CN117999011A - Cleaning tool for aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Cleaning tool for aerosol generating device

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol-generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning at least a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device.

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

International patent publication WO 2013/102614 discloses an example of an electrically operated aerosol-generating device in which an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article is heated in direct contact with a heating sheet to form an inhalable aerosol. The heating plate is in the form of a plate extending from the bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber. The heating sheet is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate segment of the aerosol-generating article.

When an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco substrate, is heated, volatile compounds will be released. Some volatile compounds and aerosols generated by the heat from the heating plate may deposit on the aerosol-generating device. In particular, such residues may be deposited on the bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber, while residues on the side walls of the heating chamber may be at least partially removed by insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article. Particles of the aerosol-forming substrate itself may also adhere to the heater chip, particularly if the heater chip is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, when using the device described in WO2013/102614, the heating sheet heats the tobacco substrate to a temperature between 200 and 350 degrees celsius, thereby releasing volatile compounds, nicotine and glycerin that can form an aerosol. After use of a plurality of aerosol-generating articles, residues and dust may still accumulate inside the heating chamber in the device.

Residues and dust accumulation on the bottom wall of the chamber may block the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device. In addition, if an improper tool or object is used to clean the heating chamber, the heating plate is easily damaged.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber. The tool may include a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end. The tool may include a second cleaning head disposed back-to-back with the first cleaning head. The tool may include a tool base disposed between the first cleaning head and the second cleaning head. The tool may include a housing. The housing may include a first cover configured to engage with the tool base to receive the first cleaning head. The housing may include a second cover configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate a second cleaning head. The tool may include an opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cover or the second cover from the tool base based on user interaction with the opening tab.

The cleaning tool may comprise two cleaning heads, each for cleaning residues and dust from the cleaning chamber in a different way. Such cleaning heads may be disposed on opposite ends of the cleaning tool, with a separate cover configured to receive each cleaning head. When the caps are pulled simultaneously, it may be difficult to selectively remove one cap or the other. The user may not have control over which cap is removed and the desired cap may not be the first cap to disengage from the tool base of the tool. Thus, a user may be required to remove both covers to access the desired cleaning head.

Advantageously, opening the tab may allow for selectively disengaging and removing the first or second cover from the tool base. In addition, the opening tab may allow for selective disengagement of the first or second cover in a simple design that is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, the ability to selectively disengage the cover prevents the removal of an undesired cover on the cleaning head prior to the removal of the cover on the desired tool.

The first cover and the second cover may each include a recess. The opening tab may extend through the recess of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base. The opening tab may extend through the recess of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base. The opening tab may be configured to protrude above an edge surface of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base. The opening tab may be configured to protrude above an edge surface of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base.

The opening tab may comprise a first surface arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The opening tab may include a second surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool and opposite the first surface. The opening tab may be configured to disengage the first cover from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface. The opening tab may be configured to disengage the second cover from the tool base when pressure is applied to the first surface.

The first cover may be configured to engage with the tool base via a snap-fit connection. The second cover may be configured to engage with the tool base via a snap-fit connection. The first cover may include a snap-fit retention feature configured to engage with the snap-fit retention feature of the tool base. The second cover may include a snap-fit retention feature configured to engage with the snap-fit retention feature of the tool base. The snap-fit retention feature may include one or more ridges, protrusions, recesses, channels, or clips. The snap-fit retention feature may be configured to resist engagement or disengagement until the snap-fit retention force is met or exceeded. When the snap-fit retention force is met or exceeded, the retention feature may be configured to flex until the cap is engaged or disengaged with the tool base.

The first and second covers may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the first cover and the second cover may be formed of a metal material, a plastic material, or a metal material and a plastic material.

The opening tab may be configured to resiliently flex over a range in response to pressure exerted on the opening tab in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. The range of deflection may be configured to allow the opening tab to exert a pressure on the first or second cover sufficient to disengage the first or second cover from the tool base. The force sufficient to disengage the first cap or the second cap may be a snap-fit retention force.

The second cleaning head is detachable from the tool base. The second cleaning head may be coupled to the tool base via a snap fit connection. The tool base may be configured to be coupled to an accessory that replaces the second cleaning head. The accessory may be configured to be coupled to the tool base via a snap-fit connection.

The first cleaning head may include a first elongate member extending from the tool base. The first elongate member may include a first distal end distal from the tool base. The first cleaning head may include a second elongate member extending from the tool base. The second elongate member can include a second distal end distal from the tool base. A slot may be defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

Preferably, the reciprocating movement of at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member within the heating chamber may be configured to scrape the bottom chamber wall. As used herein, the term "reciprocally moving" in the context of one or both of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member within a heating chamber having a heater blade extending into the heating chamber refers to an angular displacement that is generally parallel to the plane in which the heater blade lies. Angular displacement may be induced by moving the tool base in a direction parallel to the heater chip and the slot. In response, the first and second elongate members may move in a direction opposite the movement of the tool base, thereby causing one or both of the first and second distal ends to scrape the chamber bottom wall in a pivoting motion.

The tool may include a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first and second elongate members. The tubular member may include a first semi-cylindrical shell and a second semi-cylindrical shell. The first and second semi-cylindrical shells may be configured to couple to each other to form a tube. The tubular member may include one or more channels on an outer surface of the tubular member. The one or more channels may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. One or more channels may be configured to receive ribs of the heating chamber.

The tubular member may include one or more tubular member protrusions on an inner surface of the tubular member. Each of the one or more tubular member protrusions may be configured to engage a corresponding one of the one or more elongate member protrusions located on the outer surface of the first elongate member or the second elongate member. Each of the one or more tubular member protrusions may define a convex shape extending toward the longitudinal axis of the tubular member.

The tubular member or a portion of the tubular member may have an external shape and size similar to the internal shape and size of the heating chamber into which the tubular member may be inserted. Having such similar shapes and sizes may facilitate insertion of the tubular member into the heating chamber. Having such similar shapes and sizes may facilitate alignment of the tubular member with the heating chamber. If the device has a heater plate, proper alignment of the tubular member with the heating chamber may properly align the slot defined between the first and second elongate members with the heater plate.

The tubular member may define an outer periphery having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. The engagement of the ribs with the channels may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber. Preventing axial rotation may advantageously prevent the heater chip from breaking. At least one channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing at least one channel with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate tool alignment and tool insertion into the heating chamber.

The one or more elongate member protrusions may be circular elongate member protrusions. The one or more elongate member protrusions may include a first pair of elongate member protrusions connected to each other by a first base and extending from the first elongate member. The elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections may be spaced apart by a first gap positioned adjacent the base and between the elongate member projections of the first pair of elongate member projections. The one or more elongated member projections may include a second pair of elongated member projections connected to each other by a second base and extending from the second elongated member. The elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections may be spaced apart by a second gap positioned adjacent the second base and between the elongate member projections of the second pair of elongate member projections.

The tool may include a pivot member disposed between the base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member. The pivoting member may be configured to allow the first and second elongate members to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to limit the first and second elongate members from pivoting in a non-preferred direction. Non-preferred directions may include: including any direction that is orthogonal to the preferred direction. Preferably, the pivoting member is configured to prevent movement of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber, which movement may damage the heating plate, in the event that the tool is used to clean a device having a heating plate extending into the heating chamber.

The pivot member may define one or more extensions extending from an outer surface of at least one of the first and second elongate members. The one or more extensions may be cylindrical extensions. Preferably, the pivot member may define two cylindrical extensions. One of the two extensions may extend from an outer surface of the first elongate member and the second extension may extend from an outer surface of the second elongate member. The outer surface of the first elongate member may face away from the slot. The outer surface of the second elongate member may face away from the slot. The tubular member may include one or more receptacles, each configured to receive an extension. The one or more receptacles may define a hollow cylinder having at least one open face. The one or more receptacles and extensions may be configured to cooperate to permit the first elongate member and the second elongate member to pivot in a preferred direction. The one or more receptacles and extensions may be configured to cooperate to prevent the first elongate member and the second elongate member from pivoting in a non-preferred direction.

The pivot member or a portion of the pivot member may define an outer perimeter having one or more channels configured to receive the ribs of the heating chamber when the pivot member is inserted into the heating chamber. When the ribs are received in the channels, axial rotation of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber may be limited. One or more of the channels may be flared at the receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate tool alignment and tool insertion into the heating chamber.

The pivoting member or a portion of the pivoting member may have an external shape and size similar to the internal shape and size of the heating chamber into which the pivoting member may be inserted. Having such similar shapes and sizes may facilitate insertion of the pivoting member into the heating chamber. Having such similar shapes and sizes may facilitate alignment of the pivoting member with the heating chamber. If the device has a heater plate, proper alignment of the pivot member with the heating chamber may properly align a slot defined between the first and second elongate members with the heater plate.

The pivot member may include an oval member defining an outer perimeter having at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. The engagement of the ribs with the channels may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber. The elliptical member may comprise a disc or cylinder. The elliptical member may be elliptical in shape. The elliptical shape may include a circular shape. At least one channel may be flared at the receiving end. Providing at least one channel with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate tool alignment and tool insertion into the heating chamber.

The pivot member may be integrally formed with the tool base, the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The pivot member may be securely coupled between the base and both the first distal end and the second distal end. The pivot member may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the pivoting material may be formed of a metallic material, a plastic material, or a combination of metallic and plastic materials.

The elongate member may be configured to pivot in a preferred direction between the neutral position and the first pivot position or in a preferred direction between the neutral position and the second pivot position. The first pivot position and the second pivot position may be on opposite sides of the neutral position along a preferred direction. The pivoting of the elongate member may be induced by a reciprocating motion.

The one or more tubular member projections of the tubular member may include a first tubular member projection configured to engage a first pair of elongated member projections and a second tubular member projection configured to engage a second pair of elongated member projections. The apex of the first tubular member projection may be located in the first gap when the elongated member is in the neutral position. The apex of the second tubular member projection may also be located in the second gap in the neutral position. The apex of the first tubular member projection may be configured to engage one of the elongated member projections of the first pair of elongated member projections when the first elongated member is in the first position or the second position. The apex of the second tubular member projection may be configured to engage one of the second pair of elongate member projections when the second elongate member is in the first position or the second position.

The tool may include bristles extending from the first elongate member, the second elongate member, or both the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The bristles can advantageously increase the effective cleaning area of the tool. Preferably, the bristles are hard enough to clean the surface of the heating chamber, but not hard enough to cause damage to the heating plates extending into the heating chamber. When the tool is used to clean a heating chamber, the bristles will preferably contact the surface and deflect away from the surface of the heating chamber or heating blade.

The bristles may extend radially outwardly from one or both of the first and second elongate members. The radially outwardly extending bristles may advantageously clean the inner peripheral surface of the heating chamber.

The bristles may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the bristles may be formed of metal wires, plastic wires, or wires comprising metal materials and plastic materials.

The tool base, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be integrally formed. The first and second elongate members may be coupled to the tool base. The tool base, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be formed of any suitable material. For example, one or more of the tool base, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be formed from a metallic material, a plastics material or a combination of metallic and plastics materials.

The first elongate member may include a first planar surface facing the slot and the second elongate member may include a second planar surface facing the slot, the first planar surface extending through the first plane and the second planar surface extending through the second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel planes and the first planar surface and the second planar surface extend parallel to each other. Providing a tool having a first elongate member and a second elongate member with such flat inner surfaces may prevent the first elongate member and the second elongate member from damaging the heater chip when scraping the bottom wall of the chamber with the tool. Such an arrangement of flat inner surfaces of the first and second elongate members may be particularly useful in preventing damage if the tool is configured to prevent axial rotation while the chamber bottom wall is being scraped. For example, axial rotation may be inhibited by providing a channel along an outer periphery of the pivoting member, wherein the channel is configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.

At least one of the first and second elongate members may include one or more ridges on the groove-facing surface. One or more ridges may be configured to collapse at a threshold torque or deflection level. One or more of the ridges may be formed of an elastically deformable material. The one or more ridges may advantageously clean the surface of the heater chip while the bottom chamber wall is being scraped or cleaned. Furthermore, ridges configured to collapse or formed of an elastically deformable material may provide additional protection from damage to the heater chip.

The tool base may include a handle. The handle may extend in a direction away from the first distal end of the first elongate member. For example, the handle may extend away from the first distal end of the first elongate member along the longitudinal axis of the tool. The handle may be interchangeable with the second cleaning head. The handle may be coupled to the tool base by a snap fit connection.

One or both of the first distal end and the second distal end may have a tapered shape. For example, one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end may be narrower than a portion of one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end that is closest to the tool base. The tapered shape may facilitate scraping of the chamber bottom wall.

The tool may include a cleaning cap. The cleaning cap may be configured to couple with an aerosol-generating device. The tool may be configured such that when the cleaning cap is coupled with the aerosol-generating device, one or both of the first elongate member and the second elongate member contact the bottom wall. At least a portion of the cleaning cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol-generating device when the first and second elongate members are received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

The cleaning cap may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the cleaning cap may be formed of a metal material, a plastic material, or a metal material and a plastic material.

The tool may include a wand operatively coupling the first and second elongate members to the cleaning cap. The rod may permit reciprocal movement of the first and second elongate members. The rod may prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongate members. For example, the wand may operatively couple the first and second elongate members to the cleaning cap such that the first and second elongate members may pivot about the wand. Providing the tool with a cleaning cap and wand may advantageously provide controlled and consistent cleaning of the bottom wall of the chamber adjacent the heater chip. The cleaning cap and bar may also inhibit damage to the heating plate if the apparatus includes a heating plate that extends into the heating chamber, as the cleaning cap and bar may inhibit axial rotation of the first and second elongate members. If the device comprises a heater chip, the other element of the cleaning cap or tool preferably comprises such features: the feature is configured to cooperate with a corresponding feature of the aerosol-generating device to facilitate proper alignment of the first elongate member and the second elongate member relative to the heating plate.

The rod may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the rod may be formed of a metal material, a plastic material, or a metal material and a plastic material.

The distal end of the first elongate member extends away from the bottom wall when the second cleaning head is inserted into the heating chamber towards the bottom wall. Preferably, the second cleaning head is configured to clean areas of the bottom surface of the heating chamber where the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member are not likely to reach. The second cleaning head may include a scraping surface for cleaning a bottom surface of the heating chamber. Tools having a cleaning head opposite a first distal end of a first elongate member and a second distal end of a second elongate member may advantageously be used to better clean a heating chamber than tools without a cleaning head.

Preferably, the first and second elongate members are laterally movable to adjust the slot width at the distal end of the tool during a cleaning action. For example, during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber, the first and second elongate members may be moved after the heater chip is received in the slot to reduce the slot width at the distal end of the tool. Further, for example, the first and second elongate members may move to reduce the slot width at the distal end of the tool when the first and second elongate members are pivoted from the neutral position to the first pivot position or the second pivot position. Such lateral adjustment of the slot width may allow the first and second elongate members to be inserted into the heating chamber over the heating plate without damaging the plate during insertion. Thus, the tool can easily accommodate the heater chip during insertion and after insertion move into position to scrape or clean the bottom chamber wall adjacent the heater chip.

The elongate member may include tapered sides. The tapered sides may advantageously allow the heater chip to more easily pass between the elongate members, providing additional protection against damage to the heater chip during reciprocation. The distal end of the elongate member may be tapered. The tapered distal ends may allow the heater chip to more easily pass between the distal ends during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber, thereby providing additional protection against damage to the heater chip.

A system may include an aerosol-generating device and a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber and a heating plate having a substantially rectangular cross-section, the heating plate extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber.

Advantageously, the system comprising a cleaning tool provided with a first elongate member and a second elongate member defining a slot therebetween allows the tool to scrape or clean the chamber bottom wall of the aerosol-generating device near the base of the heater chip. Preferably, the tool is used to clean the heating chamber without damaging the heating plate. The tool may also be used to clean the heater chip.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for opening a housing of a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device, the method comprising applying pressure to an opening tab extending from a tool base of the tool to selectively remove a first or second cover of the housing to expose one of the first or second cleaning heads. The method may include flexing the opening tab in response to pressure applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may include moving the opening tab in response to pressure applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may include applying pressure on the edge surface of the first cover or the second cover in response to the pressure applied to the first surface or the second surface. The method may include overcoming a snap-fit retention force of the first cover or the second cover with the opening tab. Advantageously, the application of pressure on the opening tab allows selective removal of the first cover or the second cover.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example Ex1: a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising: a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end; a second cleaning head arranged back-to-back with the first cleaning head; a tool base disposed between the first and second cleaning heads; a housing, the housing comprising: a first cover configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the first cleaning head; and a second cover configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the second cleaning head; and an opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cover or the second cover from the tool base based on a user interaction with the opening tab.

Example Ex2: the tool of example Ex1, wherein: the first cover and the second cover each include a recess; and the opening tab extends through the recess of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base, and the opening tab extends through the recess of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base.

Example Ex3: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the opening tab is configured to protrude above an edge surface of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base and above an edge surface of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base.

Example Ex4: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the opening tab comprises: a first surface disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool; and a second surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool and opposite the first surface, wherein the opening tab is configured to: disengaging the first cover from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface; and disengaging the second cover from the tool base when pressure is applied to the first surface.

Example Ex5: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first and second covers are configured to engage with the tool base via a snap-fit connection.

Example Ex6: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the opening tab is configured to elastically flex within a range in response to pressure exerted on the opening tab in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool, the range of flex configured to allow the opening tab to exert pressure on the first or second cover sufficient to disengage the first or second cover from the tool base.

Example Ex7: a tool according to any preceding example, wherein the second cleaning head is detachable from the tool base.

Example Ex8: a tool according to any preceding example, wherein the second cleaning head is coupleable to the tool base via a snap fit connection.

Example Ex9: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first cleaning head comprises: a first elongate member extending from the tool base, the first elongate member including a first distal end distal from the tool base; and a second elongate member extending from the tool base, the second elongate member including a second distal end distal from the tool base, wherein a slot is defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

Example Ex10: the tool of example Ex9, further comprising a tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the first and second elongate members.

Example Ex11: the tool of example Ex10, wherein the tubular member further comprises: a first semi-cylindrical shell; and a second semi-cylindrical shell, wherein the first and second semi-cylindrical shells are configured to couple to each other to form a tube.

Example Ex12: the tool of any one of examples Ex 9-Ex 11, wherein the first cleaning head further comprises one or more pivot members disposed between the tool base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, wherein the one or more pivot members are configured to allow the first elongate member and the second elongate member to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member, and wherein the one or more pivot members are configured to limit the first elongate member and the second elongate member from pivoting in a non-preferred direction.

Example Ex13: the tool of example Ex12, wherein the one or more pivoting members comprise an elliptical member defining an outer perimeter having a channel configured to engage with a rib of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongated members within the heating chamber.

Example Ex14: the tool of example Ex13, wherein the elliptical member comprises a disk or cylinder.

Example Ex15: the tool of any of the preceding examples, wherein the second cleaning head comprises one or more scraping surfaces.

Example Ex16: a system, comprising: an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating sheet having a substantially rectangular cross-section, the heating sheet extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber; and a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples.

Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a system comprising a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the tool cover engaged with the tool base of the tool;

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the tool of FIG. 1 with one of the covers engaged with the tool base and the other of the covers disengaged from the tool base;

FIG. 5 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 with the cover engaged with the tool base;

FIG. 6 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1, wherein pressure is applied to a first surface of an opening tab of the tool to disengage one of the caps;

FIG. 7 shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 with pressure applied to the second surface of the opening tab to disengage the other one of the caps;

FIG. 8 shows another side view of the tool of FIG. 1 without a cover;

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the tubular member of the tool of FIG. 1 with the semi-cylindrical shells of the tubular member separated from one another; and

Fig. 10 is a modification of the tool in which the tool includes an elliptical pivoting member.

Fig. 1-4 show a tool 110 for cleaning an aerosol-generating device. Fig. 1 shows a system 100 comprising an aerosol-generating device 102 and a tool 110. Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool 110.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the tool 110 with the cap 120 engaged to the tool base 118 of the tool 110.

Fig. 4 shows the tool 110 with the cap 120-1 disengaged from the tool base 118.

The aerosol-generating device 102 comprises a heating chamber 104, a heating plate 106, a chamber bottom wall 108, and ribs 109. The heating chamber 104 defines a cavity in the aerosol-generating device 102. The chamber bottom wall 108 is the inner surface of the heating chamber 104. The heater plate 106 extends from a chamber bottom wall 108 into the heating chamber 104. As shown, the heater chip 106 is a chip.

Tool 110 includes a tool base 118, a first elongate member 112-1, a second elongate member 112-2 (collectively referred to as elongate members 112), a first cap 120-1, a second cap 120-2 (collectively referred to as caps 120), a tubular member 122 and an attachment 124, an elongate member protrusion 126, and a pivoting member 130. The elongate member 112 extends from the tool base 118. The first elongate member 112-1 includes a first distal end 114-1 remote from the tool base 118, and the second elongate member 112-2 includes a second distal end 114-2 (collectively referred to as distal ends 114) remote from the tool base 118. A slot 116 is defined between the elongate members 112.

The elongate member 112 is configured to be received in the heating chamber 104 such that the heater chip 106 is received in the slot 116. In addition, the distal end 114 extends to the bottom chamber wall 108 such that reciprocation of the distal end within the heating chamber scrapes the bottom chamber wall. In particular, the reciprocating movement may cause the distal end 114 to scrape against the bottom chamber wall adjacent the base of the heater chip 106. The distal end 114 may include a scraping edge configured to scrape against the chamber bottom wall 108. The distal end 114 may include a roughened edge configured to scrape against the chamber bottom wall 108.

The elongate member 112 defines a slot 116 therebetween. The open or distal end 114 of the elongate member 112 is configured to flex in response to pressure exerted on the elongate member 112 in the direction of the slot 116. Such deflection reduces the width of the slot 116, which allows the elongate member 112 to be closer to the heater chip 106 during a cleaning action when compared to the unreduced width of the slot. Thus, the elongate member 112 can clean the chamber bottom wall 108 adjacent the heater chip 106. Additionally, reducing the width of the slot 116 during the cleaning action may allow the elongated member 112 to clean the heater chip 106.

The elongate member protrusion 126 is coupled to the elongate member 112. The elongate member protrusion 126 is configured to move the first and second elongate members 112-1, 112-2 toward each other to reduce the width of the slot 116 when a cleaning action is applied to the tool 110. The cleaning action may include pivoting the elongate member 112 in a preferred direction. As shown, a pair of elongate member protrusions 126 located on the outer surface of each elongate member 112 are separated by a gap 128.

Tubular member 122 surrounds elongate member 112. The tubular member 122 is shaped to be received in the heating chamber 104. The tubular member 122 may have an outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the heating chamber. The tubular member 122 includes a channel 132 configured to receive the rib 109. The tubular member 122 cooperates with the ribs 109 and the pivot member 130 to prevent the tool 110 from rotating axially when inserted into the heating chamber 104.

As shown, the pivot member 130 includes two cylindrical extensions extending from the surface of the elongate member 112 facing away from the slot 116. The cylindrical extension of the pivot member 130 is received in a receptacle 146 (shown in fig. 9) of the tubular member 122. The pivot member 130 is configured to permit the elongate member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction as indicated by arrow 139 shown in fig. 8 transverse to the extension of the elongate member. The pivot member 130 is also configured to limit the elongate member 112 from pivoting in a non-preferred direction. The pivot member 130 cooperates with a receptacle 146 (shown in fig. 9) of the tubular member 122 to permit the elongate member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction while also limiting or preventing the elongate member 112 from pivoting or axially rotating in a non-preferred direction.

The attachment 124 is detachable from the tool base 118. The attachment 124 may be coupled to the tool base 118 by a snap-fit connection. As shown, the accessory 124 is a cleaning head for cleaning the heating chamber 104. Additional accessories that may be coupled to the tool base 118 include a handle or another cleaning head. The attachment 124 is operable to pivot the elongate member 112 in a preferred direction.

The cover 120 is engaged or coupled to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110. The cap 120 may be coupled to the tool base 118 by a snap-fit connection. The first cap 120-1 is configured to receive and house the elongate member 112 and the tubular member 122. The second cover 120-2 is configured to receive and house the accessory 124. Each cover includes a recess 162. The recess 162 is configured to allow the opening tab 160 to extend through the recess 162 when the cover 120 is engaged with the tool base 118. Pressure on either side of the opening tab 160 may flex the opening tab 160 and exert pressure on an edge surface 164 (shown in fig. 4) of one of the covers 120. Thus, a user may selectively remove one or both of the covers 120 using the opening tab 160.

An opening tab 160 extends radially outwardly from the tool base 118. The opening tab 160 is configured to extend through a notch 162 of the cover 120 such that the opening tab 160 is accessible when the cover is engaged with the tool base.

Fig. 5-7 illustrate a cap removal process for tool 110. Fig. 5 shows the tool 110 with the cover engaged with the tool base 118. Fig. 6 shows that the opening tab 160 is used to disengage the second cover 120-2. Fig. 7 shows that the opening tab 160 is used to disengage the first cover 120-1.

The opening tab 160 includes a first surface 166 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool 110 and a second surface 168 also disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool 110. The first surface 166 is disposed opposite the second surface 168. The opening tab 160 is configured to disengage the second cover 120-2 from the tool base 118 when pressure is applied to the first surface 166, as shown in fig. 6. When pressure is applied to the first surface 166, the opening tab 160 flexes or moves in the direction of the second cover 120-2 and presses against the edge surface 164 of the second cover 120-2. The pressure exerted by the opening tab 160 on the second cover 120-2 may be sufficient to overcome the snap-fit retention feature that engages or couples the second cover 120-2 to the tool base 118.

The opening tab 160 is configured to disengage the first cover 120-1 from the tool base 118 when pressure is applied to the second surface 168, as shown in fig. 7. When pressure is applied to the second surface 168, the opening tab 160 flexes or moves in the direction of the first cover 120-1 and presses against the edge surface 164 of the first cover 120-1. The pressure exerted by the opening tab on the first cover 120-1 may be sufficient to overcome the snap-fit retention feature that engages or couples the first cover 120-1 to the tool base 118.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the tool 110 without the cover 120. Fig. 9 shows the tubular member 122 in an open state. The tubular member 122 includes a first semi-cylindrical shell 122-1 and a second semi-cylindrical shell 122-2. The first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1 and 122 are substantially identical. The first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1 and 122-2 are configured to be coupled to each other to form a tube. The first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2 include a clip 142 and a clip receptacle 144 configured to receive and releasably retain the clip 142. Additionally, the first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2 may be coupled to one another in a snap-fit configuration.

Each of the first and second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1 and 122-2 includes a tubular member protrusion 138 and a receptacle 146. Each of the tubular member protrusions 138 extends from an edge of one of the first or second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1 or 122-2 to the receiving portion 146. The apex 140 of each of the tubular member protrusions 138 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the assembled tubular member 122. Each of the receptacles 146 extends from the inner surface 136 of one of the first or second semi-cylindrical shells 122-1, 122-2. Each of the receptacles 146 defines a hollow cylinder having an open end configured to receive one of the cylindrical extensions of the pivot member 130. The receptacle 146 cooperates with the cylindrical extension to permit the elongate member 112 to pivot in a preferred direction indicated by arrow 139 (shown in fig. 8) while limiting or preventing axial rotation of the elongate member 112 and preventing the elongate member 112 from pivoting in a non-preferred direction.

Fig. 10 shows a tool 310 comprising an elliptical pivoting member 156. The elongate member projection 126 of the tool 310 is configured to engage the inner side wall 107 of the heating chamber 104 of the aerosol-generating device 102. The tool 310 includes an elliptical pivoting member 156, but does not include a tubular member. The elliptical pivot member 156 defines an outer perimeter having at least one channel 158 configured to receive the ribs 109 of the heating chamber 104. The engagement of the ribs 109 with the channels 158 may prevent axial rotation of the elongate member 112 within the heating chamber 104. The elliptical pivot member 156 may comprise a disk or cylinder. Providing at least one channel 158 may advantageously facilitate tool alignment and tool insertion into the heating chamber 104.

For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intervening ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number a is understood to be a±10% a. In this context, the number a may be considered to include values within a general standard error for the measurement of properties modified by the number a. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, the number a may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation a does not significantly affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intervening ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims (15)

1. A tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising:

a first cleaning head extending along a longitudinal axis of the tool between a proximal end and a distal end;

A second cleaning head arranged back-to-back with the first cleaning head;

A tool base disposed between the first and second cleaning heads;

a housing, the housing comprising:

a first cover configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the first cleaning head; and

A second cover configured to engage with the tool base to accommodate the second cleaning head; and

An opening tab extending from the tool base and configured to selectively disengage the first cover or the second cover from the tool base based on a user interaction with the opening tab.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein:

The first cover and the second cover each include a recess; and

The opening tab extends through the recess of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base, and the opening tab extends through the recess of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base.

3. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening tab is configured to protrude above an edge surface of the first cover when the first cover is engaged with the tool base and above an edge surface of the second cover when the second cover is engaged with the tool base.

4. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening tab comprises:

a first surface disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool; and

A second surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool and opposite the first surface,

Wherein the opening tab is configured to:

disengaging the first cover from the tool base when pressure is applied to the second surface, and

When pressure is applied to the first surface, the second cover is disengaged from the tool base.

5. A tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second covers are configured to engage with the tool base via a snap fit connection.

6. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening tab is configured to elastically flex within a range in response to pressure exerted on the opening tab in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool, the range of flex being configured to allow the opening tab to exert pressure on the first or second cover sufficient to disengage the first or second cover from the tool base.

7. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second cleaning head is detachable from the tool base.

8. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the first cleaning head comprises:

A first elongate member extending from the tool base, the first elongate member including a first distal end distal from the tool base; and

A second elongate member extending from the tool base, the second elongate member including a second distal end remote from the tool base,

Wherein a slot is defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.

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

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the tubular member further comprises:

A first semi-cylindrical shell; and

A second half-cylindrical shell is provided with a second opening,

Wherein the first semi-cylindrical shell and the second semi-cylindrical shell are configured to couple to each other to form a tube.

11. The tool of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first cleaning head further comprises one or more pivot members disposed between the tool base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, wherein the one or more pivot members are configured to permit the first elongate member and the second elongate member to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member, and wherein the one or more pivot members are configured to restrict the first elongate member and the second elongate member from pivoting in a non-preferred direction.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the one or more pivot members comprise an oval member defining an outer perimeter having a channel configured to engage with a rib of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber.

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

14. A tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second cleaning head comprises one or more scraping surfaces.

15. A system, comprising:

An aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating sheet having a substantially rectangular cross-section, the heating sheet extending from a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber into the heating chamber; and

A tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim.