a 'solid' bar or strand.
- the device according to the invention is comparable in terms of its construction and its operation with a machine or plant for the production of multi-filters for conventional combustion products. Therefore, the invention offers the possibility to use at least components from these conventional machines and systems and possibly to modify what is very advantageous in terms of the cost of the construction and operation of the device according to the invention. With the invention, it is thus possible for the first time to propose a design for electric smoking products that allows production similar to manufacturing processes for conventional combustion smoke products, so that even with minor modifications for the production of electrical smoke products system components and devices from known and for the production of conventional combustion products can be used. Another advantage in this context is that the device according to the invention, like the similar devices for the production of combustion smoke products, offers the possibility of being able to produce the electrical smoke products likewise in a continuous process.
- a control device is used, which is designed to control the feed means such that they different segments from the stock means in a first mode of operation, so that in the aligning device to be formed rod of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments each segment of another Segment distinguished, and in a second mode of operation at least one group of at least two similar segments, so that to be formed by the aligning rod or strand of substantially coaxially aligned segments at least one group of at least two similar segments.
- the rod forming the subsequent electrical smoke product must be composed of these different segments.
- the aforementioned first operating mode is preferably considered.
- the aforementioned second operating mode is considered, according to which the rod forming the later electric smoke product comprises at least one group of at least two identical segments contains.
- the latter is advantageous if a storage memory is desired with a larger capacity, so that in this case two similar segments are used, each containing a storage memory, and at pooling of these two similar segments, the storage memory are coupled together and thus a common storage with a storage make about twice as large capacity.
- the aforementioned second mode of operation for the production of so-called. Double bars are used, which contain in its center two adjacent similar segments, for example, represent a double-length mouthpiece and are separated to form rods with a simple use length, so that between these segments, the separation point is provided for the separating cut.
- control device Since it is usually within an electrical smoke product to arrange the various components in a particular order, it is it is expedient for the control device to control the feed means and the alignment device in such a way that the segments are arranged substantially flush with one another in a desired sequence, the arrangement preferably taking place without the formation of distances between the segments and thus without spacing.
- control means controls the feeding means and the aligning means so that at least two segments of the same kind are arranged adjacent to each other.
- the alignment device has a plurality of stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, each of which station is assigned a feed means, and the alignment device is designed to bring the segments fed by the feed means in sequence in the conveying direction in coaxial alignment with one another. In this way, the rod or strand can be built one after the other in the conveying direction.
- the alignment device and / or the conveying means may be designed to dispense or transport the rod or strand of segments that are substantially coaxially loosely aligned in a conveying direction transversely to their axial longitudinal extent.
- the conveying means may comprise at least one hollow drum, which is provided on its lateral surface with circumferentially arranged groove-like troughs which extend in the axial direction with respect to the trough drum and for receiving at least one rod substantially coaxially aligned segments are formed.
- the conveying means may be configured to change the direction of movement of the rod or strand from substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments from a direction transverse to its axial longitudinal extension in the direction of its axial longitudinal extent. This measure is particularly advantageous when the alignment device outputs rods of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction transverse to its axial longitudinal extent, while the assembly means is formed, the substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments during movement in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to each other connect.
- the alignment device When both the aligner and assembler are stranded, it is desirable to form the alignment device to dispense the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their longitudinal extent and to form the conveying means, the rod or strand being substantially coaxial to transport loosely aligned segments in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to the joining device.
- the assembling means is to be provided with wrapping means adapted to co-surround the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments with a flexible wrapping ply.
- the joining device should comprise storage means for receiving at least one bobbin carrying a wrapping strip and guiding means which are adapted to withdraw the wrapping strip from the bobbin and to spend to the wrapping means.
- the wrapping means are adapted to supply the wrapping strip to the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in a direction approximately transverse to its axial length and transverse axial curl around the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to wrap.
- a transverse axial wrapping takes place, which can be realized in a drum process in particular advantageously.
- the wrapping means may comprise rollers or rollers movably mounted and formed circumferentially around the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to apply the wrapping strip to the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments.
- the wrapping means may comprise rotation means for rotating the bar or strand about its longitudinal axis.
- the wrapping means are designed for longitudinal axial wrapping of the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments with the wrapping strip.
- the strand method is particularly advantageous.
- the wrapping means has a shape by which the bar or string is guided in substantially longitudinally axial direction from coaxially loosely aligned segments, and conveying means formed, the wrapping strip in its longitudinal direction together with the bar or strand through the mold while substantially synchronizing its velocity of travel with that of the rod or strand, the mold being configured to transfer the wrapping strip as it moves through the mold from a substantially expanded state to a bar or strand to effect from surrounding substantially coaxial loosely aligned segments.
- the mold may expediently include a cavity through which the rod or strand is passed out of essentially coaxially loosely aligned segments, wherein the cavity has an outlet with a rod or strand formed thereon with the cross section of the cylindrical segments Envelope strip approximately adapted cross-section, an inlet with a relative to the outlet larger cross-section and a from the inlet to the outlet, preferably approximately conical, tapered shape.
- a wrapping agent is already used in machines and plants for the production of conventional combustion fume products in order to wrap the tobacco strands and filter strands of the conventional incineration fume products with wrapping paper.
- the already known wrapping technology used in a flow process can be utilized from the production of conventional incineration products, resulting in a further cost advantage.
- the joining means comprises a stop against which the rod or strand can be brought out of the substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to achieve a mutual loading of two adjacent segments at their opposite end faces, whereby the fastening means unfold their effect for fixing the segments together.
- This embodiment may be used for an assembler instead of the aforementioned first embodiment.
- a combined use of both embodiments is conceivable by using the aforementioned second embodiment precombined groups of segments are formed by means of these existing fasteners, which then commonly connected together by means of the aforementioned first embodiment of a joining device by attaching a flexible wrapping layer.
- the abovementioned abutment may, for example, additionally or alternatively be provided to generate a dead space or space between successive segments and segments to be transferred.
- the joining device has at least one gripping means which is designed to act on at least one segment, preferably the last segment of the rod or strand, which is upstream or trailing with respect to the conveying direction, of segments which are essentially coaxially loosely aligned in the direction of the stop.
- the stop should be brought into a rest position to allow further transport of the rod or strand of substantially coaxially aligned and now fixed to each other segments.
- a separator is then used, which is connected downstream of the assembly device.
- the separator may preferably have a rotating rotor with circumferentially arranged cutting means.
- testing device connected downstream of the joining device, which is designed to check the Functioning of the existing of the plurality of cylindrical segments and provided for forming a respective smoke product rods to apply negative pressure.
- a testing device connected downstream of the joining device, which is designed to check the Functioning of the existing of the plurality of cylindrical segments and provided for forming a respective smoke product rods to apply negative pressure.
- a trained as a hollow drum test drum can be used.
- the test device may preferably have two test caps, between which the smoke product is taken, wherein a test pressure is applied to the test caps and its possible change is measured.
- an output device is designed to rotate the rods consisting of a plurality of cylindrical segments to form a respective smoke product by approximately 90 ° and to transport them approximately transversely to their axial longitudinal extent, for example to obtain a suitable orientation for subsequent packaging ,
- the electronic cigarette 2 has a rigid cylindrical housing 4, in which a battery 6 and a plurality of electronic functional units and other components are included, which will be discussed in more detail below.
- the battery 6 is housed in a front portion of the electronic cigarette 2.
- a vacuum sensor 8 and an evaporator 10 are provided in the electronic cigarette 2, which has a heater 12 and is connected via a tube 14 with a liquid tank 16, which is also contained in the housing 4 and is provided for receiving aromatic liquid 18.
- a mouthpiece 20 which simultaneously forms a filter and the one end of the electronic cigarette 2.
- a light emitting diode 22 which simulates a glow process during operation of the electronic cigarette 2 as so-called glow light.
- the vacuum sensor 8 the evaporator 10, the heater 12 and the light emitting diode 22 so-called electronic functional units, which are powered by the battery 6 as an electrical energy source with electric current.
- the said electronic functional units to the battery 6 via electrical Lines connected in Fig. 1 partially shown and identified by the reference numeral "24".
- the heater 12 in the evaporator 10 effects evaporation of the aromatic liquid 18 removed from the liquid tank 16.
- this process is only used activated by the user. If the user takes a train via the filter 20, a negative pressure arises in the housing 4 which is detected by the vacuum sensor 8. The vacuum sensor 8 then causes an in Fig. 1 to close switch not shown, whereby between the battery 6 on the one hand and in particular the evaporator 10 and the light emitting diode 22 on the other hand via the electrical lines 24 an electrical connection is made.
- Fig. 2 is shown schematically the structure of an electronic cigarette according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- the structure differs from the in Fig. 1 shown known embodiment in that separate segments are used to form an electronic cigarette, which are identified in the figures by the reference numerals "31" to "36".
- Each of the segments 31 to 36 each has one of the basis of Fig. 1 described components comprising at least the battery 6, the vacuum sensor 8, the evaporator 10, the heater 12 and the liquid tank 16.
- the segment 36 may output the battery 6 Fig. 1 contain. Since the individual segments 31 to 36 are each provided with an at least partially geometrical, in particular with respect to the diameter, the same shape over the segments 31 to 36, eliminating the need, as in the in Fig.
- the segments 31 to 36 are cylindrical and have substantially the same diameter, in particular outer diameter, which is preferably oriented to the diameter of a corresponding combustion smoke product. Since in the present embodiment, the segments 31 to 36 are provided primarily for the production of an electronic cigarette, whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of conventional cigarettes. As Fig. 2 can also be seen schematically, the segments 31 to 36 in the illustrated embodiment has substantially the same axial length, which is advantageous for an automated production of the electronic cigarette. However, it is of course also conceivable to generally use segments with different axial lengths in order to be able to advantageously realize a larger space for a particular segment with a specific function than for another segment. By way of example, a segment containing the battery 6 or the liquid tank 16 of FIG Fig.
- Fig. 1 takes longer to be formed as a segment containing the vacuum sensor 8 of Fig. 1 contains.
- Fig. 2b furthermore can be seen, are the cylindrical segments in the composite Condition with their front sides together. There may also be spacings between the segments which allow a damage-free cut between the segments and allow processing of two or more mutually subordinate non-cuttable segments, for example a wrapped rod of two or more batteries, between each of which a space is provided and which have a common enclosure.
- the cylindrical segments 31 to 36 should expediently be provided on their front sides with standardized interfaces for producing at least one fluid connection and / or one electrical connection between two adjacent segments.
- electrical conductors with which the segments 31 to 36 are provided are provided.
- the electrical conductors terminate on also not shown electrical coupling means which are provided on the end faces of the segments 31 to 36 and formed for electrical connection with corresponding electrical coupling means on the opposite end face of an adjacent cylindrical segment.
- electrical conductor tracks may also contain at least one over its entire axial length extending channel, which can be used for example as a cable channel or for a fluid connection and is also not shown in the drawings.
- Fig. 3 schematically is a device for the production of electronic cigarettes with the schematically in Fig. 2 shown segmented structure according to a preferred first embodiment shown.
- the apparatus comprises four magazines 41 to 44, each of which contains segments of a particular type. So serves in the illustrated embodiment according to Fig. 3 the magazine 41 for receiving segments 31, for example, a storage memory corresponding to the liquid tank 16 of Fig. 1 have, the magazine 42 for receiving segments 32, the For example, an evaporator with heating element corresponding to the evaporator 10 with heating element 12 of Fig. 1 have, the magazine 43 for receiving segments 33, for example, a vacuum sensor 8 corresponding to the vacuum sensor 8 of Fig.
- the segments can preferably be supplied preassembled by specialized component manufacturers, before they are then optionally isolated according to a preliminary or receipt check and performed the associated magazine.
- supply means 51 to 54 are provided to remove the segments from the magazines 41 to 44 and to feed an alignment device 60.
- a feed is associated with a magazine, so the feed 51 to the magazine 41, the feed 52 to the magazine 42, the feed 53 to the magazine 43 and the feed 54 to the magazine 44.
- the feed 51 to 54 for example, a conveyor belt, a screw conveyor and / or have a shaft and / or work pneumatically and this have to be acted upon with suction or compressed air transport tube.
- the magazines 41 to 44 are not provided with a closable lower outlet through which the segments can be dispensed under the influence of gravity, it is alternatively conceivable to provide the feed means 51 to 54 with gripping or removal means, around the segments 31 to 34 to remove the magazines 41 to 44.
- the alignment device 60 serves to align the segments 31 to 34 obtained from the feed means 51 to 54 substantially coaxially with each other and thus to form a rod 70 of segments 31 to 34 which are essentially coaxially aligned in an essentially loose manner.
- the alignment device 60 is divided into four in the conveying direction according to arrow A consecutively located stations 61 to 64, of which each station is assigned a feeding, so the station 61, the feed 51, the station 62, the feed 52, the station 63 the Feeding means 53 and the station 64, the feeding means 54. Further, the alignment stations 61 to 64 are formed so that they bring the supplied from the supply means 51 to 54 segments 31 to 34 in sequence in the conveying direction according to arrow A in coaxial alignment with each other.
- the first alignment station 61 which, based on the conveying direction according to arrow A furthest upstream, takes over a segment 31 from the supply 51 and then passes this to the downstream nearest second alignment station 62, which substantially simultaneously a second segment 32 from the second Feeding 52 receives and brings this in coaxial alignment with the first segment 31.
- the assembly formed from the first and second segments 31, 32 is then transferred to the downstream closest third alignment station 63, which arranges a third segment 33 substantially simultaneously obtained from the third delivery means 53 coaxially with the second segment 32.
- the thus formed array of first to third segments 31 to 33 is then transferred to the downstream adjacent fourth alignment station 64 which receives a fourth segment 34 substantially simultaneously from fourth delivery means 54 and locates it coaxially aligned with third segment 33.
- the alignment device 60 has only four alignment stations 61 to 64, in the fourth alignment station 64, the construction of an array of coaxially aligned first to fourth segments 31 to 34 terminated, with such an arrangement, a rod 70 of coaxially aligned formed to each other arranged first to fourth segments 31 to 34 is formed.
- the above-described stepwise or stepwise construction of the composite of the segments 31 to 34 bar 70, which in Fig. 3 is additionally schematically illustrated, is organized by a control device, not shown in the figures, which controls the operation of the supply means 51 to 54 and the work stations 61 to 64 accordingly.
- the segments 31 to 34 or a part of the segments 31 to 34 are handled without cuts in the stations 61 to 64 or in a part of the stations 61 to 64.
- the conveying means 66 may preferably be formed as a hollow drum, which is provided on its lateral surface with circumferentially arranged groove-like troughs which extend in relation to the hollow drum in the axial direction and for receiving at least one rod 70 from the coaxially aligned segments 31 to 34 are formed.
- all of the alignment stations 61 to 64 are provided with such drum drums for transporting the rod to be built up successively from coaxially aligned segments transverse to its axial longitudinal direction within the alignment device 60 from one alignment station to the next alignment station.
- Fig. 3 furthermore schematically shows, there is shown the structure of a rod 70 which is composed of different segments 31 to 34.
- the control device which has already been mentioned, but not shown in the drawings, so that successively two identical segments are removed from the magazines 41 to 44, so that the rod 70 to be formed by the alignment device 60 is adjacent to different segments also has a group of two adjacent like segments.
- the rod 70 When discharged from the alignment device 60, the rod 70 forms an assembly of loosely assembled segments 31-34.
- an assembly means 80 is provided which, viewed in the conveying direction according to arrow A, is arranged downstream of the alignment device 60, such as Fig. 3 can be seen schematically.
- the conveying means 66 the rod formed in the alignment device 60 is passed from the alignment device 60 to the joining device 80, coaxially yet loosely in alignment with one another, between segments 31 to 34 transversely to its longitudinal extension.
- the joining device 80 is designed as a wrapping device which, along the entire length of the bar 70, provides its segments 31 to 34 together with a single casing, which is formed by a flexible wrapping layer.
- the joining device 80 has storage means (not shown) for receiving at least one bobbin 82, on which a wrapping strip 84 is wound up. From this bobbin 82, the wrapping strip 84 is removed and transported via guiding means 85 to wrapping means 86.
- the guide means 85 and the wrapping means 86 are also part of the assembly means 80.
- the wrapping means 86 are adapted to feed the wrapping strip 84 to the bar 70 from the coaxially loosely aligned segments 31-34 in a direction approximately transverse to its axial length and to wind it around the bar 70 by transverse axial curl.
- a transverse axial enclosure is used in the Fig.
- the wrapping means 86 may comprise rollers or rollers movably mounted and formed circumferentially around the rod 70 to apply the wrapping strip 84 to the bar 70.
- the wrapping means 86 may comprise rotating means for rotating the bar or strand about its axial longitudinal axis so that the bar 70 is wrapped in the supplied wrapping strip 84.
- no gluing means are provided which glue the two opposite longitudinal side edges together, these gluing means also being part of the wrapping means 86.
- the assembly device 80 still has a separator, not shown in detail in the figures, to cut off the wrapping strip 84 after wrapping the bar 70 or previously cut to a corresponding length, such a separator for example, part of the guide means 85 or the wrapping means 86 can be.
- a rod 70 is now formed, which is composed of coaxially aligned segments 31 to 34 and wrapped over its entire axial length with a wrapping strip 84, which thus fulfills the function of a connecting structure to the segments 31 to 34 to form an electronic cigarette of the rod 70 to connect with each other.
- a bar 70 provided with a wrapping strip 84 is also schematically shown in FIG Fig. 2b , albeit pictured there with a different composition of segments in a different order.
- the end product is an electronic cigarette which is composed of individual segments 31 et seq. And provided with a wrapping strip 84, so that an electronic cigarette produced in this way comes rather close to a conventional cigarette in terms of its look and feel.
- a wrapping strip 84 as a connection structure also allows, for example, the formation of holes or perforations at specific locations, similar to the draw resistance of a conventional one Targeted influence cigarette.
- the joining device 80 may be followed by a corresponding perforation device, which is not shown in the figures.
- joining device 80 downstream of a testing device, not shown in the figures, which is designed to apply negative pressure to check the operability of the rods 70 provided for forming an electronic cigarette in each case.
- a testing device not shown in the figures, which is designed to apply negative pressure to check the operability of the rods 70 provided for forming an electronic cigarette in each case.
- a trained as a hollow drum test drum can be used.
- Fig. 4 schematically shows an apparatus for the production of electronic cigarettes with the schematically in Fig. 2 shown segmented structure according to a preferred second embodiment, which differs from the first embodiment according to Fig. 3 essentially differs in that is formed from a plurality of output from the aligning means 60 rods 70 of coaxially loosely aligned segments 31 to 34, a longer strand 74, which takes the form of an approximately endless strand and is further processed in the strand process, and that the envelope with the wrapping strip 84 not as in the embodiment of Fig. 3 transversely, but longitudinally.
- Prevention of repetition is disregarded by a detailed description of those components and elements used in the execution of Fig. 4 in a substantially identical manner as in the embodiment of Fig. 3 realized and therefore also marked with the same reference numerals.
- the alignment device 60 is downstream of a conveyor 90, the direction of movement of the output from the alignment device 60 bars 70 from a direction transverse to the axial longitudinal extent indicated by arrow A in a direction corresponding to the axial longitudinal extent of arrow B about 90 ° changes without, however, the spatial orientation of the rods 70 undergoes a change.
- the conveyor 90 handles the formation of the strand 74 by sequentially joining a plurality of bars 70.
- the alignment device 60 in such a way that the segments 31 to 34 are already assembled in a coaxial, loosely aligned arrangement into rods 70 and the rods 70 are output from the alignment device 60 in the direction of their longitudinal axial extension, so that the Flow direction according to arrow A corresponds to the direction of the axial longitudinal extension of the rods 70.
- the thus formed strand 74 then passes through the assembly means 80, although also like the assembly means 80 of Fig. 3 is formed for receiving a bobbin 82, from which a wrapping strip 84 is withdrawn, but from the splicer 80 of Fig. 3 characterized in that the wrapping strip 84 is applied to the strand 74 in a longitudinal axial wrapping operation; because a longitudinal axial envelope can be advantageous realize in a strand process.
- conveyor which are designed to convey the wrapping strip 84 in the longitudinal direction of the mold 88 and then together with the strand 74 in the direction of arrow B through the mold 88 and thereby its speed of movement with the strand 74 substantially to synchronize.
- the mold 88 is configured to cause the wrapping strip 84 to transition from a substantially expanded condition to a condition surrounding the strand 74 as it moves through the mold 88.
- the mold 88 preferably includes a cavity, not shown in the figures, through which the strand 74 is passed, wherein the cavity has an outlet with a cross-section of the strand 74 with arranged on it envelope strip 84 approximately adapted cross section, an inlet with respect to the Outlet larger cross-section and one from the inlet to the outlet, preferably has approximately conical, tapered shape.
- the mold 88 may be formed in a similar manner to that known from machines for making conventional combustion smoke products.
- a separating knife 92 is provided to surround the strand 74 wrapped with the wrapping strip 84, as shown schematically in FIG Fig. 2c , albeit with a different composition of segments in a different order, is shown as being disjointed into discrete bars 75 having a useful length suitable for forming electronic cigarettes, also exemplified in FIG Fig. 2d such a cut rod 75 is shown schematically.
- the alignment device 60 is designed for processing the segments 31 to 34 in the strand process
- the discrete rods 75 produced in this way can be arranged in the conveying direction in the longitudinal axial orientation or, like Fig. 4 can be seen schematically, issued transversely to its axial longitudinal extent.
- suitable means of transport are to be provided, which essentially subject the rods 75 to a rotation of 90 ° without changing the direction of transport, so that the rods 75 are conveyed next to one another in a conveying direction transversely to their longitudinal axial extent, as in FIG Fig. 4 is shown schematically, wherein said means of transport are indicated by the arrow 94.
- Fig. 5 is a third embodiment of a device for the production of electronic cigarettes with the schematically in Fig. 2 shown segmented structure shown.
- This embodiment has certain similarities with the second embodiment according to Fig. 4 so that in order to avoid repetition, a detailed description of those components and elements will be dispensed with which may be made in substantially the same or similar manner as in the embodiment of FIG Fig. 4 realized and therefore also marked with the same reference numerals.
- the segments 31 to 34 are removed from respective magazines 41 to 44, step by step on a revolving conveyor 68 stored and thereby aligned longitudinally axial and lined up, in particular the FIGS. 5a and 5b reveal.
- transfer wheels 67 are provided, which are components of the alignment stations 61 to 64 and are designed to form stepwise or stepwise a composite of the segments 31 to 34 bar 70, as in Fig. 5b is shown schematically.
- the supply means 51 to 54 each have a transport roller and a plurality of adjacent circular knives, which are arranged adjacent to the circumference of the respective transport roller, wherein the transport rollers and the units of a plurality of adjacent circular knives, however, in Fig. 5a not denoted by reference numerals.
- the mentioned unit of the knives has the task of cutting the segments 31 to 34 correspondingly, which in the exemplary embodiment shown in the delivered state have a corresponding multiple of the length of a single segment, which allows simultaneous provision of a plurality of segments of one type.
- the distance between each two adjacent segments should be 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm, to allow a damage-free separation cut between these two adjacent segments. It is advantageous segments 31 to 34 with a single length as in the device of Fig. 4 to process, so omitted in this case, the aforementioned knife and difficult cutting functions can be avoided in this part of the device.
- assembly means 80 has three mutually engaging rollers 81, in particular with alternating in order of their arrangement of rotation on.
- One or more of the rollers carry on their lateral surface in the circumferential direction equidistantly arranged driver 81a.
- One or more of these rollers 81 are formed with negative pressure for holding the rods 70 acted upon.
- a linear arrangement can advantageously be realized in which the segments 31 to 34 after their deposition on the conveyor 68 and the rods 70 produced from the segments 31 to 34 with their respective longitudinal axis a linearly extending path in follow direction of arrow A.
- the segments 31 to 34 and the rods 70 are oriented the same with their respective longitudinal axis.
- rollers 81 may, in particular circumferentially adjacent to the respective lateral surface and the drivers 81a, be provided with a coaxially arranged, in particular arc-shaped, cover, which prevent the rods 70 from falling off the roller 81. In this way, a reliable transport is possible even in the case that no or a small vacuum for holding the rods 70 rests against the receptacle of a roller 81 and / or that a segment has an increased weight, in particular a heavy functional unit or a battery is to be transported ,
- Fig. 6 is a fourth embodiment of a device for the production of electronic cigarettes with the schematically in Fig. 2 shown segmented structure shown.
- This embodiment differs from the two previously described embodiments in that two different rods 70 and 71 already assembled from several segments and provided with a wrapping strip 84 and thus pre-assembled, as also shown by way of example in FIG Fig. 2e , although shown schematically with a different composition of segments in a different order, to connect to a common (double) bar 72, as also exemplified in FIG Fig. 2f is shown schematically.
- the in Fig. 6 illustrated device at least two devices according to the first embodiment of Fig. 3 and / or according to the second embodiment of Fig. 4 downstream.
- FIG. 6 has a separating and spreading station 96 in which the first bars 70 are divided centrally and spaced apart. Accordingly, two spaced-apart first partial rods are formed from the first rods 70, which in the lower part of Fig. 6 are marked with the reference numerals "70a” and "70b". Therefore, this station 96 is similar in function to a spreading drum in filter tipping machines for making conventional filter cigarettes. Furthermore, the device of Fig. 6 an alignment station 98 which arranges a second rod 71 between two spaced-apart first part rods 70a, 70b, so that now a common (double) rod 72 in the form of an arrangement of a rod 71 with both sides coaxially aligned and loosely fitting part rods 70a, 70b is formed. Thus, the alignment station 98 operates similar to the alignment device 60 previously described.
- the assembly station 100 Downstream of the alignment station 98 is an assembly station 100, which is similar to the assembly device 80 of FIG Fig. 3 is constructed. Accordingly, the assembly station 100 also comprises storage means, not shown, for receiving at least one bobbin 102, from which a wrapping strip 104 is peeled off, which preferably consists of paper, guide means 105 for transporting the wrapping strip 104 and wrapping means 106, and a separating device, not shown in detail the wrapping strip 104 cuts to a desired length and may preferably be part of the guide means 105 or the wrapping means 106. Similar to the splicer 80 of Fig. 3 is also the assembly station 100 of Fig. 6 formed to wrap the wrapping strip 104 around the rod 72 by transverse axial Umrollung.
- a self-bonded (double) rod 72 is formed, in which the two first sub-rods 70a, 70b and the intermediate second rod 71 are held together by the at least partially overlapping wrapping strip 104.
- the device of FIG Fig. 6 Downstream of the assembly station 100, the device of FIG Fig. 6 a divider 110 to divide the common (double) rod 72 again into two discrete single rods 73, which can then be used immediately after dispensing from this device to form an electronic cigarette.
- the transport of the rods in the direction of the arrow A takes place transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof.
- the illustrated device is particularly suitable for a drum process.
- the assembly station 100 has a longitudinal axial envelope similar to that shown in FIG Fig. 4 shown joining device 80 performs.
- a (double) rod 72 is shown schematically, but composed of two complete prefabricated, each provided with an envelope first and second rods 70 and 71 and at least partially wrapped with the common wrapping strip 104.
- the two prefabricated rods 70 and 71 differ from the in Fig. 6 by way of example, first and second bars 70 and 71 not only by not dividing into sub-bars prior to formation of the common bar 72, but also by a different composition of segments in a different order and further characterized in that the second bar 71 between two Segments has a gap 78 which is closed not only by the adjacent end faces of the two adjacent segments, but also by the wrapping strip 84.
- This gap 78 can be used for example as a chamber for receiving additives 79 such as Charcoal, such as Fig. 2g can be seen schematically.
- additives 79 such as Charcoal, such as Fig. 2g can be seen schematically.
- Fig. 7 schematically shows the structure of an electronic cigarette according to a preferred second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment according to Fig. 2 differs in that instead of a wrapping strip 84 for connecting the segments 31 to 36 for the formation of a common rod 70 or 75 or strands 74, a plug-in system is used, which is arranged by a arranged on the one end face of the segments male coupling element 37a and at the other end side of the segments arranged complementary female coupling element 37b is formed.
- the male coupling elements 37 are formed as cylindrical pins whose outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical segments. Due to the complementary shape, which in Fig.
- the female coupling elements 37b are formed as cylindrical blind holes whose inner diameter corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the male coupling elements 37a and thus also smaller than the outer diameter of the segments.
- adhesive it is also conceivable to provide adhesive and thus to effect a connection of the segments to each other by gluing.
- Fig. 8 is to a device for the production of electronic cigarettes using the in Fig. 7 shown segments according to a preferred fifth embodiment, in particular of the second embodiment according to Fig. 4 essentially differs in that, instead of the wrapping means 80 effecting an envelope and the upstream conveyor 90, an assembly device 130 is provided which has a stop 132, which is formed on a holder 134. To the complementary coupling elements 37a, 37b (see Fig. 7a ) in mutual insertion engagement to form a substantially inherently solid rod 70, the rod 70 is pushed with the hitherto still loosely lined up segments 31 to 34 against the stopper 132.
- conveying means not shown in the drawings are provided, which may for example comprise gripping means and are preferably formed, at least one segment, in particular with respect to the conveying direction according to arrow A upstream or trailing last segment of a rod 70 in the direction of the stopper 132 apply.
- the segments 31 to 34 along a guide surface 136th moves, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment of the bracket 134.
- the holder 134 of the assembly device 130 pivoted by 90 °, whereby the respective now connected rod 70 undergoes a change in its spatial orientation by 90 °, before it is then discharged from the assembly device 130.
- the stopper 132 should be designed so that it can be brought into a rest position, but what in Fig. 8 not shown.
- Fig. 8a is a modification of the device of Fig. 8 in the assembler 130 downstream section.
- This modification is characterized in that the rods 70, which are joined together by the joining device 130 substantially to form a fixed unit, are in turn assembled into a strand 74.
- the modification comes according to Fig. 8a even the execution of Fig. 4 closer, as well as in the execution of Fig. 4 at the same place the formation of a strand 74 takes place.
- the joining device 130 is modified so that it additionally takes over the formation of the strand 74 from the rods 70 in a subsequent step, but in detail in Fig. 8a not shown.
- a separate strand forming device which connects the individual rods 70 to each other and is likewise not shown in the figures.
- This for the segmented structure according to Fig. 7 used plug system for connecting the individual segments 31 to 36 to each other also allows the formation of a strand 74 in a particularly simple manner by the individual rods 70 are brought into mutual insertion engagement in the same manner as the individual segments 31 to 36.
- the two types of connection ie the envelope and the use of a plug-in system
- This is for example using the in Fig. 6 can be used by pre-assembled rods 70, 71 are used, the segments are not connected to each other by means of a wrapping strip, but using the plug-in system.
- the resulting common (double) bar 72 with the wrapping strip 104 applied thereon and connecting the two individual bars 70 and 71 is exemplified in FIG Fig. 7f shown schematically.
- Embodiments of the invention could be characterized as follows: Electric smoking product comprising components comprising at least one electrical energy source (6), a storage reservoir (16) for storing at least one flavoring agent (18), an electrical transducer (10) for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent (18) and an electrical heating element (12) characterized by a plurality of cylindrical segments (31 to 36), each segment of which contains at least one component, and a connecting structure (37a, 37b; 84; 104), the cylindrical segments (37) for forming the electric smoke product (2). 31 to 36) substantially coaxially aligned and frontally mutually touching to a rod (70) or strand (74) interconnects.
- Electric smoking product characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) have substantially the same diameter, in particular the same outer diameter.
- Electric smoking product characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) are provided at their ends with standardized interfaces for producing at least one fluid connection between two adjacent segments.
- Electric smoking product characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36), preferably at their end faces, are provided with standardized interfaces for establishing an electrical connection between two adjacent segments.
- the connecting structure has a flexible, preferably strip-shaped, wrapping layer (84), which together surrounds the arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical segments (31 to 36) and of loosely one another two lying in the axial direction of the cylindrical Segments (31 to 36) extending longitudinal edges is limited, which are connected together to form a closed enclosure, preferably glued.
- the wrapping layer (84) comprises paper and / or plastic film.
- Electric smoking product characterized in that the wrapping layer (84, 104) is provided with a coating and / or printed.
- At least one electrical conductor track is arranged at least in sections on the outside, in particular on the outside lateral surface and / or an end side, of at least one cylindrical segment (31 to 36).
- Electric smoking product characterized in that at least one cylindrical segment contains at least one over its entire axial length extending channel having in particular continuous boundary walls, in particular which extend helically in the longitudinal axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction and / or over the peripheral surface.
- Electric smoking product characterized by an electrical switching device for connecting the electrical energy source (6) to at least one electrical load such as an electric evaporator (10) and an electric heating element (12) and a vacuum sensor (8), which occurs when negative pressure in the electric smoke product (2) causing the electrical switching device to establish an electrical connection between the electrical energy source (6) and the at least one electrical load (8, 10, 12, 22).
- an electrical switching device for connecting the electrical energy source (6) to at least one electrical load such as an electric evaporator (10) and an electric heating element (12) and a vacuum sensor (8), which occurs when negative pressure in the electric smoke product (2) causing the electrical switching device to establish an electrical connection between the electrical energy source (6) and the at least one electrical load (8, 10, 12, 22).
- a device for producing electric smoking products (2) characterized by storage means (41 to 44) adapted to receive cylindrical segments (31 to 36), feeding means (51 to 54) formed from segments (31 to 36) Stock removal means (41 to 44), an alignment device (60) which is formed by the feed means (51 to 54) obtained segments (31 to 36) substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the end face mutually touching and thus a rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36), conveying means (66; 90) adapted to move the rod (70) or strand (74) out of the alignment means (31 to 36) 36), and an assembly means (80; 130) adapted to interconnect the segments (31 to 36) in the rod (70) or strand (74), in particular at least two segments (31 to 36 ') electrically conductive with to connect each other.
- a control device which is designed to control the feed means (51 to 54) in such a way that it can be moved out of the storage means (41 to 44) in a first mode of operation different segments (31 to 36), so that in the aligning device (60) to be formed rod (70) consists of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36) each segment of the other Segment distinguished, and in a second mode of operation at least one group of at least two similar segments, so that to be formed by the alignment device (60) rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36) at least has a group of at least two similar segments.
- Apparatus characterized by control means adapted to control the feed means (51-54) and the alignment means (60) such that the segments (31-36) are loosely disposed in a desired order substantially axially in alignment with each other.
- the alignment device (60) is designed to align the segments (31 to 36) obtained from the feed means (51 to 54) substantially also with respect to their angular position to each other.
- the alignment device (60) is adapted to output the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) in a conveying direction (A) transversely to its axial longitudinal extent.
- the alignment device is designed to output the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their longitudinal extension, and the conveying means are formed, the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to transport to the assembly device.
- the joining means (80) comprises wrapping means (86; 88) adapted to collectively define the Bar (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) with a flexible wrapping layer (84) to surround.
- a device characterized in that the wrapping means (86) are formed, the wrapping layer (84) of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) in a direction approximately transverse to its axial longitudinal extent to be fed and wound by Queraxiale roll around the rod (70) or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36).
- the wrapping means (88) for longitudinal axial wrapping of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) are formed with the wrapping strip (84).
- the joining device (130) comprises means (132) which are designed to achieve a mutual loading of two adjacent segments at their opposite end faces, where fastening means (37a, 37b) are provided to the Forming the electric smoke product (2) to fix the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) on their front sides to each other or to create a longitudinal axial distance between two adjacent segments and / or to maintain.
- the joining device (130) comprises at least one gripping means, which is formed, at least one segment, preferably the upstream or trailing last segment of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments ( 31 to 36) to bias or retard towards the stop (132).
- the stop (132) in particular from an engagement position, can be brought into a rest position to further transport the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially aligned and now fixed to each other segments (31 to 36 ).
- a joining device downstream of the test device which is designed to test for the functioning of the existing of the plurality of cylindrical segments and provided for forming a respective smoke product rods with negative pressure.
- Preferred embodiments of the invention may also result from combinations of one or more of the preceding embodiments and / or combinations of one or more of these embodiments with one or more of the subject matters of the claims.
Abstract
Beschrieben wird ein elektrisches Rauchprodukt mit Komponenten, die mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle, einen Vorratsspeicher zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines Aromastoffes, einen elektrischen Wandler zur Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes und ein elektrisches Heizelement umfassen. Die Erfindung besteht darin, eine Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten (31, 32, 34, 35, 36), von denen jedes Segment mindestens eine Komponente enthält, und eine Verbindungsstruktur (84) zur Verfügung zu stellen, die zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes die zylindrischen Segmente (31, 32, 34, 35, 36) im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend zu einem Stab (70) oder Strang miteinander verbindet. Ferner wird eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von derartigen elektrischen Rauchprodukten beschrieben. Disclosed is an electric smoking product with components comprising at least one source of electrical energy, a storage reservoir for storing at least one flavoring agent, an electrical transducer for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent and an electrical heating element. The invention consists in providing a plurality of cylindrical segments (31, 32, 34, 35, 36), each segment containing at least one component, and a connecting structure (84), the cylindrical ones for forming the electric smoke product Segments (31, 32, 34, 35, 36) substantially coaxially aligned and frontally mutually touching a rod (70) or strand together. Furthermore, an apparatus for producing such electrical smoking products will be described.
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein elektrisches Rauchprodukt mit Komponenten, die mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle, einen Vorratsspeicher zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines durch den elektrischen Aromastoffes, einen elektrischen Wandler zur Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes und ein elektrisches Heizelement umfassen. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung derartiger elektrischer Rauchprodukte.The invention relates to an electrical smoke product comprising components comprising at least one electrical energy source, a storage reservoir for storing at least one of the electrical flavoring agent, an electrical transducer for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent and an electrical heating element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for producing such electrical smoke products.
Als ein derartiges Rauchprodukt wird zurzeit auf dem Markt eine sogenannte elektrische oder elektronische Zigarette oder Pfeife angeboten, welche als wichtige Komponenten mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle, einen elektrischen Verdampfer, einen Vorratsspeicher zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines durch den elektrischen Verdampfer zu verdampfenden Aromastoffes und ein elektrisches Heizelement umfassen. Der Verdampfer und das Heizelement werden mit elektrischer Energie von der elektrischen Energiequelle versorgt, bei der es sich zumeist um eine Batterie handelt. Die Batterie kann wahlweise aufladbar oder auch nicht aufladbar ausgeführt sein. Das Heizelement bewirkt eine Verdampfung des im Vorratsspeicher gespeicherten Aromastoffes, wobei der dadurch entstehende Dampf vom Benutzer inhaliert wird. In den meisten Fällen wird als Aromastoff eine Flüssigkeit verwendet und ist dementsprechend der Vorratsspeicher als Liquidtank ausgebildet. Beim elektrischen Verdampfer handelt es sich um eine zur Zeit besonders gängige Ausführung des eingangs angesprochenen elektrischen Wandlers zur Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes, wobei als Aromastoff eine Flüssigkeit verwendet wird und der Verdampfer eine Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes von flüssig in gasförmig bewirkt und somit den Aromastoff verdampft. Ebenfalls sind elektrische Rauchprodukte verfügbar, bei denen der Aromastoff aus einem Feststoff, beispielsweise in Form von Partikeln, besteht und der elektrische Verdampfer ausgebildet ist, den Aromastoff von der festen in eine gasförmige Phase zu überführen, und zwar zum Beispiel durch Schmelzen und Verdampfen.As such a smoking product, a so-called electric or electronic cigarette or whistle is currently on the market, comprising as important components at least one electric energy source, an electric evaporator, a storage memory for storing at least one flavoring agent to be evaporated by the electric evaporator and an electric heating element , The evaporator and the heating element are supplied with electrical energy from the electrical energy source, which is usually a battery. The battery can be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The heating element causes evaporation of the flavoring agent stored in the storage store, wherein the resulting steam is inhaled by the user. In most cases, a liquid is used as the flavoring agent and, accordingly, the storage reservoir is designed as a liquid tank. The electric evaporator is currently a particularly common embodiment of the above-mentioned electrical converter for changing the state of matter of the flavor, wherein a liquid is used as a flavoring and the evaporator causes a change in the state of matter of the aroma of liquid in gaseous and thus the flavoring evaporated. Also are electrical smoke products available in which the flavoring of a solid, for example in the form of particles, and the electrical evaporator is designed to convert the flavor of the solid into a gaseous phase, for example by melting and evaporation.
Gerade bei elektronischen Zigaretten unterscheidet man zwischen einmal und mehrfach benutzbaren Ausführungen. Im ersteren Fall wird eine nicht wiederaufladbare Batterie verwendet und ist der Vorratsspeicher weder auffüllbar noch auswechselbar, während im letztgenannten Fall zumindest der Vorratsspeicher entweder wiederbefüllbar oder als auswechselbare Patrone oder Kapsel ausgebildet ist.Especially with electronic cigarettes, one differentiates between once and multiple usable versions. In the former case, a non-rechargeable battery is used and the storage is neither refillable nor interchangeable, while in the latter case, at least the storage is either refillable or designed as a replaceable cartridge or capsule.
Derartige elektronische Zigaretten und Pfeifen bilden eine Alternative zu herkömmlichen Tabakzigaretten, -zigarren und -pfeifen, die auch übergreifend als "Verbrennungsrauchprodukte" bezeichnet werden. Denn elektrische oder elektronische Rauchprodukte können gesundheitliche Vorteile aufweisen, insbesondere indem Aromastoffe zum Einsatz gelangen, die weniger krebserregende Stoffe enthalten.Such electronic cigarettes and pipes provide an alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, cigars and whistles, which are also broadly referred to as "smoking products". Because electrical or electronic smoke products can have health benefits, in particular by flavorings are used, which contain less carcinogenic substances.
Zur Beschreibung des Aufbaus und der Funktionsweise einer elektronischen Zigarette wird beispielsweise auf die
Die elektronischen Zigaretten oder Pfeifen weisen ein festes Gehäuse auf, dessen Form einer herkömmlichen Zigarette oder Pfeife nachempfunden ist, indem beispielsweise im Falle einer elektronischen Zigarette das Gehäuse die Form eines im Wesentlichen zylindrischen, länglichen Körpers hat. Das Gehäuse nimmt die eingangs genannten Komponenten auf, die ja mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle, einen elektrischen Verdampfer, einen Vorratsspeicher zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines durch den elektrischen Verdampfer zu verdampfenden Aromastoffes und ein elektrisches Heizelement umfassen und somit vom Gehäuse umgeben und dadurch geschützt sind. Das Gehäuse ist an dem vorderen Ende mit einer Kappe, in der eine Lampe, heutzutage eine Leuchtdiode, sitzt und als Glutlicht den Glimmvorgang optisch simuliert, und am hinteren Ende durch ein Mundstück begrenzt. Während der Fertigung müssen die Komponenten durch eines der beiden dann noch offenen Enden in das zylindrische Gehäuse eingeführt und dann innerhalb des Gehäuses an der zugehörigen Stelle platziert werden. Hierfür ist Handarbeit erforderlich, was jedoch eine Herstellung mit großen Stückzahlen unter hoher Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit und insbesondere in automatisierter Form unmöglich macht. Bekannt ist auch ein Herstellen aus Einzelteilen, welche miteinander verschraubt werden, nachdem die erforderlichen Verdrahtungs- und Lötarbeiten durchgeführt wurden, was ebenfalls aufwendige Handarbeit erfordert.The electronic cigarettes or pipes have a fixed housing, the shape of which is modeled on a conventional cigarette or pipe, for example, in the case of an electronic cigarette, the housing has the shape of a substantially cylindrical, elongated body. The housing accommodates the components mentioned above, which indeed comprise at least one electrical energy source, an electric evaporator, a storage reservoir for storing at least one flavoring agent to be vaporized by the electrical evaporator and an electrical heating element and thus surrounded by the housing and thereby protected. The housing is at the front end with a cap in which a lamp, nowadays a light-emitting diode, sits and as glowing light simulates the glow process optically, and on the back end is limited by a mouthpiece. During manufacture, components must be inserted through one of the two then-open ends into the cylindrical housing and then placed within the housing at the appropriate location. For this, manual work is required, but this makes a production with large quantities under high production speed and in particular in an automated form impossible. Also known is a manufacture of individual parts, which are screwed together after the required wiring and soldering work has been carried out, which also requires elaborate manual labor.
Es ist daher Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, die Konstruktion des elektrischen Rauchproduktes derart zu modifizieren, dass sie eine automatisierte Herstellung mit großen Stückzahlen und unter hoher Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit erlaubt.It is therefore an object of the present invention to modify the construction of the electric smoking product so that it allows automated production in large quantities and at high production speed.
Ferner ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von derartigen elektrischen Rauchprodukten zu schaffen, die eine automatisierte Herstellung mit großer Stückzahl und unter hoher Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit ermöglicht sowie hohe Qualitätsanforderungen durchgehend über jedes hergestellte elektrische Rauchprodukt gewährleistet.It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing such electric smoking products that enables automated production in large numbers and at high manufacturing speeds, as well as ensuring high quality requirements throughout each manufactured electrical smoke product.
Gelöst werden diese Aufgaben gemäß einem ersten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung durch ein elektrisches Rauchprodukt mit Komponenten, die mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle, einen Vorratsspeicher zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines Aromastoffes), einen elektrischen Wandler zur Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes und ein elektrisches Heizelement umfassen, gekennzeichnet durch eine Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten, von denen jedes Segment mindestens eine Komponente enthält, und eine Verbindungsstruktur, die zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes die zylindrischen Segmente im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend zu einem Stab oder Strang miteinander verbindet.These objects are achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by an electric smoke product with components comprising at least one electric energy source, a storage for storing at least one flavoring substance), an electrical transducer for changing the state of aggregation of the flavoring agent and an electric heating element, characterized by a plurality of cylindrical segments, each segment containing at least one component, and a connection structure interconnecting the cylindrical segments substantially coaxially aligned and frontally mutually contacting one another to form the electric smoking product.
Dadurch, dass erfindungsgemäß das elektrische Rauchprodukt aus einer Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten zusammengesetzt wird, von denen jedes Segment mindestens eine Komponente enthält, wird der Aufbau des elektrischen Rauchproduktes in eine solche Form überführt, die eine Massenproduktion, also eine Herstellung mit großer Stückzahl und unter hoher Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit, ermöglicht. Hierzu werden die einzelnen Komponenten in Segmentform bereitgestellt. Da die einzelnen Segmente jeweils in sich abgeschlossene Einheiten bilden, lassen sie sich zur Fertigung eines elektrischen Rauchproduktes besonders einfach und auch in automatisierter Form zusammensetzen und in Abhängigkeit von den Anforderungen an das dadurch zu fertigende elektrische Rauchprodukt auch grundsätzlich in beliebiger Weise kombinieren. Wenn die einzelnen Segmente jeweils mit einem eigenen Gehäuse in einer im Wesentlichen über die Segmente gleichen Standardform versehen sind, entfällt auch die Notwendigkeit, ein kompliziert aufgebautes, übergreifendes gemeinsames Gehäuse für das herzustellende elektrische Rauchprodukt vorzusehen, was bislang im Stand der Technik ein Einbringen der einzelnen Komponenten bedingte und somit eine Herstellung mit großen Stückzahlen unter hoher Fertigungsgeschwindigkeit und in automatisierter Form unmöglich gemacht hat. Vorzugsweise werden die Segmente von geeigneten Zulieferern, bei denen es sich in der Regel um spezialisierte Komponentenhersteller handeln dürfte, vormontiert und zugeliefert. Der Durchmesser, insbesondere der Außendurchmesser, der zylindrischen Segmente sollte bevorzugt etwa gleich dem Durchmesser oder etwas geringer als der Durchmesser der entsprechenden herkömmlichen Rauchprodukte sein.Characterized in that according to the invention, the electric smoke product is composed of a plurality of cylindrical segments, each segment of which contains at least one component, the structure of the electric smoking product is converted into such a form, the mass production, ie a production in large quantities and high Production speed, allows. For this purpose, the individual components are provided in segment form. Since the individual segments each form self-contained units, they can be assembled to produce an electrical smoke product particularly simple and in an automated form and, depending on the requirements of the thereby to be manufactured electrical smoke product also basically combine in any way. If the individual segments are each provided with their own housing in a substantially standard form across the segments, there is also no need to provide a complexly constructed, overarching common housing for the electrical smoke product to be produced, which hitherto has been the case in the prior art Components conditional and thus has made production in large quantities under high production speed and automated form impossible. Preferably, the segments are preassembled and supplied by suitable suppliers, which are likely to be specialized component manufacturers. The diameter, especially the outer diameter, of the cylindrical segments should preferably be about equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the corresponding conventional smoking products.
Die Montage der Komponenten erfolgt durch koaxial fluchtende Anordnung der zylindrischen Segmente aneinander, indem jeweils zwei benachbarte zylindrische Segmente an ihren einander gegenüberliegenden Stirnseiten in gegenseitige Anlage aneinander gebracht und die Längs- bzw. Mittelachsen der einzelnen Segmente zu einer gemeinsamen Längs- bzw. Mittelachse zusammengefügt werden und dabei bevorzugt die Mantelflächen der zylindrischen Segmente im Wesentlichen fluchtend zueinander ausgerichtet werden. Die erforderliche Wechselwirkung zwischen den Komponenten der einzelnen Segmente sollte nur über definierte Schnittstellen stattfinden, die in einer standardisierten Anordnung an den Stirnseiten der Segmente ausgebildet sind. Dabei sorgt eine Verbindungsstruktur dafür, die zylindrischen Segmente aus einer im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Anordnung in eine feste Einheit in Form eines Stabes oder Stranges zu überführen.The assembly of the components is effected by coaxially aligned arrangement of the cylindrical segments to each other by each two adjacent cylindrical segments placed on their opposite end sides in mutual contact with each other and the longitudinal or central axes of the individual segments are joined together to form a common longitudinal or central axis and preferably the lateral surfaces of the cylindrical segments are aligned substantially aligned with each other. The required interaction between the components of each segment should only take place via defined interfaces, which are formed in a standardized arrangement on the end faces of the segments. In this case, a connection structure ensures that the cylindrical segments are converted from a substantially loosely coaxially aligned arrangement into a solid unit in the form of a rod or strand.
Demnach ermöglicht die erfindungsgemäße Konstruktion einen kontinuierlichen, automatisierten, aus verschiedenen gekoppelten Arbeitsstationen bestehenden Produktionsprozess zur industriellen Herstellung von elektrischen Rauchprodukten bei hoher Stückzahl. Durch die Verwendung von zylindrischen Segmenten lässt sich der Produktionsprozess insbesondere auch zumindest abschnittsweise in einem Trommel- oder Strangverfahren betreiben. Dies wiederum lässt in vorteilhafter Weise die Verwendung von Anlagenkomponenten zu, wie sie bislang zur Herstellung herkömmlicher Rauchprodukte verwendet werden.Thus, the construction according to the invention allows a continuous, automated, consisting of various coupled workstations production process for the industrial production of electric smoking products in large quantities. Through the use of cylindrical segments, the production process can be operated in particular also at least in sections in a drum or strand process. This, in turn, advantageously permits the use of plant components such as heretofore used for the production of conventional smoking products.
Bevorzugte Ausführungen und Weiterbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen elektrischen Rauchproduktes sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Preferred embodiments and further developments of the electrical smoke product according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
Für eine Standardisierung zur Vereinfachung des Fertigungsprozesses sollten die zylindrischen Segmente im Wesentlichen den gleichen Durchmesser und/oder die gleiche Länge aufweisen.For standardization to simplify the manufacturing process, the cylindrical segments should have substantially the same diameter and / or length.
Zweckmäßigerweise sind die zylindrischen Segmente an ihren Stirnseiten mit standardisierten Schnittstellen zur Herstellung mindestens einer fluiden Verbindung und/oder einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen zwei benachbarten Segmenten versehen.Conveniently, the cylindrical segments are provided at their ends with standardized interfaces for producing at least one fluid connection and / or an electrical connection between two adjacent segments.
Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Verbindungsstruktur eine flexible Umhüllungslage aufweist, die gemeinsam die Anordnung aus einer Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten umgibt und von zwei sich in axialer Richtung der zylindrischen Segmente erstreckenden Längsrändern begrenzt wird, die zur Bildung einer geschlossenen Umhüllung miteinander verbunden, vorzugsweise verklebt, sind. Die Verwendung einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage führt nicht nur zu einer optischen Ähnlichkeit mit herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukten, sondern ermöglicht in besonders vorteilhafter Weise eine Massenproduktion unter Verwendung einer bekannten Umhüllungstechnologie, wie sie zur Herstellung von herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukten bereits zum Einsatz kommt.A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connecting structure has a flexible wrapping layer, which together surrounds the arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical segments and is bounded by two longitudinal edges extending in the axial direction of the cylindrical segments which form a closed enclosure with one another connected, preferably glued, are. The use of a flexible overwrap layer not only provides optical similarity to conventional combustion fume products, but also, in a particularly advantageous manner, enables mass production using a known overwrapping technology already used to produce conventional incineration fume products.
Ähnlich wie bei einem herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukt kann die Umhüllungslage aus einem Umhüllungsstreifen gebildet sein und Papier aufweisen. Alternativ kann die Umhüllungslage aber auch aus einer Kunststofffolie bestehen. Ebenfalls wie bei einem herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukt kann die Umhüllungslage mit einer Beschichtung versehen und/oder bedruckt sein. Zur Beeinflussung und Justierung des Zugwiderstandes, was auch bei einem elektrischen Rauchprodukt ähnlich wichtig wie bei einem Verbrennungsrauchprodukt ist, lässt sich bevorzugt wie bei einem herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukt zumindest ein Abschnitt der Umhüllungslage mit Löchern versehen oder perforieren.Similar to a conventional combustion smoke product, the wrapper layer may be formed from a wrapper strip and comprise paper. Alternatively, the wrapping layer but also consist of a plastic film. Also as in a conventional combustion smoke product, the wrapper layer may be provided with a coating and / or printed. For influencing and adjusting the draw resistance, which is similarly important for an electric smoking product as for a combustion smoke product, it is preferable to provide or perforate at least a portion of the wrapping layer as in a conventional combustion smoke product.
Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Verbindungsstruktur Befestigungsmittel aufweist, die an den Stirnseiten der zylindrischen Elemente vorgesehen sind, um zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes die zylindrischen Segmente über ihre Stirnseiten aneinander zu fixieren. Diese Befestigungsart kann anstelle der zuvor beschriebenen Verwendung einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage gewählt werden. Alternativ ist aber auch ein kombinierter Einsatz denkbar, indem unter Verwendung der Befestigungsmittel vorkombinierte Gruppen von Segmenten gebildet werden, welche dann gemeinsam mithilfe einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage miteinander verbunden werden.A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connecting structure has fastening means which are provided on the end faces of the cylindrical elements in order to fix the cylindrical segments to one another via their end faces in order to form the electrical smoke product. This type of attachment can be chosen instead of the previously described use of a flexible wrapping layer. Alternatively, however, a combined use is conceivable by using the fastening means precombined groups of segments are formed, which are then connected together using a flexible wrapping layer.
Beispielsweise können die Befestigungsmittel ausgebildet sein, eine Verbindung zwischen den Segmenten auf mechanische Weise herzustellen, indem sie bevorzugt nach dem Klick-Prinzip oder dem Steckprinzip arbeiten. Alternativ ist es aber auch denkbar, dass die Befestigungsmittel Klebemittel aufweisen und somit eine Verbindung der Segmente miteinander durch Verkleben bewirken.For example, the attachment means may be configured to mechanically make a connection between the segments by preferably operating according to the click principle or the plug-in principle. Alternatively it is but also conceivable that the fastening means have adhesive and thus cause a connection of the segments to each other by gluing.
Vorzugsweise sollten die zylindrischen Segmente zumindest teilweise elektrische Leiter aufweisen, die an elektrischen Kupplungsmitteln enden, die an mindestens einer Stirnseite der zylindrischen Segmente vorgesehen und für eine elektrische Verbindung mit entsprechenden elektrischen Kupplungsmitteln an der gegenüberliegenden Stirnseite eines benachbarten zylindrischen Segmentes ausgebildet sind. Für eine Platz sparende Führung der elektrischen Leiter kann vorzugsweise an der Außenseite, insbesondere an seiner Mantelfläche, mindestens eines zylindrischen Segmentes zumindest abschnittsweise mindestens eine elektrische Leiterbahn angeordnet sein. Die mindestens eine elektrische Leiterbahn kann axial und/oder in Umfangsrichtung und/oder wendelförmig verlaufen. Es kann wahlweise auch eine Mehrzahl von elektrischen Leiterbahnen vorgesehen sein.Preferably, the cylindrical segments should at least partially have electrical conductors terminating in electrical coupling means provided on at least one end face of the cylindrical segments and formed for electrical connection to corresponding electrical coupling means on the opposite face of an adjacent cylindrical segment. For space-saving guidance of the electrical conductors, at least one electrical conductor track may be arranged at least in sections on the outside, in particular on its lateral surface, of at least one cylindrical segment. The at least one electrical conductor can run axially and / or in the circumferential direction and / or helically. Optionally, a plurality of electrical conductor tracks may also be provided.
Ferner kann bevorzugt mindestens ein zylindrisches Segment mindestens einen sich über dessen gesamte Länge erstreckenden Kanal enthalten. Ein solcher Kanal kann beispielsweise als Kabelkanal oder auch für eine fluide Verbindung genutzt werden.Furthermore, at least one cylindrical segment may preferably contain at least one channel extending over its entire length. Such a channel can be used for example as a cable channel or for a fluid connection.
Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführung weist ein Segment der ersten Art eine elektrische Energiequelle, ein Segment der zweiten Art einen Vorratsspeicher, ein Segment der dritten Art einen elektrischen Verdampfer und ein Segment der vierten Art ein elektrisches Heizelement auf. Ferner ist die Verwendung eines Mundstückes denkbar, welches dann ein Segment der fünften Art bilden kann.In a preferred embodiment, a segment of the first type comprises an electrical energy source, a segment of the second type a supply storage, a segment of the third type an electric evaporator and a segment of the fourth type an electric heating element. Furthermore, the use of a mouthpiece is conceivable, which can then form a segment of the fifth type.
Bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführung ist eine elektrische Schalteinrichtung zum Anschluss der elektrischen Energiequelle an mindestens einen elektrischen Verbraucher wie beispielsweise einen elektrischen Verdampfer und ein elektrisches Heizelement sowie ferner ein Unterdrucksensor vorgesehen, der bei Auftreten von Unterdruck im elektrischen Rauchprodukt die elektrische Schalteinrichtung veranlasst, eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Energiequelle und des mindestens einen elektrischen Verbrauchers herzustellen. Bei dieser Ausführung wird bei Aufnahme der Benutzung das elektrische Rauchprodukt sozusagen automatisch eingeschaltet, indem der Unterdrucksensor einen von einem Benutzer erzeugten Unterdruck im Rauchprodukt erkennt und bei Auftreten eines Unterdruckes die Herstellung einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Energiequelle und des mindestens einen elektrischen Verbrauchers veranlasst. Zusätzlich kann ein solcher Unterdrucksensor, der auch als Strömungsschalter wirken kann, dazu benutzt werden, während der Herstellung das Rauchprodukt auf Funktion zu überprüfen.In a further preferred embodiment, an electrical switching device for connecting the electrical energy source to at least one electrical load such as an electric evaporator and an electric heating element and also a negative pressure sensor is provided which causes the electrical switching device when electrical under pressure occurs in the electric smoke product, an electrical connection between the produce electrical energy source and the at least one electrical load. In this embodiment, the electrical smoke product is automatically turned on when recording the use of the negative pressure sensor detects a user generated negative pressure in the smoke product and causes the occurrence of a negative pressure, the establishment of an electrical connection between the electrical energy source and the at least one electrical load. In addition, such a vacuum sensor, which may also act as a flow switch, can be used to check the function of the smoke product during manufacture.
Bei einer Weiterbildung weist ein zylindrisches Segment der sechsten Art gemeinsam die Schalteinrichtung und den Unterdrucksensor auf. Alternativ ist es aber auch denkbar, ein zylindrisches Segment der sechsten Art nur zur Aufnahme der elektrischen Schalteinrichtung und ein zylindrisches Segment der siebten Art nur zur Aufnahme des Unterdrucksensors vorzusehen.In a further development, a cylindrical segment of the sixth type together has the switching device and the vacuum sensor. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to provide a cylindrical segment of the sixth type only for receiving the electrical switching device and a cylindrical segment of the seventh type only for receiving the vacuum sensor.
Gemäß einem zweiten Aspekt der vorliegenden Erfindung werden die zuvor angegebenen Aufgaben gelöst durch eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von elektrischen Rauchprodukten nach mindestens einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch Vorratsmittel, die ausgebildet sind, zylindrische Segmente aufzunehmen, Zuführmittel, die ausgebildet sind, Segmente aus den Vorratsmitteln zu entnehmen, Ausrichtmittel, die ausgebildet sind, die von den Zuführmitteln erhaltenen Segmente im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend zueinander und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend auszurichten und somit einen Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten zu bilden, Fördermittel, die ausgebildet sind, den Stab oder Strang aus der Ausrichteinrichtung zu entnehmen, und eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung, die ausgebildet ist, die Segmente im Stab oder Strang miteinander zu verbinden.According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above objects are achieved by a device for producing electric smoking products according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by storage means adapted to receive cylindrical segments, feeding means which are formed, segments from the storage means refer to, alignment means which are adapted to the segments obtained from the feed substantially coaxially aligned with each other and frontally mutually touching and thus form a rod or strand of substantially loosely coaxial aligned segments, conveying means which are formed, the rod or strand from the alignment device, and an assembly device configured to interconnect the segments in the rod or strand.
Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung dienen die Vorratsmittel zur Vereinzelung von insbesondere in Magazinen oder als Schüttgut angelieferten Segmenten, und zwar ggf. auch mit einer Vor- bzw. Eingangsprüfung. Die Vorratsmittel dienen insbesondere dazu, die unterschiedlichen Segmente in Abhängigkeit von ihrer Bauart und/oder Funktion getrennt zu bevorraten; beispielsweise kann ein Vorratsmittel dazu ausgebildet sein, ausschließlich Segmente mit Energiequellen aufzunehmen bzw. zu bevorraten. An dieser Stelle werden die Segmente wie Halbzeuge behandelt. Die erfindungsgemäß vorgesehenen Zuführmittel, Ausrichtmittel und Fördermittel sorgen für eine Anordnung, Ausrichtung und Beschleunigung der unterschiedlichen Segmente für die weitere Verarbeitung (insbesondere in einem Trommelprozess). Die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung sorgt im Anschluss dafür, dass die bis dahin nur lose zu einem Stab oder Strang zusammengefassten Segmente miteinander verbunden werden, um dann einen 'festen' Stab oder Strang zu bilden. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist hinsichtlich ihres Aufbaus und ihrer Funktionsweise mit einer Maschine oder Anlage zur Herstellung von Multifiltern für herkömmliche Verbrennungsrauchprodukte vergleichbar. Deshalb bietet die Erfindung die Möglichkeit, zumindest Komponenten aus diesen herkömmlichen Maschinen und Anlagen zu nutzen und ggf. zu modifizieren, was hinsichtlich der Kosten für die Errichtung und den Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sehr vorteilhaft ist. Mithilfe der Erfindung ist es somit erstmalig möglich, für elektrische Rauchprodukte eine Konstruktion vorzuschlagen, die eine Herstellung ähnlich zu Herstellprozessen für herkömmliche Verbrennungsrauchprodukte erlaubt, sodass bereits mit geringeren Modifikationen für die Herstellung von elektrischen Rauchprodukten Anlagenteile und Vorrichtungen aus bekannten und für die Herstellung von herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukten vorgesehenen Anlagen verwendet werden können. Als weiterer Vorteil in diesem Zusammenhang kommt hinzu, dass die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung wie die ähnlichen Vorrichtungen zur Herstellung von Verbrennungsrauchprodukten die Möglichkeit bietet, die elektrischen Rauchprodukte ebenfalls in einem Strangverfahren herstellen zu können.In the apparatus according to the invention, the storage means are used for singling segments supplied, in particular, in magazines or as bulk material, if appropriate also with a preliminary or input test. The stocking serve in particular, to separately store the different segments depending on their design and / or function; For example, a storage means may be adapted to receive or stockpile only segments with energy sources. At this point, the segments are treated like semi-finished products. The inventively provided feeding means, alignment means and conveying means provide for an arrangement, alignment and acceleration of the different segments for further processing (in particular in a drum process). The assembly device then ensures that the segments, which until then have only been loosely combined to form a bar or strand, are connected to one another in order then to form a 'solid' bar or strand. The device according to the invention is comparable in terms of its construction and its operation with a machine or plant for the production of multi-filters for conventional combustion products. Therefore, the invention offers the possibility to use at least components from these conventional machines and systems and possibly to modify what is very advantageous in terms of the cost of the construction and operation of the device according to the invention. With the invention, it is thus possible for the first time to propose a design for electric smoking products that allows production similar to manufacturing processes for conventional combustion smoke products, so that even with minor modifications for the production of electrical smoke products system components and devices from known and for the production of conventional combustion products can be used. Another advantage in this context is that the device according to the invention, like the similar devices for the production of combustion smoke products, offers the possibility of being able to produce the electrical smoke products likewise in a continuous process.
Bevorzugte Ausführungen und Weiterbildungen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben.Preferred embodiments and further developments of the device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims.
Bevorzugt wird eine Steuerungseinrichtung verwendet, die ausgebildet ist, die Zuführmittel derart zu steuern, dass sie aus den Vorratsmitteln in einem ersten Betriebsmodus unterschiedliche Segmente, sodass sich in dem in der Ausrichteinrichtung zu bildenden Stab aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten jedes Segment von einem anderen Segment unterscheidet, und in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus mindestens eine Gruppe von mindestens zwei gleichartigen Segmenten entnehmen, sodass der von der Ausrichteinrichtung zu bildende Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten mindestens eine Gruppe von mindestens zwei gleichartigen Segmenten aufweist. Sofern von den wesentlichen Komponenten jeweils eine Komponente in einem Segment enthalten ist, so ist der das spätere elektrische Rauchprodukt bildende Stab aus diesen unterschiedlichen Segmenten zusammenzusetzen. Hierfür kommt bevorzugt der zuvor erwähnte erste Betriebsmodus in Betracht. Sofern demgegenüber aber die Version eines elektrischen Rauchproduktes gewünscht wird, in der mindestens eine Komponente in einer größeren oder leistungsstärkeren Ausführung vorzusehen ist, kommt der zuvor erwähnte zweite Betriebsmodus in Betracht, wonach der das spätere elektrische Rauchprodukt bildende Stab mindestens eine Gruppe von mindestens zwei gleichartigen Segmenten enthält. Letzteres ist vorteilhaft, wenn ein Vorratsspeicher mit einer größeren Kapazität gewünscht wird, sodass in diesem Fall zwei gleichartige Segmente eingesetzt werden, die jeweils einen Vorratsspeicher enthalten, und bei Zusammenlegung dieser beiden gleichartigen Segmente die Vorratsspeicher miteinander gekoppelt werden und somit einen gemeinsamen Vorratsspeicher mit einem entsprechend etwa doppelt so großen Fassungsvermögen bilden. Ebenfalls kann der zuvor erwähnte zweite Betriebsmodus für die Herstellung von sog. Doppelstäben genutzt werden, die in ihrer Mitte zwei zueinander benachbarte gleichartige Segmente enthalten, die beispielsweise ein doppelt langes Mundstück darstellen und zur Bildung von Stäben mit einfacher Gebrauchslänge voneinander getrennt werden, so dass zwischen diesen Segmenten die Trennstelle für den Trennschnitt vorgesehen ist.Preferably, a control device is used, which is designed to control the feed means such that they different segments from the stock means in a first mode of operation, so that in the aligning device to be formed rod of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments each segment of another Segment distinguished, and in a second mode of operation at least one group of at least two similar segments, so that to be formed by the aligning rod or strand of substantially coaxially aligned segments at least one group of at least two similar segments. If one of the essential components in each case contains a component in a segment, then the rod forming the subsequent electrical smoke product must be composed of these different segments. For this purpose, the aforementioned first operating mode is preferably considered. On the other hand, if the version of an electric smoke product in which at least one component is to be provided in a larger or more powerful embodiment is desired, the aforementioned second operating mode is considered, according to which the rod forming the later electric smoke product comprises at least one group of at least two identical segments contains. The latter is advantageous if a storage memory is desired with a larger capacity, so that in this case two similar segments are used, each containing a storage memory, and at pooling of these two similar segments, the storage memory are coupled together and thus a common storage with a storage make about twice as large capacity. Also, the aforementioned second mode of operation for the production of so-called. Double bars are used, which contain in its center two adjacent similar segments, for example, represent a double-length mouthpiece and are separated to form rods with a simple use length, so that between these segments, the separation point is provided for the separating cut.
Da in der Regel innerhalb eines elektrischen Rauchproduktes die verschiedenen Komponenten in einer bestimmten Reihenfolge anzuordnen sind, ist es zweckmäßig, dass die Steuerungseinrichtung die Zuführmittel und die Ausrichteinrichtung derart steuert, dass die Segmente in einer gewünschten Reihenfolge im Wesentlichen axial fluchtend lose aneinander angeordnet werden, wobei die Anordnung bevorzugt ohne Bildung von Abständen zwischen den Segmenten und somit abstandsfrei erfolgt.Since it is usually within an electrical smoke product to arrange the various components in a particular order, it is it is expedient for the control device to control the feed means and the alignment device in such a way that the segments are arranged substantially flush with one another in a desired sequence, the arrangement preferably taking place without the formation of distances between the segments and thus without spacing.
Für den zuvor erwähnten Fall des zweiten Betriebsmodus, wonach zwei gleichartige Segmente benachbart zueinander angeordnet werden, ist es zweckmäßig, dass die Steuerungseinrichtung die Zuführmittel und die Ausrichteinrichtung so steuert, dass mindestens zwei Segmente der gleichen Art benachbart zueinander angeordnet werden.For the aforementioned case of the second mode of operation, after which two similar segments are arranged adjacent to each other, it is appropriate that the control means controls the feeding means and the aligning means so that at least two segments of the same kind are arranged adjacent to each other.
Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführung weist die Ausrichteinrichtung mehrere in Förderrichtung hintereinanderliegende Stationen auf, von denen jeder Station ein Zuführmittel zugeordnet ist, und ist die Ausrichteinrichtung ausgebildet, die von den Zuführmitteln zugeführten Segmente der Reihe nach in Förderrichtung in koaxial fluchtende Ausrichtung zueinander zu bringen. Auf diese Weise lässt sich in Förderrichtung nacheinander der Stab oder Strang aufbauen.In a preferred embodiment, the alignment device has a plurality of stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, each of which station is assigned a feed means, and the alignment device is designed to bring the segments fed by the feed means in sequence in the conveying direction in coaxial alignment with one another. In this way, the rod or strand can be built one after the other in the conveying direction.
Ebenfalls ist es hinsichtlich einer definierten Verbindung der Schnittstellen miteinander zweckmäßig, die Ausrichteinrichtung ferner auszubilden, die von den Zuführmitteln erhaltenen Segmente im Wesentlichen auch hinsichtlich ihrer Winkellage zueinander auszurichten. Mit einer solchen Maßnahme ist es besonders vorteilhaft möglich, Pole und Kontakte zweier aufeinanderfolgender elektrischer Komponenten zuverlässig in elektrische Verbindung miteinander zu bringen, was gleichermaßen auch für Strömungskanäle und andere Schnittstellen gilt.It is also expedient with respect to a defined connection of the interfaces with one another to further form the alignment device, to align the segments obtained from the feeding means substantially also with respect to their angular position to each other. With such a measure, it is particularly advantageous possible to reliably bring poles and contacts of two successive electrical components into electrical connection with each other, which equally applies to flow channels and other interfaces.
Des Weiteren können die Ausrichteinrichtung und/oder die Fördermittel ausgebildet sein, den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in einer Förderrichtung quer zu deren axialer Längserstreckung auszugeben bzw. zu transportieren.Furthermore, the alignment device and / or the conveying means may be designed to dispense or transport the rod or strand of segments that are substantially coaxially loosely aligned in a conveying direction transversely to their axial longitudinal extent.
Ebenfalls wie in ähnlichen Filter- oder Zigarettenherstellungsmaschinen können die Fördermittel mindestens eine Muldentrommel aufweisen, die an ihrer Mantelfläche mit über den Umfang angeordneten nutenartigen Mulden versehen ist, welche sich in Bezug auf die Muldentrommel in axialer Richtung erstrecken und zur Aufnahme mindestens eines Stabes aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten ausgebildet sind.Likewise, as in similar filter or cigarette making machines, the conveying means may comprise at least one hollow drum, which is provided on its lateral surface with circumferentially arranged groove-like troughs which extend in the axial direction with respect to the trough drum and for receiving at least one rod substantially coaxially aligned segments are formed.
Außerdem können die Fördermittel ausgebildet sein, die Bewegungsrichtung des Stabes oder Stranges aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten von einer Richtung quer zu deren axialer Längserstreckung in Richtung deren axialer Längserstreckung zu ändern. Diese Maßnahme ist insbesondere dann vorteilhaft, wenn die Ausrichteinrichtung Stäbe aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in Richtung quer zu deren axialer Längserstreckung ausgibt, während die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung ausgebildet ist, die im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmente während einer Bewegung in Richtung deren axialer Längserstreckung miteinander zu verbinden.In addition, the conveying means may be configured to change the direction of movement of the rod or strand from substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments from a direction transverse to its axial longitudinal extension in the direction of its axial longitudinal extent. This measure is particularly advantageous when the alignment device outputs rods of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction transverse to its axial longitudinal extent, while the assembly means is formed, the substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments during movement in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to each other connect.
Wenn sowohl die Ausrichteinrichtung als auch die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung im Strangverfahren arbeiten, ist es zweckmäßig, die Ausrichteinrichtung auszubilden, den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in Richtung deren Längserstreckung auszugeben, und die Fördermittel auszubilden, den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in Richtung deren axialer Längserstreckung zur Zusammenfügungseinrichtung zu transportieren.When both the aligner and assembler are stranded, it is desirable to form the alignment device to dispense the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their longitudinal extent and to form the conveying means, the rod or strand being substantially coaxial to transport loosely aligned segments in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to the joining device.
Für den Fall, dass zur Verbindung eine flexible Umhüllungslage verwendet wird, ist die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung mit Umhüllungsmitteln zu versehen, die ausgebildet sind, gemeinsam den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten mit einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage zu umgeben.In the event that a flexible wrapping ply is used for joining, the assembling means is to be provided with wrapping means adapted to co-surround the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments with a flexible wrapping ply.
Sofern die flexible Umhüllungslage als ein Umhüllungsstreifen ausgebildet ist, sollte die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung Vorratsmittel zur Aufnahme mindestens einer einen Umhüllungsstreifen tragenden Bobine sowie Führungsmittel aufweisen, die ausgebildet sind, den Umhüllungsstreifen von der Bobine abzuziehen und zu den Umhüllungsmitteln zu verbringen.If the flexible wrapping layer is designed as a wrapping strip, the joining device should comprise storage means for receiving at least one bobbin carrying a wrapping strip and guiding means which are adapted to withdraw the wrapping strip from the bobbin and to spend to the wrapping means.
Bei einer ersten Weiterbildung dieser Ausführung sind die Umhüllungsmittel ausgebildet, den Umhüllungsstreifen dem Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in einer Richtung etwa quer zu dessen axialer Längserstreckung zuzuführen und durch queraxiale Umrollung um den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten zu wickeln. Bei dieser Weiterbildung findet also eine queraxiale Umhüllung statt, was sich insbesondere in einem Trommelprozessvorteilhaft realisieren lässt.In a first development of this embodiment, the wrapping means are adapted to supply the wrapping strip to the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in a direction approximately transverse to its axial length and transverse axial curl around the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to wrap. In this development, therefore, a transverse axial wrapping takes place, which can be realized in a drum process in particular advantageously.
Hierzu können die Umhüllungsmittel Rollen oder Walzen aufweisen, die in Umfangsrichtung um den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten herum bewegbar gelagert und ausgebildet sind, den Umhüllungsstreifen auf den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten aufzubringen. Alternativ oder zusätzlich können die Umhüllungsmittel Rotationsmittel zum Drehen des Stabes oder Stranges um dessen Längsachse aufweisen.To this end, the wrapping means may comprise rollers or rollers movably mounted and formed circumferentially around the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to apply the wrapping strip to the bar or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments. Alternatively or additionally, the wrapping means may comprise rotation means for rotating the bar or strand about its longitudinal axis.
Bei einer alternativen zweiten Weiterbildung sind die Umhüllungsmittel zur längsaxialen Umhüllung des Stabes oder Stranges aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten mit dem Umhüllungsstreifen ausgebildet. Für eine längsaxiale Umhüllung ist besonders das Strangverfahren vorteilhaft.In an alternative second development, the wrapping means are designed for longitudinal axial wrapping of the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments with the wrapping strip. For a longitudinal axial wrapping, the strand method is particularly advantageous.
Bevorzugt weisen bei der zuvor erwähnten alternativen zweiten Weiterbildung die Umhüllungsmittel eine Form, durch die der Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in längsaxialer Richtung geführt wird, und Fördermittel auf, die ausgebildet sind, den Umhüllungsstreifen in dessen Längsrichtung zusammen mit dem Stab oder Strang durch die Form zu führen und dabei seine Bewegungsgeschwindigkeit mit der des Stabes oder Stranges im Wesentlichen zu synchronisieren, wobei die Form ausgebildet ist, eine Überführung des Umhüllungsstreifens während seiner Bewegung durch die Form von einem im Wesentlichen ausgebreiteten Zustand in einen den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten umgebenden Zustand zu bewirken. Hierfür kann die Form zweckmäßigerweise einen Hohlraum enthalten, durch den der Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten hindurchgeführt wird, wobei der Hohlraum einen Auslass mit einem an den Querschnitt der zylindrischen Segmente bzw. des von diesen gebildeten Stabes oder Stranges mit darauf angeordnetem Umhüllungsstreifen etwa angepassten Querschnitt, einen Einlass mit einem gegenüber dem Auslass größeren Querschnitt und eine sich vom Einlass zum Auslass, vorzugsweise etwa konisch, verjüngende Form aufweist. Ein solches Umhüllungsmittel findet bereits Verwendung in Maschinen und Anlagen zur Herstellung herkömmlicher Verbrennungsrauchprodukte, um die Tabakstränge und die Filterstränge der herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukte mit Umhüllungspapier zu umwickeln. Somit kann die bereits bekannte, in einem Fließprozess eingesetzte Umhüllungstechnologie aus der Herstellung von herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukten genutzt werden, was zu einem weiteren kostenmäßigen Vorteil führt.Preferably, in the aforementioned alternative second development, the wrapping means has a shape by which the bar or string is guided in substantially longitudinally axial direction from coaxially loosely aligned segments, and conveying means formed, the wrapping strip in its longitudinal direction together with the bar or strand through the mold while substantially synchronizing its velocity of travel with that of the rod or strand, the mold being configured to transfer the wrapping strip as it moves through the mold from a substantially expanded state to a bar or strand to effect from surrounding substantially coaxial loosely aligned segments. For this purpose, the mold may expediently include a cavity through which the rod or strand is passed out of essentially coaxially loosely aligned segments, wherein the cavity has an outlet with a rod or strand formed thereon with the cross section of the cylindrical segments Envelope strip approximately adapted cross-section, an inlet with a relative to the outlet larger cross-section and a from the inlet to the outlet, preferably approximately conical, tapered shape. Such a wrapping agent is already used in machines and plants for the production of conventional combustion fume products in order to wrap the tobacco strands and filter strands of the conventional incineration fume products with wrapping paper. Thus, the already known wrapping technology used in a flow process can be utilized from the production of conventional incineration products, resulting in a further cost advantage.
Alternativ oder zusätzlich zu dem zuvor beschriebenen Umhüllungsstreifen ist auch die Verwendung von vorkonfektionierten Umhüllungszuschnitten denkbar.As an alternative or in addition to the wrapping strip described above, the use of prefabricated wrapping blanks is also conceivable.
Für den Fall, dass die Verbindungsstruktur Befestigungsmittel aufweist, die an den Stirnseiten der zylindrischen Segmente vorgesehen sind, weist in einer bevorzugten zweiten Ausführung die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung einen Anschlag auf, gegen den der Stab oder Strang aus den im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten verbringbar ist, um eine gegenseitige Beaufschlagung jeweils zweier benachbarter Segmente an ihren einander gegenüberliegenden Stirnseiten zu erzielen, wodurch die Befestigungsmittel ihre Wirkung zur Fixierung der Segmente aneinander entfalten. Diese Ausführung kann anstelle der zuvor erwähnten ersten Ausführung für eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung verwendet werden. Alternativ ist aber auch ein kombinierter Einsatz beider Ausführungen denkbar, indem unter Verwendung der zuvor erwähnten zweiten Ausführung vorkombinierte Gruppen von Segmenten mithilfe von an diesen vorhandenen Befestigungsmitteln gebildet werden, welche dann gemeinsam mithilfe der zuvor erwähnten ersten Ausführung einer Zusammenfügungseinrichtung durch Anbringung einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage miteinander verbunden werden.In the event that the connecting structure has fastening means which are provided on the end faces of the cylindrical segments, in a preferred second embodiment, the joining means comprises a stop against which the rod or strand can be brought out of the substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments to achieve a mutual loading of two adjacent segments at their opposite end faces, whereby the fastening means unfold their effect for fixing the segments together. This embodiment may be used for an assembler instead of the aforementioned first embodiment. Alternatively, however, a combined use of both embodiments is conceivable by using the aforementioned second embodiment precombined groups of segments are formed by means of these existing fasteners, which then commonly connected together by means of the aforementioned first embodiment of a joining device by attaching a flexible wrapping layer.
Der zuvor erwähnte Anschlag kann beispielsweise aber auch zusätzlich oder alternativ dazu vorgesehen sein, einen Totraum oder Zwischenraum zwischen aufeinanderfolgenden und zu übergebenden Segmenten zu erzeugen.However, the abovementioned abutment may, for example, additionally or alternatively be provided to generate a dead space or space between successive segments and segments to be transferred.
Bei einer Weiterbildung der zuvor erwähnten zweiten Ausführung einer Zusammenfügungseinrichtung, die sich für die Verarbeitung von Segmenten eignet, deren Befestigungsmittel Steckmittel aufweisen, entfalten die Steckmittel durch die gegenseitige Beaufschlagung der Segmente ihre Wirkung für einen gegenseitigen Steckeingriff jeweils zweier benachbarter Segmente. Zweckmäßigerweise weist die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung mindestens ein Greifmittel auf, das ausgebildet ist, mindestens ein Segment, vorzugsweise das in Bezug auf die Förderrichtung stromaufwärts gelegene oder nachlaufende letzte Segment des Stabes oder Stranges aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten, in Richtung auf den Anschlag zu beaufschlagen. Außerdem sollte der Anschlag in eine Ruhestellung verbringbar sein, um einen Weitertransport des Stabes oder Stranges aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden und nun aneinander fixierten Segmenten zu ermöglichen.In a further development of the aforementioned second embodiment of an assembly device, which is suitable for the processing of segments whose fastening means have insertion means, the insertion means unfold by the mutual application of the segments their effect for a mutual insertion of each two adjacent segments. Expediently, the joining device has at least one gripping means which is designed to act on at least one segment, preferably the last segment of the rod or strand, which is upstream or trailing with respect to the conveying direction, of segments which are essentially coaxially loosely aligned in the direction of the stop. In addition, the stop should be brought into a rest position to allow further transport of the rod or strand of substantially coaxially aligned and now fixed to each other segments.
Es ist vorteilhaft, ähnlich wie bei der Herstellung von herkömmlichen Verbrennungsrauchprodukten im Strangverfahren den Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden und aneinander fixierten Segmenten in Stäbe von aneinander fixierten Segmenten aufzutrennen, von denen jeder Stab zur Fertigstellung eines elektrischen Rauchproduktes vorgesehen ist. Hierzu ist dann eine Trenneinrichtung zu verwenden, die der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung nachgeschaltet ist. Die Trenneinrichtung kann bevorzugt einen umlaufenden Rotor mit umfangsseitig angeordneten Schneidmitteln aufweisen.It is advantageous, similar to the production of conventional incineration products in the continuous process, to separate the strand from substantially coaxially aligned and fixed segments into bars of segments fixed to each other, of which each bar is provided for completing an electric smoking product. For this purpose, a separator is then used, which is connected downstream of the assembly device. The separator may preferably have a rotating rotor with circumferentially arranged cutting means.
Es ist vorteilhaft, eine der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung nachgeschaltete Prüfeinrichtung zu verwenden, die ausgebildet ist, zur Überprüfung der Funktionsfähigkeit der aus den mehreren zylindrischen Segmenten bestehenden und zur Bildung jeweils eines Rauchproduktes vorgesehenen Stäbe mit Unterdruck zu beaufschlagen. Hierzu kann beispielsweise eine als Muldentrommel ausgebildete Prüftrommel verwendet werden. Die Prüfeinrichtung kann bevorzugt zwei Prüfkappen aufweisen, zwischen denen das Rauchprodukt aufgenommen wird, wobei an den Prüfkappen ein Prüfdruck angelegt und dessen eventuelle Veränderung gemessen wird.It is advantageous to use a testing device connected downstream of the joining device, which is designed to check the Functioning of the existing of the plurality of cylindrical segments and provided for forming a respective smoke product rods to apply negative pressure. For this purpose, for example, a trained as a hollow drum test drum can be used. The test device may preferably have two test caps, between which the smoke product is taken, wherein a test pressure is applied to the test caps and its possible change is measured.
Schließlich kann vorzugsweise eine Ausgabeeinrichtung vorgesehen sein, die ausgebildet ist, die aus mehreren zylindrischen Segmenten bestehenden Stäbe zur Bildung jeweils eines Rauchproduktes um etwa 90° zu drehen und etwa quer zu deren axialer Längserstreckung weiterzutransportieren, um beispielsweise eine für eine nachfolgende Verpackung geeignete Ausrichtung zu erhalten.Finally, preferably an output device may be provided which is designed to rotate the rods consisting of a plurality of cylindrical segments to form a respective smoke product by approximately 90 ° and to transport them approximately transversely to their axial longitudinal extent, for example to obtain a suitable orientation for subsequent packaging ,
Nachfolgend werden bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele anhand der Erfindung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- schematisch im Längsschnitt eine elektronische Zigarette in einer aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Ausführung;
- Fig. 2
- im Gegensatz zur bekannten Ausführung von
Fig. 1 schematisch den Aufbau einer elektronischen Zigarette aus mehreren Segmenten gemäß einem bevorzugten ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobeiFig. 2a beispielhaft die Segmente einzeln,Fig. 2b einen aus den Segmenten zusammengesetzten Stab mit einer Umhüllung zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette,Fig. 2c einen aus den Segmenten zusammengesetzten endlosen Strang mit einer Umhüllung,Fig. 2d eine aus diesem Strang geschnittenen Stab zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette,Fig. 2e zwei verschiedene Stäbe, die jeweils aus Segmenten zusammengesetzt und mit einer Umhüllung versehen sind,Fig. 2f einen aus diesen beiden Stäben mithilfe einer gemeinsamen übergreifenden Umhüllung zusammengesetzten Stab zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette undFig. 2g den zusammengesetzten Stab vonFig. 2f zusätzlich mit in einer Kammer eingefülltem Additiv zeigt; - Fig. 3
- schematisch eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführung der Erfindung zur Herstellung von elektronischen Zigaretten aus den in
Fig. 2 gezeigten Segmenten; - Fig. 4
- schematisch eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführung der Erfindung zur Herstellung von elektronischen Zigaretten aus den in
Fig. 2 gezeigten Segmenten; - Fig. 5
- schematisch eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführung der Erfindung zur Herstellung von elektronischen Zigaretten aus den in
Fig. 2 gezeigten Segmenten, wobeiFig. 5a schematisch einen Magazine, Zuführmittel und eine Ausrichteinrichtung aufweisenden Abschnitt,Fig. 5b einen Abschnitt der Ausrichteinrichtung undFig. 5c einen eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung und eine Trenneinrichtung aufweisenden Abschnitt der Vorrichtung schematisch im Einzelnen zeigt; - Fig. 6
- schematisch eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführung der Erfindung zur Herstellung von elektronischen Zigaretten aus den in
Fig. 2 gezeigten Segmenten; - Fig. 7
- schematisch den Aufbau einer elektronischen Zigarette aus mehreren Segmenten gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, wobei
Fig. 7a beispielhaft die Segmente einzeln,Fig. 7b einen aus den Segmenten zusammengesetzten Stab mit einer Umhüllung zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette,Fig. 7c einen aus den Segmenten zusammengesetzten endlosen Strang mit einer Umhüllung,Fig. 7d einen aus diesem Stang geschnittenen Stab zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette,Fig. 7e zwei verschiedene Stäbe, die jeweils aus Segmenten zusammengesetzt und mit einer Umhüllung versehen sind, undFig. 7f einen aus diesen beiden Stäben mithilfe einer gemeinsamen übergreifenden Umhüllung zusammengesetzten Stab zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette zeigt; und - Fig. 8
- schematisch eine Vorrichtung gemäß einer fünften Ausführung der Erfindung zur Herstellung von elektronischen Zigaretten aus den in
Fig. 7 gezeigten Segmenten, wobei inFig. 8a eine Modifikation in einem Abschnitt dieser Vorrichtung abgebildet ist.
- Fig. 1
- schematically in longitudinal section an electronic cigarette in a known from the prior art embodiment;
- Fig. 2
- in contrast to the known embodiment of
Fig. 1 schematically the structure of an electronic cigarette of several segments according to a preferred first embodiment of the invention, whereinFig. 2a exemplarily the segments individually,Fig. 2b a rod composed of the segments with a sheath for forming an electronic cigarette,Fig. 2c an endless strand composed of the segments with a covering,Fig. 2d a rod cut from this strand to form an electronic cigarette,Fig. 2e two different rods, each composed of segments and provided with a sheath,Fig. 2f one composed of these two rods by means of a common overarching rod to form an electronic Cigarette andFig. 2g the composite rod ofFig. 2f additionally with additive filled in a chamber; - Fig. 3
- schematically a device according to a first embodiment of the invention for the production of electronic cigarettes from the in
Fig. 2 shown segments; - Fig. 4
- schematically a device according to a second embodiment of the invention for the production of electronic cigarettes from the in
Fig. 2 shown segments; - Fig. 5
- schematically a device according to a third embodiment of the invention for the production of electronic cigarettes from the in
Fig. 2 shown segments, whereinFig. 5a schematically a magazine, feeding means and an alignment device having section,Fig. 5b a section of the alignment device andFig. 5c schematically shows a portion of the device comprising an assembler and a separator; - Fig. 6
- schematically a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention for the production of electronic cigarettes from the in
Fig. 2 shown segments; - Fig. 7
- schematically the structure of a multi-segment electronic cigarette according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein
Fig. 7a exemplarily the segments individually,Fig. 7b a rod composed of the segments with a sheath for forming an electronic cigarette,Fig. 7c an endless strand composed of the segments with a covering,Fig. 7d a rod cut from this rod to form an electronic cigarette,Fig. 7e two different rods, each composed of segments and provided with a sheath, andFig. 7f one of these two bars using a common cross-sectional cladding composite rod to form an electronic cigarette shows; and - Fig. 8
- schematically a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention for the production of electronic cigarettes from the in
Fig. 7 shown segments, wherein inFig. 8a a modification is shown in a section of this device.
Zunächst wird zum besseren Verständnis ein Aufbau einer elektronischen Zigarette anhand von
Von den zuvor beschriebenen Komponenten bilden insbesondere der Unterdrucksensor 8, der Verdampfer 10, die Heizung 12 und die Leuchtdiode 22 sogenannte elektronische Funktionseinheiten, die von der Batterie 6 als elektrische Energiequelle mit elektrischem Strom versorgt werden. Hierzu sind die genannten elektronischen Funktionseinheiten an die Batterie 6 über elektrische Leitungen angeschlossen, die in
Im Betrieb, wenn also die genannten elektronischen Funktionseinheiten von der Batterie 6 mit elektrischem Strom versorgt werden, bewirkt die Heizung 12 im Verdampfer 10 eine Verdampfung der aus dem Liquidtank 16 entnommenen aromatischen Flüssigkeit 18. Allerdings wird dieser Vorgang in der dargestellten bekannten Ausführung erst bei Benutzung durch den Benutzer aktiviert. Nimmt der Benutzer über den Filter 20 einen Zug, entsteht im Gehäuse 4 ein Unterdruck, der vom Unterdrucksensor 8 erfasst wird. Der Unterdrucksensor 8 veranlasst dann einen in
In
Die Segmente 31 bis 36 sind zylindrisch ausgebildet und haben im Wesentlichen den gleichen Durchmesser, insbesondere Außendurchmesser, der sich bevorzugt an dem Durchmesser eines korrespondierenden Verbrennungsrauchproduktes orientiert. Da im vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel die Segmente 31 bis 36 primär für die Herstellung einer elektronischen Zigarette vorgesehen sind, entspricht deren Durchmesser dem Durchmesser von herkömmlichen Zigaretten. Wie
Obwohl in den Zeichnungen nicht dargestellt, sollten zweckmäßigerweise die zylindrischen Segmente 31 bis 36 an ihren Stirnseiten mit standardisierten Schnittstellen zur Herstellung mindestens einer fluiden Verbindung und/oder einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen zwei benachbarten Segmenten versehen sein. Ebenfalls nicht dargestellt sind elektrische Leiter, mit denen die Segmente 31 bis 36 versehen sind. Vorzugsweise enden die elektrischen Leiter an ebenfalls nicht dargestellten elektrischen Kupplungsmitteln, die an den Stirnseiten der Segmente 31 bis 36 vorgesehen und für eine elektrische Verbindung mit entsprechenden elektrischen Kupplungsmitteln an der gegenüber liegenden Stirnseite eines benachbarten zylindrischen Segmentes ausgebildet sind. Für eine platzsparende Führung der elektrischen Leiter ist es desweiteren vorteilhaft auf der Mantelfläche bzw. Außenseite der Segmente 31 bis 36 elektrische Leiterbahnen anzuordnen. Schließlich können die Segmente 31 bis 36 auch mindestens einen sich über dessen gesamte axiale Länge erstreckenden Kanal enthalten, der beispielsweise als Kabelkanal oder auch für eine fluide Verbindung genutzt werden kann und in den Zeichnungen ebenfalls nicht dargestellt ist.Although not shown in the drawings, the
In
Wie in
Die Ausrichteinrichtung 60 dient dazu, die von den Zuführmitteln 51 bis 54 erhaltenen Segmente 31 bis 34 im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend zueinander auszurichten und somit einen Stab 70 aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten 31 bis 34 zu bilden. Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Ausrichteinrichtung 60 in vier in Förderrichtung gemäß Pfeil A hintereinander liegende Stationen 61 bis 64 unterteilt, von denen jeder Station ein Zuführmittel zugeordnet ist, also der Station 61 das Zuführmittel 51, der Station 62 das Zuführmittel 52, der Station 63 das Zuführmittel 53 und der Station 64 das Zuführmittel 54. Ferner sind die Ausrichtstationen 61 bis 64 so ausgebildet, dass sie die von den Zuführmitteln 51 bis 54 zugeführten Segmente 31 bis 34 der Reihe nach in Förderrichtung gemäß Pfeil A in koaxial fluchtende Ausrichtung zueinander bringen. Dabei übernimmt die erste Ausrichtstation 61, die, bezogen auf die Förderrichtung gemäß Pfeil A am weitesten stromaufwärts liegt, ein Segment 31 vom Zuführmittel 51 und übergibt dieses dann an die stromabwärts nächstgelegene zweite Ausrichtstation 62 ab, die im Wesentlichen gleichzeitig ein zweites Segment 32 vom zweiten Zuführmittel 52 erhält und dieses in koaxial fluchtende Ausrichtung zum ersten Segment 31 bringt. Die aus den ersten und zweiten Segmenten 31, 32 gebildete Anordnung wird dann an die stromabwärts nächstgelegene dritte Ausrichtstation 63 übergeben, die ein vom dritten Zuführmittel 53 im Wesentlichen zeitgleich erhaltenes drittes Segment 33 koaxial an das zweite Segment 32 anordnet. Die so gebildete Anordnung aus ersten bis dritten Segmenten 31 bis 33 wird dann an die stromabwärts benachbarte vierte Ausrichtstation 64 übergeben, die im Wesentlichen gleichzeitig vom vierten Zuführmittel 54 ein viertes Segment 34 erhält und dieses koaxial fluchtend an das dritte Segment 33 anordnet. Da im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel die Ausrichteinrichtung 60 nur vier Ausrichtstationen 61 bis 64 aufweist, ist in der vierten Ausrichtstation 64 der Aufbau einer Anordnung aus koaxial fluchtend zueinander ausgerichteten ersten bis vierten Segmenten 31 bis 34 beendet, wobei mit einer solchen Anordnung ein Stab 70 aus koaxial fluchtend zueinander angeordneten ersten bis vierten Segmenten 31 bis 34 gebildet wird. Der zuvor beschriebene schritt- bzw. stufenweise Aufbau des aus den Segmenten 31 bis 34 zusammengesetzten Stabes 70, welcher in
An dieser Stelle sei noch der guten Vollständigkeit halber erwähnt, dass anstelle der Verwendung von Magazinen 41 bis 44 die unterschiedlichen Segmente der Reihe nach auch einzeln zugeführt werden können, was durch den gestrichelten Pfeil mit dem Bezugszeichen "55" angedeutet ist.At this point, for the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that instead of the use of
In der Vorrichtung gemäß
Wie
Bei Abgabe aus der Ausrichteinrichtung 60 bildet der Stab 70 eine Anordnung aus lose zusammengesetzten Segmenten 31 bis 34. Um die Segmente 31 bis 34 des Stabes 70 zusammenzufügen und somit miteinander zu einer im Wesentlichen festen Einheit zu verbinden, ist eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 vorgesehen, die, in Förderrichtung gemäß Pfeil A betrachtet, stromabwärts von der Ausrichteinrichtung 60 angeordnet ist, wie
In der in
Hierzu weist die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 nicht dargestellte Vorratsmittel zur Aufnahme mindestens einer Bobine 82 auf, auf welcher ein Umhüllungsstreifen 84 aufgewickelt ist. Von dieser Bobine 82 wird der Umhüllungsstreifen 84 abgezogen und über Führungsmittel 85 zu Umhüllungsmitteln 86 transportiert. Wie
Alternativ oder zusätzlich können die Umhüllungsmittel 86 Rotationsmittel zum Drehen des Stabes oder Stranges um dessen axiale Längsachse aufweisen, sodass auf diese Weise der Stab 70 in den zugeführten Umhüllungsstreifen 84 eingewickelt wird. Zur Fixierung des auf den Stab 70 aufgebrachten Umhüllungsstreifens 84 sind in den Figuren nicht dargestellte Beleimungsmittel vorgesehen, die die beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Längsseitenränder miteinander verkleben, wobei diese Beleimungsmittel auch Bestandteil der Umhüllungsmittel 86 sein können. Schließlich weist die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 noch eine in den Figuren im Einzelnen nicht dargestellte Trenneinrichtung auf, um den Umhüllungsstreifen 84 nach erfolgter Umhüllung des Stabes 70 abzuschneiden oder bereits zuvor auf eine entsprechende Länge zu schneiden, wobei eine solche Trenneinrichtung beispielsweise Bestandteil der Führungsmittel 85 oder der Umhüllungsmittel 86 sein kann.Alternatively or additionally, the wrapping means 86 may comprise rotating means for rotating the bar or strand about its axial longitudinal axis so that the
Als Ergebnis entsteht nun ein Stab 70, der aus koaxial fluchtend angeordneten Segmenten 31 bis 34 zusammengesetzt und über seine gesamte axiale Länge mit einem Umhüllungsstreifen 84 umwickelt ist, der somit die Funktion einer Verbindungsstruktur erfüllt, um zur Bildung einer elektronischen Zigarette die Segmente 31 bis 34 des Stabes 70 miteinander zu verbinden. Ein solcher mit einem Umhüllungsstreifen 84 versehener Stab 70 ist auch schematisch in
Die Verwendung eines Umhüllungsstreifens 84 als Verbindungsstruktur erlaubt des Weiteren beispielsweise auch die Bildung von Löchern oder Perforationen an bestimmten Stellen, um den Zugwiderstand ähnlich wie bei einer herkömmlichen Zigarette gezielt beeinflussen zu können. Hierzu kann dann der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 eine entsprechende Perforationseinrichtung nachgeschaltet sein, die in den Figuren jedoch nicht dargestellt ist.Further, the use of a
Ebenfalls ist es denkbar, den auf den Stab 70 aufgebrachten Umhüllungsstreifen 84 zu prägen oder zu bedrucken, wozu ebenfalls stromabwärts von der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 eine entsprechende Präge- oder Druckeinrichtung vorzusehen ist, welche ebenfalls in den Figuren nicht dargestellt ist.It is likewise conceivable to emboss or print on the
Schließlich ist es auch denkbar, der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 nachgeschaltet eine in den Figuren nicht dargestellte Prüfeinrichtung zu verwenden, die ausgebildet ist, zur Überprüfung der Funktionsfähigkeit der zur Bildung jeweils einer elektronischen Zigarette vorgesehenen Stäbe 70 mit Unterdruck zu beaufschlagen. Hierzu kann beispielsweise eine als Muldentrommel ausgebildete Prüftrommel verwendet werden.Finally, it is also conceivable to use the joining
Der zuvor erfolgten Beschreibung sowie
Wie
Alternativ ist es aber auch denkbar, die Ausrichteinrichtung 60 so auszubilden, dass dort die Segmente 31 bis 34 bereits im Strangverfahren in koaxial lose fluchtender Anordnung zu Stäben 70 zusammengesetzt und die Stäbe 70 in Richtung ihrer längsaxialen Erstreckung aus der Ausrichteinrichtung 60 ausgegeben werden, sodass die Förderrichtung gemäß Pfeil A der Richtung der axialen Längserstreckung der Stäbe 70 entspricht. Im Falle einer solchen Modifikation der Ausführung von
Der so gebildete Strang 74 durchläuft anschließend die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80, die zwar ebenfalls wie die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 von
Wie
Insbesondere für den zuvor angesprochenen optionalen Fall, dass die Ausrichteinrichtung 60 für eine Verarbeitung der Segmente 31 bis 34 im Strangverfahren ausgebildet ist, ist es grundsätzlich auch denkbar, alternativ zu der Darstellung von
Je nach Bedarf im Hinblick auf die Weiterverarbeitung können die so hergestellten diskreten Stäbe 75 in Förderrichtung in längsaxialer Orientierung oder, wie
In
Bei einer Ausführung gemäß
Wie
Die in
In
Der Ausrichtstation 98 nachgeschaltet ist eine Zusammenfügungsstation 100, die ähnlich wie die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung 80 von
In der in
Ergänzend sei in diesem Zusammenhang auch noch auf
In
Zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen wird von einer detaillierten Beschreibung der übrigen Eigenschaften und Funktionen der Segmente 31 bis 36 abgesehen, die im Ausführungsbeispiel von
In
Nach Abschluss des zuvor beschriebenen Zusammenfügungsvorganges wird in der in
Im Übrigen ist der Aufbau der Vorrichtung gemäß
In
Grundsätzlich lassen sich die beiden Verbindungsarten, also die Umhüllung und die Verwendung eines Stecksystems, auch in Kombination einsetzen. Dies ist beispielsweise mithilfe der in
Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung könnten wie folgt charakterisiert sein:
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt mit Komponenten, die mindestens eine elektrische Energiequelle (6), einen Vorratsspeicher (16) zur Aufbewahrung mindestens eines Aromastoffes (18), einen elektrischen Wandler (10) zur Änderung des Aggregatzustandes des Aromastoffes (18) und ein elektrisches Heizelement (12) umfassen, gekennzeichnet durch eine Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten (31 bis 36), von denen jedes Segment mindestens eine Komponente enthält, und eine Verbindungsstruktur (37a, 37b; 84; 104), die zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes (2) die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend zu einem Stab (70) oder Strang (74) miteinander verbindet.Embodiments of the invention could be characterized as follows:
Electric smoking product comprising components comprising at least one electrical energy source (6), a storage reservoir (16) for storing at least one flavoring agent (18), an electrical transducer (10) for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent (18) and an electrical heating element (12) characterized by a plurality of cylindrical segments (31 to 36), each segment of which contains at least one component, and a connecting structure (37a, 37b; 84; 104), the cylindrical segments (37) for forming the electric smoke product (2). 31 to 36) substantially coaxially aligned and frontally mutually touching to a rod (70) or strand (74) interconnects.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen den gleichen Durchmesser, insbesondere den gleichen Außendurchmesser, haben.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) have substantially the same diameter, in particular the same outer diameter.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) an ihren Stirnseiten mit standardisierten Schnittstellen zur Herstellung mindestens einer fluiden Verbindung zwischen zwei benachbarten Segmenten versehen sind.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) are provided at their ends with standardized interfaces for producing at least one fluid connection between two adjacent segments.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36), vorzugsweise an ihren Stirnseiten, mit standardisierten Schnittstellen zur Herstellung einer elektrischen Verbindung zwischen zwei benachbarten Segmenten versehen sind.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the cylindrical segments (31 to 36), preferably at their end faces, are provided with standardized interfaces for establishing an electrical connection between two adjacent segments.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verbindungsstruktur eine flexible, vorzugsweise streifenförmige, Umhüllungslage (84) aufweist, die gemeinsam die Anordnung aus einer Mehrzahl von zylindrischen Segmenten (31 bis 36) umgibt und von lose stirnseitig aneinander liegenden zwei sich in axialer Richtung der zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) erstreckenden Langseitenrändern begrenzt wird, die zur Bildung einer geschlossenen Umhüllung miteinander verbunden, vorzugsweise verklebt, sind.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the connecting structure has a flexible, preferably strip-shaped, wrapping layer (84), which together surrounds the arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical segments (31 to 36) and of loosely one another two lying in the axial direction of the cylindrical Segments (31 to 36) extending longitudinal edges is limited, which are connected together to form a closed enclosure, preferably glued.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Umhüllungslage (84) Papier und/oder Kunststofffolie aufweist.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the wrapping layer (84) comprises paper and / or plastic film.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Umhüllungslage (84; 104) mit einer Beschichtung versehen und/oder bedruckt ist.Electric smoking product, characterized in that the wrapping layer (84, 104) is provided with a coating and / or printed.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an der Außenseite, insbesondere an der außenseitigen Mantelfläche und/oder einer Stirnseite, mindestens eines zylindrischen Segmentes (31 bis 36) zumindest abschnittsweise mindestens eine elektrische Leiterbahn angeordnet ist.Electrical smoke product, characterized in that at least one electrical conductor track is arranged at least in sections on the outside, in particular on the outside lateral surface and / or an end side, of at least one cylindrical segment (31 to 36).
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein zylindrisches Segment mindestens einen sich über dessen gesamte axiale Länge erstreckenden Kanal enthält, der insbesondere durchgehende Begrenzungswände aufweist, insbesondere welche sich in längsaxialer Richtung und/oder an Umfangsrichtung und/oder über die Umfangsfläche wendelförmig erstrecken.Electric smoking product, characterized in that at least one cylindrical segment contains at least one over its entire axial length extending channel having in particular continuous boundary walls, in particular which extend helically in the longitudinal axial direction and / or in the circumferential direction and / or over the peripheral surface.
Elektrisches Rauchprodukt gekennzeichnet durch eine elektrische Schalteinrichtung zum Anschluss der elektrischen Energiequelle (6) an mindestens einen elektrischen Verbraucher wie beispielsweise einen elektrischen Verdampfer (10) und ein elektrisches Heizelement (12) sowie einen Unterdrucksensor (8), der bei Auftreten von Unterdruck im elektrischen Rauchprodukt (2) die elektrische Schalteinrichtung veranlasst, eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen der elektrischen Energiequelle (6) und des mindestens einen elektrischen Verbrauchers (8, 10, 12, 22) herzustellen.Electric smoking product characterized by an electrical switching device for connecting the electrical energy source (6) to at least one electrical load such as an electric evaporator (10) and an electric heating element (12) and a vacuum sensor (8), which occurs when negative pressure in the electric smoke product (2) causing the electrical switching device to establish an electrical connection between the electrical energy source (6) and the at least one electrical load (8, 10, 12, 22).
Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von elektrischen Rauchprodukten (2) gekennzeichnet durch Vorratsmittel (41 bis 44), die ausgebildet sind, zylindrische Segmente (31 bis 36) aufzunehmen, Zuführmittel (51 bis 54), die ausgebildet sind, Segmente (31 bis 36) aus den Vorratsmitteln (41 bis 44) zu entnehmen, eine Ausrichteinrichtung (60), die ausgebildet ist, die von den Zuführmitteln (51 bis 54) erhaltenen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend zueinander und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend auszurichten und somit einen Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) zu bilden, Fördermittel (66; 90), die ausgebildet sind, den Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus der Ausrichteinrichtung (31 bis 36) zu entnehmen, und eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (80; 130), die ausgebildet ist, die Segmente (31 bis 36) im Stab (70) oder Strang (74) miteinander zu verbinden, insbesondere mindestens zwei Segmente (31 bis 36') elektrisch leitend miteinander zu verbinden.A device for producing electric smoking products (2) characterized by storage means (41 to 44) adapted to receive cylindrical segments (31 to 36), feeding means (51 to 54) formed from segments (31 to 36) Stock removal means (41 to 44), an alignment device (60) which is formed by the feed means (51 to 54) obtained segments (31 to 36) substantially coaxially aligned with each other and the end face mutually touching and thus a rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36), conveying means (66; 90) adapted to move the rod (70) or strand (74) out of the alignment means (31 to 36) 36), and an assembly means (80; 130) adapted to interconnect the segments (31 to 36) in the rod (70) or strand (74), in particular at least two segments (31 to 36 ') electrically conductive with to connect each other.
Vorrichtung gekennzeichnet durch eine Steuerungseinrichtung, die ausgebildet ist, die Zuführmittel (51 bis 54) derart zu steuern, dass sie aus den Vorratsmitteln (41 bis 44) in einem ersten Betriebsmodus unterschiedliche Segmente (31 bis 36) entnehmen, so dass sich in dem in der Ausrichteinrichtung (60) zu bildenden Stab (70) aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) jedes Segment von dem anderen Segment unterscheidet, und in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus mindestens eine Gruppe von mindestens zwei gleichartigen Segmenten entnehmen, so dass der von der Ausrichteinrichtung (60) zu bildende Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) mindestens eine Gruppe von mindestens zwei gleichartigen Segmenten aufweist.Device characterized by a control device which is designed to control the feed means (51 to 54) in such a way that it can be moved out of the storage means (41 to 44) in a first mode of operation different segments (31 to 36), so that in the aligning device (60) to be formed rod (70) consists of substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36) each segment of the other Segment distinguished, and in a second mode of operation at least one group of at least two similar segments, so that to be formed by the alignment device (60) rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially aligned segments (31 to 36) at least has a group of at least two similar segments.
Vorrichtung gekennzeichnet durch eine Steuerungseinrichtung, die ausgebildet ist, die Zuführmittel (51 bis 54) und die Ausrichteinrichtung (60) derart zu steuern, dass die Segmente (31 bis 36) in einer gewünschten Reihenfolge im Wesentlichen axial fluchtend lose aneinander angeordnet werden.Apparatus characterized by control means adapted to control the feed means (51-54) and the alignment means (60) such that the segments (31-36) are loosely disposed in a desired order substantially axially in alignment with each other.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausrichteinrichtung (60) ausgebildet ist, die von den Zuführmitteln (51 bis 54) erhaltenen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen auch hinsichtlich ihrer Winkellage zueinander auszurichten.Device, characterized in that the alignment device (60) is designed to align the segments (31 to 36) obtained from the feed means (51 to 54) substantially also with respect to their angular position to each other.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausrichteinrichtung (60) ausgebildet ist, den Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) in einer Förderrichtung (A) quer zu deren axialer Längserstreckung auszugeben.Device, characterized in that the alignment device (60) is adapted to output the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) in a conveying direction (A) transversely to its axial longitudinal extent.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausrichteinrichtung ausgebildet ist, den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in Richtung deren Längserstreckung auszugeben, und die Fördermittel ausgebildet sind, den Stab oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten in Richtung deren axialer Längserstreckung zur Zusammenfügungseinrichtung zu transportieren.Device, characterized in that the alignment device is designed to output the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their longitudinal extension, and the conveying means are formed, the rod or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments in the direction of their axial longitudinal extent to transport to the assembly device.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (80) Umhüllungsmittel (86; 88) aufweist, die ausgebildet sind, gemeinsam den Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) mit einer flexiblen Umhüllungslage (84) zu umgeben.Device characterized in that the joining means (80) comprises wrapping means (86; 88) adapted to collectively define the Bar (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) with a flexible wrapping layer (84) to surround.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (80) Vorratsmittel zur Aufnahme mindestens einer eine Umhüllungslage (84) tragenden Bobine (82) und Führungsmittel (85), die ausgebildet sind, die Umhüllungslage (84) von der Bobine (82) abzuziehen und zu den Umhüllungsmitteln (86) zu verbringen, aufweist.Device, characterized in that the joining means (80) storage means for receiving at least one wrapping layer (84) carrying a bobbin (82) and guide means (85) which are adapted to pull the wrapping layer (84) of the reel (82) and to to spend the wrapping means (86).
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Umhüllungsmittel (86) ausgebildet sind, die Umhüllungslage (84) dem Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) in einer Richtung etwa quer zu dessen axialer Längserstreckung zuzuführen und durch queraxiale Umrollung um den Stab (70) oder Strang aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) zu wickeln.A device, characterized in that the wrapping means (86) are formed, the wrapping layer (84) of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) in a direction approximately transverse to its axial longitudinal extent to be fed and wound by Queraxiale roll around the rod (70) or strand of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36).
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Umhüllungsmittel (88) zur längsaxialen Umhüllung des Stabes (70) oder Stranges (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) mit dem Umhüllungsstreifen (84) ausgebildet sind.Device, characterized in that the wrapping means (88) for longitudinal axial wrapping of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments (31 to 36) are formed with the wrapping strip (84).
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (130) Mittel (132) aufweist, die ausgebildet sind, eine gegenseitige Beaufschlagung jeweils zweier benachbarter Segmente an ihren einander gegenüber liegenden Stirnseiten zu erzielen, an denen Befestigungsmittel (37a, 37b) vorgesehen sind, um zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes (2) die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) über ihre Stirnseiten aneinander zu fixieren oder einen längsaxialen Abstand zwischen zwei benachbarten Segmenten zu erzeugen und/oder aufrecht zu erhalten.Device, characterized in that the joining device (130) comprises means (132) which are designed to achieve a mutual loading of two adjacent segments at their opposite end faces, where fastening means (37a, 37b) are provided to the Forming the electric smoke product (2) to fix the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) on their front sides to each other or to create a longitudinal axial distance between two adjacent segments and / or to maintain.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass durch die gegenseitige Beaufschlagung die Befestigungsmittel (37a, 37b) ihre Wirkung für einen gegenseitigen Steckeingriff jeweils zweier benachbarter Segmente entfalten.Device, characterized in that by the mutual application of the fastening means (37a, 37b) unfold their effect for a mutual insertion of each two adjacent segments.
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (130) mindestens ein Greifmittel aufweist, das ausgebildet ist, mindestens ein Segment, vorzugsweise das stromaufwärts gelegene oder nachlaufende letzte Segment des Stabes (70) oder Stranges (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial lose fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36), in Richtung auf den Anschlag (132) zu beaufschlagen oder zu verzögern.Device, characterized in that the joining device (130) comprises at least one gripping means, which is formed, at least one segment, preferably the upstream or trailing last segment of the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially loosely aligned segments ( 31 to 36) to bias or retard towards the stop (132).
Vorrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Anschlag (132), insbesondere aus einer Eingriffsstellung, in eine Ruhestellung verbringbar ist, um einen Weitertransport des Stabes (70) oder Stranges (74) aus im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtenden und nun aneinander fixierten Segmenten (31 bis 36) zu ermöglichen.Device, characterized in that the stop (132), in particular from an engagement position, can be brought into a rest position to further transport the rod (70) or strand (74) of substantially coaxially aligned and now fixed to each other segments (31 to 36 ).
Vorrichtung, gekennzeichnet durch eine der Zusammenfügungseinrichtung nachgeschaltete Prüfeinrichtung, die ausgebildet ist, zur Überprüfung der Funktionsfähigkeit der aus den mehreren zylindrischen Segmenten bestehenden und zur Bildung jeweils eines Rauchproduktes vorgesehenen Stäbe mit Unterdruck zu beaufschlagen.Device, characterized by a joining device downstream of the test device, which is designed to test for the functioning of the existing of the plurality of cylindrical segments and provided for forming a respective smoke product rods with negative pressure.
Bevorzugte Ausführungen der Erfindung können sich auch durch Kombinationen einzelner oder mehrerer der vorhergehenden Ausführungsbeispiele ergeben und / oder durch Kombinationen einzelner oder mehrerer dieser Ausführungsbeispiele mit einzelnen oder mehreren der Gegenstände der Ansprüche.Preferred embodiments of the invention may also result from combinations of one or more of the preceding embodiments and / or combinations of one or more of these embodiments with one or more of the subject matters of the claims.
Claims (21)
gekennzeichnet durch eine Verbindungsstruktur (37a, 37b), die zur Bildung des elektrischen Rauchproduktes (2) die zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend zu einem Stab (70) oder Strang (74) miteinander verbindet, wobei die Verbindungsstruktur (37a, 37b) Befestigungsmittel aufweist, die an den Stirnseiten der zylindrischen Segmente (31 bis 36) vorgesehen sind.Electric smoking product comprising components comprising at least one electrical energy source (6), a storage reservoir (16) for storing at least one flavoring agent (18), an electrical transducer (10) for changing the state of matter of the flavoring agent (18) and an electrical heating element (12) in particular an evaporator (10) with a heating element (12), in which, in the case of a plurality of cylindrical segments (31 to 36), each segment contains at least one component,
characterized by a connecting structure (37a, 37b) interconnecting the cylindrical segments (31 to 36) in substantially coaxial alignment with one another and end-to-end contacting each other with a rod (70) or strand (74) to form the electric smoking product (2), wherein the connection structure (37a, 37b) has attachment means provided on the end faces of the cylindrical segments (31 to 36).
Vorratsmittel (41 bis 44), die ausgebildet sind, zylindrische Segmente (31 bis 36) aufzunehmen,
Zuführmittel (51 bis 54), die ausgebildet sind, Segmente (31 bis 36) aus den Vorratsmitteln (41 bis 44) zu entnehmen,
eine Ausrichteinrichtung (60), die ausgebildet ist, die von den Zuführmitteln (51 bis 54) erhaltenen Segmente (31 bis 36) im Wesentlichen koaxial fluchtend zueinander und sich stirnseitig gegenseitig berührend auszurichten und somit einen Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus im Wesentlichen lose koaxial fluchtenden Segmenten (31 bis 36) zu bilden, Fördermittel (66; 90), die ausgebildet sind, den Stab (70) oder Strang (74) aus der Ausrichteinrichtung (31 bis 36) zu entnehmen, und
eine Zusammenfügungseinrichtung (80; 130), die ausgebildet ist, die Segmente (31 bis 36) im Stab (70) oder Strang (74) miteinander zu verbinden, insbesondere mindestens zwei Segmente (31 bis 36') elektrisch leitend miteinander zu verbinden.Device for producing electrical smoke products (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by
Storage means (41 to 44) adapted to receive cylindrical segments (31 to 36),
Feeding means (51 to 54) adapted to remove segments (31 to 36) from the stock means (41 to 44),
an alignment device (60) which is designed to align the segments (31 to 36) obtained from the supply means (51 to 54) substantially coaxially in alignment with one another and to contact one another at the front end and thus to form a rod (70) or strand (74) substantially loosely coaxially aligned segments (31-36), conveying means (66; 90) adapted to remove the rod (70) or strand (74) from the alignment means (31-36), and
an assembly device (80; 130) which is designed to connect the segments (31 to 36) in the rod (70) or strand (74) to one another, in particular to electrically conductively connect at least two segments (31 to 36 ') to one another.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL18000127T PL3403517T3 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electrical smoking product and device for the production of electrical smoking products |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102014207277.8A DE102014207277A1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2014-04-15 | Electric smoking product and device for the production of electrical smoke products |
EP15713322.4A EP3131422B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
PCT/EP2015/056648 WO2015158522A1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15713322.4A Division EP3131422B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
EP15713322.4A Division-Into EP3131422B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3403517A1 true EP3403517A1 (en) | 2018-11-21 |
EP3403517B1 EP3403517B1 (en) | 2020-11-04 |
Family
ID=52780540
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18000127.3A Active EP3403517B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electrical smoking product and device for the production of electrical smoking products |
EP15713322.4A Active EP3131422B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP15713322.4A Active EP3131422B1 (en) | 2014-04-15 | 2015-03-26 | Electric smoking product and device for producing electric smoking products |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3403517B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102014207277A1 (en) |
PL (2) | PL3131422T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015158522A1 (en) |
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KR102273502B1 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2021-07-07 | 쥴 랩스, 인크. | Vaporization device systems and methods |
USD842536S1 (en) | 2016-07-28 | 2019-03-05 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Vaporizer cartridge |
US10076139B2 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2018-09-18 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Vaporizer apparatus |
US20160366947A1 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2016-12-22 | James Monsees | Vaporizer apparatus |
US10159282B2 (en) | 2013-12-23 | 2018-12-25 | Juul Labs, Inc. | Cartridge for use with a vaporizer device |
KR102627987B1 (en) | 2014-12-05 | 2024-01-22 | 쥴 랩스, 인크. | Calibrated dose control |
WO2017139595A1 (en) | 2016-02-11 | 2017-08-17 | Pax Labs, Inc. | Fillable vaporizer cartridge and method of filling |
US10405582B2 (en) | 2016-03-10 | 2019-09-10 | Pax Labs, Inc. | Vaporization device with lip sensing |
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DE102017121664A1 (en) | 2017-09-19 | 2019-03-21 | Hauni Maschinenbau Gmbh | Component part and base part for an inhaler, and method for manufacturing the same |
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- 2015-03-26 EP EP18000127.3A patent/EP3403517B1/en active Active
- 2015-03-26 PL PL18000127T patent/PL3403517T3/en unknown
- 2015-03-26 EP EP15713322.4A patent/EP3131422B1/en active Active
- 2015-03-26 WO PCT/EP2015/056648 patent/WO2015158522A1/en active Application Filing
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL3131422T3 (en) | 2018-09-28 |
PL3403517T3 (en) | 2021-06-14 |
EP3131422A1 (en) | 2017-02-22 |
WO2015158522A1 (en) | 2015-10-22 |
DE102014207277A1 (en) | 2015-10-15 |
EP3403517B1 (en) | 2020-11-04 |
EP3131422B1 (en) | 2018-04-25 |
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