EP3915408B1 - Device for inhaling a substance - Google Patents

Device for inhaling a substance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3915408B1
EP3915408B1 EP20176900.7A EP20176900A EP3915408B1 EP 3915408 B1 EP3915408 B1 EP 3915408B1 EP 20176900 A EP20176900 A EP 20176900A EP 3915408 B1 EP3915408 B1 EP 3915408B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
substance
inhaling
reservoir
atomiser
inhaled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP20176900.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3915408A1 (en
Inventor
Joseph HARFOUCHE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Joozef
Original Assignee
Joozef
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to LTEP20176900.7T priority Critical patent/LT3915408T/en
Application filed by Joozef filed Critical Joozef
Priority to HUE20176900A priority patent/HUE061188T2/en
Priority to SI202030163T priority patent/SI3915408T1/en
Priority to FIEP20176900.7T priority patent/FI3915408T3/en
Priority to RS20230141A priority patent/RS63995B1/en
Priority to DK20176900.7T priority patent/DK3915408T3/en
Priority to PL20176900.7T priority patent/PL3915408T3/en
Priority to EP20176900.7A priority patent/EP3915408B1/en
Priority to HRP20230195TT priority patent/HRP20230195T1/en
Priority to ES20176900T priority patent/ES2939284T3/en
Priority to MDE20220314T priority patent/MD3915408T2/en
Priority to PT201769007T priority patent/PT3915408T/en
Priority to CA3179885A priority patent/CA3179885A1/en
Priority to JP2022572389A priority patent/JP2023529071A/en
Priority to KR1020227045651A priority patent/KR20230016004A/en
Priority to IL298531A priority patent/IL298531A/en
Priority to AU2021279200A priority patent/AU2021279200A1/en
Priority to BR112022023791A priority patent/BR112022023791A2/en
Priority to MX2022014536A priority patent/MX2022014536A/en
Priority to BE20215425A priority patent/BE1028285B1/en
Priority to US17/999,819 priority patent/US20230210168A1/en
Priority to CN202180037753.8A priority patent/CN115666284A/en
Priority to PCT/EP2021/064176 priority patent/WO2021239868A1/en
Priority to EP21729478.4A priority patent/EP4156984A1/en
Publication of EP3915408A1 publication Critical patent/EP3915408A1/en
Priority to CL2022003279A priority patent/CL2022003279A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3915408B1 publication Critical patent/EP3915408B1/en
Priority to CONC2022/0018503A priority patent/CO2022018503A2/en
Priority to ZA2022/13759A priority patent/ZA202213759B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/05—Devices without heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/20—Devices without heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for inhaling a substance, for example a smoking apparatus.
  • the electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette ), sometimes called a vaporizer or personal vaporizer, is an electromechanical or electronic device that generates an aerosol intended to be inhaled.
  • This aerosol or "vapour” or even “artificial smoke” visually resembles the smoke produced by the combustion of tobacco.
  • This vapor can be flavored (aroma of tobacco, fruit, etc.) or not and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the technology mainly marketed for electronic cigarettes is the vaporization technology (action of dispersing a liquid into fine droplets) of a liquid by using a heating resistor.
  • the principle of such an electronic cigarette consists in producing an aerosol imitating tobacco smoke.
  • the technique consists of heating a liquid (known as a vaping liquid) via a heating resistor: the user must activate the heating of the resistor, the liquid heats up, vaporizes and produces an aerosol that the user can then inhale.
  • the activation of the heating of the resistance can be either manual (for example by means of a switch), or automatic (for example by means of an electromechanical device detecting the aspiration of the user and then activating resistance).
  • a device for inhaling a substance for example an electronic cigarette, based on the heating of a liquid is generally made up of the following main elements: a battery (which powers the atomiser), an atomiser (which contains a resistor which will vaporize the liquid), a tank (the liquid container) and a mouthpiece that allows you to inhale/inhale the vapor (aerosol) coming out of the atomizer.
  • a battery which powers the atomiser
  • an atomiser which contains a resistor which will vaporize the liquid
  • a tank the liquid container
  • a mouthpiece that allows you to inhale/inhale the vapor (aerosol) coming out of the atomizer.
  • Additional elements may be present such as for example a power electronic module, a voltage variator, a temperature controller, a counter for the number of puffs, means of communication with an electronic device such as a computer or a smartphone or any other device such as a charging device.
  • the essential element of current devices for inhaling a substance for example current electronic cigarettes, based on the heating of a liquid is the atomizer comprising a resistance which is the part whose function is to heat to high temperatures of at least minus 190°C (generally between 188 and 290°C) the liquid in order to generate the aerosol.
  • These atomizers generally contain a resistive wire which surrounds a wick which may for example be made of silica fiber or cotton and/or which is surrounded by a wad.
  • the wick or wad has the function of storing the liquid and bringing it by capillarity to the resistance so that it is heated and vaporized.
  • the atomizer and the cartridge are inseparable and form a single component, the latter is called “cartomizer” or cartridge with integrated atomizer.
  • the cartomizers supply the atomizer with liquid via a wad.
  • the food is supplied using a wick system, we speak of a "clearomiser”.
  • the atomizers mainly used for heating are consumables whose lifespan varies enormously depending on the model, the use and the type of liquid.
  • liquids based on PG and / or VG are largely in the majority, some alternatives exist however.
  • propane-1,3-diol or polyethylene glycol in its PEG400 form are largely in the majority, some alternatives exist however.
  • propane-1,3-diol or polyethylene glycol in its PEG400 form are largely in the majority, some alternatives exist however.
  • devices for inhaling a substance, in particular electronic cigarettes, based on heating a liquid comprising aromatic substances are therefore not free of toxic products, in particular solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) nor potentially carcinogenic toxic compounds, such as acrylonitrile, acrolein, propylene oxide and acrylamide.
  • VOCs volatile organic compounds
  • propylene glycol and glycerin almost systematically used to maintain the products of devices for inhaling a substance, in particular electronic cigarettes, in liquid form, are considered safe at room temperature but produce, when heated, potentially carcinogenic toxic compounds breathed in/inhaled by the user.
  • devices for inhaling a substance for example devices for smoking and in particular electronic cigarettes, relying on a heating of liquid in order to generate an aerosol require the presence of a battery, essentially to supply the heating element with electricity (usually a resistor).
  • a battery essentially to supply the heating element with electricity (usually a resistor).
  • any battery has a limited autonomy, all the more so when its size and its weight are reduced in order to be able to be integrated into devices for inhaling a substance, for example in devices for smoking.
  • devices for inhaling a substance for example devices for smoking
  • devices for inhaling a substance for example devices for smoking
  • devices for inhaling a substance for example devices for smoking
  • devices for inhaling a substance for example devices for smoking
  • atomizer of the fogger or nebulizer type and a compressed air cartridge or a chamber in which there is compressed air.
  • compressed air cartridge or a chamber in which there is compressed air.
  • the devices for inhaling a substance for example the devices for smoking, are temporarily non-functional, which may prove to be particularly restrictive for the user.
  • a device for inhaling a substance for example a device for smoking
  • a manual pump arranged to suck in ambient air, inject it and compress it in said second reservoir
  • the operator can fill the second reservoir at any time and compress air drawn therein from the surrounding environment (ambient air).
  • a device for inhaling a substance for example a device for smoking
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance is battery-free.
  • the absence of a battery makes it possible to reduce the weight of the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention but also makes the latter more ecological since the batteries pose serious pollution problems during their manufacture but also for their recycling.
  • an inlet of said first reservoir is in fluid communication with said second reservoir, in particular in fluid communication with an outlet of said second reservoir.
  • the first reservoir and the second reservoir are placed in series.
  • said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in said first reservoir is not present therein under pressure.
  • the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir is entrained by gas released at the start from the second reservoir but is not pressurized. According to the invention, there is therefore a training of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and not a pressurization of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution in a reservoir (compartment) so that it can be expelled.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention preferably functioning as a bubbler.
  • a first inlet of said cold atomizer is in fluid communication with said second reservoir and a second inlet of said cold atomizer is in fluid communication with said first reservoir.
  • the pressurized gas from the second tank enters the cold atomizer through a first inlet of the latter (gas inlet) and passes through the cold atomizer, which allows, for example by Venturi effect, that a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir enters the cold atomizer through a second inlet (inlet of inhalant) of the latter being in fluid communication with the first reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.
  • said cold atomizer is located at least partially in said first reservoir.
  • said cold atomizer and said first reservoir are mounted in parallel.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance comprises a plurality of cold atomizers, in particular a plurality of foggers or nebulizers, each of said cold atomizers atomizing the same substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution or each of said cold atomizers atomizing a particular inhalant in liquid or solution form.
  • the apparatus may comprise a first cold atomizer atomizing a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution corresponding to a flavor and a second cold atomizer atomizing a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution corresponding to nicotine, the aerosols from each of the cold atomizers reaching the mouthpiece.
  • said second reservoir comprises a porous material, in particular a microporous material, for example a zeolite.
  • a porous material for example a zeolite.
  • the presence of a porous material or of a microporous material makes it possible to optimize the quantity of air (of gas) injected into the second reservoir.
  • said pump is a manual pump.
  • a manual pump makes it possible to dispense with a source of electrical energy (battery), which makes the device for inhaling a substance all the more functional at any time. moment.
  • a simple manual actuation of the pump makes it possible to suck in ambient air, to inject it and to compress it in said second tank.
  • said manual pump is a two-way pump, that is to say a pump which sucks in and which propels air into the second reservoir not only during the forward movement but also during the movement back from the pump piston.
  • a device for inhaling a substance for example a device for smoking, must be compact and it is necessary to reduce the number of movements to be carried out manually to ensure pumping such that the second reservoir quickly contains enough compressed gas (air) so that the user can inhale several puffs of the substance to be inhaled thanks to the volume of compressed air obtained in only a few pumps (pumping movements), preferably in only 3 pumps (movements of pumping).
  • a faster and therefore more efficient filling of the second tank is ensured.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a two-way pump comprising several pistons, in particular several two-way pistons. This makes it possible to increase and optimize the quantity of gas (air) drawn in and injected into the second tank during a given movement of the pump.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a piston activated by the pressurized gas contained in said second reservoir, the pressurized gas allowing the additional piston to perform a displacement movement accompanying a movement performed by the extensor muscles of the fingers of a user during manual pumping performed with said manual pump.
  • This piston therefore facilitates pumping by the user by increasing the force that the latter applies during pumping using the extensor muscles of his fingers.
  • said manual pump is provided with a handle in the form of a ring.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance may comprise a plurality of pumps, in order to ensure faster filling of the second reservoir.
  • an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a mechanism for closing said second reservoir, for example a one-way valve, in particular a pressure valve or valve.
  • a mechanism for closing said second tank is arranged to prevent gas (air) from escaping from the second tank when the pressure of this gas in the second tank is too low: according to the invention, the mechanism for closing said second reservoir, for example a one-way valve of the mechanical type (opposed force, mechanical rigidity, etc.), is triggered when the pressure within the second reservoir is lower than a predetermined threshold value such that the gas is no longer able to come out of the second tank.
  • the gas (air) present in the second reservoir must be sufficiently compressed for the atomization to give rise to an adequate mist or nebulisate. If the gas pressure in the second tank is too low, the atomization will not be optimal: droplets of too large a size of substance to be inhaled are obtained and reach the mouth of the user in liquid form and not in the form of mist or mist.
  • said mechanism for closing said second tank is associated with a pressure sensor measuring the pressure prevailing in said second tank and making it possible to control said closing mechanism.
  • an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a mechanism for closing an inlet or an outlet of said cold atomizer.
  • this mechanism for closing an inlet or an outlet of said cold atomizer also makes it possible to ensure that droplets of too large a size of substance to be inhaled do not reach not the mouth of the user in liquid form but in the form of mist or nebulisate.
  • the device for inhaling a substance further comprises a valve or an overpressure safety valve connected to the second reservoir so that in the event of too high pressure in the latter, any risk of explosion or damage to the apparatus for inhaling a substance is avoided.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a compressed air cartridge connected to the second reservoir and/or to the cold atomizer.
  • a compressed air cartridge connected to the second reservoir and/or to the cold atomizer.
  • the presence of such a compressed air cartridge constitutes an additional compressed air (gas) supply acting alone or in parallel with the second reservoir and/or with the cold atomizer.
  • the manual pump can be connected to the compressed air cartridge, in order to be able, when the manual pump is activated, to supply the cartridge with compressed air (gas).
  • said cold atomizer is a fogger or a nebulizer.
  • said first reservoir contains at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and said second reservoir contains a pressurized gas.
  • the cold atomizer of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention is a fogger or a nebulizer
  • no heating must be carried out in order to obtain an aerosol, a smoke or a phase simulating a smoke.
  • the mist or the nebulisate produced cold comprises to a lesser extent or even does not comprise the toxic and potentially carcinogenic compounds generated by heating, as is the case with an atomizer of the heating resistor type encountered with devices for inhaling a substance, in particular with current electronic cigarettes, based on heating a liquid to obtain an aerosol.
  • the cold atomizer is a fogger or a nebulizer, to produce an aerosol or smoke or to simulate the smoke which would be obtained for example with a conventional cigarette (smoke essentially produced by the combustion of tobacco)
  • the aerosol is not generated by heating but rather cold via an atomizer or a nebulizer constituting a cold atomizer to give rise to an aerosol in the form of a mist or a mist.
  • the aerosol emerging from the cold atomizer preferably from a fogger or a nebulizer
  • the cold atomizer preferably from a fogger or a nebulizer
  • the quantity of substance to be inhaled contained in the aerosol leaving the cold atomizer is substantially identical from one inhalation to another. .
  • the cold atomizer for example a fogger or a nebulizer
  • an aerosol for example a mist or a nebulisate
  • droplets having a droplet size between 0 1 and 20 ⁇ m, preferably between 0.25 and 10 ⁇ m, preferably between 0.5 and 5 ⁇ m.
  • said aerosol has droplets having a droplet size distribution D50 equal to 3 ⁇ m, preferably equal to 2.5 ⁇ m.
  • an aerosol is a set of fine particles, solid or liquid, of a substance or a mixture of substances, suspended / dispersed in a gaseous medium (suspended / dispersed in a gas).
  • an “atomizer” is an apparatus or device used to finely disperse (reduce to fine particles) liquids, solutions or suspensions.
  • an atomizer has the function of passing a substance from a first state to a second state which is neither liquid nor solid.
  • an atomizer makes it possible to obtain an aerosol as defined above.
  • an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the present invention comprises a cold fogger or a cold nebulizer.
  • an atomizer is a device that makes it possible, when cold, to divide a pressurized liquid into very fine droplets to give rise to a mist. Misting can for example be carried out by spraying (reduction into fine particles) of the liquid using an ultrasound system or a nozzle through which the liquid is fed.
  • a nebulizer can transform liquids into a cloud of extremely fine particles (mist) and this, cold. Nebulization can for example be carried out by using ultrasound, by simultaneously supplying a liquid and a gas (concentric nebulizer) or by pressurizing a liquid and passing it through a nebulization head (Venturi nebulizer).
  • a gas, a liquid or a gas-liquid mixture gaining an input from said cold atomizer for example an input from an atomizer or a nebulizer, has a velocity (speed) of between 0, 0025 and 50 m/s, preferably between 0.005 and 25 m/s, preferably between 0.01 and 5 m/s.
  • a gas gaining an inlet of said cold atomizer for example an inlet of a fogger or a nebulizer, has a flow rate of between 1.10 -9 and 100.10 -9 ml/s, preferably between 5 and 50 ml/s.
  • a liquid gaining an inlet of said cold atomizer for example an inlet of a fogger or a nebulizer, has a flow rate of between 0.001 and 0.01 ml/s.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a second reservoir comprising a gas under pressure, preferably air or oxygen or a mixture of air and oxygen under pressure.
  • said second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas can be a reservoir in the form of a removable and/or rechargeable gas cartridge.
  • the trigger comprises a valve or valve.
  • the valve or valve is placed between said second reservoir and said first reservoir or between said first reservoir and said cold atomizer (for example a fogger or a nebulizer) or between said cold atomizer (for example a fogger or nebulizer) and said mouthpiece.
  • said cold atomizer for example a fogger or a nebulizer
  • said cold atomizer for example a fogger or nebulizer
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a device or a chamber for mixing said substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and said pressurized gas.
  • said device or the mixing chamber is upstream of said cold atomizer (for example upstream of a fogger or a nebulizer) and is in fluid communication with an inlet of said cold atomizer.
  • Such device or mixing chamber allows even more that a homogeneous aerosol comprising the expected quantity of substance to be inhaled is formed and that the size of the droplets (particles) present in the aerosol are adequate.
  • said mouthpiece is rotatable and makes it possible to close the reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution so that the latter cannot flow outside the device for inhaling. a substance.
  • the mouthpiece closes the reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a compartment comprising a flavoring or an aromatic substance or nicotine.
  • this compartment is in fluid communication with said cold atomizer (for example in fluid communication with a fogger or a nebulizer).
  • this compartment is located downstream of the cold atomizer, the aerosol formed being loaded with aroma or aromatic substance by passing through the compartment.
  • the compartment can include an absorbent material that can be soaked with a flavoring or an aromatic substance or can have walls coated with a flavoring or an aromatic substance.
  • This compartment can be a removable and/or rechargeable element of the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • This compartment may consist of an outside air intake (outside air inlet) into which an aroma or an aromatic substance can be introduced. According to an embodiment according to the invention, this compartment is located at the level of the mouthpiece.
  • said first reservoir and said second reservoir are concentric.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a heating element, for example a resistor or a heating wall.
  • a heating element for example a resistor or a heating wall.
  • the presence of such a heating element can allow to heat/temper the mixture [gas under pressure + substance to be inhaled] and/or the aerosol coming out of the cold atomizer (for example coming out of a fogger or a nebulizer) so that the user inhales an aerosol whose temperature can for example be close to that of a puff obtained with a conventional cigarette (combustion of tobacco).
  • Such a heating element can advantageously be present at the outlet of the second tank comprising a pressurized gas to compensate for the cooling due to the expansion of the gas when it leaves said second tank.
  • such a heating element does not heat the substance to be inhaled excessively in order to avoid any generation of toxic and/or carcinogenic molecules by heating to high temperatures.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one air inlet or an outside air intake.
  • at least one air intake is in fluid communication with the cold atomizer (for example in fluid communication with a fogger or a nebulizer).
  • an aromatic or flavoring substance can be introduced into an air intake, for example by means of an element soaked in an aroma and fitting into the air intake.
  • said at least one air inlet or an external air intake is located at the level of the mouthpiece, this in order to increase the volume of air to be inhaled during the use of a device for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one exhaust or a safety valve or a safety valve, that is to say an opening on/outwards ensuring the exit of a fluid departing from the apparatus for inhaling a substance.
  • This exhaust makes it possible to avoid any overpressure in the device for smoking and/or any explosion of the device for inhaling a substance.
  • said at least one air intake and/or said at least one exhaust comprises a valve or a valve.
  • the second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas is removable and/or refillable.
  • the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is removable and/or refillable.
  • the cold atomizer for example an atomizer or a nebulizer, is removable.
  • the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution also comprises at least one additional substance chosen from the group consisting of non-toxic smoke oils, nicotine, propylene glycol , propane-1,3-diol, glycerin, ethanol, water and mixtures thereof. It is understood that many other additional substances could be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
  • the cold atomizer is a spray fogger, for example an ultrasonic system spray fogger or a nozzle spray fogger.
  • the cold atomizer is an ultrasonic nebulizer, a concentric nebulizer or a Venturi nebulizer.
  • the device for inhaling a substance also comprises an additional atomiser, for example a nebuliser or an additional atomiser.
  • said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is an aromatic substance or aroma in liquid form, in the form of an ionized liquid, or in solid form or in the form of a powder. dissolved in a solvent.
  • Any other suitable form of said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is also the subject of the present invention.
  • said substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution can simply be water.
  • the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is not in the oily or viscous or semi-viscous phase but only in the aqueous phase or in a non-oily, non-viscous and non-semi-viscous solvent.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one additional element chosen from the group consisting of valves and/or valves, a battery, an suction or pressure sensor, an electronic power module, a voltage variator, a temperature controller, a counter for the number of puffs, means of communication with an electronic device such as a computer or a smartphone, a switch controlling said trigger, a mixer, for example a Venturi-type mixer.
  • the device for inhaling a substance can also comprise an electronic module for programming the quantity of substance to be inhaled at each puff and/or the volume of gas released at each puff and/or the temperature of the heater.
  • the trigger is a mechanical trigger, for example a non-return valve, or an electromechanical trigger, for example a solenoid valve.
  • the trigger for example a trigger in the form of an (electro-)valve, can be located either between the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and the second reservoir comprising a gas under pressure, either between the second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas and the cold atomizer (for example an atomizer or a nebulizer), or between the cold atomizer and the mouthpiece.
  • the trigger may be a mechanical trigger of the check valve type.
  • the non-return valve constituting the trigger and comprising a return spring passes from a rest position where it is in abutment against a stop to a working position (the non-return valve is no longer held against the stop).
  • the return spring is arranged such that it exerts sufficient force to maintain the non-return valve in its rest position when the device for inhaling a substance is not in use.
  • the suction exerted by the user at the level of the mouthpiece has the effect of shifting the non-return valve in the direction of the user, of creating a depression in the apparatus for inhaling a substance and, as a result, to allow a certain quantity of gas contained in the second tank to reach the first tank comprising the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution to convey (push) it to the cold atomizer (for example a fogger or a nebulizer).
  • the cold atomizer for example a fogger or a nebulizer
  • the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a turbine to increase the flow of air during an aspiration carried out by the user.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance comprises a battery, which can power a compressor and/or a pump for compressing a gas in said second reservoir.
  • the present invention also relates to an assembly comprising an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention and a recharging station (docking station) of said second gas tank, in particular air, and/or for recharging the apparatus for inhaling a substance into electrical energy.
  • the present invention also relates to a use of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention for atomizing (for example for misting or nebulizing) at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.
  • said first reservoir 3 comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of said second reservoir 4 comprising a pressurized gas.
  • the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 comprises an aspiration detector or pressure sensor 7, a control unit 8 connected to the pressure sensor 7 and an electric source SE (for example a battery).
  • an electric source SE for example a battery.
  • the control unit 8 will measure a depression in the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 via the pressure sensor 7 and then authorize the passage of a current to the solenoid valve (which constitutes the trigger 6) so that the latter moves from a rest position in which it is closed to a working position in which it is open.
  • the second tank 4 comprises a pressurized gas and it is in fluid communication with said first tank 3 which is itself in fluid communication with an inlet of the cold atomizer 2 which is itself in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 5, the opening of the solenoid valve creating a vacuum in the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 will give place in a release of gas from the second reservoir 4, the gas then entraining the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir 3 towards an inlet of the cold atomizer 2.
  • Such entrainment of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution by a gas facilitates the passage of the latter in the cold atomizer 2 but also the exit of the aerosol obtained by the mouthpiece 5, which makes the use of this mode of embodiment according to the invention all the more comfortable for the user.
  • the passage of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution in the cold atomizer 2 gives rise to atomization such that an aerosol is formed (for example in the form of a mist or a nebulisate) comprising the substance to be inhaled in the form of fine droplets and simulating the smoke which would be obtained for example with a conventional cigarette (smoke essentially produced by the combustion of tobacco).
  • the figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • This embodiment is identical to that illustrated in figure 1 but the assembly E has a different configuration since the cold atomizer 2 is partially present in the first reservoir 3.
  • a first inlet e1 (gas inlet) of the cold atomizer 2 is in communication fluidic with an outlet of the second reservoir 4 and at least one second inlet e2 (inlet of substance to be inhaled) of the cold atomizer 2 is in fluid communication with the first reservoir 3 containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.
  • the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution reaches the cold atomizer 2 by Venturi effect, which is due to the passage of pressurized gas through the cold atomizer 2, this which implies that the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is “sucked up” and reaches the cold atomizer 2 via the inlet e2.
  • the picture 3 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • This embodiment includes the same components as shown in picture 2 , the mode of operation of the device for inhaling picture 3 being identical to the mode of operation of the apparatus for inhaling picture 2 (Venturi effect).

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Description

La présente invention porte sur un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple sur un appareil pour fumer.The present invention relates to an apparatus for inhaling a substance, for example a smoking apparatus.

Les documents US 2003/079743 , EP 1917992 et US 2018/146711 décrivent des appareils pour inhaler une substance.The documents US 2003/079743 , EP 1917992 and US 2018/146711 describe apparatus for inhaling a substance.

De nos jours, les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple les appareils pour fumer et en particulier les cigarettes électroniques, rencontrent de plus en plus de succès dès lors que les fumeurs sont de plus en plus conscients des dommages occasionnés par le tabagisme sur leur santé. La cigarette électronique (ou e-cigarette), parfois appelée vapoteuse ou vaporisateur personnel, est un dispositif électromécanique ou électronique générant un aérosol destiné à être inhalé. Cet aérosol ou « vapeur » ou encore « fumée artificielle » ressemble visuellement à la fumée produite par la combustion du tabac. Cette vapeur (aérosol) peut être aromatisée (arôme de tabac, de fruits, ...) ou non et contenir ou non de la nicotine.Nowadays, devices for inhaling a substance, for example smoking devices and in particular electronic cigarettes, are becoming more and more popular as smokers become more and more aware of the damage caused by smoking to their body. health. The electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette ), sometimes called a vaporizer or personal vaporizer, is an electromechanical or electronic device that generates an aerosol intended to be inhaled. This aerosol or "vapour" or even "artificial smoke" visually resembles the smoke produced by the combustion of tobacco. This vapor (aerosol) can be flavored (aroma of tobacco, fruit, etc.) or not and may or may not contain nicotine.

Actuellement, la technologie majoritairement commercialisée pour les cigarettes électroniques est la technologie de vaporisation (action de disperser un liquide en fines gouttelettes) d'un liquide par utilisation d'une résistance chauffante. Concrètement, le principe d'une telle cigarette électronique consiste à produire un aérosol imitant la fumée de tabac. La technique consiste à chauffer un liquide (dit liquide à vapoter) par l'intermédiaire d'une résistance chauffante : l'utilisateur doit enclencher le chauffage de la résistance, le liquide chauffe, se vaporise et produit un aérosol que l'utilisateur peut alors inhaler. L'activation du chauffage de la résistance peut être soit manuel (par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un interrupteur), soit automatique (par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif électromécanique détectant l'aspiration de l'utilisateur et activant alors la résistance).Currently, the technology mainly marketed for electronic cigarettes is the vaporization technology (action of dispersing a liquid into fine droplets) of a liquid by using a heating resistor. Concretely, the principle of such an electronic cigarette consists in producing an aerosol imitating tobacco smoke. The technique consists of heating a liquid (known as a vaping liquid) via a heating resistor: the user must activate the heating of the resistor, the liquid heats up, vaporizes and produces an aerosol that the user can then inhale. The activation of the heating of the resistance can be either manual (for example by means of a switch), or automatic (for example by means of an electromechanical device detecting the aspiration of the user and then activating resistance).

Un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple une cigarette électronique, reposant sur le chauffage d'un liquide est généralement constituée des éléments principaux suivants : une batterie (qui alimente l'atomiseur), un atomiseur (qui contient une résistance qui va vaporiser le liquide), un réservoir (le contenant du liquide) et un embout buccal qui permet d'inspirer/d'inhaler la vapeur (aérosol) sortant de l'atomiseur.A device for inhaling a substance, for example an electronic cigarette, based on the heating of a liquid is generally made up of the following main elements: a battery (which powers the atomiser), an atomiser (which contains a resistor which will vaporize the liquid), a tank (the liquid container) and a mouthpiece that allows you to inhale/inhale the vapor (aerosol) coming out of the atomizer.

D'autres éléments additionnels peuvent être présents comme par exemple un module électronique de puissance, un variateur de tension, un contrôleur de la température, un compteur du nombre de bouffées, des moyens de communications avec un dispositif électronique comme par exemple un ordinateur ou un smartphone ou encore tout autre appareil comme un dispositif de recharge.Other additional elements may be present such as for example a power electronic module, a voltage variator, a temperature controller, a counter for the number of puffs, means of communication with an electronic device such as a computer or a smartphone or any other device such as a charging device.

L'élément essentiel des appareils actuels pour inhaler une substance, par exemple des cigarettes électroniques actuelles, reposant sur le chauffage d'un liquide est l'atomiseur comprenant une résistance qui est la partie ayant pour fonction de chauffer à de hautes températures d'au moins 190°C (généralement entre 188 et 290°C) le liquide afin de générer l'aérosol. Ces atomiseurs contiennent généralement un fil résistif qui entoure une mèche pouvant être par exemple en fibre de silice ou en coton et/ou qui est entouré par une bourre. La mèche ou bourre a pour fonction de stocker le liquide et de l'amener par capillarité à la résistance pour qu'il soit chauffé et vaporisé. Quand l'atomiseur et la cartouche sont indissociables et ne forment qu'un seul composant, ce dernier est nommé « cartomiseur » ou cartouche à atomiseur intégré. Les cartomiseurs alimentent en liquide l'atomiseur par l'intermédiaire d'une bourre. Lorsque l'alimentation est assurée à l'aide d'un système à mèches, on parle de « clearomiseur ». Actuellement, les atomiseurs majoritairement utilisés pour réaliser un chauffage sont des consommables dont la durée de vie varie énormément suivant le modèle, l'utilisation et le type de liquide.The essential element of current devices for inhaling a substance, for example current electronic cigarettes, based on the heating of a liquid is the atomizer comprising a resistance which is the part whose function is to heat to high temperatures of at least minus 190°C (generally between 188 and 290°C) the liquid in order to generate the aerosol. These atomizers generally contain a resistive wire which surrounds a wick which may for example be made of silica fiber or cotton and/or which is surrounded by a wad. The wick or wad has the function of storing the liquid and bringing it by capillarity to the resistance so that it is heated and vaporized. When the atomizer and the cartridge are inseparable and form a single component, the latter is called "cartomizer" or cartridge with integrated atomizer. The cartomizers supply the atomizer with liquid via a wad. When the food is supplied using a wick system, we speak of a "clearomiser". Currently, the atomizers mainly used for heating are consumables whose lifespan varies enormously depending on the model, the use and the type of liquid.

Classiquement, le liquide à chauffer contient les composants suivants :

  • un mélange à base de propylène glycol (PG) et/ou de glycérine végétale (aussi nommé glycérol, VG), éventuellement additionné d'une combinaison d'éthanol et/ou d'eau (< 5%) ;
  • des arômes, généralement issus de l'industrie alimentaire; et, éventuellement,
  • de la nicotine à des taux variables, en général de 0 à 3,6% (soit 0 à 36 mg/ml).
Conventionally, the liquid to be heated contains the following components:
  • a mixture based on propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (also called glycerol, VG), optionally supplemented with a combination of ethanol and/or water (<5%);
  • flavourings, generally from the food industry; and eventually,
  • nicotine at variable rates, generally from 0 to 3.6% (i.e. 0 to 36 mg/ml).

Si les liquides à base de PG et/ou VG sont largement majoritaires, quelques alternatives existent toutefois. Par exemple, le propane-1,3-diol ou le polyéthylène glycol sous sa forme de PEG400.If liquids based on PG and / or VG are largely in the majority, some alternatives exist however. For example, propane-1,3-diol or polyethylene glycol in its PEG400 form.

Malheureusement, en ce qui concerne les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple les appareils pour fumer et en particulier les cigarettes électroniques, reposant sur un chauffage de liquide afin de générer un aérosol, même si les vapeurs (aérosols) générées sont pour l'instant estimées comme étant moins nocives et moins toxiques pour l'organisme que la fumée de tabac, des études récentes démontrent que ces vapeurs ne sont pas réellement et totalement inoffensives pour l'organisme humain. Des études ont même décelé la présence de molécules cancérigènes en quantité significative comme le méthanal, l'acroléine ou l'éthanal dans les vapeurs (aérosols) générées par les cigarettes électroniques mais aussi dans l'organisme des utilisateurs de tels appareils pour fumer.Unfortunately, with regard to devices for inhaling a substance, for example smoking devices and in particular electronic cigarettes, relying on heating liquid in order to generate an aerosol, even if the vapors (aerosols) generated are for the considered to be less harmful and less toxic for the organism than tobacco smoke, recent studies show that these vapors are not really and totally harmless for the human organism. Studies have even detected the presence of carcinogenic molecules in significant quantities such as methanal, acrolein or ethanal in the vapors (aerosols) generated by electronic cigarettes but also in the body of users of such smoking devices.

A ce jour, les appareils pour inhaler une substance, en particulier les cigarettes électroniques, reposant sur un chauffage d'un liquide comprenant des substances aromatiques ne sont donc pas exemptes de produits toxiques, notamment de solvants et de composés organiques volatils (COV) ni de composés toxiques potentiellement cancérigènes, tels que l'acrylonitrile, l'acroléine, l'oxyde de propylène et l'acrylamide. Par ailleurs, le propylène glycol et la glycérine, presque systématiquement utilisés pour maintenir les produits des appareils pour inhaler une substance, en particulier des cigarettes électroniques, sous forme liquide, sont considérés comme étant sûrs à température ambiante mais produisent, une fois chauffés, des composés toxiques potentiellement cancérigènes inspirés/inhalés par l'utilisateur.To date, devices for inhaling a substance, in particular electronic cigarettes, based on heating a liquid comprising aromatic substances are therefore not free of toxic products, in particular solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) nor potentially carcinogenic toxic compounds, such as acrylonitrile, acrolein, propylene oxide and acrylamide. On the other hand, propylene glycol and glycerin, almost systematically used to maintain the products of devices for inhaling a substance, in particular electronic cigarettes, in liquid form, are considered safe at room temperature but produce, when heated, potentially carcinogenic toxic compounds breathed in/inhaled by the user.

Généralement, les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple les appareils pour fumer et en particulier les cigarettes électroniques, reposant sur un chauffage de liquide afin de générer un aérosol imposent la présence d'une batterie, essentiellement pour alimenter l'élément de chauffage en électricité (généralement une résistance). Or, toute batterie présente une autonomie limitée, ceci d'autant plus lorsque sa taille et son poids sont réduits afin de pouvoir être intégrée dans les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple dans les appareils pour fumer.Generally, devices for inhaling a substance, for example devices for smoking and in particular electronic cigarettes, relying on a heating of liquid in order to generate an aerosol require the presence of a battery, essentially to supply the heating element with electricity (usually a resistor). However, any battery has a limited autonomy, all the more so when its size and its weight are reduced in order to be able to be integrated into devices for inhaling a substance, for example in devices for smoking.

D'autres types d'appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple des cigarettes électroniques, où n'est pas opéré un chauffage afin d'obtenir un aérosol sont connus de l'état de la technique. En général, les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple les appareils pour fumer, de ce type comprennent un atomiseur de type brumisateur ou nébuliseur et une cartouche d'air comprimé ou une chambre dans laquelle se trouve de l'air comprimé. Si de tels appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple des appareils pour fumer sont fonctionnels, ils présentent malgré tout certains inconvénients dont le principal est qu'une fois que la cartouche d'air comprimé est vide, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance n'est plus opérationnel tant que cette cartouche n'est pas remplacée.Other types of apparatus for inhaling a substance, for example electronic cigarettes, where heating is not operated in order to obtain an aerosol are known from the state of the art. In general, devices for inhaling a substance, for example devices for smoking, of this type comprise an atomizer of the fogger or nebulizer type and a compressed air cartridge or a chamber in which there is compressed air. If such devices for inhaling a substance, for example devices for smoking are functional, they nevertheless have certain drawbacks, the main one being that once the compressed air cartridge is empty, the device for inhaling a substance is no longer operational until this cartridge is replaced.

De tout ceci, il ressort que, si un utilisateur ne dispose pas d'une source d'énergie pour recharger la batterie et/ou d'une cartouche d'air comprimé de rechange, les appareils pour inhaler une substance, par exemple les appareils pour fumer, sont momentanément non fonctionnels, ceci pouvant s'avérer être particulièrement contraignant pour l'utilisateur.From all this, it emerges that, if a user does not have a source of energy to recharge the battery and/or a spare compressed air cartridge, the devices for inhaling a substance, for example the devices for smoking, are temporarily non-functional, which may prove to be particularly restrictive for the user.

Il existe donc un réel besoin de procurer un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple un appareil pour fumer, optimisé solutionnant au moins en partie les problématiques mentionnées ci-dessus, éventuellement et de préférence en minimisant voire en éliminant la problématique relative à la présence de molécules cancérigènes et toxiques générées entre autre par chauffage à de hautes températures.There is therefore a real need to provide a device for inhaling a substance, for example a device for smoking, optimized solving at least in part the problems mentioned above, possibly and preferably by minimizing or even eliminating the problem relating to the presence carcinogenic and toxic molecules generated, among other things, by heating at high temperatures.

Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il est prévu, suivant l'invention, un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple un appareil pour fumer, comprenant :

  • un atomiseur,
  • un ensemble comprenant ledit atomiseur et un premier réservoir contenant au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution, ledit atomiseur étant en communication fluidique avec ledit premier réservoir,
  • un deuxième réservoir agencé pour contenir un gaz sous pression et étant en communication fluidique avec ledit ensemble,
  • un embout buccal en communication fluidique avec une sortie dudit atomiseur, et
  • un déclencheur agencé pour libérer une quantité dudit gaz hors dudit deuxième réservoir et à destination dudit l'ensemble,
  • une pompe agencée pour aspirer de l'air ambiant, l'injecter et le comprimer dans ledit deuxième réservoir,
caractérisé en ce que ledit atomiseur est un atomiseur à froid et en ce que ladite pompe est une pompe manuelle.To solve these problems, there is provided, according to the invention, a device for inhaling a substance, for example a device for smoking, comprising:
  • an atomizer,
  • an assembly comprising said atomizer and a first reservoir containing at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution, said atomizer being in fluid communication with said first reservoir,
  • a second reservoir arranged to contain a pressurized gas and being in fluid communication with said assembly,
  • a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an outlet of said atomizer, and
  • a trigger arranged to release a quantity of said gas from said second reservoir and intended for said assembly,
  • a pump arranged to suck in ambient air, inject it and compress it into said second reservoir,
characterized in that said atomizer is a cold atomizer and in that said pump is a manual pump.

Dès lors qu'un tel appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple un appareil pour fumer, selon l'invention est muni d'une pompe manuelle agencée pour aspirer de l'air ambiant, l'injecter et le comprimer dans ledit deuxième réservoir, l'opérateur peut à tout moment assurer un remplissage du deuxième réservoir et y comprimer de l'air prélevé dans le milieu environnant (air ambiant). Ainsi, un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple un appareil pour fumer, selon l'invention peut être opérationnel à tout moment et ne requiert pas de cartouche de remplacement.Since such a device for inhaling a substance, for example a device for smoking, according to the invention is provided with a manual pump arranged to suck in ambient air, inject it and compress it in said second reservoir, the operator can fill the second reservoir at any time and compress air drawn therein from the surrounding environment (ambient air). Thus, a device for inhaling a substance, for example a device for smoking, according to the invention can be operational at any time and does not require a replacement cartridge.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance est exempt de batterie. L'absence de batterie permet de réduire le poids de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention mais rend également ce dernier plus écologique puisque les batteries posent de sérieux problèmes de pollution lors de leur fabrication mais aussi pour leur recyclage.Preferably, according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance is battery-free. The absence of a battery makes it possible to reduce the weight of the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention but also makes the latter more ecological since the batteries pose serious pollution problems during their manufacture but also for their recycling.

De préférence, selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, une entrée dudit premier réservoir est en communication fluidique avec ledit deuxième réservoir, en particulier en communication fluidique avec une sortie dudit deuxième réservoir. Selon ce mode de réalisation, le premier réservoir et le deuxième réservoir sont placés en série.Preferably, according to an embodiment according to the invention, an inlet of said first reservoir is in fluid communication with said second reservoir, in particular in fluid communication with an outlet of said second reservoir. According to this embodiment, the first reservoir and the second reservoir are placed in series.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, ladite au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution contenue dans ledit premier réservoir n'y est pas présente sous pression. Selon l'invention, la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution contenue dans le premier réservoir est entrainée par du gaz libéré au départ su deuxième réservoir mais n'est pas mise sous pression. Suivant l'invention, il y a donc un entrainement de la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution et non pas une mise sous pression de la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution dans un réservoir (compartiment) afin qu'elle puisse en être expulsée.Advantageously, according to the invention, said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in said first reservoir is not present therein under pressure. According to the invention, the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir is entrained by gas released at the start from the second reservoir but is not pressurized. According to the invention, there is therefore a training of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and not a pressurization of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution in a reservoir (compartment) so that it can be expelled.

Selon l'invention, de préférence, la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution barbote dans le gaz libéré au départ dudit deuxième réservoir, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention fonctionnant alors comme un barboteur.According to the invention, preferably, the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution bubbles in the gas released from said second reservoir, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention then functioning as a bubbler.

Avantageusement, selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, une première entrée dudit atomiseur à froid est en communication fluidique avec ledit deuxième réservoir et une deuxième entrée dudit atomiseur à froid est en communication fluidique avec ledit premier réservoir. Selon ce mode de réalisation, le gaz sous pression du deuxième réservoir entre dans l'atomiseur à froid par une première entrée de ce dernier (entrée de gaz) et passe au travers de l'atomiseur à froid, ce qui permet, par exemple par effet Venturi, qu'une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution contenue dans le premier réservoir entre dans l'atomiseur à froid par une deuxième entrée (entrée de substance à inhaler) de ce dernier étant en communication fluidique avec le premier réservoir contenant la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution.Advantageously, according to an embodiment according to the invention, a first inlet of said cold atomizer is in fluid communication with said second reservoir and a second inlet of said cold atomizer is in fluid communication with said first reservoir. According to this embodiment, the pressurized gas from the second tank enters the cold atomizer through a first inlet of the latter (gas inlet) and passes through the cold atomizer, which allows, for example by Venturi effect, that a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir enters the cold atomizer through a second inlet (inlet of inhalant) of the latter being in fluid communication with the first reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.

Préférentiellement, selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, ledit atomiseur à froid est situé au moins partiellement dans ledit premier réservoir.Preferably, according to an embodiment according to the invention, said cold atomizer is located at least partially in said first reservoir.

Eventuellement, selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, ledit atomiseur à froid et ledit premier réservoir sont montés en parallèle.Optionally, according to an embodiment according to the invention, said cold atomizer and said first reservoir are mounted in parallel.

Avantageusement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend une pluralité d'atomiseurs à froid, en particulier une pluralité de brumisateurs ou de nébuliseurs, chacun desdits atomiseurs à froid atomisant une même substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution ou chacun desdits atomiseurs à froid atomisant une substance à inhaler particulière sous forme liquide ou en solution. Par exemple, selon l'invention, l'appareil peut comprendre un premier atomiseur à froid atomisant une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution correspondant à un arôme et un deuxième atomiseur à froid atomisant une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution correspondant à de la nicotine, les aérosols issus de chacun des atomiseurs à froid gagnant l'embout buccal.Advantageously, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a plurality of cold atomizers, in particular a plurality of foggers or nebulizers, each of said cold atomizers atomizing the same substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution or each of said cold atomizers atomizing a particular inhalant in liquid or solution form. For example, according to the invention, the apparatus may comprise a first cold atomizer atomizing a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution corresponding to a flavor and a second cold atomizer atomizing a substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution corresponding to nicotine, the aerosols from each of the cold atomizers reaching the mouthpiece.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, ledit deuxième réservoir comprend un matériau poreux, en particulier un matériau microporeux, par exemple une zéolite. La présence d'un matériau poreux ou d'un matériau microporeux permet d'optimiser la quantité d'air (de gaz) injecté dans le deuxième réservoir.Preferably, according to the invention, said second reservoir comprises a porous material, in particular a microporous material, for example a zeolite. The presence of a porous material or of a microporous material makes it possible to optimize the quantity of air (of gas) injected into the second reservoir.

Selon l'invention, ladite pompe est une pompe manuelle. Le fait que l'appareil pour inhaler une substance soit muni d'une pompe manuelle permet de se dispenser d'une source d'énergie électrique (batterie), ce qui rend d'autant plus l'appareil pour inhaler une substance fonctionnel à tout moment. En effet, plutôt que d'assurer le remplissage du deuxième réservoir à l'aide d'une pompe électrique, un simple actionnement manuel de la pompe permet d'aspirer de l'air ambiant, de l'injecter et de le comprimer dans ledit deuxième réservoir.According to the invention, said pump is a manual pump. The fact that the device for inhaling a substance is provided with a manual pump makes it possible to dispense with a source of electrical energy (battery), which makes the device for inhaling a substance all the more functional at any time. moment. In fact, rather than ensuring the filling of the second tank using an electric pump, a simple manual actuation of the pump makes it possible to suck in ambient air, to inject it and to compress it in said second tank.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, ladite pompe manuelle est une pompe à double sens, c'est-à-dire une pompe qui aspire et qui propulse de l'air dans le deuxième réservoir non seulement lors du mouvement aller mais aussi lors du mouvement de retour du piston de la pompe. Ce mode de réalisation est particulièrement avantageux puisqu'un appareil pour inhaler une substance, par exemple un appareil pour fumer, doit être compact et qu'il convient de réduire le nombre de mouvements à effectuer manuellement pour assurer un pompage de telle sorte que le deuxième réservoir contienne rapidement suffisamment de gaz (air) comprimé pour que l'utilisateur puisse inhaler plusieurs bouffées de substance à inhaler grâce au volume d'air comprimé obtenu en seulement quelques pompages (mouvements de pompage), de préférence en seulement 3 pompages (mouvements de pompage). En outre, avec une telle pompe à double sens, un remplissage plus rapide et donc plus efficace du deuxième réservoir est assuré.Preferably, according to the invention, said manual pump is a two-way pump, that is to say a pump which sucks in and which propels air into the second reservoir not only during the forward movement but also during the movement back from the pump piston. This embodiment is particularly advantageous since a device for inhaling a substance, for example a device for smoking, must be compact and it is necessary to reduce the number of movements to be carried out manually to ensure pumping such that the second reservoir quickly contains enough compressed gas (air) so that the user can inhale several puffs of the substance to be inhaled thanks to the volume of compressed air obtained in only a few pumps (pumping movements), preferably in only 3 pumps (movements of pumping). Furthermore, with such a two-way pump, a faster and therefore more efficient filling of the second tank is ensured.

Préférentiellement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend une pompe à double sens comprenant plusieurs pistons, en particulier plusieurs pistons à double sens. Ceci permet d'augmenter et d'optimiser la quantité de gaz (d'air) aspirée et injectée dans le deuxième réservoir lors d'un mouvement donné de la pompe.Preferably, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a two-way pump comprising several pistons, in particular several two-way pistons. This makes it possible to increase and optimize the quantity of gas (air) drawn in and injected into the second tank during a given movement of the pump.

Préférentiellement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend en outre un piston activé par le gaz sous pression contenu dans ledit deuxième réservoir, le gaz sous pression permettant au piston additionnel d'effectuer un mouvement de déplacement accompagnant un mouvement effectué par les muscles extenseurs des doigts d'un utilisateur lors d'un pompage manuel effectué avec ladite pompe manuelle. Ce piston facilite donc le pompage par l'utilisateur en augmentant la force que ce dernier applique lors d'un pompage à l'aide des muscles extenseurs de ses doigts.Preferably, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a piston activated by the pressurized gas contained in said second reservoir, the pressurized gas allowing the additional piston to perform a displacement movement accompanying a movement performed by the extensor muscles of the fingers of a user during manual pumping performed with said manual pump. This piston therefore facilitates pumping by the user by increasing the force that the latter applies during pumping using the extensor muscles of his fingers.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, ladite pompe manuelle est munie d'une poignée sous forme d'un anneau.Advantageously, according to the invention, said manual pump is provided with a handle in the form of a ring.

Eventuellement, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance peut comprendre une pluralité de pompes, ceci afin d'assurer un remplissage plus rapide du deuxième réservoir.Optionally, according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance may comprise a plurality of pumps, in order to ensure faster filling of the second reservoir.

De préférence, un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend en outre un mécanisme de fermeture dudit deuxième réservoir, par exemple une valve à sens unique, en particulier une valve ou vanne à pression. Selon l'invention un tel mécanisme de fermeture dudit deuxième réservoir est agencé pour empêcher une sortie de gaz (d'air) au départ du deuxième réservoir lorsque la pression de ce gaz dans le deuxième réservoir est trop faible : selon l'invention, le mécanisme de fermeture dudit deuxième réservoir, par exemple une valve à sens unique de type mécanique (force opposée, rigidité mécanique, ...), se déclenche lorsque la pression au sein du deuxième réservoir est inférieure à une valeur seuil prédéterminée de telle sorte que le gaz n'est plus en mesure de sortir du deuxième réservoir. Dans le cadre de la présente invention, il a été déterminé que le gaz (l'air) présent dans le deuxième réservoir doit être suffisamment comprimé pour que l'atomisation donne lieu à une brume ou à un nébulisat adéquat. Si la pression du gaz dans le deuxième réservoir est trop faible, l'atomisation ne sera pas optimale : des gouttelettes de taille trop importante de substance à inhaler sont obtenues et gagnent la bouche de l'utilisateur sous forme liquide et non pas sous forme de brume ou de nébulisat. Avantageusement, il convient en effet que la gaz (l'air) soit suffisamment comprimé pour que l'atomisation puisse donner lieu à des gouttelettes (particules) de taille adéquate, c'est-à-dire à des gouttelettes (particules) dont la taille est comprise entre 0,1 et 20 µm (D50 = 3 µm).Preferably, an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a mechanism for closing said second reservoir, for example a one-way valve, in particular a pressure valve or valve. According to the invention, such a mechanism for closing said second tank is arranged to prevent gas (air) from escaping from the second tank when the pressure of this gas in the second tank is too low: according to the invention, the mechanism for closing said second reservoir, for example a one-way valve of the mechanical type (opposed force, mechanical rigidity, etc.), is triggered when the pressure within the second reservoir is lower than a predetermined threshold value such that the gas is no longer able to come out of the second tank. In the context of the present invention, it has been determined that the gas (air) present in the second reservoir must be sufficiently compressed for the atomization to give rise to an adequate mist or nebulisate. If the gas pressure in the second tank is too low, the atomization will not be optimal: droplets of too large a size of substance to be inhaled are obtained and reach the mouth of the user in liquid form and not in the form of mist or mist. Advantageously, the gas (air) should in fact be sufficiently compressed for the atomization to be able to give rise to droplets (particles) of adequate size, i.e. droplets (particles) whose size is between 0.1 and 20 µm (D 50 = 3 µm).

Eventuellement, selon l'invention, ledit mécanisme de fermeture dudit deuxième réservoir est associé à un capteur de pression mesurant la pression régnant dans ledit deuxième réservoir et permettant de commander ledit mécanisme de fermeture.Optionally, according to the invention, said mechanism for closing said second tank is associated with a pressure sensor measuring the pressure prevailing in said second tank and making it possible to control said closing mechanism.

Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend en outre un mécanisme de fermeture d'une entrée ou d'une sortie dudit atomiseur à froid. De façon alternative ou de façon complémentaire au mécanisme de fermeture dudit deuxième réservoir, ce mécanisme de fermeture d'une entrée ou d'une sortie dudit atomiseur à froid permet également d'assurer que des gouttelettes de taille trop importante de substance à inhaler ne gagnent pas la bouche de l'utilisateur sous forme liquide mais bien sous forme de brume ou de nébulisat. Ce mécanisme de fermeture d'une entrée ou d'une sortie dudit atomiseur à froid peut être une vanne ou une valve ou tout autre dispositif adéquat, par exemple une vanne ou une valve, se fermant lorsque la pression à l'entrée et/ou à la sortie de l'atomiseur à froid est trop faible et donne lieu à la formation de gouttelettes de taille trop importante et non pas à un nébulisat comprenant (étant formé par) des gouttelettes (particules) dont la taille est comprise entre 0,1 et 20 µm (D50 = 3 µm).According to an embodiment according to the invention, an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises a mechanism for closing an inlet or an outlet of said cold atomizer. Alternatively or in addition to the mechanism for closing said second reservoir, this mechanism for closing an inlet or an outlet of said cold atomizer also makes it possible to ensure that droplets of too large a size of substance to be inhaled do not reach not the mouth of the user in liquid form but in the form of mist or nebulisate. This mechanism for closing an inlet or an outlet of said cold atomizer can be a valve or a valve or any other suitable device, for example a valve or a valve, closing when the pressure at the inlet and/or at the outlet of the cold atomizer is too low and gives rise to the formation of droplets of too large a size and not to a mist comprising (being formed by) droplets (particles) whose size is between 0.1 and 20 µm (D 50 = 3 µm).

Avantageusement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre une valve ou une vanne de sécurité de surpression reliée au deuxième réservoir de telle sorte qu'en cas de pression trop élevée dans ce dernier, tout risque d'explosion ou d'endommagement de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance est évité.Advantageously, the device for inhaling a substance further comprises a valve or an overpressure safety valve connected to the second reservoir so that in the event of too high pressure in the latter, any risk of explosion or damage to the apparatus for inhaling a substance is avoided.

Eventuellement, selon un mode de réalisation, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre une cartouche d'air comprimé reliée au deuxième réservoir et/ou à l'atomiseur à froid. La présence d'une telle cartouche d'air comprimé constitue un apport en air (gaz) comprimé additionnel agissant seul ou en parallèle avec le deuxième réservoir et/ou avec l'atomiseur à froid.Optionally, according to one embodiment, the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a compressed air cartridge connected to the second reservoir and/or to the cold atomizer. The presence of such a compressed air cartridge constitutes an additional compressed air (gas) supply acting alone or in parallel with the second reservoir and/or with the cold atomizer.

Eventuellement, selon l'invention, la pompe manuelle peut être reliée à la cartouche en air comprimé, ceci afin de pouvoir, lors de l'activation de la pompe manuelle alimenter la cartouche en air (gaz) comprimé.Optionally, according to the invention, the manual pump can be connected to the compressed air cartridge, in order to be able, when the manual pump is activated, to supply the cartridge with compressed air (gas).

De préférence, selon la présente invention, ledit atomiseur à froid est un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur.Preferably, according to the present invention, said cold atomizer is a fogger or a nebulizer.

Au sens de la présente invention, ledit premier réservoir contient au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution et ledit deuxième réservoir contient un gaz sous pression.Within the meaning of the present invention, said first reservoir contains at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and said second reservoir contains a pressurized gas.

Avantageusement, lorsque l'atomiseur à froid d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention est un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur, aucun chauffage ne doit être réalisé afin d'obtenir un aérosol, une fumée ou une phase simulant une fumée. Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, lorsque l'atomiseur à froid est un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur et qu'aucun chauffage n'est donc opéré, la brume ou le nébulisat produit à froid comporte dans une moindre mesure voire ne comporte pas les composés toxiques et potentiellement cancérigènes générés par chauffage, comme c'est le cas au niveau d'un atomiseur de type résistance chauffante rencontré avec les appareils pour inhaler une substance, en particulier avec les cigarettes électroniques actuelles, reposant sur un chauffage d'un liquide pour obtenir un aérosol. Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, lorsque l'atomiseur à froid est un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur, pour produire un aérosol ou de la fumée ou pour simuler la fumée qui serait par exemple obtenue avec une cigarette classique (fumée essentiellement produite par la combustion du tabac), l'aérosol n'est pas généré par chauffage mais bien à froid par l'intermédiaire d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur constituant un atomiseur à froid pour donner lieu à un aérosol sous forme d'une brume ou d'un nébulisat.Advantageously, when the cold atomizer of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention is a fogger or a nebulizer, no heating must be carried out in order to obtain an aerosol, a smoke or a phase simulating a smoke. According to an embodiment according to the invention, when the cold atomizer is a fogger or a nebulizer and that no heating is therefore operated, the mist or the nebulisate produced cold comprises to a lesser extent or even does not comprise the toxic and potentially carcinogenic compounds generated by heating, as is the case with an atomizer of the heating resistor type encountered with devices for inhaling a substance, in particular with current electronic cigarettes, based on heating a liquid to obtain an aerosol. According to an embodiment according to the invention, when the cold atomizer is a fogger or a nebulizer, to produce an aerosol or smoke or to simulate the smoke which would be obtained for example with a conventional cigarette (smoke essentially produced by the combustion of tobacco), the aerosol is not generated by heating but rather cold via an atomizer or a nebulizer constituting a cold atomizer to give rise to an aerosol in the form of a mist or a mist.

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, il a été mis en évidence que l'aérosol sortant de l'atomiseur à froid (de préférence d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur) présente des gouttelettes (particules) dont la taille est adéquate et est comprise entre 0,1 et 20 µm (D50 = 3 µm) afin de reproduire les propriétés d'une fumée qui serait par exemple obtenue par combustion, cette taille de gouttelettes étant sensiblement identiques d'une inhalation à l'autre et le mélange [gaz sous pression + substance à inhaler] étant homogène.In the context of the present invention, it has been demonstrated that the aerosol emerging from the cold atomizer (preferably from a fogger or a nebulizer) has droplets (particles) whose size is adequate and is between 0.1 and 20 μm (D 50 = 3 μm) in order to reproduce the properties of a smoke which would for example be obtained by combustion, this droplet size being substantially identical from one inhalation to another and the mixture [gas under pressure + inhalant] being homogeneous.

Il a également été mis en évidence que la quantité de substance à inhaler contenue dans l'aérosol sortant de l'atomiseur à froid (de préférence d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur) est sensiblement identique d'une inhalation à l'autre.It has also been shown that the quantity of substance to be inhaled contained in the aerosol leaving the cold atomizer (preferably a fogger or a nebulizer) is substantially identical from one inhalation to another. .

Selon la présente invention, l'atomiseur à froid (par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur) donne lieu, par atomisation, à un aérosol (par exemple à une brume ou à un nébulisat) présentant des gouttelettes ayant une taille de gouttelette comprise entre 0,1 et 20 µm, de préférence comprise entre 0,25 et 10 µm, préférentiellement comprise entre 0,5 et 5 µm.According to the present invention, the cold atomizer (for example a fogger or a nebulizer) gives rise, by atomization, to an aerosol (for example a mist or a nebulisate) having droplets having a droplet size between 0 1 and 20 μm, preferably between 0.25 and 10 μm, preferably between 0.5 and 5 μm.

De préférence, selon l'invention, ledit aérosol présente des gouttelettes ayant une distribution de taille de gouttelettes D50 égale à 3 µm, de préférence égale à 2,5 µm.Preferably, according to the invention, said aerosol has droplets having a droplet size distribution D50 equal to 3 μm, preferably equal to 2.5 μm.

Par définition, un aérosol est un ensemble de fines particules, solides ou liquides, d'une substance ou d'un mélange de substances, en suspension / dispersion dans un milieu gazeux (en suspension / dispersion dans un gaz).By definition, an aerosol is a set of fine particles, solid or liquid, of a substance or a mixture of substances, suspended / dispersed in a gaseous medium (suspended / dispersed in a gas).

Par définition, un « atomiseur » est un appareil ou un dispositif servant à disperser finement (à réduire en fines particules) des liquides, des solutions ou des suspensions. Au sens de la présente invention, un atomiseur a pour fonction de faire passer une substance d'un premier état à un second état qui n'est ni liquide ni solide. En particulier, au sens de la présente invention, un atomiseur permet d'obtenir un aérosol tel que défini ci-avant.By definition, an "atomizer" is an apparatus or device used to finely disperse (reduce to fine particles) liquids, solutions or suspensions. Within the meaning of the present invention, an atomizer has the function of passing a substance from a first state to a second state which is neither liquid nor solid. In particular, within the meaning of the present invention, an atomizer makes it possible to obtain an aerosol as defined above.

Préférentiellement, un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon la présente invention comprend un brumisateur à froid ou un nébuliseur à froid.Preferably, an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the present invention comprises a cold fogger or a cold nebulizer.

Par définition, un brumisateur est un dispositif permettant de réaliser, à froid, la division d'un liquide sous pression en très fines gouttelettes pour donner lieu à une brume. Une brumisation peut par exemple être réalisée par pulvérisation (réduction en fines particules) du liquide en utilisant un système à ultrason ou un gicleur au travers duquel est amené le liquide.By definition, an atomizer is a device that makes it possible, when cold, to divide a pressurized liquid into very fine droplets to give rise to a mist. Misting can for example be carried out by spraying (reduction into fine particles) of the liquid using an ultrasound system or a nozzle through which the liquid is fed.

Par définition, un nébuliseur permet de transformer les liquides en un nuage de particules extrêmement fines (brouillard) et ce, à froid. Une nébulisation peut par exemple être réalisée par utilisation d'ultrasons, par amenée simultanée d'un liquide et d'un gaz (nébuliseur concentrique) ou par mise sous pression d'un liquide et passage de ce dernier dans une tête de nébulisation (nébuliseur Venturi).By definition, a nebulizer can transform liquids into a cloud of extremely fine particles (mist) and this, cold. Nebulization can for example be carried out by using ultrasound, by simultaneously supplying a liquid and a gas (concentric nebulizer) or by pressurizing a liquid and passing it through a nebulization head (Venturi nebulizer).

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, un gaz, un liquide ou un mélange gaz-liquide gagnant une entrée dudit atomiseur à froid, par exemple une entrée d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur, présente une vélocité (vitesse) comprise entre 0,0025 et 50 m/s, de préférence comprise entre 0,005 et 25 m/s, préférentiellement comprise entre 0,01 et 5 m/s.Advantageously, according to the invention, a gas, a liquid or a gas-liquid mixture gaining an input from said cold atomizer, for example an input from an atomizer or a nebulizer, has a velocity (speed) of between 0, 0025 and 50 m/s, preferably between 0.005 and 25 m/s, preferably between 0.01 and 5 m/s.

De préférence, selon l'invention, un gaz gagnant une entrée dudit atomiseur à froid, par exemple une entrée d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur, présente un débit compris entre 1.10-9 et 100.10-9 ml/s, de préférence compris entre 5 et 50 ml/s.Preferably, according to the invention, a gas gaining an inlet of said cold atomizer, for example an inlet of a fogger or a nebulizer, has a flow rate of between 1.10 -9 and 100.10 -9 ml/s, preferably between 5 and 50 ml/s.

De préférence, selon l'invention, un liquide gagnant une entrée dudit atomiseur à froid, par exemple une entrée d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur, présente un débit compris entre 0,001 et 0,01 ml/s.Preferably, according to the invention, a liquid gaining an inlet of said cold atomizer, for example an inlet of a fogger or a nebulizer, has a flow rate of between 0.001 and 0.01 ml/s.

L'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend un deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression, préférentiellement de l'air ou de l'oxygène ou un mélange d'air et d'oxygène sous pression.The apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a second reservoir comprising a gas under pressure, preferably air or oxygen or a mixture of air and oxygen under pressure.

Selon l'invention, ledit deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression peut être un réservoir sous la forme d'une cartouche de gaz amovible et/ou rechargeable.According to the invention, said second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas can be a reservoir in the form of a removable and/or rechargeable gas cartridge.

De préférence, selon l'invention, le déclencheur comprend une vanne ou une valve.Preferably, according to the invention, the trigger comprises a valve or valve.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, la vanne ou valve est placée entre ledit deuxième réservoir et ledit premier réservoir ou entre ledit premier réservoir et ledit atomiseur à froid (par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur) ou entre ledit atomiseur à froid (par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur) et ledit embout buccal.Advantageously, according to the invention, the valve or valve is placed between said second reservoir and said first reservoir or between said first reservoir and said cold atomizer (for example a fogger or a nebulizer) or between said cold atomizer (for example a fogger or nebulizer) and said mouthpiece.

De préférence, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre un dispositif ou une chambre de mélange de ladite substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution et dudit gaz sous pression. De préférence, ledit dispositif ou la chambre de mélange est en amont dudit atomiseur à froid (par exemple en amont d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur) et est en communication fluidique avec une entrée dudit atomiseur à froid. Un tel dispositif ou chambre de mélange permet plus encore qu'un aérosol homogène comprenant la quantité attendue de substance à inhaler soit formé et que la taille des gouttelettes (particules) présentes dans l'aérosol soient adéquates.Preferably, according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a device or a chamber for mixing said substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and said pressurized gas. Preferably, said device or the mixing chamber is upstream of said cold atomizer (for example upstream of a fogger or a nebulizer) and is in fluid communication with an inlet of said cold atomizer. Such device or mixing chamber allows even more that a homogeneous aerosol comprising the expected quantity of substance to be inhaled is formed and that the size of the droplets (particles) present in the aerosol are adequate.

Avantageusement, il est prévu selon l'invention, que ledit embout buccal soit interchangeable. Il est en effet prévu que différents embouts buccaux puissent être relié à un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention.Advantageously, provision is made according to the invention for said mouthpiece to be interchangeable. It is in fact provided that different mouthpieces can be connected to an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, ledit embout buccal est rotatif et permet de fermer le réservoir contenant la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution de telle sorte que cette dernière ne puisse pas s'écouler en-dehors de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance. Par exemple, en effectuant un mouvement de rotation, l'embout buccal ferme le réservoir contenant la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution.Preferably, according to the invention, said mouthpiece is rotatable and makes it possible to close the reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution so that the latter cannot flow outside the device for inhaling. a substance. For example, by performing a rotational movement, the mouthpiece closes the reservoir containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre un compartiment comprenant un arôme ou une substance aromatique ou de la nicotine. De préférence, ce compartiment est en communication fluidique avec ledit atomiseur à froid (par exemple en communication fluidique avec un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur). De préférence, ce compartiment est situé en aval de l'atomiseur à froid, l'aérosol formé se chargeant en arôme ou en substance aromatique par passage au travers du compartiment. Par exemple, le compartiment peut comporter une matière absorbante pouvant être imbibée d'un arôme ou d'une substance aromatique ou peut présenter des parois revêtues (coating) d'un arôme ou d'une substance aromatique. Ce compartiment peut être un élément amovible et/ou rechargeable de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention. Ce compartiment peut consister en une prise d'air extérieur (entrée d'air extérieur) dans laquelle un arôme ou une substance aromatique peut être introduite. Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, ce compartiment est situé au niveau de l'embout buccal.Advantageously, according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a compartment comprising a flavoring or an aromatic substance or nicotine. Preferably, this compartment is in fluid communication with said cold atomizer (for example in fluid communication with a fogger or a nebulizer). Preferably, this compartment is located downstream of the cold atomizer, the aerosol formed being loaded with aroma or aromatic substance by passing through the compartment. For example, the compartment can include an absorbent material that can be soaked with a flavoring or an aromatic substance or can have walls coated with a flavoring or an aromatic substance. This compartment can be a removable and/or rechargeable element of the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention. This compartment may consist of an outside air intake (outside air inlet) into which an aroma or an aromatic substance can be introduced. According to an embodiment according to the invention, this compartment is located at the level of the mouthpiece.

De préférence, selon l'invention, ledit premier réservoir et ledit deuxième réservoir sont concentriques.Preferably, according to the invention, said first reservoir and said second reservoir are concentric.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre un élément chauffant, par exemple une résistance ou une paroi chauffante. La présence d'un tel élément chauffant peut permettre de chauffer/tempérer le mélange [gaz sous pression + substance à inhaler] et/ou l'aérosol sortant de l'atomiseur à froid (par exemple sortant d'un brumisateur ou d'un nébuliseur) afin que l'utilisateur inhale un aérosol dont la température peut par exemple être proche de celle d'une bouffée obtenue avec une cigarette classique (combustion de tabac). Un tel élément chauffant peut avantageusement être présent à la sortie du deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression pour compenser le refroidissement dû à la détente du gaz lorsqu'il sort dudit deuxième réservoir. De préférence, selon l'invention, un tel élément chauffant ne chauffe pas excessivement la substance à inhaler afin d'éviter toute génération de molécules toxiques et/ou cancérigènes par chauffage à de hautes températures.Preferably, according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance further comprises a heating element, for example a resistor or a heating wall. The presence of such a heating element can allow to heat/temper the mixture [gas under pressure + substance to be inhaled] and/or the aerosol coming out of the cold atomizer (for example coming out of a fogger or a nebulizer) so that the user inhales an aerosol whose temperature can for example be close to that of a puff obtained with a conventional cigarette (combustion of tobacco). Such a heating element can advantageously be present at the outlet of the second tank comprising a pressurized gas to compensate for the cooling due to the expansion of the gas when it leaves said second tank. Preferably, according to the invention, such a heating element does not heat the substance to be inhaled excessively in order to avoid any generation of toxic and/or carcinogenic molecules by heating to high temperatures.

De préférence, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend en outre au moins une entrée d'air ou une prise d'air extérieur. Eventuellement, au moins une prise d'air est en communication fluidique avec l'atomiseur à froid (par exemple en communication fluidique avec un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur). Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, une substance aromatique ou arôme peut être introduite dans une prise d'air, par exemple par l'intermédiaire d'un élément imbibé d'un arôme et s'insérant dans la prise d'air. Par exemple, ladite au moins une entrée d'air ou une prise d'air extérieur est située au niveau de l'embout buccal, ceci afin d'augmenter le volume d'air inhaler lors de l'utilisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention.Preferably, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one air inlet or an outside air intake. Optionally, at least one air intake is in fluid communication with the cold atomizer (for example in fluid communication with a fogger or a nebulizer). According to an embodiment according to the invention, an aromatic or flavoring substance can be introduced into an air intake, for example by means of an element soaked in an aroma and fitting into the air intake. . For example, said at least one air inlet or an external air intake is located at the level of the mouthpiece, this in order to increase the volume of air to be inhaled during the use of a device for inhaling a substance according to the invention.

Préférentiellement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend en outre au moins un échappement ou une valve de sécurité ou une vanne de sécurité, c'est-à-dire une ouverture sur/vers l'extérieur assurant la sortie d'un fluide au départ de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance. Cet échappement permet d'éviter toute surpression dans l'appareil pour fumer et/ou toute explosion de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance.Preferably, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one exhaust or a safety valve or a safety valve, that is to say an opening on/outwards ensuring the exit of a fluid departing from the apparatus for inhaling a substance. This exhaust makes it possible to avoid any overpressure in the device for smoking and/or any explosion of the device for inhaling a substance.

Selon l'invention, ladite au moins une prise d'air et/ou ledit au moins un échappement comprend une valve ou une vanne.According to the invention, said at least one air intake and/or said at least one exhaust comprises a valve or a valve.

De préférence, selon l'invention, le deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression est amovible et/ou rechargeable.Preferably, according to the invention, the second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas is removable and/or refillable.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, le premier réservoir comprenant au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution est amovible et/ou rechargeable.Preferably, according to the invention, the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is removable and/or refillable.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, l'atomiseur à froid, par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur, est amovible.Advantageously, according to the invention, the cold atomizer, for example an atomizer or a nebulizer, is removable.

De préférence, selon l'invention, le premier réservoir comprenant au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution comprend en outre au moins une substance additionnelle choisie dans le groupe constitué des huiles fumigènes non toxiques, de la nicotine, du propylène glycol, du propane-1,3-diol, de la glycérine, de l'éthanol, de l'eau et leurs mélanges. Il est bien entendu que de nombreuses autres substances additionnelles pourraient être envisagées dans le cadre de la présente invention.Preferably, according to the invention, the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution also comprises at least one additional substance chosen from the group consisting of non-toxic smoke oils, nicotine, propylene glycol , propane-1,3-diol, glycerin, ethanol, water and mixtures thereof. It is understood that many other additional substances could be envisaged within the scope of the present invention.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, l'atomiseur à froid est un brumisateur à pulvérisation, par exemple un brumisateur à pulvérisation à système à ultrason ou un brumisateur à pulvérisation à gicleur.Preferably, according to the invention, the cold atomizer is a spray fogger, for example an ultrasonic system spray fogger or a nozzle spray fogger.

Avantageusement, selon l'invention, l'atomiseur à froid est un nébuliseur à ultrasons, un nébuliseur concentrique ou un nébuliseur Venturi.Advantageously, according to the invention, the cold atomizer is an ultrasonic nebulizer, a concentric nebulizer or a Venturi nebulizer.

Optionnellement, selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend en outre un atomiseur additionnel, par exemple un nébuliseur ou un brumisateur additionnel.Optionally, according to the invention, the device for inhaling a substance also comprises an additional atomiser, for example a nebuliser or an additional atomiser.

De préférence, selon l'invention, ladite au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution est une substance aromatique ou arôme sous forme liquide, sous forme d'un liquide ionisé, ou sous forme solide ou sous forme d'une poudre en solution dans un solvant. Toute autre forme adéquate de ladite au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution fait également l'objet de la présente invention. Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, ladite substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution peut simplement être de l'eau.Preferably, according to the invention, said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is an aromatic substance or aroma in liquid form, in the form of an ionized liquid, or in solid form or in the form of a powder. dissolved in a solvent. Any other suitable form of said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is also the subject of the present invention. According to an embodiment according to the invention, said substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution can simply be water.

De façon préférée, la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution n'est pas en phase huileuse ou visqueuse ou semi-visqueuse mais uniquement en phase aqueuse ou dans un solvant non huileux, non visqueux et non semi-visqueux.Preferably, the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is not in the oily or viscous or semi-viscous phase but only in the aqueous phase or in a non-oily, non-viscous and non-semi-viscous solvent.

Selon un mode de réalisation, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention, comprend en outre au moins un élément additionnel choisi dans le groupe constitué de vannes et/ou de valves, d'une batterie, d'un détecteur d'aspiration ou capteur de pression, d'un module électronique de puissance, d'un variateur de tension, d'un contrôleur de la température, d'un compteur du nombre de bouffées, de moyens de communications avec un dispositif électronique comme un ordinateur ou un smartphone, d'un interrupteur commandant ledit déclencheur, d'un mélangeur, par exemple d'un mélangeur de type Venturi.According to one embodiment, the apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention further comprises at least one additional element chosen from the group consisting of valves and/or valves, a battery, an suction or pressure sensor, an electronic power module, a voltage variator, a temperature controller, a counter for the number of puffs, means of communication with an electronic device such as a computer or a smartphone, a switch controlling said trigger, a mixer, for example a Venturi-type mixer.

Selon l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance peut également comprendre un module électronique pour programmer la quantité de substance à inhaler à chaque bouffée et/ou le volume de gaz libéré à chaque bouffée et/ou la température de l'élément de chauffage.According to the invention, the device for inhaling a substance can also comprise an electronic module for programming the quantity of substance to be inhaled at each puff and/or the volume of gas released at each puff and/or the temperature of the heater.

Préférentiellement, selon l'invention, le déclencheur est un déclencheur mécanique, par exemple un clapet anti-retour, ou un déclencheur électromécanique, par exemple une électrovanne. Selon l'invention le déclencheur, par exemple un déclencheur sous forme d'une (électro-)vanne, peut être situé soit entre le premier réservoir comprenant au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution et le deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression, soit entre le deuxième réservoir comprenant un gaz sous pression et l'atomiseur à froid (par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur), soit entre l'atomiseur à froid et l'embout buccal.Preferably, according to the invention, the trigger is a mechanical trigger, for example a non-return valve, or an electromechanical trigger, for example a solenoid valve. According to the invention, the trigger, for example a trigger in the form of an (electro-)valve, can be located either between the first reservoir comprising at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution and the second reservoir comprising a gas under pressure, either between the second reservoir comprising a pressurized gas and the cold atomizer (for example an atomizer or a nebulizer), or between the cold atomizer and the mouthpiece.

Le déclencheur peut être un déclencheur mécanique de type clapet anti-retour. Lorsque l'utilisateur exerce une aspiration au niveau de l'embout buccal, le clapet anti-retour constituant le déclencheur et comprenant un ressort de rappel passe d'une position de repos où il est en butée contre une butée à une position de travail (le clapet anti-retour n'est plus maintenu contre la butée). Le ressort de rappel est agencé de telle sorte qu'il exerce une force suffisante pour maintenir le clapet anti-retour dans sa position de repos lorsque l'appareil pour inhaler une substance n'est pas utilisé. L'aspiration exercée par l'utilisateur au niveau de l'embout buccal a pour effet de décaler le clapet anti-retour en direction de l'utilisateur, de créer une dépression dans l'appareil pour inhaler une substance et, de ce fait, de permettre à une certaine quantité de gaz contenue dans le deuxième réservoir de gagner le premier réservoir comprenant la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution pour la véhiculer (pousser) vers l'atomiseur à froid (par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur). Le passage de la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution dans l'atomiseur à froid donne lieu à une formation d'un aérosol comprenant la substance à inhaler sous forme de fines gouttelettes simulant par exemple la fumée qui serait obtenue avec une cigarette classique (fumée essentiellement produite par la combustion du tabac).The trigger may be a mechanical trigger of the check valve type. When the user exerts suction at the mouthpiece, the non-return valve constituting the trigger and comprising a return spring passes from a rest position where it is in abutment against a stop to a working position ( the non-return valve is no longer held against the stop). The return spring is arranged such that it exerts sufficient force to maintain the non-return valve in its rest position when the device for inhaling a substance is not in use. The suction exerted by the user at the level of the mouthpiece has the effect of shifting the non-return valve in the direction of the user, of creating a depression in the apparatus for inhaling a substance and, as a result, to allow a certain quantity of gas contained in the second tank to reach the first tank comprising the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution to convey (push) it to the cold atomizer (for example a fogger or a nebulizer). The passage of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution in the cold atomizer gives rise to the formation of an aerosol comprising the substance to be inhaled in the form of fine droplets simulating, for example, the smoke which would be obtained with a conventional cigarette (smoke mainly produced by the combustion of tobacco).

Préférentiellement, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention comprend une turbine pour augmenter le flux d'air lors d'une aspiration effectuée par l'utilisateur.Preferably, the device for inhaling a substance according to the invention comprises a turbine to increase the flow of air during an aspiration carried out by the user.

Selon un mode de réalisation suivant l'invention, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance comprend une batterie, laquelle peut alimenter un compresseur et/ou une pompe pour comprimer un gaz dans ledit deuxième réservoir.According to an embodiment according to the invention, the apparatus for inhaling a substance comprises a battery, which can power a compressor and/or a pump for compressing a gas in said second reservoir.

La présente invention porte également sur un ensemble comprenant un appareil pour inhaler une substance suivant l'invention et une station de recharge (docking station) dudit deuxième réservoir en gaz, en particulier en air, et/ou de recharge de l'appareil pour inhaler une substance en énergie électrique.The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention and a recharging station (docking station) of said second gas tank, in particular air, and/or for recharging the apparatus for inhaling a substance into electrical energy.

La présente invention porte également sur une utilisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance suivant l'invention pour atomiser (par exemple pour brumiser ou nébuliser) au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution.The present invention also relates to a use of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention for atomizing (for example for misting or nebulizing) at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.

D'autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l'invention ressortiront des exemples donnés ci-après, à titre non limitatif et en faisant référence aux figures annexées.

  • La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention.
  • La figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention.
Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge from the examples given below, on a non-limiting basis and with reference to the appended figures.
  • The figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • The figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.
  • The picture 3 is a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention.

Les dessins des figures ne sont ni à l'échelle, ni proportionnés.Figure drawings are not to scale or proportionate.

La figure 1 illustre un mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention. Selon ce mode de réalisation, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance 1 comprend :

  • un atomiseur à froid 2, par exemple un brumisateur ou un nébuliseur 2,
  • un ensemble E comprenant ledit atomiseur à froid 2 et un premier réservoir 3 contenant au moins une substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution, ledit atomiseur à froid 2 étant en communication fluidique avec ledit premier réservoir 3,
  • un deuxième réservoir 4 comprenant un gaz sous pression et étant en communication fluidique avec ledit ensemble E,
  • un embout buccal 5 dont une entrée est en communication fluidique avec une sortie dudit atomiseur à froid 2 et dont une sortie est libre,
  • un déclencheur 6 agencé pour libérer une quantité dudit gaz hors dudit deuxième réservoir 4 et à destination dudit l'ensemble E, et
  • une pompe manuelle P agencée pour aspirer de l'air ambiant, l'injecter et le comprimer dans ledit deuxième réservoir 4.
The figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention. According to this embodiment, the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 comprises:
  • a cold atomizer 2, for example a fogger or a nebulizer 2,
  • an assembly E comprising said cold atomizer 2 and a first reservoir 3 containing at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution, said cold atomizer 2 being in fluid communication with said first reservoir 3,
  • a second reservoir 4 comprising a pressurized gas and being in fluid communication with said assembly E,
  • a mouthpiece 5, one inlet of which is in fluid communication with an outlet of said cold atomizer 2 and one of which outlet is free,
  • a trigger 6 arranged to release a quantity of said gas from said second reservoir 4 and intended for said assembly E, and
  • a manual pump P arranged to suck in ambient air, inject it and compress it in said second tank 4.

Comme illustré, ledit premier réservoir 3 comprend une entrée de fluide en communication fluidique avec une sortie dudit deuxième réservoir 4 comprenant un gaz sous pression.As illustrated, said first reservoir 3 comprises a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of said second reservoir 4 comprising a pressurized gas.

Selon ce mode de réalisation, l'appareil pour inhaler une substance 1 comprend un détecteur d'aspiration ou capteur de pression 7, une unité de contrôle 8 reliée au capteur de pression 7 et une source électrique SE (par exemple une batterie). Lorsque l'utilisateur exerce une aspiration au niveau de l'embout buccal 5, l'unité de contrôle 8 va mesurer une dépression dans l'appareil pour inhaler une substance 1 via le capteur de pression 7 et alors autoriser le passage d'un courant vers l'électrovanne (qui constitue le déclencheur 6) afin que cette dernière passe d'une position de repos selon laquelle elle est fermée à une position de travail selon laquelle elle est ouverte. Puisque le deuxième réservoir 4 comprend un gaz sous pression et qu'il est en communication fluidique avec ledit premier réservoir 3 qui est lui-même en communication fluidique avec une entrée de l'atomiseur à froid 2 qui est lui-même en communication fluidique avec l'embout buccal 5, l'ouverture de l'électrovanne créant une dépression dans l'appareil pour inhaler une substance 1 va donner lieu à une libération de gaz au départ du deuxième réservoir 4, le gaz entrainant alors la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution contenue dans le premier réservoir 3 vers une entrée de l'atomiseur à froid 2. Un tel entrainement de la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution par un gaz facilite le passage de cette dernière dans l'atomiseur à froid 2 mais aussi la sortie de l'aérosol obtenu par l'embout buccal 5, ce qui rend l'utilisation de ce mode de réalisation selon l'invention d'autant plus confortable pour l'utilisateur. Le passage de la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solutiondans l'atomiseur à froid 2 donne lieu à une atomisation de telle sorte qu'est formé un aérosol (par exemple sous forme d'une brume ou d'un nébulisat) comprenant la substance à inhaler sous forme de fines gouttelettes et simulant la fumée qui serait par exemple obtenue avec une cigarette classique (fumée essentiellement produite par la combustion du tabac).According to this embodiment, the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 comprises an aspiration detector or pressure sensor 7, a control unit 8 connected to the pressure sensor 7 and an electric source SE (for example a battery). When the user exerts suction at the level of the mouthpiece 5, the control unit 8 will measure a depression in the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 via the pressure sensor 7 and then authorize the passage of a current to the solenoid valve (which constitutes the trigger 6) so that the latter moves from a rest position in which it is closed to a working position in which it is open. Since the second tank 4 comprises a pressurized gas and it is in fluid communication with said first tank 3 which is itself in fluid communication with an inlet of the cold atomizer 2 which is itself in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 5, the opening of the solenoid valve creating a vacuum in the apparatus for inhaling a substance 1 will give place in a release of gas from the second reservoir 4, the gas then entraining the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in the first reservoir 3 towards an inlet of the cold atomizer 2. Such entrainment of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution by a gas facilitates the passage of the latter in the cold atomizer 2 but also the exit of the aerosol obtained by the mouthpiece 5, which makes the use of this mode of embodiment according to the invention all the more comfortable for the user. The passage of the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution in the cold atomizer 2 gives rise to atomization such that an aerosol is formed (for example in the form of a mist or a nebulisate) comprising the substance to be inhaled in the form of fine droplets and simulating the smoke which would be obtained for example with a conventional cigarette (smoke essentially produced by the combustion of tobacco).

La figure 2 illustre un autre mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention. Ce mode de réalisation est identique à celui illustré à la figure 1 mais l'ensemble E présente une configuration différente puisque l'atomiseur à froid 2 est présent partiellement dans le premier réservoir 3. Selon ce mode de réalisation, une première entrée e1 (entrée de gaz) de l'atomiseur à froid 2 est en communication fluidique avec une sortie du deuxième réservoir 4 et au moins une deuxième entrée e2 (entrée de substance à inhaler) de l'atomiseur à froid 2 est en communication fluidique avec le premier réservoir 3 contenant la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution. Par exemple, selon ce mode de réalisation, la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution gagne l'atomiseur à froid 2 par effet Venturi, lequel est dû au passage du gaz sous pression au travers de l'atomiseur à froid 2, ce qui implique que la substance à inhaler sous forme liquide ou en solution est « aspirée » et gagne l'atomiseur à froid 2 par l'entrée e2.The figure 2 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention. This embodiment is identical to that illustrated in figure 1 but the assembly E has a different configuration since the cold atomizer 2 is partially present in the first reservoir 3. According to this embodiment, a first inlet e1 (gas inlet) of the cold atomizer 2 is in communication fluidic with an outlet of the second reservoir 4 and at least one second inlet e2 (inlet of substance to be inhaled) of the cold atomizer 2 is in fluid communication with the first reservoir 3 containing the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution. For example, according to this embodiment, the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution reaches the cold atomizer 2 by Venturi effect, which is due to the passage of pressurized gas through the cold atomizer 2, this which implies that the substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution is “sucked up” and reaches the cold atomizer 2 via the inlet e2.

La figure 3 illustre un autre mode de réalisation d'un appareil pour inhaler une substance selon l'invention. Ce mode de réalisation comprend les mêmes composants que ceux illustrés à la figure 2, le mode de fonctionnement de l'appareil pour inhaler de la figure 3 étant identique au mode de fonctionnement de l'appareil pour inhaler de la figure 2 (effet Venturi).The picture 3 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus for inhaling a substance according to the invention. This embodiment includes the same components as shown in picture 2 , the mode of operation of the device for inhaling picture 3 being identical to the mode of operation of the apparatus for inhaling picture 2 (Venturi effect).

La présente invention a été décrite en relation avec des modes de réalisations spécifiques, qui ont une valeur purement illustrative et ne doivent pas être considérés comme limitatifs. D'une manière générale, il apparaîtra évident pour l'homme du métier que la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples illustrés et/ou décrits ci-dessus.The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are purely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. In general, it will appear obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or described above.

L'usage des verbes « comprendre », « inclure », « comporter », ou toute autre variante, ainsi que leurs conjugaisons, ne peut en aucune façon exclure la présence d'éléments autres que ceux mentionnés.The use of the verbs "understand", "include", "compose", or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, can in no way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned.

L'usage de l'article indéfini « un », « une », ou de l'article défini « le », « la » ou « l'», pour introduire un élément n'exclut pas la présence d'une pluralité de ces éléments.The use of the indefinite article "un", "une", or of the definite article "le", "la" or "l'", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

Claims (13)

  1. An apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) comprising:
    - an atomiser (2),
    - an assembly (E) comprising said atomiser (2) and a first reservoir (3) containing at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution, said atomiser (2) being in fluid communication with said first reservoir (3),
    - a second reservoir (4) arranged to contain a gas under pressure and being in fluid communication with said assembly (E),
    - a mouthpiece (5) in fluid communication with an outlet of said atomiser (2), and
    - a trigger (6) arranged to release a quantity of said gas from said second reservoir (4) and towards said assembly (E),
    - a pump (P) arranged to draw in ambient air, inject it and compress it in said second reservoir (4),
    characterised in that said atomiser (2) is a cold atomiser and in that said pump (P) is a manual pump.
  2. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to claim 1, wherein an inlet of said first reservoir (3) is in fluid communication with said second reservoir (4).
  3. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first inlet (e1) of said atomiser (2) is in fluid communication with said second reservoir (4) and in that a second inlet (e2) of said atomiser (2) is in fluid communication with said first reservoir (3).
  4. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to claim 3, wherein said atomiser (2) is located at least partially in said first reservoir (3).
  5. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution contained in said first reservoir (3) is not present therein under pressure.
  6. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second reservoir comprises a porous material, in particular a microporous material, for example a zeolite.
  7. The apparatus for inhaling a substance according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said manual pump (P) is a two-way pump.
  8. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a mechanism for closing said second reservoir (4), for example a one-way valve.
  9. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a mechanism for closing an inlet or outlet of said atomiser (2).
  10. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said atomiser, e.g. a fogger or a nebulizer, is an atomiser arranged to give rise, by atomization, to an aerosol, e.g. a mist or a nebulisate, having droplets with a droplet size of between 0.1 and 20 µm, preferably of between 0.25 and 10 µm, preferably of between 0.5 and 5 µm.
  11. The apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a compartment comprising a flavouring or aromatic substance and being in fluid communication with said atomiser (2).
  12. An assembly comprising an apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a station for recharging said second reservoir with gas, in particular with air, and/or for recharging the apparatus for inhaling a substance with electrical energy.
  13. Use of an apparatus for inhaling a substance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for atomizing at least one substance to be inhaled in liquid form or in solution.
EP20176900.7A 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance Active EP3915408B1 (en)

Priority Applications (27)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
HUE20176900A HUE061188T2 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
SI202030163T SI3915408T1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
FIEP20176900.7T FI3915408T3 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
RS20230141A RS63995B1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
DK20176900.7T DK3915408T3 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Apparat til at inhalere et stof
PL20176900.7T PL3915408T3 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
EP20176900.7A EP3915408B1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
HRP20230195TT HRP20230195T1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
ES20176900T ES2939284T3 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 device for inhaling a substance
MDE20220314T MD3915408T2 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
PT201769007T PT3915408T (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
LTEP20176900.7T LT3915408T (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
CN202180037753.8A CN115666284A (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
KR1020227045651A KR20230016004A (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 device for inhalation of substances
CA3179885A CA3179885A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
AU2021279200A AU2021279200A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
BR112022023791A BR112022023791A2 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 DEVICE FOR INHALING A SUBSTANCE, ASSEMBLY AND USE OF A DEVICE FOR INHALING A SUBSTANCE
MX2022014536A MX2022014536A (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance.
BE20215425A BE1028285B1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Apparatus for inhaling a substance
US17/999,819 US20230210168A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
JP2022572389A JP2023529071A (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 substance inhalation device
PCT/EP2021/064176 WO2021239868A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
EP21729478.4A EP4156984A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
IL298531A IL298531A (en) 2020-05-27 2021-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance
CL2022003279A CL2022003279A1 (en) 2020-05-27 2022-11-22 Device for inhaling a substance
CONC2022/0018503A CO2022018503A2 (en) 2020-05-27 2022-12-20 Device for inhaling a substance
ZA2022/13759A ZA202213759B (en) 2020-05-27 2022-12-20 Device for inhaling a substance

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20176900.7A EP3915408B1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3915408A1 EP3915408A1 (en) 2021-12-01
EP3915408B1 true EP3915408B1 (en) 2022-11-30

Family

ID=70918204

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20176900.7A Active EP3915408B1 (en) 2020-05-27 2020-05-27 Device for inhaling a substance

Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3915408B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2023529071A (en)
DK (1) DK3915408T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2939284T3 (en)
FI (1) FI3915408T3 (en)
HR (1) HRP20230195T1 (en)
HU (1) HUE061188T2 (en)
LT (1) LT3915408T (en)
MD (1) MD3915408T2 (en)
PL (1) PL3915408T3 (en)
PT (1) PT3915408T (en)
RS (1) RS63995B1 (en)
SI (1) SI3915408T1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023122907A1 (en) * 2021-12-27 2023-07-06 深圳摩尔雾化健康医疗科技有限公司 Ultrasonic atomization device and atomization apparatus thereof

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5785049A (en) * 1994-09-21 1998-07-28 Inhale Therapeutic Systems Method and apparatus for dispersion of dry powder medicaments
US6779520B2 (en) * 2001-10-30 2004-08-24 Iep Pharmaceutical Devices Inc. Breath actuated dry powder inhaler
US7845359B2 (en) * 2007-03-22 2010-12-07 Pierre Denain Artificial smoke cigarette
EP3162228B1 (en) * 2015-10-28 2020-10-28 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. Electronic smoking device
US10653185B2 (en) * 2016-11-29 2020-05-19 Altria Client Services Llc Aerosol-generating system and method of dispensing liquid aerosol-forming substrate with pumped air

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PT3915408T (en) 2023-02-20
HRP20230195T1 (en) 2023-03-31
FI3915408T3 (en) 2023-03-22
JP2023529071A (en) 2023-07-07
RS63995B1 (en) 2023-03-31
ES2939284T3 (en) 2023-04-20
SI3915408T1 (en) 2023-07-31
HUE061188T2 (en) 2023-05-28
MD3915408T2 (en) 2023-04-30
PL3915408T3 (en) 2023-04-17
DK3915408T3 (en) 2023-02-27
EP3915408A1 (en) 2021-12-01
LT3915408T (en) 2023-03-10

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