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 present invention relates to an aerosol provision device, an aerosol provision system and a method of generating an aerosol. BACKGROUND

[0002] Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars and the like, burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such aerosol provision devices and systems are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning material. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine.

[0003] Other examples are vapour provision devices and systems, such as electronic cigarettes, which generally comprise a reservoir containing a source liquid of a formulation, which can or can not contain nicotine, from which an aerosol is generated, for example by vaporisation or other means. SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a light bar disposed in an outer surface of the housing. The device further comprises at least one light source disposed within 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] The light emitted by the at least one light source can follow a light path that follows the contour of the lower surface of the light bar.

[0006] The light emitted from the light source can pass along the lower surface of the light bar substantially parallel to the lower surface of the light bar.

[0007] The light emitted from the light source can pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source can follow a light path that is 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 can 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 can follow a light path that is parallel to the lower surface of the light bar and offset from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0009] The light emitted from the light source can pass along the lower surface of the light bar in a direction parallel to a line connecting two sides of the lower surface of the light bar. The light emitted from the light source can follow a light path that is parallel to the line connecting two 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 can be disposed at a location laterally offset from the light bar and spaced apart from the lower surface of the light bar.

[0011] The light bar can be disposed in a recess or a through-hole in the housing. The or each light source can be disposed laterally offset from the recess or through-hole.

[0012] The aerosol provision device can further comprise a light guide. The light guide can be disposed between the at least one light source and the light bar.

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

[0014] The light guide can be integrally formed with the light bar.

[0015] The light guide member can comprise a first end and a second end, wherein 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.

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

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

[0018] The light guide can be configured to provide a light path extending over a sufficient distance for light to diffuse within the light guide.

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

[0020] The light guide can comprise a diffusing film. The diffusing film can comprise an aluminium film, a tin foil or a PET film.

[0021] The light bar can comprise a light diffusing material. The light bar can comprise one or more portions of the button made of a light diffusing material. The light bar can be substantially formed of a light diffusing material. The light bar can comprise a translucent or transparent material. The light bar can comprise one or more portions of the button made of a translucent or transparent material. The light bar can be substantially formed of a translucent or transparent material. The light bar can comprise one or more through-holes extending in an operational direction.

[0022] The light bar can comprise polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a PC / PMMA blend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0029] The aerosol provision device can be provided with two or more light sources and each light source is provided with a respective light guide. Each respective light guide can be configured to provide a light channel from one light source to the lower surface of the light bar.

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

[0031] Each light bar can be provided with a respective light source. Each light bar can be provided with a respective light guide.

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

[0033] The aerosol provision device can be provided with a button configured to be depressed in an operational direction; and wherein the button comprises a light bar. The operational direction can be substantially parallel to a central axis of the light bar.

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

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

[0036] The at least one light source can comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of LEDs can be the same colour. The plurality of LEDs can be different colours.

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

[0038] The aerosol provision device can be configured for wireless charging. The aerosol provision device can be provided with a charging port, for example a USB port, for coupling a power supply to an external power source for recharging.

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

[0040] The aerosol provision device can comprise a heating chamber in which a heater is provided. The heater can be an electrically resistive heating element. The heater can be an inductive heating element.

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

[0042] The aerosol provision device can be a vapour provision device.

[0043] The vapour provision device can include a heating element or other vapour-generating component coupled to a portion of a source liquid from a reservoir. The heating element and reservoir can be included within 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. This first portion can be referred to as a cartomiser (or cartridge) and can be disposable to be replaced when the source liquid is consumed.

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

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

[0046] The aerosol provision system can comprise a charging unit having a cavity for removably receiving the aerosol provision device. The charging unit can comprise a moveable cover which covers the aerosol provision device in a closed configuration. The charging unit can comprise a user display. The user display can be visible to a user when the moveable cover is in the closed position and the user display is partially or completely hidden or obscured from view by the cover when the cover is in the open position.

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

[0048] The aerosol-generating article can comprise an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material can be in the form of a solid, a liquid or a semi-solid, for example a gel. The aerosol-generating material can comprise an active substance and / or a flavourant.

[0049] The aerosol-generating article can be in the form of a rod. The aerosol-generating article can be a rod-shaped article. The aerosol-generating article can have a non-circular cross-section, for example but not limited to an oval, rectangular, trapezoidal. The aerosol-generating article can 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 the aerosol provision device and energising the aerosol-generating article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0051] Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 An aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit is shown; Figure 2 Another aerosol provision device is shown; Figure 3 One embodiment of a lightbar arrangement for an aerosol provision device is shown; Figure 4 Another embodiment of a lightbar arrangement is shown; Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b show further embodiments of a lightbar arrangement; Figures 7a, 7b show embodiments of a light guide; Figures 8a, 8b show embodiments of a button; and Figures 9a and 9b show comparative luminance plots. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] According to the present disclosure, a“non-combustible” aerosol provision system is a system in which the constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or ignited in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0053] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, for example an electrically powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

[0054] In some implementations, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic aerosol or vapor supply system, such as an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END). However, it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0055] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a vapor supply system. The vapor supply system may include a heating element or other vapor-generating component coupled to a portion of the source liquid from a reservoir. In some systems, the heating element and reservoir are included within a first part or component that may be connected to a second part or component housing a battery to provide power to the heating element. This first part 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 onto the device to activate the heating element, which causes a small amount of source liquid to evaporate, thus converting the source liquid into an aerosol for the user to inhale. In other vapor supply systems, all components are integrated into a single device.

[0056] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heated non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, wherein one or more of the aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0058] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the aerosol supply device.

[0059] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0060] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generator, aerosol generating area, housing, packaging material, filter, nozzle and / or aerosol modifier.

[0061] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other way. Aerosol-generating materials may be in solid, liquid, or semi-solid (e.g., gel) form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0062] Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more active substances and / or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0063] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder, such as a gelling agent, and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, a substance to be transported and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble 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.

[0064] Aerosol-generating materials may include or be in the form of aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include binders, such as gelling agents, and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, a substance to be transported and / or fillers may also be present. Aerosol-generating membranes may be substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0065] The aerosol supply device can receive articles comprising aerosol-generating materials for heating. In this context, "article" refers to a component that includes or contains aerosol-generating materials that are heated to cause the aerosol-generating materials to volatilize, and optionally other components in use. A user may insert the article into or onto the aerosol supply device before heating it to generate an aerosol, and then inhale the aerosol. The article may be, for example, of a predetermined or specific size, configured to be placed within or above such a heater, the heater being sized to receive the article.

[0066] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause the generation of aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, an aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.

[0067] Consumables are articles comprising or composed of aerosol-generating materials, some or all of which are intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables 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, packaging material, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables 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 sensor.

[0068] Figure 1 An aerosol supply system 10 is shown, comprising an aerosol supply device 100 and a charging unit 20. The device 100 is shown as 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 implementation also includes a longitudinal opening 23.

[0069] In one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 20 may have a cross-sectional profile that allows only the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 20 in a single orientation.

[0070] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may have an alternative shape and size, and be received in a cavity of a corresponding shape and size in the charging unit.

[0071] In other embodiments, the charging unit may include a single opening through which the device is inserted into the cavity.

[0072] 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 can be closed to cover the opening leading to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0073] In other embodiments, the charging unit 20 may have an alternative cover construction, such as a hinged or pivoting cover, or may not have a cover at all.

[0074] The cavity 21 of the charging unit has a length that is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the length of the aerosol supply device 100, such that substantially the entire aerosol supply device 100 is received within the cavity of the charging unit. This means that the device 100 is completely enclosed and protected within the cavity 21.

[0075] The charging unit 20 includes a user interface 28, such as a visual display, which can be placed in any convenient location, such as in Figure 1 The location shown.

[0076] The aerosol supply device includes a housing 110, which includes a first side 110. A user interface element 102 is disposed on the first side 111 of the housing 110 of the aerosol supply device.

[0077] 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 is 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 is furthest from the user during use. The aerosol supply device 100 includes an opening at the proximal end 100a that leads to a heating chamber.

[0078] The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate aerosol from an aerosol generating article (not shown), which can be inserted into an opening (not shown) at a proximal end 100a of the aerosol supply device 100 during use. In an embodiment, the article forms part of the aerosol supply system 10.

[0079] The aerosol supply device 100 can be removably inserted into the charging unit 20 for charging. Figure 1 In one embodiment, the distal end 100b of the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the cavity 21 via the opening 22.

[0080] In some implementations, the user interface element 102 includes one or more light strips configured to provide visual indications to the user.

[0081] In other embodiments, the user interface element includes one or more user-operable buttons, and the one or more user-operable buttons include light strips configured to provide visual indications to the user. The user-operable buttons may be configured to operate device 100 when actuated (e.g., pressed). For example, a user can activate device 100 by pressing a button.

[0082] In other embodiments, the user interface 102 includes one or more light strips and one or more buttons. In other embodiments, the user interface 102 includes one or more buttons, and each button may include a light strip.

[0083] Figure 2 Another aerosol supply system 10 is shown. System 10 includes: a one-piece aerosol supply device 100 for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material; and an aerosol generating article 50 including the aerosol generating material. Device 100 can be used to heat the aerosol generating article 50 including the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that can be inhaled by a user of device 100.

[0084] The device 100 includes a housing 110 that surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The housing 110 is elongated. The device 100 has an opening 104 at one end through which an article 50 is inserted into a heating chamber for heating by the device 100. The article 50 can be fully or partially inserted into the heating chamber for heating 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.

[0085] Device 100 includes a user interface element 102, which includes one or more light strips and / or buttons (as referenced above). Figure 1 (as described).

[0086] In other embodiments, the aerosol supply device may have a cross-section of any suitable shape, such as, but not limited to, substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rhomboid, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0087] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a user interface 102 for an aerosol supply device is shown, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the devices shown, or as described herein. In this embodiment, the user interface 102 is in the form of a light strip arrangement. Figure 3 In the device housing 110, the user interface includes a light strip 106 having a central axis 106A, which is disposed in an opening 111 in the housing 110.

[0088] The light strip 106 is made of a light-diffusing material with high light transmittance.

[0089] Examples of suitable materials for light strips include (but are not limited to) polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic resin, or PC / PMMA blends.

[0090] The thickness of the light strip can vary along its central axis to provide areas with different brightness. For example, the light strip may include a thinner portion providing areas of increased brightness. Similarly, the light strip may include a thicker portion providing areas of decreased brightness. A PCB 160 is mounted within a 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 strip 106 and offset laterally from it. Other internal components 170 of the device are schematically shown. A light path 152 illustrates the light emitted from the LED 150. The light path 152 is perpendicular to the central axis 106A of the light strip. In this embodiment, the light strip 106 has a flat lower surface 107, and the light path 152 is substantially parallel to this surface 107.

[0091] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the user interface 102 for an aerosol supply device is shown. Figure 4 A light strip 106 is shown mounted in the device housing 110. LEDs 150 are mounted on the PCB 160 as shown. Figure 3 The aforementioned position. In this embodiment, the light guide 140 is disposed below the light strip 106, such that the light path 152 passes through the light guide 140. In other words, the light guide 140 provides a light path from the LED 150 to the lower surface 107 of the light strip 106.

[0092] The light guide 140 is made of a light-diffusing material with high light transmittance.

[0093] Examples of suitable materials for optical guides include, but are not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic resin, or PC / PMMA blends.

[0094] exist Figure 4 In this context, the light guide 140 is a separate component. However, it will be understood that the light guide can be integrally formed with the light strip.

[0095] In other embodiments, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The user interface element 102 is a user operation button including a light strip, wherein the button can be operated in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis 102A.

[0096] Figure 5a illustrates another embodiment of the user interface 102 for an aerosol supply device. A user-operable button 106, including a light strip, 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. It will be understood that this means the button 106 can be pressed in direction D to trigger device operation.

[0097] PCB 160 is mounted within device housing 110, substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the lower surface 107 of the button. LED 150 is disposed on the lower surface of 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 configured to guide light from the first end 141 to the second end 142. In the embodiment of FIG. 5a, light is emitted from LED 150 into light guide 140, and the light travels along light path 152 to the first reflective surface 145, where it is reflected 90 degrees to travel in a direction substantially parallel to axis 106A. The light then continues along light path 152 to the 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 the lower surface 107 of the button.

[0098] Figure 5b illustrates another embodiment, in which the light strip 106 is mounted in an aperture 111 of the device housing 110. A PCB 160 is mounted within the device housing 110, substantially perpendicular to and offset relative to the lower surface 107 of the light strip / button. An LED 150 is disposed on the PCB 160. A 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 a light path 152.

[0099] At the second end 142 of the light guide, the light path 152 is parallel to the lower surface 107 of the light strip 106 and substantially perpendicular to the central axis 106A of the light strip. The light path 152 at the second end 142 of the light guide can also be defined as parallel to the line S connecting the first lower edge 107a and the second edge 107b of the light strip (see Figure 5b).

[0100] Figure 6a illustrates another embodiment, and Figure 6b is a partial exploded view of Figure 6a. A user-operable button 106, including a light strip, is mounted in an opening 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 component that runs along the housing 110 parallel to the longitudinal axis 109 of the device (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) extension.

[0101] In this embodiment, four LEDs 150 are disposed on the PCB 160. The LEDs 150 are aligned along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis 109 of the device. The LEDs 150 are equidistantly spaced between the two ends of the button 102, such that each LED 150 is positioned below a corresponding portion of the button 102. A light guide 140 is configured to provide a light path between each LED and a corresponding portion of the lower surface 107 of the button 102, such that light emitted from each LED travels along a light path 152.

[0102] Figure 7a illustrates an embodiment of the light guide 140 that can be used in the apparatus of Figures 6a and 6b. In this embodiment, the light guide 140 is a single component comprising four sections, each providing an optical path extending from a first end 141 to a second end 142.

[0103] In some embodiments, a thin diffuser film may be provided on the lower surface 142a of the second end of the light guide 140. Examples of suitable materials for the diffuser film are aluminum film, tin foil, or PET film. The diffuser film reflects light back into the light guide, thereby concentrating the light along the optical path.

[0104] In some embodiments, the lower surface 142a of the second end of the light guide 140 may be provided with a matting surface including particles or textures, which are used to increase light reflection back into the light guide.

[0105] Figure 7b illustrates an alternative implementation in which four individual light guides 140 are arranged. Each light guide 140 provides a light path between a corresponding portion of the lower surface of the LED and the button.

[0106] It will be understood that although four LEDs have been described above, any suitable number of LEDs may be provided in other embodiments. In the case of providing multiple LEDs, a single light guide with multiple sections may exist, or multiple separate light guides may exist.

[0107] In other embodiments, the light guide may be provided as an integral part of the light strip (or a button that includes the light strip).

[0108] It will be understood that the positions of the PCB and LEDs within the device housing are determined by the arrangement of other internal components, and for any configuration, the light guide may be configured to provide a light path between the LED or each LED and the light strip, such that at a second end of the light guide, the light path is substantially adjacent to the lower surface of the light strip. At the second end, the light path may be one or more of the following arrangements: parallel to the lower surface of the light strip; substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the button; parallel to the line connecting the first lower edge and the second edge of the light strip.

[0109] Figure 8a shows the button 106 of Figures 6a and 6b.

[0110] Figure 8b shows an alternative button arrangement that can be used in the arrangements of Figures 6a and 6b, wherein four individual buttons 106 are provided, each including an LED strip. The four buttons 106 are aligned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Each button 106 is operable independently.

[0111] It will be understood that although four buttons are shown in Figure 8b, other embodiments include two or more independently operable buttons. These two or more buttons may be aligned on the surface of the device housing in any pattern or arrangement, and may be accompanied by a single associated light guide or multiple corresponding light guides.

[0112] In other embodiments, two or more light strips are provided on the device housing. These two or more light strips can be aligned on the surface of the device housing in any pattern or arrangement.

[0113] It has been found that the aerosol supply device and system according to the described embodiments provide improved light diffusion throughout the light strip. The aerosol supply device according to the embodiments ensures a more uniform or even distribution of the light pattern visible to the user via the light strip or button.

[0114] In other words, the brightness of the light in the light strip is more evenly distributed across the strip. Figures 9a and 9b show a comparison between a conventional light strip arrangement and the light strip arrangements in Figures 6a and 6b.

[0115] Figure 9a shows a simulation of the brightness of a conventional LED arrangement, where small areas of high brightness can be seen.

[0116] Figure 9b shows a simulation of the brightness of the light strip arrangements in Figures 6a and 6b. The light distribution on the light strips is significantly more uniform.

[0117] The inventors have found that this is particularly advantageous when it is difficult to position LEDs within an aerosol supply device.

[0118] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples 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 as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, comprise, or substantially comprise suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., in addition to those specifically described herein. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: case; The light strip is disposed in the outer surface of the housing; The device 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 to the lower surface of the light bar.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The 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 or 2, wherein, The at least one light source is positioned at a location offset laterally from the light bar and spaced apart from the lower surface of the light bar.

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

5. The aerosol supply device according to claim 4, wherein, The optical guide includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the light guide is located on the lower surface adjacent to the light strip, 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, wherein, The light guide includes a first end, a second end, and one or more reflective surfaces, the one or more reflective surfaces being configured to guide light from the first end to the second end.

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

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

9. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one light source is disposed on a mounting surface opposite to the button.

10. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one light source is mounted on a PCB inside the housing of the device.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol supply device is equipped with two or more light sources.

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

13. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The device is equipped with two or more light strips.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol supply device is provided with a button configured to be pressed in the operating direction; and wherein the button includes the light strip.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The aerosol supply device is equipped with multiple buttons, each of which includes an LED strip.

16. The aerosol supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The light source, or each of the light sources, is a light-emitting diode (LED).

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

18. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Provide an aerosol supply system according to claim 17; The aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol supply device, and The aerosol-generated product is then energized.

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