EP2959783B1 - Test machine for devices diffusing a diffusable product - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates generally to the field of analyzing products that may be aspirated, inhaled or inhaled by a user, and corresponding diffusion devices.

It relates more particularly to a test machine adapted to analyze at least one diffusion device of a product that can be sucked in, inhaled or inhaled by a user of the diffusion device and / or to analyze a product diffused by such a device. of diffusion.

The machine allows a physico-chemical or sensory analysis of the diffused products having physiological, therapeutic or other properties. The invention also has applications for qualifying the operating state of all types of diffusion devices for such products. Non-exhaustively, examples of use of such devices may be the "vaping" of e-liquids for the electronic cigarette, the dissemination of medical products, health products or well-being, etc.

Technological Background

Existing test machines (see for example EP 0 434 526 A1 ) are currently mainly intended for sampling for analysis of conventional cigarette smoke. They are called "smoking machines" in the field concerned.

The e-liquid smoking machines known to date are rare, restricted to market-specific, often artisanal, broadcasting devices and do not faithfully reproduce the conditions of use of the devices by the users.

Previous Art

A known system for the study of electronic cigarettes is, for example, the CETI 8 system from Cerulean, the term "CETI" being the acronym for "Cerulean e-Cigarette Testing Instrument". This system allows an operator to select the shape, volume and duration of puffs of the diffused product, as well as the number and spacing between puffs for capturing vapors at a buffer-filter for an off-line chemical analysis. However, this system does not make it possible to qualify the diffusion devices, or to test and characterize new products with other physiological or therapeutic properties.

The document CN 103512827 discloses a method and a device for testing the performance of an electronic cigarette.

Summary of the Invention

The invention aims to provide a versatile system and multiple features for the qualification of all types of products that can be aspirated, inhaled or inhaled by a user and corresponding broadcast devices.

• un automate de commande ;
• un compartiment d'entrée à atmosphère contrôlée, avec au moins un support adapté pour le maintien mécanique du dispositif de diffusion dans ledit compartiment d'entrée;
• au moins un actuateur associé au dispositif de diffusion, et commandé par l'automate de manière à produire des actions mécaniques déterminées sur le dispositif de diffusion ;
• au moins un organe de régulation de la température et/ou de l'hygrométrie de l'atmosphère dans le compartiment d'entrée, opérant sous la commande de l'automate ;
• un compartiment de sortie à atmosphère contrôlée ;
• au moins un organe de régulation de la pression, de la température et/ou de l'hygrométrie dans le compartiment de sortie, commandé par l'automate de manière à obtenir dans l'atmosphère du compartiment de sortie des conditions de pression, de température et/ou d'hygrométrie déterminées;
• au moins un organe de ventilation associé au dispositif de diffusion et agencé pour provoquer un flux entrant dans le dispositif de diffusion à partir du compartiment d'entrée et pour simultanément refouler dans le compartiment de sortie un flux sortant du dispositif de diffusion, ledit organe de ventilation étant commandé par l'automate de manière à produire une ventilation ayant des caractéristiques déterminées ; et,
• au moins un matériel d'analyse permettant l'analyse d'un flux diffusé par le dispositif de diffusion qui est refoulé dans le compartiment de sortie, afin de qualifier l'état de fonctionnement du dispositif de diffusion ou de caractériser le flux diffusé.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a machine for analyzing at least one diffusion device of a product that can be sucked in, inhaled or inhaled by a user of the diffusion device and / or for analyzing a product diffused by such a device broadcast, comprising:

• a control automaton;
• a controlled atmosphere inlet compartment, with at least one support adapted for mechanical holding of the diffusion device in said inlet compartment;
• at least one actuator associated with the diffusion device, and controlled by the automaton so as to produce specific mechanical actions on the diffusion device;
• at least one regulating member for the temperature and / or hygrometry of the atmosphere in the input compartment, operating under the control of the automaton;
• a controlled atmosphere outlet compartment;
• at least one member for regulating the pressure, the temperature and / or the hygrometry in the outlet compartment, controlled by the automaton so as to obtain in the atmosphere of the outlet compartment of the pressure conditions, temperature and / or hygrometry determined;
• at least one ventilation member associated with the diffusion device and arranged to cause a flow entering the diffusion device from the inlet compartment and to simultaneously discharge into the outlet compartment a flow coming out of the diffusion device, said organ ventilation being controlled by the automaton so as to produce a ventilation having specific characteristics; and,
• at least one analysis equipment enabling the analysis of a stream diffused by the broadcasting device which is discharged into the output compartment, in order to qualify the operating state of the broadcasting device or to characterize the broadcast stream.

The invention has advantages relating to the functional aspect of the machine, but also to its adaptability to the different possible uses of the tested devices, thanks to its ability to reproduce the environment of use and the behavior of the users during the process. use of the devices.

The machine makes it possible to simulate the action of the users on the devices and the operating situations of the devices. For example, it is possible to accurately reproduce, during the tests, the stresses applied to devices in a real situation of oral and / or nasal inhalation, active and / or passive.

• l'inspiration et l'expiration à débit, pression, durée et fréquence contrôlés,
• la simulation de la température de l'hygrométrie buccale et/ou nasale,
• l'activation des dispositifs,
• l'inclinaison et les mouvements des dispositifs imprimés par l'utilisateur, par exemple de 90° à +90° ou de 0 à +180° par rapport à l'horizontale, contrairement aux systèmes du marché permettant uniquement de réaliser des tests à l'horizontale,
• etc.

Reproducible constraints include:

• inspiration and expiration at controlled flow rate, pressure, duration and frequency,
• the simulation of the temperature of the oral and / or nasal hygrometry,
• activation of the devices,
• the inclination and the movements of the devices printed by the user, for example from 90 ° to + 90 ° or from 0 to + 180 ° with respect to the horizontal, unlike the systems of the market allowing only to carry out tests to the horizontal,
• etc.

The machine makes it possible to study the life cycle of the devices and the adequacy between the devices and the products used.

Brief Description of Drawings

• la Figure 1 est un schéma d'un dispositif de diffusion du type d'une cigarette électronique;
• la Figure 2 est un schéma fonctionnel d'une machine de test selon le principe de l'invention, dans un exemple de réalisation ayant 9 lignes d'analyse agencées par groupes de 3 lignes d'analyse;
• la Figure 3 est un schéma montrant un exemple de réalisation d'un groupe de trois lignes d'analyse d'une machine de test selon la Figure 2 ; et,
• la Figure 4 est un schéma montrant un exemple de réalisation d'un groupe de trois lignes d'analyse utilisées pour la calibration d'une machine de test selon la Figure 2.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the attached drawings in which:

• the Figure 1 is a diagram of a diffusion device of the type of an electronic cigarette;
• the Figure 2 is a block diagram of a test machine according to the principle of the invention, in an exemplary embodiment having 9 lines of analysis arranged in groups of 3 lines of analysis;
• the Figure 3 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a group of three lines of analysis of a test machine according to the Figure 2 ; and,
• the Figure 4 is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a group of three lines of analysis used for the calibration of a test machine according to the Figure 2 .

Detailed description of embodiments

Diffusion is a physical process that is characterized by a change of state from a liquid or solid product to a diffused state, i.e., in the form of a gas or cloud of extremely fine particles . Depending on the particle size distribution in the cloud, we are talking about fumes (particles with a size of about 0.1 to 0.5 microns), vapors (particles with a size of about 0.5 to 0.8 microns) , mists or "spray" (particles with a size of about 0.8 to 10 microns), or aerosols (particles of about ten microns or more).

Thus, for example, a vaporizer is a diffusion device (or diffuser) for converting certain liquids into vapors.

The proposed test machine is described below, by way of non-limiting example, in its application to the test of diffusion devices of the type of an electronic cigarette. An electronic cigarette, also called e-cigarette, is a thermal vaporizer. It produces aromatic vapors from a liquid solution, and this under the effect of heat. Such liquids are also called e-liquids, or e-fluids. The vaporization temperature is between about 250 and 300 ° C, while the diffusion temperature is the device output temperature of between 30 and 60 ° C.

• d'autres types de vaporisateurs thermiques,
• des vaporisateurs par compression,
• des vaporisateurs par décompression,
• des vaporisateurs par réaction chimique produisant un gaz,
• des vaporisateurs par génération d'aérosols,
• des diffuseurs par génération de particules solides,
• des vaporisateurs par génération de particules liquides,
• des diffuseurs par imprégnation dans un solide,
• etc.

However, the invention should not be limited to this example, since the proposed machine can be used for other types of diffusion devices, such as, for example:

• other types of thermal vaporizers,
• compression vaporizers,
• decompression vaporizers,
• vaporizers by chemical reaction producing a gas,
• vaporizers by aerosol generation,
• diffusers by generation of solid particles,
• vaporizers by generation of liquid particles,
• diffusers by impregnation in a solid,
• etc.

In general, the machine also makes it possible to test products that can be diffused by all types of broadcasting devices, whether portable or not. The products may be in liquid form, in the form of gel or paste, or in the form of solids capable of being vaporized or otherwise diffused by the devices.

The electronic cigarette simulates the act of smoking by a system of production of flavored vapor and optionally loaded with nicotine in dosages ranging from 0 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml. This vapor is likely to be aspirated, inhaled or inhaled by the user.

With reference to the diagram of Figure 1 , an electronic cigarette 100 essentially comprises an electric battery 101 and an atomizer 102 powered by the battery 101. The atomizer itself comprises a heating resistor 103, a diffusable or e-liquid product reservoir 104 and a nozzle 105 intended to be worn in the mouth by the user to suck puffs of the diffused product. In some cases, the e-cigarette 100 further includes an activation button 106 allowing the user to control the production of steam or vaporization.

The autonomy of the electronic cigarette depends on the technology and the size of the battery 101. The e-cigarette 100 can be equipped with a system for varying the voltage delivered by the battery, which makes it possible to regulate the power absorbed. by the atomizer 102, and thus the volume of vapor delivered. The tank 104 may be plastic, more or less reinforced. Its capacity can vary, as well as its shape, according to the specificities of the application. The activation button may for example actuate a switch arranged between the battery 101 and the heating resistor 103 of the atomizer 102.

The Figure 2 is a block diagram of a test machine according to the principle of the invention, adapted to analyze at least one device for diffusing a product that can be sucked in, inhaled or inhaled by a user of the diffusion device and / or to analyze a product broadcast by such a broadcast device.

In embodiments, the machine comprises at least one set of N analysis lines adapted for parallel analysis of a set of at least N respective associated broadcast devices, where N is an integer at least equal to at three.

Each line of analysis is dedicated to the testing of an associated diffusion device, ensuring, for example, e-liquids e-liquids for the electronic cigarette, or the diffusion of medical products, health products or well-being, or other products that may be aspirated, breathed in, or inhaled by a user of the delivery device. In the example shown, the devices are electronic cigarettes as explained above with reference to the Figure 1 .

In embodiments, furthermore, the N rows of analysis may be grouped into a number M of sets of N / M rows of analysis where M is an integer at least equal to 2 and an integer submultiple from N.

• un nombre M de chambres d'entrée dans le compartiment d'entrée, chacune associée à N/M lignes d'analyse respectives, et
• un nombre N de chambres de sortie dans le compartiment de sortie, chacune associée à une ligne d'analyse respective,

The machine can then include:

• a number M of input chambers in the input compartment, each associated with N / M respective analysis lines, and
• a number N of output chambers in the output compartment, each associated with a respective analysis line,

Each of the M sets of N / M lines of analysis connects one of the M input chambers to an N / M number of output chambers, through one of the respective broadcast devices to be tested.

In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 , the machine has nine lines of analysis adapted for testing nine broadcast devices. In other words, in the example shown N equals nine (N = 9).

In the example shown, in addition, the analysis lines are arranged in groups of three analysis lines respectively dedicated to testing three groups of three devices each, the device triplets 11-13, 21-23 and 31 respectively. -33. In other words, in the example shown M is equal to three (M = 3).

The machine comprises an input compartment 1 thus having three input chambers 10, 20 and 30, each associated with a triplet of analysis lines, ie, the lines associated with the device triplets 11-13, 21-23 and 31-33, respectively. Each analysis line comprises a support for mechanically holding the diffusion device associated with said analysis line in the corresponding input chamber of the input compartment 1.

The machine shown also comprises an outlet compartment 2 having nine outlet chambers 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132 and 133, each associated with a respective line of analysis.

Each of the three sets of lines of three lines of analysis connects one of the three input chambers 10, 20 and 30 to three of the output chambers, namely the triplets of output chambers 111-113, 121-123, and 131-133, through one of the diffusion devices to be tested 11-13, 21-23 and 31-33, respectively.

In addition, the machine comprises N ventilation members namely the ventilation members 211, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 231, 232 and 233. They are each associated with one of the diffusion devices 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32 and 33, respectively. They are arranged between the inlet compartment 1 and the outlet compartment 2. Each of the ventilation members 211, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 231, 232 and 233 associated with the diffusion devices 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32 and 33, respectively, is arranged to cause a flow entering the diffusion device from the input compartment or the input chamber associated with the device, and simultaneously to repress a flow leaving the diffusion device in the outlet compartment or the outlet chamber. The ventilation members may be arranged to ventilate from the inlet compartment to the outlet compartment, or vice versa. They can be ordered individually, or in groups. Thus, in the example shown, each of the triplets of ventilation members 211-213, 221-223, and 231-233 sucks since (or, in the direction of the ventilation, flows into) the inlet chamber 10, 20 or 30, respectively.

The grouping of lines within a set of N / M lines as explained above makes it possible to accelerate the number of tests carried out simultaneously, and to respond to a recommendation of the OFT (the French Agency for the Prevention of Smoking) presented in the report on the cigarette of May 2013 (http://fwww.oftaasso.fr/docatel/Report e-cigarette VF 1.pdf: page 67 ) which recommends to repeat the tests three times per device, and per set of test conditions. In addition, this makes it possible to quickly identify the failure of a device or an analysis line, abnormal deviations of the results obtained for an analysis line compared to other lines of the same group. This makes it possible to qualify a difference in operation between the devices under strictly identical operating conditions within a line triplet, in particular by virtue of the common input chamber for the triplet.

According to the principle of the invention, the inlet compartment 1 is controlled atmosphere. More particularly, in the case of grouping the analysis lines as previously explained, the atmosphere in each compartment 1 inlet chamber is controlled. This is achieved by at least one member for regulating the temperature and / or humidity of the atmosphere in question. This member operates under the control of a control device 3, or PLC. To the Figure 2 , the commands generated and sent for this purpose to the input compartment 1 by the controller 3 are represented by the arrow 301.

This makes it possible to control the temperature and / or hygrometry of the flow entering the diffusion devices tested in order to increase the relevance of the tests carried out and their reproducibility. This also makes it possible to participate in controlling the temperature of the machine, in particular to take into account variations in its operating conditions as a function of time (for example, raising the temperature during operation).

The inlet compartment, or more particularly the inlet chambers thereof, comprise at least one support adapted for the mechanical maintenance of each of the diffusion devices. Advantageously, the inlet compartment or, as the case may be, the inlet chambers thereof, furthermore comprise at least one actuator associated with each diffusion device. This actuator can be controlled by the automaton so as to produce specific mechanical actions on the diffusion device. To the Figure 2 , the commands generated and sent for this purpose to the input compartment 1 by the controller 3 are represented by the arrow 302.

For example, such an actuator may comprise a jack arranged to modify the inclination of the diffusion device relative to the horizontal, the inclination of the devices is for example adjustable from -90 ° to + 90 °. This makes it possible to reproduce the actual conditions of use of the diffusion devices, in particular cycles of use and inclination of the device relative to the horizontal whereas in known smoking machines the devices are always arranged horizontally.

For devices equipped with an activation button 106 as shown in the example of the Figure 1 another actuator may comprise a mini jack with an adjustable position, enabling the actuation of each device by the automaton according to determined sequences. The frequency, the duration and the spacing between the activations of the device can thus be controlled, to reproduce cycles of use corresponding to the actual use by the users.

Preferably, the actuators associated with the devices of the same group are controlled in the same way, in order to ensure the effect of triplication of analyzes that can be searched for by grouping the analysis lines. Alternatively, an actuator can actuate several devices simultaneously, for example all devices of the same group.

The ventilation members 211, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 231, 232 and 233 associated with the diffusion devices 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 31, 32 and 33, respectively, can also be controlled. by the controller 3 so as to produce each a ventilation having specific characteristics.

To the figure 2 , the commands generated and sent for this purpose by the controller 3 to the ventilation members 211, 212, 213, 221, 222, 223, 231, 232 and 233 are represented by the arrow 303.

Each ventilation member may be controlled by the controller so as to reproduce puffs of the diffused product that can be actually generated by the user from the broadcasting device.

Preferably, the devices of the same group are controlled in the same way, in order to ensure the effect of triplication of the analyzes which can be sought by the grouping of the analysis lines.

The outlet compartment 2 is also controlled atmosphere. More particularly, for a machine having N output chambers respectively associated with N diffusion devices to be tested, the atmosphere in each of said N output chambers can be controlled separately. This is achieved by at least one regulating member of the temperature and / or hygrometry in the outlet compartment, or the outlet chamber considered of said compartment. This regulation is performed under the control of the controller 3 so as to obtain in the atmosphere of the outlet compartment pressure conditions, temperature and / or hygrometry determined.

To the figure 2 , the commands generated and sent for this purpose to the output compartment 2 by the controller 3 are represented by the arrow 304.

In one example, the regulator of the pressure, temperature and / or hygrometry in the outlet compartment 2, or in each of the chambers 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132 , and 133 thereof, is controlled by the automaton 3 so as to reproduce in the atmosphere of said outlet compartment or of said outlet chamber, pressure conditions, temperature and / or hygrometry determined from a real oral and / or nasal environment of a user of the diffusion device associated with the line corresponding analysis.

The machine may further comprise a management unit 4 which is adapted to control the automaton as a function, in particular, of data obtained at a particular level of the M sets of analysis lines dedicated to the calibration of the machine. . This calibration can be based on a parameterization of the commands generated by the controller 3, as a function of measurements made in real time at the level of the machine itself, on a batch of devices dedicated to the calibration, namely for example the devices 11, 12 and 13 of the group of devices associated with the analysis line group at the top of the Figure 2 .

To the Figure 2 , the parameters generated by the management unit 4 and sent to the controller 3 are represented by the arrow 401. The data measured for this purpose at the output compartment 2 are represented by the arrow 402.

In embodiments, the control unit 3 and / or the management unit 4 are produced by an integrated device comprising a computer and a human-machine interface, or via a separate device such as a programmed generic computer, or a program (software) intended to be executed by such a generic computer. In any case, the machine operates from a database relating, in particular, to the different types of possible use of the devices by the users (statistical data, for example).

Finally, the machine further comprises at least one analysis equipment for analyzing a stream diffused by the diffusion device which is discharged into the outlet compartment or the corresponding outlet chamber, in order to qualify the state of operation of the broadcast device or characterize the broadcast stream. Part of the analysis material can be shared for several lines of analysis, for example for the lines of the same set or group of lines. Conversely, another part of the analysis material may be specific to each line of analysis.

To the Figure 2 , the analysis data collected by the management unit 4 from the output compartment 2, are represented by the arrow 403. The unit 4 backs up all the analysis data produced during the tests carried out for later use.

For reasons of readability of the drawings, the analysis equipment is not represented at the Figure 2 , and will be explained below with reference to the Figure 3 .

Other characteristics and advantages specific to embodiments of the machine will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the lines of analysis, given with reference to FIG. Figure 3 and some Figure 4 . Given the grouping of the analysis lines into sets of three lines in the example considered so far, each of these figures show the arrangement of the equipment associated with a set or group of three lines of analysis. This is obviously not limiting of the invention, other groupings, or conversely the absence of grouping lines, being possible options.

It will first be presented, hereinafter with reference to the Figure 3 embodiments of a set of operational analysis lines, that is to say dedicated to the actual analysis of broadcasting devices or products broadcast by them. Then, a set of analysis lines dedicated to the calibration will be explained with reference to the Figure 4 .

To the Figure 3 , we have represented all three lines of analysis of the Figure 2 associated with the devices 21, 22 and 23.

Each analysis line comprises a support for mechanically holding the diffusion device associated with said analysis line in the inlet chamber 20.

In order to reproduce the actual conditions of use, the inclination of the devices 21, 22 and 23 is adjustable, for example from -90 to + 90 °, or from 0 to + 180 °, by means of an actuator 21 a, 22a and 23a, respectively. It can be a cylinder, associated with a suitable mechanism.

In the case of broadcast devices that are equipped with an activation button, such as the button noted 106 at the Figure 1 other actuators such as mini-cylinders 21b, 22b, and 23b with an adjustable position allow automatic actuation of each device. Optionally, this activation can be controlled individually for each device. However, in the context of a tripling of the tests, identical and simultaneous activation is controlled for the three devices of the same set of devices.

The actuators associated with the broadcasting devices can be controlled by the controller 3 so as to reproduce certain actions that can actually be exerted on the broadcasting device by a user of said device. The movements of the devices can be reproduced, possibly, between activation phases of the devices, or during such phases.

The automaton 3 of the Figure 2 controls and regulates the temperature, the hygrometry of the flow entering the devices, through the control and regulation of the temperature and hygrometry of the atmosphere in the inlet chamber 20. For this purpose, it is provided a temperature and humidity sensor 20a, a temperature control system 20b capable of heating and cooling the air in the chamber 20, as well as a system 20c for regulating the humidity in the chamber 20. The system 20b is capable of heating and cooling the air in the chamber 20. The system 20c is able to dry and humidify the air in the chamber 20. This makes it possible to freeze the conditions of use of the diffusion devices. throughout the tests that are performed.

In some embodiments, the inlet chamber may further comprise at least one flow inlet for receiving a determined gaseous, liquid or solid flow, and / or a flow of ambient air. This makes it possible to define the physico-chemical environment in which the devices are used. Thus, the air in the inlet chamber can be standardized, for example loaded with CO ₂ .

Another flow inlet may allow at least a portion of the stream diffused into the outlet compartment 2 to be introduced into the chamber 20 by one or more of the diffusion devices, and thus brought back into the input compartment. This may allow to account for the natural evolution of the conditions of use of the devices during a actual use, for example in a confined space such as the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

In the example of the Figure 3 , the ventilation members 221, 222 and 223 of the analysis lines associated with the devices 21, 22 and 23, respectively, are shown as being arranged in the output compartment 2. This is only a non-limiting example.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ventilation members 221, 222 and 223 may each comprise a pump 221a, 222a and 223a, respectively, and a three-way valve 221b, 222b and 223b, respectively.

The pump and the three-way valve are controlled by the controller 3 so as, for example, to reproduce flushes of the diffused product that can be actually generated by the user from the diffusion device.

• débit variable : de 2 à 138 millilitres en 2 secondes ;
• dépression générée : de -2 à -16 millibars.

The pump may be, for example, a peristaltic pump diaphragm or diaphragm, or any other type of pump appropriate to the needs of the application. It responds for example to the following characteristics, recommended in the aforementioned report of the OFT:

• variable flow: from 2 to 138 milliliters in 2 seconds;
• generated depression: -2 to -16 millibars.

The three-way valve (suction, discharge and discharge) can simulate the type of puffs, including sudden or progressive. Alternatively, the flow can be regulated with other equipment, for example one or more regulators of flow and pressure, in place of the three-way valve.

The machine may comprise a temperature sensor 2a and a temperature control system 2b, arranged to control the temperature in the outlet compartment 2. The system 2b is suitable for heating or cooling the atmosphere in this compartment. This makes it possible to keep the operating temperature of the various equipment installed in the outlet compartment 2 constant, in particular the ventilation members 221, 222 and 223.

The temperature and humidity control in the outlet chambers 121, 122 and 123 can be carried out individually for each chamber by means of temperature and humidity sensors 121a, 122a, and 123a, respectively.

The regulation of temperature and humidity in the outlet chambers 121, 122 and 123 can also be individualized at each chamber.

However, in the example shown in Figure 3 a system 24 of hygrometry regulation (in humidification and drying) is shared between the lines. Anti-return valves 121b, 122b and 123b are disposed between the systems 24 and 25 on the one hand and each outlet chamber 121, 122 and 123, respectively. These valves are controlled by the controller 3 to regulate the hydrometry individually in each output chamber based on the information transmitted by the sensor 121a, 122a, and 123a of each of the output chambers 121, 122 and 123, respectively.

This principle of shared operation is used, in the example as shown in the temperature regulation (heating and cooling), through a temperature control system 25.

Although not represented at Figure 2 means for controlling and regulating the pressure in the outlet chambers 121, 122, and 123 may also be provided. They can be individualized for each room, or pooled for the three rooms of the analysis line set considered.

Examples of analytical material will now be described. This analysis equipment makes it possible to analyze a flux diffused by each diffusion device 21, 22 and 23, and which is discharged either into the outlet compartment 2, more particularly into the outlet chamber, 121, 122 and 123 , respectively, either in the input compartment 1, more particularly the input chambers 10, 20 and 30. It thus makes it possible to qualify the operating state of the broadcasting devices or to characterize the fluxes diffused in the frame, for example of the study of diffusable products.

In embodiments, the analysis equipment may comprise temperature sensors 21c, 22c and 23c, arranged to measure the temperature of the flow coming out of the diffusion device 21, 22 and 23, respectively, and discharged into the compartment. output 121, 12 and 123, respectively. A temperature measurement at this point qualifies the operating state of the diffusion device. Indeed, for the diffusion devices which are heating devices such as electronic cigarettes, the temperature of the diffused product is a direct indication of the operating state of the device.

If the diffusion device is not a heating device, the temperature of the diffused flux is nonetheless characteristic of the diffusion, so that a temperature measurement gives relevant information on the operating state of the devices.

Analytical equipment may be adapted to allow sensory analysis, continuously or in sampled form, of the product diffused by the diffusion devices 21, 22 and 23 and discharged into the exit chambers 121, 122 and 123 of the exit compartment 2 or the inlet chambers 10, 20 or 30 of the inlet compartment 1.

Thus, in an embodiment as shown, the analysis equipment comprises a screen 26 in front of which the flux diffused by the diffusion device is repressed to allow a visual characterization of said flow by an operator. In one example, particularly suitable for essentially white color vapors, the screen may be black or dark in color. Conversely, if the diffused product is dark, the screen may be white or light in color. The screen can be removable, in order to be replaced each time by a screen of the most appropriate color possible according to the products broadcast.

Advantageously, the screen can be associated with a lighting member adapted to produce controlled lighting conditions.

In embodiments, it is further possible to provide another member such as an image sensor for image capture for subsequent analysis. It can be a CMOS imager, a digital camera, a webcam, etc.

In the example shown, the machine comprises a system 27 for recovering and processing flows. Such a system makes it possible to recover hazardous materials for humans and / or for the environment. It may be, for example, an activated carbon filter, or a bag arranged to collect all the streams diffused by the three broadcasting devices 21, 22 and 23. It is also possible to provide such a system for each individual analysis line.

The analysis equipment may further comprise a flow sampling device, for a physicochemical analysis of the product diffused by the diffusion device and discharged into the outlet compartment, or individually in the outlet chambers 121. 122 and 123 and in the entrance compartment 1 in the entrance chambers 10, 20 and 30 ..

The analysis equipment may also comprise a condensation module arranged to recover, in liquid form, all or part of the product diffused by the diffusion device and discharged into the outlet compartment, for the physicochemical analysis of said product. This is useful in cases where the analysis is easier to perform on a liquid form of the diffused products.

The analysis equipment may also comprise a sterile analytical bag arranged to capture the entire flux diffused by at least one of the diffusion devices and discharged into the outlet compartment 2. It may advantageously be a specific bag arranged in leaving each chamber 121, 122 and 123, or a common bag to recover together the vapors generated by the three devices 21, 22 and 23 and in the inlet compartment 1 in the inlet chambers 10, 20 and 30.

Any other analytical device necessary for qualifying the flow may be provided, in addition to or instead of the examples given above.

To the Figure 4 , are represented the lines of analysis of all three lines of analysis represented at the top of the Figure 2 . These lines are associated with the devices 11, 12 and 13, and serve for the calibration of the machine. In this figure all the elements corresponding to elements already described with regard to the Figure 3 are not referenced again so as not to overload the figure at the expense of its readability. Note simply the ventilation members 211, 212 and 213 associated with the devices 11, 12 and 13, respectively.

Whereas for the sets of operational analysis lines, the analysis units can be limited to one temperature sensor per line such as the sensors 21c, 22c and 23c shown in FIG. Figure 3 , for the analysis lines of the set dedicated to the calibration represented in the Figure 4 the machine is equipped, at the output of the devices, with three sensors per line: temperature sensors 11c, 12c and 13c, respectively, and, moreover, vacuum sensors 11d, 12d and 13d, respectively, and finally sensors 11th, 12th and 13th, respectively. The order of arrangement of these three types of sensors in the suction pipe between the diffusion devices and the ventilation member of each line of analysis is indifferent and is not limited to the example shown in FIG. Figure 4 . These sensors are used to calibrate the machine (pump, valves, etc.) according to the device installed and the configuration of the test protocol.

The analysis material represented here comprises, besides the means already represented in the Figure 3 for operational analysis lines, condensation modules 111c, 112c and 113c arranged to recover, in liquid form, all or part of the product diffused by the diffusion devices and discharged into the outlet compartment 2, at the outlet of the chambers 111 , 112 and 113, respectively. These condensates can be used for the physico-chemical analysis of the diffused product, and this advantageously in a liquid form thereof. Valves 111d, 112d and 113d, for example manual valves, may be associated with the condensing modules 111c, 112c and 113c, respectively, to allow emptying these modules to remove the condensates.

The machine described above can be used in the field of physicochemical analysis of the products broadcast and the behavior of the devices. But also, in more specific applications such as the study of the quantities of substances aspirated, inhaled or inhaled by users, or the development and qualification of broadcasting devices, diffusable products, modes of administration, etc.

• analyse chimique des substances diffusées,
• test des dispositifs de diffusion,
• test de nouveaux produits,
• test de nouveaux dispositifs,
• test de nouveaux modes d'administration,
• etc.

In a non-exhaustive manner, the machine can be used in the following different applications:

• chemical analysis of the substances diffused,
• test of diffusion devices,
• testing new products,
• testing new devices,
• test of new modes of administration,
• etc.

The machine can be in the form of a modular and mobile equipment, mounted on a skid frame or a portable platform, so that it can be easily transported to different stations within a laboratory , for example. It can be installed in a laboratory or any premises. It allows direct visual access to broadcast devices and device output streams.

• le test et la qualification du fonctionnement des dispositifs de diffusion avec des produits de compositions différentes (encrassement, durée de vie, production ou non de fumées, etc.),
• l'exploitation analytique de la composition des flux entrants et sortants (quantitative, composition chimique, caractérisation chimique, physiques, optique, etc.).
• la caractérisation des flux en entrée et en sortie de dispositif par leurs aspects sensoriels (couleur, densité, opacité, transparence, odeurs, gouts).

The invention provides an answer to three functional objectives:

• the testing and qualification of the operation of diffusion devices with products of different compositions (fouling, service life, production or not of fumes, etc.),
• the analytical exploitation of the composition of incoming and outgoing flows (quantitative, chemical composition, chemical, physical, optical characterization, etc.).
• the characterization of the input and output flows of the device by their sensory aspects (color, density, opacity, transparency, smells, tastes).

The machine also makes it possible to multiply the number of tests performed simultaneously through a series of connection lines to the devices and to continuously record data on the operation of the devices.

The present invention has been described and illustrated in the present detailed description and in the Figures. The invention is not limited, however, to the embodiments presented. Other variants and embodiments may be deduced and implemented by the person skilled in the art upon reading the present description and the appended figures.

In the claims, the term "include" does not exclude other elements or other steps. The indefinite article "one" does not exclude the plural. A single processor or several other units may be used to implement the invention. The different characteristics presented and / or claimed can be advantageously combined. Their presence in the description or in different dependent claims does not exclude this possibility. The reference signs can not be understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. Machine for analysing at least one diffusion device for a product capable of being aspirated, respirated, or inhaled by a user of the diffusion device and/or for analysing a product diffused by such a diffusion device, comprising:

   - an automatic control device (3);

   - an inlet compartment (1) with a controlled atmosphere, including at least one support element capable of retaining the diffusion device (11, 12, 13) in the said inlet compartment;

   - at least one actuator (21 a, 22a, 23a) attached to the diffusion device and controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to produce specific mechanical actions on the diffusion device;

   - at least one element (20a, 20b, 20c) for regulating the temperature and/or the humidity of the atmosphere in the inlet compartment, operating under the control of the automatic control device (2);

   - at least one element (121 a, 122a, 123a, 24, 25) for regulating the pressure, temperature, and/or humidity in the outlet compartment, controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to obtain in the atmosphere of the outlet compartment predetermined conditions of pressure, temperature, and/or humidity;

   - at least one ventilation element (221,222, 223) connected to the diffusion device and configured such as to incur a flow entering the diffusion device from the inlet compartment and simultaneously force in the outlet compartment a flow emerging from the diffusion device, the said ventilation element being controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to produce ventilation with predetermined characteristics; and

   - at least one analysis hardware element (21 c, 22c, 23c, 26) allowing for the analysis of a flow diffused by the diffusion device, which is forced into the outlet compartment in order to determine the state of functioning of the diffusion device or to characterise the diffused flow.
2. Machine according to claim 1, wherein the inlet compartment comprises at least one flow inlet to receive a specified gaseous, liquid, or solid flow and/or a flow of ambient air, and/or at least a part of the flow diffused by the diffusion device in the outlet compartment, which is thereby conveyed back into the inlet compartment.
3. Machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator connected to the diffusion device is controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to reproduce predetermined actions which may in reality be applied on the diffusion device by the user of the said device.
4. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the element for regulating the pressure, temperature, and/or humidity in the outlet compartment is controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to reproduce in the atmosphere of the outlet compartment predetermined conditions of pressure, temperature, and/or humidity of a real oral and/or nasal environment of a user of the device.
5. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ventilation element is controlled by the automatic control device in such a way as to reproduce bursts of the diffused product which can be generated in reality by the user from the diffusion device.
6. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ventilation device comprises a pump (221 a, 222a, 223a) and a three-way valve (221 b, 222b, 223b).
7. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the analysis hardware comprises an element for taking samples of the flow for a physical-chemical analysis of the product diffused by the diffusion device and returned to the outlet compartment.
8. Machine according to claim 7, wherein the analysis hardware comprises a condensation module configured such as to recover, in liquid form, all or part of the product diffused by the diffusion device and returned to the outlet compartment, for the physical-chemical analysis of the said product.
9. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the analysis hardware comprises an analysis bag configured such as to collect the whole of the flow diffused by the diffusion device and returned to the outlet compartment.
10. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the analysis hardware is configured such as to allow for an organoleptic analysis, continuously or in the form of samples, of the product diffused by the diffusion device and returned to the outlet compartment.
11. Machine according to claim 10, wherein the analysis hardware comprises a screen (26) connected to a lighting element which is configured such as to produce controlled lighting conditions, and before which the flow diffused by the diffusion device is forced, such as to allow for a visual characterisation of the said flow by an operator or to allow for the recording of an image by an image sensor for the purpose of subsequent analysis.
12. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the analysis hardware comprises a temperature sensor (21c, 22c, 23c) configured such as to measure the temperature of the flow emerging from the diffusion device and returned to the outlet compartment, for the purpose of determining the state of function of the diffusion device.
13. Machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least one assemblage of N analysis lines configured for the analysis in parallel of an assemblage of at least N respective connected diffusion devices, where N is a whole number at least equal to 3, each analysis line comprising, for the diffusion device connected to the said analysis line, a support element, at least one actuator element, and one ventilation element, such as are defined in claim 1, which are comprised between the inlet compartment and the outlet compartment.
14. Machine according to claim 13, comprising:

    - a number M of assemblages of N analysis lines such as are defined in claim 13, where M is a whole number at least equal to 2 and is a whole sub-multiple of N,

    - a number M of inlet chambers in the inlet compartment, each connected to M respective analysis lines, and

    - a number N of outlet chambers in the outlet compartment, each connected to a respective analysis line,

    - with each of the M assemblages of N analysis lines connecting one of the M inlet chambers to a number N/M of outlet chambers respectively.
15. Machine according to claim 14, comprising a management unit which is configured such as to control the automatic control device, as a function, in particular, of data obtained from one of the M assemblages of analysis lines dedicated to the calibration of the machine.

Images