DE102015110375C5 - Method of operating a steam inhaler and steam inhaler - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for operating a steam inhalation device (1), in particular an electronic cigarette or an electronic whistle, - the steam inhalation device (1) comprising at least one evaporator (2) with at least one heating element (14) and at least one, in particular via at least one mechanical connecting device (3 ) having a non - destructively releasably connected to the evaporator (2), electrical power unit (4) having at least one electrical energy storage unit (17) and at least one electronics unit (18), with the activated steam inhalation device (1) a release of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit (17) to the heating element (14) is controllable and / or regulated, - wherein at least one electrical information signal containing at least one information about at least one property of the evaporator (2) from the evaporator (2) via at least one electrical Signal connection (35) to the El the electronic information signal is taken into account by the electronic unit (18) during operation of the steam inhalation device (1), characterized in that as information on a property of the evaporator (2) when the steam inhalation device (1) is deactivated within the evaporator (2), a temperature in an environment of the heating element (14) is detected, the detected temperature being used by the electronic unit (18) when the steam inhaler (1) is activated to determine an actual temperature of the heating element (14).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for operating a steam inhaler, in particular an electronic cigarette or an electronic whistle, wherein the steam inhaler has at least one evaporator with at least one heating element and at least one, in particular non-destructively releasably connected via at least one mechanical connection device to the evaporator, electric power supply unit at least one electrical energy storage unit and at least one electronic unit, with the controlled steam inhalation device, a delivery of electrical energy from the electric energy storage unit to the heating element is controllable and / or regulated, wherein at least one electrical information signal, the at least one information to at least one property of Evaporator is sent from the evaporator via at least one electrical signal connection to the electronic unit, and wherein the el Ektrische information signal is taken into account by the electronic unit in an operation of the steam inhaler.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a steam inhalation device, in particular electronic cigarette or electronic whistle, comprising at least one evaporator with at least one heating element, at least one, in particular non-destructively releasably connected via at least one mechanical connection device to the evaporator, electrical energy supply unit, the at least one electrical energy storage unit and at least an electronic unit with which, with activated steam inhalation device, a release of electrical energy from the electric energy storage unit to the heating element is controllable and / or controllable, at least one formed between the evaporator and the electronic unit electrical signal connection, via the at least one electrical information signal, the at least one Contains information on at least one property of the evaporator, is transferable from the evaporator to the electronic unit, wherein the electric nikeinheit is adapted to take into account the electrical information signal during operation of the Dampfinhalationsgeräts, wherein the evaporator has at least one temperature sensor or at least one at least one temperature sensor having electronics with which a temperature within the evaporator in an environment of the heating element is detected, and wherein the electronics is arranged to digitize a temperature signal generated by its temperature sensor and to encode the digitized temperature signal.

State of the art

Steam inhalers are known in various embodiments. In particular, a steam inhalation device may be formed as an electronic cigarette or electric whistle.

Such a vapor inhalation device comprises an evaporator, by the activation of which an inhalable aerosol or an inhalable vapor can be generated. At the evaporator usually a mouthpiece is arranged. The evaporator can contain a liquid storage in which a liquid to be evaporated can be stored. The liquid is supplied in metered quantity to an evaporation device of the evaporator. The vaporizing device may comprise a wick which is wrapped with a heating wire and at least one end of which is guided into the liquid reservoir and is in contact therewith with the liquid. Since the wick can only flow a limited amount of liquid per time through the wick, the wick in addition to the transport of the liquid to the heating wire and the dosage of the liquid. Such an evaporator is for example off DE 20 2014 101 125 U1 known.

The steam inhalation device further comprises an electrical energy supply unit, with which the heating wire of the evaporator can be supplied with electrical energy. The evaporator can be connected via a screw non-destructively releasably and thus interchangeable with the electrical power unit, as it for example DE 20 2014 000 267 U1 is known. Via the screw connection, an electrical ground contact between the evaporator and the electrical power supply unit can be produced. Coaxial and radially inward to the screw connection, a further electrical contact between the evaporator and the electrical power supply unit may be arranged. About these two electrical contacts, the energy supply of the heating wire.

The energy supply unit typically comprises an electrical energy storage unit, for example a battery, and an electronic unit, with which, when the steam inhalation appliance is activated, a delivery of electrical energy from the electric energy storage unit to the heating wire can be controlled and / or regulated. In this case, the heating wire is supplied with an electric current or an electrical voltage is applied to the heating turned. The electric current or the electrical voltage or a resulting electrical power can be controlled such that a desired evaporation temperature is reached or a predetermined evaporation temperature is not exceeded.

WO 2015/026948 A1 relates to a steam inhaler with an evaporator having a heating element, and a via a mechanical connection means non-destructively releasably connected to the evaporator, electrical power unit having an electrical energy storage unit and an electronic unit, with the activated steam inhalation device, a release of electrical energy from the electric Energy storage unit can be controlled and / or regulated to the heating element. In addition, an electrical signal connection is formed between the evaporator and the electronic unit, via which an electrical information signal containing information on a property of the evaporator can be transmitted from the evaporator to the electronic unit. The electronic unit is configured to take into account the electrical information signal during operation of the steam inhaler. The evaporator comprises a temperature sensor, with which a temperature within the evaporator in an environment of the heating element can be detected.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is to improve an operation of a steam inhaler.

This object is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims, each of which taken alone or in various combinations with each other can represent an aspect of the invention.

According to a method according to the invention for operating a steam inhaler, in particular an electronic cigarette or an electronic whistle, the at least one evaporator with at least one heating element and at least one, in particular non-destructively releasably connected via at least one mechanical connection means to the evaporator, electrical power unit comprising at least one electrical energy storage unit and having at least one electronic unit, with the controlled steam inhalation device, a delivery of electrical energy from the electric energy storage unit to the heating element is controllable and / or regulated, at least one electrical information signal containing at least one information on at least one property of the evaporator, sent from the evaporator via at least one electrical signal connection to the electronic unit, wherein the electrical information signal from de The electronic unit is taken into account in an operation of the steam inhaler, wherein a temperature in an environment of the heating element is detected as information on a property of the evaporator with deactivated steam inhaler within the evaporator, and wherein the detected temperature of the electronic unit with activated steam inhalation device for determining an actual Temperature of the heating element is used.

According to the invention, a communication between the evaporator and the electronics unit of the electrical power supply unit can take place via the electrical signal connection in order to be able to provide the electronic unit with information about properties of the evaporator. The communication takes place at least unidirectionally from the evaporator to the electronics unit. The communication can also be bidirectional, so that information from the electronic unit via the electrical signal connection to the evaporator can be transmitted.

In conventional steam inhalation devices, a communication according to the invention between the evaporator and the electronic unit of the power supply unit is not given. In addition, a conventional electrical connection between an electrical power supply unit and a vaporizer detachably connected thereto via a mechanical connection device in a non-destructive manner, via which an energy supply of the vaporizer takes place, is not suitable for forming an electrical signal connection. Therefore, in a conventional steam inhaler, characteristics of the evaporator can not be taken into consideration in operation of the steam inhaler from the electronic unit of the electric power supply unit.

By the inventive transmission of at least one electrical information signal containing at least one information on at least one property of the evaporator, from the evaporator via at least one electrical signal connection to the electronics unit and by taking into account the electrical information signal from the electronics unit in an operation of the Dampfinhalationsgeräts new Possibilities for operating the steam inhalation device feasible, some of which are described in connection with the below-mentioned advantageous embodiments.

The electrical signal connection may be formed by a physically existing electrical connection or by a wireless connection, for example as a radio connection, Bluetooth connection or the like. Two or more electrical information signals can also be combined with one another via the electrical signal connection and transmitted simultaneously or successively. The at least one electrical information signal may also contain information about two or more contain several properties of the evaporator. In order to be able to separate the individual information from one another, a multiplex method, for example a time division multiplex method or a code division multiplex method, can be used by the electronic unit and the evaporator.

In the context of the invention, an activated steam inhalation appliance is understood to mean a steam inhaler in which the heating element of the evaporator is supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy supply unit in order to generate an inhalable vapor. A non-activated or deactivated steam inhalation device should be a steam inhalation device in which the heating element of the evaporator is not supplied with electrical energy by means of the electrical energy supply unit, so that inhalable steam is not generated.

In order to control the temperature of the heating element to a desired evaporation temperature or to regulate the temperature of the heating element such that this temperature does not exceed a predetermined maximum evaporation temperature, the temperature of the heating element must be detected. This usually requires that the heating element has a clear, linear and unambiguous temperature coefficient.

In order to determine the temperature of the heating element, the electrical resistance of the heating element is conventionally detected by the electronic unit of the electrical energy supply unit. For a temperature control, the cold electrical resistance, referred to hereinafter as reference resistance, is first determined at a given ambient temperature, for example at 20 ° C. When the heating element is subsequently energized, the electrical resistance of the heating element changes with increasing temperature of the heating element. The instantaneous actual temperature of the heating element can be determined using the formula R _W = R _ref + R _ref * α * (T _is - T _ref ) be determined. Here, R _{W is} the electrical resistance of the heating element, R _{ref is} the electrical reference resistance of the heating element at a reference temperature, for example 20 ° C, α is the temperature coefficient of the heating element, T _is the actual temperature of the heating element and T _{ref is} the reference temperature. By changing the formula you get for the actual temperature of the heating element

In a conventional steam inhalation device, the reference temperature of the heating element can not be determined accurately, since the actual temperature of the heating element is not detectable by means of the electronic unit of the electrical power supply unit and not precisely known when not energized heating element. In order nevertheless to be able to carry out a temperature control, a predetermined value for the reference temperature of the heating element, which is usually 20 ° C., is conventionally used to simplify the approach. In this case, it is assumed that the temperature of the heating element actually corresponds to 20 ° C and that the evaporator has not been used for a certain time. With a longer time use of the evaporator, however, the temperature in the evaporator and thus the temperature of the heating element increases. The temperature of the heating element in the de-energized state can then be quite about 40 ° C to about 60 ° C or more and slowly falls depending on the type of evaporator with a time constant, for example, from about ten seconds to about one minute, slowly to the temperature value of the air in the area of the heating element. Since conventionally the reference temperature of the heating element is not known exactly, the conventional control of the temperature of the heating element is relatively inaccurate, so that, for example, a desired evaporation temperature is not exactly achievable or exceeding a predetermined maximum evaporation temperature can not be reliably prevented.

According to the invention, the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element is detected as information on a property of the evaporator, at least when the steam inhaler is deactivated within the evaporator, wherein the detected temperature is used by the electronic unit with activated steam inhalation device for determining the actual temperature of the heating element. By detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element with deactivated steam inhaler within the evaporator, the actual actual temperature of the heating element can be very accurately detected and set as the reference temperature. At the same time, the electrical actual resistance of the heating element is detected and set as a reference resistance. By using the detected temperature in the vicinity of the heating element or the reference temperature of the heating element of the electronic unit with activated Dampfinhalationsgerät to determine the actual temperature of the hot heating element, the actual temperature of the heating element can be determined and controlled very accurately. In this way it can be ensured that a desired evaporation temperature is achieved very precisely or that a predetermined maximum evaporation temperature is not exceeded. The detection of the temperature inside the evaporator in the Environment of the heating element should be as close as possible to the heating element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the temperature is detected in the vicinity of the heating element by means of at least one temperature sensor of the evaporator or by at least one at least one temperature sensor having electronics of the evaporator, wherein a temperature signal generated by the temperature sensor of the electronics digitized by the electronics and the digitized temperature signal by means of Electronics is coded. The respective temperature sensor can be thermally coupled to the heating element without touching it itself. The temperature sensor can be arranged for example in the smallest possible distance to a mounting clamp for fixing and electrical contacting of the heating element. With the single temperature sensor can be sent from this generated, analog temperature signals by means of the electrical information signal via the electrical signal connection to the electronic unit. The electronics with the temperature sensor, however, generates digitized and coded temperature signals that can be sent by means of the electrical information signal via the electrical signal connection to the electronic unit. By coding the temperature signals and a corresponding decoding of the temperature signals by means of the electronic unit, the temperature signals can be clearly separated from other electrical signals.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the electronics are supplied via the electrical signal connection with electrical energy, wherein an applied to the electrical signal connection electrical supply voltage is superimposed with the electrical information signal. After that, the electrical signal connection is used both for signal transmission and for energy transmission. This is advantageous over a separately provided for the electrical signal connection connection for power transmission, since components and thus costs can be saved. However, it may alternatively also be provided that the power supply of the electronics is not made via the electrical signal connection, but via a separate power supply connection.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one information about a property of the evaporator is stored in at least one electrical information memory of the electronics and retrieved for generating the electrical information signal from the information memory. This makes it possible, in particular, to store information about a property of the evaporator, which has previously been detected by means of a detection unit, for example the temperature sensor or the electronics, of the evaporator, and to take this into consideration in later operation of the steam inhaler. In addition, information about properties of the evaporator can be stored in the electrical information storage, which have not been detected by means of a detection unit of the evaporator. For example, in the course of the production of the evaporator, information about properties of the evaporator can be stored in the electrical information memory and retrieved later for generating the electrical information signal from the electrical information memory. Also, information about properties of the evaporator can be stored in the electrical information storage, which has been determined by the electronic unit of the electric power supply unit and transmitted via the electrical signal connection to the electronics of the evaporator.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, a temperature coefficient of the heating element, a reference temperature last detected in the vicinity of the heating element, an electrical reference resistance of the heating element detected at the last detected reference temperature, a recommended and / or maximum electrical evaporator output, are used as information on a property of the evaporator Number of inhalation trains hitherto carried out with the evaporator, an electrical evaporation energy already completely converted with the heating element, an individual identification of the evaporation medium to be vaporized, an individual identification of a manufacturer of the evaporation medium and / or a nicotine concentration of the evaporation medium to be vaporized in the evaporator stored electrical information store. The number of inhalation trains hitherto carried out with the evaporator and the electrical evaporation energy already completely converted with the heating element in each case make it possible to draw conclusions as to when the winding wire needs to be replaced. A timely renewal of the heating element is recommended for the most pollutant-free steam generation, since the heating element is added over time by residues and thus change its evaporation behavior and its thermal behavior negative. The consideration of the number of inhalation trains hitherto carried out with the evaporator and the electrical evaporation energy already implemented overall with the heating element thus makes it possible in each case to keep the proportion of pollutants in the steam generated by the steam inhalation device as low as possible. The reference temperature detected at any time during the deactivated steam inhaler and the electrical reference resistance of the heating element detected thereby allow a conclusion as to whether the power supply connection between the electric power supply unit and the heating element has contact problems or not. Such contact problems would severely affect the control of the actual temperature of the heating element. The consideration of the previously detected reference temperature and thereby detected electrical reference resistance of the heating element thus allows a very reliable and accurate control of the actual temperature of the heating element. The individual identification of the evaporation agent to be vaporized contained in the evaporator and the individual identification of a manufacturer of the evaporation agent are respectively advantageous in particular if an electrical energy supply unit is to be combined with a plurality of different evaporators. When changing the evaporator, the electronics unit can receive information on at least one property of the respectively newly connected to the electrical power supply unit evaporator, so that manually no new adjustment must be made to the electrical energy storage unit. The information about the at least one property of the evaporator can be requested, for example, automatically from the electronics unit, if the new evaporator is intended to be connected to the electrical energy storage unit. This can be detected, for example, by means of at least one detection means arranged on the electrical energy supply unit and signal-wise connected to the electronic unit.

A vapor inhalation device according to the invention, in particular an electronic cigarette or an electronic whistle, comprises at least one evaporator with at least one heating element and at least one electrical energy supply unit that is non-destructively detachably connected to the evaporator via at least one mechanical connection device and has at least one electrical energy storage unit and at least one electronics unit when the steam inhalation device is activated, it is possible to control and / or regulate a release of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit to the heating element. Furthermore, the steam inhalation device comprises at least one electrical signal connection formed between the evaporator and the electronic unit, via which at least one electrical information signal containing at least one information on at least one property of the evaporator can be transmitted from the evaporator to the electronic unit, wherein the electronic unit is set up to consider the electrical information signal during operation of the steam inhaler. The evaporator comprises at least one temperature sensor or at least one electronics having at least one temperature sensor, with which a temperature within the evaporator can be detected in an environment of the heating element, wherein the electronics is set up to digitize a temperature signal generated by its temperature sensor and the digitized Encode temperature signal. The electronic unit is set up to use a temperature detected as information on a property of the evaporator with the steam inhaler deactivated inside the evaporator with the temperature sensor in an environment of the heating element with activated steam inhaler for determining an actual temperature of the heating element.

With the steam inhalation device, the advantages mentioned above with respect to the method are correspondingly associated. In particular, the steam inhalation device for carrying out the method according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or any combination thereof may be set up.

The heating element may be formed, for example, as a heating wire. The heating element may also be otherwise formed, for example as a sheet metal strip or tubular. In addition, the heating element may have different geometric shapes, for example, be formed as a winding. Also, two or more corresponding heating elements may be present. The heating element may be arranged in the vicinity of a wick of the evaporator described at the outset or be in physical contact therewith. At least one end portion of the wick may be routed to a liquid store where it is in physical contact with the liquid stored in the liquid store.

The mechanical connection device may be formed, for example, as a screw connection, via which the power supply of the heating element can take place, as described above.

The electrical energy supply unit can also have two or more electrically interconnected electrical energy storage units. The electrical energy storage unit can be designed, for example, as a battery, in particular a secondary battery, for example a lithium-ion secondary battery.

The electrical signal connection formed between the evaporator and the electronic unit may be physically present or wireless, for example as a radio connection, Bluetooth connection, Nahfeldkommunikationsverbindung or the like.

The electronics of the evaporator may include an integrated microprocessor and other electronic components. The electronics may have at least one, in particular non-volatile, electrical information storage in which at least one information on a property of the evaporator can be stored and from which the at least one information on a property of the evaporator for generating the electrical information signal is retrievable. The electrical information memory may be formed for example as EEPROM or flash ROM.

The electrical energy supply unit of the steam inhalation device according to the invention is preferably operable both with evaporators according to the invention and with conventional evaporators, with which no information on properties of the evaporator can be transmitted to the electronics unit of the electrical energy supply unit.

The evaporator or its electronics can also have two or more corresponding temperature sensors. The respective temperature sensor can be thermally connected via at least one thermally conductive coupling element to the heating element or to a mounting clamp for fixing and electrical contacting of the heating element.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical signal connection comprises at least one arranged on a housing of the evaporator, with respect to this housing electrically insulated contact element, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor or the electronics, and at least one arranged on a housing of the electrical power supply unit, with respect to this housing electrically insulated contact element, which is electrically connected to the electronic unit, wherein the contact elements are in physical connection with each other connected to the electric power supply unit evaporator. The two contact elements are thus arranged on the housing of the evaporator or the housing of the electrical power supply unit such that they automatically or inevitably in a physical contact with each other at a proper connection end position of the evaporator and the electric power supply unit. As a result of the electrical insulation of the contact elements relative to the respective housing, the electrical signal connection is electrically decoupled from further components of the steam inhalation device, in particular from its energy transmission connection. This is particularly advantageous in steam inhalation devices, in which housing parts form a mass of the power supply connection.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one contact element is movably arranged on the respective housing and spring-loaded such that it is biased in the direction of the respective other contact element. As a result, an optimal physical and thus electrical contact between the contact elements are ensured and contact problems reliably prevented. It can also be spring loaded according to both contact elements.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one contact element is annular. This ensures a physical contact between the contact elements when using a mechanical connection device in which the evaporator can be solved by a rotational movement of the electric power supply unit and connected thereto, and when using a non-annular contact element in different rotational positions. It is also possible for both contact elements to be annular, in particular identical to one another.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the Dampfinhalationsgerät is cylindrical, wherein the mechanical connecting device has at least one screw, wherein a longitudinal center axis of the screw is identical to a longitudinal center axis of the Dampfinhalationsgeräts, and wherein the annular contact element is arranged coaxially to the screw and has an inner diameter, the greater than an outer diameter of the screw is. This embodiment is space-saving feasible. In particular, an annular groove can be arranged on an end face of the housing of the evaporator or on an end face of the housing of the electrical power supply unit, into which the annular contact element is electrically insulated from the respective housing.

Brief description of the figures

In the following, the invention will be explained by way of example with reference to the attached figures with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, wherein the features explained below may represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in different combinations with one another. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät;

2 a schematic sectional view of the in 1 shown steam inhaler;

3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät; and

4 a schematic representation of another embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät.

Detailed description of the figures

In the figures, identical or functionally identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät 1 in the form of an electronic cigarette. The steam inhaler 1 includes an evaporator 2 and one via a mechanical connection device 3 non-destructively detachable with the evaporator 2 connected electrical power unit 4 , The steam inhaler 1 is cylindrical.

The evaporator 2 includes a liquid storage 5 in which a liquid to be evaporated 6 stocked, and one through a partition 7 separate evaporation chamber 8th , On the side is the evaporation chamber 8th via at least one air inlet 9 towards the environment of the steam inhaler 1 open. To the evaporation chamber 8th closes a mouthpiece 10 on, as shown, integral with an at least partially electrically conductive housing 11 of the evaporator 2 is or separate from the housing 11 trained and can be connected to this non-destructive detachable and thus interchangeable. Sucks a user of the steam inhaler 1 on the mouthpiece 10 , is via the air intake 9 Air in the evaporation chamber 8th sucked, which mixes with a vapor arising there.

The evaporator 2 further includes a wick 12 partly through the evaporation chamber 8th extends and that through two openings 13 the partition 7 is guided, so that its two end sections in the liquid storage 5 protrude and there in the liquid 6 plunge. In addition, the evaporator includes 2 a heating element 14 in the form of a heating wire, partially forming a heating coil around one in the evaporation chamber 8th existing section of the wick 12 is wound. The ends of the heating element 14 are each on an electrically conductive mounting clamp 15 fixed. In the 1 left shown mounting clamp 15 is electrical to the housing 11 connected. In the 1 Fixing clamp shown on the right 15 is electrically powered with an electrically conductive pin 16 connected along a longitudinal center axis L of the Dampfinhalationsgeräts 1 extends and the via an insulating element 28 electrically opposite the housing 11 is isolated. For this purpose, the insulating element comprises 28 a sleeve-shaped section 29 on which a circumferential collar 30 is arranged, over which the insulating element 28 on an inside of the housing 11 or the liquid storage 5 supported. The pencil 16 runs coaxially through the sleeve-shaped section 29 , The pencil 16 is also an insulating element 34 opposite the partition 7 electrically insulated, the electrically conductive with the housing 11 connected is.

The electrical energy supply unit 4 includes an electrical energy storage unit 17 in the form of a secondary battery and an electronics unit 18 , with the steam inhaler activated 1 a discharge of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit 17 to the heating element 14 controllable and / or controllable. The electrical energy supply unit 4 further comprises an at least partially electrically conductive housing 19 which is formed in three parts in the embodiment shown. In particular, the housing comprises 19 an evaporator-side component 20 , a middle component 21 and a cap 22 , The vedampferseitige component 20 and the cap 22 each have a mechanical connection 23 in the form of a screw, a bayonet connection or the like non-destructively detachable with the middle component 21 connected. The electrical energy storage unit 17 is via an electrical ground connection 24 electrically with the housing 19 connected. Furthermore, the electrical energy storage unit 17 via an electrical connection 25 electrically with the electronics unit 18 connected. The electronics unit 18 is also via an electrical ground connection 26 electrically with the housing 19 connected. Furthermore, the electronics unit 18 via an electrical contact 27 electrically with the pin 16 connected.

The mechanical connection device 3 is designed as a screw connection. A longitudinal center axis of the screw connection is identical to the longitudinal center axis L of the steam inhalation device 1 , The mechanical connection device 3 includes a front side of the evaporator-side component 20 trained threaded hole 31 and a front side on the housing 11 arranged threaded pin 32 in the tapped hole 31 is screwed. Through the threaded pin 32 coaxial passes through hole 33 into which the sleeve-shaped section 29 of the insulating element 28 is positively inserted. The mechanical connection device 3 forms an electrical ground contact between the housing 11 and the housing 19 out. The electrical contact 27 and the pen 16 form an electrical contact opposite polarity electrical contact. about these opposite polarity electrical contacts can be activated with steam inhalation device 1 the supply of the heating element 14 done with electrical energy.

The steam inhaler 1 also includes one between the evaporator 2 and the electronics unit 18 trained electrical signal connection 35 , via the at least one electrical information signal, the at least one information to at least one property of the evaporator 2 contains, from the evaporator 2 to the electronics unit 18 is transferable. The electronics unit 18 is set, the electrical information signal in an operation of the steam inhaler 1 to take into account.

The evaporator 2 includes a temperature sensor 36 with which a temperature within the evaporator 2 or within its housing 11 in an environment of the heating element 14 is detectable.

The electrical signal connection 35 includes a on the housing 11 of the evaporator 2 arranged, opposite this housing 11 electrically insulated contact element 37 that has an electrical line 38 electrically with the temperature sensor 36 connected is. The electrical line 38 is by means of an insulating element 72 opposite the partition 7 electrically isolated. Furthermore, the electrical signal connection comprises 35 one on the housing 19 the electrical power unit 4 arranged, via an insulating element 39 opposite this housing 19 electrically insulated contact element 40 that works electrically with the electronics unit 18 connected is. The contact elements 37 and 40 stand with the electric power unit 4 connected evaporator 2 as it is in 1 is shown in physical contact with each other. The contact element 37 is movable on the housing 11 arranged and spring loaded so that it is in the direction of the contact element 40 is biased. In particular, at the in 1 lower end of the evaporator 2 and on the collar 30 of the insulating element 28 a passage opening 41 formed by the one contact unit 42 runs, which are opposite the case 11 is electrically isolated.

The contact unit 42 includes a contact 43 that are about a plate 44 or a collar on the liquor store 5 facing side of the collar 30 of the insulating element 28 axially supported. The contact 43 has an axial blind bore, not shown, in which the contact element 37 is guided longitudinally displaceable. In the blind bore also a compression spring, not shown, is arranged, via which the contact element 37 in the direction of the contact element 40 is acted upon with force. Within the blind bore also not shown end stop is arranged, on which a portion of the contact element 37 or a stop element arranged thereon, not shown, abuts when the evaporator 2 from the electrical power unit 4 has been unscrewed to prevent the contact element 37 falls out of the blind hole or from the contact 43 solves.

The contact element 40 is annular and arranged coaxially with the screw. The annular contact element 40 has an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the screw connection. In the embodiment shown, the annular contact element surrounds 40 the screw radially outer circumferential. The annular contact element 40 is via an electrical line 45 electrically with the electronics unit 18 connected by an axial bore 73 the evaporator-side component 20 is guided. The annular contact element 40 is in an annular groove 46 on an evaporator-side end face 47 the evaporator-side component 20 inserted. The insulating element 39 is annular and U-shaped in cross-section, wherein the annular contact element 40 positively in the insulating element 39 is inserted. The annular contact element 40 is over the annular insulating element 39 Captive with the evaporator-side component 20 connected.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of the in 1 shown steam inhaler 1 according to the in 1 shown section plane II-II. It is the circular cylindrical configuration of the Dampfinhalationsgeräts 1 to recognize and the coaxial arrangement of components of the steam inhaler 1 , It is the evaporator-side end 47 the evaporator-side component 20 shown at the annular groove 46 is trained. In the groove 46 is the annular and in cross-section U-shaped insulating 39 arranged, in which the contact element 40 is positively inserted. Radially inward to the annular insulating element 39 and the contact element 40 is the threaded hole 31 arranged, in which the threaded pin 32 is screwed. Radial in to the tapped hole 31 and the threaded stem 32 is the sleeve-shaped section 29 of the insulating element 28 arranged, located within the through hole 33 of the threaded pin 32 extends. Radially inward to the sleeve-shaped section 29 is the pen 16 arranged.

3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät 1 , Individual components of the steam inhaler 1 can according to the in 1 be shown embodiment. The steam inhaler 1 includes an evaporator 2 and one over one not shown mechanical connection device nondestructive releasably connected to the evaporator 2 connected electrical power unit 4 ,

The evaporator 2 includes a heating element 14 attached to a wick, not shown, of the evaporator 2 is arranged. The heating element 14 is electrical with an electrical ground 48 connected by the at least partially electrically conductive housing 11 of the evaporator 2 and an electrically connected thereto, at least partially electrically conductive housing 19 the electrical power unit 4 is formed. Furthermore, the evaporator includes 2 a temperature sensor 36 with which a temperature within the evaporator 2 or within its housing 11 in an environment of the heating element 14 is detectable and also with the electrical ground 48 connected is. The evaporator 2 Incidentally, in accordance with the in 1 be shown embodiment. The temperature sensor 36 is thermal to the heating element 14 Tailed, what by the double arrow 49 should be indicated.

The electrical energy supply unit 4 includes an electrical energy storage unit, not shown, and an electronics unit 18 , with the steam inhaler activated 1 a discharge of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit 17 to the heating element 14 controllable and / or controllable. The electronics unit 18 is electrically connected to the housing via an electrical ground connection (not shown) 19 the electrical power unit 4 connected. The electrical energy supply unit 4 Incidentally, in accordance with the in 1 be shown embodiment.

The steam inhaler 1 also includes one between the evaporator 2 and the electronics unit 18 trained electrical signal connection 35 , via the at least one electrical information signal, the at least one information to at least one property of the evaporator 2 contains, from the evaporator 2 to the electronics unit 18 is transferable. The electronics unit 18 is set, the electrical information signal in an operation of the steam inhaler 1 to take into account.

The electrical signal connection 35 includes a on the housing 11 of the evaporator 2 arranged, opposite this housing 11 electrically insulated contact element 37 that has an electrical line 38 electrically with the temperature sensor 36 connected is. Furthermore, the electrical signal connection comprises 35 a on the housing, not shown 19 the electrical power unit 4 arranged, opposite this housing 19 electrically insulated contact element 40 that has an electrical line 45 electrically with the electronics unit 18 connected is. The contact elements 37 and 40 stand with the electric power unit 4 connected evaporator 2 as it is in 3 is shown in physical contact with each other. At least one contact element 37 respectively. 40 can be moved to the respective housing 11 respectively. 19 be arranged and spring-loaded so that it is in the direction of the respective other contact element 40 respectively. 37 is biased. In addition, at least one contact element 37 respectively. 40 be formed annular. The mechanical connecting device, not shown, may be formed as a screw connection. A longitudinal central axis, not shown, of the screw connection can be identical to a longitudinal center axis, not shown, of the vapor inhalation device 1 be. The annular contact element 37 respectively. 40 may be arranged coaxially with the screw and have an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the screw.

The electronics unit 18 includes a microcontroller 50 , The microcontroller 50 includes a module 51 , for example in the form of a software module, for temperature control. The module 51 gives a manipulated variable to a power controller 52 the electronics unit 18 , causing a voltage across an electrical connection 53 to the heating element 14 is created. The on the heating element 14 applied electrical voltage or a corresponding voltage signal 54 is recorded. The on the heating element 14 applied voltage allows an electric current through the heating element 14 flow, by means of a current sensor 55 the electronics unit 18 into a current signal 56 is converted. The measured quantities voltage signal 54 and current signal 56 become an analog-to-digital converter 57 of the microcontroller 50 supplied and converted by this. By means of the microprocessor 50 is a voltage / current ratio of the current electrical resistance of the heating coil 14 determined. The determined electrical resistance value is compared with a predetermined resistance value. A deviation of the instantaneous electrical resistance from the predetermined resistance stored in an electrical information store 58 of the microcontroller 50 is retrievably stored, taking into account a reference temperature value, which is also retrievable in the electrical information store 58 is stored, the actual temperature of the heating element 14 determined. This actual temperature is in the module 51 with a desired temperature of the heating element 14 compared and accordingly from the module 51 the next manipulated variable is calculated.

The reference resistance of the heating element 14 and the associated reference temperature of the heater 14 are detected when the steam inhaler 1 is disabled and the heating element 14 with its direct environment inside the evaporator 2 is in a thermally steady state. It is assumed that the heating element 14 the same temperature as the temperature sensor 36 , This is generally the case when the heating element 14 some time, for example for at least one minute, has not been energized. So that the temperature sensor 36 as quickly as possible the temperature value of the heating element 14 can follow is the temperature sensor 36 over the by the double arrow 49 indicated thermal connection with the heating element 14 connected. For measuring the reference temperature of the heating element 14 becomes the temperature sensor 36 to a separate voltage source 59 placed, which is an electrical resistance 60 is downstream. In place of the combination of electrical resistance 60 and the voltage source 59 Alternatively, a constant current source can be used. According to the thermal characteristic of the temperature sensor 36 turns at the node 61 an electrical voltage, which advantageously via an electrical signal conditioner 62 and the analog-to-digital converter 57 is measured. Shortly before, then or at the same time is a short-term energization of the heating element 14 and detection of the current signals 56 and voltage signals 54 the reference resistance of the heating element 14 determined. The determined reference resistance and the simultaneously detected reference temperature of the heating element 14 be in the electrical information store 58 stored, which is preferably designed as a non-volatile memory.

4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of an inventive Dampfinhalationsgerät 1 , Individual components of the steam inhaler 1 can according to the in 1 be shown embodiment. The steam inhaler 1 includes an evaporator 2 and a non-illustrated mechanical connection means non-destructively detachable with the evaporator 2 connected electrical power unit 4 ,

The evaporator 2 includes a heating element 14 attached to a wick, not shown, of the evaporator 2 is arranged. The heating element 14 is electrical with an electrical ground 48 connected by the at least partially electrically conductive housing 11 of the evaporator 2 and an electrically connected thereto, at least partially electrically conductive housing 19 the electrical power unit 4 is formed. Furthermore, the evaporator includes 2 a a temperature sensor 36 having electronics 63 with which a temperature within the evaporator 2 in an environment of the heating element 14 is detectable, with the electronics 63 is set up, one of the temperature sensor of the electronics 63 to digitize generated temperature signal and to encode the digitized temperature signal. The Electronic 63 is also with the electrical ground 48 connected. The evaporator 2 Incidentally, in accordance with the in 1 be shown embodiment. The temperature sensor 36 is thermal to the heating element 14 coupled, what by the double arrow 49 should be indicated. The Electronic 63 is through a programmed microcontroller 74 realized that the temperature sensor 36 contains.

The electrical energy supply unit 4 includes an electrical energy storage unit, not shown, and an electronics unit 18 , with the steam inhaler activated 1 a discharge of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit to the heating element 14 controllable and / or controllable. The electronics unit 18 is electrically connected to the housing via an electrical ground connection (not shown) 19 the electrical power unit 4 connected. The electrical energy supply unit 4 Incidentally, in accordance with the in 1 be shown embodiment.

The steam inhaler 1 also includes one between the evaporator 2 and the electronics unit 18 trained electrical signal connection 35 , via the at least one electrical information signal, the at least one information to at least one property of the evaporator 2 contains, from the evaporator 2 to the electronics unit 18 is transferable. The electronics unit 18 is set, the electrical information signal in an operation of the steam inhaler 1 to take into account.

The electrical signal connection 35 includes a on the housing 11 of the evaporator 2 arranged, opposite this housing 11 electrically insulated contact element 37 that has an electrical line 38 electrically with the electronics 63 or their microprocessor 74 connected is. Furthermore, the electrical signal connection comprises 35 a on the housing, not shown 19 the electrical power unit 4 arranged, opposite this housing 19 electrically insulated contact element 40 that has an electrical line 45 electrically with the electronics unit 18 connected is. The contact elements 37 and 40 stand with the electric power unit 4 connected evaporator 2 as it is in 4 is shown in physical contact with each other. At least one contact element 37 respectively. 40 can be moved to the respective housing 11 respectively. 19 arranged and spring-loaded such that it is in the direction of the respective other contact element 40 respectively. 37 is biased. In addition, at least one contact element 37 respectively. 40 be formed annular. The mechanical connecting device, not shown, may be formed as a screw connection. A longitudinal central axis, not shown, of the screw connection can be identical to a longitudinal center axis, not shown, of the vapor inhalation device 1 be. The annular contact element 37 respectively. 40 may be arranged coaxially with the screw and have an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the screw.

The of the temperature sensor 36 generated temperature signals are by means of an analog-to-digital converter 64 the electronics 63 converted into digital temperature signals. A digital temperature signal thus generated is provided by an encoder / decoder 65 the electronics 63 encoded in such a way that it is different from other electrical signals coming from the electronics 63 to a microcontroller 50 the electronics unit 18 can be sent, can be distinguished. The coded temperature signals are transmitted by means of an electrical information signal via a serial interface module 66 the electronics 63 to a serial interface module 67 of the microcontroller 50 Posted. In addition, other characteristics from a non-volatile electrical information storage 68 the electronics 63 by means of the electrical information signal via the serial interface module 66 to the serial interface module 67 be sent. For unambiguous identification of the data thus transmitted, these are previously determined by means of the coder / decoder 65 encoded such that the data can be unambiguously separated from other electrical signals or data. The microcontroller 50 also includes an encoder / decoder 69 with which the received electrical signals can be decoded and thus clearly separated from each other. In the reverse direction, electrical information signals of the electrical power supply unit 4 via the encoder / decoder 69 coded and via the serial interface module 67 to the serial interface module 66 be sent. The received data can be read by the encoder / decoder 65 decoded and in the electrical information store 68 get saved.

The electrical power supply of the electronics 63 also takes place via the electrical signal connection 35 , For this purpose, an electrical voltage from the voltage source 59 over the electrical resistance 60 on the electric wire 45 placed. Whenever no electrical low signal is transmitted, it is connected to the electrical line 45 an electrical voltage in about the height of the electrical source voltage of the voltage source 59 at. This electrical voltage is supplied by an electric rectifier 70 of the evaporator 2 rectified and in an electrical capacitor 71 of the evaporator 2 saved. The capacitor 71 , the length of time and the number of low phases must be such that the electrical voltage across the capacitor 71 during the sent low phases does not become smaller than a certain threshold at which the electronics 63 still working.

The electronics unit 18 the electrical power unit 4 and the electronics 63 in the evaporator 2 points in the respective microcontroller 50 respectively. 74 in particular an asynchronous serial interface module 66 respectively. 67 on. Asynchronous here means that the interface modules 66 and 67 have no additional clock signal, which must be present as a line between the transmitter and receiver, as usual in a synchronous serial interface. Each serial interface module 66 respectively. 67 has a transmitter (output) with the associated transmit signal Tx and a receiver (input) with the associated receiver signal Rx. Both at the electronics unit 18 as well as the electronics 63 the signals Rx and Tx are connected together, so that the respective interface module 67 respectively. 66 always be able to receive its own transmitted signal Tx at the same time. Furthermore, the Rx-Tx signals thus formed are electronics 63 with the Rx-Tx signals of the electronics unit 18 connected. By software protocol it is determined which unit, electronic unit 18 or electronics 63 when to send. For example, the electronics may 63 Send only if you have been informed by software protocol a specific sign that you release the transmitter. This station then sends a certain, previously agreed number of characters and then returns the transmission power to the electronics unit 18 back. For safety reasons, it must be avoided that two transmitters are active at the same time and send different signals. That is, two outputs should not drive against each other, which would otherwise lead to high electrical currents. This happens on the one hand by the aforementioned software protocol, on the other hand so-called open-collector circuits are used in the transmitters or open-drain circuits in the case of MOS technology. In these circuits, a low signal is generated on the transmitter side by a transistor pulls the common Tx line to low (switch to GND). By contrast, the high signal is generated by switching off this transistor and pulling the Tx line high via a (usually external) electrical resistance. That is, the Tx line is always pulled to the high signal (for example, 5V or 3.3V) when either nothing is being sent or when high is being sent. With a correspondingly low-resistance electrical resistance and at the same time low power or energy consumption of the electronics 63 The electrical energy supplied via the Tx line and the electrical resistance is sufficient to the electronics 63 to operate. All you have to do is make sure that there is enough electrical energy in the evaporator during the time a low signal is applied to the Tx line 2 is cached. The capacitor is used for this purpose 71 , The rectifier 70 The task is that the electrical energy in the capacitor 71 during a low phase is not destroyed by the pulling low transistor in the transmitter. So that the capacitor 71 After a low-phase can refill, for example, must be ensured by software that come to a certain number of low-phases correspondingly many high-phases.

The non-described components of the steam inhaler 1 , in particular those for temperature control, correspond in their functionality to the corresponding components of in 3 shown embodiment. To avoid repetition is therefore here to the above description 3 directed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Steam inhaler

2

Evaporator

3

connecting device

4

Power supply unit

5

Liquid storage

6

Liquid

7

partition wall

8th

Evaporation chamber

9

air intake

10

mouthpiece

11

casing

12

wick

13

opening

14

heating element

15

mounting clamp

16

pen

17

Energy storage unit

18

electronics unit

19

casing

20

evaporator-side component

21

middle component

22

cap

23

mechanical connection

24

electrical ground connection

25

electrical connection

26

electrical ground connection

27

electric contact

28

insulating

29

sleeve-shaped section

30

collar

31

threaded hole

32

threaded pin

33

Through Hole

34

insulating

35

electrical signal connection

36

temperature sensor

37

contact element

38

electrical line

39

insulating

40

contact element

41

Through opening

42

Contact unit

43

contact

44

plate

45

electrical line

46

groove

47

front

48

electrical mass

49

Double arrow (thermal connection)

50

microprocessor

51

module

52

power controllers

53

electrical connection

54

voltage signal

55

current sensor

56

current signal

57

Analog to digital converter

58

information store

59

voltage source

60

resistance

61

node

62

signal conditioner

63

electronics

64

Analog to digital converter

65

Encoder / decoder

66

Interface Module

67

Interface Module

68

information store

69

Encoder / decoder

70

rectifier

71

capacitor

72

insulating

73

drilling

74

microcontroller

L

Longitudinal central axis

Rx

receiver signal

Tx

send signal

Claims (10)

Method for operating a steam inhaler ( 1 ), in particular an electronic cigarette or an electronic whistle, - wherein the steam inhaler ( 1 ) at least one evaporator ( 2 ) with at least one heating element ( 14 ) and at least one, in particular via at least one mechanical connecting device ( 3 ) non-destructively detachable with the evaporator ( 2 ), electrical power supply unit ( 4 ), the at least one electrical energy storage unit ( 17 ) and at least one electronic unit ( 18 ) with the activated steam inhaler ( 1 ) a supply of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit ( 17 ) to the heating element ( 14 ) is controllable and / or controllable, Wherein at least one electrical information signal containing at least one information on at least one property of the evaporator ( 2 ), from the evaporator ( 2 ) via at least one electrical signal connection ( 35 ) to the electronics unit ( 18 ), wherein the electrical information signal from the electronic unit ( 18 ) during operation of the steam inhaler ( 1 ), characterized in that - as information on a property of the evaporator ( 2 ) with deactivated steam inhaler ( 1 ) inside the evaporator ( 2 ) a temperature in an environment of the heating element ( 14 ), wherein the detected temperature of the electronic unit ( 18 ) with activated steam inhaler ( 1 ) for determining an actual temperature of the heating element ( 14 ) is used. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature in the vicinity of the heating element ( 14 ) by means of at least one temperature sensor ( 36 ) of the evaporator ( 2 ) or by means of at least one at least one temperature sensor ( 36 ) having electronics ( 63 ) of the evaporator ( 2 ), one of the temperature sensor of the electronics ( 63 ) generated temperature signal by means of the electronics ( 63 ) and the digitized temperature signal by means of the electronics ( 63 ) is encoded. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the electronics ( 63 ) via the electrical signal connection ( 35 ) is supplied with electrical energy, one at the electrical signal connection ( 35 ) applied electrical supply voltage is superimposed with the electrical information signal. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one information on a property of the evaporator ( 2 ) in at least one electrical information store ( 68 ) of electronics ( 63 ) and for generating the electrical information signal from the electrical information memory ( 68 ) is retrieved. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that as information on a property of the evaporator ( 2 ) a temperature coefficient of the heating element ( 14 ), one last in the vicinity of the heating element ( 14 ), a detected at the last detected reference temperature electrical reference resistance of the heating element ( 14 ), a recommended and / or maximum electrical evaporator performance, a number of so far with the evaporator ( 2 ) inhalation trains, one in total with the heating element ( 14 ) converted electrical evaporation energy, an individual identification of the in the evaporator ( 2 ) to be vaporized, an individual identification of a manufacturer of the evaporation agent and / or a nicotine concentration of the evaporation agent to be evaporated in the electrical information storage ( 68 ) is stored. Steam inhaler ( 1 ), in particular electronic cigarette or electronic whistle, comprising - at least one evaporator ( 2 ) with at least one heating element ( 14 ) - at least one, in particular via at least one mechanical connection device ( 3 ) non-destructively detachable with the evaporator ( 2 ), electrical power supply unit ( 4 ), the at least one electrical energy storage unit ( 17 ) and at least one electronic unit ( 18 ) with the activated steam inhaler ( 1 ) a supply of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage unit ( 17 ) to the heating element ( 18 ) is controllable and / or controllable, and - at least one between the evaporator ( 2 ) and the electronics unit ( 18 ) formed electrical signal connection ( 35 ), via the at least one electrical information signal, the at least one information to at least one property of the evaporator ( 2 ), from the evaporator ( 2 ) to the electronics unit ( 18 ), the electronic unit ( 18 ) is arranged, the electrical information signal in an operation of the steam inhaler ( 1 ), - where the evaporator ( 2 ) at least one temperature sensor ( 36 ) or at least one at least one temperature sensor ( 36 ) having electronics ( 63 ) with which a temperature within the evaporator ( 2 ) in an environment of the heating element ( 14 ) is detectable, whereby the electronics ( 63 ), one of its temperature sensor ( 36 ) and to encode the digitized temperature signal, characterized in that - the electronic unit ( 18 ) is arranged, one as information on a property of the evaporator ( 2 ) with deactivated steam inhaler ( 1 ) inside the evaporator ( 2 ) with the temperature sensor ( 36 ) detected temperature in an environment of the heating element ( 14 ) with activated steam inhaler ( 1 ) for determining an actual temperature of the heating element ( 14 ) to use. Steam inhaler ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the electrical signal connection ( 35 ) at least one on a housing ( 11 ) of the evaporator ( 2 ), with respect to this housing ( 11 ) electrically insulated contact element ( 37 ) electrically connected to the temperature sensor ( 36 ) or the electronics ( 63 ), and at least one on a housing ( 19 ) of the electrical Power supply unit ( 4 ), with respect to this housing ( 19 ) electrically insulated contact element ( 40 ) electrically connected to the electronics unit ( 18 ), wherein the contact elements ( 37 . 40 ) with the electric power unit ( 4 ) connected evaporator ( 2 ) are in physical contact with each other. Steam inhaler ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one contact element ( 37 . 40 ) movably on the respective housing ( 11 . 19 ) is arranged and spring-loaded such that it in the direction of the respective other contact element ( 37 . 40 ) is biased. Steam inhaler ( 1 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that at least one contact element ( 37 . 40 ) is annular. Steam inhaler ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that it is cylindrical, wherein the mechanical connecting device ( 3 ) is designed as a screw connection, wherein a longitudinal center axis of the screw connection is identical to a longitudinal central axis (L) of the steam inhalation device ( 1 ), and wherein the annular contact element ( 37 . 40 ) is arranged coaxially to the screw connection and has an inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the screw connection.

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