Tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes and application of tobacco raw material processing system

Abstract

The invention discloses a tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes and application of the tobacco raw material processing system. The tobacco raw material processing system comprises a preprocessing and feeding unit and a baking and powdering unit. The pretreatment and feeding unit is connected with the baking and powdering unit; the pretreatment and feeding unit comprises a screening device used for screening tobacco raw materials; the baking powder making unit comprises a fixed shell, a sealed powder making bin, a stirring device and an electromagnetic heating device; the sealed powder making bin is arranged in the fixed shell; the stirring device is arranged in the sealed powder making bin and can stir the tobacco raw materials in the sealed powder making bin, and the electromagnetic heating device is arranged close to the sealed powder making bin so that the tobacco raw materials can be heated and baked while being stirred. According to the invention, the purposes of efficient fragrance extraction, uniform impurity removal and low energy consumption can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of heated cigarette technology, specifically relating to a tobacco raw material processing system for heated cigarettes and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The smoking process of heated cigarettes is primarily a relatively gentle and controllable physical process. Using an aerosol generating device, a heating element, a heating rod, or a surrounding heater precisely heats a specially designed tobacco sheet / cartridge, with the temperature strictly controlled below 350℃ (far below the ignition point of tobacco, approximately 400℃-600℃). Heated cigarettes, due to their significantly lower smoking temperature compared to traditional cigarettes, effectively reduce the formation of harmful components. However, the lower smoking temperature also leads to insufficient release of the tobacco's natural aroma, a weaker sense of satisfaction, and a stronger off-flavor and harshness. To address this issue, existing technologies typically employ a "low-temperature slow-roasting" process after the tobacco sheet is made. However, this process, due to its low temperature and short duration, is insufficient to fully stimulate and fix the characteristic aroma components in the tobacco, resulting in limited improvement.

[0003] In other fields, such as biomass energy, roasting technology is widely used to upgrade solid fuels. For example, Chinese invention patent CN119264960A discloses a two-stage biomass roasting device for preparing powdered upgraded fuel, which improves the calorific value and energy density of biomass fuel through drying, roasting to form powder, and recycling of roasting gas. However, this device is designed for processing biomass fuels such as straw and sawdust, and its core objective is to improve physical properties (such as calorific value and moisture content) rather than sensory quality.

[0004] Applying such equipment directly to tobacco raw material processing will face many problems: First, tobacco leaves contain abundant sugars and aroma precursors, and are sensitive to heat. The rough stirring and uneven heat transfer of general equipment can easily lead to the destruction of aroma components or the generation of burnt gas. Second, tobacco leaves are prone to sticking and clumping during processing, affecting the uniformity of processing. Finally, energy-based equipment does not consider the retention and activation of aroma components, and its process atmosphere and control logic are not suitable for processing high-quality tobacco raw materials.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a tobacco raw material processing system specifically designed for heating cigarette tobacco leaves, which is an integrated roasting equipment that can achieve efficient aroma enhancement, uniform impurity removal, and low energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this patent is to provide a tobacco raw material processing system for heated cigarettes and its application, which achieves efficient aroma enhancement, uniform impurity removal and low energy consumption.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this patent adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes includes a pretreatment and feeding unit and a baking and pulverizing unit;

[0009] The pretreatment and feeding unit is connected to the baking and flour making unit;

[0010] The pretreatment and feeding unit includes a screening device for screening tobacco raw materials;

[0011] The baking flour milling unit includes a fixed outer shell, a sealed flour milling hopper, a mixing device, and an electromagnetic heating device;

[0012] The sealed powder-making chamber is located inside a fixed outer casing;

[0013] The stirring device is installed in a sealed powder-making silo and can stir the tobacco raw materials therein.

[0014] The electromagnetic heating device is placed near the sealed powder-making chamber so that the tobacco raw materials are heated and roasted while being stirred.

[0015] Furthermore, the sealed powder-making chamber is rotatably connected to the fixed outer casing.

[0016] The rotation axis of the stirring device coincides with that of the sealed powder-making silo.

[0017] A dust concentration detector and / or spray balls are installed above the sealed powder-making silo.

[0018] The dust concentration detector is used to detect the dust level inside a sealed powder-making silo.

[0019] The spray ball is connected to the reaction medium conveying device and is used to initiate aroma-enhancing chemical reactions during the tobacco raw material roasting process;

[0020] The reaction medium conveying device is used to convey spray water, glucose aqueous solution and / or amino acid aqueous solution.

[0021] Furthermore, the stirring device includes a motor, a stirring shaft, and stirring blades;

[0022] The motor is mounted on the surface of the fixed housing and can provide power to the stirring shaft to rotate forward or in reverse.

[0023] The stirring shaft is installed throughout the sealed powder-making chamber.

[0024] The stirring blades are fixed on the stirring shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, the baking and flour milling unit also includes a lid opening and closing device.

[0026] The fixed outer casing has an open top, and the opening and closing mechanism is located on the top of the fixed outer casing to create a controllable sealed environment.

[0027] The opening and closing mechanism is connected to a control system and a drive unit.

[0028] The control system controls the drive device to move the opening and closing cover device closer to or away from the fixed outer shell.

[0029] Furthermore, the bottom of the sealed powder-making hopper is designed to be either curved or straight-edged.

[0030] The electromagnetic heating device is fitted into the sealed powder-making chamber.

[0031] When the sealed powder-making chamber and the stirring blades rotate simultaneously, the opening and closing cover device is constructed in an inverted triangular shape to leave enough space for the sealed powder-making chamber to rotate.

[0032] Furthermore, the screening device includes an electromagnet and a vibrating screen.

[0033] Electromagnetic devices are used to separate metallic impurities from tobacco raw materials;

[0034] Vibrating screens are used to screen and remove large-sized impurities.

[0035] Furthermore, the pretreatment and feeding unit also includes a storage bin, a conveyor belt, and a liquid feeding sprayer;

[0036] Storage silos are used to store tobacco raw materials.

[0037] The conveyor belt is positioned between the vibrating screen and the baking and flour milling unit.

[0038] A liquid feeding sprayer is located near the baking and powdering unit on the conveyor belt.

[0039] Furthermore, the tobacco raw material processing system also includes an exhaust gas treatment unit.

[0040] The exhaust gas treatment unit is connected to the baking and flour-making unit to treat the exhaust gas after baking.

[0041] The exhaust gas treatment unit includes a water curtain dust collector, an exhaust gas adsorption device, and a material outlet.

[0042] The input end of the water curtain dust removal device is connected to the baking and powder making unit to separate dust particles and pollutants in the exhaust gas;

[0043] The material outlet is located at the bottom of the water curtain dust collector to discharge dust particles.

[0044] The exhaust gas adsorption device is filled with a porous material.

[0045] Porous materials include zeolites or molecular sieves.

[0046] This patent further provides a processing method for any of the above-mentioned tobacco raw material processing systems for heated cigarettes, comprising the following steps:

[0047] Step A: Add the tobacco raw materials to the pretreatment and feeding unit for screening to obtain the raw materials to be roasted;

[0048] Step B: Transfer the raw materials to be baked to the sealed powder-making chamber of the baking powder-making unit, and simultaneously start the stirring device and electromagnetic heating device to heat and bake the raw materials to obtain tobacco powder for preparing heated cigarettes.

[0049] Furthermore, in step B, the sealed powder-making chamber is filled with inert gas;

[0050] Inert gases include nitrogen;

[0051] Furthermore, in step B, the heating temperature of the electromagnetic heating device is 120-180℃;

[0052] The processing method also includes step C.

[0053] Step C: After heating and baking are completed, the exhaust gas in the sealed flour hopper is transferred to the exhaust gas treatment unit.

[0054] This patent also provides a heated cigarette, which includes an aerosol-forming matrix comprising tobacco powder prepared by the processing method described above. The heated cigarette serves as an aerosol-generating product, and the tobacco powder serves as the aerosol-forming matrix of the heated cigarette, generating an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through heating.

[0055] The aerosol forming matrix may also include tobacco-free aerosol forming materials.

[0056] In this patent, "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes aerosol formation in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generated article.

[0057] Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0058] The aerosol forming matrix may include a single aerosol forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol forming matrix may include a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents.

[0059] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix has an aerosol forming agent content of more than 5% by dry weight. More preferably, the aerosol forming matrix may have an aerosol forming agent content between about 5% and about 30% by dry weight. In one embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix has an aerosol forming agent content of about 20% by dry weight.

[0060] Preferably, the tobacco powder can be manufactured using existing manufacturing processes in the art, such as rolling, slurry processing, and papermaking, to include an aerosol-forming matrix for homogenizing tobacco sheets in heated cigarettes.

[0061] Heated cigarettes can have the shape of traditional cigarettes. Cigarette products like cigarettes and their specifications are usually named according to the length of the cigarette, as described below. "Standard" typically refers to a cigarette in the range of 68mm to 75mm, for example, approximately 68mm to 72mm in length. "Short" or "mini" refers to a cigarette shorter than 68mm. "Extra-standard" typically refers to a cigarette in the range of 75mm to 91mm, for example, approximately 79mm to 88mm in length. "Long" or "extra-long" typically refers to a cigarette in the range of 91mm to 105mm, for example, approximately 94mm to 101mm in length. "Extra-long" typically refers to a cigarette in the range of approximately 110mm to 121mm in length. Additionally, cigarette products are named according to the outer circumference of the cigarette, as described below. The terms "standard" and "extra-fine" refer to cigarettes with a circumference of approximately 23mm to 25mm; "coarse" refers to cigarettes with a circumference of more than 25mm; "fine" refers to cigarettes with a circumference of approximately 22mm to 23mm; "long and thin" refers to cigarettes with a circumference of approximately 19mm to 22mm; "extra-fine" refers to cigarettes with a circumference of approximately 16mm to 19mm; and "micro-fine" refers to cigarettes with a circumference of less than 16mm. Therefore, extra-standard and extra-fine cigarettes have, for example, a length of approximately 83mm and a circumference of approximately 17mm. Standard and extra-standard cigarettes, with a length of 75mm to 91mm and a circumference of 23mm to 25mm, are popular with many customers. Cigarette products of various sizes can also be manufactured with filters of different lengths. Generally, short filters are used for cigarette products with both short length and short circumference. Typically, filter tip lengths range from 15mm, used with "short" and "standard" cigarettes, to 30mm, used with "extra long" and "extra thin" cigarettes. The tipping paper in the longitudinal direction of the cigarette with a filter tip is, for example, 3mm to 10mm longer than the filter tip.

[0062] Preferably, the aerosol forming article includes an aerosol forming matrix, a support element, an aerosol cooling element, and a mouthpiece. Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix, support element, aerosol cooling element, and mouthpiece are generally cylindrical and have substantially similar outer diameters. For example, they have an outer diameter of at least 5 mm. Preferably, they have an outer diameter between about 5 mm and about 12 mm, for example, between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 8 mm.

[0063] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix can have a length between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, for example, between about 8 mm and about 12 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix can have a length of about 1 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix has a length of about 12 mm.

[0064] The support element can be located directly downstream of the aerosol forming matrix and can be close to the aerosol forming matrix.

[0065] The support element can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; paperboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment; and polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is formed from cellulose acetate.

[0066] The support element may include a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element includes a cellulose acetate tube.

[0067] The support element can have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 15 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of approximately 8 mm.

[0068] The aerosol cooling element can be located downstream of the aerosol forming matrix. For example, the aerosol cooling element can be located directly downstream of and adjacent to the support element. Alternatively, the aerosol cooling element can be located between the support element and the mouthpiece, which is located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0069] Aerosol cooling elements can have a total surface area between approximately 300 square millimeters per millimeter of length and approximately 1000 square millimeters per millimeter of length. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element has a total surface area of ​​approximately 500 square millimeters per millimeter of length.

[0070] Aerosol cooling elements can also be referred to as heat exchangers.

[0071] Preferably, the aerosol cooling element has low suction resistance. That is, preferably, the aerosol cooling element provides low resistance to air passing through the aerosol-generated article. Preferably, the aerosol cooling element has virtually no impact on the suction resistance of the aerosol-generated article.

[0072] The aerosol cooling element may include multiple longitudinally extending channels. These multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a sheet material that has undergone one or more of curling, pleating, gathering, and folding to form the channels. Alternatively, the multiple longitudinally extending channels may be defined by a single sheet that has undergone one or more of curling, pleating, gathering, and folding to form multiple channels.

[0073] In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include an aggregate sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: metal foil, polymeric materials, and substantially non-porous paper or paperboard. In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may include an aggregate sheet of material selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element includes an aggregate sheet of biodegradable material. For example, an aggregate sheet of non-porous paper or an aggregate sheet of biodegradable polymeric material (such as polylactic acid).

[0074] Aerosol cooling elements can be formed from aggregates of material having a specific surface area between approximately 10 mm² / mg and approximately 100 mm² / mg by weight. In some embodiments, aerosol cooling elements can be formed from aggregates of material having a specific surface area of ​​approximately 35 mm² / mg.

[0075] The aerosol generating article may include a mouthpiece located at the mouth end of the aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece may be located directly downstream of and abutting against an aerosol cooling element. The mouthpiece may include a filter. The filter may be formed of one or more suitable filter materials. Many such filter materials are known in the art. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece may include a filter formed of cellulose acetate tow.

[0076] The mouthpiece can have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece has a length of approximately 14 mm. The mouthpiece can also have a length between approximately 5 mm and approximately 14 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the mouthpiece has a length of approximately 7 mm.

[0077] The components of the aerosol-generating article (e.g., the aerosol-forming matrix and any other components of the aerosol-generating article, such as support elements, aerosol cooling elements, and mouthpieces) are surrounded by an outer packaging. The outer packaging is formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the outer packaging paper is cigarette paper.

[0078] This patent provides a uniform and controllable inert atmosphere baking environment for tobacco raw materials specifically designed for heated cigarettes, and simultaneously performs gentle pulverization during the baking process, thereby significantly enhancing the natural aroma and taste of heated cigarettes and effectively removing impurities and astringency.

[0079] This patent has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0080] 1. Several previously separate processes, such as screening and impurity removal, electromagnetic heating baking, stirring and pulverizing, in-situ chemical reaction for aroma enhancement, and exhaust gas purification, are integrated into a single unit. This not only significantly reduces the transfer of materials between different devices, avoiding the risks of aroma loss, heat loss, and environmental pollution, but also simplifies the operation process and improves the automation level and production efficiency of the entire production line.

[0081] 2. By providing a uniform and controllable heat source through electromagnetic heating, combined with a forward and reverse stirring mechanism, the tobacco raw materials are fully and evenly heated within the optimal temperature range (120-180℃), which efficiently stimulates and releases their inherent tobacco aroma components.

[0082] 3. An innovative spray ball structure is introduced, allowing for the precise spraying of reaction media such as water, glucose solution, and amino acid solution during the roasting process. This utilizes the heat energy of roasting as a driving force to initiate key aroma-enhancing chemical reactions such as the Maillard reaction and glycoside hydrolysis in situ on the surface of the tobacco raw materials, thereby actively "creating" new aroma substances such as pyrazines and furans. This synergistic mechanism of physical and chemical action results in a qualitative leap in the richness, complexity, and fullness of the aroma in the final product, far exceeding traditional processes that rely solely on thermophysical processes to release aroma. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tobacco raw material processing system in this patent;

[0085] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring device in this patent;

[0086] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the baking and flour-making unit in this patent;

[0087] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heated cigarette in this patent.

[0088] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0089] Pre-treatment and feeding unit: 1

[0090] Screening device: 11

[0091] Preprocessing transfer channels: 12

[0092] Conveyor belt: 13

[0093] Liquid dosing sprayer: 14

[0094] Discharge port: 15

[0095] Baking flour milling unit: 2

[0096] Fixed casing: 21

[0097] Air outlet: 211

[0098] Sealed milling silo: 22

[0099] Motor: 23

[0100] Stirring shaft: 24

[0101] Agitator blades: 25

[0102] Electromagnetic heating device: 26

[0103] Opening and closing mechanism: 27

[0104] Dust concentration detector: 28

[0105] Spray balls: 29

[0106] Exhaust gas treatment unit: 3

[0107] Water curtain dust removal device: 31

[0108] Exhaust gas adsorption device: 32

[0109] Material exports: 33

[0110] Air intake: 34

[0111] Heated cigarettes: 100

[0112] Aerosol forming matrix: 110

[0113] Supporting element: 120

[0114] Aerosol cooling element: 130

[0115] Cigarette mouthpiece: 140 Detailed Implementation

[0116] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0117] This specification also uses several compound terms to describe devices, components, equipment, etc. that include more than one function, or to assign additional functions to a corresponding device, component, equipment, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that such compound terms can be implemented by a single or multiple devices, components, equipment, etc., as long as they are reasonable under the interpretation rules of this patent terminology.

[0118] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and interpreted in subsequent figures. In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined as having the following meanings:

[0119] The terms “comprising” or “having” have the same meaning as “containing”, and also include other forms of the term, such as the gerund and singular forms in English, meaning including but not limited to, and not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps.

[0120] All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in particular, meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0121] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0122] Those skilled in the art would first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they would choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they would choose the references cited in this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they would choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0123] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by way of quotation, to the extent that they do not contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that products (apparatus, components, devices, compounds, compositions, materials, etc.) and methods (processes, steps, conditions, parameters, equipment, and test methods, equipment, etc.) not specifically described herein can be applied to the implementation of the inventions fully disclosed herein without the need for excessive experimentation. This patent is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatus, apparatus components, materials, processes, and techniques specifically described herein. All cited references include:

[0124] The following publications are included: Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers (11th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by McGraw-Hill, Inc.; DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing (13th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by Wiley; Machinery's Handbook (32nd edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by IndustrialPress Inc.; Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Cheng Daxian, published by Chemical Industry Press; and Modern Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Wen Bangchun, published by Machinery Industry Press.

[0125] This patent will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. While specific structures and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done merely for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this patent. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this patent can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0126] Unless otherwise specified in the text, the tobacco raw materials used are 2021 Henan Sanmenxia Mianchi C3F Qinyan 96 flue-cured tobacco leaves.

[0127] The inventors also used the following flue-cured tobacco leaves in their experiments: Chenzhou Guiyang B2F, C2F, X2F; Yongzhou Lanshan B3F, C2F, X2F; Sanmenxia Mianchi B2F, C3F, X3F; Guizhou Zunyi B2F, C2F, X2F; Bijie Dafang B3F, C3F, X2F; Guizhou Bijie B2F, C2F, X3F; Yunnan Yuxi B3F, C3F, X2F; Yunnan Kunming B2F, C3F, X2F; Yunnan Dali B2F, C3F, X2F, including tobacco seed varieties such as Honghua Dajinyuan, Cuibi No. 1, and Qinyan 96. In addition, the inventors also used burley tobacco, aromatic tobacco, cigar tobacco, sun-cured tobacco, and cloves in their experiments. Unless otherwise specified below, this patent also applies to the aforementioned raw materials.

[0128] like Figure 1 As shown, the tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes of this patent mainly includes a pretreatment and feeding unit 1, a baking and powdering unit 2, and an exhaust gas treatment unit 3 connected in sequence.

[0129] The outlet 15 of the pretreatment and feeding unit 1 is connected to the inlet of the baking and flour making unit 2, and the inlet 34 of the exhaust gas treatment unit 3 is connected to the outlet 211 of the baking and flour making unit 2.

[0130] Pre-treatment and feed unit

[0131] The pretreatment and feeding unit 1 may include a storage bin in which the tobacco raw materials to be processed can be stored.

[0132] The pretreatment and feeding unit 1 includes a screening device 11, preferably a structure similar to a vibrating screening device, which can screen out large particles of debris by vibration.

[0133] A conveyor belt 13 is installed at an angle between the vibrating screen and the feed inlet of the baking and flour making unit 2, and a liquid feeding sprayer 14 is installed at the end of the conveyor belt 13.

[0134] The screening device 11 may also include an electromagnet device for removing metallic impurities from the tobacco raw material.

[0135] The screening device 11 is equipped with a vibrating screen.

[0136] The tobacco raw materials (such as tobacco sheets, shredded tobacco, and tobacco powder) stored in the storage silo first enter the screening device 11 for screening. A vibrating screen removes stones and other impurities. The remaining material is then separated by an electromagnet to remove metallic impurities. After removing non-tobacco materials, the raw material to be roasted is obtained. The raw material to be roasted is transferred from the pretreatment transfer channel 12 to the conveyor belt 13. A liquid feeding sprayer 14 can spray liquid onto the raw material to control its dust content and prevent loss during feeding into the roasting and powdering unit 2.

[0137] Roasting and milling unit

[0138] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the baking flour making unit 2 includes a fixed outer shell 21, a sealed flour making chamber 22, a stirring device, an electromagnetic heating device 26, and a lid opening and closing device 27.

[0139] The fixed outer casing 21 has a sealed powder-making chamber 22 inside. Preferably, the sealed powder-making chamber 22 can be rotatably connected to the fixed outer casing 21.

[0140] The sealed flour milling chamber 22 is filled with nitrogen, and the raw materials to be baked are baked and milled in a nitrogen environment.

[0141] The fixed outer shell 21 has an open top. The opening and closing device 27 is positioned on top of the fixed outer shell 21 to create a controllable, sealed environment, thus forming a sealed flour milling chamber 22 inside the fixed outer shell 21. It can be imagined that the opening and closing device 27 is connected to a control system and a drive unit. When the raw material to be baked reaches the outlet 15, the control system controls the drive unit to move the opening and closing device 27 away from the fixed outer shell 21. In this way, the top opening of the fixed outer shell 21 becomes the inlet of the baking flour milling unit 2. The outlet 15 can be manually or driven by the drive unit to align with the top opening of the fixed outer shell 21, starting the feeding of the baking flour milling unit 2. After feeding is complete, the opening and closing device 27, driven by the drive unit, returns to the position of closing the top opening of the fixed outer shell 21, and the raw material to be baked is ready for baking in the sealed flour milling chamber 22 inside the fixed outer shell 21.

[0142] An electromagnetic heating device 26 is connected to the outer surface of the sealed flour milling chamber 22 for heating the raw materials to be baked.

[0143] The stirring device can be arranged through the fixed outer shell 21 and the sealed powder making chamber 22. The stirring device includes a motor 23, a stirring shaft 24 and stirring blades 25.

[0144] A stirring shaft 24 is arranged at the center of the sealed powder making chamber 22. The stirring shaft 24 is driven by a motor 23 mounted on the fixed housing 21 and can achieve forward and reverse rotation. The stirring shaft 24 is equipped with multiple sets of stirring blades 25.

[0145] The rotation axis of the stirring shaft 24 coincides with the rotation axis of the sealed powder making chamber 22, and the rotation of both the stirring shaft 24 and the sealed powder making chamber 22 can be controlled by the motor 23 to achieve forward and reverse rotation.

[0146] It should be noted that the bottom of the sealed powder making chamber 22 can be set in an arc shape or a straight edge shape. The electromagnetic heating device 26 is set in close contact with the sealed powder making chamber 22. When the sealed powder making chamber 22 and the stirring blade 25 rotate at the same time, the opening and closing cover device 27 above it is constructed in an inverted triangular shape to leave enough space for the sealed powder making chamber 22 to rotate.

[0147] During operation, the electromagnetic heating device 26 is activated to heat the sealed powder-making chamber 22. The raw materials to be roasted are tumbled and stirred evenly under the influence of gravity and the stirring blades 25. Preferably, the sealed powder-making chamber 22 also rotates synchronously with the stirring blades 25. During this roasting and powder-making process, the raw materials to be roasted are heated to 160°C for roasting until tobacco powder is formed. The fixed outer shell 21 can be opened by the opening and closing device 27 to take out the tobacco powder for the preparation of heated cigarettes.

[0148] A dust concentration detector 28 is installed above the sealed powder preparation chamber 22 to detect the dust level inside the sealed powder preparation chamber 22. When the concentration reaches the critical value, stirring is stopped. This design can avoid the risk of explosion caused by excessive dust concentration.

[0149] A spray ball 29 can also be installed above the sealed powder milling chamber 22. The spray ball 29 is connected to the reaction medium conveying device and can be used to spray reaction media such as water, glucose solution, and amino acid solution. Preferably, glucose solution and / or amino acid solution are used. In this embodiment, a 1:1 mixture of glucose solution and amino acid solution is used as the reaction medium, which can carry out aroma-enhancing chemical reaction during the baking and powdering process.

[0150] After the baking and milling process is completed, the exhaust gas in the sealed milling chamber 22 can be transferred to the exhaust gas treatment unit 3 through the outlet 211 provided by the opening and closing cover device 27. The exhaust gas is transferred to the inlet 34 of the exhaust gas treatment unit 3 through the gas channel. It can be imagined that a power device, such as a negative pressure device or other suction structure, can be set at any position on the movement path of the exhaust gas. After the baking and milling process is completed, the suction structure is activated to discharge the generated exhaust gas from the outlet 211 and enter the exhaust gas treatment unit 3.

[0151] Tail gas treatment unit

[0152] The exhaust gas treatment unit 3 includes a water curtain dust removal device 31, an exhaust gas adsorption device 32, and a material outlet 33.

[0153] The water curtain dust removal device 31 is connected to the air outlet 211 of the baking and powdering unit 2 at its input end. It uses water to capture, separate and remove dust particles and other pollutants in the exhaust gas.

[0154] The exhaust gas adsorption device 32 uses porous materials to adsorb exhaust gas and remove its odor.

[0155] The exhaust gas adsorption device is filled with porous materials, such as zeolite and molecular sieves, to adsorb and purify exhaust gas.

[0156] Material outlet 33 is used to discharge dust particles collected by water curtain dust removal device 31.

[0157] First, the water curtain dust removal device 31 removes solid dust particles and some water-soluble pollutants from the exhaust gas. The solid dust particles are discharged through the material outlet 33. The remaining exhaust gas then passes through the exhaust gas adsorption device and can exit through the channel set above the exhaust gas adsorption device, thereby achieving adsorption and purification of gaseous pollutants in the exhaust gas.

[0158] To further illustrate the advantages of this patent, the following analysis and evaluation compare the tobacco powder obtained after processing by this patent's processing system with the tobacco raw material before processing.

[0159] 1. The tobacco powder obtained after processing by this patented processing system and the tobacco raw material before processing were compared and analyzed by GC-MS.

[0160] The GC-MS steps are as follows:

[0161] (1) Sample pretreatment

[0162] Take approximately 2.0g (accurate to 0.0001g) of tobacco powder sample and tobacco raw material sample respectively, place them in an oven at 105℃ and dry for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, grind them with an agate mortar until they pass through an 80-mesh sieve (particle diameter ≤0.18mm) to ensure sample uniformity and avoid fluctuations in extraction efficiency caused by particle size differences.

[0163] (2) Ultrasonic-assisted extraction-solid phase extraction purification

[0164] Extraction: Transfer the pretreated samples into 50mL centrifuge tubes, add 15mL extraction solvent + 20μL internal standard solution, vortex to mix, and then sonicate at 30℃ for 40min (oscillate once every 10min).

[0165] Centrifugation to remove impurities: Centrifuge at 10000 r / min for 15 min, transfer the supernatant to a new centrifuge tube, add 3 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate to dehydrate for 30 min, and centrifuge again for 10 min.

[0166] Solid-phase extraction purification:

[0167] The C18 column was first activated with 5 mL of methanol, and then equilibrated with 5 mL of extraction solvent.

[0168] Pass the supernatant through the column, controlling the flow rate to 1 drop / second, and discard the initial effluent.

[0169] The target component was eluted with 8 mL of extraction solvent, and the eluent was collected.

[0170] Concentration and volume adjustment: The eluent was concentrated to approximately 1 mL using a rotary evaporator (40℃ water bath), transferred to a 2 mL volumetric flask, and diluted to the mark with extraction solvent. After filtration through a 0.22 μm filter membrane, it was ready for analysis.

[0171] (3) GC-MS instrument parameter settings

[0172] Chromatographic column: DB-35MS capillary column (30m×0.25mm×0.25μm, medium polarity, suitable for the separation of aromatic and terpene components);

[0173] Carrier gas: High-purity helium (purity ≥99.999%), constant flow mode, flow rate 1.2 mL / min;

[0174] Inlet temperature: 260℃, split injection (split ratio 8:1), injection volume 1μL;

[0175] Column temperature program: Initial temperature 60℃, hold for 2 min; increase temperature to 180℃ at 4℃ / min, hold for 5 min; increase temperature to 280℃ at 8℃ / min, hold for 10 min (to ensure complete elution of high-boiling-point dihydroactinolone); then run at 300℃ for 5 min to avoid residue.

[0176] Ion source: EI source, ionization energy 70eV, ion source temperature 230℃;

[0177] Quadrupole temperature: 150℃; Interface temperature: 280℃;

[0178] Detection mode: SIM mode (for characteristic ions of 13 target components and internal standards, improving sensitivity), solvent delay 5 min;

[0179] (4) Plotting the standard curve:

[0180] Prepare a series of mixed standard solutions of 13 target components (as shown in the table below) (concentration gradient: 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 μg / mL), and add an equal volume of internal standard solution (benzaldehyde-d6 final concentration 1 μg / mL) to each concentration.

[0181] Analyze the standard solution using the above GC-MS parameters, and perform linear regression with "target component concentration / internal standard concentration" as the abscissa (x) and "target component peak area / internal standard peak area" as the ordinate (y) to obtain the standard curve equation (R² must be ≥0.999).

[0182] Sample analysis: The pre-processed sample was injected into a GC-MS, the SIM signal was acquired, the peak area ratio of the target component to the internal standard was recorded, and the content was calculated by substituting the results into the standard curve.

[0183] Repeatability and accuracy verification: The same sample was measured in parallel 3 times (RSD≤5%), and the spiked recovery rate was controlled at 85%~115% (the spiked amount was 0.8~1.2 times the content of the target component in the sample).

[0184] Table 1 shows the GC-MS analysis results of the tobacco powder obtained after processing by this patented processing system and the tobacco raw material before processing.

[0185] Table 1: GC-MS Analysis Results

[0186] Serial number Characteristic ingredient of the original aroma Content range before treatment Content range after treatment 1 Benzaldehyde 8.5~12.3 9.2~13.5 2 Benzyl alcohol 4.2~6.8 3.8~6.1 3 Damascone 1.5~2.8 2.1~3.5 4 Solavione 12.8~18.5 15.2~21.3 5 Alpha-ionone 3.5~5.2 4.1~6.0 6 Beta-ionone 2.1~3.6 2.5~4.2 7 Crocetin 0.8~1.5 1.0~1.8 8 Megastigmatrienone (total) 5.2~8.3 6.5~10.1 9 Dihydroactinidiolide 2.8~4.5 3.2~5.1 10 2-methylpyrazine 0.1~0.3 1.2~2.5 11 2,5-dimethylpyrazine 0.05~0.2 0.8~1.8 12 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine Not detected (<0.01) 0.3~0.8 13 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine Not detected (<0.01) 0.2~0.6

[0187] Compared with the tobacco raw materials before treatment, the characteristic aroma components in the treated tobacco powder show a multi-dimensional improvement: On the one hand, the inherent aroma components are released more fully, and the content of heat-dependent characteristic components such as megalotrienone (the core terpene component of tobacco aroma), solanone, damasone, and ionone (α / β isomer) is significantly increased. It is speculated that the precise electromagnetic heating at 120-180℃ combined with forward and reverse stirring achieves uniform heating of the raw materials, effectively destroys the tobacco cell wall structure, releases the aroma components that were originally bound, and avoids the component loss caused by uneven heat transfer in traditional processes. On the other hand, new Maillard reaction product aroma components are added. In the patent, the baking process precisely introduces glucose / amino acid aqueous solution through a spray ball, and the Maillard reaction is initiated in situ with baking heat energy as the driving force to generate new aroma substances such as pyrazines (such as methylpyrazine, ethylpyrazine, etc.) and furans. These components further enrich the layering and fullness of the tobacco aroma and make up for the problem of thin aroma caused by the low smoking temperature of heated cigarettes.

[0188] Meanwhile, the screening and impurity removal (removal of metals and large-particle impurities) and inert atmosphere (nitrogen) baking in the pretreatment stage reduce the interference of impurities on the aroma and the oxidation and degradation of aroma components caused by oxygen, which indirectly ensures the retention rate of the original aroma components. Ultimately, when the treated tobacco powder is used to heat cigarettes, it presents a sensory effect of "prominent tobacco aroma and significantly reduced off-flavors and astringency".

[0189] 2. Sensory evaluation

[0190] like Figure 4 As shown, after glycerin is sprayed onto the tobacco powder obtained after treatment and the tobacco raw material before treatment, it is rolled into an aerosol to form a matrix 110, and assembled with a support element 120, an aerosol cooling element 130 and a mouthpiece 140 to form a heated cigarette 100. The amount of glycerin added is 20% of the total dry weight.

[0191] The scoring rules strictly followed GB 5606.4-2005 Cigarettes Part 4: Sensory Technical Requirements. The average value of the blind evaluations by 7 certified tobacco tasters was rounded to an integer. The average sensory quality evaluation results are shown in Table 2.

[0192] Table 2: Sensory Quality Rating Table for Heated Cigarettes

[0193] Evaluation criteria Before treatment After treatment Aroma richness 18 19 Original aroma harmony 17 19 Offensive odor 15 20 Irritation 18 19 Aftertaste 17 19 Total score 85 96

[0194] The sensory evaluation results in Table 2 show that the heated cigarettes produced have a prominent tobacco aroma, significantly reduced off-flavors and astringency, and enhanced overall satisfaction.

[0195] This patent employs a simple sieving process in the pretreatment and feeding unit 1, which reduces the problem of aroma component destruction caused by excessive and coarse stirring compared to existing technologies. In the roasting and pulverizing unit 2, an electromagnetic heating device 26 directly heats the sealed pulverizing chamber 22, working in conjunction with a stirring device to achieve uniform heating during the roasting and pulverizing process. Compared to the high-temperature hot air heat transfer method in existing technologies, this patent's processing system is more efficient, resulting in more uniform heating of the tobacco raw materials. It also solves the problem of tobacco leaves easily adhering and clumping during processing. Furthermore, the sealed pulverizing chamber 22 creates a closed environment, which allows for better preservation and activation of the aroma components in heated cigarettes, preventing the aroma components from volatilizing.

[0196] The terms and expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown, but rather to facilitate the understanding that various modifications may be possible within the scope of this patent claim. Therefore, it should be understood that while this patent has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein may be adopted by those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of this patent as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful embodiments of this patent, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this patent can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed herein.

[0197] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of this patent, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation or deviation from the general concept of this patent. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0198] Furthermore, the scope of this patent should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes, characterized in that, Includes a pretreatment and feeding unit and a baking and flour making unit; The pretreatment and feeding unit is connected to the baking and powdering unit; The pretreatment and feeding unit includes a screening device for screening tobacco raw materials; The baking and flour-making unit includes a fixed outer shell, a sealed flour-making chamber, a stirring device, and an electromagnetic heating device. The sealed powder-making chamber is located inside the fixed outer shell; The stirring device is installed in the sealed powder-making chamber and can stir the tobacco raw materials therein. The electromagnetic heating device is positioned close to the sealed powder-making chamber so that the tobacco raw material is heated and roasted while being stirred.

2. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealed powder-making chamber is rotatably connected to the fixed outer shell. The stirring device is aligned with the rotation axis of the sealed powder-making chamber. A dust concentration detector and / or spray balls are installed above the sealed powder-making silo. The dust concentration detector is used to detect the dust level inside the sealed powder preparation chamber; The spray ball is connected to the reaction medium conveying device and is used to initiate an aroma-enhancing chemical reaction during the tobacco raw material roasting process. The reaction medium conveying device is used to convey spray water, glucose aqueous solution and / or amino acid aqueous solution.

3. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stirring device includes a motor, a stirring shaft, and stirring blades; The motor is mounted on the surface of the fixed housing and can provide forward or reverse rotation power to the stirring shaft; The stirring shaft is installed through the sealed powder-making chamber. The stirring blades are fixed on the stirring shaft.

4. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 3, characterized in that, The baking and flour-making unit also includes a lid-opening and closing device. The fixed outer shell has an open top, and the opening and closing cover device is arranged on the top of the fixed outer shell to form a controllable sealed environment. The opening and closing device is connected to a control system and a drive device. The control system controls the drive device to move the opening and closing cover device closer to or away from the fixed outer shell.

5. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the sealed powder-making chamber is designed to be either arc-shaped or straight-edged. The electromagnetic heating device is fitted into the sealed powder-making chamber. When the sealed powder-making chamber and the stirring blade rotate simultaneously, the opening and closing cover device is constructed in an inverted triangular shape to leave enough space for the sealed powder-making chamber to rotate.

6. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The screening device includes an electromagnet and a vibrating screen. The electromagnet device is used to separate metallic impurities from the tobacco raw material; The vibrating screen is used to screen and remove large-sized impurities. The pretreatment and feeding unit also includes a storage bin, a conveyor belt, and a liquid feeding sprayer; The storage silo is used to store the tobacco raw materials. The conveyor belt is positioned between the vibrating screen and the baking and flour-making unit. The liquid feeding sprayer is located near the baking and powdering unit on the conveyor belt.

7. The tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tobacco raw material processing system also includes an exhaust gas treatment unit. The exhaust gas treatment unit is connected to the baking and powder making unit to treat the exhaust gas after baking; The exhaust gas treatment unit includes a water curtain dust removal device, an exhaust gas adsorption device, and a material outlet. The input end of the water curtain dust removal device is connected to the baking and powder making unit, and is used to separate dust particles and pollutants in the exhaust gas. The material outlet is located at the bottom of the water curtain dust collector for discharging the dust particles. The exhaust gas adsorption device is filled with a porous material. The porous material includes zeolite or molecular sieve.

8. A processing method for a tobacco raw material processing system for heating cigarettes according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step A: The tobacco raw material is added to the pretreatment and feeding unit for screening to obtain the raw material to be roasted; Step B: Transfer the raw material to be baked to the sealed powdering chamber of the baking powdering unit, and simultaneously start the stirring device and the electromagnetic heating device to heat and bake the raw material to obtain tobacco powder for preparing the heated cigarette.

9. The processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step B, the sealed powder-making chamber is filled with inert gas; The inert gas includes nitrogen; In step B, the heating temperature of the electromagnetic heating device is 120-180℃; The processing method further includes step C. Step C: After the heating and baking are completed, the exhaust gas in the sealed flour milling chamber is transferred to the exhaust gas treatment unit.

10. A heated cigarette, the heated cigarette comprising an aerosol-forming matrix, characterized in that, The aerosol forming matrix includes tobacco powder prepared by the processing method as described in claim 8.

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