TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cleaning tool for an aerosol provision device, a method of cleaning an aerosol provision device, and an aerosol provision system.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. Examples of such products are so-called “heat not burn” products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating, but not burning, material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol provision systems, which cover the aforementioned devices or products, are known. Common systems use heaters to create an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. Often the medium used needs to be replaced or changed to provide a different aerosol for inhalation.

It is known to use a resistive heater to create aerosol from a suitable medium.

Conventional aerosol provision devices comprise a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod shaped consumable is inserted.

It is known to provide an aerosol provision device which is charged by a charging unit and wherein electrical power is supplied by the charging unit to the aerosol provision device in order to charge the aerosol provision device.

During use, dirt can accumulate on the heating element and/or in the heating chamber of the aerosol provision device.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect there is provided a cleaning tool for an aerosol provision device comprising: a housing; a resiliently biased cap provided within the housing, wherein the resiliently biased cap is translatable between a first position and a second position; and at least one brush coupled to the resiliently biased cap.

Aerosol provision devices comprising a heater, e.g. a resistive heater or inductive heating element, suffer from the problem that the heater may become dirty in use. Dirt may also accumulate on the internal walls of the heating chamber. The cleaning tool according to various embodiments is particularly beneficial in that a tool is provided which can be placed onto an aerosol provision device and the resiliently biased cap can be translated between its first and second positions. The corresponding movement of the at least one brush may suitably clean the heating element and/or any other appropriate part of the aerosol provision device e.g. the internal walls of the heating chamber. The cleaning tool according to various embodiments may also regulate, e.g. constrain, the cleaning applied by a user and thereby minimise the risk of the user breaking or damaging the aerosol provision device, e.g. the heater thereof.

Optionally, the or each brush comprises a support and a plurality of bristles extending from each support.

Optionally, each support is formed from at least two strands of wire which are twisted together to secure the bristles in position.

Optionally, the bristles extend radially from each support.

Optionally, each support is straight.

Optionally, the at least one brush comprises a plurality of brushes.

Optionally, the housing comprises an engagement mechanism for engaging with an aerosol provision device, the engagement mechanism enabling the cleaning tool to be rotated relative to the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the housing comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the cleaning tool to one or more slots or cut-outs provided in an aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises a first protrusion for engaging with a first slot or cut-out provided in the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the attachment mechanism comprises a second protrusion having a different shape and/or dimension to the first protrusion, wherein the second protrusion is arranged to engage with a second slot or cut-out provided in the aerosol provision device, wherein the second slot or cut-out has a different shape and/or dimension to the first slot or cut-out. Optionally, the resilient bias is provided by a spring element.

Optionally, the spring element comprises a helical spring.

Optionally, the resiliently biased cap protrudes from the housing, at least when in the first position.

Optionally, the resiliently biased cap is at least partially depressed into the housing when in the second position.

Optionally, the housing defines a cavity which houses at least a portion of the at least one brush when the resiliently biased cap is in the first position, and which is dimensioned to receive, in use, an outer wall of a heating chamber of an aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the housing is substantially cylindrical and wherein the housing defines a substantially cylindrical cavity which houses at least a portion of the at least one brush.

Optionally, the housing comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one brush is configured to translate along the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translate between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the housing comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one brush is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the cleaning tool comprises a rotation driving arrangement configured to cause the at least one brush to rotate around the longitudinal axis as the resiliently biased cap translates between the first and second positions.

Optionally, the rotation driving arrangement comprise a guide arranged on one of the housing or resiliently biased cap, and a follower, arranged on the other of the housing or resiliently biased cap, for engaging with the guide, and wherein the guide follows an at least partially helical profile.

Optionally, the cleaning tool is intended for use with an aerosol provision device comprising a heater element; and wherein the at least one brush comprises two brushes and each of the brushes comprises a support from which a plurality of bristles extend; the housing comprises a longitudinal axis; and wherein each of the supports are spaced in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by a distance greater than a maximum width of the heater element in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the cleaning tool is configured to be attached to an aerosol provision device in use.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of cleaning an aerosol provision device, the method comprising: attaching the cleaning tool as described above to an aerosol provision device; and moving the resiliently biased cap between the first and second positions at least once.

Optionally, the method further comprises moving the resiliently biased cap between the first and second positions a plurality of times.

Optionally, the method further comprises rotating the housing of cleaning tool relative to the aerosol provision device so as to rotate the at least one brush relative to the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the method further comprises rotating the housing whilst the housing is in place on the aerosol provision device so as to rotate the at least one brush relative to the aerosol provision device.

Optionally, the method further comprises removing the cleaning tool from the aerosol provision device, rotating the cleaning tool relative to the aerosol provision device, and re-attaching the cleaning tool to the aerosol provision device in a different position; and moving the resiliently biased cap between the first and second positions at least once with the cleaning tool in the different position.

According to another aspect there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising: an aerosol provision device configured to produce aerosol from an aerosol generating article; and a cleaning tool as described above.

Optionally, the aerosol provision system further comprises an aerosol generating article for insertion into the aerosol provision device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol provision device located within a charging unit;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a cleaning tool for an aerosol provision device, according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view through the cleaning tool shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5A shows an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment, Fig. 5B shows the aerosol provision device with a cap removed, Fig. 50 shows an aerosol provision device with a cleaning tool mounted to the aerosol provision device with a resilient biased cap of the cleaning tool depressed in the housing of the cleaning tool in order to clean a heating element of the aerosol provision device and Fig. 5D shows an aerosol provision device with a cleaning tool mounted to the aerosol provision device with the resilient biased cap of the cleaning tool in a withdrawn position; and

Fig. 6 shows two perspective views of the cleaning tool according to an embodiment arranged on the aerosol provision device with the resiliently biased cap removed in order to show how the cleaning tool may attach to cut-outs provided in the main housing of the aerosol provision device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed or described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed or described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolgenerating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolgenerating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non- combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (such as a gel) which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active and/or filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free from botanical material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco free.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems may comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable aerosol provision device and a replaceable aerosol generating article. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller (or control circuitry). The power source may, for example, comprise an electric power source, such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may also comprise an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations the aerosol generating article may comprise partially, or entirely, the aerosol generating component.

For completeness, aerosol provision devices comprising an inductive element are known. The aerosol provision device may comprise one or more inductors and a susceptor which is arranged to be heated by the one or more inductors.

A susceptor is a heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically- conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The aerosol provision device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

Various embodiments will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol provision device 100 according to an embodiment shown located within an elongate cavity of a charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may comprise a power source (not shown). The power source may include, for example, a battery (single-use or rechargeable), a rechargeable super capacitor, a rechargeable solid-state battery (SSB), a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LiB) or the like, a hermetically sealed battery, a pouch cell battery or some combination thereof. Whilst the aerosol provision device 100 is shown in combination with a charging unit 101 , it will be appreciated that the aerosol provision device 100 may be provided with power by any other means. For example, a power source provided with aerosol provision device 100 may be charged by plugging a power supply into the aerosol provision device 100, or the power source may be replaceable, e.g. in the form of a replaceable battery.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be left in the charging unit 101 for a predetermined time in order to allow sufficient charging of the aerosol provision device

100. For example, the charging unit 101 may be arranged to charge the aerosol provision device 100 to full charge in a time of < 10 mins, 10-20 mins, 20-30 mins, 30-40 mins, 40-50 mins, 50-60 mins or > 60 mins.

The charging unit 101 and/or the aerosol provision device 100 may optionally have an indicator to give a visual or other representation to the user of the charging level of the aerosol provision device 100. Additionally, there may be a separate indicator to give a visual representation of the charge level of the charging unit 101. The current charge level of the aerosol provision device 100 and/or the charging unit 101 may be determined by control means disposed in the aerosol provision device 100 and/or the charging unit 101.

The visual indicator may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, other embodiments are contemplated where the visual indicator may be replaced by an audio indicator (e.g. a speaker) or a haptic indicator.

The aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an outer housing which may have a tubular and/or cylindrical shape. However, other embodiments are envisaged wherein the aerosol provision device 100 may take other desired forms e.g. the aerosol provision device 100 may be box-shaped. According to an embodiment the outer housing 108 of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise an electrical insulator and may, for example, be formed of polyetherethe ketone (“PEEK”).

According to an embodiment the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100 may comprise one or more orientation features and/or one or more magnets for securing the distal end of the aerosol provision device 100 to a base portion of the charging unit

101.

The aerosol provision device 100 may be inserted into the cavity of the charging unit 101 in order to recharge the aerosol provision device 100 by receiving electrical power from the charging unit 101. The charging unit 101 may comprise an internal battery to provide electrical power to the aerosol provision device 100. The charging unit 101 may also be connected to an external source of electrical power. The charging unit 101 may comprise a lid or cover 102 which may be slid by a user between an open and closed position. The lid or cover 102 is provided at the entrance to the cavity which is provided within the charging unit 101 and which is configured to receive the aerosol provision device 100.

The aerosol provision device 100 includes an aerosol generator for generating aerosol from aerosol generating material. According to an embodiment the aerosol provision device 100 comprises a resistive heater for heating an aerosol generating article.

When the lid or cover 102 is in the open position an opening to the cavity is exposed thereby enabling a user to either remove the aerosol provision device 100 from the charging unit 101 (in order to use the aerosol provision device 100) or alternatively to insert the aerosol provision device 100 into the charging unit 101 (in order to charge the aerosol provision device 100).

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view showing the aerosol provision device 100 located or docked within the charging unit 101. The aerosol provision device 100 comprises a main housing 105 wherein a resistive heating element 104 projects within the main housing 105. Whilst the heating element is in the form of a resistive heating element 104, it will be appreciated that any other form of heating element, e.g. an inductive heating element, may be utilised. The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises a removable cap 106 which may be magnetically attached to the main housing 105.

The removable cap 106 includes a receptacle 120 for receiving a consumable. In use, an aerosol generating article is inserted in the receptacle. The receptacle 120 comprises a tubular housing having a base portion 121. The base portion 121 of the receptacle 120 has an aperture and the resistive heating element 104 is arranged to project through the aperture. An aerosol generating article may be inserted into the aerosol provision device 100 by inserting the aerosol generating article through an opening in the removable cap 106 and then inserting the aerosol generating article into the receptacle 120 and onto the heating element 104. The heating element 104 has a blade like profile and in use an aerosol generating article may be forced onto the heating element 104 so that the blade like profile of the heating element 120 inserts into a distal end of the aerosol generating article. The heating element 104 is arranged to internally heat the aerosol generating article.

At the end of a session of use, when an aerosol generating article has been consumed, the removable cap 106 may then be detached from the main housing 105. It will be understood that the process of detaching the removable cap 106 will have the effect that the base portion 121 of the receptacle 120 will contact a bottom face of the aerosol generating article. As the removable cap 106 is withdrawn, then the base portion 121 of the receptacle 120 will contact the distal end of the aerosol generating article and will result in the aerosol generating article being pulled off or otherwise removed from the heating element 104.

However, over a period of time the heating element 104, and potentially the inside of the main housing 105, may become dirty and may become covered with a deposit of spent aerosol generating material from the aerosol generating article. Accordingly, it may be desirable periodically to clean the heating element 104 and/or the main housing 105.

Cleaning the heating element and heating chamber of a conventional aerosol provision device can be problematic.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a cleaning tool 122 according to an embodiment which may be used to clean the heating element and/or heating chamber of an aerosol provision device 100 such as an aerosol provision device 100 as described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The cleaning tool 122 may also be used to clean other aerosol provision devices.

The cleaning tool 122 comprises a housing 124 which houses at least a portion of at least one brush (not shown) and a resiliently biased cap 126. As visible in this Figure, a distal end 123 of the at least one brush extends out of the housing 124.

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view through the cleaning tool 122. According to various embodiments the resiliently biased cap 126 may be resiliently biased by a spring element 128. The spring element 128 may be in the form of a helical spring. However, it will be appreciated that any other element capable of providing a resilient bias may be utilised.

The spring element 128 may extend in a cylindrical cavity 130 within the resiliently biased cap 126 so as to abut against a top end 131 of the resiliently biased cap 126. The other end of the spring element 128 may abut against a stop 127 arranged within the housing 124. The stop 127 is held in a fixed position within the housing 124 so that when the resiliently biased cap 126 is depressed into the housing 124, the spring element 128 will become compressed and provide a resilient bias which tends to push the resiliently biased cap 126 back into the position shown in Fig. 4.

The position of the resiliently biased cap 126 shown in Figs. 3 and 4 may be considered a first position. The resiliently biased cap 126 may have any suitable shape and any spring element or other biasing means provided with the cleaning tool 122 may have any suitable configuration that biases the resiliently biased cap 126.

The cleaning tool 122 may comprise a first brush 130 which comprises a first support 132 to which a first plurality of bristles 134 are attached. In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may further comprise a second brush 136 which may similarly comprise a second support 138 to which a second plurality of bristles 140 are attached. The first brush 130 and second brush 136, where provided, may be coupled to the resiliently biased cap 126 such that movement of the resiliently biased cap 126 results in movement of the first and second brushes 130, 136. The first brush 130 and second brush 136 may be coupled directly (as depicted), or indirectly via an intermediate member, to the resiliently biased cap 126.

In some embodiments, the first support 132 and the second support 138 may each comprise two twisted wires which secure the first and second plurality of bristles 134,140 in place relative to the first and second supports 132,138. Each support 132, 38 may have any other suitable form. In the embodiment depicted, the first and second supports 132, 138 are both straight. However, it will be appreciated that the first and second supports 132,138 may have any other suitable profiles that facilitates cleaning of the heating element within the aerosol provision device 100. The first and second supports 132,138 may have different profiles such that they are suitable for cleaning different areas within the aerosol provision device 100.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the first and second plurality of bristles 134,140 extend radially away from their respective supports 132,138. Whilst two brushes 130,136 are depicted, it will be appreciated that the cleaning tool 122 may comprise any number of brushes. Similarly, whilst a specific form of brushes 130,136 are depicted, i.e. one which comprises bristles, it will be appreciated that the brushes may comprise any suitable element which will contact a part of the aerosol provision device during use of the cleaning tool 122. For example, the brushes may comprise a series of blades which perform a cleaning action.

The housing 124 defines a cavity 142 which houses the first and second brushes 130,136, a portion of the resiliently biased cap 126 and the spring element 128. As shown in Fig. 4, in some embodiments, the cavity houses a portion of the first and second brushes 130, 136, and a distal portion 123 extends outside of the cavity 142 when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position shown in Fig. 4. In other embodiments, it is envisaged that the housing 124 may house less of the first and second brushes 130, 136 such that more of the first and second brushes extends out of the housing 124 when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position. In other embodiments, the housing 124 may house the entire of the first and second brushes 130, 136, such that no portion extends out of the housing 124 when the resiliently biased cap 126 is in the first position. The cavity 142 may be shaped and/or dimensioned to receive a specific part of the aerosol provision device 100, for example the main housing 105 thereof.

A top-end 144 of the first support 132 is secured into a slot 146 in the resiliently biased cap 126 and a top-end 148 of the second support 138 is secured into a slot 150 in the resiliently biased cap 126. The brushes 130,136 may be secured to the resiliently biased cap 126 in any other suitable manner. In some embodiments, the brushes 130,136 may be removably secured to resiliently biased cap 126 such that they can be replaced.

In some embodiments, the housing 124 may comprise a plurality of radially extending lugs 152, extending around the inner circumference of the housing 124. Any number of radially extending lugs 152 may be provided. The radially extending lugs 152 may engage with a corresponding lug and/or recess on the aerosol provision device, and thereby act to secure the cleaning tool 122 to the aerosol provision device 100. This may improve operation of the cleaning tool 122 as the housing 124 may remain in a fixed position during operation.

When a user presses on the resiliently biased cap 126, for example using their thumb, the resiliently biased cap 126 will depress into the housing 124, thereby moving the brushes 130,136 linearly within the housing 124. The position of the resiliently biased cap 126 may be a first position and a depressed position in which the resiliently biased cap 126 is advanced into the cavity 142 may be a second position. The resiliently biased cap 126 may be resiliently biased into a first position, as depicted, whereby it protrudes maximally from the housing 124. In some embodiments, the housing 124 comprises a longitudinal axis A-A, and the first and second brushes 130, 136 are configured to translate along the longitudinal axis when the resiliently biased cap 126 translates between the first and second positions.

Figs. 5A-5D depict an exemplary method of use of the cleaning tool 122. As depicted in Fig. 5A, a user may initially seek to clean an aerosol provision device 100 having a removable cap 106 wherein the removable cap 106 is attached to the aerosol provision device 100. In order to commence the cleaning process, the user may first remove the removable cap 106 from the aerosol provision device 100.

An aerosol provision device 100 with the removable cap 106 removed is depicted in Fig. 5B and shows the main housing 105 of the aerosol provision device 100 with a heating element 104 arranged therein. The main housing 105 may comprise a first slot 109 and second slot 111, which will be described in more detail later below with reference to Fig. 6. The main housing 105 may comprise a circumferential lug 107 which may extend around the circumference of the main housing 105.

Once the removable cap 106 has been removed, and any aerosol generating article contained within the main housing 105 has been removed, a user may then apply the cleaning tool 122 on to the aerosol provision device 100.

Fig. 5C shows the cleaning tool 122 according to an embodiment attached to the aerosol provision device 100. A user may attach the cleaning tool 122 by inserting the main housing 105 of the aerosol provision device 100 into the cavity 142 of the housing 124 of the cleaning tool 122. As the cleaning tool 122 is advanced onto the housing 105, the lugs 152 provided on the cleaning tool 122 may engage with the circumferential lug 107 provided on the main housing 105 of the aerosol provision device 100. As a result, the cleaning tool 122 may be secured to the aerosol provision device 100. The cleaning tool 122 is thus attached to the aerosol provision device 100 in use.

With reference to Figs. 5C and 5D, a user may then repeatedly press and release the resiliently biased cap 126 so as to cause the brushes 130,136 housed within the housing 124 of the cleaning tool to repeatedly translate backwards and forwards within the housing 124.

The resiliently biased cap 126 is shown in a second position in Fig. 5C and in a first position in Fig. 5D. When the user releases any force applied to the resiliently biased cap 126, the resiliently biased cap 126 will return to the first position as shown in Fig. 5D. The user may then depress the resiliently biased cap 126 and release the cap 126 as many times as is necessary. The described arrangement beneficially provides a quick and convenient means for cleaning the aerosol provision device 100.

Fig. 6 shows two perspective views of the cleaning tool 122 according to an embodiment. The cleaning tool 122 is shown attached to the aerosol provision device 100, with the resiliently biased cap 126, and associated components, removed for clarity. In some embodiments, the housing 124 of the resiliently biased cap 126 may comprise a first locating protrusion 152 and a second locating protrusion 154. As depicted, the first locating protrusion 152 may be arranged so as to engage with the first slot 109 provided in the main housing 105 of the aerosol provision device 100 and the second locating protrusion 154 may be arranged so as to engage with the second slot 111 provided in the main housing 105 of the aerosol provision device 100.

The first and second locating protrusions 152,154 may be arranged to prevent the cleaning tool 122, specifically the housing 124 thereof, from rotating relative to the aerosol provision device 100. In some embodiments, as depicted, the first locating protrusion 152 and second locating protrusion 154 may have different shapes and/or dimensions, such that the cleaning tool 122 can only be connected to the aerosol provision device 100 in one particular orientation. This may beneficially ensure that the brushes 130,136 are suitably positioned relative to the heating element 104. The locating protrusions may instead be located on the aerosol provision device 100 and corresponding slots or cutouts may be provided on the cleaning tool 122. Whilst the locating protrusions 152,154 are described as being on the cleaning tool 122 and the slots 109, 111 are provided on the main housing 105, this is not essential and the locating protrusions 152, 154 may instead be provided on the main housing 105, and the slots 109, 111 may be provided on the cleaning tool 122. Similarly, the cleaning tool 122 and the main housing 105 may each comprise a mixture of slots and protrusions. Further, whilst the slots and protrusions are described relative to the main housing 105, the slots and/or protrusions may be arranged on any part of the aerosol provision device 100 which the cleaning tool 122 engages when it is attached thereto.

In embodiments wherein the cleaning tool 122 engages with the aerosol provision device 100 such that the cleaning tool 122 is secured to the aerosol provision device 100, movement of the resiliently biased cap 126, and thus the brushes 130,136 is restricted. Beneficially, this may ensure that a user does not inadvertently damage the aerosol provision device 100 by applying too much force via the brushes 130,136 or applying the brushes 130,136 to areas of the aerosol provision device 100 which are not intended to be cleaned.

Whilst not depicted, in some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122 may be rotated relative to the aerosol provision device such that the brushes 130,136 reach different regions of the aerosol provision device 100 e.g. different portions of a heating element 104 thereof. The cleaning tool 122 may be rotated such that the brushes 130, 136 are rotated around the longitudinal axis A- A of the cleaning tool 122. In some embodiments, the cleaning tool 122, e.g. the housing 124 thereof, may be removed from the aerosol provision device 100, rotated, and reattached to the aerosol provision device 100 so as to rotate the brushes 130, 136 relative to the aerosol provision device. In other embodiments, the cleaning tool 122, e.g. the housing 124 thereof, may be rotated whilst it is in place on the aerosol provision device 100 so as to rotate the brushes 130, 136 relative to the aerosol provision device. Following rotation, the resiliently biased cap 126 may then be translated between the first and second positions so as to achieve cleaning of a different region of the aerosol provision device 100.

In other embodiments, the brushes 130, 136 may be configured to rotate along the longitudinal axis A-A of the housing 124 as the resiliently biased cap 126 is translated between the first and second positions. For example, the cleaning tool 122 may comprise a rotation driving arrangement configured to cause the brushes 130, 136 to rotate around the longitudinal axis A-A as the resiliently biased cap 126 translate between the first and second positions. The rotation driving arrangement may comprise any suitable arrangement that is capable of causing rotation of the brushes 130 136 relative. For example, in some embodiments, the rotation driving arrangement may comprise a guide arranged on one of the housing 124 or resiliently biased cap 126, and a follower, arranged on the other of the housing 124 or resiliently biased cap 126, for engaging with the guide. The guide may follow an at least partially helical profile. This arrangement may drive both linear and rotational movement of the brushes 130, 136. Rotation of the brushes 130,136 may advantageously allow the brushes 130,136 to reach different regions of the aerosol provision device 100.

In embodiments wherein the brushes 130,136 are able to rotate around the longitudinal axis A of the housing 124, the spacing W (see Fig. 4) of the supports 132,138 of the brushes 130,136 may be larger than the width of the heating element 104 such that the supports 132,138 can freely rotate around the heating element 104 without the supports 132,138 contacting the heating element 104.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.