EP4687543A1

EP4687543A1 - Aerosol generating devices

Info

Publication number: EP4687543A1
Application number: EP24713474.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juraj LEHOCKY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-04-06
Filing date: 2024-03-25
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: TW202439992A; JP2026511774A; WO2024208637A1; CN120857877A; KR20250160962A

Abstract

A heating assembly for an aerosol generating device (10) comprises a heating chamber (18) operable to receive at least part of a consumable (100) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (102) and a vibrational cleaning element (40) mechanically coupled to the heating chamber (18) and operable to cause vibration of at least part of the heating chamber (18), wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) is mechanically coupled to an exterior of the heating chamber (18), but spaced from the heating chamber (18). The heating assembly may be provided in an aerosol generating device (10) further including a heating element (22) configured to supply heat to the heating chamber (18) and a controller (24) configured to operate the heating element (22) to initiate heating of a consumable (100).

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICES

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable (hand-held) aerosol generating device. Such devices heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate, e.g., tobacco or other suitable materials, by conduction, convection, and/or radiation to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Technical Background

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as aerosol generating devices or vapour generating devices) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosol generating substances to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated substrate aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating substrate to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 300°C. Heating the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating substrate, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.

Currently available aerosol generating devices can use one of a number of different approaches to provide heat to the aerosol generating substrate. One such approach is to employ an induction heating system. In such a device, an induction coil is provided in the device and an inductively heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol generating substrate. Electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat, which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol is generated as the aerosol generating substrate is heated. Another heating approach is to use a resistive heating system. In such a device, a resistive heating element is provided to heat the aerosol generating substrate. Electrical energy is supplied to the resistive heating element when a user activates the device which in turn generates heat which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol is generated as the aerosol generating substrate is heated.

Whether resistive or inductive heating is used, most heated substrate aerosol generating devices comprise a heating chamber, which is commonly in the form of an open ended cup, into which at least a portion of a consumable comprising an aerosol generating substrate may be placed for heating. The consumable typically has a similar shape to a conventional cigarette.

Occasionally, a consumable that has been heated may stick and/or break within the heating chamber of an aerosol generating device. When this occurs, aerosol generating substrate (e.g. tobacco leaves) contained within the consumable can be released from the consumable, and can stick to an inner surface of the heating chamber. Such stuck aerosol generating substrate can be difficult to remove. However, if stuck aerosol generating substrate is not removed and the user instead heats another consumable prior to cleaning, the stuck aerosol generating substrate from a previously heated consumable can burn within the heating chamber creating an unpleasant smell and taste, as well as making the stuck aerosol generating substrate even more difficult to remove.

Some aerosol generating devices are provided together with cleaning sticks, such as cotton swabs or cotton buds, to assist a user in cleaning the heating chamber of their aerosol generating device in the event that a consumable breaks and/or sticks within the heating chamber. However, cotton swabs are not particularly effective at cleaning, and if the heating chamber is still hot when cleaning is attempted, the swab itself may stick to the heating chamber, compounding the problem. Furthermore, since the problem of a consumable breaking and/or sticking only occurs infrequently, a user may forget to carry the cleaning sticks with them. It is an object of the invention to alleviate the above problem and to provide an alternative cleaning solution for a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a heating assembly for an aerosol generating device, the heating assembly comprising: a heating chamber operable to receive at least part of a consumable comprising an aerosol generating substrate, and a vibrational cleaning element mechanically coupled to the heating chamber and operable to cause vibration of at least part of the heating chamber, wherein the vibrational cleaning element is mechanically coupled to an exterior of the heating chamber, but spaced from the heating chamber.

By means of the vibrational cleaning element mechanically coupled to the heating chamber, the heating chamber may be caused to vibrate, which in turn may dislodge stuck or burnt aerosol generating substrate within the heating chamber. This may provide more effective cleaning than traditional methods. Furthermore, the heating chamber may be cleaned without the need for external tools, so improving convenience for the user. Mechanically coupling the vibrational cleaning element to the heating chamber using a rigid (i.e. non-elastic) mechanical coupling ensures that vibrations generated by the vibrational cleaning element are efficiently transmitted to the heating chamber. Spacing the vibrational cleaning element from the heating chamber may help to protect the vibrational heating element from damage when the heating chamber is heated.

The vibrational cleaning element may comprise a vibration motor, such as an electric motor driving an oscillator operable to vibrate a motor housing. Such vibration motors are readily available, thus providing a simplified construction. The vibration motor may be heat resistant in order to reduce the chance of damage to the vibration motor when the heating chamber is heated.

The vibrational cleaning element may be operable to generate vibrations at a resonant frequency of the heating chamber. Tuning the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrational cleaning element to the resonant frequency of the heating chamber may improve the efficiency of the cleaning, by improving the transmission of the vibrations.

The vibrational cleaning element may be operable to generate vibrations at a plurality of frequencies. Operating the vibrational cleaning element at more than one frequency may increase the effectiveness of the cleaning. The vibrational cleaning element may be operable to generate vibrations at one or more frequencies in the range 60 - 250 Hz.

The vibrational cleaning element may be spaced from the heating chamber by a spacing distance. The spacing distance may be at least 2.5mm, for example 3-5mm, or 3-4mm, e.g. 3.1mm, 3.2mm, 3.3mm, 3.4mm, 3.5mm, 3.6mm, 3.7mm, 3.8mm or 3.9mm.

The heating assembly may further comprise a spacing element arranged to rigidly couple the vibrational cleaning element to the heating chamber. The spacing element may be operable to space the vibrational cleaning element from the heating chamber, so reducing heat transfer. Providing a rigid spacing element may assist in ensuring the efficient transmission of vibrations from the vibrational cleaning element to the heating chamber.

The spacing element may comprise one or more heat diffusing features. Such features may be operable to reduce heat transfer to the vibrational cleaning element through the spacing element. The heat diffusing features may comprise one or more volume reducing features, such as perforations, and/or one or more surface area increasing features, such as channels or fins.

The heating chamber and the spacing element may be formed of a metal. This permits formation of a strong, rigid connection between the heating chamber and the spacing element, increasing robustness and ensuring efficient transfer of vibrations.

The heating chamber may comprise an open first end, a cylindrical side wall and a closed base at a second end separated from the open first end by the cylindrical side wall. The vibrational cleaning element may be coupled at or near to the base of the heating chamber. Coupling the vibrational cleaning element adjacent the base of the heating chamber reduces the transmission of vibrations to the open first end (since the vibrations are attenuated with increasing distance from origin). When the heating chamber is assembled within an aerosol generating device, the heating chamber may be secured within the aerosol generating device adjacent the open first end. Thus, coupling the vibrational cleaning element to the base of the heating chamber may reduce the amount of vibration experienced by a user of the device, and may also reduce the risk of damage to the coupling between the heating chamber and the remainder of aerosol generating device. Locating the vibrational cleaning element adjacent the base of the heating chamber may further increase the effectiveness of the cleaning, as the base of the heating chamber may be unrestrained within the aerosol generating device if the heating chamber is secured adjacent the open first end.

The heating chamber may comprise a longitudinal axis, and the vibrational cleaning element may be located on the longitudinal axis. This may allow a compact construction of an aerosol forming device, with the vibrational cleaning element positioned below the heating chamber in use.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an aerosol generating device including: a heating assembly comprising: a heating chamber operable to receive at least part of a consumable comprising an aerosol generating substrate, and a vibrational cleaning element mechanically coupled to the heating chamber and operable to cause vibration of at least part of the heating chamber, wherein the vibrational cleaning element is mechanically coupled to an exterior of the heating chamber, but spaced from the heating chamber.

The heating assembly may be in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and may further comprise any of the optional features of the first aspect of the invention.

The aerosol forming device may further comprise: a heating element configured to supply heat to the heating chamber; and a controller configured to operate the heating element to initiate heating of the consumable. The heating chamber may comprise an open first end, a cylindrical side wall and a closed base at a second end separated from the open first end by the cylindrical side wall. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a housing, and the heating chamber may be secured in the housing adjacent the open first end such that the base of the heating chamber is unrestrained. As noted above, this arrangement may improve the effectiveness of the cleaning and/or reduce the transmission of vibrations to the housing.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a mechanical cleaning cycle (also referred to herein as a mechanical cleaning mode), the controller being operable to initiate the mechanical cleaning cycle by operating the vibrational cleaning element. During the mechanical cleaning cycle, the vibrational cleaning element may be operated for between 15-60 seconds, e.g. 20-45 seconds, or approximately 30 seconds.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a pyrolytic cleaning cycle (also referred to herein as a pyrolytic cleaning mode), the controller being operable to initiate the pyrolytic cleaning cycle by operating the heating element. During the pyrolytic cleaning cycle, the heating element may be operated for between 15-60 seconds, e.g. 20-45 seconds, or approximately 30 seconds.

The controller may be operable to initiate one or both of the mechanical and pyrolytic cleaning cycles at the command or a user, or automatically following a predefined number of usage sessions.

The heating element may be a resistive heating element, such as a thin film heater, and may be external to the heating chamber. The heating element may be wrapped around the heating chamber.

Features of the above aspects of the invention may be combined together, as well as with features selected from the description, in any order unless expressly stated otherwise. Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of an aerosol generating device with the housing partially cut away so that internal components may be seen;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device with a consumable positioned in the heating chamber;

Figure 3 is a perspective side view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 with a lower housing removed;

Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a heating chamber including a vibrational cleaning element; and

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the heating chamber of Figure 5, with the heating chamber inverted.

Detailed Description

Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an example of an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 10 and a consumable 100, also referred to herein as an aerosol generating article, for use with the device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 can have any shape that is sized to fit the components described in the various embodiments set out herein and to be comfortably held by a user unaided, in a single hand.

A first end 14 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown towards the bottom of Figure 1 , is described for convenience as a distal, bottom, base or lower end of the aerosol generating device 10. A second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10, shown towards the top of Figure 1 , is described as a proximal, top or upper end of the aerosol generating device 10. During use, the user typically orients the aerosol generating device 10 with the first end 14 downwards and/or in a distal position with respect to the user’s mouth and the second end 16 upwards and/or in a proximal position with respect to the user’s mouth.

The aerosol generating device 10 comprises heating assembly that includes a heating chamber 18. The heating chamber 18 defines an interior volume in the form of a cavity 20 having a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The cavity 20 of the heating chamber 18 is open towards the second end 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. The heating chamber 18 has a longitudinal axis 19 defining a longitudinal direction and is formed of a metal material, such as stainless steel.

A heating element 22 is located in proximity to the heating chamber 18 and is operable to provide heat to the heating chamber. The heating element 22 is comprised within a heating circuit, which is electrically connected to a controller, shown in Figure 1 as one or more PCBs 24.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a power source 26, for example one or more batteries which may be rechargeable. The controller 24 couples the power source 26 to the heating element 22. The controller 24 may also be connected to a user interface comprising inputs such as a power button for receiving commands from a user and/or outputs such as indicator lights, a display screen or an audible or vibratory alarm for providing information to the user. The controller 24 may also be interfaced with an antenna for wireless communication with a remote device such as the user’s smartphone, which can be used for input and output, as well as for relaying data between the aerosol generating device 10 and its manufacturer.

The heating chamber 18, and specifically the cavity 20, is arranged to receive a correspondingly shaped generally cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100. Typically, the aerosol generating article 100 comprises a pre-packaged aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating article 100 is a disposable and replaceable article (also known as a “consumable”) which may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol generating substrate 102. The aerosol generating article 100 has a proximal end 104 (or mouth end) and a distal end 106. The distal end 106 is inserted into the heating chamber 18 of the aerosol generating device 10 so that at least the aerosol generating substrate 102 is contained within the heating chamber 18. The aerosol generating article 100 further comprises a mouthpiece segment 108 positioned downstream of the aerosol generating substrate 102. At least part of the mouthpiece segment 108 projects from the heating chamber 18 so that the proximal end 104 of the aerosol generating article 100 is accessible to be taken into the mouth of a user. When the aerosol generating device 10 applies heat to the aerosol generating article 100, heated vapour is emitted from the aerosol generating substrate 102. As inhalation by the user draws air towards the proximal end 104 of the aerosol generating article 100, the vapour cools and condenses as it passes through the mouthpiece segment 108 to form an aerosol with characteristics suitable for inhalation. The mouthpiece segment 108 may further comprise a filter to remove particles or drops above a certain size from the airstream.

The aerosol generating substrate 102 and the mouthpiece segment 108 are arranged in coaxial alignment inside a wrapper 110 (e.g., a paper wrapper) to hold the components in position to form the rod-shaped aerosol generating article 100. The wrapper 110 typically does not cover the ends 104, 106 of the aerosol generating article 100 in order that air can flow through the aerosol generating article 100 from the distal end 106 to the proximal end 104.

In the illustrated embodiments of the invention, the heating chamber 18 comprises an open first end 28 and a closed base 30 at a second end, with a cylindrical side wall 38 connecting the open first end 28 and the closed base 30. That is, the heating chamber 18 is cup shaped. This can ensure that air drawn from the open end 28 is guided around the consumable towards the base 30, at which point the air is drawn through the aerosol generating substrate 102. The heating element 22 is, in this example, a resistive heating element such as a thin film heater, and is wrapped around an exterior surface of the side wall 38.

As noted above with regards to Figure 1 , the heating assembly of the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a heating chamber 18 configured to receive a consumable 100 comprising an aerosol generating substrate. The heating assembly further comprises a vibrational cleaning element 40 that is mechanically coupled to the heating chamber 18. The vibrational cleaning element 40 is operable to cause vibration of at least part of the heating chamber 18.

As discussed above, it is sometimes possible for a consumable 100 that has been heated to stick and/or break within the heating chamber 18 of an aerosol generating device 10. When this occurs, aerosol generating substrate (e.g. tobacco leaves) contained within the consumable can be released from the consumable, and can stick to an inner surface of the heating chamber. Such stuck aerosol generating substrate 42 can be difficult to remove. However, by means of the vibrational cleaning element 40 coupled to the heating chamber 18, the heating chamber may be caused to vibrate, which in turn may dislodge stuck or burnt aerosol generating substrate 42 within the heating chamber. This may provide more effective cleaning than traditional methods. Furthermore, the heating chamber may be cleaned without the need for external tools, so improving convenience for the user.

The vibrational cleaning element 40 is mechanically coupled to the heating chamber 18 using a rigid (i.e. non-elastic) coupling in order to ensure that vibrations generated by the vibrational cleaning element are efficiently transmitted to the heating chamber and are not absorbed by the material of the coupling. The vibrational cleaning element is electrically coupled to the controller of the aerosol generating device via a pair of wires 43.

One example of a vibrational cleaning element 40, best visible in Figures 4 and 5, is a vibration motor 44, such as an electric motor 46 driving an oscillator 48 that is operable to vibrate a motor housing 50. The vibration motor 44 is heat resistant, and is operable to generate vibrations at a resonant frequency of the heating chamber. It will be understood that the resonant frequency of the heating chamber will vary according to the dimensions and materials of the heating chamber, and so the frequency of vibration may be selected on an implementation-specific basis.

As can be best seen in Figure 1 , the heating chamber 18 is secured within the aerosol generating device 10 adjacent the open first end 28 of the heating chamber. In particular, an insulating coupling 52 secures the heating chamber 18 to a housing portion 54 of the device, leaving the base 30 of the heating chamber 18 unrestrained within the device. The insulating coupling is located nearer to the open first end 28 than to the base 30 of the heating chamber, and is preferably at or close to the open first end (e.g. no more than a quarter of the length of the heating chamber from the open first end).

The vibrational cleaning element 40 is mechanically coupled to an exterior of the heating chamber 18, such as a wall of the heating chamber. The vibrational heating element is preferably coupled to the exterior of the heating chamber at a location that is remote from the location at which the heating chamber is secured to the housing of the device. In the examples shown, the vibrational cleaning element 40 is mechanically coupled to the base 30 of the heating chamber 18. This reduces the transmission of vibrations to the open first end 28 (since the vibrations are attenuated with increasing distance from origin), and may thus reduce the amount of vibration experienced by a user of the device during operation of the motor 44 and/or may reduce the risk of damage to the insulating coupling 52 between the heating chamber and the remainder of aerosol generating device. Furthermore, since the base 30 of the heating chamber is unrestrained within the aerosol generating device, locating the vibrational cleaning element adjacent the base of the heating chamber may increase the effectiveness of the cleaning, as the base of the heating chamber has more freedom to vibrate than the open first end, which is restrained by its coupling to the device housing.

The vibrational cleaning element 40 is located on the longitudinal axis 19 of the heating chamber. The heating chamber and vibrational cleaning element thus together form a generally cylindrical structure which is only slightly larger in length than the length of a prior art heating chamber, absent any vibrational cleaning element, and which has substantially the same cross-sectional footprint as a prior art heating chamber.

The vibrational cleaning element 40 is spaced from the heating chamber 18 by a spacing distance S. The spacing distance is preferably greater than 3mm, and may be in the range 3-4mm. In the example shown, the spacing distance is 3.2mm. In particular, the heating assembly includes one or more, and in this case two, spacing elements 56 arranged to rigidly couple the vibrational cleaning element 40 to the heating chamber. The spacing elements 56 provide an insulating air gap between the vibrational cleaning element and the heating chamber 18 and so reduce the amount of heat that is transferred from the heating chamber to the vibrational cleaning element 40 when the heating chamber is in use, as compared with a situation where the vibrational heating element is mounted directly to the exterior of the heating chamber. This may help to protect the vibrational heating element from heat damage when the aerosol generating device 10 is in use.

The spacing elements 56 may have any shape, but are, in the example shown, part- cylindrical curved surfaces that have the same or similar radius of curvature to the heating chamber 18 so as to smoothly extend from the heating chamber in a compact manner that does not significantly increase the footprint of the heating chamber. The spacing elements extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 19 of the heating chamber and are diametrically opposed to one another. The spacing elements 56 are, in this example, formed of metal, and may be integrally formed with the heating chamber or rigidly secured to the heating chamber by a strong coupling such as welding.

The spacing elements 56 each include one or more heat diffusing features, which in the example shown include a plurality of perforations 58. The perforations 58 act to reduce the thermal volume of the spacing elements 56, so as to reduce heat transfer to the vibrational cleaning element 40. The perforations 58 also increase air flow around and/or through the spacing elements 56, which may improve cooling. It will be understood that other heat diffusing features could be provided, such as differently shaped cutaway portions, or surface area increasing features such as pins, channels or fins.

In use, a user may operate the aerosol generating device 10 to generate an aerosol for inhalation from an aerosol generating substrate in a conventional manner. The device 10 described herein differs from conventional devices however, in that it comprises a mechanical cleaning cycle. The controller 24 of the aerosol generating device 10 is operable to initiate the mechanical cleaning cycle by operating the vibrational cleaning element 40 to cause vibrational cleaning of the heating chamber 18. Thus, in the event that aerosol generating substrate becomes stuck within the heating chamber 18, the user may instruct the controller to initiate the mechanical cleaning cycle to assist in removing the stuck aerosol generating substrate 42. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller of the aerosol generating device may initiate the mechanical cleaning cycle automatically, for example following a predefined number of usage sessions, such as once every 5-10 usage sessions.

During the mechanical cleaning cycle the controller operates the vibrational cleaning element 40 to cause the heating chamber 18 to vibrate. In the case of a vibration motor 44, the controller may provide power to the motor for a cleaning period of 15-60 seconds, for example 20-45 seconds. In the example described herein, the vibration motor is operated for approximately 30 seconds. The motor may operate at a frequency in the range 60-250 Hz. It may be useful to vary the frequency of the vibration during the cleaning process to allow multiple types of residues to be cleaned. Therefore the vibration motor may operate at a plurality of frequencies in the range 60- 250 Hz. For example, the mechanical cleaning cycle may be operable to begin with vibration at a relatively low frequency (e.g. 60 Hz) and may be operable to increase the frequency of vibration continuously or incrementally as the mechanical cleaning cycle progresses until a relatively higher frequency (e.g. 250 Hz) is reached. Alternatively, the mechanical cleaning cycle may begin with a relatively high frequency (e.g. 250 Hz), and may reduce the frequency of vibration as the cleaning cycle progresses until a selected lower frequency (e.g. 60 Hz) is reached. The vibration of the motor causes at least the base 30 of the heating chamber 18 to vibrate, which assists in loosening aerosol generating substrate that is stuck within the heating chamber, making such stuck aerosol generating substrate 42 easier to remove.

The aerosol generating device 10 may further comprise a pyrolytic cleaning cycle in addition to the mechanical cleaning cycle. During a pyrolytic cleaning cycle the heating chamber may be heated to a high temperature (i.e. higher than a normal operation temperature, such as over 500 degrees C, or over 600 degrees C, as opposed to a normal operating temperature range of typically between 300-350 degrees C). The controller may be operable to initiate the pyrolytic cleaning cycle by operating the heating element to a pyrolytic cleaning temperature (e.g. 600 degrees C). As for the mechanical cleaning cycle, the controller may be operable to initiate the pyrolytic cleaning cycle at the command of a user, or automatically, e.g. every 5-10 usage sessions. The pyrolytic cleaning cycle may have a duration that is similar to or the same as that of the mechanical cleaning cycle, as discussed above. Both the mechanical and pyrolytic cleaning cycles may be operated simultaneously if required.

Although the invention has primarily been described in connection with a vibration motor it will be understood that another type of vibrational cleaning element may be used if desired. Furthermore, although spacing elements of the type discussed above are useful in reducing heat transfer to the vibrational cleaning element, it will be appreciated that such spacing elements may not be necessary if the vibrational cleaning element is sufficiently robust to withstand the exterior temperature of the heating chamber and/or if the exterior of the heating chamber is well insulated. In such cases the vibrational cleaning element may be coupled directly to an exterior wall of the heating chamber. The spacing elements may be provided in a different shape and/or number to that shown.

It will be understood that the vibrational cleaning element may be mechanically coupled to another part of the heating chamber if preferred, and may be located inside the heating chamber.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A heating assembly for an aerosol generating device (10), the heating assembly comprising: a heating chamber (18) operable to receive at least part of a consumable (100) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (102), and a vibrational cleaning element (40) mechanically coupled to the heating chamber (18) and operable to cause vibration of at least part of the heating chamber (18), wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) is mechanically coupled to an exterior of the heating chamber (18), but spaced from the heating chamber (18).

2. The heating assembly of claim 1 , wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) comprises a vibration motor (44).

3. The heating assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) is operable to generate vibrations at a resonant frequency of the heating chamber.

4. The heating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) is spaced from the heating chamber (18) by a spacing distance (S), said spacing distance (S) being in the range 2.5-5mm.

5. The heating assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising a spacing element (56) arranged to rigidly couple the vibrational cleaning element (40) to the heating chamber (18).

6. The heating assembly of claim 5, wherein the spacing element (56) comprises one or more heat diffusing features, such as perforations (58), channels or fins.

7. The heating assembly of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the heating chamber (18) and the spacing element (56) are formed of a metal.

8. The heating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heating chamber (18) comprises an open first end (28), a cylindrical side wall (38) and a closed base (30) at a second end separated from the open first end (28) by the cylindrical side wall, wherein the vibrational cleaning element (40) is coupled to the base (40) of the heating chamber (18).

9. The heating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the heating chamber (18) comprises a longitudinal axis (19), and the vibrational cleaning element (40) is located on the longitudinal axis (19).

10. An aerosol generating device (10) including the heating assembly of any preceding claim, and further including a heating element (22) configured to supply heat to the heating chamber (18) and a controller (24) configured to operate the heating element (22) to initiate heating of a consumable (100).

11 . The aerosol generating device of claim 10, wherein the heating assembly is as defined in claim 8, the aerosol generating device (10) further comprising a housing (54), the heating chamber (18) being secured in the housing (54) adjacent the open first end (28) such that the base (30) of the heating chamber is unrestrained.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the aerosol generating device (10) comprises a mechanical cleaning cycle, the controller (24) being operable to initiate the mechanical cleaning cycle by operating the vibrational cleaning element (40).

13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) further comprises a pyrolytic cleaning cycle, the controller (24) being operable to initiate the pyrolytic cleaning cycle by operating the heating element (22).

14. The aerosol generating device of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the controller (24) is operable to initiate one or both of the mechanical and pyrolytic cleaning cycles at the command or a user, or automatically following a predefined number of usage sessions.