Aerosol-generating device with illuminated proximal end

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (12) comprising an elongated housing (16) having a distal end (18) and a proximal end (20), a light source (30), and a control unit configured for controlling the light source. The proximal end of the housing comprises an illumination portion made of a translucent material (38), and the light source is optically coupled to the illumination portion. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system and a method for operating such an aerosol-generating system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device with an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, with a light source, and with a control unit configured for controlling the light source. The proximal end of the housing comprises an illumination portion made of a translucent material, and the light source is optically coupled to the illumination portion. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and a method for operating the aerosol-generating system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Visual indication devices are frequently used in electronic aerosol-generating devices to visually provide information to a user. Prior art aerosol-generating devices are known in the art that comprise different types of displays in their lateral surfaces.

[0003] Currently used visual indication devices are provided at a location of the aerosol-generating device that cannot be easily observed during a user experience. Since such visual indication devices are typically provided at the side of the housing of the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device can have to be turned over for inspection. Consumers can find such handling cumbersome.

[0004] It is also known to provide an illuminated portion for an end face that is directed away from the consumer in use. Typically, such illuminated portions are used to mimic the glow of a conventional cigarette. SUMMARY

[0005] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a visual feedback device that can be conveniently inspected during a user experience.

[0006] It is further desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a visual feedback device that can guide a user before, during and after a user experience.

[0007] It is further desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with a feedback device that has low power consumption and at the same time has high visual perceptibility.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a light source, and a control unit configured for controlling the light source. The proximal end of the housing comprises an illumination portion made of a translucent material. The light source is optically coupled to the illumination portion. The aerosol-generating device can be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The illumination portion can be configured to surround the aerosol-generating article in use.

[0009] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device can be a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device can be a holder. The aerosol-generating device can be an electrically heated aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can comprise one or more of a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element. The housing can define a cavity comprising the heating chamber having an open end at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device and the heating element. The heating chamber can be configured for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The heating element can be part of the aerosol-generating article.

[0010] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is a portable or handled device, which is adapted to be held between the fingers of a single hand. The device can have a substantially cylindrical shape and can have a length of between 30 and 150 millimetres. The maximum diameter of the device is preferably between 5 and 30 millimetres.

[0011] The housing of the aerosol-generating device can be elongate. The housing can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0012] The housing can comprise a mouthpiece. The housing can comprise at least one air inlet. The housing can comprise more than one air inlet. The mouthpiece can comprise at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece can comprise more than one air inlet. The air inlet(s) can reduce the temperature of the aerosol before it is delivered to the user and can reduce the concentration of the aerosol before it is delivered to the user.

[0013] As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to the part of the aerosol-generating device that is closest to the user's mouth during a puff.

[0014] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a sensor for activating the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can comprise a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating device, for example, a button for initiating heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display for indicating a status of the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0015] As used herein, the term "user experience" refers to the act of consuming an aerosol-generating article. The user experience can comprise one or more consecutive puffs. The user experience also includes the period of time between puffs.

[0016] Any light source known to have low power consumption can be used as the light source of the aerosol-generating device. Suitable light sources include light emitting diodes (LEDs), micro-LEDs or organic LED (OLED) devices. These light sources have low power consumption. The addition of a light source with low power consumption advantageously places only a very small load on the power supply of the existing aerosol-generating device, preferably having only very limited impact on the design of the existing power supply. This is particularly advantageous for portable devices where the power supply capacity is limited and excessive power consumption is to be avoided.

[0017] The light source can be capable of displaying monochromatic or polychromatic light. A light source capable of displaying polychromatic light can be controlled to emit a plurality of colours of light. A polychromatic light source is advantageous because a single light source can be used to produce a plurality of illumination effects. This can help to reduce the total number of electronic components to be used in the aerosol-generating device. This can also reduce design complexity and can reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the aerosol-generating device.

[0018] The proximal end of the housing comprising the illumination portion can be directed towards the consumer when using the aerosol-generating device. The housing of the aerosol-generating device can define a cavity having an open end at the proximal end of the housing. The cavity can be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article.

[0019] The proximal end of the housing is the end that provides the mouthpiece. During a puff, the user places the mouthpiece into or close to the user’s mouth.

[0020] The proximal end can have a proximal face that faces the user during the user experience. The proximal face can comprise the illumination portion.

[0021] Thus, in particular when using the aerosol-generating device, the proximal end of the housing and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device under normal handling conditions are in the field of view of the user. Thus, the illumination portion provided at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device is highly visible to the user when using the device and also during the user experience. The illumination portion is particularly visible to the user between puffs of the user experience.

[0022] For this reason, the illumination portion can advantageously be used to indicate useful information to the user. Such information can be about various operating states of the aerosol-generating device. The illumination portion can also be used to indicate the progress of a particular operation or information about the user experience.

[0023] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a retaining element. The retaining element can form the illumination portion at the proximal end of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The retaining element can be provided at the opening of a cavity formed at the proximal end of the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

[0024] The retaining element can have a generally annular form. The outer diameter of the retaining element can correspond to the dimensions of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The outer periphery of the retaining element can be mounted to the housing of the aerosol-generating device.

[0025] The inner diameter of the retaining element can define the opening of the cavity. The inner diameter of the retaining element can have a size corresponding to the diameter of the aerosol generating article to be inserted into the cavity. The retaining element can ensure that the aerosol generating article is placed correctly in the cavity. In particular, the retaining element can ensure that the aerosol generating article is inserted correctly into the center of the cavity.

[0026] The retaining element can be made of any suitable material. The retaining element can be made of an elastic material. The retaining element can be made of an elastic, translucent polymer material, such as poly(amide-imide), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The retaining element made of such elastic material can be dimensioned such that its inner diameter corresponds exactly or slightly less than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article to be inserted into the cavity. The retaining element can be formed such that it is in physical contact with the outer circumference of the aerosol generating article inserted into the cavity. In this way, the retaining element can ensure that the aerosol generating article is retained in the cavity. Furthermore, the retaining element can be sealingly engaged with the outer circumference of the aerosol generating article in the cavity. In use of the aerosol generating device, the retaining element can reduce the air flow into the heating chamber through its open end.

[0027] The retaining element can be made of a transparent or translucent material. The retaining element can be optically coupled to a light source of the aerosol generating device. By optically coupling the retaining element to the light source, the retaining element can be illuminated by the light source. When the light source is configured to generate a plurality of different colors, the retaining element can accordingly appear in many different colors.

[0028] The light source can be integrated in the opening of the cavity of the device and in close proximity to the retaining element. The light source can be provided in a circumferential recess at the opening of the cavity. The light source can have an annular form which can be integrated in the opening of the cavity of the device and in close proximity to the retaining element. The light source can be located directly adjacent to the retaining element. The light source can be located directly adjacent to the outer circumference of the retaining element. By providing a light source in close proximity to the translucent retaining element, light can be efficiently coupled into the material of the retaining element.

[0029] The aerosol generating device can be an electrically heated aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be configured to electrically resistively heat the aerosol generating article.

[0030] The aerosol generating device can be configured to inductively heat the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device can comprise an inductive heating element. The inductive heating element can comprise an induction coil. The inductive heating element can comprise a susceptor. The induction coil is capable of generating an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor and thereby generates heat due to eddy currents and or hysteresis losses within the susceptor.

[0031] The susceptor can be formed of any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors can comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors can be of aluminium or comprise aluminium. Preferred susceptors can be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0032] When an inductive heating element is employed, the inductive heating element can be configured as an internal heating element as described herein or as an external heater as described herein. If the inductive heating element is configured as an internal heating element, the susceptor element is preferably configured as a pin or blade for penetrating an aerosol- generating article. If the inductive heating element is configured as an external heating element, the susceptor element is preferably configured as a cylindrical susceptor at least partially surrounding a cavity or a side wall forming a cavity.

[0033] A susceptor can also be provided within or as part of an aerosol-forming article.

[0034] An aerosol-generating device comprises a control unit configured to control operation of the aerosol-generating device. The control unit can be configured to control a heating element of the aerosol-generating device.

[0035] The control unit can be configured to control a light source of the aerosol-generating device. The control unit can be configured to control the light source of the aerosol-generating device based on a detected operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0036] Controlling the light source based on the operating state of the aerosol-generating device can comprise changing a colour, a brightness or an operating mode of the light source. The operating mode of the light source can comprise a continuous light mode, a blinking mode or a flashing mode.

[0037] The control unit can detect activation of the aerosol-generating device and can be configured to control the light source to emit a first colour of light to indicate that the aerosol-generating device is activated. The control unit can control the light source to emit white light to indicate that the aerosol-generating device is activated.

[0038] The control unit can detect that a heating program has started and can be configured to control the light source to emit a second colour of light to indicate that the aerosol-generating device is heating. The control unit can be configured to control the light source to blink in the second colour to indicate that the heating process is currently being performed.

[0039] The control unit can detect that the heating program has completed and that the aerosol-generating device is ready for a user experience. The control unit can control the light source to emit another colour of light to indicate that the aerosol-generating device is ready for use. The control unit can control the light source to emit green to indicate that the aerosol-generating device is ready for use.

[0040] By controlling the light source to change its illumination state and thereby the appearance of the illumination portion, the user can be informed of the operational state of the aerosol-generating device. As the illumination portion is provided at the proximal end of the housing of the aerosol-generating device, the illumination portion is easily visible to the user during the user experience. Furthermore, during normal handling of the device, the illumination portion at the proximal end of the housing of the aerosol-generating device is typically not covered by the user’s hand, such that the risk of accidentally covering the illumination portion is reduced.

[0041] The control unit of the aerosol-generating device can be configured to control the light source also based on a signal detected from a further sensor of the aerosol-generating device.

[0042] The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device can comprise a proximity sensor for detecting the proximity of a consumer’s mouth. Based on a corresponding signal received from the proximity sensor, the light source can be controlled by the control unit. When the proximity sensor detects the proximity of the consumer’s mouth, the control unit can dim the light source during a puff. During a puff, the user can not be able to observe the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the light source can be temporarily dimmed or switched off to save electrical energy of the power supply.

[0043] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a light sensor for detecting the brightness of the surrounding environment. The control unit can be configured to adjust the intensity of the light source based on a signal from the light sensor. In this way, it can be ensured that during the day, when the surrounding brightness increases, the intensity of the light source is sufficient to be detected by the user. At the same time, in the night or in a weak light environment, electrical energy can be saved by avoiding unnecessary power consumption by a high intensity light source.

[0044] The control unit of the aerosol-generating device can be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating article in the cavity. To this end, the control unit can be configured to monitor the magnetic field within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article is inductively heated, the change in the magnetic field of the induction coil can be monitored. The control unit can not only determine whether a change in the magnetic field occurs, but can also be configured to determine whether the aerosol-generating article has been inserted correctly. The control unit can also be configured to determine whether the correct aerosol-generating article has been inserted. The aerosol-generating device is typically configured to cooperate with a specific aerosol-generating article. Therefore, an identification method that is able to verify that the correct aerosol-generating article is used with the device can help to avoid the incorrect use of the aerosol-generating device.

[0045] The control unit can be configured to control the light source depending on the aerosol-generating article identification. If the control unit detects that a compatible aerosol-generating article has been inserted correctly into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, the light source can be controlled to change to a further different color to indicate to the user that the aerosol-generating device is ready for use. The control unit can also be configured to automatically start heating when the correct aerosol-generating article has been inserted correctly into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0046] The present application is also directed to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and an aerosol-generating article configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a light source, and a control unit configured to control the light source. The proximal end of the housing comprises an illumination portion made of a translucent material, and the light source is optically coupled to the illumination portion. The control unit is configured to control the light source based on an operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0047] The present application is also directed to a method of operating an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and an aerosol-generating article configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The control unit controls the light source based on an operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0048] Controlling the light source based on the operating state of the aerosol-generating device can comprise changing the color, brightness, or illumination pattern of the light source. The operating mode of the light source can comprise a continuous light mode, a blinking mode, or a flashing mode.

[0049] The control unit can be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating article in the cavity and can change the brightness, color, or operating mode of the light source upon detecting the presence of the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The control unit can be configured to detect the presence of an aerosol-generating article in the cavity by monitoring the magnetic field in the heating chamber. This approach is particularly advantageous for aerosol-generating devices configured for inductive heating. Such devices are configured to generate a magnetic field in the heating chamber, such that the monitoring of the magnetic field can be performed without adding complexity to the aerosol-generating device.

[0051] The aerosol-generating system can be operable such that the heating process is automatically started upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0052] The control unit can be configured to detect the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating device. The control unit can be configured to adjust the light source based on the detected temperature of the heating chamber. In this way, the user can be visually informed that the aerosol-generating system is ready for use by inspecting the light source.

[0053] The control unit can be configured to control the light source to emit a visual warning signal in case one of the signals received at the control unit is outside an expected range. In this way, the user can be immediately informed if an unexpected situation is detected. Such a situation can include, for example, the detection of a non-compatible aerosol-generating article, the incorrect insertion of a compatible aerosol-generating article, or the detection that the heating chamber is about to overheat. In this case, the control unit can switch the light source to a flashing mode. Since the illumination portion is typically within the user’s field of view, the user can immediately perceive the warning signal.

[0054] The aerosol-generating device can be configured to perform a cleaning procedure of the heating chamber. The cleaning procedure can comprise heating the heating chamber to an increased temperature. The control unit can be configured to control the light source to emit a corresponding visual signal to inform the user that the cleaning procedure is in operation.

[0055] Due to the good visibility of the lighting portion at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device, the user is guided and informed before, during and after the user experience. In this way, the overall user experience is enhanced.

[0056] The user can be able to customize the aerosol-generating device by adapting the light control according to personal preferences. The customization can be done by connecting the aerosol-generating device to a personal computer, a smartphone or any other suitable input device. By customizing the aerosol-generating device, the user can select how the light source is controlled by the control unit. For example, the user can select the color, the brightness, the blinking frequency or the color sequence of the light source.

[0057] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0058] Example 1 : An aerosol-generating device comprising an elongated housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a light source, and a control unit configured for controlling the light source, wherein the proximal end of the housing comprises a lighting portion made of a translucent material, and wherein the light source is optically coupled to the lighting portion.

[0059] Example 2: The aerosol-generating device according to example 1, wherein the light source is a LED, a micro-LED or an OLED.

[0060] Example 3: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the light source is capable of displaying a single color or a multi-color light.

[0061] Example 4: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the proximal end is directed towards a consumer when using the aerosol-generating device.

[0062] Example 5: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the housing of the aerosol-generating device defines a cavity having an open end at the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article.

[0063] Example 6: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to inductively heat an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity.

[0064] Example 7: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a holding element, and wherein the holding element forms the illumination portion at a proximal end of the housing.

[0065] Example 8: Aerosol-generating device according to Example 7, wherein the holding element is made of an elastic material.

[0066] Example 9: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 7 and 8, wherein the holding element is made of an elastic, translucent polymer material, such as poly(amide-imide), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0067] Example 10: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source based on a detected operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0068] Example 11 : Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device comprises a proximity sensor for detecting a proximity of a consumer’s mouth, the proximity sensor being electrically connected with a control unit of the aerosol-generating device.

[0069] Example 12: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a light sensor, the light sensor being electrically connected with a control unit of the aerosol-generating device.

[0070] Example 13: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 11 and 12, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source based on a signal received from the proximity sensor or the light sensor.

[0071] Example 14: Aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, and an aerosol-generating article configured to be inserted into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0072] Example 15: Method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Example N, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source based on an operating state of the aerosol-generating device.

[0073] Example 16: Method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Example O, wherein the control unit is configured to detect a change in an operating state of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the control unit changes a brightness, a color, or an illumination pattern of the light source to indicate the change in the operating state.

[0074] Example 17: A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Example 15 or 16, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the presence of a consumable, and wherein the control unit changes the brightness and or color of the light source upon detecting the presence of the consumable.

[0075] Example 18: A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Examples 15 to 17, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to inductively heat the consumable, and wherein the control unit is configured to detect the presence of a consumable by monitoring the magnetic field in the heating chamber.

[0076] Example 19: A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Examples 15 to 18, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to automatically start heating upon insertion of a consumable.

[0077] Example 20: A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Examples 15 to 19, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating device, and to adjust the light source based on the detected temperature.

[0078] Example 21 : A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Examples 15 to 20, wherein the control unit is configured to emit a visual warning signal if a monitored parameter is outside an expected range.

[0079] Example 22: A method of operating an aerosol-generating system according to Examples 15 to 21, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to perform a cleaning procedure, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source to emit a corresponding visual signal.

[0080] Features described in relation to one embodiment can equally apply to other embodiments of the application.

[0081] The application will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] Figure 1 An aerosol-generating system is shown; and

[0083] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] In Figure 1In the left view in

[0085] The heating portion 24 of the housing 16 defines a cavity 26 at the proximal end 20. The cavity 26 forms a heating chamber configured for receiving and heating the aerosol generating article 14. At the opening of the cavity 26 at the proximal end 20 of the housing 16, an illumination portion 30 is provided. The illumination portion 30 is made of a translucent material. The illumination portion 30 is coupled to a multi-color light source and is configured to be illuminated in a plurality of colors.

[0086] In the left view in Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 12 is activated and ready to receive the aerosol generating article 14 as an indication of this operational state, the illumination portion 30 is illuminated in bright blue.

[0087] In the middle view in Figure 1 The aerosol generating article 14 is inserted into the cavity 26 of the aerosol generating device 12 and the heating phase is started. As an indication of this operational state, the illumination portion 30 is illuminated in red.

[0088] In the right view in Figure 1 The heating phase is completed and the aerosol generating system 10 is ready for user experience. As an indication of this operational state, the illumination portion 30 is illuminated in green.

[0089] The user typically holds the aerosol generating device 12 at the central portion of the housing 16 with the proximal end 20 uncovered. In normal use of the aerosol generating device 12, the proximal end 20 is directed towards the user. Thus, the proximal end 20 is typically in the field of view of the user and the information conveyed by the color coding of the illumination portion 30 is easily perceived by the user.

[0090] In the cross-sectional view in Figure 2 More details of the heating chamber can be seen. In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 12 is configured for inductive heating. To this end, the aerosol generating device 12 comprises an induction coil 32 and a susceptor element 34. The induction coil 32 and the susceptor element 34 are separated by an electrically insulating wall 36 and are arranged to surround the cavity of the aerosol generating device 12.

[0091] The induction coil 32 is capable of generating an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field penetrates the susceptor element 34 and thereby generates heat.

[0092] The susceptor element 34 has a cylindrical shape and has a diameter which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 14. The susceptor element 34 is formed by a plurality of susceptor sheets. The susceptor sheets are configured to be elastic and firmly contact the aerosol-generating article 14 after insertion. In this way, a good thermal contact between the susceptor element 34 and the aerosol-generating article 24 is ensured.

[0093] At the opening of the cavity 26 at the proximal end 20 of the housing 16, an annular holding element 38 made of an elastic and translucent polymer material is provided. In this case, the holding element 38 is made of polyvinyl chloride. The holding element forms the illumination portion of the aerosol-generating device 12. The holding element 38 defines the opening of the cavity 26 and has an inner diameter which corresponds to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 14. The funnel shape of the holding element 38 allows the aerosol-generating article 14 to be guided and easily inserted into the heating chamber.

[0094] The light source 40 is optically coupled to the holding element 38. The light source 40 is an OLED device capable of emitting a plurality of colors. The light source 40 is located in a circumferential recess in the housing 16 adjacent to the outer circumference of the holding element 38. Since the holding element 38 is made of a translucent material, the holding element 38 exhibits the color emitted from the light source.

[0095] When the aerosol-generating device 12 is switched off, the light source 40 is deactivated and the holding element 30 exhibits the natural color of its material. When the aerosol-generating device 12 is activated, but the aerosol-generating article 14 has not yet been inserted, the light source 40 is controlled to emit a bright blue light to inform the user that the aerosol-generating device 12 is activated.

[0096] In Figure 2 In an embodiment of the

[0097] The control unit is further configured to automatically start a heating phase after a specified time of three seconds after insertion of the aerosol-generating article 14. During the heating phase, the light source 40 is switched to emit an orange pulsed light.

[0098] When the heating phase is completed, the control unit switches the color of the light source 40 from orange pulsed to continuous green light to inform the user that the aerosol-generating system 10 is ready for a user experience.

[0099] If the control unit of the aerosol-generating device 12 detects that the aerosol- generating article 14 is inserted incorrectly or an incompatible aerosol-generating article 14 is inserted while monitoring the magnetic field, the control unit controls the light source 40 to emit a red flash. At the same time, the normal operation of the aerosol-generating system 10 is interrupted until it is determined that the aerosol-generating article 14 is inserted correctly.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus configured to receive an aerosol-generated product, comprising: - A slender shell with distal and proximal ends, - Light source, and - A control unit configured to control the light source. When using the aerosol generating device, the proximal end of the housing points towards the consumer. The proximal end of the housing includes an illumination portion made of a translucent material, wherein the light source is optically coupled to the illumination portion, and wherein the illumination portion is configured to generate an article around the aerosol in use.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is an LED, a micro LED, or an OLED.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source is capable of displaying monochromatic or polychromatic light.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing of the aerosol generating apparatus defines a cavity having an open end at the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generated article.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a retaining element, and wherein the retaining element forms the illumination portion at the proximal end of the housing.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the retaining element is made of an elastic material.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source based on the detected operating state of the aerosol generating apparatus.

8. An aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and an aerosol generation article configured to be inserted into a cavity of said aerosol generation apparatus.

9. A method of operating an aerosol generation system, said aerosol generation system being the aerosol generation system according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source based on the operating state of the aerosol generation device.

10. The method of operating an aerosol generation system according to claim 9, wherein the control unit is configured to detect changes in the operating state of the aerosol generation device, and wherein the control unit changes the brightness, color, or illumination mode of the light source to indicate the changes in the operating state.

11. The method of operating an aerosol generation system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the presence of consumables, and wherein the control unit changes the brightness and / or color of the light source when the presence of the consumables is detected.

12. The method of operating an aerosol generation system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to inductively heat the consumable, and wherein the control unit is configured to detect the presence of the consumable by monitoring a magnetic field in the heating chamber.

13. The method of operating an aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 9, 10 and 12, wherein the control unit is configured to emit a visual warning signal if the monitored parameter is outside the expected range.

14. The method of operating an aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 9, 10 and 12, wherein the aerosol generation device is configured to perform a cleaning procedure, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the light source to emit a corresponding visual signal.

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