Manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of aerosol generating substrate

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for an aerosol generating matrix, and the manufacturing method comprises the steps: feeding a mixed material which is formed by a solid raw material and a liquid raw material; and carrying out extrusion molding on the mixed material so as to enable the mixed material to form an extrusion matrix. According to the manufacturing method disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the mixed material can be kept in a stable state, the material mixing uniformity is relatively good, the feeding is stable, and the production efficiency is relatively high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of smoking products, and in particular to a method and equipment for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles include smoking articles that form aerosols by ignition and smoking articles that form aerosols by heating without burning. In a typical smoking article that heats without burning, it contains an aerosol-generating matrix such as tobacco raw materials, flavor raw materials and / or atomizers that can volatilize when heated to produce an aerosol. The aerosol-generating matrix is ​​heated by an external heat source so that the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​just heated to a degree sufficient to be emitted. The aerosol-generating matrix will not burn, and the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​loaded with an atomizer and released by heating when used to form smoke.

[0003] The main feeding method of the existing extrusion process is to add a single component raw material to the extruder barrel from different positions / different feeding ports. This method requires mixing the materials through the meshing area of ​​the screw and then extruding them to form products. This method is relatively dependent on the mixing ability of the extruder and has high requirements for the structure and components of the screw; and the extruder needs to be equipped with multiple feeding systems, and each feeding system needs to have a high metering accuracy, so that the materials can basically be fed according to the designed material ratio. Usually, the online metering system is in a state of constantly correcting the feed amount, and it is difficult for the slurry to remain in a stable state. The material mixing uniformity in this method is poor, which directly affects the quality of the extruded product, and the uniformity and stability of the product are poor. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide a method and a manufacturing device for an aerosol generating substrate with uniform material mixing, stable feeding, and high production efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, the manufacturing method comprising:

[0006] Feeding a mixed material, wherein the mixed material is formed by a solid raw material and a liquid raw material;

[0007] The mixed material is subjected to extrusion molding to form an extruded matrix.

[0008] In one embodiment, the mixed material is fed in a solid form, and the solid is in one of granules, powder and strips.

[0009] In one embodiment, the particle size of the granules is 75 μm to 3000 μm, and the particle size of the powder is less than or equal to the particle size of the granules.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water content of the mixed material is 5% to 40% of the total weight of the mixed material.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mixed material is in the granular form, and the mixed material is formed into the granular form by granulation.

[0012] In one embodiment, the granulation method is one of extrusion spheronization granulation, boiling granulation, stirring granulation and dry extrusion granulation.

[0013] In one embodiment, during the feeding process, the manufacturing method further comprises: adding water.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate, the manufacturing method comprising:

[0015] Divide the solid raw material and the liquid raw material into two modules for feeding respectively, and form a mixed material;

[0016] The mixed material is subjected to extrusion molding to form an extruded matrix.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of dividing the solid raw material and the liquid raw material into two modules for feeding respectively comprises:

[0018] adding the solid raw material;

[0019] When the solid raw material moves along the material conveying direction to the adding position of the liquid raw material, the liquid raw material is added to the solid raw material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the extruding and molding the mixed material comprises: extruding and molding the mixed material at room temperature.

[0021] In one embodiment, the extrusion temperature of the room temperature extrusion molding is 35°C to 70°C.

[0022] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure of the low-temperature extrusion molding is 0.5 bar to 300 bar.

[0023] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure is 20 bar to 80 bar.

[0024] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of the room temperature extrusion molding is one of horizontal extrusion, vertical extrusion and inclined extrusion.

[0025] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0026] The extruded matrix is ​​subjected to hot air drying.

[0027] In one embodiment, the hot air drying temperature is 50°C to 200°C.

[0028] In one embodiment, during the hot air drying process, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0029] At least one of microwaves and ultrasound is used to assist drying.

[0030] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix after the hot air drying is 3% to 20% of the total weight of the extruded matrix.

[0031] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises: before the hot air drying of the extruded matrix, cutting the extruded matrix into the set length.

[0032] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises: pre-cutting the extruded matrix before hot-air drying the extruded matrix, and cutting the pre-cut extruded matrix into the set length after hot-air drying the extruded matrix.

[0033] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0034] The extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened.

[0035] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix comprises: placing the extruded matrix in a low-temperature environment for cooling, wherein the temperature of the low-temperature environment is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix includes: directly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant.

[0037] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix comprises: indirectly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant.

[0038] In one embodiment, in 100 parts by weight of the mixed material, the plant raw material is 30 to 90 parts, the auxiliary raw material is 1 to 15 parts, the smoke agent raw material is 5 to 30 parts, the adhesive raw material is 1 to 10 parts, and the fragrance raw material is 1 to 15 parts.

[0039] The present application provides an aerosol-generating substrate manufacturing device, comprising:

[0040] An extruder is used to extrude the mixed material to form an extruded matrix; wherein at least part of the mixed material is fed in a solid form.

[0041] In one embodiment, the extruder includes a barrel and a feeding port connected to the barrel; the number of the feeding ports is multiple.

[0042] In one embodiment, the extruder includes a barrel and a feeding port connected to the barrel; the extruder also includes a vacuum extraction interface connected to the barrel.

[0043] The embodiment of the present application provides a method and equipment for manufacturing an aerosol generating matrix. The method for manufacturing an aerosol generating matrix mainly improves the feeding method. Specifically, the mixed material of the feeding can be formed by solid raw materials and liquid raw materials, or the solid raw materials and liquid raw materials can be divided into two modules for feeding respectively to form a mixed material. That is to say, when feeding, at least part of the mixed material is fed in the form of a solid. Compared with the feeding method in the related art, at least part of the mixed material is fed in the form of a solid, which can facilitate feeding according to the designed material ratio without requiring the feeding system to have a high metering accuracy. The mixed material can be kept in a stable state, the material mixing uniformity is good, the feeding is stable, the production efficiency is high, and the quality of the extruded product, the uniformity of the product, and the stability are also good. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol-generating substrate manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a mixed material and an extruded substrate are shown at the same time;

[0046] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the manufacturing apparatus shown;

[0047] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of another aerosol-generating substrate manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a mixed material and an extruded substrate are shown at the same time;

[0048] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the manufacturing apparatus shown;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first extrusion die of an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application, and the extruded matrix is ​​also shown in the figure;

[0051] Figure 8This is a schematic structural diagram of a third extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application, and the extrusion matrix is ​​also shown in the figure;

[0052] Fig. 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a hardening device according to an embodiment of the present application, in which an extrusion die and an extrusion matrix are shown at the same time;

[0053] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the hardening device shown;

[0054] Fig.11 It is a structural schematic diagram of another hardening device of an embodiment of the present application, and the figure also shows the extruded matrix;

[0055] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first extruded matrix of an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second extruded matrix of the embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third extruded matrix of the embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of another method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0059] Description of Reference Numerals

[0060] 100, manufacturing equipment; 110, extruder; 111, barrel; 112, screw; 113, extrusion die; 1131, bottom die; 1132, mouth die; 114, feeding port; 115, vacuum interface; 116, adapter; 120, hot air drying device; 121, box; 122, heating plate; 123, fan; 124, auxiliary device; 130, hardening device; 131, container; 131a, accommodating chamber; 131b, inlet Liquid tank; 132, cooling tube; 132a, liquid storage chamber; 1321, inner tube; 1321a, heat exchange channel; 1322, outer tube; 140, first conveying device; 141, first conveyor belt; 140a, medium holding tank; 150, slitting device; 160, second conveying device; 161, second conveyor belt; 170, third conveying device; 180, packaging device; 200, extruded matrix; 200a, air channel; 200′, mixed material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate is used in conjunction with an electronic atomization device having a heating component. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for users to inhale or for use in medicine, beauty, etc.

[0062] See also Figure 1 A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application comprises the following steps:

[0063] Step S10: feeding the mixed material, wherein the mixed material is formed by a solid raw material and a liquid raw material;

[0064] Step S20: Extruding the mixed material to form an extruded matrix.

[0065] Specifically, extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which the material is added to the extruder, and the material is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel and the screw of the extruder, and continuously passes through the extrusion die at the outlet of the extruder to form various cross-section products or semi-finished products. The material formed by extrusion molding is in the form of strips.

[0066] The mixed material is a material used to manufacture an aerosol-generating matrix. The mixed material includes solid raw materials and liquid raw materials, that is, part of the components in the mixed material are solid, and part of the components are liquid.

[0067] Exemplarily, the mixed material can be fed in a solid form, for example, the solid can be in a granular, powdery, or strip form.

[0068] Illustratively, the particle size of the granules may be 75 μm to 3000 μm (including 75 μm and 3000 μm), and the particle size of the powder may be less than or equal to the particle size of the granules.

[0069] In addition, when the liquid content is high, the solid raw material and the liquid raw material can be combined to form a paste. The paste-like mixed material is closer to the form of a solid (that is, the mixed material will not flow). Therefore, the paste can also be considered as the solid described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0070] Compared with bars, granules and powders are more convenient for feeding.

[0071] Granular and powdered mixtures can improve the smoothness, continuity and stability of feeding, improve the stability of extrusion pressure, and thus improve the stability of the extrusion matrix, improve production efficiency and yield rate, and compared with pressure feeding (feeding the mixture as a larger block), it can reduce stress concentration at the feed port and extend the service life of the extruder.

[0072] In addition, the water content of the solid mixture can range from 5% to 40% (including 5% and 40%). Within this range, the mixture is easier to extrude and the load of the extruder is small, which is not only conducive to the drying of the extruded matrix after extrusion and reduces the energy consumption of the drying equipment, but also reduces the loss of effective ingredients in the extruded matrix.

[0073] Preferably, the water content of the solid mixed material may be in the range of 8% to 20% (including 8% and 20%).

[0074] See also Fig.15 Another method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application comprises the following steps:

[0075] Step S30: Divide the solid raw material and the liquid raw material into two modules for feeding respectively to form a mixed material;

[0076] That is to say, the solid raw material and the liquid raw material are divided into two independent modules before feeding. After the solid raw material and the liquid raw material are fed separately, they are mixed in the barrel of the extruder.

[0077] The advantage of dividing the solid raw materials and liquid raw materials into two modules for feeding separately is that it can reduce the pre-treatment cost of the mixed materials, ensure the continuity of the production process, and improve the consistency and uniformity of the products while improving production efficiency.

[0078] Step S40: Extruding the mixed material to form an extruded matrix.

[0079] It should be noted that step S20 and step S40 are not the last step of the manufacturing method, that is, the extruded matrix formed by extrusion is only a semi-finished product of the aerosol generating matrix, and there are other subsequent treatments, including but not limited to drying, slitting, packaging, etc. Some of the available processing methods will be described in detail in the following content.

[0080] Another embodiment of the present application also provides a manufacturing device 100 for an aerosol generating substrate, see Figures 2 to 5 , the manufacturing equipment 100 mainly includes an extruder 110 .

[0081] The extruder 110 is used to extrude the mixed material 200' to form the mixed material 200' into an extruded matrix 200. At least part of the mixed material 200' is fed in a solid form.

[0082] That is to say, the mixed material 200' can be fed in the manner of step S10 or in the manner of step S30.

[0083] The extruder 110 can be a single-screw extruder or a twin-screw extruder. A twin-screw extruder is preferably used because, compared with a single-screw extruder, a twin-screw extruder can mix and homogenize the mixed material during the conveying process of the mixed material 200′, thereby improving product stability, and the extrusion efficiency of a twin-screw extruder is higher than that of a single-screw extruder.

[0084] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 The extruder 110 includes a barrel 111 and a feeding port 114 connected to the barrel 111. The number of the feeding port 114 can be one or more. For example, Figures 2 to 5 The extruder 110 shown has two feeding ports 114 . In other embodiments, the number of the feeding ports 114 may be greater than two.

[0085] When there are multiple feeding ports 114, for solid mixed materials 200', mixed materials can be added from different feeding ports 114 to increase the feeding speed. Especially for paste-like mixed materials with high viscosity, adding paste-like mixed materials from different feeding ports 114 can significantly increase the feeding speed.

[0086] Regarding the method of feeding the mixed material 200′ separately as solid raw material and liquid raw material, the solid raw material and the liquid raw material can be added into the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 from the same feeding port 114 respectively. When the number of the feeding ports 114 is multiple, at least one feeding port 114 can be a solid raw material feeding port, and at least one feeding port 114 can be a liquid raw material feeding port. The solid raw material is added into the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 from the solid raw material feeding port, and the liquid raw material is added into the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 from the liquid raw material feeding port.

[0087] When a plurality of solid raw material feeding ports are provided, each solid raw material feeding port can be used to add the same solid raw material or different solid raw materials.

[0088] Similarly, when a plurality of liquid raw material feeding ports are provided, each liquid raw material feeding port can be used to add the same liquid raw material or different liquid raw materials.

[0089] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 If necessary, a screw 112 may be provided at the feed port 114 to further homogenize the mixed material 200'.

[0090] In addition, the feeding port 114 may also be configured as a detachable structure to facilitate assembly of the feeding port 114 according to the required quantity.

[0091] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5The extruder 110 may also be provided with a vacuum interface 115 connected to the barrel 111. Before feeding, the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 may be vacuumed to form a negative pressure in the barrel 111. Thus, the mixed material 200′ in the barrel 111 may be defoamed, which is beneficial to the full mixing of the raw materials in the mixed material 200′.

[0092] In the related art, the feeding method of the existing extrusion process is mainly single-component raw materials, which are added to the extruder barrel from different positions / different feeding ports. This method requires the materials to be mixed through the meshing area of ​​the screw and then extruded to form a product. This method is more dependent on the mixing ability of the extruder and has high requirements on the structure and components of the screw; and the extruder needs to be equipped with multiple feeding systems, and each feeding system needs to have a high metering accuracy, so that the materials can basically be fed according to the designed material ratio. Usually, the online metering system is in a state of constantly correcting the feed amount, and it is difficult for the slurry to remain in a stable state. The material mixing uniformity in this method is poor, which directly affects the quality of the extruded product, and the uniformity and stability of the product are poor.

[0093] The manufacturing method of the aerosol generating matrix of the embodiment of the present application is mainly to improve the feeding method. Specifically, the mixed material of the feeding can be formed by solid raw materials and liquid raw materials, or the solid raw materials and liquid raw materials can be divided into two modules for feeding respectively to form a mixed material. That is to say, when feeding, at least part of the mixed material is fed in the form of a solid. Compared with the feeding method in the related art, at least part of the mixed material is fed in the form of a solid, which can facilitate feeding according to the designed material ratio without requiring the feeding system to have a high metering accuracy. The mixed material can be kept in a stable state, the material mixing uniformity is good, the feeding is stable, the production efficiency is high, and the quality of the extruded product, the uniformity of the product, and the stability are also good.

[0094] In addition, for the method of combining solid raw materials and liquid raw materials to form a solid form for feeding, since the mixed material is in a solid form before feeding, the solid raw material and the liquid raw material can be fully mixed. After the mixed material enters the barrel of the extruder, it is no longer necessary to mix the mixed material through the meshing area of ​​the screw. Therefore, this feeding method can reduce the dependence on the mixing capacity of the extruder, and has lower requirements on the structure and components of the screw.

[0095] The mixed material of the embodiment of the present application may include plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials, smoke-generating agent raw materials, adhesive raw materials and fragrance raw materials, wherein the plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and adhesive raw materials are solid raw materials, and the smoke-generating agent raw materials and fragrance raw materials are liquid raw materials.

[0096] 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 materials and auxiliary raw materials constitute a stable mixture to avoid loose structure.

[0097] Exemplarily, the plant raw material can be one or more combinations of powders formed after crushing tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and flavor plants. Plant raw materials are the core source of flavor. Endogenous substances in plant raw materials can produce physiological satisfaction for users. Endogenous substances such as alkaloids enter the human blood and promote the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby obtaining physiological satisfaction.

[0098] Exemplarily, the auxiliary 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 can also reduce the pressure required for the extrusion molding process and reduce the wear of the die. The emulsifier includes one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, 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.

[0099] Exemplarily, 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) in one or more combinations.

[0100] Exemplarily, the adhesive raw material is in close contact with the component raw material interface by wetting, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby playing the role of bonding the component raw materials, such as powders, liquids, etc. The adhesive raw material can be a natural plant extract, a non-ionized modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharides, guar gum, and modified cellulose (such as carboxymethyl cellulose). The adhesive is used to bond the particles together, which is not easy to loosen. In addition, it improves the water resistance of the aerosol generating matrix and is harmless to the human body.

[0101] Exemplarily, 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 or other plants, 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.

[0102] For example, in 100 parts by weight of the mixture, the plant raw material can be 30 to 90 parts, the auxiliary raw material can be 1 to 15 parts, the smoke agent raw material can be 5 to 30 parts, the adhesive raw material can be 1 to 10 parts, and the flavor raw material can be 1 to 15 parts.

[0103] Depending on the different structural forms of the die disposed at the outlet of the extruder 110, the extruded matrix 200 of different structural forms can be extruded, for example, Figure 12 to Figure 14 , an extruded matrix 200 having air channels 200a may be extruded.

[0104] The number of air passages 200a may be one or more. Fig.12 The straight airway shown can also Fig.13 The shown one is a spiral airway, but it can also be a combination of a straight airway and a spiral airway.

[0105] A straight airway is an airway that extends in a straight line, or in other words, the extension direction of the straight airway is a straight line.

[0106] The spiral airway is an airway 200a in which at least part of the area along the extension direction is in a curved shape with a curvature not equal to 0. For example, along the extension direction of the spiral airway, the spiral airway may have a structure in which there are both a curved segment with a curvature not equal to 0 and a straight segment with a curvature of 0, or may have only a curved segment with a curvature not equal to 0 and no straight segment with a curvature of 0. In other words, from the starting point to the end point of the spiral airway along the extension direction, the spiral airway does not need to extend along a straight line.

[0107] The airway 200a may be Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the air passage 200a is located inside the extruded matrix 200, and may also be located on the outer side wall of the extruded matrix 200. When the number of the air passages 200a is multiple, the air passages 200a may also be located as shown. Fig.14 As shown, a portion of the air channels 200 a are located inside the extruded matrix 200 , and another portion of the air channels 200 a are located on the outer sidewall of the extruded matrix 200 .

[0108] The shape of the cross section of the air channel 200a located inside the extruded matrix 200 is not limited. For example, the shape of the cross section can be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangle, square, prism, etc.), elliptical, racetrack-shaped or irregular, etc., wherein irregular refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0109] The cross-sectional shape of the air channel 200a located on the outer side wall of the extruded matrix 200 can be semicircular, semi-elliptical, polygonal or irregular, wherein irregular refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0110] The air channel 200a is used to increase the surface area of ​​the aerosol generating substrate (the side wall of the air channel 200a is equivalent to a part of the surface of the aerosol generating substrate), so that the heat acting on the aerosol generating substrate can enter the interior of the aerosol generating substrate from the surface of the aerosol generating substrate to improve the heating efficiency.

[0111] It should be noted that the airway 200a described in the present application is a hole in a macroscopic sense, and the airway 200a is mainly formed by processing. Therefore, the cross-sectional area, length and other dimensions of the airway 200a can be changed according to design requirements.

[0112] In one embodiment, for the mixed material in granular form, the mixed material can be formed into granules by granulation.

[0113] There are many ways to granulate. For example, granules can be formed by extrusion spheronization. Extrusion spheronization is to mix the solid raw materials and liquid raw materials of the mixed material into a slurry, then extrude the slurry into strips, cut the strips into rod-shaped particles, and finally roll the rod-shaped particles into granules.

[0114] In addition to extrusion spheronization, granules can also be formed by boiling granulation, stirring granulation and dry extrusion granulation. When these granulation methods are used, the mixed materials do not need to be mixed to form a slurry first. The solid raw materials and liquid raw materials are mixed while granulating, thereby shortening the manufacturing process and improving production efficiency.

[0115] More preferably, the particle size of the granules may be 75 μm to 3000 μm.

[0116] It should be noted that the granulation described above is only to illustrate the method of manufacturing a granular mixed material, and does not mean that the manufacturing method of the aerosol generating matrix of the present application must include a granulation step when a granular mixed material is selected. In other words, granulation can be carried out separately from the manufacturing method of the present application, and the granulated mixed material can be directly added during feeding.

[0117] In one embodiment, the solid raw material and the liquid raw material are divided into two modules for feeding separately, which may include the following steps: adding the solid raw material; when the solid raw material moves along the material conveying direction to the adding position of the liquid raw material, adding the liquid raw material to the solid raw material.

[0118] That is to say, solid raw materials are first added to the extruder. After the solid raw materials enter the barrel of the extruder, they will move along the material conveying direction toward the direction where the extrusion die is located. When the solid raw materials move along the material conveying direction to the adding position of the liquid raw materials, liquid raw materials are added to the extruder to mix the liquid raw materials with the solid raw materials in the barrel of the extruder.

[0119] In addition, the feeding amount and feeding speed can be determined according to the production speed of the extruder and the ratio of each raw material in the mixed material.

[0120] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 For the multiple feed ports 114 provided on the extruder 110, it is equivalent to that the feed port for liquid raw material is located downstream of the feed port for solid raw material along the material conveying direction, for example, Figures 2 to 5 The feed port 114 corresponding to the mixed material 200' shown in the figure is a feed port for solid raw materials, and another feed port 114 located downstream of the feed port 114 along the material conveying direction is a feed port for liquid raw materials.

[0121] Since the extruder mainly relies on the rotation of the screw to convey the mixed material, and the screw and the inner wall of the extruder barrel are not completely sealed, that is, there is a gap between the screw and the inner wall of the extruder barrel. If the liquid raw material is added first, the liquid raw material is easy to leak from the gap. Therefore, the solid raw material is added first, and the liquid raw material is added when the solid raw material moves along the material conveying direction to the addition position of the liquid raw material, which can better avoid the leakage of the liquid raw material.

[0122] In one embodiment, during the feeding process, for the manufacturing method described in step S10, the manufacturing method may further include: adding water.

[0123] Adding water refers to adding water into the barrel of the extruder during the feeding process, rather than adding water to the mixed material before adding the mixed material into the barrel of the extruder.

[0124] Water can adjust the concentration, viscosity, etc. of the mixed material in the barrel to facilitate extrusion molding by the extruder.

[0125] It should be noted that whether to add water can be determined according to the concentration and viscosity of the mixed material. When it is suitable for extrusion, no water needs to be added. In other words, the purpose of adding water is mainly to adjust the concentration and viscosity for suitable extrusion.

[0126] In one embodiment, the mixed material is subjected to extrusion molding, including: extrusion molding the mixed material at room temperature.

[0127] In the field of extrusion molding, the extrusion temperature (i.e. the temperature inside the barrel of the extruder) between 10°C and 90°C (including 10°C and 90°C) is defined as room temperature, the extrusion temperature below 10°C is defined as low temperature, and the extrusion temperature above 90°C is defined as high temperature.

[0128] The room temperature extrusion molding of the mixed material described in the embodiment of the present application refers to extrusion molding of the mixed material within an extrusion temperature range of 10°C to 90°C.

[0129] When the extrusion temperature is 10°C to 90°C, the mixed material has good fluidity, which is conducive to the molding of the mixed material, can ensure the stability of the rheological properties of the mixed material, and the endogenous components of the extruded extrusion matrix are stable. In addition, at this temperature, the torque provided by the extruder is low, the energy consumption of the extruder is low, and the service life of the extruder is increased while reducing the production cost.

[0130] More preferably, the extrusion temperature of room temperature extrusion molding can be 35° C. to 70° C. (including 35° C. and 70° C.).

[0131] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure of room temperature extrusion molding may be 0.5 bar to 300 bar (inclusive).

[0132] The extrusion pressure described in the embodiments of the present application refers to the extrusion pressure of the extrusion die located at the outlet of the extruder.

[0133] The extrusion pressure will affect the molding shape, surface smoothness, yield rate, and production rate of the extruded matrix. When the extrusion pressure is lower than 0.5 bar, the molding rate of the extruded matrix is ​​low, and the product defect rate increases, which in turn leads to a slow production rate and increased production costs. When the extrusion pressure is higher than 300 bar, the transmission structure load of the extruder is high (the torque required is high), which leads to a decrease in the service life of the extruder. Therefore, controlling the extrusion pressure within the range of 0.5 bar to 300 bar can not only improve the molding rate of the extruded matrix, but also extend the service life of the extruder.

[0134] Preferably, the extrusion pressure of room temperature extrusion molding can be 20 bar to 80 bar.

[0135] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can be horizontal extrusion.

[0136] Horizontal extrusion means that the extrusion die at the extruder outlet is set horizontally, and the extruded matrix is ​​extruded in the horizontal direction (for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 The extruder 110 is shown, or in other words, the extrusion direction of the extruded matrix is ​​parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0137] For the extruded matrix forming the spiral air channel, the extruded matrix can be directly fed into the conveying device (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first conveying device 140 in the horizontal extrusion can reduce the direct release of stress generated by the extruded matrix after rotation (the generated stress can be eliminated by heating), thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol generating matrix with a spiral airway.

[0138] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can also be vertical extrusion.

[0139] Vertical extrusion means that the extrusion die at the extruder outlet is set downward, and the extruded matrix is ​​extruded along the direction of gravity (for example Figure 4 and Figure 5 The extruder 110 is shown, or in other words, the extrusion direction of the extruded matrix is ​​perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0140] For example, see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The manufacturing equipment 100 may be provided with a third conveying device 170 , and the extruded matrix 200 directly enters the third conveying device 170 after being extruded from the extruder 110 .

[0141] For extruded substrates that form straight-through airways, vertical extrusion can improve the yield rate and reduce the investment cost of the extruder. It can also reduce the floor space occupied by the extruder.

[0142] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can also be inclined extrusion.

[0143] Inclined extrusion means that the extrusion die at the extruder outlet is inclined, and the angle between the extrusion direction of the extruded matrix and the horizontal plane is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0144] Inclined extrusion can not only reduce the extrusion pressure of the mixed material, but also facilitate the space design of other equipment.

[0145] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 The extrusion die 113 can be a single-mold single-mouth die, that is, there is one bottom die 1131 at the outlet of the extruder 110, and the discharge end of the bottom die 1131 has a mouth die 1132. After the mixed material passes through the mouth die 1132, an extruded matrix 200 with an air channel 200a can be formed.

[0146] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The extrusion die 113 may also be a single-mode multi-port die, that is, the bottom die 1131 at the outlet of the extruder 110 is one, and the discharge end of the bottom die 1131 has multiple port dies 1132. After the mixed material passes through the multiple port dies 1132, multiple extruded matrices 200 are formed at the same time. When the size of the screw 112 of the extruder 110 is relatively large, a single-mode multi-port die 1132 can be selected, which can improve production efficiency and is more suitable for mass production.

[0147] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The extrusion die 113 can also be a multi-mode multi-port die, that is, the adapter 116 at the outlet of the extruder 110 is connected to a plurality of bottom dies 1131, and a plurality of port dies 1132 are provided at the discharge end of each bottom die 1131. After the mixed material passes through the port dies 1132 on each bottom die 1131, a plurality of extruded matrices 200 are formed simultaneously. When the size of the screw 112 of the extruder 110 is relatively large, a multi-mode multi-port die 1132 can also be selected, which can improve production efficiency and is more suitable for mass production.

[0148] In some embodiments, the mixed material may be subjected to low-temperature extrusion molding, that is, the mixed slurry is extruded at an extrusion temperature of less than 10°C.

[0149] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method may further include: hot air drying the extruded matrix.

[0150] Hot air drying is to pass the cooled and hardened extruded matrix through a hot air blower, oven or drying box to evaporate the water therein. If the extruded matrix contains a large amount of volatile lubricant, hot air drying can also remove the volatile lubricant.

[0151] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 The manufacturing equipment 100 may be provided with a hot air drying device 120, which includes a box 121, a heating plate 122 and a fan 123. The heating plate 122 is provided in the box 121, and the fan 123 is connected to the box 121. The heating plate 122 is used to heat the air in the box 121, and the fan 123 cooperates with the heating plate 122 to form a heat cycle in the box 121, so that the moisture in the extruded matrix 200 can be evaporated.

[0152] See also Figures 2 to 5 In order to facilitate the transportation of the extruded matrix 200, the manufacturing equipment 100 can be provided with a second conveying device 160 having a second conveyor belt 161, and part of the structure of the second conveyor belt 161 is located in the box 121. The second conveying device 160 can transport the cooled and hardened extruded matrix 200 into the box 121 through the second conveyor belt 161, and transport the extruded matrix 200 that has been dried by hot air out of the box 121.

[0153] For further information, see Figures 2 to 5 A plurality of heating plates 122 may be arranged in the box body 121131, a portion of the heating plates 122 may be arranged above the second conveyor belt 161, and another portion of the heating plates 122 may be arranged below the second conveyor belt 161, which is equivalent to that hot air can heat the extruded matrix 200 from both upper and lower directions, thereby making the extruded matrix 200 evenly heated, thereby not only improving the stability of the shape of the extruded matrix 200, but also improving the dehydration efficiency and reducing the load of a single heating plate.

[0154] The temperature of hot air drying can be adjusted as needed. Preferably, the temperature of hot air drying can be 50° C. to 200° C. (including 50° C. and 200° C.).

[0155] When the temperature of hot air drying is lower than 50°C, the drying time is long, the production efficiency is low, the required equipment occupies a large area, and the production cost is high. When the temperature of hot air drying is around 100°C, the extruded matrix can be dried slowly at low temperature. While effectively reducing the moisture in the extruded matrix, the aroma components and effective substances (such as alkaloids and smoke agents) in the raw materials can be retained as much as possible to ensure product quality. When the temperature of hot air drying is higher than 200°C, the moisture on the surface of the extruded matrix evaporates quickly, while the moisture inside evaporates more slowly, resulting in rapid shrinkage of the surface of the extruded matrix, which is not conducive to the uniformity and stability of the morphology and composition of the extruded matrix, and the aroma components and effective substances (such as alkaloids and smoke agents) in the raw materials are easily lost due to heat, the manufacturing cost is high, the product quality is reduced, and the user experience is reduced. Therefore, the temperature of hot air drying between 50 and 200°C is a more reasonable temperature range.

[0156] The shrinkage rate of the extruded matrix dried by hot air is small, the drying time is short, the method and equipment are mature, and it is easy to realize continuous production.

[0157] Room temperature extrusion molding and hot air drying are used in combination, with low equipment cost investment, continuous production, high production efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and the extruded matrix is ​​uniform and stable with high processability.

[0158] In one embodiment, during the hot air drying process, at least one of microwaves and ultrasound can be used for auxiliary drying, that is, microwaves can be used for auxiliary drying, ultrasound can be used for auxiliary drying, or microwaves and ultrasound can be used for auxiliary drying at the same time.

[0159] Microwave-assisted drying refers to the process of using microwaves generated by a microwave generating device to cause the polar molecules inside the extruded matrix to vibrate violently and generate heat, thereby promoting the volatilization of moisture in the extruded matrix. Microwave-assisted drying can reduce the drying time and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the extruded matrix.

[0160] Ultrasonic assisted drying refers to the use of ultrasonic devices to produce a "cavitation" effect on the moisture inside the extruded matrix, thereby reducing the moisture volatilization temperature and promoting moisture volatilization. Ultrasonic assisted drying can also reduce the drying time and increase the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the extruded matrix.

[0161] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The hot air drying device 120 can be provided with an auxiliary device 124 in the box body 121. The auxiliary device 124 can be provided above the heating plate 122, below the heating plate 122, or on the side of the transmission belt. When a plurality of auxiliary devices 124 are provided in the box body 121, the auxiliary device 124 can be provided at at least two locations above or below the heating plate 122 and on the side of the transmission belt.

[0162] The microwave or ultrasonic wave emitted by the auxiliary device 124 above or below the heating plate 122 has a wider range, which can make the extruded matrix 200 heat more evenly. The microwave or ultrasonic wave emitted by the auxiliary device 124 on the side of the conveyor belt has less energy loss, which can improve the heating rate of the extruded matrix 200 as a whole.

[0163] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix after hot air drying may be 3% to 20% of the total weight of the extruded matrix.

[0164] When the water content in the extruded matrix is ​​lower than 3%, during the user's suction process, the impurities generated by the aerosol-generating matrix are relatively high, which reduces the user's suction experience. In addition, if the dried extruded matrix is ​​subsequently processed in other ways, the dried extruded matrix is ​​fragile in the subsequent processing process, which not only leads to a high defect rate in subsequent production, but also increases production costs. When the water content in the extruded matrix is ​​higher than 20%, the smoke water content of the aerosol-generating matrix during the heating and suction process is high, and the smoke temperature is not easy to reduce, which easily causes the user to have a "hot mouth" phenomenon during the suction process, reducing the user's suction experience. Therefore, controlling the water content in the dried extruded matrix within the range of 3% to 20% of the total weight of the extruded matrix can effectively improve the user's suction experience. In addition, for the extruded matrix that is processed by other methods after drying, the defect rate in subsequent production can also be reduced.

[0165] Drying the extruded matrix is ​​not limited to hot air drying. In other embodiments, the extruded matrix may be dried by microwave heating, resistance heating, infrared heating, and the like.

[0166] For example, the hardness of the dried extruded matrix may be 40HB to 300HB (including 40HB and 300HB). More preferably, the hardness of the dried extruded matrix may be 80HB to 250HB (including 80HB and 250HB).

[0167] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method may further include: cutting the extruded matrix after hot air drying.

[0168] The length of the extruded matrix extruded by room temperature extrusion molding is usually relatively long, so the extruded matrix can be cut into required lengths according to different usage scenarios.

[0169] See also Figures 2 to 5 The manufacturing equipment 100 is provided with a slitting device 150 having a slitting tool (not shown), and the extruded matrix 200 is slitting by the slitting tool.

[0170] There are many ways of slitting. For example, in one embodiment, physical contact slitting in which the slitting tool contacts the extruded matrix can be used. That is, the slitting tool directly contacts the extruded matrix. Physical contact slitting includes but is not limited to rotary hob cutting, cutting disc cutting, wire cutting, roller cutting, extrusion and the like.

[0171] In another embodiment, non-physical contact slitting between the slitting tool and the extruded matrix can also be used, that is, the slitting tool itself has no physical contact with the extruded matrix. Non-physical contact slitting includes but is not limited to laser cutting, plasma cutting, air knife, water knife and the like.

[0172] In one embodiment, the formed matrix can be cut into set lengths before hot air drying the formed matrix. In other words, the formed matrix is ​​first cut into set lengths and then hot air dried after cutting.

[0173] In one embodiment, the molded matrix may be pre-cut before the molded matrix is ​​hot-air dried, and the pre-cut molded matrix may be cut into set lengths after the molded matrix is ​​hot-air dried.

[0174] Pre-slitting is equivalent to the initial slitting of the molding matrix, and the length of the molding matrix after pre-slitting is longer than the set length.

[0175] by Figures 2 to 5 Taking the manufacturing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 as an example, for the manufacturing device 100 that needs to be pre-cut, two cutting devices 150 can be provided, namely, Figures 2 to 5 The hot air drying device 120 shown is provided with a slitting device 150 downstream along the material conveying direction.

[0176] The texture of the extruded matrix formed by extrusion is usually relatively soft. Therefore, before the extruded matrix is ​​subjected to hot air drying, the pre-slitting of the extruded matrix is ​​equivalent to slitting the soft body of the extruded matrix.

[0177] After the pre-cut extrusion matrix is ​​dried with hot air, the moisture in the extrusion matrix is ​​removed and the extrusion matrix is ​​hardened. Therefore, after the hot air drying, the cutting of the pre-cut extrusion matrix is ​​equivalent to cutting of the extrusion matrix with a relatively hard texture.

[0178] During the hot air drying process of the extruded matrix, the volume of the extruded matrix will shrink. Therefore, the pre-slitting-hot air drying-slitting method can improve the consistency of the longitudinal size (i.e., the size along the extrusion direction) of the extruded matrix after cutting, thereby improving the slitting yield.

[0179] In addition, for an extruded matrix that needs to be pre-cut, the extruded matrix can also be shaped after the pre-cut.

[0180] For example, after the extruded matrix is ​​pre-cut, a jig may be used to circumferentially align the extruded matrix, and then the shaped extruded matrix may be hot-air dried.

[0181] For example, the circumference and straightness of the extruded matrix may be corrected using a jig after the extruded matrix is ​​dried with hot air and before the extruded matrix is ​​cut into set lengths.

[0182] In one embodiment, the extruded matrix may be cut into set lengths after the extruded matrix is ​​dried with hot air. That is, the extruded matrix is ​​first dried with hot air and then cut into set lengths. Compared with the manufacturing method with pre-cutting, this embodiment actually omits the pre-cutting step.

[0183] It should be noted that, for any slitting method without pre-slitting, a jig can also be used to calibrate the circumference and straightness of the extruded matrix before slitting.

[0184] In some embodiments, there may be no slitting step, that is, the extruded matrix of a set length can be directly extruded by room temperature extrusion molding. For example, after the extruded matrix is ​​extruded by vertical extrusion, the extruded matrix can naturally detach under the action of its own gravity when it reaches or approaches the set length, thereby reducing the subsequent slitting steps and further reducing the production cost.

[0185] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method may further include: cooling and hardening the extruded matrix.

[0186] Since the texture of the extruded matrix formed by extrusion is usually relatively soft, the extruded matrix formed by extrusion may be first cooled and hardened to increase the hardness of the extruded matrix, and then subjected to subsequent treatments such as drying.

[0187] After cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix increases and the temperature of the extruded matrix decreases.

[0188] For example, taking the extruded matrix extruded by room temperature extrusion molding as an example, the hardness of the extruded matrix before cooling and hardening can be 0HB to 100HB (including 0HB and 100HB), and after cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix can be 1HB to 200HB (including 1HB and 200HB).

[0189] Preferably, the hardness of the extruded matrix extruded by room temperature extrusion molding before cooling and hardening can be 1HB to 60HB (including 1HB and 60HB), and after cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix can be 40HB to 120HB (including 40HB and 120HB).

[0190] Illustratively, the temperature of the extruded matrix before cooling and hardening may be 0°C to 40°C (including 0°C and 40°C), and after cooling and hardening, the temperature of the extruded matrix may be -50°C to 5°C (including -50°C and 5°C).

[0191] For the manufacturing method having the slitting step, the extruded matrix may be slit into set lengths after the extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened.

[0192] Since the hardness of the extruded matrix increases after cooling and hardening, the extruded matrix is ​​easier to cut after cooling and hardening, and the extruded matrix after cutting will not be deformed, and the cut surface is more neat and complete.

[0193] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening may be placing the extruded matrix in a low-temperature environment for cooling, wherein the temperature of the low-temperature environment is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix.

[0194] That is, the extruded matrix can be transferred to a low-temperature environment with a relatively low temperature for cooling. In order to meet the hardening requirements, the temperature in the low-temperature environment needs to be lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix.

[0195] For example, taking room temperature extrusion as an example, on the premise that the temperature in the low temperature environment is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix, if the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix is ​​-100°C to 60°C (including -100°C and 60°C), the temperature of the low temperature environment can be -270°C to 60°C (including -270°C and 60°C).

[0196] More preferably, if the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix is ​​-30°C to 40°C (including -30°C and 40°C), the temperature of the low temperature environment may be -100°C to 40°C (including -100°C and 40°C).

[0197] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening may also be performed by cooling the extruded matrix using a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be in the form of a liquid, such as liquid nitrogen or liquefied air, or a gas or a solid.

[0198] In one embodiment, the extruded substrate may be directly heat exchanged with a refrigerant.

[0199] Direct heat exchange refers to heat exchange between heat exchange media through direct contact. In other words, the extruded matrix is ​​in direct contact with the refrigerant.

[0200] The advantage of direct heat exchange between the extruded matrix and the refrigerant is that the surface of the hardened heat exchange medium can be cooled more quickly so that the extruded matrix can maintain the stability of its shape, thereby facilitating continuous production and improving production efficiency.

[0201] For example, see Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The hardening device 130 may include a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a container 131 having a receiving cavity 131a, wherein the receiving cavity 131a is used to receive the extruded matrix 200, and the refrigerant supplier is used to provide refrigerant into the receiving cavity 131a. That is, the extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 is placed into the receiving cavity 131a and is in contact with the refrigerant provided by the refrigerant supplier.

[0202] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 For liquid refrigerant, the container 131 may be provided with a liquid inlet groove 131b connected to the accommodating cavity 131a. The refrigerant supplier injects the liquid refrigerant into the liquid inlet groove 131b. The refrigerant enters the accommodating cavity 131a through the liquid inlet groove 131b and contacts the extruded matrix 200 in the accommodating cavity 131a for heat exchange.

[0203] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In order to facilitate the transportation of the extruded matrix 200, the manufacturing equipment 100 can be provided with a first conveying device 140 having a first conveyor belt 141. Part of the structure of the first conveyor belt 141 is located in the accommodating cavity 131a. The first conveying device 140 can transport the extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 into the accommodating cavity 131a through the first conveyor belt 141, and transport the extruded matrix 200 that has been cooled and hardened out of the accommodating cavity 131a.

[0204] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 When the extrusion die 113 can extrude multiple extrusion matrices 200 at the same time, since the hardness of the extrusion matrix 200 just extruded is relatively low, in order to prevent the multiple extrusion matrices 200 from sticking together, a plurality of medium containing grooves 140a can be provided on the first conveyor belt 141, and each medium containing groove 140a extends along the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt 141, and the extrusion matrices 200 extruded from the extruder 110 enter the corresponding medium containing groove 140a, which is equivalent to separating each extrusion matrix 200 through the medium containing groove 140a.

[0205] The advantage of direct heat exchange between the extruded matrix and the refrigerant is that the surface of the hardened heat exchange medium can be cooled more quickly so that the extruded matrix can maintain the stability of its shape, thereby facilitating continuous production and improving production efficiency.

[0206] In another embodiment, the extruded matrix may be subjected to indirect heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0207] Indirect heat exchange means that the heat exchange media do not directly contact each other during the heat exchange process. In other words, the extruded matrix and the refrigerant do not come into direct contact, but indirectly exchange heat through the middleware.

[0208] For example, see Fig.11 The hardening device 130 may include a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a cooling pipe 132. The cooling pipe 132 includes an inner pipe 1321 and an outer pipe 1322. A liquid storage chamber 132a for storing refrigerant is formed between the inner pipe 1321 and the outer pipe 1322. The inner pipe 1321 has a heat exchange channel 1321a running through it. The extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 enters the heat exchange channel 1321a and contacts with the inner pipe 1321 for heat exchange. The inner pipe 1321 that absorbs the heat of the extruded matrix 200 then exchanges heat with the refrigerant, which is equivalent to indirect heat exchange between the extruded matrix 200 and the refrigerant through the inner pipe 1321.

[0209] It should be noted that the inner surface of the inner tube forming the heat exchange channel is generally a smooth surface. For example, the roughness of the inner surface of the inner tube can be Ra1.2μm to Ra0.08μm (including Ra1.2μm and Ra0.08μm). The friction between the smooth inner surface and the outer surface of the extruded matrix is ​​small, which will not cause deformation of the extruded matrix.

[0210] The advantage of indirect heat exchange between the extruded matrix and the refrigerant is that it can effectively avoid problems such as expansion deformation, cracking, etc. that may occur when the extruded matrix directly contacts the refrigerant.

[0211] In some embodiments, there may be no cooling and hardening step. For example, after the extruded matrix is ​​extruded, before drying, it may only be cut without cooling and hardening. For an extruded matrix with a relatively short set length, the slight deformation caused by cutting has no effect on subsequent production, so the cooling and hardening step may be omitted.

[0212] In one embodiment, after drying the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method may further include: packaging the extruded matrix.

[0213] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 The manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a packaging device 180 for packaging the extruded matrix 200 .

[0214] There are many ways to package. For example, a packaging layer can be wrapped on the outer surface of the extruded substrate.

[0215] The packaging layer includes but is not limited to medium consumables such as cigarette paper, paper tubes, and tin foil. The extruded matrix wrapped with the packaging layer is equivalent to the finished product of the aerosol generating matrix.

[0216] In some embodiments, the extruded matrix wrapped with the packaging layer may also be combined with other functional segments, such as a cooling segment, a filtering segment, etc., to form an aerosol generating product.

[0217] For example, the extruded matrix may also be sealed and packaged.

[0218] That is to say, instead of wrapping the outer surface of the extruded matrix with a packaging layer, the extruded matrix can be directly sealed and packaged, for example, the extruded matrix can be encapsulated in a blister packaging container. The sealed and packaged extruded matrix is ​​also equivalent to a finished product of the aerosol-generating matrix. The sealed and packaged extruded matrix can be directly used on the electronic atomization device after removing the packaging.

[0219] In the description of the present application, the description with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. 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 embodiments of the present application. In the present application, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine the different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of the different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0220] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various modifications and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application are included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for producing an aerosol-generating substrate, characterized in that: The manufacturing method comprises: Feeding a mixed material, wherein the mixed material is formed by a solid raw material and a liquid raw material; The mixed material is subjected to extrusion molding to form an extruded matrix.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mixed material is fed in a solid form, and the solid is in one of granules, powder and strips.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The particle size of the granules is 75 μm to 3000 μm, and the particle size of the powder is less than or equal to the particle size of the granules.

4. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The water content of the mixed material is 5% to 40% of the total weight of the mixed material.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mixed material is in the granular form, and the mixed material is formed into the granular form by granulation.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The granulation method is one of extrusion spheronization granulation, boiling granulation, stirring granulation and dry extrusion granulation.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the feeding process, the manufacturing method further comprises: adding water.

8. A method for producing an aerosol-generating substrate, characterized in that: The manufacturing method comprises: Divide the solid raw material and the liquid raw material into two modules for feeding respectively, and form a mixed material; The mixed material is subjected to extrusion molding to form an extruded matrix.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of dividing the solid raw material and the liquid raw material into two modules for feeding respectively comprises: adding the solid raw material; When the solid raw material moves along the material conveying direction to the adding position of the liquid raw material, the liquid raw material is added to the solid raw material.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The extrusion molding of the mixed material comprises: extrusion molding of the mixed material at room temperature.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The extrusion temperature of the room temperature extrusion molding is 35°C to 70°C; and / or, The extrusion pressure of the room temperature extrusion molding is 0.5 bar to 300 bar.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The extrusion pressure is 20 bar to 80 bar.

13. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 10, characterized in that: The extrusion method of the room temperature extrusion molding is one of horizontal extrusion, vertical extrusion and inclined extrusion.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The manufacturing method further comprises: The extruded matrix is ​​subjected to hot air drying.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The temperature of the hot air drying is 50°C to 200°C.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that: During the hot air drying process, the manufacturing method further comprises: At least one of microwaves and ultrasound is used to assist drying.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The water content of the extruded matrix after the hot air drying is 3% to 20% of the total weight of the extruded matrix.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The manufacturing method further comprises: Before the extruded matrix is ​​subjected to the hot air drying, the extruded matrix is ​​cut into the set length; or, Before the extruded matrix is ​​subjected to the hot air drying, the extruded matrix is ​​pre-cut, and after the extruded matrix is ​​subjected to the hot air drying, the pre-cut extruded matrix is ​​cut into the set length.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: The manufacturing method further comprises: The extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that: The step of cooling and hardening the extruded matrix comprises: Placing the extruded matrix in a low temperature environment for cooling, wherein the temperature of the low temperature environment is lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix; or, Directly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant; or, The extruded matrix is ​​subjected to indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant.

21. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 8, characterized in that: In 100 parts by weight of the mixed material, the plant raw material is 30 to 90 parts, the auxiliary raw material is 1 to 15 parts, the smoke agent raw material is 5 to 30 parts, the adhesive raw material is 1 to 10 parts, and the fragrance raw material is 1 to 15 parts.

22. An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating substrate, characterized in that: include An extruder is used to extrude the mixed material to form an extruded matrix; wherein at least part of the mixed material is fed in a solid form.

23. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 22, characterized in that The extruder comprises a barrel and a feeding port communicated with the barrel; The number of the feeding ports is multiple; and / or the extruder further includes a vacuum extraction interface connected to the barrel.

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