Patent Publication Number: US-2023157374-A1

Title: Cleaning tool for aerosol-generating device

Description:
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 aerosol-generating article is heated in direct contact with a heating element to form an inhalable aerosol. The heating element is in the form of a blade which extends from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber. The heating element is inserted into an aerosol-forming substrate segment of an aerosol-generating article. 
     When an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco substrate, is heated, volatile compounds are released. Volatile compounds and aerosol evolved by the heat from the heating element may become deposited on the aerosol-generating device and in particular on the bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber, not least because residue on the side walls of the heating chamber may be at least partially removed by the insertion and removal on the aerosol generating article. Particles of the aerosol-forming substrate itself may also become adhered to the heating element, particularly if the heating element is in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, when using the device described in WO 2013/102614, a heating blade warms a tobacco substrate to temperatures between 200 to 350 degree Celsius, releasing volatile compounds, nicotine and glycerol that can form an aerosol. Residues and dust may nevertheless collect inside the heating chamber in the device after use of multiple aerosol-generating articles. 
     Residue and dust accumulation on the chamber bottom wall can block air flow passageways of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, the heating element is susceptible to damage if improper tools or objects are used to clean the heating chamber. 
     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. The tool may comprise first and second elongate members extending from the tool base. The first elongate member may comprise a first distal end distal 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 and second elongate members. The tool may comprise a pivot member. The pivot member may be arranged between the base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to allow the first elongate member and the second elongate member to pivot. For example, the pivot member may allow the first and second elongate members to pivot in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to limit the first and second elongate members from pivoting in a non-preferred direction. The non-preferred direction may be any direction that is not the preferred direction. For example, the non-preferred direction may be any direction that includes a component orthogonal to the preferred direction. 
     Advantageously, the first and second elongate members may allow the tool to clean the heating chamber at a bottom wall near the base of the chamber. If the aerosol-generating device has a heating element that extends from the base of the heating chamber, the pivot member may advantageously prevent movement of the first and second elongate members within the heating chamber that may damage the heating element. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber. The system also comprises a tool for cleaning the aerosol-generating device. The tool may comprise a tool base, a first elongate member extending from the tool base, and a second elongate member extending from the tool base. The first elongate member may comprise a first distal end distal 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 first elongate member and second elongate member may be configured to be received in the heating chamber such that the heating blade is received at least partially in the slot. The first elongate member and second elongate member may be configured to be received in the heating chamber such that at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member extend to the bottom chamber wall. Reciprocating movement of the at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, within the heating chamber, may be configured to scrape the bottom chamber wall. 
     As used herein the term “reciprocating movement”, in the context of one or both of a first distal end of a first elongate member and a second distal end of a second elongate member within a heating chamber having a heating blade extending into the heating chamber, refers to an angular movement that is generally parallel to the plane the heating blade is in. The angular movement may be initiated by moving the tool base in a direction parallel to the heating blade and the slot. In response, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may move in a direction opposite the movement of the tool base causing one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end to scrape the chamber bottom wall. 
     Advantageously, a system including the cleaning tool provided with the first elongate member and the second elongate member defining a slot therebetween allows the tool to scrape or clean the chamber bottom wall of the aerosol-generating device near the base of the heating element. Preferably, use of the tool to clean the heating chamber does not damage the heating blade. The tool may also serve to clean the heating blade. 
     The tool base, the first elongate member, and the second elongate member may be integrally formed. The first elongate member and the second elongate member may be coupled to the tool base. The tool base, the first elongate member, and the second elongate member may be formed from any suitable material. For example, one or more of the tool base, the first elongate member, and the second elongate member may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a combination of a metallic material and a plastic material. 
     The tool base may include a handle. The handle may extend in a direction away from the first distal end of the first elongate member. For example, the handle may extend away from the first distal end of the first elongate member along a longitudinal axis of the tool. 
     One or both of the first distal end and second distal end may have a tapered shape. For example, one or both of the first distal end and the second distal end may be narrower than a portion one or both of the first distal end and second distal end closest to the tool base. The tapered shape may facilitate scraping the chamber bottom wall. 
     The tool may include a pivot member arranged between the base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to allow pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member. The pivot member may be configured to limit pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a non-preferred direction. The non-preferred direction may include any direction that includes a component orthogonal to the preferred direction. Preferably, the pivot member is configured to prevent movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member within the heating chamber that may damage the heating blade if the tool is used to clean a device having a heating blade extending into a heating chamber. 
     The pivot member, or a portion of the pivot member, may define an outer perimeter having one or more channels configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber as the pivot member is inserted into the heating chamber. When the rib is received in the channel, axial rotation within the heating chamber of the first and second elongate members may be limited. The one or more channels may be flared at a receiving end. Providing one or more channels with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber. 
     The pivot member, or a portion of the pivot member, may have an outer shape and dimension similar to an inner shape and dimension of the heating chamber into which the pivot member may be inserted. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate insertion of the pivot member into the heating chamber. Having such a similar shape and dimension may facilitate alignment of the pivot member with the heating chamber. Proper alignment of the pivot member with the hating chamber may result in proper alignment of the slot defined between the first and second elongate members with the heating blade, if the device has a heating blade. 
     The pivot member may comprise an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with at least one channel configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. Engagement of the rib with the channel may prevent axial rotation of the first elongate member and the second elongate member within the heating chamber. The elliptical member may comprise a disk or a cylinder. The elliptical member may be in the shape of an ellipse. The shape of an ellipse may include a circular shape. The at least one channel may be flared at a receiving end. Providing at least one channel with a flared receiving end may advantageously facilitate alignment of the tool and insertion of the tool into the heating chamber. 
     The pivot member may be integrally formed with the tool base, the first elongate member, and the second elongate member. The pivot member may be firmly coupled between the base and both the first distal end and the second distal end. The pivot member may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the pivot material may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a combination of a metallic material and a plastic material. 
     The tool may include bristles extending from the first elongate member, the second elongate member or both of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The bristles may advantageously increase the effective cleaning area of the tool. Preferably, the bristles are sufficiently stiff to clean a surface of the heating chamber but are not sufficiently stiff to cause damage to a heating blade extending into the heating chamber. The bristles will preferably contact a surface and deflect from the surface of the heating chamber or heating blade when the tool is being used to clean the heating chamber. 
     The bristles may extend radially outward from one or both of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. Bristles extending radially outward may advantageously clean inner circumferential surfaces of the heating chamber. 
     The bristles may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the bristles may be formed from metallic filament, plastic filaments, or filaments comprising a metallic material and a plastic material. 
     The first elongate member may include a first flat surface facing the slot and the second elongate member may include a second flat surface facing the slot, the first flat surface extending through a first plane and the second flat surface extending through a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel planes and the first flat surface and second flat surface extend parallel to one another. Providing a tool having first and second elongate members with such flat inner surfaces may prevent the first elongate member and second elongate member from damaging the heating element when the chamber bottom wall is scraped with the tool. Such an arrangement of flat inner surfaces of the first and second elongate members may be particularly useful in preventing damage if the tool is configured to prevent axial rotation when the chamber bottom wall is being scraped. For example, axial rotation may be inhibited by providing a channel along an outer perimeter of a pivot element, where the channel is configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. 
     At least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member may include one or more ridges on a surface facing the slot. The one or more ridges may be configured to collapse at a threshold level of torque or flexion. The one or more ridges may be formed of elastically deformable material. The one or more ridges may advantageously clean a surface of the heating blade while the bottom chamber wall is being scraped or cleaned. Furthermore, ridges configured to collapse or formed of elastically deformable material may provide additional protection against damage of the heating blade. 
     The tool may include a cap. The cap may be configured to couple with the aerosol-generating device. The tool may be configured such that one or both of the first elongate member and the second elongate member contact the bottom wall when the cap is coupled with the aerosol-generating device. At least a portion of the cap may be configured to receive a portion of the aerosol-generating device when the first elongate member and second elongate members are received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. 
     The cap may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the cap may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a metallic material and a plastic material. 
     The tool may comprise a rod that effectively couples the first and second elongate members to the cap. The rod may allow reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The rod may prevent axial rotation of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. For example, the rod may effectively couple the first elongate member and second elongate member to the cap such that the first elongate member and second elongate member may pivot about the rod. Providing the tool with a cap and a rod may advantageously provide controlled and consisting cleaning of the chamber bottom wall near the heating element. The cap and rod may also inhibit damage to a heating blade, if the device includes a heating blade extending into the heating chamber, because the cap and rod may inhibit axial rotation of the first and second elongate members. If the device includes a heating blade, the cap, or another element of the tool, preferably comprises a feature configured to mate with a corresponding feature of the aerosol generating device to facilitate proper alignment of first elongate member and second elongate member relative to the heating blade. 
     The rod may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the rod may be formed from a metallic material, a plastic material, or a metallic material and a plastic material. 
     The tool base may include a cleaning head for cleaning the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning head may be positioned at an opposing end of the tool relative to the first distal end of the first elongate member. When the cleaning head is inserted into the heating chamber towards the bottom wall, the distal end of the first elongate member extends away from the bottom wall. Preferably, the cleaning head is configured to clean areas of the bottom surface of the heating chamber that the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member may not reach. The cleaning head may include scraping surfaces for cleaning the bottom surface of the heating chamber. A tool with a cleaning head opposing the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member may advantageously be used to better clean the heating chamber than a tool without the cleaning head. 
     The first distal end and the second distal end may be moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust a width or shape of the slot formed between the first and second elongate members. The tool may include one or more bearings configured to engage at least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member to limit the width of the slot between the first distal end and the second distal end. The one or more bearings may be configured to limit the width of the slot between the first distal end and the second distal end to less than 3 millimetres, preferably less than 2 millimetres, preferably less than 1.5 millimetres. The one or more bearings may be configured to limit the width of the slot between the first distal end and the second distal end to a width that is between 0.2 millimetres and 1 millimetre wider than the thickness of the heating blade, preferably between 0.3 millimetres and 0.5 millimetres wider than the thickness of the heating blade The tool may further include one or more elastic members positioned adjacent to the first elongate member or the second elongate member to provide lateral elasticity to lateral movement of the first and second elongate members. The one or more elastic members may each comprise an elastic ring. For example, the one or more elastic members may each comprise an O-ring, for example a silicon O-ring. 
     Preferably, the first elongate member and a second elongate member are moveable laterally to adjust the width of the slot at the distal end of the tool during and after insertion of the tool into the heating chamber. For example, the first elongate member and the second elongate member may be moved to increase the slot width at the distal end of the tool during insertion of the tool into the heating chamber and may be moved to decrease the width of the slot at the distal end of the tool after insertion. Such lateral adjustment of the width of the slot may allow the first elongate member and second elongate member to be inserted in the heating chamber over a heating blade without damaging the blade during insertion. Thus, the tool can easily accommodate the heating blade during insertion and be moved into place to scrape or clean the bottom chamber wall near the heating blade after insertion. Preferably, the one or more bearings restrict lateral movement of the first and second elongate members beyond a point at which the first elongate member and second elongate member may be inserted into the heating chamber. 
     The tool may include a motor coupled to the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The motor may be configured to provide the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The motor may be coupled to the tool base via a lever. A switch may be operatively coupled to the motor to turn the motor on and off. The motor may be electrically powered. A motor may advantageously provide controlled and consisting cleaning of the chamber bottom wall. 
     The tool may include a cleaning station body configured to receive the aerosol-generating device. The cleaning station body may be mechanically coupled to the first elongate member and the second elongate member to allow the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. A lever may be mechanically coupled to the tool base to control the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The lever may be manipulated to control the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. A cleaning station may advantageously provide controlled and consisting cleaning of the chamber bottom wall. 
     The tool may include three or more elongate members extending from the tool base. Additional slots may be defined between adjacent elongate members. One or more of the elongate members may be configured to flex or bend to allow a heating blade to pass into at least one of the additional slots. Providing three or more elongate members can increase the surface area the tool can scrape or clean. Furthermore, the additional slots can advantageously accommodate additional heating elements or blades if the aerosol-generating device includes more than one heating element. 
     The elongate members may include tapered sides. Tapered sides may advantageously allow a heating element to more easily pass between the elongate members providing additional protection against damage to the heating element during the reciprocating motion. The distal ends of the elongate member may be tapered. Tapered distal ends may allow the heating element to more easily pass between the distal ends during insertion of the tool into a heating chamber providing additional protection against damage to the heating element. 
     The tool may include a free wheel attached to the tool base. The free wheel may rotate independently of the tool base and the elongate members. The free wheel may provide additional protection against axial rotation of the elongate members in a heating chamber. The free wheel may be couplable to a cleaning head. The free wheel may allow the cleaning head and the tool to rotate independently from one another when coupled together. 
     The tool may include a consumable member. The consumable member may include a recess. The recess may be configured to receive elongate members. The consumable member may take on any suitable shape. For example, the consumable member may have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, or a swab-like shape. The consumable member may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the consumable member may be formed of cotton material, foam material, or other material used for cleaning. The consumable member may advantageously increase the effective cleaning area of the tool. 
     The tool may include one or more protruding elements. A first protruding element may extend from the first elongate member and a second protruding element may extend from the second elongate member. The first protruding element and the second protruding element may be arranged 180 degrees from one another about the circumference of the tool. The first protruding element and the second protruding element may be arranged to protrude from the tool in a direction away from the slot. 
     The protruding elements may provide additional protection against movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a non-preferred direction. The first protruding member and second protruding member may be elastically deflectable. The first protruding member and second protruding member may exert an outward force when elastically deflected by one or more walls of a heating chamber. The outward force may be sufficient to resist motion in a non-preferred direction.According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber; and a tool as described herein. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising inserting a tool comprising elongate members defining a slot between the elongate members into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device such that a blade of the aerosol-generating device is received into the slot and an end of the elongate members contact a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber. The method also comprises scraping the bottom chamber wall with the end of the elongate members by moving the ends of the elongate members using a reciprocating movement. 
     Preferably, scraping or cleaning of the bottom chamber wall with the end of the elongate members may be achieved without damaging the heating blade of the aerosol-generating device. Damage to the heating blade can be prevented if the tool and the device are configured to interact to prevent axial rotation of the first elongate member and second elongate member when the elongate members are received in the heating chamber. For example, axial rotation of the first and second elongate members may be inhibited by providing a channel along an outer perimeter of a pivot element, where the channel is configured to receive a rib of the heating chamber. As another example, axial rotation of the first and second elongate members may be inhibited by providing a cap configured to align with the device and a rod effectively coupling the first and second elongate members to the cap. 
     The method may include widening the slot defined by the first and second elongate members prior to inserting the tool into the heating chamber and narrowing the slot after inserting the tool into the heating chamber and before scraping the bottom chamber wall. Widening the slot during insertion may allow the elongate members to be inserted over the heating blade without damaging the blade. 
     The method may include moving a lever of a cleaning station to move the ends of the elongate members in a reciprocating manner. Advantageously, moving a lever of a cleaning station provides controlled and consisting cleaning of the chamber bottom wall near the heating element with the elongate members. 
     The method may include moving the tool about a rod coupling a cap to the elongate members to move the ends of the elongate members using the reciprocating movement. Advantageously, moving the tool about a rod coupling a cap to the elongate members may provide controlled and consisting cleaning of the chamber bottom wall near the heating element 
     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; and a first elongate member extending from the tool base, the first elongate member comprising a first distal end distal from the tool base; and a second elongate member extending from the tool base, the second elongate member comprising a second distal end distal from the tool base, wherein a slot is defined between the first and second elongate members; and a pivot member arranged between the base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member and wherein the pivot member is configured to limit pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a non-preferred direction. 
     Example Ex2: A System comprising an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade 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, the tool comprising a tool base; and a first elongate member extending from the tool base, the first elongate member comprising a first distal end distal from the tool base; and a second elongate member extending from the tool base, the second elongate member comprising a second distal end distal from the tool base, wherein a slot is defined between the first elongate member and the second elongate member, wherein first elongate member and second elongate member are configured to be received in the heating chamber such that the heating blade is received at least partially in the slot and at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member extend to the bottom chamber wall such that a reciprocating movement of the at least one of the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, within the heating chamber, is configured to scrape the bottom chamber wall. 
     Example Ex3: The system according to example Ex2, wherein the tool further comprises a pivot member arranged between the base and both the first distal end of the first elongate member and the second distal end of the second elongate member, wherein the pivot member is configured to allow pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the first elongate member and wherein the pivot member is configured to limit pivoting the first elongate member and the second elongate member in a non-preferred direction. 
     Example Ex4: The tool according to Ex1 or a system according to Ex3, wherein the pivot member comprises an elliptical member defining an outer circumference with a channel configured to engage with a rib of the heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the first elongate member and the second elongate member within the heating chamber. 
     Example Ex5: The tool or system according to example Ex4, wherein the elliptical member comprises a disk or a cylinder. 
     Example Ex6: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the tool further comprises bristles extending from the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     Example Ex7: The tool or system according to example Ex6, wherein the bristles extend from the first elongate member and the second elongate member radially outward. 
     Example Ex8: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the first elongate member comprises a first flat surface facing the slot and the second elongate member comprises a second flat surface facing the slot, the first flat surface extending coextensive with a first plane and the second flat surface coextensive with a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel planes and the first flat surface and second flat surface extend parallel to one another. 
     Example Ex9: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex7, wherein at least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member comprises one or more ridges on a surface facing the slot. 
     Example Ex10: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the tool further comprises a cap configured to couple with the aerosol-generating device, the first elongate member and the second elongate member configured to contact the bottom wall when the cap is coupled with the aerosol-generating device; and a rod coupling the first elongate member and the second elongate member to the cap to allow the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     Example Ex11: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the tool base comprises a cleaning head for cleaning the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. 
     Example Ex12: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex11, wherein the tool comprises three or more elongate members extending from the tool base. 
     Example Ex13: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the first distal end and the second distal end are moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust a width or shape of the slot. 
     Example Ex14: The tool or system according to example Ex13, further comprising one or more bearings configured to engage at least one of the first elongate member and the second elongate member to limit the width of the slot between the first distal end and the second distal end. 
     Example Ex15: The tool or system according to example Ex14, wherein the one or more bearings are configured to limit the width of the slot between the first distal end and the second distal end to less than 3 millimetres. 
     Example Ex16: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex13 to Ex15, further comprising one or more elastic members positioned adjacent to the first elongate member or the second elongate member to provide lateral elasticity to lateral movement of the first and second elongate members. 
     Example Ex17: The tool or system according to any one of the examples Ex1 to Ex16, further comprising a motor coupled to the first elongate member and the second elongate member, the motor configured to provide the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     Example Ex18: The tool or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex17, further comprising a cleaning station body configured to receive the aerosol-generating device, the cleaning station body mechanically coupled to the first elongate member and the second elongate member to allow the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member; and a lever mechanically coupled to the tool base to control the reciprocating movement of the first elongate member and the second elongate member. 
     Example Ex19: A kit comprising an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating chamber and a heating blade with a substantially rectangular cross section extending into the heating chamber from a bottom chamber wall of a heating chamber; and a tool according to any one of examples Ex1 and Ex4 to Ex18. 
     Example Ex20: A method comprising inserting a tool comprising elongate members defining a slot between the elongate members into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device such that a blade of the aerosol-generating device is received into the slot and ends of the elongate members contact a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber; and scraping the bottom chamber wall with the ends of the elongate members by moving the ends of the elongate members in reciprocating manner. 
     Example Ex21: The method of example Ex20, further comprising widening the slot defined by the elongate members prior to inserting the tool into the heating chamber; and narrowing the slot after inserting the tool into the heating chamber and before scraping the bottom chamber wall. 
     Example Ex22: The method of example Ex20, further comprising moving a lever to move the ends of the elongate members in the reciprocating manner. 
     Example Ex23: The method of example Ex20, further comprising pivoting the elongate members relative to a rod effectively coupling the elongate members to a cap to move the ends of the elongate members in the reciprocating manner. 
    
    
     
       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 the tool of  FIG.  1   ;     FIG.  3    shows a cross-section of the system of  FIG.  1    with the tool in position for cleaning the aerosol-generating device;       

         FIG.  4    shows another cross-section of the system of  FIG.  3    rotated 90 degrees;
           FIG.  5    shows a modification of the tool of  FIGS.  1 - 4    wherein a tool base of the tool includes a cleaning head;       

         FIG.  6    shows another modification of the tool wherein the tool includes a cap; 
         FIG.  7    shows another modification of the tool wherein the tool a cleaning station body and a lever; 
         FIG.  8    shows the tool of  FIG.  7    with the cleaning station body in an open position; 
         FIG.  9    shows another modification of the tool wherein the tool includes a motor; 
         FIG.  10    shows another modification of the tool wherein the tool includes bristles; 
         FIG.  11    shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a tool wherein surfaces facing the slot are flat; 
         FIG.  12    shows an isometric exploded view of a first elongate member and a second elongate member of the tool of  FIG.  11   ; 
         FIG.  13    shows a bottom view of another embodiment of a tool wherein the surfaces facing the slot include a ridge; 
         FIG.  14    shows an isometric exploded view of a first elongate member and a second elongate member of the tool of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    shows an embodiment of a system including a tool for cleaning prior to insertion into an aerosol-generating device; 
         FIG.  16    shows the system of  FIG.  15    with the tool partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device; 
         FIG.  17    shows the system of  FIGS.  15  and  16    with the tool fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device; 
         FIG.  18    shows another modification of the tool wherein the tool includes a plurality of elongate members; 
         FIG.  19    shows a front view of the plurality of elongate members of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  20    shows an overhead view of the plurality of elongate members of  FIGS.  18  and  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    shows a side view of additional modifications of the tool including protruding members and a free wheel; and 
         FIG.  22    shows a side view the tool of  FIG.  21    with the free wheel attached to a cleaning head; 
         FIG.  23    shows an isometric view of a cap configured to couple with the cleaning head of  FIG.  23   ; and 
         FIG.  24    shows a partial view of a tool with a consumable member according to embodiments herein. 
     
    
    
       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 .  FIG.  3    shows a cross-sectional view of the system  100  with the tool  110  in position to clean the aerosol-generating device  102 .  FIG.  4    shows cross-sectional view of the system  100  rotated 90 degrees from the view of  FIG.  3    with the tool  110  in position to clean the aerosol-generating device  102 . 
     The aerosol-generating device  102  includes a heating chamber  104 , a heating element  106 , a chamber bottom wall  108 , and a rib  134  (see  FIG.  4   ). 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 first elongate member  112 - 1 , a second elongate member  112 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  112 ), and a pivot member  120 . The elongate members  112  extend from the tool base  118 . The first elongate member  112 - 1  includes a first distal end  114 - 1  distal from the tool base  118  and the second elongate member  112 - 2  includes a second distal end  114 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  114 ) distal from the tool base  118 . A slot  116  is defined between the elongate members  112 . The pivot member  120  is arranged between the tool base  118  and both distal ends  114 . The pivot member  120  includes a channel  122  configured to receive and engage with the rib  134  of the heating chamber  104  to prevent axial rotation of the elongate members  112  within the heating chamber. 
     The pivot member  120  is configured to allow pivoting of the elongate members  112  in a preferred direction transverse to the extension of the elongate members. The pivot member  120  is also configured to limit pivoting the elongate members  112  in a non-preferred direction. 
     The elongate members  112  are configured to be received in the heating chamber  104  such that the heating blade  106  is received in the slot  116  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   . Additionally, the distal ends  114  extend to the bottom chamber wall  108  such that a reciprocating movement of the distal ends within the heating chamber scrapes the bottom chamber wall. In particular, the reciprocating movement may cause the distal ends  114  scrape the bottom chamber wall adjacent to a base of the heating blade  106 . 
     The reciprocating movement is illustrated by dashed arrows  130 - 1 ,  130 - 2 ,  132 - 1 , and  132 - 2 . When the tool base  118  is moved in the direction of dashed arrow  130 - 1  the distal ends  114  are moved in the direction of dashed arrow  130 - 2 . When the tool base  118  is moved in the direction of dashed arrow  132 - 1  the distal ends  114  are moved in the direction of dashed arrow  132 - 2 . The reciprocating movement allows the heating blade  106  to pass through the slot  116  as the chamber bottom wall  108  is scraped by the distal ends  114 . The pivot member  120  is configured to limit movement of the elongate members  112  and the distal ends  114  in a direction that includes a component orthogonal to the dashed arrows  130 - 1 ,  130 - 2 ,  132 - 1 , and  132 - 2 . Such limitation of movement that includes a component orthogonal to the dashed arrows  130 - 1 ,  130 - 2 ,  132 - 1 , and  132 - 2  is configured to prevent the tool  110  from damaging the heating blade  106  during cleaning. 
       FIG.  5    shows a modification of the tool of  FIGS.  1 - 4    wherein a tool base  218  of a tool  200  includes a cleaning head  202 . 
     The tool  200  includes a tool base  218 , a first elongate member  212 - 1 , a second elongate member  212 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  212 ), and a pivot member  220 . The elongate members  212  extend from the tool base  218 . The first elongate member  212 - 1  includes a first distal end  214 - 1  distal from the tool base  218  and the second elongate member  212 - 2  includes a second distal end  214 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  214 ) distal from the tool base  218 . A slot  216  is defined between the elongate members  212 . The pivot member  220  is arranged between the tool base  218  and both distal ends  214 . 
     The tool base  218  includes the cleaning head  202 . The cleaning head  202  extends in a direction away from the distal ends  214 . The cleaning head  202  is configured to be inserted into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device and is configured to clean areas of a bottom chamber wall of the heating chamber that distal ends  214  may not reach. The tool  200  is configured to fit within a case comprised of two ends or caps  204 - 1  and  204 - 2 . 
       FIG.  6    shows another modification of the tool according to embodiments described herein, wherein a tool  300  includes a cap  302 . 
     The tool  310  includes a tool base  318 , a first elongate member  312 - 1 , a second elongate member  312 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  312 ), a cap  302 , and a rod  304 . The elongate members  312  extend from the tool base  318 . The first elongate member  312 - 1  includes a first distal end  314 - 1  distal from the tool base  318  and the second elongate member  312 - 2  includes a second distal end  314 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  314 ) distal from the tool base  318 . A slot  316  is defined between the elongate members  312 . The rod  304  extends from the tool base  318  and couples the elongate members  312  to the cap  302 . The rod  304  is rotatably coupled to the cap  304  allowing the elongate members  312  to be moved in a reciprocating manner. 
     The reciprocating movement is illustrated by dashed arrows  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 ,  332 - 1 , and  332 - 2 . When the tool base  318  is moved in the direction of dashed arrow  330 - 1  the distal ends  314  are moved in the direction of dashed arrow  330 - 2 . When the tool base  318  is moved in the direction of dashed arrow  332 - 1  the distal ends  314  are moved in the direction of dashed arrow  332 - 2 . The reciprocating movement allows the heating element  306  to pass through the slot  316  as the chamber bottom wall  308  is scraped by the distal ends  314 . The rod  304  acts as an axis of rotation that is configured to permit movement of the elongate members  312  and the distal ends  314  in the direction of the dashed arrows  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 ,  332 - 1 , and  332 - 2  and to limit movement of the elongate members  312  and the distal ends  314  in a direction that includes a component orthogonal to the dashed arrows  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 ,  332 - 1 , and  332 - 2 . Such limitation of movement that includes a component orthogonal to the dashed arrows  330 - 1 ,  330 - 2 ,  332 - 1 , and  332 - 2  may prevent the tool  310  from damaging the heating element  306  during cleaning. 
     The cap  302  is configured to couple to an aerosol-generating device. When the cap  302  is coupled to an aerosol-generating device the elongate members  312  may extend into a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device and the distal ends  314  are configured to be engaged with a chamber bottom wall of the aerosol-generating device. The cap  302  is configured to align the slot  316  with the heating element when coupled to an aerosol-generating device. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    shows another modification of the tool according to embodiments described herein. The tool  400  includes a cleaning station body  404  and a lever  402 . In  FIG.  7    the cleaning station body  404  is closed and ready to receive or couple to an aerosol-generating device. In  FIG.  8    the cleaning station body  404  is open exposing a tool base  418  of the tool  400  and the rest of the lever  402 . 
     The tool  400  includes a tool base  418 , a first elongate member  412 - 1 , a second elongate member  412 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  412 ), a cleaning station body  404 , a lever  402 . The elongate members  412  extend from the tool base  418 . The first elongate member  412 - 1  includes a first distal end  414 - 1  distal from the tool base  418  and the second elongate member  412 - 2  includes a second distal end  414 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  414 ) distal from the tool base  418 . A slot  416  is defined between the elongate members  412 . The lever  402  is mechanically coupled to the tool base  418  to control reciprocating movement of the tool  400 . The lever  402  may be manipulated by a user to control reciprocating movement of the tool  400 . 
     The cleaning station body  404  is mechanically coupled to the elongate members  412 . The mechanical coupling allows the reciprocating movement of the elongate members  412 . The cleaning station body  404  is configured to receive an aerosol-generating device. The cleaning station body  404  includes a receptacle  406 . The receptacle  406  may be shaped to receive the aerosol-generating device and align the slot  416  with a heating element of the aerosol-generating device. 
       FIG.  9    shows another modification of the tool according to embodiments described herein, wherein a tool  500  includes a motor  506 . 
     The tool  500  includes a tool base  518 , a first elongate member (not shown), a second elongate member (not shown), a cleaning station body  504 , a lever  502 , a motor  506 , and a switch  508 . The lever  502  is mechanically coupled to the tool base  518  to control reciprocating movement of the tool  500 . The lever  402  is mechanically coupled to the motor  506  to allow the motor to control the reciprocating movement of the tool  500 . The motor may be operatively coupled to the switch  508 . The switch  508  allows the motor  506  to be turned on or off. The motor  506  may be electrically powered. 
       FIG.  10    shows another modification of the tool according to embodiments described herein. The tool  600  includes bristles  602 . 
     The tool  600  includes a tool base  618 , a first elongate member  612 - 1 , a second elongate member  612 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  612 ), and bristles  602 . The elongate members  612  extend from the tool base  618 . The first elongate member  612 - 1  includes a first distal end  614 - 1  distal from the tool base  618  and the second elongate member  612 - 2  includes a second distal end  614 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  614 ) distal from the tool base  618 . A slot  616  is defined between the elongate members  612 . The bristles  602  extend from the elongate members  612 . The bristles  602  may extend radially from the elongate members  612 . 
       FIGS.  11  and  12    show a tool  700  with flat surfaces  702  facing the slot  716  according to embodiments described herein.  FIG.  11    shows a bottom view of the tool  700 .  FIG.  12    shows an isometric exploded view of elongated members  712 . 
     The tool  700  includes a tool base (not shown), a pivot member  720 , a first elongate member  712 - 1 , and a second elongate member  712 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  712 ). The elongate members  712  extend from the tool base. The first elongate member  712 - 1  includes a first distal end  714 - 1  distal from the tool base  718  and the second elongate member  712 - 2  includes a second distal end  714 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  714 ) distal from the tool base  718 . A slot  716  is defined between the elongate members  712 . 
     The elongate members  712  each include a flat surface  702 - 1 ,  702 - 2  (referred to collectively as flat surfaces  702 ) facing the slot  716 . The flat surfaces  712  each extend along one of planes  704 - 1 ,  704 - 2  (referred to collectively as planes  704 ). 
       FIGS.  11  and  12    show a tool  700  with flat surfaces  702  facing the slot  716  according to embodiments described herein.  FIG.  11    shows a bottom view of the tool  700 .  FIG.  12    shows an isometric exploded view of elongated members  712 . 
     The tool  700  includes a tool base (not shown), a pivot member  720 , a first elongate member  712 - 1 , and a second elongate member  712 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  712 ). The elongate members  712  extend from the tool base. The first elongate member  712 - 1  includes a first distal end  714 - 1  distal from the tool base  718  and the second elongate member  712 - 2  includes a second distal end  714 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  714 ) distal from the tool base  718 . A slot  716  is defined between the elongate members  712 . 
     The elongate members  712  each include a flat surface  702 - 1 ,  702 - 2  (referred to collectively as flat surfaces  702 ) facing the slot  716 . The flat surfaces  712  each extend along one of planes  704 - 1 ,  704 - 2  (referred to collectively as planes  704 ). The planes  704  are each parallel to one another. 
     The pivot member may include multiple channels  722 . At least one of the channels  722  may be configured to engage a rib of a heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the tool  700  in the heating chamber. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    show a tool  800  with flat surfaces  802  facing the slot  816  according to embodiments described herein.  FIG.  13    shows a bottom view of the tool  800 .  FIG.  13    shows an isometric exploded view of elongated members  812 . 
     The tool  800  includes a tool base (not shown), a pivot member  820 , a first elongate member  812 - 1 , a second elongate member  812 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  812 ), and a pivot member  820 . The elongate members  812  extend from the tool base. The first elongate member  812 - 1  includes a first distal end  814 - 1  distal from the tool base  818  and the second elongate member  812 - 2  includes a second distal end  814 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  814 ) distal from the tool base  818 . A slot  816  is defined between the elongate members  812 . 
     The elongate members  812  each include a ridge  802 - 1 ,  802 - 2  (referred to collectively as ridges  802 ). The ridges  802  extend into the slot  816 . The ridges  802  may be configured to contact a heating element when received into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The ridges  802  may be configured to rub the heating element during a reciprocating motion of the tool  800 . The ridges  802  may be formed of a material that will not damage the heating element during the reciprocating movement. 
     The pivot member may include multiple channels  822 . At least one of the channels  822  may be configured to engage a rib of a heating chamber to prevent axial rotation of the tool  800  in the heating chamber. 
       FIGS.  15 - 17    show an embodiment of a system  900  including a tool  910  with an adjustable slot  916 .  FIG.  15    shows the system  900  prior to insertion of the tool  910  into the aerosol-generating device  902 .  FIG.  16    shows the system  900  with the tool  910  partially inserted into the aerosol-generating device  902 .  FIG.  17    shows the system  900  with the tool  910  fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device  902 . 
     The aerosol-generating device  902  includes a heating chamber  904 , a heating element  906 , and a chamber bottom wall  908 . The heating chamber  904  defines a cavity in the aerosol-generating device  902 . The chamber bottom wall  908  is an inner surface of the heating chamber  904 . The heating element  906  extends from the chamber bottom wall  908  into the heating chamber  904 . 
     The tool  910  includes a tool base  918 , a first elongate member  912 - 1 , a second elongate member  912 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  912 ), a pivot member  920 , bearings  930 , and elastic members  932 . The elongate members  912  extend from the tool base  918 . The first elongate member  912 - 1  includes a first distal end  914 - 1  distal from the tool base  918  and the second elongate member  912 - 2  includes a second distal end  914 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  914 ) distal from the tool base  918 . A slot  916  is defined between the elongate members  912 . 
     The pivot member  920  is arranged between the tool base  918  and both distal ends  914 . The pivot member  920  may include a channel (not shown, see, for example,  FIGS.  2  and  4   ) configured to engage with a rib (not shown, see, for example,  FIGS.  2  and  4   ) of the heating chamber  904  to prevent axial rotation of the elongate members  912  within the heating chamber. The pivot member  920  includes bearing windows  931  that allow the bearings  930  to be engaged from outside of the pivot member  920 . 
     As shown, the tool base  918  can be pinched or manipulated to adjust a width of the slot between the distal ends  916 . The bearings  930  are each configured to engage one of the elongate members  912  to limit the width of the slot between the distal ends  916 . The bearings  930  are configured to engage with the elongate members  912  and side walls of the pivot member  920  to limit the width of the slot between the distal ends  916 . Prior to insertion of the tool  910  into the heating chamber  904  the width of the slot between the distal ends  916  is limited such that the elongate members  912  can be inserted into the heating chamber  904 . In other words, the bearings  930  limit the width of the slot between the distal ends  916  such that a distance between outer edges of the distal ends  914  is less than a diameter of the heating chamber  904 . As the tool  910  is inserted into the heating chamber  904  the bearings  930  are configured to engage with interior walls of the heating chamber  904  as at least a portion of each of the bearings  930  is configured to extend through their respective bearing window  931 . Such engagement further limits the width of the slot between the distal ends  916  putting the distal ends in position to scrape the bottom chamber wall  908  when the tool  910  is fully inserted into the heating chamber  904  as shown in  FIG.  17   . 
     The elastic members  932  are positioned adjacent to the elongate members  912  to provide lateral elasticity to lateral movement of the first and second elongate members  912 . The elastic members  932  may limit the width of the slot  916  when the tool base  918  is not being manipulated. The elastic members  932  may be elastic rings. 
       FIG.  18    shows an embodiment of a tool  1000  with multiple elongated members  1012 . The tool  1000  includes tool base  1018 , elongated members  1012 , distal ends  1014 , and slots  1016 . The elongate members  1012  extend from the tool base  1018 . Each of the elongate members  1012  includes a distal end of the distal ends  1014 . Slots  1016  are defined between adjacent elongate members  1012 . The elongate members  1012  may be flexible to allow any one of the slots  1016  to accommodate a heating element. 
       FIG.  19    shows a modification of the elongated members  1012  of  FIG.  18    according to embodiments described herein. The elongated members  1012 - 1  include tapered sides  1022 .  FIG.  20    shows another modification of the elongated members  1012  of  FIG.  18    according to embodiments described herein. The elongated members  1012 - 2  include distal ends  1014 - 2  that have a tapered shape. 
       FIGS.  21 - 22    show a tool  1100  with one or more protruding elements  1122  and a free wheel  1124 .  FIG.  21    shows the tool  1100  without anything attached.  FIG.  22    shows the tool  1100  coupled to a cleaning head.  FIG.  23    shows a cap  1130  configured to engage with the cleaning head  1102  and tool  1122  of  FIG.  22   . 
     The tool  1100  includes a tool base  1118 , a first elongate member  1112 - 1 , a second elongate member  1112 - 2  (referred to collectively as elongate members  1112 ), and a pivot member  1120 . The elongate members  1112  extend from the tool base  1118 . The first elongate member  1112 - 1  includes a first distal end  1114 - 1  distal from the tool base  1118  and the second elongate member  1112 - 2  includes a second distal end  1114 - 2  (referred to collectively as distal ends  1114 ) distal from the tool base  1118 . A slot  1116  is defined between the elongate members  1112 . The pivot member  1120  is arranged between the tool base  1118  and both distal ends  1114 . 
     The tool base  1118  is coupled to a free wheel  1124 . The free wheel  1124  rotates independently from the tool base  1118  and the elongate members  1112 . The free wheel  1124  may prevent axial rotation of the elongate members  1112  in a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The free wheel  1124  may be configured to couple to cleaning head  1102  as depicted in  FIG.  22   . The free wheel  1124  may allow the cleaning head  1102  and the tool  1100  to rotate independently from one another when coupled together. 
     The cleaning head  1102  includes scraping surfaces  1104  and embossed members  1106 . Scraping surfaces  1104  may be configured to clean surfaces of a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. The embossed members  1106  may couple to the cap  1130 . 
     The cap  1130  may be configured to couple to the cleaning head  1102 . The cap  1130  may receive the tool  1100  within an interior volume  1132  when coupled to the cleaning head  1102 . The cap may include debossed members  1134 . The debossed members  1134  may be configured to engage with embossed members  1106  to couple the cap  1134  to the cleaning head  1102 . 
       FIG.  24    shows a partial view of a tool  1200  with a consumable member  1202  according to embodiments herein. 
     The tool  1200  includes a tool base  1218 , elongate members  1212 , and a pivot member  1220 . The elongate members  1212  extend from the tool base  1218 . A slot  1216  is defined between the elongate members  1212 . The pivot member  1220  is arranged between the tool base  1218  and both distal ends  1214 . 
     The pivot member  1220  may include one or more channels  1222 . The channels  1222  are flared at a receiving end  1224 . The receiving end  1224  of each channel  1222  is configured to receive a rib. 
     The tool  1200  may include a consumable member  1202 . The consumable member  1202  may include a recess  1204 . The recess  1204  may be configured to receive elongate members  1212 . 
     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.