Patent Description:
Recently, the use of electronic devices including light emitting elements is expanding. Particularly, demands for light emitting elements including light emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasing. The reason is because LEDs have long lifecycles compared to other light sources, have low power consumption, and also can be miniaturized.

A light emitting module including a plurality of light emitting elements described above may be employed in various kinds of electronic devices, as well as lighting equipment. However, typical light emitting elements attached to electronic devices, etc. have a problem of light spread due to their internal structures.

When light spread occurs in a light emitting element due to its internal structure, light quantity may be reduced and a visual effect that the light emitting element can represent may deteriorate.

To overcome this problem, a light emitting element structure capable of minimizing light spread is needed. More specifically, structural technology for preventing deterioration of a visual effect according to a reduction of light quality caused by refraction of light by applying a structure capable of changing a refraction angle of light to concentrate the light to a light emitting element is needed. <CIT> relates to a light-emitting display that has a circuit board, a spacer, a phosphor film, and a housing. The circuit board is provided with at least one light source. The spacer is disposed on a top surface of the circuit board. The spacer has a through hole which runs through the spacer from top to bottom and corresponds to the at least one light source and the phosphor film respectively. The housing has a reflecting portion and an accommodating space below the reflecting portion. The reflecting portion is located over the phosphor film. The accommodating space accommodates the circuit board, the spacer, and the phosphor film.

Embodiments provide a light emitting element having a structure for preventing light spread.

Also, embodiments provide a light emitting module including a plurality of light emitting elements and an aerosol generating device including the light emitting module.

It should be noted that technical objects of the present embodiments are not limited to the above-described technical objects, and other technical objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following embodiments.

A light emitting element according to an embodiment includes: a light emitting portion mounted on a PCB and configured to emit light; a light shield portion spaced from the PCB and having an opening that is formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion and passes light emitted from the light emitting portion; a sealing portion positioned between the light shield portion and the PCB and configured to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion from leaking between the light shield portion and the PCB; and a transmission portion contacting one surface of the light shield portion and configured to transmit light, the one surface facing a direction away from the light emitting portion, wherein the opening has an inclined surface that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening away from the light emitting portion and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion, such that light is reflected from a flat surface of the opening, then reflected from the inclined surface, and proceeds toward the transmission portion, to prevent spread of light that passed through the opening.

The light emitting element may further include an adhesive portion positioned between the sealing portion and the PCB and bonding the sealing portion with the PCB.

The transmission portion may include a protrusion accommodated in the opening.

The sealing portion may include an elastic material.

The light shield portion may include a material having a glass transition temperature that is higher than a glass transition temperature of the transmission portion. An inner wall of the opening of the light shield portion may include a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light.

The inclined surface of the opening may be inclined in a direction toward a center of the opening.

The inclined surface of the opening may be curved convexly in a direction toward a center of the opening.

The inclined surface of the opening may be curved concavely in a direction away from a center of the opening.

The inclined surface of the opening may have a variable curvature.

A light emitting module according to another embodiment may include a plurality of light emitting elements.

An aerosol generating device according to another embodiment may include a light emitting module including a plurality of light emitting elements.

A method of manufacturing a light emitting element includes: mounting a light emitting portion emitting light on a PCB; positioning a light shield portion to be spaced from the PCB, the light shield portion having an opening formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion; positioning a sealing portion between the light shield portion and the PCB, the sealing portion preventing light emitted from the light emitting portion from leaking between the light shield portion and the PCB; and positioning a transmission portion transmitting light such that the transmission portion contacts one surface of the light shield portion, the one surface facing a direction away from the light emitting portion, wherein the opening has an inclined surface that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening away from the light emitting portion and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion, such that light is reflected from a flat surface of the opening, then reflected from the inclined surface, and proceeds toward the transmission portion, to prevent spread of light that passed through the opening of the light shield portion.

The light emitting element according to an embodiment includes the opening having the inclined surface that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion, so that light emitted from the light emitting element may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening. Accordingly, spread of light emitted from the light emitting element may be prevented to improve a visual effect of the light emitting element, thereby more clarifying the meaning of a visual signal.

The light emitting module including the plurality of light emitting elements according to the above-described embodiment and the aerosol generating device including the light emitting module are provided according to the current embodiments. Accordingly, the use convenience of a user using electronic equipment including the aerosol generating device may be improved.

A light emitting element according to an embodiment includes: a light emitting portion mounted on a PCB and configured to emit light; a light shield portion spaced from the PCB and having an opening that is formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion and passes light emitted from the light emitting portion; a sealing portion positioned between the light shield portion and the PCB, and configured to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion from leaking between the light shield portion and the PCB; and a transmission portion contacting one surface of the light shield portion and configured to transmit light, the one surface facing a direction away from the light emitting portion, wherein the opening has an inclined surface that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening away from the light emitting portion and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion, to prevent spread of light that passed through the opening.

With respect to the terms in the various embodiments, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown such that one of ordinary skill in the art may easily work the present disclosure.

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

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a typical light emitting element <NUM>. The typical light emitting element <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the typical light emitting element <NUM> may include a light emitting portion <NUM> and a light shield portion <NUM> having an opening formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> in one direction.

The opening of the light shield portion <NUM> of the typical light emitting element <NUM> may have a constant width. That is, the opening may include an internal cavity having a cylinder shape, and the width of the opening may be constant regardless of distances from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a path of light passing through the opening formed in the light shield portion <NUM> of the typical light emitting element <NUM> will be schematically understood. Light passing through the opening having the constant width may be reflected from an inner wall of the opening and emitted to outside of the typical light emitting element <NUM>. Because the inner wall of the opening may form a flat surface, light reflected from the inner wall of the opening may form, outside the light emitting element <NUM>, an image having a larger area than a cross-section of the opening. Then, the image formed outside the typical light emitting element <NUM> may be visually recognized by a user.

When an image of an area that is larger than that of the cross-section of the opening is formed outside the light emitting element <NUM>, a light spread phenomenon in which a density of light is reduced and a visual effect deteriorates may occur. Accordingly, a user who uses an electronic device with the typical light emitting element <NUM> may have difficulties in correctly recognizing a visual mark represented by the light emitting element <NUM>, due to the light spread phenomenon caused by the internal structure of the light emitting element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment. The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG> may include a light emitting portion <NUM> mounted on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) <NUM> to emit light, a light shield portion <NUM> spaced from the PCB <NUM> and having an opening <NUM> formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> in one direction, a sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>, and a transmission portion <NUM> contacting one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> toward a direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM> to transmit light.

In the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment, the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> has an inclined surface <NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM> away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. The opening <NUM> becomes wider in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, in order to prevent spread of light that passes through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

Also, the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may further include an adhesive portion <NUM> positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>, which bonds the sealing portion <NUM> with the PCB <NUM>.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment includes the PCB <NUM> and the light emitting portion <NUM> mounted on the PCB <NUM> and emitting light, and the light emitting portion <NUM> may include a light source. The light source of the light emitting portion <NUM> may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), although not limited thereto.

The light emitting element <NUM> includes the light shield portion <NUM>, and the light shield portion <NUM> has the opening <NUM> formed at the location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM>. The light shield portion <NUM> may cause light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> to proceed toward a direction in which the opening <NUM> is formed. That is, the light shield portion <NUM> may prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from being diverged toward the outside of the opening <NUM> and enable light to have directivity.

The opening <NUM> formed at the location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> may include a cavity formed in the shape of a cylinder. The opening <NUM> has the inclined surface.

<NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM> away from the light emitting portion <NUM> and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. In other words, a width of the one end of the opening <NUM> increases in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

The light emitting element <NUM> includes the sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The sealing portion <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material and compressed between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>.

The sealing portion <NUM> compressed between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> may tightly seal a gap between the light shield portion <NUM> and the sealing portion <NUM> and a gap between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. Because light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> is prevented from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> by the sealing portion <NUM>, the light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be emitted to the outside through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

The light emitting element <NUM> includes the transmission portion <NUM> contacting one surface of the light shield portion <NUM>, the surface away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, to transmit light emitted through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

The transmission portion <NUM> may contact the one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> and be tightly coupled to the light shield portion <NUM>. The transmission portion <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material capable of transmitting light. Light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> and then be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM>. The light transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> may be visually recognized by a user so that the light emitting element <NUM> may provide a visual effect and stimulus to the user.

The transmission portion <NUM> may include a protrusion <NUM> accommodated in the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> extending from one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> toward the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may be accommodated in the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. The one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> extending from the one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> may be in close contact with the light shield portion <NUM>.

Because the protrusion <NUM> of the transmission portion <NUM> may be formed of a transparent material capable of transmitting light, light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may pass through the protrusion <NUM> of the transmission portion <NUM> to be reflected from an inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. That is, the transmission portion <NUM> may protect the light shield portion <NUM> without changing a path of light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

The transmission portion <NUM> may form an outermost surface of the light emitting element <NUM> to maintain and protect an internal structure of the light emitting element <NUM>. Accordingly, light that is emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> and reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> and then passes through the transmission portion <NUM> may be recognized by the user.

The light emitting element <NUM> may further include the adhesive portion <NUM> positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>, which bonds the sealing portion <NUM> with the PCB <NUM>.

An adhesive may be applied on both surfaces of the adhesive portion <NUM>, and the adhesive portion <NUM> may be positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The adhesive portion <NUM> positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> may bond the sealing portion <NUM> with the PCB <NUM> so as to fix the sealing portion <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a path of light passing through the opening <NUM> formed in the light shield portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> will be schematically understood.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the light emitting portion <NUM> including an LED. The light emitting portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> to emit light. The light emitting portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> may select one color from among a plurality of colors to emit light. Accordingly, light emitted by the light emitting element <NUM> may depend on a color of light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM>. Light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may pass through the opening <NUM> formed in the light shield portion <NUM>.

The sealing portion <NUM> may be positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. Because the sealing portion <NUM> may be formed of an elastic material, the sealing portion <NUM> may be compressed between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to tightly seal a gap between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The sealing portion <NUM> may adhere and be fixed to the PCB <NUM> through the adhesive portion <NUM> of which both surfaces an adhesive is applied on. Accordingly, the sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> may prevent light from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may have the inclined surface <NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM>, which is an end away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may become wider in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may have a predetermined inclination.

Light is reflected from a flat surface of the opening <NUM>, then reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> formed at one end of the opening <NUM>, which is an end away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and proceeds toward the transmission portion <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may have a predetermined inclination toward a center of the opening <NUM>. Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> may have a light path that is different from that of light reflected from the flat surface.

Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may proceed in a direction that is parallel to a center axis of the opening <NUM>. Accordingly, light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> and proceeding in the direction that is parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM> may have a light path that is different from a path of light reflected from the flat inner wall of the opening <NUM> and passing the center axis of the opening <NUM>.

Light passing through the opening <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> and transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> may form an image having an area that is similar to an area of a cross-section of the opening <NUM>, on one surface of the transmission portion <NUM>. The image formed on the one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> may be visually recognized by a user.

Light emitted from the general light emitting element <NUM> may pass the center axis of the opening <NUM> and proceed in a radial direction to form an image over a wider area than the opening <NUM>, which may cause light spread. Unlike this, because the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment includes the opening <NUM> having the inclined surface <NUM> at one end away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM>.

An area of an image formed by light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may be similar to an area of a cross-section of the opening <NUM>. Light that exited the light shield portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM> to prevent light spread, thereby improving a visual effect of the light emitting element <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the light emitting element <NUM> according to the embodiment shown in <FIG>.

A shape, arrangement, and coupling relationship of an internal structure of the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the PCB <NUM> and the light emitting portion <NUM> that may be mounted on the PCB <NUM>. The light emitting portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> to receive power from the PCB <NUM> and emit light.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may include the light shield portion <NUM>, and the light shield portion <NUM> may have the opening <NUM> formed at the location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> in one direction. The opening <NUM> may include an internal cavity having a cylinder shape.

The inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may form a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light. That is, the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may reflect light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> without absorbing the light to cause the light to proceed to the inside of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

The light shield portion <NUM> may be, for example, formed of a synthetic resin having formability. In this case, the light shield portion <NUM> may further include a material for opacifying the light shield portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may have a black color of low brightness, although not limited thereto.

Because the light shield portion <NUM> may further include a material for opacifying the light shield portion <NUM>, light proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> instead of the inside of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may be absorbed by the light shield portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may emit light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> and simultaneously cause light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> through the opening <NUM> formed in the light shield portion <NUM> to proceed in a direction in which the opening <NUM> extends.

The light emitting element <NUM> may include the sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The sealing portion <NUM> may surround the light emitting portion <NUM>. Because the sealing portion <NUM> surrounds the light emitting portion <NUM> and is positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>, light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be prevented from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>.

The sealing portion <NUM> may include an elastic material, and the elastic material may be a material, such as, for example, rubber, plastic having elasticity, sponge, etc., although not limited thereto. The sealing portion <NUM> is not limited as long as it is formed of a material capable of blocking light. The sealing portion <NUM> may be positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> and compressed by the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. Accordingly, the sealing portion <NUM> may tightly seal a space between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to prevent light from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>.

The sealing portion <NUM> may be bonded with the PCB <NUM> through the adhesive portion <NUM> positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>. The adhesive portion <NUM> may fix the sealing portion <NUM> to the PCB <NUM>, and surround the light emitting portion <NUM> to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from leaking between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>.

An adhesive may be applied on both surfaces of the adhesive portion <NUM> to bond the sealing portion <NUM> with the PCB <NUM>, and the adhesive portion <NUM> may be formed of an opaque material. The adhesive portion <NUM> may have a black color of low brightness, although not limited thereto. The adhesive portion <NUM> may include an elastic material, and be positioned between the sealing portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to form a light shielding structure together with the sealing portion <NUM>.

The transmission portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment may contact one surface of the light shield portion <NUM>, which is a surface away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. The transmission portion <NUM> may be in close contact with the one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> to prevent light from leaking between the transmission portion <NUM> and the light shield portion <NUM>.

For the transmission portion <NUM> to be in close contact with one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> to seal the space between the transmission portion <NUM> and the light shield portion <NUM>, the transmission portion <NUM> may be formed on the light shield portion <NUM> by an insert-injection method. In this case, the transmission portion <NUM> may include a material capable of being fused with the light shield portion <NUM>, and a glass transition temperature of the light shield portion <NUM> may be higher than that of the transmission portion <NUM>.

After the light shield portion <NUM> is first manufactured and then cooled, the transmission portion <NUM> may be coupled to the light shield portion <NUM> by the insert-injection method. Because the glass transition temperature of the light shield portion <NUM> is higher than that of the transmission portion <NUM>, the transmission portion <NUM> may maintain its shape without being deformed when the transmission portion <NUM> is formed on the light shield portion <NUM> by the insert-injection method. Therefore, one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> and the inner wall of the opening <NUM>, contacting the transmission portion <NUM> may be not deformed.

Because the shape of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> is maintained, the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may form a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light.

The transmission portion <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic resin having formability and high permeability to transmit light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. More specifically, the transmission portion <NUM> may be transparent to transmit light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. Because the transmission portion <NUM> is transparent, light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> and then recognized by a user. Through the light recognized by the user, the light emitting element <NUM> may provide a visual effect and mark to the user.

The transmission portion <NUM> may include the protrusion <NUM> accommodated in the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> and contacting the inner wall of the opening <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> of the transmission portion <NUM> may be in close contact with the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> to seal the space between the transmission portion <NUM> and the light shield portion <NUM>.

Light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may pass through the protrusion <NUM> of the transmission portion <NUM> and be reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. The light reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM> may be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM>.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views showing example shapes of the light shield portion <NUM> of the light emitting element <NUM> according to another embodiment.

The light shield portion <NUM> may include the opening <NUM> formed at the location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM>. The opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may include a cavity having a cylinder shape. The opening <NUM> may have the inclined surface <NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM>, which is an end away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. That is, a width of the one end of the opening <NUM> may increase in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example shape of the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is shown. The inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> formed at one end away from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be inclined toward a center of the opening <NUM>. That is, the outer circumferential surface of the opening <NUM> may become wider or narrower in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and an inclination of the widening or narrowing outer circumferential surface may be constant.

The inner wall of the opening <NUM> may include the inclined surface <NUM> inclined downward toward the center of the opening <NUM>. The inner wall of the opening <NUM> may form a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light. That is, light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM> to pass a center axis of the inner wall of the opening <NUM>. Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM>.

Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> inclined downward toward the center of the opening <NUM> may be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> to form an image having an area that is similar to an area of a cross-section of the opening <NUM> on one surface of the transmission portion <NUM>. The image formed on the one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> may be visually recognized by a user. The protrusion <NUM> of the transmission portion <NUM> may be in close contact with the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>, and light reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM> may be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> and proceed.

A surface of a main body of the light shield portion <NUM>, that is, a surface of the light shield portion <NUM> except for the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>, may have greater roughness than that of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. That is, the surface of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may be rougher than the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

As described above, if the light shield portion <NUM> includes an opaque material and the roughness of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> is rougher than that of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>, light proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> instead of the inside of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> may be absorbed by the light shield portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may block light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> and proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM>. Also, the light shield portion <NUM> may cause light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> toward the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> formed at one end of the light shield portion <NUM> to proceed in a predetermined direction.

Referring to <FIG>, another example shape of the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is shown. The inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> formed at one end of the light shield portion <NUM> may be curved convexly in a direction toward the center of the opening <NUM>. That is, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may widen at a greater rate away from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

The inner wall of the opening <NUM> may include the inclined surface <NUM> curved convexly in the direction toward the center of the opening <NUM>. The inner wall of the opening <NUM> may form a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light. That is, light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM>, and pass the center axis of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> to arrive at the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM>.

Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> curved convexly toward the center of the opening <NUM> may be transmitted through the transmission portion <NUM> to form an image having an area that is similar to an area of a cross-section of the opening <NUM> on one surface of the transmission portion <NUM>. The image formed on the one surface of the transmission portion <NUM> may be visually recognized by a user.

The surface of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM>, that is, the surface of the light shield portion <NUM> excluding the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>, may have greater roughness than that of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. That is, the surface of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may be rougher than the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

Because the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> has a rough surface, light emitted toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may be easily absorbed by the light shield portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may absorb light emitted toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> among light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and transmit light emitted toward the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> among the light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may block light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> and proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM>. Also, the light shield portion <NUM> may cause light emitted toward the opening of the light shield portion <NUM> from the light emitting portion <NUM> to proceed in a predetermined direction.

Referring to <FIG>, still another example shape of the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is shown. The inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> formed at one end of the light shield portion <NUM> may be curved concavely in a direction away from the center of the center <NUM>. That is, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may widen at a smaller rate in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

The inner wall of the opening <NUM> may include the inclined surface <NUM> curved concavely in the direction away from the center of the opening <NUM>. As described above, the inner wall of the opening <NUM> may form a mirror surface having surface roughness of Ra ≤ <NUM> to reflect light. That is, light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> may be reflected from the inner wall of the opening <NUM>, and pass the center axis of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> to arrive at the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. Light reflected from the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM>.

The surface of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may have greater roughness than that of the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>. That is, the surface of the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may be rougher than the inner wall of the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

Because the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> has a rough surface, light proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> may be easily absorbed by the light shield portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may absorb light proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM> among light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and transmit light toward the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> among the light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>.

Accordingly, the light shield portion <NUM> may block light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> and proceeding toward the main body of the light shield portion <NUM>. Also, the light shield portion <NUM> may cause light emitted toward the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM> from the light emitting portion <NUM> to proceed in a predetermined direction, that is, in a direction that is substantially parallel to a direction in which the opening <NUM> extends.

As shown in <FIG>, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> formed at one end of the light shield portion <NUM> may be curved convexly in the direction toward the center of the opening <NUM>. Also, as shown in <FIG>, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> formed at one end of the light shield portion <NUM> may be curved concavely in the direction away from the center of the opening <NUM>.

When the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> is curved to form a convexly or concavely curved surface, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may have a constant curvature. That is, a rate at which an inclination of the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> increases or decreases may be constant.

Alternatively, the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may have a variable curvature. That is, a rate at which the inclination of the inclined surface <NUM> increases or decreases may depend on a distance from the light emitting portion <NUM>, and the inclination of the inclined surface <NUM> may be within a predetermined range. Because the inclined surface <NUM> of the opening <NUM> may have a variable curvature, a path of light reflected from the inclined surface of the opening <NUM> may be adjusted.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a light emitting module <NUM> including a plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, each of which is the light emitting element <NUM> according to the embodiments shown in <FIG>.

The light emitting module <NUM> may include a plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>. In this case, the light emitting elements <NUM> may be arranged in parallel inside the light emitting module <NUM> and selectively operate inside the light emitting module <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> included in the light emitting module <NUM> may include the PCB <NUM>, the light emitting portion <NUM> mounted on the PCB <NUM> to emit light, the light shield portion <NUM> spaced from the PCB <NUM> and having the opening <NUM> formed at the location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> in one direction, the sealing portion <NUM> positioned between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>, and the transmission portion <NUM> contacting one surface of the light shield portion <NUM>, which is a surface away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, to transmit light. The opening <NUM> of the light emitting portion <NUM> may include the inclined surface <NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM>, which is an end away from the light emitting portion <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may be widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, in order to prevent spread of light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

The light emitting elements <NUM> included in the light emitting module <NUM> have been described above with regard to the light emitting element <NUM> of the above-described embodiment, and, therefore, repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> included in the light emitting module <NUM> may selectively emit different colors, respectively. Accordingly, the light emitting module <NUM> may combine colors emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> to provide different visual signals.

The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> included in the light emitting module <NUM> may selectively emit different colors, and also be selectively turned on/off according to electrical signals. Therefore, by independently turning on/off the light emitting elements <NUM> and combining turning-on/off operations of the light emitting elements <NUM>, different visual signals may be provided to the user.

<FIG> are block diagrams schematically showing an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to another embodiment including the light emitting module <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device <NUM> including the light emitting module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a battery <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a heater <NUM>. In <FIG>, the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, and the heater <NUM> are shown to be arranged in a line.

Referring to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, a vaporizer <NUM>, and the light emitting module <NUM>. Also, a cigarette <NUM> may be inserted into an inside space of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. According to a design of the aerosol generating device <NUM>, an arrangement of the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the vaporizer <NUM> may change.

Therefore, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art related to the present embodiment that other general-purpose components may be further included in the aerosol generating device <NUM>, in addition to the components illustrated in <FIG>
Also, <FIG> illustrate that the aerosol generating device <NUM> includes the heater <NUM>. However, as necessary, the heater <NUM> may be omitted.

When the cigarette <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may operate the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> to generate aerosol from the cigarette <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM>. The aerosol generated by the heater <NUM> and/or the vaporizer <NUM> is delivered to a user by passing through the cigarette <NUM>. According to an embodiment, even when the cigarette <NUM> is not inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may heat the heater <NUM>.

The light emitting module <NUM> may be positioned inside the aerosol generating device <NUM> to emit light to the outside of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Through light emitted from the light emitting module <NUM>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may provide a visual mark to a user.

The light emitting module <NUM> may include the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, and the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> included in the light emitting module <NUM> may selectively emit different colors. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may combine colors emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> to provide different visual signals to a user.

Also, the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> of the light emitting module <NUM> may be selectively turned on/off according to an electrical signal from the controller <NUM>. Accordingly, by independently turning on/off the light emitting elements <NUM> and combining turning-on/off operations of the light emitting elements <NUM>, different visual signals may be provided to the user.

Visual signals according to colors emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> and turning on/off of the light emitting elements <NUM> may be controlled by the controller <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Each visual signal according to a color emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> of the light emitting module <NUM> and a turning-on/off combination of the light emitting elements <NUM> may indicate a state or availability of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

Accordingly, the user may determine a state and availability of the aerosol generating device <NUM> based on a visual signal according to a color of light emitted from the light emitting module <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM> and a turning-on/turning-off combination of the light emitting module <NUM>.

The vaporizer <NUM> may generate aerosol by heating a liquid composition and the generated aerosol may pass through the cigarette <NUM> to be delivered to a user. In other words, the aerosol generated via the vaporizer <NUM> may move along an air flow passage of the aerosol generating device <NUM> and the air flow passage may be configured such that the aerosol generated via the vaporizer <NUM> passes through the cigarette <NUM> to be delivered to the user.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> may further include general-purpose components in addition to the battery <NUM>, the controller <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, and the vaporizer <NUM>. For example, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include a display capable of outputting visual information and/or a motor for outputting haptic information. Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may include at least one sensor (a puff detecting sensor, a temperature detecting sensor, a cigarette insertion detecting sensor, etc.). Also, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be formed as a structure where, even when the cigarette <NUM> is inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>, external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged.

The light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment of may include the opening <NUM> having the inclined surface <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may be an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM> and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM> such that light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may proceed in parallel to the center axis of the opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the spread of light emitted from the light emitting element <NUM> may be prevented and a visual effect of the light emitting element <NUM> is improved, thereby more clarifying the meaning of a visual signal.

The light emitting module <NUM> including the plurality of light emitting elements <NUM>, each of which is the light emitting element <NUM> according to the above-described embodiments, and the aerosol generating device <NUM> including the light emitting module <NUM> may be provided according to the embodiments. Accordingly, the use convenience of a user using electronic equipment including the aerosol generating device <NUM> may be improved.

A method of manufacturing the light emitting element <NUM>, according to an embodiment, may include: mounting the light emitting portion <NUM> emitting light on the PCB <NUM>; positioning the light shield portion <NUM> to be spaced from the PCB <NUM>, the light shield portion <NUM> having the opening <NUM> formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion <NUM> and passing light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>; positioning the sealing portion <NUM> between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> and configured to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM> from leaking between the light shield portion <NUM> and the PCB <NUM>; and positioning the transmission portion <NUM> transmitting light such that the transmission portion <NUM> contacts one surface of the light shield portion <NUM> toward a direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, wherein the opening <NUM> has the inclined surface <NUM> that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening <NUM> in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM> and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion <NUM>, to prevent spread of light that passed through the opening <NUM> of the light shield portion <NUM>.

A configuration and effect of the method of manufacturing the light emitting element <NUM> according to an embodiment have been described above with regard to the light emitting element <NUM>, and therefore, repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Claim 1:
A light emitting element (<NUM>) comprising:
a light emitting portion (<NUM>) mounted on a printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) and configured to emit light;
a light shield portion (<NUM>) spaced from the PCB (<NUM>) and having an opening (<NUM>) that is formed at a location corresponding to the light emitting portion (<NUM>) and passes light emitted from the light emitting portion (<NUM>);
a sealing portion (<NUM>) positioned between the light shield portion (<NUM>) and the PCB (<NUM>) and configured to prevent light emitted from the light emitting portion (<NUM>) from leaking between the light shield portion (<NUM>) and the PCB (<NUM>); and
a transmission portion (<NUM>) contacting one surface of the light shield portion (<NUM>) and configured to transmit light, the one surface facing a direction away from the light emitting portion (<NUM>),
wherein the opening (<NUM>) has an inclined surface (<NUM>) that is an outer circumferential surface located at one end of the opening (<NUM>) away from the light emitting portion (<NUM>) and widened in the direction away from the light emitting portion (<NUM>), characterised in that light is reflected from a flat surface of the opening (<NUM>), then reflected from the inclined surface (<NUM>), and proceeds toward the transmission portion (<NUM>), whereby spread of light that passed through the opening (<NUM>) is prevented.