WO2025139207A1 - Manufacturing method and manufacturing device for aerosol-generating matrix - Google Patents

Abstract

A manufacturing method and a manufacturing device for an aerosol-generating matrix. The manufacturing method comprises extruding a mixed material at a high temperature to form an extruded matrix; and performing hot air drying on the extruded matrix. During the high-temperature extrusion molding, the amount of water added to the mixed material can be reduced, and even extrusion can be performed without adding water. The mixed material having a low moisture content is conducive to feeding, and the high-temperature extrusion molding can lower the extrusion pressure and increase the extrusion speed, thereby improving the production efficiency. In addition, at a high temperature, the mixed material may undergo a Maillard reaction, thereby generating more aroma components and improving the mouthfeel of the medium. Hot air drying can be performed on the extruded matrix in batches, and the drying speed is high.

Description

A method and device for manufacturing an aerosol-generating substrate

This disclosure is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202311828391.1 and application date December 27, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this disclosure as a reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of aerosol generating substrates, and in particular to a method and equipment for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate.

Background Art

The aerosol-generating substrate can form an aerosol by ignition or by heating without burning. In the aerosol-generating substrate that is heated without burning, the aerosol-generating substrate is heated by an external heat source so that the aerosol-generating substrate is just heated to a degree sufficient to emit an aerosol, and the aerosol-generating substrate does not burn. The aerosol-generating substrate is loaded with a smoke-generating agent, and when used, the smoke-generating agent is released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate to form an aerosol.

The core of the existing manufacturing system is mainly cast film, coating, and roller pressing. It needs to use hot air drying to control the moisture and shape of the matrix, and needs to use gathering or filling equipment to prepare a cylindrical aerosol-generating matrix. The related methods and manufacturing systems have the problems of long processes, many intermediate products from raw materials to finished products, large investment in the manufacturing system, and easy loss of effective substances during the manufacturing process.

Summary of the invention

In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to provide a method and a device for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate that can improve the yield rate.

To this end, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, comprising:

The mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix;

The extruded matrix is subjected to hot air drying.

In some embodiments, the extrusion temperature of the high temperature extrusion is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C.

In some embodiments, the extrusion temperature of the high temperature extrusion is between 100°C and 150°C.

In some embodiments, the extrusion pressure of the high temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar.

In some embodiments, the extrusion pressure of the high temperature extrusion is between 20 bar and 150 bar.

In some embodiments, the hot air drying temperature is between 50°C and 200°C.

In some embodiments, the water content of the mixed material is between 5% and 15%.

In some embodiments, the hot air drying temperature is between 75°C and 125°C.

In some embodiments, the moisture content of the extruded matrix after drying is between 3% and 13%.

In some embodiments, the extruded matrix has an air channel running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix.

In some embodiments, after the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix, the manufacturing method includes:

The extruded matrix is cut into pieces.

In some embodiments, before the extruded matrix is subjected to hot air drying, the manufacturing method comprises:

The extruded matrix hardens by cooling.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the extruded matrix after hardening is between 1 HB and 200 HB.

In some embodiments, the extruded matrix is extruded in a horizontal direction; or,

The extruded matrix is extruded in a vertical direction; or,

The extruded matrix is extruded in an oblique direction.

In some embodiments, the mixture includes, by weight: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of smoke-generating agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of adhesive raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of flavor raw materials.

The present disclosure also provides a manufacturing device for an aerosol generating substrate, the manufacturing device comprising:

An extrusion device, the extrusion device is used to extrude the mixed material at a high temperature to form an extruded matrix;

A drying device is used for hot air drying the extruded matrix.

In some embodiments, the drying device comprises:

A box body having a drying chamber;

A fan, used to drive the air flow in the drying chamber;

A heating element is disposed in the drying chamber, and is used to heat the airflow in the drying chamber.

In some embodiments, the number of the heating elements is at least two, and the at least two heating elements are spaced apart in the up-and-down direction to form a space for conveying the extruded matrix.

In some embodiments, the extruded matrix has an air passage running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and the drying device includes a guide channel for guiding hot air, wherein the air outlet of the guide channel is located on one side of the extruded matrix in the longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, the drying device comprises a conveyor belt for conveying the extruded matrix, wherein a plurality of grooves are formed on a surface of the conveyor belt facing the extruded matrix, each of the grooves is used to place a strip of the extruded matrix, and at least a portion of the extruded matrix is located in the groove.

In some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus includes a microwave device at least partially located within the drying chamber, the microwave device drying the extruded matrix by emitting microwave radiation.

In some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus includes an ultrasonic device at least partially located within the drying chamber, the ultrasonic device drying the extruded matrix by emitting ultrasonic radiation.

In some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus includes an infrared device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the infrared device dries the extruded matrix by emitting infrared rays.

The manufacturing method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is to extrude the mixed material at high temperature to form an extruded matrix, wherein the mixed material is a mixed material of components of the aerosol-generating matrix, and then the extruded matrix is dried by hot air. The water added in the mixture can be squeezed out even without adding water, and the mixture with low moisture content is conducive to feeding, and high temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure, and by reducing the extrusion pressure, the extrusion matrix with lower density can be obtained, and by improving the extrusion speed, production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixture, the strength of the extrusion matrix formed by high temperature extrusion can maintain its form, and the low-intensity shaping process can meet the subsequent production steps (such as cutting) requirements, and can even directly cut (i.e., the step of not needing to shape), so as to be conducive to shaping, further improve production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixture, the corresponding reduction of the moisture that needs to be deviated from is required, and the drying strength is low, which is more conducive to the retention of the aroma substances in the extrusion matrix, and when the mixture is not added with water, it can even be not dried. And at high temperature, the mixture will undergo Maillard reaction, produce more aroma components, and improve the yield rate. Hot air drying can carry out batch drying to the extrusion matrix, and the drying speed is fast, and the water content of the extrusion matrix is reduced by hot air drying, so that the aerosol generation matrix is stored and used. The aerosol-generating matrix obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying is an integrally formed structure. Thus, during the use of the aerosol-generating matrix, such as when heated and sucked or after the heating stops, the aerosol-generating matrix is an integral medium and is not prone to disintegration and falling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a flowchart of a manufacturing method in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manufacturing system in an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the extrudate is extruded vertically;

FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG2 ;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a manufacturing system in another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the extrudate is extruded in a horizontal direction;

FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a guide channel and a conveyor belt in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG6 is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in FIG5 ;

FIG7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a die in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the die and the extruded matrix shown in FIG7 ;

FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mouth mold and the bottom mold in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of an adapter, a mouth mold and a bottom mold in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a hardening device in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a hardening device in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific implementation methods should be understood as explanations of the purpose of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as improper limitations on the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, the temperature unit "°C" is Celsius. The pressure unit "bar" is bar. The unit "μm" is micrometer. The viscosity unit "pa.s" is Pascal second. The unit "pa" is Pascal.

The aerosol generating substrate is used to generate aerosol by heating. Exemplarily, the aerosol generating substrate can be used to generate aerosol by heating and burning. The aerosol generating substrate can also be used to generate aerosol by heating without burning. That is, the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a temperature below the ignition point to generate aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate does not burn during the process of generating aerosol.

The aerosol generating substrate provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used for an aerosol generating product. The aerosol generating product includes an aerosol generating substrate and a functional segment. The functional segment is arranged at one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction, and the functional segment includes a filter segment for filtering aerosol. The filter segment is used to filter the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate.

Of course, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may not include a functional segment.

The aerosol generating article is used for users to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating matrix. For example, the user can inhale the filtered aerosol by holding the filter section in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating matrix is transported to the filter section under the action of the suction negative pressure.

The aerosol generating article is used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device having a heating component. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

There are many heating methods for the heating component. Exemplary heating methods include center heating, circumferential heating and/or bottom heating. The center heating method refers to the heating component being inserted into the interior of the aerosol generating product to bake and heat the aerosol generating product from the inside to the outside. The circumferential heating method refers to the heating component being arranged at the periphery of the aerosol generating product to bake and heat the aerosol generating product from the outside to the inside. The bottom heating method refers to the heating component being located at the bottom of the aerosol generating product, and the heating component is used to heat the air first, and then the hot air bakes and heats the aerosol generating product from the bottom to the top.

It should be noted that the bottom of the aerosol generating article is the end thereof that is away from the functional section in the longitudinal direction.

The heating methods of the heating component include but are not limited to resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating or laser heating.

In some embodiments, the functional segment may only be provided with a filtering segment.

In some other embodiments, the functional section further includes a cooling section, which is located between the filtering section and the aerosol generating matrix, and is used to cool the aerosol before the filtering section filters the aerosol. The cooling section can improve the "hot mouth" phenomenon when the user inhales the aerosol.

The cooling materials used in the cooling section include but are not limited to one or more combinations of PE (polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), acetate fiber, propylene fiber and other materials.

The filter materials used in the filter section include but are not limited to one or more combinations of PE (polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), acetate fiber, acrylic fiber and other materials.

The materials of the cooling section and the filtering section can be the same or different.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, the manufacturing method comprising:

S100: the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix;

The mixed material is a component of the aerosol generating matrix. High temperature extrusion is used to shape the mixed material to obtain an extruded matrix 1000, which has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating matrix. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the extruded matrix 1000 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating matrix. The mixed material is structured and shaped using an extrusion process without changing the chemical properties of the mixed material.

It should be noted that the longitudinal direction refers to the extension direction of the aerosol generating matrix. For example, if the aerosol generating matrix is formed by extrusion, the longitudinal direction is the extension direction of the extruded matrix 1000. The cross-sectional shape refers to the cross-sectional shape of the extruded matrix 1000 with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as the cross section. Current shape.

Please refer to Figures 2 to 4. Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which the mixed material is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel and the extrusion screw 12 of the extrusion device 1 and is formed into an extruded matrix 1000 with various cross-sectional shapes through the die 13 of the discharge port 11c.

High temperature extrusion refers to extrusion temperature higher than 90°C.

It should be noted that in the field of extrusion, extrusion temperatures above 90°C are considered high temperature extrusion. Extrusion temperatures between 10°C and 90°C (including 10°C and 90°C) are considered room temperature extrusion. The extrusion temperature is the temperature inside the extrusion cavity 11a of the extrusion device 1.

Temperature affects the retention rate of volatile aroma substances, extrusion pressure, extrusion speed and other parameters of the extruded material. High and low temperature extrusion can reduce the extrusion pressure and increase the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extruded matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained, and by increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved.

At the same extrusion speed, the extrusion pressure required for high-temperature extrusion is smaller than that for normal-temperature extrusion or low-temperature extrusion, and an extruded matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained; at the same extrusion pressure, high-temperature extrusion can have a faster extrusion speed.

During high temperature extrusion molding, the water added in the mixture can be reduced, and even no additional water can be squeezed out, the mixture of low moisture content is conducive to feeding, and high temperature extrusion molding can reduce extrusion pressure and promote extrusion speed, by reducing extrusion pressure, the extrusion matrix 1000 with lower density can be obtained, by promoting extrusion speed, production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixture, the intensity of the extrusion matrix 1000 formed by high temperature extrusion can keep its form, and the low-intensity shaping can meet the subsequent production step (such as cutting) demand, and even direct cutting (i.e., the step of not needing to shape) can be used, thereby being conducive to shaping, further improving production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixture, the corresponding reduction of the moisture that needs to be deviated from is required, and the drying strength is low, which is more conducive to the reservation of the aroma substance in the extrusion matrix 1000, when the mixture does not add water, it can even be not dried. And at high temperature, Maillard reaction will occur in the mixture, producing more aroma components, which can effectively improve the medium mouthfeel.

It should be noted that the Maillard reaction is also called non-enzymatic browning reaction, which is a non-enzymatic browning reaction widely used in the food industry. It is a reaction between carbonyl compounds (reducing sugars) and amino compounds (amino acids and proteins). After a complex process, it eventually produces brown or even black macromolecular substances called melanoidins or pseudo-melanins, so it is also called carbonyl-amino reaction. Certain aroma components will be produced during the reaction.

Exemplarily, the extrusion temperature of high temperature extrusion is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C (i.e., not greater than 200°C). For example, the extrusion temperature of high temperature extrusion is 91°C, 100°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C, 180°C, 184°C, 188°C, 190°C, 196°C or 200°C, etc.

When the extrusion temperature is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C (i.e., not greater than 200°C), the extrusion pressure can be at an equilibrium point, and the extruded extrusion matrix 1000 has a uniform shape and a stable structure. When the temperature is greater than 90°C, the mixture does not need to add more water, and by reducing the extrusion pressure, an extrusion matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. When the temperature is not greater than 200°C, the temperature of the mixture is appropriate, has a certain degree of adhesion, is not prone to loosening and cracking problems, and does not lose more low-volatile aroma components, reducing manufacturing energy consumption. In other words, by controlling the extrusion temperature to be greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C, the extrusion matrix 1000 with different densities and different aroma components can be obtained by matching a suitable extrusion speed, which can effectively improve the yield rate.

More preferably, the extrusion temperature of the high temperature extrusion is between 100° C. and 150° C. (including 100° C. and 150° C.).

In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure of high temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar (including 10 bar and 300 bar). The extrusion pressure of high temperature extrusion is 10bar, 20bar, 40bar, 50bar, 55bar, 60bar, 70bar, 75bar, 80bar, 86bar, 90bar, 95bar, 110bar, 140bar, 170bar, 200bar, 210bar, 220bar, 230bar, 240bar, 250bar, 260bar, 270bar, 280bar, 290bar or 300bar, etc.

The extrusion pressure described in the embodiment of the present disclosure refers to the extrusion pressure of the extrusion die (eg, the die 13 ) located at the discharge port 11 c of the extrusion device 1 .

The extrusion pressure will affect the molding shape, surface smoothness, yield rate, production rate and density of the aerosol generating matrix. When the extrusion pressure is lower than 10 bar, the extruded matrix 1000 may crack after molding due to loose adhesion; when the extrusion pressure is higher than 300 bar, the extruded matrix 1000 is too dense (that is, the density of the extruded matrix 1000 is too large), which reduces the user experience, and the material of the extrusion device 1 needs to be resistant to high pressure, and the transmission structure of the extrusion device 1 has a high load (the torque required to be provided is high), which leads to a reduction in the service life of the extrusion device 1 and a high investment cost of the extrusion device 1. Therefore, controlling the extrusion pressure within the range of 10 bar to 300 bar can not only improve the yield rate of the aerosol generating matrix, but also extend the service life of the extrusion device 1.

More preferably, the extrusion pressure of high temperature extrusion is 20 bar to 150 bar (including 20 bar and 150 bar).

In some embodiments, the water content of the mixed material is between 5% and 15% (including 5% and 15%). Exemplarily, the water content of the mixed material is 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14% or 15%, etc.

It can be understood that the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form the extruded matrix 1000, which can reduce the amount of water added to the mixed material, and can even be extruded without adding water. High-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and reduce the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extruded matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved.

When the water content of the mixed material is lower than 5%, the mixed material is loose and difficult to shape, the extrusion pressure is too large, the extrusion speed is slow, and the production efficiency and yield are reduced; when the water content of the mixed material is higher than 15%, the water content of the mixed material is too high, and the viscosity of the slurry becomes poor when extruded at high temperature, and it is difficult to shape. Therefore, controlling the water content of the mixed material within the range of 5% to 15% can not only improve the production efficiency and yield of the aerosol generation matrix, but also improve the yield of the aerosol generation matrix.

S200: hot air drying the extruded matrix.

If the aerosol-generating matrix contains excessive liquid such as water, the aerosol-generating matrix is not easy to store and transport, and is easily deformed by force, and is also easy to "burn the mouth" when the aerosol-generating matrix is heated. Therefore, the extruded matrix 1000 contains a lot of solvents such as water and/or other volatile lubricants, and the solvents and/or lubricants need to be removed to obtain a dry aerosol-generating matrix for use or storage.

Hot air drying refers to using a hot air flow to dry the extruded matrix 1000. The hot air flow can contact the extruded matrix 1000 to transfer heat to the extruded matrix 1000, so that the solvent and/or lubricant in the extruded matrix 1000 evaporates or sublimates, thereby reducing the content of the solvent and/or the content of the lubricant in the extruded matrix 1000, and achieving the purpose of drying the extruded matrix 1000.

The manufacturing method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is to extrude the mixed material at high temperature to form an extruded matrix 1000, wherein the mixed material is a component mixed material of the aerosol generating matrix, and then the extruded matrix 1000 is dried by hot air. When high-temperature extrusion molding is performed, the water added to the mixed material can be reduced, and it can even be extruded without adding water. The mixed material with low moisture content is conducive to feeding, and high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and reduce the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, a lower density extruded matrix 1000 can be obtained, and by increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the extruded matrix formed by high-temperature extrusion The strength of the matrix 1000 can maintain its form, and the low-intensity shaping can meet the needs of subsequent production steps (such as slitting), and can even be directly slid (i.e., no need to perform shaping steps), so as to facilitate shaping and further improve production efficiency. Furthermore, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the corresponding reduction of the water that needs to be deviated from, the low drying strength, the retention of the aroma substances in the extruded matrix 1000, when the mixed material is not added with water, can even not be dried. Moreover, at high temperatures, the mixed material will undergo Maillard reaction, produce more aroma components, and improve the medium mouthfeel. Hot air drying can be batch dried to the extruded matrix 1000, and the drying speed is fast. The water content of the extruded matrix 1000 is reduced by hot air drying, so that the aerosol generation matrix can be stored and used. The aerosol generation matrix obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying is an integrated structure. In this way, the aerosol generation matrix is an integrated medium, such as being heated and sucked or stopped being heated during use, and is not prone to the problem of disintegration and falling.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, please refer to FIG. 8 , the aerosol generating substrate is formed with an air channel 1000a, and the air channel 1000a runs through at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. For example, the air channel 1000a runs through one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. For another example, the air channel 1000a runs through both ends of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. The airflow can flow longitudinally from one end of the aerosol generating substrate to the other end of the aerosol generating substrate. In this way, the airflow formed by the air carrying the aerosol can flow more smoothly, and the airflow flow resistance is smaller, which can significantly reduce the suction resistance during the suction process and improve the suction experience.

In one embodiment, the air channel 1000a may be formed inside the aerosol generating substrate or on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating substrate.

In one embodiment, the air channel 1000a is a linear air channel 1000a extending in a straight line. The linear air channel 1000a is easy to form and can reduce the difficulty of manufacturing. The flow resistance of the airflow in the linear air channel 1000a is relatively small.

In one embodiment, the airway 1000a is a curved airway 1000a, and at least part of the hole section of the curved airway 1000a is a curved shape with a curvature of not less than . The curved airway 1000a can greatly increase the flow path of the airflow without significantly increasing the length of the aerosol generating substrate, and can extend the contact time between the airflow and the hole wall of the curved airway 1000a, thereby improving the aerosol extraction rate.

In one embodiment, the curved airway 1000a is in the shape of a spiral line. In other words, the three-dimensional shape of the curved airway 1000a is in the shape of a spatial spiral line. For example, during the extrusion process, the curved airway 1000a of the extruded matrix 1000 is formed by rotating the die 13. The line connecting any point of the spiral curved airway 1000a and the starting point has an inclination angle relative to its axis. The spiral curved airway 1000a can greatly extend the flow path of the airflow, precipitate the aerosol from the aerosol generating matrix into the curved airway 1000a, increase the flow speed of the aerosol in the aerosol generating matrix, thereby increasing the impact force of the airflow, allowing the aerosol to be evenly mixed, improving the uniformity of the aerosol, and enhancing the user's suction experience.

It should be understood that the extruded substrate 1000 is a semi-finished product of the aerosol generating substrate. The extruded substrate 1000 has the same morphology as the aerosol generating substrate. In the case where the aerosol generating substrate has air channels 1000a, the extruded substrate 1000 also has the same air channels 1000a.

There is no limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located inside the aerosol generating matrix. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangle, square, prism, etc.), elliptical, racetrack-shaped or irregular-shaped, etc., wherein irregular-shaped refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

The cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating substrate can be semicircular, semi-elliptical, polygonal or irregular, etc., wherein irregular refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

The number of airways 1000a is not limited, and the airways 1000a may be one or more than one. More than one means that the number includes two or more than two.

It should be noted that there are micropores inside the aerosol generating matrix. For example, for the aerosol generating matrix of the particle combination, the gaps between the particles constitute the micropores. However, the airway 1000a described in the present disclosure is different from the micropores. The airway 1000a described in the present disclosure is a hole in the macroscopic sense, and the micropores are holes in the microscopic sense. The cross-sectional area and length of the airway 1000a are much larger than those of the micropores. The airway 1000a is mainly processed by, for example, the die 13. Therefore, the cross-sectional area and length of the airway 1000a can be changed according to the design requirements, while the size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the particles. For example, the mixed material is a granular material, and the extrudate formed by extrusion of the mixed material has micropores. The cross-sectional area and length of the micropores are difficult to be significantly changed by processing.

In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix, comprising:

The mixed material is extruded at high temperature through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000 .

In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at high temperature through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000, including:

S101: firstly mixing a plurality of raw materials into a mixed material;

S102: Add the mixed material into the extrusion device.

In this embodiment, multiple raw materials such as plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and smoke agent raw materials are pre-mixed to form a mixed material, which is then added to the extrusion device 1 for extrusion molding, that is, a slurry feeding method is adopted. The advantage of the slurry feeding method is that the material has good consistency, which can ensure the uniformity and stability of the product.

In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at high temperature through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000, including:

S103: Adding a plurality of raw materials into a plurality of feed ports of an extruder respectively to form a mixed material in the extruder.

In this embodiment, various raw materials such as plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and smoke-generating agent raw materials are added to the extrusion device 1 in modules, and the various raw materials are mixed in the extrusion device 1. That is, a module-based feeding method is adopted.

Exemplarily, please refer to Figures 2 to 4. One of the multiple feed ports 11b is a solid feed port 11b1 for adding solid material, and one of the multiple feed ports 11b is a liquid feed port 11b2 for adding liquid material. The liquid feed port 11b2 is located downstream of the solid feed port 11b1 along the material flow direction. When adding materials, the solid material is first added through the solid feed port 11b1, and when the solid material reaches the liquid feed port 11b2, the liquid material is added. In addition, the amount of material added and the speed can also be determined according to the production speed of the equipment and the material formula ratio. The advantage of this modular feeding method is that it can reduce the cost of material pre-treatment, ensure the continuity of the production process, and at the same time improve product production efficiency.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 to 4, the extruder 1 includes a feeding screw 14 rotatably disposed in the feed port 11b. The feeding screw 14 can further homogenize the raw material and can better ensure continuous and stable feeding of the raw material.

In one embodiment, please refer to FIG. 4 , the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded in the horizontal direction. For example, the discharge port 11c is oriented in the horizontal direction, and the die 13 can be arranged in the horizontal direction. Exemplarily, for an extruded matrix 1000 having a curved, such as a spiral airway 1000a, the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded in the horizontal direction, and the extruded matrix 1000 can be directly entered into the next device, such as the hardening device 5, through the rotating die 13. Since the rotation of the die 13 will cause a certain stress to be generated in the extruded matrix 1000, the horizontal extrusion can reduce the direct release of the stress generated by the extruded matrix 1000 (the generated stress can be eliminated by heating), thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol-generating matrix having the spiral airway 1000a.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded in a vertical direction. In other words, the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded along the direction of gravity. For example, for the extruded matrix 1000 with a linear air channel 1000a, the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded along the vertical direction to improve the yield rate, reduce the investment cost of the extrusion device 1, and also reduce the floor space of the extrusion device 1.

In one embodiment, the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded along an inclined direction. The inclined direction refers to the angle between the extrusion direction of the extruded matrix 1000 and the horizontal plane being greater than 0° and less than 90°. Inclined extrusion can not only reduce the extrusion pressure of the mixed material, but also facilitate the spatial design of other devices such as the drying device 2.

In one embodiment, the mixed material includes, by weight: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of smoke-generating agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of adhesive raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of flavor raw materials. Specifically, the total weight of the plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials, smoke-generating agent raw materials, adhesive raw materials, and flavor raw materials is 100 parts.

Plant raw materials are used to generate aerosols when heated. Auxiliary raw materials are used to provide skeleton support for plant raw materials. Smoke-generating agent raw materials are used to generate smoke when heated. Adhesive raw materials are used to bond component raw materials. Flavor raw materials are used to provide characteristic aromas. In this way, plant raw materials and smoke-generating agent raw materials can ensure the amount of aerosol generated, while flavor raw materials can increase the release of aroma during the inhalation process and enhance user experience. Auxiliary raw materials can not only improve the fluidity of the mixed materials, but also make the aerosol generation matrix porous to facilitate the extraction and flow of aerosols. Adhesive raw materials ensure that plant raw material powder and auxiliary agents form a stable mixture to avoid loose structure.

In one embodiment, the plant raw material is one or more combinations of particles formed by crushing tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants. The plant raw material is the core source of aroma. The endogenous substances in the plant raw material can give users a sense of physiological satisfaction. The endogenous substances, such as alkaloids, enter the human blood and promote the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby obtaining a sense of physiological satisfaction.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent raw material can be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Among them, the inorganic filler includes one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. The inorganic filler can provide a skeleton support for the plant raw material, and the inorganic filler also has micropores, which can increase the porosity of the aerosol generation matrix, thereby increasing the aerosol release rate.

The lubricant includes one or more combinations of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The lubricant can increase the fluidity of the plant raw material powder, reduce the friction between the plant raw material powders, make the overall density of the plant raw material powder distribution more uniform, and also reduce the pressure required in the extrusion molding process, reducing the wear of the die 13.

The emulsifier includes one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid ester, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. The emulsifier can slow down the loss of flavor substances during storage to a certain extent, increase the stability of flavor substances, and improve the sensory quality of the product.

In one embodiment, the smoke-generating agent raw material may include: a monohydric alcohol (such as menthol); a polyhydric alcohol (such as propylene glycol, glycerol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol); an ester of a polyhydric alcohol (such as triacetin, triethyl citrate, a mixture of diacetin esters, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, glyceryl tributyrate); a monocarboxylic acid; a dicarboxylic acid; a polycarboxylic acid (such as lauric acid, myristic acid) or an aliphatic ester of a polycarboxylic acid (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, Triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetin esters, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, glyceryl tributyrate, lauryl acetate) or one or more combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the adhesive raw material is in close contact with the component raw material interface by wetting, generating an attraction between molecules, thereby The adhesive raw material can be a natural plant extract, a non-ionized modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and modified cellulose (such as carboxymethyl cellulose). The adhesive is used to bond the particles together and is not easy to loosen. In addition, it improves the water resistance of the aerosol generation matrix and is harmless to the human body.

In one embodiment, the flavor raw material is used to provide a characteristic aroma, such as a solid or liquid substance of hay aroma, roasted sweet aroma, and nicotine. The flavor raw material may include one or more combinations of tobacco, flavor plant extracts, extracts, essential oils, and absolute oils; the flavor raw material may include one or more combinations of monomer flavor substances, such as megastigmatriene, neophytadiene, geraniol, nerol, and the like.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the temperature of hot air drying is between 50° C. and 200° C. For example, the temperature of hot air drying is 50° C., 60° C., 61° C., 63° C., 65° C., 70° C., 72° C., 74° C., 85° C., 90° C., 95° C., 100° C., 128° C., 130° C., 135° C., 140° C., 145° C., 150° C. or 200° C., etc. When the temperature of hot air drying is less than 50° C., the drying time is long, the production efficiency is low, the drying device 2 occupies a large area, and the equipment cost is high. When the hot air drying temperature is greater than 200°C, the moisture on the surface of the extruded matrix 1000 evaporates quickly, while the moisture inside the extruded matrix 1000 evaporates slowly, resulting in rapid shrinkage of the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000, which is not conducive to the uniformity and stability of the shape and composition of the extruded matrix 1000. In addition, the aroma components and effective ingredients in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and/or smoke-generating agents, are easily lost due to heat, resulting in high manufacturing costs and reduced quality of the finished aerosol-generating matrix, and a reduced user experience.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the temperature of hot air drying is between 75°C and 125°C. For example, the temperature of hot air drying is 75°C, 76°C, 80°C, 81°C, 82°C, 83°C, 86°C, 91°C, 94°C, 96°C, 98°C, 99°C, 101°C, 105°C, 106°C, 110°C, 120°C or 125°C, etc. The hot air drying adopts the above temperature, and the extruded matrix 1000 can be dried slowly. Under the condition of ensuring a high drying efficiency, the evaporation rate of the liquid inside the extruded matrix 1000 and the evaporation rate of the liquid on the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000 tend to be consistent, reducing the probability of the morphology of the extruded matrix 1000 changing with hot air drying. The aroma components and effective components in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and/or smoke-generating agents, are not easily lost by heat, and the effective substances can be retained as much as possible to ensure the quality of the finished aerosol-generating matrix.

In one embodiment, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is between 3% and 13%. Preferably, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is between 4% and 13%. Exemplarily, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 11% or 13%, etc. In the case where the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is less than 3%, not only is the dried extruded matrix 1000 fragile in the subsequent production and processing process, resulting in a high subsequent production defect rate of the dried extruded matrix 1000, thereby increasing the production cost; and in the process of heating and puffing, the impurities generated by the aerosol-generating matrix are high, affecting the puffing experience. In the case where the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is greater than 13%, the moisture content of the aerosol of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is high during the heating and puffing process, and it is easy to produce a "hot mouth" phenomenon during the puffing process, reducing the puffing experience.

In one embodiment, the extruded matrix 1000 has an air channel 1000a running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix 1000. The hot air can not only contact the outer peripheral surface of the extruded matrix 1000, but also enter the air channel 1000a, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the extruded matrix 1000 and improving the drying efficiency.

In one embodiment, after the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix 1000, the manufacturing method includes:

S300: Cutting the extruded matrix.

2 and 3, the extruded matrix 1000 can be cut by the cutting tool 61 of the cutting device 6 so that the extruded matrix 1000 In this way, the extruded matrix 1000 of the set length can be suitable for the subsequent drying device 2 or packaging device 7, reducing the requirements for the subsequent devices.

It is understandable that the specific value of the set length is not limited, and the set length can be set according to the aerosol generating matrix or according to the conditions of the manufacturing equipment.

In some embodiments, the extruded matrix 1000 extruded at high temperature is in a continuous structure. That is, during the extrusion process, the extruded matrix 1000 is continuously extruded so that the extruded matrix 1000 is in a continuous structure. Continuous extrusion can improve extrusion efficiency, and the extruded matrix 1000 is subsequently cut to a set length to shorten the length.

In some embodiments, the extruded matrix 1000 is a segmented structure of a preset length. That is, during the extrusion process, the extruded matrix 1000 naturally separates when it reaches the preset length. For example, the extruded matrix 1000 may separate from the die 13 when it reaches a preset length because it reaches a critical value. In this way, the preset length of the extruded matrix 1000 may be the length of the aerosol generating matrix, and the extruded matrix 1000 may not be cut, so that the cutting device 6 can be saved and the equipment cost can be reduced.

It should be understood that the preset length may be greater than, less than or equal to the set length.

It should be noted that, in some embodiments, step S300 may be before step S200, that is, the extruded matrix 1000 may be cut before hot air drying the extruded matrix 1000. In some embodiments, step S300 may be after step S200, that is, the extruded matrix 1000 may be cut after hot air drying the extruded matrix 1000.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes: S500, correcting the shape of the extruded matrix 1000. Correcting the shape refers to correcting the circumference and/or straightness of the extruded matrix 1000 by a jig. Straightness refers to the degree of curvature of the extruded matrix 1000 in the longitudinal direction.

Since the texture of the extruded matrix 1000 is usually relatively soft, during the manufacturing process of the extruded matrix 1000, the circumference of the extruded matrix 1000 is deformed and/or the extruded matrix 1000 is bent in the longitudinal direction. For example, during the process of slitting the extruded matrix 1000 by the slitting device 6, the circumference of the extruded matrix 1000 may be deformed and/or the extruded matrix 1000 may be bent in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the extruded matrix 1000 can be calibrated for circumference and/or straightness by a jig.

It should be noted that step S500 can be implemented in any case where correction is required after step S100, and step S500 can be implemented once or multiple times during the entire manufacturing process of the aerosol generating substrate. For example, step S500 can be implemented before and/or after step S300. For another example, step S500 can be implemented before step S200.

In one embodiment, before the extruded matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying, the manufacturing method includes:

S400: Hardening of the extruded matrix by cooling.

Please refer to Figures 2 to 4, the extruded matrix 1000 is cooled and hardened by the hardening device 5. Since the mixed material is a solid-liquid mixture, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 after high-temperature extrusion is relatively low, so that the extruded matrix 1000 after high-temperature extrusion is easily deformed and it is difficult to maintain the shape of the extruded matrix 1000. In order to improve the stability of the shape of the extruded matrix 1000 and facilitate the subsequent production process, the extruded matrix 1000 is cooled and hardened to increase its hardness.

In some embodiments, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 before hardening is between 0HB and 100HB (including 0HB and 100HB), which makes the extruded matrix 1000 before hardening soft and easy to deform.

In one embodiment, the hardness of the hardened extruded matrix 1000 is between 1HB and 200HB. For example, the hardness of the hardened extruded matrix 1000 is 1HB, 10HB, 20HB, 30HB, 40HB, 50HB, 80HB, 100HB, 150HB or 200HB. In this hardness range, the hardened extruded matrix 1000 can maintain its shape well, avoiding the situation that the outer surface of the hardened extruded matrix 1000 is adhered to other structures, the hardened extruded matrix 1000 is easy to cut, and the extruded matrix 1000 is not easy to deform after cutting, and the end surface formed by cutting is integral and complete.

Preferably, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 before cooling and hardening can be 1HB to 60HB (including 1HB and 60HB), and after cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 can be 40HB to 120HB (including 40HB and 120HB), and after hot air drying, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 can be 40HB to 300HB (including 40HB and 300HB). Preferably, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 after hot air drying can be 80HB to 250HB (including 80HB and 250HB).

It should be noted that HB is the Brinell hardness.

In some embodiments, hardening the extruded matrix 1000 by cooling includes placing the extruded matrix 1000 in a cooling environment for cooling and hardening, wherein the cooling environment temperature is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 .

Exemplarily, under the premise that the cooling environment temperature is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix 1000, if the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 is -100°C to 10°C (including -100°C and 10°C), the cooling environment temperature can be -270°C to 10°C (including -270°C and 10°C).

More preferably, if the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 is -30°C to 5°C (inclusive), the cooling environment temperature may be -50°C to 5°C (inclusive).

In one embodiment, the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 before hardening is between 0° C. and 40° C., and the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 after hardening is between -50° C. and 5° C. Exemplarily, the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 after hardening is -50° C., -45° C., -40° C., -39° C., -35° C., -30° C., -25° C., -20° C., -15° C., -10° C., -5° C., 0° C., 1° C., 3° C., or 5° C., etc.

The following are several specific embodiments to illustrate the manufacturing method of the present disclosure, which are described in detail as follows:

In the first specific embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is obtained through steps S100, S400, S300, and S200 in sequence. In this embodiment, the extrusion molding is performed through step S100, the extruded matrix 1000 is hardened through step S400, the hardness of the extruded matrix 1000 is increased through hardening, so as to perform the cutting in step S300, and finally the moisture content of the extruded matrix 1000 is reduced through S200 to obtain the finished aerosol generating matrix.

In the second specific embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate is obtained by sequentially performing steps S100, S300, and S200. The difference between this embodiment and the first specific embodiment is that the hardening step is reduced, that is, the extruded substrate 1000 extruded from the extrusion device 1 can be directly cut. For example, when the length of the aerosol generating substrate along the longitudinal direction is short, the slight deformation caused by the cutting has no effect on the subsequent production, and the hardening step can be omitted.

In the third specific embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is obtained by sequentially performing steps S100, S200, and S300. The difference between this embodiment and the second specific embodiment is that the hot air drying step and the slitting step are swapped in order. In this embodiment, the extruded matrix 1000 extruded by step S100 is first subjected to hot air drying in step S200 and then slitting. The extruded matrix 1000 may shrink in volume after hot air drying. By first hot air drying and then slitting, the longitudinal size consistency of the aerosol generating matrix after slitting can be improved.

In the fourth specific embodiment: the aerosol generating matrix is obtained by sequentially performing steps S100 and S200. The difference between this embodiment and the first specific embodiment is that the hardening step and the cutting step are reduced, that is, the extruded matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying to obtain a finished aerosol generating matrix. Exemplarily, the extruded matrix 1000 is extruded in a vertical direction, and the extruded matrix 1000 reaches a preset length (for example, the extruded matrix 1000 reaches a critical value), and the extruded matrix 1000 will naturally detach (separate), and the preset length of the extruded matrix 1000 is the aerosol generating matrix. The sol generates the required length of the matrix. In this way, there is no need for hardening and slitting steps, thereby reducing subsequent processing processes and reducing production costs.

In one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes:

A wrapping layer is wrapped around the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate.

Please refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , a wrapping layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate by the packaging device 7 , and the aerosol generating substrate can be protected by the wrapping layer.

The wrapping layer includes but is not limited to one or more combinations of fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, PE (Polyethylene), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) and other materials.

In some embodiments, after the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate is wrapped with a wrapping layer, it can be combined with the functional segment to form an aerosol generating product.

In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate may be first combined with the functional segment, and then the outer surfaces of the aerosol generating substrate and the functional segment may be wrapped with a wrapping layer to form an aerosol generating product.

In some other embodiments, the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate may be firstly wrapped with a wrapping layer, and then combined with the functional segment and wrapped with the wrapping layer to form an aerosol generating product. In other words, the outer surface of the aerosol generating substrate may be wrapped with multiple wrapping layers.

Please refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 . The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a manufacturing device for an aerosol-generating substrate. The manufacturing device includes an extrusion device 1 and a drying device 2 .

The extrusion device 1 is used for extruding the mixed material at high temperature to form an extruded matrix 1000 .

The drying device 2 is used for drying the extruded matrix 1000 by hot air.

The manufacturing equipment provided by the disclosed embodiment, the extrusion device 1 extrudes the mixed material at high temperature, the water added in the mixed material can be reduced, and even no water can be added to extrude, the mixed material with low moisture content is conducive to feeding, and the high temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and reduce the extrusion speed, by reducing the extrusion pressure, the extrusion matrix 1000 with lower density can be obtained, and by improving the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the strength of the extrusion matrix 1000 formed by high temperature extrusion can maintain its form, and the low-intensity shaping can meet the subsequent production steps (such as cutting) requirements, and even direct cutting (i.e., the step of not needing to shape), so as to be conducive to shaping, further improve production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the corresponding reduction of the moisture that needs to be deviated from, the low drying strength, is more conducive to the retention of the aroma substances in the extrusion matrix 1000, when the mixed material is not added with water, it can even be not dried. And at high temperature, the mixed material will undergo Maillard reaction, produce more aroma components, and improve the yield rate. Hot air drying can dry the extruded matrix 1000 in batches at a fast drying speed. The water content of the extruded matrix 1000 is reduced by hot air drying, so as to facilitate the storage and use of the aerosol-generating matrix. The aerosol-generating matrix obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying is an integrated structure. In this way, during the use of the aerosol-generating matrix, for example, after being heated and sucked or after stopping being heated, it is an integrated medium, and the problem of disintegration and falling is not easy to occur.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , the drying device 2 includes a housing 21, a fan 22 and a heating element 23. The housing 21 has a drying chamber 21a. The fan 22 is used to drive the airflow in the drying chamber 21a. The heating element 23 is disposed in the drying chamber 21a. The heating element 23 is used to heat the airflow in the drying chamber 21a. In this way, the heating element 23 generates heat to heat the airflow in the drying chamber 21a. The fan 22 is used to drive the airflow in the drying chamber 21a. 22 accelerates the flow of air in the drying chamber 21a.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the number of the heating elements 23 is at least two, and the at least two heating elements 23 are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction to form an interval space for the extruded matrix 1000 to be conveyed. That is, the extruded matrix 1000 is conveyed in the interval space, and the at least two heating elements 23 are located at the upper and lower sides of the extruded matrix 1000. In this way, the at least two heating elements 23 bake the extruded matrix 1000 synchronously from the top and the bottom, so that the extruded matrix 1000 can be heated evenly, the shape stability of the extruded matrix 1000 can be improved, and the dehydration efficiency can be improved, and the load of a single heating element 23 can be reduced.

In some embodiments, only one heating element 23 may be provided. Similarly, when the heating efficiency of the heating element 23 is very high, a better drying effect can be achieved.

The structural shape of the heating element 23 is not limited. For example, please refer to Figures 3 and 4. The heating element 23 is a plate-like structure. The heating element 23 can be a flat plate or a curved plate. The heating element 23 with a plate-like structure can be placed in the horizontal direction. In other words, the thickness direction of the heating element 23 with a plate-like structure is perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the drying device 2 comprises a conveyor belt 25 for conveying the extruded matrix 1000, and the conveyor belt 25 is formed with a plurality of grooves 25a toward the surface of the extruded matrix 1000, each groove 25a is used to place an extruded matrix 1000, and at least part of the extruded matrix 1000 is located in the groove 25a. The conveyor belt 25 can rotate to drive the extruded matrix 1000 to produce displacement. Exemplarily, a plurality of grooves 25a are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 25, and the length direction of the groove 25a intersects with the conveying direction. The two ends of the length direction of the groove 25a run through the two ends of the width direction of the conveyor belt 25. On the one hand, the groove wall surface of the groove 25a can limit the movement of the extruded matrix 1000 to avoid displacement of the extruded matrix 1000 during the conveying process. On the other hand, each groove 25a is used to place an extruded matrix 1000, and the groove 25a can prevent multiple extruded matrices 1000 from contacting and sticking.

In one embodiment, the groove 25a is formed with an introduction port 51a. The extruded matrix 1000 is introduced into the groove 25a through the introduction port 51a.

Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 25 a is not limited, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove 25 a may be semicircular or semi-elliptical, etc.

In some embodiments, the drying device 2 may also include a clamping member, which is used to clamp the extruded matrix 1000 to fix the extruded matrix 1000 on the conveyor belt 25. The clamping member limits the movement of the extruded matrix 1000 relative to the conveyor belt 25.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the housing 21 is formed with an inlet 21b and a delivery outlet 21c51c both of which are communicated with the drying chamber 21a, and a portion of the conveyor belt 25 is disposed in the space between the two heating elements 23. The conveyor belt 25 is used to convey the extruded matrix 1000 from the inlet 21b to the delivery outlet 21c51c. The extruded matrix 1000 is placed on the conveyor belt 25 through the inlet 21b, and is conveyed to the delivery outlet 21c51c by the conveyor belt 25. The continuous conveyance of the extruded matrix 1000 can be achieved by the conveyor belt 25.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 , the extruded matrix 1000 has an air passage 1000a running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and the drying device 2 includes a guide channel 24 for guiding hot air, and an air outlet 24a of the guide channel 24 is located at one side of the extruded matrix 1000 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the air outlet 24a of the guide channel 24 faces the opening of the air passage 1000a of the extruded matrix 1000. In this way, the air flow blown out of the air outlet 24a of the guide channel 24 can enter the air passage 1000a through the opening of the air passage 1000a. For example, during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix 1000; thereby, the contact area between the hot air and the extruded matrix 1000 can be increased, thereby improving the drying efficiency.

For example, in one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 , the outlet 51c of the fan 22 is connected to the air inlet 24b of the guide channel 24, so that the airflow from the fan 22 can flow out from the air outlet 24a of the guide channel 24. The heating element 23 can be disposed in the guide channel 24. The heating element 23 may also be disposed in the housing of the fan 22 .

It is understandable that the air outlet direction of the air outlet 24a of the guide channel 24 may also be inclined at a certain angle to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix 1000. In this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the extruded matrix 1000 may be heated simultaneously to improve the drying efficiency.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the manufacturing device includes a microwave device 3 at least partially located in the drying chamber 21a, and the microwave device 3 dries the extruded matrix 1000 by emitting microwave radiation. Microwave radiation drying refers to the use of microwaves to cause the polar molecules inside the extruded matrix 1000 to vibrate violently to generate heat to promote the volatilization of water in the extruded matrix 1000, which can reduce the hot air drying temperature, reduce the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol-generating matrix.

For example, in some embodiments, microwave radiation drying may be performed before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the manufacturing device includes an ultrasonic device 4 at least partially located in the drying chamber 21a, and the ultrasonic device 4 radiates ultrasonic waves to dry the extruded matrix 1000. Ultrasonic radiation drying refers to the use of ultrasonic waves to produce cavitation effect on the water inside the extruded matrix 1000, reduce the water volatilization temperature, promote water volatilization, reduce the hot air drying temperature, reduce the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol generation matrix.

For example, in some embodiments, ultrasonic radiation drying may be performed before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the manufacturing equipment includes an infrared device (not shown) at least partially located in the drying chamber 21a, and the infrared device dries the extruded matrix 1000 by emitting infrared rays. The infrared device refers to an infrared generator that emits infrared rays. When the vibration number of the infrared rays is equal to the natural frequency of water, a situation similar to the resonance motion in vibration theory will occur. Collisions between molecules occur inside the extruded matrix 1000, generating a self-heating effect, and some molecules break free from the constraints of the extruded matrix 1000 on them, and the water is separated from the extruded matrix 1000, thereby heating the material quickly and effectively.

For example, in some embodiments, infrared radiation drying may be performed before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the microwave device 3 can be disposed above or below any heating element 23. With such a design, the microwave device 3 emits microwaves such as electromagnetic waves with a wider range, which can heat the extruded matrix 1000 more evenly.

In one embodiment, the microwave device 3 can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the microwaves emitted by the microwave device 3, such as electromagnetic waves, have less energy loss, which can improve the overall heating rate.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the ultrasonic device 4 can be disposed above or below any one of the heating elements 23. With such a design, the ultrasonic device 4 emits a wider range of ultrasonic waves, which can make the extruded matrix 1000 heated more uniformly.

In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device 4 can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the ultrasonic energy loss emitted by the ultrasonic device 4 is smaller, and the overall heating rate can be improved.

In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the infrared device can be disposed above or below any one of the heating elements 23. With such a design, the infrared device emits a wider range of infrared rays, which can heat the extruded matrix 1000 more evenly.

In one embodiment, the infrared device can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the infrared energy loss emitted by the infrared device is smaller, and the overall heating rate can be increased.

In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 , the extrusion device 1 includes an extrusion barrel 11, an extrusion screw 12 and a die 13. The extrusion barrel 11 includes an extrusion cavity 11a for accommodating the mixed material and a discharge port 11c connected to the extrusion cavity 11a. The extrusion screw 12 is rotatably disposed in the extrusion cavity 11a. The die 13 is disposed at the discharge port 11c. The extrusion screw 12 pushes the mixed material out of the die 13 to form an extruded The extrusion barrel 11 is formed with a feed port 11b connected to the extrusion chamber 11a. The extrusion screw 12 is used to push the mixed material toward the discharge port 11c. Exemplarily, during the rotation of the extrusion screw 12, the mixed material can flow toward the discharge port 11c along the screw channel of the circumferential surface of the extrusion screw 12. The die 13 is used to form the extruded matrix 1000 with a set cross-sectional shape.

In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 to Fig. 9, the extrusion device 1 includes a bottom die 15, and the mouth die 13 is disposed on the bottom die 15. The bottom die 15 provides a mounting position for the mouth die 13.

In one embodiment, the bottom die 15 closes the discharge port 11 c , so that the mixed material is extruded through the die 13 .

In one embodiment, a single die 13 is provided on a single bottom die 15. In other words, a single die and a single die are adopted. In this way, the size of the extrusion screw 12 can be smaller.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 9 , a single bottom die 15 is provided with multiple die openings 13. In other words, a single die with multiple openings is adopted. After the mixed material passes through the multiple die openings 13, multiple extruded matrices 1000 are simultaneously formed. This can improve production efficiency and is suitable for mass production.

In one embodiment, please refer to FIG. 10 , the number of the bottom molds 15 is multiple, and the extrusion device 1 includes an adapter 16. The multiple bottom molds 15 are arranged on the adapter 16, and the adapter 16 closes the discharge port 11c. In other words, a multi-mode multi-port is adopted. Compared with a single-mode multi-port, a multi-mode multi-port can be installed with more dies 13, thereby forming more extruded matrices 1000 at the same time. This can improve production efficiency and is more suitable for mass production.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 , the manufacturing apparatus includes a hardening device 5 , and the hardening device 5 is used to cool and harden the extruded matrix 1000 .

In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 11, the hardening device 5 includes a housing 51 and a conveyor belt 52, the housing 51 is formed with an inlet 51a, a cold chamber 51b and an outlet 51c, the inlet 51a and the outlet 51c are both connected to the cold chamber 51b, at least part of the conveyor belt 52 is located in the cold chamber 51b, and the conveyor belt 52 is used to convey the extruded matrix 1000 from the inlet 51a to the outlet 51c. The extruded matrix 1000 is placed on the conveyor belt 52 through the inlet 51a, and is conveyed to the outlet 51c by the conveyor belt 52. The continuous conveyance of the extruded matrix 1000 can be achieved through the conveyor belt 52, so that the extruded matrix 1000 can be continuously hardened through the hardening device 5 to achieve continuous generation.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 and FIG. 11 , the housing 51 is formed with an injection port 51 d, and the injection port 51 d is connected to the cold chamber 51 b to inject the refrigerant into the cold chamber 51 b. The refrigerant can contact the extruded matrix 1000 to absorb the heat of the extruded matrix 1000, thereby cooling and hardening the extruded matrix 1000. In this way, the outer surface of the hardened extruded matrix 1000 can be quickly cooled, the stability of the shape of the extruded matrix 1000 can be maintained, continuous production can be facilitated, and production efficiency can be improved.

The refrigerant may be in liquid, gaseous or solid state. For example, the refrigerant includes but is not limited to liquid nitrogen or liquefied air.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11 , the injection port 51 d extends in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 52 .

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11 , the injection port 51 d may be formed on the upper surface of the housing 51 . In this way, the refrigerant may enter the cold chamber 51 b from top to bottom to contact the extruded substrate 1000 on the conveyor belt 52 .

In one embodiment, referring to Figure 11, conveyor belt 52 is formed with a plurality of guide grooves 52a towards the surface of extruding matrix 1000, and each guide groove 52a is used to place an extruding matrix 1000, and at least part of extruding matrix 1000 is located in the guide groove 52a. On the one hand, the groove wall surface of guide groove 52a can limit extruding matrix 1000 to move, to avoid extruding matrix 1000 displacement during transmission. On the other hand, each guide groove 52a is used to place an extruding matrix 1000, and guide groove 52a can prevent multiple extruding matrices 1000 from contacting and sticking.

Exemplarily, in one embodiment, referring to FIG11 , the length direction of the guide groove 52a is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 52. A plurality of guide grooves 52a are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the conveyor belt 52.

In one embodiment, the guide groove 52a is formed with a take-in and put-out opening, and the extruded matrix 1000 is put into the guide groove 52a through the take-in and put-out opening.

Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 52a is not limited, and the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 52a may be semicircular or semi-elliptical, etc.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12 , the housing 51 is formed with a refrigerant channel 51e, the cold chamber 51b is isolated from the refrigerant channel 51e and is located in the refrigerant channel 51e, and the extruded matrix 1000 is in contact with the cavity wall surface of the cold chamber 51b. In other words, the refrigerant does not contact the extruded matrix 1000. The refrigerant flows in the refrigerant channel 51e, and the extruded matrix 1000 and the refrigerant transfer heat through the cavity wall surface of the cold chamber 51b. This can avoid the extruded matrix 1000 directly contacting the refrigerant, and the problem of expansion deformation and cracking after rapid cooling.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12 , the housing 51 includes an outer shell 511 and an inner shell 512, wherein the inner shell 512 is formed with a cold cavity 51b, and the inner shell 512 is located in the outer shell 511 and defines a coolant channel 51e together. The housing 51 is a double-layer shell structure, and the coolant channel 51e defined by the outer shell 511 and the inner shell 512 is used for flowing coolant, and the cold cavity 51b and the coolant channel 51e are isolated by the inner shell 512, and the extruded matrix 1000 contacts the inner surface of the inner shell 512 to transfer heat to the coolant through the inner shell 512.

In one embodiment, the smoothness of the cavity wall of the cold cavity 51b is between Ra1.2μm and Ra0.08μm. Ra refers to the average surface roughness value, which is used to indicate the smoothness and roughness of the surface. Exemplarily, the smoothness of the cavity wall of the cold cavity 51b is Ra1.2μm, Ra1.1μm, Ra1.0μm, Ra0.5μm, Ra0.3μm, Ra0.1μm or Ra0.08μm, etc. The cavity wall of the cold cavity 51b is a smooth surface, and the friction between the cavity wall of the cold cavity 51b and the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000 is very small, which will not cause the extruded matrix 1000 to deform.

In one embodiment, the hardening device 5 includes a refrigerant supplier, which is connected to the injection port 51d or the refrigerant supplier is connected to the refrigerant channel 51e. In other words, the refrigerant supplier is used to inject refrigerant into the injection port 51d. Alternatively, the refrigerant supplier is used to inject refrigerant into the refrigerant channel 51e.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , the manufacturing apparatus includes a slitting device 6 having a slitting tool 61 , and the slitting tool 61 slits the extruded matrix 1000 by physical contact or non-physical contact.

Physical contact refers to slitting the extruded matrix 1000 by direct contact between the slitting tool 61 and the extruded matrix 1000. For example, the slitting tool 61 can be a rotating roller, a cutting blade, a cutting wire, a roller cut, or an extruder.

Non-physical contact means that the slitting tool 61 does not need to directly contact the extruded matrix 1000 to slit the extruded matrix 1000. For example, the slitting tool 61 releases laser, plasma, air knife or water knife to cut the extruded matrix 1000 by laser, plasma, air knife or water knife.

The manufacturing equipment used in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in the manufacturing method of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The description of the manufacturing equipment embodiment is similar to the description of any one of the embodiments of the manufacturing method, and has the same beneficial effects as the manufacturing method embodiment. For technical details not disclosed in the manufacturing method in the embodiments of the present disclosure, please refer to the description of the embodiments of the extrusion device 1, the drying device 2, the hardening device 5 and the slitting device 6 in the embodiments of the present disclosure for understanding.

In the description of the present disclosure, the description with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the schematic representation of the above terms is not necessarily The same embodiment or example shall be used. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples described in this disclosure without contradiction.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, the present disclosure may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims (19)

A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, comprising: The mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix; The extruded matrix is subjected to hot air drying. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the extrusion temperature of the high-temperature extrusion is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein the extrusion temperature of the high-temperature extrusion is between 100°C and 150°C. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the extrusion pressure of the high temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the extrusion pressure of the high temperature extrusion is between 20 bar and 150 bar. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the hot air drying is between 50°C and 200°C; and/or, The water content of the mixed material is between 5% and 15%. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature of the hot air drying is between 75°C and 125°C; and/or, The moisture content of the extruded matrix after drying is between 3% and 13%. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the extruded matrix has an air passage running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein after the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form an extruded matrix, the manufacturing method comprises: The extruded matrix is cut into pieces. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein before the extruded matrix is subjected to hot air drying, the manufacturing method comprises: The extruded matrix hardens by cooling. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the hardness of the extruded matrix after hardening is between 1HB and 200HB. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the extruded matrix is extruded in a horizontal direction; or The extruded matrix is extruded in a vertical direction; or, The extruded matrix is extruded in an oblique direction. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein the mixed material comprises, by weight: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of smoke-generating agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of adhesive raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of flavor raw materials. A manufacturing device for an aerosol generating substrate, the manufacturing device comprising: An extrusion device, the extrusion device is used to extrude the mixed material at a high temperature to form an extruded matrix; A drying device is used for hot air drying the extruded matrix. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the drying device comprises: A box body having a drying chamber; A fan, used to drive the air flow in the drying chamber; A heating element is disposed in the drying chamber, and is used to heat the airflow in the drying chamber. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 15, wherein the number of the heating elements is at least two, and the at least two heating elements are spaced apart in the up-down direction to form a space for conveying the extruded matrix. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 14, wherein the extruded matrix has an air passage running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and the drying device comprises a guide channel for guiding hot air, and an air outlet of the guide channel is located on one side of the extruded matrix in the longitudinal direction. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 14, wherein the drying device comprises a conveyor belt for conveying the extruded matrix, a plurality of grooves are formed on the surface of the conveyor belt facing the extruded matrix, each of the grooves is used to place a strip of the extruded matrix, and at least a portion of the extruded matrix is located in the groove. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the manufacturing apparatus comprises a microwave device at least partially located in the drying chamber, the microwave device drying the extruded matrix by emitting microwave radiation; and/or, The manufacturing apparatus comprises an ultrasonic device at least partially located in the drying chamber, the ultrasonic device drying the extruded matrix by emitting ultrasonic radiation; and/or, The manufacturing apparatus includes an infrared device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the infrared device dries the extruded matrix by emitting infrared rays.