FR3084563A1 - SMOKE GENERATING DEVICE FOR NARGUILE, AND NARGUILE PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This device comprises a hearth (1) intended for the reception of smoking tobacco, heating means (3) of this tobacco, as well as means of evacuation (11) of the smoke generated by the heating of this tobacco, as well that electrical supply means (7), making it possible to generate an alternating electric current, as well as induction means (5) capable of generating an electromagnetic field under the effect of the alternating electric current supplied by the supply means (7) electric, the induction means (5) being capable of causing an increase in temperature of the heating means (3). There are several advantages to using electromagnetic induction. Indeed, the rise in temperature is very rapid and can be implemented precisely. In addition, it is a remote heating mode, without contact, whose energy efficiency is high. Finally, the fact of using electromagnetic induction is also safer, since only parts specifically targeted and made of magnetic materials undergo a rise in temperature.

Description

Hookah smoke generating device, and hookah equipped with such a device

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of hookahs, also called hookahs or hookahs. Hookah is a product from the Middle East, which has been documented for at least five centuries. It is used to consume a specific type of tobacco, usually called molasse.

State of the art

Typically, a hookah includes a smoke generating device, which is typically disposed above a vertical chimney, forming a plunger. This chimney ensures the transport of the smoke thus produced, towards a container containing a liquid, typically water, which may include certain adjuvants. Passing through the liquid, the smoke is advantageously cooled and filtered. Then, this smoke is directed to a mouthpiece used by the smoker to inhale this smoke. The generation device produces the smoke thanks to a heating element, placed above the tobacco. In its traditional version, this heating element is coal. In order to avoid too rapid combustion, a heat shield is generally interposed between the heating element and the tobacco.

The known state of the art aims to propose different solutions, constituting alternatives to the coal conventionally used.

First, CN 202 680 470 submitted a solution, using electric coal. To this end, the proposed device incorporates a resistive electrical wire, embedded in the coal. This system is similar to that presented above, except that it incorporates this electrical element.

There are also other prior art proposals, involving electric heating means intended to replace traditional coal.

With this in mind, we first of all know from US 85 50091 a device comprising a power supply connected to the mains, the power consumption of which is close to 400 W. An electrical resistance is positioned above the tobacco, in order to vaporize it.

US 8,983,232 aims to improve the solution described immediately above, by adding a ventilation system to control the amount of incoming air. In addition, different configurations of the electrical resistance are proposed. Power is supplied by a transformer, or a battery.

Finally, we know from WO 2015/017224 a hookah incorporating an electric heating system, and using tobacco in the form of capsules. This document mentions the use of electrical resistors, without however describing in detail the exact way in which tobacco is heated.

The various solutions proposed above, in particular using electric heating means, are generally unsatisfactory. Indeed, they do not allow to obtain a quality close to traditional hookahs, using coal. In particular, these prior solutions do not make it possible to generate smoke, the characteristics of which are able to satisfy users. In this regard, the devices of the prior art are capable of burning tobacco and generating toxic substances. Under these conditions, hookah users generally do not use an electrical system, since these are neither functional nor practical, while being a source of potential danger.

In view of the above, the present invention aims to remedy at least certain drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

Objects of the invention

According to the invention, the above objective is achieved by means of a smoke generating device for hookah, this device comprising a hearth (1) intended for the reception of smoking tobacco, heating means (3) of this tobacco, as well as means of evacuation (11) of the smoke generated by the heating of this tobacco, characterized in that this device also comprises means of electrical supply (7), making it possible to generate an electric current alternating, as well as induction means (5) capable of generating an electromagnetic field under the effect of the alternating electric current supplied by the electrical supply means (7), the induction means (5) being capable of causing an increase in temperature of the heating means (3).

The generation device of the invention may include all or part of the following characteristics, insofar as they are technically compatible:

- It further comprises a heat shield (4), interposed between the induction means (5) and the heating means (3).

- The induction means (5) rest on a bottom (40) of the heat shield (4), said bottom (40) being distant from the heating means (3).

- The heating means and the heat shield define an intermediate volume (Vi), this intermediate volume being at least partially bordered laterally by walls (29), advantageously of a mobile nature, said walls defining at least one passage (P) d ambient air supply in said intermediate volume.

- It further comprises means (46) for concentrating the electromagnetic field.

- the concentration means (46) and the heating means (3) are arranged on either side of the bottom (40) of the heat shield (4).

- The induction means (5) comprise a solid part, as well as a coil of wire embedded in this massive part, this coil of wire being connected to the power supply means (6).

- The hearth (1) comprises a bowl (20) for receiving tobacco, said bowl (20) comprising enclosure walls, the heating means (3) comprising a heating member (3) forming, with said walls d 'enclosure, a substantially closed space.

- The heating element (3) is hollowed out with at least one air passage slot (32).

- the power supply means are integrated into a printed circuit (7).

- the power supply means (6) are connected to a direct current source, in particular a battery (6) or an external current source.

- It further comprises at least one measurement sensor (70) of at least one parameter, in particular temperature measurement and / or detection of inspiration of the user, as well as control means able to control the electrical supply means (7), in response to said measurement sensors (70).

- It further comprises at least one man-machine interface (74), capable of cooperating with the control means.

- the hearth (1), the heating means (3), the electrical supply means (7), the induction means (5), the control means and, where appropriate, the man-machine interface ( 74) are integrated in a single module (M), said module (M) comprising fixing means, in particular removable, on a hookah body.

- the hearth (1), the heating means (3) and the induction means (5) are integrated in a main module (M1), while the power supply means (7), the control means and , if necessary, the man-machine interface (74) are integrated into an annex module (M2) remote from said main module (M1), this device further comprising connection means between this main module (M1) and this annex module (M2).

The invention also relates to a hookah comprising a body, said body comprising a container intended to contain a liquid, a smoke generating device, intended to direct smoke towards the container, as well as means for inhalation by a smoke user, having passed through said liquid, characterized in that the smoke generation device is as defined above.

According to an advantageous characteristic of this hookah, the electrical supply means (206, 306), the control means (207, 307) and, where appropriate, the man-machine interface (274, 374) are integrated into the body. hookah.

The present invention uses electromagnetic induction, within a hookah smoke generation device. The invention advantageously takes advantage of this induction phenomenon, in spatial configurations where the heat exchange with the incoming air is optimized. In the general principle of the invention, an alternating electric current is sent into induction means, typically formed by a part having a high inductance. An electromagnetic field is then created, the value of which is proportional to the current received. The electrical energy is then transformed into heat, by the Joule effect, so as to cause the heating means to rise in temperature.

There are several advantages to using electromagnetic induction. Indeed, the temperature rise is very rapid and can be implemented in a precise manner. In addition, it is a remote, contactless heating mode with high energy efficiency. Typically, according to the invention, about 90% of electrical energy is transformed into heat. This is to be compared with a value of around 60% for a resistance, as used in the prior art. Finally, using electromagnetic induction is also safer, since only parts specifically targeted and made of magnetic materials undergo a temperature rise.

The invention solves the problem of heat exchange in the air entering by convection, while regulating the temperature of the air contained in the hearth. By comparison, the prior art is silent on this technical problem. Indeed, in the state of the art presented above, the question of the heat exchange between the electrical resistances and the air is not addressed.

According to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the smoke generation device is able to detect the inspiration of the user. If such a detection occurs, the heat generated is increased at this precise moment, whereas it is decreased when the user does not breathe. Consequently, the device according to the invention is capable of generating a significant amount of heat over short periods, without burning the tobacco contained in the fireplace. This advantageous characteristic completely corresponds to the mode of use, observed in practice. Indeed, the piping sessions are relatively long, typically more than an hour. As a result, users often tend to put down the inhalation hose for other occupations.

By comparison, the prior art does not propose devices capable of detecting these inspiration phases. Furthermore, this prior art does not disclose a method of regulating the heating during the piping session. Typically, a constant heating level is defined during the entire use phase. However, it is clear that the amount of heat produced by the coal, necessary for a pleasant piping, varies throughout the session. So when the user breathes in, the charcoal is rekindled and the convection of heat to the ambient air increases. In addition, coal dissipates a large amount of heat, which heats the air near the fireplace. This preheated air creates a pyrolysis of the tobacco, in order to generate flavors appreciated by the users.

Description of the figures

Other advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description of several embodiments of the invention, given below purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a smoke generation device for hookah, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view illustrating the device of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view, illustrating from another angle and on a larger scale this device.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the device of the preceding figures, illustrating its integration in a hookah.

Figures 5 to 7 are schematic views, similar to Figure 4, illustrating 3 other integrations of the device according to the invention, in other hookah configurations.

Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating yet another hookah fitted with a device according to the invention.

detailed description

A smoke generation device, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. This device, which is formed by a single module M in this embodiment, firstly comprises a hearth designated as a whole by the reference 1. This hearth is made of any suitable material, for example ceramic, silicone or other. This hearth first comprises a body 10, of frustoconical shape flaring upwards. This body is hollowed out with an axial duct, which extends vertically in service. This duct 11, intended for the evacuation of smoke, opens out into the lower part of the body. This conduit allows the attachment of a plunger, by all appropriate means of the conventional type.

In FIG. 3, by way of purely indicative example, the plunger is provided with a thread 12 known as such, allowing the screwing of a connector. This connector, screwed to the plunger, has the function of accommodating a bowl described in more detail below. The conical shape is convenient for sealing and stability. The plunger is connected, generally by screwing, to a metal body. This body is placed on the vase containing the liquid. This central body is used to create a confined space welcoming smoke above the water level in the vase. This body is connected to the outside by a valve and a pipe so that the user can breathe in the smoke. The mechanical elements described in this paragraph are not part of the invention, so they can be replaced by any known equivalent.

Furthermore, the conduit 11 opens upwards into a chamber 14, having peripheral walls. These walls delimit an upper flange 16, intended for the reception of a bowl 20. This bowl, allowing the reception of tobacco T, comprises a bottom 22 from which extends a rim 24. By way of variant not shown, the bowl 20 can be an integral part of the hearth, namely that these two parts are made in one piece.

The rim 24 has a shoulder 26, allowing support on the aforementioned flange. Furthermore, the bottom includes an opening 28, communicating with the flue 11 duct. The collar is extended upwards by a plurality of spacers 29, allowing the support of a heat shield described below. In the example illustrated, these spacers 29 are made in one piece with the hearth. As a variant not shown, it is possible to provide spacers which are attached to this hearth.

A heating disc 3 is also provided, resting on the upper part of the rim of the bowl. This heating disc, which is made of a magnetic metal, is able to rise in temperature under the effect of an electromagnetic field generated by an inductor, which will be described in the following. This disc 3 is hollowed out with slots 32, allowing the passage of air. It can be expected that this disc rests freely on the upper part of the bowl. One can also provide additional fixing means, such as a shoulder formed at the bowl and / or the hearth.

The heat shield 4 comprises a bottom 40, from which extend upward the peripheral walls 42. These walls are provided with a shoulder 44, allowing the support of a concentrating member 46, shown schematically in the figure 6. This concentrator is made of any suitable material, in particular ferrite. The shoulder is also used to receive a cover (not shown), intended to close the thermal screen 4. This cover is placed above the concentrating member.

The bottom 40 of the screen 4 supports an inductor 5, which is formed by a circular base 50 in which are formed orifices 52. Within the base 50, there is provided a coil of wire, typically made of copper. This inductor is connected to a printed circuit 7, which notably includes a control unit and an AC power supply unit. To this end, this printed circuit 7 is connected to a battery 6. In a manner known per se, the battery supplies a direct current to the printed circuit, which then transforms it into high frequency alternating current. This alternating current then supplies the aforementioned inductor 5. This printed circuit further comprises a servo system, the function of which will be described below.

Advantageously, the diameter of the disc is close to the diameter of the upper part of the bowl. Consequently, this disc forms a substantially closed space, with the enclosure walls of the bowl. This space communicates only with the outside via the aforesaid slots 32. Under these conditions, the bowl fitted with the disc is generally equivalent to an oven, which is isolated from the induction means by means of the heat shield.

The control unit is firstly connected to a temperature sensor 70, of any suitable type, intended to measure the temperature at the bottom 40 of the thermal screen. Furthermore, in the example illustrated, the sensor 70 makes it possible to detect the inspiration of the user. Indeed, when the user breathes in, the drop in temperature is strong and easily measurable by this sensor. The printed circuit 7 then processes this information as inspiration from the user, which allows the setting. As an alternative, an additional sensor, of any suitable type, can be provided, which makes it possible to detect this inspiration. Such an additional sensor may, for example, be another temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an air flow detection sensor, or even a mechanical electrical continuity system. Finally, the control unit is connected to a man-machine interface, designated as a whole by the reference 74.

Advantageously, the smallest distance separating the facing walls, respectively from the bottom of the heat shield and from the heating disc, is between 0.5mm and 3mm. Furthermore, the smallest distance between the facing walls of this heating disc and the bottom of the hearth is between 5mm and 30mm.

The general principle of the device according to the invention is as follows. As explained above, the battery supplies direct current to the printed circuit, which supplies alternating current to the inductor. This inductor then creates an electromagnetic field proportional to the current received. The piece of ferromagnetic metal, placed in the field thus generated, transforms electrical energy into heat thanks to the Joule effect. The heating disc then undergoes a rise in temperature, which causes the generation of smoke proper, from the tobacco received in the bowl. This smoke is then evacuated via the orifice 11, towards the use nozzle, via the liquid.

Advantageously, the user chooses a desired power level, via the man-machine interface. This power level is a function of various parameters, in the sense that it will influence the nature of the final smoke. In addition, the temperature on the screen, as measured by the sensor, is then controlled according to this power level. Typically, the servo temperature range is between 150 ° C and 300 ° C. The sensor then measures the temperature and, if necessary, sends the data to the control unit in real time. The latter then varies the current intensity in order to regulate the temperature.

According to another advantageous characteristic, when the use of hookah is detected by the temperature sensor, the servo system sends an appropriate pulse. In this case, the printed circuit 7 generates a higher electrical current, so as to increase the heat transfer. Under these conditions, the temperature of the electromagnetic charge increases, while the air in contact is heated by forced convection. This phenomenon makes it possible to release the tobacco aromas, at the detailed moment. Once the user has finished inhaling the hookah, the servo system stops the energy boost. This allows you to return to a lower power level, which avoids unnecessary consumption and burning of tobacco. The heat management system, according to the invention, is therefore perfectly suited for smoking hookah in optimal conditions.

In the first embodiment, illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the device according to the invention is made in one piece, that is to say that it forms a single module. This module is integrated into the body of the hookah, by all appropriate means. Typically, the body is fixed on a plunger, not shown, which plunges into service in the liquid. The invention finds its application to other configurations, which are illustrated in Figures 5 to 8. In these Figures 5 to 8, the mechanical elements similar to those of Figures 1 to 4 are assigned the same reference numbers, respectively increased numbers 100, 200, 300 and 400.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the smoke generation device is made in two separate modules. More specifically, the printed circuit 107 and the user interface 174 are integrated in an annex module M2, while the other components of the device are grouped in a main module M1. The auxiliary module is connected to the temperature sensor by any suitable connection, in particular of the wired type 177. In this embodiment, it can be provided that the DC supply is not ensured by a battery. In this spirit, there is provided a cable 106 suitable for being connected to an external current source, in particular on the sector.

In the embodiment of Figure 6, the generation device is integrated in the center of the body 280 of the hookah 208. The hearth 201 is connected to a plunger 282, which extends in service in the liquid. The battery 206, the user interface 274 and the printed circuit 207 are placed above the liquid reservoir 209. In order to preserve the central position of the smoke generator, it can be provided that, on the one hand, the battery and, on the other hand, the interface and the printed circuit are arranged on either side of the plunger. As a variant not shown, it can be provided that the battery, the interface and the printed circuit are arranged one below the other.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the hearth 301 of the smoke generating device is placed on one side of the body of the hookah 308. Provision may be made to remove the plunger, namely that the lower end of the hearth dives directly into liquid 309, which reduces the overall height of the hookah. In this embodiment, the battery 306, the printed circuit 307 and the man-machine interface 374 are housed in the lower part of the body 380.

Finally, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the hookah comprises a base 482 and an upper part 484, which are connected by uprights 486. The base ensures reception of the control unit, of the man-interface machine and battery. Furthermore, the upper part integrates, at the dotted circle 401, the other components of the smoke generation device. The water tank is provided in the lower zone of part 484, namely immediately above the uprights.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, there is a valve 290 - 490 and a pipe 292 - 492, of a type known per se. These mechanical elements, conventional in a hookah, are not described in more detail.

The bottom 40 of the thermal screen is placed a few millimeters from the disk 3, so as to create an intermediate free volume, assigned the reference Vi in FIGS. 2 and 3. This volume Vi is also partially bordered by the spacers 29. The latter thus form enclosure walls of the volume Vi, which release passages, denoted P in FIG. 1, which allow the arrival of ambient air in the direction of the intermediate volume.

The purpose of this volume Vi is to increase the convection of heat with the ambient air. Thus, the air is preheated before attacking the tobacco to release the aromas, in the passage of the flow of hot air. Tobacco consumption is thus optimized, the taste released then being of maximum quality.

In a version not shown, to accentuate this phenomenon, the disc 3 can be equipped by means of fins, on its upper face and / or its lower face. In this way, the contact surface with the air is increased.

It will be noted that the spacers 29 provide, in addition to their mechanical holding function, an additional insulation function. In this spirit, it is possible to provide spacers of variable axial dimension, according to the heat requirements. In this case, a very long spacer ensures high insulation of the system, i.e. a reduced heat requirement.

It is also possible to provide for these spacers to be produced, in the manner of movable flaps. In this case, they can be moved as needed, so as to free up an adjustable surface air passage. Typically, at the start of the session, the spacer may be substantially closed to ensure a high level of insulation. However, at the end of the session, the spacers will be moved, so as to allow more ventilation and a larger volume of air for the user.

Claims (12)

1. Smoke generation device for hookah, this device comprising a hearth (1) intended for the reception of smoking tobacco, heating means (3) of this tobacco, as well as means of evacuation (11) of the smoke generated by the heating of this tobacco, characterized in that this device further comprises electrical supply means (7), making it possible to generate an alternating electric current, as well as induction means (5) capable of generating a electromagnetic field under the effect of the alternating electric current supplied by the electrical supply means (7), the induction means (5) being capable of causing an increase in temperature of the heating means (3). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a heat shield (4), interposed between the induction means (5) and the heating means (3). 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the induction means (5) rest on a bottom (40) of the heat shield (4), said bottom (40) being distant from the heating means (3) . 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the heating means and the thermal screen define an intermediate volume (Vi), this intermediate volume being at least partially bordered laterally by walls (29), advantageously of a mobile nature, said walls defining at least one passage (P) for ambient air arrival in said intermediate volume. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means (46) for concentrating the electromagnetic field. 6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the concentration means (46) and the heating means (3) are arranged on either side of the bottom (40) of the heat shield (4). 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the induction means (5) comprise a solid part, as well as a coil of wire embedded in this massive part, this coil of wire being connected to the means of power supply (7). 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hearth (1) comprises a bowl (20) for receiving tobacco, said bowl (20) comprising enclosure walls, the heating means (3) comprising a heating member (3) forming, with said enclosure walls, a substantially closed space. 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical supply means are integrated into a printed circuit (7). 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply means (7) are connected to a direct current source, in particular a battery (6) or else an external current source. 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises at least one measurement sensor (70) of at least one parameter, in particular temperature measurement and / or inspiration detection of the user, as well as control means (7) capable of controlling the power supply means (6), in response to said measurement sensors (70). 12. Hookah comprising a body, said body comprising a container intended to contain a liquid, a smoke generating device, intended to direct smoke towards the container, as well as means of inhalation by a user of smoke, having passed through said liquid, characterized in that the smoke generating device conforms to any one of the preceding claims.