Water pipe with a precise fit for a capsule

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a water pipe with a housing in which a container to be filled with a liquid medium and provided with at least one suction connection and a heating chamber connected thereto are integrated, wherein the heating chamber has a receptacle for a capsule serving to hold a smoking medium, which is also designed as a heating element for this capsule.

[0002] These water pipes, originally from the Middle East and also known as shishas or hookahs, have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among teenagers and young adults, as an alternative to cigarettes. Such water pipes are described in US Patents 4031906 and 2012 / 0042884. A water pipe consists of a container that is partially filled with water or another liquid. Sucking on a mouthpiece creates a vacuum in this container. A stem extends into the water, and at its top is a bowl for tobacco, which is heated by charcoal placed on top. The smoker then inhales the mixture of air, vapor, and smoke particles produced when the tobacco is heated.It is obvious that the heating from glowing coals can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, or, in extreme cases, even fire. Furthermore, the manual filling of water pipes does not guarantee compliance with regulations. Therefore, hookahs known today should generally only be used outdoors or in rooms with guaranteed fresh air supply. Hookahs of this technological standard are also quite heavy and bulky, require assembly from several parts, and are cumbersome to transport. Cleaning them is also time-consuming and often does not meet hygienic standards. Electronic hookahs, such as those described in US 4,133,318, are known, but they do not satisfactorily reduce some of the aforementioned problems. Hookahs described in WO 2017 / 080545 have also proven to be particularly advantageous.However, the state of the art still has shortcomings regarding the sensitive issue of effective heat transfer between the heating chamber and the capsule containing the smoking medium. Further relevant documents are US 2017 / 099873 A1, DE 10 2015 121435 A1, US 2017 / 172203 A1, GB 2 553 773 A and US 2011 / 186060 A1, where US 2017 / 099873 A1 describes a water pipe with the features in the preamble of claim 1 and US 2011 / 186060 A1 describes a capsule with the features in the preamble of claim 14.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims to create a water pipe, also known as a shisha or hookah, which is characterized by a particularly effective and targeted heat transfer between the heating chamber of the water pipe and the capsule inserted therein.

[0004] The invention relates to a water pipe and a capsule according to claims 1 and 14.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a precisely fitting connection between the receiver and the capsule.

[0006] It is essential to ensure highly efficient heat transfer between the heating chamber and the capsule filled with a liquid or solid medium inserted into it. This is achieved through a precise fit between the receptacle or parts thereof and the capsule. Ideal heat transfer from the heating chamber to the capsule is crucial for optimal smoking. This is accomplished through the precise thermal and geometric alignment and coordination of the three components: heating chamber, receptacle, and capsule.

[0007] The cone on the receiver side, or capsule side, is of crucial importance for a precise fit. This allows for particularly targeted heat transfer through a snug fit between the receiver's wall, which laterally surrounds the capsule, and the capsule itself. The tighter the capsule sits in the receiver, the more effectively the heat from the outside, i.e., from the direction of the heating chamber, reaches the capsule. Only minimal play is permissible; the capsule must not wobble in the receiver. The receiver thus serves to allow the capsule to be inserted into the hookah, more precisely into the heating chamber, while simultaneously acting as the heating element for the capsule. The wall surrounding the capsule plays a particularly important role in this process.

[0008] A particularly advantageous variant for such a precise fit provides that the side wall of the receptacle tapers conically towards the interior of the heating chamber, with the cone having an angle of approximately 5°–10°, preferably approximately 7°. A kind of clamping fit of the capsule in the receptacle is achieved when both the receptacle and the capsule feature such a taper. Following a small, parallel shoulder of constant diameter on the side facing away from the interior of the receptacle, the significantly larger, tapered section of the receptacle or capsule begins.

[0009] An ideal geometry is achieved when the diameter of the receptacle increases constantly by a factor of approximately 1.1 to 1.25, preferably approximately 1.17, between the front and back of the receptacle or capsule.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle comprises an end wall with an opening on its inner side, which extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing. This end wall forms the termination of the receptacle towards the interior of the heating chamber.

[0011] In the other direction of the receptacle, it is advantageous that the receptacle has a closing ring on its outer side, extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The capsule receptacle is integrated into this ring; that is, the closing ring and the heating chamber are arranged and designed to correspond to each other, such that the closing ring has a central opening in which the capsule sits within the receptacle. Depending on the arrangement of the container, heating chamber, etc., the closing ring also forms the upper or lower end of the housing or heating chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the end ring serves as a stop for a collar on the capsule side when the capsule is inserted into the heating chamber. The end ring thus ensures the capsule is securely seated in the heating chamber, not least because the capsule has a collar that abuts against the end ring.

[0013] The fact that the end ring is connected to a collar provided on the outside of the receptacle, or manufactured integrally with it, represents a further design feature according to the invention. This collar on the receptacle side provides the firm connection between the receptacle and the end ring, serving as a further component for integrating the capsule receptacle into the end ring.

[0014] It has already been mentioned several times how important the secure fit of the capsule in the receptacle is for targeted heat transfer to the capsule, according to the invention. Naturally, the capsule must also be held in place at its collared rear side to prevent it from slipping out of the receptacle. In this context, the proposal is to close the heating chamber via a base or cover plate, the plate having internal components on its inner surface that act upon the inserted or already inserted capsule. The air inlet is integrated into the chamber, either in the plate or in the wall of the receptacle. When the plate, and thus the heating chamber, is closed, the capsule according to the invention automatically finds its functional position; that is, the final position of an inserted, snapped-in, screwed-on, etc., plate corresponds to the capsule in its functional position, in which smoking can begin.With the base plate removed, the capsule is inserted into the heating chamber from either the top or bottom, depending on the hookah model, so that the entire capsule is enclosed within the hookah's housing. The used cartridge can then be removed from the chamber and replaced with one filled with fresh liquid. These functions are complemented by the internal components on the side of the base plate facing the capsule holder.

[0015] One proposed design for such components involves the plate having an annular ridge on its inner surface, which is positioned and / or shaped to correspond to the collar of the capsule. This annular ridge consequently has a smaller diameter than the closing ring, and is located directly opposite the collar of the capsule, so that when the lid is closed, the annular ridge automatically presses the capsule into the receptacle.

[0016] As an additional safety measure, the internal components are equipped with locking devices. Specifically, this means that the annular bead has locking devices that wedge themselves into the capsule holder, thus guaranteeing an additionally stable fit of the capsule in the holder and therefore in the heating chamber.

[0017] The idea is, for example, that the locking devices are arranged in a radially adjustable manner and thus wedge themselves in the capsule receptacle in the extended position.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the plate includes a handle on its outer side for its operation, by which the plate can be moved, for example, in rotations during the assembly and disassembly of the plate.

[0019] Thanks to a mechanism for ejecting the used capsule from its holder against the insertion direction, used capsules can be pushed out of their holder in the heating chamber without the user coming into contact with potentially high-temperature parts of the hookah. This eliminates any health risks due to the high temperatures of up to 200°C that heated hookah capsules can reach, as well as the risk of the capsule jamming during removal. Any expansion of the capsule is also irrelevant, as it can be pushed out of the holder from the side of the container with exceptional efficiency. The fact that the mechanism can be operated from outside the heating chamber serves the same purpose: to create sufficient distance between the user's hand and the heating chamber, or rather, the capsule inside.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the suction tube is slidably mounted along its longitudinal axis. This is a particularly optimal solution for such a mechanism, as the existing suction tube also serves as a mechanism for removing the capsules. This is achieved from a completely safe distance with regard to the high temperature of the used capsules in the heating chamber. By simply pressing the suction tube, a force is exerted on the capsule in the opposite direction to which it was inserted. Consequently, the capsule is inevitably released from its seat in the receptacle on the heating chamber side. For improved handling, the suction tube is slidably mounted against the force of a spring, so that after use for removing the capsule, the suction tube returns to its initial position, and the play of the suction tube during operation is limited.

[0021] Furthermore, it is provided that the container and a housing part accommodating an electronic unit are detachably connected to one another, and that a valve is provided in the area of ​​the mouth of the suction tube into the container. The housing of the water pipe essentially consists of the container as the first housing part, the second housing part accommodating the electronics and the suction tube, and the third housing part accommodating the heating chamber for the capsule, expediently in the aforementioned order from top to bottom. The container and the housing part accommodating the electronic unit are detachably connected to one another and additionally by a valve that provides an additional seal, which protects the shisha according to the invention particularly effectively against the escape of air. Preferably, the valve is centrally located, and a portion of it may project into the interior of the container.The valve fits precisely onto the suction pipe, which protrudes upwards from the housing. The suction pipe, which opens into the heating chamber at its lower end and passes through the housing, is precisely connected to the valve at its upper end, preventing any air leakage in this entire area. Specifically, the suction pipe opens into the bottom of the container from below, with the bottom being designed to be sufficiently robust to provide a stable bearing for the valve and the end of the pipe. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention features a cavity in the bottom of the container with an integrated central mounting plate for securing the suction pipe. The mounting plate, centrally positioned within the cavity of the otherwise relatively solid bottom, thus serves as the bearing for the suction pipe.

[0022] The invention is characterized in particular by the creation of a water pipe (or shisha or hookah) that is distinguished by its exceptional compactness, safety, ease of use, simple cleaning, and numerous variations. The user draws air through an inlet at the top or bottom of the housing into a heating chamber containing a liquid or solid smoking medium, preferably in a capsule that is inserted into the heating chamber like an oven. The capsule is thus positioned within the airflow, which the user creates at the top of the housing by drawing in air, i.e., by generating a vacuum. Simultaneously, the solid or liquid smoking medium in the capsule is heated by a heating mechanism.From the capsule inserted into the heating chamber, the mixture of air and smoke medium passes through a suction tube into the upper container, also known as the water tank. There, it passes through the water and can then be drawn in via a suction device. The precise fit between the receptacle and the capsule—specifically, between the chamber wall that laterally surrounds the capsule and the capsule itself—ensures ideal heat transfer from the heating chamber to the capsule, thus guaranteeing optimal smoke development. A beneficial clamping effect is achieved by matching the lateral cone of the receptacle and the lateral cone of the capsule. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator could be used, which, in its operating position, exerts a clamping force on the capsule, thereby holding it in place.

[0023] Further details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawing, in which a preferred embodiment is shown with the necessary details and components. The drawing shows: Figure 1: A water pipe in side view; Figure 2: An inserted capsule, partially in section; Figure 3: End ring and receiver; Figure 4: A heating chamber from the outside with an inserted capsule; Figure 5: A section through the receiver, capsule, and plate; Figure 6: A top view of Figure 5 Figure 7: a plate in perspective view; Figure 8: a plate in top view; Figure 9: a detail from Figure 10 Figure 10: connecting ring, receiver and capsule; Figure 11: a section through the receiver; Figure 12: a top view of the receiver; Figure 13: a capsule; Figure 14: a spring-mounted suction pipe; and Figure 15: a section through the opening of the suction pipe.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a water pipe 1, also known as a shisha or hookah, with its housing 2. The container 3 is closed at the top by the lid 41. A suction hose 34 is connected at its integral end to the connector 33, which is part of the lid 41, and at the other end is fitted with an interchangeable mouthpiece 35. Connecting multiple hoses 34, 36 is possible. The water level in the container 3 is indicated by 38, as only partial filling of the container 3 is practical. The heating chamber, accumulator, and control unit are concealed by a cover 42. The on / off / standby switch for operating the shisha is indicated by 39. Two perforated capsules 43, containing the smoking medium, are indicated by 10, 10'. The air inlet, in the form of several air slots, is indicated by 37.

[0025] In Figure 2A receptacle 5 for a capsule 10 is shown. The precise fit between the side wall 7 of the receptacle 5 (outer) and the wall 12 of the capsule 10 (inner) is clearly visible. Both walls 7, 12 extend towards the interior 8 of the heating chamber 4 in the form of a cone 15, i.e., at an angle α of preferably approximately 7°. The receptacle 5 includes on its inner side 16 an end wall 19 with an opening, which extends essentially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing and thus also to the receptacle 5. A clearance 44 may remain between the end wall 19 of the receptacle 5 and the end wall 13 of the capsule. An ideal geometry is achieved when the diameter of the intake 5 increases constantly by a factor of approximately 1.1 to 1.25, preferably approximately 1.17, between - viewed in the direction of flow - the front 6 and the back 9 of the intake 5 or the capsule, here from approximately 31 mm to approximately 36 mm.The collar 11 is also clearly visible, running transversely to the longitudinal axis 21 on the outer side 14 of the receptacle 5. The receptacle 5 for the capsule is integrated into the end ring 22 on its outer side 17.

[0026] Figure 3 shows in relation to Figure 2 the section AA there and, on the other hand, from the outside in, the components connecting ring 22, collar 11, wall 12 in the form of the cone 7, end wall 19 and opening 18.

[0027] This shows Figure 4 In perspective view, the housing part with the heating chamber and inserted capsule 10 is shown in the end ring 22. The capsule 10 includes a collar 11, which first transitions into a groove 45 and then into the plate 46 with the perforations 43.

[0028] The special focus in the presentation according to Figure 5This concerns the important interaction of heating chamber 4, receptacle 5, wall 7, wall 12, and top or bottom plate 24. The heating chamber 4 is closed via the bottom plate 24, with the capsule 10 assuming its functional position at the latest when the bottom plate 24 is fixed, screwed in, or inserted into the heating chamber 4. The handle 29 serves to actuate the plate 24, in this case, to rotate it.

[0029] This handling is also in Figure 6 Designated with 29. AA refers to the cut, which then becomes Figure 5 shown.

[0030] According to Figure 7 , which shows a plate 24, the latter includes on its inner side 25 built-in elements 27 in the form of an annular bead 28 and on its outer side 26 the handle 29. Locking means are designated 30, which serve to additionally wedge the cover 24 in the receptacle not shown here.

[0031] Figure 8shows a view of the inside 25 of the lid 24 with the internals 27 in the form of the ring rim 28, which corresponds to the collar of the capsule not shown here.

[0032] Figure 9 shows the detail that is in Figure 10 The area enclosed is formed by the integration of the receptacle into the end ring 22. The end ring 22 is connected to the collar 23 on the receptacle side. Simultaneously, the capsule 10, with its collar 11, sits in the receptacle 5, and particularly tightly thanks to the uniform taper of approximately 7°. It should also be noted that, for the purpose of adapting to the end ring 22, the capsule 10 has a section 31 between the collar 11 and its actual wall 20, in which the wall 20 of the capsule 10 runs exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis 21.

[0033] Figure 11 This illustrates once again the previously mentioned section 31 in capsule 10 between collar 11 and wall 12. The same applies to Figure 12 .

[0034] Additionally, it shows Figure 13 a capsule 10 with the conically extending wall 12 between collar 11 and outlet 47.

[0035] Figure 14This represents a cross-section. Reference numeral 61 designates the suction pipe, which is movable along the longitudinal axis 63. This movement is achieved by applying pressure to the suction pipe 61 manually or via a control mechanism in the direction of arrow 60. The suction pipe 61 has two pipe sections 62 and 64 of different diameters. The inner section 62 of the suction pipe 61, facing the heating chamber 4, has a smaller diameter than the outer section 64, facing the container (not shown here). This creates a collar 67 or stop that acts on the spring 66 when the suction pipe 61 is moved. It is also conceivable to provide an inner pipe 58 with corresponding sections 62 and 64. Otherwise, the inner pipe section 62 is surrounded by the compression spring 66, or the spring housing 59 is integrated into the wall 68 of the heating chamber 4 facing the container.It is clearly visible that the inner pipe section 62 protrudes into the heating chamber 4 with its front end 65. Number 69 designates a guide pin for the suction pipe 61.

[0036] In addition, it shows Figure 15 A cross-section through the water pipe 1. The central part is the housing section; below it is the heating chamber 4 with the receptacle 5 for a capsule 10 and the removable base plate 24. A thread ensures that when these two components are assembled, the positioning of the centrally positioned valve 48 is automatically achieved; this valve sits in the base 54 of the container or protrudes a short distance into the interior of the container 53. Figure 15Figure 5 illustrates the massive, multi-layered construction of the base 54 of the container 3. The opening 57 of the suction pipe 61 is secured by three seals in the form of O-rings 49, 50, 51. Valve 48 and suction pipe 61 lie on a common longitudinal axis 52. A cavity integrated into the base 54 is designated 55, which serves to receive a central mounting plate 56 into which the suction pipe 61 then opens.

Claims

1. Water pipe (1) with a housing (2), into which a receptacle (3) that is to be filled with a liquid medium and is provided with at least one suction connection, and a heating chamber (4) communicating therewith, are integrated, said heating chamber (4) having a receiving portion (5) for a capsule (10) which holds a smoking medium, said receiving portion at the same time being a heating element for the capsule (10), wherein there is an accurate fit between the receiving portion (5) and the capsule (10); characterised in that the heating chamber (4) is closable by means of a plate (24) that is a base plate or cover plate, the plate (24) having on its inner face (25) an annular bead (28) that acts on the capsule (10) that has been inserted in the receiving portion (5), the capsule having a collar (11), an outlet (47) and a conical wall (12) extending between the collar and outlet, wherein the collar (11) has a plate (46) with perforations (43) and an annular groove (45), and the annular bead (28) is arranged and / or formed in correspondence to the collar (11) of the capsule (10).

2. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised by an accurate fit between the wall (7) of the receiving portion (5), which wall surrounds the sides of the capsule (10), and the capsule (10).

3. Water pipe according to claim 2, characterised in that the lateral wall (7) of the receiving portion (5) tapers conically in the direction of the interior (8) of the heating chamber (4), the cone (15) having an angle (α) of approx. 5° - 10°, preferably approx. 7°.

4. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that the diameter of the receiving portion (5) between the front (6) and rear (9) of the receiving portion (5) or the capsule (10), respectively, increases by a factor of approximately 1.1 to 1.25, preferably approx. 1.17.

5. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving portion (5) comprises on its inner side (16) a front wall (19) which has an opening (18) and extends essentially transverse to the longitudinal axis (21) of the housing (2).

6. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that the receiving portion (5) has on its outer side (17) a cover ring (22) which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis (21) of the housing (2), in which cover ring the receiving portion (5) for the capsule (10) is integrated.

7. Water pipe according to claim 6, characterised in that the cover ring (22) serves as an end stop for a collar (11) on the capsule side when the capsule (10) is inserted into the heating chamber.

8. Water pipe according to claim 6, characterised in that the cover ring (22) is connected to a collar (23) provided on the outer side (17) of the receiving portion (5) or is formed integrally with said collar.

9. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that the fittings (27) are equipped with latching means (30).

10. Water pipe according to claim 9, characterised in that the latching means (30) are arranged adjustably in the radial direction.

11. Water pipe according to claim 1, characterised in that the plate (24) comprises in its outer face (26) a handle (29) for actuation of the plate.

12. Water pipe according to claim 6, wherein the annular bead has a smaller diameter than the cover ring and the collar (11) of the capsule (10) is arranged opposite the annular bead (28) such that the annular bead automatically presses the capsule into the receiving portion (5) when the plate is closed.

13. Water pipe according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (5) has a front wall (19) arranged to define a clearance (44) between the front wall (19) and an opposing front wall (13) of the capsule (10) when inserted in the receiving portion (5) with an accurate fit.

14. Capsule (10) holding a smoking medium for use in a water pipe, the capsule having: a plate (46) with perforations (43) and a collar (11), an outlet (47) and a conical wall (12) extending between the collar and outlet, the collar (11) and conical wall (12) arranged to form a close fit with a receiving portion (5) of a water pipe so that the receiving portion provides a heating element for the capsule (10), wherein an annular groove (45) is provided between the plate (46) with perforations and the collar (11).