E-liquid sampling device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for tasting e-liquids and the use of a Venturi tube for sampling e-liquid vapors generated by an e-liquid vaporizer. State of the art

[0002] The e-liquid market is booming. New flavors are appearing daily, making it difficult for vapers to choose an e-liquid without first tasting it.

[0003] A simple solution is to prepare an e-cigarette or pod (simplified e-cigarette) with the e-liquid you want to taste. However, this requires cleaning the e-cigarette or pod before changing flavors. Another solution is for a retailer to keep e-cigarettes already prepared with the e-liquids you want to taste in stock and offer them to each interested customer by changing the mouthpiece. This is an acceptable solution for tasting a few flavors, but expensive and difficult to implement for a large number of different e-liquids.

[0004] Patent application FR 3 018 463 A1 discloses a device for tasting e-liquids to be inhaled in an e-cigarette. The device comprises a battery of clearomizers. Each clearomizer is connected on one side to a common source of pressurized air and on the other to a nozzle opening into a common inhalation chamber. In addition, each clearomizer is equipped with a switch that controls the opening of a valve allowing the entry of pressurized air into the clearomizer and the supply of the clearomizer resistance allowing the vaporization of the e-liquid. When the user wants to taste an e-liquid, he presents his face to the entrance of the inhalation chamber and presses the button of the flavor he wants to taste. The resistance of the selected clearomizer heats up and causes the vaporization of the e-liquid which is drawn out of the clearomizer by the flow of pressurized air passing through it.Such a device allows you to taste as many flavors as there are clearomizers in the device. However, the quality of the puff thus generated is not satisfactory.

[0005] Furthermore, BE 1026749 A1 discloses a "smoking device" that replaces the traditional hot atomizer with a cold nebulizer or fogger to avoid or greatly reduce carcinogenic or toxic molecules. The inventor's stated objective is to eliminate hot atomizers.

[0006] The objective of the invention is therefore to improve the state-of-the-art device to obtain a better quality puff, the result of which is closer to the puff taken in a real e-cigarette. Statement of the invention

[0007] This objective is achieved by a device for tasting e-liquids comprising a first connecting means for connecting an e-liquid vaporizer; an airflow generator for driving the e-liquid vapors generated by the vaporizer; a power source for operating the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer. The device is further provided with a Venturi tube comprising an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber connected to each other by a constriction zone of lower section, as well as a lateral pipe opening into the constriction zone or into the outlet chamber. The air flow generator is connected to the outlet chamber and the free end of the lateral pipe opposite the constriction zone or the outlet chamber is provided with the first connection means.

[0008] By using a Venturi tube, the airflow does not pass through the e-liquid vaporizer. The puff delivered to the user does not contain any droplets.

[0009] According to the invention, the energy source is an electrical energy source. The device is provided with a second connection means for electrically connecting a vaporizer to the electrical energy source, a switch being provided between the second connection means and the electrical energy source. In addition, a switch is provided for connecting the airflow generator to the electrical energy source, which switch can be confused with the switch of the second connection means. The switch(es) have an open position and a closed position. This is the simplest solution. According to other embodiments not forming part of the invention, other solutions could of course be considered, such as a manually operated fan, but the solution of the electrical energy source seems to be the simplest and most practical.The second connection means for connecting the e-liquid vaporizer to the electrical energy source may be designed to allow a direct connection (for example a connection by electrical contacts) or an indirect connection (for example by induction).

[0010] A presence sensor may be provided to detect the presence of a user within a detection space delimited by a predetermined distance from the outlet nozzle, the sensor providing a signal without which the e-liquid vaporizer and the airflow generator cannot be actuated.

[0011] The device may be provided with limiting means for limiting the operating time of the flow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer, the limiting means preferably being designed to limit the operating time to the duration of one to two normal breaths, in particular to a duration of 20 seconds, preferably 10 seconds, and most preferably 5 seconds.

[0012] The device may be provided with means to prevent the airflow generator and e-liquid vaporizer from being restarted until the switch has been returned to the open position.

[0013] The airflow generator can be a fan. It can also be a source of compressed air. The e-liquid vaporizer is preferably a clearomizer equipped with a tank and a heating element. The power source can be a battery or a mains connection.

[0014] The switch may be a magnetic sensor of the reed sensor type and a movable magnet moved by the user. The switch is in the open position when the magnet is away from the reed sensor and in the closed position when the magnet is placed such that it interacts with the reed sensor.

[0015] The device is preferably provided with purging means for purging the e-liquid vaporizer and / or the Venturi tube after a certain number of cycles and / or a certain duration of use or inactivity and / or at certain time intervals.

[0016] The device is preferably equipped with an outlet nozzle connected to the outlet of the Venturi tube. This nozzle allows the outlet of the Venturi tube to be moved away and closer to the user's face. By choosing a tube as a nozzle, for example, it is possible to channel the air flow loaded with vaporized e-liquid so that at the outlet of the device, a thin stream of air is formed, not a cloud.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises several Venturi tubes, each Venturi tube being provided with a first connection means for connecting it to an e-liquid vaporizer of its own. The device also comprises at least one air flow generator, the inlet chamber of each Venturi tube being connected by a conduit to the generator or one of the air flow generators. Each Venturi tube is preferably provided with an outlet nozzle.

[0018] In this preferred device, a second connection means may be associated with each Venturi tube. A switch may be provided between each second connection means and the electrical energy source. A switch may be provided between the electrical energy source and the generator or at least one of the air flow generators. The switches provided between each second connection means and the electrical energy source may serve as a switch for the air flow generator associated with the corresponding Venturi tube.

[0019] To allow the air flow to pass only through the Venturi tube associated with the e-liquid vaporizer, a valve may be provided in each pipe connecting the or one of the air flow generators to a Venturi tube, each valve being controlled by the switch connected to the second connection means associated with the Venturi tube in question, so that when the second connection means is connected to the energy source, the corresponding valve is open, and when the first connection means is isolated from the energy source, the valve is closed.

[0020] It is best to connect an outlet nozzle to the outlet chamber of each Venturi tube.

[0021] The device may comprise a display for housing e-liquid bottles having the e-liquids contained in the e-liquid vaporizers, identification means preferably being provided for visually and / or acoustically associating each bottle with the switch associated with the corresponding e-liquid vaporizer.

[0022] The invention also relates to the use of a Venturi tube for collecting e-liquid vapors generated in an e-liquid vaporizer, in accordance with claim 13. The use may in particular provide for connecting to the same air flow generator several Venturi tubes, each connected to its own e-liquid vaporizer and preferably provided with an outlet nozzle. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The invention is described in more detail with the aid of the figures which show: Figure 1 a clearomizer mounted on a Venturi of the invention; Figure 2 an overall view of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention; Figure 3 a clearomizer ready to be mounted on a Venturi tube and to be placed in a housing of the casing. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The device for tasting e-liquids includes in its most basic form a Venturi tube (10) comprising an inlet chamber (11) and an outlet chamber (12) connected together by a constriction zone (13) of smaller section than the section of the inlet and outlet chambers, as well as a lateral pipe (14) opening into the constriction zone (13) or the outlet chamber (12); an air flow generator, such as a fan, connected to the inlet chamber; a source of electrical energy, such as a battery or a connection to the mains current; a first connector (15), constituting the first connection means, placed at the free end of the lateral pipe (14) for connecting to the Venturi tube (10) the outlet pipe of an e-liquid vaporizer, such as a clearomizer (30); a second connector (511), constituting the second connection means, for connecting the vaporizer, for example to the resistance of an e-liquid clearomizer, to the electrical energy source;and a switch (40) placed between the electrical energy source and on the one hand the air flow generator, and on the other hand the second connection. ; Preferably, provision is also made to connect an outlet nozzle (20) to the chamber of exit (12).

[0025] Commercial e-liquid vaporizers, generally clearomizers consisting of a tank and a resistor, have standardized connectors to allow them to be connected to different e-cigarettes both for their power supply and for the mouthpieces. Thus, each user of the device will be able to use the clearomizers of their choice. Concretely, each e-liquid vaporizer is equipped with an outlet pipe ending in a first connector (31) on which the mouthpiece is usually mounted, as well as a second connector (32), generally standardized as the "510" connector, to connect it to the electrical energy source of the e-cigarette. It is possible that the e-liquid vaporizer works not with a resistor, but with an ultrasonic source. Similarly, it is possible that the vapor generator (resistance, ultrasonic source, etc.) contained in the e-liquid vaporizer is indirectly powered by current, in particular by induction. The e-liquid vaporizer itself is not part of the device. However, it is also possible to sell the device of the invention with e-liquid vaporizers.

[0026] When the user wants to taste the e-liquid, he activates the switch (40) which on the one hand triggers the fan and on the other hand starts the vaporizer (30) which vaporizes the e-liquid. Due to the air flow passing through the Venturi tube (10), a vacuum is created in the throttle area (13) and in the outlet chamber which sucks the e-liquid vapors generated into the e-liquid vaporizer (30) through the side pipe (14). The e-liquid vapors mix with the air flow passing through the Venturi tube, and the mixture passes through the outlet chamber (12), then enters the outlet nozzle (20) from where it is ejected into the ambient air forming a puff which can be inhaled by the user.

[0027] In order to ensure that the user is well positioned to correctly appreciate the delivered puff, it is possible to provide the device with a presence detector which detects the presence of the user in a detection space located between the outlet nozzle and a predefined distance from the nozzle. The activation of the air flow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer (30) is then triggered only when the user has moved sufficiently forward from the outlet of the nozzle (20) and is in the detection space. The puff is therefore only delivered if, on the one hand, the switch (40) has been actuated and, on the other hand, the user has approached sufficiently. It is not sufficient to approach or to actuate the switch to deliver a puff; both conditions must be met. It is therefore not possible to trigger the device accidentally, for example by simply approaching the hand.

[0028] For a better experience, we can provide means of limitation to limit the vaporization time and / or circulation of the air flow through the Venturi tube (10). For example, we can limit it to 5 seconds, a duration close to that of a normal breath. This in particular prevents the ambient air from becoming excessively loaded with vaporized e-liquid and that remains of a previous puff of a certain flavor persist during the next puff, probably of another flavor.

[0029] It may be provided that a new puff can only be delivered after the switch has returned to the open position. This can be achieved by using means to prevent the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer from restarting until the switch has been returned to the open position.

[0030] The switch may be mechanical, electronic, or magnetic. For example, a magnetic sensor of the Reed sensor type (41) may be provided on the device and a magnet (42) placed on a support (43). To close the circuit, the user must place the magnet (42) opposite the magnetic sensor (41). To obtain a new puff, the user must move the magnet (42) away from the magnetic sensor (41), thus opening the switch again, and place it back on the sensor associated with the flavor he wishes to taste.

[0031] In practice, it is preferable for the device to contain several Venturi tubes as shown in the figure 2. Each Venturi tube (1) is generally provided with its own outlet nozzle (20) and its own first connecting means (15) for connecting it to an e-liquid vaporizer, such as a clearomizer, which is specific to it. Each Venturi tube is provided with its own switch (40; 41, 42, 43) for connecting the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer (30) to the electrical energy source. The inlet chambers (11) of the Venturi tubes are preferably connected to the same airflow generator, for example a fan.

[0032] As in the basic model, it is preferable to provide a presence detector so that the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer are only activated when the switch is activated (put in the closed position) and the user is close enough to the outlet nozzle. If the number of Venturi tubes used is small enough and / or if the configuration of the device allows it, a single presence sensor may be sufficient. In some cases, however, it may be preferable to provide several presence sensors, without necessarily providing as many as Venturi tubes. For example, the device can be designed with three different sides for three different types of flavors (for example: fruity, gourmet, classic). In this case, at least one presence sensor can be provided on each side. The device can also be designed in the form of a carousel.In this case, it will be necessary to provide sufficient presence sensors to ensure that the user is in front of the outlet nozzle of the chosen flavor.

[0033] Depending on requirements, either several air flow generators with different flow rates or means for varying the air flow rate can be provided.

[0034] The device may be in the form of a housing (50) in which are provided housings (51) for the e-liquid vaporizers (30) to which the Venturi tubes (10) are connected by the first connecting means (15), each housing (51) being provided with a second connecting means (511) for connecting the vaporizers to the energy source, an air flow generator, such as a fan, conduits (52) leading from the air flow generator to the inlet chamber of each Venturi tube (10) and switches (40) for each e-liquid vaporizer and the air flow source supplying the corresponding Venturi tube. A display stand (53) may also be provided in which the e-liquid bottles (60) containing the e-liquids contained in the e-liquid vaporizers are housed. Identification means are preferably provided to visually or acoustically associate each bottle with the switch associated with the vaporizer containing the corresponding e-liquid. These identification means may be, for example, a marking (for example, a line connecting the position of the bottle to the switch), lighting of the chosen bottle, or any other appropriate means. A general switch allows the device to be turned on and put on standby while waiting for a switch to be activated.

[0035] An electronic circuit is preferably provided to control the device of the invention. This electronic circuit may comprise the limiting means for limiting the operating time of the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer and the means for preventing the airflow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer from being restarted until the switch has been returned to the open position. It may process the signal received by the presence sensor and that transmitted by the switch.

[0036] The e-liquid vaporizer(s) may be purged regularly. This purge may be done after a certain number of usage cycles, after a certain period of use or inactivity, or at certain time intervals. When the device contains several Venturi tubes, the e-liquid vaporizers may be purged one after the other. For example, a purge may be planned three to six times a day and in any case after two or four hours of inactivity. Here too, a master switch, such as a push button, may be provided to initiate the purges.

[0037] The device presented at the figure 2operates as follows. The operator fills the e-liquid vaporizer(s) (30) with the liquids to be tasted and primes the resistors or waits approximately 15 minutes for the cottons of the resistors to soak up the e-liquid. The e-liquid bottle (60) is closed and placed in the display (53) in the location corresponding to its vaporizer (30). Each e-liquid vaporizer (30) is electrically connected to the second connection means (511) of the device by its second connector (32), for example in the case of a clearomizer by its 510 type connector. The air lines (52) are connected to the inlet chamber of each Venturi tube (10). Each vaporizer is attached to the connector (15) of its Venturi tube (10) by its first connector (31) intended for the mouthpiece. The device is ready for use.A user takes the magnet (42) and places it on the REED sensor (41) controlling the e-liquid vaporizer of his choice, and approaches, if he has not already done so, the corresponding nozzle (20). The electronic circuit therefore receives a signal from the presence sensor and a signal from the REED sensor. It then triggers the fan and powers the resistance of the clearomizer (30) containing the chosen e-liquid. The vapors generated in the clearomizer are sucked in by the air flow passing through the Venturi tube and are delivered to the user in the form of a puff that he can inhale. After five seconds, the electronic circuit cuts off the power to the fan and to the clearomizer.

[0038] Six times a day, and at least after two hours of inactivity, the electronic circuit triggers a purge cycle. The operator or user can trigger such a cycle themselves by pressing the purge button.

[0039] As mentioned above, it is not mandatory to provide a presence sensor. The device also works very well without one. Similarly, although it is advantageous to provide nozzles at the outlet of the Venturi tube to channel the flow to obtain a fine stream of air and to better direct this stream of air, it is entirely possible to do without the outlet nozzles, the puff being then delivered directly by the outlet chamber of the Venturi tube.

[0040] In the embodiment presented here, all the Venturi tubes are crossed by the air flow during operation, but only one clearomizer is activated, so that only one Venturi tube delivers an air flow loaded with vaporized e-liquid, the others only delivering an air flow. To prevent all the Venturi tubes from being crossed by the air flow when an e-liquid is tasted, it is possible, in a more sophisticated and more expensive embodiment, to provide a valve between the air flow generator and each Venturi tube. Each valve is then connected to the energy source by the switch (40). Thus, when a user wants to taste the e-liquid contained in one of the e-liquid vaporizers, he activates the corresponding switch which starts the air flow generator and the chosen e-liquid vaporizer, and opens the valve of the Venturi tube in question.The other valves remain closed and the other vaporizers are not supplied with electrical power.

[0041] The airflow generator(s) can be fans. For example, a fan capable of generating a static pressure of around 1.9 bars could be used.

[0042] In the context of the invention, it is possible to provide not to use existing e-liquid vaporizers (for example clearomizers), but to provide vaporizers specific to the device. In this case, it is possible for the electrical connection of the e-liquid vaporizer to be made via the connection for the mouthpiece, so that the first and second connection means are combined.

[0043] Since the airflow does not pass through the e-liquid vaporizer, the puff delivered does not contain droplets, unlike what happens with prior art devices. The device of the invention allows for a smoother feeling when inhaling and better restitution of flavors. The advantage of the device is that it can be used with any clearomizer equipped with standard connections. It is compact, inexpensive, and allows for contactless use. List of references

[0044] 1 Device for tasting e-liquids 10 Venturi tube 11 Inlet chamber 12 Outlet chamber 13 Throttling area 14 Side conduit 15 First connection means / Connection 20 Outlet nozzle 30 E-liquid vaporizer (clearomizer) 31 1st connection / Connection for mouthpiece 32 2nd connection / Connection for power supply (510 connection) 40 Switch 41 Magnetic sensor 42 Magnet 43 Magnet holder 50 Housing 51 Housing for e-liquid vaporizer 511 Second connection means 52 Airflow conduit 53 E-liquid bottle display 60 E-liquid bottle

Claims

1. Device (1) for tasting e-liquids, comprising - a first connection means (15) for connecting an e-liquid vaporizer (30); - an air flow generator for drawing the e-liquid vapors generated by the e-liquid vaporizer; - a power source for operating the air flow generator and the e-liquid vaporizer; the device further being provided with a Venturi tube (10) comprising an inlet chamber (11) and an outlet chamber (12) connected to each other by a constriction zone (13), as well as a side duct (14) opening into the constriction zone (13) or the outlet chamber (12); - the air flow generator being connected to the inlet chamber (11); and - the free end of the side duct (14), opposite the constriction zone (13), being provided with the first connection means (15); characterized in that the power source is an electric power source, in that the device is provided with a second connection means for electrically connecting a vaporizer to the power source, in that a switch (40) is provided between the second connection means and the electric power source, and in that a switch (40) is provided to connect the air flow generator to the electric power source, the two switches (40) preferably being one and the same, the switch(es) (40) having an open position and a closed position.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a presence sensor is provided to detect the presence of a user in a detection area delimited by a predetermined distance from an outlet nozzle (20), the sensor providing a signal in the absence of which the e-liquid vaporizer and the air flow generator cannot be operated.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is provided with limiting means for limiting the operating duration of the air flow generator and of the e-liquid vaporizer (30), the limiting means preferably being designed to limit the operating time to the duration of one or two normal breaths, in particular to a duration of 20 seconds, preferably 10 seconds, and advantageously 5 seconds.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is provided with means for preventing the restarting of the air flow generator and of the e-liquid vaporizer (30) as long as the switch (40) has not been reset to the open position.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air flow generator is a fan, and / or the e-liquid vaporizer (30) is a clearomizer provided with a tank and a heating coil, and / or the power source is a battery or a mains connection.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch (40) is a magnetic sensor of the REED sensor type (41) and a movable magnet (42) moved by the user.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is provided with purging means for purging the e-liquid vaporizer (30) and / or the Venturi tube (10) after a certain number of cycles and / or a certain period of use or inactivity and / or at specific time intervals.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outlet nozzle (20) is connected to the outlet chamber (12) of the Venturi tube (10).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises - several Venturi tubes (10), each Venturi tube being provided with a first connection means (15) for connecting it to its own e-liquid vaporizer (30), - at least one air flow generator, the inlet chamber (11) of each Venturi tube (10) being connected by a duct (52) to the air flow generator or one of the air flow generators, each Venturi tube preferably being provided with an outlet nozzle (20).

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each Venturi tube is associated with a second connection means (511), in that a switch (40) is provided between each second connection means (511) and the electric power source, and in that a switch (40) is provided between the electric power source and the air flow generator or at least one of the air flow generators.

11. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a valve is provided in each duct (52) connecting the air flow generator or one of the air flow generators to a Venturi tube, each valve being controlled by the switch (40) connected to the second connection means (511) associated with the respective Venturi tube, such that when the second connection means (511) is connected to the power source, the corresponding valve is open, and when the first connection means (511) is isolated from the power source, the valve is closed.

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the device comprises a display stand (53) for housing e-liquid bottles (60) whose e-liquids are contained in the e-liquid vaporizers (30), identification means preferably being provided to visually and / or acoustically associate each bottle (60) with the switch (40) associated with the corresponding e-liquid vaporizer (30).

13. Use of a Venturi tube (10) to draw e-liquid vapors generated in an e-liquid vaporizer (30), the Venturi tube comprising an inlet chamber (11) and an outlet chamber (12) connected to each other by a constriction zone (13), as well as a side duct (14) opening into the constriction zone (13) or the outlet chamber (12) and whose free end opposite the constriction zone (13) is provided with a first connection means (15) for connecting an e-liquid vaporizer (30), the inlet chamber (11) being connected to an air flow generator, and the e-liquid vaporizer (30) being connected to the side duct (14) via the first connection means (15), the outlet chamber (12) preferably being connected to an outlet nozzle (20), characterized in that - the power source is an electric power source, - a second connection means is provided to electrically connect a vaporizer to the power source, - a switch (40) is provided between the second connection means and the electric power source, and - a switch (40) is provided to connect the air flow generator to the electric power source, the two switches (40) preferably being one and the same, the switch(es) (40) having an open position and a closed position.

14. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that several Venturi tubes (10), each preferably provided with an outlet nozzle (20) and connected to its own e-liquid vaporizer (30), are connected to a single air flow generator.