Aerosol generating device including LED

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a consumable (100) defining an exterior surface (110) and including a substrate portion (102) and a mouthpiece portion (108). The device (10) includes: a housing (12); a cavity (30) formed within the housing (12) and configured to receive the substrate portion (102) of the consumable (100); a heater (46) disposed at least partially within the housing (12) and configured to heat the substrate portion (102); an LED (50) configured to be in one operational state during a vaping session and to emit light in said operational state, the LED (50) being disposed on the housing (12) such that when the LED (50) is in said operational state, light emitted by the LED (50) is reflected from the exterior surface of the consumable (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating devices for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices. Such devices can heat the aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection and / or radiation rather than burning it to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers or aerosol generating devices) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of conventional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available for heating or warming an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0003] One type of commonly available risk reduction device or risk modification device is a substrate heating type aerosol generating device or so-called heat-not-burn type device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating substrate typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. When the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting it, vapor is generated and the vapor is typically cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0004] Some devices of this type can operate with a consumable having an elongated shape that may be similar to the shape of a conventional cigarette. Such a consumable may include a substrate portion and a mouthpiece portion. The substrate portion generally contains the aerosol generating substrate and is designed to be received inside the device and heated by a heating system. The mouthpiece portion can project from the device and is designed to cooperate with the user's lips and / or mouth.

[0005] Heating systems are generally controlled by a controller that can select a specific heating profile according to, for example, user preference, type of item, flavor, etc. However, it is not always possible for the user to know which heating profile is applied by the controller during a given vaping session. In addition, it is not always possible to know whether the substrate is being heated or not, regardless of the heating profile being used. To address this problem, some aerosol generating devices propose indicators or even screens to display this information. However, such indicators or displays are generally located on the exterior of the device and affect its appearance and ergonomic shape. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can show the user at least one of its operating states, for example, as a specific heating profile used by a heating system, without affecting the external design and ergonomic shape of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention provides an aerosol generating device configured to define an outer surface and to operate together with consumables including a base material portion and a mouthpiece portion, - Housing, - A cavity formed within the housing, configured to receive the base material portion of a consumable, such that the mouthpiece portion protrudes at least partially from the cavity. - A heater that is at least partially located within the housing and configured to heat the base material portion of the consumable, - An LED that is in one operating state during a vaping session and is configured to emit light in this operating state, and is positioned on the housing such that when the LED is in the operating state, the light emitted by the LED is reflected from the outer surface of the consumable and visible to the user. This relates to aerosol generating devices that include [specific components / devices].

[0008] Due to these characteristics, LEDs provided on the device may indicate when a specific heating profile is applied by the heater during a vaping session. In addition, since the light emitted by the LEDs is reflected from the consumable wrapper, the LEDs can be positioned in a location that does not affect the device's external design or its ergonomic shape. Such a position does not even need to be visible from the outside of the device.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is clear that the light emitted by the LED is reflected from the outer surface of the consumable and is visible to the user. Therefore, only the light reflected from the outer surface of the consumable is visible to the user. The rest of the light emitted by the LED is not visible to the user.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the housing defines an insertion opening that can be used to insert a base material portion of a consumable into the cavity, and the LED is positioned adjacent to the insertion opening.

[0011] Due to these characteristics, the light emitted by the LED is visible to the user, for example, during a vaping session. In addition, it is positioned as far away as possible from the user's mouth / lips during vaping, so the light does not interfere with the user's experience.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the LED extends at least partially around the insertion opening.

[0013] Due to these characteristics, light can be emitted uniformly around the consumable wrapper. Therefore, special visual effects can be obtained.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the sliding cover is positioned on the housing and is slidable between a closed position in which the insertion opening is closed and an open position in which the insertion opening can receive a consumable, and the LED is positioned beneath the sliding cover.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the LEDs are positioned so that they are not visible from the outside of the housing.

[0016] Because of these characteristics, LEDs can be made invisible to the user regardless of the device's operating state.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the LED is positioned at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the consumable when the substrate portion is received within the cavity.

[0018] Because of these characteristics, the light emitted by the LED is not obscured by the consumable when it is inserted into the device.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the distance is selected based on the beam angle of the LED.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the distance is selected as follows: - When the beam angle falls within 30° to 50°, it is practically equivalent to 0.3 mm. - When the beam angle falls within 20° to 40°, it is practically equivalent to 0.5 mm. - When the beam angle falls within the range of 10° to 30°, the value is 0.8 mm to 1 mm.

[0021] Due to these characteristics, it is possible to achieve specific visual effects on the consumable wrapper. In particular, by changing the distance to the wrapper and the beam angle, it is possible to obtain different shapes / dimensions of light projection on the wrapper.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the controller is - The operation of the heater during a vaping session according to a heating profile selected from a group of heating profiles including at least two different heating profiles - The operating state of the LED according to the heating profile used by the controller during the vaping session, the operating state being selected from a group of operating states including at least two different operating states Further comprising a controller configured to control.

[0023] Due to these features, the LED can facilitate the user to identify the heating profile used to operate the heater.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the group of heating profiles includes an initial setting heating profile and at least one customized heating profile.

[0025] Due to these features, the LED can facilitate the user to identify whether the customized heating profile is used to operate the heater during the corresponding vaping session.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the or each customized heating profile is preferably uploaded to the controller by the user using a wireless data connection.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the or each customized heating profile is selected according to the nature of the substrate contained in the substrate part and / or the flavor.

[0028] Due to these features, the user can customize the operation of the heater according to their preferences. For example, the user can customize the heating time, temperature and / or frequency to optimize their vaping experience. [[ID=二十九]]

[0029] According to some embodiments, the group of operating states is - Non-emitting state, - A luminescence state having the first luminescence characteristic Includes.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the controller is - Non-emitting state of the LED when the default heating profile is used, and / or - When the customized heating profile is used, the LED has the first luminescence characteristics. It is configured to cause this.

[0031] Due to these characteristics, the user will only see the light when a customized heating profile is used. When the heater is operating using the default heating profile, no light can be emitted, and the user can therefore understand that the device is being used according to its default mode.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the group of heating profiles includes at least two different customized heating profiles.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the group of operating states further includes a light-emitting state having a second light-emitting characteristic.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the controller is further configured to induce a luminescence state having a first luminescence characteristic or a luminescence state having a second luminescence characteristic, depending on a customized heating profile used during a vaping session.

[0035] Because of these features, in the case of multiple customized heating profiles, the user can identify which customized heating profile is being used during a vaping session. For example, the user can associate a specific color with each customized heating profile and then identify the customized heating profile being used according to this color.

[0036] The present invention and its advantages are given only as non-limiting examples and will be better understood by reading the following description, which is based on reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device from the side, showing the device ready to be loaded with consumables. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the aerosol generating device, showing the consumables loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device from the side, showing the consumables loaded into the aerosol generating device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the structural details described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that other embodiments are possible and that the invention can be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vapor inhalation device for delivering an aerosol containing an aerosol for vapor inhalation to a user, via an aerosol generating unit (e.g., an aerosol generating element that generates vapor that condenses into an aerosol before being delivered to the device outlet, e.g., in a mouthpiece, for the user to inhale). The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device for use when held by the user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol) by activating a heating system over a variable amount of time, and the generation may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be highly sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration and may enable the provision of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of conventional flammable smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). The device may include a temperature control unit for driving the temperature of a heater and / or a heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature, and then maintaining the temperature at the target temperature to enable efficient aerosol generation.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of a precursor as one or more solid particles, droplets, or gases. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. As used herein, aerosol generally refers to or may include vapor. An aerosol may contain one or more components of the precursor.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “vaporizable material” or “aerosol-forming precursor” may mean one or more liquids, solids, gels, mousses, foams, or other substances. Vaporizable materials may be processed by a device heating system to form an aerosol, as defined herein. Vaporizable materials may contain one or more nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. Active ingredients may be carried by a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may contain propylene glycol or glycerin. Flavorings may also be included. Flavorings may contain ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or similar substances. Solid aerosol-forming materials may be in the form of rods containing processed tobacco material, corrugated sheets, or aligned strips or fragments of re-to-beverage (RTB) tobacco.

[0042] As used herein, the term “external device” may mean a device capable of establishing a wireless data connection with an aerosol generating device, as described herein. Such an external device may be, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone. In addition, such an external device may be a smart device capable of processing at least some data intended to be received from or transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Such a smart device may be a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other smart object implemented in accordance with, for example, IoT ("Internet of Things") technology. Such a smart device may also be another aerosol generating device similar to the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the external device may be a remote server capable of processing data.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1-4, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 12 that accommodates various internal components of the aerosol generating device 10. In the illustrated example, the housing 12 has an irregular shape, but it will be correctly recognized that any shape is possible, as long as it fits the components described in the various embodiments described herein and is sized to be comfortably held by a user with one hand without assistance.

[0044] The first end 14 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the bottom side in each of Figures 1-4, will be described for convenience as the distal end, bottom end, proximal end, or lower end of the aerosol generating device 10. The second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown on the top side in each of Figures 1-4, will be described as the proximal end, apical end, or upper end of the aerosol generating device 10. During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 10 with the first end 14 facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth, and the second end 16 facing upward and / or close to the user's mouth. In the example shown, the housing 12 includes a casing 18 and a cover 24 that is removable from the casing 18 to allow access to at least some internal components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0045] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the internal components received by the housing 12 include, in particular, an aerosol generating unit 26. The aerosol generating unit 26 includes a heating chamber 28 defining a cavity 30 having a substantially cylindrical cross-section for receiving consumables 100, which will be described in more detail below. The aerosol generating unit 26 further includes a power supply 32, which may be one or more batteries, for example, rechargeable, and a controller 34. The aerosol generating unit 26 may include a chassis on which the heating chamber 28, power supply 32, and controller 34 are mounted. At least some of these components may form a single unit.

[0046] The power source 32, more commonly called a battery, is housed in a power cavity that extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0047] The heating chamber 28 opens toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. In other words, the heating chamber 28 has a first end 36 that opens toward the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. To improve the thermal insulation of the heating chamber 28, it may be surrounded by an insulator, such as a fibrous or foamed material such as absorbent cotton, an aerogel or gas, or in other examples, a vacuum insulator may be provided.

[0048] The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a slide cover 40 that is laterally movable between a closed position in which the slide cover 40 covers the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 to prevent access to the heating chamber 28 (see Figures 1 and 2) and an open position in which the slide cover 40 exposes the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28 to provide access to the heating chamber 28 (see Figures 3 and 4). In some embodiments, the slide cover 40 may be biased to the closed position.

[0049] The heating chamber 28, particularly the cavity 30, is positioned to receive a substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped consumable 100 of a corresponding shape through an insertion opening formed by an open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28, as shown in Figures 2-4. Typically, the consumable 100 includes a base portion 102 containing a vaporizable material, advantageously in solid form, as defined above. The consumable 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The consumable 100 further includes a mouthpiece portion 108 positioned downstream of the base portion 102. The base portion 102 and the mouthpiece portion 108 are coaxially aligned within a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper), as shown in the figure, to hold the components in place and form the rod-shaped consumable 100.

[0050] The mouthpiece portion 108 may include one or more of the following components (not shown in detail) arranged sequentially and coaxially in the downstream direction, in other words, from the distal end 106 to the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the consumable 100: a cooling segment, a central hole segment, and a filter segment. The cooling segment typically includes a hollow paper tube having a thickness greater than the thickness of the wrapper 110. The central hole segment may include a cured mixture containing cellulose acetate fibers and a plasticizer, which functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece portion 108. The filter segment typically includes cellulose acetate fibers and functions as a mouthpiece filter. As heated vapor flows from the base portion 102 toward the proximal (mouth) end 104 of the consumable 100, the vapor cools and condenses as it passes through the cooling segment and the central hole segment, forming an aerosol with properties suitable for inhalation by the user through the filter segment.

[0051] In other embodiments, the heating chamber 28 may be configured to receive other forms of substrate 102, such as cut loose material, solid material packaged by other means, or aerosol-generating liquid contained in a consumable 100.

[0052] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the heating chamber 28 has a side wall 42 extending between a base 44 (located at the second end 38 of the heating chamber) and an open first end 36. The side wall 42 and the base 44 can be connected to each other and formed as a single unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall 42 is tubular, more specifically cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the side wall 42 may have other preferred shapes, such as a tube with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section. In yet another embodiment, the side wall 42 may be tapered.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 44 of the heating chamber 28 is closed, for example, sealed or airtight. That is, the heating chamber 28 is cup-shaped. This ensures that air drawn in from the open first end 36 is prevented by the base 44 from flowing out from the second end 38 and is instead guided through the substrate portion 102. This also ensures that the user inserts the consumable 100 into the heating chamber 28 to the intended distance and not beyond.

[0054] The aerosol generating unit 26 includes a heater 46 for heating the substrate portion 102 without combustion. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 46 is a resistance heater located in the same area as the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28. Naturally, other types and configurations of heaters 46 may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the heater 46 may form a heating blade that penetrates the substrate portion 102 and heats it. According to some other embodiments, the heater 46 may form a magnetic coil capable of magnetically interacting with a susceptor contained in the substrate portion 102. According to yet another embodiment, particularly in the case of liquid vaporizable materials, the heater 46 may cooperate with a wicking system to evaporate the liquid.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 46 is mounted on the surface of the tubular side wall 42 facing away from the internal volume of the heating chamber 28. This may help protect the heater 46 from damage when the consumable 100 is inserted into the cavity 30 defined by the heating chamber 28.

[0056] The heater 46 of the aerosol generating unit 26 is electrically powered. That is, the heater 46 is configured to use electricity to heat the substrate portion 102. For this purpose, a power supply 32 is coupled to a controller 34. The controller 34 is then coupled to the heater 46. The user operates the aerosol generating device 10 using control means (not shown) which are arranged to couple the power supply 32 to the heater 46 via the controller 34 and to discouple the power supply 32 from the heater 46.

[0057] In particular, the controller 34 is configured to control the operation of the heater 46 according to a heating profile selected for each vaping session. According to different embodiments of the present invention, the heating profile can specify, for example, at least one of the following elements at any given moment in the vaping session or throughout the entire vaping session. - Temperature of heater 46 or its surrounding area, - Temperature of the base material portion 102 or its surrounding area, - Power of heater 46 (e.g., voltage or current).

[0058] In addition, the moment when the heating profile is identified may correspond to different stages of the vaping session. For example, a vaping session may have a preheating stage and a heating stage. During the preheating stage, the heater 46 may be powered according to its maximum heating capacity to quickly achieve a temperature for the substrate portion 102 that enables steam generation. During the heating stage, the heater 46 may be powered, for example, to maintain a constant temperature for the substrate portion 102.

[0059] Different heating profiles can therefore lead to different styles of vaping. In addition, a particular heating profile can also guarantee a specific user experience (i.e., taste, flavor, vapor volume, vapor temperature, etc.) depending on at least some properties of the vaporizable material and / or its components.

[0060] According to the present invention, the controller 34 is capable of storing a group of heating profiles, each including at least two different heating profiles. The group of heating profiles includes at least one initial heating profile, which is, for example, a factory-specified profile suitable for most users and / or consumables. The group of heating profiles also includes, for example, at least one customized heating profile, which can be specified by the user. This customized heating profile can be specified, for example, using an external device (such as a smartphone) and then uploaded to the controller 34 using a wireless data connection or any other type of connection. The customized heating profile can therefore be specified according to the user's preference or according to at least some properties of the vaporizable material and / or its components.

[0061] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device 10 further includes an LED 50 (light-emitting diode) disposed on the housing 12 and capable of emitting light reflected by the outer surface of the consumable 100 when the substrate portion 102 is received in the cavity 30. In the example shown in the figure, the outer surface of the consumable 100 is formed by a wrapper 110. The LED 50 is disposed, for example, on the inner surface of the housing 12 so as not to be seen from the outside of the housing 12. For example, the LED 50 can be disposed under the slide cover 40, at least when the slide cover 40 is in the open position.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the LED 50 may be positioned adjacent to the insertion opening of the heating chamber 28, for example, directly below the wall forming the casing 18 or cover 24. In some embodiments, the LED 50 is fixed to this wall. In addition, the LED 50 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the wrapper 110 when the substrate portion 102 is received in the cavity 30. For this purpose, the insertion opening may have a larger lateral dimension compared to, for example, the portion of the heating chamber 28 adjacent to its second end 38. The predetermined distance to the wrapper 110 may be selected, for example, based on the beam angle of the LED 50.

[0063] In particular, "beam angle" is understood as the aperture of the light cone formed by the LED 50 while it is emitting light, considering the LED 50 as a single point of light. For example, in the case of several points of light arranged along a given direction, the "beam angle" is understood as the aperture of the light cone formed in each cross-section perpendicular to that direction.

[0064] According to a different embodiment of the present invention, the distance to the wrapper 110 is selected as follows: - When the beam angle falls within 30° to 50°, it is practically equivalent to 0.3 mm. - When the beam angle falls within 20° to 40°, it is practically equivalent to 0.5 mm. - When the beam angle falls within the range of 10° to 30°, the value is 0.8 mm to 1 mm.

[0065] In the example shown in the figure, LED50 is, for example, a single point of light having a cubic shape. For example, such LED50 may correspond to any other LED of the known CL-195 series LED or similar model. According to other embodiments of the present invention, LED50 may have any other suitable shape. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, LED50 has a circular shape that extends at least partially around the insertion opening.

[0066] LED 50 is electrically connected to controller 34 so that controller 34 can control its operation. In particular, LED 50 is configured to be in one operating state during a vaping session. This operating state is controlled by controller 34 and defines at least one luminescence characteristic of LED 50. That or each luminescence characteristic is selected from the following: the color of the light and the visible frequency of the light emission (e.g., continuous light or flashing with a predetermined frequency).

[0067] Advantageously, according to the present invention, the operating state of the LED 50 is selected according to the heating profile used by the controller 34 during the vaping session. For example, if the default heating profile is used by the controller 34, the LED 50 may be in a non-emitting state, meaning that the LED 50 does not emit any light during such a vaping session. If at least one customized heating profile is used by the controller 34, the LED 50 may emit light throughout the entire vaping session.

[0068] More generally, in the case of multiple customized heating profiles, the controller 34 can associate a specific luminescence characteristic with each customized heating profile and define the operating state of the LED 50 corresponding to this luminescence characteristic. For example, the controller 34 can associate a specific color and / or emission frequency with each heating profile and define the operating state of the LED 50 corresponding to this color and / or emission frequency depending on the heating profile selected for the corresponding vaping session. According to another embodiment, the specific luminescence characteristic is selected for each customized heating profile by the user, for example, while uploading this profile to the controller 34. In this case, the association between each customized heating profile and the corresponding luminescence characteristic is stored by the controller 34.

[0069] To use the aerosol generating device 10, the user moves the slide cover 40 from the closed position shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the open position shown in Figures 3 and 4. The user then inserts the consumable 100 into the heating chamber 28 through the open first end 36, so that the base material portion 102 is received within the cavity 30 and the proximal end 104 of the consumable 100 is positioned at the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28, with at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 108 protruding from the open first end 36 to allow engagement by the user's lips.

[0070] Next, the user can activate the aerosol generating device 10, particularly the controller 34, to select a heating profile for the current vaping session. For this purpose, the user may use appropriate control means or at least one button, such as an on / off button. For example, pressing the on button once causes the controller 34 to select an initial heating profile and produce a corresponding operating state (e.g., a non-emitting state) on the LED 50. Pressing the on button twice causes the controller 34 to select a first customized heating profile and produce a corresponding operating state (e.g., an emitting state of a first color) on the LED 50. A second customized heating profile, etc., can be selected using a similar technique. The user can switch off the device 10 by pressing the on button a predetermined number of times, greater than the total number of heating profiles stored by the controller 34.

[0071] When a heating profile is selected, current is supplied to the heater 46, causing it to heat according to this heating profile. The controller 34 triggers the operation of the LED 50 corresponding to the selected heating profile. The light emitted by the LED 50 is reflected from the wrapper, allowing the user to identify the heating profile being used. Heat from the heater 46 is transferred through the side wall 42 of the heating chamber 28 to the adjacent substrate portion 102 of the consumable 100 positioned within the heating chamber 28, for example by conduction, radiation, and convection. This results in heating of the substrate portion 102, thereby generating vapor. The generated vapor is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol for the user to inhale through the mouthpiece portion 108, and more specifically through the filter segment. The vaporization of the substrate portion 102 is facilitated by the addition of air from the ambient environment through the open first end 36 of the heating chamber 28, and the airflow is, for example, between the wrapper 110 and the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall 42.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (10) having an outer surface (110) defined and configured to operate together with a consumable (100) including a base material portion (102) and a mouthpiece portion (108), Housing (12) and A cavity (30) formed within the housing (12), configured to receive the base material portion (102) of the consumable (100) such that the mouthpiece portion (108) protrudes at least partially from the cavity (30), A heater (46) is provided, which is at least partially located within the housing (12) and configured to heat the base material portion (102) of the consumable (100). An LED (50) is configured to be in one operating state during a vaping session and to emit light in the operating state, wherein when the LED (50) is in the operating state, the light emitted by the LED (50) is reflected from the outer surface of the consumable (100) and visible to the user, and the LED (50) is positioned on the housing (12) Includes, The LED (50) is positioned so as not to be visible from the outside of the housing (12). Aerosol generating device (10).

2. The housing (12) defines an insertion opening that can be used to insert the base material portion (102) of the consumable (100) into the cavity (30), The LED (50) is positioned adjacent to the insertion opening. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1.

3. The LED (50) extends at least partially around the insertion opening. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2.

4. It is positioned on the housing (12) and has a closed position in which the insertion opening is closed, The insertion opening is in an open position that can receive the consumable (100) and It further includes a sliding cover (40) that is slidable between them, The LED (50) is positioned below the slide cover (40). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The LED (50) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the consumable (100) when the substrate portion (102) is received within the cavity (30). An aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The distance is selected based on the beam angle of the LED (50). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned distance is selected as follows: When the beam angle falls within the range of 30° to 50°, it is substantially equal to 0.3 mm. When the beam angle falls within the range of 20° to 40°, it is substantially equal to 0.5 mm. When the beam angle falls within the range of 10° to 30°, the value is 0.8 mm to 1 mm. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 6.

8. Controller (34), The operation of the heater (46) during a vaping session according to a heating profile selected from a group of heating profiles including at least two different heating profiles, The operating state of the LED (50) in accordance with the heating profile used by the controller (34) during the vaping session, which is selected from a group of operating states including at least two different operating states. A controller (34) configured to control the This also includes, An aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The group of heating profiles is, Initial heating profile and At least one customized heating profile and including, The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 8.

10. The aforementioned or each customized heating profile is preferably uploaded to the controller (34) by the user using a wireless data connection. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned or each customized heating profile is selected according to the properties and / or flavor of the base material contained in the base material portion (102). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9.

12. The group of operating states is: Non-emitting state, A light-emitting state having a first light-emitting characteristic and including, The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9.

13. The controller (34) is When the initial heating profile is used, the non-emitting state of the LED (50) and / or When the customized heating profile is used, the light emission state of the LED (50) having the first light emission characteristics Configured to cause, The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 12.

14. The group of heating profiles includes at least two different customized heating profiles, The group of operating states further includes a light-emitting state having a second light-emitting characteristic, The controller (34) is further configured to cause the emission state having the first emission characteristics or the emission state having the second emission characteristics, depending on the customized heating profile used during the vaping session. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 13.

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