CLEANING DEVICE FOR A SMOKING SUBSTITUTE DEVICE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for cleaning a smoking substitute device, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a system comprising a smoking substitute device and a cleaning device, further in particular to a cleaning device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a smoking substitute device, the cleaning device comprising a first section comprising a generally cylindrical outer surface, wherein at least part of the first section is adapted for insertion into a smoking substitute device consumable receiving cavity of a smoking substitute device, wherein at least part of the outer surface of the first section is adapted for cleaning the cavity, and wherein at least the first section is substantially rigid.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a smoking substitute device, the cleaning device comprising a first section comprising a generally cylindrical outer surface, wherein at least part of the first section is adapted for insertion into a smoking substitute device consumable receiving cavity of a smoking substitute device, wherein at least part of the outer surface of the first section is adapted for cleaning the cavity, and wherein at least the first section is substantially rigid.

2. The cleaning device according to the preceding claim, wherein the generally cylindrical outer surface comprises a surface structure for cleaning an inner wall surface of the cavity.

3. The cleaning device according to the preceding claim, wherein the surface structure is one structure out of the group consisting of a rough surface structure, an abrasive surface structure, a structured surface structure, structured surface structure comprising a sharpened edge, a reamer type surface structure, and an Archimedes screw type surface structure.

4. The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein the surface structure is adapted for removing debris, dirt and/or deposits from the cavity and/or the inner wall surface of the cavity.

5. The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein the surface structure is arranged to transport deposits, dirt and/or debris from the cavity to the outside of the smoking substitute device.

6. The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device is adapted for rotation in the cavity for cleaning the cavity and/or for cleaning the inner wall surface of the cavity, in particular for transporting the deposits, dirt and/or debris from the cavity to the outside of the smoking substitute device.

7. The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cavity for at least partly receiving a heating element of a smoking substitute device.

8. The cleaning device according to the preceding claim, wherein the cleaning device is adapted for at least partly cleaning the heating element, in particular when the cleaning device is inserted, removed and/or rotated.

9. The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second section, wherein the second section is adapted for operation by a user of the smoking substitute device, in particular for inserting, removing and rotating the cleaning device when inserted in the smoking substitute device.

10. A system, comprising a cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding claims and a smoking substitute device.

11. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the smoking substitute device comprises a cavity and a heating element.

12. The system according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device is adapted to clean the cavity and/or the heating element, in particular to remove debris, dirt and/or deposits from at least one of the cavity, the inner wall surface of the cavity and the heating element of the smoking substitute device.

13. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein removing debris, dirt and/or deposits from at least one of the cavity, the inner wall surface of the cavity and the heating element of the smoking substitute device further comprises removing said debris, dirt and/or deposits from the smoking substitute device, in particular by rotating the cleaning device.

14. A method of cleaning a smoking substitute device by using a cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps of inserting the cleaning device into a cavity of the smoking substitute device, so that the first section is at least partially inserted into the cavity, and rotating the cleaning device to remove debris, dirt and/or deposits from at least one of the cavity, the inner wall surface of the cavity and the heating element of the smoking substitute device.

15. Use of a cleaning device according to at least one of claims 1 to 9 for cleaning a smoking substitute device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0111] So that the disclosure may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the disclosure will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0112] FIG. 1A is a schematic of a smoking substitute system;

[0113] FIG. 1B is a schematic of a variation of the smoking substitute system of FIG. 1A;

[0114] FIG. 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system with the consumable engaged with the device;

[0115] FIG. 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device;

[0116] FIG. 2C is a section view of the consumable of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0117] FIG. 2D is a detailed view of an end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0118] FIG. 2E is a section view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;

[0119] FIG. 3A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure;

[0120] FIG. 3B is an exemplary mode of operation of the cleaning device of FIG. 3A according to the present disclosure;

[0121] FIG. 4A is a detailed view of another exemplary cleaning device according to the present disclosure; and

[0122] FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the cleaning device of FIG. 4A accommodated in a smoking substitute device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0124] FIG. 1A is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system 100. The system 100 includes a smoking substitute device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, which comprises an aerosol former 103. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former 103 (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).

[0125] In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol former 103. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source 105, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101. Heat from the heater 104 vaporises the aerosol former 103 to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

[0126] The system 100 further comprises a power source 105 that forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments the power source 105 may be external to (but connectable to) the device 101. The power source 105 is electrically connectable to the heater 104 such that it is able to supply power to the heater 104 (i.e., for the purpose of heating the aerosol former 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery).

[0127] The system 100 further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector 106 (e.g., in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g., a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector 106 may be used in substitution for the power source 105. That is the connector 106 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 so as to supply electricity to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector 106 and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector 106 provides electrical connection).

[0128] In some embodiments, the connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 where the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery.

[0129] The system 100 also comprises a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc.

[0130] The UI 107 also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g., LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc.

[0131] The system 100 further comprises a controller 108 that is configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104 and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104. The controller 108 may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater 104.

[0132] Although not shown, the system 100 may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.

[0133] In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operatively connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 may transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.

[0134] FIG. 1B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of FIG. 1A. In the system 100′ of FIG. 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the device 101, rather than the consumable 102. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.

[0135] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100′ described in relation to FIG. 1A or 1B. System 200 includes an HT device 201 and an HT consumable 202. The description of FIGS. 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and will thus not be repeated.

[0136] The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201. FIG. 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, whilst FIG. 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.

[0137] The device 201 comprises a body 209 and cap 210. In use the cap 210 is engaged at an end of the body 209. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap 210 is moveable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slideable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 209.

[0138] The device 201 comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also arranged on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211.

[0139] FIG. 2C shows a detailed section view of the consumable of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.

[0140] The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end 217 of the consumable 202, and comprises the aerosol former of the system 200. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream 218 (i.e., terminal or mouth) end of the consumable 202.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g., leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g., slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g., paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.

[0142] In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g., propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.

[0143] The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 213 at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore 219 (e.g., for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e., where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable 202 upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end 217, thorough the components of the consumable 202, and out of the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e., the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable 202.

[0144] The upstream filter element 215 is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213, between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Like the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore 220 extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter 215 may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g., monoacetate) filter material. The bore 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.

[0145] The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an external diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14 mm.

[0146] Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215 and spacer 216 are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter 214 is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and terminal filter 214 are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.

[0147] Returning now to the device 201, FIG. 2D illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device 201 that is configured to engage with the consumable 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 to an internal cavity 222 (more apparent from FIG. 2D) defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see FIG. 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and thus also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes laterally disposed notches 226. When a consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 201.

[0148] The cavity 222 comprises an inner surface 240 or inner wall surface 240, which is substantially straight and smooth and complements the consumable 202. The dashed arrow in FIG. 2D shows the direction of insertion of a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, much like the direction for insertion of a consumable 202. In an alternate embodiment not further depicted, the inner walls may serve as a heating element for the consumable, alternatively or in addition to the heating element 223.

[0149] FIG. 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.

[0150] The device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g., heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g., heating element with a tubular form). The smoking substitute device 201 comprises a longitudinal extension L or longitudinal axis L, while the heating element 222 comprises a longitudinal extension I or longitudinal axis I. The longitudinal axis L and the longitudinal axis I are substantially parallel.

[0151] The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from an internal base of the cavity 222 along a longitudinal axis towards the opening 221. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.

[0152] When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as is shown in FIG. 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.

[0153] Again, cavity 222 comprising an inner wall 240 is depicted that surrounds the consumable when inserted into the cavity. In FIG. 2E, the relevant portion of the cavity may be the surface adjacent to or in the vicinity of the heating element 223.

[0154] The device 201 further comprises an electronics cavity 224. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium-ion battery), is located in electronics cavity 224.

[0155] The device 201 includes a connector (i.e., forming part of an 10 module of the device 201) in the form of a USB port 206. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.

[0156] The device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (i.e., connected to the PCB and microcontroller).

[0157] The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user depressing the button 212. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to cause the heating element 223 to be heated).

[0158] The controller is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to (e.g., a detected) a condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g., one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

[0159] The device 201 comprises a further input means (i.e., in addition to the button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e., inhaling) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224, such that a signal from the puff sensor 225, indicative of a puff state (i.e., drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller 208 (and can thus be responded to by the controller 208).

[0160] FIG. 3A is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure.

[0161] The cleaning device 310 comprises two sections, a first section 312a and a second section 312b. The first section 312a is arranged for insertion into the cavity of a smoking substitute device, while the second section 312b is embodied as a handle structure for operation by the user of the smoking substitute device, when cleaning the smoking substitute device. The first section 312a is shown with a surface structure 314 to assist in removing debris, dirt or deposits from the smoking substitute device, in particular from the inner surface 240 of the cavity 222, the cavity 222 itself and the heating element 223. To accommodate the heating element 223, in particular to allow a sufficiently deep insertion of the cleaning device 310 into the cavity 222, a cavity 316 is arranged in the first section 312a of the cleaning device 310. This cavity 316 may further stabilize the rotation 318 of the cleaning device 310 about the heating element 223 and in the cavity 222.

[0162] The surface structure 314 is depicted as a spiral or helical surface structure, to remove unwanted material from and transport said material to the outside of the cavity 222. Such a spiral structure could be embodied as an Archimedes' type screw surface structure.

[0163] FIG. 3B is an exemplary mode of operation of the cleaning device according to the present disclosure. A user operating the cleaning device 310 rotates the cleaning device 310, as depicted by arrow 318. The direction of rotation may be linked to the surface structure 314 of the cleaning element 310, meaning that a certain surface structure may 314 require a rotation in a specific direction (clockwise/counter-clockwise) about the longitudinal axis of the smoking substitute device, to achieve the desired material removing effect.

[0164] As may further be seen from FIG. 3B, the first section 312b may extend even outside of the cavity 222, to further assist the removal of material from the cavity, as depicted by the bent downward arrows at the sides of the smoking substitute device. Alternatively, the surface structure 314 may merely assist in dislodging material, debris, dirt or deposits from the cavity 222 without significantly contributing to the removal thereof from the cavity 222.

[0165] FIG. 4A is a detailed view of a cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning device 410 comprises a first section 420, divided into a first subsection 420a and a second subsection 420b, and a second section 421. The first subsection 420a comprises a structured surface 412, here exemplarily depicted as a brush-type element. However, it is conceivable that the structured surface 412 is a differently structured element, like a substantially solid element with dimensions comparable to a consumable and a surface adapted for cleaning the cavity, like a rough or abrasive surface.

[0166] In FIG. 4A, the first subsection 420a is connected to the second section 421 by the second subsection 420b, exemplarily embodied as a shaft 414 connecting the second section 421 and the first subsection 420a. A further provided is a bearing element 418, in FIG. 4A depicted schematically, and arranged between the first section 420 and the second section 421. Here, the bearing element may be an element having a bore in which the shaft of subsection 420b rotates. Other types of bearing elements, e.g., ball bearings and roller bearings, may be employed likewise.

[0167] The second section 421 is embodied as a thumb wheel 416 having indentations 422 to allow sufficient friction between a finger of a user operating the cleaning device 410 and the thumb wheel 416.

[0168] Shown only schematically is a cavity 417 at the open end of the second section 420a for accommodating a heating element 223. The cavity may receive the heating element 222 which thus acts as a point of rotation, further stabilizing the rotation of the cleaning device 410 in the cavity 222. With the heating element 223 received, the cleaning device 410 comprises two anchor points for turning about, one being the bearing element and the other one being the heating element 223. This may result in a stable rotation, when turning the thumb wheel 416, in particular with a force acting from the side, like a thumb of a user holding the smoking substitute device 201.

[0169] FIG. 4B is a detailed view of a cleaning device according to the present disclosure accommodated in a smoking substitute device. The cleaning device 410 is inserted in the cavity of smoking substitute device 201, and is arranged substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L. The cleaning device is substantially flush with the body 209 of the smoking substitute device 209 and may now be rotated, as indicated by arrows 424.

[0170] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the disclosure in diverse forms thereof.

[0171] While the disclosure has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0172] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0173] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0174] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0175] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.

[0176] The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Illustrative Embodiments

[0177] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

[0178] Clause 1: A cleaning device for cleaning a smoking substitute device, the cleaning device comprising: a first section adapted for insertion into a consumable receiving cavity of a smoking substitute device, a second section adapted for operation by a user, and a bearing element arranged between the first section and the second section.

[0179] Clause 2: The cleaning device according to the preceding clause, wherein, when inserted into the cavity, the bearing element is adapted to remain in a fixed position relative to the smoking substitute device when rotating the first section and the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section are rotatable relative to the smoking substitute device and the bearing element.

[0180] Clause 3: The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second section is adapted to remain outside of the smoking substitute device when the first section is inserted and while the cleaning device is being operated by the user; and wherein the first section and the second section are rotatable relative to the smoking substitute device and about the bearing element along a longitudinal axis (L) of the smoking substitute device.

[0181] Clause 4: The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least a first subsection of the first section is adapted for cleaning the cavity and/or a heating element arranged in the cavity.

[0182] Clause 5: The cleaning device according to the preceding clause, wherein the first section, at least with the first subsection, comprises a surface structure for cleaning an inner wall surface of the cavity, in particular for removing debris, dirt and/or deposits from the cavity and/or the inner wall surface of the cavity.

[0183] Clause 6: The cleaning device according to the preceding clause, wherein the surface structure is one structure out of the group consisting of a rough surface structure, an abrasive surface structure, a structured surface structure, structured surface structure comprising a sharpened edge, and a brush type surface structure.

[0184] Clause 7: The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a cavity for at least partly receiving a heating element of the smoking substitute device when inserted into the cavity.

[0185] Clause 8: The cleaning device according to the preceding clause, wherein the cleaning device is adapted to be rotated about the heating element.

[0186] Clause 9: The cleaning device according to at least one of clauses 7 and 8, wherein the cleaning device is adapted for at least partly cleaning the heating element, in particular when the cleaning device is inserted, removed and/or rotated.

[0187] Clause 10: The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cleaning device is adapted to remain in the smoking substitute device for an extended time acting as a cap for closing the cavity when the smoking substitute device is not in use.

[0188] Clause 11: The cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses, wherein the second section comprises a structured surface for operating, in particular rotating, the cleaning device by a user holding the smoking substitute device while using a finger of the same hand that is holding the smoking substitute device for operation.

[0189] Clause 12: A system, comprising a cleaning device according to at least one of the preceding clauses and a smoking substitute device.

[0190] Clause 13: The system according to the preceding clause, wherein the smoking substitute device further comprises a consumable receiving cavity, and a heating element arranged in the cavity, in particular a rotationally symmetric heating element, further in particular a rod shaped heating element, and wherein the cleaning device is adapted to be rotated about the heating element when inserted into the cavity.

[0191] Clause 14: A method of cleaning a smoking substitute device by using a cleaning device according to at least one of clauses 1 to 11, comprising the steps of inserting the cleaning device into a cavity of the smoking substitute device, and rotating the cleaning device about the heating element of the smoking substitute device and the bearing element.

[0192] Clause 15: Use of a cleaning device according to at least one of clauses 1 to 11 for cleaning a smoking substitute device.