Cleaning tools for aerosol generators

Abstract

A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber, the tool comprising a tool base, a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and one or more elongated member projections. The first elongated member extends from the tool base. The first elongated member includes a first distal end distal to the tool base. The second elongated member extends from the tool base. The second elongated member includes a second distal end distal to the tool base. A slot is defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member. The one or more elongated member projections are configured to move the first elongated member and the second elongated member toward one another to reduce a width of the slot when a cleaning operation is applied to the tool.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol generating device, in particular for cleaning at least a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles in which the aerosol-forming substrate is heated rather than combusted to generate an inhalable aerosol are well known in the art. Typically, in such heated aerosol-generating articles, the aerosol is generated by heat transfer from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate or material. The aerosol-forming substrate may 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. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0003] WO 2013 / 102614 discloses an example of an electrically operated aerosol generating device in which an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article is heated in direct contact with a heating blade to form an inhalable aerosol. The heating blade is in the form of a blade extending from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber. The heating blade is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate segment of the aerosol-generating article.

[0004] When an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco substrate, is heated, volatile compounds are released. Some of the volatile compounds and aerosol released by the heat from the heating blade may become deposited on the aerosol-generating device. In particular, such residue may become deposited on the bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber, and residue on the side walls of the heating chamber may be at least partially removed by the insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article. Particles of the aerosol-forming substrate itself may also become attached to the heating blade, especially if the heating blade is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, when using the device described in WO 2013 / 102614, the heating blade warms the tobacco substrate to a temperature of 200-350 degrees Celsius, releasing volatile compounds, nicotine, and glycerol that can form an aerosol. Nevertheless, residue and dust may be collected inside the heating chamber in the device after the use of multiple aerosol-generating articles.

[0005] Accumulation of residue and dust on the bottom wall of the chamber can block the airflow passages of the aerosol generating device. Additionally, the heating blades are susceptible to damage if inappropriate tools or objects are used to clean the heating chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber. The tool may comprise a tool base. The tool may comprise a first elongate member and a second elongate member extending from the tool base. The first elongate member may comprise a first distal end distal to the tool base. The second elongate member may comprise a second distal end distal to the tool base. A slot may be defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The tool may comprise one or more elongate member protrusions configured to move the first elongate member and the second elongate member toward one another to reduce a width of the slot when a cleaning operation is applied to the tool.

[0007] Advantageously, the first elongated member and the second elongated member may enable the tool to clean the heating chamber at the bottom wall near the base of the chamber. Additionally, the one or more elongated member protrusions may enable the elongated member to clean the bottom wall closer to the heating element without risk of damaging the heating element during the cleaning operation. The tool may also function to clean the heating element. The heating element is preferably an elongated heating element. The elongated heating element is preferably a heating blade.

[0008] Preferably, the reciprocating motion of at least one of the first distal end of the first elongated member and the second distal end of the second elongated member within the heating chamber may be configured to scrape the bottom chamber wall. As used herein, the term "reciprocating motion," in the context of one or both of the first distal end of the first elongated member and the second distal end of the second elongated member within a heating chamber having an elongated heating element extending therein, refers to angular motion generally parallel to a plane in which the heating element lies. The angular motion may be initiated by moving the tool base in a direction parallel to the heating element and the slot. In response, the first elongated member and the second elongated member may move in a direction opposite to the movement of the tool base, causing one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end to scrape the chamber bottom wall in a pivoting motion.

[0009] The tool may include a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongated member and the second elongated member. The tubular member may include a first semi-cylindrical shell and a second semi-cylindrical shell. The first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell may be configured to bond to one another to form a tube. The tubular member may include one or more channels on an outer surface of the tubular member. The one or more channels may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The one or more channels may be configured to receive ribs of the heating chamber. The tubular member may include one or more tubular member protrusions on an inner surface of the tubular member. Each of the one or more tubular member protrusions may be configured to engage a corresponding one of the one or more elongated member protrusions.

[0010] The tubular member, or a portion of the tubular member, may have an exterior shape and dimensions similar to the interior shape and dimensions of a heating chamber into which the tubular member may be inserted. Such similar shapes and dimensions may facilitate insertion of the tubular member into the heating chamber. Such similar shapes and dimensions may facilitate alignment of the tubular member with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the tubular member with the heating chamber may provide proper alignment of a slot defined between the first and second elongated members with an elongated heating element, such as a heating blade, if the device has a heating element.

[0011] The tubular member may define a periphery having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Engagement of the rib with the channel may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber. Preventing axial rotation may advantageously prevent an elongate heating element, such as a heating blade, from being destroyed. The at least one channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing the at least one channel with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment and insertion of a tool into the heating chamber.

[0012] The one or more elongate member projections may be rounded elongate member projections. The one or more elongate member projections may include a first pair of elongate member projections connected to one another by a first base and extending from a first elongate member. The elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections may be adjacent the base and spaced apart by a first gap located between the elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections. The one or more elongate member projections may include a second pair of elongate member projections connected to one another by a second base and extending from a second elongate member. The elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections may be adjacent a second base and spaced apart by a second gap located between the elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections.

[0013] At least a portion of one of the one or more elongate member projections may extend through the tubular member. At least one of the one or more elongate member projections may be configured to engage an inner wall of a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. A portion of the one or more elongate member projections extending through the tubular member may be configured to engage an inner wall of the heating chamber. Each of the one or more channels of the tubular member may extend through the first gap or the second gap.

[0014] The tool may include a pivot member disposed between the base and both the first and second distal ends of the first and second elongate members. The pivot member may be configured to allow the first and second elongate members to be pivoted in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to restrict the first and second elongate members from pivoting in an unpreferred direction. The unpreferred direction may include any direction that includes a component orthogonal to the preferred direction. The pivot member is preferably configured to prevent movement of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber that may damage the heating element when the tool is used to clean an apparatus having an elongate heating element, such as a heating blade, extending into the heating chamber.

[0015] The pivot member may define one or more extensions extending from an outer surface of at least one of the first elongated member and the second elongated member. The one or more extensions may be cylindrical extensions. The pivot member may preferably define two extensions. One of the two extensions may extend from an outer surface of the first elongated member and the second extension may extend from an outer surface of the second elongated member. The outer surface of the first elongated member may face away from the slot. The outer surface of the second elongated member may face away from the slot. The tubular member may include one or more receptacles each configured to receive an extension. The one or more receptacles may define a hollow cylinder having at least one open face. The one or more receptacles and the extensions may be configured to cooperate to allow the first elongated member and the second elongated member to pivot in a preferred direction. The one or more receptacles and extensions may be configured to cooperate to prevent the first elongate member and the second elongate member from pivoting in an undesired direction.

[0016] The pivot member, or a portion of the pivot member, may define a periphery having one or more channels configured to receive ribs of the heating chamber when the pivot member is inserted into the heating chamber. Axial rotation of the first elongate member and the second elongate member within the heating chamber may be limited when the ribs are received in the channels. The one or more channels may be flared at the receiving end. Providing the one or more channels with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of a tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0017] The pivoting member, or a portion of the pivoting member, may have an external shape and dimensions similar to the internal shape and dimensions of a heating chamber into which the pivoting member may be inserted. Such similar shapes and dimensions may facilitate insertion of the pivoting member into the heating chamber. Such similar shapes and dimensions may facilitate alignment of the pivoting member with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the pivoting member with the heating chamber may result in proper alignment of a slot defined between the first and second elongated members with a heating element, if the device has an elongated heating element, such as a heating blade.

[0018] The pivot member may comprise an elliptical member defining a periphery having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Engagement of the rib with the channel may prevent axial rotation of the first elongate member and the second elongate member within the heating chamber. The elliptical member may comprise a disk or a cylinder. The elliptical member may be in the shape of an ellipse. The shape of the ellipse may include a circular shape. The at least one channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing the at least one channel with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of a tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0019] The pivot member may be integrally formed with the tool base, the first elongate member, and the second elongate member. The pivot member may be rigidly coupled between the base and both the first and second distal ends. The pivot member may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the pivot member may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a combination of metallic and plastic materials.

[0020] The elongated member may be configured to pivot in the preferred direction between a neutral position and a first pivoted position, or between a neutral position and a second pivoted position in the preferred direction. The first pivoted position and the second pivoted position may be on opposite sides of the neutral position along the preferred direction. The pivoting of the elongated member may be initiated by a reciprocating motion.

[0021] The one or more tubular member projections of the tubular member may include a first tubular member projection configured to engage with a first pair of elongated member projections and a second tubular member projection configured to engage with a second pair of elongated member projections. An apex of the first tubular member projection may be located within the first gap when the elongated member is in a neutral position. Also, an apex of the second tubular member projection may be located within the second gap in the neutral position. An apex of the first tubular member projection may be configured to engage with one of the elongated member projections of the first pair of elongated member projections when the first elongated member is in the first position or the second position. An apex of the second tubular member projection may be configured to engage with one of the elongated member projections of the second pair of elongated member projections when the second elongated member is in the first position or the second position.

[0022] The tool may include bristles extending from the first elongate member, the second elongate member, or both the first and second elongate members. The bristles may advantageously increase the effective cleaning area of ​​the tool. The bristles are preferably hard enough to clean the surfaces of the heating chamber, but not hard enough to cause damage to the elongate heating element extending into the heating chamber. The bristles are preferably capable of contacting the surfaces and detaching from the surfaces of the heating chamber or the elongate heating element when the tool is being used to clean the heating chamber.

[0023] The bristles may extend radially outwardly from one or both of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The radially outwardly extending bristles may advantageously clean the inner circumferential surface of the heating chamber.

[0024] The bristles may be formed from any suitable material, for example the bristles may be formed from metal filaments, or plastic filaments, or filaments including metal and plastic materials.

[0025] The tool base, the first elongated member, and the second elongated member may be integrally formed. The first elongated member and the second elongated member may be coupled to the tool base. The tool base, the first elongated member, and the second elongated member may be formed from any suitable material. For example, one or more of the tool base, the first elongated member, and the second elongated member may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a combination of a metallic material and a plastic material.

[0026] The first elongated member has a first flat surface facing the slot, and the second elongated member has a second flat surface facing the slot, the first flat surface extending through a first plane, the second flat surface extending through a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being parallel planes, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface extending parallel to each other. Providing a tool having first and second elongated members with such flat inner surfaces can prevent the first and second elongated members from damaging the elongated heating element when the chamber bottom wall is scraped with the tool. Such an arrangement of flat inner surfaces of the first and second elongated members can be particularly useful in preventing damage when the tool is configured to prevent axial rotation when the chamber bottom wall is scraped. For example, axial rotation can be prevented by providing a channel along the periphery of the pivot element, the channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.

[0027] At least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member may include one or more ridges on a surface facing the slot. The one or more ridges may be configured to collapse at a threshold level of torque or bending. The one or more ridges may be formed of an elastically deformable material. The one or more ridges may advantageously clean the surface of the elongate heating element while the bottom chamber wall is being scraped or cleaned. Additionally, ridges configured to collapse or formed of an elastically deformable material may provide additional protection against damage to the elongate heating element.

[0028] The tool base may include a handle that may extend in a direction away from the first distal end of the first elongate member, for example, the handle may extend away from the first distal end of the first elongate member along a longitudinal axis of the tool.

[0029] One or both of the first and second distal ends may have a tapered shape. For example, one or both of the first and second distal ends may be narrower than a portion of one or both of the first and second distal ends closest to the tool base. The tapered shape may facilitate scraping the chamber bottom wall.

[0030] The tool may include a cap. The cap may be configured to couple with the aerosol generation device. The tool may be configured such that one or both of the first elongated member and the second elongated member contact the bottom wall when the cap is coupled with the aerosol generation device. At least a portion of the cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol generation device when the first elongated member and the second elongated member are received in a heating chamber of the aerosol generation device.

[0031] The cap may be formed from any suitable material, for example the cap may be formed from a metal material, or a plastic material, or a combination of metal and plastic materials.

[0032] The tool may include a rod that operatively couples the first and second elongated members to the cap. The rod may allow for reciprocating motion of the first and second elongated members. The rod may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongated members. For example, the rod may operatively couple the first and second elongated members to the cap such that the first and second elongated members may pivot about the rod. Providing the tool with a cap and rod may advantageously provide controlled and consistent cleaning of the chamber bottom wall near the elongated heating element. The cap and rod may also prevent damage to the heating element if the device includes an elongated heating element, such as a heating blade, that extends into the heating chamber, since the cap and rod may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongated members. Where the device includes an elongated heating element, the cap, or another element of the tool, preferably includes features configured to mate with corresponding features of the aerosol generating device to facilitate proper alignment of the first and second elongated members relative to the elongated heating element.

[0033] The rod may be formed from any suitable material, for example the rod may be formed from a metal material, or a plastic material, or a metal and a plastic material.

[0034] The tool base may include a cleaning head for cleaning the aerosol generating device. The cleaning head may be positioned at an opposite end of the tool to the first distal end of the first elongate member. When the cleaning head is inserted into the heating chamber towards the bottom wall, the distal end of the first elongate member extends away from the bottom wall. The cleaning head is preferably configured to clean areas of the bottom surface of the heating chamber that may not be reached by the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member. The cleaning head may include a scraping surface for cleaning the bottom surface of the heating chamber. A tool having a cleaning head facing the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member may advantageously be used to clean the heating chamber better than a tool without a cleaning head.

[0035] The first and second elongated members are preferably laterally movable to adjust the width of the slot at the distal end of the tool during the cleaning operation. For example, the first and second elongated members may move to reduce the width of the slot at the distal end of the tool during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber after the elongated heating element is received in the slot. Furthermore, the first elongated member may move to reduce the width of the slot at the distal end of the tool as the first and second elongated members pivot from a neutral position to a first or second pivoted position, for example. Such lateral adjustment of the width of the slot may enable the first and second elongated members to be inserted into the heating chamber over an elongated heating element, such as a heating blade, without damaging the heating element during insertion. Thus, the tool may easily accommodate the elongated heating element during insertion and move into position after insertion to scrape or clean the bottom chamber wall near the elongated heating element.

[0036] The elongated members may include tapered sides. The tapered sides advantageously allow the elongated heating element to pass between the elongated members more easily and provide further protection against damage to the heating element during reciprocation. The distal ends of the elongated members may be tapered. The tapered distal ends may allow the elongated heating element to pass between the distal ends more easily and provide further protection against damage to the heating element during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0037] The cleaning action may be inserting a tool into the heated chamber. The cleaning action may be pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction.

[0038] The system may include an aerosol generating device and a tool for cleaning the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber and an elongated heating element having a substantially rectangular cross-section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber.

[0039] Advantageously, a system including a cleaning tool provided with a first elongated member and a second elongated member defining a slot therebetween allows the tool to scrape or clean the bottom wall of the chamber of the aerosol generating device near the base of the heating element. Using the tool to clean the heating chamber preferably does not damage the elongated heating element. The tool may also function to clean the heating element.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided that includes inserting a tool including elongated members defining a slot between the elongated members into a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. The method may include receiving an elongated heating element of the aerosol generating device within the slot, with an end of the elongated member contacting a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber. The method may also include scraping the bottom chamber wall with the end of the elongated member by moving the end of the elongated member using a reciprocating motion.

[0041] Scraping or cleaning the bottom chamber wall with the end of the elongated member can preferably be accomplished without damaging the elongated heating element of the aerosol generating device. Damage to the heating element can be prevented if a tool and device are configured to interact to prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongated members when the elongated members are received in the heating chamber. For example, axial rotation of the first and second elongated members can be prevented by providing a channel along the circumference of the pivot element, the channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. As another example, axial rotation of the first and second elongated members can be prevented by providing a cap configured to align with the device and a rod that effectively couples the first and second elongated members to the cap.

[0042] The method may include reducing a width of a slot defined by the first elongated member and the second elongated member after the elongated heating element is received in the slot while the tool is inserted into the heating chamber. The width of the slot may decrease when one or more elongated member protrusions of the tool engage an inner wall of the heating chamber.

[0043] The method may include decreasing a width of the slot as the first and second elongate members pivot from a neutral position to the first pivot position or the second pivot position. The width of the slot may decrease when one or more elongate member projections of the tool slide along tubular member projections located on an inner surface of a tubular element surrounding the first and second elongate members.

[0044] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a system including a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without the cap or tubular member. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without the cap. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without the cap or tubular member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without the cap. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the elongated member in a neutral position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates another isometric cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the elongated member in a first pivoted position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates another isometric cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the elongated member in a second pivoted position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the tubular member with the semi-cylindrical shells separated from one another. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a pair of elongate member projections connected by a base. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a variation of the tool in which an elongate member projection extends through the tubular member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows another variation of the tool in which the tool includes an elliptical pivot member. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows the tool of FIG. 12 at the beginning of insertion of the tool into the heated chamber of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the tool of FIG. 12 partially inserted into a heating chamber. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the tool of FIG. 12 fully inserted into the heating chamber. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a bottom view of one embodiment of the tool where the surface facing the slot is flat. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows an isometric exploded view of the first and second elongated members of the tool of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of another embodiment of a tool in which the surface facing the slot includes a ridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an isometric exploded view of the first and second elongated members of the tool of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows another variation of the tool in which the elongate members include bristles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0046] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0047] Example 1: 1. A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber, the tool comprising: a tool base; a first elongated member extending from the tool base, the first elongated member including a first distal end distal to the tool base; a second elongated member extending from the tool base, the second elongated member including a second distal end distal to the tool base, a slot being defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member; and one or more elongated member protrusions operably coupled to the first elongated member or the second elongated member, the one or more elongated member protrusions configured to move the first elongated member and the second elongated member toward each other to reduce a width of the slot when a cleaning motion is applied to the tool. Example 2: The tool according to example 1, further comprising a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongated member and the second elongated member. Example 3: The tool according to example 2, wherein the tubular member comprises a first semi-cylindrical shell and a second semi-cylindrical shell, the first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell being configured to bond together to form a tube. Example 4: The tool according to any one of Examples 2 or 3, wherein the tubular member further comprises one or more channels on an outer surface of the tubular member, the one or more channels extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member. Example 5: A tool according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the tubular member further comprises one or more tubular member protrusions on an inner surface of the tubular member, each of the one or more tubular member protrusions configured to engage with a corresponding one of the one or more elongated member protrusions. Example 6: The tool according to any one of Examples 2-4, wherein at least a portion of one of the one or more elongate member projections extends through the tubular member. Example 7: The tool according to any one of Examples 2-6, wherein each of the one or more elongate member protrusions is a rounded elongate member protrusion. Example 8: A tool according to any one of Examples 1-7, comprising one or more elongate member protrusions, a first pair of elongate member protrusions connected to each other by a first base and extending from a first elongate member, where the elongate member protrusions of the first pair of elongate member protrusions are adjacent to the base and spaced apart by a first gap located between the elongate member protrusions of the first pair of elongate member protrusions, and a second pair of elongate member protrusions connected to each other by a second base and extending from a second elongate member, where the elongate member protrusions of the second pair of elongate member protrusions are adjacent to the second base and spaced apart by a second gap located between the elongate member protrusions of the second pair of elongate member protrusions. Example 9: The tool according to example 8, wherein each of the one or more channels of the tubular member extends through the first gap or the second gap. Example 10: The tool according to example 8, wherein at least one of the one or more elongate member protrusions is configured to engage an inner wall of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Example 11: A tool according to example 8, wherein the one or more tubular member protrusions include a first tubular member protrusion configured to engage with a first pair of elongated member protrusions and a second tubular member protrusion configured to engage with a second pair of elongated member protrusions. Example 12: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising one or more pivot members disposed between the tool base and both the first distal end of the first elongated member and the second distal end of the second elongated member, wherein the one or more pivot members are configured to enable the first elongated member and the second elongated member to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongated member, and the one or more pivot members are configured to limit pivoting of the first elongated member and the second elongated member in an unpreferred direction. Example 13: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to pivot in a preferred direction between a neutral position and a first pivot position, or between a neutral position and a second pivot position in a preferred direction, the first pivot position and the second pivot position being on either side of the neutral position along the preferred direction. Example 14: A tool according to example 13, wherein a top of the first tubular member protrusion is located within the first gap when the first elongated member and the second elongated member are in a neutral position, and a top of the second tubular member protrusion is located within the second gap in the neutral position. Example 15: A tool according to Example 14, wherein an apex of the first tubular member protrusion is configured to engage with one of the elongated member protrusions of the first pair of elongated member protrusions when the first elongated member is in the first or second position, and an apex of the second tubular member protrusion is configured to engage with one of the elongated member protrusions of the second pair of elongated member protrusions when the second elongated member is in the first or second position. Example 16: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein the slot-facing surface of the first elongated member and the slot-facing surface of the second elongated member are configured to engage with opposite sides of the elongated heating element when the slot narrows while the tool is received within a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. Example 17: A tool according to any one of Examples 12-16, wherein the one or more pivoting members include an elliptical member defining a periphery having channels configured to engage ribs of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first elongated member and the second elongated member within the heating chamber. Example 18: The tool according to example 17, wherein the elliptical member comprises a disk or a cylinder. Example 19: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-18, wherein the tool further comprises bristles extending from the first elongate member and the second elongate member. Example 20: The tool according to example 19, wherein the bristles extend radially outward from the first elongate member and the second elongate member. Example 21: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the first elongated member includes a first flat surface facing the slot, the second elongated member includes a second flat surface facing the slot, the first flat surface extends through a first plane, the second flat surface extends through a second plane, the first plane and the second plane are parallel planes, and the first flat surface and the second flat surface extend parallel to each other. Example 22: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-20, wherein at least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member includes one or more ridges on a surface facing the slot. Example 23: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-22, wherein the tool base comprises a cleaning head for cleaning a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device, the cleaning head comprising one or more scraping surfaces. Example 24: The tool according to any one of examples 1-23, wherein the cleaning operation comprises inserting the tool into a heated chamber. Example 25: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-24, wherein the cleaning action comprises pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction. Example 26: A system comprising an aerosol generating device including a heating chamber and an elongated heating element having a substantially rectangular cross-section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber, and a tool for cleaning the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 25.

[0048] Figures 1-6 show a tool 110 for cleaning an aerosol generating device. Figure 1 shows a system 100 including an aerosol generating device 102 and a tool 110. Figure 2 shows the tool 110 in an exploded view. Figures 3 and 4 show a side view of the tool 110. Figure 3 shows the tool 110 with the tubular member 122 removed. Figure 4 shows the tool with the tubular member 122 attached. Figures 5 and 6 show a side view of the tool 110 rotated 90 degrees from Figures 3 and 4. Figure 5 shows the tool with the tubular member 122 removed. Figure 6 shows the tool 110 with the tubular member 122 attached.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 102 includes a heated chamber 104, a heated blade 106, a chamber bottom wall 108, and ribs 109. The heated chamber 104 defines a cavity within the aerosol generating device 102. The chamber bottom wall 108 is an interior surface of the heated chamber 104. The heated blade 106 extends from the chamber bottom wall 108 into the heated chamber 104. As shown, the heated blade 106 is a blade.

[0050] The tool 110 includes a tool base 118, a first elongate member 112-1, a second elongate member 112-2 (collectively referred to as elongate members 112), a first cap 120-1, a second cap 120-2 (collectively referred to as caps 120), a tubular member 122, and an accessory 124, an elongate member protrusion 126, and a pivot member 130. The elongate members 112 extend from the tool base 118. The first elongate member 112-1 includes a first distal end 114-1 distal from the tool base 118, and the second elongate member 112-2 includes a second distal end 114-2 (collectively referred to as distal ends 114) distal from the tool base 118. A slot 116 is defined between the elongate members 112.

[0051] The elongated member 112 is configured to be received within the heating chamber 104 such that the heating blade 106 is received within the slot 116. Additionally, the distal end 114 extends to the bottom chamber wall 108 such that reciprocating motion of the distal end within the heating chamber scrapes the bottom chamber wall. In particular, the reciprocating motion may cause the distal end 114 to scrape the bottom chamber wall adjacent the base of the heating blade 106. The distal end 114 may include a scraping edge configured to scrape the chamber bottom wall 108. The distal end 114 may include a roughened edge configured to scrape the chamber bottom wall 108.

[0052] The elongated members 112 define a slot 116 therebetween. The open or distal end 114 of the elongated members 112 is configured to bend toward the slot 116 in response to pressure being applied to the elongated members 112. Such bending reduces the width of the slot 116, allowing the elongated members 112 to move closer to the heater blade 106 during a cleaning operation compared to a slot whose width is not reduced. Thus, the elongated members 112 can clean the chamber bottom wall 108 near the heater blade 106. Additionally, reducing the width of the slot 116 during a cleaning operation may allow the elongated members 112 to clean the heater blade 106.

[0053] The elongated member protrusions 126 are coupled to the elongated member 112. The elongated member protrusions 126 are configured to move the first elongated member 112-1 and the second elongated member 112-2 toward each other to reduce the width of the slot 116 when a cleaning operation is applied to the tool 110, as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9. The cleaning operation may include pivoting the elongated member 112 in a preferred direction. As shown, a pair of elongated member protrusions 126 located on an outer surface of each of the elongated members 112 are spaced apart by a gap 128.

[0054] The tubular member 122 surrounds the elongated member 112. The tubular member 122 is shaped to be received within the heating chamber 104. The tubular member 122 may have an outer diameter that corresponds to an inner diameter of the heating chamber. The tubular member 122 includes a channel 132 configured to receive the rib 109. The tubular member 122 cooperates with the rib 109 and the pivot member 130 to prevent axial rotation of the tool 110 when inserted into the heating chamber 104.

[0055] As shown, the pivot member 130 includes two cylindrical extensions extending from a surface of the elongated member 112 that faces away from the slot 116. The cylindrical extensions of the pivot member 130 are received within receptacles 146 (shown in FIG. 10 ) of the tubular member 122. The pivot member 130 is configured to allow the elongated member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the elongated member extensions, as shown by arrows 139 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 . The pivot member 130 is also configured to limit the pivoting of the elongated member 112 in an unpreferred direction. The pivot member 130 cooperates with the receptacles 146 (shown in FIG. 10 ) of the tubular member 122 to allow the elongated member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction, while limiting or preventing the elongated member 112 from pivoting or pivoting in an unpreferred direction.

[0056] The accessory 124 is removable from the tool base 118. The accessory 124 may be coupled to the tool base 118 with a snap-fit ​​connection. As shown, the accessory 124 is a cleaning head for cleaning the heating chamber 104. Additional accessories that may be coupled to the tool base 118 include a handle or another cleaning head. The accessory 124 may be operable to pivot the elongated member 112 in a preferred orientation.

[0057] The cap 120 couples to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110. The cap 120 may be coupled to the tool base 118 with a snap-fit ​​connection. The first cap 1120-1 is configured to receive and house the elongated member 112 and the tubular member 122. The second cap 120-2 is configured to receive and house the accessory 124.

[0058] Figures 7-9 show cross-sectional views of elongated member 112 in various positions relative to tubular member 122. Figure 7 shows elongated member 112 in a neutral position. Figure 8 shows elongated member 112 in a first pivoted position. Figure 9 shows elongated member 112 in a second pivoted position.

[0059] Tubular member 122 includes an inner surface 136. Tubular member projections 138 are located on inner surface 136 of tubular member 122 and extend inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis of tubular member 122. Each of tubular member projections 138 extends from inner surface 136 and defines a convex shape having an apex 140. The apex 140 of each tubular member projection 138 is the thickest portion of the corresponding tubular member projection. In other words, the apex 140 of each tubular member projection 138 is the furthest point from the outer surface of tubular member 122.

[0060] In the neutral position, the apex 140 of each of the tubular member projections 138 is located within one of the gaps 128 between a pair of the elongated member projections 126 and the width of the slot 116 is not reduced. The elongated member 112 can be pivoted to a first pivot position ( FIG. 8 ) or a second pivot position ( FIG. 9 ) by moving the tool base 118 in a direction parallel to the heater blade 106 and the slot 116. In the first or second pivot position, the width of the slot 116 is reduced and the apex 140 of the tubular member projection engages one of the elongated member projections 126. As the elongated member 112 is pivoted in a preferred direction to either the first or second pivot position, the elongated member projections 126 are forced inward as the elongated member projections slide along the profile of the tubular member projections 138 toward the apex 140. The pressing action imparted by tubular member projection 138 on elongated member projection 126 causes an inward elastic displacement of elongated member 112, resulting in a reduction in the width of slot 116. The reduction in width of slot 116 is therefore proportional to the height of elongated member projection 126. This reduction in the width of slot 116 allows elongated member 112 to clean closer to heater blade 106 when the heater blade is not located between distal ends 114, while still maintaining a distance from heater blade 106.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates the tubular member 122 in an open state. The tubular member 122 includes a first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and a second semi-cylindrical shell 122-2. The first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and the second semi-cylindrical shell are substantially identical. The first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and the second semi-cylindrical shell 122-2 are configured to couple to each other to form a tube. The first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and the second semi-cylindrical shell 122-2 include a clip 142 and a clip receptacle 144 configured to receive and removably hold the clip 142. Thus, the first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and the second semi-cylindrical shell 122-2 can be coupled to each other in a snap-fit ​​configuration.

[0062] Each of the first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2 includes a tubular member projection 138 and a receptacle 146. Each of the tubular member projections 138 extends from an edge of one of the first or second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2 to a receptacle 146. An apex 140 of each of the tubular member projections 138 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembled tubular member 122. Each of the receptacles 146 extends from an inner surface 136 of one of the first or second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2. Each of the receptacles 146 defines a hollow cylinder having an open end configured to receive one of the cylindrical extensions of the pivot member 130. The receptacle 146 cooperates with the cylindrical extension to allow the elongated member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction while limiting or preventing axial rotation of the elongated member 112 and preventing pivoting of the elongated member 112 in an unpreferred direction.

[0063] 11 illustrates a pair of elongate member projections 150. The pair of elongate member projections 150 includes two elongate member projections 126 and a base 152. In contrast to the elongate member projections 126 of the tool of FIG. 1, the elongate member projections 126 of the pair of elongate member projections 150 are connected to one another by the base 152. Each of the elongate member projections 126 of the pair of elongate member projections 150 extends from opposite sides of the base 152 at one end and is spaced apart by a gap 148 at the other end. The base 152 may be coupled to the elongate member 112 or may be integrally formed with the elongate member 112.

[0064] Figures 12 and 13 show different variations of tools according to embodiments described herein. Figure 12 shows a tool 210 that includes an elongate member projection 126 extending through a tubular member 222. Figure 13 shows a tool 310 that includes an elliptical pivot member 156.

[0065] Each of the elongated member projections 126 of the tools 210 and 310 is configured to engage with an inner sidewall 107 of the heating chamber 104 of the aerosol generation device 102. The tubular member 222 of the tool 210 includes an opening 154 configured to receive the elongated member projection 126 and allow the elongated member projection to extend past the outer surface of the tubular member 222. The elongated member projection 126 extends past the outer surface of the tubular member 222, allowing the elongated member projection 126 to engage with the inner sidewall 107 of the heating chamber 104.

[0066] The tool 310 includes an elliptical pivot member 156 but does not include a tubular member. The elliptical pivot member 156 defines a periphery having at least one channel 158 configured to receive a rib 109 of the heating chamber 104. Engagement of the rib 109 and the channel 158 may prevent axial rotation of the elongated member 112 within the heating chamber 104. The elliptical pivot member 156 may include a disk or a cylinder. Providing the at least one channel 158 may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber 104.

[0067] 14-16 illustrate a cleaning operation that reduces the width of the slot 116 of the tool 210 of FIG. 12. Although the cleaning operation is illustrated with respect to the tool 210, such a cleaning operation may reduce the width of the slot 116 of other modified tools, such as the tool 310 of FIG. 13. As illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, the cleaning operation is the insertion of the tool 210 into the heating chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 102. FIG. 14 illustrates the tool 210 as the insertion of the tool into the heating chamber 104 begins. FIG. 15 illustrates the tool 210 partially inserted into the heating chamber 104. FIG. 16 illustrates the tool 210 fully inserted into the heating chamber.

[0068] As insertion of the tool 210 into the heating chamber 104 begins, the rib 109 is received within the channel 132 of the tubular member 222. However, the tool's elongated member projection 126 does not engage the inner sidewall 107 until the tool 210 is further inserted into the heating chamber 104, as shown in FIG. 15. Thus, the elongated member projection 126 is shown extending past the outer surface of the tubular member 222 in FIG. 14 and the slot 116 is not reduced in width. The slot 116 is not reduced in width, allowing the heating blade 106 to be received within the slot 116 without contacting the elongated member 112.

[0069] As the tool 210 is inserted further into the heating chamber 104, the elongated member protrusion 126 engages the inner sidewall 107 and the width of the slot 116 decreases. As shown in FIG. 15 , the elongated member protrusion 126 is pushed into the opening 154 and is no longer visible. Additionally, the elongated member 112 is closer to the heating blade 106.

[0070] The tool 210 is fully inserted into the heating chamber 104 when the distal end 114 of the elongated member 112 contacts the chamber bottom wall 108, as shown in FIG. 16. When the tool 210 is fully inserted, the elongated member protrusion 126 still engages the inner sidewall 107 and the width of the slot 116 is still reduced. When fully inserted, the distal end 114 is positioned to scrape and clean the chamber bottom wall 108 when the elongated member 112 is pivoted in a preferred direction. The elongated member 112 may also be positioned to clean the heating blade 106.

[0071] Figures 17 and 18 show a tool 400 having a flat surface 402 facing a slot 416 according to embodiments described herein. Figure 17 shows a bottom view of the tool 400. Figure 18 shows an isometric exploded view of the elongated member 412.

[0072] The tool 400 includes a tool base (not shown), a pivot member 420, a first elongated member 412-1, and a second elongated member 412-2 (collectively referred to as elongated members 412). The elongated members 412 extend from the tool base. The first elongated member 412-1 includes a first distal end 414-1 distal to the tool base 418, and the second elongated member 412-2 includes a second distal end 414-2 (collectively referred to as distal ends 414) distal to the tool base 418. A slot 416 is defined between the elongated members 412.

[0073] The elongate members 412 each include a planar surface 402-1, 402-2 (collectively referred to as planar surfaces 402) that faces the slot 416. The planar surfaces 402 each extend along one of planes 404-1, 404-2 (collectively referred to as planes 404). The planes 404 are each parallel to one another.

[0074] The pivot member may include a number of channels 422. At least one of the channels 422 may be configured to engage a rib on the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the tool 400 within the heating chamber.

[0075] 19 and 20 show a tool 500 having a raised surface 502 facing a slot 516 according to embodiments described herein. Figure 19 shows a bottom view of the tool 500. Figure 20 shows an isometric exploded view of the elongated member 512.

[0076] The tool 500 includes a tool base (not shown), a pivot member 520, a first elongated member 512-1, a second elongated member 512-2 (collectively referred to as elongated members 512), and the pivot member 520. The elongated members 512 extend from the tool base. The first elongated member 512-1 includes a first distal end 514-1 distal to the tool base 518, and the second elongated member 512-2 includes a second distal end 514-2 (collectively referred to as distal ends 514) distal to the tool base 518. A slot 516 is defined between the elongated members 512.

[0077] The elongated members 512 each include a ridge 502-1, 502-2 (collectively referred to as ridge 502). The ridges 502 extend into the slot 516. The ridges 502 may be configured to contact a heater blade when received in a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. The ridges 502 may be configured to rub against the heater blade during reciprocating motion of the tool 500. The ridges 502 may be formed of a material that does not damage the heater blade during reciprocating motion.

[0078] The pivot member may include a number of channels 522. At least one of the channels 522 may be configured to engage a rib on the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the tool 500 within the heating chamber.

[0079] 21 illustrates another variation of a tool according to embodiments described herein. Tool 600 includes bristles 602.

[0080] The tool 600 includes a tool base 618, a first elongate member 612-1, a second elongate member 612-2 (collectively referred to as elongate members 612), and bristles 602. The elongate members 612 extend from the tool base 618. The first elongate member 612-1 includes a first distal end 614-1 distal to the tool base 618, and the second elongate member 612-2 includes a second distal end 614-2 (collectively referred to as distal ends 614) distal to the tool base 618. A slot 616 is defined between the elongate members 612. The bristles 602 extend from the elongate member 612. The bristles 602 may extend radially from the elongate member 612.

[0081] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A±10 percent. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, in some cases as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber, comprising: The tool a tool base; a first elongated member extending from the tool base, the first elongated member including a first distal end distal to the tool base; a second elongate member extending from the tool base, the second elongate member including a second distal end distal to the tool base; a second elongated member, a slot defined between the first and second elongated members; one or more elongate member protrusions operably coupled to the first elongate member and one or more elongate member protrusions operably coupled to the second elongate member, the one or more elongate member protrusions configured to move the first elongate member and the second elongate member toward each other to reduce a width of the slot when a cleaning motion is applied to the tool; a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongated member and the second elongated member; The tool, wherein the tubular member further includes one or more tubular member protrusions on an inner surface of the tubular member, each of the one or more tubular member protrusions configured to engage a corresponding one of the one or more elongate member protrusions.

2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member includes a first semi-cylindrical shell and a second semi-cylindrical shell, the first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell configured to join together to form a tube.

3. The tool of claim 2 , wherein the tubular member further comprises one or more channels on an outer surface of the tubular member, the one or more channels extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

4. the one or more elongate member protrusions: a first pair of elongate member projections connected to one another by a first base and extending from the first elongate member, the elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections being adjacent the base and spaced apart by a first gap located between the elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections; 4. The tool of claim 1, comprising: a second pair of elongate member projections connected to each other by a second base and extending from the second elongate member, the elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections being adjacent the second base and spaced apart by a second gap located between the elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections.

5. The tool of claim 4 , wherein at least one of the one or more elongate member protrusions is configured to engage an interior wall of a heated chamber of an aerosol generating device.

6. the one or more tubular member projections: a first tubular member projection configured to engage the first pair of elongate member projections; The tool of claim 4 , comprising: a second tubular member projection configured to engage the second pair of elongate member projections.

7. 2. The tool of claim 1, further comprising one or more pivot members disposed between the tool base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, the one or more pivot members configured to allow pivoting of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction transverse to an extension of the first elongate member and the one or more pivot members configured to limit pivoting of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in an unpreferred direction.

8. 8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the first elongate member and the second elongate member are configured to pivot in the preferred direction between a neutral position and a first pivoted position or between a neutral position and a second pivoted position in the preferred direction, the first pivoted position and the second pivoted position being on opposite sides of the neutral position along the preferred direction.

9. 9. The tool of claim 8, wherein an apex of the first tubular member projection is located within the first gap when the first elongated member and the second elongated member are in the neutral position, and an apex of the second tubular member projection is located within the second gap in the neutral position.

10. 10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the apex of the first tubular member projection is configured to engage with one of the elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections when the first elongate member is in the first or second position, and the apex of the second tubular member projection is configured to engage with one of the elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections when the second elongate member is in the first or second position.

11. 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the surfaces of the first elongated member facing the slot and the surfaces of the second elongated member facing the slot are configured to engage with opposite sides of an elongated heating element when the slot narrows while the tool is received within a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.

12. 8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the one or more pivoting members comprise an elliptical member defining a periphery having channels configured to engage ribs of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first elongated member and the second elongated member within the heating chamber.

13. The tool of claim 7 , wherein the cleaning action comprises inserting the tool into the heated chamber or pivoting the first elongated member and the second elongated member in the preferred direction.

14. 1. A system comprising: an aerosol generating device including a heating chamber and an elongated heating element having a substantially rectangular cross section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into said heating chamber; and a tool for cleaning the aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

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