Cleaning tools for aerosol generators

Abstract

A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heating chamber. The tool includes a tool base and a cleaning head. The cleaning head extends from the tool base and is configured to be received in a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The cleaning head includes a body, a cavity within the body, a distal opening, and one or more scraping elements. The body extends along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool from a proximal end to a distal end. The distal end includes an end wall extending toward the longitudinal axis. The distal opening is formed in the end wall and exposes the cavity. The one or more scraping elements extend from the body and are disposed proximal to the distal opening.

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 to generate an inhalable aerosol is heated rather than combusted are 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] In aerosol generating devices, a heating chamber is often provided that contains a heating element and receives a tobacco consumable. Close contact between the tobacco consumable and the heating walls of the heating chamber, as well as the surfaces of the heating element and the blade, can leave tobacco residue on the walls of the heating chamber and the heating element over time. If the heating element and the heating chamber are not regularly cleaned, there is a risk that the accumulated residue will block the air channels, resulting in obstructed airflow. Thus, the accumulation of residue can affect the quality of the smoking experience. Also, the performance of the heating element can be affected by the accumulated deposits.

[0005] Existing cleaning tools and systems, when used regularly, typically prevent debris buildup from blocking the air channels. However, these existing cleaning tools and systems may not be designed to maintain contact with the longitudinal surface of the heating element. As a result, the heating element may only be partially cleaned after each cleaning session.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide an easy to use cleaning tool that can clean the heating element without damaging the heating element. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heating chamber is provided. The tool may include a tool base and a cleaning head extending from the tool base. The tool is configured to be received in a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The cleaning head includes a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end including an end wall extending toward the longitudinal axis. The cleaning head further includes a cavity within the body, a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity, and one or more scraping elements extending from the body and disposed proximate the distal opening. The cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol generating device through the distal opening. The one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.

[0008] The cleaning tool may include one or more scraping elements that function to remove material that has built up on the heating element. Such scraping elements may apply sufficient pressure to remove material from the heating element by simply inserting the cleaning tool into the heating chamber. Thus, the user does not need to apply additional pressure that may damage the heating element or use any additional tools to clean the heating element.

[0009] Advantageously, cleaning tools including such scraping elements are simple to use and thoroughly clean the heating element. Furthermore, the cleaning tool is configured to prevent breakage, scraping, or damage to the heating element. Furthermore, such cleaning tools can simultaneously clean all sides of the heating element. For example, a cleaning tool with two opposing scraping elements can simultaneously clean both sides of the heating element. Thus, degradation of the heating element's performance can be avoided or reduced by periodic cleaning of the heating element using the cleaning tool. Furthermore, a single tool can also be used to clean the heating element. Still further, no additional tools, which may have the ability to damage the heating element, are required to clean the heating element.

[0010] The one or more scraping elements may include a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. The scraping edge may be narrower than other portions of the one or more scraping elements. The scraping edge may be a portion of the one or more scraping elements that tapers to a narrower width. The scraping edge may have a first side extending through a first plane that forms an angle with a second side of the scraping edge that extends through a second plane. The angle formed by the first plane and the second plane may be between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.

[0011] The one or more scraping elements may include a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. As used herein, the term "scrape" may refer to being pushed or pulled against a surface with sufficient pressure to remove tobacco residue or other material from such surface. The roughened portion may include any suitable feature that provides a rough or uneven surface. The roughened portion may include a plurality of ridges formed on the surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may include a plurality of humps formed on the surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may include a plurality of dimples formed on the surface of the one or more scraping elements.

[0012] The one or more scraping elements may include scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. The scraping teeth may include a plurality of protrusions that circumscribe the distal opening. The scraping teeth may include one or more crenellations. Each of the one or more crenellations may extend along a side of the distal opening. The crenellations may include a series of merlons and crenels.

[0013] The one or more scraping elements may include two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the distal opening. The two protrusions may extend from a surface of the end wall. Each of the two protrusions may extend from the surface at an angle toward a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The angle formed between each of the two protrusions and the surface of the end wall may be at least 5 degrees and no more than 45 degrees.

[0014] Each of the one or more scraping elements may extend across a portion of the distal opening, in other words, when the end wall is viewed from above down along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the one or more scraping elements may occlude at least a portion of the distal opening.

[0015] The one or more scraping elements may include an elastically deformable material. The elastically deformable material may allow the one or more scraping elements to deflect when contacting the heating element. Such deflection may allow the one or more scraping elements to apply pressure to the heating element when the cleaning tool is inserted into the heating chamber, and may allow the one or more scraping elements to scrape one or more sides of the heating element without damaging the heating element. The scraping edge may include a material that is harder than the elastically deformable material. The material of the scraping edge may be at least 20 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 50 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 100 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, or at least 200 percent harder than the elastically deformable material.

[0016] The one or more scraping elements may include a base portion coupled to a distal end of the body and a protruding portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The base portion may conform to a shape of an outer surface of the end wall. In other words, a surface of the base portion may be flush with the outer surface of the end wall.

[0017] The one or more scraping elements may include a base portion coupled to a distal end of the body and a protrusion extending from the base portion at an angle toward a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The angle formed between the base portion and the protrusion may be at least 5 degrees and no more than 45 degrees. The base portion may conform to the shape of the outer surface of the end wall. In other words, the surface of the base portion may be flush with the outer surface of the end wall.

[0018] The distal opening may be of any suitable size or shape. The distal opening may be rectangular. The distal opening may be elliptical. The distal opening may be polygonal. The distal opening may be semi-elliptical. The distal opening may be polyfoam. The shapes described herein for the distal opening refer to a two-dimensional cross-section of the distal opening. In other words, the shape of the distal opening may refer to the appearance of the distal opening when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis.

[0019] The end wall may comprise an end face comprising a surface. The surface may have any suitable shape. The surface may be substantially planar. The surface may be convex. The surface may be convex. The surface may include one or more recesses. The surface may include one or more protrusions. The distal opening may be located in the end face. The end wall may comprise an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.

[0020] The cleaning tool may include one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received within the heating chamber. The one or more guide elements may be configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element. The guide element may include a channel configured to receive the alignment element when the cleaning tool is received within the heating chamber. The channel may have a tapered infeed. The channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber. The channel may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The alignment element may include a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the heating chamber. The protrusion may be shaped to be received in the channel. The protrusion may include a rib. The guide element may include a protrusion configured to be received within the alignment element when the cleaning tool is received within the heating chamber. The protrusion may include a rib. The alignment element may be a channel configured to receive the guide element. The channel may have a tapered infeed. The channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0021] The one or more guide elements may include an elliptical member defining a periphery having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. The radius of the elliptical member may extend a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool to any outer surface of the body of the cleaning head or more. The elliptical member may have an exterior shape and dimensions similar to the interior shape and dimensions of the heating chamber into which the cleaning head member may be inserted. Such similar shape and dimensions may facilitate insertion of the elliptical member into the heating chamber. Such similar shape and dimensions may facilitate alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber may result in proper alignment of the distal opening with the heating element. The elliptical member may be flush with the end face.

[0022] The body may include one or more channels on an exterior surface of the body configured to receive the ribs of the heating chamber. The one or more channels may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The one or more channels may have a tapered infeed. The one or more channels may be flared at the receiving end. Providing the one or more channels with a tapered infeed or a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.

[0023] The body may include ribs on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by the channel of the heating chamber. The ribs may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The ribs may have a taper at an end closest to the distal end.

[0024] The body may include at least one sidewall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends of the body. The cleaning head may further include one or more protrusions extending from the at least one sidewall. The one or more protrusions are configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.

[0025] The cleaning tool may further include a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head. 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.

[0026] The second cleaning head may include a first elongated member extending from the tool base. The first elongated member may include a first distal end distal to the tool base. The second cleaning head may include a second elongated member extending from the tool base. The second elongated member may include a second distal end distal to the tool base. A slot may be defined between the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

[0027] The tool base may include a handle. The handle may extend in a direction away from the cleaning head. For example, the handle may extend away from the cleaning head along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The handle may be interchangeable with other cleaning heads. The handle may be coupled to the tool base with a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0028] The cleaning tool may include a cleaning cap. The cleaning cap may be configured to couple with the aerosol generating device. The tool may be configured such that an end wall contacts a bottom wall of the heating chamber when the cleaning cap is coupled with the aerosol generating device. At least a portion of the cleaning cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol generating device when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. 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 material and a plastic material.

[0029] 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 a heating element having a substantially rectangular cross-section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber.

[0030] Advantageously, a system including a cleaning tool with one or more scraping elements allows the cleaning tool to scrape or clean the heating element of the aerosol generating device, preferably without damaging the heating blade by using the tool to clean the heating chamber.

[0031] The heating chamber may include one or more angled surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element when the scraping elements contact the one or more angled surfaces. The one or more angled surfaces may be substantially planar. The one or more angled surfaces may be concave. The one or more angled surfaces may facilitate removal of residue from the heating element and prevent accumulation of residue and debris at the base of the heating element.

[0032] The heating element may be of any suitable size or shape. The heating element may be rectangular. The heating element may be elliptical. The heating element may be polygonal. The heating element may be semi-elliptical. The heating element may be polyfoam. The shapes described herein for the heating element refer to the two-dimensional cross-section of the heating element. In other words, the shape of the heating element may refer to the appearance of the heating element when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis. The heating element may comprise a heating blade.

[0033] 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [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 partial cross-sectional view of the tool of FIGS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a partial isometric view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the distal end of the cleaning head of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative cleaning head. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 shows a partial cutaway view of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a partial cutaway view of another aerosol generating device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a plan view of another aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Example 1: A tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising: a tool base; and a cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, the cleaning head including a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the body including an end wall whose distal end extends toward the longitudinal axis, a cavity within the body, a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity, and one or more scraping elements extending from the body and disposed proximal to the distal opening, the cavity configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol generating device through the distal opening, the one or more scraping elements configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity. Example 2: The tool of example 1, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. Example 3: A tool described in any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the one or more scraping elements have a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. Example 4: A tool described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein one or more scraping elements have scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. Example 5: The tool of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the one or more scraping elements include two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the distal opening. Example 6: The tool of any one of Examples 1-5, wherein each of the one or more scraping elements extends over a portion of the distal opening. Example 7: The tool of any one of Examples 1-6, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise an elastically deformable material. Example 8: The tool of example 7 comprising the scraping edge of example 2, wherein the scraping edge comprises a harder material than the elastically deformable material. Example 9: The tool of any one of Examples 1-8, wherein the one or more scraping elements include a base portion connected to a distal end of the body and a protruding portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. Example 10: The tool of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the distal opening is rectangular. Example 11: The tool of any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the distal opening is oval. Example 12: The tool of any one of Examples 1-11, wherein the end wall comprises an end surface comprising a substantially planar surface, and the distal opening is located at the end surface. Example 13: A tool described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, further comprising one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber. Example 14: The tool of example 13, wherein the one or more guide elements are configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element. Example 15: 15. The tool of example 13 or 14, wherein the one or more guide elements comprise an elliptical member defining a periphery having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Example 16: 16. The tool of example embodiment 15, wherein the elliptical member is flush with the end surface. Example 17: A tool described in any one of Examples 1-16, wherein the body includes one or more channels on an outer surface of the body configured to receive ribs of the heating chamber. Example 18: The tool of any one of Examples 1-17, wherein the body includes ribs on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by the channels of the heating chamber. Example 19: A tool described in any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein the body includes at least one sidewall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends of the body, and the cleaning head further includes one or more protrusions extending from the at least one sidewall, the one or more protrusions being configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber. Example 20: The tool of any one of examples 1-19, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head. Example 21: A system comprising an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber and a 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 described in any one of Examples 1 to 20. Example 22: The system of Example 21, wherein the heating chamber includes one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element when the scraping elements contact the one or more inclined surfaces.

[0036] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0037] 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 partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning head 112 of the tool 110. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the cleaning head 112 of the tool 110.

[0038] The aerosol generation device 102 includes a heating chamber 104, a heating element 106, a chamber bottom wall 108, and ribs 109. The heating chamber 104 defines a cavity within the aerosol generation device 102. The chamber bottom wall 108 is an interior surface of the heating chamber 104. The heating element 106 extends from the chamber bottom wall 108 into the heating chamber 104. As shown, the heating element 106 is a blade.

[0039] The tool 110 includes a tool base 118, a cleaning head 112, a first cap 128-1, a second cap 128-2 (collectively referred to as caps 128), and an attachment 124. The cleaning head 112 includes a body 114, a cavity 132 within the body, a distal opening 120, and a scraping element 122. The body 114 extends along a longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110 from a proximal end 115 to a distal end 116. The distal end 116 includes an end wall 119 that extends toward the longitudinal axis 130.

[0040] The cleaning head 112 is configured to be received in the heating chamber 104 such that the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132 via the distal opening 120. Additionally, the scraping elements 122 are configured to scrape the sides of the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132. The scraping elements 122 each include a scraping edge 134 configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the cavity 132. A portion of the scraping elements 122 extends over a portion of the distal opening 120. As shown, the scraping edge 134 extends over the distal opening 120, blocking a portion of the distal opening 120, as shown in FIG. 4 . Extending over the distal opening 120 may facilitate applying pressure to the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132.

[0041] The body 114 includes a channel 126 in an outer surface of the body 114 that is configured to receive the rib 109 of the heating chamber 104. The channel 126 may include a tapered or flared receiving end to facilitate insertion of the rib 109 into the channel 126.

[0042] 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 a second cleaning head.

[0043] The cap 128 engages or couples to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110. The cap 128 may be coupled to the tool base 118 with a snap-fit ​​connection. The first cap 128-1 is configured to receive and house the cleaning head 112. The second cap 128-2 is configured to receive and house the accessory 124.

[0044] Figures 5-18 show various embodiments of the cleaning head 112 of the cleaning tool 110 of Figures 1-4. Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112, and Figure 6 shows a top view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figures 5 and 6, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protruding portion 138. The base portion 136 conforms to the shape of the end wall 119. Each of the protruding portions 138 extends from one of the base portions 136 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. The protruding portions include a scraping edge 134.

[0045] FIG 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112, and FIG 8 shows a top view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In FIGs 7 and 8, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protruding portion 138. The base portion 136 conforms to the shape of the end wall 119. The protruding portions 138 each extend from one of the base portions 136 in both directions away from the end wall 119 and toward the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the protruding portions 138 extend above the distal opening 120.

[0046] Figure 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112, and Figure 10 shows a top view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figures 9 and 10, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a protrusion extending from opposite sides of the distal opening 120. The scraping elements 122 extend in both directions away from the end wall 119 and toward the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the scraping elements 122 extend above the distal opening 120.

[0047] FIG. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112, and FIG. 12 shows a partial isometric view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In FIGS. 11 and 12, each of the scraping elements 122 includes scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the heating chamber 104. The scraping teeth include two crenellations on opposite sides of the distal opening 120. Each crenellation includes a series of merlons 142 and crenels 140. The crenels 140 extend in both directions away from the end wall 119 and toward the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. The merlons 142 form spaces between the crenels 140.

[0048] Figure 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112, and Figure 14 shows a top view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figures 13 and 14, the distal opening 120 is circular and the scraping element 122 is ring-shaped.

[0049] 15 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cleaning head 112 including a guide element 146. The guide element 146 extends from the body 114 and is configured to position the distal opening 120 relative to the heating element 106 when the cleaning tool 110 is received in the heating chamber 104. The guide element 146 is configured to cooperate with alignment elements of the heating chamber 104. As shown, the guide element 146 is an elliptical member that includes two channels 126 configured to receive the ribs 109 of the heating chamber 104.

[0050] 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cleaning head 112 including ribs 127. The ribs 127 can be configured to be received in channels in the inner surface of the heating chamber 104.

[0051] FIG. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cleaning head 112 with a convex end wall 119 .

[0052] FIG. 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a cleaning head 112 with a concave end wall 119 .

[0053] 19-20 show different embodiments of an aerosol generating device. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 show partial cutaway views of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device 102 including an inclined surface 150. As shown in each of FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the heating chamber 104 includes an inclined surface 150 extending from the bottom chamber wall 108 adjacent the heating element 106. The inclined surface 150 can be configured to move residue scraped from the heating element 106 by the scraping element 122 away from the heating element 106 when the scraping element 122 contacts one or more of the inclined surfaces 150. In FIG. 19, the inclined surface 150 is planar. In FIG. 20, the inclined surface 150 is concave.

[0054] 21 shows a top view of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device 102 that includes channels 152 in an interior wall of the heating chamber 104. The channels 152 can be configured to receive ribs of a cleaning head to orient the cleaning head relative to the heating chamber 104.

[0055] 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 Tool base, a cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end including an end wall extending toward the longitudinal axis; a cavity within said body; a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity; and one or more scraping elements extending from the body disposed proximate the distal opening; a cavity configured to receive the heating element of the aerosol generating device through the distal opening; A tool comprising a cleaning head, wherein the one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.

2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.

3. The tool of claim 2 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise an elastically deformable material.

4. The tool of claim 3 , wherein the scraping edge comprises a material that is harder than the elastically deformable material.

5. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.

6. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.

7. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements include two protrusions extending from opposite sides of the distal opening.

8. The tool of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more scraping elements extends over a portion of the distal opening.

9. the one or more scraping elements a base coupled to the distal end of the body; and The tool of claim 1 including a protrusion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.

10. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the end wall includes an end surface that comprises a substantially planar surface, and the distal opening is located in the end surface.

11. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber.

12. The tool of claim 11 , wherein the one or more guide elements are configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element.

13. the body including at least one sidewall extending parallel to a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the body; The tool of claim 1 , wherein the cleaning head further comprises one or more protrusions extending from the at least one sidewall, the one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.

14. 1. A system comprising: an aerosol generating device comprising: a heating chamber; and a heating element having a substantially rectangular cross section extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber; A system comprising a tool for cleaning an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the heating chamber includes one or more sloped surfaces extending from a bottom chamber wall adjacent the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by one or more scraping elements away from the heating element when the scraping elements contact the one or more sloped surfaces.

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