Tool and a method for removal of an aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The invention relates to a removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device, the removal tool being configured for removal of a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The removal tool comprises a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The removal element is made from a non-ferromagnetic material. The invention relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the removal tool. The invention also relates to a method for removal of a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, in which the removal tool is used.

Description

[0001] TOOL AND A METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF AN AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE

[0002] The present invention relates to a tool and a method for removal of an aerosolgenerating article from an aerosol-generating device.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol is heated, rather than combusted, are known in the art. Typically in such heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located within, around or downstream of the heat source. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol.

[0004] It is known to use inductive heating whereby an alternating electrical current in an inductor coil induces an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field is referred to as an induction field, because it can induce alternating ring currents (eddy currents) in a susceptor if the susceptor is conductive. If the susceptor is magnetic, then hysteresis losses would occur in the susceptor. In a susceptor which is both electrically conductive and magnetic, both effects (eddy currents and hysteresis losses) will cause the susceptor to heat.

[0005] There may arise the need that a user has to remove a broken aerosol-generating article or a part of an aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. There is currently no specific accessory nor manual available that allows a user to handle such situations. Users may thus be tempted to remove the stuck portions if an aerosolgenerating article by sharp tools or a tweezer. Using such tools has an increased risk of damaging the interior of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] It would thus be desirable to have a tool that allows to remove portions of stuck aerosolgenerating articles from a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. In particular, it would be desirable to have a tool that allows to safely and reliably remove the aerosolgenerating article from a heating chamber.

[0007] It would be desirable to have a tool and a method which allows to remove an aerosolgenerating article from a heating chamber of an inductively heating aerosol-generating device. The tool may particularly assist in avoiding physical damage of the heating chamber. The tool may also assist in reducing malfunction or reduce undesired triggering of safety measures of the aerosol-generating device.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device. The removal tool is configured for removal of a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The removal tool comprises a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The removal element is made from a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0009] The removal tool may represent a helpful accessory for a user to handle unexpected situations. The removal tool may represent a particularly helpful accessory to remove a stuck or a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. A heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device may comprise a plurality of electronic and mechanic component. A user removing a broken article therefore runs a certain risk to damage the interior of the heating chamber. The specific configuration of the removal tool may help to reduce the risk of damaging the interior of the heating chamber upon removal of a broken article.

[0010] In particular, if the heating mechanism of the aerosol-generating device is an inductive heating mechanism, introduction of tools made from inappropriate materials might trigger safety measures or cause damage to the battery. When an inductive heating mechanism is in operation mode, a tool made of ferromagnetic material that is inserted into the heating chamber might interact with the heating mechanism. Insertion of a ferromagnetic tool may generate instant high current. Such high current may trigger a safety lock down of the device or may possibly cause long-term damages on the battery. The removal tool made from nonferromagnetic material avoids interference of the tool with an inductive heating mechanism of an aerosol-generating device.

[0011] The removal element may be made from temperature resistive material. The removal element may be made from material having a melting point of at least 150 degrees Celsius. The removal element may be made from material having a melting point of at least 200 degrees Celsius. The removal element may be made from material having a melting point of at least 250 degrees Celsius. The removal element may be made from material having a melting point of at least 300 degrees Celsius. The heating chamber may still be at elevated temperatures. By forming the removal element from temperature resistive material removal element may withstand elevated temperatures of the heating chamber.

[0012] The removal element may be made from material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 145 degrees Celsius. The removal element may be made from material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 185 degrees Celsius. The removal element may be made from material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 200 degrees Celsius. The heat deflection temperature (HDT) may be determined by the standard test ASTM D648 and ISO 75.

[0013] The removal element may be formed with a specific shape that assists in removal of the broken article from the heating chamber. The removal element may further be manufactured from a material with sufficient rigidity for withstanding the forces acting on the tool upon removal of the broken article. The removal element may be manufactured from a material having a ratio of permanent deformation force (PDF) per Max Force before Yield (MFY) of at least 10. The removal element may be manufactured from a material having a ratio of permanent deformation force (PDF) per Max Force before Yield (MFY) of at least 15. The removal element may be manufactured from a material having a ratio of permanent deformation force (PDF) per Max Force before Yield (MFY) of at least 18.

[0014] The removal element may be made from material that does not release harmful compounds at elevated temperature. The removal element is handled directly by the user and may be subject to elevated temperatures during use. Accordingly, the material of the removal element may be made from suitable material that does not release harmful components. Manufacturing the removal tool from such material reduces or prevents any health risk for the user.

[0015] The removal element may be made from material selected from one or more of: aluminium alloy, polymer, such as polyamide, polyamide plus glass fibre, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), aramid fibers, carbon fibers, silica-alumina fiber, aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium and zinc. The removal element may be made from a composite material comprising polyamide and glass fibre. In such material, the amount of glass fibres may range from 10 to 60 percent. In such material, the amount of glass fibres may range from 30 to 40 percent.

[0016] The removal element may be made from a metallic wire.

[0017] The removal tool may comprise a key and a cap. The key of the removal tool may comprise a key head and a key body. The key body may form the removal element of the removal tool. The key head may be formed as a handle that can be gripped by a user’s hand. The user may grip the key head during utilization of the key.

[0018] The key body may be an elongated component with a specific design. The key body may have a top end with a specific angle design. The specific angle design at the top end of the key may assist in hooking a front plug of a broken aerosol-generating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The hooked end of the key body may be formed such that removal of the article is facilitated but at the same time the risk of damage the interior of the heating chamber is reduced.

[0019] The hooked end of the key body may be angled up to about 90 degrees. The hooked end of the key body may be angled from 30 to 80 degrees. The hooked end of the key body may be angled from 40 to 70 degrees. The hooked end of the key body may be angled to about 60 degrees.

[0020] A heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device may have a length of between 28 millimeters and 67 millimeters. The heating chamber may have a diameter of between 8 millimeters and 12 millimeters. The length of the key body may be adapted to the length of heating chamber of the aerosol generating device with which the removal tool is to be used. The length of the key body may correspond to the length of the heating chamber. The length of the key body may correspond to between 80 percent and 100 percent of the length of the heating chamber. The length of the key body may correspond to between 90 percent and 100 percent of the length of the heating chamber. The length of the key body may correspond to between 95 percent and 100 percent of the length of the heating chamber. The length of the key body may correspond to between 98 percent and 100 percent of the length of the heating chamber.

[0021] As defined in more detail below an aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of components. In order to increase the likelihood that a broken aerosol-generating article is completely removed from the heating chamber, the hooked end of the key should engage with a front plug of an aerosol-generating article. The front plug is typically the most distal element of an aerosol-generating article. In addition, the front plug portion is sufficiently strong and should not rupture upon removal of the broken article by the removal tool.

[0022] The key may be configured to avoid the key body to be inserted too far into the heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The key may comprise a protrusion element limiting the movement of the key body into the heating chamber. The protrusion element may be provided between the key head and the key body. The protrusion element may be formed to have a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of the interior of the heating chamber, by configuring the key to comprise a protrusion element, the insertion depth of the key into the heating chamber is efficiently prevented. Thus, even upon full insertion of the key the front end of the removal element cannot hit and cannot potentially damage the bottom of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0023] Aerosol-generating devices may require simple tools for opening parts of the housing for maintenance or replacement of replaceable components. The removal tool may be configured to comprise such additional tools. Such additional tools may comprise a protruding opening element of specific shape allowing a user to open and / or close a decorative end cap or cover of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The specific shape of such protruding opening elements may for example be a flower shape. In this way the removal tool may represent a multi tool enabling a plurality of applications of the removal tool.

[0024] When the key is not in use, can be safely stowed away and protected in the cap of the removal tool. The key and the cap of the removal tool may be engaged with each other by a snap fit locking mechanism. The removal tool may comprise a loop hole. The loophole may allow the user to carry the tool around, such as for example on a band around the user’s neck or on a keyring.

[0025] Since the removal tool is specifically intended for use with the aerosol generating device, the key may also be configured to be retained within the housing of the aerosol generating device. The housing of the aerosol generating device may comprise a recess or slot into which the removal tool may be inserted. Such configuration has the benefit that the removal tool is always available when a stuck aerosol-generating article is to be removed. Alternatively, the removal tool may also be retained in any other component of an aerosol generating system. For example, the removal tool may be retained in a portable charger of an aerosol generating system. Such portable chargers may comprise a hinged hatch. The removal tool may be configured to be retained within such hinged hatch. The removal tool may also be retained in a recess provided in the housing of the portable charger.

[0026] The invention is also directed to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosolgenerating device, a charger and a removal tool as disclosed herein. The charger may comprise a housing. The housing of the charger may be configured to receive the removal tool when the removal tool is not in use.

[0027] As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device and the aerosol-generating article in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article during use thereof.

[0028] As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosolgenerating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

[0029] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0030] The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between 86 millimeters to 130 millimeters.

[0031] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0032] The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

[0033] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

[0034] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosolgenerating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosolforming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially rod shaped.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 55 millimeters and 110 millimeters, preferably of between 60 millimeters and 90 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter between 4.5 millimeters and 17 millimeters, preferably between 6 millimeters and 9 millimeters. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter plug. The filter plug may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug is approximately 7 millimeters in length in one embodiment, but may have a length of between approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0036] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a separation between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation may be approximately 18 millimeters, but may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 25 millimeters. An aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements, including one or more of a mouthpiece, a spacer, a hollow acetate tube, a sensorial media plug and a front plug. All elements may be connected to each other by an outer wrapper. An aerosol-generating article may have a cylindrical shape.

[0037] The front plug may be used as an end portion of the aerosol-generating article. The front plug may be used to ensure that the sensorial media is retained within the aerosolgenerating article. The front plug may be made from a material that allows air to be drawn through the front plug. The front plug may be made from a material having an adequate porosity. The front plug may be made from a filter material. The front plug may be made from cellulose acetate tow. The front plug may be made from one or more materials selected from the group comprising ceramic, polymer, biopolymer, metal, zeolite, paper, cardboard, inert material, and inorganic material.

[0038] The removal element may be configured to assume a first position in which the aerosolgenerating article is received in the heating chamber and to assume a second position in which the aerosol-generating article is removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0039] The removal element may be a flexible element in the form of a wire or a rope. This configuration of the removal tool may be particularly useful in connection with aerosol generating devices comprising a heating chamber having an open and for receiving an aerosol generating article. At its open and the heating chamber may be configured to comprise a cover. The cover may be a removable portion that allows access to interior elements of the heating chamber and the battery of the aerosol generating device.

[0040] The removal element may comprise two ends. A first end may be fixed at the open end of the heating chamber. The first end may be fixed at the cover of the heating chamber. The second end of the removal element may be located outside the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The removal element may extend across the cross-section of the heating chamber. When an aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of aerosol generating device, the removal element engages with the distal end of the aerosol generating articles and is pushed towards the bottom of the heating chamber. Upon full insertion of the aerosol generating article, the removal element assumes a first position.

[0041] In the first position, the second end of the removal element is still located outside the heating chamber. When a user pulls at the second end of the removal element, the removal element tightens and is moved into second position. Thereby the removal element pushes the aerosol generating article out of the heating chamber.

[0042] The second end of the removal element may be guided through a through-hole in the cover. The second end may be configured to freely slide through the through-hole in the cover. The free end at the second end of the removal element may comprise an element that can be easily gripped and pulled by the user. The free end may comprise a decorative object. Such element can be easily grasped by the user with two fingers. At the same time the element may prevent the second and from slipping through the through-hole of the cover.

[0043] The through-hole of the cover may be provided at a side of the cover, which is opposite to the side of the cover at which the first end of the removal element is fixed. In this way it may be ensured that the removal element extends across the cross section of the heating chamber.

[0044] The first end of the removal element may also be fixed at a fixture point provided at a portion of the inner wall of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The second end of the removal element may be guided through a through hole in the housing of the inner wall of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The through hole in the housing of the inner wall of the heating chamber is advantageously provided opposite to the fixture point of the first end of the removal element.

[0045] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that the second end of the removal element is guided through both through-holes, through the through-hole in the cover and through the through-hole in the inner wall of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Again, the removal element can be brought into the second position by a user pulling at the second end of the removal element.

[0046] In a further modification, the cover of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device may be configured to be rotatably mounted at the open end of the heating chamber of aerosol generating device. The cover may be further configured such that by rotating the end, the removal element is wound up and is thereby brought into the second position. Thus, in this embodiment, the user can remove a broken or stuck aerosol generating article from the heating chamber of an aerosol generating device by simply rotating the cover at the open end of the heating chamber. Upon rotating the end, the length of the removal element with in the heating chamber is reduced and the broken article is pushed out of the heating chamber.

[0047] The removal tool may also consist of essentially the removal element, only. In such embodiment, both ends of the removal element may be fixed on the cover of the heating chamber. Both ends of the removal element may be fixedly attached to the cover of the heating chamber. In such configuration the removal element has a fixed length. When the cover is attached to the end of the heating chamber the removal element assumes a first position which allows for a full insertion of an aerosol generating article. In order to move the removal element into the second position, the complete cover needs to be removed. Upon removal of the cover and the removal element fixedly attached thereto a broken or stuck aerosol generating article can be removed from the heating chamber.

[0048] The removal tool may also comprise a plurality of removal elements attached to the cover of the heating chamber. By providing two or more removal elements, the pulling force is more homogeneously distributed over the removal elements and the contact portions between the removal elements and the aerosol generating articles. This may allow for a more safe and reliable extraction of the aerosol generating articles.

[0049] The removal tool may comprise a bottom element. When the removal element is in the first position, the bottom element is located adjacent the bottom of the heating chamber. The bottom element may help to maintain the removal elements within the heating chamber, in case the aerosol generating article can be normally removed from the heating chamber. The bottom element may be formed such as to form a friction fit connection with the bottom structure of the heating chamber. The bottom element may thereby ensure that the removal elements are tightly spanned along the inner wall of the heating chamber. Thus, during normal insertion and removal of aerosol generating articles to and from the heating chamber, the removal elements do not interfere with the handling of the aerosol generating articles.

[0050] The removal element may be formed from a wire. The first end of the wire may be fixed to the cover of the heating chamber. The second end of the wire may be formed to engage with a distal end of an inserted aerosol generating article. The second end of the removal element may be formed as a hook to facilitate engagement with the distal end of the aerosol generating article. The removal element may be wound up like a coil to form a resilient spring member. In this way the length of the removal element may easily adjust to varying lengths of the heating chamber. Accordingly, such removal element may be used in different models of aerosol generating devices.

[0051] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the removal tool may comprise a flexible cap configured to be mounted over an unmodified cover of the heating chamber. Both ends of the one or more removal elements are mounted on opposite sides of the flexible cap. In order to remove a broken article, the flexible elements including the removal element attached thereto must be unmounted from the cover. This embodiment of the removal tool does not require any modification of the cover of the heating chamber. Thus, a removal tool in accordance with this embodiment can be readily used with currently existing aerosolgenerating devices.

[0052] A heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device may comprise a sleeve, that lines the inner wall of the heating chamber. Such sleeve may be configured to be removable. A removable sleeve may serve as a support for the removal element. The removal element may be provided in the form of a wire or rope. At each end of the removal element there may be provided a stop element. Each stop element may act as “pulling stick” that can be grasped by a user’s hand. The sleeve may be provided with two grooves provided at opposite sides at the outer wall of the sleeve. The grooves may extend along the full length of the outer wall of the sleeve. When fully assembled in the heating chamber, the removal element is guided within the groove between the outer wall of the sleeve and the inner wall of the heating chamber. The two stop elements are located at the proximal end of the sleeve and limit the movement of the removal element into the heating chamber. The proximal end of the heating chamber may be provided with a removable cover. The removable cover may be designed to hold the sleeve in place when the cover is attached to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating device may further be designed such that in the assembled state the stop elements are clamped between the proximal end of the sleeve and the cover.

[0053] In order to remove a broken aerosol generating article with the above described removal tool, a user firstly has to remove the cover from the proximal end of the heating chamber. By removing the cover, the user may gain access to the stop elements. The user may then grasp one of the stop elements and may pull the stop element until the broken portion of the aerosol generating article is removed at least partially from the heating chamber. The user may then grasp the exit part of the broken article by hand and remove the broken article completely. After removal of the broken article, the user may push back the stop element of the removal element and may re-attach the cover to the proximal end of the heating chamber. The aerosol-generating device is then ready to receive a fresh aerosol-generating article.

[0054] The present invention also refers to a method of removing a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The method comprises providing a removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device. The removal tool comprises a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The removal element is made from nonferromagnetic material.

[0055] The removal element of the removal tool may be configured to be engaged with a front plug of an aerosol-generating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0056] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0057] Example Ex 1 :A removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device, the removal tool being configured for removal of a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the removal tool comprises a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the removal element is made from a non-ferromagnetic material.

[0058] Example Ex. 2: The removal tool according to example 1 , wherein the removal element is made from temperature resistive material, in particular from material having a melting point of at least 150 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 200 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 250 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 300 degrees Celsius. Example Ex 3: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is made from material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 145 degrees Celsius, preferably of at least 185 degrees Celsius, more preferably of at least 200 degrees Celsius, as determined by standard test ASTM D648 and ISO 75.

[0059] Example Ex 4: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is made from material having a ratio of permanent deformation force (PDF) per Max Force before Yield (MFY) of at least 10, preferably of at least 15, more preferably of at least 18.

[0060] Example Ex 5: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is made from material having that does not release toxic compounds at elevated temperature.

[0061] Example Ex 6: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is made from material selected from one or more of: aluminium alloy, polymer, such as polyamide, polyamide + glass fibre, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), aramid fibers, carbon fibers, silica-alumina fiber, aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium and zinc.

[0062] Example Ex 7: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal tool comprises a key and a cap.

[0063] Example Ex 8: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key and the cap are engaged by snap fit locking.

[0064] Example Ex 9: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key comprises a key head and a key body, and wherein the key body forms the removal element of the removal tool.

[0065] Example Ex 10: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key body is an elongated part with specific angles design at the top and the end, wherein the specific angle design at the top and at the end of the key body are to ease of hooking a front plug of a broken aerosol-generating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0066] Example Ex 11 : The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the length of the key body corresponds to length of heating chamber, wherein the length of the key body amounts to between 80 percent and 100 percent of the heater chamber, preferably wherein the length of the key body amounts to between 90 percent and 100 percent of the heater chamber, wherein the length of the key body amounts to between 95 percent and 100 percent of the heater chamber, wherein the length of the key body amounts to between 98 percent and 100 percent of the heater chamber, Example Ex 12: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key comprises a protrusion element between the key head and the key body, wherein the protrusion element limits the movement of the key body into the heating chamber.

[0067] Example Ex 13: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the protrusion element has a cross section that is larger than the cross section of the inner volume of the heating chamber.

[0068] Example Ex 14: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key body is made from metallic wire.

[0069] Example Ex 15: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the key comprises, a protruding opening element (e.g., flower shape) to ease user to open / close a decorative cover of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0070] Example Ex 16. An aerosol-generating system, comprising an aerosol generating device and a charger, wherein the charger comprises a housing, and wherein the housing of the charger is configured to receive the removal tool according to any one of examples 1 to 14.

[0071] Example Ex 17: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is configured to assume a first position in which the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber and to assume a second position in which the aerosol-generating article is removed from the heating chamber of the aerosolgenerating device.

[0072] Example Ex 18: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is a flexible element in form of a wire or rope.

[0073] Example Ex 19: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein at least a first end of the removal element is fixed on a cover of the heating chamber.

[0074] Example Ex 20: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second end of the removal element is guided through a through hole in the cover and is configured to be pulled to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

[0075] Example Ex 21 : The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the through hole is provided at a side of the cover, which is opposite to the side of the cover at which the first end of the removal element is fixed.

[0076] Example Ex 22: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second end of the removal element comprises a (decorative) gripping element that can be easily gripped by the user. Example Ex 23: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is configured to assume the second position upon a user pulling at the second end of the removal element.

[0077] Example Ex 24: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is configured to assume the second position upon a user pulling at the second end of the removal element.

[0078] Example Ex 25: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first end of the removal element is fixed on the housing of the aerosolgenerating device.

[0079] Example Ex 26: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the cover is rotatably mounted at the heating chamber, and wherein the removal element is configured to assume the second position upon a user rotating the cover.

[0080] Example Ex 27: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second end of the removal element is fixed on the cover of the heating chamber.

[0081] Example Ex 28: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein removal tool comprises a plurality of removal elements.

[0082] Example Ex 29: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal tool comprises a flexible cap configured to be mounted over the cover of the heating chamber, and wherein both ends of the removal element are mounted on opposite sides of the flexible cap.

[0083] Example Ex 30: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal tool comprises a bottom element that helps to support the removal element within the heating chamber.

[0084] Example Ex 31 : The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal element is a flexible element in form of a wire or rope, wherein each end of the removal element is provided with a stop element.

[0085] Example Ex 32: The removal tool according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the removal tool comprises a sleeve with longitudinal grooves in which the removal element is guided.

[0086] Example Ex 33: A method of removing a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: providing a removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device, the removal tool comprising a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the removal element is not made from ferromagnetic material. Example Ex 34: The method according to example 33, wherein the removal element of the removal tool is configured to be engaged with a front plug of an aerosolgenerating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0087] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0088] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosolgenerating article;

[0090] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article;

[0091] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the removal tool;

[0092] Fig. 4 shows the removal tool inserted into a heating chamber of an aerosolgenerating device;

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the removal tool;

[0094] Fig. 6 shows a removal tool with additional functionalities;

[0095] Fig. 7 shows options to store the removal tool;

[0096] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the removal tool with rope shaped removal element;

[0097] Fig. 9 shows a modification of the removal tool of Fig. 8;

[0098] Fig. 10 shows two further embodiments of the removal tool;

[0099] Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of the removal tool;

[0100] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of the removal tool;

[0101] Fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device 10 and an aerosol-generating article 12.

[0102] The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a heating chamber 14 for insertion of the aerosol-generating article 12. The heating chamber 14 has a heating chamber bottom 16 and a tubular heating chamber wall 18. At the open end of the heating chamber 14 there is provided a cover 20. As depicted in the enlarged view of Fig. 1 , cover 20 defines an opening for insertion of the aerosol-generating article 12 into the heating chamber 14. When the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 14, a distal portion of the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 14. A proximal portion 18 of the aerosolgenerating article 12 sticks out of the heating chamber 14 and a user may directly draw on the proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0103] The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises an induction assembly. The induction assembly comprises an induction coil 22. The aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a controller 24 and a power supply 26. The controller 24 is configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the power source to the induction coil 22.

[0104] Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of a typical aerosol-generating article 12 to be used with the aerosol-generating device 10 of Fig. 1. The aerosol-generating article 12 comprises a mouth-end filter 30, a fine hollow acetate tube 32, a hollow acetate tube 34, an aerosol-forming substrate portion 36, and a front plug 38. A stick wrapper 40 is used to connect the fine hollow acetate tube 32, the hollow acetate tube 34, the aerosol-forming substrate portion 36 and the front plug 38. A tipping wrapper 42 connects the mouth-end filter 30 to the stick wrapper 40. The aerosol-forming substrate portion 36 comprises a susceptor 28 circumscribed by an aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the aerosol-forming substrate portion 36 and susceptor 28 are located adjacent the induction coil 22. Upon application of an alternating current to the induction coil 22, an alternating magnetic field is generated, which in turn induces heat in the susceptor 28 and heats the aerosol-forming substrate portion 36.

[0105] During handling of the aerosol-generating system it may happen that an inserted aerosol-generating article 12 breaks up and a portion of the article 12 remains stuck in the heating chamber 14 of the aerosol-generating device 10. In order to enable a user to remove such broken or stuck articles from the heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device 10, a removal tool 50 as depicted in Fig. 3 is provided. The removal tool 50 comprises a key 52 and a cap 54. The key 52 of the removal tool comprises a key head 56 and a key body 58. The key body 58 forms the removal element 60 of the removal tool 50.

[0106] The key head 56 is formed as a handle that can be gripped by a user’s hand. The key head 56 comprises a loop hole 62. The loop hole 62 may be used to allow the user to carry the removal tool 50 on a band or at a bunch of keys.

[0107] The key body 58 is an elongated component that is to be inserted into a heating chamber 14 of an aerosol-generating device 10 to remove a broken aerosol-generating article 12. The key body 58 has a specific angle design at its end. This hooked end 64 of the key body 58 is formed such that removal of a broken article 12 is facilitated but at the same time the risk of damage the interior of the heating chamber 14 is reduced. The hooked end 64 of the key body 58 has an angle a of about 60 degrees.

[0108] The key 52 comprises a protrusion element 66 limiting the movement of the key body 58 into the heating chamber 14. The protrusion element 66 is an enlarged portion that has a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of the interior of the heating chamber 14. Upon full insertion of the key body 58 into the heating chamber 14, the hooked end 64 of the removal element 60 does not contact the bottom 16 of the heating chamber 14 of the aerosolgenerating device 10. In Fig. 4 an aerosol generating device with a fully inserted key is depicted. The protrusion element 66 contacts the cover 20 at the open end of the heating chamber 14. The hooked end 64 of the key body 58 does not contact the structures at the bottom of the heating chamber. In this embodiment the length of the key 58 amounts to about 25 millimeters. The length of the heating chamber amounts to 28 millimeters. However, the key body 58 is configured such that the hooked end 64 reaches to the front plug 38 of a broken aerosol generating article 12 (not shown). By engaging with the front plug 38 the removal tool 50 may allow to reliably remove a broken or stuck aerosol generating article 12 from the heating chamber 14 of an aerosol generating device 10.

[0109] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the removal tool. The removal element 50 again comprises a key 52 and a cap 54. The key 52 is formed from a wire. One end of the wire is mounted in a polymeric element forming the key head 56. The polymeric element can be gripped by a user’s hand and acts as a handle. The polymeric element can be snap fit connected with the cap 54 as indicated in the lower view of Fig. 5. The key head 56 may or may not be provided with a loop hole 62.

[0110] In Fig. 6 further embodiments of the removal tool 50 are illustrated. The key body 58 generally has similar structure as depicted in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 5. However, in the embodiments of Fig. 6 the key body 58 is provided with further elements 68,70 that allow the removal tool 50 to fulfil additional functionalities. The pentagonal protruding element 68 may be used for mounting or removing the cover 20 to and from the open end of the heating chamber 14 of an aerosol generating device 10. As depicted in Fig. 1 , cover 20 may define an opening having a pentagonal or flower shaped cross section. Additional protruding element 68 has a profile, which corresponds to the cross-section of the opening in cover 20 and can therefore be used to screw or unscrew the cover 20 from the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0111] In addition, or alternatively as depicted in the further views of Fig. 6, the removal tool 50 may also comprise cylindrically arranged protruding elements 70. These elements 70 may be useful to twist the top part of the heating chamber 14, such that the whole content of the aerosol-generating device 10 can be pulled out for replacement of the power source.

[0112] In Fig. 7 various possibilities of retaining the removal tool within a component of an aerosol-generating system are depicted. In the Fig. 7a an aerosol-generating device 10 with a heating chamber 14 is schematically depicted. The removal tool 50 may be retained in a recess 72 provided at either end of the housing of the aerosol generating device 10. Two possible locations for such recesses 72 are indicated in Fig. 7a.

[0113] As schematically depicted in figure 7B, a silicone cover of the aerosol-generating device 10 may be replaced by a modified silicone cover 74 allowing to retain the removal tool 50 in a recess provided below or within the modified silicon cover 74. Aerosol-generating systems may also comprise a portable charger 76. The removal tool 50 may for example be retained within the housing of such portable charger as depicted in figure 7C. In this embodiment the housing of the charger 76 comprises a hinged flap 78, in which the removal tool 50 may be retained.

[0114] A further embodiment of the removal tool 50 is shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8 an enlarged section of a heating chamber 14 of an inductively heated aerosol-generating device 10 of Fig. 1 is depicted. At the open end of the heating chamber 14 a cover 20 defining an opening for insertion of an aerosol-generating article 12 is provided. In this embodiment the removal element 58 is a flexible element in the form of a rope made from aramid fibers. The removal element 58 comprises two ends. A first end 80 of the removal element 58 is fixed at the cover 20. The removal element 58 extends across the cross-section of the heating chamber 14. The second end of the removal element 58 extends through an opening 82 in the cover 20. The removal element 58 is freely slidable through the opening 82. At the second end 84 of the removal element 58 there is provided a gripping element 86 that can be grasped by the user. In this case the gripping element 86 is decorative star-shape element. When an aerosolgenerating article 12 (not shown) is inserted into the heating chamber 14 of the aerosolgenerating device 10, the removal element 58 engages with the distal end of the aerosolgenerating article 12 and is pushed towards the bottom 16 of the heating chamber 14.

[0115] Upon full insertion of the aerosol-generating article 12, the removal element 58 assumes a first position, which essentially corresponds to the configuration as depicted in Fig. 8. In this first position the second end 84 of the removal element 58 is still located outside the heating chamber 14. When a user pulls at the gripping element 86 at the second end 84 of the removal element 58, the removal element 58 tightens and is moved into a second position. Thereby the removal element 58 pushes the aerosol-generating article 12 out of the heating chamber 14.

[0116] In the lower view in Fig. 8, a picture of an unscrewed cover 20 with a decorative gripping element 86 is provided.

[0117] Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment in which the removal element 58 is again a flexible element in the form of a rope made from aramid fibers. The first end 80 of the removal element 58 is fixed at an upper portion of the inner wall of the heating chamber 14. The second end 84 of the removal element 58 again extends through an opening 82 in the cover 20. The second end 84 also extends through an opening 88 in the inner wall of the heating chamber 14. In this embodiment, the cover 20 is rotatably mounted at the heating chamber 14 of the aerosolgenerating device 10. The cover 20 is further configured such that by rotating the cover 20, the removal element 58 is wound up between the cover 20 and the housing of the aerosolgenerating device 10. By winding up the removal element 58, its length within the heating chamber 14 is reduced and the removal element 58 is thereby brought into the second position. Thus, in this embodiment, the user can remove a broken or stuck aerosol generating article 12 from the heating chamber 14 of an aerosol generating device 10 by simply rotating the cover 20 at the open end of the heating chamber 14.

[0118] In the embodiment of Fig. 10, the removal tool 50 essentially consists of a cover 20 to which a removal element 58 in form of a flexible rope is mounted. As depicted in Fig. 10, both ends 80, 84 of the removal element 58 are fixedly attached to the cover 20 of the heating chamber 14. In this configuration the removal element 58 has a fixed length. When the cover 20 is attached to the open end of the heating chamber 14, the removal element 58 assumes a first position which allows for full insertion of an aerosol-generating article 12. In order to move the removal element 58 into the second position, the complete cover 20 must be removed. Upon removal of the cover 20 and the removal element 58 fixedly attached thereto, a broken or stuck aerosol-generating article 12 can be removed from the heating chamber 14.

[0119] As depicted in the second view of Fig. 10, the removal tool may also comprise a second removal element 59, which is correspondingly shaped but fixed in an orthogonal orientation with respect to the first removal element 58. This embodiment allows for a more homogenous force distribution between the removal elements 58, 59 and the aerosol-generating article 12.

[0120] In the lower view of Fig. 10 the removal tool may comprise a bottom element 90. When the removal element 58 is in the first position, the bottom element 90 is located adjacent the bottom 16 of the heating chamber 14. The bottom element 90 may help to maintain the removal elements 58,59 within the heating chamber 14. The bottom element 90 is formed such as to form a friction fit connection with structures at the bottom 16 of the heating chamber 14. The bottom element 90 may thereby ensure that the removal elements 58,59 are tightly spanned along the inner wall of the heating chamber 14. Thus, during normal insertion and removal of aerosol generating articles 12 to and from the heating chamber 14, the removal elements 58,59 do not interfere with the handling of the aerosol-generating articles 12.

[0121] In the embodiment of Fig. 11 the removal tool 50 comprises a flexible cap 92 configured to be mounted over an unmodified cover 20 of the heating chamber 14. The flexible cap 92 is made from silicone and is configured to be imposed on a cover 20 of a conventional aerosolgenerating device 10. Both ends 80,84 of the removal element 58 are mounted on opposite sides of the flexible cap 92. In order to remove a broken article 12, the flexible cap 92 including the removal element 58 attached thereto must be unmounted from the cover 20. This embodiment of the removal tool 50 does not require any modification of the cover 20 of the heating chamber 14. Thus, a removal tool 50 in accordance with this embodiment can be readily used with currently existing aerosol-generating devices 10.

[0122] Fig. 12 shows a further embodiment of a removal tool 50. The removal element 58 is again in the form of a flexible rope. At each end of the removal element there is provided a stop element 96. As depicted in Fig. 12, the heating chamber 14 of an aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a removable sleeve 94. The sleeve 94 has a generally cylindrical shape and lines the inner wall of the heating chamber 14. The removable sleeve 94 comprises two grooves 98 extending in a longitudinal direction at opposite sides at the outer wall of the sleeve 94. The grooves 98 are configured to guide the rope shaped removal element 58, when the removal tool and that sleeve are mounted in the heating chamber. In the assembled state, the stop elements engage with that proximal end of the sleeve 94 and limit the movement of the removal element 58 into the heating chamber 14. The proximal end of the heating chamber 14 is provided with a removable cover 20. The removable cover is designed to hold the sleeve 94 in place when the cover 20 is attached to the aerosol generating device 10. The attached cover 20 extends over the proximal end of the heating chamber and clamps the stop elements 96 between the proximal end of the sleeve 94 and the cover 20.

[0123] In order to remove a broken aerosol generating article 12 with the removal tool of Fig. 12 a user needs to remove the cover 20 from the proximal end of the heating chamber 14. The user may then grasp one of the stop elements 96 and may pull that stop element 96 until the broken portion of the aerosol-generating article 12 is removed at least partially from the heating chamber 14. When the article is moved far enough out of the heating chamber, the user may grasp the extending part of the broken article 12 by hand and remove the broken article 12 completely. After removal of the broken article 12, the user may push back the stop element 96 and may re-attach the cover 20 to the proximal end of the heating chamber 14. The aerosolgenerating device 10 is then ready to receive a fresh aerosol-generating article 12.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device, the removal tool being configured for removal of a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the removal tool comprises a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the removal element is made from a non-ferromagnetic material.

2. The removal tool according to claim 1 , wherein the removal element is made from temperature resistive material, in particular from material having a melting point of at least 150 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 200 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 250 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 300 degrees Celsius.

3. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal element is made from material having a heat deflection temperature (HDT) of at least 145 degrees Celsius, preferably of at least 185 degrees Celsius, more preferably of at least 200 degrees Celsius, as determined by standard test ASTM D648 and ISO 75.

4. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal element is made from material having a ratio of permanent deformation force (PDF) per Max Force before Yield (MFY) of at least 10, preferably of at least 15, more preferably of at least 18.

5. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal element is made from material selected from one or more of: aluminium alloy, polymer, such as polyamide, polyamide + glass fibre, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), aramid fibers, carbon fibers, silica-alumina fiber, aluminium, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium and zinc.

6. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal tool comprises a key and a cap.

7. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key comprises a key head and a key body, and wherein the key body forms the removal element of the removal tool.

8. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key body is an elongated part with specific angles design at the top and the end, wherein the specific angle design at the top and at the end of the key body are to ease of hooking a front plug of a broken aerosol-generating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

9. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key comprises a protrusion element between the key head and the key body, wherein the protrusion element limits the movement of the key body into the heating chamber.

10. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion element has a cross section that is larger than the cross section of the inner volume of the heating chamber.

11. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the key body is made from metallic wire.

12. An aerosol-generating system, comprising an aerosol generating device and a charger, wherein the charger comprises a housing, and wherein the housing of the charger is configured to receive the removal tool according to any one of claims 1 to 11 .

13. The removal tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal element is configured to assume a first position in which the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber and to assume a second position in which the aerosolgenerating article is removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

14. A method of removing a broken aerosol-generating article from a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising: providing a removal tool for an inductively heated aerosol-generating device, the removal tool comprising a removal element that is configured to be at least partly inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the removal element is not made from ferromagnetic material.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the removal element of the removal tool is configured to be engaged with a front plug of an aerosol-generating article that is to be removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

Images