Manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of aerosol generating substrate

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aerosol generating substrates, and provides a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment of an aerosol generating substrate, and the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: extruding a mixed material at a high temperature to form an extruded substrate; and carrying out hot air drying on the extruded matrix. During high-temperature extrusion molding, water added in a mixed material can be reduced, even the low-moisture mixed material can be extruded without adding water, feeding is facilitated, high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and increase the extrusion speed, an extrusion matrix with lower density can be obtained by reducing the extrusion pressure, and the extrusion efficiency is improved by increasing the extrusion speed. And the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, as the water content in the mixed material is low, shaping and drying are facilitated, and the production efficiency is further improved. And the mixed materials can be subjected to Maillard reaction at high temperature, so that more aroma components are generated, and the mouth feel of the medium is improved. And hot air drying can dry extruded substrates in batches, and the drying speed is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of aerosol - generating substrates, and particularly to a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for an aerosol - generating substrate. Background Art

[0002] An aerosol - generating substrate can form an aerosol by ignition or by heating without combustion. In the aerosol - generating substrate for heating without combustion, the aerosol - generating substrate is heated by an external heat source to just the extent that it is sufficient to emit an aerosol. The aerosol - generating substrate does not burn. By loading a fuming agent, when in use, the fuming agent is released by heating the aerosol - generating substrate to form an aerosol.

[0003] The core of existing manufacturing systems mainly includes three methods: casting, coating, and rolling. It is necessary to regulate the moisture and morphology of the substrate by means of hot - air drying, and it is necessary to use gathering or filling equipment to prepare a cylindrical aerosol - generating substrate. The related methods and manufacturing systems have the problems of long process, many transfers of intermediate products from raw materials to finished products, large investment in manufacturing systems, and easy loss of effective substances during the manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application are expected to provide a manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment for an aerosol - generating substrate that can improve the yield.

[0005] To achieve the above object, embodiments of this application provide a manufacturing method for an aerosol - generating substrate, including:

[0006] Mixing materials are extruded at high temperature to form an extruded substrate;

[0007] The extruded substrate is dried by hot - air.

[0008] In some embodiments, the extrusion temperature for the high - temperature extrusion is greater than 90 °C and less than or equal to 200 °C.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extrusion temperature for the high - temperature extrusion is between 100 °C and 150 °C.

[0010] In some embodiments, the extrusion pressure for the high - temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extrusion pressure for the high - temperature extrusion is between 20 bar and 150 bar.

[0012] In some embodiments, the temperature for the hot - air drying is between 50 °C and 200 °C.

[0013] In some embodiments, the water content of the mixing materials is between 5% and 15%.

[0014] In some embodiments, the temperature of the hot air drying is between 75°C and 125°C.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water content of the dried extrusion matrix is between 3% and 13%.

[0016] In some embodiments, the extrusion matrix has an air passage running through at least one end of it along the longitudinal direction, and during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extrusion matrix.

[0017] In some embodiments, after the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extrusion matrix, the manufacturing method includes:

[0018] Cutting the extrusion matrix.

[0019] In some embodiments, before the extrusion matrix is subjected to hot air drying, the manufacturing method includes:

[0020] Hardening the extrusion matrix by cooling.

[0021] In some embodiments, the hardness of the hardened extrusion matrix is between 1 HB and 200 HB.

[0022] In some embodiments, the extrusion matrix is extruded horizontally; or,

[0023] the extrusion matrix is extruded vertically; or,

[0024] the extrusion matrix is extruded obliquely.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mixed material includes, by weight parts: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of fuming agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of binder raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of spice raw materials.

[0026] The embodiments of the present application further provide a manufacturing device for an aerosol - generating matrix, and the manufacturing device includes:

[0027] An extrusion device for extruding the mixed material at high temperature to form an extrusion matrix;

[0028] A drying device for hot air drying the extrusion matrix.

[0029] In some embodiments, the drying device includes:

[0030] A box body having a drying chamber;

[0031] A fan for driving the air flow in the drying chamber;

[0032] A heating element is disposed in the drying chamber, and the heating element is used to heat the air flow in the drying chamber.

[0033] In some embodiments, the number of the heating elements is at least two, and the at least two heating elements are spaced apart in the vertical direction to form a spaced space for conveying the extruded substrate.

[0034] In some embodiments, the extruded substrate has an air passage penetrating at least one end of its longitudinal direction, the drying device includes a diversion channel for guiding hot air, and an air outlet of the diversion channel is located on one side of the extruded substrate in the longitudinal direction.

[0035] In some embodiments, the drying device includes a conveyor belt for conveying the extruded substrate, and a plurality of grooves are formed on a surface of the conveyor belt facing the extruded substrate, each groove is used to place one extruded substrate, and at least a part of the extruded substrate is located in the groove.

[0036] In some embodiments, the manufacturing device includes a microwave device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the microwave device dries the extruded substrate by emitting microwave radiation.

[0037] In some embodiments, the manufacturing device includes an ultrasonic device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the ultrasonic device dries the extruded substrate by emitting ultrasonic radiation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the manufacturing device includes an infrared device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the infrared device dries the extruded substrate by emitting infrared rays.

[0039] The manufacturing method provided by the embodiments of the present application extrudes the mixed material at high temperature to form an extrusion matrix. Among them, the mixed material is a mixed material of the components of the aerosol generating matrix, and then the extrusion matrix is dried by hot air. When forming by high-temperature extrusion, the water added to the mixed material can be reduced, and even no external water is required for extrusion. The mixed material with low moisture content is beneficial for feeding, and high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extrusion matrix with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the strength of the extrusion matrix formed by high-temperature extrusion can maintain its shape, and low-strength shaping treatment can meet the requirements of subsequent production steps (such as slitting), and even direct slitting (that is, no shaping step is required), which is beneficial for shaping and further improves the production efficiency. Furthermore, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the corresponding water to be removed is reduced, the drying intensity is low, and it is more conducive to the retention of aroma substances in the extrusion matrix. When no external water is added to the mixed material, drying may not even be required. Moreover, at high temperatures, the Maillard reaction will occur in the mixed material, generating more aroma components and improving the yield. Hot air drying can batch-dry the extrusion matrix, with a fast drying speed. By drying with hot air, the water content of the extrusion matrix is reduced to facilitate the storage and use of the aerosol generating matrix. The aerosol generating matrix obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying is an integrally formed structure. In this way, during the use of the aerosol generating matrix, such as during heating and suction or after stopping heating, it is an integral medium and is not prone to problems such as disintegration and falling off. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the manufacturing method in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the manufacturing system in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the extrudate is extruded vertically;

[0042] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the structure shown;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the manufacturing system in another embodiment of the present application, wherein the extrudate is extruded horizontally;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the diversion channel and the conveyor belt in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged schematic diagram at position A in

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 8 For Figure 7 The schematic structural diagram of the die and the extrusion matrix shown;

[0048] Figure 9 The schematic structural diagram of the die and the bottom die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 10 The schematic structural diagram of the adapter, the die and the bottom die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 11 The schematic structural diagram of the hardening device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 12 The schematic structural diagram of the hardening device in another embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Description of the reference numerals

[0053] 1000, extrusion matrix; 1000a, air duct; 1, extrusion device; 11, extrusion barrel; 11a, extrusion cavity; 11b, feed port; 11b1, solid material feed port; 11b2, liquid material feed port; 11c, discharge port; 12, extrusion screw; 13, die; 14, feeding screw; 15, bottom die; 16, adapter; 2, drying device; 21, box body; 21a, drying cavity; 21b, inlet; 21c, delivery port; 22, fan; 23, heating element; 24, diversion channel; 24a, air outlet; 24b, air inlet; 25, conveyor belt; 25a, groove; 3, microwave device; 4, ultrasonic device; 5, hardening device; 51, housing; 511, outer shell; 512, inner shell; 51a, entrance; 51b, cold cavity; 51c, exit; 51d, injection port; 51e, refrigerant channel; 52, conveyor belt; 52a, guiding groove; 6, slitting device; 61, slitting tool; 7, packaging device. Detailed implementation manners

[0054] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present application and the technical features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The detailed description in the detailed implementation manners should be understood as an explanatory illustration of the purpose of the present application and should not be regarded as an improper limitation to the present application.

[0055] In the present application, the temperature unit "°C" is Celsius. The pressure unit "bar" is bar. The unit "μm" is micrometer. The viscosity unit "pa.s" is Pascal second. The unit "pa" is Pascal.

[0056] The aerosol - generating substrate is used to generate aerosol by heating. Exemplarily, the aerosol - generating substrate can be applicable to generate aerosol by the way of heating combustion. The aerosol - generating substrate can also be applicable to generate aerosol by the way of heating without combustion. That is to say, the aerosol - generating substrate is heated to a temperature below the ignition point to generate aerosol. The aerosol - generating substrate does not burn during the process of generating aerosol.

[0057] The aerosol - generating substrate provided by the embodiments of the present application is used for an aerosol - generating article. The aerosol - generating article includes an aerosol - generating substrate and a functional section. The functional section is arranged at one end of the aerosol - generating substrate along the longitudinal direction, and the functional section includes a filtering section for filtering aerosol. The filtering section is used to filter the aerosol generated by the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0058] Of course, in some embodiments, the aerosol - generating article may also not include a functional section.

[0059] The aerosol - generating article is used for a user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol - generating substrate. For example, the user can suck the filtered aerosol by holding the filtering section in the mouth. The aerosol generated by the aerosol - generating substrate is transported to the filtering section under the action of suction negative pressure.

[0060] The aerosol - generating article is used to cooperate with an aerosol - generating device having a heating component. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol - generating substrate to generate aerosol.

[0061] There are various heating methods of the heating component. Exemplarily, the heating methods include central heating, peripheral heating, and / or bottom heating. The central heating method means that the heating component is inserted into the aerosol - generating article to bake and heat the aerosol - generating article from the inside to the outside. The peripheral heating method means that the heating component is arranged on the periphery of the aerosol - generating article to bake and heat the aerosol - generating article from the outside to the inside. The bottom heating method means that the heating component is located at the bottom of the aerosol - generating article, and the heating component first heats the air, and then the hot air heats the aerosol - generating article from the bottom to the top.

[0062] It should be noted that the bottom of the aerosol - generating article is the end along the longitudinal direction away from the functional section.

[0063] The heating methods of the heating component include but are not limited to resistive heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, or laser heating, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, the functional section may only be provided with a filtering section.

[0065] In some other embodiments, the functional segment further includes a cooling segment, which is located between the filtering segment and the aerosol generating substrate. The cooling segment is used to cool the aerosol before the filtering segment filters the aerosol. The cooling segment can improve the phenomenon of "burning the mouth" when the user inhales the aerosol.

[0066] The cooling material used in the cooling segment includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of materials such as PE (polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), acetate fiber, and propylene fiber.

[0067] The filtering material used in the filtering segment includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of materials such as PE (polyethylene), PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), acetate fiber, and propylene fiber.

[0068] The materials of the cooling segment and the filtering segment can be the same or different.

[0069] Please refer to Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides a manufacturing method of an aerosol generating substrate, and the manufacturing method includes:

[0070] S100: The mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form an extruded substrate;

[0071] The mixed material is a component of the aerosol generating substrate. High-temperature extrusion is used to shape the mixed material to obtain the extruded substrate 1000, and the extruded substrate 1000 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate. That is to say, the cross-sectional shape of the extruded substrate 1000 is the same as the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating substrate. The mixed material is formed by using the extrusion process without changing the chemical properties of the mixed material.

[0072] It should be noted that the longitudinal direction refers to the extending direction of the aerosol generating substrate. For example, when the aerosol generating substrate is formed by extrusion, the longitudinal direction is the extending direction of the extruded substrate 1000. The cross-sectional shape refers to the shape presented by the extruded substrate 1000 with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as the cross-section.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4, Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which the mixed material is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel of the extrusion device 1 and the extrusion screw 12, and an extrusion substrate 1000 with various cross-sectional shapes is formed through the die 13 of the discharge port 11c.

[0074] High-temperature extrusion means that the extrusion temperature is higher than 90°C.

[0075] It should be noted that in the field of extrusion, an extrusion temperature above 90°C is high-temperature extrusion. An extrusion temperature between 10°C and 90°C (including 10°C and 90°C) is normal-temperature extrusion. The extrusion temperature is the temperature in the extrusion chamber 11a of the extrusion device 1.

[0076] Temperature will affect parameters such as the retention rate of volatile aroma substances in the extruded material, extrusion pressure, and extrusion speed. High and low-temperature extrusion can reduce the extrusion pressure and increase the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extrusion substrate 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, production efficiency can be improved.

[0077] At the same extrusion speed, the extrusion pressure required for high-temperature extrusion is smaller than that for normal-temperature extrusion or low-temperature extrusion, and an extrusion substrate 1000 with a lower density can be obtained; at the same extrusion pressure, high-temperature extrusion can have a faster extrusion speed.

[0078] When forming by high-temperature extrusion, the water added to the mixed material can be reduced, and even no external water is needed for extrusion. The low-moisture mixed material is beneficial for feeding, and high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and increase the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extrusion substrate 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the strength of the extrusion substrate 1000 formed by high-temperature extrusion can maintain its shape, and low-strength shaping can meet the requirements of subsequent production steps (such as slitting), and even direct slitting (i.e., no shaping step is required), which is beneficial for shaping and further improves production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the water to be removed is correspondingly reduced, the drying strength is low, which is more conducive to the retention of aroma substances in the extrusion substrate 1000, and even no drying is required when no external water is added to the mixed material. And at high temperatures, the Maillard reaction will occur in the mixed material, generating more aroma components, which can effectively improve the taste of the medium.

[0079] It should be noted that the Maillard reaction, also known as non-enzymatic browning reaction, is a non-enzymatic browning widely present in the food industry. It is a reaction between carbonyl compounds (reducing sugars) and amino compounds (amino acids and proteins), and through a complex process, large molecular substances such as melanoidins or melanoid pigments, which are brown or even black, are finally formed. Therefore, it is also called the carbonyl-amine reaction, and certain aroma components will be generated during this reaction process.

[0080] Exemplarily, the extrusion temperature for high-temperature extrusion is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C (i.e., not greater than 200°C). For example, the extrusion temperature for high-temperature extrusion is 91°C, 100°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, 155°C, 160°C, 165°C, 170°C, 175°C, 180°C, 184°C, 188°C, 190°C, 196°C or 200°C, etc.

[0081] When the extrusion temperature is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C (i.e., not greater than 200°C), the extrusion pressure can be at an equilibrium point, and the extruded extrusion matrix 1000 has a uniform morphology and a stable structure. When the temperature is greater than 90°C, less water needs to be added to the mixed material, and by reducing the extrusion pressure, an extrusion matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. When the temperature is not greater than 200°C, the temperature of the mixed material is appropriate, has a certain adhesiveness, is not prone to looseness and cracking problems, and does not lose too many low-volatility aroma components, reducing manufacturing energy consumption. That is to say, by controlling the extrusion temperature to be greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C, different-density and different-aroma-component extrusion matrices 1000 can be obtained by matching an appropriate extrusion speed, effectively improving the yield rate.

[0082] More preferably, the extrusion temperature for high-temperature extrusion is between 100°C and 150°C (including 100°C and 150°C).

[0083] In one embodiment, the extrusion pressure for high-temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar (including 10 bar and 300 bar). Exemplarily, the extrusion pressure for high-temperature extrusion is 10 bar, 20 bar, 40 bar, 50 bar, 55 bar, 60 bar, 70 bar, 75 bar, 80 bar, 86 bar, 90 bar, 95 bar, 110 bar, 140 bar, 170 bar, 200 bar, 210 bar, 220 bar, 230 bar, 240 bar, 250 bar, 260 bar, 270 bar, 280 bar, 290 bar or 300 bar, etc.

[0084] The extrusion pressure described in the embodiments of the present application refers to the extrusion pressure of the extrusion die (such as the die 13) located at the discharge port 11c of the extrusion device 1.

[0085] The extrusion pressure has an impact on the forming shape, surface smoothness, yield rate, production rate, and density of the aerosol - generating substrate. When the extrusion pressure is lower than 10 bar, the extruded substrate 1000 may crack due to insufficient adhesion after forming; when the extrusion pressure is higher than 300 bar, the extruded substrate 1000 is too dense (i.e., the density of the extruded substrate 1000 is too high), which reduces the user experience. Moreover, the material of the extrusion device 1 needs to be pressure - resistant, and the transmission structure of the extrusion device 1 has a high load (requiring a high torque to be provided), resulting in a reduced service life of the extrusion device 1 and a relatively high input cost of the extrusion device 1. Therefore, controlling the extrusion pressure within the range of 10 bar to 300 bar can not only improve the yield rate of the aerosol - generating substrate but also extend the service life of the extrusion device 1.

[0086] More preferably, the extrusion pressure for high - temperature extrusion is 20 bar to 150 bar (including 20 bar and 150 bar).

[0087] In some embodiments, the water content of the mixed material is between 5% and 15% (including 5% and 15%). Exemplarily, the water content of the mixed material is 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14% or 15%, etc.

[0088] It can be understood that the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form the extruded substrate 1000, which can reduce the water added to the mixed material, and even can be extruded without adding water externally. Moreover, high - temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extruded substrate 1000 with a lower density can be obtained, and by increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved.

[0089] When the water content of the mixed material is lower than 5%, the mixed material is loose and not easy to form. The extrusion pressure is too high and the extrusion speed is slow, reducing the production efficiency and the yield. When the water content of the mixed material is higher than 15%, the water content of the mixed material is too high. When extruded at a high temperature, the viscosity of the slurry becomes poor and it is not easy to form. Therefore, controlling the water content of the mixed material within the range of 5% to 15% can not only improve the production efficiency and the yield of the aerosol - generating substrate but also improve the yield rate of the aerosol - generating substrate.

[0090] S200: Hot - air dry the extruded substrate.

[0091] If the aerosol - generating substrate contains an excessive amount of liquid such as water, the aerosol - generating substrate is not easy to store and transport, is prone to deformation under force, and is also prone to the situation of "burning the mouth" during the heating process of the aerosol - generating substrate. Therefore, if there is more solvent such as water and / or other volatile lubricants in the extruded substrate 1000, the solvent and / or lubricant need to be removed to obtain a dry aerosol - generating substrate for use or storage.

[0092] Hot air drying refers to drying the extruded matrix 1000 using a hot air stream. The hot air stream can come into contact with the extruded matrix 1000 to transfer heat to the extruded matrix 1000, causing the solvent and / or lubricant within the extruded matrix 1000 to evaporate or sublimate, thereby reducing the content of the solvent and / or the content of the lubricant in the extruded matrix 1000, achieving the purpose of drying the extruded matrix 1000.

[0093] In the manufacturing method provided by the embodiments of the present application, the mixed material is subjected to high-temperature extrusion to form an extruded matrix 1000. Among them, the mixed material is a mixed material of the components of the aerosol-forming matrix, and then the extruded matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying. When forming by high-temperature extrusion, the water added to the mixed material can be reduced, and even no external water is required for extrusion. The mixed material with low moisture is beneficial for feeding, and high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extruded matrix 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the strength of the extruded matrix 1000 formed by high-temperature extrusion can maintain its shape, and the low-strength shaping can meet the requirements of subsequent production steps (such as slitting), and even direct slitting (that is, no shaping step is required), which is beneficial for shaping and further improves the production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the water to be removed is correspondingly reduced, the drying intensity is low, and it is more conducive to the retention of aroma substances in the extruded matrix 1000. When no external water is added to the mixed material, drying may not even be required. And at high temperatures, the Maillard reaction will occur in the mixed material, generating more aroma components and improving the taste of the medium. Hot air drying can batch-dry the extruded matrix 1000, with a fast drying speed. By hot air drying, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 is reduced to facilitate the storage and use of the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot air drying is an integrally formed structure. Thus, during the use of the aerosol-forming matrix, such as during heating and suction or after stopping heating, it is an integral medium and is not prone to problems such as disintegration and dropping.

[0094] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 , the aerosol-forming matrix is formed with an air passage 1000a, and the air passage 1000a penetrates at least one end of the aerosol-forming matrix along the longitudinal direction. For example, the air passage 1000a penetrates one end of the aerosol-forming matrix along the longitudinal direction. Or, for example, the air passage 1000a penetrates both ends of the aerosol-forming matrix along the longitudinal direction. Airflow can flow longitudinally from one end of the aerosol-forming matrix to the other end of the aerosol-forming matrix. Thus, the airflow carrying the aerosol can flow more smoothly, the airflow resistance is smaller, and the suction resistance during the suction process can be significantly reduced, enhancing the suction experience.

[0095] In one embodiment, the air channel 1000a may be formed inside the aerosol generating substrate or on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0096] In one embodiment, the air channel 1000a is a linear air channel 1000a extending in a straight line. The linear air channel 1000a is easy to form and can reduce the difficulty of manufacturing. The flow resistance of the airflow in the linear air channel 1000a is relatively small.

[0097] In one embodiment, the airway 1000a is a curved airway 1000a, and at least part of the hole section of the curved airway 1000a is a curved shape with a curvature of not less than . The curved airway 1000a can greatly increase the flow path of the airflow without significantly increasing the length of the aerosol generating substrate, and can extend the contact time between the airflow and the hole wall of the curved airway 1000a, thereby improving the aerosol extraction rate.

[0098] In one embodiment, the curved airway 1000a is in the shape of a spiral line. In other words, the three-dimensional shape of the curved airway 1000a is in the shape of a spatial spiral line. For example, during the extrusion process, the curved airway 1000a of the extruded matrix 1000 is formed by rotating the die 13. The line connecting any point of the spiral curved airway 1000a and the starting point has an inclination angle relative to its axis. The spiral curved airway 1000a can greatly extend the flow path of the airflow, precipitate the aerosol from the aerosol generating matrix into the curved airway 1000a, increase the flow speed of the aerosol in the aerosol generating matrix, thereby increasing the impact force of the airflow, allowing the aerosol to be evenly mixed, improving the uniformity of the aerosol, and enhancing the user's suction experience.

[0099] It should be understood that the extruded substrate 1000 is a semi-finished product of the aerosol generating substrate. The extruded substrate 1000 has the same morphology as the aerosol generating substrate. In the case where the aerosol generating substrate has air channels 1000a, the extruded substrate 1000 also has the same air channels 1000a.

[0100] There is no limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located inside the aerosol generating matrix. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangle, square, prism, etc.), elliptical, racetrack-shaped or irregular-shaped, etc., wherein irregular-shaped refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0101] The cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol generating substrate can be semicircular, semi-elliptical, polygonal or irregular, etc., wherein irregular refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0102] The number of the air passages 1000a is not limited, and there is one or more air passages 1000a. "More than one" means the number includes two or more.

[0103] It should be noted that there are micropores inside the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, for the aerosol-forming substrate of the particle aggregate, the gaps between the particles form micropores. However, the air passages 1000a described in this application are different from the micropores. The air passages 1000a described in this application belong to the pores in the macroscopic sense, while the micropores belong to the pores in the microscopic sense. The cross-sectional area, length and other dimensions of the air passages 1000a are much larger than those of the micropores. The air passages 1000a are mainly formed by processing through, for example, the mouthpiece 13. Therefore, the cross-sectional area, length and other dimensions of the air passages 1000a can be changed according to the design requirements, while the dimensions of the micropores are determined by the gaps between the particles. For example, when the mixed material is granular material, the extrudate formed by extrusion molding of the mixed material has micropores, and it is difficult to significantly change the cross-sectional area, length and other dimensions of the micropores through processing.

[0104] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form an extrusion substrate, including:

[0105] The mixed material is extruded at a high temperature through the extrusion device 1 to form an extrusion substrate 1000.

[0106] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature through the extrusion device 1 to form an extrusion substrate 1000, including:

[0107] S101: First, mix a variety of raw materials into a mixed material;

[0108] S102: Then add the mixed material to the extrusion device.

[0109] In this embodiment, a variety of raw materials such as plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and smoke-generating agent raw materials are pre-mixed and formed into a mixed material, and then added to the extrusion device 1 for extrusion molding, that is, the slurry feeding method is adopted. The advantage of the slurry feeding method is that the material has better consistency, which can ensure the uniformity and stability of the product.

[0110] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature through the extrusion device 1 to form an extrusion substrate 1000, including:

[0111] S103: Add a variety of raw materials to multiple feeding ports of the extrusion device respectively to form a mixed material in the extrusion device.

[0112] In this embodiment, a variety of raw materials such as plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials and smoke-generating agent raw materials are added to the extrusion device 1 in modules, and a variety of raw materials are mixed in the extrusion device 1. That is, the modular feeding method is adopted.

[0113] Exemplarily, please refer to Figures 2 to 4, one of the multiple feed inlets 11b is a solid material feed inlet 11b1 for adding solid materials, and one of the multiple feed inlets 11b is a liquid material feed inlet 11b2 for adding liquid materials. The liquid material feed inlet 11b2 is located downstream of the solid material feed inlet 11b1 along the material flow direction. When feeding materials, solid materials are first added through the solid material feed inlet 11b1, and liquid materials start to be added when the solid materials reach the liquid material feed inlet 11b2. Additionally, the feeding amount and speed can also be determined according to the production speed of the equipment and the proportion of the material formula. The advantage of this modular feeding method is that it can reduce the cost of material pretreatment, ensure the continuity of the production process, and improve the production efficiency of products at the same time.

[0114] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the extrusion device 1 includes a feeding screw 14 rotatably arranged in the feed inlet 11b. The feeding screw 14 can further homogenize the raw materials and can better ensure the continuous and stable feeding of the raw materials.

[0115] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 4 , the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in the horizontal direction. For example, the discharge port 11c faces the horizontal direction, and the die 13 can be arranged in the horizontal direction. Exemplarily, for an extrusion matrix 1000 having a curved airway 1000a such as a spiral airway, when the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in the horizontal direction, the extrusion matrix 1000 can directly enter the next device such as the hardening device 5 through the rotating die 13. Since the rotation of the die 13 will cause certain stress on the extrusion matrix 1000, and horizontal extrusion can reduce the direct release of the stress generated by the extrusion matrix 1000 (the generated stress can be eliminated by heating), thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol - generating matrix having a spiral airway 1000a.

[0116] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in the vertical direction. For example, the discharge port 11c faces downward, and the die 13 can be arranged in the vertical direction. That is to say, the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded along the direction of gravity. Exemplarily, for an extrusion matrix 1000 having a straight airway 1000a, extruding the extrusion matrix 1000 in the vertical direction can improve the yield rate, reduce the input cost of the extrusion device 1, and also reduce the floor area of the extrusion device 1.

[0117] In one embodiment, the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in an inclined direction. The inclined direction means that the included angle between the extrusion direction of the extrusion matrix 1000 and the horizontal plane is greater than 0° and less than 90°. Inclined extrusion can not only reduce the extrusion pressure of the mixed materials but also facilitate the spatial design of other devices such as the drying device 2, etc.

[0118] In one embodiment, the mixed material includes, by weight: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of smoke-generating agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of adhesive raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of flavor raw materials. Specifically, the total weight of the plant raw materials, auxiliary raw materials, smoke-generating agent raw materials, adhesive raw materials, and flavor raw materials is 100 parts.

[0119] Plant raw materials are used to generate aerosols when heated. Auxiliary raw materials are used to provide skeleton support for plant raw materials. Smoke-generating agent raw materials are used to generate smoke when heated. Adhesive raw materials are used to bond component raw materials. Flavor raw materials are used to provide characteristic aromas. In this way, plant raw materials and smoke-generating agent raw materials can ensure the amount of aerosol generated, while flavor raw materials can increase the release of aroma during the inhalation process and enhance user experience. Auxiliary raw materials can not only improve the fluidity of the mixed materials, but also make the aerosol generation matrix porous to facilitate the extraction and flow of aerosols. Adhesive raw materials ensure that plant raw material powder and auxiliary agents form a stable mixture to avoid loose structure.

[0120] In one embodiment, the plant raw material is one or more combinations of particles formed by crushing tobacco raw materials, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants. The plant raw material is the core source of aroma. The endogenous substances in the plant raw material can give users a sense of physiological satisfaction. The endogenous substances, such as alkaloids, enter the human blood and promote the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby obtaining a sense of physiological satisfaction.

[0121] In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent raw material can be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Among them, the inorganic filler includes one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. The inorganic filler can provide a skeleton support for the plant raw material, and the inorganic filler also has micropores, which can increase the porosity of the aerosol generation matrix, thereby increasing the aerosol release rate.

[0122] The lubricant includes one or more combinations of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The lubricant can increase the fluidity of the plant raw material powder, reduce the friction between the plant raw material powders, make the overall density of the plant raw material powder distribution more uniform, and also reduce the pressure required in the extrusion molding process, reducing the wear of the die 13.

[0123] The emulsifier includes one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid ester, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. The emulsifier can slow down the loss of flavor substances during storage to a certain extent, increase the stability of flavor substances, and improve the sensory quality of the product.

[0124] In one embodiment, the smoke agent raw materials may include: monohydric alcohols (such as menthol); polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, glycerol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and tetraethylene glycol); esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glyceryl triacetate, triethyl citrate, a mixture of diacetin, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, tributyrin); monocarboxylic acids; dicarboxylic acids; polycarboxylic acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid) or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, Triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetin, diethyl octanedioate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate), or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0125] In one embodiment, the binder raw materials are in close contact by interfacial wetting with the component raw materials, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby playing the role of bonding component raw materials such as powders and liquids. The binder raw materials can be natural plant extracts, non-ionized modified viscous polysaccharides, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, modified cellulose (such as carboxymethyl cellulose). The binder is used to bond the particles together, making them not easy to loosen. In addition, it improves the water resistance of the aerosol generation matrix and is harmless to the human body.

[0126] In one embodiment, the flavor raw materials are used to provide characteristic aromas, such as solid or liquid substances with hay-like, roasted sweet, and nicotine aromas. The flavor raw materials can include one or more combinations of tobacco, flavor plant extracts, extracts, essential oils, and absolutes; the flavor raw materials can include monomeric flavor substances, such as one or more combinations of megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, and nerol.

[0127] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the temperature of hot air drying is between 50°C and 200°C. For example, the temperature of hot air drying is 50°C, 60°C, 61°C, 63°C, 65°C, 70°C, 72°C, 74°C, 85°C, 90°C, 95°C, 100°C, 128°C, 130°C, 135°C, 140°C, 145°C, 150°C, or 200°C, etc. When the temperature of hot air drying is less than 50°C, the time required for drying is long, the production efficiency is low, the floor area of the drying device 2 is large, and the equipment cost is high. When the temperature of hot air drying is greater than 200°C, the moisture on the surface of the extruded matrix 1000 evaporates rapidly, while the moisture inside the extruded matrix 1000 evaporates slowly, resulting in rapid shrinkage of the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000, which is not conducive to the uniform stability of the morphology and composition of the extruded matrix 1000. Moreover, the aroma components and active components in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and / or smoke agents, are easily lost due to heat, the manufacturing cost is high, and the quality of the finished aerosol generation matrix is reduced, and the user experience decreases.

[0128] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the temperature of hot air drying is between 75°C and 125°C. For example, the temperature of hot air drying is 75°C, 76°C, 80°C, 81°C, 82°C, 83°C, 86°C, 91°C, 94°C, 96°C, 98°C, 99°C, 101°C, 105°C, 106°C, 110°C, 120°C or 125°C, etc. The hot air drying adopts the above temperature, and the extruded matrix 1000 can be dried slowly. Under the condition of ensuring a high drying efficiency, the evaporation rate of the liquid inside the extruded matrix 1000 and the evaporation rate of the liquid on the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000 tend to be consistent, reducing the probability of the morphology of the extruded matrix 1000 changing with hot air drying. The aroma components and effective components in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and / or smoke-generating agents, are not easily lost by heat, and the effective substances can be retained as much as possible to ensure the quality of the finished aerosol-generating matrix.

[0129] In one embodiment, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is between 3% and 13%. Preferably, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is between 4% and 13%. Exemplarily, the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 11% or 13%, etc. In the case where the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is less than 3%, not only is the dried extruded matrix 1000 fragile in the subsequent production and processing process, resulting in a high subsequent production defect rate of the dried extruded matrix 1000, thereby increasing the production cost; and in the process of heating and puffing, the impurities generated by the aerosol-generating matrix are high, affecting the puffing experience. In the case where the moisture content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is greater than 13%, the moisture content of the aerosol of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is high during the heating and puffing process, and it is easy to produce a "hot mouth" phenomenon during the puffing process, reducing the puffing experience.

[0130] In one embodiment, the extruded matrix 1000 has an air channel 1000a running through at least one end thereof in the longitudinal direction, and during the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded matrix 1000. The hot air can not only contact the outer peripheral surface of the extruded matrix 1000, but also enter the air channel 1000a, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the extruded matrix 1000 and improving the drying efficiency.

[0131] In one embodiment, after the mixed material is extruded at high temperature to form an extruded matrix 1000, the manufacturing method includes:

[0132] S300: Cutting the extruded matrix.

[0133] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3, the extruded substrate 1000 can be cut by the cutting tool 61 of the cutting device 6 so that the extruded substrate 1000 reaches a set length. In this way, the extruded substrate 1000 of the set length can be applicable to the subsequent drying device 2 or packaging device 7, reducing the requirements for the subsequent devices.

[0134] It can be understood that the specific value of the set length is not limited, and the set length can be set according to the aerosol-generating substrate or according to the situation of the manufacturing equipment.

[0135] In some embodiments, the extruded substrate 1000 extruded by high temperature has a continuous structure. That is to say, during the extrusion process, the extruded substrate 1000 is continuously extruded so that the extruded substrate 1000 has a continuous structure. Continuous extrusion can improve the extrusion efficiency, and subsequently the extruded substrate 1000 is cut to the set length to shorten the length.

[0136] In some embodiments, the extruded substrate 1000 has a segmented structure of a preset length. That is to say, during the extrusion process, the extruded substrate 1000 naturally separates when it reaches the preset length. For example, it can be that when the extruded substrate 1000 reaches the preset length, it detaches from the die 13 due to its own critical value. In this way, the preset length of the extruded substrate 1000 can be the length of the aerosol-generating substrate, and the extruded substrate 1000 can also not be cut, so that the cutting device 6 can be saved and the equipment cost can be reduced.

[0137] It should be understood that the preset length can be greater than, less than or equal to the set length.

[0138] It should be noted that in some embodiments, step S300 can be before step S200, that is to say, the extruded substrate 1000 can be cut before hot air drying the extruded substrate 1000. In some embodiments, step S300 can be after step S200, that is to say, the extruded substrate 1000 can be cut after hot air drying the extruded substrate 1000.

[0139] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes: S500, straightening the extruded substrate 1000. Straightening means correcting the circumference and / or straightness of the extruded substrate 1000 through a jig. Straightness refers to the degree of bending of the extruded substrate 1000 in the longitudinal direction.

[0140] Since the texture of the extruded substrate 1000 extruded is usually relatively soft, during the manufacturing process of the extruded substrate 1000, the circumference of the extruded substrate 1000 is deformed and / or the extruded substrate 1000 is bent in the longitudinal direction. For example, during the process of the cutting device 6 cutting the extruded substrate 1000, it may cause the circumference of the extruded substrate 1000 to be deformed and / or the extruded substrate 1000 to be bent in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the circumference and / or straightness of the extruded substrate 1000 can be corrected through a jig.

[0141] It should be noted that step S500 can be implemented under any situation where shape correction is required after step S100. During the entire manufacturing process of the aerosol generating substrate, step S500 can be implemented once or multiple times. For example, step S500 can be implemented before and / or after step S300. Another example is that step S500 can be implemented before step S200.

[0142] In one embodiment, before hot air drying the extruded substrate 1000, the manufacturing method includes:

[0143] S400: Cooling and hardening the extruded substrate.

[0144] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , and the extruded substrate 1000 is cooled and hardened by the hardening device 5. Since the mixed material is a solid-liquid mixture, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 after high-temperature extrusion is relatively low, making the extruded substrate 1000 after high-temperature extrusion prone to deformation and difficult to maintain its shape. In order to improve the morphological stability of the extruded substrate 1000 and facilitate subsequent production processes, the extruded substrate 1000 is cooled and hardened to increase its hardness.

[0145] In some embodiments, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 before hardening is between 0 HB and 100 HB (including 0 HB and 100 HB), which makes the extruded substrate 1000 before hardening soft and easy to deform.

[0146] In one embodiment, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 after hardening is between 1 HB and 200 HB. Exemplarily, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 after hardening is 1 HB, 10 HB, 20 HB, 30 HB, 40 HB, 50 HB, 80 HB, 100 HB, 150 HB, or 200 HB, etc. In this hardness range, the extruded substrate 1000 after hardening can maintain its shape well, avoid the situation where the outer surface of the extruded substrate 1000 after hardening adheres to other structures, the extruded substrate 1000 after hardening is easy to cut, and the extruded substrate 1000 after cutting is not prone to deformation, and the cut end face is integral and complete.

[0147] More preferably, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 before cooling and hardening can be 1 HB to 60 HB (including 1 HB and 60 HB). After cooling and hardening, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 can be 40 HB to 120 HB (including 40 HB and 120 HB). After hot air drying, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 can be 40 HB to 300 HB (including 40 HB and 300 HB). Preferably, the hardness of the extruded substrate 1000 after hot air drying can be 80 HB to 250 HB (including 80 HB and 250 HB).

[0148] It should be noted that HB is the Brinell hardness.

[0149] In some embodiments, the extrusion matrix 1000 is cooled and hardened by: placing the extrusion matrix 1000 in a cooling ambient temperature for cooling and hardening, and the cooling ambient temperature is lower than the hardening temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000.

[0150] Exemplarily, on the premise that the cooling ambient temperature is lower than the hardening temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000, if the hardening temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 is -100°C to 10°C (including -100°C and 10°C), then the cooling ambient temperature can be -270°C to 10°C (including -270°C and 10°C).

[0151] More preferably, if the hardening temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 is -30°C to 5°C (including -30°C and 5°C), then the cooling ambient temperature can be -50°C to 5°C (including -50°C and 5°C).

[0152] In one embodiment, the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 before hardening is between 0°C and 40°C, and the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 after hardening is between -50°C and 5°C. Exemplarily, the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 after hardening is -50°C, -45°C, -40°C, -39°C, -35°C, -30°C, -25°C, -20°C, -15°C, -10°C, -5°C, 0°C, 1°C, 3°C or 5°C, etc.

[0153] The following shows the manufacturing method of the present application with several specific embodiments, which are specifically described as follows:

[0154] In the first specific embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is obtained by sequentially passing through steps S100, S400, S300, and S200. In this embodiment, extrusion molding is performed through step S100, the extrusion matrix 1000 is hardened through step S400, and the hardness of the extrusion matrix 1000 is increased through hardening so as to perform the slitting in step S300. Finally, the moisture of the extrusion matrix 1000 is reduced through S200 to obtain the finished aerosol generating matrix.

[0155] In the second specific embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix is obtained by sequentially passing through steps S100, S300, and S200. The difference between this embodiment and the first specific embodiment is that the hardening step is reduced. That is to say, the extrusion matrix 1000 extruded from the extrusion device 1 can be directly slit. For example, when the length of the aerosol generating matrix in the longitudinal direction is short and the slight deformation caused by slitting has no impact on subsequent production, the hardening step can be omitted.

[0156] In the third specific embodiment, an aerosol-generating substrate is obtained by sequentially going through steps S100, S200, and S300. The difference between this embodiment and the second specific embodiment is that the order of the hot-air drying step and the slitting step is swapped. In this embodiment, the extruded substrate 1000 extruded through step S100 is first subjected to hot-air drying in step S200 and then slit. The extruded substrate 1000 may undergo volume shrinkage after hot-air drying. By drying with hot air first and then slitting, the longitudinal dimension consistency of the aerosol-generating substrate after slitting can be improved.

[0157] In the fourth specific embodiment: An aerosol-generating substrate is obtained by sequentially going through steps S100 and S200. The difference between this embodiment and the first specific embodiment is that the hardening step and the slitting step are reduced. That is to say, the extruded substrate 1000 is dried with hot air to obtain a finished aerosol-generating substrate. Exemplarily, the extruded substrate 1000 is extruded in the vertical direction. When the extruded substrate 1000 reaches a preset length (for example, the extruded substrate 1000 reaches a critical value), the extruded substrate 1000 will naturally detach (separate). The preset length of the extruded substrate 1000 is the length required for the aerosol-generating substrate. In this way, there can be no hardening step and slitting step, thereby reducing subsequent processing procedures and production costs.

[0158] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes:

[0159] Wrapping a wrapping layer on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0160] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , and a wrapping layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate through a packaging device 7. The aerosol-generating substrate can be protected by the wrapping layer.

[0161] The wrapping layer includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of materials such as fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, PE (Polyethylene), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, after wrapping the wrapping layer on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating substrate, it can be combined with a functional section to form an aerosol-generating article.

[0163] In some other embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate can also be first combined with a functional section, and then a wrapping layer is wrapped on the outer surfaces of both the aerosol-generating substrate and the functional section to form an aerosol-generating article.

[0164] In some other embodiments, a wrapping layer may also be first wrapped around the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate, and then combined with the functional section and wrapped with the wrapping layer to form an aerosol-generating article. That is to say, multiple wrapping layers may be wrapped around the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0165] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the embodiments of the present application also provide a manufacturing device for an aerosol-forming substrate. The manufacturing device includes an extrusion device 1 and a drying device 2.

[0166] The extrusion device 1 is used to extrude the mixed material at a high temperature to form an extruded substrate 1000.

[0167] The drying device 2 is used to hot-air dry the extruded substrate 1000.

[0168] For the manufacturing device provided by the embodiments of the present application, the extrusion device 1 extrudes the mixed material at a high temperature, which can reduce the water added to the mixed material, and even can be extruded without adding water externally. The low-moisture mixed material is beneficial for feeding, and the high-temperature extrusion molding can reduce the extrusion pressure and the extrusion speed. By reducing the extrusion pressure, an extruded substrate 1000 with a lower density can be obtained. By increasing the extrusion speed, the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the strength of the extruded substrate 1000 formed by high-temperature extrusion can maintain its shape, and the low-strength shaping can meet the requirements of subsequent production steps (such as slitting), and even can be directly slit (that is, no shaping step is required), which is beneficial for shaping and further improves the production efficiency. Moreover, due to the low water content in the mixed material, the water to be removed is correspondingly reduced, the drying intensity is low, and it is more conducive to the retention of aroma substances in the extruded substrate 1000. When no water is added externally to the mixed material, it can even be not dried. And at high temperatures, the Maillard reaction will occur in the mixed material, generating more aroma components and improving the yield. The hot-air drying can batch-dry the extruded substrate 1000, and the drying speed is fast. By hot-air drying, the water content of the extruded substrate 1000 is reduced to facilitate the storage and use of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate obtained by high-temperature extrusion and hot-air drying is an integrally formed structure. In this way, during the use of the aerosol-forming substrate, such as during heat suction or after stopping heating, it is an integral medium and is not prone to the problem of disintegration and dropping.

[0169] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the drying device 2 includes a box body 21, a fan 22 and a heating element 23. The box body 21 has a drying chamber 21a. The fan 22 is used to drive the air flow in the drying chamber 21a, and the heating element 23 is arranged in the drying chamber 21a. The heating element 23 is used to heat the air flow in the drying chamber 21a. In this way, the heating element 23 generates heat to heat the air flow in the drying chamber 21a, and the fan 22 accelerates the air flow in the drying chamber 21a.

[0170] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the number of heating elements 23 is at least two, and the at least two heating elements 23 are spaced apart in the vertical direction to form a spaced space for conveying the extrusion substrate 1000. That is to say, the extrusion substrate 1000 is conveyed in the spaced space, and the at least two heating elements 23 are located on the upper and lower sides of the extrusion substrate 1000. In this way, the at least two heating elements 23 bake the extrusion substrate 1000 synchronously from above and below, which can make the extrusion substrate 1000 uniformly heated, improve the morphological stability of the extrusion substrate 1000, and can also improve the dehydration efficiency and reduce the load of a single heating element 23.

[0171] In some embodiments, only one heating element 23 may be provided. Similarly, when the heating efficiency of the heating element 23 is very high, a good drying effect can be achieved.

[0172] The structural shape of the heating element 23 is not limited. Exemplarily, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the heating element 23 has a plate-like structure. The heating element 23 can be a flat plate or a curved plate. The plate-like heating element 23 can be placed horizontally. That is to say, the thickness direction of the plate-like heating element 23 is perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0173] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the drying device 2 includes a conveyor belt 25 for conveying the extrusion substrate 1000. A plurality of grooves 25a are formed on the surface of the conveyor belt 25 facing the extrusion substrate 1000. Each groove 25a is used to place an extrusion substrate 1000, and at least a part of the extrusion substrate 1000 is located in the groove 25a. The conveyor belt 25 can rotate to drive the extrusion substrate 1000 to move. Exemplarily, the plurality of grooves 25a are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 25, and the length direction of the groove 25a intersects the conveying direction. The two ends of the length direction of the groove 25a penetrate through the two ends of the width direction of the conveyor belt 25. On the one hand, the groove wall surface of the groove 25a can limit the movement of the extrusion substrate 1000 to prevent the extrusion substrate 1000 from being displaced during the conveying process. On the other hand, each groove 25a is used to place an extrusion substrate 1000, and the groove 25a can prevent multiple extrusion substrates 1000 from contacting and sticking.

[0174] In one embodiment, the groove 25a is formed with a loading port 51a. The extrusion substrate 1000 is placed into the groove 25a through the loading port 51a.

[0175] Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 25a is not limited, and the cross-sectional shape of the groove 25a can be semi-circular or semi-elliptical, etc.

[0176] In some embodiments, the drying device 2 may also include a clamping member for clamping the extruded substrate 1000 to fix the extruded substrate 1000 on the conveyor belt 25. The clamping member restricts the relative movement of the extruded substrate 1000 with respect to the conveyor belt 25.

[0177] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the box body 21 is formed with an inlet 21b and an outlet 21c51c that are both communicated with the drying chamber 21a. A part of the conveyor belt 25 is disposed in the spaced space between the two heating members 23. The conveyor belt 25 is used to convey the extruded substrate 1000 from the inlet 21b to the outlet 21c51c. The extruded substrate 1000 is placed on the conveyor belt 25 through the inlet 21b and conveyed to the outlet 21c51c by the conveyor belt 25. The continuous conveyance of the extruded substrate 1000 can be achieved through the conveyor belt 25.

[0178] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the extruded substrate 1000 has an air duct 1000a penetrating at least one end of its longitudinal direction. The drying device 2 includes a diversion channel 24 for guiding hot air. The air outlet 24a of the diversion channel 24 is located on one side of the extruded substrate 1000 along the longitudinal direction. That is to say, the air outlet 24a of the diversion channel 24 faces the opening of the air duct 1000a of the extruded substrate 1000. In this way, the air flow blown out from the air outlet 24a of the diversion channel 24 can enter the air duct 1000a through the opening of the air duct 1000a. For example, during hot air drying, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extruded substrate 1000; thus, the contact area between the hot air and the extruded substrate 1000 can be increased, and the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0179] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 , the outlet 51c of the fan 22 is connected to the air inlet 24b of the diversion channel 24 so that the air flow from the fan 22 can flow out from the air outlet 24a of the diversion channel 24. The heating member 23 can be disposed in the diversion channel 24, or the heating member 23 can also be disposed in the casing of the fan 22.

[0180] It can be understood that the air outlet direction of the air outlet 24a of the diversion channel 24 can also form a certain inclination angle with the longitudinal direction of the extruded substrate 1000. In this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the extruded substrate 1000 can be heated simultaneously, and the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0181] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the manufacturing device includes a microwave device 3 that is at least partially located within the drying chamber 21a. The microwave device 3 dries the extruded substrate 1000 by emitting microwave radiation. Microwave radiation drying refers to the use of microwaves to cause polar molecules inside the extruded substrate 1000 to vibrate violently, generating heat to promote the volatilization of moisture in the extruded substrate 1000. This can reduce the hot air drying temperature, shorten the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and active substances in the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0182] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, microwave radiation drying can be carried out before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

[0183] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the manufacturing device includes an ultrasonic device 4 that is at least partially located within the drying chamber 21a. The ultrasonic device 4 dries the extruded substrate 1000 by emitting ultrasonic radiation. Ultrasonic radiation drying refers to the use of ultrasonic waves to cause cavitation effects in the moisture inside the extruded substrate 1000, reducing the moisture volatilization temperature and promoting moisture volatilization. This can reduce the hot air drying temperature, shorten the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and active substances in the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0184] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, ultrasonic radiation drying can be carried out before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

[0185] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the manufacturing device includes an infrared device (not shown in the figure) that is at least partially located within the drying chamber 21a. The infrared device dries the extruded substrate 1000 by emitting infrared rays. The infrared device refers to the emission of infrared rays by an infrared generator. When the vibration frequency of the infrared rays is equal to the natural frequency of water, a situation similar to resonance motion in vibration theory occurs. Collisions between molecules occur inside the extruded substrate 1000, generating a self-heating effect. Some molecules break free from the restraint of the extruded substrate 1000, and the moisture separates from the extruded substrate 1000, thereby heating the substance quickly and effectively.

[0186] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, infrared radiation drying can be carried out before or simultaneously with hot air drying.

[0187] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the microwave device 3 can be disposed above or below any one of the heating elements 23. With such a design, the microwaves emitted by the microwave device 3, such as electromagnetic waves, have a wider range, enabling more uniform heating of the extruded substrate 1000.

[0188] In one embodiment, the microwave device 3 can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the loss of microwave energy, such as electromagnetic wave energy, emitted by the microwave device 3 is smaller, and the overall heating rate can be increased.

[0189] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the ultrasonic device 4 can be disposed above or below any one of the heating elements 23. With such a design, the range of ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic device 4 is wider, and the extrusion matrix 1000 can be heated more uniformly.

[0190] In one embodiment, the ultrasonic device 4 can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the loss of ultrasonic wave energy emitted by the ultrasonic device 4 is smaller, and the overall heating rate can be increased.

[0191] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the infrared device can be disposed above or below any one of the heating elements 23. With such a design, the range of infrared rays emitted by the infrared device is wider, and the extrusion matrix 1000 can be heated more uniformly.

[0192] In one embodiment, the infrared device can be disposed on both sides of the conveyor belt 25 along its width direction. With such a design, the loss of infrared ray energy emitted by the infrared device is smaller, and the overall heating rate can be increased.

[0193] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the extrusion device 1 includes an extrusion barrel 11, an extrusion screw 12, and a die 13. The extrusion barrel 11 includes an extrusion cavity 11a for accommodating the mixed material and a discharge port 11c communicating with the extrusion cavity 11a. The extrusion screw 12 is rotatably disposed in the extrusion cavity 11a. The die 13 is disposed at the discharge port 11c, and the extrusion screw 12 pushes the mixed material to be extruded from the die 13 to form an extrusion matrix 1000. The extrusion barrel 11 is formed with a feed port 11b communicating with the extrusion cavity 11a. The extrusion screw 12 is used to push the mixed material toward the discharge port 11c. Exemplarily, during the rotation of the extrusion screw 12, the mixed material can flow along the thread channels on the circumferential surface of the extrusion screw 12 toward the discharge port 11c. The die 13 is used to form an extrusion matrix 1000 having a set cross-sectional shape.

[0194] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , and Figures 7 to 9 , the extrusion device 1 includes a bottom die 15, and the die 13 is disposed on the bottom die 15. The bottom die 15 provides an installation position for the die 13.

[0195] In one embodiment, the bottom die 15 closes the discharge port 11c. Thus, the mixed material is extruded through the die 13 uniformly.

[0196] In one embodiment, one die head 13 is provided on a single bottom die 15. That is to say, a single die with a single orifice is adopted. In this way, the size of the extrusion screw 12 can be smaller.

[0197] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 , a plurality of die heads 13 are provided on a single bottom die 15. That is to say, a single die with multiple orifices is adopted. After the mixed material passes through the multiple die heads 13, multiple extrusion substrates 1000 are simultaneously formed. In this way, the production efficiency can be improved, which is suitable for mass production.

[0198] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 , the number of bottom dies 15 is multiple, and the extrusion device 1 includes an adapter 16. The multiple bottom dies 15 are arranged on the adapter 16, and the adapter 16 closes the discharge port 11c. That is to say, multiple dies with multiple orifices are adopted. Compared with a single die with multiple orifices, more die heads 13 can be installed in the case of multiple dies with multiple orifices, so that more extrusion substrates 1000 can be formed simultaneously. In this way, the production efficiency can be improved, and it is more suitable for mass production.

[0199] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the manufacturing equipment includes a hardening device 5, and the hardening device 5 is used to cool and harden the extrusion substrate 1000.

[0200] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 , the hardening device 5 includes a housing 51 and a conveyor belt 52. The housing 51 is formed with an inlet 51a, a cold chamber 51b, and an outlet 51c. Both the inlet 51a and the outlet 51c are communicated with the cold chamber 51b. At least a part of the conveyor belt 52 is located in the cold chamber 51b, and the conveyor belt 52 is used to convey the extrusion substrate 1000 from the inlet 51a to the outlet 51c. The extrusion substrate 1000 is placed on the conveyor belt 52 through the inlet 51a and conveyed to the outlet 51c by the conveyor belt 52. Through the conveyor belt 52, continuous conveyance of the extrusion substrate 1000 can be realized, so that the extrusion substrate 1000 can continuously pass through the hardening device 5 for hardening treatment to achieve continuous generation.

[0201] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 , the housing 51 is formed with an injection port 51d, and the injection port 51d is communicated with the cold chamber 51b to inject a refrigerant into the cold chamber 51b. The refrigerant can contact the extrusion substrate 1000 to absorb the heat of the extrusion substrate 1000, thereby cooling and hardening the extrusion substrate 1000. In this way, the outer surface of the extrusion substrate 1000 can be quickly cooled and hardened, maintaining the morphological stability of the extrusion substrate 1000, facilitating continuous production, and improving production efficiency.

[0202] The refrigerant can be in a liquid, gaseous or solid state. Exemplarily, the refrigerant includes but is not limited to liquid nitrogen, liquefied air, etc.

[0203] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , the injection port 51d extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 52.

[0204] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , the injection port 51d can be formed on the upper surface of the housing 51. In this way, the refrigerant can enter the cold cavity 51b from top to bottom to contact the extrusion substrate 1000 located on the conveyor belt 52.

[0205] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , a plurality of guiding grooves 52a are formed on the surface of the conveyor belt 52 facing the extrusion substrate 1000. Each guiding groove 52a is used to place an extrusion substrate 1000, and at least a part of the extrusion substrate 1000 is located in the guiding groove 52a. On the one hand, the groove wall surface of the guiding groove 52a can limit the movement of the extrusion substrate 1000 to prevent the extrusion substrate 1000 from being displaced during the conveying process. On the other hand, each guiding groove 52a is used to place an extrusion substrate 1000, and the guiding groove 52a can prevent multiple extrusion substrates 1000 from contacting and sticking to each other.

[0206] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , the length direction of the guiding groove 52a is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 52. The plurality of guiding grooves 52a are arranged at intervals along the width direction of the conveyor belt 52.

[0207] In one embodiment, the guiding groove 52a is formed with a pick-up and placement opening. The extrusion substrate 1000 is placed into the guiding groove 52a through the pick-up and placement opening.

[0208] Exemplarily, the cross-sectional shape of the guiding groove 52a is not limited, and the cross-sectional shape of the guiding groove 52a can be semi-circular, semi-elliptical, etc.

[0209] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 12 , the housing 51 is formed with a refrigerant channel 51e. The cold cavity 51b is isolated from the refrigerant channel 51e and is located in the refrigerant channel 51e. The extrusion substrate 1000 contacts the cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b. That is to say, the refrigerant does not contact the extrusion substrate 1000. The refrigerant flows in the refrigerant channel 51e, and the extrusion substrate 1000 and the refrigerant transfer heat through the cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b. This can avoid the problems of expansion deformation and cracking of the extrusion substrate 1000 caused by direct contact with the refrigerant after rapid cooling.

[0210] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 12, the housing 51 includes an outer housing 511 and an inner housing 512. The inner housing 512 is formed with a cold cavity 51b. The inner housing 512 is located inside the outer housing 511 and together they define a refrigerant channel 51e. The housing 51 is a double-shell structure. The refrigerant channel 51e defined by the outer housing 511 and the inner housing 512 is used for the flow of refrigerant. The cold cavity 51b and the refrigerant channel 51e are separated by the inner housing 512. The extruded substrate 1000 contacts the inner surface of the inner housing 512 to transfer heat to the refrigerant through the inner housing 512.

[0211] In one embodiment, the smoothness of the cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b is between Ra1.2μm and Ra0.08μm. Ra refers to the surface average roughness value, which is used to represent the smoothness and roughness of the surface. Exemplarily, the smoothness of the cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b is Ra1.2μm, Ra1.1μm, Ra1.0μm, Ra0.5μm, Ra0.3μm, Ra0.1μm or Ra0.08μm, etc. The cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b is a smooth surface, and the frictional force between the cavity wall surface of the cold cavity 51b and the outer surface of the extruded substrate 1000 is very small and will not cause deformation of the extruded substrate 1000.

[0212] In one embodiment, the hardening device 5 includes a refrigerant supplier, and the refrigerant supplier is connected to the injection port 51d or the refrigerant supplier is connected to the refrigerant channel 51e. That is to say, the refrigerant supplier is used to inject refrigerant into the injection port 51d. Or, the refrigerant supplier is used to inject refrigerant into the refrigerant channel 51e.

[0213] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the manufacturing equipment includes a slitting device 6 having a slitting tool 61, and the slitting tool 61 slits the extruded substrate 1000 through physical contact or non-physical contact.

[0214] Physical contact means slitting the extruded substrate 1000 by directly contacting the slitting tool 61 with the extruded substrate 1000. For example, the slitting tool 61 can be a rotary hob, a cutting disc, a cutting wire, roll cutting or extrusion.

[0215] Non-physical contact means slitting the extruded substrate 1000 without directly contacting the slitting tool 61 with the extruded substrate 1000. For example, the slitting tool 61 emits laser, plasma, air knife or water knife, and cuts the extruded substrate 1000 through laser, plasma, air knife or water knife.

[0216] The manufacturing equipment adopted in the embodiments of the present application can be used for the manufacturing method of the embodiments of the present application. The description of the manufacturing equipment embodiments is similar to that of any one of the manufacturing method embodiments and has the same beneficial effects as the manufacturing method embodiments. For the technical details not disclosed in the manufacturing method of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the description of the embodiments of the extrusion device 1, drying device 2, hardening device 5, and slitting device 6 in the embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0217] In the description of the present application, the descriptions referring to terms such as "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in still other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection 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 expressions of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in the present application and the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0218] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application are all included within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an aerosol - generating substrate, characterized in that, Comprising: The mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form an extrusion matrix; The extrusion matrix is dried by hot air.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion temperature of the high-temperature extrusion is greater than 90°C and less than or equal to 200°C.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The extrusion temperature of the high-temperature extrusion is between 100°C and 150°C.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion pressure of the high-temperature extrusion is between 10 bar and 300 bar.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extrusion pressure of the high-temperature extrusion is between 20 bar and 150 bar.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature of the hot air drying is between 50°C and 200°C; and / or, The water content of the mixed material is between 5% and 15%.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature of the hot air drying is between 75°C and 125°C; and / or, The water content of the dried extrusion matrix is between 3% and 13%.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, The extrusion matrix has an air duct penetrating at least one end along its longitudinal direction. During the hot air drying process, the flow direction of the hot air is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the extrusion matrix.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the mixed material is extruded at a high temperature to form an extrusion matrix, the manufacturing method includes: Cutting the extrusion matrix.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before drying the extrusion matrix by hot air, the manufacturing method includes: Hardening the extrusion matrix by cooling.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The hardness of the hardened extrusion matrix is between 1 HB and 200 HB.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extrusion matrix is extruded horizontally; or, The extrusion matrix is extruded vertically; or, The extrusion matrix is extruded obliquely.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixed material includes, by weight parts: 30 to 90 parts of plant raw materials, 1 to 15 parts of auxiliary raw materials, 5 to 30 parts of smoke agent raw materials, 1 to 10 parts of binder raw materials, and 1 to 15 parts of spice raw materials.

14. An apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol - generating substrate, characterized in that, The manufacturing equipment includes: An extrusion device for extruding the mixed material at a high temperature to form an extrusion matrix; A drying device for drying the extrusion matrix by hot air.

15. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The drying device includes: A box body having a drying chamber; A fan for driving the air flow in the drying chamber; A heating element disposed in the drying chamber for heating the air flow in the drying chamber.

16. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein, The number of the heating elements is at least two, and at least two of the heating elements are spaced apart in the vertical direction to form a spaced space for conveying the extrusion matrix.

17. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The extrusion matrix has an air duct penetrating at least one end along its longitudinal direction. The drying device includes a diversion channel for guiding the hot air, and the air outlet of the diversion channel is located on one side of the extrusion matrix along the longitudinal direction.

18. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The drying device includes a conveyor belt for conveying the extrusion matrix. A plurality of grooves are formed on the surface of the conveyor belt facing the extrusion matrix, and each groove is used to place one extrusion matrix, and at least a part of the extrusion matrix is located in the groove.

19. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The manufacturing equipment includes a microwave device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the microwave device dries the extrusion matrix by emitting microwave radiation; and / or, The manufacturing equipment includes an ultrasonic device at least partially located in the drying chamber, and the ultrasonic device dries the extrusion matrix by emitting ultrasonic radiation; and / or, The manufacturing device includes an infrared device at least partially located in the drying cavity, and the infrared device dries the extruded matrix by emitting infrared rays.

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