Manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of aerosol generating substrate

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of an aerosol generating matrix, and the manufacturing method of the aerosol generating matrix comprises the following steps: carrying out normal-temperature extrusion molding on a mixed material, so that the mixed material forms an extrusion matrix; and cooling and hardening the extruded matrix. According to the manufacturing method, the production efficiency can be improved.

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 heat-without-burning smoking article, it contains an aerosol-generating substrate that volatilizes when heated to produce an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate is heated by an external heat source to a degree just sufficient to emit a fragrance. The aerosol-generating substrate does not burn, but instead loads a large dose of atomizer and releases the atomizer by high-temperature heating when in use to form smoke.

[0003] There are three main types of aerosol generating substrates: particle type, traditional tobacco type and sheet type. However, in the related art, the manufacturing method of the aerosol generating substrate is complicated, the equipment investment is high, the production efficiency is low and the environmental pollution is great. Summary of the invention

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

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

[0006] Extruding the mixed material at room temperature to form an extrusion matrix;

[0007] The extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix comprises:

[0009] The extruded matrix is ​​placed 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.

[0010] In one embodiment, the hardening temperature is -100°C to 60°C, and the temperature of the low temperature environment is -270°C to 60°C.

[0011] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix includes: directly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening of the extruded matrix comprises: indirectly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant.

[0013] In one embodiment, directly exchanging heat between the extruded matrix and a refrigerant comprises: spraying the refrigerant onto an outer surface of the extruded matrix.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hardness of the extruded matrix after cooling and hardening is 1HB to 200HB.

[0015] In one embodiment, the temperature of the extruded matrix after cooling and hardening is -50°C to 5°C.

[0016] In one embodiment, the extrusion temperature of the room temperature extrusion molding is 35°C to 70°C.

[0017] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure of the room temperature extrusion molding is 0.5 bar to 300 bar.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure is 20 bar to 80 bar.

[0019] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of the room temperature extrusion molding is one of horizontal extrusion, vertical extrusion and inclined extrusion.

[0020] In one embodiment, after cooling and hardening the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0021] The extruded matrix is ​​subjected to hot air drying.

[0022] In one embodiment, the hot air drying temperature is 50°C to 200°C.

[0023] In one embodiment, during the hot air drying process, the manufacturing method further comprises: using at least one of microwaves and ultrasound to perform auxiliary drying.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In one embodiment, before hot air drying the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method further comprises:

[0026] The extruded matrix after cooling and hardening is cut.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The present application provides an aerosol-generating substrate manufacturing device, comprising:

[0029] An extruder, the extruder is used to perform room temperature extrusion molding on the mixed material so that the mixed material forms an extrusion matrix;

[0030] A hardening device is used to cool and harden the extruded matrix.

[0031] In one embodiment, the hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a container, the container having a receiving cavity for receiving the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier is used to provide refrigerant into the receiving cavity.

[0032] In one embodiment, the container is provided with a liquid inlet groove communicated with the containing cavity.

[0033] In one embodiment, the manufacturing equipment includes a first conveying device having a first conveyor belt, and a partial structure of the first conveyor belt is located in the accommodating cavity.

[0034] In one embodiment, a plurality of medium containing slots are provided on the first conveyor belt, and each of the medium containing slots extends along a conveying direction of the first conveyor belt.

[0035] In one embodiment, the hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a first cooling tube, the first cooling tube includes a tube body having a first cooling channel and a refrigerant injection port arranged on the side wall of the tube body and connected to the first cooling channel, the first cooling channel is used to accommodate the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier sprays refrigerant into the first cooling channel through the refrigerant injection port.

[0036] In one embodiment, there are multiple refrigerant injection ports, some of which are spaced apart along the circumference of the tube body, and some of which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first cooling channel.

[0037] In one embodiment, the refrigerant injection port has an inlet end and an outlet end connected to the first cooling channel, the refrigerant injection port is inclined relative to the extension direction of the first cooling channel, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the first cooling channel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a second cooling tube, the second cooling tube includes a first inner tube and a first outer tube, the first inner tube has a second cooling channel for accommodating the extruded matrix, a first refrigerant cavity is formed between the first inner tube and the first outer tube, a connecting channel connecting the first refrigerant cavity and the second cooling channel is provided on the side wall of the first inner tube, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the first refrigerant cavity.

[0039] In one embodiment, there are multiple communicating channels, some of which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first inner tube, and some of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second cooling channel.

[0040] In one embodiment, the connecting channel has an inlet end connected to the first refrigerant cavity and an outlet end connected to the second cooling channel, the connecting channel is inclined relative to the extension direction of the second cooling channel, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the second cooling channel.

[0041] In one embodiment, the hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a third cooling tube, the third cooling tube includes a second inner tube and a second outer tube, the second inner tube has a heat exchange channel, a second refrigerant cavity for storing refrigerant is formed between the second inner tube and the second outer tube, the heat exchange channel is used to accommodate the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the second refrigerant cavity.

[0042] The present application embodiment provides a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating matrix and a manufacturing device, wherein the method for manufacturing an aerosol generating matrix mainly involves extrusion molding of a mixed material at room temperature, so that the mixed material forms an extruded matrix, and then cooling and hardening the extruded matrix. Extrusion molding at room temperature can ensure that the rheological properties of the slurry are stable, and the endogenous components of the extruded matrix are stable. Since the texture of the extruded matrix extruded by extrusion molding at room temperature is relatively soft, the hardness of the extruded matrix can be increased by cooling and hardening the extruded matrix, so as to facilitate subsequent processing. The use of extrusion molding at room temperature and cooling and hardening can not only achieve uniform and stable aerosol generating matrix, but also reduce production difficulty, and improve production efficiency while also improving yield rate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of a manufacturing device for an aerosol generating substrate according to an embodiment of the present application, and also shows a mixed material;

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a manufacturing apparatus is shown, also showing an extruded matrix;

[0046] 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;

[0047] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the manufacturing apparatus shown;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first extrusion die of an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] 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;

[0050] Figure 8 This 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;

[0051] Fig. 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a first 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;

[0052] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the hardening device shown;

[0053] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the matching relationship between the extrusion die, the extrusion matrix and the second hardening device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Fig.12 for Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of the hardening device shown, showing the die and the extruded matrix at the same time;

[0055] Fig.13 for Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the hardening device shown;

[0056] Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of a third hardening device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Fig.15 A cross-sectional view of a fourth hardening device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Fig.16 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first extruded matrix of an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second extruded matrix of the embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third extruded matrix according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Description of Reference Numerals

[0062] 100, manufacturing equipment; 110, extruder; 111, barrel; 112, screw; 113, extrusion die; 1131, bottom die; 1132, mouth die; 114, solid material feeding port; 115, liquid material feeding port; 116, adapter; 117, vacuum interface; 120, hardening device; 121, container; 121a, accommodating cavity; 121b, liquid inlet tank; 122, first cooling pipe; 1221, pipe body; 1221a, first cooling channel; 1222, refrigerant injection port; 123, second cooling pipe; 123a, first refrigerant cavity; 1231, first inner pipe; 1231a, second cooling channel; 1231b , connecting channel; 1232, first outer tube; 124, third cooling tube; 124a, second refrigerant cavity; 1241, second inner tube; 1241a, heat exchange channel; 1242, second outer tube; 130, hot air drying device; 131, box; 132, heating plate; 133, fan; 134, auxiliary device; 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, airway; 200′, mixed material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] 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.

[0064] See also Figure 1 The method for manufacturing the aerosol generating substrate comprises the following steps:

[0065] Step S10: Extruding the mixed material at room temperature to form an extrusion matrix;

[0066] Specifically, extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which a material is added to an 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 shape of strips. The mixed material is a material used to make an aerosol-generating matrix. The mixed material is a mixture of solid and liquid materials, that is, the mixed material contains a certain amount of water.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The room temperature extrusion molding of the mixed material described in the implementation of the present application refers to extrusion molding of the mixed material within an extrusion temperature range of 10°C to 90°C.

[0069] Temperature will affect the fluidity of the mixture in the extruder and the smoothness of the outer surface of the extruded matrix. When the extrusion temperature is lower than 10°C, the fluidity of the mixture is poor, the production speed of the extruder is slow, the efficiency is low, and the torque provided by the extruder at this temperature is high, which affects the service life of the extruder.

[0070] When the extrusion temperature is higher than 90°C, the mixed material flows fast and the pressure of the mixed material at the extruder outlet is relatively low, which is not conducive to the molding of the mixed material. As a result, the yield rate will decrease. In addition, at this temperature, the energy consumption of the extruder is high and the production cost increases.

[0071] 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.

[0072] More preferably, the extrusion temperature of room temperature extrusion molding can be 35° C. to 70° C. (including 35° C. and 70° C.).

[0073] Step S20: Cooling and hardening the extruded matrix.

[0074] After cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix increases, and accordingly, the temperature of the extruded matrix decreases.

[0075] For example, the hardness of the extruded matrix extruded by room temperature extrusion molding before cooling and hardening may be 0HB to 100HB (including 0HB and 100HB), and after cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded matrix may be 1HB to 200HB (including 1HB and 200HB).

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] It should be noted that step S20 is not the last step of the manufacturing method, that is, the extruded matrix after cooling and hardening 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.

[0079] 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 includes an extruder 110 and a hardening device 120 .

[0080] The extruder 110 is used to perform room temperature extrusion molding on the mixed material 200 ′ so that the mixed material 200 ′ forms an extruded matrix 200 .

[0081] 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 further 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.

[0082] The hardening device 120 is used to cool and harden the extruded matrix 200 .

[0083] That is to say, the manufacturing method of the aerosol generation matrix of the embodiment of the present application is mainly to carry out normal temperature extrusion molding to the mixed material, so that the mixed material forms an extrusion matrix, and then the extrusion matrix is ​​cooled and hardened. Normal temperature extrusion molding can ensure that the rheological properties of the slurry are stable, and the endogenous components of the extruded extrusion matrix are stable, and because the texture of the extrusion matrix extruded by normal temperature extrusion molding is relatively soft, therefore, by cooling and hardening the extrusion matrix, the hardness of the extrusion matrix can be improved, so as to facilitate subsequent processing. Normal temperature extrusion molding and cooling and hardening are used in combination, not only can the aerosol generation matrix be uniformly stable, but also the production difficulty can be reduced, while improving production efficiency, the yield rate can also be improved.

[0084] The mixed materials of the embodiment of the present application may include plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials, smoke-generating agent raw materials, adhesive raw materials and flavor raw materials.

[0085] 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 various raw material components. 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] Depending on the different structural forms of the extrusion die disposed at the outlet of the extruder, the extruded matrix 200 of different structural forms can be extruded, for example, Figures 16 to 18 , an extruded matrix 200 having air channels 200a may be extruded.

[0093] The number of air passages 200a may be one or more. Fig.16 The straight airway shown can also be Fig.17The spiral airway shown can also be a combination of a straight airway and a spiral airway. A straight airway is an airway extending along a straight line, or in other words, the extending direction of the straight airway is a straight line.

[0094] The spiral airway is an airway in which at least part of the area along the extension direction is in a curved shape with a curvature not equal to zero. 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 zero and a straight segment with a curvature of zero, or may have only a curved segment with a curvature not equal to zero and no straight segment with a curvature of zero. 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.

[0095] The airway 200a may be Fig.16 and Fig.17 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.18 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 .

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] It should be noted that in the related art, some aerosol generating matrices have naturally formed micropores inside. For example, for the aerosol generating matrix of the particle combination, the gaps between the particles constitute the micropores. However, the airway 200a described in the present application is different from the micropores. The airway 200a described in the present application 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 200a are much larger than those of the micropores. The airway 200a is mainly formed by processing. Therefore, the cross-sectional area and length of the airway 200a can be changed according to the design requirements, while the size of the micropores is determined by the gaps between the particles. The cross-sectional area and length of the micropores are naturally formed by the extrusion process.

[0100] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure of room temperature extrusion molding may be 0.5 bar to 300 bar (inclusive).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Preferably, the extrusion pressure of room temperature extrusion molding can be 20 bar to 80 bar (including 20 bar and 80 bar).

[0104] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can be horizontal extrusion.

[0105] 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.

[0106] For the extruded matrix forming the spiral air channel, when the extruded matrix passes through the extrusion die at the exit of the extruder, the die of the extrusion die rotates while the extruded matrix does not rotate, and the extruded matrix extruded by the rotating die directly enters the conveying device (such as Figure 2 and Figure 3The first conveying device 140 in the embodiment of the present invention, since the rotation of the die will cause a certain stress in the extruded matrix, and horizontal extrusion can reduce the direct release of the stress of the extruded matrix (the generated stress can be eliminated by heating), therefore, horizontal extrusion can improve the yield rate of the aerosol-generating matrix with a spiral airway.

[0107] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can also be vertical extrusion.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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 .

[0110] For extruded substrates with straight airways, vertical extrusion can improve the yield rate and reduce the investment cost of the extruder. It can also reduce the floor space of the extruder.

[0111] In one embodiment, the extrusion method of room temperature extrusion molding can also be inclined extrusion.

[0112] 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°.

[0113] Inclined extrusion can not only reduce the extrusion pressure of the mixed material, but also facilitate the space design of other equipment.

[0114] 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 200′ passes through the mouth die 1132, an extruded matrix 200 with an air channel 200a can be formed.

[0115] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 7The extrusion die 113 may also be a single-mode multi-port 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 multiple port dies 1132. After the mixed material 200' passes through the multiple port dies 1132, multiple extruded matrices 200 are formed at the same time. When the screw 112 of the extruder 110 is relatively large in size, a single-mode multi-port die can be selected, which can improve production efficiency and is more suitable for mass production.

[0116] 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 each bottom die 1131 is provided with a plurality of port dies 1132 at the discharge end. After the mixed material 200' passes through the port dies 1132 on each bottom die 1131, a plurality of extruded matrices 200 are formed simultaneously. When the screw 112 of the extruder 110 is relatively large in size, a multi-mode multi-port die can also be selected, which can improve production efficiency and is more suitable for mass production.

[0117] 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.

[0118] That is, the extruded matrix can be transferred to a low-temperature environment with a relatively low temperature for freezing. In order to meet the hardening requirement, the temperature in the low-temperature environment needs to be lower than the hardening temperature of the extruded matrix.

[0119] Exemplarily, under 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).

[0120] 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).

[0121] In one embodiment, the cooling and hardening may also be performed by cooling the extruded matrix using a refrigerant. The refrigerant may be in a liquid state, such as liquid nitrogen or liquefied air, or in a gaseous state or a solid state.

[0122] In one embodiment, the extruded substrate may be directly heat exchanged with a refrigerant.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] For example, see Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The hardening device 120 may include a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a container 121 having a receiving cavity 121a, wherein the receiving cavity 121a is used to receive the extruded matrix 200, and the refrigerant supplier is used to provide refrigerant into the receiving cavity 121a. That is, the extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 is placed into the receiving cavity 121a and is in contact with the refrigerant provided by the refrigerant supplier.

[0126] See also Fig. 9 and Fig.10 For liquid refrigerant, the container 121 may be provided with a liquid inlet groove 121b connected to the accommodating cavity 121a. The refrigerant supplier injects the liquid refrigerant into the liquid inlet groove 121b. The refrigerant enters the accommodating cavity 121a through the liquid inlet groove 121b and contacts the extruded matrix 200 in the accommodating cavity 121a for heat exchange.

[0127] 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 121a. The first conveying device 140 can transport the extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 into the accommodating cavity 121a through the first conveyor belt 141, and transport the extruded matrix 200 that has been cooled and hardened out of the accommodating cavity 121a.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Illustratively, the coolant may be sprayed onto the outer surface of the extruded substrate.

[0130] Injection refers to the spraying of refrigerant under a certain pressure.

[0131] For example, see Figures 11 to 13The hardening device 120 may also be provided with a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a first cooling pipe 122 having a first cooling channel 1221a. The first cooling pipe 122 includes a tube body 1221 having a first cooling channel 1221a and a refrigerant injection port 1222 provided on the side wall of the tube body 1221 and connected to the first cooling channel 1221a. The first cooling channel 1221a is used to accommodate the extruded matrix 200. The refrigerant supplier injects refrigerant into the first cooling channel 1221a through the refrigerant injection port 1222.

[0132] That is, the extruded substrate 200 extruded from the extruder 110 enters the first cooling channel 1221a, and the refrigerant supplier injects the refrigerant into the first cooling channel 1221a through the refrigerant injection port 1222 to cool the extruded substrate 200 in the first cooling channel 1221a.

[0133] See also Fig.11 The number of the first cooling tubes 122 corresponds to the number of the extruded substrates 200 extruded from the extruder 110 .

[0134] The cross-sectional shape of the first cooling tube 122 is not limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first cooling tube 122 may be a closed shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, etc. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may also be a non-closed shape, such as an L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, arc-shaped groove structure, etc.

[0135] See also Fig.12 and Fig.13 The refrigerant injection port 1222 has an inlet end and an outlet end connected to the first cooling channel 1221a. The refrigerant injection port 1222 can be arranged obliquely relative to the extension direction of the first cooling channel 1221a, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the first cooling channel 1221a (equivalent to the inlet end being closer to the inlet end). Fig.12 That is, the refrigerant entering the first cooling channel 1221a from the refrigerant injection port 1222 will flow in the direction of the outlet of the first cooling channel 1221a, thereby better preventing the refrigerant from hindering the movement of the extruded matrix 200 in the first cooling channel 1221a.

[0136] In addition, it should be noted that since the extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 continuously enters the first cooling channel 1221a, the extruded matrix 200 in the first cooling channel 1221a can be pushed to continuously move toward the outlet of the first cooling channel 1221a.

[0137] For further information, see Figures 11 to 13The first cooling tube 122 may be provided with a plurality of refrigerant injection ports 1222, some of which are spaced apart along the circumference of the tube body 1221, and some of which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the first cooling channel 1221a. The refrigerant is sprayed onto the outer surface of the extruded matrix 200 through each of the refrigerant injection ports 1222, thereby enabling the refrigerant to be wrapped around the outer surface of the extruded matrix 200, which is equivalent to the extruded matrix 200 presenting a "floating" posture isolated from the inner side wall of the first cooling channel 1221a in the first cooling channel 1221a.

[0138] In addition, in order to achieve a better "suspension" effect, preferably, the injection pressure of the refrigerant injection port 1222 located at the lower side of the first cooling channel 1221a can be greater than the injection pressure of the refrigerant injection port 1222 located at the upper side of the first cooling channel 1221a to balance the gravity of the extruded matrix 200.

[0139] Since the refrigerant is wrapped around the outer surface of the extruded matrix 200, the refrigerant isolates the extruded matrix 200 from the inner wall of the first cooling channel 1221a, and the extruded matrix 200 does not contact the inner wall of the first cooling channel 1221a. Therefore, the problem of deformation of the extruded matrix 200 caused by friction between the extruded matrix 200 and the inner wall of the first cooling channel 1221a can be effectively prevented.

[0140] For example, see Fig.14 The hardening device 120 may also include a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a second cooling tube 123, the second cooling tube 123 includes a first inner tube 1231 and a first outer tube 1232, the first inner tube 1231 has a second cooling channel 1231a for accommodating the extruded matrix 200, a first refrigerant cavity 123a is formed between the first inner tube 1231 and the first outer tube 1232, a connecting channel 1231b connecting the first refrigerant cavity 123a and the second cooling channel 1231a is provided on the side wall of the first inner tube 1231, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the first refrigerant cavity 123a.

[0141] That is, the extruded substrate 200 extruded from the extruder 110 enters the second cooling channel 1231a, the refrigerant provided by the refrigerant supplier enters the first refrigerant cavity 123a, and enters the second cooling channel 1231a through the connecting channel 1231b to directly contact the extruded substrate 200.

[0142] The number of the communication channel 1231b may be one or more.

[0143] See also Fig.14When there are multiple connecting channels 1231b, some of the connecting channels 1231b can be spaced apart along the circumference of the first inner tube 1231, and some of the connecting channels 1231b can be spaced apart along the extension direction of the second cooling channel 1231a, which is equivalent to the refrigerant in the first refrigerant cavity 123a can enter the second cooling channel 1231a from multiple directions and multiple positions, and the refrigerant flowing into the second cooling channel 1231a can also be wrapped around the outer surface of the extruded matrix 200, so that the extruded matrix 200 can present a "floating" posture isolated from the inner side wall of the second cooling channel 1231a in the second cooling channel 1231a.

[0144] For further information, see Fig.14 The connecting channel 1231b has an inlet end connected to the first refrigerant cavity 123a and an outlet end connected to the second cooling channel 1231a. The connecting channel 1231b can be inclined relative to the extension direction of the second cooling channel 1231a, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the second cooling channel 1231a (equivalent to the inlet end being closer to the inlet end). Fig.14 That is, the refrigerant entering the second cooling channel 1231a from the connecting channel 1231b will flow in the direction of the outlet of the second cooling channel 1231a, thereby preventing the refrigerant from hindering the movement of the extruded matrix 200 in the second cooling channel 1231a.

[0145] In other embodiments, the extruded substrate 200 may also contact the inner sidewall of the first cooling channel 1221 a , and the inner sidewall of the first cooling channel 1221 a may be configured as a smooth surface to reduce friction with the extruded substrate 200 .

[0146] In another embodiment, the extruded matrix may be subjected to indirect heat exchange with the refrigerant.

[0147] 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.

[0148] For example, see Fig.15 The hardening device 120 may include a refrigerant supplier (not shown) and a third cooling tube 124, the third cooling tube 124 includes a second inner tube 1241 and a second outer tube 1242, the second inner tube 1241 has a heat exchange channel 1241a, and a second refrigerant cavity 124a for storing refrigerant is formed between the second inner tube 1241 and the second outer tube 1242, the heat exchange channel 1241a is used to accommodate the extruded matrix 200, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the second refrigerant cavity 124a.

[0149] The extruded matrix 200 extruded from the extruder 110 enters the heat exchange channel 1241a and contacts the second inner tube 1241 for heat exchange. The second inner tube 1241 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 side wall of the second inner tube 1241. It should be noted that the inner surface of the second inner tube 1241 forming the heat exchange channel 1241a is generally a smooth surface. For example, the roughness of the inner surface of the second inner tube 1241 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 200 is small, and the extruded matrix 200 will not be deformed.

[0150] 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.

[0151] In one embodiment, after the extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened, the manufacturing method may further include: hot air drying the extruded matrix.

[0152] 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.

[0153] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 The manufacturing equipment 100 may be provided with a hot air drying device 130, which includes a box 131, a heating plate 132 and a fan 133. The heating plate 132 is arranged in the box 131, and the fan 133 is connected to the box 131. The heating plate 132 is used to heat the air in the box 131, and the fan 133 cooperates with the heating plate 132 to form a heat cycle in the box 131, so that the moisture in the extruded matrix 200 can be evaporated.

[0154] 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 131. The second conveying device 160 can transport the cooled and hardened extruded matrix 200 into the box 131 through the second conveyor belt 161, and transport the extruded matrix 200 that has been dried by hot air out of the box 131.

[0155] For further information, see Figures 2 to 5A plurality of heating plates 132 may be arranged in the box body 131, a portion of the heating plates 132 may be arranged above the second conveyor belt 161, and another portion of the heating plates 132 may be arranged below the second conveyor belt 161, which is equivalent to that hot air may heat the extruded matrix 200 from both upper and lower directions, thereby allowing the extruded matrix 200 to be heated evenly, 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.

[0156] The temperature of hot air drying can be adjusted as needed. For example, the temperature of hot air drying can be 50° C. to 200° C. (including 50° C. and 200° C.).

[0157] When the hot air drying temperature 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 hot air drying temperature 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 hot air drying temperature is higher than 200°C, the moisture on the surface of the extruded matrix evaporates quickly, while the internal moisture 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 extruded matrix morphology and composition, and the aroma components and effective substances (such as alkaloids and smoke agents) in the raw materials are easily lost by heat, the manufacturing cost is high, the product quality is reduced, and the user experience is reduced. Therefore, the temperature of hot air drying is between 50°C and 200°C. It is a more reasonable temperature range.

[0158] 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 achieve continuous production. The combination of room temperature extrusion molding and hot air drying has low equipment cost investment, continuous production, high production efficiency, low manufacturing cost, and the extruded matrix is ​​uniform and stable, and has high processability.

[0159] More preferably, the hot air drying temperature may be 75° C. to 125° C. (inclusive).

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] For example, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The hot air drying device 130 can be provided with an auxiliary device 134 in the box body 131. The auxiliary device 134 can be provided above the heating plate 132, below the heating plate 132, or on the side of the transmission belt. When a plurality of auxiliary devices 134 are provided in the box body 131, the auxiliary device 134 can be provided at at least two locations above or below the heating plate 132 and on the side of the transmission belt.

[0164] The microwave or ultrasonic wave emitted by the auxiliary device 134 above or below the heating plate 132 has a wider range, which can make the extruded matrix 200 heat more evenly. The microwave or ultrasonic wave emitted by the auxiliary device 134 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.

[0165] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix after hot air drying may be 3% to 20% (inclusive) of the total weight of the extruded matrix.

[0166] 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 high, which reduces the user's suction experience. In addition, if the dried extruded matrix is ​​subsequently processed by other methods (i.e., step S20 is not the last step of the manufacturing method), 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, the water content in the dried extruded matrix is ​​controlled within the range of 3% to 20% of the total weight of the extruded matrix, which can effectively improve the user's suction experience. In addition, for the extruded matrix that is processed by it after drying, the defect rate of subsequent production can also be reduced.

[0167] Preferably, the water content of the extruded matrix after negative pressure drying may be 4% to 13% (including 4% and 13%) of the total weight of the extruded matrix.

[0168] 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.

[0169] In one embodiment, before hot-air drying the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method may further include: cutting the extruded matrix after cooling and hardening.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] Since the hardness of the extruded matrix increases after being cooled and hardened, the extruded matrix after being cooled and hardened is easier to cut, and the extruded matrix after cutting will not be deformed, and the cut surface is more neat and complete.

[0175] Additionally, prior to slitting, a jig may be used to calibrate the extruded matrix for circumference and straightness.

[0176] 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.

[0177] In one embodiment, the components of the mixed material include solid material and liquid material. Before the mixed material is subjected to room temperature extrusion molding, the manufacturing method may further include: dividing the solid material and the liquid material into two modules and feeding them separately.

[0178] Solid material refers to solid material, and liquid material refers to liquid material. That is to say, part of the components in the mixed material are solid, and part of the components are liquid. The solid material and the liquid material are mixed to form a mixed material.

[0179] It should be noted that the mixed material formed after the solid material and the liquid material are mixed is in a uniform form and can no longer be divided into solid material and liquid material.

[0180] For example, taking plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and adhesive raw materials as solid materials and smoke agent raw materials and flavor raw materials as liquid materials, the solid materials such as plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and adhesive raw materials and the liquid materials such as smoke agent raw materials and flavor raw materials can be added into the barrel of the extruder respectively, so that the solid materials and the liquid materials are mixed in the barrel of the extruder.

[0181] The advantage of dividing the solid material and liquid material into two modules for feeding separately is that it can reduce the pre-treatment cost of the mixed material, ensure the continuity of the production process, and improve the consistency and uniformity of the product while improving production efficiency.

[0182] Furthermore, dividing the solid material and the liquid material into two modules for feeding separately may include the following steps: adding the solid material; when the solid material moves along the material conveying direction to the liquid material adding position, adding the liquid material to the solid material.

[0183] That is to say, solid material is first added to the extruder. After the solid material enters the barrel of the extruder, it will move along the material conveying direction toward the direction of the extrusion die. When the solid material moves along the material conveying direction to the liquid material adding position, liquid material is added to the extruder to mix the liquid material and the solid material in the barrel of the extruder.

[0184] 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.

[0185] For example, see Figures 2 to 5 A solid material feeding port 114 and a liquid material feeding port 115 connected to the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 may be provided on the extruder 110 , and the liquid material feeding port 115 is located downstream of the solid material feeding port 114 along the material conveying direction.

[0186] The number of the solid material feeding ports 114 may be one or more. When a plurality of solid material feeding ports 114 are provided, each solid material feeding port 114 may be used to add the same solid material or different solid materials.

[0187] Similarly, the number of the liquid material feeding ports 115 may be one or more. When multiple liquid material feeding ports 115 are provided, each liquid material feeding port 115 may be used to add the same liquid material or different liquid materials.

[0188] In addition, whether it is a plurality of solid material feeding ports 114 or a plurality of liquid material feeding ports 115, they can be arranged into a detachable structure so as to facilitate the assembly of the solid material feeding ports 114 and the liquid material feeding ports 115 according to the required number.

[0189] 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 material is added first, the liquid material will easily leak from the gap. Therefore, adding the solid material first, and then adding the liquid material when the solid material moves along the material conveying direction to the liquid material adding position, can better avoid liquid leakage.

[0190] In some embodiments, the mixed material may not be fed separately as a solid material and a liquid material. For example, the solid material and the liquid material may be mixed first to form a mixed material (referred to as mixed slurry feeding), and then the mixed material is added to the barrel of the extruder.

[0191] The advantage of mixed slurry feeding is that the mixed material has better consistency, which can ensure the uniformity and stability of the product.

[0192] Also, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 , for mixed slurry feeding, feed port (when using mixed slurry feeding, Figure 3 and Figure 5 A screw 112 may also be provided at the solid material feeding port 114 (equivalent to the feeding port) to further homogenize the mixed slurry.

[0193] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 and Figure 5 The extruder 110 may also be provided with a vacuum interface 117 connected to the barrel 111. After feeding, the barrel 111 of the extruder 110 may be vacuumed to form a negative pressure in the barrel 111, thereby defoaming the mixed material and facilitating the full mixing of the raw materials in the mixed material.

[0194] In one embodiment, after hot-air drying the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method may further include: packaging the extruded matrix.

[0195] 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 .

[0196] There are many ways to package. For example, a packaging layer can be wrapped on the outer surface of the extruded substrate.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] For example, the extruded matrix may also be sealed and packaged.

[0200] 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.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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: Extruding the mixed material at room temperature to form an extrusion matrix; The extruded matrix is ​​cooled and hardened.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of cooling and hardening the extruded matrix comprises: The extruded matrix is ​​placed 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.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hardening temperature is -100°C to 60°C, and the temperature of the low temperature environment is -270°C to 60°C.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of cooling and hardening the extruded matrix comprises: The extruded matrix is ​​directly heat exchanged with a refrigerant; or, the extruded matrix is ​​indirectly heat exchanged with a refrigerant.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The direct heat exchange between the extruded matrix and the refrigerant comprises: The coolant is sprayed onto the outer surface of the extruded substrate.

6. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The hardness of the extruded matrix after cooling and hardening is 1HB to 200HB; and / or, The temperature of the extruded matrix after the cooling and hardening is -50°C to 5°C.

7. The manufacturing method according to claims 1-5, 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.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The extrusion pressure is 20 bar to 80 bar.

9. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The extrusion method of the room temperature extrusion molding is one of horizontal extrusion, vertical extrusion and inclined extrusion.

10. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: After cooling and hardening the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method further comprises: The extruded matrix is ​​subjected to hot air drying.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The temperature of the hot air drying is 50°C to 200°C.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, 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.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, 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.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: Before hot-air drying the extruded matrix, the manufacturing method further comprises: The extruded matrix after cooling and hardening is cut.

15. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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.

16. An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol-generating substrate, characterized in that: include An extruder, the extruder is used to perform room temperature extrusion molding on the mixed material so that the mixed material forms an extrusion matrix; A hardening device is used to cool and harden the extruded matrix.

17. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that The hardening device comprises a refrigerant supplier and a container, wherein the container has a receiving cavity for receiving the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier is used for providing refrigerant into the receiving cavity.

18. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that The container is provided with a liquid inlet groove communicated with the accommodating cavity.

19. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that The manufacturing equipment includes a first conveying device having a first conveyor belt, and a partial structure of the first conveyor belt is located in the accommodating cavity.

20. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that The first conveyor belt is provided with a plurality of medium containing slots, and each of the medium containing slots extends along the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt.

21. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that The hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a first cooling pipe, the first cooling pipe includes a tube body having a first cooling channel and a refrigerant injection port arranged on the side wall of the tube body and connected to the first cooling channel, the first cooling channel is used to accommodate the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier injects refrigerant into the first cooling channel through the refrigerant injection port.

22. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 21, characterized in that There are multiple refrigerant injection ports, some of which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the tube body, and some of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the first cooling channel; and / or, The refrigerant injection port has an inlet end and an outlet end connected to the first cooling channel. The refrigerant injection port is inclined relative to the extension direction of the first cooling channel, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the first cooling channel.

23. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that The hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a second cooling tube, the second cooling tube includes a first inner tube and a first outer tube, the first inner tube has a second cooling channel for accommodating the extruded matrix, a first refrigerant cavity is formed between the first inner tube and the first outer tube, a connecting channel connecting the first refrigerant cavity and the second cooling channel is provided on the side wall of the first inner tube, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the first refrigerant cavity.

24. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 23, characterized in that There are multiple communication channels, some of which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first inner tube, and some of which are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the second cooling channel; and / or, The connecting channel has an inlet end connected to the first refrigerant cavity and an outlet end connected to the second cooling channel. The connecting channel is inclined relative to the extension direction of the second cooling channel, and the outlet end is located on the side of the inlet end away from the inlet of the second cooling channel.

25. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that The hardening device includes a refrigerant supplier and a third cooling tube, the third cooling tube includes a second inner tube and a second outer tube, the second inner tube has a heat exchange channel, a second refrigerant cavity for storing refrigerant is formed between the second inner tube and the second outer tube, the heat exchange channel is used to accommodate the extruded matrix, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the second refrigerant cavity.

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