Cleaning tools for aerosol generators

Abstract

A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber, the tool including a first cleaning head, a second cleaning head, a tool base, a housing, and an opening tab. The first cleaning head extends along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end. The second cleaning head is disposed back-to-back with the first cleaning head. The tool base is disposed between the first cleaning head and the second cleaning head. The housing includes a first cap and a second cap. The first cap is configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the first cleaning head. The second cap is configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the second cleaning head. The opening tab extends from the tool base and is configured to selectively disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base.

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] Residue and dust buildup on the bottom wall of the chamber can block the airflow passages of the aerosol generator. 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, a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber is provided. The tool may include a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end. The tool may include a second cleaning head disposed back-to-back with the first cleaning head. The tool may include a tool base disposed between the first cleaning head and the second cleaning head. The tool may include a housing. The housing may include a first cap configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the first cleaning head. The housing may include a second cap configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the second cleaning head. The tool may include an opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base based on user interaction with the opening tab.

[0007] The cleaning tool may include two cleaning heads, each functioning to clean residue and dust from the cleaning chamber in a different manner. Such cleaning heads may be disposed at opposite ends of the cleaning tool with separate caps configured to accommodate each cleaning head. It may be difficult to selectively remove one cap or the other if the caps are pulled simultaneously. A user may not have control over which cap is removed, and the desired cap may not be the first one to disengage from the tool base of the tool. Thus, a user may need to remove both caps to access the desired cleaning head.

[0008] Advantageously, the opening tab may allow for selective disengagement and removal of either the first cap or the second cap from the tool base. Additionally, the opening tab may allow for selective disengagement of either the first cap or the second cap with a simple design that is easy to manufacture. Additionally, the ability to selectively disengage the caps prevents a situation in which the cap on an undesirable cleaning head is removed before the cap on a desired tool is removed.

[0009] The first cap and the second cap may each include a notch. The opening tab may extend through the notch of the first cap when the first cap engages with the tool base. The opening tab may extend through the notch of the second cap when the second cap engages with the tool base. The opening tab may be configured to protrude on an end surface of the first cap when the first cap engages with the tool base. The opening tab may be configured to protrude on an end surface of the second cap when the second cap engages with the tool base.

[0010] The aperture tab may include a first surface disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool. The aperture tab may include a second surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool opposite the first surface. The aperture tab may be configured to disengage the first cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface. The aperture tab may be configured to disengage the second cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the first surface.

[0011] The first cap may be configured to engage the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection. The second cap may be configured to engage the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection. The first cap may include a snap-fit ​​retention feature configured to engage with a snap-fit ​​retention feature of the tool base. The second cap may include a snap-fit ​​retention feature configured to engage with a snap-fit ​​retention feature of the tool base. The snap-fit ​​retention feature may include one or more ridges, protrusions, recesses, channels, or clips. The snap-fit ​​retention feature may be configured to resist engagement or disengagement until a snap-fit ​​retention force is met or exceeded. Once the snap-fit ​​retention force is met or exceeded, the retention feature may be configured to flex until the cap engages or disengages from the tool base.

[0012] The first and second caps may be formed from any suitable material, for example, the first and second caps may be formed from a metal material, a plastic material, or a metal and a plastic material.

[0013] The aperture tab may be configured to resiliently flex within a range in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool in response to pressure being applied to the aperture tab. The range of flexion may be configured to allow the aperture tab to apply sufficient pressure to the first cap or the second cap to disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base. The force sufficient to disengage the first cap or the second cap may be a snap-fit ​​retention force.

[0014] The second cleaning head may be removable from the tool base. The second cleaning head may be coupleable to the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection. The tool base may be configured to couple to an accessory in place of the second cleaning head. The accessory may be configured to couple to the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0015] The first cleaning head may include a first elongated member extending from the tool base. The first elongated member may have a first distal end distal from the tool base. The first cleaning head may include a second elongated member extending from the tool base. The second elongated member may have a second distal end distal from the tool base. A slot may be defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

[0016] Preferably, the reciprocating motion of at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate 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 elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member within a heating chamber having a heating blade extending into the heating chamber, refers to angular motion generally parallel to the plane in which the heating blade lies. The angular motion may be initiated by moving the tool base in a direction parallel to the heating blade and the slot. In response, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may move in a direction opposite to the movement of the tool base, and one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end may scrape the chamber bottom wall in a pivoting motion.

[0017] The tool may include a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongate member and the second elongate 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 together 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.

[0018] 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 elongate member protrusions located on an outer surface of the first elongate member or the second elongate member. Each of the one or more tubular member protrusions may define a convex shape extending toward the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

[0019] 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 result in proper alignment of the slot defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member with the heating blade, if the device has a heating blade.

[0020] 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 the 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The tool may include a pivot member disposed between a base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to allow the first and second elongate members to pivot 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 blade when the tool is used to clean an apparatus having a heating blade extending into the heating chamber.

[0023] 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. Preferably, the pivot member may define two cylindrical 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 elongated member and the second elongated member with a heating blade, if the device includes a heating blade.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The tool may include bristles extending from the first elongated member, or the second elongated member, or both the first and second elongated members. The bristles may advantageously increase the effective cleaning area of ​​the tool. The bristles are preferably hard enough to clean the surface of the heated chamber, but not hard enough to cause damage to the heated blade extending into the heated chamber. The bristles preferably contact the surface and dislodge from the surface of the heated chamber or heated blade when the tool is being used to clean the heated chamber.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 heating blade 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.

[0035] 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 heater blade 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 heater blade.

[0036] The tool base may include a handle. The handle 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. The handle may be compatible with the second cleaning head. The handle may be coupled to the tool base with a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The tool may include a cleaning cap. The cleaning 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 cleaning cap is coupled with the aerosol generation device. At least a portion of the cleaning 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.

[0039] The cleaning cap may be formed from any suitable material, for example, the cleaning cap may be formed from a metal material, or a plastic material, or a metal and a plastic material.

[0040] The tool may include a rod that operatively couples the first and second elongated members to the cleaning cap. The rod may allow 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 cleaning cap such that the first and second elongated members may pivot about the rod. Providing the cleaning cap and rod on the tool may advantageously provide controlled and consistent cleaning of the chamber bottom wall near the heating blade. The cleaning cap and rod may also prevent damage to the heating blade if the device includes a heating blade extending into the heating chamber, since the cleaning cap and rod may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongated members. If the device includes a heating blade, the cleaning 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 heating blade.

[0041] The rod may be formed from any suitable material, for example the rod may be formed from a metallic material, or a plastic material, or a metallic and a plastic material.

[0042] When the second cleaning head is inserted into the heating chamber toward the bottom wall, the distal end of the first elongate member extends away from the bottom wall. The second 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 second 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.

[0043] 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 heated chamber after the heating blade 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 the first or second pivoted position, for example. Such lateral adjustment of the width of the slot may allow the first and second elongated members to be inserted into the heated chamber over the heating blade without damaging the blade during insertion. Thus, the tool can easily conform to the heating blade during insertion and be moved into position to scrape or clean the bottom chamber wall near the heating blade after insertion.

[0044] The elongated members may include tapered sides. The tapered sides may advantageously allow the heating blade to pass between the elongated members more easily and provide additional protection against damage to the heating blade during reciprocation. The distal ends of the elongated members may be tapered. The tapered distal ends may allow the heating blade to pass between the distal ends more easily and provide additional protection against damage to the heating blade during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0045] The system may comprise an aerosol generating device and a tool for cleaning the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating chamber and a heating blade having a substantially rectangular cross section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber.

[0046] 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 heated blade. Cleaning the heated chamber using the tool preferably does not damage the heated blade. The tool may also serve to clean the heated blade.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of opening a housing of a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device, the method comprising applying pressure to an opening tab extending from a tool base of the tool to selectively remove a first cap or a second cap of the housing to expose one of a first cleaning head or a second cleaning head. The method may comprise bending the opening tab in response to the pressure being applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may comprise moving the opening tab in response to the pressure being applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may comprise applying a force on an end surface of the first cap or the second cap in response to the pressure being applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may comprise overcoming a snap-fit ​​retention force between the first cap or the second cap and the opening tab. Advantageously, applying a force to the opening tab allows for selective removal of the first cap or the second cap.

[0048] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0049] [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 with the tool cap engaged with the tool base of the tool. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the tool of FIG. 1 without one of the caps engaged with the tool base and the other cap disengaged from the tool base. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the cap engaged with the tool base. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 with pressure applied to a first surface of the opening tab of the tool to disengage one of the caps. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 with pressure applied on the second surface of the opening tab to disengage the other of the caps. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without the cap. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the tubular members of the tool of FIG. 1 with the semi-cylindrical shells of the tubular members separated from one another. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a variation of the tool in which the tool includes an elliptical pivot member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[0050] 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.

[0051] Example 1: 1. A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heated chamber, the tool comprising: a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end; a second cleaning head disposed back-to-back with the first cleaning head; a tool base disposed between the first cleaning head and the second cleaning head; a housing including a first cap configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the first cleaning head and a second cap configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the second cleaning head; and an opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base based on user interaction with the opening tab. Example 2: A tool according to example 1, wherein the first cap and the second cap each include a notch, and the opening tab extends through the notch of the first cap when the first cap engages with the tool base, and extends through the notch of the second cap when the second cap engages with the tool base. Example 3: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the opening tab is configured to protrude on an end surface of the first cap when the first cap engages with the tool base, and to protrude on an end surface of the second cap when the second cap engages with the tool base. Example 4: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the opening tab includes a first surface disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool and a second surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool and opposite the first surface, and the opening tab is configured to disengage the first cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface and to disengage the second cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the first surface. Example 5: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the first cap and the second cap are configured to engage with the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection. Example 6: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the opening tab is configured to elastically bend within a range in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool in response to pressure being applied to the opening tab, the range of bending being configured to enable the opening tab to apply sufficient pressure to the first cap or the second cap to disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base. Example 7: The tool according to any one of examples 1-6, wherein the second cleaning head is removable from the tool base. Example 8: The tool according to any one of examples 1-7, wherein the second cleaning head is connectable to the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection. Example 9: A tool according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first cleaning head includes a first elongated member extending from the tool base, the first elongated member including a first distal end distal from the tool base, and a second elongated member extending from the tool base, the second elongated member including a second distal end distal from the tool base, and a slot is defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member. Example 10: The tool according to example 9, further comprising a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongated member and the second elongated member. Example 11: The tool according to example 10, wherein the tubular member further 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 12: A tool according to any one of Examples 9 to 11, wherein the first cleaning head further includes one or more pivoting 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, the one or more pivoting members 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 pivoting members configured to limit pivoting of the first elongated member and the second elongated member in an unpreferred direction. Example 13: The tool according to example 12, wherein the one or more pivoting members include an elliptical member defining a periphery having a channel configured to engage a rib of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first elongated member and the second elongated member within the heating chamber. Example 14: The tool according to example 13, wherein the elliptical member comprises a disk or a cylinder. Example 15: The tool according to any one of Examples 1-14, wherein the second cleaning head comprises one or more scraping surfaces. Example 16: A system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade 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 15.

[0052] Figures 1-4 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. Figure 3 shows a side view of the tool 110 with a cap 120 engaged with a tool base 118 of the tool 110. Figure 4 shows the tool 110 with a cap 120-1 disengaged from the tool base 118.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The elongate member protrusions 126 are coupled to the elongate member 112. The elongate member protrusions 126 are configured to move the first elongate member 112-1 and the second elongate member 112-2 toward one another to reduce a width of the slot 116 when a cleaning motion is applied to the tool 110. The cleaning motion may include pivoting the elongate member 112 in a preferred direction. As shown, a pair of elongate member protrusions 126 located on an outer surface of each of the elongate members 112 are spaced apart by a gap 128.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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. 9 ) 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 indicated by arrows 139 illustrated in FIG. 8 . 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. 9 ) 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The caps 120 engage or couple to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110. The caps 120 may be coupled to the tool base 118 with a snap-fit ​​connection. The first cap 120-1 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. Each of the caps includes a notch 162. The notch 162 is configured to allow the opening tab 160 to extend through the notch 162 when the cap 120 engages the tool base 118. Pressure on either side of the opening tab 160 causes the opening tab 160 to bend and apply pressure to one end face 164 (shown in FIG. 4 ) of the cap 120. Thus, a user can use the opening tab 160 to selectively remove one or both of the caps 120.

[0062] An opening tab 160 extends radially outward from the tool base 118. The opening tab 160 extends through a notch 162 in the cap 120 and is configured such that the opening tab 160 is accessible when the cap is engaged with the tool base.

[0063] Figures 5-7 show the cap removal process of tool 110. Figure 5 shows tool 110 with the cap engaged with tool base 118. Figure 6 shows the opening tab 160 used to disengage second cap 120-2. Figure 7 shows the opening tab 160 used to disengage first cap 120-1.

[0064] The opening tab 160 includes a first surface 166 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool 110 and a second surface 168 also disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool 110. The first surface 166 is disposed opposite the second surface 168. The opening tab 160 is configured to disengage the second cap 120-2 from the tool base 118 when pressure is applied to the first surface 166, as shown in FIG. 6. When pressure is applied to the first surface 166, the opening tab 160 bends or moves toward the second cap 120-2 and pushes against the end surface 164 of the second cap 120-2. The pressure applied by the opening tab 160 to the second cap 120-2 may be sufficient to overcome the snap-fit ​​retention mechanism that engages or couples the second cap 120-2 to the tool base 118.

[0065] The opening tab 160 is configured to disengage the first cap 120-1 from the tool base 118 when pressure is applied to the second surface 168, as shown in FIG. 7. When pressure is applied to the second surface 168, the opening tab 160 flexes or moves toward the first cap 120-1 and presses against the end surface 164 of the first cap 120-1. The pressure applied by the opening tab to the first cap 120-1 may be sufficient to overcome the snap-fit ​​retention mechanism that engages or couples the first cap 120-1 to the tool base 118.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a side view of the tool 110 without the cap 120. FIG. 9 shows 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.

[0067] 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 indicated by arrow 139 (shown in FIG. 8 ) while limiting or preventing axial rotation of the elongated member 112 and preventing pivoting of the elongated member 112 in an unpreferred direction.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a tool 310 including an elliptical pivot member 156. The elongated member projection 126 of the tool and 310 are configured to engage with an inner wall 107 of the heating chamber 104 of the aerosol generating device 102. 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 at least one channel 158 may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber 104.

[0069] 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, said tool comprising: a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end; a second cleaning head disposed back to back with the first cleaning head; a tool base disposed between the first cleaning head and the second cleaning head; A housing, a first cap configured to engage the tool base and house the first cleaning head; and a housing including a second cap configured to engage the tool base and house the second cleaning head; an opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base based on user interaction with the opening tab.

2. the first cap and the second cap each include a notch; 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the opening tab extends through the notch in the first cap when the first cap is engaged with the tool base and extends through the notch in the second cap when the second cap is engaged with the tool base.

3. 3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the opening tab is configured to protrude above an end surface of the first cap when the first cap is engaged with the tool base, and to protrude above an end surface of the second cap when the second cap is engaged with the tool base.

4. The opening tab a first surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool; a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool; The opening tab disengaging the first cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface; The tool of claim 1 , configured to disengage a second cap from the tool base when pressure is applied to the first surface.

5. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the first cap and the second cap are configured to engage the tool base via a snap-fit ​​connection.

6. 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the opening tab is configured to resiliently flex within a range in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool in response to pressure being applied thereto, the range of flex being configured to allow the opening tab to apply sufficient pressure to the first cap or the second cap to disengage the first cap or the second cap from the tool base.

7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the second cleaning head is removable from the tool base.

8. The first cleaning head 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; The tool of claim 1 , wherein a slot is defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

9. The tool of claim 8 , further comprising a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

10. The tubular member a first semi-cylindrical shell; a second semi-cylindrical shell; and The tool of claim 9 , wherein the first and second semi-cylindrical shells are configured to join together to form a tube.

11. 11. The tool of claim 8, wherein the first cleaning head further comprises 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 the first elongate member and the second elongate member to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to an extension of the first elongate member, and the one or more pivot members configured to restrict pivoting of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in an unpreferred direction.

12. 12. The tool of claim 11, 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 12 , wherein the elliptical member comprises a disk or a cylinder.

14. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the second cleaning head includes one or more scraping surfaces.

15. 1. A system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade 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 claim 1.

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