Aerosol supply system

Abstract

A cleaning implement (122) for an aerosol delivery device comprising a cleaning head (130) having a loop support (133) and a plurality of bristles (134) extending from the loop support (133).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device, a method for cleaning an aerosol supply device, a method for manufacturing a cleaning tool, and an aerosol supply system. Background

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco to generate tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat-not-burn" products, or tobacco heating devices or tobacco heating products, which release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

[0003] Aerosol supply systems comprising the aforementioned devices or products are known. A typical system uses a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by a user. In many cases, to supply and inhale different aerosols, it is necessary to replace or change the medium used. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to generate aerosol from a suitable medium. Induction heating systems generally consist of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material heatable by penetration of the varying magnetic field to heat a suitable medium. It is also known to use resistive heaters to generate aerosol from a suitable medium. A heating element may refer to an element configured to heat a suitable medium, and may be either a resistive heating element, or a susceptor or heating material heatable by penetration of a varying magnetic field.

[0004] A conventional aerosol supply device includes a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

[0005] During use, dirt may accumulate in the heating element and / or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device. Overview

[0006] According to one embodiment, a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device is provided, the cleaning tool comprising a cleaning head having a loop support and a plurality of bristles extending from the loop support.

[0007] Cleaning tools in various embodiments have been found to be particularly effective in removing dirt or contaminants accumulated on the surface of the heating element or heating chamber of an aerosol supply device.

[0008] The heating element may optionally be a blade or a pin.

[0009] Optionally, the loop support is formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to hold the hair in place.

[0010] Optionally, the hairs extend radially from the loop support.

[0011] Optionally, the cleaning tool may further include a loop housing, and the loop support may extend from the loop housing.

[0012] Optionally, the loop housing is positioned and configured to engage with or contact the proximal surface of the aerosol supply device.

[0013] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal to the loop housing, wherein hairs extending from the first section extend a first distance from the loop support, and hairs extending from the second section extend a second distance from the loop support, the second distance being longer than the first distance.

[0014] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal to the loop housing, with multiple hairs extending from the first section of the loop support and no hairs in the second section of the loop support.

[0015] Optionally, the loop support comprises a first portion provided on a first plane.

[0016] Optionally, the loop support comprises a second portion angled away from the first plane.

[0017] Optionally, the angle of the second part relative to the first part can be selected from the range of 0-30 degrees, 30-60 degrees, or 60-90 degrees.

[0018] Optionally, the first part comprises two parts spaced apart from each other, and the second part connects the two parts of the first part.

[0019] Optionally, two parts of the first part are parallel and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating element of the aerosol supply device, at a distance longer than the maximum width of the heating element in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second part connecting the two parallel parts is angled or otherwise bent so as not to come into contact with the heating element when the cleaning tool is used with or engaged with the aerosol supply device.

[0020] Optionally, when a cleaning tool is used with or engaged with the aerosol supply device, the loop support is positioned to surround but not in contact with the heating element of the aerosol supply device.

[0021] Optionally, the cleaning tool includes an outer housing that accommodates the loop support and defines a cavity sized to receive the heating chamber or outer wall of the housing of the aerosol supply device when in use.

[0022] Optionally, the outer housing is substantially cylindrical and defines a substantially cylindrical cavity that houses the cleaning head.

[0023] Optionally, the outer housing is provided with a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with an aerosol supply device, which enables the cleaning implement to rotate relative to the aerosol supply device.

[0024] Optionally, the outer housing is provided with a mounting mechanism for fixing the cleaning implement to one or more slots or notches provided in the aerosol supply device.

[0025] Optionally, the cleaning implement includes a handle portion, the cleaning head is provided at one end of the handle portion, and a scraper implement including a scraper is provided at the other end of the handle portion.

[0026] Optionally, the cleaning implement includes a scraper implement detachable from the cleaning head, the scraper implement includes a scraper, and when not in use or engaged with an aerosol supply device, the scraper implement is arranged and configured to engage with the cleaning head so as to fix the scraper implement to the cleaning head. Optionally, the scraper implement includes a scraper housing, the scraper extends from the scraper housing, and the scraper a straight shaft having an end distal from the scraper housing, a flexible layer surrounding a portion of the straight shaft, a scraper tip portion positioned at the distal end of the straight shaft, and comprises the foregoing.

[0027] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises silicone.

[0028] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises a raised feature.

[0029] Optionally, the flexible layer comprises a helical channel.

[0030] Optionally, the cleaning tool further comprises a silicone support plug, and when in use or engaged with an aerosol supply device, the silicone support plug is configured to support the heating element of the aerosol supply device, whereby during engagement of the cleaning tool with the aerosol supply device and / or when the cleaning tool is used with the aerosol supply device, the heating element is protected from bending or otherwise breaking under the action of contact forces exerted by a user on the heating element through the loop structure of the cleaning tool.

[0031] Optionally, the cleaning head comprises a silicone plug positioned adjacent the loop support.

[0032] Optionally, the cleaning tool comprises two or more loop supports.

[0033] Optionally, the bristles are formed from PEEK. According to another aspect, attaching the cleaning tool as described above to the aerosol supply device such that the cleaning tool and the aerosol supply device share a longitudinal axis; (i) rotating the cleaning tool about the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol supply device by at least partial rotation, and / or (ii) translating the cleaning tool axially in at least one direction along the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol supply device; and there is provided a method of cleaning an aerosol supply device, comprising the foregoing steps. According to another aspect, providing a support having a plurality of bristles, the plurality of bristles extending from the support; trimming the bristles on both sides of the central section of the support, wherein after trimming the bristles extend maximally at the central section; bending the support to form a loop; and there is provided a method of manufacturing a cleaning tool, comprising the foregoing steps. According to another embodiment, An aerosol supply device configured to produce aerosols from aerosol-generating materials, Cleaning tools as described above and An aerosol supply system is provided that includes the following features.

[0034] Optionally, the aerosol supply system further comprises an aerosol generator for insertion into the aerosol supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] Next, various embodiments will be described as mere examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1A shows an aerosol supply device arranged within a charging unit according to one embodiment. Figure 1B shows the aerosol supply device separated from the charging unit. Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device arranged within the charging unit. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of the aerosol supply device. Figure 2B is a top perspective view of the aerosol supply device with the aerosol product inserted inside. Figure 2C is a top perspective view of the internal components of the aerosol supply device. Figure 2D is a top perspective view of the aerosol supply device with the removable cap removed to show the heating element. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. Figure 3B is a perspective view of a bristle-free cleaning tool for illustrative purposes. Figure 3C is a front view of the components shown in Figure 3B. Figure 3D is a side view of the components shown in Figure 3B. Figure 3E is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, with the outer housing shown as transparent for illustrative purposes. Figure 3F is a diagram showing the outer housing shown as opaque. [Figure 4]Figure 4A shows an aerosol supply device having a removable cap according to one embodiment. Figure 4B shows the aerosol supply device with the removable cap removed. Figure 4C shows the aerosol supply device with a cleaning tool attached to it for cleaning the heating element, main housing, or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device. Figure 4D shows the aerosol supply device with the cleaning tool attached, in a position where the cleaning tool is twisted so that the bristles of the cleaning tool clean the heating element, main housing, or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device, but do not come into contact with the heating element of the aerosol supply device. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. Figure 5B is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. Figure 5C shows a portion of the scraper of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment. Figure 5D shows a portion of the scraper of a cleaning tool according to one embodiment. Figure 5E is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, with the cleaner head shown separated from the scraper tool. Figure 5F shows a cleaning tool according to one embodiment, with the cleaner head and scraper tool fixed to each other. Figure 5G shows a cleaning tool with the outer housing of the cleaning tool shown transparent for illustrative purposes. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. Figure 6B is a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment. Figure 6C is a diagram showing the process for manufacturing a cleaning tool according to one embodiment. Detailed explanation

[0036] This specification discusses or describes aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may have been embodied in the prior art, and for the sake of simplicity, they will not be discussed or described in detail. Therefore, it will be recognized that aspects and features of apparatuses and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail can be embodied according to prior art techniques for embodiing such aspects and features.

[0037] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system in which the aerosol-generating constituent materials (or components thereof) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0038] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol delivery system, such as an energy-supplied non-combustible aerosol delivery system.

[0039] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an e-cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

[0040] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a non-combustible heating system. An example of such a system is a cigarette heating system.

[0041] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system for generating aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials (one or more of which may be heated). Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may, for example, contain tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0042] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. These consumables may also be referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

[0044] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, for example, a non-combustible aerosol supply device for a non-combustible aerosol supply system, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power source includes a carbon substrate to which energy can be supplied to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transferring material in the vicinity of the heat-generating power source.

[0045] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an area for receiving an aerosol modifier.

[0046] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a suction nozzle, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0047] An aerosol-generating material is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or otherwise energized. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, a liquid, or a semi-solid (such as a gel), and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0048] The aerosol-generating material may include a binder and an aerosol-forming agent. Optionally, an activator and / or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent such as water may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant-based materials. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0049] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0050] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy, thereby causing one or more volatile components to be released from the aerosol-generating material and forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to expose the aerosol-generating material to one or more of the following: vibration, pressure increase, or electrostatic energy.

[0051] Consumables are articles comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during user use. Consumables may also comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0052] A non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable aerosol generator. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may include a power source such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol generator may comprise the aerosol generating component partially or completely.

[0053] For completeness, aerosol supply devices with inductive elements are known. The aerosol supply device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor arranged to be heated by one or more inductors.

[0054] A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be a conductive material, and as a result, the heating material is inductively heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it. The heating material may be a magnetic material, and as a result, the heating material is magnetically hysterically heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field into it. The susceptor may be both conductive and magnetic, and as a result, the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

[0055] Next, various embodiments will be described in more detail.

[0056] Figure 1A shows an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment, arranged within a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is shown arranged within an elongated cavity 110 of the charging unit 101. Figure 1B is a standalone view of the aerosol supply device 100 from Figure 1A. Figure 1C is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device 100 and charging unit 101 above line 2-2 in Figure 1A, showing that the aerosol supply device 100 is arranged within or docked to the charging unit 101.

[0057] The charging unit 101 may include a power source (not shown). The power source may include sealed batteries, pouch cell batteries, or some combination thereof, such as a battery (single-use or rechargeable), a rechargeable supercapacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB).

[0058] The aerosol supply device 100 may be placed in the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time to allow the aerosol supply device 100 to be fully charged. For example, the charging unit 101 may be configured to fully charge the aerosol supply device 100 for a period of time less than 10 minutes, 10 to 20 minutes, 20 to 30 minutes, 30 to 40 minutes, 40 to 50 minutes, 50 to 60 minutes, or more than 60 minutes.

[0059] The charging unit 101 and / or the aerosol supply device 100 may optionally have an indicator for visually or otherwise indicating the charge level of the aerosol supply device 100 to the user. In addition, there may be a separate indicator for visually indicating the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means located in the aerosol supply device 100 and / or the charging unit 101.

[0060] The visual indicator may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are conceivable in which the visual indicator can be replaced with an audio indicator (e.g., a speaker) or a tactile indicator.

[0061] The aerosol supply device 100 may include an outer housing 108 which may be tubular and / or cylindrical in shape, or substantially tubular and / or cylindrical in shape.

[0062] For example, as shown in Figure 1B, the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100 may be a cylindrical rod comprising (i) a planar region 113 running longitudinally along the length of the outer housing by cutting out a cylindrical shape, and (ii) a chamfered region 114 located at the distal end 103 of the aerosol supply device 100. However, other embodiments are also conceivable, and the aerosol supply device 100 may take on other desired forms, for example, the aerosol supply device 100 may be box-shaped. According to one embodiment, the outer housing 108 of the aerosol supply device 100 may be provided with an electrical insulator, for example, made of polyetheretherketone ("PEEK").

[0063] As discussed, the aerosol supply device 100 may be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical. In other examples, the aerosol supply device 100 may have a substantially rectangular, rhomboid, triangular, or polyhedral cross-section. The cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 can be manufactured according to the shape of the aerosol supply device 100, and it will be recognized that, for example, the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 may correspondingly be substantially rod-shaped, substantially tubular, or substantially cylindrical, and have a substantially rectangular, rhomboid, triangular, or polyhedral cross-section.

[0064] Referring further to Figures 1A to 1C, the aerosol supply device 100 may be inserted into the cavity 110 of the charging unit 101 in order to recharge the aerosol supply device 100 by receiving power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may include an internal battery for supplying power to the aerosol supply device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external power source.

[0065] The charging unit 101 may include a lid or cover 102 that can be operated by the user between an open position and a closed position, for example, the lid or cover 102 may slide from the closed position to the open position in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 1C. The lid or cover 102 is located at the entrance to a cavity 110 provided within the charging unit 101 and configured to receive the aerosol supply device 100.

[0066] The aerosol supply device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating aerosols from an aerosol-generating material. According to one embodiment, the aerosol supply device 100 includes a resistance heater for heating the aerosol-generating material.

[0067] When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position, the opening to the cavity 110 is exposed, allowing the user to remove the aerosol supply device 100 from the charging unit 101 (to use the aerosol supply device 100) or insert the aerosol supply device 100 into the charging unit 101 (to charge the aerosol supply device 100).

[0068] Referring to Figure 1C, the aerosol supply device 100 comprises a main housing 105, with a heating element 104 protruding into the main housing 105. The aerosol supply device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106 that can be magnetically held in place by the main housing 105.

[0069] The consumable cartridge 120 can be attached to a removable cap 106 and comprises a tubular housing having a base 121. The base 121 of the consumable cartridge 120 has an opening, and the heating element 104 is positioned to protrude through this opening.

[0070] Figures 2A to 2D are various perspective views of the top of the aerosol supply device 100 when separated from the charging unit 101, and the outer housing 108 is shown transparent for illustrative purposes.

[0071] Figure 2A shows the removable cap 106 attached to the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100 when no aerosol generating product is inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, while Figure 2B shows the aerosol generating product 200 inserted into the removable cap 106 when the removable cap 106 is attached.

[0072] Figure 2C shows the removable cap 106 with a translucent outer housing, showing the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100 relative to the disposable cartridge 120 of the removable cap 106.

[0073] Figure 2D shows the aerosol supply device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed, clearly showing the heating element 104 protruding into the main housing 105. In Figure 2D, the proximal surface 112 of the aerosol supply device 100 is shown as the end face of the main housing 105.

[0074] As shown in Figure 2B, the aerosol generator 200 can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 by inserting the aerosol generator 200 through the opening 109 of the removable cap 106, then inserting the aerosol generator 200 into the disposable cartridge 120, and finally inserting it onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 may have a blade-like shape as shown in Figure 2D, and during use, the aerosol generator 200 can be pressed against the heating element 104, so that the blade-like shape of the heating element 104 is inserted into the distal end of the aerosol generator 200 along the blade direction B. The heating element 104 is positioned to heat the aerosol generator 200 internally. It will be understood that the heating element 104 may have a blade-like shape different from that shown in Figure 2D, or it may be equipped with pins.

[0075] Therefore, when the aerosol generating product 200 is heated by the heating element 104, an aerosol can be generated from the aerosol generating material containing the aerosol generating product 200.

[0076] In some embodiments, the heating element 104 may include a resistive heating element, and the aerosol supply device is configured to pass an electric current through the resistive heating element 104 in order to resistively heat the heating element 104.

[0077] Alternatively, the heating element may comprise a susceptor or other heating material that can be heated by the penetration of a fluctuating magnetic field. In such embodiments, the aerosol supply device 100 may comprise one or more magnetic field generators (such as one or more induction coils) configured to generate a fluctuating magnetic field that heats the heating element by penetrating the susceptor or other heating material.

[0078] At the end of a usage session, once the aerosol generator 200 has been consumed, the removable cap 106 and the attached disposable cartridge 120 may then be removed from the main housing 105. It will be understood that the process of removing the removable cap 106 and the attached disposable cartridge 120 has the effect of the base 121 of the disposable cartridge 120 coming into contact with the bottom surface of the aerosol generator 200. Once the removable cap 106 and the attached disposable cartridge 120 are removed, the base 121 of the disposable cartridge 120 then comes into contact with the distal end of the aerosol generator 200, resulting in the aerosol generator 200 being pulled out from the heating element 104 or otherwise removed.

[0079] In other embodiments, the aerosol may be generated within a heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, a consumable cartridge 120 may be mounted on the aerosol supply device 100 to form a heating chamber.

[0080] Over a period of time, the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 may become soiled or covered with contaminants. In particular, the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 may be covered with deposits of used aerosol-generating material from the aerosol-generating product 200.

[0081] Furthermore, any aerosol-generating material that is not consumed may remain on the heating element 104 or accumulate on the inner surface of the main housing 105.

[0082] Therefore, it is desirable to periodically clean the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105. As understood, deposits of used aerosol-generating material and / or unconsumed aerosol-generating material may reach the main housing 105, for example, through an opening provided in the base 121 of the consumable cartridge 120 from which the heating element 104 of the aerosol supply device 100 protrudes.

[0083] Therefore, it is desirable to clean the surfaces of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100. Cleaning the heating element 104, the main housing 105, and / or the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device may involve problems.

[0084] Figures 3A to 3F are perspective views of the cleaning tool 122 in various embodiments. The cleaning tool 122 can be used to clean the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of an aerosol supply device 100, such as the aerosol supply device 100 described above with reference to Figures 1A to 1C and Figures 2A to 2D. The cleaning tool 122 can also be used to clean other aerosol supply devices.

[0085] The cleaning tool 122 comprises a cleaning head 130 having a loop support 133 and a plurality of bristles 134 extending from the loop support 133. The loop support 133 may be formed from at least two strands of wire twisted together to secure the bristles 134 positioned between them. As shown in Figures 3A and 3E, the bristles 134 may extend radially from the loop support 133.

[0086] The cleaning tool 122 can be used with the aerosol supply device 100 by engaging with or partially inserting it into the end of the aerosol supply device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed, in order to clean a portion of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0087] The cleaning tool 122 may include a loop housing 126. The loop housing 126 may be positioned and configured to engage with or contact the proximal surface of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, this proximal surface may include the inner surface of the main housing 105, as shown in Figure 2D, for example.

[0088] At least one end of the loop support 133 is embedded in the loop housing 126 or otherwise fixed in such a way that the loop support 133 extends away from the loop housing 126, so that when in use (i.e., when engaging with the end of the aerosol supply device 100), the loop housing 126 can prevent the cleaning tool 122 from being positioned or inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 beyond a desired distance. For example, the loop housing 126 can prevent the cleaning tool 122 from contacting the surface of the aerosol supply device 100 beyond the proximal surface 112 of the aerosol supply device 100 that is to be cleaned. As shown in Figures 3A to 3F, both ends of the loop support 133 are embedded in the loop housing 126 or otherwise fixed in such a way.

[0089] As shown in Figure 3B, the loop support 133 may include a first portion 160 provided on the first plane P. In some embodiments, the heating element 104 is a blade or pin that pierces the aerosol generator 200 along the blade direction B (as shown in Figure 2D) or is otherwise inserted into the aerosol generator 200, the first portion 160 of the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 may be provided on the first plane P such that the blade direction B of the blade heating element 104 (or pin) is coplane with the first plane P. In other words, when in use, the first portion 160 can be aligned with the blade direction B of the heating element 104. In this way, the multiple bristles 134 extending from the first portion 160 can contact the heating element 104 in a larger area than would otherwise be if the heating element 104 were oriented out of the plane P. As a result, the quality of cleaning can be improved.

[0090] The loop support 133 may include a second portion 162 which may be angled away from the first plane P (for example, as shown in Figure 3D). The second portion 162 may be substantially in the second plane, or it may be substantially curved such that the angle from the first plane P increases with the distance of the second portion from the first portion 160. The angle of the second plane to the first plane (or the angle of a tangent taken at a point along the second portion, where the tangent lies in a plane perpendicular to the first plane P but parallel to the blade direction B) may be selected from the range of 0 to 30 degrees, 30 to 60 degrees, or 60 to 90 degrees (measured clockwise in Figure 3D from the portion of the first plane P below the intersection of the first plane and the second plane or tangent). As can be understood, if the second part is substantially a curve, the angle of the tangent can increase continuously from nearly zero (the transition point between the second and first parts) up to 90 degrees (at the point of the second part furthest from the first plane P).

[0091] The second portion 162 may be angled or bent sufficiently such that at least a section of the second portion 162 is substantially perpendicular to the first plane P. As is recognized, after use, deposits of used or unused aerosol-generating material may remain in the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. In particular, deposits left in the corners of the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber may be difficult to reach and clean. Therefore, the second portion 162 of the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 may be angled such that when the cleaning tool 122 engages with the housing 108 of the aerosol-generating device 100, a portion of the second portion 162 and / or a portion of the bristles 134 of the loop support 133 is positioned to contact at least a portion of the corners of the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0092] The heating element 104 may have an outer width W1 as shown in Figure 2D. The loop support 133 may have an inner width W2 as shown in Figure 3C, and the inner width W2 may be wider than the outer width W1 of the heating element 104 so that when the cleaning tool 122 is used with or engages with the aerosol supply device 100, the loop support 133 can be positioned to surround but not touch the heating element 104 of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0093] As can be understood, the heating element 104 of the aerosol supply device 100 may be susceptible to mechanical damage from relatively light physical contact. That is, the heating element 104 can be easily damaged by the action of contact forces typically applied by the user when cleaning a surface (for example, when using a cleaning tool 122 to clean by contacting the heating element 104). Therefore, the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 (for example, both the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 of the loop support 133) can be configured to surround the heating element 104 but not to contact it, so that the user cannot apply high contact forces to the heating element 104 through the loop support 133 of the cleaning tool 122 while using the cleaning tool 122 engaged with the aerosol supply device 100. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the loop support 133 can be configured so that the user can rotate the cleaning tool 122 relative to the heating element (for example, as a cleaning operation) without the loop support 133 contacting the heating element.

[0094] For example, the cleaning tool 122 may have a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, for example, the longitudinal axis of the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100, when in use. That is, the heating blade direction B may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, and as a result, the cleaning tool 122 in use (as shown in Figures 3B, 3C, and 3D) shares the same longitudinal axis B.

[0095] The first portion 160 of the loop support 133 may comprise two parallel portions of the loop support positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B and spaced apart from each other by a distance longer than the maximum width of the heating element 104 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B. The second portion 162 connects the two parallel portions and may also be angled or otherwise bent so as not to come into contact with the heating element 104.

[0096] The cleaning device 122 may include a loop housing 126 and an outer housing 124 that houses the cleaning head 130, as shown in Figures 3E and 3F. As shown in Figure 3E, the outer housing 124 can define a cavity 142 between the loop housing 126 and the inner surface of the outer housing 124, which substantially houses the cleaning head 130.

[0097] The cavity 142 within the outer housing 124 can be shaped and / or sized to accommodate a specific part of the aerosol supply device 100, such as its main housing 105. In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 is substantially cylindrical and defines a substantially cylindrical cavity 142 that houses the cleaning head 130.

[0098] In some embodiments, the loop support 133 may be removably fixed to the loop housing 126 so that the loop support 133 can be replaced.

[0099] In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 includes a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol supply device 100. This cleaning mode engagement mechanism allows the cleaning tool 122 to rotate relative to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0100] For example, as shown in Figure 3E, the outer housing 124 may be provided with a plurality of radially extending projections 152 extending around the inner circumference of the outer housing 124. Any number of radially extending projections 152, for example, one or more projections 152 may be provided. The radially extending projections 152 can engage with corresponding projections and / or recesses provided on a portion of the aerosol supply device 100, and thus the projections 152 can act to fix the cleaning tool 122 to the aerosol supply device 100 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, while the cleaning tool 122 can rotate at least partially about the longitudinal axis with respect to the aerosol supply device 100. This improves the operation of the cleaning tool 122 by allowing the housing 124 to remain in a fixed position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100, while allowing rotation during cleaning operations.

[0101] One or more projections 152 of the cleaning device 122 may be provided with a follow-up rib, which is configured to snap-hook onto corresponding projections and / or recesses provided on the aerosol supply device 100, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user when the cleaning tool 122 is attached to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0102] Figures 4A to 4D show exemplary uses of the cleaning tool 122. As shown in Figure 4A, the user can first attempt to clean the aerosol supply device 100, which has a removable cap 106 attached to it. To begin the cleaning process, the user can first remove the removable cap 106 from the aerosol supply device 100.

[0103] Figure 4B shows the aerosol supply device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed, and the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100 with the heating element 104 located inside. The main housing 105 may have one or more circumferential projections 107 that can extend around the main housing 105.

[0104] Once the removable cap 106 is removed and any aerosol-generating material inside the main housing 105 is taken out, the user can then apply or attach the cleaning tool 122 to the aerosol supply device 100.

[0105] Figure 4C shows a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment, attached to the aerosol supply device 100. The user can attach the cleaning tool 122 by inserting the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100 into a cavity 142 formed in the housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122.

[0106] When the cleaning tool 122 is pushed into the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100, one or more protrusions 152 (see Figure 3E) on the cleaning tool 122 can be engaged with circumferential protrusions 107 on the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100. As a result, the cleaning tool 122 can be fixed to the aerosol supply device 100. The cleaning tool 122 is thus attached to the aerosol supply device 100 when in use.

[0107] Referring to Figures 4C and 4D, the user can then repeatedly rotate the cleaning tool 122 so that the cleaning head 130, housed within the outer housing 124 of the cleaning tool, repeatedly rotates in either direction within the outer housing 124. For example, this rotation can be performed while the cleaning tool 122 remains engaged with the aerosol supply device 100, i.e., while its longitudinal position relative to the aerosol supply device 100 remains the same.

[0108] The cleaning tool 122 is shown in the first position in Figure 4C and in the second position in Figure 4D. The configuration described also provides a quick and convenient means for rotating and thereby cleaning the aerosol supply device 100. As recognized, the shape of the first portion 160 of the loop support 133 can prevent it from touching and damaging the heating element 104, while the angled second portion 162 can effectively clean those corners by allowing the bristles 134 to reach the corners of the main housing 105 or the heating chamber. The second portion 162 also prevents it from touching the heating element 104, for example, by requiring that at any point along the second portion 162 the distance of the second portion 162 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis B be at least half the width of the heating element (i.e., [W1] / 2). In some embodiments, the second portion 162 may have a constant curvature with respect to a perpendicular distance from the longitudinal axis B, and the radius of curvature of the second portion 162 may be the same as half the width W2 of the first portion 160 (i.e., [W2] / 2).

[0109] As indicated by the longitudinal arrows in Figure 4D, the cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol supply device 100 may also be configured to provide further mobility to move the cleaning tool 122 longitudinally relative to the aerosol supply device 100, enabling additional cleaning of the heating element 104 and / or the main housing 105 and / or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0110] Referring back to Figures 3B and 3D, the first portion 160 of the loop support 133 may be substantially planar and linear. However, it will be recognized that the loop support 133 may have any other suitable shape to facilitate cleaning of the heating element 104 within the aerosol supply device 100. The loop support 133 may have different shapes to suit cleaning different areas within the aerosol supply device 100.

[0111] Similarly, while a specific form of the bristles 134, namely a form comprising multiple uniform bristles, is shown, it will be recognized that the bristles may instead be replaced by any suitable element that comes into contact with part of the aerosol supply device 100 when the cleaning tool 122 is in use. For example, the bristles may instead be replaced by a series of blades that perform the cleaning action.

[0112] In some embodiments, the outer housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122 may include a mounting mechanism for securing the cleaning tool to one or more slots or notches provided in the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the mounting mechanism may include a first projection for engaging with a first slot or notch provided in the aerosol supply device 100. Furthermore, the mounting mechanism may include a second projection having a different shape and / or dimensions from the first projection, the second projection being positioned to engage with a second slot or cutout provided in the aerosol supply device, the second slot or cutout having a different shape and / or dimensions from the first slot or cutout. It will be understood that this mounting mechanism may still allow rotational and axial movement (along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool and the aerosol supply device), but the range of movement allowed may be limited.

[0113] Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to one embodiment. As shown, the cleaning tool 122 comprises a handle portion 127. A cleaning head 130 is provided at one end of the handle portion 127, and a scraper tool 135, which includes a scraper 128, is provided at the other end of the handle portion 127. As can be understood, the end of the handle portion 127 providing the scraper tool 135 may include a scraper housing 156, and the end of the scraper 128 is embedded in the scraper housing 156, or the scraper 128 is otherwise fixed to the scraper housing 156.

[0114] The scraper 128 may be detachable from the scraper housing 156, for example, to replace the scraper 128. Similar to the loop housing 126 discussed above, the scraper housing 156 may also be positioned and configured to engage with or contact the proximal surface 112 of the aerosol supply device 100. In embodiments, during use, the scraper housing 156 prevents the cleaning tool 122 from being positioned or inserted beyond the proximal surface 112 of the aerosol supply device 100, and as a result, the scraper 128 does not penetrate too far into the aerosol supply device 100 and damage other components.

[0115] The scraper 128 can be used to scrape off deposits of used aerosol-generating material and / or aerosol-generating material that have not been completely used up, especially deposits that are firmly attached and cannot be cleaned by the cleaning head 130.

[0116] As shown in Figure 5B, the scraper 128 and cleaning head 130 can be protected from damage by the cleaning tool cap 131 when not in use.

[0117] In some embodiments, the handle portion 127 includes a loop housing 126 which is integrated with the scraper housing 156.

[0118] The scraper 128 may be formed from PEEK. The diameter of the scraper 128 may be smaller than the narrowest gap between the heating element 104 and the inner wall of the main housing 105 or heater chamber. For example, in an embodiment where this gap is 2 mm, the diameter of the scraper 128 can then be 1.8 mm so that it can fit longitudinally between the heating element 104 and the inner wall of the main housing 105 or heater chamber. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the scraper 128 can be made flexible and / or mechanically weak to prevent the user from applying force through the scraper 128 that would damage the heating element 104 or another potentially fragile component of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0119] Figures 5C and 5D are perspective views of the scraper 128 according to various embodiments. As shown, the scraper 128 may comprise a straight shaft 150 having a distal end 151 from a scraper housing 156 (not shown in Figure 5C or 5D), and a flexible layer 153 surrounding a portion of the straight shaft 150.

[0120] The scraper 128 may further include a scraper tip portion 155 located at the distal end 151 of a straight shaft 150.

[0121] The scraper tip portion 155 may be formed from PEEK. The scraper tip portion 155 may be configured to loosen tobacco deposits that may accumulate at the base of the heating element 104 or in the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. For example, the scraper tip portion 155 may extend substantially radially outward and optionally comprise a plurality of projections 158, each having a sharp tip that converges toward the distal end 151, so that the tobacco deposits can be efficiently loosened, for example, by the user rotating a straight shaft 150. The scraper tip portion 155 may further comprise an additional sharp tip that converges beyond the straight shaft 150 at the distal end 151. This may be beneficial in embodiments where the main housing 105 has a closed end 175 (as shown in Figure 1C).

[0122] The sharp tip of the distal end 151 may be configured to contact and thus clean the corners and edges of the bottom of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100, where material tends to accumulate.

[0123] The flexible layer 153 may be configured to prevent damage when in contact with the heating element 104. The flexible layer 153 may comprise silicone or other suitable flexible molding material.

[0124] The flexible layer 153 may include raised features 153, which can be configured to pick up fragments of the aerosol-generating material from the surface of the heating element 104 and / or from the main housing 105 of the aerosol supply device 100 or the inner wall of the heating chamber. For example, each raised feature may include a dome having a slot-shaped recess (as shown in Figure 5C) and / or a circular recess (as shown in Figure 5D).

[0125] The flexible layer 153 may include a helical channel 159, which may help to lift dirt from the aerosol supply device 100.

[0126] In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may consist only of a scraper tool 135, which includes only a scraper 128, as shown in Figures 5C and 5D, for cleaning the aerosol supply device 100, i.e., the cleaning head 130 may be omitted.

[0127] Figures 5E to 5G are perspective views of a cleaning tool 122 according to an alternative embodiment, the cleaning tool 122 comprising a scraper tool 135 detachable from the cleaning head 130. The scraper tool 135 comprises a scraper 128. As shown, when not in use or engaged with the aerosol supply device 100, the scraper tool 135 may be positioned and configured to engage with the cleaning head 130 to fix the scraper tool 135 to the cleaning head 130. For example, the scraper tool 135 may comprise a scraper outer housing 154 configured to be partially inserted into a cavity 142 of the outer housing 124 housing the cleaning head 130, as shown in Figures 5F and 5G.

[0128] For example, in an embodiment in which the cleaning tool 122 comprises an outer housing 124 having a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol supply device 100, thereby allowing the cleaning tool 122 to rotate relative to the aerosol supply device 100, the scraper tool 135 comprises a scraper outer housing 154 having a mounting mechanism 157 configured to engage with the cleaning mode engagement mechanism of the outer housing 126 of the cleaning head 130, thereby allowing the scraper tool 135 to be fixed to the cleaning head 130 without relative rotation of the scraping head 133 relative to the cleaning head 130.

[0129] In this embodiment, the scraper tool 135 may be configured such that the scraper 128 can be positioned within the loop support 133 when the scraper tool 135 is fixed to the cleaning head 130.

[0130] As can be understood, the scraper 128 may be configured to be used by the user to scrape off and remove any deposits of used or unused aerosol-generating material remaining in the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100. Thus, the handle portion 127 or scraper tool 135 can be freely manipulated by the user to allow the scraper 128 to reach deposits of used or unused aerosol-generating material that are in inconvenient locations and difficult to reach.

[0131] The scraper 128 may comprise a thin rod. For example, the scraper may comprise a thin cylinder or a thin strip. The end of the scraper 128 may have a sharp tip such that at least one angled surface tapers or converges toward the edge of the end of the scraper 128.

[0132] The length of the scraper 128 may be (i) at least the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device, (ii) at least 1.2 times the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device, or (iii) at least 1.4 times the length of the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device.

[0133] The length of the loop support 133 (a length measured from the loop housing 126 to the distal portion of the loop support 133 furthest from the loop housing 126) may be (i) at least the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100, (ii) at least 1.2 times the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100, or (iii) at least 1.4 times the length of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100.

[0134] In the embodiment, the cleaning tool 122 may further comprise a silicone support plug (not shown) in which case, when used with or engaged with the aerosol supply device 100, the silicone support plug is configured to support the heating element 104 of the aerosol supply device 100, and as a result, while the cleaning tool 122 is engaged with or used with the aerosol supply device 100, the heating element 104 is protected from breaking or otherwise damaging under the action of contact forces applied by the user to the heating element 104 through the loop structure 130 and / or scraper 128 of the cleaning tool.

[0135] In some embodiments, the cleaning head 130 may include a silicone plug, which is positioned adjacent to the loop support 133.

[0136] In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 122 may include two or more loop supports 133.

[0137] Multiple hairs 134 may be formed from PEEK material.

[0138] Figure 6A shows a cleaning tool 122 for cleaning an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. The loop support 133 may be defined by a first section 137 proximal to the loop housing 126 and a second section 139 distal to the loop housing 126. The loop support 133 may be a metal wire (or formed from strands of multiple metal wires) so that it can be easily deformed into a desired shape, and multiple hairs 134 extend from the metal wire.

[0139] The bristles may be made of PEEK and may have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.3 mm. According to one embodiment, the bristles have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm or 0.2 to 0.3 mm.

[0140] Figure 6B is a perspective view of a cleaning tool 122 according to another embodiment, which will be described in more detail below.

[0141] Figure 6C shows the process for manufacturing the cleaning tool 122 according to various embodiments.

[0142] When forming the cleaning tool 122, one end of the loop support 133 before bending (i.e., when the loop support 133 is straight, as shown in the left-hand diagram of Figure 6C) may be inserted into the loop housing 126.

[0143] The hair 134 may be inserted into the loop support 133 and then trimmed to a desired length (for example, the center diagram in Figure 6C). The loop support 133 may then be bent so that its free end is inserted into the loop housing 126.

[0144] Alternatively, once the bristles 134 are attached to the loop support 133, the bristles 134 are then trimmed to the same length, the loop support 133 is bent, and then the ends of the loop support 133 may be attached to or inserted into the loop housing 126.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the loop support 133 may be divided into two sections. The first section 137 of the loop support 133 may be proximal to the loop housing 126, and the second section 139 of the loop support 133 may be distal to the housing 126.

[0146] The bristles 134a of the first section 137 may extend a first distance from the loop support 133, and the bristles 134b of the second section 139 may extend a second distance from the loop support 133, the second distance being longer than the first distance. In other words, the bristles 134a of the first section 137 may be trimmed to be shorter than the bristles 134b of the second section 139. Having the bristles 134b of the second section 139 longer than the bristles 134a of the first section 137 is particularly useful when cleaning the aerosol supply device 100 having a borehole-shaped heating chamber, i.e., when cleaning the aerosol supply device 100 which has only one inlet hole into which a cleaning tool 122 can enter (for example, as described above with reference to Figures 1A-1C, 2A-2D, and 4A-4D, in which case the main housing 105 has a closed end 175 as shown in Figure 1C). In this configuration, the longer bristles 134b of the second section 139 can come into contact with the corners and edges of the bottom of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100, where material tends to accumulate, and thus these can be cleaned.

[0147] It will be understood that the manufacturing method shown in Figure 6C makes it possible to provide longer hairs 134b in the second section 139 than those that can be provided by alternative manufacturing methods.

[0148] In embodiments in which the loop support 133 comprises a first portion 160 and a second portion 162, the first portion 160 and the second portion 162 may each comprise a first section 137 and a second section 139, the two sections 137 and 139 having different hair lengths.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the second section 139 of the loop support 133 may be bristle-free (as shown in Figure 6B). This may be particularly advantageous when cleaning an aerosol supply device having a through-hole heating chamber (e.g., a cylindrical heating chamber with both ends open), where, during use, the cleaning tool 122 is pushed forward to clean the entire through-hole. In the fabrication of such a cleaning tool 122, a single-bristle shape may be provided, in which case the bristles extending from the section of the loop support 133 forming the second section 139 (e.g., labeled 134b in Figure 6C) are trimmed completely so that the second section 139 of the loop support 133 is bristle-free. Alternatively, two separate bristle shapes may be provided so that further trimming is not required.

[0150] In this embodiment, the hairs 134 may be trimmed after the loop support 133 has been bent into a predetermined shape, or after the bent loop support 133 has been fixed to the loop housing 126, so as to form hairs 134a in the first section 137 and hairs 134b in the second section 139 (or so as to not have hairs 134b).

[0151] In embodiments where at least a portion of the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 is formed from PEEK, it will be recognized that at least a portion of the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 has substantial temperature resistance so as not to be damaged or softened (e.g., by at least partial melting) when used to clean a portion of the aerosol supply device 100 that may be relatively hot (e.g., immediately after the aerosol supply device 100 has been used by a user). Furthermore, the aerosol supply device 100 can be operated to at least partially heat the main housing 105 or heating chamber during cleaning, thereby at least partially softening, melting or detaching any remaining deposits of aerosol-generating material, which facilitates their removal by at least a portion of the heat-resistant bristles 134 and / or scraper 128 without damaging at least a portion of the bristles 134 and / or scraper 128.

[0152] In some embodiments, the loop housing 126 and / or scraper housing 156 may also be formed from PEEK, but the material of the housings 126, 156 may be any suitable material. In embodiments in which at least the scraper housing 156 is formed from PEEK, the corresponding scraper 128 may be overmolded with the scraper housing 156 during manufacturing so as to be provided as a single piece. In embodiments in which at least the loop housing 126 is formed from PEEK, the loop support 133 (or one or more wires forming the loop support 133) may be heat-staken to the loop housing 126 during manufacturing.

[0153] In the embodiment, the hairs 134 of the loop support 133 may be long enough to contact the inner wall of the main housing 105 or heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 when moved relative to the aerosol supply device 100 (by rotation with respect to the longitudinal axis or by axial translation with respect to the longitudinal axis), and may also be at least partially curved.

[0154] In the embodiment, the wires forming the loop support 133 or the single shaft 173 may be made of stainless steel.

[0155] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as representative examples of the embodiments and do not exhaustively cover all embodiments or preclude other embodiments. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, or to limit equivalents of the claims, and it will be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or substantially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those described in detail herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device configured to produce aerosols from an aerosol generating product, A cleaning tool for the aerosol supply device, Equipped with, The cleaning tool comprises a loop support, a cleaning head having a plurality of bristles extending from the loop support, and a loop housing. The loop support extends from the loop housing, The loop housing is positioned and configured to engage with or contact the proximal surface of the aerosol supply device. Aerosol supply system.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the loop support comprises a first section proximal to the loop housing and a second section distal to the loop housing, the hairs of the plurality of hairs extending from the first section extend a first distance from the loop support, and the hairs of the plurality of hairs extending from the second section extend a second distance from the loop support, the second distance being longer than the first distance.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the loop support comprises a first portion provided on a first plane.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 3, wherein the loop support comprises a second portion angled away from the first plane.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein the first part comprises two parts spaced apart from each other, and the second part connects the two parts of the first part.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 5, wherein the two portions of the first portion are parallel and spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heating element of the aerosol supply device, at a distance longer than the maximum width of the heating element in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the second portion connecting the two parallel portions is angled or otherwise bent so as not to come into contact with the heating element when the cleaning tool is in use with or engaged with the aerosol supply device.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the loop support is arranged to surround but not in contact with the heating element of the aerosol supply device when the cleaning tool is in use with or engaged with the aerosol supply device.

8. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tool comprises an outer housing that houses the loop support and defines a cavity of dimensions such as to receive the heating chamber or outer wall of the housing of the aerosol supply device when in use.

9. The aerosol supply system according to claim 8, wherein the outer housing is substantially cylindrical, and the outer housing defines a substantially cylindrical cavity for housing the cleaning head.

10. The aerosol supply system according to claim 8, wherein the outer housing comprises a cleaning mode engagement mechanism for engaging with the aerosol supply device, and the cleaning mode engagement mechanism allows the cleaning tool to be rotated relative to the aerosol supply device.

11. The aerosol supply system according to claim 8, wherein the outer housing comprises a mounting mechanism for securing the cleaning tool in one or more slots or notches provided in the aerosol supply device.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a scraper tool detachable from the cleaning head, the scraper tool comprises a scraper, and when not in use or engaged with the aerosol supply device, the scraper tool is arranged and configured to engage with the cleaning head so as to fix the scraper tool to the cleaning head.

13. The scraper tool comprises a scraper housing, the scraper extends from the scraper housing, and the scraper is A straight shaft having an end distal to the scraper housing, A flexible layer surrounding a portion of the aforementioned straight shaft, The scraper tip portion located at the distal end of the straight shaft and The aerosol supply system according to claim 12, comprising:

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible layer has raised features.

15. The aerosol supply system according to claim 13, wherein the flexible layer comprises a helical channel.

16. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises a silicone support plug, which, when used or engaged with the aerosol supply device, is configured to support a heating element of the aerosol supply device, so that the heating element is protected from breaking or otherwise being damaged under the action of contact forces exerted by the user on the heating element through the loop structure of the cleaning tool while the cleaning tool is engaged with the aerosol supply device and / or while the cleaning tool is being used with the aerosol supply device.

17. A step of attaching the cleaning tool to the aerosol supply device such that the cleaning tool and the aerosol supply device share a longitudinal axis, in an aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 16; (i) the step of rotating the cleaning tool about the longitudinal axis relative to the aerosol supply device by at least partial rotation, and / or (ii) The step of translating the cleaning tool in at least one axial direction along the longitudinal axis with respect to the aerosol supply device; A method for cleaning an aerosol supply device, including [details omitted].

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