Cleaning tool with torque limiter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol-generating device. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning head and a handle. At least a portion of the cleaning head is rotatably mounted in the handle. The cleaning tool further comprises at least one suspension element disposed between the cleaning head and the handle. The suspension element is arranged to engage the cleaning head or the handle to prevent relative rotation between the cleaning head and the handle if a torque below a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. The suspension element is configured to disengage the cleaning head or the handle if a torque above a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning at least a heating element of an aerosol generating device. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the cleaning tool and the aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device. Typically, in such heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material. The aerosol-forming substrate can be located within, around, or downstream of the heat source. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in the air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. When the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] When heating aerosol formation substrate (for example tobacco substrate), volatile compounds will be discharged.The aerosol produced by the heat from heating element may be deposited on the aerosol generating device, and particularly deposited on the surface of heating element.Aerosol formation substrate particles themselves also can adhere to heating element, particularly when heating element and aerosol form substrate direct contact.For example, the heating element in the form of heating sheet can heat tobacco substrate to a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius to 350 degrees Celsius, thereby discharge volatile compounds.Residue can be collected in the cavity of device after use.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to regularly clean the heating element and the cavity in which or around the heating element is located. Such regular cleaning to remove particles and compounds that adhere to and deposit on the heating element or in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device can ensure optimal performance of the aerosol-generating device. Cleaning the heating element and maintaining a clean condition in the cavity allows for optimal flavor perception of the aerosol.

[0005] Cleaning tools typically include a cleaning head that relies on physical contact to remove residue from the heating element or cavity. During operation, the user can insert the cleaning head of the cleaning tool into the cavity. The movement of the cleaning head can result in a cleaning action on one or both of the cavity and the heating element. A potential disadvantage is that the rotation of the cleaning tool may damage components of the aerosol generating device, such as the heating element. This is especially true for substantially sheet-shaped heating elements with tapered ends for insertion into an aerosol-forming substrate. Such heating sheets have a width dimension larger than their thickness dimension. The thickness of the sheet is preferably typically between about 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm to facilitate its insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate. Compared to a pin structure, such thin flat sheets may be very susceptible to damage from excessive torsion transmitted by the cleaning tool, particularly when excessive torque is used on the cleaning tool during cleaning operations.

[0006] It would be desirable to have a cleaning tool that optimizes cleaning.It would be desirable to have a cleaning tool that prevents damage to components of the aerosol generating device, in particular the heating element, during use of the cleaning tool. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cleaning tool for an aerosol generating device is provided. The cleaning tool includes a cleaning head and a handle. At least a portion of the cleaning head is rotatably mounted in the handle. The cleaning tool further includes at least one suspension element disposed between the cleaning head and the handle. The suspension element is arranged to engage the cleaning head with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the cleaning head and the handle if a torque below a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. The suspension element is configured to disengage the cleaning head from the handle if a torque above a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle.

[0008] By using a cleaning tool according to the present invention, damage to the heating element of an aerosol generating device cleaned with the cleaning tool can be prevented. Specifically, if the cleaning tool is inserted into a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the cleaning tool can be configured to clean one or both of the cavity or the heating element arranged in the cavity. During the cleaning operation, the user can rotate the cleaning tool against the heating element, thereby exerting a rotational effect (i.e., torque) on the heating element. When the width dimension of the heating element increases, the torque increases because the distance between the edge of the heating element and the central axis (i.e., the movable arm) of the heating element increases. Therefore, compared with pin or needle-shaped heating elements, sheet-shaped heating elements are more susceptible to damage from torsional forces. Using the cleaning tool according to the present invention, if the torque applied by the user to rotate the cleaning tool is higher than a predetermined threshold, the suspension element will disengage the cleaning head from the handle, so that the cleaning head will separate from the handle and the handle can rotate relative to the cleaning head. Therefore, the high torque applied by the user to the handle is no longer transmitted to the cleaning head to rotate the cleaning head. Therefore, the torque applied to the heating element is limited and cannot exceed the predetermined threshold. And thus, the risk of damage to the cleaning head is reduced.

[0009] The handle may have a cylindrical shape. The handle may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The handle may have a sidewall. The sidewall may include an outer surface to be gripped by a user. The outer surface may be configured to increase friction. The outer surface may include protrusions and grooves, or any other known means for increasing friction when gripped by a user to facilitate rotational operation. The handle may be open at one end. The open end may be an open distal end. The open end may be configured to receive a cleaning head. The open end may be disposed at the distal end of the handle. The proximal end of the handle, opposite the open end, may be closed.

[0010] The term "distal" refers to the direction in which the cleaning tool is used. The end of the cleaning tool that is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device is the distal end of the cleaning tool. The term "proximal" refers to the direction opposite to the "distal" direction. The end of the cleaning tool that is held by or pointed toward the user is the proximal end of the cleaning tool.

[0011] The cleaning head may have a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the cleaning head may correspond to or be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical handle. At least the proximal portion of the cleaning head mounted within the handle may have an outer diameter corresponding to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical handle. The distal portion of the cleaning head may be configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The distal portion of the cleaning head may extend beyond the open end of the handle. The distal portion of the cleaning head may be sized to fit into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. When the cleaning tool is used to clean the aerosol generating device and the distal portion of the cleaning head is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the proximal portion of the cleaning head mounted within the handle of the cleaning tool may extend out of the cavity of the aerosol generating device. A user may grip the handle of the cleaning tool to use the cleaning tool.

[0012] Torque can also represent the rotational effect applied by the user. Torque is proportional to the magnitude of the force applied by the user to the handle of the cleaning tool in a tangential direction, because torque is the product of the torsional force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation. Specifically, the cleaning head can be retained within the cavity of the aerosol generating device after the cleaning head is inserted into the cavity. The cleaning head can be retained, for example, by the complementary shapes of the cleaning head and the cavity. Torque can particularly represent the rotational effect exerted on the cleaning head when the user applies a tangential force to the handle while grasping the handle and operating the cleaning tool.

[0013] The predetermined threshold value of the torque between the handle and the cleaning head may be between 3 centinetometres (cN.m) and 27 cN.m, preferably between 9 cN.m and 17 cN.m. If the user applies torque to the handle of the cleaning tool, the first predetermined threshold value preferably prevents damage to the heating element.

[0014] In general, the suspension element can be any suitable form of torque limiter to produce engagement between the cleaning head and the handle, such as a magnetic torque limiter, a ball-shaped detent type limiter, or a claw and spring type limiter. Preferably, the suspension element may include a resilient element. The resilient element may preferably be configured as a spring. The suspension element may be configured as a spring. The resilient element may include an elastic material, such as rubber, for example.

[0015] The elastic element may be configured to engage one or both of the handle and the cleaning head of the cleaning tool. The elastic element may be configured to engage the handle with the cleaning head if a torque below a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. The elastic element may also be configured to engage the handle with the cleaning head if no torque is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. The elastic element may be configured to disengage the handle from the cleaning head if a torque above a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. The disengagement of the elastic element can separate the cleaning head from the handle and allow relative rotation between the handle and the cleaning head. That is, the disengagement of the elastic element allows the handle to rotate independently relative to the cleaning head. By doing so, the torque applied by the user on the handle is no longer transmitted to the cleaning head.

[0016] The cleaning tool may comprise at least two suspension elements. The cleaning tool may comprise more than two suspension elements. The cleaning tool may comprise a plurality of suspension elements.

[0017] The suspension element can be arranged circumferentially around the proximal end of the cleaning head. The proximal end of the cleaning head can be arranged at the end of the proximal portion of the cleaning head. The circumferential arrangement of the suspension element can allow for a secure engagement between the handle and the cleaning head. This arrangement can support a uniform transmission of torque applied to the suspension element by a user.

[0018] The two suspension elements may be arranged diametrically opposite each other. If more than two suspension elements are provided, preferably the suspension elements are evenly spaced apart from each other in a circular arrangement around the proximal end of the cleaning head. If paired suspension elements are provided, preferably the paired suspension elements may be arranged opposite each other.

[0019] One or both of the cleaning head and the handle may include at least one cavity. The suspension element may be configured to engage with the cavity. The suspension element may engage with the cavity to facilitate the suspension element providing engagement between the cleaning head and the handle. Exemplarily, the cleaning head may include a cavity, and the suspension element may be mounted on the handle or formed integrally with the handle. When the suspension element engages with the cavity, engagement between the handle and the cleaning head is facilitated. Alternatively, the handle may include a cavity, and the suspension element may be mounted on the cleaning head or formed integrally with the cleaning head. Similarly, according to this alternative arrangement, when the suspension element engages with the cavity, engagement between the handle and the cleaning head is facilitated.

[0020] A cavity in one or both of the handle and the cleaning head is an option to facilitate the engagement of the suspension element. Any other known structure (such as a protrusion or a groove) can alternatively be used to facilitate the engagement of the suspension element. Generally, the suspension element can be an element separate from the handle and the cleaning head. The suspension element can be installed in the handle and configured to engage a corresponding structure in the cleaning head, such as a cavity. Alternatively or additionally, the suspension element can be installed in the cleaning head and configured to engage a corresponding structure in the handle, such as a cavity. As another alternative, the suspension element can be formed integrally with the handle and configured to engage a corresponding structure of the cleaning head, or vice versa.

[0021] If at least two suspension elements are provided, a corresponding number of corresponding engagement structures may be provided. For example, if two suspension elements are provided, two cavities may be provided to engage with the two suspension elements. The corresponding engagement structures are preferably arranged such that all suspension elements engage with the corresponding structures simultaneously. Therefore, if the applied torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, all suspension elements preferably disengage their corresponding engagement structures simultaneously.

[0022] Alternatively, the number of corresponding engagement structures provided may be greater than the number of suspension elements. For example, when two suspension elements are provided, two or more cavities may be provided, such as eight cavities (e.g., Figure 2 The number of suspension elements to be provided can be entirely dependent on the desired torque threshold to be predetermined. By setting the desired torque threshold, the torque transmitted from the handle of the cleaning tool to the cleaning head can be limited. This prevents excessive torsion on the heating element and reduces the risk of damage to the heating element.

[0023] At least two suspension elements may be configured to engage adjacent corresponding engagement structures after disengaging from an initial corresponding engagement structure. The suspension elements and corresponding structures may be configured similarly to a torque wrench. If the torque applied to the handle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the user will immediately receive tactile or audible feedback. For example, due to the separation of the cleaning head from the handle and the relative movement between the cleaning head and the handle, the user may experience less mechanical resistance when rotating the cleaning handle. Alternatively or additionally, after a small rotation, the user may receive an audible indication, such as a click, when the suspension elements begin to engage a subsequent adjacent corresponding engagement structure. In this case, the handle will briefly disengage from the cleaning head and reengage the cleaning head after a small rotation. If the user maintains a high torque, the handle will rotate around the cleaning head while the cleaning head remains stationary until the user applies a torque below the predetermined threshold, causing the handle to reengage the cleaning head via the suspension elements. Thus, the torque applied by the user to the handle begins to be transmitted to the cleaning head, driving the cleaning head to rotate and clean the heating chamber and the heating element of the aerosol generating device.

[0024] The cleaning head may include side protrusions that are rotatably mounted in grooves in the handle. Alternatively, the handle may include side protrusions that are rotatably mounted in grooves in the cleaning head. The side protrusions may be configured as protrusions. The side protrusions may engage in the grooves. The engagement between the side protrusions and the grooves may facilitate installation of the cleaning head within the handle. The side protrusions may be arranged circumferentially around the outer circumference of the cleaning head (preferably around the proximal portion of the cleaning head). Correspondingly, the grooves in the handle may be arranged circumferentially around the inner sidewall of the hollow cylindrical handle. The engagement between the side protrusions and the grooves ensures that the proximal portion of the cleaning head is securely mounted within the handle. At the same time, the engagement between the side protrusions and the grooves also allows for free rotation between the handle and the cleaning head. As described herein, rotation is limited only by the suspension element and its engagement with one or both of the handle and the cleaning head. The engagement between the side protrusions and the grooves preferably ensures coaxial alignment of the handle and the cleaning head. The engagement between the side protrusions and the grooves preferably prevents axial movement between the handle and the cleaning head. Thus, the cleaning head is securely mounted within the handle while allowing rotation between the cleaning head and the handle.

[0025] The cleaning head may include a cleaning device, preferably a brush or wiper. The cleaning device may be arranged adjacent to the distal end of the cleaning head. The cleaning device may extend beyond the open distal end of the handle. The cleaning device may be arranged adjacent to the open distal portion of the cleaning head. The cleaning device may be arranged on a surface of the cleaning head, preferably on one or both of the distal end face of the cleaning head and the outer circumference of the distal portion of the cleaning head.

[0026] The handle may include a central raised area at the proximal inner wall for engaging with a corresponding central recess in the proximal face of the cleaning head. Alternatively, the handle may include a central recess at the proximal inner wall for engaging with a corresponding central raised area in the proximal face of the cleaning head. The proximal wall of the handle may be the closed end of the handle as described herein. The proximal wall may include a proximal outer wall facing the handle exterior that preferably constitutes the proximal face of the handle. The proximal inner wall may face the hollow interior of the handle. The proximal inner wall faces the cleaning head that is installed in the handle. The engagement between the central raised area at the proximal inner wall of the handle and the corresponding central recess in the proximal face of the cleaning head can optimize the installation of the cleaning head in the handle. Specifically, the engagement can prevent or reduce the radial movement of the cleaning head in the handle.

[0027] One or both of the cleaning head and the handle may be elongated. The cleaning tool may be elongated. One or more of the cleaning head, the handle and the cleaning tool may include a longitudinal central axis. Preferably, the longitudinal central axes of the cleaning head, the handle and the cleaning tool are the same. In other words, the cleaning head and the handle are coaxially aligned. This coaxial alignment between the cleaning head and the handle can be ensured by the side protrusion and groove structure as described above. The end of the elongated cleaning tool to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device is the distal end of the cleaning tool, and the end of the elongated cleaning tool held by the user is the proximal end of the cleaning tool.

[0028] One or more of the cleaning device, the distal face and the circumference of the distal portion of the cleaning head may comprise a scraping surface.A scraping surface is a surface configured for scraping, conditioning, brushing, wiping or otherwise performing a cleaning action on a surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0029] One or both of the handle and the cleaning head may be made of one or both of a metal material or a plastic material, preferably a hard plastic material. The cleaning device may include a flexible cleaning element made of a flexible material for wiping the heating element of the aerosol generating device. The flexible cleaning element may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), such as one or more of Arnitel, Hytrel, Dryflex, Mediprene, Kraton, Pibiflex, Sofprene, and Lalprene.

[0030] The cleaning head may have any suitable shape that enables the cleaning head to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the cleaning head is generally cylindrical. That is, preferably, the cleaning head has a generally circular cross-sectional shape. This may be advantageous for a number of reasons. For example, since aerosol-generating articles are generally cylindrical, the cavity of the aerosol generating device configured to receive the aerosol-generating article is often also generally cylindrical. Thus, having a cylindrical shape may ensure complementary accommodation of the cleaning head within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. This complementary shape configuration between the cleaning head and the cavity of the aerosol generating device may improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning tool.

[0031] The cleaning head, more preferably the distal portion of the cleaning head, may have a length between 40 mm and 60 mm, more preferably a length of 50 mm. The cleaning head, more preferably the distal portion of the cleaning head, may have a diameter between 6 mm and 11 mm, more preferably a diameter of 10 mm.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a cleaning tool as described herein and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element disposed within the cavity. The cleaning head of the cleaning tool is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device for cleaning one or more of the cavity and the heating element.

[0033] In order to clean one or both of the cavity and the heating element, the cleaning tool is at least partially inserted into the cavity. More specifically, the distal portion of the cleaning head is inserted into the cavity for cleaning operations. The proximal portion of the cleaning head extends out of the cavity. Since the proximal portion of the cleaning head is mounted in the handle, the handle is not inserted into the cavity. After the proximal portion of the cleaning head is inserted into the cavity, the handle can be flush with the aerosol generating device. For cleaning operations, the user can grasp and twist the handle to rotate the distal portion of the cleaning head in the cavity. The user can move the cleaning tool up and down, that is, slightly move out of the cavity and return to the cavity, to scrape off unwanted residues from one or more of the side walls of the cavity, the base of the cavity, and the heating element.

[0034] The heating element may be configured as an internal heating element. The heating element may be disposed within the cavity. The heating element may be centrally disposed within the cavity. The heating element may be elongated. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. The cleaning tool, more preferably the cleaning head of the cleaning tool, may include a recess. When the cleaning head of the cleaning tool is inserted into the cavity, the cleaning element may be positioned within the recess.

[0035] The heating element can be configured as a sheet-shaped heating element. During the cleaning operation, the torque applied to the handle by the user may result in a torque applied to the sheet-shaped heating element. If the torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, the sheet-shaped heating element may be damaged. Therefore, as described herein, the cleaning tool is configured so that a torque applied by the user that is higher than a predetermined threshold will not be transmitted to the cleaning head. Therefore, even if the user applies a torque higher than a predetermined threshold to the handle, the handle will not transmit the torque to the cleaning head. Therefore, the torque will not be transmitted to the heating element, so that the risk of damaging the heating element is reduced, particularly when the heating element is configured as a sheet-shaped heating element. The cleaning head of the cleaning tool can be as described in WO2019 / 166595A1 (particularly in Figure 1 and its related description).

[0036] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 An exemplary cross-sectional side view of a cleaning tool is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 shows an exemplary cross-sectional top view of a cleaning tool; and

[0040] Figure 3 An exemplary cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 A cleaning tool 10 for an aerosol generating device 34 is shown. Figure 3 , an aerosol generating device 34 is shown. The cleaning tool 10 includes a handle 12. The cleaning tool 10 further includes a cleaning head 14. The cleaning tool 10 includes a proximal end P and a distal end D. The cleaning head 14 is mounted within the handle 12. More specifically, a proximal portion 16 of the cleaning head 14 is mounted within the handle 12, while a distal portion 18 of the cleaning head 14 protrudes from the handle 12.

[0042] To mount the proximal portion 16 of the cleaning head 14 within the handle 12, the cleaning head 14 includes side protrusions 20. The side protrusions 20 are circumferentially arranged on the circumference of the proximal portion 16 of the cleaning head 14. The side protrusions 20 are configured to engage with corresponding grooves 22 of the handle 12. Alternatively, the handle 12 includes the side protrusions 20, and the cleaning head 14 includes corresponding grooves 22. The side protrusions 20 engage the grooves 22, allowing the cleaning head 14 to rotate freely within the handle 12. In addition, the side protrusions 20 engaging the grooves 22 prevent the cleaning head 14 from axially moving relative to the handle 12.

[0043] In order to prevent rotation between the handle 12 and the cleaning head 14, a suspension element 24 is provided. The suspension element 24 may be configured as a single suspension element 24. Alternatively, a plurality of suspension elements 24 may be provided. The suspension element 24 is configured as an elastic element, such as a spring or a rubber-containing material. The suspension element 24 is configured to engage the handle 12 with the cleaning head 14. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension element 24 is configured to engage with the cleaning head 14. More specifically, the suspension element 24 is configured to engage with the cavity 26 of the cleaning head 14. Figure 1 In FIG, two suspension elements 24 and two cavities 26 are depicted. Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, two suspension elements 24 are provided and are configured to engage with a corresponding plurality of cavities 26. Figure 1 , the suspension element 24 is provided separately from the handle 12 and the cleaning head 14. The suspension element 24 is preferably mounted in the handle 12. Alternatively, the suspension element 24 can be integrally formed with the handle 12. As another alternative, the suspension element 24 is mounted on or integrally formed with the cleaning head 14, and the handle 12 includes a corresponding cavity 26. The suspension element 24 is arranged circumferentially around the proximal end face of the proximal portion 16 of the cleaning head 14.

[0044] Figure 1 The handle 12 is further shown to have a closed proximal wall 28 at its proximal end. At the inner wall of the proximal wall 28, a central raised area 30 or protrusion is provided. The central raised area 30 is configured to engage in a recess 32 of the cleaning head 14. The recess 32 of the cleaning head 14 is provided in the proximal end face of the proximal portion 16 of the cleaning head 14. The engagement between the central raised area 30 of the handle 12 and the recess 32 of the cleaning head 14 prevents radial movement between the cleaning head 14 and the handle 12. By virtue of the engagement between the side protrusions 20 and the grooves 22 and the engagement between the central raised area 30 and the recess 32, the cleaning head 14 is securely and rotatably mounted within the handle 12.

[0045] Figure 2A cross-sectional top view of the cleaning tool 10 is shown. A plurality of cavities 26 for engaging with the suspension element 24 are depicted. The engagement between the suspension element 24 and the cavities 26 is configured such that if a torque below a predetermined threshold is applied to the handle 12 relative to the cleaning head 14, rotation between the handle 12 and the cleaning head 14 is prevented. In this case, the engagement between the suspension element 24 and the cavities 26 is sufficiently strong to overcome the applied torque and maintain the coupling between the handle 12 and the cleaning head 14, preventing the handle 12 from rotating relative to the cleaning head 14. If the torque applied to the handle 12 relative to the cleaning head 14 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the suspension element 24 is configured to disengage from the initial cavity 26. Consequently, the handle 12 will rotate a small amount until the suspension element 24 engages a cavity 26 adjacent to the initial cavity 26. In other words, the handle 12 and cleaning head 14 function similarly to a torque wrench, where a predetermined torque is exceeded. Preferably, this functionality is independent of the tangential direction of the torque applied to the handle 12.

[0046] Figure 3 An exemplary aerosol-generating device 34 is shown. The aerosol-generating device 34 includes a cavity 36. The cavity 36 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element 38 is depicted centrally disposed within the cavity 36. Preferably, the heating element 38 is configured as a sheet-shaped heating element 38. The aerosol-generating device 34 further includes a controller 40 for controlling the supply of power from a power source 42 to the heating element 38.

[0047] When the aerosol-generating article is exhausted, the aerosol-generating article is removed from the cavity 36 and a fresh aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity 36. Between removing the exhausted aerosol-generating article and inserting the fresh aerosol-generating article, the user may wish to clean one or more of the inner sidewalls of the cavity 36, the base of the cavity 36, and the heating element 38. To this end, the user may employ the cleaning tool 10 according to the present invention. More specifically, the user may insert the distal portion 18 of the cleaning head 14 into the cavity 36. The distal portion 18 of the cleaning head 14 may include a slide-shaped recess 44 ( Figure 136 ). The distal portion 18 of the cleaning head 14 is sized to fit into the cavity 36. During insertion and removal of the distal portion 18 of the cleaning head 14, unwanted residue can be scraped out from one or more of the inner sidewall of the cavity 36, the base of the cavity 36, and the heating element 38. During use, the user can potentially apply torque to the handle 12 of the cleaning tool 10. If this torque exceeds a predetermined torque, then if the torque is transmitted to the heating element 38, the heating element 38 may potentially be damaged. For this reason, a cleaning tool 10 according to the present invention is employed in which if the torque applied by the user to the handle 12 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the handle 12 rotates relative to the cleaning head 14. Therefore, this torque exceeding the predetermined threshold is not transmitted from the handle 12 to the cleaning head 14 and the heating element 38. Therefore, damage to the heating element 38 is prevented.

Claims

1. A cleaning tool for an aerosol generating device, the cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head and a handle, wherein at least a portion of the cleaning head is rotatably mounted in the handle, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises at least one suspension element arranged between the cleaning head and the handle, wherein the suspension element is arranged to engage the cleaning head with the handle to prevent relative rotation between the cleaning head and the handle if a torque below a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle, and wherein the suspension element is configured to disengage the cleaning head from the handle if a torque above a predetermined threshold is applied between the cleaning head and the handle. 2 . The cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold value of the torque between the handle and the cleaning head is between 3 cN·m and 27 cN·m. 3 . The cleaning tool of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined threshold value of the torque between the handle and the cleaning head is between 9 cN·m and 17 cN·m.

4. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suspension element comprises a resilient element. The cleaning tool according to claim 4 , wherein the elastic element is a spring.

6. The cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the suspension element is configured as a spring.

7. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning tool comprises at least two suspension elements.

8. The cleaning tool of claim 7, wherein the at least two suspension elements are circumferentially arranged on an inner wall of the handle.

9. The cleaning tool of claim 7, wherein the cleaning tool comprises two suspension elements, the two suspension elements being arranged diametrically opposite each other.

10. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or both of the cleaning head and the handle comprises at least one cavity, and wherein the suspension element is configured to engage with the cavity.

11. The cleaning tool of claim 10, wherein at least two cavities are provided.

12. The cleaning tool of claim 11, wherein the at least two cavities are arranged circumferentially around the proximal end of the cleaning head.

13. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning head is cylindrical.

14. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handle has a hollow cylindrical shape with a distal open end for mounting at least a portion of the cleaning head and an opposing proximal closed end.

15. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning head comprises a side protrusion rotatably mounted in a recess in the handle, or wherein the handle comprises a side protrusion rotatably mounted in a recess in the cleaning head.

16. The cleaning tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning head comprises a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device is disposed adjacent a distal end of the cleaning head, and wherein the cleaning device extends beyond the distal end of the handle.

17. The cleaning tool of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device is a brush or a wiper.

18. A cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handle includes a central raised area at the proximal inner wall for engaging with a corresponding central recess in the proximal end face of the cleaning head, or wherein the handle includes a central recess at the proximal inner wall for engaging with a corresponding central raised area in the proximal end face of the cleaning head.

19. A system comprising a cleaning tool according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element arranged in the cavity, and wherein the cleaning head of the cleaning tool is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device for cleaning one or more of the cavity and the heating element.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the heating element is configured as a sheet-shaped heating element, wherein the heating element has a width dimension that is greater than its thickness.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the sheet-shaped heating element has a tapered end.

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