RU2831417C2 - Aerosol generating device with luminous status indicator, method of operation and manufacturing thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol-generating device with a luminous state indicator, a method for operation and manufacture thereof. Aerosol-generating device (100) comprises a luminous status indicator. Housing (102) of aerosol-generating device (100) has window (112), and an array of light sources (146) is provided inside housing (102) for direct illumination from housing (102) through opening (112). Light diffuser (118) is placed between the array of light sources (146) and window (112), and there are walls (150) passing between light sources (146). Combination of light diffuser (118) and walls (150) causes the light directed through window (112) from light sources (146) to look like a light unit which gradually increases in size as the number of luminous adjacent light sources (146) increases.

EFFECT: enabling indication of various information to a user using an array of light sources using a discrete number of light-emitting diodes for one window.

36 cl, 21 dwg

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device with a luminous status indicator. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to a portable aerosol generating device, which may be self-contained, and more particularly to a device that heats, rather than burns, tobacco or other suitable material by conduction, convection and/or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporizers) have grown rapidly in recent years as an aid in assisting experienced smokers to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or agitate an aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol and/or vapor for inhalation, as opposed to burning tobacco as in conventional tobacco products.

One type of reduced-risk or modified-risk device is a heated-substrate aerosol generating device, or a combustion-free heating device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol and/or vapor by heating a solid aerosol-forming substrate, typically moistened leaf tobacco, to a temperature typically in the range of 150 °C to 300 °C. Heating the aerosol-forming substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases an aerosol and/or vapor containing components desirable to the user, but not toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. In addition, the aerosol and vapor generated by heating an aerosol-forming substrate, such as tobacco, typically do not have a burnt or bitter taste from combustion and burning that may be unpleasant for the user. This means that the aerosol-forming substrate does not require sugars or other additives that are typically added to tobacco in conventional tobacco products to make the smoke and/or vapor more palatable to the user.

Typically, a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is delivered to the aerosol-generating device for use during a "smoking" session. Once this portion is consumed, e.g., the useful release of aerosol and/or vapor from this portion is completed, the user's session is terminated and a fresh portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is delivered to the aerosol-generating device to begin the next session. The user often carries the portable aerosol-generating device throughout the day and may use it for several sessions, subject to the limits of the energy available in the aerosol and/or vapor-generating device, e.g., the battery capacity. Therefore, it is desirable to indicate to the user the battery level of the device so that the user can maintain the device in a charged state. It is also desirable to indicate to the user other useful information, such as the remaining session time, for example, until the portion of the substrate forming the aerosol is used up, or the heating status of the device, or any other useful information (for example, about the correct insertion of the substrate, the open/closed state of the lid, the error mode, the wireless mode, etc.).

Portable aerosol generating devices are very personal to the user, used frequently and in a personal way throughout the day, for example, held tightly in the hand and brought close to the user's face. Therefore, the appearance and feel of the device, in particular how the user enters a command, for example when turning the device on or off, and how the device indicates its status to the user, are extremely important. Thus, the aesthetic properties of the device status indicator are important. At the same time, the aerosol generating device is usually characterized by a small size, which means that it may be desirable to have a compact, accurate and intuitive status indicator, as well as in any case ensuring low power consumption of the status indicator. It will be clear that these requirements may conflict with each other.

Document CN 207978948 U describes a device in the form of an electronic cigarette that contains a single light-emitting diode (LED). This LED can only provide limited status information to the user.

Document EP 2727619 similarly describes an electronic vaporizer device comprising a single LED. Various LED illumination modes are described, including flashing and multi-color.

Document CN 207855022 U (SHENZHEN IVPS TECH CO LTD), published on 14.09.2018, describes an electronic cigarette comprising a cover with light-permeable sections (light-transmitting grooves) through which light from LED light sources located in light-emitting modules can be transmitted. The light-emitting modules and, accordingly, the LED light sources, are located on both sides of the light-transmitting grooves, with a light-guiding plate located between the LED light sources of the light-emitting modules. The light from the LED light sources is directed by the light-guiding plate into the light-transmitting grooves of the cover. The light-guiding plate has light-guiding ribs that extend between the adjacent horizontally located light-emitting modules and protrude from the light-guiding plate outward, into the light-transmitting grooves. The light-guiding ribs ensure the formation of a smooth surface of the cover and prevent dust from entering the body of the electronic cigarette. The light from the LED light sources is directed through the light-transmitting grooves without its dispersion, due to which in the described cigarette the light indication created by the LED light sources has a visually sharp, unaesthetic character for the user, since the smoothing of the light field by reducing the visible difference in light intensity between the “hot areas” of the light-emitting modules (areas with high light intensity) and the “cold areas” of the light-emitting modules (areas with low light intensity) is not ensured.

ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising:

an enclosure containing a window that is not opaque;

an array of light sources located inside the housing;

a light diffuser disposed between the light source array and the non-opaque window; and

a set of walls passing between light sources.

Providing a diffuser and a plurality of walls of the aerosol generating device may cause light directed through a non-opaque window from an array of light sources to appear as a block of light that smoothly increases in size as the number of adjacent light sources that are illuminated increases. The walls may limit the loss of light from individual light sources along the array, while the diffuser may cause light from adjacent or nearby light sources to combine to appear as a solid or uniform area of light in the window. This may provide the ability to indicate a variety of information to the user using the array in a graceful and visually appealing manner.

Optionally, the plurality of walls comprise a light-diffusing material. The light diffuser may comprise the same light-diffusing material as the plurality of walls. In one example, the light diffuser and the plurality of walls form a single, continuous piece.

Optionally, the light-diffusing material is a white translucent material. It may be a polycarbonate material. In some examples, it is Makrolon® or Lexan®. In one particularly preferred example, the light-diffusing material is RTP® 0399X 120952 D S-27484 WHITE.

Optionally, the light sources may be configured to direct light toward a non-opaque window.

Optionally, the light diffuser may be configured to receive light from light sources and transmit it in the direction of a non-opaque window.

Optionally, the walls may be configured to receive light obliquely emitted from the light sources in order to limit the loss of light from each light source along the array.

The light source array does not necessarily represent a linear array. For example, the light source array is arranged in a single (straight) line. The light sources of the array may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

It is not necessary that each wall of the plurality of walls extends so as to block the rectilinear path of light between adjacent light sources.

Optionally, each light source of the array is surrounded by a light diffuser and one or more of a plurality of walls on all sides except the side of the light source that faces in a direction opposite to the shortest direct path from the array of light sources to the non-opaque window.

It is not necessary that the light sources are approximately 2 mm apart.

Optionally, each wall of the plurality of walls is characterized by a length in the direction of the shortest direct path from the array of light sources to the non-opaque window equal to approximately 0.5 mm.

It is not necessary that the light sources are located substantially directly behind a non-opaque window.

The light diffuser may not necessarily extend across the entire array of light sources and the window.

The light diffuser may not necessarily be characterized by a greater height and width than the array of light sources and the window.

Optionally, at least one surface of the diffuser comprises a coating. Optionally, at least one surface of the diffuser comprises a coating. For example, at least one surface may have a coating or a coating in the form of a light-diffusing material of the diffuser. The coating or coating may have a refractive index different from the diffuser.

Optionally, at least one surface of the light diffuser is a polished surface. At least one surface of the light diffuser may be a smooth or mirror surface. For example, the light diffuser material may be polished, smooth or mirror on at least one surface.

Optionally, at least one surface of the diffuser is white. For example, the diffuser's light-diffusing material may be opaque, nearly opaque, or translucent on at least one surface.

Optionally, at least one surface of the light diffuser is a rough surface. At least one surface of the light diffuser may be an untreated or matted surface. For example, the light-diffusing material of the light diffuser may be rough, untreated or matted on at least one surface.

In some conditions, slightly rough surfaces may improve the transmission of light from the housing and hinder the transmission of light into the housing. Conversely, smooth surfaces may hinder the transmission of light from the housing (i.e., keep the light inside the housing), but may improve the transmission of light into the housing. For this reason, the surfaces of the diffuser closest to the light sources may be smooth or polished to improve the transmission of light from the light sources into the diffuser. The surfaces facing away from the light sources may be rough to divert light from the device towards the outside environment. Similarly, the surfaces on the edges of the diffuser may be polished or smooth to reduce light leakage from the sides of the diffuser. The side surfaces may additionally be provided with a coating to enhance internal reflection on the sides and further reduce light leakage from the sides. The coating is usually characterized by a lower refractive index than the material it surrounds.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device comprises an optical element arranged between the light diffuser and the non-opaque window of the housing. The optical element may be an optical lens or a light filter. It may have a transmission band from 400 nm to 700 nm or any other range within this band. For reasons similar to those given above, the surfaces of the optical element may be rough, smooth or polished. The side surfaces and the surfaces closest to the light sources may be smooth or polished, while the surfaces farthest from the light sources (closest to the external environment of the device) may be rough. To enhance internal reflection at the edge and reduce light leakage at the edges of the optical element, a coating may also be applied to the side faces (or edges) of the optical element.

The aerosol generating device does not necessarily contain a power source. The power source may be electrical, such as a battery or accumulator.

Optionally, the aerosol generating device comprises a lid movable between a closed position and an open position, preferably wherein the lid is also movable between an open position and an activation position. The array of light sources may be adapted to glow differently depending on the position of the lid.

Optionally, the array of light sources is designed in such a way that it is capable of being in the off state when the lid is in the closed position and is capable of being in the on state when the lid is in the open position, or in the activation position, or in the open position and the activation position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating the above-described aerosol generating device is provided, wherein the method includes indicating a first state of the aerosol generating device by illuminating a first group of light sources and indicating a second state of the aerosol generating device by illuminating a second group of light sources, wherein the first group is at least partially different from the second group.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing the above-described aerosol generating device by selecting light sources, a light diffuser and walls, as well as their relative arrangement, in such a way that the light visible through a non-opaque window when illuminated by any group of light sources that are adjacent to each other appears to be uniformly distributed, except for the periphery of the visible light.

Each of the above aspects may contain any one or more of the features mentioned in relation to the other aspects given above.

The use of the words "device", "device", "processor", "module" and so on is intended to be general rather than specific. While these features of the present invention may be implemented using a single component, such as a computing machine or a central processing unit (CPU), they may equally well be implemented using other suitable components or combinations of components. For example, they may be implemented using a hardware-implemented circuit or circuits, such as an integrated circuit, and using embedded software.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of". Therefore, when interpreting the language of this document that includes the term "comprising", features other than or preceded by this term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" shall be interpreted in the same way. As used herein, the plural form of a noun in brackets shall mean the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

For the purposes of this document, the term "aerosol" means a system of particles dispersed in air or in a gas such as a mist, fog or smoke. Accordingly, the term "aerosolize" (or "aerosolize") means to convert into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "aerosol" is used to consistently describe a mist or droplet containing atomized, volatilized or evaporated particles. The term "aerosol" also includes a mist or droplet containing any combination of atomized, volatilized or evaporated particles.

In the context of this document, the term "not opaque" means "transparent or translucent in the visible spectrum of light", preferably such that the transmittance in the visible spectrum is not more than 10%, more preferably not more than 5%, even more preferably not more than 2% or even 1%, for example not more than about 0.5%. In cases where the walls between the light sources are opaque, the opacity is, for example, such that the light does not substantially pass along a direct path between adjacent light sources. This depends both on the type of material and the thickness of the material and on the brightness of the light sources. In these circumstances, the aim is to transmit as little light as possible through the wall.

For clarity, throughout this application, "height" refers to a vertical dimension relative to the housing of the device, for example, the height of the housing is the distance between the top and bottom of the housing. "Width" is a distance measured parallel to the side wall of the housing, for example, from the front side to the back side or between the sides (and in each case it is perpendicular to the height dimension). Therefore, the elongated window in the housing shown in Fig. 1A and 1B, for example, is characterized by a much greater height than width. "Depth" is a distance measured perpendicular to the side wall of the housing in the direction of the internal volume of the device or away from it so that, for example, the inner shell is located deeper in the device than the outer shell, and the walls of the light diffuser extend deeper than the main body of the diffuser. In each case, the depth dimension is perpendicular to the height dimension. Additionally, the depth dimension is perpendicular to the local definition of the width dimension.

Preferred embodiments are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

Fig. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment with a lid in a closed position and with a lid in an open position.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the aerosol generating device showing some of the internal components.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of the electronic components of the aerosol generating device.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an array of light sources, a light diffuser and a window according to a first preferred embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a light diffuser according to a first preferred embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a status indicator according to a first preferred embodiment.

Fig. 7 is an exploded schematic sectional view of the status indicator shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the status indicator along the A–A axis in Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an array of LEDs, a diffuser and a window according to a second preferred embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a light diffuser according to a second preferred embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a status indicator according to a second preferred embodiment.

Fig. 12 is an exploded schematic sectional view of the status indicator shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the status indicator along the B–B axis in Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of the aerosol generating device with the lid in the closed position and the status indicator turned off.

Fig. 15A-15C are schematic illustrations of an aerosol generating device with a status indicator indicating different levels of charge of the power source.

Fig. 16A-16C are schematic illustrations of an aerosol generating device with a status indicator indicating different values of the remaining session time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Fig. 1A, 1B and 2, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a housing 102 which comprises an outer shell 105 containing various components. In the housing 102, for example, in the side wall of the outer shell 105, an opening 110 is provided through which an aerosol-forming substrate (not shown) can be introduced into the heating chamber 114. In the present embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate is provided in a substrate holder. The substrate holder is typically elongated, and the aerosol-forming substrate is located toward the first end of the substrate holder. Between the aerosol-forming substrate and the second end of the substrate holder, the substrate holder provides a nozzle, for example in the form of a tube made of cardboard or plastic material, optionally with a filter provided along its length, for example, at the second end of the substrate holder. The aerosol and/or vapor generated from the aerosol-forming substrate as it is heated in the heating chamber 114 may be drawn through the nozzle and inhaled by the user from the second end of the substrate holder, which has a sufficient length to protrude from the opening 110, while the aerosol-forming substrate is in the heating chamber 114.

The aerosol generating device 100 may be described as a personal inhalation device, an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette), a vaporizer, or a vaping device. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 is a heating without combustion (HnB) device. However, the aerosol generating devices 100 provided in the present invention generally heat or excite a substance capable of forming an aerosol to generate an aerosol for inhalation, as opposed to burning tobacco, as in conventional tobacco products.

The aerosol-forming substrate and the substrate holder may be referred to as a consumable unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable unit may be in the form of a rod that contains processed tobacco material, such as a corrugated sheet or oriented tapes of reconstituted tobacco paper (RTB), impregnated with a liquid aerosol-forming substance. In the present embodiment, the liquid aerosol-forming substance contains vegetable glycerin (VG), but may be a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and VG. In the present embodiment, pure VG is used in the consumable unit, which does not contain any flavorings or nicotine. Instead, volatile flavorings and nicotine obtained from RTB evaporate simultaneously with the aerosol-forming substance and are captured in the resulting condensation aerosol for inhalation by the user. However, in other embodiments, the consumable unit contains an aerosol-forming substance containing nicotine and other flavorings. In such cases, the consumable unit typically comprises another solid porous substance to absorb the liquid aerosol forming substance, such as a mousse obtained from a gelling agent and a suitable binder, which may or may not contain tobacco. In alternative embodiments, the consumable unit is a capsule containing the aerosol forming substance, which is stored in a reservoir and has an evaporation chamber by means of which the liquid from the reservoir is heated by the aerosol generating device 100, such as by means of a wick, a heat transfer element or a dosing element, which transfers a small dose of the liquid aerosol forming substance to a heated surface to a heated evaporation surface. Preferably, the aerosol forming substance comprises VG or a PG/VG mixture together with nicotine and/or flavors.

It is clear from the drawings that the housing 102 essentially has the shape of a rectangular prism with rounded edges. However, this is not essential, and in other embodiments, the housing 102 does not have the shape of a rectangular prism, but instead is any shape suitable for containing the internal components that are described in the various embodiments set forth herein.

The housing 102 can be formed from any suitable material or even from layers of material. In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an inner shell 156 covered by an outer shell 105. The inner shell 156 can be a plastic material and the outer shell 105 can be metallic, or vice versa, or both the inner shell 156 and the outer shell 105 can be substantially made of a plastic material. If the material of the outer shell 105 is metallic, it can be anodized, powder coated or treated so as to make it more resistant to mechanical contact damage and to prevent unsightly wear. This ensures that the aerosol generating device 100 maintains a "new" and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100, shown in the direction of the lower part of Fig. 1A, is described for convenience as the lower part, base or lower end of the aerosol generating device 100. The second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100, shown in the direction of the upper part of Fig. 1A, is described as the upper part or upper end of the aerosol generating device 100. In use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 100 with the first end 104 downward and/or in a distal position relative to the user's mouth, and the second end 106 upward and/or in a proximal position relative to the user's mouth. Therefore, the opening 110 is located at the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a cover 108 for covering the opening 110. The cover 108 can be considered a shutter for the opening 110. The cover 108 is configured to selectively cover and open the opening 110 so that the opening 110 is substantially closed and opened depending on the position of the cover 108.

In more detail, the cover 108 is configured to move between a closed position shown in Fig. 1A and an open position shown in Fig. 1B. The cover 108 is configured to move over the second end 106 of the housing 102 between the closed position and the open position, that is, across the width of the aerosol generating device 100. In the closed position, as shown in Fig. 1A, the opening 110 is at least partially covered or blocked by the cover 108. Preferably, the opening 110 is completely covered by the cover 108. In some embodiments, when the cover 108 is in the closed position, the cover 108 creates a seal over the opening 110, for example, so that dust and moisture are prevented from entering the opening 110. In the open position, as shown in Fig. 1B, the opening 110 is not covered or obstructed by the cover 108. This means that the cover 108 does not block the opening 110, and the user has the ability to access the opening 110 and, in particular, has the ability to insert the substrate holder into the heating chamber 114.

In some embodiments, the lid 108 may also have an additional position, such as a third position or an activation position. The activation position is accessible to the user, for example, by pressing the lid 108 toward the housing 102, while the lid 108 is in the open position. That is, to enter the activation position, the user actuates the lid 108 from the open position. The activation position provides a user input to the aerosol generating device 100, in response to which the aerosol generating device 100 is adapted to perform an action, such as starting a process of heating the substrate forming the aerosol and generating the aerosol for inhalation by the user. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 is configured to be activated in response to an alternative form of user input. For example, in embodiments where the lid 108 does not have an activation position, a button or a switch can be provided on the side of the housing 102, and the user input can be initiated by pressing the button or clicking the switch. In other embodiments, other suitable methods for providing means for receiving user input are provided.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a detector (not shown) configured to detect movement or position of the lid 108. In one embodiment, the detector is configured to detect movement of the lid 108 from a closed position to an open position. In an alternative embodiment, the detector is configured to detect an absolute position of the lid 108, such as in an open position. In a further alternative embodiment, the detector is configured to detect both the lid 108 being in a closed position and the lid 108 being in an open position. The detector may be further configured to detect movement of the lid 108 from an open position to an activation position. To detect movement or position of the lid, the detector comprises a sensor. The sensor is configured to measure movement or position of the lid 108. The sensor is preferably a contactless sensor. In an alternative description, the detector acts as a position sensor for the lid 108.

The detector is configured to output a signal indicating the position of the lid 108. This signal can be used similarly to a user input initiated by moving the lid 108 to the activation position. For example, moving the lid 108 from the closed position to the open position can activate the aerosol generating device 100.

A non-opaque window 112 is provided in the side of the aerosol generating device 100 through the housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. The non-opaque window 112 is located in the direction of the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100, on the side wall of the aerosol generating device 100, and at the center of the width of the side wall. The non-opaque window 112 comprises an opening in the housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. The non-opaque window 112 can be covered or filled with a translucent or transparent material, or does not contain any material at all. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 112 has an elongated shape. The window 112 can be linear or non-linear. It can have a rectangular shape, preferably with rounded corners, for example corners characterized by a radius. The longer rectilinear parallel edges extend parallel to the height of the aerosol generating device 100, for example, in the direction between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The lower edge of the non-opaque window is in the direction of the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100, and the upper edge of the non-opaque window 112 is in the direction of the second end 106 of the aerosol generating device 100. The upper edge of the window 112 is closer to the second end 106 of the housing 102 than the lower edge of the window 112 is closer to the first end 104 of the housing 102. This provides an area in the direction of the first end 104 of the device 100 in which the user can grasp the device 100 so that the window 112 is less likely to be blocked by the user's hand, providing the user with the ability to observe information displayed through the window 112 while simultaneously holding the device 100.

The non-opaque window 112 is configured so that the light emitted from the light sources 146 inside the housing 102 of the device 100 is visible to the user through the window 112. As an example, light sources 146 (for example, RGB LED or other suitable light sources) can be provided inside the housing 102 to indicate the state of the device 100 generating an aerosol. In the context of the present document, the state can mean one or more of the following: the remaining battery power, the state of the heater (for example, "on", "off", "error", etc.), the state of the device (for example, "ready for a puff" or "not ready") or another state indication, such as error modes, indications of the number of puffs or the number of full substrate holders consumed or remaining until the power source is completely discharged, etc.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100, so that more of the internal components are visible. As shown, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a heating chamber 114, a light diffuser 118 and an optical element 116, a power source 120 (for example, a battery) and PCBs 122 and 126.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device 100 has an electrical power supply. That is, it is configured to heat the aerosol forming substrate using electrical power. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an electrical power source 120, for example a battery. The electrical power source 120 is connected to a control circuit, which can be located at least partially on one or both PCBs 122 and 126. The control circuit is also connected to at least the heating chamber 114 and the light sources 146 of the status indicator. The cover 108, actuated by the user, can be configured to cause a connection or disconnection of the electrical power source 120 relative to the heater, which is configured to supply heat to the heating chamber 114 and/or the light sources 146 through the control circuit.

In general, the window 112 and the light diffuser 118 have shapes and sizes that correspond to each other. Similarly, the light sources 146 are made, in a broad sense, with the same shape and are located in an area, in a broad sense, of the same size as the window 112. In other words, the light diffuser 118 does not extend for large distances beyond the boundaries of the window, and the light sources 146 are located essentially immediately behind the window (closer to the internal volume of the device 100 than the window 112, or "deeper" in the above-described terminology). This, in turn, helps to ensure efficient delivery of light by the light sources 146 through the window 112, since most of the light emitted by the light sources 146 is transmitted through the window 112 (and not emitted inside the shell 105, 156), being diffused by the light diffuser 118.

In addition, the fact that the light sources 146 extend over an area of, in a broad sense, the same size and shape as the window 112, and the light diffuser 118 has, in a broad sense, a corresponding (e.g., at least the same) shape and size as the window 112, means that it is possible for the emitted light to pass through substantially the entire window 112 (e.g., when the light sources 146 corresponding to this portion of the window emit light).

A balance is achieved between maximizing the amount of emitted light transmitted through the window 112 (neither the light diffuser 118 nor the region containing the light sources 146 is noticeably larger than the window 112) and ensuring that the entire window 112 can emit light (neither the light diffuser 118 nor the region containing the light sources 146 is noticeably smaller than the window 112).

As noted above, the window 112, the light diffuser 118 and the region in which the light sources 146 are located, as a whole, have shapes and sizes that, in a broad sense, correspond to each other. Together, these elements form part of the status indicator and for the present discussion of the arrangement of the status indicator, it should be clear that the shape and size of the window 112, the light diffuser 118 and the arrangement of the light sources 146 will be adapted accordingly. Once the shape and size have been decided, the arrangement of the elements forming the status indicator is obvious for implementation by a person skilled in the art.

The state indicator will generally be elongated. For example, it is characterized by a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction such that the width is much smaller than the length. For example, the length may be 3, 5, 10, 25, or even 50 times the width. The lengthwise direction is in some cases a straight line (for example, as in Fig. 1A and 1B), but in other cases the lengthwise direction may be a curve, an arc, a series of arcs, a series of straight lines, a branched structure, a spiral, a closed loop, or any combination thereof. In cases where the lengthwise direction is not constant along the length of the state indicator (for example, due to the presence of curved or angular segments), the width is locally defined as transverse to the lengthwise direction. In some cases the width may not be constant along the length of the state indicator, for example, the state indicator may widen to wider parts or narrow to narrower parts. In these cases, it is the average width of the state indicator, which is much smaller than the length of the state indicator.

Referring to Fig. 3, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a central processing unit (CPU) 130, a memory 132, a data storage 134, a heater module 136, a detector module 138, a communication interface 140, a user input module 142 and a status indicator module 144, which are connected to each other via a communication bus 145.

The CPU 130 is a computer processor, such as a microprocessor. It is configured to execute instructions in the form of computer-executable code comprising instructions stored in the memory 132 and the data storage 134. The instructions executed by the CPU 130 include instructions for coordinating the operation of other components of the aerosol-generating device 100, such as instructions for controlling the status indicator module 144 depending on one or more variables, such as the battery level and/or signals from other modules. In one example, when the user activates the device 100 by moving the cover 108 to the activation position, the detector module 138 will interrupt the CPU 130 to indicate to the CPU 130 that the aerosol-generating device 100 has been activated. The device 100 can be additionally or alternatively activated by other user input means. In this example, the CPU 130 is configured to turn on the heater module 136 in order to activate the generation of an aerosol by the heating chamber 114 and, thus, to provide the user with the possibility of inhaling the aerosol using the device 100, which is in the activated state. In this example, the CPU 130 can give the status indicator module 144 a command to turn on the status indicator to indicate the state of the heater, which is configured to supply heat to the heating chamber 114.

The memory 132 is implemented as one or more memory units providing random access memory (RAM) for the aerosol generating device 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 132 is a volatile memory, such as in the form of an on-chip random access memory integrated with the CPU 130 using a system-on-chip (SoC) architecture. However, in other embodiments, the memory 132 is separate from the CPU 130. The memory 132 is configured to store instructions processed by the CPU 130 in the form of computer-executable code. Typically, at any one time, only selected elements of the computer-executable code are stored in the memory 132, wherein said selected elements define instructions essential to the operations of the aerosol generating device 100 performed at a particular time. In other words, the code executed by the computer is stored in the memory device 132 for a short time while the CPU 130 is processing a certain process.

The data storage 134 is provided as an integral part of the aerosol generating device 100 in the form of a non-volatile memory. The data storage 134 in most embodiments is integrated into the same chip as the CPU 130 and the memory 132 using a SoC architecture, for example, implemented as a repeatedly programmable (MTP) matrix. However, in other embodiments, the data storage 134 is an integrated or external flash memory or the like. The data storage 134 stores the computer executable code defining the instructions processed by the CPU 130. The data storage 134 stores the computer executable code permanently or for a long time, for example, until rewritten. That is, the computer executable code is not stored in the data storage 134 in a short-term manner. Typically, the computer-executable code stored in the data store 134 pertains to instructions fundamental to the operation of the CPU 130, the communication interface 140, and, more generally, the aerosol generating device 100, as well as to applications that perform high-level functions of the aerosol generating device 100, and data related to these applications.

The detector module 138 is connected to the detector. The detector module 138 receives signals from the detector indicating the position, state, or movement of the cover 108 and provides the signals indicating the position, state, and/or movement of the cover 108 to the CPU 130. For example, when the cover 108 is in the open position, the detector module 138 will interrupt the CPU 130 to indicate to the CPU 130 that the cover 108 is in the open position. In one example, when the cover 108 is in the open position, the CPU 130 is adapted to turn on the status indicator module 144 to operate the status indicator to indicate to the user the remaining battery level of the device 100.

The communication interface 140 supports short-range wireless communication, in particular Bluetooth® communication. In particular, the communication interface 140 is configured to establish a short-range wireless communication connection with the user's personal computing device. In some embodiments, the communication interface is connected to an antenna (not shown), and through said antenna, wireless communication is transmitted and received by means of a short-range wireless communication connection. It is also configured to communicate with the CPU 130 via the communication bus 145.

The user input module 142 is connected to the user input device. The user input device may be a button or a switch or any device suitable for receiving the action of the user input. In particular, the user input module 142 may be provided when the cover 108 is not adapted to have an activation position, and the user activates the aerosol generating device 100 using the user input device. The user input module 142 is connected to the user input device, and receives signals indicating the state of the user input device, and provides signals indicating the user input to the CPU 130.

The status indicator module 144 is configured to provide the user with information about the state of the device 100. In one embodiment, the status indicator module 144 comprises a LED interface. The status indicator module 144 is configured to receive information about the state of the device 100 from the CPU 130 and to indicate to the CPU 130 the state of the light sources 146 of the status indicator displaying this information to the user.

The positions of the lid 108 and/or the provision of a user input device allow the lid 108 or the user input to initiate or provide multiple functions. This improves the user experience and increases ease of use. In one example, where the lid 108 has three positions, these three positions provide the following states for the operation of the aerosol generating device 100:

1) "off";

2) "wait" or "insert"; and

3) "actively", or "using", or "forming an aerosol".

It will be clear to one skilled in the art that other functions may be possible for the aerosol generating device 100. For example, one function may provide for temperature control, or may provide for an indication of the amount of a consumable unit remaining, or may provide for an indication of the battery level, or for locking or unlocking the parental lock. It will be clear that the status indicator and the status indicator module 144 may be configured to indicate the status of any or all of these functions.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of light sources 146 and a light diffuser 118 of a status indicator. The light sources 146 are located in an interior region of the housing 102. The light sources 146 are arranged in an array. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources 146 are arranged in a linear array of eight individual light sources 146. Each light source 146 in the array is an LED, preferably an RGB LED. RGB LEDs can be used to display any color of light, including white. In some examples, RGB LEDs can be used to display different colors for the purpose of notifying the user of different parameters. For example, battery life, time remaining in a heating cycle, battery charging progress, etc. can have different colors. In other cases, the light sources 146 can be LEDs or other light sources configured to operate at a single color.

In a preferred embodiment, the linear array is configured to align with a non-opaque window 112 of the housing, so that the linear array is vertically positioned relative to the housing 102. In alternative embodiments, the array of light sources 146 may be configured to be inclined or horizontally aligned with the housing 102. The light sources 146 are configured to emit light in the general direction of the window 112 of the housing. It will be clear that two-line or two-dimensional arrangements of the light sources 146 are possible, and even more complex multi-dimensional arrays may also be appropriate. It will also be clear that the array of light sources 146 may not be linear, but curved, for example, forming one or more curved segments.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the light sources 146 are located at a distance of less than 10 mm from each other, preferably less than 5 mm from each other, more preferably less than 3 mm from each other, even more preferably less than 2.5 mm from each other. In a preferred embodiment, the light sources 146 are located at equal distances of approximately 2 mm (specifically 2.15 mm) from each other, that is, the distances from the center to the center of each light source 146. In a possible alternative, the light sources 146 can be located at a constantly increasing distance between adjacent light sources 146, for example, in one direction.

In the interior of the aerosol generating device 100, a light diffuser 118 is also provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the light diffuser 118 is aligned with the array of light sources 146 and is positioned between the light sources 146 and the window 112. The light diffuser 118 comprises a main body 148 in the form of a cubic or rectangular prism, one side of which faces the window 112, and the other side of which faces the array of light sources 146. In the first preferred embodiment, the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 covers the extension of the window 112 (from the side of the window 112 facing the inside of the housing 102).

The width and height of the light diffuser 118 can be varied to change the proportion of the light field of the light sources 146 falling on the light diffuser 118. A higher and wider light diffuser 118 receives a larger proportion of the light emitted from the light sources 146. That is, the greater the extension of the light diffuser 118 in the direction across the path of light from the light sources 146 to the window 112, the more light from the light sources 146 will fall on it. The main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 is characterized by a height of less than 50 mm, preferably a height of less than 30 mm, more preferably a height of less than 20 mm, and in the first preferred embodiment a height of approximately 16 mm (specifically 16.6 mm). The main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 is characterized by a width of less than 10 mm; preferably a width of less than 5 mm; more preferably a width of less than 3 mm; even more preferably approximately 2.6 mm wide according to the first preferred embodiment.

The main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 is characterized by a depth of less than 3 mm, preferably a depth of less than 2 mm, more preferably a depth of less than 1 mm, even more preferably a depth of less than 0.75 mm. In a first preferred embodiment, the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 is characterized by a depth of approximately 0.5 mm (specifically 0.55 mm). In this context, the depth may be the extension of the light diffuser 118 along the path of light from the light sources 146 to the window 112, in particular the shortest such path.

All parameters of the state indicator (dimensions, types of materials, distance between light sources 146 and their number, etc.) are interrelated in the sense that the exact size and shape of one element, when fixed, will affect the size of the other elements. In general, an increase in the size of one element will lead to an increase in the size of the other elements. Theoretically, the entire device can be scaled in size, keeping the proportions unchanged, within a limited range of scaling factors. An important parameter here is the distance between the light sources 146. In order to ensure a smooth blur between adjacent light sources 146, this distance should not be too large, otherwise there will be noticeable dark areas between adjacent light sources 146. To some extent, these can be balanced by using brighter light sources 146 and/or changing the scattering ability of the light diffuser 118. In other cases, the solution may be to maintain the distance between the light sources 146 at approximately 2 mm from center to center and to provide more light sources 146 for larger status indicator variants or fewer light sources 146 for smaller status indicator variants.

The status indicator also comprises walls 150 extending between the side of the diffuser 118 facing the array of light sources 146 and the array of light sources 146 itself. In this first preferred embodiment, the walls 150 are made of the same material as the main body 148 of the diffuser 118 and form part of a single structure with the main body 148 of the diffuser 118. In other words, the walls 150 protrude from the main body of the diffuser 118 so that the main body 148 of the diffuser 118 and the walls 150 form a single solid part. In the first preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4-9, a single solid part comprising a main body 148 of a light diffuser 118 and walls 150 is generally called a light diffuser 118. The walls 150 of the light diffuser 118 extend between the light sources 146 in the array.

In the first embodiment, the walls 150 define portions of the light diffuser 118 that extend closer to the plane of the array of light sources 146 than to the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118. The walls 150 extend to a greater depth inside the aerosol generating device 100, away from the window 112 in the housing 102, than the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118.

Thus, the light diffuser 118 is configured to receive light obliquely emitted from the light sources 146 on the surfaces 151 of its walls 150 facing the light sources 146. It will be clear that the points of incidence of obliquely emitted light on the light diffuser 118 must be closer to the light source 146 than if these walls 150 were not provided. As shown in Figs. 4-7, the walls 150 completely block the light paths between adjacent light sources 146, although it will be clear that the walls 150 can extend so that they block only a subset of such light paths or do not block them at all.

The diffuser 118 may also comprise an additional wall 150 above the uppermost light source 146 in the array and another additional wall 150 below the lowermost light source 146 in the array. In other words, the additional walls 150 may be provided at each end of the array of light sources. These additional (or peripheral) walls 150 serve to receive light emitted obliquely by the uppermost and lowermost (e.g., end) light sources 146 of the array, which would otherwise leak into the surrounding areas above and below (e.g., at each end) the diffuser 118. The diffuser 118 may also comprise walls 150 extending from the side edges of the side of the diffuser 118 facing the walls 150 located between the light sources 146, as shown by the leftmost and rightmost in Fig. 5, running from top to bottom (for example, along the length) of the light diffuser 118. They can be called side walls.

The walls 150 of the light diffuser 118 extend less than 2 mm in depth from the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 in the direction of the array of light sources 146, preferably less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.75 mm. In this first preferred embodiment, the walls 150 extend preferably 0.5 mm in depth from the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118. The walls 150 of the light diffuser 118 are characterized by a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably a thickness of less than 1 mm, more preferably a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, even more preferably a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm. In this context, the "thickness" of the walls 150 is typically the above-defined length dimension, but in any case is the dimension of the wall 150 in the direction between adjacent light sources 146.

The light diffuser 118 is configured to receive light from the light sources 146 and transmit light in the direction of the window 112. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the light diffuser 118 to be configured to prevent light leakage from one or more of its surfaces that do not face either the light sources 146 or the window 112. For example, the surfaces at the upper and lower ends of the light diffuser 118 may be clad by cladding with a material with a lower refractive index than the light diffuser 118. The outer side surfaces of the light diffuser 118 may also be clad. The interface between the light diffuser 118 and the cladding is configured to cause total internal reflection for light incident at angles that are less than the critical angle determined by the refractive indices of the material of the light diffuser 118 and the cladding material. This will reduce the amount of light that can leak from the upper and lower ends of the diffuser 118 and/or the sides of the diffuser 118, thus reducing energy losses for generating light that will not be visible to the user through the window 112. Alternatively or additionally, one or more surfaces of the diffuser 118 can be treated so that they are opaque or translucent, to prevent or reduce light leakage through said surface. An opaque or translucent surface can also provide diffuse internal reflection of any light falling on it.

The light diffuser 118 is designed to scatter light. The light diffuser 118 can be made of a light-diffusing material. The light diffuser 118 can also be formed of a non-opaque material, the surface treatment of which facilitates the scattering of light transmitted through it. Changing various properties of the light diffuser 118, including, but not limited to, its material, shape, dimensions, surface treatment (polishing, matting, coating, processing or roughening) and cladding, will affect the degree to which the scattering or dispersion of light occurs. In a first preferred embodiment, the light diffuser 118 comprises a rough surface 154 on the side of the light diffuser 118 facing away from the walls 150. The light emitted through this surface is scattered or dispersed when it leaves the light diffuser 118 through the rough surface 154 in the direction of the window 112. In the first embodiment, the light diffuser 118 is formed from a scattering material. That is, the material of the light diffuser 118 can provide for the scattering of light in its volume (i.e., inside the material) due to the fact that it is designed with the possibility of dispersion of light passing through it, instead of or in addition to the presence of a rough surface 154. The internal surfaces 151 of the diffuser, i.e. the surfaces of the walls 150, onto which light falls from the light sources 146, can be polished or glossy, which facilitates the entry of light from the light sources 146 into the light diffuser 118. The rough surface can be rough, for example, with VDI values in the range from 21 to 30.

In some conditions, slightly rough surfaces can improve the transmission of light from the housing and hinder the transmission of light into the housing. Conversely, smooth surfaces can hinder the transmission of light from the housing (i.e., keep the light inside the housing), but can improve the transmission of light into the housing. For this reason, the surfaces of the light diffuser 118 closest to the light sources 146 can be smooth or polished in order to improve the transmission of light from the light sources 146 through them into the light diffuser 118. The surfaces facing away from the light sources 146 can be rough to divert light from the device 100 in the direction of the external environment. Similarly, the surfaces on the edges of the diffuser 118 may be polished or smooth to reduce light leakage from the sides of the diffuser 118. The side surfaces may be additionally provided with a coating to enhance internal reflection on the sides and further reduce light leakage from the sides. The coating is usually characterized by a lower refractive index than the material that it surrounds.

For reasons similar to those given above, the surfaces of the optical element 116 may be rough, smooth or polished. The side surfaces and the surfaces closest to the light sources 146 may be smooth or polished, while the surfaces farthest from the light sources 146 (closest to the external environment of the device) may be rough. To enhance internal reflection at the edge and reduce light leakage at the edges of the optical element 116, a coating (not shown) may also be applied to the sides (or edges) of the optical element 116.

A light diffuser 118 that receives light from a light source 146 and transmits this light in the direction of an intended target is considered to be located between them. A simple arrangement that achieves this result is the illustrated arrangement of an array of light sources 146, a light diffuser 118 and a non-opaque window 112 that are substantially parallel and aligned, with the light diffuser 118 located between the light sources 146 and the non-opaque window 112. However, in alternative embodiments, the light from the light sources 146 may be refracted, reflected or directed by other optical components (such as lenses, mirrors, light guides, optical fibers, etc.) so that the light diffuser 118 receives it even if the light diffuser 118 is not substantially aligned with the array of light sources 146. Similarly, light leaving the diffuser 118 may be refracted, reflected, or directed by optical components to be directed toward the non-opaque window 112. It will be appreciated that such arrangements are contemplated when describing the diffuser 118 as being positioned between the light sources 146 and the non-opaque window 112.

A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the light diffuser 118 is shown in Fig. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the walls 150 of the light diffuser 118 are configured to extend between adjacent light sources 146 and to extend along the periphery of the surface of the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 closest to the array of light sources 146. In the preferred embodiment, the walls 150 extending between the light sources 146 extend across the width of the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118 perpendicular to the orientation of the linear array of light sources 146.

This preferred configuration of the light diffuser 118 defines a series of voids, or recesses, in the light-diffusing material on the side facing the light sources 146. The light sources 146 are preferably designed so that they are aligned with these recesses. In a preferred embodiment, all walls 150 have the same depth, and they can thus define an array of "light boxes" or "frames" that can be designed so that the light diffuser 118 surrounds the light sources 146 on all sides except for the side of the array of light sources 146 that is farthest from the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118, that is, the side of the light sources 146 that is also farthest from the window 112. Each of these light boxes is designed with the possibility of receiving light from the light sources 146, in particular from the light source 146 placed inside them, with its inner surfaces 151. Preferably, one box or frame is provided for alignment with each light source 146.

The diffuser 118 according to a preferred embodiment is a translucent white plastic material with an optical transmittance in the visible spectrum from 10% to 40%, more preferably from 20% to 30%. The diffuser 118 will act to scatter or spread the light depending on the optical dispersion of the material, the dimensions and structure of the material and / or the surface treatment. The diffuser 118 is preferably RTP® 0399X 120952 D S-27484 WHITE or a material with a comparable transmittance and / or scattering properties.

The light diffuser 118 is configured to receive and diffuse light from the light sources 146 so that the diffused light is visible through the non-opaque window 112 in the housing 102. Typically, the array of discrete light sources 146, when illuminated, will generate a light field with "hot spots" or areas of high light intensity corresponding to the positions of the luminous light sources 146 in the array, and "cold spots" or areas of low light intensity corresponding to the gaps between said light sources 146. The light diffuser 118 is configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light sources 146 in order to reduce the difference in light intensity between the hot and cold spots. The light diffusion results in a smooth visible light signal generated by the discrete set of light sources 146, which is desirable for the aesthetic properties of the status indicator.

The status indicator is configured to convey information to the user, in one example, by changing the size of the light strip observed through the window 112. Therefore, it is desirable for the status indicator to be configured to localize the light field of each light source 146 such that the more light sources 146 are illuminated, the larger the size of the light strip observed by the user, and thus one light source 146 or a subset of light sources 146 will not illuminate the entire window 112. This is desirable to achieve, as well as smoothing out hot and cold areas. Providing walls 150 extending between the light sources 146 may provide the advantage of allowing the status indicator to achieve both of these objectives. By absorbing the light obliquely emitted from the light sources 146 by means of their protruding walls 150, the light diffuser 118 can localize the light from each individual light source 146 more effectively than if these walls 150 were not provided. The light diffuser 118, in particular with the feature of the walls 150 extending between the light sources 146, thus provides a status indicator designed to localize the light field of the individual light sources 146 of the array and, at the same time, reduce the manifestation of hot and cold areas in the visible signal of the status indicator. By changing, among other properties, the distance between the walls 150, their depth and thickness, the status indicator can contain a corresponding number of light sources 146 for transmitting information to the user with the required accuracy by, for example, providing the ability to control the number of LEDs and the distance between them in the array of light sources 146. The aesthetic appearance of the illuminated status indicator can also be controlled by preventing the formation of hot and cold areas between the light sources 146 and, thus, ensuring a smooth change in the signal visible to the user.

Referring to Fig. 6, 7 and 8, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a housing 102 comprising an outer shell 105 and an inner shell 156. The aerosol generating device 100 also comprises an optical element 116. The housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 comprises a window 112 through which light can pass.

The inner shell 156 of the device 100 comprises an opening aligned with the opening of the outer shell 105 to form a window 112 of the housing 102. The aligned openings of the inner shell 156 and the outer shell 105 together provide a window 112 into the inside of the device 100.

The optical element 116 is provided as being located between the light diffuser 118 and the external environment of the housing 102 in the window 112. That is, the light received by the optical element 116 from the light diffuser 118 is released to the outside through the non-opaque window 112. The optical element 116 can be configured to filter some wavelengths of light and/or to focus the light so that the light passed through the opening of the inner shell 156 leaves the device 100 through the window 112.

The optical element 116 may be a part separate from the light diffuser 118. The optical element 116 may be obtained by means of overlay molding on or in an opening of the inner shell 156. Alternatively, the optical element 116 may be obtained by means of two-component molding on the light diffuser 118, preferably on the main body 148 of the light diffuser 118, on the side opposite to the side of the light diffuser 118 on which the walls 150 are arranged. In other alternative embodiments, the optical element 116 may be fixedly fixed in place by placement between the inner 156 and outer 105 shells of the housing 102 or by means of a tight fit in an opening of the outer shell 105.

The optical element 116 is preferably a translucent material with an optical transmittance in the visible spectrum of more than 20%, preferably more than 30%, more preferably more than 50%; in preferred embodiments, it has a transmittance of about 75%. The optical element 116 is preferably a polycarbonate material, such as Makrolon®, RTP®, Lexan®, Covestro®, more preferably Lexan® GY5959X STD / Grade FXD171R / CMR# 039216, or a material with comparable transmittance properties. The optical element 116 may comprise a polished finish to maximize the transmittance of the object and to prevent additional scattering of light. Preferably, the optical element 116 is tinted so that it is invisible or unnoticeable to the user when the status indicator is not illuminated, i.e., it blends in with the outer shell. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the optical element 116 may be a filter, an optical lens, a prism, or a combination of these elements.

In some conditions, slightly rough surfaces can improve the transmission of light from the housing and hinder the transmission of light into the housing. Conversely, smooth surfaces can hinder the transmission of light from the housing (i.e., keep the light inside the housing), but can improve the transmission of light into the housing. For this reason, the surfaces of the light diffuser 118 closest to the light sources 146 can be smooth or polished in order to improve the transmission of light from the light sources 146 into the light diffuser 118. The surfaces facing away from the light sources 146 can be rough to divert light from the device 100 in the direction of the external environment. Similarly, the surfaces on the edges of the diffuser 118 may be polished or smooth to reduce light leakage from the sides of the diffuser 118. The side surfaces may be additionally provided with a coating to enhance internal reflection on the sides and further reduce light leakage from the sides. The coating is usually characterized by a lower refractive index than the material that it surrounds.

For reasons similar to those given above, the surfaces of the optical element 116 may be rough, smooth or polished. The side surfaces and the surfaces closest to the light sources 146 may be smooth or polished, while the surfaces farthest from the light sources 146 (closest to the external environment of the device) may be rough. To enhance internal reflection at the edge and reduce light leakage at the edges of the optical element 116, a coating (not shown) may also be applied to the sides (or edges) of the optical element 116.

The optical element is characterized by a height of less than 30 mm, preferably a height of less than 20 mm, more preferably a height of less than 17.5 mm. In the first preferred embodiment, the optical element 116 is characterized by a height of approximately 15 mm. The optical element 116 is characterized by a width of less than 4 mm, preferably a width of less than 3 mm, more preferably a width of less than 2 mm. In this preferred embodiment, the optical element 116 is characterized by a width of approximately 1 mm. The optical element 116 is characterized by a depth of less than 5 mm, preferably a depth of less than 4 mm, more preferably a depth of less than 2 mm. In this preferred embodiment, the optical element 116 is characterized by a depth of approximately 1.5 mm.

The opening of the inner shell 156 can be designed such that the optical element 116 can be securely received in the opening. The inner shell 156 can be designed such that the light diffuser 118 can be securely received in the opening. Therefore, with reference to Fig. 7, the opening of the inner shell 156 can comprise two parts of different sizes at different depths to provide recesses in which both the light diffuser 118 and the optical element 116 can be securely received. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening comprises a first part 158 with a first height, a first width and a first depth on the side of the inner shell 156 closest to the outer shell 105; and a second part 160 with a second height, a second width and a second depth on the side closest to the internal volume of the aerosol generating device 100. The dimensions of the first part 158 of the opening substantially coincide with the dimensions of the optical element 116, so that the optical element 116 can be tightly seated inside it. The second height, width and depth of the opening preferably coincide with those of the light diffuser 118, so that the light diffuser 118 can be tightly seated inside the second part 160 of the opening with simultaneous adjoining to the optical element 116, placed in the first part 158 of the opening. The walls of the opening, defining the depth of the second part 160 of the opening, can extend further inside the device 100 than the remaining parts of the inner shell 156, to provide a recess capable of receiving the light diffuser 118 to its full depth. In other words, the inner shell 156 may have a greater thickness at the periphery of the recess in which the light diffuser 118 is placed than in other areas of the inner shell 156. The optical element 116 is a prism with a cross-section having a shape and dimensions similar to the first part 158 of the opening of the inner shell 156. That is, the prism has a cross-section of an elongated rectangular shape. Thus, the optical element 116, or optical filter, can be tightly seated in the first part 158 of the opening in the inner shell 156.

A linear array of light sources 146 is mounted on the PCB 122 and/or electrically connected to it on the side of the PCB 122 facing the non-opaque window 112. The light sources 146 are at an equal distance from each other. The light diffuser 118 can be arranged so that the walls 150 extend between adjacent light sources 146 and adjoin the PCB 122 in a position on the PCB 122 between the light sources 146. Therefore, the light sources 146 are surrounded by the PCB 122 on the first side, the most distant from the window 112, and by the light diffuser 118 on all other sides.

In a first preferred embodiment, the distance from the surface of the PCB 122 on which the light sources 146 are mounted to the external environment of the housing 102 is approximately 3 mm.

In this example of a status indicator, the linear array of LEDs is configured to glow sequentially and progressively, so that the status indicator provides a smooth change in the strip of light visible to the user through the window 112, which indicates the state of the device 100. The walls 150, passing between the light sources 146, provide the ability to localize the light emitted from inside the user device 100, and at the same time provide the ability to smoothly (i.e. without hot and cold areas) change the strip of light visible to the user. This provides an easily understandable and visually attractive transfer of information to the user.

With reference to Figs. 9-13, the aerosol generating device 100 according to the second preferred embodiment is identical to the device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 4-8, except for the different light diffuser 218 and the arrangement of the walls 250 between the light sources 146. In Figs. 9-13, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar features as in the description of the first embodiment.

In a second preferred embodiment, the light diffuser 218 is provided in the interior of the aerosol generating device 100 and is aligned with the window 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the light diffuser 218 is aligned with the array of light sources 146 and is positioned between the light sources 146 and the window 112. The light diffuser 218 has the shape of a cubic or rectangular prism, one side of which faces the window 112, and the other side of which faces the array of light sources 146. The light diffuser 218 extends across the entire array of light sources 146 and the window 112, and therefore the light diffuser 218 can be characterized by a greater height and width than the window 112 and the array. The width and height of the light diffuser 218 can be changed to change the proportion of the light field of the light sources 146 falling on the light diffuser 218. A taller and wider light diffuser 218 receives a larger proportion of the light emitted from the light sources 146.

The diffuser 218 in the second preferred embodiment is characterized by a depth of less than 5 mm, preferably a depth of less than 3 mm, more preferably a depth of less than 2 mm, even more preferably a depth of less than 1 mm. In the second preferred embodiment, the diffuser 218 is characterized by a depth of approximately 0.8 mm. The diffuser 218 is characterized by a height of less than 50 mm, preferably a height of less than 30 mm, more preferably a height of less than 20 mm, even more preferably a height of approximately 18.67 mm. The diffuser 218 is characterized by a width of less than 10 mm, preferably a width of less than 7.5 mm, more preferably a width of less than 6 mm, even more preferably a width of approximately 5.5 mm.

According to a second preferred embodiment, a divider 162 is provided separately from the light diffuser 218. The divider 162 is arranged between the light diffuser 218 and the light sources 146. The divider 162 comprises walls 250 extending between the light sources 146. The divider 162 also comprises walls 250 above the uppermost light source 146 and the lowermost light source 146, and walls 250 extending along the periphery of the array of light sources 146, so that the walls 250 form a single structure of the divider 162, shown in perspective in Fig. 10. In the illustrated second preferred embodiment, the walls 250 arranged between adjacent light sources 146 extend so that they block all light paths between adjacent light sources 146.

The inner walls 250 of the divider 162, for example, the walls located between adjacent light sources 146, can be characterized by a first depth, and the peripheral walls 250 of the divider 162, passing along the periphery of the array of light sources 146, can be characterized by a second depth. In the illustrated embodiment, the first depth is less than the second depth, and the light diffuser 218 is adjacent to the peripheral walls 250 of the divider 162, for example, is in contact with the peripheral walls 250 of the divider 162 on the edge of the light-receiving surface 251.

In a second preferred embodiment, the first depth (corresponding to the depth of the inner walls of the separator) is approximately 2 mm. In a second preferred embodiment, the second depth (corresponding to the depth of the peripheral walls of the separator) is approximately 2.5 mm. The separator 162 has a height of less than 50 mm, preferably a height of less than 30 mm, more preferably a height of less than 20 mm, even more preferably a height of approximately 18.67 mm. The separator 162 has a width of less than 10 mm, preferably a width of less than 7.5 mm, more preferably a width of less than 6 mm, even more preferably a width of approximately 5.5 mm.

In a second preferred embodiment, the distance from the surface of the PCB 122 on which the light sources 146 are mounted to the external environment of the housing 102 is approximately 4.5 mm.

As in the first embodiment, all parameters of the state indicator (dimensions, types of materials, distance between light sources 146 and their number, etc.) are interrelated in the sense that the exact size and shape of one element, when fixed, will influence the size of the other elements. In general, an increase in the size of one element will lead to an increase in the size of the other elements. Theoretically, the entire device can be scaled in size, while maintaining the proportions unchanged, within a limited range of scaling factors. An important parameter here is the distance between light sources 146. In order to ensure a smooth blur between adjacent light sources 146, this distance should not be too large, otherwise there will be noticeable darkening areas between adjacent light sources 146. To some extent, these can be balanced by using brighter light sources 146 and/or changing the scattering ability of the light diffuser 218. In other cases, the solution may be to maintain the distance between the light sources 146 at approximately 2 mm from center to center and to provide more light sources 146 for larger status indicator variants or fewer light sources 146 for smaller status indicator variants.

In a second preferred embodiment, the divider 162 has a lower transmittance than the light diffuser 218. Preferably, the divider 162 is opaque and is made of an opaque material. The opaque material may be a black plastic material. The opaque walls 250 extending between the light sources 146 serve to localize the light from the light sources 146, for example, to prevent one light source 146 from illuminating the entire window 112. Hot areas in the light field occur in alignment with the light sources 146, and cold areas in the light field occur in alignment with the walls 250.

The light diffuser 218 is configured to scatter light and may comprise a scattering material and/or a rough surface 254 for dispersing the light transmitted through it (for example, up to VDI values from 21 to 30). The surface of the light diffuser 218 closest to the array of light sources 146 may be polished or glossy to facilitate the entry of light from the light sources 146 into the light diffuser 218. The light diffuser 218 is configured to provide the advantage of merging or smoothing out hot and cold areas of the light field of the array of light sources 146 with each other. Therefore, the light signal observed through the window 112 is a smooth strip of light, in which the contrast between hot and cold areas is substantially or completely reduced.

It will be understood that the second preferred embodiment can provide improved localization of light from each light source 146 compared to the first preferred embodiment. A possible disadvantage compared to the first preferred embodiment is that the status indicator according to the second preferred embodiment is characterized by a greater depth, and thus it can be more difficult to fit into the internal volume of the housing 102.

Fig. 14 shows the lid 108 in a closed position. The aerosol generating device 100 is adapted to be in a switched-off mode when in this position. The status indicator is adapted in such a way that it is capable of being in a switched-off state when the lid 108 is in this position. Preferably, this means that the array of light sources 146 is designed so that it does not consume energy from the power source 120. Providing the optical element 116 in the window 112 of the housing 102 allows the window 112 to appear unnoticeable or invisible to the user when the lid 108 is in the closed position.

In the present embodiment, when in the off mode, the aerosol generating device 100 operates in a low power consumption mode or no power consumption mode. In this mode, the only operating function is the detection by the detector module 138 and the detector of the movement of the lid 108 to the open position. Thus, the status indicator does not consume energy from the power source 120 and is not adapted to indicate to the user the state of the aerosol generating device 100. The advantage of this is the consumption of the minimum possible amount of energy from the power source 120 when the aerosol generating device 100 is not used or not operated by the user. In other embodiments, the status indicator can consume some amount of energy in the low power consumption mode for the purpose of indicating to the user the state of the device 100.

When in use, when the cover 108 is in the closed position, the light sources 146 of the status indicator do not emit light and the status indicator does not light.

Fig. 15 shows the lid 108 in the open position. In this configuration, the control electronics of the aerosol generating device 100 can supply power to the light sources 146 of the status indicator so that the status indicator is able to be in the on state when the lid 108 is in this open position. In the illustrated embodiment, in the open position, the light sources 146 are configured to provide the user with an indication of the energy level in the power source 120.

When the power source 120, for example, a battery, is fully charged, the status indicator is adapted to fully illuminate all light sources 146 that are turned on to emit light. When the charge remaining in the power source 120 decreases, the number of illuminated light sources 146 decreases. When the power source 120 does not contain a residual charge, none of the light sources 146 emits light. When the charge is low, one or more light sources 146, preferably the light source 146 closest to the first end 104 of the aerosol generating device 100, can be adapted to blink, or flicker, to indicate to the user the need to charge the power source 120.

In a preferred embodiment, the number of luminous light sources 146 progressively and sequentially increases, so that the increasing battery level is indicated by a strip of light visible to the user through the window 112, which increases in height from the bottom of the window 112 toward the top of the window 112, when additional light sources 146 are turned on as the battery level increases.

In use, when the cover 108 is in the open position, the light sources 146 of the status indicator emit light depending on the battery level. The number of light sources 146 emitting light is proportional to the energy remaining in the battery. The light sources 146 in the linear array are successively extinguished from the upper end to the lower end of the array as the battery level decreases from fully charged. When the only illuminated light source 146 is the last (lower) light source 146, it can blink, indicating to the user that the battery level has dropped below the threshold value. The light sources 146 can also be configured to blink or continuously emit light of a different color as the battery level changes.

As shown in Fig. 16, in the third position, or "activation" position, of the cover 108 or in another activated state of the device 100, the status indicator may optionally be adapted to operate with a second function.

In this example, when the aerosol generating device 100 is activated, the CPU 130 is adapted to turn on the heater module 136 to generate the aerosol and thus allow the user to inhale the aerosol. Additionally, the CPU 130 is adapted to activate the status indicator to indicate to the user that a session has begun.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the lid 108 is in the activation position, the status indicator is adapted to indicate the remaining time of the user session, i.e. the remaining time during which the user can "puff" to inhale the aerosol. At the beginning of the user session, all light sources 146 emit light, as the remaining time of the user session decreases, the light sources 146 are successively and progressively switched off, or stop emitting light, from top to bottom. In an alternative embodiment, instead of the remaining time, the status indicator may be adapted to indicate the remaining number of puffs.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many different combinations of the embodiments described with reference to Figs. 1-16 can be used individually without modification and/or modified to include features of other embodiments.

The aerosol generating device 100 may be referred to as a "heatable tobacco device", "a device for heating tobacco without combustion", "a device for evaporating tobacco products", etc., and should be interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features described in this document are equally applicable to devices configured to evaporate any aerosol-forming substrate.

The described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented. Modifications, variations and changes to the described embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art and having the appropriate knowledge. These modifications, variations and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (36)

1. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising a housing (102) comprising a non-opaque window (112); an array of light sources (146) located inside the housing (102); a light diffuser (118) located between the array of light sources (146) and the non-opaque window (112); and a plurality of walls (150) extending between the light sources (146). 2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of walls (150) contain a light-scattering material. 3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the light diffuser (118) contains the same light-diffusing material as the plurality of walls (150). 4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the light diffuser (118) and the plurality of walls (150) constitute a single solid part. 5. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of paragraphs 2-4, characterized in that the light-scattering material is a white translucent material, preferably polycarbonate. 6. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (146) are designed to direct light in the direction of a window (112) that is not opaque. 7. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the light diffuser (118) is designed to receive light from light sources (146) and to transmit it in the direction of a window (112) that is not opaque. 8. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the walls (150) are configured to receive light obliquely emitted from the light sources (146) in order to limit the loss of light from each light source (146) along the array. 9. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the array of light sources (146) is a linear array. 10. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the light sources (146) of the array are light-emitting diodes. 11. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each wall (150) of the plurality of walls (150) extends so as to block the rectilinear path of light between adjacent light sources (146) of the array. 12. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each light source (146) of the array is surrounded by a light diffuser (118) and one or more of a plurality of walls (150) on all sides except for the side of the light source that faces in the direction opposite to the shortest direct path from the array of light sources (146) to the non-opaque window (112). 13. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (146) are located at a distance of approximately 2 mm from each other. 14. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each wall (150) of the plurality of walls (150) is characterized by a length in the direction of the shortest direct path from the array of light sources (146) to the non-opaque window (112) equal to approximately 0.5 mm. 15. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (146) are located directly behind a non-opaque window (112). 16. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the light diffuser (118) extends across the entire array of light sources (146) and the window (112) that is not opaque. 17. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the light diffuser (118) is characterized by a greater height and width than the array of light sources (146) and a window (112) that is not opaque. 18. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) comprises a coating. 19. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the coating is characterized by a refractive index different from the light diffuser (118). 20. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) is a polished surface (151). 21. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) is a smooth surface. 22. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) is a mirror surface. 23. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) is white. 24. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one surface of the light diffuser (118) is a rough surface (154). 25. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an optical element (116) located between a light diffuser (118) and a non-opaque window (112). 26. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that the optical element (116) is a lens. 27. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 25, characterized in that the optical element (116) is a light filter. 28. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of paragraphs 25-27, characterized in that the optical element (116) is characterized by a transmission band from 400 to 700 nm. 29. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it additionally contains a power source. 30. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a lid (108) configured to move between a closed position and an open position. 31. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 30, characterized in that the cover (108) is also designed with the possibility of movement between an open position and an activation position. 32. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 30 or 31, characterized in that the array of light sources (146) is adapted to glow differently depending on the position of the cover (108). 33. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of paragraphs 30-32, characterized in that the array of light sources (146) is designed in such a way that it is capable of being in the off state when the lid (108) is in the closed position and is capable of being in the on state when the lid (108) is in the open position or in the activation position. 34. An aerosol-generating device (100) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the light sources (146) of the array are designed with the possibility of sequential illumination depending on the state of the aerosol-generating device (100). 35. A method of operating an aerosol generating device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising: indicating a first state of the aerosol generating device (100) by illuminating a first group of light sources (146); indicating a second state of the aerosol generating device (100) by illuminating a second group of light sources (146), wherein the first group is at least partially different from the second group. 36. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1-34, comprising selecting light sources (146), a light diffuser (118) and walls (150), as well as their relative arrangement, in such a way that the light visible through a non-opaque window (112) when any group of light sources (146) that are adjacent to each other is illuminated appears to be uniformly distributed, with the exception of the periphery of visible light.