Patent Description:
A smoke generator currently available on the market includes a heating module which heats and, thus, vaporizes a smoke liquid (or so-called "smoke oil") into smoke which is released into the air to generate a smoky effect. Such a smoke generator may be used in an outdoor space, such as an outdoor stage. This smoke generator, when used in a rainy day, may encounter a water leakage problem. The electric circuit generally used in the smoke generator for controlling purposes may be damaged more quickly by the moisture, which may even adversely affect normal operation of the smoke generator. When water enters the heating module, the temperature of the heating module is reduced.

Furthermore, an ejection portion of the smoke generator must extend to the outer side of the smoke generator and couple with the structure of the smoke generator. Thus, the temperature at the ejection portion tends to drop (which may even be lower than <NUM>) due to the structure of the smoke generator and excellent heat exchange efficiency with the atmosphere. When the temperature at the ejection portion is not high enough, the atomization effect of the smoke liquid is poor, and the smoke could condense due to the temperature difference and becomes the smoke liquid again.

Document <CIT> discloses a waterproof heating module for a smoke generator comprising all the technical features set out in the preamble of claim <NUM>.

To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a waterproof heating module for a smoke generator. The waterproof heating module comprises:.

The closure plate is in waterproof coupling with the outer casing and the ejection portion, such that water cannot enter the interior of the inner casing via the gap between the closure plate and the outer casing and the gap between the closure plate and the ejection portion, thereby providing excellent waterproof effect.

In an example, the closure plate is a sheet having a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>, such that the inner periphery of the closure plate and the outer periphery of the ejection portion are coupled to have a low heat exchange efficiency therebetween.

The thickness of the closure plate is <NUM>-<NUM>, such that the contact area between the closure plate and the ejection portion is very small. Thus, the heat conduction efficiency between the closure plate and the ejection portion is relatively low.

In an example, the ejection portion includes a coupling portion. The inner periphery of the closure plate is disposed around the coupling portion. The inner periphery of the closure plate and the coupling portion are welded together.

The inner periphery of the closure plate and the coupling portion are welded together, such that water is difficult to pass through the gap between the ejection portion and the closure plate, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect.

In an example, the waterproof heating module further comprises a fixture. The ejection portion includes an engaging end and a coupling portion contiguous to the engaging end. The inner periphery of the closure plate is disposed around the coupling portion. A peripheral wall delimiting the coupling hole of the closure plate is securely sandwiched between the fixture and the coupling portion. The inner periphery of the closure plate and the coupling portion are welded together to provide a waterproof coupling therebetween.

The coupling portion is provided on the ejection portion, and the peripheral wall delimiting the coupling hole of the closure plate is sandwiched between the fixture and the coupling portion, such that water is difficult to pass through the gap between the ejection portion and the closure plate, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect.

In an example, the waterproof heating module further comprises an inner casing and a temperature maintaining member. The inner casing is disposed between the outer casing and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger and the inner casing are coupled to have a low heat exchange efficiency therebetween. The ejection portion is in waterproof coupling with the inner casing. The temperature maintaining member is disposed between the inner casing and the heat exchanger. The temperature maintaining member reduces heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger and air.

The inner casing cooperates with the outer casing to reduce the chance of water entering or contacting with the heat changer, such that the heat exchanger can be better maintained at the working temperature. The temperature maintaining member can reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger and the air, such that the heat exchanger can be better maintained at the working temperature.

In an example, the waterproof heating module further comprises a first venting valve capable of preventing passage of water. The first venting valve includes a flange having a first end face and a second end face spaced from the first end face. The first venting valve further includes a coupling portion extending from the first end face away from the second end face. The first venting valve further includes an inner passageway extending from the coupling portion and a chamber located between the inner passageway and the second end face. The first venting valve further includes an outer passageway extending from an outer periphery of the flange and extending to and intercommunicating with the chamber. The inner passageway intercommunicates with an interior of the outer casing. An air-permeable waterproof member is securely disposed in the chamber.

The smoke generator according to the present invention can balance the pressure in the heating module and the atmospheric pressure by disposing the first venting valve on the outer casing of the heating module, further enhancing the waterproof effect of the heating module.

In an example, the waterproof heating module further comprises a plurality of first waterproof kits. Each of the plurality of first waterproof kits includes a body coupled to the outer casing, a squeezing member, and a locking cover. Each body includes a coupling hole and a squeezing chamber intercommunicating with the coupling hole, wherein each squeezing member is received in an associated squeezing chamber. Each locking cover is in threading connection with an associated body. The heat exchanger further includes a vaporization pipeline and a heater configured to conduct heat exchange with the vaporization pipeline. The vaporization pipeline further includes an inlet end, wherein a line for the heater extends to an outer side of the outer casing. The coupling hole and the squeezing member of one of the plurality of first waterproof kits is coupled with the inlet end of the vaporization pipeline. The coupling holes and the squeezing members of remaining first waterproof kits are coupled with the line for the heater. When the locking covers of the plurality of first waterproof kits are rotated to a tightened state, the squeezing member of the one of the plurality of first waterproof kits is waterproof coupling with the inlet end of the vaporization pipeline and an associated body, and the squeezing members of the remaining first waterproof kits are in waterproof coupling with the line for the heater and associated bodies.

In an example, the waterproof heating module further comprises a tightening member and a fixture. The heat exchanger further includes a vaporization pipeline having an outlet end. The ejection portion includes an engaging end and a tightening hole extending from the engaging end. The tightening member includes a sealing hole. The tightening member is received in the tightening hole and is disposed between the outlet end of the vaporization pipeline and the ejection portion. The fixture has a receptacle. The fixture is coupled with the engaging end of the ejection portion and is configured to squeeze the tightening member to provide waterproof coupling between an inner surface of the sealing hole and an outer surface of the outlet end of the vaporization pipeline. An outer surface of the tightening member is in waterproof coupling with an inner surface of the tightening hole of the ejection portion. The vaporization pipeline is aligned with the receptacle.

When the tightening member is squeezed by the fixture, the tightening member is in waterproof coupling with the outlet end of the vaporization pipeline, and the tightening member is also in waterproof coupling with the ejection portion. Thus, water is difficult to enter the ejection portion, and the ejection portion can be maintained at the working temperature (above <NUM>) more easily.

In an example, an end face of the outlet end is located between an end face of the fixture and the tightening member. The tightening member includes two conic faces on two faces thereof. The distal end of the tightening hole is conic. When the tightening member is squeezed, the tightening member is aligned with a central axis of the tightening hole.

The present invention will become clearer in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.

All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.

Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "lower", "upper", "inner", "outer", "side", "end", "portion", "longitudinal", "circumferential", "horizontal", "vertical", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.

The present invention relates to a smoke generator capable of heating and vaporizing a smoke liquid into smoke which is released into the air to generate a smoky effect. The smoke generator may include a heating module and a controlling module. Both the heating module and the controlling module may be waterproof and may meet the regulations of IP67 (International Protection Marking).

With reference to <FIG>, the smoke generator <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> having a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> spaced from the first end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further includes an upper end <NUM> extending between the first and second ends <NUM> and <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further includes an installation space <NUM> extends from the upper end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> but spaced from the first end <NUM>. Namely, the installation space <NUM> forms an opening on each of the upper end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> further includes a first end wall <NUM> at the first end <NUM> and a bottom wall <NUM> spaced from and opposite to the upper end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> further includes two sidewalls <NUM> parallel to each other and extending between the first end wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. The installation space <NUM> is substantially delimited by the two sidewalls <NUM>, the first end wall <NUM>, and the bottom wall <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> includes a plurality of drain holes 36A and a plurality of through-holes 36B. Each of the plurality of drain holes 36A and the plurality of through-holes 36B intercommunicates with the installation space <NUM> and the atmosphere. The plurality of drain holes 36A is located between the plurality of through-holes 36B and the second end <NUM>. The plurality of through-holes 36B is located between the plurality of drain holes 36A and the first end <NUM>. The first end wall <NUM> includes an outlet <NUM> intercommunicating with the installation space <NUM> (see <FIG>). The upper end <NUM> includes a substantially U-shaped upper wing <NUM>. In this embodiment, a side of the upper wing <NUM> is contiguous to the first end wall <NUM> and spaced from the second end <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, an outer protecting ring <NUM> is securely disposed on the outlet <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The outer protecting ring <NUM> includes an outer side <NUM> and an inner side <NUM>. The outer protecting ring <NUM> further includes a countersink <NUM> in the form of a conic hole in the outer side <NUM> and extending to the inner surface <NUM>. The outer protecting ring <NUM> is fixed to the outlet <NUM> of the first end wall <NUM>. The outer side <NUM> is more protrusive than the first end wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The inner side <NUM> is located in the installation space <NUM> (inside an enclosing area 30B).

The smoke generator <NUM> further comprises a heating module <NUM> received in the installation space <NUM> and disposed on the first end <NUM>. The heating module <NUM> includes an inner casing <NUM> and a heat exchanger <NUM> disposed in the inner casing <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> is substantially a parallelepiped and is not completely sealed. The inner casing <NUM> includes a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> spaced from the first side <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> further includes a through-hole <NUM> extending through the first side <NUM>. The inner casing <NUM> is received in the installation space <NUM> and is adjacent to the first end wall <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> is aligned with the outlet <NUM> and the countersink <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the heat exchanger <NUM> includes a heater <NUM>, a vaporization pipeline <NUM>, and a thermally conductive member <NUM>. An ejection portion <NUM> extends from an outer surface of the thermally conductive member <NUM>. The ejection portion <NUM> includes an engaging end 115A on a distal end thereof and a coupling portion 115D adjacent to the engaging end 115A. The coupling portion 115D is in the form of a stepped portion having an outer diameter smaller than a maximum diameter of the ejection portion <NUM> (see <FIG>). The engaging end 115A includes an outer threading. The ejection portion <NUM> further includes a tightening hole 115B extending from an end of the engaging end 115A and a vaporization pipeline hole 115C extending from an inner face of the tightening hole 115B. A conic face is formed at an intersection of the tightening hole 115B and the vaporization pipeline hole 115C. An inner diameter of the tightening hole 115B is greater than an inner diameter of the vaporization pipeline hole 115C.

The vaporization pipeline <NUM> is received in the thermally conductive member <NUM> and helically surrounds the heater <NUM>. The thermally conductive member <NUM> is coupled with the heater <NUM> and the vaporization pipeline <NUM> to permit heat exchange therebetween. In a non-restrictive example, the thermally conductive member <NUM> may be in the form of an aluminum block in contact with and enclosing the heater <NUM> and the vaporization pipeline <NUM>, such that the heater <NUM> and the vaporization pipeline <NUM> may have a good heat exchange efficiency therebetween. The vaporization pipeline <NUM> includes an outlet end 48A coupled with the vaporization pipeline hole 115C of the ejection portion <NUM> and extending through the tightening hole 115B to the outer side of the engaging end 115A. The outer diameter of vaporization pipeline <NUM> is smaller than the inner diameter of the tightening hole 115B. The vaporization pipeline <NUM> includes an inlet end 48B extending to the outer side of the heater <NUM>.

The heat changer <NUM> further includes a tightening member <NUM> and a fixture <NUM>. The tightening member <NUM> has two conic faces <NUM> formed on two ends thereof. The tightening member <NUM> further includes a sealing hole <NUM> extending between the two ends thereof. The tightening member <NUM> may, but not limited to, be made of copper. The tightening member <NUM> is received in the tightening hole 115B. A portion of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> adjacent to the outlet end 48A is coupled with the sealing hole <NUM>. When the tightening member <NUM> is not pressed, the tightening member <NUM> and the inner surface of the tightening hole 115B may (but not limited to) have a loose-fit connection therebetween, and the tightening member <NUM> and the vaporization pipeline <NUM> may also (but not limited to) have a loose-fit connection therebetween.

The fixture <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> extending from a first end face thereof towards but spaced from a second end face thereof. The fixture <NUM> further includes an engaging hole <NUM> extending from an end wall of the receptacle <NUM> to the second end face. The engaging hole <NUM> has an inner threading. An inner diameter of the engaging hole <NUM> is greater than an inner diameter of the receptacle <NUM>. The engaging hole <NUM> of the fixture <NUM> is in threading connection with the engaging end 115A of the ejection portion <NUM>. The outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> extends into the receptacle <NUM> (see <FIG>).

When the fixture <NUM> is tightened, the tightening member <NUM> is squeezed and deforms. Furthermore, the tightening member <NUM>, the tightening hole 115B, and the outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> are in tight-fit connection, such that a sealing state is formed between the tightening member <NUM> and the inner surface of the tightening hole 115B and between the tightening member <NUM> and the outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM>. This prevents water from leaking into an interior of the ejection portion <NUM> via a gap between the tightening member <NUM> and the inner surface of the tightening hole 115B or via a gap between an inner surface of the tightening member <NUM> and an outer surface of the vaporization pipeline <NUM>. Furthermore, with reference to <FIG>, it is worth mentioning that the end face of outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> is located between an end face of the fixture <NUM> and the tightening member <NUM>. Namely, the outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> is received in the receptacle <NUM> of the fixture <NUM>, and the end face of the outlet end 48A and is located between the outer end face of the fixture <NUM> and the tightening member <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the fixture <NUM>.

Specifically, due to provision of the two conic faces <NUM> of the tightening member <NUM> and the conic face at the intersection of the tightening hole 115B and the vaporization pipeline hole 115C, when the tightening member <NUM> is squeezed, the tightening member <NUM> automatically aligns with the central axis of the tightening hole 115B, which maintains alignment between the outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> and the tightening hole 115B.

The heat changer <NUM> further includes a connecting member <NUM> disposed around the fixture <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> formed on an end thereof. The connecting member <NUM> may, but not limited to, be made of Telfon.

The heat exchanger <NUM> further includes two supporting portions <NUM> disposed on an outer side of the thermally conductive member <NUM> and spaced from the ejection portion <NUM>. The two supporting portions <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> are coupled with the second side <NUM> of the inner casing <NUM>. The distal end of the ejection portion <NUM> extends through the through-hole <NUM> and out of the inner casing <NUM>. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the ejection portion <NUM> and the inner periphery of the through-hole <NUM> are welded together, such that the ejection portion <NUM> is in sealing contact with the inner periphery of the through-hole <NUM> to avoid passage of water. Furthermore, the heat exchanger <NUM> is nearly hung in the inner casing <NUM> through each supporting portion <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM>. In other words, the heat exchanger <NUM> and the inner casing <NUM> have a low heat exchange efficiency therebetween, which reduces the influence of the inner casing <NUM> on the working operating temperature of the heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby avoiding dropping of temperature. Furthermore, a temperature maintaining member <NUM> is disposed between the thermally conductive member <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> and the inner casing <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) to reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the thermally conductive member <NUM> and the air. The temperature maintaining member <NUM> may, but not limited to, be made of heat preservation cotton.

The heating module <NUM> further includes an outer casing <NUM> and a spacer 42B. The outer casing <NUM> includes an outer end wall <NUM> and an inner end face <NUM> spaced from the outer end wall <NUM>. The outer casing <NUM> further includes a bottom <NUM> extending between the outer end wall <NUM> and the inner end face <NUM>. The outer casing <NUM> further includes a through-hole <NUM> extending through the outer end wall <NUM>. The inner end face <NUM> includes a vent <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the ejection portion <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner end face <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> includes a plurality of first waterproof kits 230A. Each of the plurality of first waterproof kits 230A includes a body <NUM> having a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. Each body <NUM> further includes a coupling hole <NUM> extending from the first side <NUM> through the second side <NUM> and a squeezing chamber <NUM>. Each body <NUM> is fixed to the inner end face <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM>. The second side <NUM> of each body <NUM> extends into the outer casing <NUM>, and the first side <NUM> is located outside of the outer casing <NUM>. Each body <NUM> and the inner end face <NUM> have a sealing ring therebetween. An outer threading is disposed on the second side <NUM> of each body <NUM> and is in threading connection with a nut, such that each body <NUM> is in waterproof contact with the inner end face <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of first waterproof kits 230A further includes a locking cover <NUM> and a squeezing member <NUM>. Each squeezing member <NUM> is received in an associated squeezing chamber <NUM>. Each locking cover <NUM> is in threading connection with the first side <NUM> of an associated body <NUM>. The coupling hole <NUM> and the squeezing member <NUM> of the body <NUM> of one of the plurality of first waterproof kits 230A are coupled with the inlet end 48B of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> (see <FIG>). The coupling hole <NUM> and the squeezing member <NUM> of the body <NUM> of each of the remaining first waterproof kits 230A are coupled with a power supply line of the heater <NUM>, a temperature sensor line, and an overheat protection switch line. After the locking cover <NUM> of each of the plurality of first waterproof kits 230A is rotated to a tightened state, each squeezing member <NUM> can deform to be in waterproof contact with an associated body <NUM> and the inlet end 48B, the power supply line of the heater <NUM>, the temperature sensor line, and the overheat protection switch line. Therefore, water is difficult to leak into the interior of the outer casing <NUM> via the gap in passageways through which the pipes or lines of the outer casing <NUM> extend.

With reference to <FIG>, the inner casing <NUM> and the heat exchanger <NUM> are received in the outer side of the outer casing <NUM>. Namely, the inner casing <NUM> is located between the heat exchanger <NUM> and the outer casing <NUM>. The first side <NUM> is spaced from the outer end wall <NUM>. The outer end wall <NUM> is located between the first end wall <NUM> and the first side <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> is aligned with the through-hole <NUM>. The bottom of the inner casing <NUM> is fixed to the bottom <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM>. The ejection portion <NUM> of the heat exchanger <NUM> extends through the through-hole <NUM> to the outer side of the outer casing <NUM>. A portion the ejection portion <NUM> near the distal end is coupled with the outer protecting ring <NUM>. The distal end of the ejection portion <NUM> is received in the countersink <NUM> and is located between the outer side <NUM> and the end wall of the countersink <NUM>.

The spacer 343B is fixed to the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and is located between the bottom <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Thus, the heating module <NUM> is spaced from the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the plurality of through-holes 36B.

The through-hole <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> is coupled with a first venting valve 78A. The first venting valve 78A includes a protrusion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> includes a first end face 82A, a second end face 82B spaced from the first end face 82A, and an outer periphery <NUM> extending between the first end face 82A and the second end face 82B. In this embodiment, the first venting valve 78A further includes a coupling portion <NUM> extending from the first end face 82A away from the second end face 82B. The first venting valve 78A further includes an inner passageway <NUM> extending from an end face of the coupling portion <NUM> towards but spaced from the second end face 82B. The first venting valve 78A further includes a chamber <NUM> extending from the inner passageway <NUM> towards but spaced from the second end face 82B. Thus, the chamber <NUM> is located between the inner passageway <NUM> and the second end face 82B and is spaced from the second end face 82B. The first venting valve 78A further includes four outer passageways <NUM> each extending radially from the outer periphery <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> and intercommunicating with the chamber <NUM>. The four outer passageways <NUM> are spaced from each other at an equal interval in a circumferential direction of the first venting valve 78A. Furthermore, an air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> is securely disposed in the chamber <NUM> of the first venting valve 78A. The air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> can, but not limited to, be made of air-permeable waterproof nonwoven.

The coupling portion <NUM> of the first venting valve 78A is in threading connection with the vent <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM>. A sealing gasket may be disposed between the first end face 82A of the first venting valve 78A and the inner end face <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> to enable sealing coupling between the first venting valve 78A and the outer casing <NUM>. Thus, the interior of the outer casing <NUM> can intercommunicate with the installation space <NUM> of the housing <NUM> via the first venting valve 78A. Furthermore, the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> can effectively avoid passage of water molecules.

The smoke generator <NUM> further comprises a closure plate <NUM> coupled with the outer casing <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM>. The closure plate <NUM> includes a closure face <NUM> and a coupling hole <NUM> extending through the closure face <NUM>. The coupling hole <NUM> has an inner periphery <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the closure face <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM> abuts an inner side of the outer end wall <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM>. The coupling hole <NUM> is aligned with the through-hole <NUM>. Waterproof welding is carried out between the closure plate <NUM> and the outer casing <NUM>. The coupling portion 115D of the ejection portion <NUM> is coupled with the coupling hole <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM>. A circular sealing welding is carried out between the inner periphery <NUM> of the coupling hole <NUM> and the surface of the coupling portion 115D. A peripheral wall delimiting the coupling hole <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM> is sandwiched between a tail end of the fixture <NUM> and the wall face of the coupling portion 115D of the ejection portion <NUM>. Thus, water cannot pass through a gap between the closure plate <NUM> and the outer end wall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the flange <NUM> of the connecting member <NUM> is sandwiched between the inner side <NUM> of the outer protecting ring <NUM> and the closure face <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM>. An end of the connecting member <NUM> distant to the flange <NUM> is coupled with the outer protecting ring <NUM> and is located between the first end wall <NUM> and the outer side <NUM>. Namely, the connecting member <NUM> is received in the countersink <NUM> of the outer protecting ring <NUM>, and the outer end face of the connecting member <NUM> is located between the outer end face of the outer protecting ring <NUM> and the outer end wall <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the closure plate <NUM> is smaller than the thickness of the outer casing <NUM>. For example, the closure plate <NUM> is in the form of a sheet having a thickness of <NUM>-<NUM>. Thus, the contact area between the closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> will be relatively small, such that the coupling between the closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> provides a low heat exchange efficiency therebetween. As a result, the closure plate <NUM> will not cause sudden reduction of the temperature of the ejection portion <NUM>. Therefore, the temperature of the ejection portion <NUM> can be easily maintained at the working temperature (normally expected to be above <NUM>).

The smoke generator <NUM> further comprises a second casing <NUM> received in the installation space <NUM> and a supply module <NUM> coupled with the second casing <NUM>. The second casing <NUM> includes a horizontal separation board <NUM> and a coupling end 52A spaced from the horizontal separation board <NUM>. The horizontal separation board <NUM> has a through-hole 54B. Three sides of the horizontal separation board <NUM> respectively abut the two sidewalls <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. The second casing <NUM> divides the installation space <NUM> into a portion between the first end wall <NUM> and the horizontal separation board <NUM> and another portion between the horizontal separation board <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. Furthermore, the plurality of drain holes 36A are aligned with the second casing <NUM>. Each of the plurality of through-holes 36B is located between the first end wall <NUM> and the horizontal separation board <NUM>.

The supply module <NUM> includes a storage tank <NUM> coupled with the second casing <NUM>. The storage tank <NUM> is used to store an oil (or so-called "smoke oil") which subsequently vaporizes into smoke. In this embodiment, an upper opening of the storage tank <NUM> is on an outer side of the installation space <NUM>.

The smoke generator <NUM> further comprises a third casing <NUM> and a control module <NUM> received in the third casing <NUM>. The third casing <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> spaced from the first end <NUM>. The third casing <NUM> further includes an abutting face <NUM> on each of two sides of the first end <NUM>. The third casing <NUM> further includes a chamber <NUM> extending to an upper end thereof to form an opening. The third casing <NUM> further includes a side opening 59A (see <FIG>) located between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The side opening 59A intercommunicates with the chamber <NUM>. The smoke generator <NUM> further comprises a waterproof gasket 66A, an upper cover <NUM>, a side cover 59B, and a waterproof side gasket 59C. The upper cover <NUM> closes the chamber <NUM>. The waterproof gasket 66A is disposed between the chamber <NUM> and the upper cover <NUM>. Thus, water is difficult to leak into the chamber <NUM>.

The third casing <NUM> is received in the installation space <NUM> and is located on the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The second end <NUM> abuts the abutting faces <NUM>. Thus, the third casing <NUM> closes the opening of the installation space <NUM> at the second end <NUM>. Furthermore, the second end <NUM> of the third casing <NUM> is contiguous to the coupling end 52A of the second casing <NUM>. Thus, the third casing <NUM> cooperates with the second casing <NUM> to position the supply module <NUM>.

The control module <NUM> includes a pump <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a network connector seat <NUM> electrically connected to the controller <NUM>. The pump <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the network connector seat <NUM> are received in the chamber <NUM> of the third casing <NUM>. The network connector seat <NUM> is aligned with the side opening 59A (see <FIG>). The pump <NUM> and the heater <NUM> are in electrical connection with the controller <NUM>. The inlet end 48B of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> extends through the through-hole 54B of the horizontal separation board <NUM> and enters the interior of the third casing <NUM> to connect with the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is connected with the storage tank <NUM>. The controller <NUM> controls operation of the heater <NUM> and the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> can be activated to deliver the smoke oil in the storage tank <NUM> towards the outlet <NUM> along the vaporization pipeline <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the waterproof side gasket 59C is disposed around the side opening 59A. The side cover 59B is detachably disposed to cover the side opening 59A and abuts against the waterproof side gasket 59C. Thus, when the network connection seat <NUM> is not in use, the chamber <NUM> is sealed to prevent entrance of water. When it is desired to control the smoke generator <NUM> via a network, the side cover 59B is detached, and a wireless antenna is installed to permit control of the smoke generator <NUM> through the network and software.

A plurality of second waterproof kits 230B is disposed on the third casing <NUM>. Each of the plurality of second waterproof kits 230B may be substantially the same as each first waterproof device <NUM>, and the structural features thereof is not set forth to avoid redundancy. The power supply line, the temperature sensor line, and the overheat protection switch line may extend into the chamber <NUM> of the third casing <NUM> and in electrical connection with the control module <NUM>. The plurality of second waterproof kits 230B fixed on the third casing <NUM> is in waterproof coupling with the third casing <NUM>, the inlet end 48B, the power supply line, the temperature sensor line, and the overheat protection switch line of the heater <NUM>, and the pipeline of the storage tank <NUM>, such that water is difficult to pass through the gaps between these pipelines or lines and the third casing <NUM>.

The smoke generator <NUM> further includes an outer cover <NUM> having an opening <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> is securely coupled with the upper wing <NUM> and the second casing <NUM>. The storage tank <NUM> extends through the opening <NUM>. The plurality of drain holes 36A is aligned with the opening <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM>, the second casing <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> define an enclosing area 30B in the installation space <NUM>. The enclosing area 30B is located between the first end wall <NUM> and the horizontal separation board <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> can cooperate with the upper wing <NUM> to reduce the amount of water that may leak into the enclosing area 30B.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the smoke generator <NUM> according to the present invention further comprises a second venting valve 78B having a structure which may be identical to the venting valve 78A, and the structural features of the second venting valve 78B is not set forth to avoid redundancy. The second venting valve 78B is disposed in a location different from that of the first venting valve 78A.

With reference to <FIG>, the second venting valve 78B is securely disposed on the first end <NUM> of the third casing <NUM>. The inner passageway <NUM> of the second venting valve 78B intercommunicates with the chamber <NUM> of the third casing <NUM>. Each outer passageway <NUM> of the second venting valve 78B intercommunicates with the atmosphere.

The technical features of the present invention have been explained. It can be appreciated when it is desired to make the smoke generator <NUM> generate smoke, the pump <NUM> and the heater <NUM> are activated. The pump <NUM> delivers the smoke oil in the storage tank <NUM> to the vaporization pipeline <NUM>. The heater <NUM> heats the vaporization pipeline <NUM> via the thermally conductive member <NUM>. Thus, the smoke oil flowing along the vaporization pipeline <NUM> absorbs the heat of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> and vaporizes into smoke which is ejected via the outlet <NUM> into the air to provide a smoky effect.

It is worth mentioning that when the smoke generator <NUM> operates, the temperatures of the heater <NUM> and the control module <NUM> rise during operation. Thus, the air is heated, and the pressures inside the inner casing <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> increase. The pressure in the inner casing <NUM> (which is not sealed) can flow into the outer casing <NUM>, and the air expanding in the outer casing <NUM> can flow from the inner passageway <NUM> of the first venting valve 78A through the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> and can be discharged into the enclosing area 30B via each outer passageway <NUM> and then discharged to the atmosphere via each through-hole 36B. The air in the chamber <NUM> can flow from the inner passageway <NUM> of the second venting valve 78B through the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> and is then discharged to the atmosphere via each outer passageway <NUM>.

When the smoke generator <NUM> is not in operation, the temperatures of the heating module <NUM> and the control module <NUM> drop, such that the temperature of the heat exchanger <NUM> is reduced. Thus, the pressure of the air inside the inner casing <NUM> is reduced the air cools down. The atmospheric air enters the enclosing area 30B via each through-hole 36B and then passes through each outer passageway <NUM> of the first venting valve 78A, the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> and the inner passageway <NUM>, and finally enters the outer casing <NUM> and the inner casing <NUM>. Thus, the pressure of the heating module <NUM> is kept substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure during operation and non-operation period.

The atmospheric air also passes through each outer passageway <NUM> of the second venting valve 78B and enters the inner passageway <NUM> via the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> and then enters the chamber <NUM>. Thus, the pressure in the chamber <NUM> is kept substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure. Since the atmospheric air entering either of the enclosing area 30B and the chamber <NUM> will pass through the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM>, the excessive moisture in the air will be stopped by the air-permeable waterproof members <NUM> in the first venting valve 78A and the second venting valve 78B. Thus, the enclosing area 30B and the chamber <NUM> will be kept at a proper humidity.

The smoke generator <NUM> according to the present invention can balance the pressure in the heating module <NUM> and the atmospheric pressure by disposing the first venting valve 78A on the outer casing <NUM> of the heating module <NUM>, further enhancing the waterproof effect of the heating module <NUM>.

The closure plate <NUM> is in waterproof coupling with the outer casing <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM>, such that water cannot enter the interior of the inner casing <NUM> via the gap between the closure plate <NUM> and the outer casing <NUM> and the gap between the closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM>, thereby providing excellent waterproof effect.

The outer casing <NUM> encloses the inner casing <NUM> and the heat exchanger <NUM> to avoid water from contacting with the inner casing <NUM> and the heat exchanger <NUM>, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect of the heating module <NUM>.

The closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> are so coupled that the heat exchange efficiency therebetween is relatively low, such that the closure plate <NUM> has low influence on the temperature of the ejection portion <NUM>. Thus, the temperature of the ejection portion <NUM> can be maintained at a proper temperature (which is expected to be at least above <NUM>) more easily.

The thickness of the closure plate <NUM> is <NUM>-<NUM>, such that the contact area between the closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> is very small. Thus, the heat conduction efficiency between the closure plate <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> is relatively low.

When the tightening member <NUM> is squeezed by the fixture <NUM>, the tightening member <NUM> is in waterproof coupling with the outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM>, and the tightening member <NUM> is also in waterproof coupling with the ejection portion <NUM>. Thus, water is difficult to enter the ejection portion <NUM>, and the ejection portion <NUM> can be maintained at the working temperature (above <NUM>) more easily.

The coupling portion 115D is provided on the ejection portion <NUM>, and the peripheral wall delimiting the coupling hole <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM> is sandwiched between the fixture <NUM> and the coupling portion 115D, such that water is difficult to pass through the gap between the ejection portion <NUM> and the closure plate <NUM>, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect.

The inner periphery <NUM> of the closure plate <NUM> and the coupling portion 115D are welded together, such that water is difficult to pass through the gap between the ejection portion <NUM> and the closure plate <NUM>, thereby enhancing the waterproof effect.

The inner casing <NUM> cooperates with the outer casing <NUM> to reduce the chance of water entering or contacting with the heat changer <NUM>, such that the heat exchanger <NUM> can be better maintained at the working temperature.

The temperature maintaining member <NUM> can reduce the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger <NUM> and the air, such that the heat exchanger <NUM> can be better maintained at the working temperature.

The smoke generator <NUM> according to the present invention can adjust the pressure in the chamber <NUM> of the third casing <NUM> by disposition of the second venting valve 78B. Furthermore, the air-permeable waterproof member <NUM> of the second venting valve 78B can block excessive moisture in the air to maintain a proper humidity in the chamber <NUM>. Thus, the control module <NUM> is less likely to be damaged by excessive moisture. As a result, the smoke generator <NUM> can be used outdoor.

The third casing <NUM> cooperates with the waterproof gasket 66A via the upper cover <NUM> to prevent water from leaking into the chamber <NUM>, such that the control module <NUM> is less likely to be damaged.

The outlet end 48A of the vaporization pipeline <NUM> is received in the receptacle <NUM> of the fixture <NUM>, and the end face of the outlet end 48A and is located between the outer end face of the fixture <NUM> and the tightening member <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the fixture <NUM>, such that the vaporization pipeline <NUM> is less likely to contact with water while reducing the contact area with air. Thus, the outlet end 48A can be maintained at the working temperature more easily.

The connecting member <NUM> is received in the countersink <NUM> of the outer protecting ring <NUM>, and the outer end face of the connecting member <NUM> is located between the outer end face of the outer protecting ring <NUM> and the outer end wall <NUM> of the outer casing <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member <NUM>, such that the vaporization pipeline <NUM> and the ejection portion <NUM> are less likely to contact with water while reducing the contact area with air. Thus, the outlet end 48A and the ejection portion <NUM> can be maintained at the working temperature more easily.

Claim 1:
A waterproof heating module for a smoke generator, with the waterproof heating module comprising:
a heat exchanger (<NUM>) including an ejection portion (<NUM>) configured to eject smoke;
an outer casing (<NUM>) including a through-hole (<NUM>), wherein the heat exchanger (<NUM>) is received in an inner side of the outer casing (<NUM>), wherein the ejection portion (<NUM>) extends through the through-hole (<NUM>) of the outer casing (<NUM>) to an outer side of the outer casing (<NUM>); and characterised by
a closure plate (<NUM>) including a closure face (<NUM>) and a coupling hole (<NUM>) extending through the closure face (<NUM>), wherein the coupling hole (<NUM>) of the closure plate (<NUM>) has an inner periphery (<NUM>) in waterproof coupling with an outer periphery of the ejection portion (<NUM>), wherein the ejection portion (<NUM>) extends out of the closure plate (<NUM>) via the coupling hole (<NUM>), and wherein the closure face (<NUM>) of the closure plate (<NUM>) is in waterproof coupling with the through-hole (<NUM>) of the outer casing (<NUM>).