WO2023094960A1 - Cleaning tool for aerosol-generating device - Google Patents

Cleaning tool for aerosol-generating device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023094960A1
WO2023094960A1 PCT/IB2022/061189 IB2022061189W WO2023094960A1 WO 2023094960 A1 WO2023094960 A1 WO 2023094960A1 IB 2022061189 W IB2022061189 W IB 2022061189W WO 2023094960 A1 WO2023094960 A1 WO 2023094960A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tool
heating element
heating chamber
cleaning
cleaning head
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2022/061189
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matteo Bologna
Onur DAYIOGLU
Keethan Dasnavis FERNANDO
Dani Ruscio
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Publication of WO2023094960A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023094960A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/85—Maintenance, e.g. cleaning

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol-generating device.
  • the 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 for generating an inhalable aerosol is heated, rather than combusted, are known in the art.
  • an aerosol is generated by the transfer of 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.
  • 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.
  • a heating chamber In aerosol-generating devices, frequently a heating chamber is provided that includes a heating element and receives a tobacco consumable. Close contact established between the tobacco consumable and the heating wall of the heating chamber as well as surfaces of the heating element or blade, may, over time, leave tobacco residue on the wall of the heating chamber and on the heating element. If the heating element and the heating chamber are not periodically cleaned, accumulated residue may pose a risk of obstructing air channels and, consequently, the air flow. Accordingly, the quality of the smoking experience may be affected as residue accumulates. Also, the performance of the heating element may be influenced by accumulated material deposits.
  • a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber.
  • the tool may comprise a tool base and a cleaning head extending from the tool base.
  • the tool is configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the cleaning head comprising a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end comprising an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis.
  • the cleaning head further comprises a cavity within the body, a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity, and one or more scraping elements extending from the body and arranged proximate to the distal opening.
  • the cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol-generating device via the distal opening.
  • the one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.
  • Cleaning tools may include one or more scraping elements serving to remove material that has accumulated on said heating element. Such scraping elements may exert sufficient pressure to remove the material from the heating element by simply inserting the cleaning tool into the heating chamber. Accordingly, a user may not need to apply any additional pressure or use additional tools to clean the heating element that may otherwise cause damage to the heating element.
  • the cleaning tool including such scraping elements is simple to use and fully cleans the heating element. Additionally, the cleaning tool is configured to prevent breaking, scratching, or damaging the heating element. Further, such cleaning tool can clean all sides of the heating element simultaneously. For example, a cleaning tool with two opposing scraping elements can clean both sides of a heating element simultaneously. Accordingly, degradation of performance of the heating element may be avoided or reduced by periodic cleaning of the heating element using the cleaning tool. Furthermore, a single tool may be used to clean the heating element. Still further, additional tools that may be capable of damaging the heating element are not needed to clean the heating element.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • the scraping edge may be narrower than other portions of the one or more scraping elements.
  • the scraping edge may be a portion of the one or more scraping elements that tapers down to a narrower width.
  • the scraping edge may have a first side that extends through a first plane that forms an angle with a second side of the scraping edge extending through a second plane. The angle formed by the first plane and the second plane may be between about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • the term “scrape” may refer to being pushed or pulled with sufficient pressure against a surface to remove tobacco residue or other matter from such surface.
  • the roughened portion may include any suitable feature that provides a rough or uneven surface.
  • the roughened portion may comprise a plurality of ridges formed in the surface of the one or more scraping elements.
  • the roughened portion may include a plurality of bumps formed on the surface of the one or more scraping elements.
  • the roughened portion may include a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the one or more scraping elements.
  • the roughened portion may comprise a plurality of dimples formed in the surface of the one or more scraping elements.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • the scraping teeth may comprise a plurality of protrusions surrounding the distal opening.
  • the scraping teeth may comprise one or more crenellations. Each of the one or more crenellations may extend along a side of the distal opening.
  • a crenellation may comprise a succession of merlons and crenels.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise two protrusions extending from opposing sides of the distal opening.
  • the two protrusions may extend from a surface of the end wall.
  • Each of the two protrusions may extend from the surface at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the angle formed between the each of the two protrusions and the surface of the end wall may be at least 5 degrees and no greater than 45 degrees.
  • Each of the one or more scraping elements may extend over a portion of the distal opening.
  • the one or more scraping elements may occlude at least a portion of the distal opening.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise an elastically deformable material.
  • the elastically deformable material may allow the one or more scraping elements to deflect when contacting the heating element. Such deflection may allow the one or more scraping elements to apply pressure to the heating element when the cleaning tool is inserted into the heating chamber to allow the one or more scraping elements to scrape the one or more sides of the heating element without damaging the heating element.
  • the scraping edge may comprise a material harder than the elastically deformable material.
  • the material of the scraping edge may be at least 20 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 50 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 100 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, or at least 200 percent harder than the elastically deformable material.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body and a protrusion portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the base portion may conform to a shape of an outer surface of the end wall. In other words, a surface of the base portion may be coplanar with an outer surface of the end wall.
  • the one or more scraping elements may comprise a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body and a protrusion extending from the base portion at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the angle formed between the base portion and the protrusion may be at least 5 degrees and no greater than 45 degrees.
  • the base portion may conform to a shape of an outer surface of the end wall. In other words, a surface of the base portion may be coplanar with an outer surface of the end wall.
  • the distal opening may take on any suitable size or shape.
  • the distal opening may be rectangular.
  • the distal opening may be elliptical.
  • the distal opening may be polygonal.
  • the distal opening may be semi-elliptical.
  • the distal opening may be polyform.
  • the shapes described herein with regard to the distal opening refer to a 2-dimensional cross section of the distal opening. In other words, the shape of the distal opening may refer to the appearance of the distal opening when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis.
  • the end wall may comprise an end face comprising a surface.
  • the surface may take on any suitable shape.
  • the surface may be a substantially planar surface.
  • the surface may be a convex surface.
  • the surface may be a convex surface.
  • the surface may comprise one or more recesses.
  • the surface may comprise one or more protuberances.
  • the distal opening may be located in the end face.
  • the end wall may comprise an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.
  • the cleaning tool may comprise one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber.
  • the one or more guide elements may be configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element.
  • the guide element may comprise a channel configured to receive the alignment element as the cleaning tool is received into the heating chamber.
  • the channel may have a tapering infeed.
  • the channel may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.
  • the channel may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the alignment element may comprise a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the heating chamber.
  • the protrusion may be shaped to be received in the channel.
  • the protrusion may comprise a rib.
  • the guide element may comprise a protrusion configured to be received into the alignment element as the cleaning tool is received into the heating chamber.
  • the protrusion may comprise a rib.
  • the alignment element may be a channel configured to receive the guide element.
  • the channel may have a tapering infeed.
  • the channel may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.
  • the one or more guide elements may comprise an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Radii of the elliptical member may extend a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool greater than or equal to any outer surface of the body of the cleaning head.
  • the elliptical member may have an outer shape and dimension similar to an inner shape and dimension of the heating chamber into which the cleaning head member may be inserted. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate insertion of the elliptical member into the heating chamber. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber may result in proper alignment of the distal opening with the heating element.
  • the elliptical member may be coplanar with the end face.
  • the body may comprise one or more channels in an outer surface of the body configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.
  • the one or more channels may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the one or more channels may have a tapering infeed.
  • the one or more channels may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.
  • the body may comprise a rib on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by a channel of the heating chamber.
  • the rib may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the rib may have a tapered at an end closest to the distal end.
  • the body may comprise at least one lateral wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal end of the body.
  • the cleaning head may further comprise one or more protrusions extending from the at least one lateral wall. The one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.
  • the cleaning tool may further comprise a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head.
  • the second cleaning head may be detachable from the tool base.
  • the second cleaning head may be couplable to the tool base via a snap fit connection.
  • the tool base may be configured to couple to an accessory in place of the second cleaning head.
  • the accessory may be configured to couple to the tool base via a snap fit connection.
  • the second cleaning head may comprise a first elongate member extending from the tool base.
  • the first elongate member may comprise a first distal end distal from the tool base.
  • the second cleaning head may comprise a second elongate member extending from the tool base.
  • the second elongate member may comprise a second distal end distal from the tool base.
  • a slot may be defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.
  • the tool base may include a handle.
  • the handle may extend in a direction away from the cleaning head.
  • the handle may extend away from the cleaning head along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • the handle may be interchangeable with the other cleaning head.
  • the handle may couple to the tool base with a snap fit connection.
  • the cleaning tool may include a cleaning cap.
  • the cleaning cap may be configured to couple with the aerosol-generating device.
  • the tool may be configured such that end wall contacts a bottom wall of the heating chamber when the cleaning cap is coupled with the aerosolgenerating device.
  • At least a portion of the cleaning cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol-generating device when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the cleaning cap may be formed from any suitable material.
  • the cleaning cap may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a metallic material and a plastic material.
  • a system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and the tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber and a heating element with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber.
  • a system including the cleaning tool provided with the one or more scraping elements allows the cleaning tool to scrape or clean the heating element of the aerosolgenerating device.
  • the use of the tool to clean the heating chamber does not damage the heating blade.
  • the heating chamber may comprise one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element as the scraping elements are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces.
  • the one or more inclined surfaces may be substantially planar.
  • the one or more inclined surfaces may be concave.
  • the one or more inclined surfaces may facilitate removal of residue from the heating element and prevent accumulation of residue and debris at the base of the heating element.
  • the heating element may take on any suitable size or shape.
  • the heating element may be rectangular.
  • the heating element may be elliptical.
  • the heating element may be polygonal.
  • the heating element may be semi-elliptical.
  • the heating element may be polyform.
  • the shapes described herein with regard to the heating element refer to a 2-dimensional cross section of the heating element. In other words, the shape of the heating element may refer to the appearance of the heating element when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis.
  • the heating element may comprise a heating blade.
  • Example Ex1 A tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising: a tool base; a cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, the cleaning head comprising: a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end comprising an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis; a cavity within the body; a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity; and one or more scraping elements extending from the body, arranged proximate to the distal opening, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol-generating device via the distal opening, and wherein the one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.
  • Example Ex2 The tool of example Ex1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex3 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex4 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex5 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise two protrusions extending from opposing sides of the distal opening.
  • Example Ex6 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the one or more scraping elements extend over a portion of the distal opening.
  • Example Ex7 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise an elastically deformable material.
  • Example Ex8 The tool of example Ex7 comprising the scraping edge of example Ex2, wherein the scraping edge comprises a material harder than the elastically deformable material.
  • Example Ex9 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise: a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body; and a protrusion portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
  • Example Ex10 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the distal opening is rectangular.
  • Example Ex11 The tool of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the distal opening is elliptical.
  • Example Ex12 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the end wall comprises an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.
  • Example Ex13 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex14 The tool of example Ex13, wherein the one or more guide elements are configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element.
  • Example Ex15 The tool of example Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the one or more guide elements comprises an an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex16 The tool of example Ex15, wherein the elliptical member is coplanar with the end face.
  • Example Ex17 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises one or more channels in an outer surface of the body configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex18 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises a rib on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by a channel of the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex19 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises at least one lateral wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal end of the body; and wherein the cleaning head further comprises one or more protrusions extending from the at least one lateral wall, the one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.
  • Example Ex20 The tool of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head.
  • Example Ex21 A system comprising: an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating element with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber; and a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples.
  • Example Ex22 The system of example Ex21 , wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element as the scraping elements are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces.
  • Fig. 1 shows a system including a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device
  • Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 7;
  • Fig. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 9;
  • Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 12 shows a partial isometric view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 11 ;
  • Fig. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 14 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 13;
  • Fig. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 18 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head
  • Fig. 19 shows a partial cutaway view of an aerosol-generating device
  • Fig. 20 shows a partial cutaway view of another aerosol-generating device
  • Fig. 21 shows a plan view of another aerosol-generating device.
  • Figs. 1-4 show a tool 110 for cleaning an aerosol-generating device.
  • Fig. 1 shows system 100 including aerosol-generating device 102 and the tool 110.
  • Fig. 2 shows the tool 110 in an exploded view.
  • Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning head 112 of the tool 110.
  • Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the cleaning head 112 of the tool 110.
  • the aerosol-generating device 102 includes a heating chamber 104, a heating element 106, a chamber bottom wall 108, and a rib 109.
  • the heating chamber 104 defines a cavity in the aerosol-generating device 102.
  • the chamber bottom wall 108 is an inner surface of the heating chamber 104.
  • the heating element 106 extends from the chamber bottom wall 108 into the heating chamber 104. As shown, the heating element 106 is a blade.
  • the tool 110 includes a tool base 118, a cleaning head 112, a first cap 128-1 , a second cap 128-2 (referred to collectively as caps 128), and an accessory 124.
  • the cleaning head 112 includes a body 114, a cavity 132 within the body, a distal opening 120, and scraping elements 122.
  • the body 114 extends from a proximal end 115 to a distal end 116 along a longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110.
  • the distal end 116 includes an end wall 119 extending towards the longitudinal axis 130.
  • the cleaning head 112 is configured to be received in the heating chamber 104 such that the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132 via the distal opening 120. Additionally, the scraping elements 122 are configured to scrape sides of the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132.
  • the scraping elements 122 each include a scraping edge 134 configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the cavity 132.
  • a portion of the scraping elements 122 extends over a portion of the distal opening 120. As shown the scraping edges 134 extend over the distal opening 120 occluding a portion of the distal opening 120 as shown in Fig. 4. Extension over the distal opening 120 may facilitate exerting pressure on the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132.
  • the body 114 includes a channel 126 in an outer surface of the body 114 configured to receive the rib 109 of the heating chamber 104.
  • the channel 126 may include a tapered or flared receiving end to facilitate insertion of the rib 109 into the channel 126.
  • the accessory 124 is detachable from the tool base 118.
  • the accessory 124 may couple to the tool base 118 with a snap fit connection.
  • the accessory 124 is a cleaning head for cleaning the heating chamber 104.
  • Additional accessories that may couple to the tool base 118 include a handle or second cleaning head.
  • the caps 128 engage or couple to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110.
  • the caps 128 may couple to the tool base 118 with a snap fit connection.
  • the first cap 128-1 is configured to receive and house the cleaning head 112.
  • the second cap 128-2 is configured to receive and house the accessory 124.
  • each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protrusion portion 138.
  • the base portions 136 conform to the shape of the end wall 119.
  • the protrusion portions 138 each extend from one of the base portions 136 in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110.
  • the protrusion portion includes the scraping edge 134.
  • each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protrusion portion 138.
  • the base portions 136 conform to the shape of the end wall 119.
  • the protrusion portions 138 each extend from one of the base portions 136 in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the protrusion portions 138 extend over the distal opening 120.
  • Fig. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112.
  • each of the scraping elements 122 includes a protrusion extending from opposing sides of the distal opening 120.
  • the scraping elements 122 extend in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the scraping elements 122 extend over the distal opening 120.
  • Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 12 shows a partial isometric view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112.
  • each of the scraping elements 122 includes scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the heating chamber 104.
  • the scraping teeth include two crenelations on opposing sides of the distal opening 120.
  • Each of the crenelations includes a succession of merlons 142 and crenels 140.
  • the crenels 140 extend in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110.
  • the merlons 142 form spaces between the crenels 140.
  • Fig. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 14 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112.
  • the distal opening 120 is circular and the scraping element 122 is ring shaped.
  • Fig. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 that includes a guide element 146.
  • the guide element 146 extends from the body 114 and is configured to position the distal opening 120 relative to the heating element 106 when the cleaning tool 110 is received in the heating chamber 104.
  • the guide element 146 is configured to cooperate with an alignment element of the heating chamber 104.
  • the guide element 146 is an elliptical member that includes two channels 126 configured to receive the rib 109 of the heating chamber 104.
  • Fig. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 that includes ribs 127.
  • the ribs 127 may be configured to be received in a channel in an inner surface of the heating chamber 104.
  • Fig. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 with a convex end wall 119.
  • Fig., 18 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 with a concave end wall 119.
  • Figs. 19-21 show various embodiments of an aerosol-generating device.
  • Figs. 19 and 20 show partial cutaway views of embodiments of the aerosol-generating device 102 that include inclined surfaces 150.
  • the heating chamber 104 includes inclined surfaces 150 extending from the bottom chamber wall 108 adjacent to the heating element 106.
  • the inclined surfaces 150 may be configured to move residue scraped from the heating element 106 by scraping elements 122 away from the heating element 106 as the scraping elements 122 are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces 150.
  • the inclined surfaces 150 are planer.
  • the inclined surfaces 150 are concave.
  • Fig. 21 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 102 that includes channels 152 in an interior wall of the heating chamber 104.
  • the channels 152 may be configured to receive ribs of a cleaning head to orient the cleaning head relative to the heating chamber 104.

Abstract

A tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber. The tool includes a tool base and a cleaning head. The cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning head includes a body, a cavity within the body, a distal opening, and one or more scraping elements. The body extends from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The distal end includes an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis. The distal opening is formed in the end wall and exposes the cavity. The one or more scraping elements extend from the body are arranged proximate to the distal opening.

Description

CLEANING TOOL FOR AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE
The present disclosure relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol-generating device. In particular, the 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 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 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 compounds cool, they condense 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 aerosolgenerating article is heated in direct contact with a heating blade to form an inhalable aerosol. The heating blade is in the form of a blade which extends from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber. The heating blade is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate segment of an aerosolgenerating article.
In aerosol-generating devices, frequently a heating chamber is provided that includes a heating element and receives a tobacco consumable. Close contact established between the tobacco consumable and the heating wall of the heating chamber as well as surfaces of the heating element or blade, may, over time, leave tobacco residue on the wall of the heating chamber and on the heating element. If the heating element and the heating chamber are not periodically cleaned, accumulated residue may pose a risk of obstructing air channels and, consequently, the air flow. Accordingly, the quality of the smoking experience may be affected as residue accumulates. Also, the performance of the heating element may be influenced by accumulated material deposits.
Existing cleaning tools and systems generally prevent debris accumulation from obstructing the air channels when used regularly. However, such existing cleaning tools and systems may not be designed to stay in contact with longitudinal surfaces of the heating element. As a result, the heating element may only be partially cleaned after each cleaning session.
It would be desirable to provide a cleaning tool that is simple to use that can clean the heating element without damaging the heating element. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber. The tool may comprise a tool base and a cleaning head extending from the tool base. The tool is configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning head comprising a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end comprising an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis. The cleaning head further comprises a cavity within the body, a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity, and one or more scraping elements extending from the body and arranged proximate to the distal opening. The cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol-generating device via the distal opening. The one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.
Cleaning tools may include one or more scraping elements serving to remove material that has accumulated on said heating element. Such scraping elements may exert sufficient pressure to remove the material from the heating element by simply inserting the cleaning tool into the heating chamber. Accordingly, a user may not need to apply any additional pressure or use additional tools to clean the heating element that may otherwise cause damage to the heating element.
Advantageously, the cleaning tool including such scraping elements is simple to use and fully cleans the heating element. Additionally, the cleaning tool is configured to prevent breaking, scratching, or damaging the heating element. Further, such cleaning tool can clean all sides of the heating element simultaneously. For example, a cleaning tool with two opposing scraping elements can clean both sides of a heating element simultaneously. Accordingly, degradation of performance of the heating element may be avoided or reduced by periodic cleaning of the heating element using the cleaning tool. Furthermore, a single tool may be used to clean the heating element. Still further, additional tools that may be capable of damaging the heating element are not needed to clean the heating element.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. The scraping edge may be narrower than other portions of the one or more scraping elements. The scraping edge may be a portion of the one or more scraping elements that tapers down to a narrower width. The scraping edge may have a first side that extends through a first plane that forms an angle with a second side of the scraping edge extending through a second plane. The angle formed by the first plane and the second plane may be between about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. As used herein, the term “scrape” may refer to being pushed or pulled with sufficient pressure against a surface to remove tobacco residue or other matter from such surface. The roughened portion may include any suitable feature that provides a rough or uneven surface. The roughened portion may comprise a plurality of ridges formed in the surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may include a plurality of bumps formed on the surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may include a plurality of protrusions extending from a surface of the one or more scraping elements. The roughened portion may comprise a plurality of dimples formed in the surface of the one or more scraping elements.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber. The scraping teeth may comprise a plurality of protrusions surrounding the distal opening. The scraping teeth may comprise one or more crenellations. Each of the one or more crenellations may extend along a side of the distal opening. A crenellation may comprise a succession of merlons and crenels.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise two protrusions extending from opposing sides of the distal opening. The two protrusions may extend from a surface of the end wall. Each of the two protrusions may extend from the surface at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The angle formed between the each of the two protrusions and the surface of the end wall may be at least 5 degrees and no greater than 45 degrees.
Each of the one or more scraping elements may extend over a portion of the distal opening. In other words, when the end wall is viewed from a top-down perspective along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the one or more scraping elements may occlude at least a portion of the distal opening.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise an elastically deformable material. The elastically deformable material may allow the one or more scraping elements to deflect when contacting the heating element. Such deflection may allow the one or more scraping elements to apply pressure to the heating element when the cleaning tool is inserted into the heating chamber to allow the one or more scraping elements to scrape the one or more sides of the heating element without damaging the heating element. The scraping edge may comprise a material harder than the elastically deformable material. The material of the scraping edge may be at least 20 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 50 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, at least 100 percent harder than the elastically deformable material, or at least 200 percent harder than the elastically deformable material.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body and a protrusion portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The base portion may conform to a shape of an outer surface of the end wall. In other words, a surface of the base portion may be coplanar with an outer surface of the end wall.
The one or more scraping elements may comprise a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body and a protrusion extending from the base portion at an angle towards the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The angle formed between the base portion and the protrusion may be at least 5 degrees and no greater than 45 degrees. The base portion may conform to a shape of an outer surface of the end wall. In other words, a surface of the base portion may be coplanar with an outer surface of the end wall.
The distal opening may take on any suitable size or shape. The distal opening may be rectangular. The distal opening may be elliptical. The distal opening may be polygonal. The distal opening may be semi-elliptical. The distal opening may be polyform. The shapes described herein with regard to the distal opening refer to a 2-dimensional cross section of the distal opening. In other words, the shape of the distal opening may refer to the appearance of the distal opening when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis.
The end wall may comprise an end face comprising a surface. The surface may take on any suitable shape. The surface may be a substantially planar surface. The surface may be a convex surface. The surface may be a convex surface. The surface may comprise one or more recesses. The surface may comprise one or more protuberances. The distal opening may be located in the end face. The end wall may comprise an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.
The cleaning tool may comprise one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber. The one or more guide elements may be configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element. The guide element may comprise a channel configured to receive the alignment element as the cleaning tool is received into the heating chamber. The channel may have a tapering infeed. The channel may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber. The channel may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The alignment element may comprise a protrusion extending from an inner surface of the heating chamber. The protrusion may be shaped to be received in the channel. The protrusion may comprise a rib. The guide element may comprise a protrusion configured to be received into the alignment element as the cleaning tool is received into the heating chamber. The protrusion may comprise a rib. The alignment element may be a channel configured to receive the guide element. The channel may have a tapering infeed. The channel may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.
The one or more guide elements may comprise an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Radii of the elliptical member may extend a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool greater than or equal to any outer surface of the body of the cleaning head. The elliptical member may have an outer shape and dimension similar to an inner shape and dimension of the heating chamber into which the cleaning head member may be inserted. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate insertion of the elliptical member into the heating chamber. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the cleaning head with the heating chamber may result in proper alignment of the distal opening with the heating element. The elliptical member may be coplanar with the end face.
The body may comprise one or more channels in an outer surface of the body configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. The one or more channels may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The one or more channels may have a tapering infeed. The one or more channels may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a tapered infeed or flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber.
The body may comprise a rib on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by a channel of the heating chamber. The rib may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The rib may have a tapered at an end closest to the distal end.
The body may comprise at least one lateral wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal end of the body. The cleaning head may further comprise one or more protrusions extending from the at least one lateral wall. The one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.
The cleaning tool may further comprise a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head. The second cleaning head may be detachable from the tool base. The second cleaning head may be couplable to the tool base via a snap fit connection. The tool base may be configured to couple to an accessory in place of the second cleaning head. The accessory may be configured to couple to the tool base via a snap fit connection.
The second cleaning head may comprise a first elongate member extending from the tool base. The first elongate member may comprise a first distal end distal from the tool base. The second cleaning head may comprise a second elongate member extending from the tool base. The second elongate member may comprise a second distal end distal from the tool base. A slot may be defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member.
The tool base may include a handle. The handle may extend in a direction away from the cleaning head. For example, the handle may extend away from the cleaning head along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. The handle may be interchangeable with the other cleaning head. The handle may couple to the tool base with a snap fit connection.
The cleaning tool may include a cleaning cap. The cleaning cap may be configured to couple with the aerosol-generating device. The tool may be configured such that end wall contacts a bottom wall of the heating chamber when the cleaning cap is coupled with the aerosolgenerating device. At least a portion of the cleaning cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol-generating device when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning cap may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the cleaning cap may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a metallic material and a plastic material.
A system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and the tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber and a heating element with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber.
Advantageously, a system including the cleaning tool provided with the one or more scraping elements allows the cleaning tool to scrape or clean the heating element of the aerosolgenerating device. Preferably, the use of the tool to clean the heating chamber does not damage the heating blade.
The heating chamber may comprise one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element as the scraping elements are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces. The one or more inclined surfaces may be substantially planar. The one or more inclined surfaces may be concave. The one or more inclined surfaces may facilitate removal of residue from the heating element and prevent accumulation of residue and debris at the base of the heating element.
The heating element may take on any suitable size or shape. The heating element may be rectangular. The heating element may be elliptical. The heating element may be polygonal. The heating element may be semi-elliptical. The heating element may be polyform. The shapes described herein with regard to the heating element refer to a 2-dimensional cross section of the heating element. In other words, the shape of the heating element may refer to the appearance of the heating element when viewed unobstructed along the longitudinal axis. The heating element may comprise a heating blade.
The invention is defined in the claims. However, 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.
Example Ex1 : A tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising: a tool base; a cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, the cleaning head comprising: a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end comprising an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis; a cavity within the body; a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity; and one or more scraping elements extending from the body, arranged proximate to the distal opening, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosol-generating device via the distal opening, and wherein the one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.
Example Ex2: The tool of example Ex1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
Example Ex3: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
Example Ex4: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
Example Ex5: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise two protrusions extending from opposing sides of the distal opening.
Example Ex6: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein each of the one or more scraping elements extend over a portion of the distal opening.
Example Ex7: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise an elastically deformable material.
Example Ex8: The tool of example Ex7 comprising the scraping edge of example Ex2, wherein the scraping edge comprises a material harder than the elastically deformable material.
Example Ex9: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise: a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body; and a protrusion portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool. Example Ex10: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the distal opening is rectangular.
Example Ex11 : The tool of any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the distal opening is elliptical.
Example Ex12: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the end wall comprises an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.
Example Ex13: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber.
Example Ex14: The tool of example Ex13, wherein the one or more guide elements are configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element.
Example Ex15: The tool of example Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the one or more guide elements comprises an an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.
Example Ex16: The tool of example Ex15, wherein the elliptical member is coplanar with the end face.
Example Ex17: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises one or more channels in an outer surface of the body configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber.
Example Ex18: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises a rib on an outer surface of the body configured to be received by a channel of the heating chamber.
Example Ex19: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the body comprises at least one lateral wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal end of the body; and wherein the cleaning head further comprises one or more protrusions extending from the at least one lateral wall, the one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.
Example Ex20: The tool of any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a second cleaning head extending from the tool base opposite the cleaning head.
Example Ex21 : A system comprising: an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating element with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber; and a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding examples. Example Ex22: The system of example Ex21 , wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element as the scraping elements are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces.
Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:
Fig. 1 shows a system including a tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device;
Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the tool of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the tool of Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 12 shows a partial isometric view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 11 ;
Fig. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 14 shows a plan view of a distal end of the cleaning head of Fig. 13;
Fig. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 18 shows a partial cross-sectional view of another cleaning head;
Fig. 19 shows a partial cutaway view of an aerosol-generating device;
Fig. 20 shows a partial cutaway view of another aerosol-generating device; and
Fig. 21 shows a plan view of another aerosol-generating device.
Figs. 1-4 show a tool 110 for cleaning an aerosol-generating device. Fig. 1 shows system 100 including aerosol-generating device 102 and the tool 110. Fig. 2 shows the tool 110 in an exploded view. Fig. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cleaning head 112 of the tool 110. Fig. 4 shows a plan view of the cleaning head 112 of the tool 110.
The aerosol-generating device 102 includes a heating chamber 104, a heating element 106, a chamber bottom wall 108, and a rib 109. The heating chamber 104 defines a cavity in the aerosol-generating device 102. The chamber bottom wall 108 is an inner surface of the heating chamber 104. The heating element 106 extends from the chamber bottom wall 108 into the heating chamber 104. As shown, the heating element 106 is a blade. The tool 110 includes a tool base 118, a cleaning head 112, a first cap 128-1 , a second cap 128-2 (referred to collectively as caps 128), and an accessory 124. The cleaning head 112 includes a body 114, a cavity 132 within the body, a distal opening 120, and scraping elements 122. The body 114 extends from a proximal end 115 to a distal end 116 along a longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. The distal end 116 includes an end wall 119 extending towards the longitudinal axis 130.
The cleaning head 112 is configured to be received in the heating chamber 104 such that the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132 via the distal opening 120. Additionally, the scraping elements 122 are configured to scrape sides of the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132. The scraping elements 122 each include a scraping edge 134 configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the cavity 132. A portion of the scraping elements 122 extends over a portion of the distal opening 120. As shown the scraping edges 134 extend over the distal opening 120 occluding a portion of the distal opening 120 as shown in Fig. 4. Extension over the distal opening 120 may facilitate exerting pressure on the heating element 106 when the heating element 106 is received in the cavity 132.
The body 114 includes a channel 126 in an outer surface of the body 114 configured to receive the rib 109 of the heating chamber 104. The channel 126 may include a tapered or flared receiving end to facilitate insertion of the rib 109 into the channel 126.
The accessory 124 is detachable from the tool base 118. The accessory 124 may couple to the tool base 118 with a snap fit connection. As shown, the accessory 124 is a cleaning head for cleaning the heating chamber 104. Additional accessories that may couple to the tool base 118 include a handle or second cleaning head.
The caps 128 engage or couple to the tool base 118 to form a housing for the tool 110. The caps 128 may couple to the tool base 118 with a snap fit connection. The first cap 128-1 is configured to receive and house the cleaning head 112. The second cap 128-2 is configured to receive and house the accessory 124.
Figs. 5-18 show various embodiments of the cleaning head 112 of the cleaning tool 110 of Figs 1-4. Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figs. 5 and 6, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protrusion portion 138. The base portions 136 conform to the shape of the end wall 119. The protrusion portions 138 each extend from one of the base portions 136 in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. The protrusion portion includes the scraping edge 134.
Fig. 7 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figs. 7 and 8, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a base portion 136 and a protrusion portion 138. The base portions 136 conform to the shape of the end wall 119. The protrusion portions 138 each extend from one of the base portions 136 in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the protrusion portions 138 extend over the distal opening 120.
Fig. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figs. 9 and 10, each of the scraping elements 122 includes a protrusion extending from opposing sides of the distal opening 120. The scraping elements 122 extend in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. As shown, the scraping elements 122 extend over the distal opening 120.
Fig. 11 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 12 shows a partial isometric view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figs. 11 and 12, each of the scraping elements 122 includes scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element 106 when the cleaning head 112 is received in the heating chamber 104. The scraping teeth include two crenelations on opposing sides of the distal opening 120. Each of the crenelations includes a succession of merlons 142 and crenels 140. The crenels 140 extend in a direction both away from the end wall 119 and towards the longitudinal axis 130 of the cleaning tool 110. The merlons 142 form spaces between the crenels 140.
Fig. 13 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 and Fig. 14 shows a plan view of the same embodiment of the cleaning head 112. In Figs. 13 and 14, the distal opening 120 is circular and the scraping element 122 is ring shaped.
Fig. 15 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 that includes a guide element 146. The guide element 146 extends from the body 114 and is configured to position the distal opening 120 relative to the heating element 106 when the cleaning tool 110 is received in the heating chamber 104. The guide element 146 is configured to cooperate with an alignment element of the heating chamber 104. As shown the guide element 146 is an elliptical member that includes two channels 126 configured to receive the rib 109 of the heating chamber 104.
Fig. 16 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 that includes ribs 127. The ribs 127 may be configured to be received in a channel in an inner surface of the heating chamber 104.
Fig. 17 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 with a convex end wall 119.
Fig., 18 shows a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cleaning head 112 with a concave end wall 119. Figs. 19-21 show various embodiments of an aerosol-generating device. Figs. 19 and 20 show partial cutaway views of embodiments of the aerosol-generating device 102 that include inclined surfaces 150. As shown in each of Figs. 19 and 20, the heating chamber 104 includes inclined surfaces 150 extending from the bottom chamber wall 108 adjacent to the heating element 106. The inclined surfaces 150 may be configured to move residue scraped from the heating element 106 by scraping elements 122 away from the heating element 106 as the scraping elements 122 are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces 150. In Fig. 19 the inclined surfaces 150 are planer. In Fig. 20 the inclined surfaces 150 are concave.
Fig. 21 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 102 that includes channels 152 in an interior wall of the heating chamber 104. The channels 152 may be configured to receive ribs of a cleaning head to orient the cleaning head relative to the heating chamber 104.
For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. A tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device having a heating chamber, the tool comprising: a tool base; a cleaning head extending from the tool base and configured to be received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, the cleaning head comprising: a body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool, the distal end comprising an end wall extending towards the longitudinal axis; a cavity within the body; a distal opening in the end wall exposing the cavity; and one or more scraping elements extending from the body, arranged proximate to the distal opening, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a heating element of the aerosolgenerating device via the distal opening, and wherein the one or more scraping elements are configured to scrape one or more sides of the heating element when the heating element is received in the cavity.
2. The tool of claim 1 , wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a scraping edge configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise an elastically deformable material.
4. The tool of claim 3, wherein the scraping edge comprises a material harder than the elastically deformable material.
5. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise a roughened portion configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
6. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise scraping teeth configured to contact and scrape the heating element when the cleaning head is received in the heating chamber.
7. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise two protrusions extending from opposing sides of the distal opening.
8. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the one or more scraping elements extend over a portion of the distal opening.
9. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more scraping elements comprise: a base portion coupled to the distal end of the body; and a protrusion portion extending from the base portion in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cleaning tool.
10. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the end wall comprises an end face comprising a substantially planar surface and the distal opening is located in the end face.
11. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more guide elements extending from the body and configured to position the distal opening relative to the heating element when the tool is received in the heating chamber.
12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the one or more guide elements are configured to cooperate with an alignment element in the heating chamber to align the distal opening with the heating element.
13. The tool of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises at least one lateral wall extending parallel to the longitudinal axis between the proximal end and distal end of the body; and wherein the cleaning head further comprises one or more protrusions extending from the at least one lateral wall, the one or more protrusions configured to scrape one or more surfaces of the heating chamber.
14. A system comprising: - 15 - an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating element with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber; and a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the heating chamber comprises one or more inclined surfaces extending from the bottom chamber wall adjacent to the heating element and configured to move residue scraped from the heating element by the one or more scraping elements away from the heating element as the scraping elements are brought into contact with the one or more inclined surfaces.
PCT/IB2022/061189 2021-11-25 2022-11-20 Cleaning tool for aerosol-generating device WO2023094960A1 (en)

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