Aerosol supply device

Abstract

An aerosol supply device, comprising: a housing; a light bar disposed in an outer surface of the housing; wherein the apparatus further includes at least one light source disposed within the housing such that light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent the lower surface of the light bar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system and a method for generating aerosol. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such aerosol supply devices and systems are so-called "heat but not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Other examples are vapor delivery devices and systems, such as electronic cigarettes, which typically include a reservoir containing a source liquid of an agent, which may or may not contain nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, for example by evaporation or other means. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: a housing; a light bar disposed in an outer surface of the housing. The device further comprises at least one light source disposed in the housing such that light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent to a lower surface of the light bar.

[0005] In other words, the light emitted by the at least one light source follows a light path that follows the contour of the lower surface of the light bar.

[0006] Light emitted from the light source may pass along a lower surface of the light bar substantially parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.

[0007] The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the light bar.The light emitted from the light source may follow an optical path perpendicular to the central axis of the light bar and offset from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0008] The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.The light emitted from the light source may follow a light path parallel to and offset from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0009] The light emitted from the light source may pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction parallel to a line connecting both sides of the lower surface of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source may follow a light path parallel to a line connecting both sides of the lower surface of the light bar and offset from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0010] The at least one light source may be disposed at a position laterally offset from the light bar and spaced apart from a lower surface of the light bar.

[0011] The light bar may be arranged in a recess or through hole in the housing.The or each light source may be arranged to be laterally offset from the recess or through hole.

[0012] The aerosol supply device may further comprise a light guide. The light guide may be arranged between the at least one light source and the light bar.

[0013] The light guide member may provide a light passage from the at least one light source to the lower surface of the button.

[0014] The light guide may be formed integrally with the light strip.

[0015] The light guide member may include a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the light guide is located adjacent to a lower surface of the light bar and the at least one light source is disposed at the first end.

[0016] The light guide member may include a first end and a second end. The light guide member may include one or more reflective surfaces configured to guide light from the first end to the second end.

[0017] The light guide member may provide a light channel.

[0018] The light guide may be configured to provide a light path that extends over a sufficient distance to cause light to diffuse within the light guide.

[0019] The light guide may comprise polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

[0020] The light guide may include a diffuser film. The diffuser film may include aluminum film, tin foil or PET.

[0021] The light bar may include a light diffusing material. The light bar may include one or more portions of a button made of a light diffusing material. The light bar may be substantially formed of a light diffusing material. The light bar may include a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may include one or more portions of a button made of a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may be substantially formed of a translucent or transparent material. The light bar may include one or more through holes extending in the operating direction.

[0022] The light strip may include polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

[0023] The at least one light source may be disposed on a mounting surface facing away from the button.The mounting surface may be on a PCB mounted in a housing of the device.

[0024] The light guide may provide a passage for light from the mounting surface via two or more reflective surfaces to the lower surface of the button.

[0025] The at least one light source may be mounted on a PCB within the device housing. The aerosol supply device may have a central axis. The PCB may be substantially aligned with the central axis of the device.

[0026] The aerosol supply device may be provided with two or more light sources. The aerosol supply device may be provided with three, four or five light sources. All light sources may be provided on a single PCB within the device housing.

[0027] The two or more light sources may be aligned along a direction substantially parallel to a central axis of the device.

[0028] The light guide may extend between the two or more light sources and be configured to provide a passage of light from each light source to a lower surface of the light bar.The light guide may be configured to provide a passage of light from each light source to a respective portion of the lower surface of the light bar.

[0029] The aerosol supply device may be provided with two or more light sources, and each light source is provided with a corresponding light guide. Each corresponding light guide may be configured to provide a light passage from one light source to the lower surface of the light bar.

[0030] The device may be provided with two or more light bars. The device may be provided with two or more buttons. At least one button may include a light bar. The two or more buttons may each include a light bar.

[0031] Each light bar may be provided with a corresponding light source. Each light bar may be provided with a corresponding light guide.

[0032] The aerosol supply device may be provided with two or more light bars. The aerosol supply device may be provided with a plurality of light bars, for example but not limited to three, four or five light bars. Each light bar may be provided with an integrally formed light guide.

[0033] The aerosol supply device may be provided with a button configured to be pressed in an operating direction; and wherein the button comprises a light bar. The operating direction may be substantially parallel to a central axis of the light bar.

[0034] The aerosol supply device may be provided with a plurality of buttons, each button comprising a light bar. Each button may be independently operable. The plurality of buttons may be aligned along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0035] The light source may be a light emitting diode (LED).

[0036] The at least one light source may include a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of LEDs may be of the same color. The plurality of LEDs may be of different colors.

[0037] The aerosol supply device may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the aerosol supply device may have a substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, diamond, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross-section.

[0038] The aerosol supply device may be configured for wireless charging.The aerosol supply device may be provided with a charging port, such as a USB port, for coupling the power supply to an external power source for recharging.

[0039] The aerosol supply device may be an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat not burn system or a tobacco heating system.

[0040] The aerosol supply device may include a heating chamber in which a heater is arranged. The heater may be a resistive heating element. The heater may be an inductive heating element.

[0041] The aerosol supply device may include a power supply, a controller and a heating chamber in which the aerosol generating article is removably received. The power supply may be aligned along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The power supply may be aligned along a second longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

[0042] The aerosol supply means may be a vapour supply means.

[0043] The vapor supply device may include a heating element or other vapor generating component that is coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir. The heating element and the reservoir may be included in a first portion or component that may be connected to a second portion or component that houses a battery to provide power to the heating element. This first portion may be referred to as an atomizer and may be disposable to be replaced when the source liquid is consumed.

[0044] The aerosol supply device may be a mixing device configured to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each aerosol generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel.

[0045] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device and an aerosol generating article as described above.

[0046] The aerosol supply system may include a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving the aerosol supply device. The charging unit may include a removable cover that covers the aerosol supply device in a closed configuration. The charging unit may include a user display. When the removable cover is in a closed position, the user display may be visible to the user, and when the cover is in an open position, the user display is partially or completely hidden or obscured from view by the cover.

[0047] The charging unit may have a cross-section of any suitable shape. For example, the charging unit may have a substantially circular, oval, triangular, square, diamond, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section.

[0048] The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, a liquid or a semi-solid (eg a gel). The aerosol-generating material may contain an active substance and / or a flavouring agent.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a stick. The aerosol-generating article may be a rod-shaped article. The aerosol-generating article may have a non-circular cross-section, such as but not limited to oval, rectangular, trapezoidal. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially flat.

[0050] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of generating an aerosol comprising providing an aerosol generating system as described above; inserting an aerosol generating article into an aerosol supply device and energising the aerosol generating article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 An aerosol supply system including an aerosol supply device located within a charging unit is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 Another aerosol supply device is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 One embodiment of a light bar arrangement for an aerosol supply device is shown;

[0055] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a light bar arrangement is shown;

[0056] Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 6a and Figure 6b Another embodiment of a light bar arrangement is shown;

[0057] Figure 7a , Figure 7b An embodiment of a light guide is shown;

[0058] Figure 8a , Figure 8b An implementation of a button is shown; and

[0059] Figure 9a and Figure 9b A comparative brightness graph is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is a system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) are not combustible or ignited in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0061] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, an electrically powered non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0062] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic aerosol or vapor supply system, such as an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

[0063] The vapor supply system may include a heating element or other vapor generating component that is coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir. In some systems, the heating element and reservoir are included in a first portion or component that is connectable to a second portion or component that houses a battery to provide power to the heating element. The first portion may be referred to as an atomizer and may be disposable to be replaced when the source liquid is consumed. In use, the user inhales on the device to activate the heating element, which vaporizes a small amount of the source liquid so that the source liquid is converted into an aerosol to be inhaled by the user. In other vapor supply systems, all components are integrated into a single-piece device.

[0064] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0065] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosol generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0066] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the aerosol supply device.

[0067] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an area for receiving a consumable product, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0068] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a shell, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0069] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in solid, liquid or semi-solid (e.g. gel) form, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavoring agents.

[0070] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0071] The aerosol generating material can include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, there may also be material to be delivered and / or filler. Optionally, there may also be a solvent, such as water, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be dissolved in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0072] The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating film or the form of an aerosol generating film. The aerosol generating film may comprise an adhesive, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol forming agent. Optionally, material to be delivered and / or filler may also be present. The aerosol generating film may be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0073] The aerosol supply device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. In this context, an "article" is a component that comprises or contains an aerosol generating material that is heated in use to volatilize the aerosol generating material, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before heating the article to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed in or above such a heater, which is sized to receive the article.

[0074] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0075] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which emits heat during use to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may, for example, include a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0076] Figure 1 There is shown an aerosol supply system 10 comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 20. The device 100 is shown located within a cavity 21 of the charging unit 20. The cavity 21 has an open end 22 (also referred to as an opening). Figure 1 The charging unit embodiment also includes a longitudinal opening 23 .

[0077] In an embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 20 may have a cross-sectional profile that only allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 20 in a single orientation.

[0078] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may have alternative shapes and sizes and be received in a correspondingly shaped and sized cavity in the charging unit.

[0079] In other embodiments, the charging unit may include a single opening through which the device is inserted into the cavity.

[0080] Figure 1 The charging unit 20 includes a sliding cover 25. When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 20 for recharging, the sliding cover 25 may be closed to cover an opening to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0081] In other embodiments, the charging unit 20 may have an alternative cover configuration, such as a hinged or pivoting cover, or may not be provided.

[0082] The cavity 21 of the charging unit has a length substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol supply device 100 so that substantially the entire aerosol supply device 100 is received in the cavity of the charging unit. This means that the device 100 is completely enclosed within the cavity 21 and protected.

[0083] The charging unit 20 includes a user interface 28, such as a visual display, which can be located in any convenient location, such as at Figure 1 Position shown.

[0084] The aerosol supply device comprises a housing 110 comprising a first side 110. The user interface element 106 is arranged on the first side 111 of the housing 110 of the aerosol supply device.

[0085] The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along a longitudinal axis 109. The aerosol supply device 100 has a proximal end 100a, which will be closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when used by the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100; and a distal end 100b, which will be farthest from the user when in use. The aerosol supply device 100 includes an opening at the proximal end 100a, which leads to the heating chamber.

[0086] The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article (not shown) which, in use, may be inserted into an opening (not shown) at a proximal end 100a of the aerosol supply device 100. In an embodiment, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0087] The aerosol supply device 100 can be removably inserted into the charging unit 20 to be charged. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the distal end 100 b of the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity 21 through the opening 22 .

[0088] In some implementations, the user interface element 106 includes one or more light bars, wherein the light bars are configured to provide visual indications to the user.

[0089] In other embodiments, the user interface element includes one or more user-operable buttons, and the one or more user-operable buttons include a light bar configured to provide a visual indication to the user. The user-operable button can be configured to operate the device 100 when operated (e.g., pressed). For example, the user can activate the device 100 by pressing a button.

[0090] In other embodiments, the user interface 106 comprises one or more light bars and one or more buttons. In other embodiments, the user interface 106 comprises one or more buttons, and the or each button may comprise a light bar.

[0091] Figure 2 Another aerosol supply system 10 is shown. The system 10 comprises: a single-piece aerosol supply device 100 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; and an aerosol generating article 50 comprising an aerosol generating material. The device 100 can be used to heat the aerosol generating article 50 comprising an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0092] The device 100 includes a housing 110 that surrounds and contains the various components of the device 100. The housing 110 is elongated. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which the article 50 can be inserted into the heating chamber to be heated by the device 100. The article 50 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating chamber to be heated by the device 100. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 109 along which the article 50 can extend when inserted into the device 100. The opening 104 is aligned on the longitudinal axis 109.

[0093] The device 100 includes a user interface element 106, which includes one or more light bars and / or buttons (as described above with reference to Figure 1 described).

[0094] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may have a cross-section of any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, substantially circular, oval, triangular, square, diamond, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0095] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a light bar arrangement for an aerosol supply device, such as a Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the devices shown, or a device as described herein. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a user interface 106 having a central axis 106A is disposed in an aperture 111 in a device housing 110. In this embodiment, the user interface is in the form of a light bar 106.

[0096] The light bar 106 is made of a light diffusing material having high light transmittance.

[0097] Examples of suitable materials for the light strip include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic, or PC / PMMA blends.

[0098] The thickness of the light bar can vary in the direction of the central axis to provide areas with different brightness. For example, the light bar can include a thinner portion that provides an area of ​​increased brightness. Similarly, the light bar can include a thicker portion that provides an area of ​​reduced brightness. The PCB 160 is mounted in the housing 110, and a light source 150 in the form of an LED 150 is mounted on the PCB 160. The LED 150 is mounted below the light bar 106 and laterally offset from the light bar. Other internal components 170 of the device are schematically shown. The light path 152 shows the light emitted from the LED 150. The light path 152 is perpendicular to the central axis 106A of the light bar. In this embodiment, the light bar 106 has a flat lower surface 107, and the light path 152 is substantially parallel to the surface 107.

[0099] Figure 4 Another embodiment of a light bar arrangement for an aerosol supply device is shown. Figure 4 The light bar 106 is shown mounted in the device housing 110. The LEDs 150 are mounted on the PCB 160 as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the light guide 140 is disposed below the light bar 106 so that the light path 152 passes through the light guide. In other words, the light guide 140 provides a light passage from the LED 150 to the lower surface 107 of the button 106.

[0100] The light guide 140 is made of a light diffusing material having high light transmittance.

[0101] Examples of suitable materials for the light guide include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylics, or PC / PMMA blends.

[0102] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the light guide 140 is a separate component. However, it will be understood that the light guide may be integrally formed with the light bar.

[0103] In other embodiments, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The user interface element 106 is a user-operated button comprising a light bar, wherein the button is operable in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 106A.

[0104] Figure 5a Another embodiment of a light bar arrangement for an aerosol supply device is shown. A user operable button 106 comprising a light bar is mounted in an aperture 111 of a device housing 110. The button 106 has an operating direction D parallel to the central axis 106A. It will be understood that this means that the button 106 can be pressed in direction D to trigger device operation.

[0105] The PCB 160 is mounted within the device housing 110, substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lower surface 107 of the button. The LED 150 is disposed on the lower surface of the PCB 160. A substantially L-shaped light guide 140 is provided. The light guide has a first end 141 and a second end 142, and two reflective surfaces 145, wherein the reflective surfaces 145 are configured to guide light from the first end 141 to the second end 142. Figure 5aIn the embodiment of the present invention, light is emitted from LED 150 into light guide 140, and the light travels along optical path 152 to first reflective surface 145, and it is reflected 90 degrees to travel in a direction substantially parallel to axis 106A. The light then continues along optical path 152 to second reflective surface 145, where it is further reflected 90 degrees to travel in a direction substantially perpendicular to axis 106A and substantially parallel to button lower surface 107.

[0106] Figure 5b Another embodiment is shown in which the light bar 106 is mounted in an aperture 111 of a device housing 110. A PCB 160 is mounted within the device housing 110, substantially perpendicular to and offset from the lower surface 107 of the button. The LED 150 is disposed on the PCB 160. The light guide 140 has a first end 141 adjacent to the LED 150, a second end 142 adjacent to the lower surface 142 of the button, and a reflective surface 145. Light emitted from the LED 150 travels along an optical path 152.

[0107] At the second end 142 of the light guide, the light path 152 is parallel to the lower surface 107 of the light bar 106 and substantially perpendicular to the central axis 106A of the light bar. The light path 152 at the second end 142 of the light guide can also be defined as being parallel to a line S joining the first lower edge 107a and the second edge 107b of the light bar (see Figure 5b ).

[0108] Figure 6a Another embodiment is shown, and Figure 6b yes Figure 6a 106 is a partially exploded view of a device housing 110. A user operable button 106 including a light bar is mounted in an aperture 111 of the device housing 110. The button 106 has an operating direction D parallel to the central axis 106A. The button 106 is an elongated member extending along the housing 110 parallel to the device longitudinal axis 109 ( Figure 1 shown) extension.

[0109] In this embodiment, four LEDs 150 are disposed on the PCB 160. The LEDs 150 are aligned along a line parallel to the device longitudinal axis 109. The LEDs 150 are equally spaced between the two ends of the button 106, so that each LED 150 is positioned below a corresponding portion of the button 106. The light guide 140 is configured to provide a light channel between each LED and a corresponding portion of the lower surface 107 of the button 106, so that light emitted from each LED travels along an optical path 152.

[0110] Figure 7a It shows that Figure 6a and Figure 6bIn this embodiment, the light guide 140 is a single component including four parts, each part providing a light channel extending from a first end 141 to a second end 142.

[0111] In some embodiments, the lower surface 142a of the second end of the light guide 140 may be provided with a thin diffuser film. Examples of suitable materials for the diffuser film are aluminum film, tin foil or PET. The diffuser film reflects light back into the light guide, thereby concentrating the light along the light path.

[0112] In some embodiments, the lower surface 142a of the second end of the light guide 140 can be provided with a matting surface including particles or textures for increasing light reflection back into the light guide.

[0113] Figure 7b An alternative embodiment is shown in which four separate light guides 140 are provided. Each light guide 140 provides a light passage between an LED and a corresponding portion of the lower surface of the button.

[0114] It will be appreciated that although four LEDs are described above, in other embodiments any suitable number of LEDs may be provided.Where a plurality of LEDs are provided, there may be a single light guide having multiple sections, or there may be a plurality of separate light guides.

[0115] In other embodiments, the light guide may be provided as an integral part of the light bar (or a button including the light bar).

[0116] It will be appreciated that the position of the PCB and LED within the housing of the device is determined by the arrangement of the other internal components, and that for any configuration, the light guide may be configured to provide a light path between the or each LED and the light bar such that at the second end of the light guide, the light path is substantially adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar. At the second end, the light path may be one or more of the following arrangements: parallel to the lower surface of the light bar; substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the button; parallel to a line joining the first lower edge and the second edge of the light bar.

[0117] Figure 8a Shows Figure 6a and Figure 6b button 106.

[0118] Figure 8b It shows that Figure 6a and Figure 6b An alternative button arrangement used in an arrangement of wherein four separate buttons 106 are provided, wherein each button includes a light bar. The four buttons 106 are aligned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Each button 106 is independently operable.

[0119] will understand that, despite Figure 8b Four buttons are shown in FIG, but other embodiments include two or more independently operable buttons. The two or more buttons may be aligned in any pattern or arrangement on the surface of the device housing, and there may be a single associated light guide, or multiple corresponding light guides.

[0120] In other embodiments, two or more light strips are provided on the device housing. The two or more light strips may be aligned in any pattern or arrangement on the surface of the device housing.

[0121] It has been found that aerosol supply devices and systems according to the described embodiments provide improved diffusion of light throughout the light bar.Aerosol supply devices according to embodiments ensure that the light pattern visible to a user through the light bar or button has a more uniform or even distribution.

[0122] In other words, the brightness of the light in the light bar is more evenly distributed across the light bar. Figure 9a and Figure 9b shows a conventional light bar arrangement with Figure 6a and Figure 6b Comparison between the light bar arrangements.

[0123] Figure 9a A simulation of the brightness of a conventional LED arrangement is shown, where small areas of high brightness can be seen.

[0124] Figure 9b Shows Figure 6a and Figure 6b Simulation of the brightness of a light strip arrangement. The distribution of light over the sections of the light strip is significantly more even.

[0125] The inventors have found that this is particularly advantageous where it is difficult to position the LED within the aerosol supply device.

[0126] The various embodiments described herein are only used to help understand and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include, contain or substantially contain appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., except those specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, include: case; a light bar, disposed in the outer surface of the housing; Wherein, the device further comprises at least one light source, and the at least one light source is arranged in the housing so that light emitted from the light source passes along a light path adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, in, Light emitted from the light source passes along the lower surface of the light bar substantially parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, in, The at least one light source is disposed at a position laterally offset from the light bar and spaced apart from the lower surface of the light bar.

4. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a light guide arranged between the at least one light source and the light strip.

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, in, The light guide comprises a first end and a second end, The second end of the light guide is located adjacent to the lower surface of the light bar, and the at least one light source is disposed at the first end of the light guide.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, in, The light guide includes a first end, a second end, and one or more reflective surfaces configured to guide light from the first end to the second end.

7. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in, The light guide includes a light diffusing material, such as polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or a PC / PMMA blend.

8. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in, The light guide is formed integrally with the light bar.

9. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The at least one light source is disposed on a mounting surface facing away from the button.

10. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The at least one light source is mounted on a PCB within the housing of the device.

11. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The aerosol supply device is provided with two or more light sources.

12. The aerosol supply device according to claim 11, in, A light guide extends between the two or more light sources, and wherein the light guide is configured to provide a passage of light from each light source to the lower surface of the light bar.

13. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The device is provided with two or more light strips.

14. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The aerosol supply device is provided with a button, which is configured to be pressed in an operating direction; and Wherein, the button includes the light bar.

15. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The aerosol supply device is provided with a plurality of buttons, each button comprising a light bar.

16. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, in, The or each light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

17. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 and an aerosol generating article.

18. A method of generating an aerosol, include: Providing an aerosol supply system according to claim 17; The aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol supply device, and the aerosol-generating article is energized.

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