Water pipe heating assembly

Abstract

There is disclosed an electronic water pipe having a heating chamber configured to heat a consumable product in use. The heating chamber takes the form of an oven and has a heating element on the exterior of the oven. A conductive intermediate layer is provided between the heating element and the oven wall, which serves to improve heat transfer and provide different thermal properties to the oven., such as strength at elevated temperatures or resistance to creep over prolonged use. The heating element and intermediate layer may be wrapped around the oven. The oven may have a surface coating on its interior wall. The heating chamber may have an insulating member outside of the heating element.

Description

[0001] Water Pipe Heating Assembly

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electronic water pipe and associated heating assembly.

[0003] Background

[0004] Water pipes with an electric heating source have become more common instead of traditional water pipes that require the use of charcoal as a heat source. Electrically-heated hookahs are particularly well suited to heating applications where it is not intended to burn the consumable product, but instead heat it to a controlled elevated temperature for emitting vapour to a user. As such devices of this kind can be used to deliver a variety of less harmful or therapeutic substances to the user than conventional hookahs.

[0005] In an electrically-heated hookah, an electronic heater is provided within proximity of a heating chamber which holds the consumable product. In some cases, the electronic heater is attached to one or more wall of the heating chamber. During heat cycles of the water pipe, the heating assembly goes through expansion and contraction, and the electronic heater can become detached from the heating chamber.

[0006] In addition, the smoking material can become burnt in regions close to the heated wall of the heating chamber before the smoking material in other regions of the oven has become spent. This can degrade the experience by the user for example at later stages of a session of use and can lead to inefficient / incomplete consumption of the shisha product, e.g. leading to waste or an undesirably short usage session.

[0007] In view of the above, there are practical challenges in designing an electrically-heated hookah so that it offers a pleasant or familiar experience to the user.

[0008] It is an aim of the invention to mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] Statements of invention

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a heating chamber for an electronic water pipe configured to heat a consumable product in use, the heating chamber comprising an oven for receiving the consumable product therein and a heating element for heating the consumable product in the oven, the heating element provided outside the oven, wherein there is provided an intermediate layer between the heating element and the oven.

[0011] The intermediate layer comprises a material that is different from the material of the oven. The intermediate layer may comprise a conductive layer, e.g. having greater thermal conductivity than the material of the oven.

[0012] The intermediate layer may comprise a super alloy.

[0013] The intermediate layer may comprise a material with one or more of the following properties (e.g. relative to the oven): high corrosion resistance; oxidation resistance; strength at high temperatures; and / or, creep resistance. An intermediate layer material with one or more of these properties may improve the performance of the device relative to an arrangement in which the heating element is applied to the oven wall without such an intermediate layer.

[0014] The material of the intermediate layer may comprise a greater relative nickel content than the material of the oven.

[0015] The intermediate layer may comprise a nickel-chrome-based super alloy. The intermediate layer may comprise Inconel (RTM).

[0016] The intermediate layer may comprise a plurality of super alloys.

[0017] The intermediate layer and heating element may be provided around the oven side walls such that the consumable product is heated through the side walls of the oven.

[0018] The intermediate layer and heating element may be attached to the ovens exterior side walls. The intermediate layer improves adhesion between the heating element and the oven.

[0019] The intermediate layer may be bonded to the oven. The intermediate layer may be bonded to the oven wall. The intermediate layer may be bonded the oven side wall. The intermediate layer may be bonded to the oven’s exterior side wall. The intermediate layer may improve reliability due to better adhesion and less likelihood of delamination of the heating element from the oven after extended use. Due to the potential for improved adherence of the heating element to the oven, the oven may also better act as a heat sink. That is to say the heating element may be less likely to overheat other components within the electronic water pipe and greater thermal transfer to the oven and consumable product may be achieved.

[0020] The intermediate layer may be bonded to the oven with polyimide. The intermediate layer 302 provides a good adhesion to the polyimide and it has a low CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) making it more stable during the heat cycles of the heating assembly 101. The expansion of the metallic / aluminium oven is taken up by the PSA having some flexibility.

[0021] The heating element may comprise a heating mat, and the intermediate layer may be attached to the heating element or mat. The intermediate layer may be provided as a coating on the heating element or mat.

[0022] The intermediate layer may comprise a width the same as or greater than that of the heating element. The intermediate layer may comprise a length the same as or greater than that of the heating element.

[0023] The intermediate layer may cover at least 30%, 40%, 50% or more of a wall of the oven, such as the side / peripheral wall(s) of the oven. The intermediate layer may cover between 30% and 100% of said peripheral / side wall of the oven. The intermediate layer may cover the entirety of the side walls of the oven. The intermediate layer may extend around the side walls of the oven and / or extend over a portion of the base of the oven.

[0024] The intermediate layer may comprise different directional thermal conductivity from the oven. The intermediate layer may provide better lateral conductivity over the area of the intermediate layer than the relative lateral conductivity of the oven. The intermediate layer may act as a heat spreader, e.g. which may create a more even oven temperature in use, which may translate to better device performance.

[0025] The oven may comprise a metal or metal alloy. The oven may comprise aluminium. The oven may comprise steel, e.g. stainless steel. The oven may comprise copper.

[0026] The oven may further comprise a coating, e.g. for protection. The oven coating may be applied through electroplating, adhesion, or other chemical process. The oven may be configured to receive a capsule containing the consumable product. The oven may be shaped, e.g. tapered, to receive a capsule with a close fit. This improves heating of the consumable product through the side walls.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention provided an electronic water pipe comprising a heating chamber configured to heat a consumable product in use, the heating chamber comprising an oven for receiving the consumable product, the oven having an oven wall, and a heating element for heating the consumable product, the heating element provided around / outside the oven, wherein there is provided an intermediate layer between the heating element and the oven.

[0028] The intermediate layer may be provided around the oven, e.g. on the outside / external surface on the oven and / or around its periphery.

[0029] The oven may comprise a lining material on an inside / interior surface thereof. The lining material may comprise a lower surface energy than that of the oven. The lining material may comprise a low friction or non-stick material.

[0030] The lining material may applied / bonded to the oven and / or may comprise a lining member which may be seated inside / against the oven.

[0031] The lining material may be applied to the entire internal surface area of the oven or only a portion thereof. The lining material may cover or extend over only the side wall(s) of the oven, or only a portion of the internal surface area of the side wall(s). The lining material may cover less than 60%, 50% or 40% of the internal surface area or side wall(s) of the oven.

[0032] The lining material may be applied to a portion of the oven intended for close contact with a capsule to be inserted in the oven in use. The lining thickness may be less than or equal to 100pm or 50 pm.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic water pipe comprising a heating chamber configured to heat a consumable product in use, the heating chamber comprising an oven for receiving the consumable product and a heating element arranged for heating the consumable product through a wall of the oven, wherein there is provided a lining material on an internal surface of the oven.

[0034] Any of the essential or optional features of any one aspect of the invention may be applied to any further aspect of the invention, wherever practicable.

[0035] Detailed description

[0036] Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a water pipe device 100 with a heating assembly 101 in accordance with an example of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 101.

[0039] Figures 3a and 3b show respective first and second sides of a heating element 202 in accordance with an example of the invention.

[0040] Figure 3b shows a second side of the heating element 02.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a side view of heating assembly 101 with heating element 202.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a section view through a further example of a heating assembly 101.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a water pipe device 100. The device 100 in this example is electrically heated and / or electronically controlled.

[0044] The device comprises a heating assembly 101 configured to heat a consumable smoking or vapour-producing product to allow inhalation thereof by a user.

[0045] A head portion 102 is provided at the upper end of the device 100 in use.

[0046] The device 100 further comprises a base portion 103 and a neck portion 104. The base portion 103 provides a reservoir, container or tank for a cooling liquid (e.g. water). The neck portion 104 defines a housing / compartment region that connects the base 103 and head 102 portions. The neck portion 104 may contain an electronics and / or battery compartment 105. The heating assembly defines an oven (to be described in further detail below) which is in fluid communication with the coolant reservoir of the base portion 103 by a pipe 106. Gases can thus flow in use from the heating assembly 101 to the coolant reservoir.

[0047] The consumable product is received within the heating assembly 101. The consumable product may comprise any suitable form as described in the art. The consumable product may comprise a tobacco-based product, for example, shisha. However, a wide variety of consumable products are possible, including alternatives to tobacco and / or therapeutic products for delivery of vapour to the user. The consumable product typically comprises solid and liquid components arranged as a mixture, e.g. as a semisolid product, arranged to create vapour upon heating to an elevated temperature, e.g. in the region of 150°C to 300°C or200°C to 250°C.

[0048] The consumable product may be provided in a capsule. The capsule may be configured to be inserted into the device 100 and then heated by the heating assembly. The capsule may have an inlet and outlet so that air can flow into the capsule during heating and the mixture of air and vapour can exit the capsule under negative pressure applied by inhalation by a user via a hose or mouthpiece (not shown). The user can thus use the water pipe in a conventional manner that is familiar to those skilled in the art of hookahs or water pipes and will not be described in further detail.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the heating assembly 101 mounted within the device 100. In this example, the heating assembly is mounted within the head portion 102 of the device 100. In alternative configurations, the heating assembly 101 may be mounted within the neck portion 104, or the base portion 103, e.g. with suitable amendments to the device architecture as may be know from the prior art. The heating assembly 101 may be enclosed within any part of the device according to a desired device architecture provided it is possible for the user to access the heating assembly to insert / apply the consumable product ready for use and to remove the consumed product after use.

[0050] The heating assembly 101 comprises an oven 201 and a heating element 202.

[0051] The oven 201 is configured to receive consumable product. The consumable product may be held within a capsule configured to be received by the oven 201. The heating assembly 101 heats the capsule to vaporise or otherwise disperse one or more ingredient of consumable product in use.

[0052] The walls 203 of the oven 201 may be shaped to conform to the shape of the capsule. The capsule thus forms a close fit with the internal walls of the oven in use. The walls 203 comprise a concave shape. Typically, the walls 203 are trapezoidal or frustoconical.

[0053] The heating element 202 is provided around the oven body thus forming a heating chamber or cavity. There may be a lid 204 closing the heating chamber. The cavity / chamber may therefore be substantially sealed / enclosed in use. The lid has one or more opening defining an opening into an air inlet 205 for the oven 201. A seal or other duct member may define the shape of the inlet passage. The oven has an outlet flow passage 206 at the opposing end / side of the oven from the inlet 205. The outlet leads to the pipe 106.

[0054] The heating element 202 is provided around the oven 201 in this example, e.g. surrounding all or a portion of the peripheral / side wall of the oven. The heating element 202 encloses or surrounds the oven 201. The heating element 202 encloses or surrounds a majority of the surface area of the walls 203 of the oven 201. The heating element 202 may follow a winding path around the side walls 203 of the oven 201.

[0055] The heating element 202 provides a tight / close fit with the oven 201 (e.g. engages the oven). The one or more heating element 202 may be provided on the walls 203 of the oven 201.

[0056] The heating element 202 may comprise a plurality of heating elements, e.g. arranged side by side, which may each be selectively energised / heated for heating the oven at varying powers.

[0057] Typically, the heating element 202 comprises a resistive element (i.e. heated by electrical current flowing therethrough). The heating element 202 is attached to the walls 203 of the oven 201. Other conventional conduction heating means could be used such as an inductively heated element that conducts heat to the oven wall. Alternatively, any suitable heating element 201 may be used to heat the oven 201 and / or the capsule, for example, one or more of: inductive heating; microwave heating; infrared heating.

[0058] The oven 201 comprises a thermally conductive material (e.g. metal). Thus, heat passes through the walls 203 of the oven 201 into the cavity / chamber which heats the smoking material. In the case where the smoking material is provided in a capsule, the heat passes through the walls 203 of the oven 201 , through the walls of the capsule to where the smoking material is held. The oven 201 may comprise aluminium. In other examples, the oven could comprise a ceramic material.

[0059] In metal or ceramic embodiments, the oven is typically formed as a monolithic component in the form shown, e.g. generally a hollow cylindrical or frusto-conical form. The oven generally has an open inlet face for insertion / removal of a consumable material, e.g. in capsule form. The other face has a partial base wall with a central opening 206.

[0060] Figure 3a shows a first side of the heating element 202. The heating element 202 is configured to be attached to the oven 201 or otherwise held against a portion of the oven for heating primarily by conduction.

[0061] The heating element is attached to a plurality of electrodes 301. The heating element 202 may be controlled by electronics in the electronics compartment 105 (e.g. via a heater controller). The electronics may comprise a microcontroller / microprocessor; memory (volatile and / or non-volatile); and / or electrical regulation circuitry (e.g. power limiter and / or controller). The electronics compartment 105 comprises any suitable components to provide heating of the heating element 202.

[0062] The heating element 202 shown in Figure 3a is configured to surround the oven 201 and provide heat to the oven 201. The heating element 202 is configured to be attached to the oven side walls. The heating element 202 is configured to be folded around the oven side walls and attached thereto.

[0063] The heating element 202 may comprise a heater mat.

[0064] Figure 3b shows a second side of the heating element 202. At the second side of the heating element 202 is an intermediate layer 302.

[0065] The heating element 202 may be attached to intermediate layer 302. The heating element 202 may be attached to the intermediate layer 302 by any suitable means.

[0066] Alternatively, in an unassembled state the heating element 202 may not be attached to the intermediate layer. The heating element 202 may not be attached the intermediate layer 302 when the heating element 202 is not attached to the oven 201. The attachment means may only be applied when the oven 201, intermediate layer 302, and heating element 202 are in situ.

[0067] The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a material with high corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, strength at high temperatures, and creep resistance.

[0068] The intermediate layer 302 may comprise one or a plurality of the following: graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminium, niobium, Inconel alloys (austenite nickel-chromium-based superalloys), metallized films, ceramics such as for example zirconia, transition metals such as for example iron, cobalt, nickel, or metalloids components such as for example boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminium.

[0069] The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a super alloy. The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a plurality of super alloys. The intermediate layer 302 may comprise corrosionresistant nickel-based alloy.

[0070] In particular, the intermediate layer 302 may comprise an Inconel (RTM) alloy. Inconel alloys are also known under the name Inco and also chrononin, Altemp, Haynes, nickelvac, Nicrofer, or the like. The Inconel alloy comprises nickel as main component and chromium as secondary component. The following elements may additionally be encompassed by the Inconel alloy: Iron, molybdate, niobium, cobalt, manganese, Copper, Aluminium, Titanium, Silicon, Carbon, Sulphur, phosphorus and / or boron.

[0071] In particular, the Inconel alloy used is corrosion-resistant. In particular, the Inconel alloy has a high resistivity compared to stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys. The strength of the Inconel alloy used in the exemplary embodiment is maintained over a wide temperature range, in particular in the temperature range between about -10 degrees centigrade, preferably from about 15 degrees and up to about 300 degrees centigrade, preferably up to about 250 degrees centigrade, particularly preferably up to about 240 degrees centigrade.

[0072] The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a thin sheet. The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a sheath. The intermediate layer 302 may comprise a sleeve.

[0073] The heating element 202 may comprise a coated heater mat. The intermediate layer 302 may be provided as a coating to the heater element / mat. The heating element 202 may comprise a heater mat coated with Inconel.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a heating assembly 101 in accordance with an example of the present invention.

[0075] The intermediate layer 302 is located between the heating element 202 and the oven 201.

[0076] The intermediate layer 302 may be bonded to the oven 201. The intermediate layer 302 is provided between the heating element 202 and the oven 201 such that the heating element 202 is bonded to the oven 201 by the intermediate layer.

[0077] The intermediate layer 302 conducts heat to the oven 201 from the heating element 202.

[0078] The intermediate layer 302 may be bonded to the oven 201 using an adhesive.

[0079] The intermediate layer may be added to the back of the heating element 202 before it is adhered to the oven 201.

[0080] The intermediate layer 302 may be bonded to the oven 201 using a polyimide. The intermediate layer 302 may be bonded to the oven 201 using a polyimide film. The polyimide film may be adapted for use as an adhesive at high temperatures. The intermediate layer 302 may be bonded to the oven 201 using a polyimide film with the application of heat and pressure.

[0081] The bonding material may be applied as a bonding layer, e.g. to the oven wall and / or the heating element 202, e. to the intermediate layer 302 thereof. The intermediate layer 302 may be the same length and width as the heating element 202 such that no part of the heating element 202 is in direct contact with the oven 201.

[0082] The intermediate layer 302 may cover the entire side walls of the oven 201. The intermediate layer 302 may extends past the side walls of the oven 201 and onto the bottom of the oven 201.

[0083] The intermediate layer 302 may be provided as a non-continuous and / or partial layer. The intermediate layer 302 may be provided as a plurality of layers. The intermediate layer 302 may be malleable such that it can be moulded to the wall of the oven 201. The intermediate layer 302 may be structured such that it is place on the oven prior to adhesion like a sheath.

[0084] Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic sectional view through an oven heater assembly according to an example of the invention. The heating element 202 is as described above and is held against the wall of the oven 201.

[0085] An insulating member 207 may be provided outside the oven 201 and heating element 202. The insulating member 207 surrounds the oven / heater assembly in the arrangement shown. The insulating member may be described as a jacket or sleeve. In this example, the insulating member comprises a ceramic and / or composite material. A fibre-based or powder-based ceram ic / composite could be used with a suitable heat-resistant matrix / binder to hold the body / filler material in the desired form. Alternatively, a heat resistant foam / cellular material could be used. A plurality of suitable materials are known in the art and will not be described in detail for conciseness.

[0086] The insulating member may be formed as a sleeve or may be formed as a material strip or panel that is wrapped around the oven assembly, e.g. with its ends brought together to form a closed loop, and then bonded, fastened or otherwise held in place.

[0087] A lining material 208 is provided on an inside surface of the oven. The lining material 208 may be provided in a region of the oven wall that is intended to come into close contact with a capsule 209 in use.

[0088] In this example, the capsule 209 is a metal capsule, typically aluminium, although in other examples it could comprise a ceramic capsule. The capsule may be filled by the end user with the consumable product or may be pre-filled as a retail article containing a predetermined portion of consumable material. The capsule may be closed and may have perforations in its upper and lower walls to allow air to flow through the capsule in use. In other examples, the capsule may be open or have a removable lid or cover.

[0089] As can be seen in Figure 5, the capsule can be inserted into the oven 201 in the direction of arrow A for use such that the capsule side wall 210 sits against or immediately adjacent the side wall of the oven 201. It has been found that thermal expansion and contraction of the capsule wall relative to that of the oven wall in use can lead to a close contact and potential jamming of the capsule in the oven. Whilst close contact is desirable for heat transfer in use it can be problematic for removal of the capsule after use. Furthermore the presence of liquid components of the consumable product that are common in shisha molasses and the like can further increase the likelihood of the capsule jamming within the oven. Not only this, any liquid residue on the oven side wall can burn and be difficult to clean away.

[0090] The presence of a lining material 208 of lower surface energy than the oven material can mitigate such problems. The lining material may be a non-stick, hydrophobic and / or low friction material. The lining material 208 may be a ceramic or ceramic-like material.

[0091] Specific materials that may be used include so-called ‘sol-gel’ materials. A colloidal solution may be provided according to the sol-gel process to form a metal oxide coating material, e.g. silicon or titanium oxide, when the precursor is dried or thermally treated.

[0092] The sol-gel coating may be applied as a plurality of layers, e.g. as primer and topcoat layers, to the oven wall. A variety of other non-stick material may be considered as used in industry on cookware / bakeware product. Such materials offer high-temperature tolerance and non-stick properties in a form that is safe for food contact and thus nontoxic in a manner that is suited to the current application.

[0093] The lining material may have a surface texture that is smoother than that of the oven wall. The lining material may offer abrasion resistance that is greater than that of the oven wall. A coating may be applied by spraying, aerosol or conventional deposition processes. The oven wall may be treated prior to application of the lining, e.g. by blasting with grit / sand or chemical preparation to alter the surface texture. It may be desirable to apply the lining material only to certain portions of the oven wall, e.g. depending on the thermal conduction properties of such coatings. As such, the lining may be applied as a partial or discontinuous coating layer. In one example, the lining material is applied in a pattern, e.g. regular pattern, over the area of the interior wall. The lining material may thus be provided over a percentage of the area of the side wall, such as up to 80%, 70%, 60%, 50% or 40%.

[0094] The lining may have a wall thickness of 0.1mm or less. The lining may have a wall thickness of less than or equal to 90pm, 80 pm, 70 pm, 60 pm or 50 pm. The lining / coating may be 30-50 pm thick.

[0095] As an alternative to a coating material deposited as a lining on the oven wall, the lining material may be provided as a lining member, such as a thin-walled structure shaped to correspond to the oven wall. The lining member may be seated permanently or removably against the oven wall for use. Again, the lining member may form a continuous layer or may be discontinuous such that it partially covers the interior surface of the oven or a wall thereof.

[0096] According to certain aspects of the invention there is provided a heating chamber for a water pipe having an oven wall and a lining material on an interior surface of the oven wall wherein the lining material has lower surface energy than the oven wall.

[0097] The lining material may comprise any of the structures, properties and / or materials defined above.

Claims

Claims1. A heating chamber of an electronic water pipe configured to heat a consumable product in use, the heating chamber comprising:an oven for receiving the consumable product; anda heating element for heating the consumable product, the heating element provided on the exterior of the oven;wherein there is provided a conductive intermediate layer between the heating element and the oven.

2. The heating chamber according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate layer comprises a super alloy.

3. The heating chamber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a nickel-based alloy, such as Inconel.

4. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer and the heating element are provided on or around a side wall of the oven.

5. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a greater thermal conductivity or greater thermal conductivity in a lateral direction than the oven, e.g. such that the intermediate layer acts as a heat spreader for the oven.

6. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a greater strength at high temperatures and / or creep resistance than the oven.

7. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer is attached / bonded to the oven.

8. The heating chamber according to claim 7, wherein the intermediate layer is bonded to the oven with an adhesive.

9. The heating chamber according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive comprises polyimide.

10. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element comprises a heater mat and the intermediate layer is provided on the heater mat.

11. The heating chamber according to claim 10, wherein the heater mat is coated with the intermediate layer.

12. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer comprises a length and / or width equal to or greater than that of the heating element.

13. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the heating element and / or intermediate layer extends around the oven exterior or periphery.

14. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer covers a majority or all of a side wall or peripheral wall of the oven.

15. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, comprising an insulating member arranged on the opposite side of the heating element from the oven.

16. The heating chamber according to claim 15, wherein the insulating member comprises a composite material.

17. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the oven comprises aluminium.

18. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, wherein the oven is configured to receive a capsule of consumable material.

19. The heating chamber according to any preceding claim, comprising a lining material on an internal surface of the oven.

20. The heating chamber according to claim 19, wherein the lining material has lower surface energy than the oven.

21. The heating chamber according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the lining material is a non-stick coating for the oven.

22. The heating chamber according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein the lining material covers only a portion of the internal surface of the oven, for example in the form of a discontinuous pattern over the oven internal surface.

23. An electronic water pipe comprising a heating chamber according to any of the preceding claims.

Images