JP2007513627A - Apparatus and method for filtering smoke - Google Patents

Abstract

  The present invention includes a device for filtering tobacco smoke from a tobacco product, the housing comprising a housing in which the tobacco product can be placed and a filter for filtering tobacco smoke, the housing comprising: A storage device,-an outside air supply unit for supplying outside air necessary for the burning of cigarettes from the environment,-a cigarette smoke discharging unit for discharging cigarette smoke caused by combustion,-a cigarette smoke discharging unit, A filter that filters environmentally harmful substances from the cigarette smoke that can be guided along it-can be connected to the housing and supplies the cigarette smoke from the cigarette reservoir during inhalation; Includes a mouthpiece connected to the cigarette reservoir and the smoke exhaust to guide the cigarette smoke through the smoke exhaust during exhalation.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for filtering cigarette smoke.

  The fact that tobacco smoking can be harmful to health has long been known. For example, many campaigns have already been implemented, especially by the government, to encourage quitting, or at least to influence smoking behavior. The purpose of these campaigns, until very recently, always encouraged smokers to quit smoking, because smoking was harmful to the smoker's own health. However, it has become increasingly clear that smoking affects not only the smoker himself / herself, but also the health of the passive smokers that are present around the smoker. A passive smoker is understood here to mean any person who does not smoke himself / herself but is nevertheless forced to inhale the smoke of someone else's cigarette. This severely affects the health of passive smokers.

  While a smoker can defend himself because it is up to him / her to decide whether he / she is in the habit of harming his / her own health, this choice is for passive smokers There is no room for. This is a serious reason why smoking is increasingly being officially banned in public spaces. As a result, smokers are often forced out of public buildings to enjoy smoking. This is a problem especially for the habitual smoker who does whatever he / she does to enjoy the cigarette.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus in which a passive smoker is protected from smoke smoke's tobacco smoke harmful substances.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for filtering cigarette smoke from a tobacco product, the apparatus comprising a housing in which the cigarette product can be placed and a filter for filtering cigarette smoke.
A tobacco reservoir to hold the tobacco,
An outside air supply unit for supplying outside air necessary for burning tobacco from the environment;
A cigarette smoke discharge section for discharging cigarette smoke caused by combustion;
A filter that filters environmental harmful substances from cigarette smoke that is connected to and guided along the cigarette smoke discharge;
Connected to a cigarette reservoir and smoke exhaust, thereby allowing the smoker to inhale cigarette smoke from the cigarette reservoir and to exhale the cigarette smoke into the cigarette smoke exhaust,
Consists of

  In the device, cigarette smoke is filtered not only when the smoker has ignited the cigarette (and has not yet inhaled the smoke), but also when the cigarette smoke is exhaled once and blown out again by the smoker. Is done. This means that virtually all tobacco smoke is filtered, so that the person around the smoker is no longer bothered by the fact that the smoker is smoking. The device allows, for example, smoking even in a small enclosed space without making others in the space a passive smoker.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the cigarette smoke outlet and the cigarette reservoir comprise one or more forced gas streams in which, as a result of convection, the smoke smoke stream is continuously discharged in the smoke outlet. Are arranged relative to each other to produce In this embodiment, the fact that hot air tends to rise is used. The cigarette in the cigarette reservoir results in hot smoke reaching the filter provided above the cigarette reservoir. The filter removes harmful substances from the smoke and discharges the filtered portion of the smoke. Thus, in this embodiment, no electrical or mechanical means are required to achieve the necessary discharge of cigarette smoke, resulting in an infinite lifetime and a relatively simple construction.

  According to another preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a gas displacement means for generating one or more forced gas streams in the smoke discharge, whereby the cigarette smoke is discharged. In this embodiment, means are used to generate the gas flow necessary to expel the cigarette smoke using mechanical and / or electrical means, such as suction means to draw smoke from the tobacco reservoir. . In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the gas displacement means comprises one or more fans. The gas displacement means can also be embodied in the form of, for example, a centrifugal or membrane pump.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a device in which a fan can be driven by an electric motor and a chamber in which a power source, in particular one or more batteries can be accommodated, is provided in the housing.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises adjusting means for guiding the gas flow through the smoke outlet and the mouthpiece.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that the adjusting means includes at least a first check valve between the cigarette reservoir and the smoke outlet, and at least a second check valve between the cigarette reservoir and the mouthpiece. Including a check valve and at least a third check valve between the mouthpiece and the smoke outlet.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a non-return valve that allows gas flow from the cigarette reservoir to the smoke outlet in a standby situation where the cigarette is ignited and no inspiration or exhalation takes place. Including an apparatus configured to prevent gas flow to the mouth.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention is configured such that the check valve allows gas flow from the reservoir to the mouthpiece in an inspiratory state where tobacco smoke is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. A device characterized in that

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a non-return valve that prevents gas flow from the mouthpiece to the reservoir when the user exhales inhaled air through the mouthpiece. Including an apparatus configured to allow gas flow to the smoke exhaust.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the adjusting means comprises a closure membrane whereby the through field in the direction determined is prevented and the through feed in the opposite direction is substantially unobstructed including.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus suitable for forcible discharge of cigarette smoke through a cigarette smoke discharge in a standby state where the cigarette is ignited and no inspiration or expiration occurs.

According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention also provides for the smoke of cigarettes through the cigarette smoke exhaust also in an exhalation situation where at least a portion of the inhaled air is exhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. Includes equipment suitable for forced discharge.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a first exhaust channel through which a cigarette smoke discharge unit discharges cigarette smoke in a standby state and a second exhaust channel through which cigarette smoke exhaled in an exhalation state is discharged. Including a device characterized by comprising:

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus characterized in that a fan is arranged in the first exhaust channel.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention is characterized in that the first and second exhaust channels are combined to form a single smoke exhaust channel and the fan is located in the combined smoke exhaust channel. Including equipment.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides that at the location of the cigarette reservoir, the housing includes a removable closing cover that allows placement of the cigarette in the cigarette reservoir, with an external air supply at the closing cover. Including a device characterized by being formed by a number of through-flow openings provided.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus characterized in that the external air supply includes an air passage extending from the outside of the housing to the tobacco reservoir.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a device characterized in that the air passage is embodied to allow the ignition of tobacco through the passage.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a device characterized in that the pressure generated by the fan is lower than the pressure generated by inhalation by the user.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device characterized in that the flow rate of forced gas flow is up to 10% of the flow rate of inhaled or exhaled gas flow.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises holding means for holding a tobacco product such as a cigarette or cigar.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus characterized in that the tobacco product is a cigarette.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a device that can be held by a person's mouth.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a device characterized in that the total weight is a maximum of 1 kg, preferably a maximum of 300 g.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a supply chamber for temporary storage of additional cigarettes.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a lighter chamber for storing a lighter by which the cigarette can be ignited.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a switch that switches on one or more fans.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a detector disposed in or close to a tobacco reservoir that directly or indirectly detects cigarette smoke, wherein the detector is a cigarette smoke detector. One or more fans are switched on when present and connected to a switch that switches them off when there is no cigarette smoke.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is
A temperature sensor disposed in or near the tobacco reservoir and generating a temperature signal representative of the temperature;
Switch on the temperature sensor, one or more fans and / or one or more fans if above a preset temperature based on the temperature signal and switch off if below a preset temperature Control means coupled to the switch;
including.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus characterized in that the filter comprises activated carbon.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus in which the filter is an ion filter.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a cathode and an anode between which smoke can be guided to ionize at least some of the material in the smoke under the influence of an electric field between the cathode and anode; Collecting means for collecting ionized material.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes means for producing a fragrance.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a filter chamber that is provided in the housing and can be isolated from the environment using a removable shut-off valve, wherein one or more replaceable filters are filter chambers. It can be arranged in.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention is such that a tobacco reservoir is opened at its top and along its upper edge is connected to a cigarette smoke discharge for emitting smoke produced in the tobacco reservoir. Including a plurality of openings.

  Furthermore, for example, a number of parts of the device, such as a power supply, a controller and / or a filter, can be arranged in another second housing. The second housing can be carried, for example, in a (inner) pocket of the smoker's clothes or secured to the smoker's belt or around the neck via a strap. The connection between the two housings is made by electrical wiring of a power source, a controller and an air tube along which inhaled and / or exhaled air can be guided. In this embodiment, the first housing held in the smoker's mouth can be given a lighter shape that will sometimes enhance the comfort of the device. This embodiment also provides a wider choice of longer life, more powerful power supplies, or cleaner filters that filter tobacco smoke.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the housing is thus composed of a first housing part and a second housing part, at least the mouthpiece, the tobacco reservoir and the supply of outside air being arranged in the first housing part, The cigarette smoke discharge, filter and gas displacement means are assigned to both the first and second housings.

According to a second aspect of the invention,
Placing a tobacco product in a tobacco reservoir in a housing comprising one or more filters for filtering tobacco smoke;
Igniting tobacco products;
A gas containing tobacco smoke is continuously discharged from a tobacco reservoir through a first tobacco smoke discharge provided in the housing, the gas is guided through a filter, and then the filtered gas is discharged to the outside air. To do
Carrying a gas containing tobacco smoke from a tobacco smoke reservoir to a suction port connected to the housing during inhalation;
During the exhalation of a previously inhaled gas containing cigarette smoke, the gas is guided through the filter via the second cigarette smoke exhaust provided in the mouthpiece and housing, and the filtered gas is subsequently removed to the outside air And discharging
A method of filtering tobacco smoke from a tobacco product is provided.

  The method preferably also comprises generating one or more forced gas streams in the smoke discharge, wherein the gas containing tobacco smoke is discharged by this gas stream. The method further preferably comprises: drawing a gas containing cigarette smoke from the tobacco reservoir substantially continuously into the cigarette smoke discharge and conveying them through the filter. it can.

  The method preferably consists of a forced discharge of cigarette smoke through a cigarette smoke discharge in a standby situation where the cigarette is ignited and no inspiration or exhalation is taking place. The method further preferably comprises a forced discharge of cigarette smoke in an exhaled state where at least a portion of the inhaled air is exhaled by the user through the mouthpiece.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the method comprises a detector disposed in or close to a tobacco reservoir;
Detecting tobacco smoke directly or indirectly in a tobacco reservoir;
Only when cigarette smoke is present, producing a gas stream and discharging cigarette smoke;
Consists of

In another particularly advantageous embodiment, the method comprises measuring the temperature in or near the tobacco reservoir;
Generating a gas stream and discharging cigarette smoke at a preset maximum temperature or only when the maximum temperature rises;
Consists of

  In the latter two embodiments, the forced gas flow by the gas displacement means is activated only when smoking is actually performed, i.e. when the cigarette is actually ignited. This means that it is no longer necessary for the smoker himself to activate the device (eg using an on / off switch), so that the gas replacement means cannot be switched on by mistake or very long This prevents the switch from being switched on for a while. In the former case, unfiltered smoke can enter the environment, while in the latter case, the power source of the gas displacement means is quickly depleted.

  In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises one or more solar cells that convert solar energy into electrical energy, the solar cells being connected to a power source for charging. Solar cells do not need to be recharged separately, for example via an electrical trunk, or are non-rechargeable like a battery, if the power source is a rechargeable power source, depending on the amount of solar radiation Ensure that if a new power source is utilized, it must be replaced, or at least that the power source is not consumed too quickly.

  Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be explained based on the description of some preferred embodiments thereof. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device 1 here comprises a housing 2 comprising a cover 5 with a mouthpiece 3 at the proximal end and a through-flow opening at the distal end. In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 2 takes the form of a pipe. However, within certain limits within the understanding of those skilled in the art, the device can take a variety of random shapes.

  The housing 2 has an elongated portion 3 and a vertical portion 4 connected thereto. The mouthpiece 3 arranged at the outer end of the extension 3 in a known manner takes a shape that is easily and comfortably held in the mouth by the smoker. The vertical portion 4 is provided at the end of the housing 2 opposite to the extending portion 3.

  The extension 3 is provided with a filling flap 6 which can be opened and closed in a foldable manner using a known method, for example a hinge 57. In the extension 3, a reservoir 7 is provided adjacent to the inside of the filling flap 6, in which the tobacco product, for example one or more cigarettes or cigars provided with optionally a cigarette filter, is provided. May be arranged. If a cigar or cigarette is applied, a holding element 8 is provided in the chamber 7. The holding element 8 can be embodied in a number of ways. The element can for example consist of a clip 9 of elastic material attached to the wall 10 of the chamber 7. The cigarette can be fixed inside the chamber 7 using this clip 9.

  In addition to the sealable space 7 in which the tobacco product can be placed, the extension 3 includes an ignition channel 11 extending from the outer surface of the extension 3 of the housing 2 and the inner wall of the space 7. The channel forms an open connection between the outside air and the space 7 inside the extension 3 so that the ignition channel 11 comes out in a position suitable for igniting the cigarettes which are probably arranged in the space 7. In the case of a cigar or cigarette, this means that the ignition channel 11 exits near its outer end. However, when loose cigarettes are placed in space, the placement of the ignition channel 11 is not very important as long as the channel 11 exits where the tobacco is placed.

  The ignition channel 11 also has a function of supplying oxygen necessary for burning the cigarette from the outside air to the tobacco chamber 7 of the housing 2. Once the ignition channel is used to ignite the cigarette, it functions as an air supply channel.

  Also, a smoke discharge channel 12 extending from the proximal end of the tobacco chamber 7 to the vertical portion 4 and connected to the cover 5 is arranged in the extension 3. Between the space 7 and the smoke exhaust channel 12, one or more openings 13 are provided that can be closed using a one-way valve 14, also called a check valve.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the one-way valve 14 is composed of a thin film such as rubber, for example, and is disposed on the wall of the smoke exhaust channel 12 at a certain mounting position 15. Here, the one-way valve 14 closes the opening 13 between the space 7 where the tobacco is located and the smoke discharge channel 12. Since the one-way valve 14 is manufactured from a flexible membrane, the air flowing from the space 7 to the smoke exhaust channel 12 opens the valve, and this air emits smoke from the space 7 almost freely, or at least with little resistance. Carried to the channel 12, but the opposite air flow, ie the air flow from the smoke exhaust channel 12 to the space 7, causes the valve 14 to close and the air flow from the smoke exhaust channel 12 to the space 7 is interrupted.

As already mentioned, the mouthpiece 3 is provided at the proximal end of the extension. In the illustrated embodiment, this has a funnel shape. However, other shapes are also envisioned. Between the space 7 in which the tobacco product is placed and the mouthpiece 3, a partition wall 32 is provided, which is provided with a number of openings by the method described above and to which a one-way valve is attached in the form of a membrane 33. The one-way valve 33 is mounted so that air flow from the space 7 to the inside of the mouthpiece 3 is virtually unimpeded while movement in the opposite direction through the valve 33 is prevented. . A septum 34 is similarly provided between the mouthpiece 3 and the smoke exhaust channel 12. The septum 34 is arranged with one or more openings that are closed using a further one-way valve 35. The partition 34 is here embodied such that the movement of gas in the opposite direction is prevented, while the air flow from the mouthpiece 3 to the smoke discharge space 12 takes place virtually unimpeded.

  Many variations on the one-way valve are possible and all fall within the scope of the present invention. A one-way valve should be understood to mean any means that ensures that the gas flow in the first direction is much less disturbed than the gas flow in the opposite direction. While gas flow in the open direction along the valve is possible, there is little or no gas passing through the valve in the shut-off direction. According to an embodiment, the gas flow generates some resistance when passing through the valve in the opening direction. This resistance can be preset and applied to ensure the correct flow of gas through the various channels of the device.

  FIG. 1 shows that a partition 17 having a circular opening 18 is provided between the extension 3 and the vertical part 4 of the device 1. A support 19 to which the fan 20 is connected is fixed to the rear portion of the partition wall 17. The fan 20 is here embodied such that its vanes 21 extend in approximately one plane having the partition walls 17. The fan 20 is connected to one or a plurality of batteries 23 accommodated in a battery chamber separately disposed in the vertical portion 4 via the electric wiring 22. In the illustrated embodiment, wiring 24 is also provided that is operated from the outside of the housing 2 and connected to an on / off switch 25 that switches the fan 20 on and off.

  An additional opening 26 is provided in the septum 17 that is closed using one or more additional one-way valves 27. The one-way valve is arranged downstream of the septum 17 so that the air flow in the opposite direction is prevented while the resistance of the air flow from the smoke discharge channel to the vertical part 4 is relatively low.

  The two walls 17 are shown differently in FIG. 2 for ease of understanding. In practice, however, there is a single wall where both the opening for the fan and the opening for the membrane 27 are located. As a result, the one-way valve 27 provides an “overflow” option corresponding to the flow-through opening 18 and can handle sudden and large amounts of smoke caused by smoker exhalation.

  The filter 28 is disposed downstream of the fan 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the filter comprises a replaceable disc-shaped filter component 28. The filter component consists of a filter pad on which activated carbon or another suitable absorbent material is placed to filter harmful substances from the smoke gas. The pad extends to a position across the direction of smoke movement in order to make its usable area as large as possible.

  In an alternative embodiment, such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a motorized ion filter is provided instead of an absorption filter. The operation of the filter is described below with reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the filter 28 resides on a wall 29 with a flow-through opening (not shown) and arranged across the full section of the vertical part 4. As described above, the vertical portion 4 is closed using the cover plate 5 with the flow-through opening 30. The cover plate is attached to the vertical part 4 of the device 1 using a hinge 31. A handle 55 on which the cover plate is gripped in order to open and close the cover plate (arrow P ₁ ) is provided at a position opposite to the hinge. In the closed position, the part 4 is fixed to the vertical part 4 by a clasp connection (not shown).

  In use, the device 1 functions as a filter structure against the smoke gas produced by the burning of tobacco, so that no harmful substances from the smoke gas enter the environment or, if they do enter, to a very small extent. is there. The use of the device is described below based on a number of conditions. In the standby state, the cigarette in the cigarette chamber is ignited, but no inhalation or exhalation is performed by the smoker. In the “intake” state, the smoker inhales tobacco smoke from the smoldering tobacco in the tobacco reservoir 7 through the mouthpiece 3. In the “exhaled” state, the smoker exhales the inhaled air eventually through the mouthpiece.

  Examples of the method and use of the device according to the invention are described below. The smoker first places the filter 28 in the device by opening the drain plate, placing the filter pad 28 on the wall 29, optionally tightening, and closing the drain plate 25 again using a method not shown. The smoker opens by rotating the filling flap 6 so that the tobacco space 7 remains clean. There, tobacco products, ie one or more cigarettes, one or more cigars and / or cigarettes are arranged in the tobacco space. After the filling flap 6 is closed again, the device is ready for use. For this purpose, the tobacco in the space 7 is ignited via the ignition channel 11. When the cigarette or cigar is placed, the outer end is burned for this purpose. When a cigarette is used, the cigarette is ignited at any location via the ignition channel 11.

  After the filter 28 is placed in the manner described above, the user switches on the fan 20 by operating the on / off switch 25. Fan 20 provides negative pressure to smoke exhaust channel 12. As a result of this negative pressure, the membrane 14 is opened and the gas flows from the tobacco chamber 7 to the smoke exhaust channel 12. As a result of the outlet of the gas supply channel (ignition channel) 11 being located at one end of the chamber and the opening 13 being located at the opposite end, there is sufficient ventilation to maintain tobacco burning. The pressure drop across opening 13 and valve 14 is set to be less than the pressure drop across the associated opening in membrane 35 and wall 34. This can reduce cigarette entrainment, and in particular prevents air entrainment through the mouthpiece.

  The fan 20 consequently draws smoldering cigarette smoke gas, passes the smoke gas through the membrane 27, transports it into the interior of the vertical section 4 and continues to the outside through the filter 28 and the discharge plate 5. To guide you.

As described above, since the pressure overcome by the air over the one-way valve 14 is lower than the pressure that must be overcome between the cigarette space 7 and the combination of the one-way valves 33 and 35, air supplied through the channel 11, and the one-way valve 14, and a smoke caused by the combustion of tobacco through the one-way valve 27 and the filter 28, a weak flow of the mixture occurs (arrow P ₂ -P ₆ ). In the standby state (in practice) there is no smoke flowing outside through the mouthpiece 3, so virtually all smoke gas reaches the outside through the filter 28 and the exhaust valve 4. This means that unless the smoker uses the mouthpiece 3, all smoke gas is filtered by the filter 28, so there is no harmful smoke gas reaching the environment, or at least only a small amount. It means that.

When the smoker sucks smoke using the mouth 3 (intake state), the smoke gas in the cigarette space 7 is sucked through the one-way valve 33 and the mouth 3 (arrows P ₇ and P ₈ ). The one-way valves 14 and 35 further prevent flow from the smoke exhaust channel 12 through the tobacco chamber 7 to the mouthpiece 3 or directly from the smoke exhaust channel 12 to the mouthpiece 3. These latter flows are of course undesirable because they mainly contain outside air.

When the smoker blows the smoke that has been inhaled into the mouth 3 again (arrow P ₉ ) (exhalation situation), the smoke does not enter the cigarette space 7 (shown as a membrane in FIG. 1). It is obstructed by the direction valve 33. Smoke is conveyed to the smoke discharge channel 12 through the one-way valve 35, mainly through the addition of the opening 26, and through the filter 28 (arrows P ₂ -P _6), and is discharged in the manner described above. An additional opening 26 is provided to allow treatment of a relatively large flow rate of exhaled air (the flow rate of inhaled air is generally smaller). The valve 14 further prevents exhaled smoke entering the smoke exhaust channel 12 from flowing back into the tobacco space 7. This means that all smoke gas inhaled by the smoker through the mouthpiece 3 is exhausted again through the mouthpiece 3 and filtered for exhaled smoke gas, at least as long as it is not absorbed by the body itself. Means that is done. This prevents the exhaled smoke gas from reaching the environment.

  2 and 3 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the device 1 ′ is assembled with a drop-shaped casing 2 with a mouthpiece 3 on one side. The mouthpiece has a different shape from the mouthpiece shown in FIG. 1, but has a similar function. In the illustrated embodiment, a cigarette space 40 is provided in which a number of cigarettes (in this case cigarettes) can be placed. The cigarette space 40 is provided at the upper end with a removable cover flap 41 so that it can be easily filled by the user. The cover flap 41 includes a flow-through opening 42 that is provided to supply oxygen used in the process of burning tobacco in the tobacco space 40. A first channel 43 is provided between the tobacco space 40 and the mouthpiece 3. A septum 44 in which the one-way valve 45 is disposed in the manner described above is disposed across the channel 43. The one-way valve is here embodied such that gas from the cigarette space to the mouthpiece 3 can pass virtually unimpeded through the septum 44 but is prevented from moving in the opposite direction. On either side of the first channel 43 is further arranged an opening in the channel wall that is closed using two further one-way valves 47 and 47 '. Valves 47 and 47 'are located outside the channel wall so that smoke from channel 43 is discharged to the outside while flow in the opposite direction is prevented. On the side wall of the channel 43, smoke exhaust channels 48 and 48 'exiting a single common exhaust channel 49 are arranged. Channel 49 is closed using a smoke filter 50 arranged in the manner described below.

  In addition to the channel 43 described above between the cigarette space 40 and the mouthpiece 3, a suction channel 52 arranged concentrically with respect to the common channel 49 is provided on the opposite side of the cigarette space. A partition wall 53 having an opening is arranged in the suction channel 52. A fan 54 is also disposed on the side wall 53, where gas is drawn from the tobacco space 40 through the opening in the partition wall 53.

  The above-mentioned channels 48, 48 ′ pass through a number of openings arranged in the walls 60, 60 ′ of the respective channels and the one-way valves 61, 61 ′ arranged in the respective channels, through a common channel 49. Get out. The one-way valve is also arranged so that the gas from channels 48, 48 'reaches the common channel 49, but the gas from the common channel 49 cannot penetrate the channels 48, 48'.

  In use, the user first places the filter 50 in the device 1 by removing the cover flap 56 placed on the casing 2 using a snap connection, places the filter pad 50, and also in the casing 2. The cover plate 56 is fixed. Therefore, the user uses the electric wires 63 and 63 ′, the batteries 64 and 64 ′, and the wires 65 and 65 ′ to operate the on / off switch 62 connected to the fan 54 to switch on the fan 54.

In the standby state, the fan 54 draws air through the opening 42 of the valve 41. Here, since the fan draws the membrane 45 firmly against the partition wall 44, air is not sucked into the cigarette space 40 through the mouthpiece 3. The air drawn into the cigarette space 40 is the combustion space 4
Allows burning of zero cigarettes. The mixture of air and combustion gas from the tobacco space 40 is further carried away through the channel 52 in the direction of the filter 50 (arrow P ₁ ). Air enters the common channel 49 (arrow P ₂ ) and the mixture enters the environment through the opening 51 in the cover plate 56. Thus, if the smoker does not use his / her mouthpiece, the smoke gas enters the environment through channel 52, channel 49, filter 50 and cover flap 56 as a result of tobacco burning in tobacco space 40.

  So when the smoker places his / her mouth on the mouthpiece 3 and inhales (inhalation state), the one-way valve 45 is pulled open and the smoke gas passes through the cigarette space 40, the channel 43 and the mouthpiece 3. Enters the smoker's body. The valves 47, 47 '(and the additional valves 61, 61') ensure that no outside air is drawn into the mouthpiece 3 through the channels 49 and 48, 48 '.

Then, when the smoker (in the expired state) exhales the smoke gas that has been inhaled to the mouth 3 again (arrow P ₅ ), the one-way valve 45 is pushed closed and the valve 47 on one side of the channel 43 is closed. , 47 'are pushed open. Exhaled smoke gas thereby 'enters the one-way valve 61, 61' each channel 48, 48 is discharged into a common discharge channel 49 through (arrow _{P 6, P} 7). Valves 61, 61 'or valves 47, 47' may be omitted in other embodiments. In principle, only one set of valves placed in any position (intruding or discharging) of the channels 48, 48 'is necessary to ensure the correct operation of the device. However, a valve may be provided as close as possible to the mouth 3 in order to prevent smoke gases in the channels 48, 48 'from entering the environment through the mouth in the standby state, although unlikely to occur. Recommended.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, another supply chamber 67 is also provided. Tobacco products, such as a large number of cigarette supplements, can be stored in this room for later use. Moreover, in this embodiment, the chamber 68 in which a lighter (A) can be arrange | positioned is provided. This lighter can be standard and can be removed from the chamber 68 to ignite the cigarette in the cigarette chamber 40. It will be clear that numerous variants for igniting tobacco are still possible. A lighter arranged in a fixed manner in the casing is envisaged, the nozzle of this lighter emerging from the inside of the cigarette space 40 and the cigarette is ignited. This variant has the advantage that the cigarette is ignited directly and the lighter does not have to be removed from the room.

  FIG. 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, portions corresponding to the above-described embodiment are designated using the same numbers as much as possible, and descriptions of such portions are largely omitted. This embodiment includes a pipe-like portion 70 with a known mouthpiece 3 on the proximal end. A cigarette combustion space 71 in which a large number of pipe cigarettes (T) can be arranged is provided on the distal end of the pipe-like portion 70. The combustion space 71 is not closed in this embodiment, and the upper part is open. A suction opening 72 is provided along the peripheral edge at the top of the pipe 70 and connected to the discharge channel 73 (only schematically shown in FIG. 4). The discharge channel 73 is connected to a suction channel 74 in which a partition 66 comprising a fan 76 is arranged. The suction channel exits into a collection space 75 where the ion filter 76 is located. A partition wall 77 is provided between the collection space 75 and the suction channel 74. The septum 77 is provided with an opening (not shown) that is closed using a (membrane-shaped) one-way valve 78. The intake channel 79 is further connected to the combustion space 71, preferably at its lower surface. The intake channel 79 exits to the mouthpiece 3. A wall 80 is also disposed in the intake channel 79, which wall is provided with an opening (not shown), on which a one-way valve 81 (in the form of a membrane) is disposed. From the mouthpiece 3, the exhalation channel 82 also reaches a further collection space 69. A partition wall 83 is provided between the collection space 75 and the collection space 69 of the exhalation channel 82, and a large number of openings are arranged in the partition wall 83 (not shown) and in contact with it (in the form of a membrane) 84 one-way valve 84. , 84 ′, 84 ″.

  In the collection space 75, an ion filter 76 to which electric power is supplied via an electric wire and a power source 86 is arranged. A power supply is provided in the power supply component 87. The power source 86 is switched on and off by an on / off switch 88 connected to the power source 86 via a wire 89.

  A control unit 85 for controlling the ion filter is further provided between the power source 86 and the ion filter. The control unit includes, for example, a transformer that raises the voltage to a value suitable for normal operation of the filter 76. The controller may also include an electronic circuit (eg, a microcontroller) by which the ion filter is controlled based on measurement signals from a smoke detector or a temperature sensor (not shown) described below.

  The operation of the ion filter 76 is as follows. An air stream composed of a mixture of outside air and cigarette smoke is drawn in by a fan 76 and guided along a number of metal plates 86 under high voltage (several kV). Particles in the air stream are thereby negatively charged. The particles are then deposited there by guiding the air along a positively charged filter 87 (only schematically shown in the figure). Filter 87 filters 0.1 micron or smaller particles from the air stream so that the filter is particularly effective for filtering cigarette smoke. The purified air leaves the ion filter 76 and is then discharged through a discharge opening 88 provided in the pipe 70.

  In another preferred embodiment, not shown, the purified air passes through an additional absorption filter after the ion filter. In the absorption filter, harmful substances are absorbed and removed from the smoke gas. In most cases, activated carbon filters are applied, but filters using other absorbent materials are also possible. Since the air is already filtered first by the ion filter, the activated carbon filter may be provided in a relatively thin shape, so that the resistance to the air flow is less (the resistance to the ion filter is compared to the resistance to the activated carbon filter). Then it is trivial anyway). The activated carbon filter requires less cleaning or replacement.

  In a further preferred embodiment (not shown), the smoke gas is along a metal grid or fiber with a small mesh width, such as the shape of a mechanical filter, eg, a high performance filter (HEPA) filter known in the art. Guided filters may be used instead of or in addition to the filters described above.

  In other embodiments, filters known in the art are used, such as UV radiation filters, centrifugal filters, ozone filters, and the like. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the filtration is carried out in a number of stages, for example first by a mechanical filter, followed by an absorption filter, and finally by an electrostatic filter or (preferably) an ozone filter, so that not only harmful substances. The gas is also removed from the smoke gas and the odor of the smoke gas perceived as unpleasant is also reduced.

  In use, the smoker ignites the tobacco (T) in the tobacco space 71 in the normal manner. The air necessary for combustion is obtained through the upper side of the cigarette space because it is open. Smoke generated in the cigarette space is removed through a suction opening 72 proximate the edge of the pipe 70 and guided through the discharge channel 73 and suction channel 74 in the direction of the ion filter. After being filtered with ion filter 76 and optionally with an additional activated carbon filter provided downstream, clean air exits the pipe through opening 88. Due to the suction operation of the motor 76, the removed air moves outward through the suction channel 74 and the space 75 in the standby state.

In the inhalation state, the smoker inhales cigarette smoke supplied through the mouthpiece 3 and through the discharge opening 72, the discharge channel 73 and the intake channel 79. Due to the large force of the smoker's inspiration, the resistance by the valve 81 is overcome, so that the smoke continues to follow its path through the intake channel 79 until it reaches the mouthpiece 3. In the exhaled state, the smoker blows smoke again through the mouthpiece into the exhalation channel 82 and the smoke is guided to the ion filter 76 through a number of one-way valves 84, 84 ′, 84 ″. Air is filtered and exhausted through opening 88. The one-way valve 81 having a blocking function in the direction opposite to the direction P ₁₀ further prevents the exhaled air from flowing back into the cigarette space 71 through the inspiratory channel 79.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, no fan is used to inhale air, but the principle that air is heated (convection) and rises is used. In FIG. 5, a vertical tube 90 with a closing cover 91 at the lower end is provided. The closing cover 91 is attached to the tube 90 using a hinge and can be easily opened and closed by grasping the closing handle 92. The air supply opening 93 is disposed in the closed cover 91, and the air is conveyed along the opening 93 into the pipe (P ₁₁ ). The cigarette (S) is clamped and secured to the tube using a clamping sleeve 94, with the outer end for ignition facing downward. The cigarette is disposed in a cigarette space 112 that is closed using a first wall 95 that defines a chamber in which the power source 107 and the control unit 108 of the ion filter 101 are disposed. The tobacco space 112 is also closed using a wall 110 in which a number of openings are arranged in the manner described above and to which the one-way valve 103 is attached in the form of a membrane. Finally, the tobacco space 108 is closed with a further partition 97 in which the membrane 104 is arranged. Between the wall 97 and the wall 110, a further partition 96 extends on top of the tube 90. The partition 96 defines a filter space 99 and an air supply / discharge space 98. The air supply / discharge space 98 is connected to the mouthpiece 105.

During use, the smoker uses the handle 92 to open the closing cover 91, places the cigarette or cigar on the clamping sleeve 94, and ignites the cigarette or cigar S at the outer end away from the clamping sleeve 94. Once the cigarette begins to burn, the smoker closes the cover 91 again. Air necessary for burning the cigarette S cigarette is supplied through the opening 93 of the cover (arrow P ₁₁ ). Since air is heated by combustion at the lower end of the tube 90, convection of air (a mixture of outside air and smoke gas) occurs, and the air moves upward in the direction of the membrane 104 (arrow P ₁₂ ). The membrane 104 is embodied to always open slightly, so the resistance in the upward direction is very low. Thereby, air (outside air and smoke gas) flows as a result of convection to the filter space 99 through the opening provided in the wall 97. Due to the very low air resistance to the ion filter, the convection in the filter space 99 is sufficient to guide the contaminated air along the ion filter and out through the opening 102 of the tube 90 (arrow P ₁₆ ). . The one-way valve 103 further has a greater resistance in the direction of arrow P ₁₄ than the membrane 104. This means that upward airflow cannot enter the supply / discharge space 98 through the opening in the wall 110.

  When the smoker smokes at the mouthpiece 105 (intake), the resistance of the valve 103 is overcome and the smoke at the end of the cigarette clamping sleeve is drawn directly through the opening in the wall 110. Air enters the smoker through supply / exhaust space 98 and mouthpiece 105.

When the drawn smoke is blown into the mouth again (exhaled state), the following occurs: The one-way valve 103 provides a blocking function in the downward direction, which means that blown smoke cannot enter the space 112 through this valve. However, several openings are provided in the septum 96 that is closed using a one-way valve in the form of a membrane 100, 100 '. The exhaled smoke enters the filter space 99 (arrow P ₁₇ ) and is guided along the ion filter 101. After being filtered, the exhaled air is exhausted through the opening 102 (arrow P ₁₆ ).

The membrane 104 has very little resistance in the upward direction. However, the membrane 104 implements a blocking function in the downward direction like other membranes. This blocking function ensures that exhaled smoke entering the filter space 99 through the membranes 100, 100 ′ cannot penetrate the tobacco space 112 through the septum 97.

  Thus, suction means such as one or more fans, for example, can be omitted in this embodiment as long as the tubes 90 remain arranged to some degree vertically. This means that the power source 107 is only needed for use with the ion filter 101 and can therefore have a relatively long life.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 107 is embodied with a pill-type replaceable battery 111, also referred to as a button cell, that has a relatively long life. The battery is connected to the ion filter via the control unit 108 in the form of an electronic circuit such as a microcontroller, transformer or the like.

  In the illustrated embodiment, a saliva collection device 106 is also provided in the supply / discharge space 98 of the tube 90 on the side of the mouthpiece 105. Otherwise, the device is present in the exhaled air and can become clogged due to saliva entering the supply / drain space 98. Saliva collection device 106 may be cleaned by removal of saliva drainage plug 107.

  In other embodiments, detectors that detect the presence of smoke in the cigarette space are located in or close to the cigarette space 7, 40, 71, 112. Here, it is assumed that the detector directly measures the presence of smoke. However, a modification in which the presence of smoke cannot be directly confirmed but can be indirectly confirmed by using, for example, an air temperature sensor is also assumed. For example, if the temperature exceeds a value pre-stored in the control unit, or if the temperature inside the cigarette space rises relatively quickly in a short period of time, the control unit or detector determines that the cigarette in the cigarette space has been ignited. And an electrical signal representing it is generated. On the basis of this signal, the control unit activates the fan and from this moment a forced flow is caused in the channel of the device. Similarly, if the temperature falls below a predetermined value, or if the temperature drops relatively quickly in a predetermined period, the control unit can determine that the tobacco in the cigarette space is no longer burning. The control unit stops the fan, optionally with a preset time delay. This prevents the fan from operating for too long and ensures a long life of the power supply.

  In an embodiment not shown, a method for producing a fragrance is also provided. For example, when a fan is activated by operating a switch or by the activation described above by a control unit, known components that produce fragrance are also activated. The fragrance preferably enters the smoke exhaust channel and is carried outward along with the smoke gas stream. The fragrance ensures that tobacco smoke odors that are unpleasant for many people are eliminated.

6A and 6B illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows a device 113 comprised of an elongate drop-shaped housing 114, which includes a first rotatable cover 115 on the upper side and a second rotatable cover 125 on the lower side. In a manner similar to the embodiment described above, the housing 114 comprises a channel and a one-way valve by which an accurate flow of smoke gas is achieved. FIG. 6A shows that when the cover 115 is opened to protect the user's health, an (additional) filter 118 is placed in proximity to the mouthpiece 116 of the housing 114 and is therefore pulled through the one-way valve 119. This indicates that the smoke gas from the cigarette must first pass through the filter 118 before being drawn by the user. This ensures that the air that is finally inhaled by the user is always filtered in advance. The filter is arranged by being clamped between the wall 127 and a part of the outer wall 128 of the housing 114 (direction P ₁₈ ). The cigarette (S) can be pushed into the clip 117 for this purpose (direction ₁₉ ). Once the cigarette is placed, the cover 115 is closed (P ₂₀ ).

The housing 114 also includes a rotatable flap 125 on which the activated carbon pad 123 described above may be placed. After the flap 125 is closed (P ₂₁ ), the smoke gas is immediately filtered by the activated carbon filter and exits the device through the opening 129. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 6B. The device is now ready for use. The cigarette is ignited by a lighter (not shown) provided close to the outer end of the cigarette.

  The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The rights required are defined by the following claims, where many modifications are envisioned within the scope.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view, partially in perspective, of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially cut away top view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, partially in perspective, of a third preferred embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that is a partially perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6a is a diagram of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a diagram of a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (51)

A device for filtering tobacco smoke from tobacco products, comprising a housing in which the tobacco product can be placed and a filter for filtering tobacco smoke, the housing comprising:
A tobacco reservoir to hold the tobacco,
An outside air supply unit for supplying outside air necessary for burning the tobacco from the environment;
A cigarette smoke discharge section for discharging cigarette smoke produced by the combustion;
A filter connected to the cigarette smoke discharge and filtering environmental harmful substances from the cigarette smoke that can be guided along;
A mouthpiece connected to the cigarette reservoir and the smoke discharge, whereby a smoker can inhale the cigarette smoke from the cigarette reservoir and exhale the cigarette smoke into the cigarette smoke discharge When,
Including the device.   The cigarette smoke discharge section and the cigarette reservoir produce one or more forced gas streams in the smoke discharge section, as a result of convection, thereby continuously discharging the cigarette smoke flow The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is arranged relative to each other.   The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising gas displacement means for generating one or more forced gas streams in the smoke discharge, whereby a cigarette smoke stream is discharged.   4. An apparatus according to claim 3, comprising suction means disposed within the smoke discharge and for emitting smoke out of the tobacco reservoir.   The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gas displacement means comprises one or more fans.   The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the gas displacement means comprises one or more pumps, preferably a centrifugal or membrane pump.   6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the fan can be driven by an electric motor and that a chamber is provided in the housing in which a power source, in particular one or more batteries can be accommodated.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising adjustment means for guiding a gas flow through the smoke outlet and the mouthpiece.   The adjusting means includes at least a first check valve between the tobacco reservoir and the smoke discharge; at least a second check valve between the tobacco reservoir and the mouthpiece; and 9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least a third check valve between the mouthpiece and the smoke outlet.   In a standby state where the cigarette is ignited and no inspiration or exhalation occurs, the check valve allows the gas flow from the cigarette reservoir to the smoke outlet and from the reservoir to the mouthpiece. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent the gas flow.   The check valve is configured to allow the gas flow from the reservoir to the mouth in an inhalation state where tobacco smoke is inhaled by a user through the mouth. The device according to claim 9 or 10.   In the exhalation state where the user exhales the inhaled air through the mouthpiece, the check valve prevents the gas flow from the mouthpiece to the reservoir, and the smoke from the mouthpiece. 12. A device according to any of claims 9, 10, 11 characterized in that it is configured to allow the gas flow to a discharge.   13. The adjusting means according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a closure membrane that prevents through feed in the direction determined thereby and that does not substantially block through feed in the opposite direction. The device described in 1.   An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, suitable for forcible discharge of the cigarette smoke through the cigarette smoke discharge in a standby state where the cigarette is ignited and no inspiration or exhalation takes place. .   Even in an exhaled state where at least a portion of the inhaled air is exhaled by the user through the mouthpiece, the forced exhaust of the cigarette smoke through the cigarette smoke exhaust 15. A device according to claim 14, which is suitable.   The cigarette smoke discharge unit includes a first discharge channel for discharging cigarette smoke in the standby state and a second discharge channel for discharging the cigarette smoke exhaled in the exhalation state. An apparatus according to any preceding claim.   The apparatus of claim 16, wherein a fan is disposed in the first exhaust channel.   18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the first and second exhaust channels combine to form a single smoke exhaust channel and the fan is disposed within the combined smoke exhaust channel. The device described.   In the location of the cigarette reservoir, the housing includes a removable closing cover that allows placement of the cigarette in the cigarette reservoir, and the external air supply is provided in the closing cover. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is formed by an opening.   The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external air supply comprises an air passage extending from the outside of the housing to the tobacco reservoir.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the air passage is embodied to allow the cigarette to be ignited through the passage.   A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the pressure generated by the fan is lower than the pressure generated by inhalation by the user.   Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the flow rate of the forced gas flow is at most 10% of the flow rate of the gas flow resulting from inspiration or expiration.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising holding means for holding the tobacco product, such as a cigarette or cigar. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tobacco product is a cigarette.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, which can be held by a human mouth.   27. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the total weight is a maximum of 1 kg, preferably a maximum of 300 g.   The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a supply chamber for temporary storage of additional tobacco.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lighter chamber for storing a lighter thereby igniting the cigarette.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a switch for switching on one or more of said fans.   And further comprising a detector disposed in or adjacent to the tobacco reservoir for detecting cigarette smoke directly or indirectly, wherein the detector comprises the one or more when cigarette smoke is present. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fans are switched on and connected to the switches which switch them off when there is no cigarette smoke. A temperature sensor disposed in or adjacent to the tobacco reservoir and generating a temperature signal representative of the temperature;
When the temperature sensor, the one or more fans, and / or above a preset temperature based on a temperature signal When the one or more fans are switched on and below a preset temperature Control means coupled to the switch for turning off;
An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising:   The preceding claim, wherein the filter comprises at least one of a mechanical filter unit, an absorption filter unit, an electrostatic filter unit, an ionization filter unit, a centrifugal filter unit, a UV filter unit or an ozone filter unit. The apparatus in any one of.   The apparatus according to claim 33, characterized in that the absorption filter unit comprises an activated carbon filter unit.   35. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the filter comprises an electrostatic filter unit.   36. Apparatus according to any of claims 33, 34, 35, wherein the filter comprises an ozone filter unit.   In order to ionize at least some of the material in the smoke under the influence of an electric field between the cathode and anode, the cathode and anode through which the smoke can be guided and collecting means for collecting the ionized material 35. The apparatus of claim 34.   An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means for producing a fragrance. Including a filter chamber provided within the housing and capable of being isolated from the environment using a removable shut-off valve, wherein one or more replaceable filters may be disposed in the filter chamber; An apparatus according to any preceding claim.   The cigarette reservoir is opened at its top, and along its upper edge, a number of openings that connect to the cigarette smoke discharge to emit the smoke produced in the cigarette reservoir A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that is provided.   The housing is composed of a first housing part and a second housing part, at least the mouthpiece, the tobacco reservoir and the outside air supply are arranged in the first housing part, and at least the cigarette smoke A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the discharge, the filter and the gas displacement means are distributed over the first and second housings. Placing a tobacco product in a tobacco reservoir in a housing comprising one or more filters for filtering tobacco smoke;
Igniting the tobacco product;
A gas containing tobacco smoke is continuously discharged from the tobacco reservoir through a first cigarette smoke discharge provided in the housing, the gas is guided through the filter, and the filtered gas is subsequently discharged. Exhausting to the open air,
Carrying a gas containing tobacco smoke from a tobacco smoke reservoir to a suction port connected to the housing during inhalation;
Guiding the gas through the filter through a second cigarette smoke outlet provided in the mouth and the housing during exhalation of previously inhaled gas containing cigarette smoke, followed by filtration The discharged gas to the outside air,
A method of filtering tobacco smoke from tobacco products.   41. The method of claim 40, comprising generating one or more forced gas streams at the smoke exhaust, wherein the gas comprising cigarette smoke is exhausted by the gas stream.   42. The method of claim 41, comprising drawing gases containing tobacco smoke from the tobacco reservoir to the cigarette smoke outlet substantially continuously and carrying them through the filter. .   43. Forcing the cigarette smoke through the cigarette smoke discharge in a standby state when the cigarette is ignited and not inhaled or exhaled, according to any of claims 40-42. The method described.   Forcing the cigarette smoke through the cigarette smoke exhaust in an exhaled state where at least a portion of the inhaled air is exhaled by the user through the mouthpiece; 44. A method according to any of claims 40 to 43.   41. Exhausting tobacco smoke through the first smoke exhaust in the standby state and exhausting the exhaled tobacco smoke through the second smoke exhaust in the exhalation state. 45. The method according to any of 44 to 44.   46. A method according to any of claims 40 to 45, characterized in that the first and second smoke outlets are combined. Comprising a detector disposed in or proximate to the tobacco reservoir;
Detecting tobacco smoke directly or indirectly in the tobacco reservoir;
Producing the gas stream and discharging the cigarette smoke only when tobacco smoke is present;
42. The method of claim 41, comprising: Measuring the temperature in or near the tobacco reservoir;
Generating the gas stream and discharging the cigarette smoke only at a preset maximum temperature or only when the maximum temperature rises;
42. The method of claim 41, comprising:   51. Method according to any of the preceding claims 42 to 50, characterized in that an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 41 is applied.

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