Aerosol generation device with invisible illumination unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generation device having a partially non-transparent portion for making a lighting unit invisible when the lighting unit is not emitting light. A lighting unit for an aerosol generation device comprises a plurality of light sources, wherein each of the light sources is configured to operate in a first power operating mode to illuminate the light source at a first level of brightness and in a second power operating mode to illuminate the light source at a second level of brightness different from the first level of brightness, wherein one or more of the plurality of light sources form a continuous lighting area when one or more of the plurality of light sources are emitting light, and wherein the lighting area is configured to provide visual feedback to a user indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generation device having a partially opaque portion for making a lighting unit invisible when the lighting unit is not emitting light. BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol generation devices generally comprise a light emitting indicator to indicate technical information or operating status of the device or of a consumable.

[0003] Typically, the light emitting indicator is arranged within a housing of the aerosol generation device and the housing is provided with a light guiding portion or aperture to enable the user to see the light emitting indicator. However, as the light transmitting aperture or light guide is visible to the user even when the light emitting indicator is not emitting any light, it can become challenging in unfavorable lighting conditions to distinguish between the state where the light emitting indicator is emitting light and the state where the light emitting indicator is not emitting light. In addition, such a configuration of the housing is not aesthetically pleasing as they disrupt the visual appearance of the outer surface of the aerosol generation device.

[0004] Furthermore, in case the lighting unit of the aerosol generation device comprises a plurality of light sources forming a continuous lighting area, the visual feedback indicating the status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device is typically provided by a plurality of light sources being lit (“on”) while the remaining light sources are not lit (“off”). However, the user can not easily distinguish those “off’ light sources. This is especially true in case the non-emitting light sources of the lighting unit are difficult to be perceived by the user’s eye. Therefore, the user can have difficulties to understand where the continuous lighting area starts and where it ends, which can lead to difficulties to understand the value of the status indicated by the lighting light sources.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an aerosol generation device having a housing that is able to more reliably indicate information to the user of the device and / or that takes into account an aesthetically pleasing design. SUMMARY

[0006] Some or all of the above objectives are achieved by the present invention as defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an aerosol generation device having a housing and an illumination unit, the illumination unit being capable of emitting light and being covered by an outer wall of the housing, the outer wall comprising or consisting essentially of a light transmissive portion, the light transmissive portion being arranged such that light emitted by the illumination unit is transmitted through the light transmissive portion, wherein the illumination unit is not visible from the outside of the device through the light transmissive portion when the illumination unit is not emitting light. When the illumination unit is emitting light, the light transmissive portion makes the illumination unit visible. Thus, the illumination unit can be allowed to provide visual feedback to a user of the device indicating information about the aerosol generation device. On the other hand, the light transmissive portion prevents the illumination unit to be visible when it is not transmitting light, thus preventing to cause the user to believe that the illumination unit is signaling some information about the state of the device or consumable, while this is not the case. Moreover, the invisible illumination unit prevents any visual disruption of the lines and surface of the outer surface of the device housing, which is taken into account for an aesthetically pleasing design. It should be noted that the term "invisible" refers to invisibility to the human eye under common ambient lighting conditions.

[0008] According to a second aspect, in the previous aspect, the light transmissive portion comprises a layered structure comprising a partially or fully transparent layer and a partially light reflective layer. The layered structure increases the manufacturing flexibility. Moreover, the layers of the layered structure provide different features for achieving the light transmission properties, in particular the property of transmitting light emitted by the illumination unit and the property of concealing the illumination unit from the user's eye when the illumination unit is not emitting light. The layered structure can be adapted to accommodate different requirements and needs for the aerosol generation device and the corresponding production process.

[0009] According to a third aspect, in the previous aspect, the partially or fully transparent layer is arranged closer to the illumination unit than the partially light reflective layer. The light reflective layer further improves the optical properties of the light transmissive portion by reflecting a substantial part of the light incident on the light reflective layer from the outside of the housing when the illumination unit is not emitting light to improve the concealment of the illumination unit, and at the same time allowing light to be transmitted through the light reflective layer to the outside of the housing when the illumination unit is emitting light to make the illumination unit visible through the light transmissive layer.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect, in the previous aspect, the partially light reflective layer comprises a coating formed by a physical vapor deposition (PVD), a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and / or a non-conductive vacuum metallization (NCVM) process. These processes allow to deposit the layers accurately and precisely onto a surface with well-defined properties to achieve the required optical properties of the light reflective layer.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect, in any of the second to fourth aspects, the partial light reflecting layer comprises an aluminum, copper or bronze material. These are commonly available and cost effective materials which provide well-known light reflecting properties.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the layered structure comprises a light diffusing layer. The light diffusing layer also contributes to making the lighting unit invisible when the lighting unit is not emitting light, while allowing light to be transmitted through the light diffusing layer.

[0013] According to a seventh aspect, in the preceding aspect, the light diffusing layer forms an outer surface of the light transmitting portion. The light diffusing layer as an outer layer serves as a protective layer, since due to the diffusing properties of light no damages such as scratches, bumps, dents and pinholes of the light diffusing layer are visible on the light diffusing layer compared to a shiny, glossy or mirrored outer layer.

[0014] According to an eighth aspect, in any of the second to seventh aspects, one or more layers of the layered structure are colored or pigmented. This allows the light transmitting portion to appear in a variety of different colors and pigments for different visual appearances.

[0015] According to a ninth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the housing comprises a main body on which the lighting unit is arranged and a panel member which is movably and / or detachably attached to the main body and which comprises or essentially consists of an outer wall of the housing. The movable and / or detachable panel comprising the light transmitting layer allows easy and convenient access to the lighting unit and other components of the aerosol generating device in case of maintenance or repair.

[0016] According to a tenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the shape and / or length and / or width and / or radius of the light transmitting portion correspond to the shape and / or length and / or width and / or radius of the lighting unit, respectively. This improves the uniform illumination of the light transmitting portion by the light emitted from the lighting unit.

[0017] According to an eleventh aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the length and / or width and / or radius of the light transmitting portion is so small that it cannot be visually distinguished from the outside of the device when the lighting unit is not emitting light. This further serves to make the lighting unit invisible to the human eye when the lighting unit is not emitting light.

[0018] According to a twelfth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the lighting unit is positioned such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the lighting unit passes through the light transmission portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of an outer wall of the housing. This aspect clearly indicates that the position of the light transmission portion substantially corresponds to the position of the lighting unit and ensures that light emitted from the lighting unit is transmitted through the light transmission portion to the outside of the light transmission portion.

[0019] According to a thirteenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the light transmission portion and at least a portion of the housing adjacent to the light transmission portion, and / or substantially the entire outer wall of the housing, are provided with substantially the same outer surface finish. This reduces the visibility of the transition between the light transmission portion and the adjacent portion of the housing, such that the light transmission portion and the device housing are visually indistinguishable, to further conceal the lighting unit when not emitting light.

[0020] According to a fourteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the surface finish is a glossy, mirrored or matte finish. This allows the light transmission portion to appear with a desired visual effect and can further improve the concealment of the lighting unit when not emitting light. Furthermore, a glossy or mirrored surface finish can improve the tactile grip of the outer surface of the light transmission portion, while a matte finish can provide a finish that can mask or hide surface imperfections due to, for example, wear and tear of the aerosol generation device.

[0021] According to a fifteenth aspect, in the preceding aspect, the surface finish is provided by one of the light reflecting layer, the light diffusing layer and combinations thereof. This can eliminate the need for additional or separate steps for providing the surface finish.

[0022] According to a sixteenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the lighting unit comprises one or more LED light sources or LED light strips. LED light sources have the characteristics of high energy efficiency, long lifespan, miniaturization capability and low heat generation, making them very suitable for use in small and portable devices such as aerosol generation devices.

[0023] According to a seventeenth aspect, in any of the preceding aspects, the lighting unit comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a straight or curved line.

[0024] A eighteenth aspect of the invention is a lighting unit for an aerosol generation device, the lighting unit comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein each of the light sources is configured to operate in a first power operating mode to illuminate the light source at a first luminance level and in a second power operating mode to illuminate the light source at a second luminance level different from the first luminance level, wherein one or more of the plurality of light sources form a continuous lighting area when one or more of the plurality of light sources are emitting light, and wherein the lighting area is configured to provide visual feedback to a user indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device. It is noted that the first luminance level and the second luminance level are non-zero luminance levels. As in the prior art, the status can be indicated by operating the plurality of light sources in the first power operating mode (“on”). However, the difference in luminance between the first luminance level and the second luminance level allows the lighting unit to operate (illuminate) even those light sources that are “off, e.g. have a lower power, instead of not operating them at all. This has the advantage that the user can more easily discern even those light sources that are “off. This is especially the case when the lighting unit is for an aerosol generation device according to any of the first to seventeenth aspects, wherein the lighting unit is not visible from the outside of the device when the lighting unit is not emitting light, or generally in devices where the non-emitting light sources of the lighting unit are difficult to be detected by the user’s eye. It is further noted that the term “light source” refers to a piece or component that generates light. These light sources are typically incandescent light sources or cold light sources, such as but not limited to incandescent light bulbs or LEDs.

[0025] According to a nineteenth aspect, in the previous aspect, the lighting area comprises an area illuminated at the first luminance level and / or an area illuminated at the second luminance level. This enables the lighting unit to indicate the status based on the area at the first luminance level and the area at the second luminance level.

[0026] According to a twentieth aspect, in the previous aspect, the entire extent of the lighting area is an extent of the area illuminated at the first luminance level in case the illuminated area only comprises the area illuminated at the first luminance level, or is a combined extent of the area illuminated at the first luminance level and the area illuminated at the second luminance level in case the lighting area only comprises the area illuminated at the first luminance level and the area illuminated at the second luminance level, or is an extent of the area at the second luminance level in case the lighting area only comprises the area illuminated at the second luminance level.

[0027] According to a twenty-first aspect, in the nineteenth aspect or the twentieth aspect, the visual feedback is based on a relation between the interval of the area illuminated with the second luminance level and the entire interval of the illumination area. This enables the illumination unit to indicate a state based on the entire interval of the illumination area as a reference for indicating the state.

[0028] According to a twenty-second aspect, in the eighteenth aspect to the twenty-first aspect, the entire interval of the illumination area indicates a maximum range of values of the state indicated by the visual feedback.

[0029] According to a twenty-third aspect, in the previous aspect, the interval of the area illuminated with the second luminance level indicates a sub-range within the maximum range of values of the indicated information, and the interval of the sub-range corresponds to the interval of the area illuminated with the second luminance level with respect to the entire interval of the illumination area. This enables the illumination unit to indicate more complex states, in particular states within a reference range, or with respect to specific reference points of technical relevance of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device.

[0030] According to a twenty-fourth aspect, in any of the eighteenth aspect to the twenty-third aspect, each of the plurality of light sources is an LED capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors.

[0031] According to a twenty-fifth aspect, in the previous aspect, the illumination area is illuminated with one color.

[0032] According to a twenty-sixth aspect, in any of the twenty-fourth aspect or the twenty-fifth aspect, different colors of the illumination area indicate different types of information. This enables the illumination unit to indicate several types of states.

[0033] According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in any of the eighteenth aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect, the illumination unit is configured to form one or more patterns on the illumination area, wherein each of the one or more patterns indicates a different state of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device. This enables the illumination unit to indicate one or more types of states simultaneously.

[0034] According to a twenty-eighth aspect, in the previous aspect, at least one of the one or more patterns comprises a pattern of motion or a dynamically changing pattern.

[0035] According to a twenty-ninth aspect, in the previous aspect, a direction of motion of the pattern of motion indicates a change of state indicated by one of the one or more patterns. The twenty-eighth aspect and the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention enable the illumination unit to indicate a change of indicated state.

[0036] According to a thirty-first aspect, in the preceding aspect, the priming time is the time required to heat a heating unit constituted by the aerosol generation device before the user can start consuming the consumable. This enables the user to operate the aerosol generation device and the consumable used therewith in a predetermined manner.

[0037] According to a thirty-first aspect, in the preceding aspect, the priming time is the time required to heat a heating unit constituted by the aerosol generation device before the user can start consuming the consumable. This enables the user to operate the aerosol generation device and the consumable used therewith in a predetermined manner.

[0038] According to a thirty-second aspect, in any of the eighteenth to thirty-first aspects, the plurality of light sources is arranged in a straight line or a curve, and / or the illumination area comprises a curved or bent shape.

[0039] According to a thirty-third aspect, in any of the eighteenth to thirty-second aspects, the second luminance level is higher than the first luminance level.

[0040] According to a thirty-fourth aspect, in any of the eighteenth to thirty-third aspects, the first luminance level is at least 2%, preferably at least 3%, more preferably at least 5% of the maximum luminance of each of the light sources, and at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, more preferably at most 15% of the maximum luminance of each of the light sources. These luminance levels provide a compromise between the visibility and visual contrast of the areas at the first luminance and the energy consumption of the illumination unit.

[0041] According to a thirty-fifth aspect, in any of the eighteenth to thirty-fourth aspects, the second luminance level is at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90% of the maximum luminance of each of the light sources. These luminance levels provide the best contrast between the areas of the illumination area illuminated at the first luminance level and the areas of the illumination area illuminated at the second luminance level, and further improve the visibility of the illumination area under ambient lighting conditions.

[0042] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the illumination unit is an illumination unit according to any of the eighteenth to thirty-fifth aspects of the present application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C A schematic diagram showing a front view of an aerosol generating apparatus having a light transmission section and an illumination unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0045] Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Schematic diagrams of the layered structure of the light transmission portion according to embodiments of the present invention are shown respectively;

[0046] Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D Schematic diagrams of lighting according to embodiments of the present invention are shown respectively;

[0047] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Schematic diagrams showing front views of an aerosol generating apparatus with an illumination unit according to an embodiment of the present invention are provided. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] like Figure 1 The depicted aerosol generating device 100 typically includes a housing with an opening 210 through which an aerosol generating matrix 110, such as a liquid or tobacco stem, can be at least partially inserted into the aerosol generating chamber 120 of the device. The device 100 further includes a power source 130 and circuitry 140 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 100; the power source may be a rechargeable and / or swappable power source, such as a battery.

[0050] Figure 2A An aerosol generating device 100 is shown, which has an outer wall 200 of a device housing. The outer wall 200 is essentially composed of a light-transmitting portion 300 that covers a non-emitting illumination unit 210. When the illumination unit 210 is not emitting light, it is not visible to the human eye from the light-transmitting portion 300 to the outside of the aerosol generating device. Figure 2A The dashed rectangle in the diagram only indicates the location and range of the illumination unit 210. The light-transmitting portion may include a layered structure, as shown below. Figure 3A , Figure 3B andFigure 3C The light-transmissive portion can be provided with a glossy, mirrored or matte outer surface finish, and the housing of the aerosol generation device can be provided with the same surface finish as the light-transmissive portion, such that the appearance of the outer surface of the housing cannot be substantially distinguished from the appearance of the outer surface of the light-transmissive portion.

[0051] Figure 2B An aerosol generation device 100 is shown having an outer wall 200 of a device housing, wherein the outer wall 200 comprises a light-transmissive portion, which is only a portion of the size of the outer wall 200. Although the light-transmissive portion is depicted as having a rectangular shape, the shape and / or size of the light-transmissive portion can have any appropriate shape, such as but not limited to the shape and size of the light-transmissive portion as described in the context of Figure 5A to Figure 5D The size and position of the illumination unit or illumination area covered by the outer wall 200 and the light-transmissive portion are described as substantially matching the size and position of the light-transmissive portion in a front view of the aerosol generation device, although the size and position of the illumination unit or illumination area can have any appropriate size and at any appropriate position. However, the former configuration is preferred for optimal illumination performance of the illumination unit through the light-transmissive portion. It should be noted that when the illumination unit is not emitting light, the illumination unit is covered by the outer wall 200 and the light-transmissive portion 300 and thus not visible through this outer wall and this light-transmissive portion.

[0052] Figure 2C An aerosol generation device is shown, which can be an aerosol generation device as described in the context of Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the state shown in Figure 2C the illumination unit and its illumination area 210 are emitting light. The light emitted by the illumination area 210 is transmitted through the light-transmissive portion 300 and is visible to the human eye outside of the device, in particular to a user of the aerosol generation device, such that the illumination area 210 provides visual feedback indicating a status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device. Although the illumination unit and the illumination area 210 are shown to emit light at a single brightness level for the entire illumination area, two different brightness levels and areas of the illumination area 210 with different brightness levels are also possible. Such embodiments of illumination are described in the context of Figure 4A to Figure 5D in a non-limiting manner.

[0053] It should be noted that in any of the embodiments of the application described herein, the term “not visible” means that the illumination unit cannot be seen with the naked eye through the light-transmissive portion when the illumination device is not emitting light, without any special viewing aids or equipment under normally occurring ambient lighting conditions, or under special non-naturally occurring lighting conditions.

[0054] Figure 3A A schematic diagram showing the structure of the light-transmissive portion 300 is shown. In its simplest form, the light-transmissive portion 300 can comprise a translucent layer 320. The translucent nature of this layer is such that light incident on the translucent layer 320 from the exterior of the aerosol generation device is reflected or scattered back to the exterior of the device, rather than being transmitted through the translucent layer 320, reflected by the illumination unit 210 back to the translucent layer 320 and subsequently transmitted through the translucent layer 320 back to the exterior of the aerosol generation device.

[0055] As Figure 3B shown, the light-transmissive portion comprises a layered structure comprising a translucent layer 320 or a partially or fully transparent layer 340 arranged closer to the illumination unit 210, and a light-reflective layer 330 arranged on a surface of the translucent layer 320 or the partially or fully transparent layer 340 further from the illumination unit 210 than the translucent layer 320 or the partially or fully transparent layer 340. The translucent layer 320 and the partially or fully transparent layer 340 comprise a translucent or partially or fully transparent plastic material, such as PMMA, PVC, PC, PET, PTFE, a resin-based material or similar.

[0056] The partially light-reflective layer can be implemented by a physical vapour deposition (PVD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and / or non-conductive vacuum metallization (NCVM) process or similar deposition method. The deposited material can comprise copper, silver, bronze or similar metallic material. The partially light-reflective layer 330 can be an outer layer forming an outer surface of the light-transmissive portion, and additionally can provide the light-transmissive portion with a glossy or mirrored surface finish.

[0057] As Figure 3C shown, the layered structure of the light-transmissive portion can comprise a transparent layer 340 arranged closest to the illumination unit 210. As described above in the context of Figure 3B the partially light-reflective layer 330 is arranged on the transparent layer 340 further from the illumination unit 210. A light-diffusing layer 350 is arranged on a surface of the light-reflective layer 330 furthest from the illumination unit 210, and forms an outer surface of the light-transmissive portion 300. The light-diffusing layer 350 can form an outer surface of the light-transmissive portion 300. The light-diffusing layer 350 can form a layer protecting the light-reflective layer from external influences, and can comprise a resin-based material or a transparent plastic material. Furthermore, the light-diffusing layer 350 can be tinted or coloured to provide the light-transmissive portion 300 with a desired visual effect, and additionally can provide the outer surface of the light-transmissive portion with a matte surface finish.

[0058] It should be noted that the layers of the layered structure (as described above in the context of Figure 3A to Figure 3C may be arranged in different layering orders. For example, inFigure 3B In the context of the embodiments described above, the light reflecting layer 330 can be arranged closest to the illumination unit 210, or in Figure 3C In the context of the embodiments described above, the light reflecting layer 330 can be arranged furthest away from the illumination unit 210 and form an outer surface of the light transmitting portion 300. In addition, the light reflecting layer 330 can provide the light transmitting portion 300 with a shiny or mirrored surface finish.

[0059] The light reflecting layer 330 reflects some light and is penetrated by the rest. Light can pass through the light reflecting layer 330 in both directions. However, when the illumination unit 210 is not emitting light and the illuminated area remains dark behind the light transmitting portion 300, relative to the surrounding area of the aerosol generation device (in this case, the surrounding area is typically the bright side), the dark side becomes difficult to see from the bright side because it is masked by the brighter reflection of the dark side.

[0060] More specifically, the light from the bright side that is reflected back to the same side by the light reflecting layer 330 is much more than the light that is transmitted from the dark side, thus drowning the small amount of light that is transmitted from the dark side to the bright side. This is the way the illumination unit 210 remains invisible when it is not emitting light. On the other hand, when the illumination unit 210 is emitting light, the illuminated area becomes the bright side, and the light transmitted from the illumination unit 210 is bright enough to be visible through the light transmitting portion 300 without being drowned by the light from the surrounding area that is reflected by the light reflecting layer 330. In this way, the light transmitting portion 300 operates like a one-way mirror and makes the illumination unit 210 visible or invisible from the surrounding area depending on whether the illumination unit 210 is lit or not.

[0061] It should be noted that in the case of a housing of an aerosol generation device according to embodiments of the present application comprising a main body and a movable panel member comprising or consisting essentially of a light transmitting portion, the panel member and the main body are coupled close to each other so as to substantially prevent any light emitted from an illumination unit arranged on the main body from leaking out between the panel member and the main body unit, thus preventing any leaked light from having a negative impact on the visibility of the illuminated area through the light transmitting portion.

[0062] Figure 4A An illumination unit 210 comprising a plurality of light sources is depicted. Each of the light sources can be an LED light source that can additionally emit light of a different color. As Figure 4A The illumination unit 210 as shown is not emitting light, thus being in an “off’ state. Although the illumination unit is shown as having a rectangular size, the plurality of light sources can be arranged such that they form a continuous and appropriate shape of any appropriate size.

[0063] In Figure 4BIn the middle, all of the light sources of the plurality of light sources of the illumination unit are emitting light to form a continuous illumination area 210 that substantially matches the size and shape of the illumination unit. Alternatively, only a portion of the plurality of light sources can emit light to form the illumination area 210, wherein the entire extent of the illumination area 210 is different from the entire extent of the illumination unit. When the plurality of light sources operating at the first power level form the area 210a illuminated at the first level of brightness, the illumination area 210 can be illuminated at the first level of brightness. In this state, the illumination unit is in an "on" state and the state of the aerosol generation device is indicated by the visual feedback indicated by the illumination unit. When all of the plurality of light sources of the illumination unit emit light at the second level of brightness by operating at the second power level to form the area illuminated at the second level of brightness, the difference in the level of brightness enables the illumination unit to indicate the state of the aerosol generation device or the state of the consumable used with the aerosol generation device. For example, when illuminated at the first level of brightness, the illumination unit indicates that the aerosol generation device is turned on and not yet ready for use by a user; while when illuminated at the second level of brightness, the illumination indicates that the aerosol generation device is turned on and ready for use by a user.

[0064] In Figure 4C The entire extent of the illumination area 210 is the combined extent of the area 210a illuminated at the first level of brightness and the area 210b illuminated at the second level of brightness. This configuration enables the illumination unit to indicate the state of the aerosol generation device or the consumable used with the aerosol generation device within a range of values or relative to a reference value, wherein the entire extent of the illumination area can correspond to the maximum range of possible values or the maximum reference value indicating the state. The indicated state can be based on the relationship between the extent of the area 210b illuminated at the second level of brightness and the entire extent of the illumination area. For example, the entire extent of the illumination area can correspond to a range of 0% to 100% of the charge level of a battery provided as a power source in the aerosol generation device, or, the entire extent of the illumination area can correspond to a range between the maximum amount of aerosol generation substrate in the consumable and the level of complete depletion of the aerosol generation substrate. The relative extent of the area 210b illuminated at the second level of brightness compared to the entire extent of the illumination area can thus correspond to a relative range of values or a value within the maximum range of values. For example, if the extent of the area 210b is only 60% of the entire extent of the illumination area 210, the indicated state can thus be a battery at a charge level of 60% compared to the full charge level of the battery.

[0065] As Figure 4DAs shown, the region 210b can comprise two regions 210b1 and 210b2 as patterns that can be identical or different from each other. The intervals of the pattern 210b1 and the intervals of the pattern 210b2 can be different from each other and can be independent from each other. In this configuration, the patterns 210b1 and 210b2 can each indicate a different status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device. For example, the pattern 210b1 can indicate a charging level of a battery of the aerosol generation device in the manner described in the context of Figure 4C and the pattern 210b2 can indicate a depletion level of an aerosol generation substrate of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device.

[0066] The status that can be indicated by the visual feedback includes: a used and / or remaining activation time of the device, a total amount of puffs by the user, a total amount of puffs by the user in relation to a predetermined maximum amount of puffs of the consumable, a total usage time of the consumable in relation to a predetermined maximum usage time of the consumable, a usage time of the device since activation of the device, an amount of aerosol generation substrate consumed and / or remaining in the consumable, an operating temperature of the device, and a depletion level of a battery of the device, a charging status of the battery, etc.

[0067] Additionally, the patterns 210a / 210b of the illumination region 210 can be dynamic changing or moving patterns. Further, the direction of the movement of the patterns can indicate a change of the status indicated by the patterns. For example, in the embodiment described in the context of Figure 4C the illumination unit can comprise a pattern indicating a battery depletion level. This pattern can repeatedly move in an upward direction and then reset to its original position and then move upward again to indicate not only the charging / depletion level of the battery but also that the battery is charging, i.e. that the charging level of the battery is increasing.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, any pattern on the illumination region 210 can be dynamically changed by, for example, periodically flashing to indicate a status of the aerosol generation device. Additionally or alternatively, only one light source of a plurality of light sources can emit light and adjacent light sources of the plurality of light sources following the direction of the illumination unit can start emitting light when the previous light source stops emitting light after a predetermined amount of time to form a pattern of moving light sources to indicate a status of the aerosol generation device. Such status can include, for example, a low charging level of the battery, a low remaining amount of aerosol generation substrate in a consumable used with the aerosol generation device, or a malfunction of the aerosol generation device.

[0069] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Fig. 18 shows an aerosol generation device 100, which can be as in Figure 1 to Figure 3CThe aerosol generating device as described in the context of any one of For example, the outer wall 200 can essentially consist of the light transmissive portion 300 or can comprise a light transmissive portion 300 which only partially is the size of the outer wall. The aerosol generating device comprises an illumination unit 210 which can be as described in the context of any one of Figure 1 to Figure 4C The illumination unit 210 as described in the context of any one of Figure 5A to Figure 5D Each of the illumination units 210 as shown in Figure 5D As shown in the context of any one of

[0070] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above-described description of the example embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the present disclosure as claimed. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible.

[0071] List of used reference signs

[0072] 100: aerosol generating device

[0073] 110: consumable / aerosol generating substrate

[0074] 120: aerosol generating chamber

[0075] 130: power supply

[0076] 140: circuitry

[0077] 200: outer wall

[0078] 210: illumination unit / region

[0079] 210a: illumination unit / region in a first luminance

[0080] 210b: illumination unit / region in a second luminance

[0081] 300: light transmissive portion

[0082] 320: translucent layer

[0083] 330: reflective layer

[0084] 340: transparent layer

Claims

1. An illumination unit for an aerosol generation device, the illumination unit comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein, Each of the light sources is configured to operate in: a non-emitting mode, in which the lighting unit is not visible from the outside; a first power mode of operation, having a first luminance level, thereby illuminating a portion of the lighting area at the first luminance level, and a second power mode of operation, having a second luminance level different from the first luminance level, thereby illuminating a portion at the second luminance level different from the first luminance level; wherein one or more of the plurality of light sources forms a continuous lighting area when one or more of the plurality of light sources is emitting light, wherein the lighting area is configured to provide visual feedback to a user indicative of a status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device, wherein the lighting area comprises a region illuminated at the first luminance level and a region illuminated at the second luminance level, wherein the entire extent of the lighting area is: in case the illuminated portion only comprises a portion illuminated at the first luminance level, the extent of the region illuminated at the first luminance level, or in case the lighting area only comprises a portion illuminated at the first luminance level and a portion illuminated at the second luminance level, the combined extent of the region illuminated at the first luminance level and the region illuminated at the second luminance level, or in case the lighting area only comprises a portion illuminated at the second luminance level, the extent of the region at the second luminance level; and wherein the visual feedback is based on a relationship between the extent of the region at the second luminance level and the entire extent of the lighting area.

2. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein, The entire extent of the lighting area indicates a maximum range of values of the status indicated by the visual feedback.

3. The lighting unit of claim 2, wherein, The extent of the region illuminated at the second luminance level indicates a sub-range within the maximum range of values, and the extent of the sub-range corresponds to the extent of the region illuminated at the second luminance level relative to the extent of the maximum range of values relative to the entire extent of the lighting area.

4. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, Each of the plurality of light sources is an LED capable of emitting a plurality of colors.

5. The lighting unit of claim 4, wherein, The lighting area is illuminated in one color.

6. The lighting unit of claim 4, wherein, Different colors of the lighting area indicate different statuses of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device.

7. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, the lighting unit being configured to form one or more patterns on the illumination area, wherein, Each of the one or more patterns indicates a different status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable used with the aerosol generation device.

8. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein, At least one of the one or more patterns comprises a moving pattern.

9. The lighting unit of claim 8, wherein, A direction of movement of one of the patterns indicates a change in the status indicated by the one of the one or more patterns.

10. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The status of the aerosol generation device or of a consumable for use with the aerosol generation device comprises at least one of the following information: a used and / or remaining activation time of the device, a user's vaping progress on the device, a usage time of the device since activation, an amount of aerosol generation substrate consumed and / or remaining in the consumable, an operating temperature of the device, and a depletion level of a battery of the device, wherein the activation time is a time required for heating a heating unit comprised by the aerosol generation device before a user can start consuming the consumable.

11. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The plurality of light sources are arranged in a straight line or a curve, and the illumination area comprises a curved or bent shape.

12. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The second luminance level is higher than the first luminance level.

13. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The first luminance level is at least 2% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

14. The lighting unit of claim 13, wherein, The first luminance level is at least 3% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

15. The lighting unit of claim 13, wherein, The first luminance level is at least 5% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

16. The lighting unit of claim 13, wherein, The first luminance level is at most 30% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

17. The lighting unit of claim 13, wherein, The first luminance level is at most 20% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

18. The lighting unit of claim 13, wherein, The first luminance level is at most 15% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

19. The lighting unit according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein, The second luminance level is at least 70% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

20. The lighting unit of claim 19, wherein, The second luminance level is at least 80% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

21. The lighting unit of claim 19, wherein, The second luminance level is at least 90% of a maximum luminance of each of the light sources.

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