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 substrate. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: extruding a mixed material to form an extruded substrate; the extruded matrix is at least subjected to first drying and second drying, and the first drying and the second drying are different in drying mode. At least two different drying modes are adopted to be matched, the appropriate drying mode can be selected in a targeted mode according to different water contents of the extruded matrix, the drying time is shortened, the drying efficiency can be improved, the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol generating matrix can be increased, and the quality of the aerosol generating matrix is improved. Therefore, the yield of the aerosol generating substrate is improved. The aerosol generating substrate obtained by extrusion molding and by adopting at least two different drying modes is of an integrally molded structure. Therefore, in the use process of the aerosol generating substrate, for example, the aerosol generating substrate is integrally extruded after being heated and sucked or stopped being heated, and the problems of disintegration and falling are not prone to occurring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present 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 degree sufficient to emit an aerosol, and 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 cores of existing manufacturing systems are mainly three methods: casting, coating, and rolling. It is necessary to control the moisture and morphology of the substrate through drying, and it is necessary to prepare a cylindrical aerosol - generating substrate by means of gathering or filling equipment. The related methods and manufacturing systems have the problems of long processes, 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 the present 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 the present application provide a manufacturing method for an aerosol - generating substrate, including:

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

[0007] The extruded substrate is dried at least for the first time and the second time, wherein the drying methods used for the first drying and the second drying are different.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first drying is performed by microwave drying.

[0009] In some embodiments, the temperature of the microwave drying is less than or equal to 150 °C.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water content of the extruded substrate measured within a set environment and time after the microwave drying is 3% - 20%.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water content of the extruded substrate before the microwave drying is 3% - 30%.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second drying is performed by hot - air drying.

[0013] In some embodiments, the temperature range of the hot air drying is 50°C - 200°C.

[0014] In some embodiments, the temperature range of the extruded matrix measured within a set environment and time after the hot air drying is 30°C - 100°C.

[0015] In some embodiments, the temperature range of the hot air drying is 75°C - 125°C.

[0016] In some embodiments, the extruded matrix is subjected to hot air drying by a hot air drying device, and the manufacturing method further includes:

[0017] Pre-treating the air flow before it enters the hot air drying device so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%.

[0018] In some embodiments, after the second drying of the extruded matrix, it includes:

[0019] Cooling the extruded matrix.

[0020] In some embodiments, the extruded matrix is cooled by the cold air of a cooling device, and the temperature range of the cold air of the cooling device is -50°C - 60°C.

[0021] In some embodiments, the temperature range of the extruded matrix measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 10°C - 50°C.

[0022] In some embodiments, the water content of the extruded matrix measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 0 - 18%.

[0023] In some embodiments, the water content of the extruded matrix measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 1 - 16%.

[0024] In some embodiments, the manufacturing method further includes:

[0025] Pre-treating the air flow before it enters the cooling device so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%.

[0026] In some embodiments, after the mixed material is extruded to form an extruded matrix, the manufacturing method further includes:

[0027] Cutting the extruded matrix.

[0028] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a manufacturing device for an aerosol - generating matrix, and the manufacturing device includes:

[0029] An extrusion device for extruding a mixed material to form an extrusion substrate;

[0030] A microwave drying device for microwave-drying the extrusion substrate;

[0031] A hot air drying device for hot air-drying the extrusion substrate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the hot air drying device includes a hot air circulation system having an air outlet and an air inlet. Air flows out through the air outlet for drying the extrusion substrate and then flows back to the hot air circulation system through the air inlet;

[0033] The manufacturing equipment further includes a conveying system for conveying the extrusion substrate in a first direction, which is opposite to the direction from the air outlet to the air inlet.

[0034] In some embodiments, the manufacturing equipment further includes a cooling device disposed downstream of the hot air drying device in the first direction for cooling the extrusion substrate.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hot air drying device further includes a moisture exhaust structure. A part of the air flowing back to the hot air circulation system through the air inlet is reheated and then blown out through the air outlet, and another part of the air is discharged from the manufacturing equipment through the moisture exhaust structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the conveying system includes a driving roller and a plurality of rollers. The extrusion substrate is placed in the gap between adjacent rollers. The driving roller drives the rollers to drive the extrusion substrate to move in the first direction, and the rollers can drive the extrusion substrate to rotate by rotation.

[0037] The manufacturing method provided by the embodiments of the present application forms an extrusion substrate by extruding a mixed material, wherein the mixed material is a mixed material of components of an aerosol generating substrate. Then, the extrusion substrate is at least dried for the first time and the second time, and different drying methods are used for the first drying and the second drying. By cooperating with at least two different drying methods and drying the extrusion substrate in sequence, it is possible to select a suitable drying method according to the water content of the extrusion substrate, reduce the drying time, that is, improve the drying efficiency, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and active substances in the aerosol generating substrate, thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate obtained by extrusion molding and by adopting at least two different drying methods is an integrally formed structure. In this way, during the use of the aerosol generating substrate, such as when it is heated and suctioned or after the heating stops, it is an integrally extruded substrate, and it is not easy to have problems such as disintegration and falling. Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1 Flow chart of the manufacturing method in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 2 Schematic structural diagram of the manufacturing equipment in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the extrudate is extruded vertically;

[0040] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Cross-sectional schematic diagram of the shown structure;

[0041] Figure 4 Schematic structural diagram of the manufacturing equipment in another embodiment of the present application, wherein the extrudate is extruded horizontally;

[0042] Figure 5 Schematic structural diagram of the conveying system, microwave drying device and hot air drying device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 is Figure 5 Partial structural schematic diagram of the conveying system in;

[0044] Figure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 is Figure 7 Schematic structural diagram of the die and the extrusion matrix shown;

[0046] Figure 9 Schematic structural diagram of the die and the bottom die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 10 Schematic structural diagram of the adapter, die and bottom die in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 11 Schematic structural diagram of the cooling device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 12 Schematic structural diagram of the cooling device in another embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 13 Cross-sectional view of the microwave drying device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 14 Curve schematic diagram of the moisture content of the extrusion matrix in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 15 Curve schematic diagram of the temperature of the extrusion matrix in an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1000, extrusion matrix; 1000a, air channel; 1, extrusion device; 11, extrusion barrel; 11a, extrusion cavity; 11b, feed port; 11b1, solid feed port; 11b2, liquid feed port; 11c, discharge port; 12, extrusion screw; 13, die; 14, feeding screw; 15, bottom die; 16, adapter; 2, microwave drying device; 21, microwave box; 21a, microwave cavity; 22, microwave heater; 3, conveying system system; 31. driving roller; 32. roller; 4. hot air drying device; 4a. hot air circulation system; 4b. air inlet; 4c. air outlet; 4d. dehumidification structure; 4e. air flow pretreatment device; 5. cooling device; 51. shell; 511. outer shell; 512. inner shell; 51a. inlet; 51b. cold chamber; 51c. outlet; 51d. injection port; 51e. refrigerant channel; 6. slitting device; 61. slitting tool; 7. packaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation method should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of the present application and should not be regarded as an improper limitation on the present application.

[0056] In this 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.

[0057] The aerosol generating substrate is used to generate aerosol by heating. Exemplarily, the aerosol generating substrate can be used to generate aerosol by heating and burning. The aerosol generating substrate can also be used to generate aerosol by heating without burning. That is, the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a temperature below the ignition point to generate aerosol. The aerosol generating substrate does not burn during the process of generating aerosol.

[0058] The aerosol generating substrate provided in the embodiment of the present application is used for an aerosol generating product. The aerosol generating product includes an aerosol generating substrate and a functional segment. The functional segment is arranged at one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction, and the functional segment includes a filter segment for filtering aerosol. The filter segment is used to filter the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate.

[0059] Of course, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may not include a functional segment.

[0060] An aerosol generating article is used for a user to inhale the aerosol generated by an aerosol generating substrate. For example, the user can suck the filtered aerosol through a mouthpiece filter section. The aerosol generated by the aerosol generating substrate is transported to the filter section under the action of a suction negative pressure.

[0061] The aerosol generating article is used in cooperation with an aerosol generating device having a heating component. Specifically, the heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0062] There are various heating methods for 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, first heats the air, and then the hot air heats the aerosol generating article from the bottom to the top.

[0063] It should be noted that the bottom of the aerosol generating article is the end along the longitudinal direction away from the functional section.

[0064] The heat generation methods of the heating component include but are not limited to resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, or laser heating, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the functional section may only be provided with a filter section.

[0066] In some other embodiments, the functional section further includes a cooling section. The cooling section is located between the filter section and the aerosol generating substrate, and is used to cool the aerosol before the filter section filters the aerosol. The cooling section can improve the "hot mouth" phenomenon when the user inhales the aerosol.

[0067] The cooling materials used in the cooling section include but are 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 filtering materials used in the filtering section include, but are 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.

[0069] The materials of the cooling section and the filtering section can be the same or different.

[0070] In the related art, in the production process of the aerosol - generating substrate, the pulp - making water content is relatively high (in the papermaking method > 90%, in the thick - pulp method > 70%, in the roll - pressing method > 20%). Subsequently, there are high - intensity drying processes, which are not conducive to the retention of aroma components and active substances in the extrusion substrate 1000. Moreover, the aerosol - generating substrates in the related art are all in sheet structures, and there are problems such as uneven drying, high loss, and high processing costs during the processing. In addition, the sheet - like aerosol substrate also requires secondary processing such as winding, unwinding, cutting, or embossing, with high loss, complex process, high equipment investment. Especially in the papermaking method, it has high energy consumption and large environmental pollution during the processing.

[0071] To solve the above problems, please refer to Figure 1 , the embodiment of the present application provides a manufacturing method of an aerosol - generating substrate, and the manufacturing method includes:

[0072] S100: The mixed material is extruded to form an extrusion substrate;

[0073] The mixed material is a component of the aerosol - generating substrate. Extrusion molding is used to shape the mixed material to obtain the extrusion substrate 1000, and the extrusion substrate 1000 has the same cross - sectional shape as the aerosol - generating substrate. That is to say, the cross - sectional shape of the extrusion substrate 1000 is the same as that of the aerosol - generating substrate. The mixed material is formed by using the extrusion process without changing its chemical properties.

[0074] 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 extrusion substrate 1000. The cross - sectional shape refers to the shape presented by the extrusion substrate 1000 with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction as the cross - section.

[0075] 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 is made into various cross - sectional - shaped extrusion substrates 1000 through the die 13 of the discharge port 11c.

[0076] It should be noted that the extrusion temperature (i.e., the temperature inside the cavity of the extruder) in the embodiments of the present application is not limited herein. Exemplarily, the extrusion temperature is 0°C - 300°C (including 0°C and 300°C).

[0077] For example, the extrusion temperatures for extrusion molding are 0°C, 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, 200°C, 220°C, 230°C, 240°C, 250°C, 255°C, 260°C, 265°C, 270°C, 275°C, 280°C, 284°C, 288°C, 290°C, 296°C or 300°C, etc.

[0078] When the extrusion temperature is 0°C - 300°C, the fluidity of the mixed material is good, which is beneficial 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 1000 are stable. In addition, at this temperature, the torque provided by the extruder is low, and the energy consumption of the extruder is low. While improving the service life of the extruder, the production cost can also be reduced.

[0079] Exemplarily, the extrusion pressure for extrusion molding is 0.5 bar - 300 bar.

[0080] The extrusion pressure described in the embodiments of the present application refers to the extrusion pressure of the extrusion die located at the outlet 51c of the extruder.

[0081] The extrusion pressure will affect the molding shape, surface smoothness, yield rate, and production rate of the aerosol - generating matrix. During the extrusion process, when the extrusion pressure is lower than 0.5 bar, the molding rate of the aerosol - generating matrix is low, and the product defect rate increases, which in turn leads to a slowdown in the production rate and an increase in production cost. When the extrusion pressure is higher than 300 bar, the load of the transmission structure of the extruder is high (the required torque is high), resulting in a reduction in the service life of the extruder. Therefore, controlling the extrusion pressure within the range of 0.5 bar - 300 bar can not only improve the molding rate of the aerosol - generating matrix but also extend the service life of the extruder.

[0082] More preferably, the extrusion pressure for low - temperature extrusion is 20 bar - 80 bar (including 20 bar and 80 bar).

[0083] S200: At least perform the first drying and the second drying on the extrusion matrix, wherein the drying methods used for the first drying and the second drying are different.

[0084] If the aerosol - forming substrate contains an excessive amount of liquid such as moisture, the aerosol - forming 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 - forming substrate. Therefore, when there is a relatively large amount of solvents such as moisture and / or other volatile lubricants in the extruded substrate 1000, it is necessary to remove the solvents and / or lubricants to obtain a dry aerosol - forming substrate for use or storage.

[0085] It should be noted that the drying methods for the first drying and the second drying are not restricted here.

[0086] Exemplarily, the drying method used for the first drying can be one of hot - air drying, microwave drying, freeze - drying, ultrasonic device, or infrared device. Of course, it can also be other conventional drying methods not listed.

[0087] Exemplarily, the drying method used for the second drying can be one of hot - air drying, microwave drying, freeze - drying, ultrasonic device, or infrared device. Of course, it can also be other conventional drying methods not listed.

[0088] Hot - air drying refers to drying the extruded substrate 1000 by using a hot air stream. The hot air stream can contact the extruded substrate 1000 to transfer heat to the extruded substrate 1000, causing the solvents and / or lubricants inside the extruded substrate 1000 to evaporate or sublimate, thereby reducing the content of solvents and / or lubricants in the extruded substrate 1000 and achieving the purpose of drying the extruded substrate 1000.

[0089] Freeze - drying is a technique that uses the sublimation principle for drying. It quickly freezes the extruded substrate 1000 at a low temperature and then, in a suitable vacuum environment, directly sublimates the frozen water molecules into water vapor and escapes, sublimating the moisture in the extruded substrate 1000, thereby reducing the water content in the extruded substrate 1000.

[0090] Microwave drying is that the microwave device dries the extruded substrate 1000 by emitting microwave radiation. Microwave drying means that the internal polar molecules of the extruded substrate 1000 vibrate violently under the action of microwaves to generate heat, promoting the volatilization of moisture in the extruded substrate 1000. It can reduce the hot - air drying temperature, shorten the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0091] Ultrasonic drying is that the ultrasonic device dries the extruded substrate 1000 by emitting ultrasonic radiation. Ultrasonic radiation drying means that the cavitation effect is generated on the internal moisture of the extruded substrate 1000 by ultrasonic waves, reducing the moisture volatilization temperature and promoting moisture volatilization. It can reduce the hot - air drying temperature, shorten the drying time, and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol - forming substrate.

[0092] Infrared drying is drying the extruded matrix 1000 by emitting infrared rays by an infrared device. The infrared device refers to emitting infrared rays by an infrared generator. When the vibration number of the infrared rays is equal to the natural frequency of water, a situation similar to the resonance motion in vibration theory will occur. Molecular collisions occur inside the extruded matrix 1000, generating a self-heating effect, and some molecules break free from the constraints of the extruded matrix 1000, and moisture is separated from the extruded matrix 1000, thereby heating the material quickly and effectively.

[0093] The first drying and the second drying adopt different drying methods, that is, the manufacturing method provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts at least two different drying methods to dry the extruded matrix 1000 in sequence.

[0094] The manufacturing method provided by the embodiment of the present application is to extrude the mixed material to form an extruded matrix 1000, wherein the mixed material is a component mixed material of the aerosol generating matrix, and then the extruded matrix 1000 is dried for at least the first time and the second time, wherein the drying method used for the first drying and the second drying is different. By adopting at least two different drying methods, the extruded matrix 1000 is dried in turn, and it is possible to select a suitable drying method according to the different water contents of the extruded matrix 1000, reduce the drying time, that is, to improve the drying efficiency, and to improve the retention rate of the aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol generating matrix, thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol generating matrix. The aerosol generating matrix obtained by extrusion molding and by adopting at least two different drying methods is an integrated molding structure. In this way, the aerosol generating matrix is extruded as a whole 1000 after, for example, being heated and sucked or stopping being heated during use, and it is not easy to disintegrate and fall.

[0095] For example, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 , the aerosol generating substrate is formed with an air channel 1000a, and the air channel 1000a runs through at least one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. For example, the air channel 1000a runs through one end of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. For another example, the air channel 1000a runs through both ends of the aerosol generating substrate in the longitudinal direction. The airflow can flow longitudinally from one end of the aerosol generating substrate to the other end of the aerosol generating substrate. In this way, the airflow formed by the air carrying the aerosol can flow more smoothly, the airflow flow resistance is smaller, and the suction resistance during the suction process can be significantly reduced, thereby improving the suction experience.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In one embodiment, the airway 1000a is a straight airway 1000a extending in a straight line. The straight airway 1000a is easy to form, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty. The flow resistance of the air flow in the straight airway 1000a is relatively small.

[0098] In one embodiment, the airway 1000a is a curved airway 1000a, and at least a part of the hole section of the curved airway 1000a is in a curved shape with a non-zero curvature. The curved airway 1000a can greatly increase the flow path of the air flow without significantly increasing the length of the aerosol-forming substrate, and can extend the contact time of the air flow with the hole wall surface of the curved airway 1000a, thereby improving the extraction rate of the aerosol.

[0099] In one embodiment, the curved airway 1000a is in a spiral shape. That is to say, the three-dimensional shape of the curved airway 1000a is a spatial spiral shape. For example, during the extrusion process, the curved airway 1000a of the extrusion substrate 1000 can be formed by rotating the die 13. The connecting line between any point of the spiral-shaped curved airway 1000a and the starting point has an inclination angle relative to its axis. The spiral-shaped curved airway 1000a can greatly extend the flow path of the air flow, precipitate the aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate into the curved airway 1000a, increase the flow velocity of the aerosol in the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby increasing the impact force of the air flow, enabling the aerosol to be evenly mixed, improving the aerosol uniformity, and enhancing the user's suction feeling.

[0100] It should be understood that the extrusion substrate 1000 is a semi-finished product of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the extrusion substrate 1000 has the same form as the aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate has the airway 1000a, the extrusion substrate 1000 also has the same airway 1000a.

[0101] The cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located inside the aerosol-forming substrate is not limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape can be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangle, square, rhombus, etc.), elliptical, racetrack-shaped or irregular, etc. Among them, the irregular shape refers to other symmetric or asymmetric shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0102] The cross-sectional shape of the airway 1000a located on the outer peripheral surface of the aerosol-forming substrate can be semi-circular, semi-elliptical, polygonal or irregular, etc. Among them, the irregular shape refers to other symmetric or asymmetric shapes other than the shapes listed above.

[0103] The number of the airways 1000a is not limited, and the airway 1000a can be one or more. The term "multiple" means that the number includes two or more.

[0104] It should be noted that there are micropores inside the aerosol - generating matrix. For example, for the aerosol - generating matrix of the particle aggregate, the gaps between particles form micropores. However, the airway 1000a described in the present application is different from the micropores. The airway 1000a described in the present application belongs to pores in the macroscopic sense, while the micropores belong to pores in the microscopic sense. The cross - sectional area, length, and other dimensions of the airway 1000a are much larger than those of the micropores. The airway 1000a is mainly formed by, for example, a mouthpiece 13. Therefore, the cross - sectional area, length, and other dimensions of the airway 1000a can be changed according to design requirements, while the dimensions of the micropores are determined by the gaps between particles. For example, if the mixed material is granular material, the extrudate formed by extrusion of the mixed material has micropores, and it is difficult to significantly change the cross - sectional area, length, and other dimensions of the micropores by processing methods.

[0105] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded to form an extruded matrix, including:

[0106] The mixed material is extruded through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000.

[0107] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000, including:

[0108] S101: First, mix multiple raw materials into a mixed material;

[0109] S102: Then add the mixed material to the extrusion device.

[0110] In this embodiment, multiple raw materials such as plant raw materials, additive raw materials, and fuming agent raw materials are pre - mixed to form 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.

[0111] In one embodiment, the mixed material is extruded through an extrusion device 1 to form an extruded matrix 1000, including:

[0112] S103: Add multiple raw materials to multiple feeding ports of the extrusion device respectively to form a mixed material inside the extrusion device.

[0113] In this embodiment, multiple raw materials such as plant raw materials, additive raw materials, and fuming agent raw materials are added to the extrusion device 1 in modules, and the multiple raw materials are mixed inside the extrusion device 1. That is, the modular feeding method is adopted.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 shape, when the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in the horizontal direction, the extrusion matrix 1000 can directly enter the next device such as the cooling device 5 through the rotating die 13. Since the rotation of the die 13 will cause certain stress on the extrusion matrix 1000, 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 the spiral airway 1000a.

[0117] 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.

[0118] In one embodiment, the extrusion matrix 1000 is extruded in an inclined direction. The inclined direction means that the 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 drying devices.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] In one embodiment, the raw materials of the smoke agent 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 suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate), or a combination of one or more of them.

[0126] In one embodiment, the raw materials of the binder are in close contact through 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 raw materials of the binder can be natural plant extracts and non-ionized modified viscous polysaccharides, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, guar gum, and 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.

[0127] In one embodiment, the raw materials of the flavor are used to provide characteristic aromas, such as the aroma of hay, roasted sweet aroma, and solid or liquid substances of nicotine. The raw materials of the flavor can include one or more combinations of tobacco, extracts of flavoring plants, extracts, essential oils, and absolutes; the raw materials of the flavor can include monomer flavor substances, such as one or more combinations of megastigmatrienone, neophytadiene, geraniol, and nerol.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first drying is carried out by microwave drying.

[0129] Microwave drying has penetrability. When the microwave penetrates into the extrusion matrix 1000, due to the increase in the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 caused by the loss of the extrusion matrix 1000, the inside and outside of the extrusion matrix 1000 material are heated and raised in temperature almost simultaneously, forming a volume heat source state, shortening the heat conduction time in conventional heating, and thus being able to quickly achieve drying. In addition, the microwave instantaneously heats and raises the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 material, and the energy consumption is also very low. On the other hand, the output power of the microwave can be adjusted at any time, and the temperature rise of the extrusion matrix 1000 can change without inertia accordingly, that is, the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 can be instantaneously increased, and there is no "afterheat" phenomenon, which is beneficial to the automatic control of the drying of the extrusion matrix 1000 and the needs of continuous production.

[0130] Microwaves are radio waves with frequencies ranging from 300 megahertz to 300 gigahertz. The water molecules in the extruded matrix 1000 being heated are polar molecules. Under the action of a rapidly changing high-frequency magnetic field, their polar orientations will change with the change of the external electric field, causing the molecules to rub against each other in motion. At this time, the field energy of the microwave field is converted into heat energy within the extruded matrix 1000, raising the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 and generating a series of physical and chemical processes such as thermalization and puffing to achieve the purpose of microwave heating and drying.

[0131] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 、and Figure 13 As shown in, the microwave drying device 2 includes a microwave box body 21 having a microwave cavity 21a and a microwave heater 22 disposed within the microwave cavity 21a. During microwave drying, the extruded matrix 1000 enters the microwave cavity 21a of the microwave drying device 2 from the feed end, and the conveying system 3 conveys the extruded matrix 1000 through the microwave cavity 21a. The microwave heater 22 of the microwave drying device 2 can be disposed on one or more sides within the cavity.

[0132] Since the water content of the just-extruded extruded matrix 1000 is relatively high, thus, the first drying is carried out by means of microwave drying. When microwaves penetrate into the extruded matrix 1000, due to the increase in the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 caused by the loss of the extruded matrix 1000, the inside and outside of the extruded matrix 1000 material are heated and raised in temperature almost simultaneously, forming a volume heat source state, shortening the heat conduction time in conventional heating, that is, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 can be dried to a lower water content in a relatively short time, thereby enabling rapid drying.

[0133] In one embodiment, the temperature of microwave drying is less than or equal to 150 °C.

[0134] That is to say, the temperature of microwave drying is not greater than 150 °C (150 degrees Celsius). While rapidly drying the extruded matrix 1000, the aroma components and active ingredients in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and / or fuming agents, etc., are not easily lost due to heat, and the active substances can be retained as much as possible, ensuring the quality of the finished aerosol-forming matrix.

[0135] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 before microwave drying is 3% - 30%. Exemplarily, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 before microwave drying is 3%, 5%, 10%, 11%, 15%, 20%, 21%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28% or 30%, etc.

[0136] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within a set environment and time after microwave drying is 3%-20%. Exemplarily, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 after microwave drying is 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 11% or 20% etc.

[0137] It should be noted that the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within the set environment and time refers to the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within 30 minutes after microwave drying under normal temperature (25°C) and normal pressure (1 atmosphere).

[0138] When the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 after microwave drying is less than 3%, not only is the dried extruded matrix 1000 fragile during subsequent production and processing, resulting in a high defective rate in the subsequent production of the dried extruded matrix 1000, thereby increasing production costs; moreover, during the heating and suction process, the miscellaneous gas generated by the aerosol-forming matrix is relatively high, affecting the suction experience. When the water content of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is greater than 20%, the water content of the aerosol during the heating and suction process of the dried extruded matrix 1000 is high, and it is easy to produce the phenomenon of "burning the mouth" during suction, reducing the suction experience.

[0139] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 13 , the second drying is carried out by hot air drying.

[0140] Hot air drying refers to drying the extruded matrix 1000 using hot air flow. The hot air flow can contact the extruded matrix 1000 to transfer heat to the extruded matrix 1000, so that the solvent and / or lubricant in the extruded matrix 1000 is heated to a gaseous state, thereby reducing the content of the solvent and / or lubricant in the extruded matrix 1000 and achieving the purpose of drying the extruded matrix 1000.

[0141] Hot air drying can batch-dry the extruded matrix 1000, with a fast drying speed. By reducing the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 through hot air drying, it is convenient for the preservation and use of the aerosol-forming matrix. During hot air drying, the shrinkage rate of the extruded matrix 1000 is small, the drying time is short, the process and equipment are mature, and it is convenient to realize continuous production. When extrusion and hot air drying are used in combination, the equipment cost investment is small, continuous production can be achieved, the production efficiency is high, and the manufacturing cost is low; the extruded matrix 1000 is uniform and stable, and the processability is high.

[0142] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the temperature of hot air drying is between 50°C and 200°C. For example, the temperature range of hot air drying is 50°C, 60°C, 62°C, 64°C, 65°C, 70°C, 73°C, 75°C, 86°C, 90°C, 98°C, 100°C, 125°C, 130°C, 136°C, 140°C, 148°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 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 ingredients in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and / or smoke agents, etc., are easily lost due to heat, the manufacturing cost is high, and the quality of the finished aerosol generating matrix is reduced, and the user experience is degraded.

[0143] 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, 78°C, 80°C, 83°C, 84°C, 85°C, 86°C, 92°C, 95°C, 96°C, 97°C, 98°C, 102°C, 105°C, 108°C, 110°C, 120°C or 125°C, etc. When the above temperature is adopted for hot air drying, slow drying of the extruded matrix 1000 can be achieved. Under the condition of ensuring a relatively high drying efficiency, the evaporation rate of the liquid inside the extruded matrix 1000 tends to be consistent with the evaporation rate of the liquid on the outer surface of the extruded matrix 1000, reducing the probability of the change of the morphology of the extruded matrix 1000 during hot air drying. The aroma components and active ingredients in the mixed material, such as alkaloids and / or smoke agents, etc., are also not easily lost due to heat, and can retain the active substances as much as possible, ensuring the quality of the finished aerosol generating matrix.

[0144] In one embodiment, the extruded matrix 1000 has an air passage 1000a 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 extruded matrix 1000. The hot air can not only contact the outer peripheral surface of the extruded matrix 1000, but also enter the air passage 1000a, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the extruded matrix 1000 and improving the drying efficiency.

[0145] In a specific embodiment, the first drying is performed by microwave drying, and the second drying is performed by hot air drying. Microwave drying has penetrability. When the microwave penetrates into the extrusion matrix 1000, due to the increase in the temperature of the extrusion matrix 1000 caused by the loss of the extrusion matrix 1000, the inside and outside of the extrusion matrix 1000 material are heated and raised almost simultaneously, forming a volume heat source state, shortening the heat conduction time in conventional heating, and thus enabling rapid drying. During hot air drying, the shrinkage rate of the extrusion matrix 1000 is small, the drying time is short, the process and equipment are mature, which is convenient for realizing continuous production. The extrusion matrix 1000 is uniform and stable, and has high processability. In this way, the water content of the extrusion matrix 1000 can be reduced to a lower level by microwave drying first, so as to improve the drying efficiency, and then the extrusion matrix 1000 can be further dried by hot air drying, making the extrusion matrix 1000 uniform and stable and having high processability.

[0146] Specifically, please refer to Figure 14 , taking the water content of the extrusion matrix 1000 before drying as 30% as an example for description. First, the extrusion matrix 1000 is subjected to microwave drying for about three minutes to reduce the water content of the extrusion matrix 1000 to nearly 3%. Then, the extrusion matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying for about seventeen minutes to reduce the water content of the extrusion matrix 1000 to infinitely close to 3% or lower. That is to say, the extrusion matrix 1000 can be dried by combining microwave drying and hot air drying, and the extrusion matrix 1000 can be dried in nearly twenty minutes. The drying time is short, the process and equipment are mature, which is convenient for realizing continuous production.

[0147] In one embodiment, the extrusion matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying by a hot air drying device 4. The manufacturing method further includes: pre-treating the air flow before entering the circulating hot air system so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%. For example, the humidity of the pre-treated air flow is 0, 10RH%, 15RH%, 18RH%, 20RH%, 30RH%, 35RH%, 48RH%, 50RH%, 56RH%, 60RH%, 66RH%, 70RH%, 75RH% or 80RH% and so on.

[0148] The hot air drying device 4 further includes an air flow pre-treatment device 4e, and the air flow pre-treatment device 4e pre-treats the air flow before the circulating hot air system.

[0149] Among them, RH (Relative Humidity) represents relative humidity.

[0150] In order to improve the drying efficiency and stabilize the drying process, the air flow before the circulating hot air system is pre-treated to control the humidity of the inlet air so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%.

[0151] In one embodiment, after the extrusion matrix 1000 is subjected to a second drying, it includes: cooling the extrusion matrix 1000.

[0152] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the extrusion matrix 1000 is cooled and hardened by the cooling device 5. Since the mixed material is a solid-liquid mixture, the hardness of the extrusion matrix 1000 after extrusion molding is relatively low, making the extrusion matrix 1000 after extrusion molding prone to deformation and difficult to maintain its shape. In order to improve the stability of the shape of the extrusion matrix 1000 and facilitate subsequent production processes, the extrusion matrix 1000 is cooled and hardened to increase its hardness. The cooled extrusion matrix 1000 can well maintain its shape, avoiding the situation that the outer surface of the cooled extrusion matrix 1000 will adhere to other structures. The cooled extrusion matrix 1000 is easy to cut, and the cut extrusion matrix 1000 is not prone to deformation, and the formed end face is integral and complete.

[0153] In one embodiment, the extrusion matrix 1000 is cooled by the cold air of the cooling device 5, and the temperature range of the cold air of the cooling device 5 is -50°C - 60°C. For example, it is -50°C, -45°C, -40°C, -35°C, -30°C, -25°C, -20°C, -15°C, -10°C, -5°C, 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, 15°C, 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 52°C, 55°C, 58°C or 60°C, etc. By using the above temperature for the cold air of the cooling device 5, the extrusion matrix 1000 can be cooled at an appropriate speed so that the extrusion matrix 1000 is cooled to an appropriate speed.

[0154] In one embodiment, the temperature range of the extrusion matrix 1000 measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 10°C - 50°C. For example, it is 10°C, 12°C, 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 23°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C, 32°C, 35°C, 38°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 45°C, 47°C, 48°C or 50°C, etc.

[0155] It should be noted that the temperature range of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within the specified environment and time refers to the temperature range measured within 30 minutes after cooling under normal temperature (25°C) and normal pressure (1 atmosphere). When the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 is higher than 50°C, its texture is relatively soft, it is prone to deformation, and it is difficult to maintain the shape of the extruded matrix 1000, which is not suitable for processing or storage. In order to improve the morphological stability of the extruded matrix 1000 and facilitate subsequent production processes, if the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 is lower than 10°C, its hardness is relatively large, and it is fragile during subsequent production and processing, resulting in a relatively high defective rate in the subsequent production of the extruded matrix 1000, thereby increasing production costs.

[0156] Therefore, by controlling the temperature range of the extruded matrix 1000 after cooling to 10°C - 50°C, the shape of the extruded matrix 1000 can have a certain degree of stability, which is convenient for subsequent production processes, and the extruded matrix 1000 can have an appropriate hardness, is not fragile during subsequent production and processing, reduces the defective rate of the subsequent production of the extruded matrix 1000, and thereby reduces production costs.

[0157] Specifically, please refer to Figure 15 , taking the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 before drying being lower than 20°C as an example for description. First, the extruded matrix 1000 is subjected to microwave drying for about three minutes to raise the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 to nearly 150°C. Then, the extruded matrix 1000 is subjected to hot air drying for about seventeen minutes to raise the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 to infinitely close to 150°C or higher. Then, the extruded matrix 1000 is cooled for about ten minutes to lower the temperature of the extruded matrix 1000 to about 20°C.

[0158] In one embodiment, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within the specified environment and time after cooling is 0 - 18%.

[0159] Exemplarily, the water content of the cooled extruded matrix 1000 is 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17% or 18%, etc.

[0160] It should be noted that the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within the specified environment and time refers to the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within 30 minutes after cooling under normal temperature (25°C) and normal pressure (1 atmosphere).

[0161] More preferably, the water content of the extruded matrix 1000 measured within the specified environment and time after cooling is 1 - 16%.

[0162] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method further includes: pre-treating the air flow before it enters the cooling device 5 so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80 RH%. For example, the humidity of the pre-treated air flow is 0, 10 RH%, 15 RH%, 18 RH%, 20 RH%, 30 RH%, 35 RH%, 48 RH%, 50 RH%, 56 RH%, 60 RH%, 66 RH%, 70 RH%, 75 RH% or 80 RH% and so on.

[0163] Wherein, RH (Relative Humidity) represents relative humidity.

[0164] To improve the drying efficiency and stabilize the drying process, the air flow before entering the cooling device 5 is pre-treated to control the humidity of the inlet air so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80 RH%, which can prevent the extruded matrix 1000 from absorbing moisture during the cooling process.

[0165] In one embodiment, the temperature range measured within a set environment and time after the extruded matrix 1000 is dried by hot air is 30°C - 100°C. For example, the temperature of the hot air drying is 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 43°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 66°C, 70°C, 75°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 76°C, 80°C, 83°C, 88°C, 90°C, 95°C or 100°C and so on.

[0166] It should be noted that the above-mentioned temperature range measured within a set environment and time refers to the temperature range measured within 30 minutes after hot air drying under normal temperature (25°C) and normal pressure (1 atmosphere).

[0167] In one embodiment, after the mixed material is extruded to form the extruded matrix 1000, the manufacturing method includes:

[0168] Cutting the extruded matrix 1000.

[0169] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the extruded matrix 1000 can be cut by the cutting tool 61 of the cutting device 6 so that the extruded matrix 1000 reaches a set length. In this way, the extruded matrix 1000 of the set length can be applicable to the subsequent drying device or packaging device 7, reducing the requirements for the subsequent devices.

[0170] 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 matrix or according to the situation of the manufacturing equipment.

[0171] In some embodiments, the extruded extrusion matrix 1000 has a continuous structure. That is to say, during the extrusion process, the extrusion matrix 1000 is continuously extruded so that the extrusion matrix 1000 has a continuous structure. Continuous extrusion can improve the extrusion efficiency, and subsequently, the extrusion matrix 1000 is cut into a set length to shorten the length.

[0172] In some embodiments, the extrusion matrix 1000 has a segmented structure of a preset length. That is to say, during the extrusion process, the extrusion matrix 1000 naturally separates when it reaches the preset length. For example, it can be that when the extrusion matrix 1000 reaches the preset length, it detaches from the die 13 due to reaching its own critical value. In this way, the preset length of the extrusion matrix 1000 can be the length of the aerosol-generating matrix, and the extrusion matrix 1000 can also not be cut, thus saving the cutting device 6 and reducing the equipment cost.

[0173] It should be understood that the preset length can be greater than, less than, or equal to the set length.

[0174] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the step of cutting the extrusion matrix 1000 can be before step S200. That is to say, the extrusion matrix 1000 can be cut before the first drying and the second drying of the extrusion matrix 1000. In some embodiments, the step of cutting the extrusion matrix 1000 can be after step S200. That is to say, the extrusion matrix 1000 can be cut after the first drying and the second drying of the extrusion matrix 1000.

[0175] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes: shaping the extrusion matrix 1000. Shaping refers to correcting the circumference and / or straightness of the extrusion matrix 1000 through a jig. Straightness refers to the degree of bending of the extrusion matrix 1000 in the longitudinal direction.

[0176] Since the texture of the extruded extrusion matrix 1000 is usually relatively soft, during the manufacturing process of the extrusion matrix 1000, the circumference of the extrusion matrix 1000 is deformed and / or the extrusion matrix 1000 is bent in the longitudinal direction. For example, during the process of the cutting device 6 cutting the extrusion matrix 1000, the circumference of the extrusion matrix 1000 may be deformed and / or the extrusion matrix 1000 may be bent in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the circumference and / or straightness of the extrusion matrix 1000 can be corrected through a jig.

[0177] It should be noted that the shaping of the extruded matrix 1000 can be carried out under any circumstances where shaping is required after step S100. During the entire manufacturing process of the aerosol-generating matrix, the shaping of the extruded matrix 1000 can be carried out once or multiple times. For example, the shaping of the extruded matrix 1000 can be carried out before and / or after slitting. Another example is that the shaping of the extruded matrix 1000 can be carried out before the first drying and the second drying of the extruded matrix 1000.

[0178] In one embodiment, the manufacturing method includes:

[0179] Wrapping a wrapping layer on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0180] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4 , and a wrapping layer is wrapped on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating matrix through the packaging device 7, and the aerosol-generating matrix can be protected through the wrapping layer.

[0181] The wrapping layer includes, but is not limited to, one or more combinations of materials such as fiber paper, metal foil, metal foil composite fiber paper, polyethylene composite fiber paper, PE (Polyethylene), PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate), etc.

[0182] In some embodiments, after wrapping the wrapping layer on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating matrix, it can be combined with the functional section to form an aerosol-generating article.

[0183] In some other embodiments, the aerosol-generating matrix can also be first combined with the functional section, and then the wrapping layer is wrapped on the outer surfaces of both the aerosol-generating matrix and the functional section to form an aerosol-generating article.

[0184] In still some other embodiments, the wrapping layer can also be first wrapped on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating matrix, 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 can be wrapped on the outer surface of the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0185] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 , and Figure 15 , the embodiment of the present application also provides a manufacturing device for an aerosol-generating matrix, and the manufacturing device includes an extrusion device 1, a microwave drying device 2, and a hot air drying device 4.

[0186] The extrusion device 1 is used to extrude the mixed material to form an extruded matrix 1000.

[0187] The microwave drying device 2 is used to microwave dry the extruded matrix 1000.

[0188] The hot air drying device 4 is used to hot air dry the extruded matrix 1000.

[0189] The manufacturing equipment provided by the embodiment of the present application, the extrusion device 1 extrudes the mixed material, wherein the mixed material is a component mixed material of the aerosol generation matrix, and then the extruded matrix 1000 is dried for the first time and the second time by the microwave drying device 2 and the hot air drying device 4, wherein the drying method used for the first drying and the second drying is different. By taking at least two different drying methods to cooperate, the extruded matrix 1000 is dried in turn, and it is possible to select a suitable drying method according to the different water contents of the extruded matrix 1000, reduce the drying time, that is, to improve the drying efficiency, and to improve the retention rate of the aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol generation matrix, thereby improving the yield rate of the aerosol generation matrix. The aerosol generation matrix obtained by extrusion molding and by taking at least two different drying methods is an integrated molding structure. In this way, the aerosol generation matrix is extruded as a whole after, for example, being heated and sucked or stopping being heated during use, and the problem of disintegration and falling is not easy to occur.

[0190] The microwave drying device 2 includes a microwave box 21 having a microwave cavity 21a and a microwave heater 22 arranged in the microwave cavity 21a. During microwave drying, the extruded matrix 1000 enters the microwave cavity 21a of the microwave drying device 2 from the feeding end, and the conveying system 3 conveys the extruded matrix 1000 through the microwave cavity 21a. The microwave heater 22 of the microwave drying device 2 can be arranged on one or more sides of the cavity.

[0191] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The hot air drying device 4 includes a hot air circulation system 4a having an air outlet 4c and an air inlet 4b. The air flow is blown out through the air outlet 4c to dry the extruded matrix 1000 and flows back to the hot air circulation system 4a through the air inlet 4b. The manufacturing equipment also includes a conveying system 3 to convey the extruded matrix 1000 along a first direction, and the first direction is opposite to the direction from the air outlet 4c to the air inlet 4b.

[0192] Exemplarily, the hot air drying device 4 includes a fan and a heating element, wherein the fan is used to drive the airflow in the hot air circulation system 4a, and the heating element is disposed in the hot air drying device 4, and the heating element is used to heat the airflow in the hot air circulation system 4a. In this way, the heating element generates heat to heat the airflow in the hot air circulation system 4a, and the fan accelerates the flow of the airflow in the hot air circulation system 4a.

[0193] In one embodiment, the number of 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 the extrusion substrate 1000 to be conveyed. That is to say, the extrusion substrate 1000 is conveyed in the spaced space, and the at least two heating elements are located on the upper and lower sides of the extrusion substrate 1000. In this way, the at least two heating elements bake the extrusion substrate 1000 synchronously from above and below, which can make the extrusion substrate 1000 receive uniform heat, 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.

[0194] In some embodiments, only one heating element may also be provided. Similarly, when the heating efficiency of the heating element is very high, a good drying effect can be achieved.

[0195] In other embodiments, at least four heating elements may also be provided. At least two heating elements are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and at least two heating elements are spaced apart in the left-right direction to form a spaced space for the extrusion substrate 1000 to be conveyed. In this way, hot air can heat and dehydrate the extrusion substrate 1000 from four directions: up, down, left, and right, which can make the extrusion substrate 1000 receive uniform heat, improve the morphological stability of the extrusion substrate 1000, and can also improve the dehydration efficiency.

[0196] The structural shape of the heating element is not limited. Exemplarily, the heating element has a plate-like structure. The heating element can be a flat plate or a curved plate. The heating element with a plate-like structure can be placed horizontally. That is to say, the thickness direction of the heating element with a plate-like structure is perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0197] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 6 , the manufacturing equipment includes a conveying system 3 for conveying the extrusion substrate 1000. The conveying system 3 conveys the extrusion substrate 1000 in a first direction, and the first direction is opposite to the direction from the air outlet 4c to the air inlet 4b.

[0198] The direction from the air outlet 4c to the air inlet 4b is the flow direction of the hot air flow in the hot air circulation system 4a.

[0199] By setting the conveying direction of the extrusion substrate 1000 and the flow direction of the hot air flow in the hot air circulation system 4a to be opposite directions, the contact area between the hot air and the extrusion substrate 1000 can be increased, and the drying efficiency can be improved.

[0200] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 , the manufacturing equipment further includes a cooling device 5. The cooling device 5 is arranged downstream of the hot air drying device 4 in the first direction and is used to cool the extrusion substrate 1000.

[0201] To connect with subsequent steps such as packaging, a cooling device 5 is provided at the rear end of the hot air drying device 4 to cool the extruded substrate 1000. That is, the extruded substrate 1000 enters the cooling device 5 after being dried by the hot air drying device 4 and is cooled in the cooling device 5.

[0202] In one embodiment, refer to Figure 5 , the cooling device 5 further includes an air flow pretreatment device 4e for pre-treating the air flow before entering the cooling device 5 so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80 RH%. For example, the humidity of the pre-treated air flow is 0, 10 RH%, 15 RH%, 18 RH%, 20 RH%, 30 RH%, 35 RH%, 48 RH%, 50 RH%, 56 RH%, 60 RH%, 66 RH%, 70 RH%, 75 RH% or 80 RH% and so on.

[0203] Among them, RH (Relative Humidity) represents relative humidity.

[0204] To improve the drying efficiency and stabilize the drying process, the air flow before entering the cooling device 5 is pre-treated to control the humidity of the inlet air so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80 RH%, which can prevent the extruded substrate 1000 from absorbing moisture during the cooling process.

[0205] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5 , the hot air drying device 4 further includes a moisture exhaust structure 4d. A part of the air flow that returns to the hot air circulation system 4a through the air inlet 4b is reheated and then blown out through the air outlet 4c, and another part of the air flow is discharged from the manufacturing equipment through the moisture exhaust structure 4d.

[0206] Since the air flow that returns to the hot air circulation system 4a carries moisture, in this way, the hot air drying device 4 is provided with a moisture exhaust structure 4d so that a part of the air flow that returns to the hot air circulation system 4a is discharged from the manufacturing equipment through the moisture exhaust structure 4d, thereby reducing the moisture in the hot air circulation system 4a, improving the drying efficiency, and stabilizing the drying process.

[0207] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 5 to 6 , the conveying system 3 includes a driving roller 31 and a plurality of rollers 32. The extruded substrate 1000 is placed in the gap between adjacent rollers 32. The driving roller 31 drives the rollers 32 to drive the extruded substrate 1000 to move in the first direction, and the rollers 32 can drive the extruded substrate 1000 to rotate by rotating.

[0208] Since the texture of the extruded matrix 1000 is generally relatively soft during extrusion, during the manufacturing process of the extruded matrix 1000, the circumference of the extruded matrix 1000 may be deformed and / or the extruded matrix 1000 may be bent longitudinally. For example, during the process of the slitting device 6 slitting the extruded matrix 1000, it may cause the circumference of the extruded matrix 1000 to be deformed and / or the extruded matrix 1000 to be bent longitudinally. Therefore, a jig can be used to correct the circumference and / or straightness of the extruded matrix 1000.

[0209] In the conveying system 3 of the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the driving roller 31 and a plurality of rollers 32, the extruded matrix 1000 is placed between adjacent rollers 32. Each roller 32 can not only move under the traction of the driving roller 31 but also rotate by itself. The extruded matrix 1000 rotates under the frictional force of the rollers 32, and the extruded matrix 1000 can be evenly heated during the entire drying process. And through the rolling and rubbing action of the rollers 32 on the extruded matrix 1000, the dimensional accuracy (roundness, circumference, straightness) of the extruded matrix 1000 is higher, thereby realizing the correction of the extruded matrix 1000. That is to say, while the conveying system 3 of the embodiment of the present application conveys the extruded matrix 1000, it can also correct the extruded matrix 1000.

[0210] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 15 , the manufacturing equipment includes a microwave device, and the microwave device dries the extruded matrix 1000 by emitting microwave radiation. During microwave drying, the material enters the microwave heating cavity from the feeding end, and the conveying system 3 conveys the extruded matrix 1000 through the microwave heating cavity. Microwave radiation drying means that the polar molecules inside the extruded matrix 1000 vibrate violently under the action of microwaves to generate heat, which promotes the volatilization of moisture in the extruded matrix 1000. It can reduce the hot air drying temperature, shorten the drying time and improve the retention rate of aroma components and effective substances in the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0211] The microwave device also includes a microwave suppressor, which is used to prevent microwave leakage and improve the safety performance of the microwave device.

[0212] The microwave device also includes a moisture exhaust system, which is used to exhaust the moisture in the microwave device, improve the drying efficiency and stabilize the drying process.

[0213] 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 substrate 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 toward the discharge port 11c along the thread channels on the circumferential surface of the extrusion screw 12. The die 13 is used to form an extrusion substrate 1000 having a set cross-sectional shape.

[0214] 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.

[0215] In one embodiment, the bottom die 15 closes the discharge port 11c. Thus, the mixed material is extruded only through the die 13.

[0216] In one embodiment, one die 13 is disposed on a single bottom die 15. That is, a single die and a single orifice are adopted. In this way, the size of the extrusion screw 12 can be smaller.

[0217] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 , multiple dies 13 are disposed on a single bottom die 15. That is, a single die and multiple orifices are adopted. The mixed material forms multiple extrusion substrates 1000 simultaneously after passing through the multiple dies 13. In this way, the production efficiency can be improved, which is suitable for mass production.

[0218] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 , the number of bottom dies 15 is multiple, the extrusion device 1 includes an adapter 16, the multiple bottom dies 15 are disposed on the adapter 16, and the adapter 16 closes the discharge port 11c. That is, multiple dies and multiple orifices are adopted. Compared with a single die and multiple orifices, more dies 13 can be installed with multiple dies and multiple orifices, so as to form more extrusion substrates 1000 simultaneously. In this way, the production efficiency can be improved, and it is more suitable for mass production.

[0219] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 5 , the manufacturing equipment includes a cooling device 5, and the cooling device 5 is used to cool and harden the extrusion substrate 1000.

[0220] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 11, the cooling device 5 includes a housing 51 and a conveyor belt. 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 in communication with the cold chamber 51b. At least a part of the conveyor belt is located within the cold chamber 51b, and the conveyor belt is used to convey the extruded substrate 1000 from the inlet 51a to the outlet 51c. The extruded substrate 1000 is placed on the conveyor belt through the inlet 51a and conveyed to the outlet 51c by the conveyor belt. The continuous conveyance of the extruded substrate 1000 can be achieved through the conveyor belt, so that the extruded substrate 1000 can continuously pass through the cooling device 5 for hardening treatment and continuous generation can be realized.

[0221] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 11 , the housing 51 is formed with an injection port 51d51a which is in communication with the cold chamber 51b to inject a refrigerant into the cold chamber 51b. The refrigerant can come into contact with the extruded substrate 1000 to absorb the heat of the extruded substrate 1000, thereby cooling and hardening the extruded substrate 1000. In this way, the outer surface of the extruded substrate 1000 can be quickly cooled and hardened, maintaining the morphological stability of the extruded substrate 1000, facilitating continuous production, and improving production efficiency.

[0222] The refrigerant can be in a liquid, gaseous or solid state. Exemplarily, the refrigerant includes but is not limited to liquid nitrogen or liquefied air, etc.

[0223] Exemplarily, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , the injection port 51d51a extends in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveyor belt.

[0224] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 11 , the injection port 51d51a can be formed on the upper surface of the housing 51. In this way, the refrigerant can enter the cold chamber 51b from top to bottom to contact the extruded substrate 1000 located on the conveyor belt.

[0225] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the manufacturing device 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.

[0226] Physical contact means slitting the extruded substrate 1000 by directly contacting the extruded substrate 1000 with the slitting tool 61. For example, the slitting tool 61 can be a rotary hob, a cutting disc, a cutting wire, roll cutting or extrusion.

[0227] Non - physical contact means that the cutting tool 61 can cut the extrusion matrix 1000 without directly contacting the extrusion matrix 1000. For example, the cutting tool 61 emits a laser, plasma, air knife or water knife to cut the extrusion matrix 1000 through the laser, plasma, air knife or water knife.

[0228] 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 the description 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, cooling device 5 and cutting device 6 in the embodiments of the present application for understanding.

[0229] 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 - mentioned 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 different embodiments or examples.

[0230] The above - mentioned 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 in 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 to form an extrusion matrix; The extrusion matrix is dried at least for the first time and the second time, wherein the drying methods used for the first drying and the second drying are different.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first drying is carried out by microwave drying.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature of the microwave drying is less than or equal to 150 °C.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water content of the extrusion matrix measured within a set environment and time after the microwave drying is 3% - 20%; and / or, The water content of the extrusion matrix before the microwave drying is 3% - 30%.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second drying is carried out by hot air drying.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature range of the hot air drying is 50 °C - 200 °C; and / or, The temperature range of the extrusion matrix measured within a set environment and time after passing through the hot air drying is 30 °C - 100 °C.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature range of the hot air drying is 75 °C - 125 °C.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 5, characterized in that The extrusion matrix is dried by hot air through a hot air drying device, and the manufacturing method further includes: Pre-treating the air flow before entering the hot air drying device so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the extrusion matrix is dried for the second time, it includes: Cooling the extrusion matrix.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The extrusion matrix is cooled by the cold air of a cooling device, and the temperature range of the cold air of the cooling device is -50 °C - 60 °C.

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature range of the extrusion matrix measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 10 °C - 50 °C; and / or, The water content of the extrusion matrix measured within a set environment and time after cooling is 1 - 16%.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The manufacturing method further includes: Pre-treating the air flow before entering the cooling device so that the humidity range of the pre-treated air flow is 0 - 80RH%.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the mixed material is extruded to form an extrusion matrix, the manufacturing method further includes: Cutting the extrusion matrix.

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

15. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The hot air drying device includes a hot air circulation system having an air outlet and an air inlet, and the air flow is blown out through the air outlet for drying the extrusion matrix and flows back to the hot air circulation system through the air inlet; The manufacturing equipment further includes a conveying system for conveying the extrusion matrix in a first direction, and the first direction is opposite to the direction from the air outlet to the air inlet.

16. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The manufacturing equipment further includes a cooling device disposed downstream of the hot air drying device in the first direction for cooling the extrusion matrix.

17. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein The hot air drying device further includes a moisture exhaust structure, a part of the air flow flowing back to the hot air circulation system through the air inlet is reheated and then blown out through the air outlet, and another part of the air flow is discharged from the manufacturing equipment through the moisture exhaust structure.

18. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The conveying system includes a driving roller and a plurality of rollers. The extrusion matrix is placed in the gap between adjacent rollers. The driving roller drives the rollers to drive the extrusion matrix to move along the first direction, and the rollers can drive the extrusion matrix to rotate by rotating.

Images