EP4101318B1 - Closure for a water tank of a water pipe - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lower closure part for a water tank of a water pipe, a closure with this lower closure part and a water pipe with this closure.

Water pipes, also called shisha or hookah, usually contain a water container, the so-called bowl, and a cap that is attached to the water container. A smoke tube is attached to the closure, at the upper end of which a tobacco head is arranged, on which tobacco is burned or vaporized together with the glowing coal. The smoke tube extends through the closure into the water tank and opens into the water tank with its lower end below the water level. Furthermore, a connection option for at least one smoke hose is provided on the closure, which opens out via a corresponding recess into the air space provided in the water tank between the head and the liquid level. When sucked in by a user through the smoke tube, a negative pressure is generated in the air space provided in the water tank, through which tobacco smoke is sucked through the smoke tube and cleaned, cooled and/or humidified as it passes through the liquid. An example of prior art can be found in the patent documentation DE 20 2015 007964 .

It is important that the closure completely seals the water tank, otherwise secondary air will be sucked in and the water pipe will no longer "draw" properly. The bowls are often mouth-blown and have manufacturing tolerances of up to 2mm.

Known closures are, for example, in the form of a form-fitting screw cap (cf. 1 and 3 ) or a non-positive plug closure (cf. 2 and 4 ) formed, and have connection openings for one or more smoke hoses.

A disadvantage of a form-fitting screw cap, however, is that a lower part of the cap is required on the bowl. The lower part of the closure is firmly connected to the bowl, for example glued. A direct form fit between the closure element and the bowl is not possible because the manufacturing tolerances of the bowl are too large. Bowls without a suitable locking base cannot be used with the locking element. In general, such a closure can be described as not inexpensive and proprietary.

Traditional buckles use a non-positive fit soft seal to create a sealed connection to the bowl. The disadvantage of this is that the composite is unstable. For example, it is not possible to safely lift the water pipe as a complete package on the smoke column, as the connection can come loose. Bringing together and releasing the connection is only possible with effort. The necessary force depends on the gap width between the closure element and the bowl and on the soft seal. The inner diameter of the bowl varies by up to 2 mm due to production. Due to the resulting different gap widths, the force required to connect and disconnect the connection varies considerably. This repels many consumers because glowing coals are used in the operation of the hookah and the consumer desires a stable and safe-to-use product. In general, such a closure can be described as uncomfortable and unsafe.

Proceeding from this state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adapter or a closure for a water pipe that is safe, easy and convenient to use and that can be used on water containers (or bowls) with different connection dimensions.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a closure base (this is an adapter) according to the teaching of claim 1 and a closure according to the teaching of claim 12. A hookah according to the invention is defined in claim 14. Advantageous configurations of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

A lower closure part according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe has a closure element that extends in an axial direction and has a continuous opening in the axial direction, and is characterized in that the lower closure part has a clamping device with a circumferential clamping element that can be changed in the radial direction, which is set up for this purpose is, in an attached condition to the water tank, to generate a radially directed clamping force for clamping the closure base between opposite walls of the water tank or for clamping the water tank between opposite walls of the closure base. The clamping force can be based on a change in the diameter of the clamping element in the radial direction.

Due to the radial clamping force, the closure lower part forms a stable connection with the water tank when it is attached to the water tank, in which displacement of the closure in relation to the water tank is reduced or prevented, in particular displacement in the radial direction. When attached, the lower part of the closure and the water tank are connected to each other by means of a force fit. In addition, a gap in the radial direction between the water tank and the closure element can also be sealed airtight, so that no secondary air is sucked through the gap into the water tank when the smoke hose of the water pipe is sucked. The clamping force can also be dimensioned in such a way that it compensates for a weight of the water container such that the water pipe can be lifted at the lower closure part without the water container detaching from the lower closure part, which simplifies use of the water pipe.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lower closure part also has a displacement element that can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the closure element and is set up to change the clamping element in the radial direction as a result of an axial displacement of the displacement element relative to the closure element. The displacement element can, for example, have a first surface and be set up to hold the clamping element between the first surface and a second surface of the closure element lying opposite it in the axial direction as a result of the to compress axial displacement, such that the diameter of the clamping element changes in the radial direction.

As a result, the clamping force can be generated in a simple manner and released again by reversing the axial displacement.

When reference is made herein to a movement (e.g. translation, rotation, etc.) of a first element with respect to a second element, a relative movement between the first element and the second element is meant. That is, the first element can move while the second element does not move or moves differently than the first element; or the second element may move while the first element does not move or moves differently than the second element.

To carry out the axial displacement, the lower closure part can optionally have an actuating element connected to the displacement element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first surface of the displacement element and/or the second surface of the closure element are inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the axial direction.

As a result, the clamping element can be displaced in the radial direction as a result of the axial displacement of the displacement element. Because the first and/or second surface is inclined, a radially directed force component is generated, which displaces, for example spreads, the clamping element in the radial direction. In addition to compression in the axial direction, this is another possibility to change the diameter of the clamping element in the radial direction in order to generate the clamping force.

Such an effect can also be produced in that the clamping element is provided on a section of the displacement element which extends in the axial direction, in such a way that it overlaps with this section in a radial projection and an outer diameter of the displacement element decreases within this section in the direction of the closure element.

If the first and/or second surfaces are inclined, the force component acting on the clamping element may be reduced in the axial direction, such that the clamping element is compressed only very slightly. Such a state is also a state in which the clamping element is compressed between the first surface and a second surface of the closure element lying opposite it in the axial direction as a result of the axial displacement of the displacement element.

In a further configuration, the closure element has a cylindrical section with a thread and the displacement element has a cylindrical section with a corresponding mating thread, which are set up in such a way that the displacement element and the closure element can be displaced relative to one another as a result of a rotary movement in the axial direction. In one embodiment, the displacement element has an internal thread, for example, and the cylindrical section of the closure element has a corresponding external thread. In another embodiment, the displacement element has an external thread, for example, and the cylindrical section of the closure element has a corresponding internal thread.

With such a thread device, the axial displacement can be effected in an advantageous manner. The axial displacement corresponds to a translational component of a spiral movement.

In one configuration of a lower closure part provided with such a thread device, the displacement element is set up to be in frictional contact with a wall of the water tank when it is attached to the water tank, such that when the displacement element rotates due to the friction, the displacement element also rotates less or prevented becomes. In order to promote such frictional contact, a region of the sliding element which is in contact with the wall of the water tank can contain or be coated with a material which increases the friction with respect to the wall of the water tank.

As a result, when the closure element rotates, the closure element rotates relative to the displacement element, so that the displacement element displaces in the axial direction in relation to the closure element.

In a further embodiment of a lower closure part provided with such a thread device, the clamping element is set up to be in frictional contact with a wall of the water tank when it is attached to the water tank, such that when the sliding element rotates due to the friction, the clamping element also rotates or prevented. Moreover, the clamping element and the displacement element are in frictional contact with each other. Furthermore, the lower closure part can have a friction-reducing element or a friction-reducing coating, which is arranged in the axial direction between the clamping element and the second surface of the closure element and is set up in such a way that when the closure element is rotated, rotation of the clamping element is reduced or prevented.

This reduces or prevents the displacement element from rotating when the closure element rotates. I.e. when the closure element is rotated, the closure element rotates relative to the displacement element, with the result that the displacement element is displaced in the axial direction in relation to the closure element.

In another embodiment of the invention, the lower closure part has a valve system for supplying compressed air to the clamping element and is set up in such a way that supplying compressed air causes the diameter of the clamping element to change, for example because a pressure inside the clamping element is increased or decreased. The clamping force can thus be adjusted by the supplied compressed air. A displacement element is not necessary in such an embodiment.

In a further embodiment, the clamping element contains an elastic element, for example a spring, which is set up to bring about a radial change in the clamping element, and a ventilation device for reducing a the pressure prevailing in the clamping element. The spring presses, for example, an outer wall of the clamping element radially outwards and thereby generates a clamping force when it is attached to the water tank. This counteracts a pressure reduction in the clamping element brought about by the venting device. The clamping force can thus be adjusted by controlling the pressure in the clamping element. A displacement element can also be dispensed with in this configuration.

In a further embodiment, the lower closure part has, at its end opposite the clamping device in the axial direction, i.e. at its upper end, a connection device for connecting an upper closure part.

A closure according to the invention has a closure lower part according to the invention, at the upper end of which, i.e. at the end opposite the clamping device in the axial direction, is attached an upper closure part which has a second closure element, a continuous opening for a smoke pipe, at least one connection opening for at least one smoke hose and has at least one continuous first recess for the air-permeable connection between the water tank and the connection opening.

In one configuration of the closure, the second closure element has an essentially cylindrical section and the first closure element has an essentially cylindrical section, which are plugged into one another and set up in such a way that an axial displacement of the first closure element with respect to the second closure element is prevented by a positive fit is, while a 360 ° rotatability of the first closure element is maintained with respect to the second closure element. The rotatability has the advantage that handling becomes more variable without the stability of the closure suffering as a result.

In one embodiment, the form fit is achieved in that the cylindrical section of the first closure element and/or the cylindrical section of the second closure element has a peripheral recess into which an axial locking element, for example an O-ring, is inserted.

In another embodiment of the closure, the lower closure part according to the invention is formed in one piece with the upper closure part, such that the closure element contains the at least one for at least one smoke hose and the at least one continuous first recess for the air-permeable connection between the water tank and the connection opening.

According to the invention, a water pipe is also provided which has a water container and a closure according to the invention attached thereto according to one of the configurations described above.

In one embodiment of the water pipe, the water container has a recess for receiving the clamping element. This can encircle the water tank in a ring and is located in an embodiment in which the closure element is clamped between opposite walls of the water tank, generally along the inner wall of the water tank, and in an embodiment in which the water tank is clamped between opposite walls of the closure element , along the outer wall of the water tank. In addition to the frictional connection described above, a positive connection between the closure and the water tank is also possible. As a result, the tightness and stability of the water pipe can be further increased.

Further features and advantages of the present invention result from the following drawings, comparative examples and exemplary embodiments, on the basis of which the invention is to be explained in more detail by way of example, without restricting the invention to these.

Fig. 1

in schematischer nicht maßstäblicher Darstellung den grundsätzlichen Aufbau einer Wasserpfeife mit einem zwei Verschlusselemente umfassenden Verschluss nach dem Stand der Technik.

Fig. 2

in schematischer nicht maßstäblicher Darstellung den grundsätzlichen Aufbau einer Wasserpfeife mit einem ein einzelnes Verschlusselement umfassenden Verschluss nach dem Stand der Technik.

Fig. 3

ein erstes Vergleichsbeispiel in Form eines Verschlusses nach dem Stand der Technik mit zwei Verschlusselementen und einer optionalen Ventilanordnungen nach Art eines Rückschlagventils.

Fig. 4

ein zweites Vergleichsbeispiel in Form eines Verschlusses nach dem Stand der Technik mit einem Verschlusselement und einer optionalen Ventilanordnungen nach Art eines Rückschlagventils.

Fig. 5a

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geöffneten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 5b

den erfindungsgemäßen Verschluss von Fig. 5a im geklemmten Zustand.

Fig. 6a bis c

ein Verschiebelement mit verschiedenartig ausgestalteten Reibelementen.

Fig. 7

den erfindungsgemäßen Verschluss von Fig. 5a im geklemmten Zustand, wobei der Wasserbehälter ferner eine Aussparung zur Aufnahme des Klemmelements aufweist.

Fig. 8a

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geöffneten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 8b

den erfindungsgemäßen Verschluss von Fig. 8a in einem geklemmten Zustand.

Fig. 9

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geklemmten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 10

ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geklemmten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 11

ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem druckluftbetätigten, im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geklemmten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist..

Fig. 12

ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem unterdruckbetätigten, im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geklemmten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 13a

ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geklemmten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil einstückig mit dem Verschlussoberteil ausgebildet ist.

Fig. 13b

den erfindungsgemäßen Verschluss von Fig. 13a in einem geöffneten Zustand.

Fig. 14a

ein achtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geöffneten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil und das Verschlussoberteil mittels einer Gewindeeinrichtung voneinander trennbar ausgebildet sind.

Fig. 14b

den erfindungsgemäßen Verschluss aus Fig. 14a ohne das Verschlussoberteil 42 im geklemmten Zustand.

Fig. 15

ein neuntes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verschlusses für einen Wasserbehälter einer Wasserpfeife mit einem im Durchmesser veränderbaren Klemmelement in einem geöffneten Zustand, wobei das Verschlussunterteil und das Verschlussoberteil zueinander 360°drehbar sind.

Show it:

1

in a schematic representation, not to scale, the basic structure of a water pipe with a closure comprising two closure elements according to the prior art.

2

in a schematic representation, not to scale, the basic structure of a water pipe with a closure comprising a single closure element according to the prior art.

3

a first comparative example in the form of a closure according to the prior art with two closure elements and an optional valve arrangement of the type of a check valve.

4

a second comparative example in the form of a closure according to the prior art with a closure element and an optional valve arrangement of the type of a check valve.

Figure 5a

a first embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a variable-diameter clamping element in an open state, wherein the closure lower part is integrally formed with the closure upper part.

Figure 5b

the closure of the invention Figure 5a in the clamped state.

Figures 6a to c

a displacement element with differently configured friction elements.

7

the closure of the invention Figure 5a in the clamped state, the water container also having a recess for receiving the clamping element.

Figure 8a

a second embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a diameter-changeable clamping element in an open state, wherein the lower closure part is formed in one piece with the upper closure part.

Figure 8b

the closure of the invention Figure 8a in a stuck state.

9

a third exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a clamping element whose diameter can be changed in a clamped state, the lower closure part being formed in one piece with the upper closure part.

10

a fourth exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a clamping element whose diameter can be changed in a clamped state, the lower closure part being formed in one piece with the upper closure part.

11

a fifth exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a compressed air-actuated clamping element with a variable diameter in a clamped state, the lower closure part being formed in one piece with the upper closure part.

12

a sixth embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a vacuum-actuated, variable-diameter clamping element in a clamped state, the closure lower part being formed in one piece with the closure upper part.

13a

a seventh exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water container of a water pipe with a clamping element whose diameter can be changed in a clamped state, the lower closure part being formed in one piece with the upper closure part.

Figure 13b

the closure of the invention 13a in an open state.

14a

an eighth exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a diameter-changeable clamping element in an open state, the lower closure part and the upper closure part being designed to be separable from one another by means of a thread device.

Figure 14b

the closure according to the invention 14a without the closure top 42 in the clamped state.

15

a ninth exemplary embodiment of a closure according to the invention for a water tank of a water pipe with a clamping element that can be changed in diameter in an open state, the lower closure part and the upper closure part being rotatable by 360° relative to one another.

one inside 1 The water pipe 99 shown according to the prior art initially has a water container 05 which, during operation, is filled with water 03 in such a way that an air space 07 remains above the liquid level 04 . The water container 05 is closed with a closure 98`. A flue pipe 06 extends through the closure 98`, the lower end of which opens out into the water tank 05 below the liquid level 04 in the water 03. In the area of its upper end, the smoke pipe 06 is provided with a tobacco head 17, on which glowing coal and the tobacco to be vaporized are held. A smoke hose 20 is arranged on the closure 98` in a recess 27 which extends through the closure 98` into the air space 07. If a user now sucks on the smoke hose 20, he creates a negative pressure in the water tank 05, more precisely in the air space 07, through which the air enriched with the vaporized tobacco aromas is sucked through the smoke pipe 06 and the water 03 and cooled, cleaned and humidified by the smoke hose 20 User is supplied. In order to be able to generate this negative pressure, it is important that a gap between the water container and the closure is sealed airtight, such that no secondary air that would hinder the generation of negative pressure is sucked in.

The closure 98' has a first closure element 01' and a second closure element 02', which are plugged into one another or screwed together. The second closure element 02` is permanently connected to the water tank 05 to achieve the necessary tightness, for example glued to it. The disadvantage of this is that such a closure 98' generally has to be individually adapted to the water container 05 due to the high manufacturing tolerances during the manufacture of the water container 05, which makes manufacture more expensive.

The one in the 2 The water pipe 99 shown according to the prior art corresponds to that of FIG 1 . the inside 2 The closure 98` shown has a single closure element 01′ provided with a lamellar seal 08. The disadvantage of this is that the combination of closure 98' and water container 05 is generally unstable and can shift in the radial and/or axial direction.

3 shows in detail an exemplary embodiment of the in 1 shown two-piece closure 98` according to the prior art. This has a first closure element 01' and a second closure element 02' and also an optional valve arrangement 09. The second closure element 02' has a substantially cylindrical section 14, which at its lower end (ie the end facing the water tank 05) has a flange-like paragraph 15 is provided. The inside diameter of the flange-like shoulder 15 is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the neck 51 of the water tank 05, so that the second closure element 02 can be placed on the neck 51 of the water tank 05 and glued there, for example. The neck 51 of the water tank 05 is an upper portion of the water tank 05 having a substantially cylindrical shape.

The first closure element 01 ′ has an upper section 30 and a likewise essentially cylindrical section 12 . The cylindrical section 12 of the first closure element 01' is shaped and dimensioned in such a way that it can be inserted or screwed into the cylindrical section 14 of the second closure element 02' and removed again from there.

The first closure element 01' has a continuous opening 22. A two-part flue pipe 23 and 24 is fastened in this opening 22 , the upper flue pipe 23 being screwed into an upper region of the opening 22 and the lower flue pipe 24 screwed into a lower region of the opening 22 . At the upper end of the upper flue pipe 23, which is not shown, as in 1 or 2 shown, a tobacco head 17 attached. The lower flue pipe 24 opens into the liquid 03 in the water tank 05.

In the upper section 30 of the first closure element 01', two recesses 26 are arranged at an angle of approximately 45° to the flue pipe axis, in each of which a connection opening 19 for connecting an in 1 or 2 illustrated smoke hose 20 is introduced. The recesses 26 for accommodating the connection openings 19 open into essentially cylindrical recesses 27 which are open towards the interior air space 07 .

Optional valve arrangements 09 are provided in the recesses 27 and each have a valve body 10 and a valve seat 11 . The connection openings 19 are screwed into the first closure element 01'. The screw connection is detachable so that the valve body 10 can be optionally removed.

4 shows in detail an exemplary embodiment of the in 2 shown closure 98` according to the prior art. This provides a single closure element 01', which has an essentially cylindrical section 12, the outer diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the neck 51 of the water container 05, so that it can be inserted into the neck 51 of the water container 05 and removed again from there can.

The closure element 01' has a peripheral lamellar seal 08 on its cylindrical section 12, which is in sealing contact with a wall 13 in the neck 51 of the water container 05, such that a gap 56 between an outer wall 18 of the closure element 01 and an inner wall 13 of the neck section 51 is hermetically sealed.

An upper section 30 of the closure element 01' has at least one recess 26, in each of which a connection opening 19 for connecting an in 1 and 2 illustrated smoke hose 20 is introduced. The at least one recess 26 for receiving the at least one smoke tube 19 opens into at least one recess 27, which is open towards the lower end of the closure element 01 and opens into the air space 07.

The closure element 01' also has one or more optional recesses 52, which enable a connection from the air space 07 to the ambient air. An optional valve arrangement 55 is provided in each of the at least one recesses 52 , each having a valve body 53 and a valve seat 54 .

Figure 5a shows a first exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 according to the invention for a water container 05 of a water pipe 99. In this embodiment, the lower closure part 41 is formed in one piece with the upper closure part 42. A similar configuration, in which the lower closure part 41 is not formed in one piece with the upper closure part 42, is shown in FIG 14a shown.

Since water containers 05 for water pipes 99 are generally rotationally symmetrical to an axis of rotation A1 for manufacturing reasons, reference is made to such an axis in the description of the closure 98 according to the invention insofar as a direction parallel to such an axis of rotation A1 is referred to as the axial direction and a direction perpendicular thereto the direction radiating from or aiming at the axis of rotation A1 is referred to as the radial direction. However, the closures 98 according to the invention are not limited to rotationally symmetrical water containers 05. This is expressed in the claims by the attribute "substantially". Likewise, in the embodiments shown, the axial direction is a vertical direction and a radial direction is a horizontal direction, but is not limited thereto.

the inside Figure 5a The closure 98 according to the invention shown has a closure element 01 that extends in an axial direction and has a continuous opening 22 for a smoke pipe 06, at least one connection opening 19 for at least one smoke hose 20 and at least one continuous first recess 27 for the air-permeable connection between the water tank 05 and the connection opening 19 on. How in relation to 3 has been described, a two-part flue pipe 23 and 24 can be fastened in this opening 22, with the upper flue pipe 23 being screwed into an upper region of the opening 22 and the lower flue pipe 24 being screwed into a lower region of the opening 22. At the upper end of the upper flue pipe 23 (not shown), as in 1 or 2 shown a tobacco head 17 may be attached. The lower flue pipe 24 extends into the water tank 05 and can open into a liquid 03 located in the water tank 05 during operation. In this regard, the closure element 01 does not differ from the prior art and can be modified as is known in the prior art. So the closure element 01 of Figure 5a (And also other closure elements 01, 02 described below) for example also in relation to 3 and 4 have valve assemblies 09, 55 described.

According to the invention, the closure 98 has a clamping device 97 on the lower closure part 41, which has a circumferential clamping element 16 that can be changed in the radial direction. The clamping element 16 is provided here on a section 12 of the closure element 01 that extends in the axial direction, such that it overlaps with this section 12 in a radial projection. Such a clamping element 16 can be used as in Figure 5a shown, for example, be a sealing ring (O-ring), which surrounds a portion 12 of the closure element 01 that can be introduced into the water tank 05. This section 12 that can be introduced into the water tank 05 can be referred to as the lower section because it faces the water tank 05, can be essentially cylindrical, for example, and, like the clamping element 16, has a slightly smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of the neck 51 of the water tank 05 so that it can be introduced into the neck 51 of the water tank 51. This in Figure 5a The closure element 01 shown is therefore included designed to be at least partially introduced into a neck area 51 of the water container 05. An upper region 30 of the closure element 01 (i.e. a section of the upper closure part 42 that is further away from the water tank 05 in the axial direction with respect to the lower section) can have a larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the neck 51 of the water tank 05, so that only the bottom section 12 of the Closure element 01 can be introduced into the neck 51 of the water tank 05.

the inside Figure 5a The closure 98 according to the invention shown also has a displacement element 32 on the closure lower part 41, which can be displaced in the axial direction with respect to the closure element 01. The displacement element 32 is set up to change the diameter of the clamping element 16 in the radial direction as a result of a displacement in the axial direction with respect to the closure element 01 . The change can be an increase in diameter as shown here. This can be brought about by compressing the clamping element 16 in the axial direction. For this purpose, the displacement element 32 has a first surface 80 in the axial direction, and the closure element 01 has a second surface 81 opposite the first surface 80 of the displacement element 32, between which, as a result of an axial displacement of the displacement element 32 with respect to the closure element 01, the clamping element 16 is compressed. As a result of such a compression, the clamping element 16 expands in the radial direction, in particular if it consists of an elastic material, and thus increases its diameter in the radial direction. This pushes it, as in Figure 5b shown, against inner walls 13 of the water tank and thus clamps the closure element 01, which is surrounded by the clamping element 16, between opposite inner walls 13 of the water tank 05. The clamping element 16 is therefore set up to generate a clamping force for clamping the closure element 01 between opposing walls 13 of the water container 05 as a result of axial compression. In such a state, the clamping element 16 is in a state attached to the water tank 05 . Such a condition can be referred to as a stuck condition. In contrast, shows Figure 5a an open state, since the clamping element 51 is not clamped between opposite walls 13 of the water tank 05.

When clamped or attached to the water tank 05, the clamping element 16 closes a gap 56 in the radial direction between the water tank 05 and the closure element 01 in an airtight manner, such that no secondary air is sucked in, and thus the desired negative pressure is created by sucking on the smoke hose 20 in the water tank 05 arises.

The clamping force can be adjusted in such a way that it is greater than the weight of the water container 05, so that it is possible to safely lift the water pipe 99 as a complete package at the closure 98 without the connection coming loose. The connection between the water container 05 and the closure 98 is advantageously reversible and can be released again by reversing the radial change in the diameter of the clamping element 16, for example by displacing the displacement element 32 in a direction opposite to the direction of compression. In the embodiments shown, the direction of compression is axially upward and the opposite direction of compression is axially downward, but is not limited thereto.

As in Figure 5a and b shown, the first surface 80 of the displacement element 32 can be inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the axial direction, for example inclined toward a wall 13 of the water tank 05, such that as a result of the displacement of the displacement element 32 in the axial direction, a change in the clamping element 16 in the radial direction is effected. In the present configuration, the first surface 80 of the displacement element 32 is inclined relative to the inner wall 13 of the water tank 05, so that an axial upward displacement of the displacement element 32 spreads the clamping element 16 in such a way that its inner diameter increases and the clamping element 16 presses against the Inner wall 13 of the water tank 05 presses. As with the compression described above, an axial displacement results in a change in the diameter of the clamping element 16 in the radial direction and thus a clamping force that clamps the closure 98 or the closure element 01 between the walls 13 of the water container 05. Alternatively and/or in addition to this, the second surface 81 of the closure element 01 can also be inclined in this way.

This in Figure 5a and b The closure element 1 shown also has a cylindrical section 12 with a thread 39 (in this embodiment, an external thread) and the displacement element 32 has a cylindrical section 38 with a corresponding mating thread 39 (in this embodiment, an internal thread), which are set up in such a way that the displacement element 32 and the closure element 01 can be displaced relative to one another in the axial direction as a result of a rotational movement relative to one another. This means that the above-described displacement of the displacement element 32 in the axial direction takes place as a result of a rotation of the displacement element 32 in relation to the closure element 01 about an axial axis of rotation (A1). In this configuration, the displacement element 32 can be a screw nut, for example.

An attachment of the in Figure 5a and 5b The closure 98 shown (or the lower closure part 41) on a water container 98 can be achieved by inserting a lower area of the closure 98, which contains the clamping element 16 and the displacement element 32, into the neck 51 of the water container 05 in such a way that a section of the displacement element 01, for example an outer region thereof, comes into contact with an inner wall 13 of the water tank 05 and is in frictional contact with it. This prevents or reduces rotation of the displacement element 01 when the closure element 01 rotates about a substantially axial axis of rotation (A1), with the result that the closure element 01 rotates in relation to the displacement element 32. Due to this relative rotation, there is a relative displacement between the displacement element 32 and the closure element 01 in the axial direction and the clamping element 16 is compressed as described above, assuming the corresponding direction of rotation.

In order to increase the frictional contact, the displacement element 32 (in particular the area of the displacement element 32 that comes into contact with the wall 13 of the water tank 05) can be made of a material that increases friction in relation to the material of the wall of the water tank 05, for example nitrile rubber (NBR). , or be coated with such a material. Advantageously, the displacement element 32 has a flexible diameter in such a case in order to be able to compensate for the large glass tolerances. For this purpose, the displacement element 32 can have a friction element 70 which does not require any appreciable force for inserting or removing the closure 98 but generates enough radial friction. Such a friction element 70 can, for example, be in the form of a circumferential NBR lip ( Figure 6a ), a surrounding foam rubber ( Figure 6b ) or an O-ring in a V-shaped groove ( Figure 6c ) be trained. The friction element 70 does not have to seal.

The described co-rotation of the displacement element 32 can optionally also be prevented by the clamping element 16 and the displacement element 32 being in frictional contact with one another and the clamping element 16 coming into frictional contact with an inner wall 13 of the water container 05 . It can be beneficial to also reduce friction between the clamping element 16 and the closure element 01, for example between the clamping element 16 and the second surface 81 of the closure element 01, which is opposite the first surface 80 of the displacement element 32 in the axial direction, so that the clamping element can also rotate 16 is prevented or reduced when the closure element 01 rotates about a substantially axial axis of rotation (A1). This can be accomplished, for example, by incorporating a friction-reducing element, such as a PTFE back-up ring (not shown), or a friction-reducing coating. Because the clamping element 16 is in frictional contact with the displacement element 32 and frictional contact between the clamping element 16 and the closure element 01 is reduced, the displacement element rotates when the closure element 01 rotates and the clamping element 16 comes into frictional contact with an inner wall 13 of the water container 05 32 relative to the closure element 01 and there is a relative displacement between the displacement element 32 and the closure element 01 in the axial direction. The clamping element 16 can consist of NBR, for example, and can be a soft-sealing sealing ring, for example.

In order to bring the clamping element 16 and/or the displacement element 32 into contact with the inner wall 13 of the water container 05, it may be necessary under certain circumstances be, after inserting a lower portion of the cap into the water tank 05, to incline the cap 98 slightly with respect to the axial direction at the beginning of the rotary movement.

7 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the closure 98 or the lower closure part 41 of FIG Figure 5a and b is used, and differs in that a recess 31 is provided in the inner wall 13 of the water tank 05, set up in such a way that the clamping element 16 also engages in the recess 31 in a form-fitting manner in the clamped state. The recess 31 can be a peripheral recess 31 .

This in Figure 8a and b The second exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention corresponds in terms of structure and function essentially to that in relation to FIG figure 5 described embodiment and it is to avoid repetition in relation to figure 5 statements made. The lower closure part 41 can, as in Figure 8a , b shown, may be formed integrally with the closure top 42. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. It differs in that the closure element 01 has an internal thread instead of an external thread and the clamping element 33 has an external thread instead of an internal thread. Furthermore, the clamping element 36 is provided on an axially extending portion 38 of the displacement element 33 such that it overlaps with this portion 38 in a radial projection.

The closure element 01 is also designed in such a way that it cannot be inserted into the water tank 05. Instead, an upper area of the displacement element 33, in a state attached to the water tank 05, extends out of the water tank 05 and is attached to a lower area of the closure element 01 by means of the thread device 39 so that it can be moved in a spiral manner about an axis of rotation A1. However, configurations are not limited to this and the closure element 01 can also contain a region that extends into the water container 05 when it is attached to the water container 05 . The displacement element 33 can be a clamping sleeve, for example. As a result of a rotation of the closure element 01 to the axis of rotation A1 with respect to the displacement element 33, the first surface 80 of the displacement element 33 approaches the second surface 81 of the closure element 01 and the clamping element 36 is compressed such that it changes in the radial direction and generates a clamping force. Figure 8a 12 shows the closure 98 in an open condition in which the clamping element is uncompressed, and FIG Figure 8b 12 shows the closure 98 in a clamped state in which the clamping element 36 is compressed.

This in 9 The illustrated third exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to that in relation to FIG figure 5 and 6 described exemplary embodiments and reference is made to the above statements to avoid repetition. The lower closure part 41 can, as in 9 shown, may be formed integrally with the closure top 42. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The clamping element 36 is provided on a section 38 of the displacement element 34 extending in the axial direction in such a way that it overlaps with this section 38 in a radial projection. It differs in that the closure element 01 and the displacement element 34 are provided without the threads 39 described above. That is, the axial displacement of the displacement element 34 in relation to the closure element 01 to change the diameter of the clamping element 36 in the radial direction is purely of a translatory nature, ie it contains no rotational component. By means of an actuating lever 35 (as an example of an actuating element) attached to the upper side 30 of the closure element 01, which is connected to the displacement element 34 through the closure element 01, the displacement element 34 can be displaced in the axial direction in relation to the closure element 01. In this embodiment, it can be beneficial to reduce friction between the inner wall 13 of the water tank 05 and the displacement element 35 . Within the section 38 of the displacement element 34 that extends in the axial direction and with which the clamping element 36 overlaps in a radial projection, the outer diameter of the displacement element 34 decreases in the direction of the closure element 01 (i.e. in the upward direction). Displacement element 34 with respect to the closure element 01 in addition to compression also cause a spreading of the clamping element 36 in the radial direction when the clamping element 36 during an axial displacement transitions from an area with a smaller outside diameter to an area with a larger outside diameter.

This in 10 The illustrated fourth exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to that in relation to FIG figure 5 and 7 described embodiments and reference is made to the statements there to avoid repetition. The lower closure part 41 can, as in 10 shown, may be formed integrally with the closure top 42. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. The clamping element 16 is provided on a section 12 of the closure element 01 extending in the axial direction in such a way that it overlaps with this section 12 in a radial projection. The displacement element 32 has an internal thread and the closure element 01 has an external thread. The threads 39 extend along the axial direction. In a state attached to the water tank 05 , a radially extending section of the displacement element 01 rests on the neck 51 of the water tank 51 and a section extending in the axial direction extends into the water tank 05 . In contrast to the in figure 5 described embodiment, the first surface 80 of the displacement element 37 is directed downwards (ie pointing towards the bottom of the water tank 05) and the second surface 81 of the closure element 01, opposite the first surface 80, is directed upwards (ie pointing away from the bottom of the water tank 05). In contrast to the in figure 5 The exemplary embodiment described is the first surface 80 in the axial direction closer to the bottom of the water tank 05 than the second surface 81. The radially extending section of the displacement element 51 is arranged and dimensioned in such a way that a user can move the displacement element 01 from the outside (on the actuating element 35) and can thus prevent the displacement element 37 from rotating as well when the closure element 01 is rotated. Frictional contact between the displacement element 37 and the wall 13 of the water tank 05 to prevent it from rotating is therefore not necessary.

This in 11 The illustrated fifth exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention differs from the above-described embodiments in that no displacement element is provided. Instead, the radially directed clamping force generated by the clamping element 61 for clamping the closure element 01 between opposite walls 13 of the water tank 05 is based on the compressed air supplied. For example, compressed air can be supplied to an interior of the clamping element 61 via a valve device 62, as a result of which the clamping element expands and thus changes, in particular increases, its diameter in the radial direction. Otherwise, the statements made in relation to the previous exemplary embodiments apply and reference is made to them to avoid repetition. The clamping element 61 can be a membrane, for example, to which compressed air is applied. As in the above configurations, the lower closure part 41 can be formed in one piece with the upper closure part 42 and the clamping element 61 is provided on a section 12 of the closure element 01 extending in the axial direction, such that it overlaps with this section 12 in a radial projection.

That in the 12 The illustrated sixth exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to that of FIG 11 and reference is made to the relevant statements. It is decided that the clamping element 61 contains an elastic element 64, for example a spring, which is set up to bring about a radial change in the clamping element 61, and a venting device 63 for reducing a pressure prevailing in the clamping element 61. The elastic element 64 presses an outer wall of the clamping element 61 radially outwards, for example, and thereby generates a clamping force when it is attached to the water tank 05. This counteracts a pressure reduction in the clamping element 61 caused by the ventilation device 63 . The clamping force can thus be adjusted by controlling the pressure in the clamping element 61 . A displacement element can also be dispensed with in this configuration.

That in the 13a illustrated seventh embodiment of a closure 98 or closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to the previous embodiments and it is to avoid repetition on the statements made there. The clamping element 16 has a wedge-like or V-shaped cross section and is provided on a section 12 of the closure element 01 that extends in the axial direction, such that it overlaps with this section 12 in a radial projection. The wedge tip points downwards in the axial direction. In other words, the clamping member 16 is arranged so that its outer diameter increases in an axial direction from bottom to top. At the thinner part of the clamping element 16, the outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the neck 51 of the water tank 05, and at its thicker part, the outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the neck 51 of the water tank 05. The clamping element 16 can thus be easily inserted into the water tank 05 and when the outer diameter becomes larger than the inner diameter of the neck 51, it creates a clamping effect which fixes the closure 98 or the closure base 41 within the water container (see Fig 13a ). Since pulling it out again, particularly in the case of a V-shaped clamping element 16, is made more difficult because of the resulting barb effect, the closure 98 or the closure element 41 has a displacement element 34 with which an outer diameter can be changed in the radial direction as a result of an axial displacement of the displacement element 34 can. An upward displacement causes a reduction in the outer diameter, such that the clamping force is released and the closure 98 or the lower closure part 41 can be removed from the water container again (cf. Figure 13b ).

That in the 14a The illustrated eighth exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to that with respect to FIG figure 5 closure 98 or closure lower part 41 described and reference is made to the statements made there to avoid repetition. An open state is shown. The closure 98 differs in that the lower closure part 41 is not formed in one piece with the upper closure part 41 . Instead, the upper closure part 42 and the lower closure part 41 are separably connected to one another by means of a connecting device 72 . The lower closure part 42 has the closure element 01 and the upper closure part 42 has a second closure element 02 . The second closure element 02 contains the at least one connection opening 19 for at least one smoke hose 20 and the at least one continuous first recess 27 for the air-permeable connection between the water tank 05 and the connection opening 19. The closure element 01 and the second closure element 02 are designed in such a way that they can be plugged into one another and/or screwed together. For this purpose, the closure element 01 has a substantially cylindrical section 66 at its upper end (i.e. the end facing the second closure element 02) and the second closure element 02 has a substantially cylindrical section 67 at its lower end (ie the end facing the closure element 01). . The outer diameter of the essentially cylindrical section 67 of the second closure element 02 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical section 66 of the closure element 01, so that they can be plugged into one another. A thread device 71 with complementary threads is also provided on the essentially cylindrical sections 66, 67, so that the closure element 01 can be screwed to the second closure element 02. The cylindrical section 66 of the closure element 01 has an internal thread and the cylindrical section 67 of the second closure element 02 has an external thread. Instead of the thread device 71, a bayonet lock can also be used, for example.

The lower closure part 41 without the upper closure part 42 is in Figure 14b shown in a clamped state.

That in the 15 The illustrated ninth exemplary embodiment of a closure 98 or lower closure part 41 according to the invention essentially corresponds to that in relation to FIG 14 described embodiment and to avoid repetition, reference is made to the statements made there. It differs with regard to the connection device 72. This is set up in such a way that the closure element 01 and the second closure element 02 can be rotated in any direction with respect to one another. Instead of a thread device 71, a peripheral recess (or indentation) 68 is provided on the essentially cylindrical section 66 of the closure element 01 and/or on the essentially cylindrical section 67 of the second closure element 02, in which a blocking element 69, for example an O- Ring, a snap ring, a grub screw or a pin is provided set up in such a way that a axial displacement of the closure element 01 with respect to the second closure element 02 is prevented by means of a positive fit, while the closure element 01 remains rotatable with respect to the closure element 02 about an axis of rotation in the axial direction.

With regard to the exemplary embodiments described, various modifications are possible.

In the embodiments described above, the closure element 01 is clamped between opposite inner walls 13 of the water container 05 . However, the invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the neck 51 of the water container 05 can also be clamped between two opposite walls of the closure element 01. In such a case, the clamping element is set up to generate a radially inwardly directed clamping force on an outer wall of the neck 51 of the water container 05 . In such a case, the clamping element generally has an inside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the neck 51 of the water container 05, and the change in the diameter of the clamping element is directed radially inwards. That is, the change in the radial direction can correspond to a reduction in the inner diameter of the clamping element.

Both Figures 5 to 13 In the closures 98 shown, the lower closure part 41 is formed in one piece with the upper closure part 42 . However, the embodiments are not limited thereto and, as shown in FIGS 14 and 15 shown, may be provided separately from the closure top 42. Moreover, those in the 14 and 15 Lower closure parts 41 shown alternatively with a with respect to Figures 6 to 13 described clamping devices 97 may be provided.

Reference List

01'

first closure element according to the state of the art

02`

second closure element according to the prior art

01

(first) closure element

02

second closure element

03

Water

04

liquid level

05

water container (bowl)

06

flue pipe (multi-part)

07

airspace

08

lamellar seal

09

valve assembly

10

valve body

11

valve seat

12

cylindrical section of the (first) closure element

13

wall of the water tank

14

cylindrical section of the second closure element

15

Paragraph

16

clamping element (on the locking element)

17

tobacco head

18

Outer wall of the (first) closure element

19

Connection opening for smoke hose

20

smoke hose

22

Continuous opening (for flue pipe)

23

Upper smoke tube

24

Lower smoke tube

26

Recess for connection opening

27

smoke hose connection recess

30

upper section of the closure member

31

recess

32

Sliding element with internal thread

33

Sliding element with external thread

34

threadless sliding element

35

actuator

36

clamping element (on the sliding element)

38

Section of the slide element

39

thread

41

closure base

42

closure top

51

neck of the water container

52

recess

53

valve body

54

valve seat

55

valve assembly

56

gap

61

clamping element (membrane)

62

Valve

63

ventilation device

64

elastic element (e.g. spring)

66

cylindrical section of the (first) closure element

67

cylindrical section of the second closure element

68

circumferential recess

69

axial locking element

70

friction element

71

thread device

72

connection device

80

first surface of the sliding element

81

second surface of the closure element

97

clamping device

98

closure according to the invention

98'

conventional closure

99

hookah

Claims (15)

1. A closure bottom part for an essentially rotationally symmetric water container (05) of a water pipe (99), comprising a closure element (01) extending in an axial direction with a continuous opening (22) in an axial direction and characterized in that the closure bottom part (41) comprises a clamping means (97) having a circumferential clamping element (16; 36; 61) modifiable in a radial direction, which is configured to, in a state where it is affixed to the water container (05), create a radially directed clamping force in order to clamp the closure bottom part (41) between opposing walls (13) of the water container (05) or in order to clamp the water container (05) between opposing walls of the closure bottom part (41), wherein the clamping force is based on a modification of the diameter of the clamping element (16; 36; 61) in a radial direction, furthermore comprising a displacement element (32; 33; 34) displaceable in an axial direction with respect to the clamping element (01) which is configured to modify the clamping element (16; 36) in the radial direction as a result of an axial displacement of the displacement element (32; 33; 34) with respect to the closure element (01).
2. The closure bottom part according to claim 1, wherein the closure element (1) has a cylindrical portion (12) with a thread (39), and the displacement element (32; 33) has a cylindrical portion with a corresponding mating thread (39), and they are configured such that the displacement element (32; 33) and the closure element (01) are displaceable with respect to one another in an axial direction as a result of a rotation motion with respect to one another.
3. The closure bottom part according to claim 2, wherein the displacement element (32) has an internal thread, and the cylindrical portion (12) of the closure element (01) has an external thread.
4. The closure bottom part according to claim 2, wherein the displacement element (32) has an external thread, and the cylindrical portion (12) of the closure element (01) has an internal thread.
5. The closure bottom part according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an operating element (35) connected to the displacement element (33; 34).
6. The closure bottom part according to claim 1, further comprising a valve system (62) for supplying compressed air to the clamping element (61), which is configured such that a supply of compressed air effectuates the modification of the diameter of the clamping element (61).
7. The closure bottom part according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element (61) includes an elastic element, for example a spring element (64), which is configured to effectuate a radial modification of the clamping element (61), and a ventilation means (63) for reducing a pressure prevailing in a clamping element (01).
8. The closure bottom part according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the clamping element (16; 36; 61) is a sealing element, which is furthermore configured to, in a state where it is affixed to the water container (05), hermetically seal a gap (56) in a radial direction between the water container (05) and the closure element (01).
9. The closure bottom part according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the clamping element (16) is provided at a portion (12), of the closure element (01), extending in an axial direction such that it overlaps in a radial projection with this portion (12).
10. The closure bottom part according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the clamping element (36) is provided at a portion (38), of the displacement element (33; 34), extending in an axial direction such that it overlaps in a radial projection with this portion (38).
11. The closure bottom part according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the closure bottom part (41) has a connection means (72) at its end opposite, in the axial direction, of the clamping means (97) for connecting a closure upper part (42).
12. A closure for an essentially rotationally symmetric water container (05) of a water pipe (99), comprising a closure bottom part (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and a closure upper part (42) affixed to the end of the closure bottom part (98) opposite, in an axial direction, of the clamping means (97), and wherein the closure upper part (42) comprises a second closure element (02), a continuous opening (22) for a smoke tube (06), at least one connectivity opening (19) for at least one smoke hose (20) and at least one continuous first recess (27) for the air-permeable connection between the water container (05) and the connectivity opening (19), wherein the second closure element (02) has an essentially cylindrical portion (67), and the first closure element (01) has an essentially cylindrical portion (66), which are plugged into one another and are configured such that an axial displacement of the first closure element (01) with respect to the second closure element (02) is prevented by a positive engagement while a rotatability by 360° of the first closure element (01) with respect to the second closure element (02) is maintained.
13. The closure according to claim 12, wherein the cylindrical portion (66) of the first closure element (01) and/or the cylindrical portion (67) of the second closure element (02) comprises a circumferential recess (68) in which an axial blocking element (69) is fitted.
14. A water pipe with an essentially rotationally symmetric water container (5) and a closure (98) according to one of the claims 12 to 13.
15. The water pipe according to claim 14, in which one wall (13) of the water container (05) comprises a clearance (31) for accommodating the clamping element (16; 36; 61).

Images