CN118900645A - Cleaning systems for aerosol generating devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning system (10) for an aerosol generating device (12). The cleaning system (10) includes a cleaning tool (14) receivable in a heating compartment (16) of the aerosol-generating device (12). The cleaning system (10) further includes an actuation mechanism (18). The actuation mechanism (18) is configured to activate to move a cleaning tool (14) received in the heating compartment (16) to mechanically clean the heating compartment (16). The cleaning system (10) further comprises a closing member (20) for closing the heating compartment (16). The actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated based on the cleaning tool (14) being received in the heating compartment (16) and the heating compartment (16) being closed by the closure member (20).

Description

Cleaning systems for aerosol generating devices

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning system and, more particularly, to a cleaning system for an aerosol-generating device that is used to heat an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Background Art

As an alternative to using traditional tobacco products, the popularity and use of reduced-risk or improved-risk devices, also known as vaporizers, have grown rapidly in recent years. A variety of different devices and systems are available that heat or raise the temperature of an aerosol-generating substrate without burning it to produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

A commonly used risk reduction or risk improvement device is an aerosol generating device or so-called heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating substrate (e.g., contained in an aerosol generating article such as a heated tobacco rod) in a heating compartment to a temperature typically in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. Heating the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating substrate generates a vapor that typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol that is inhaled by a user of the device.

The heating compartment should be cleaned regularly, for example to remove accumulated debris, so as to maintain an optimal sensory experience during use of the aerosol-generating device. Typically, the user performs a manual cleaning operation using a cleaning tool (such as a brush) to clean the heating compartment. This may be an unpleasant experience for the user and is therefore undesirable. Furthermore, the user may not be able to manually clean the heating compartment to the standard required to maintain an optimal sensory experience during use of the aerosol-generating device.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a cleaning system that alleviates these disadvantages.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning system for an aerosol generating device, the cleaning system comprising:

a cleaning implement receivable in the heated compartment of the aerosol generating device;

an actuation mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to activate to move a cleaning tool received in the heating compartment to mechanically clean the heating compartment; and

A closure member for closing a heating compartment, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to be activated upon receipt of a cleaning tool in the heating compartment and the heating compartment being closed by the closure member.

The cleaning system enables cleaning of the heating compartment, for example to remove accumulated debris, without requiring the user to perform undesirable manual cleaning operations. The cleaning operation is thus simplified. Furthermore, the cleaning system cleans the heating compartment to a standard required to maintain an optimal sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device. The cleaning operation is thus improved.

The actuation mechanism may be configured to mechanically clean the heating compartment according to a predefined cleaning cycle.The cleaning operation is thus controlled and performed by the actuation mechanism, rather than by the user, thereby providing a more consistent and improved cleaning operation.

In some examples, the actuation mechanism can be configured to be automatically activated. Therefore, no user command is required to start the cleaning operation. In other examples, the actuation mechanism can be configured to be activated based on a user command.

It is possible that, in use, activation of the actuation mechanism causes linear movement of the cleaning tool back and forth in the heating compartment and/or rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment.

It is possible that the actuating mechanism comprises a coil arranged around the heating compartment, wherein, in use, the actuating mechanism is activated by energizing the coil to generate a magnetic field, thereby causing linear movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment. In such an example, the cleaning tool may comprise a permanent magnet. The coil may be provided by an induction coil of an induction heating assembly of the aerosol generating device. This configuration simplifies the arrangement.

Alternatively, it is possible that the actuating mechanism comprises an electric motor, wherein, in use, the actuating mechanism is activated by powering the electric motor, thereby causing the rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment. It is possible that the electric motor carries a first permanent magnet, and the cleaning tool comprises a second permanent magnet, wherein the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are spaced apart and arranged to magnetically attract each other when the cleaning tool is received in the heating compartment, wherein, in use, the actuating mechanism is activated by powering the electric motor to rotate the first permanent magnet, thereby causing the rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment based on the magnetic attraction between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet. In such an example, the first permanent magnet can be arranged outside the heating compartment.

The cleaning tool may include a central shaft, wherein the bristles extend from the central shaft.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device that can be used with the cleaning system described in any of the above paragraphs, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

Heating compartment;

an actuation mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to activate to move a cleaning tool received in the heating compartment to mechanically clean the heating compartment; and

A closure member for closing a heating compartment, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to be activated upon receipt of a cleaning tool in the heating compartment and the heating compartment being closed by the closure member.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning tool that can be used with the cleaning system described in any of the above paragraphs.

The cleaning tool may include a permanent magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a first example of a cleaning system for an aerosol-generating device in a first state with a heating compartment open;

FIG2a is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the cleaning system of FIG1 in a first state;

FIG2 b is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the cleaning system of FIG1 in a second state with the heating compartment closed;

3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second example of a cleaning system for an aerosol-generating device in a first state with the heating compartment open;

FIG4a is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the cleaning system of FIG3 in a first state; and

4b is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the cleaning system of FIG. 3 in a second state with the heating compartment closed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1, 2a and 2b, there is diagrammatically shown a first example of a cleaning system 10 for an aerosol generating device 12. The aerosol generating device 12 is configured for use with an aerosol generating article (not shown), such that the aerosol generating device 12 and the aerosol generating article together form an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating device 12 may also be referred to as a "heated tobacco device", "heat-not-burn tobacco device", "device for vaporizing tobacco products", etc., and this is interpreted as being suitable for devices that achieve these effects. The features disclosed herein are also applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device 12 is a handheld portable device (meaning that a user can hold and support the device with a single hand without assistance). The aerosol generating device 12 has a first (or proximal) end 36 and a second (or distal) end 38 and includes a device housing 40 .

In some examples, the aerosol-generating device 12 includes a controller (not shown). The aerosol-generating device 12 may include a user interface for controlling operation of the aerosol-generating device 12 via the controller.

The controller is configured to detect that the aerosol generating device 12 has begun to be used in response to a user input (such as pressing a button to activate the aerosol generating device 12) or in response to detecting an airflow through the aerosol generating device 12. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, airflow through the aerosol generating device 12 indicates an inhalation or "puff" by the user. The aerosol generating device 12 may, for example, include a puff detector (such as an airflow sensor) (not shown) to detect the airflow through the aerosol generating device 12.

The controller includes an electronic circuit system. The aerosol generating device 12 includes a power source 44 such as a battery. The power source 44 and the electronic circuit system can be configured to operate at a high frequency in the case of the induction heating steam generating device 12. The power source 44 and the electronic circuit system can be configured to operate at a frequency between about 80kHz and 500kHz, possibly between about 150kHz and 250kHz, possibly about 200kHz. The power source 44 and the electronic circuit system can be configured to operate (if necessary) at a higher frequency (e.g., a frequency in the MHz range).

The aerosol-generating device 12 comprises a heating assembly 46. In the example shown, the heating assembly 46 is an induction heating assembly 48.

The heating assembly 46 further comprises a heating compartment 16. The heating compartment 16 is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article. In some examples, the heating compartment 16 has a generally cylindrical cross-section. The heating compartment 16 defines a cavity.

The heating compartment 16 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. The heating compartment 16 comprises an opening 54 at the first end 50 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. In the illustrated example, the heating compartment 16 comprises a generally cylindrical side wall 56, ie a side wall 56 having a generally circular cross-section.

Aerosol-generating articles include an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate can be any type of solid or semisolid material. Example types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, particles, pellets, shreds, strands, microparticles, gels, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, formula shreds, porous materials, foam materials or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate can include plant-derived materials, and can particularly include tobacco. The aerosol-generating substrate can advantageously include reconstituted tobacco.

The aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol former. Examples of aerosol formers include polyols and mixtures thereof, such as glycerol or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol former content between about 5% and about 50% (based on dry weight). In some examples, the aerosol generating substrate may include an aerosol former content between about 10% and about 20% (based on dry weight), possibly about 15% (based on dry weight).

When heated, the aerosol-generating substrate can release volatile compounds. These volatile compounds can include nicotine or flavor compounds such as tobacco flavors.

The shape of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the shape of the heating compartment 16. The aerosol generating article may be substantially cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol generating article may be substantially rod-shaped and may broadly resemble a cigarette having a tubular region with an aerosol generating substrate arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol generating article may be a disposable and replaceable article which may, for example, contain tobacco as an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may be a heated tobacco rod.

The aerosol-generating article has a first end (mouth end), a second end, and comprises a filter at the first end. The filter acts as a mouthpiece and may comprise an air-permeable plug (eg, comprising cellulose acetate fibers).

The aerosol-generating substrate and filter may be enclosed by a paper wrapper and may thus embody an aerosol-generating article. One or more vapor collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures may also be included in some designs.

To use the aerosol generating device 12, the user inserts the aerosol generating article into the heating compartment 16 through the opening 54 so that the second end of the aerosol generating article is positioned at the second end 52 of the heating compartment 16 and so that the filter at the first end of the aerosol generating article protrudes from the first end 50 of the heating compartment 16 to allow the user's lips to engage.

The illustrated example induction heating assembly 48 further includes an induction coil 64. The induction coil 64 is arranged to be energized to generate an alternating electromagnetic field to inductively heat one or more inductively heatable susceptors (not shown).

The inductively heatable susceptor may be arranged around the periphery of the heating compartment 16. Alternatively, the inductively heatable susceptor may be arranged to protrude from the second end 52 into the heating compartment 16 (e.g., as a heating blade or heating needle) to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate. In other examples, the inductively heatable susceptor may be alternatively disposed in the aerosol-generating substrate during manufacture of the aerosol-generating article. In such examples, the aerosol-generating article includes the inductively heatable susceptor.

In use, i.e., during inhalation, heat from the inductively heatable susceptor is transferred, for example, by conduction, radiation and convection, to the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article positioned in the heating compartment 16 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate (but not to burn the aerosol-generating substrate) and thereby generate vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the aerosol-generating device 12, for example, through the filter 62. Adding air from the surrounding environment, for example through an air inlet (not shown), assists in the vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate. Typically, the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article 16 is heated to a temperature above 150° C. and in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. to generate vapor.

Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gaseous phase at a temperature below its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can condense into a liquid by increasing its pressure without lowering the temperature, while an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms 'aerosol' and 'vapor' are used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with respect to the form of the inhalable medium produced for inhalation by the user.

The induction coil 64 may be energized by the power supply 44 and the controller. The induction coil 64 may include Litz wire or Litz cable. However, it should be understood that other materials may be used.

In the example shown, the induction coil 64 extends around the heating compartment 16. Accordingly, the induction coil 64 is annular. In the example shown, the induction coil 64 is substantially spiral-shaped. In some examples, the circular cross-section of the spiral-shaped induction coil 64 can facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating article and optionally one or more inductively heatable susceptors into the heating compartment 16 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

The inductively heatable susceptor includes an electrically conductive material. The inductively heatable susceptor may include one or more of, but is not limited to, graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminum, iron, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, low carbon steel and alloys thereof (e.g., nickel chromium or nickel copper), and composite materials of metallic materials. In some examples, the inductively heatable susceptor includes a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel, and low carbon stainless steel.

In use, the inductively heatable susceptor(s) generate heat due to eddy currents and hysteresis losses by applying an electromagnetic field in its vicinity, thereby causing conversion of electromagnetic energy into thermal energy.

The induction coil 64 may be arranged to operate, in use, with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between about 20 mT and about 2.0 T at the point of peak intensity.

The cleaning system 10 includes a cleaning tool 14 that is receivable in a heated compartment 16 of an aerosol generating device 12. In the illustrated example, the cleaning tool 14 includes a central shaft 30 having bristles 32 extending from the central shaft 30. At least some of the bristles 32 extend radially from the central shaft 30. In such an example, the cleaning tool 14 is a brush.

The cleaning system 10 further includes an actuation mechanism 18. The actuation mechanism 18 is configured to be activated to move the cleaning tool 14 received in the heating compartment 16 to mechanically clean the heating compartment 16. In use, activation of the actuation mechanism 18 may cause back-and-forth linear movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16 and/or rotational movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. Accordingly, in use, the cleaning tool 14 moves within and around the heating compartment 16 to perform a cleaning operation.

The cleaning system 10 further comprises a closure member 20 for closing the heating compartment 16. The closure member 20 is configured to be movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 16. In the illustrated example, the closure member 20 is slidably movable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 16. The closure member 20 provides a cover for the heating compartment 16.

In a first state, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2a, the closure member 20 has been moved by a user to open the heating compartment 16. In a second state, illustrated in Figure 2b, the closure member 20 has been moved by a user to close the heating compartment 16.

In an example of the present disclosure, the actuation mechanism 18 is configured to be activated based on the cleaning tool 14 being received in the heating compartment 16 and the heating compartment 16 being closed by the closure member 20. The actuation mechanism 18 may be configured to be activated only when the heating compartment 16 is closed by the closure member 20.

The cleaning system 10 enables cleaning of the heating compartment 16, for example to remove accumulated debris, without requiring the user to perform undesirable manual cleaning operations. The cleaning operation is thus simplified. Furthermore, the cleaning system 10 cleans the heating compartment 16 to a standard consistent with that required to maintain an optimal sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device 12. The cleaning operation is thus improved.

In some examples, the controller of the aerosol generating device 12 is configured to control activation of the actuation mechanism 18. The controller is configured to control activation of the actuation mechanism 18 based on detecting that the cleaning tool 14 is received in the heating compartment 16 and the heating compartment 16 is closed by the closure member 20.

In some examples, the actuating mechanism 18 is configured to mechanically clean the heating compartment 16 according to a predefined cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle can be programmable. The cleaning cycle can run a specific amount of time and/or run according to a set of defined movements of the cleaning tool 14. The cleaning operation is therefore controlled and performed by the actuating mechanism 18, rather than by the user, thereby providing a more consistent and improved cleaning operation. The actuating mechanism 18 can be configured to automatically activate or alternatively can be configured to activate based on a user command.

In a first example of the cleaning system 10, the actuating mechanism 18 includes a coil 22 arranged around the heating compartment 16. In use, the actuating mechanism 18 is activated by energizing the coil 22 to generate a magnetic field, thereby causing linear motion of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. In the illustrated example, the coil 22 is provided by an induction coil 64 of an induction heating assembly 48 of the aerosol generating device 12. In such an example, the cleaning tool 14 may include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be included in the central axis 30 of the cleaning tool 14 or may define the central axis 30 of the cleaning tool 14. The cleaning tool 14 may therefore include a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material.

In some examples, in use, the cleaning tool 14 moves in one direction by a magnetic field against the force of a spring (not shown), and returns to a starting position by spring action when the coil 22 is de-energized. Thus, repeatedly energizing and de-energizing the coil 22 causes a back-and-forth linear motion.

Alternatively, in use, the cleaning tool 14 may be moved in one direction by a magnetic field and returned to a starting position by gravity when the coil 22 is de-energized. Thus, repeatedly energizing and de-energizing the coil 22 may cause a back-and-forth linear motion.

In other examples, in use, the cleaning tool 14 is moved in one direction by the magnetic field and returned to the starting position by reversing the magnetic field. Thus, repeatedly reversing the current energizing the coil 22 causes a back-and-forth linear motion.

Alternatively, in use, the cleaning tool 14 can be driven by a magnetic field to slam against the top and bottom of the heating compartment 16, thereby causing a back and forth linear motion. In such an example, the cleaning tool 14 can include an elastic element (not shown), such as an elastic element with a hemispherical top and bottom.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4a and 4b, a second example of a cleaning system 100 for another aerosol generating device 12 is diagrammatically shown. The cleaning system 100 is similar to the cleaning system 10 described above, and the same reference numerals are used to represent corresponding elements. In the first state illustrated in Figures 3 and 4a, the closure member 20 has been moved by the user to open the heating compartment 16. In the second state illustrated in Figure 4b, the closure member 20 has been moved by the user to close the heating compartment 16.

In a second example of the cleaning system 100, the actuation mechanism 18 comprises an electric motor 24. In use, the actuation mechanism 18 is activated by energizing the electric motor 24, thereby causing rotational movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. The electric motor 24 may be an electric rotary motor.

In the example shown, the electric motor 24 carries a first permanent magnet 26, and the cleaning tool 14 includes a second permanent magnet 28. The cleaning tool 14 may therefore include a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. The end portion 68 of the cleaning tool 14 includes the second permanent magnet 28. The first permanent magnet 26 and the second permanent magnet 28 are spaced apart and arranged to magnetically attract each other when the cleaning tool 14 is received in the heating compartment 16. The opposite poles of the first permanent magnet 26 and the second permanent magnet 28 are aligned. In the example shown, the north pole of the first permanent magnet 26 is aligned with the south pole of the second permanent magnet 28, and the south pole of the first permanent magnet 26 is aligned with the north pole of the second permanent magnet 28.

In use, the first permanent magnet 26 is rotated by activating the actuation mechanism 18 by powering the electric motor 24, thereby causing the cleaning tool 14 to rotate in the heating compartment 16 based on the magnetic attraction between the first permanent magnet 26 and the second permanent magnet 28. Accordingly, in use, the second permanent magnet 28 follows the movement of the first permanent magnet 26, thereby rotating (i.e., spinning) the cleaning tool 14. The first permanent magnet 26 is arranged outside the heating compartment 16.

The heating assembly 46 may be an induction heating assembly 48 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 , 2a and 2b , or alternatively may be a resistive heating assembly (not shown) including a resistive heater having a resistive heating element.

Examples of the present disclosure also provide an aerosol generating device 12 and a cleaning tool 14 that can be used with the cleaning system 10 , 100 .

The figures also illustrate methods of providing a cleaning system 10, 100 according to examples of the present disclosure. The figures also illustrate methods of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 12 according to examples of the present disclosure.

Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprising," "including," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to."

Claims (13)

1. A cleaning system (10, 100) for an aerosol generating device (12), the cleaning system (10, 100) comprising: a cleaning tool (14) receivable in the heated compartment (16) of the aerosol generating device (12); an actuation mechanism (18), wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated to move a cleaning tool (14) received in the heating compartment (16) for mechanically cleaning the heating compartment (16); and A closure member (20) for closing the heating compartment (16), wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated upon the cleaning tool (14) being received in the heating compartment (16) and the heating compartment (16) being closed by the closure member (20). 2. The cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to mechanically clean the heating compartment (16) according to a predefined cleaning cycle. 3. The cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be automatically activated. 4. The cleaning system (10, 100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated based on a user command. 5. A cleaning system (10, 100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, activation of the actuating mechanism (18) causes a back-and-forth linear movement of the cleaning tool (14) in the heating compartment (16) and/or a rotational movement of the cleaning tool (14) in the heating compartment (16). 6. A cleaning system (10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating mechanism (18) comprises a coil (22) arranged around the heating compartment (16), wherein, in use, the actuating mechanism (18) is activated by energizing the coil (22) to generate a magnetic field, thereby causing linear movement of the cleaning tool (14) in the heating compartment (16). 7. The cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 6, wherein the cleaning tool (14) comprises a permanent magnet. 8. A cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the coil (22) is provided by an induction coil of an induction heating assembly (48) of the aerosol generating device (12). 9. A cleaning system (10, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuating mechanism (18) comprises an electric motor (24), wherein, in use, the actuating mechanism (18) is activated by supplying power to the electric motor (24), thereby causing a rotational movement of the cleaning tool (14) in the heating compartment (16). 10. A cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 9, wherein the electric motor (24) carries a first permanent magnet (26) and the cleaning tool (14) includes a second permanent magnet (28), wherein the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet (26, 28) are spaced apart and arranged to magnetically attract each other when the cleaning tool (14) is received in the heating compartment (16), wherein, in use, the first permanent magnet (26) is rotated by energizing the electric motor (24), thereby causing the cleaning tool (14) to rotate in the heating compartment (16) based on the magnetic attraction between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet (26, 28). 11. Cleaning system (10, 100) according to claim 10, wherein the first permanent magnet (26) is arranged outside the heating compartment (16). 12. The cleaning system (10, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning tool (14) comprises a central shaft (30), wherein the bristles (32) extend from the central shaft (30). 13. An aerosol generating device (12) capable of being used with a cleaning system (10, 100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) comprises: a heating compartment (16); an actuation mechanism (18), wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated to move a cleaning tool (14) received in the heating compartment (16) for mechanically cleaning the heating compartment (16); and A closure member (20) for closing the heating compartment (16), wherein the actuation mechanism (18) is configured to be activated upon the cleaning tool (14) being received in the heating compartment (16) and the heating compartment (16) being closed by the closure member (20).