EP3068243B1 - Ashtray - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a smoking article, in particular cigarettes and cigarette butts, extinguishing, preferably smokeless and odorless ashtrays, in particular for public spaces and outdoors, and a motor vehicle, in particular passenger cars, with such an ashtray. The ashtray can also be referred to as an ash bucket or container.

DE 34 15 545 A1 , DE 43 43 579 A1 , U.S. 5,591,242 A , FR 2 216 938 A1 , JP H09 47563 A and U.S. 2008/087289 A1 each disclose an ashtray comprising a container with a top cover and a top insertion opening for smoking articles, a water container in the lower region of the container which is in fluid communication with the insertion opening for receiving ash and smoking article residues, and a suction device for sucking off air and smoke is in fluid communication with the insertion port and the receptacle. the DE 34 15545 A1 also discloses that the suction device is in fluid communication with the insertion opening for suction of smoking articles.

The one from the U.S. 2008/087289 A1 known ashtray also has a motion detector for switching on electrical devices of the ashtray only when required and a motion sensor in the insertion opening for detecting a movement.

• Zigarettenstummel sind sichtbar,
• dadurch sogar eventuell für Kinder oder Tiere erreichbar,
• Zigarettenstummel können bei Wind aus dem Aschenbecher gelangen,
• Aschenbecher verbreitet unangenehmen Geruch,
• beim Ausdrücken der Zigaretten ist es möglich, sich zu verbrennen,
• beim Ausdrücken könnte es passieren, dass Glut nicht richtig erlischt und Feuer fängt,
• nach dem Ausdrücken der Zigaretten kann Asche an den Händen oder Fingern haften.

Conventional ashtrays have the following problems:

• Cigarette butts are visible
• therefore even reachable for children or animals,
• Cigarette butts can fall out of the ashtray in the wind,
• Ashtray spreads an unpleasant smell,
• it is possible to get burned when stubbing out cigarettes,
• when squeezing it could happen that embers do not go out properly and catch fire,
• ash may stick to hands or fingers after stubbing out cigarettes.

The invention is based on the object of transporting used or unused smoking articles or tobacco products such as cigarette/cigar butts or pipe contents, whether glowing or not, for extinguishing and temporary storage.

This object is achieved by a smoking article, especially cigarettes and Cigarette butts, extinguishing, preferably smokeless and odorless ashtrays, in particular for public spaces and outdoors, solved according to claim 1. In particular, it can be an electronic ashtray.

Active suction of smoking articles, such as a burning cigarette, for example, prevents a person, such as a child, from being burned by a glowing cigarette. It also reduces unpleasant odors.

In an advantageous embodiment, the ashtray for establishing the fluid connection between the receptacle and the insertion opening can have an upper deflection channel section connected to the insertion opening for deflecting an air flow with smoke and/or smoking articles from the essentially horizontal downwards and onto the upper deflection channel section subsequent at least approximately vertical channel section which ends above the receiving container. Depending on the arrangement and perspective, the suction device can also be referred to as a device for sucking in air etc. The vertical duct section serves as a fall path for smoking articles etc. contained in the airflow.

In particular, it can be provided that the ashtray has an at least approximately vertical ascending channel section for establishing the fluid connection between the suction device and the insertion opening, the lower end of which ends above the receptacle and is in fluid connection with the lower end of the vertical channel section. The ascent channel section can be used in cooperation with the suction device to achieve a forced air flow directed upwards.

The ashtray is advantageously designed in such a way that the air sucked in or sucked out by the suction device serves at least partially to cool the electronics present in the ashtray.

For example, the motion detector detects that a person is approaching the ashtray and then switches on at least part of the electrical equipment in the ashtray. After a certain predeterminable time and/or after the presence of a person has not been detected by the motion detector, the electrical devices are then switched off again. As a result, a particularly energy-saving ashtray can be implemented.

The ashtray expediently has a LAN or WLAN device for wired or wireless networking. For example, the LAN or WLAN facility can be used to remotely query the filling level of the ashtray. In addition, a WLAN setup also offers the possibility of a WLAN hotspot.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the container is a housing or an outer housing.

According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the ashtray has a flap, in particular the flap being prestressed into an initial position, preferably resiliently or by gravity, in which it preferably closes the insertion opening in an airtight manner, and in particular the flap being able to move out of the initial position, preferably by the Operation of the suction device, can be pivoted inwards into the container. The flap can be a pivoting or pendulum flap, for example.

Conveniently, the container has a connecting piece projecting outwards from the insertion opening.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the suction device has a blower or a ventilator.

The ashtray advantageously has a filter element for filtering the air, which is connected upstream or downstream of the suction device.

The ashtray advantageously has an integrated cigarette lighter.

The ashtray favorably has a movement sensor in the area of the insertion opening for detecting a movement.

The ashtray also advantageously has a temperature sensor in the area of the insertion opening.

The ashtray advantageously has a pressure sensor in the area of the insertion opening.

In a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the control device is designed to activate the suction device if the movement sensor detects a movement and/or the temperature sensor measures a temperature above a specified temperature threshold value and/or the pressure sensor measures a pressure above a specified pressure threshold value is measured.

In particular, it can be provided that the control device 52 is also designed to only leave the suction device active as long as a movement is detected and/or a temperature above the predefined temperature threshold value and/or a pressure above the predefined pressure threshold value is measured.

The ashtray expediently includes a power supply, which has a mains supply and/or battery and/or an accumulator with or without a solar cell.

Furthermore, the ashtray can be a standing and/or wall-mounted ashtray. However, it is also conceivable for the ashtray to be a motor vehicle ashtray, particularly in the area of the dashboard.

Finally, the present invention provides a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, with an ashtray according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

Figur 1

eine Schnittansicht von einem Aschenbecher

Figur la

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie la in Figur 1;

Figur 1b

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie 1b in Figur 1;

Figur 1c

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie 1c in Figur 1;

Figur 1d

eine Ansicht von rechts in Figur 1;

Figur le

eine Ansicht von dem Aschenbecher von Figur 1 von hinten;

Figur 1f

eine Ansicht von dem Aschenbecher von links in Figur 1;

Figur 1g

eine Draufsicht auf den Aschenbecher von Figur 1 von oben;

Figur 2

Einzeldarstellungen einer Absaugeinrichtung des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 in Frontansicht (horizontal) und in Draufsicht von oben (vertikal);

Figur 3 Einzeldarstellungen von einer Steuereinrichtung des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 in Frontansicht (horizontal) und in Draufsicht von oben (vertikal); Figur 4a eine Sensoreinrichtung des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 in Frontansicht (horizontal) und in Draufsicht von oben (vertikal); Figur 4b eine weitere Steuereinrichtung des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 in Frontansicht (horizontal) und in Draufsicht von oben (vertikal); Figur 5 eine Filtereinrichtung des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 in Frontansicht (horizontal) und in Draufsicht von oben (vertikal); Figur 6a einen Aufnahmebehälter des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 von oben (horizontal) und von der Seite (vertikal); Figur 6b einen weiteren Aufnahmebehälter von oben (horizontal) und von der Seite (vertikal); Figur 7 einen Akkumulator des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 von oben (horizontal) und von der Seite (vertikal); Figur 8 ein Akkumulatorladegerät; Figur 9 einen Schlüssel für den Aschenbecher von Figur 1; Figur 10 einen Zigarettenanzünder des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 von oben (horizontal) und von der Seite (vertikal); Figur 11 eine Solarzelle des Aschenbechers von Figur 1 von oben (horizontal) und von der Seite (vertikal); Figur 12 eine Seitenansicht von einem Aschenbecher gemäß einer besonderen Ausführungsform der vorliegen Erfindung in vereinfachter Darstellung; Figur 13 einen Aschenbecher für einen PKW in Schnittansicht ähnlich wie Figur 1; und Figur 14 eine Schnittansicht von einem PKW mit dem Aschenbecher von Figur 13. Further advantages and features of the invention result from the appended claims and the following description, in which exemplary embodiments are explained in detail with reference to the schematic drawings. It shows:

figure 1

a sectional view of an ashtray

figure la

a sectional view along the line la in figure 1 ;

Figure 1b

a sectional view along the line 1b in figure 1 ;

Figure 1c

a sectional view along the line 1c in figure 1 ;

Figure 1d

a view from the right in figure 1 ;

figure le

a view of the ashtray from figure 1 from behind;

Figure 1f

a view of the ashtray from the left in figure 1 ;

Figure 1g

a top view of the ashtray of figure 1 from above;

figure 2

Individual representations of a suction device of the ashtray from figure 1 in front view (horizontal) and in plan view from above (vertical);

figure 3 Individual representations of a control device of the ashtray from figure 1 in front view (horizontal) and in plan view from above (vertical); Figure 4a a sensor device of the ashtray of figure 1 in front view (horizontal) and in plan view from above (vertical); Figure 4b another control device of the ashtray from figure 1 in front view (horizontal) and in plan view from above (vertical); figure 5 a filter device of the ashtray from figure 1 in front view (horizontal) and in plan view from above (vertical); Figure 6a a receptacle of the ashtray from figure 1 from above (horizontal) and from the side (vertical); Figure 6b another receptacle from above (horizontal) and from the side (vertical); figure 7 an accumulator of the ashtray from figure 1 from above (horizontal) and from the side (vertical); figure 8 a battery charger; figure 9 a key for the ashtray from figure 1 ; figure 10 a cigarette lighter of the ashtray from figure 1 from above (horizontal) and from the side (vertical); figure 11 a solar cell of the ashtray from figure 1 from above (horizontal) and from the side (vertical); figure 12 a side view of an ashtray according to a particular embodiment of the present invention in a simplified representation; figure 13 an ashtray for a car in sectional view similar to figure 1 ; and figure 14 a sectional view of a car with the ashtray of figure 13 .

First, an ashtray according to a particular embodiment not forming part of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG Figures 1 to 11 described.

In general, an ashtray according to the present invention may consist largely of refractory material. It can have a cylindrical shape, which can be largely hollow and, as can be seen from the figures, composed of, for example, eight sub-components, such as a main unit ( figure 1 ), one or more suction devices ( figure 2 ), a control device ( figure 3 ), one or more reaction or sensor devices ( Figure 4a and Figure 4b ), one or more filter devices ( figure 5 ), one or more receptacles filled with water ( Figure 6a or Figure 6b ), a cigarette lighter ( figure 10 ), a solar cell ( figure 11 ) and an accumulator ( figure 7 ), consist.

The main unit ( figure 1 ) can be understood as the basic structure. It can form the entire outer housing 1, 9, 16, 20, 25 as well as the entire inner housing 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39.

These and other sub-elements or facilities ( figure 2 , figure 3 , Figure 4a and 4b , figure 5 , Figure 6a and 6b , figure 7 , figure 10 ) can be connected to the main unit ( figure 1 ) mounted, stored, screwed, embedded or used.

The main unit ( figure 1 ) stands vertically on the floor in this example. It can be mounted firmly on a substrate by means of one or more locking options 30, 31, for example by means of screws.

Due to a possible weight 28, which is located in the inner housing 39 and gives the ashtray a constant vertical hold, permanent installation is not absolutely necessary. Access to the weight 28 can be ensured by a possible lower outer housing closure floor 29, which can be opened or closed by a closure thread 21.

The outer housing area 1, 9, 16, 20 of the ashtray can be rotated horizontally through 360° by a rotation unit 26 mounted between the outer housing area 20 and 25.

A beak-like insertion opening 2 protrudes in the outer housing area 1 at the upper end of the ashtray. At the front of this insertion opening 2 there can be an ash tray 4 in which an ash platform/signal platform 3 made of refractory material can be located.

This ash platform/signal platform 3 can be replaced by a reaction unit ( Figure 4b ), which reacts to pressure and temperature via a temperature sensor 44 and a pressure sensor 43. The reaction unit ( Figure 4b ) can be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) to be connected.

The cable duct 6 can lead from the ash pan 4 below the ash platform 3 inside the ashtray along the insertion opening 2 above a flap 7 in the inner housing area 32 to the inner housing area 37 . From there, the cable duct 6 can be further above the inner housing area 33 and 35 inside the ashtray to the suction device ( figure 2 ) to lead.

A further reaction unit ( Figure 4a ) are located, which reacts to movement in the reaction radius 40 in the inner housing area 32 and the ash platform 3 and also via a cable duct 6 with the control device ( figure 3 ) can be connected.

Behind the reaction unit ( Figure 4a ) Inside the ashtray there can be the above-mentioned flap 7, fastened in the inner housing area 32 with a hinge or joint 8, for example, which closes the inner housing area 32 and the inner housing areas 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 when the suction device ( figure 2 ) can be separated from each other.

This flap 7 can be assisted in successfully separating the inner casing by an additional sealing rubber 5, which can be placed around the flap 7 or in the inner casing area 32 around in front of the sealing flap. The flap can be mounted at an angle in the inner housing area 32 . Thus, when the ashtray or the suction device is inactive, it can be closed by resting on it due to gravity. The inner housing region 33 can begin behind the flap 7 in the inner housing.

With the help of a partition wall 11, which can run vertically downwards from the top point in the center within the entire inner housing area 33, 34, 35, this inner housing area 33, 34, 35 can be almost completely bisected and thus divided into inner housing areas 33, 34 and 35 will. In this case, all three inner housing areas 33, 34, 35 seen together can have a two-fold, hollow-cylindrical shape form shape. To put it more precisely, this creates an at least approximately vertical channel section, a so-called fall section, and a vertical ascending channel section.

At the lower end of the inner case portion 33, there may be an inner wall shelf 13 slanted toward the inner case portion 33 on the opposite side of the partition wall 11, which may restrict the area of the inner case 33 at the lower end. The dividing wall 11 can have a beveled dividing wall end 12 at the lower end, which can extend into the inner housing area 33, so that the inner housing area 33 can also be restricted at the lower end here.

The partition wall 11 can end at the lowest point of the inner housing area 33 and connect the inner housing areas 33 and 34 to one another.

In this short inner housing area 36, the housing can assume a hollow cylindrical shape and form the transition to the inner housing area 38.

In the inner housing area 38 there is an exchangeable receptacle 58 that may be filled with water ( Figure 6a ), which can fill the inner housing area 38 almost completely.

Access to the inner housing area 38 can be provided by a possible outer door/flaps 22 on the outer housing area 20, which can be opened by the attachment of door hinges 23 or similar opening mechanisms.

Due to a possible lock 24 on the outer door 22, this opening option is only available to the owner or the key holder(s) (see also figure 9 ) given.

A further possibility would be that a locking thread 10 can be located at the location of the inner housing area 36, which in connection with a possibly water-filled receptacle ( Figure 6b ) can stand. This ( Figure 6b ) can be emptied by simply attaching and detaching.

At the upper end of the outer housing area 9 there can be a locking thread 18 for the upper outer housing sealing cover 19 .

The outer housing closure cover 19 can be dome-shaped.

An activation button 17 including a cable connection pointing inward to the control device 52 ( figure 3 ) are located.

In addition, a possible cigarette lighter 59 ( figure 10 ) to be integrated. This cigarette lighter ( figure 10 ) can also be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) get connected.

At the upper end of the inner housing portion 34 there may be a filter inlet gap 14 in which a replaceable filter unit or device ( figure 5 ), consisting of a carbon filter 48 located between two screens 47, can be located. The filter unit ( figure 5 ) can separate the inner housing area 34 and the inner housing area 35 from one another and can additionally be held by a fixing unit 15 mounted on the partition wall 11 in the direction of the inner housing area 34 .

The filter unit ( figure 5 ) can be crescent-shaped and can be pushed or let into the filter inlet gap 14 up to the stop on the partition wall 11 . The fixing opening 49 can ensure additional stability.

Is the filter unit ( figure 5 ) not used, both areas 34, 35 can be connected to each other and there is an inner housing opening to the outside.

The inner housing area 35 can be located above the built-in filter unit. In this area 35, a further opening of the inner housing to the outside is possible.

At this point of the area 35 is a possibly replaceable suction device ( figure 2 ) assembled and used.

Also a possible locking thread 27 for mounting on the main unit ( figure 1 ) can be integrated.

The suction device ( figure 2 ) is connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) tied together. The suction device can pull the air out of the inner housing area and can accordingly blow it to the outside.

An accumulator ( figure 7 ) or a battery 53 are located. The accumulator ( figure 7 ) can be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) get connected. At the A locking thread 18 can be located at the lower end of the upper outer housing sealing cover 19 .

The accumulator can be charged via a solar cell 55 ( figure 11 ) to be charged. The solar cell can be integrated in the upper outer housing cover 19 . A battery can also be connected instead of the accumulator.

The controller 52 ( figure 3 ) can either be in the inner housing area 39 or in the vicinity of the suction device ( figure 2 ) but can also be used or mounted or stored anywhere else. The controller ( figure 3 ) the connection of the suction device ( figure 2 ) with the reaction units ( Figure 4a ) and or ( Figure 4b ), the activation button 17, the cigarette lighter 59 ( figure 10 ) and the accumulator ( figure 7 ) via cable duct 6.

An accumulator ( figure 7 ) is not absolutely necessary, since the connection via the control device ( figure 3 ) and a mains plug at the mains plug input 42 to the mains may be possible.

figure 1 Figure 12 shows the main unit, which can be made of refractory material and form the skeleton of the device. As described, it may be of cylindrical construction in conjunction with a beak-like opening at the top of the cylinder. Several locking threads can be provided for mounting these and other partial elements and devices. The main unit can be understood as a flow system for the sucked in air and the tobacco product.

In the figure 2 The suction device shown can have, for example, a fan or a blower, a locking thread and a cable connection to the control device. In addition, the mains plug input 42 can be located directly on the suction device. The suction device ( figure 2 ) can have the function of supplying fresh air through the complete main unit ( figure 1 ) to pull. The air can enter the insertion opening 2 and exit through the outlet opening 41 .

In the figure 3 The control device 52 shown can have a power pack and a control unit, which can have the function of all electronic components ( figure 2 , Figure 4a /b, figure 7 , figure 10 , 17) to connect to each other via the cable duct 6, link and control. A power plug connection 42 may be possible from the controller.

In the figure 4 The reaction unit shown may have a motion detection function and be installed or mounted in the vicinity of the insertion opening 2. The motion detector 51 can be aligned in the direction of the insertion opening 2. This can result in a reaction radius 40 that can cover the entire insertion opening 2. The reaction unit ( Figure 4a ) can have the function that when movement is signaled within the insertion opening, the signal "movement active" is sent via the cable duct 6 by a cable to the control device ( figure 3 ) can be given and the control device 52 ( figure 3 ) the suction device ( figure 2 ) can activate as long as the "Movement active" signal is present. The reaction unit ( Figure 4a ) can thus function as a switch.

In the Figure 4b The reaction unit shown can have a temperature and/or pressure reporting function and can be built into or mounted in the ash pan 4 . It can have a pressure sensor 43, a temperature sensor 44 and/or a refractory ash platform or signal platform 3. The reaction unit ( Figure 4b ) can have the function that when a glowing or non-glowing tobacco product is held, placed or pressed on the ash platform 3, the signal "pressure or temperature active" is sent via the cable duct 6 through a cable connection to the control device ( figure 3 ) can be given. The controller 52 ( figure 3 ) can evaluate this "pressure or temperature active" signal and the suction device ( figure 2 ) as long as the signal prevails. Also a certain period of time for the activation of the suction device ( figure 2 ) with an active signal may be possible. The reaction unit ( Figure 4b ) can thus function as a switch. Both reaction units ( Figure 4a and Figure 4b ) can function independently.

In the figure 5 The filter unit shown may include one or more screens 47 and carbon filters 48 placed therebetween. The filter unit ( figure 5 ) as well as the carbon filters 48 can be interchangeable and have the function of cleaning the air sucked in by the suction device before it comes out again. It can thus ensure that no unpleasant odors escape from the ashtray. A fixing opening 49, which engages in the fixing unit 15, can ensure additional stability in the filter inlet gap 14.

the inside Figure 6a Receptacle 58 shown may be filled with water. For example, it can be constructed in the shape of a cylinder, closed at the bottom and open at the top. The receptacle can be replaced or emptied via the outer door/flaps 22. He can have the function to delete sucked tobacco products or smoking articles and to keep. The capacity of the tobacco products to be stored until the receiving container is full can depend on the size of the ashtray or ash container.

the inside Figure 6b receptacle shown can be filled with water. For example, it can be constructed in the shape of a cylinder and be closed at the bottom and open at the top. It can have a locking thread 10 at the upper end or at the opening and can thus be attached to the main unit ( figure 1 ) can be assembled or disassembled. It can have the function of extinguishing and storing sucked tobacco products. The capacity of tobacco products to be stored until the receptacle ( Figure 6b ) is full may depend on the size of the receptacle ( Figure 6b ) be dependent.

the inside figure 7 The accumulator shown can be located, for example, in the inner housing area 37 and can be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) get connected. The accumulator can have the function, the electrical components ( figure 2 , Figure 4a /b, figure 7 , figure 10 , 17), as well as the control unit ( figure 3 ), to supply enough power even without a direct mains connection. In this way, the functionality of the ashtray can be guaranteed for a certain period of time even without a direct power connection. The accumulator can be charged via the accumulator charger ( figure 8 ) to be charged.

This in figure 8 Battery charger shown may be an external item. Its input can be connected to a power grid. Its output can be connected to the ashtray at the power plug input 42. It can have the function. the accumulator ( figure 7 ) to charge. As long as the battery charger ( figure 8 ) is connected to the ashtray, it is permanently supplied with sufficient power.

the inside figure 9 The key shown can have the function of opening the outer door/flaps 22 via a lock 24 and thus opening the receptacle ( Figure 6a ) to be checked and, if necessary, to be able to be emptied or replaced.

the inside figure 10 Cigarette lighter shown can be integrated in the upper outer housing closure cover. It can be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) to be connected. The cigarette lighter can have the function of lighting the tobacco products before they go out again through the ashtray. It can be secured by a safety wire 45 theft.

In the figure 11 The solar cell 55 shown can be integrated in the upper outer housing cover 19 on a control circuit board 56 . It can be connected to the control device ( figure 3 ) to be connected. The solar cell 55 can have the function of accumulator ( figure 7 ) to charge.

Many people consume various tobacco products. The ashtray offers the possibility of tobacco products through a possible integrated cigarette lighter ( figure 10 ) and extinguish it through the ashtray after consumption and keep it odorless and out of sight. The cigarette lighter 59 ( figure 10 ) can be used like in a car by a glow wire device. The cigarette lighter ( figure 10 ) can be activated and can be removed and used as a lighter for a tobacco product.

If a glowing or non-glowing tobacco product is held in the insertion opening 2 or in the inner housing area 32 or pressed onto the ash platform 3, the reaction unit 1 ( Figure 4a ) on the movement within the reaction radius 40 or the reaction unit 2 ( Figure 4b ) on the pressure or temperature change. This activates the suction device/blower ( figure 2 ). The suction device / the blower ( figure 2 ) blows from the inside to the outside, ie the sucked air passes through the inner housing areas 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 before exiting again.

The blower ( figure 2 ) is only active as long as reaction unit 1 ( Figure 4a ) registers a movement within the reaction radius 40 or the reaction unit 2 ( Figure 4b ) Pressure or a temperature change on the ash platform 3 registered. However, it may be possible to activate the suction device or the blower ( figure 2 ) to activate manually. Due to the suction of the blower ( figure 2 ) the flap 7 opens in the direction of the inner housing area 33 and the tobacco product is sucked in.

If the tobacco product is still held in the hand, the suction is only used for ashing and sucking in the ash from the tobacco product. If the tobacco product is released from the hand, it flies through the inner housing area 33 and the inner housing area 36 to the water-filled receptacle ( figure 6a, figure 6b ). There the tobacco product is deleted and at the same time the receiving container ( figure 6a, figure 6b ) large enough to store several tobacco products at the same time. The slanted inner wall support 13 ensures that the tobacco product not next to the receptacle ( figure 6a, figure 6b ) can get into the water of the receiving container ( figure 6a, figure 6b ) arrived. The beveled end of the partition wall 12 ensures that the tobacco product cannot get into the inner housing area 34 .

Since the flap 7 is placed at an angle between the inner housing area 32 and 33, it closes again as soon as the suction device or the fan ( figure 2 ) is inactive. A sealing rubber 5, which is placed in front of the flap 7 and/or around the flap 7, additionally ensures that the inner housing area 32 is protected when the suction device or the fan ( figure 2 ) is completely separated from the inner housing area 33 and thus no tobacco odor can escape from the insertion opening 2.

As described above, the sucked-in air passes through the inner housing areas 32, 33, 34, 35, 36. Before the air escapes to the outside again, it is passed through a filter unit ( figure 5 ) separating inner housing portions 34 and 35 from each other. The filter unit ( figure 3 ) can be easily cleaned or changed. The sucked air now exits at the outlet opening 41 of the suction device ( figure 2 ) again odorless.

For the receptacle ( figure 6a, figure 6b ) there can be two or more variants. For public use of the device, a variant that can be locked with a lock 24 and fixed with a locking option 30 is recommended. The receptacle ( Figure 6a ) is located in this variant within the inner housing area 38. Access to the inner housing area 38 for replacing the receptacle ( Figure 6a ) is possible through external doors/flaps 22 for the owner or key holder. Below the outer housing area 20, i.e. between the outer housing areas 20 and 25, there can be a rotation unit 26 which can ensure that the ashtray above the rotation unit 26, i.e. outer housing areas 1, 9, 16, 20, rotates 360° even in the permanently installed state can be rotated horizontally. In addition, this variant ( Figure 6a ), as well as the other variant ( Figure 6b ) have a weight 28 in the inner housing area 39. The weight 28 can guarantee that the ashtray has constant vertical support. However, the weight 28 can also be removed at will by means of a possible locking thread 21 on the lower outer housing locking base 29 .

The other variant of the collection container ( Figure 6b ) is recommended for transporting the ashtray or for private use. The receptacle ( Figure 6b ) can be attached to the ashtray at the level of the inner housing area 36 by means of a locking thread 10 .

The ashtray can be connected to the power supply via a mains cable at the power pack input 42 . By a possible accumulator ( figure 7 ) the availability of the ashtray without an active mains connection can also be guaranteed for a certain period of time. It may also be possible to charge the accumulator via a solar cell ( figure 11 ) to charge. It may also be possible to operate the ashtray with batteries.

In an exemplary embodiment described in figure 12 is shown, the electronic ashtray alternatively or additionally has a 360° motion detector 102 in the upper area, i.e. in this example in the lid area, a distance sensor 104 in the vicinity of the insertion opening 106 and a level sensor 108 with a sensor area 109 inside above the receptacle 110 on. In addition, it has a turbine/fan 112 above level sensor 108 and a control device 114, which is cooled by air 116 sucked in by the turbine/fan. The associated ashtray housing 118 is provided with an intake manifold. In addition, the ashtray has an on/off switch or an on/off switch 120 accessible from the outside on its outside.

If the in figure 12 The ashtray shown is switched on via the on/off switch 120, then the motion detector 102, the distance sensor 104 and the level sensor 108 are on standby. If a person approaches the ashtray from a distance of, for example, approximately 10 meters, the 360° motion detector 102 activates operating level 1 of the fan 112 for a specific, specifiable period of time and the ashtray begins to draw air and, for example, cigarette remains through the suction nozzle or to suck the insertion opening 106 in itself. At level 1, fan 112 sucks with throttled power. Before exiting the ashtray, the sucked-in air passes through a filter unit 122 so that it is clean and no longer smells unpleasantly. If the person approaches the ashtray even further, with the exact distance being determined by the distance sensor 104, then the latter activates stage 2 of the fan 112 for a specific, predeterminable time from a certain proximity to the ashtray and sucks the Ashtray air and cigarette butts through the suction nozzle into itself. At level 2 of the fan 112, its performance is throttled less, which is usually accompanied by an increase in speed. When the ashtray or receptacle is full, this is signaled by the level sensor 108 installed inside and the ashtray switches off. A signal LED on the outer casing of the ashtray indicates this condition. In order to make the ashtray quieter, several fans can also be used, but with a lower individual output, for example.

The ashtray has a flap (pivoting flap) 124 which, in the starting position, closes the insertion opening 106 on the inside and only pivots inwards and upwards when the fan 112 is in operation (as indicated by the double arrow). Reference numeral 126 shows the path of a smoking article when the ashtray or fan 112 is in operation. The smoking article ultimately lands over a gravity fall in the receptacle 110. The air 116, on the other hand, moves up again in an ascent channel section and past the control device 114 (while cooling the same) and reappears in filtered form through a circumferential gap in the area of the lid out of the ashtray.

The control device 114 can be connected to a power supply system by means of a mains plug 130 via a cable duct 128 or a cable in the cable duct.

figure 14 FIG. 12 schematically shows the arrangement of an electronic ashtray 132 in a passenger car 134. This is not part of the present invention. The ashtray is located in the dashboard area and can occupy part of the space between the dashboard and the engine compartment. Instead of a motion detector 102 in the figure 12 shown embodiment, the ashtray has an on/off switch 136 above the insertion opening 138 (see also figure 13 ) that can be operated by a driver or passenger. A motor 140 for a closure disk 142 for closing the insertion opening can be switched on and off by means of the on/off switch 136 . If air and/or smoking articles/tobacco products are to be sucked out of the passenger compartment into the ashtray, the closing disc is moved out of the insertion opening by means of the motor.

Just like the ashtray from figure 12 the ashtray points out figure 13 and 14 a pivotable flap 144, which is the lower end of a deflection channel section 146 with the insertion opening 138 is in fluid communication, seals in the initial position by the influence of gravity like a check valve. However, when a fan 148 is turned on in a vertically extending riser duct section 150, flap 144 is sucked inward and pivots upwardly, exposing the lower end of the diverter duct section.

A distance sensor 152 with a sensor area 153 is also arranged above the insertion opening. In addition, a level sensor 156 with a sensor area 157 for determining the level of the receptacle 158 arranged underneath is located in a vertical duct section 154 (drop section) that connects downwards to the upper deflection section Riser channel section 150 arranged. A filter unit 162 for filtering the air is also arranged behind the fan 148 in the direction of flow. The course of the air flow is identified by the reference number 164 . As can be seen, the air flows around electronics present in the ashtray, such as a control device 166 , before exiting the ashtray.

The reference number 170 indicates the path of smoking articles/tobacco products such as cigarette butts. They ultimately end up in receptacle 158 due to gravity.

The ashtray 132 is connected to a power supply 174 of the car 134 via a cable 172 .

The ashtray may have an outer casing 176 that is easily removable from the automobile.

• Anstelle des Aufnahmebehälters oder in dem Aufnahmebehälter kann ein auswechselbarer Beutel für die Zigarettenreste etc., insbesondere auch zur wasserlosen Aufnahme, vorhanden sein.
• Mittels der Absaugeinrichtung kann beispielsweise eine Zigarette sowohl im gelöschten (ausgedrückten) Zustand als auch glühend eingesaugt werden.
• Mittels eines vorhandenen oder eines zusätzlichen Sensors kann die Anzahl der eingesaugten und/oder eingeworfenen Zigarettenkippen etc. erfasst und gezählt sowie zum Beispiel auf einem Datenträger im Aschenbecher, zum Beispiel in der Steuereinrichtung, gespeichert werden.
• Der Aschenbecher kann auch als ein "sprechender" Aschenbecher ausgebildet sein. Zum Beispiel kann er sich bei Benutzung für die Nutzung bedanken, Personen zum Rauchen begrüßen oder Statistiken etc. vorlesen. Dazu kann ein Lautsprecher vorgesehen sein.
• Der Aschenbecher kann als WLAN-Sender und -Empfänger ausgebildet sein. Zum Beispiel kann hierzu die Steuereinrichtung entsprechend ausgebildet sein. Er kann dann beispielsweise als WLAN-Hotspot dienen. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann der Füllstand über eine Software an einem Computer oder eine App in einem Mobiltelefon, wie zum Beispiel Smartphone, abgerufen werden.
• Zur Lärmminderung kann im Luftkanal eine Schalldämpfereinrichtung vorgesehen sein.
• Zudem kann der Aschenbecher eine "Beduftungs"-Funktion aufweisen. Zum Beispiel kann bei bzw. nach Benutzung ein insbesondere wählbares Duftspray versprüht werden.
• Der Aschenbecher kann auch mit einer Kamera ausgestattet sein, über die zum Beispiel über WLAN die Belegung des Aschenbechers betrachtet bzw. beobachtet werden kann.
• Der Aschenbecher kann mit Rollen versehen sein, um ihn mobil zu gestalten.
• Anstelle eines einzigen Einsaugstutzens kann der Aschenbecher auch zwei oder mehr aufweisen, die vorzugsweise gleichmäßig über den Umfang angeordnet sind. Zudem kann ein Einsaugen von Luft auch über einen Saugschlitz um den Aschenbecher herum erfolgen.
• Die Außenfläche des Aschenbechers kann auch als Werbefläche verwendet werden. Zum Beispiel kann er einen LED-Werbebildschirm aufweisen.
• Der Aschenbecher kann auch mindestens eine USB-Buchse zum Laden von elektronischen Geräten, wie zum Beispiel Handys, aufweisen.
• Der Aschenbecher kann auch so gestaltet sein, dass er zum Aufwärmen seines Umfeldes und insbesondere zum Wärmen von Personen Wärme nach außen abgibt.

In the embodiments described herein, the following may additionally or alternatively be present in combination or individually:

• Instead of the receiving container or in the receiving container, there can be an exchangeable bag for the cigarette butts etc., in particular also for waterless storage.
• By means of the suction device, for example, a cigarette can be sucked in both in the extinguished (stubbed out) state and while still glowing.
• By means of an existing or an additional sensor, the number of cigarette butts etc. sucked in and/or thrown in can be recorded and counted and, for example, stored on a data carrier in the ashtray, for example in the control device.
• The ashtray can also be designed as a "speaking" ashtray. For example, he can thank someone for using it, welcome people to smoke or read out statistics, etc. A loudspeaker can be provided for this purpose.
• The ashtray can be designed as a WLAN transmitter and receiver. For example, the control device can be designed accordingly for this purpose. It can then serve as a WLAN hotspot, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the fill level can be called up using software on a computer or an app on a mobile phone, such as a smartphone.
• A silencer device can be provided in the air duct to reduce noise.
• In addition, the ashtray can have a “scenting” function. For example, a particularly selectable fragrance spray can be sprayed during or after use.
• The ashtray can also be equipped with a camera, via which the occupancy of the ashtray can be viewed or observed, for example via WLAN.
• The ashtray can be fitted with wheels to make it mobile.
• Instead of a single suction nozzle, the ashtray can also have two or more, which are preferably arranged evenly over the circumference. In addition, air can also be sucked in via a suction slot around the ashtray.
• The outer surface of the ashtray can also be used as an advertising space. For example, it may have an LED advertising screen.
• The ashtray can also have at least one USB socket for charging electronic devices such as mobile phones.
• The ashtray can also be designed in such a way that it emits heat to the outside to warm up its surroundings and in particular to warm up people.

Claims (16)

1. Preferably smoke-free and odour-free ashtray which extinguishes smoking articles, in particular cigarettes and cigarette ends, in particular for public spaces and outdoor areas, comprising

   a container having an upper cover (19) and an upper lateral introduction opening (2; 106; 138) for smoking articles,

   a receiving container (58; 110; 158), in particular a water container, which is located in the lower region of the container and, for the purpose of receiving ash and smoking-article residues, is in fluidic connection with the introduction opening (2; 106; 138),

   a suction-extraction device which, for the purpose of extracting air and smoke by suction, is in fluidic connection with the introduction opening (2; 106; 138) and the receiving container (58; 110; 158) and is also configured to operate in an operating phase 1 with reduced suction capacity for the purpose of taking in air and smoke and in an operating phase 2 with enhanced suction capacity for the purpose of taking in air and smoke and also smoking-article residues and,

   for the purpose of extracting smoking articles from a user's hand by suction, is in fluidic connection with the introduction opening (2; 106; 138),

   a movement detector (102) in an upper region,

   a distance sensor (104) in the vicinity of the introduction opening (106), and

   a control device, which is configured to activate operating phase 1 of the suction-extraction device when the movement detector (102) detects that a person is approaching a predefinable distance from the ashtray and to activate operating phase 2 of the suction-extraction device for a specific predeterminable period of time when the distance sensor (104) establishes that the person is drawing even closer to a predefinable distance from the ashtray.
2. Ashtray according to Claim 1, characterized in that, for the purpose of establishing the fluidic connection between the receiving container (158) and the introduction opening (138), it has an upper deflecting-channel portion (146), which is connected to the introduction opening (138) and is intended for deflecting an air stream containing smoke and/or smoking articles downwards from the essentially horizontal direction, and also has an at least more or less vertical channel portion (154), which adjoins the upper deflecting-channel portion and terminates above the receiving container (158).
3. Ashtray according to Claim 2, characterized in that, for the purpose of establishing the fluidic connection between the suction-extraction device and the introduction opening (138), it has an at least more or less vertical ascending-channel portion (150), of which the lower end is located above the receiving container (158) and is in fluidic connection with the lower end of the vertical channel portion (154).
4. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured such that at least some of the air extracted by suction, or taken in, by the suction-extraction device serves to cool electronics which are present in the ashtray.
5. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a LAN or WLAN device for wired or wireless connection.
6. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a flap (7; 124; 144), in particular wherein the flap (7; 124; 144) is prestressed preferably resiliently or by gravitational force into a starting position, in which it closes the introduction opening (2; 106; 138) preferably in an air-tight manner, and in particular wherein the flap (7; 124; 144) can be pivoted inwards into the container from the starting position, preferably by the operation of the suction-extraction device.
7. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction-extraction device has a fan (50).
8. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a filter element (48) for filtering the air, the filter element being arranged downstream or upstream of the suction-extraction device.
9. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a movement sensor (51) in the region of the introduction opening, for the purpose of detecting movement.
10. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a temperature sensor (44) in the region of the introduction opening (2; 106; 138).
11. Ashtray according to either of Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the control device (52) is configured to activate the suction-extraction device when the temperature sensor (44) measures a temperature above a predetermined temperature-threshold value and/or the pressure sensor (43) measures a pressure above a predetermined pressure-threshold value.
12. Ashtray according to Claim 11, characterized in that the control device (52) is also configured to leave the suction-extraction device active only for as long as movement is detected and/or a temperature above the predetermined temperature-threshold value, and/or a pressure above the predetermined pressure-threshold value, is measured.
13. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a power supply which has a mains supply and/or battery (53) and/or a rechargeable battery with or without a solar cell (55).
14. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a loudspeaker for outputting speech.
15. Ashtray according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an advertisement area on its outer surface.
16. Motor vehicle, in particular passenger car, having an ashtray (132) according to one of the preceding claims.

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