KR102097681B1 - An optical module and An apparatus for generating aerosols including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to some embodiments, the light emitting unit for emitting light; And a first surface including a first transmission region transmitting at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting unit and a first blocking region surface-treated to block transmission of the light; And a second surface through which the light transmitted through the first transmission region reaches and transmits an image to the user; and a display unit including the first transmission region, wherein the first transmission region changes a path changing the path of the transmitted light Disclosed is an optical module comprising a portion.

Description

An optical module and an apparatus for generating aerosols including the same}

Embodiments relate to an optical module and an aerosol-generating device comprising the same, and more particularly, to an optical module for minimizing light blur and an aerosol-generating device that includes the same, and capable of generating an aerosol.

In recent years, the demand for LED light sources is increasing. This is because the LED light source has a longer lifespan than other light sources, and has a small power consumption and can be configured in a compact size. For this reason, the LED light source is being used not only for lighting equipment such as fluorescent lamps but also for various electronic devices.

However, the LED light source module, which is used by being attached to a conventional electronic device, has a problem in that light spread due to light refraction and diffusion due to coloring paint or internal materials. The thickness or structure of the material may be modified to minimize light blurring, but this method has limitations due to design and economic problems in electronic devices.

To solve this problem, by applying a structure to allow light condensation by changing the angle at which light is refracted by the material inside the module, etc., to prevent the visual effect from deteriorating as the amount of light decreases due to the refraction and reflection of light. A description of the structure may be required.

Various embodiments are directed to providing an optical module and an aerosol-generating device comprising the same. The technical problem to be achieved by the present disclosure is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and other technical problems may be inferred from the following embodiments.

As a means for solving the above technical problem, the optical module, a light emitting unit for emitting light; And a first transmission region that transmits at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting unit and a first blocking region that is surface-treated to block transmission of the light; And a second surface through which the light transmitted through the first transmission region reaches and transmits an image to the user; and a display unit including the first transmission region, wherein the first transmission region changes a path changing the path of the transmitted light It may contain wealth.

In one embodiment, the path changing unit may further include a curved surface formed in a direction toward the light emitting unit.

In one embodiment, the path changing unit may further include a condensing lens for condensing the transmitted light. In one embodiment, the first blocking area is the first from the one end and the other end of the first transmission area, respectively. It may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first surface.

In one embodiment, the second surface may be spaced apart from the first surface by a predetermined distance.

In one embodiment, the display unit may be made of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance.

In one embodiment, the second surface may be surface treated to block transmission of light incident from outside the optical module.

In one embodiment, the second surface includes a second transmissive area that transmits at least a portion of light transmitted through the first transmissive area of the first surface and a second blocking area that is surface-treated to block the transmission of the light. In addition, the display unit may further include a third surface on which light transmitted through the second transmission region reaches and is displayed.

In one embodiment, the third surface may be made of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance.

In one embodiment, the third surface may be surface treated to block transmission of light incident from outside the optical module.

In one embodiment, the light diffuses while passing through the path changing unit, and the diffused light reaches the second surface to transmit an image to the user.

In addition, the aerosol-generating device according to another aspect may include any one of the optical modules of the embodiments.

The present disclosure can provide an optical module and an aerosol-generating device comprising the same. Specifically, in the optical module according to the present disclosure, the optical module includes a light emitting unit that emits light and a first transmissive region that transmits at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting unit and a surface-treated agent to block transmission of the light. It includes a first surface including a first blocking area and a display unit including a second surface through which light transmitted through the first transmission area is reached, and the first transmission area may be formed in a convex lens shape. In this case, light transmitted by the first transmission region configured in the form of a convex lens may be condensed, and light emission from the light emitting unit is not lost by such a process, thereby preventing light spread by reaching the desired region. It is possible and efficient light transmission is possible.

1 to 3 are views showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.
4 is a view showing an example of a cigarette.
5 is a view showing the configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.
6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.
7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.
8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device including an optical module according to some embodiments.

The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as possible while considering functions in the present invention, but this may vary according to the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art or the appearance of new technologies. In addition, in certain cases, some terms are arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the applicable invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meanings of the terms and the contents of the present invention, not simply the names of the terms.

When a part of the specification "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further included instead of excluding other components unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, terms such as “part” and “module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may easily practice. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 to 3 are views showing examples in which a cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

Referring to FIG. 1, the aerosol-generating device 10000 includes a battery 11000, a control unit 12000, and a heater 13000. 2 and 3, the aerosol-generating device 10000 further includes a vaporizer 14000. In addition, a cigarette 20,000 may be inserted into the interior space of the aerosol-generating device 10000.

The aerosol-generating device 10000 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 shows components related to the present embodiment. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art related to this embodiment may understand that other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 may be further included in the aerosol-generating device 10000. .

In addition, although FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show that the heater 13000 is included in the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be omitted if necessary.

In FIG. 1, the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, and the heater 13000 are shown arranged in a line. In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates that the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, the vaporizer 14000, and the heater 13000 are arranged in a line. In addition, FIG. 3 shows that the vaporizer 14000 and the heater 13000 are arranged in parallel. However, the internal structure of the aerosol-generating device 10000 is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other words, according to the design of the aerosol generating device 10000, the arrangement of the battery 11000, the control unit 12000, the heater 13000, and the vaporizer 14000 may be changed.

When the cigarette (20,000) is inserted into the aerosol generating device (10000), the aerosol generating device (10000) operates the heater (13000) and / or the vaporizer (14000), and the cigarette (20000) and / or the vaporizer (14000) Aerosol. The aerosol generated by the heater 13000 and / or the vaporizer 14000 passes through the cigarette 20,000 and is delivered to the user.

If necessary, the aerosol generating device 10000 may heat the heater 13000 even when the cigarette 20,000 is not inserted into the aerosol generating device 10000.

The battery 11000 supplies power used to operate the aerosol-generating device 10000. For example, the battery 11000 may supply power so that the heater 13000 or the vaporizer 14000 may be heated, and may supply power necessary for the control unit 12000 to operate. In addition, the battery 11000 may supply power required for the display, sensor, motor, and the like installed in the aerosol generating device 10000 to operate.

The control unit 12000 generally controls the operation of the aerosol-generating device 10000. Specifically, the controller 12000 controls the operation of the battery 11000, the heater 13000, and the vaporizer 14000, as well as other components included in the aerosol-generating device 10000. In addition, the control unit 12000 may determine the state of each of the components of the aerosol-generating device 10000 to determine whether the aerosol-generating device 10000 is in an operable state.

The control unit 12000 includes at least one processor. The processor may be implemented as an array of multiple logic gates, or may be implemented as a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory in which programs executable on the microprocessor are stored. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment pertains may understand that it may be implemented in other types of hardware.

The heater 13000 may be heated by electric power supplied from the battery 11000. For example, when the cigarette is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, the heater 13000 may be located outside the cigarette. Thus, the heated heater 13000 can raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material in the cigarette.

The heater 13000 may be an electric resistive heater. For example, the heater 13000 includes an electrically conductive track, and as the current flows through the electrically conductive track, the heater 13000 may be heated. However, the heater 13000 is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as it can be heated to a desired temperature. Here, the desired temperature may be preset in the aerosol-generating device 10000, or may be set to a desired temperature by the user.

Meanwhile, as another example, the heater 13000 may be an induction heater. Specifically, the heater 13000 may include an electrically conductive coil for heating the cigarette in an induction heating method, and the cigarette may include a susceptor that can be heated by an induction heating heater.

For example, the heater 13000 may include a tubular heating element, a plate-shaped heating element, a needle-shaped heating element, or a rod-shaped heating element, and the inside or outside of the cigarette 20000 may be changed depending on the shape of the heating element. It can be heated.

In addition, a plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed in the aerosol-generating device 10000. At this time, the plurality of heaters 13000 may be arranged to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, or may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000. In addition, some of the plurality of heaters 13000 may be disposed to be inserted into the interior of the cigarette 20000, and the rest may be disposed outside the cigarette 20000. In addition, the shape of the heater 13000 is not limited to the shapes shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and may be manufactured in various shapes.

The vaporizer 14000 may generate an aerosol by heating the liquid composition, and the generated aerosol may be delivered to a user through a cigarette 20,000. In other words, the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 may move along the airflow passage of the aerosol generating device 10000, and the aerosol generated by the vaporizer 14000 passes through the cigarette and is delivered to the user. It can be configured to be.

For example, vaporizer 14000 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid reservoir, a liquid delivery means, and a heating element. For example, the liquid reservoir, liquid delivery means and heating elements may be included in the aerosol-generating device 10000 as independent modules.

The liquid storage unit may store a liquid composition. For example, the liquid composition may be a liquid containing a tobacco-containing substance containing a volatile tobacco flavor component, or a liquid containing a non-tobacco substance. The liquid storage unit may be manufactured to be detachable from the vaporizer 14000, or may be manufactured integrally with the vaporizer 14000.

For example, the liquid composition may include water, solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, flavoring agents, flavoring agents, or vitamin mixtures. The fragrance may include menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, various fruit flavor ingredients, and the like, but is not limited thereto. Flavoring agents may include ingredients that can provide a variety of flavors or flavors to the user. The vitamin mixture may be a mixture of at least one of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, and vitamin E, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the liquid composition may include aerosol formers such as glycerin and propylene glycol.

The liquid delivery means can deliver the liquid composition of the liquid reservoir to the heating element. For example, the liquid delivery means may be a wick such as cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous ceramic, but is not limited thereto.

The heating element is an element for heating the liquid composition delivered by the liquid delivery means. For example, the heating element may be a metal heating wire, a metal heating plate, or a ceramic heater, but is not limited thereto. Further, the heating element may be composed of a conductive filament such as a nichrome wire, and may be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid delivery means. The heating element can be heated by a current supply and can transfer heat to the liquid composition in contact with the heating element, thereby heating the liquid composition. As a result, aerosols can be produced.

For example, the vaporizer 14000 may be referred to as a cartomizer or an atomizer, but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery 11000, the controller 12000, the heater 13000, and the vaporizer 14000. For example, the aerosol generating device 10000 may include a display capable of outputting visual information and / or a motor for outputting tactile information. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may include at least one sensor (puff detection sensor, temperature detection sensor, cigarette insertion detection sensor, etc.). In addition, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may be manufactured in a structure in which external air may be introduced or internal gas may be discharged even when the cigarette 20,000 is inserted.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may constitute a system with a separate cradle. For example, the cradle may be used to charge the battery 11000 of the aerosol-generating device 10000. Alternatively, the heater 13000 may be heated while the cradle and the aerosol-generating device 10000 are combined.

The cigarette 20000 may be similar to a general combustion type cigarette. For example, the cigarette 20000 may be divided into a first portion containing an aerosol-generating material and a second portion including a filter. Alternatively, an aerosol-generating material may also be included in the second portion of the cigarette 20000. For example, an aerosol-generating material made in the form of granules or capsules may be inserted into the second part.

The entire first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, and the second portion may be exposed to the outside. Alternatively, only a portion of the first portion may be inserted into the aerosol-generating device 10000, or a portion of the first portion and a portion of the second portion may be inserted. The user can inhale the aerosol while the second part is in the mouth. At this time, the aerosol is generated by passing outside air through the first portion, and the generated aerosol passes through the second portion and is delivered to the user's mouth.

As an example, external air may be introduced through at least one air passage formed in the aerosol-generating device 10000. For example, the opening and closing of the air passage and / or the size of the air passage formed in the aerosol generating device 10000 may be adjusted by the user. Accordingly, the amount of atomization, smoking sensation, and the like can be adjusted by the user. As another example, external air may be introduced into the interior of the cigarette 20000 through at least one hole formed on the surface of the cigarette 20000.

Hereinafter, an example of the cigarette 20000 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

4 is a view showing an example of a cigarette.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cigarette 20000 includes a cigarette rod 21000 and a filter rod 22000. The first portion 21000 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a cigarette rod 21000, and the second portion 32000 includes a filter rod 22000.

4, the filter rod 22000 is shown as a single segment, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the filter rod 22000 may be composed of a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod 22000 may include a first segment that cools the aerosol and a second segment that filters certain components contained within the aerosol. In addition, if necessary, the filter rod 22000 may further include at least one segment that performs other functions.

The cigarette 20000 may be packaged by at least one wrapper 24000. The wrapper 24000 may have at least one hole through which external air flows or internal gas flows out. As an example, cigarette 20000 may be packaged by one wrapper 24000. As another example, the cigarette 20000 may be packaged overlapping by two or more wrappers 24000. For example, the cigarette rod 21000 may be packaged by the first wrapper, and the filter rod 22000 may be packaged by the second wrapper. Then, the cigarette rod 21000 and the filter rod 22000 packaged by individual wrappers are combined, and the entire cigarette 20000 can be repackaged by the third wrapper. If each of the cigarette rod 21000 or the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, each segment may be packaged by a separate wrapper. In addition, the entire cigarette 20000 in which the segments packaged by the individual wrappers are combined may be repackaged by another wrapper.

Cigarette rod 21000 contains aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol-generating material may include, but is not limited to, glycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, and oleyl alcohol. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may contain other additives such as flavoring agents, wetting agents and / or organic acids. In addition, a flavoring liquid such as menthol or moisturizer may be added to the tobacco rod 21000 by spraying the tobacco rod 21000.

The cigarette rod 21000 may be manufactured in various ways. For example, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of a sheet, or may be made of strands. In addition, the tobacco rod 21000 may be made of cut tobacco cut into cuts. Further, the tobacco rod 21000 may be surrounded by a heat conducting material. For example, the heat-conducting material may be a metal foil such as aluminum foil, but is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-conducting material surrounding the cigarette rod 21000 may improve heat conductivity applied to the cigarette rod by evenly distributing heat transferred to the cigarette rod 21000, thereby improving cigarette taste. . In addition, the heat-conducting material surrounding the tobacco rod 21000 may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the cigarette rod 21000 may further include an additional susceptor in addition to the heat conducting material surrounding the outside.

The filter rod 22000 may be a cellulose acetate filter. Meanwhile, the shape of the filter rod 22000 is not limited. For example, the filter rod 22000 may be a cylindrical type rod or a tube type rod including a hollow inside. Also, the filter rod 22000 may be a recess type rod. If the filter rod 22000 is composed of a plurality of segments, at least one of the segments may be manufactured in a different shape.

The filter rod 22000 may be manufactured to produce flavor. As an example, the flavourant may be sprayed onto the filter rod 22000, or a separate fiber coated with the flavourant may be inserted into the filter rod 22000.

In addition, the filter rod 22000 may include at least one capsule 23000. Here, the capsule 23000 may perform a function of generating flavor or a function of generating an aerosol. For example, the capsule 23000 may be a structure in which a liquid containing a fragrance is wrapped with a film. The capsule 23000 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

If the filter rod 22000 includes a segment for cooling the aerosol, the cooling segment may be made of a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may be made of pure polylactic acid, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the cooling segment may be made of a cellulose acetate filter with a plurality of perforations. However, the cooling segment is not limited to the above-described example, and may be applied without limitation as long as the aerosol can perform a cooling function.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated in FIG. 4, the cigarette 20000 according to an embodiment may further include a shear filter. The shear filter is located on one side of the tobacco rod 21000 opposite the filter rod 22000. The shear filter can prevent the cigarette rod 21000 from escaping to the outside, and can prevent the liquefied aerosol from the cigarette rod 21000 from flowing into the aerosol-generating device (10000 in FIGS. 1 to 3) during smoking. have.

5 is a view showing the configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.

Specifically, FIG. 5 (a) is a view showing an optical module in which light blurring occurs according to the prior art. FIG. 5 (b) is a view showing an optical module for preventing light blurring according to the features disclosed in the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the optical module may include a display unit including a light emitting unit 510, a first surface 530, and a second surface 540. Meanwhile, only the components related to the present embodiment are illustrated in the optical module illustrated in FIG. 5. Accordingly, it can be understood by those skilled in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components other than those shown in FIG. 5 may be further included in the optical module. For example, the optical module may include at least one electrical connector (not shown) for electrical connection between the light emitting unit 510 and the battery 11000.

In addition, the display unit including the first surface 530 and the second surface 540 may be formed of at least one of a transparent material or a translucent material. That is, the display unit may be made of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance. Specifically, the translucent material refers to a light transmittance of more than 0% and less than 100%. More specifically, the material may include glass or plastic materials such as polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonate. However, it is not limited to this, and it may be possible to be composed of other materials.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5 (a), light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 may be directed toward the first surface 530. In general, the light emitting unit 510 will include a light source, and in the present invention, the light source will be described on the assumption of a light emitting diode (LED) light source. However, the light source included in the present invention is not limited to this, and may include other light sources such as a lamp.

The light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 may pass through the first surface 530 and reach the second surface 540. At this time, when the light reaching the second surface 540 is displayed, visual recognition is possible. Specifically, light may reach the second surface 540 and transmit an image to the user. In order to perform this process, it will be necessary to limit the region of light that finally reaches the second surface 540.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 5 (a), the light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 needs to be limited in its transmissive area while passing through the first surface 530. To this end, the first surface 530 Therefore, it can be surface treated to prevent light from penetrating a part. In this case, the first surface 530 may include a first blocking region 520 and a transmitting region. For convenience, the surface treatment region is indicated as a first blocking region 520. The surface treatment may be implemented by applying an impermeable spray so that light does not pass through the first surface 530. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be implemented by other methods such as placing a material that does not transmit light on the first surface 530. Also, the first blocking region 520 may extend from one end and the other end of the transmissive region along the longitudinal direction of the first surface 530, respectively. More specifically, all portions of the first surface 530 except for the transmissive region may be the first blocking region 520. Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

As described above, light is no longer transmitted through the first blocking region 520, and only light passing through the transmitting region may reach the second surface 540. The second surface 540 may be disposed at a spaced apart distance from the first surface 530. The above-described predetermined distance may be changed according to factors such as the size of the optical module. At this time, referring to FIG. 5 (a), the region where light reaches the second surface 540 may vary according to the size of the transmission region. Specifically, when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the transmission region of the first surface 530 and reaches the second surface 540, the emitted light and the transmission region of the first surface and the first blocking Since the light is reflected by the angle of the boundary portion of the region 520, the region reaching the second surface 540 will be different. More specifically, when the transmission region is wide, the region of light reaching the second surface 540 may also be widened.

Referring to FIG. 5 (a), when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the transmission area of the first surface 530 and reaches the second surface 540, it is perpendicular to the second surface 540. At least a portion of the light that does not reach the light is transmitted and displayed on the second surface 540 and the other portion is reflected. The reflected light may be reflected again on the first surface 530 or elsewhere in the internal structure, and the process may be repeated. At this time, light spread may occur due to the arrival of light to other parts of the second surface 540 as well as to the area where the light was to be displayed.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5 (a), the second surface 540 may include a second blocking region 550. The second blocking region 550 may be implemented by surface treatment outside the second surface. The surface treatment may be implemented by applying a semi-transmissive spray so that the light emitted from the second blocking region 550 transmits to the outside and the light incident from the outside of the optical module does not transmit inside the optical module. have. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be implemented by other materials capable of controlling transmittance.

By this implementation, the user can visually recognize light through the second surface 540. When the user visually recognizes light, the second blocking area 550 prevents the light incident from the outside from passing through the second surface 540, so that the user can recognize the internal structure of the optical module. No, only the light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 can be recognized by the user. By this implementation, the design effect can be increased.

Referring to FIG. 5 (b), in the present invention, the first surface 530 may further include a first transmission area 560.

Since the light emitting unit 510 included in FIG. 5B is the same as the above-described components, overlapping descriptions are omitted.

The transmissive region 560 may include a path changing unit capable of changing a light path when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the first surface 530. Such a structure may be provided as the first transmissive region 560 which is a part of the first surface 530 is embodied in a convex shape in the process. The above-described shape of the convex lens refers to a convex shape when viewed from the direction in which light emitted from the light emitting unit is incident, but is not limited thereto, and may include all structures in which light can be condensed. For example, it may be possible to form a convex lens in which both the part viewed from the direction of light incidence and the part viewed from the direction of light emission are convex.

In addition, light may diffuse while passing through the path changing unit. Specifically, when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the first surface 530, the light may diffuse and proceed. For example, the light diffuses while passing through the path changing unit, and the diffused light reaches the second surface 540 to transmit an image to the user.

In this case, when the size of the first transmission area 560 is small and the transmitted light reaches the second surface 540 and is transmitted to the user, the entire second surface 540 does not reach the entire image and thus satisfies the user. It can be prevented from passing. Specifically, when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the first surface 530, the refractive index of the transmission area may be adjusted to allow the transmitted light to reach the entire second surface 540.

However, although not shown, even in the case of diffusing light, it may have a structure for minimizing light spread. Specifically, after the light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 is diffused while passing through the path changing unit, the diffused light may be condensed again to reach a desired size on the second surface 540.

By such an implementation, when light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 passes through the first transmission area 560, light may be collected or diffused. In general, in order to minimize light spread, a thickness of a component through which light is transmitted or a distance from a light source to a component through which light is transmitted may be reduced to minimize light spread. However, in the manufacturing process of manufacturing such a structure with plastic, for example, for the cost of manufacturing parts and the consistency of the shape of the parts, an injection process using a mold may be used. In this case, minimizing part thickness may have limitations in terms of manufacturing performance. have.

In addition, the distance from the light source to the component that transmits light often does not have the desired distance due to the design constraints of the device on which the optical module is mounted, and in this case, changing the design to reduce the distance may degrade product competitiveness. have.

In addition, in general, a separate structure capable of condensing or diffusing light may be arranged, but in this case, as a separate structure is additionally manufactured, the competitiveness of the product is lowered, and assembly deviation may occur as additional manufacturing and assembly processes are added. have. Specifically. In the process of assembling a separate structure from the existing optical module, an air gap may occur between each other, and in this case, primary light loss may occur when light is transmitted.

Although not shown in the drawing, a semi-transmissive coating or the like may be applied to the convex portion of the first transmissive area 560. By this process, it is possible to have an effect of adjusting the transmittance or adjusting the refractive index by the paint.

6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, a space between the light emitting unit 510 and the display unit 620 in the optical module may be filled with a material that does not transmit light. Specifically, in order to limit an area to which light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 reaches, an area to which light is incident may be limited.

Referring to FIG. 6, a portion of the space between the light emitting unit 510 and the display unit 620 is filled with a material that does not transmit light, so that light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 reaches the first blocking region on the first surface. It can be adjusted so as to reach only the first transmissive region.

7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical module according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 7, the second surface may transmit at least a portion of light transmitted through the first transmission area 560 and block other light that is not transmitted. To this end, the second surface may further include a second transmission area 750. Specifically, the second surface may include a second transmission area 750 and a second blocking area 720. As described above, the second blocking region 550 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be implemented by surface treatment outside the second surface. Compared with this, the second blocking region 720 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be the same as the second blocking region 550 of FIG. 5, which may be implemented by surface treatment outside the second surface, but the second blocking region of FIG. 7 The region 720 does not surface the entire outside of the second surface, and the portion of the second transmissive region 750 may be surface-treated without surface treatment so that the second surface includes the second transmissive region 750. . That is, the second blocking region 720 of FIG. 7 may mean only a portion other than the second transmitting region 750 on the second surface. In order to clearly indicate this difference, the symbols have been written differently.

Specifically, the second transmissive region 750 of the second surface is not surface-treated, and the second blocking region 720 may be surface-treated. This surface treatment can be realized by applying an impermeable spray so that light does not transmit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be implemented by other methods, such as positioning a material that does not transmit light. At this time, only light reaching the second transmission area of the second surface is transmitted through the first blocking area 560 configured in the form of a convex lens for condensing light, and is dispersed and reaches the second blocking area 720 One light cannot be transmitted and is blocked, thereby preventing light blurring once more.

Referring to FIG. 7, surface treatment 730 may be performed once again on the second transmissive region 750 and the second blocking region 720. In the surface treatment 730, the light emitted from the second transmission area 750 and the second blocking area 720 transmits to the outside and the light incident from the outside of the optical module transmits into the optical module. This can be achieved by applying a semi-transmissive spray to prevent this. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be implemented by other materials capable of controlling transmittance.

In addition, the optical module may further include a third surface 740 on top of the surface treatment. The third surface 740 may be formed of at least one of a transparent material or a translucent material, but is not limited thereto. That is, the third surface 740 may be made of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance. Light emitted from the light emitting unit 510 and transmitted through the first transmissive region 560 and the second transmissive region 750 may be implemented to reach the third surface 740.

By this implementation, the user can visually recognize light through the third surface 720. When the user visually recognizes light, the translucent surface treatment 730 prevents the light incident from the outside from being transmitted and is blocked, so that the user cannot recognize the internal structure of the optical module, etc., and only the light emitting unit 510 Only light emitted by the user can be recognized. By this implementation, the design effect can be increased.

8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an aerosol generating device including an optical module according to some embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8, the aerosol-generating device 10000 may further include an optical module 80. The optical module 80 is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

The optical module 80 may display an internal operating state of the aerosol-generating device by selecting one color from among various predetermined colors and emitting light. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include all embodiments capable of notifying the user.

All operations of the optical module 80 described above may be controlled through the control unit 12000.

Those of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment will understand that it may be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described substrate. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in terms of explanation, not limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent range should be interpreted as being included in the present invention.

Claims (12)

A light emitting unit that emits light; And
A first surface including a first transmission region transmitting at least a portion of light emitted from the light emitting unit and a first blocking region surface-treated to block transmission of the light; And a second surface through which the light transmitted through the first transmission region reaches and transmits an image to the user.
The first transmission area includes a path changing unit that changes a path of the transmitted light,
The second surface further includes a second transmissive region that transmits at least a portion of light transmitted through the first transmissive region and a second blocking region that is surface-treated to block the transmission of the light,
The display unit further includes a third surface on which light transmitted through the second transmission region reaches and is displayed. According to claim 1,
The path changing unit further includes a curved surface formed in a direction toward the light emitting unit, the optical module. According to claim 1,
The path changing unit further comprises a condenser lens for condensing the transmitted light, the optical module. According to claim 1,
The first blocking region extends from one end and the other end of the first transmission region along the longitudinal direction of the first surface, respectively. According to claim 1,
And the second surface is spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface. According to claim 1,
The display unit is composed of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance, an optical module. According to claim 1,
The second surface is surface-treated to block the transmission of light incident from the outside of the optical module, the optical module. delete According to claim 1,
The third surface is made of a material that transmits light with a predetermined transmittance, the optical module. The method of claim 9,
The third surface, the optical module is surface-treated to block the transmission of light incident from the outside of the optical module. According to claim 1,
The light is diffused while passing through the path changing unit, and the diffused light reaches the second surface to transmit an image to the user. An aerosol-generating device comprising the optical module of any one of claims 1 to 7 or 9 to 11.

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