Aerosol generator with cleaning tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (100) comprising a longitudinal heating cavity (10) defined by sidewalls (12), the longitudinal heating cavity (10) having an opening (14) at one upper end (10a) and adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted through the opening (14), and a heating system (20) for heating the aerosol-generating article (1) received in the heating cavity (10). According to the present invention, the device (100) comprises an integrated cleaning tool (30) configured to move longitudinally within the heating cavity (10) upon actuation of an actuator (60) and including at least one cleaning member (40) configured to flexibly scrub the sidewalls (12) of the heating cavity (10) as it moves along the heating cavity (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are increasingly being used today as an alternative to regular cigarettes. A particular type of aerosol-generating device is the heat-not-burn (HnB) device, which heats, rather than burns or incinerates, an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0003] A heated non-combustion aerosol generating device typically comprises a heated cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of a consumable aerosol generating article inserted therein, and a heating system for heating the article contained within the cavity.

[0004] The aerosol-generating article comprises a tobacco base containing an aerosol-forming substance (such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol) that vaporizes during heating to produce a vapor that extracts nicotine and flavor components from the tobacco base. The aerosol-forming substance is heated to 200-400°C, which is lower than the normal combustion temperature of a conventional cigarette.

[0005] The volatile compounds and aerosol released upon heating of the tobacco substrate become deposited on the interior surfaces of the aerosol-generating device, and fragments or particles of the aerosol-generating article itself, such as fragments or particles from their packaging or of the substrate, may shed during handling or use of the article.

[0006] Between uses, extraneous materials such as dust may further penetrate into the interior of the heating cavity.

[0007] Any such residues are deposited, in particular on the sides of the heated cavity, where they can be further accumulated and / or partially removed by friction of the inserted aerosol-generating article.

[0008] Such residues interfere with optimal use of the aerosol generating device. When accumulated on the walls of the heating cavity, the residues can reduce or block the required airflow of the device. The residues can also affect the optimal flavor perception of the aerosol. In fact, contaminant particles or particles can impart an unpleasant flavor or bitter taste to the user. The heater can also be damaged depending on how and where the residues accumulate.

[0009] Currently, users generally clean the device itself using dedicated cleaning tools such as brushes. This manual cleaning, apart from the unpleasant experience it can present and the heavy burden it places on the user, can also be detrimental to both the sustainability of the device and the user's experience. The heater may be damaged by excessive or insufficient cleaning efforts. In addition, insufficient cleaning may lead to a deterioration of the user's senses during vaping and an unpleasant odor.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for improved management of residues inside aerosol generating devices to improve the user's experience while vaping and make the devices more sustainable overall. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This is an aerosol generating device, - a heating cavity extending longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and bounded laterally by side walls, the heating cavity having an opening at one upper end and adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article inserted through the opening; a heating system for heating an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity; Equipped with This is achieved using an aerosol generating device, further comprising an integrated cleaning tool configured to move longitudinally within the heated cavity upon actuation of the actuator and including at least one cleaning member configured to flexibly scrub the sidewalls of the heated cavity as it moves along the heated cavity.

[0012] According to the invention, the aerosol generating device is provided with a cleaning system including a dedicated cleaning tool and an actuator for actuating the cleaning tool when a cleaning session is triggered.

[0013] The cleaning tool may be operated automatically, for example, by a control unit integrated into the device, the control unit configured to control one or more parameters, such as, for example, the time period since the last cleaning session and / or the number of vaping sessions, and / or the temperature of the heating system, and / or the state of charge of the battery, and / or the resistance or impedance at the sidewalls of the cavity, and configured to trigger an actuator based on the parameters.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning tool may be operated based on activation of a user command, such as an activation button on the device.

[0015] In particular, the actuator may be actuated in response to the actual cleaning need, in particular in response to one or more parameters representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity, typically measured by at least one sensor.

[0016] According to the invention, the cleaning tool comprises at least one cleaning member at its periphery, which is deformed against the sidewall of the heated cavity in order to scrape or brush the sidewall.

[0017] At least one lateral dimension of the cleaning tool (in the unattached state) may be greater than a lateral dimension of the cavity, for example.

[0018] As the cleaning tool is moved longitudinally, the cleaning members, which are resiliently biased against the sidewall, dislodge any residue that has accumulated on the sidewall. Once cleared from the wall, the residue can be easily expelled, for example, by a simple rotation of the device.

[0019] The automatic cleaning provided by such cleaning tools improves the user experience by eliminating the burden of manual cleaning and also ensures consistency in the cleaning process, ensuring that the heating cavity is always kept in good condition, improving the user's experience during vaping as well as the sustainability of the device.

[0020] In the following, the transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis of the heating cavity. Unless otherwise indicated, the transverse plane is the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The cleaning tool can have a variety of shapes and configurations, which are described in more detail below.

[0022] The cleaning tool may include one single cleaning member or multiple cleaning members.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the length of each cleaning element measured in the lateral direction may be comprised between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0024] The thickness of each cleaning member measured in the longitudinal direction may preferably be comprised between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, even more preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm.

[0025] The cleaning tool can be moved along the cavity in only one degree of freedom (longitudinal translation without rotation) or can be moved in two degrees of freedom (i.e., simultaneously longitudinally translated and rotated about the longitudinal axis of the cavity).

[0026] The arrangement of the cleaning elements may be selected depending, inter alia, on the thickness of each cleaning element, the presence or absence of rotational movement of the tool, and the translational and / or rotational speed of the tool, with the aim of brushing the maximum area of ​​the side wall of the cavity at least once during one longitudinal movement of the tool.

[0027] Advantageously, the position of the cleaning member can also be adapted to the shape of the heating cavity and / or the position of certain elements of the device, depending on their cleaning needs or, conversely, their fragility (some components are easily breakable and direct contact between these components and the cleaning tool should be avoided).

[0028] Advantageously, the integrated cleaning tool may include multiple cleaning members that are deformable independently of one another.

[0029] Each cleaning element is flexible and can adapt to the internal shape of the heated cavity, which may or may not be circular. Providing several cleaning elements that are deformable independently of one another and that can each flex precisely depending on the part of the heated cavity that they are rubbing allows for a better adaptation to the shape of the cavity and therefore efficient cleaning.

[0030] A cleaning member is provided on the periphery of the cleaning tool for flexibly scrubbing the sidewalls of the heated cavity as it moves along the heated cavity.

[0031] For example, an integrated cleaning tool may include multiple spaced apart cleaning members.

[0032] The cleaning members may be distributed over the whole or part of the tool periphery, preferably in a regular arrangement, in particular in one single cleaning layer.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each cleaning member may have an elongated shape in the lateral direction (hereinafter referred to as the main direction / axis of the particular cleaning member).

[0034] The cross section perpendicular to the major axis of the cleaning member may be circular, rectangular, or any other shape.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the maximum dimension of each cleaning member, measured in a plane perpendicular to its main axis, may be comprised between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each cleaning member may inscribe an angular sector of less than 1°, or even less than 0.5°, about the longitudinal axis.

[0037] The cleaning members may be widely spaced apart. According to one example, only four elongated cleaning members may be arranged in a cross shape around the tool periphery, with two adjacent cleaning members forming a 90° angle.

[0038] According to another preferred embodiment, the cleaning tool may include a plurality of juxtaposed cleaning members forming a cleaning comb, each cleaning member then forming a tooth of the comb, the plurality of cleaning members being closely arranged next to each other.

[0039] Such cleaning combs may extend completely around the periphery of the tool (i.e. 360° around the longitudinal axis), or may extend only around a portion or angle of the periphery.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the at least one cleaning member may be a flexible spatula having a flat, wide blade shape.

[0041] Such a flexible spatula may extend continuously all along the entire periphery of the tool (i.e., 360° around the longitudinal axis), or may extend only along a portion or angular portion of the periphery.

[0042] Alternatively, each cleaning member may be made of a plastic such as silicone or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or a metal such as stainless steel, or any other suitable material.

[0043] The or each cleaning member may also be partially (especially at its tip) or entirely coated to enhance the scrubbing action. Coatings may include, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, or any other suitable material. Such coatings may be applied, for example, by dipping, by dipping and centrifugation, or by any other coating technique.

[0044] According to one embodiment, in order to facilitate the release of debris brushed by the cleaning members, the cleaning tool may comprise at least one cleaning zone, seen in particular in lateral projection at its periphery, comprising at least one cleaning member and at least one free zone, the or each free zone extending over an angular sector of at least 35° around the longitudinal axis, preferably at least 70° around the longitudinal axis.

[0045] More specifically, the cleaning tool may include alternating such cleaning zones and free zones around its periphery.

[0046] In the present application, a cleaning zone is to be understood as being formed by one cleaning member or by a number of closely juxtaposed cleaning members.

[0047] In particular, the cleaning zone may be formed by one single cleaning member, typically extending continuously over an angular section of at least 35°, preferably at least 70° around the longitudinal axis.

[0048] Alternatively, the cleaning zone may include a cleaning comb formed of a plurality of laterally extending, juxtaposed cleaning members.

[0049] The cleaning member or members may be defined in a plane, typically the transverse plane or a plane inclined to the transverse plane, forming a so-called cleaning layer.

[0050] According to certain embodiments, the cleaning tool may include several longitudinally superimposed cleaning layers, each layer typically including one or more cleaning members and / or zones.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cleaning tool may include at least one air channel disposed on both its side and top surfaces.

[0052] The air channels are configured to allow air to pass from the sides of the cleaning tool towards its top surface, thus allowing the cleaning tool to allow air to flow towards the tip of the tobacco stick, which is necessary for vaping efficiency.

[0053] The cleaning tool typically includes a central tool body with each cleaning member formed on the periphery of the tool body.

[0054] According to one embodiment, each cleaning member may be integrally formed with the body.

[0055] According to another embodiment, the cleaning tool may include a body and at least one cleaning member may be removably secured to the body, such that the cleaning member can be very easily replaced as needed, for example due to use.

[0056] In particular, the cleaning tool may include fixing means for fixing the cleaning member to the tool body.

[0057] According to certain embodiments, the body may include an upper body portion and a lower body portion that function as clamping jaws. The cleaning tool may further comprise fastening means, typically threaded fastening means, for fastening the upper and lower body portions to one another.

[0058] According to one embodiment, each cleaning member may form part of an independent cleaning module that is independently removable from the tool body.

[0059] As an advantageous alternative, to facilitate both assembly and disassembly of several cleaning members from the tool body, the cleaning tool may include at least one single-piece cleaning module that includes several (preferably all) of the cleaning members and is removably secured to the tool body.

[0060] In particular, several cleaning members forming one cleaning zone may be joined together, typically at a central base, to form one cleaning module.

[0061] Furthermore, cleaning members of one cleaning zone may be joined to members of another cleaning zone to form a cleaning module.

[0062] In the comb configuration described above, the cleaning module may be formed by etching a metal sheet, such as stainless steel or titanium, to form the cleaning members around its periphery.

[0063] According to an alternative embodiment, the cleaning module may be formed of a folded wire, the pleats of the wire forming the cleaning member.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the cleaning tool may include a collection cup located below the cleaning zone to collect debris brushed by the cleaning element as the tool moves within the cavity. The cleaning element and collection cup may be integrally formed (molded or injected) or may be fastenable and detachable from each other and / or from the tool body, for example by press fit / thread / magnetic engagement.

[0065] The heating cavity extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and is bounded laterally by side walls. The cavity has a generally tubular shape. It is fixed relative to the outer body of the device.

[0066] More generally, the device comprises an outer body in which a heating cavity, a heating system, and a power source are received, all of which are fixed relative to each other and to the outer body.

[0067] The heating cavity includes an insertion opening at its insertion end that will allow for the introduction of an aerosol-generating article into the cavity.

[0068] In this disclosure, unless specifically stated to the contrary, top, bottom, upper, and lower are considered relative to the longitudinal axis of the heating cavity, with top and upper oriented toward the insertion end of the cavity and bottom and lower oriented toward the opposite end thereof.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the cleaning tool may be configured to be stored in a storage position at the bottom end of the heated cavity when the actuator is stationary, in which the cleaning tool then forms the bottom of the heated cavity, thus allowing the aerosol-generating article to assume the required position within the cavity for normal vaping use.

[0070] The heating system may include a heater surrounding the heating cavity and configured to heat the heating cavity.

[0071] Such heaters may typically include a heater body in the form of a longitudinal metal sleeve and a heating element such as a thick film or thin film heater that includes a layer of electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conductive material on the exterior or interior of the heater body.

[0072] The heater body may also be made of ceramic.

[0073] Alternatively, the heating system may comprise an induction coil, typically surrounding the heating cavity, that forms part of or the entire heating cavity or is configured to inductively heat the ferromagnetic material contained in the aerosol-generating article.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the heater body may have a cup shape, i.e., it may have a lateral tubular wall and a bottom wall.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the heater body may be integrated with a holder, typically made of high temperature resistant plastic, configured to hold the heater body at its lower end. The holder may have a base perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heating cavity and a holding means, such as a longitudinal tongue projecting upward from the base, configured to hold the heater body, for example by a clamp.

[0076] In particular, the retaining means may be configured to retain the heater body at a distance from the base.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the actuator configured to actuate longitudinal movement of the cleaning tool within the heated cavity is a mechanical linear actuator, also known as a screw-nut type lead screw actuator, that includes a longitudinally extending screw or shaft and a nut that threads onto the screw.

[0078] The actuator may further include a motor for driving the screw.

[0079] The rotary motor may have a direct or indirect drive, in which case its axis is either aligned with or offset relative to the screw axis.

[0080] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator may include a reduction gear between the motor and the screw. Such a reduction gear may transmit the rotational motion of the motor shaft to the screw while reducing the speed and increasing the torque delivered to the screw. The reduction gear may include, for example, a first gear integrated with the motor shaft and a second gear integrated with or engaging the screw.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the nut is fixed longitudinally to the heating cavity, the screw is longitudinally translatable upon rotation of the nut, and the cleaning tool is integrated with the screw. In this type of actuator, also known as a non-captive linear actuator, the cleaning tool rotates with the screw while moving along the heating cavity. To enable movement, the cleaning tool typically has a circular cross-section that matches the circular cross-section of the heating cavity.

[0082] In embodiments including a reduction gear as described above, the gear of the reduction gear may be provided with a threaded hole for engaging the screw, thus forming a nut.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the tool body can be supported in a freely rotatable manner at the end of the screw, for example by at least one ball bearing. According to one example, the hub of the ball bearing can be formed by a support element integrated with the upper end of the screw, and the shaft of the ball bearing can be integrated with the tool body, or vice versa.

[0084] According to yet another embodiment, the screw is fixed in the longitudinal direction of the heating cavity, the nut is longitudinally translatable upon rotation of the screw, and the nut is formed by or integrated with the cleaning tool. This embodiment has the advantage of not cluttering the space located below the heating cavity.

[0085] For cavities with non-circular sections, the cleaning tool may be fixed with one degree of freedom to move longitudinally without rotation.

[0086] In embodiments including a reduction gear as described above, the gears of the reduction gear may be fixedly attached to the screw.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the screw may be offset laterally relative to the central axis of the heating cavity.

[0088] In embodiments where the heater body is a cup, the screw may pass through an opening formed in the bottom wall of the heater body.

[0089] The edge of the bottom wall around the screw opening can then advantageously be turned upwards to prevent dust from falling into the device. An additional seal, for example a silicone seal, can further be placed around the opening to prevent dust from falling out.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the device may comprise a control unit for controlling one or more parameters, in particular one or more parameters representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity, and for activating the actuator based on the parameters.

[0091] In particular, the device may comprise at least one sensor configured to measure at least one parameter representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity and to send a corresponding signal to the control unit.

[0092] The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning an aerosol generating device as described herein above, the method comprising actuating an actuator to effect longitudinal movement of a cleaning tool inside the heated cavity.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the cleaning method further comprises measuring at least one parameter representative of a contamination level of the heated cavity in a closed loop and activating an actuator based on the parameter.

[0094] Any sensor configured to assess the dust level in the cavity may be implemented in the method. The measured parameter may be directly related to the contamination level or may allow for the prediction of the contamination level.

[0095] In particular, the at least one parameter may be the resistance or impedance at the sidewall typically formed by the heater body, and / or the time period since the last cleaning session, and / or the number of vaping sessions since the last cleaning session, and / or the temperature of the heating system, and / or the state of charge of the battery.

[0096] According to an advantageous embodiment, the measuring step may comprise measuring an electrical resistance or impedance.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the cleaning step may include moving the cleaning tool back and forth along the cavity several times at different speeds and / or at different temperatures within the heated cavity.

[0098] It should be understood that the different embodiments described above can be realized individually or in any technically compatible combination. In particular, the technical features described above and below can be used not only in the combinations shown, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0099] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the cleaning tool in a retracted position forming the bottom of the heated cavity. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1A, with the cleaning tool in a fully deployed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 1C is a view of detail II of FIG. 1B. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the actuator of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a single axis actuator with a motor aligned with a screw. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a cleaning tool having a two-part tool body and a removable cleaning member. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the upper body of the cleaning tool of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool including a cleaning comb formed of juxtaposed cleaning members. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a cleaning tool having a coated cleaning member. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool including a cleaning module formed from folded wire. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool including a spatula-shaped cleaning member. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool having alternating cleaning zones and free zones along its periphery. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool having two superimposed cleaning layers. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool including a collection cup for collecting debris brushed by the cleaning member. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cleaning tool that is freely rotatable at the upper end of the screw. [Figure 15] 1 shows a mode of implementation of the cleaning method according to the invention, including closed-loop control; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0100] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes, and the dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0101] FIG. 1A shows an aerosol generating device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The device 100 comprises an outer body 2 of any suitable shape that houses a longitudinal heating cavity 10 (hereinafter also referred to as cavity) extending along a central or longitudinal axis Z1 that defines a longitudinal direction Z.

[0103] The heating cavity 10 is bounded by side walls 12 in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z and has a tubular shape with a constant, here circular cross section (considered in a transverse plane XY perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z).

[0104] The heated cavity 10 includes an opening 14 at one insertion or upper end 10 a that is adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article (not shown) inserted therethrough.

[0105] The device 100 further includes a heating system 20 powered by a power source 90 and configured to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity 10, the heating system 20 and the power source 90 being housed within the outer body 2 of the device 100.

[0106] As shown, the heating system 20 may be an external heater including a heater body 22 in the form of a longitudinal metal sleeve surrounding the heating cavity 10 and a heating element 28, such as a thick or thin film, including a layer of electrically insulating material and a layer of electrically conductive material on the outside or inside of the heater body 22.

[0107] 2 and 3, the heater body 22 has a cup shape with a transverse tubular wall 23 and a bottom wall 24. The heating element 28 is provided on the exterior of the heater body 22, where the side wall 23 forms the side wall 12 of the heating cavity 10.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 2, the heater body 22 is received in a holder 80, typically made of a high-temperature resistant plastic such as PEEK, having a transverse base 81 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Z of the heating cavity 10 and a holding means 82, such as a longitudinal tongue, protruding upward from the base 81, and configured to hold the heater body 22, for example by a clamp.

[0109] Advantageously, the retaining means 82 are configured to retain the heater body 22 at a distance from the base 81, leaving a gap between the heater body 22 and the base 81, the function of which will be explained below.

[0110] When an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating cavity 10 and the device 100 is activated by a user, the power supply 90 supplies current to the heating element 28. The heating element 28 heats up and heat is transferred by thermal conduction to the heater body 22 and, in turn, to the article surrounded by the heater body 22.

[0111] Upon heating, the aerosol-forming material contained in the tobacco substrate of the article vaporizes, producing a vapor that extracts nicotine and flavor components from the tobacco substrate.

[0112] Volatile compounds, aerosols, fragments of the aerosol-generating article, or external dust accumulate on the side walls 12 of the heated cavity 10 .

[0113] According to the present invention, the aerosol generating device 100 comprises an integrated cleaning tool 30 movable in the longitudinal direction Z and configured to scrape contaminated material on the side wall 12 .

[0114] The cleaning tool 30 includes at least one cleaning member 40 extending laterally around the periphery of the tool 30 and configured to flexibly scrub the sidewall 12 .

[0115] Several embodiments of the cleaning tool 30 are described in more detail in the following description.

[0116] In the retracted position, the cleaning tool 30 forms the bottom of the heating cavity 10, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0117] Movement of the cleaning tool 30 inside the heated cavity 10 is actuated by an actuator 60, for example a mechanical linear actuator of the screw-nut type.

[0118] The actuator 60 may be triggered based on a user command, for example through a user button 92 provided on the device 100, and / or based on other parameters such as, for example, the time period since the last cleaning session and / or the number of vaping sessions, and / or the level of contamination inside the cavity, and / or the temperature of the heating system, and / or the state of charge of the battery 90, and / or the resistance or impedance at the sidewalls of the heated cavity.

[0119] The apparatus 100 advantageously includes a control unit 94, typically a microcontroller, configured to trigger the actuator 60 based on one or more parameters such as those described above.

[0120] The control unit 94 is linked to and receives signals from the user's buttons 92 (if present) and the battery 90 and is configured to operate both the actuator 60 and the heating system 20 .

[0121] According to an advantageous configuration, the device 100 may further comprise at least one sensor 96 configured to measure at least one parameter representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity 10 and to send a corresponding signal to the control unit 94.

[0122] The at least one sensor 96 may be configured to measure, for example, electrical resistance or impedance, particularly electrical resistance or impedance at the sidewall 12. Dust on the sidewall 12 having an electrical resistance / impedance separate from the heater body 22 allows for the dust level on the sidewall 12 to be estimated by measuring such a parameter.

[0123] Therefore, cleaning can be controlled in a closed loop according to actual needs, thus avoiding the heated cavity 10 being cleaned too frequently or, conversely, not being cleaned frequently enough.

[0124] A process flow diagram is provided in Figure 15, showing one possible implementation of a cleaning method according to the present invention, operated in a closed loop.

[0125] In a first step S1, the control unit 94 checks whether the conditions for proceeding to cleaning are met, for example if the battery 90 is at least 80% charged or is charging.

[0126] In a third step S2, a parameter representative of the dust in the heated cavity 10 is measured.

[0127] In a fourth step S3, the measurement signal is filtered, digitized and processed, typically by firmware associated with the sensor 96.

[0128] In a fifth step S4, the dust level estimated by the firmware is transmitted to the control unit 94.

[0129] In a sixth step S5, a cleaning process is activated by the control unit 94 based on the estimated dust level.

[0130] In a seventh step S6, the user may be notified that cleaning is complete.

[0131] Alternatively, cleaning can also be controlled in an open loop, i.e. programmed by calibration, in which case the sensor 96 assessing contamination inside the cavity 10 can be omitted or used as a complement.

[0132] The automatic cleaning control in closed or open loop can also be supplemented by a user command for cleaning.

[0133] It should be noted that the cleaning process can be adapted as needed, for example, it can involve moving the cleaning tool back and forth along the cavity several times, possibly at different speeds and / or at different temperatures within the heated cavity.

[0134] An actuator 60 according to a possible embodiment is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The actuator 60 here comprises a motor 62 and a screw 64 that is translatable in the longitudinal direction Z by actuation of the motor 62. In the example shown, the screw 64 extends along the longitudinal axis Z2, coaxially with the heating cavity 10, and the cleaning tool 30 is integrated with the screw 62 and is fixed, for example at its upper end 64a (Figure 1B), in particular by a threaded connection 39, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0135] Here, the screw 64 is long enough to pass through the opening 25 formed in the bottom wall 24 of the heater body 22 and to move the cleaning tool 30 up and down along the heated cavity 10. Clearance 9 is required below the heated cavity 10 to receive the screw 64 in its retracted position.

[0136] An edge 26 of the bottom wall 24 of the heater body 22 around the threaded opening 25 may advantageously be turned upward to prevent dust from falling into inaccessible portions of the device 100. An additional silicone seal 27 may further be placed around the opening 25 on the underside of the bottom wall 24 to prevent dust from falling out.

[0137] In this first embodiment, the motor 62 is of the indirect drive and eccentric type (axis Z3), and the actuator 60 includes a reduction gear 70 between the motor 62 and the screw 64 to transmit the rotational motion to the screw 64. The reduction gear 70 includes meshing gears, here two gears 71, 72, which have an overall transmission ratio totaling less than 1 to reduce the rotational speed and increase the torque transmitted to the screw 64.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 62 is mounted to the holder 80, specifically to the bottom surface of the base 81, and its shaft 63, which passes through the base 81, is integrated with the smaller diameter first gear 71. A gap between the heater body 22 and the base 81 protects the motor 62 from possible overheating. The motor 62 is connected to a control unit 94 and receives power from a battery 90.

[0139] The first gear 71 is secured to the top of the base 81 with a cotter pin 73 to prevent it from loosening. The first gear 71 meshes with a second gear 72 of a larger diameter, thereby transmitting the rotational motion of the motor shaft 63 to the second gear 72.

[0140] The second gear 72 has a gear portion 74 disposed above the base 81 and meshing with the first gear 71, and a central shaft 75 with a threaded hole 76 configured to receive the screw 64 in threaded engagement. The second gear 72 forms the so-called nut of the mechanical actuator 60.

[0141] In such a configuration, rotational movement of the second gear 72 induces longitudinal movement of the cleaning tool 30 integral with the screw 64 , such as longitudinal movement of the screw 64 .

[0142] In the particular illustrated example, the central shaft 75 of the second gear 72 is mounted in a through hole 83 in the base 81 .

[0143] According to an embodiment not shown, a ball bearing may further be overmolded into the through hole 83 of the holder 80 to reduce friction between the shaft of the gear 72 and the base 81 .

[0144] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a small latch 77 may further be positioned below the second gear 72 and holder 80 to secure the gear 72 in a longitudinal position.

[0145] According to an embodiment not shown, the rigidity of the screw 64 can be further increased by providing an additional holder at its bottom.

[0146] The reduction gears such as gears 71, 72 may be manufactured from a temperature resistant plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or from metal. The screw 64 may be made from metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0147] Once the user presses the activation button 92, the motor 62 begins to move the screw 64 upward. As the screw 64 rotates up, it pushes the cleaning tool 30 upward. The bottom end of the screw 64 is advantageously provided with a hard stop 65 that prevents the screw from falling out if the motor 62 is not stopped in time.

[0148] The actuator 60 described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 should not be considered limiting, and Figure 4 shows an actuator 60 including a motor 62 having its axis Z3 aligned with the screw axis Z2. In such a configuration, the motor 62 may be a direct drive motor 62 with a nut integrated therein. An actuator 60 with a direct drive motor is more compact and does not require mechanical transmission elements such as gears. According to another embodiment, the motor 62 may be of the indirect drive type.

[0149] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment illustrates a cleaning tool 30 rotatably mounted within a cavity 10, particularly suitable for a circular cross-section, the cleaning tool 30 may also be fixed with one degree of freedom for longitudinal movement without rotation, particularly for cavities with non-circular cross-sections. In such cases, the screw 64 may be fixed in the longitudinal direction Z1, and the cleaning tool 30 may be configured to move along the screw 64 as the screw 64 rotates. The screw may be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis Z1 of the cavity 10. Alternatively, according to another embodiment shown in FIG. 14 , the tool 30 may be supported in a freely rotatable manner at the end of a longitudinally movable screw, for example, by at least one ball bearing 54. In the illustrated example, the ball bearing 54 includes an upper support element 55 that forms a hub 56 integral with the upper end 64a of the screw 64 and a shaft 57 integral with the tool body 31. The reverse configuration is also possible.

[0150] Examples of cleaning tools 30 and their cleaning members 40 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0151] The cleaning tool 30 typically has a central cleaning body 31 and one or more cleaning members projecting from the periphery of the cleaning body 31 .

[0152] The tool body 31 has a body axis Z4 that is parallel to and preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis Z1 of the heating cavity 10 after assembly.

[0153] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and already mentioned above in FIG. 14, respectively, the cleaning member 40 can be removably attached to the tool body 31.

[0154] In such an embodiment, cleaning members 40 may form the distal portion of a cleaning module 46 that is attached at their proximal ends to body 31 .

[0155] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, body 31 includes upper body portion 32 and lower body portion 34 aligned along axis Z4.

[0156] The lower body portion 34 is fixedly attached to the upper end 64a of the screw 64 by means of a threaded connection 39, this arrangement being compatible with actuators of the type described herein above, in particular with reference to Figures 2 and 3. However, this should not be considered limiting, as already indicated herein above.

[0157] In this example, the upper body portion 32 and the lower body portion 34 are configured to be threadably secured to one another.

[0158] On its upper side facing the threaded connection 39, the lower body part 34 is provided with a threaded hole 35 and a first contact surface 34a, here substantially perpendicular to the body axis Z4.

[0159] The upper body part 32 in turn comprises a threaded rod 33 projecting downwardly therefrom, the rod 33 being adapted to threadedly cooperate with a corresponding hole 35 in the lower body part 34. The upper body part 32 further comprises a second contact surface 32a around the rod 33, here substantially perpendicular to the body axis Z4.

[0160] Once both parts 32, 34 are securely fastened to one another, the first and second contact surfaces 32a, 34a function as clamping jaws for securing the cleaning module 46 therebetween. If required, the cleaning module can be easily removed by separating the upper and lower body parts 32, 34. Alternatively, any other means adapted to removably fasten the cleaning member to the cleaning body can be envisaged.

[0161] It should be noted that the removable configuration of the cleaning members 40 is also not limiting, and the cleaning members 40 and cleaning body 31 may be integrally formed (molded or injected) with the cleaning members 40 projecting laterally from the central cleaning body 31. Figure 13, for example, shows a cleaning tool 30 with a non-removable cleaning member 40.

[0162] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cleaning tool 30 advantageously includes at least one air channel 38 disposed on both its side and top surfaces.

[0163] The air channels 38 are configured to allow air to pass from the sides of the cleaning tool 30 toward its top surface. Thus, the cleaning tool 30 allows air to flow toward the tip of the tobacco stick, which is necessary for vaping efficiency. The number or configuration of the air channels 38 on the top side of the tool body 31 can be adapted as needed. For example, in FIG. 4 , the body 31 includes four intersecting air channels 38 forming a cross. In FIG. 6 , the body 31 includes eight intersecting air channels 38, with two adjacent channels forming an angle of approximately 45°.

[0164] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cleaning tool 30 includes several cleaning members 40 juxtaposed closely adjacent to one another around the entire periphery of the cleaning tool 30.

[0165] The juxtaposed cleaning members 40 are narrow, elongated beams forming the teeth of a cleaning comb 42, each cleaning member 40 having a laterally extending major axis Z5.

[0166] Each cleaning element 40 projecting laterally from the cleaning body 31 preferably has a length 1, measured along its main axis Z5, comprised between 0.1 and 1 mm.

[0167] The cross section of the cleaning member 40 perpendicular to the main axis Z5 may be circular, rectangular or any other shape adapted to ensure flexibility taking into account the length l of the cleaning member.

[0168] The thickness h of each cleaning member 40 measured in the longitudinal direction may preferably be comprised between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm.

[0169] More specifically, the maximum dimension of the cleaning member 40 measured in a plane perpendicular to its main axis Z5 may be comprised between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm.

[0170] As an example, each cleaning member may be inscribed in an angular sector having an angle θ1 of less than 1°, or even less than 0.5° about the longitudinal axis Z1 (body axis Z4).

[0171] In a removable configuration as shown in FIG. 5, each cleaning member 40 may be part of one individual element or module 46 that is attached to the tool body 31 independently of the others.

[0172] However, according to a preferred embodiment, multiple tines 40 , and in particular all of the tines 40 , may be joined together to form one single-piece cleaning module 46 .

[0173] Such a cleaning module may be formed, for example, from a disk-shaped metal sheet, such as stainless steel or titanium, drilled in the center and etched around its periphery to form the teeth 40 .

[0174] 8, the cleaning members 40 may also be at least partially coated, particularly at their free ends 40a, to enhance scrubbing or otherwise improve cleaning. The coating 44 may be based on or made of PTFE or silicone or any other suitable material. It may be applied, for example, by dipping, dipping and centrifugation, or other coating techniques.

[0175] 9 shows another embodiment in which the cleaning module 46 is formed by a folded wire 44, in particular a folded metal wire, with each outwardly directed bend of the wire forming a cleaning member 40 around the periphery of the cleaning tool 30. The cleaning members 40 so formed are closely juxtaposed to form a cleaning comb 42 similar to that of FIG. 7, configured to brush the sidewalls 12 of the heated cavity 10.

[0176] FIG. 10 shows a cleaning tool 30 according to yet another embodiment, in which the cleaning member 40 is a flexible disc-shaped spatula with a hole drilled through its center to allow the fixed rod 33 to pass through.

[0177] Although the foregoing figures show one single cleaning layer L including one cleaning zone 50 extending entirely around the cleaning tool 30, this should not be considered limiting.

[0178] In particular, as shown in FIG. 11, the cleaning tool 30 may also include at least one free zone 52 at its periphery that is free of cleaning members 40, as viewed in transverse projection, or each free zone 52 extends over an angular sector having an angle θ2 of at least 35°, preferably at least 70°, around the longitudinal axis.

[0179] More specifically, the cleaning tool 30 may include alternating cleaning zones 50 and free zones 52 along its periphery.

[0180] In such a case, the rotation of the cleaning tool 30 may be relied upon to swipe the entire side wall 12. The thickness of the cleaning zone 50 in the longitudinal direction Z should then be designed according to the pitch of the thread.

[0181] As shown, the cleaning member 40 or a plurality of juxtaposed cleaning members 40 are typically defined in a transverse plane or in a plane inclined relative to the transverse plane to form a so-called cleaning layer L.

[0182] Although the cleaning tool described above in this specification includes one single cleaning layer L, the cleaning tool 30 may also include several cleaning layers L1, L2 stacked longitudinally, as shown in FIG. 12, each layer L1, L2 including one or more cleaning members 40 and / or zones 50.

[0183] The superimposed cleaning layers L1, L2 may be laminated directly on top of each other to provide a thicker cleaning zone 50, or the different cleaning layers may be spaced apart by spacers 48, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0184] FIG. 13 shows a cleaning tool 30 according to a further embodiment.

[0185] The tool 30 now comprises a collection cup 37 positioned below the cleaning zone 50 to collect debris brushed by the cleaning member 40 as the tool 30 moves within the cavity 10. This aims to avoid debris accumulating at the bottom of the heated cavity 10 over time and to facilitate its evacuation, preferably by tilting the device 100 when the screw 64 is fully extended within the heated cavity 10 (i.e., the tool 30 is in its maximum deployed position as shown in FIG. 1B ). The cleaning member 40 and collection cup 37 may be integrally formed (molded or injected) with the tool body 31, as shown in the figures. However, alternatively, they may be removably attached together and / or secured to the tool body 31 in any suitable manner, for example by press-fit / screw / magnetic engagement.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a heating cavity (10) extending in a longitudinal direction (Z) along a longitudinal axis (Z1) and divided by side walls (12) in a transverse direction (X) perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (Z), the heating cavity (10) having an opening (14) at one upper end (10a) and adapted to receive at least a part of an aerosol-generating article inserted through said opening (14); a heating system (20) for heating the aerosol-generating article (1) received in said heating cavity (10); Equipped with An aerosol generating device (100), further comprising an integrated cleaning tool (30) configured to move longitudinally within the heated cavity (10) upon activation of an actuator (60) and including at least one cleaning member (40) configured to flexibly scrub the side wall (12) of the heated cavity (10) as it moves along the heated cavity (10).

2. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the integrated cleaning tool (30) comprises a plurality of cleaning members (40) that are independently deformable from one another.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the integrated cleaning tool (30) comprises a plurality of spaced apart cleaning members (40).

4. 4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning tool (30) comprises a plurality of juxtaposed cleaning members (40) forming a cleaning comb (42).

5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning member (40) is at least partially coated, for example with PTFE or silicone.

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one cleaning member (40) is a flexible spatula.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the length of the at least one cleaning member measured in the lateral direction is comprised between 0.1 and 1 mm.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the at least one cleaning member (40), measured in the longitudinal direction (Z), is comprised between 0.01 and 0.5 mm, even more preferably between 0.05 and 0.2 mm.

9. 9. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cleaning tool (30) comprises at least one cleaning zone (50) on its periphery comprising at least one cleaning member (40) and at least one free zone (52), the or each free zone (52) extending over an angular sector of at least 35°, preferably at least 70° around the longitudinal axis (Z).

10. 10. The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the cleaning tool (30) comprises at least one air channel (38) arranged on both its side and top surfaces.

11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cleaning tool (30) comprises a tool body (31, 32, 34), and the at least one cleaning member (40) is removably fixed to the tool body (31, 32, 34).

12. 12. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 11, wherein the cleaning tool (30) includes at least one single-component cleaning module (46) including several cleaning members (40) and removably secured to the tool body (31).

13. 13. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 12, wherein the cleaning module (46) is formed of a folded wire (44), the pleats of the wire forming the cleaning member (40).

14. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the actuator (60) is a mechanical linear actuator including a screw (64) extending in the longitudinal direction (Z) and a nut (75) threaded onto the screw (64).

15. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a control unit (94) for controlling one or more parameters, in particular one or more parameters representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity (10), and for operating the actuator based on said parameters.

16. 16. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 15, further comprising at least one sensor (96) configured to measure at least one parameter representative of the contamination level of the heated cavity (10) and to transmit a corresponding signal to the control unit (94).

17. The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cleaning tool (30) is configured to be stored in a storage position at a bottom end (10b) of the heating cavity (10) when the actuator (60) is stationary.

18. 18. A method for cleaning an aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising actuating the actuator (60) to effect longitudinal movement of the cleaning tool (30) inside the heated cavity (10).

19. 20. The cleaning method of claim 18, comprising measuring at least one parameter representative of a contamination level of the heated cavity (10) in a closed loop and actuating the actuator (60) based on said parameter.

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