Preparation device of filamentous aerosol generating substrate and method for improving crimpness of filamentous aerosol generating substrate

Abstract

The invention discloses a preparation device of a filamentous aerosol generating substrate and a method for improving the crimpness of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate, and belongs to the technical field of heating cigarettes. The method for improving the crimpness of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate comprises the steps that reconstituted tobacco is subjected to freezing treatment at the specific temperature and time, then crimpness treatment is conducted after freezing treatment, the filamentous aerosol generating substrate with the crimpness being 8-13 degrees / mm is prepared, physical treatment means are adopted in the whole process, and the method is environmentally friendly, safe, free of pollution and capable of improving the crimpness of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate. Accurate control and large-scale industrial production are easy to realize; according to the preparation device of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate, special textures and a staggered arrangement mode are arranged on the surface of a roller, proper extrusion force and friction force are applied to tobacco shreds in combination with proper pressure set by a pressure precise regulation and control unit, so that efficient curling of the tobacco shreds is achieved, and the tobacco shreds are curled through precise control and synergistic effect in the whole process; and the consistency and the stability of the crimpness of the tobacco shreds are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heated cigarette technology, and more specifically, to an apparatus for preparing a filamentous aerosol generating matrix and a method for improving its curlability. Background Technology

[0002] In the disordered processing of filamentous aerosol matrix, the filaments are generally straight, have low stiffness, and low curl. Due to the low curl, the resulting short filaments have poor filling capacity, resulting in high cigarette weight, especially in thick pulp and reconstituted tobacco produced by roller pressing. At the same time, straight filaments are prone to cigarette shedding, reducing the cigarette qualification rate, increasing costs, and reducing economic benefits.

[0003] In the heated cigarette industry, the filling value of reconstituted tobacco affects cigarette quality, primarily influencing its hardness, flatness, and smoking experience. Furthermore, the filling value is an economic indicator reflecting the production cost and raw material consumption of heated cigarettes. A higher filling value means less reconstituted tobacco is consumed, resulting in a higher yield of cigarettes produced from the same amount of reconstituted tobacco, and thus greater economic benefits. When two sets of reconstituted tobacco with different filling values ​​are rolled into cigarettes of the same hardness, the higher filling value requires less reconstituted tobacco, but the reduction in reconstituted tobacco is not proportional to the increase in filling value.

[0004] Therefore, the main technical problem facing this field at present is how to increase the filling value, improve the curvature of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, and reduce the amount of reconstituted tobacco without changing the intrinsic quality of the matrix, thereby reducing production costs and increasing economic benefits.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for preparing a filamentous aerosol matrix and a method for improving its curl, so as to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0007] This invention is implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for improving the curvature of a matrix for generating filamentous aerosols, comprising the following steps:

[0009] After pretreatment, freezing treatment and curling treatment of reconstituted tobacco leaves, a filamentous aerosol generating matrix is ​​prepared. The curling degree of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix is ​​8° / mm-13° / mm.

[0010] The freezing temperature is -25℃ to 5℃, and the time is 0.2h to 1h.

[0011] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for preparing a filamentous aerosol generating matrix, used to implement the aforementioned method for improving the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix. The apparatus includes: a pretreatment device, a freezing device, a curling device, an ultrasonic device, and a drying device; wherein the freezing device is located upstream of the curling device, and the ultrasonic device is located between the curling device and the drying device.

[0012] The pretreatment device includes a sorting unit, a shredding unit, a cutting unit, and a waste removal unit;

[0013] The curling processing device includes a feeding unit, a curling execution unit, a pressure control unit, a power drive unit, and a transmission unit. The curling execution unit includes multiple sets of staggered rollers. The surface of each roller is provided with a spiral texture, and the external thread of one roller and the internal thread of the adjacent roller are staggered.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] The method for improving the curl of filamentous aerosol generating matrix provided in this invention involves freezing and curling reconstituted tobacco leaves to obtain a filamentous aerosol generating matrix with a curl of 8° / mm-13° / mm. This method does not alter the intrinsic quality of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, but significantly improves its curl, thereby enhancing its filling performance and making the filled tobacco core structure more compact and uniform, effectively improving the physical stability of the aerosol-generated product. The entire production process of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix utilizes physical processing methods, which are not only environmentally friendly and safe but also easy to achieve precise control and large-scale industrial production. This helps improve production efficiency and product quality stability, and increasing economic benefits while reducing production costs is currently a major technical challenge in this field.

[0016] The apparatus for preparing a filamentous aerosol matrix provided in this invention includes a curling processing device. By setting a special texture and an interlaced arrangement on the surface of the rollers, combined with a suitable pressure set by a pressure precision control unit, just the right amount of squeezing and friction is applied to the tobacco shreds, thereby achieving efficient curling of the tobacco shreds. The entire process, through precise control and synergistic action, ensures the consistency and stability of the tobacco shred curl degree. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 Flowchart of the preparation process for the matrix of filamentous aerosols;

[0019] Figure 2 The spiral texture on the surface of the curling equipment;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the positional relationship of the rollers in the winding equipment.

[0021] Icons: 1-Pre-treatment device; 2-Freezing device; 3-Curling device; 4-Ultrasonic device; 5-Drying device; 6-Sorting unit; 7-Slicing unit; 8-Cutting unit; 9-Impurity removal unit; 10-Low-temperature freezing equipment; 11-Curling execution unit; 12-Ultrasonic vibration equipment; 13-Hot air drying equipment; 14-Vacuum packaging equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially.

[0023] Currently, the aerosol generation matrix of heated cigarettes is mainly composed of reconstituted tobacco leaves, tobacco shreds, stems, granules, paper materials, etc. Among them, reconstituted tobacco leaves dominate because they have a better ability to carry aerosols and aroma components than tobacco shreds and stems, and they are mainly in the form of shreds.

[0024] In the ordered processing of filamentous aerosol generating matrices, the curl of the filaments has little impact. However, in the disordered processing of filamentous aerosol generating matrices, the filaments are generally straight, have low stiffness, and low curl. Therefore, the curl of filamentous aerosol generating matrices is one of the main factors affecting their filling capacity and processing quality.

[0025] Studies have shown a positive correlation between filling value and curl; a higher curl indicates stronger filling capacity, resulting in a higher filling value and a lower weight for cigarettes of the same circumference. Therefore, increasing curl is one of the main methods to increase filling value.

[0026] In view of this, the researchers of this invention have proposed a method that does not change the intrinsic quality of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, increases the filling value, improves the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, and reduces the amount of reconstituted tobacco, thereby reducing production costs and increasing economic benefits.

[0027] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for improving the curvature of a matrix for generating filamentous aerosols, comprising the following steps:

[0028] After pretreatment, freezing treatment and curling treatment of reconstituted tobacco leaves, a filamentous aerosol generating matrix is ​​prepared. The curling degree of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix is ​​8° / mm-13° / mm.

[0029] The freezing temperature is -25℃ to 5℃, and the time is 0.2h to 1h.

[0030] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the pretreatment includes removing deteriorated parts, pitted parts or obviously defective parts from the reconstituted tobacco leaves, as well as some non-tobacco debris, such as agricultural pesticide bags, medicine bottles, tobacco mulch film, mineral water bottles, weeds, tobacco forks, tobacco stalks, etc.

[0031] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the pretreated reconstituted tobacco leaves are processed into reconstituted tobacco shreds by shredding and cutting, and the width of the reconstituted tobacco shreds is 0.6mm-1.3mm and the length is 15mm-20mm.

[0032] Specifically, the pre-treated reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into thin strips with a width of 0.6mm-1.3mm using a shredding device. Then, they are further processed into reconstituted tobacco shreds with a length of 15mm to 20mm using a cutting machine. Finally, the reconstituted tobacco shreds are treated to remove impurities.

[0033] It should be noted that this invention does not specifically limit the method of impurity removal; its main purpose is to thoroughly remove all kinds of impurities and excessively fine powder from the reconstituted tobacco, ensuring that the reconstituted tobacco has a high degree of purity and consistency. In optional embodiments of this invention, the impurity removal method can be reasonably selected according to actual needs, such as air separation technology, photoelectric impurity removal technology, or laser impurity removal technology. The width and length of the reconstituted tobacco can be reasonably set and adjusted according to actual needs.

[0034] Furthermore, the width of the reconstituted tobacco is 0.8mm-1.2mm.

[0035] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the freezing temperature is -15°C to -5°C.

[0036] In the embodiments of the present invention, freezing the reconstituted tobacco can cause the moisture inside the reconstituted tobacco to form fine ice crystals, thereby cleverly changing its internal structure, significantly increasing its flexibility, and laying a solid foundation for subsequent rolling operations and shaping operations after rolling.

[0037] If the freezing temperature is too low, the ice crystals will become too large, severely damaging the internal structure and reducing flexibility; if the freezing temperature is too high, the ice crystals will not form sufficiently, failing to effectively change the internal structure and resulting in only a slight improvement in flexibility.

[0038] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pretreated tobacco shreds are laid out evenly and loosely on a specially designed freezing tray, and then carefully placed into a low-temperature freezing device. This device can precisely and stably control the temperature within a set range to continuously freeze the reconstituted tobacco shreds. It should be noted that the specific type and specifications of the freezing equipment used can be reasonably adjusted according to the actual situation of the enterprise and the actual amount of reconstituted tobacco shreds being processed.

[0039] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the pressure applied during the curling process is 2N-15N.

[0040] Furthermore, the curling equipment used in the curling process includes multiple sets of staggered rollers, and the surface of each roller is textured with a roughness of 10μm-100μm.

[0041] It should be noted that the rollers are arranged in multiple groups side-by-side on the same horizontal plane, and their orientation can be chosen to be along the direction of the production line or perpendicular to the production line, depending on actual needs. Since the reconstituted tobacco prepared in this embodiment is short filament, it is fed from the top of adjacent rollers for curling. In other embodiments of this invention, if the tobacco being processed is long filament, the rollers can be arranged vertically as needed, and the material is fed from the side end where adjacent rollers contact.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the curling device has a uniformly spaced spiral texture on the surface of the roller, and the external thread of one roller and the internal thread of the adjacent roller are staggered, that is, the external thread of one roller is driven between the internal threads of its adjacent roller.

[0043] Furthermore, the roller is provided with external threads and internal threads, and the thread pitch of both external and internal threads is 0.4mm-3.4mm; the rotational speed of the roller is 10r / min-46r / min.

[0044] It should be noted that in the curling equipment, the special texture and interlaced arrangement of the rollers, combined with the application of appropriate pressure—that is, applying just the right amount of squeezing and friction to the reconstituted tobacco—achieve efficient curling of the reconstituted tobacco. The entire process, through precise control and synergistic action, ensures the consistency and stability of the tobacco curling degree.

[0045] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the reconstituted tobacco shreds, after being curled, further include a shaping process and a drying process.

[0046] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the shaping process includes ultrasound-assisted shaping, wherein the frequency of the ultrasound-assisted shaping is 11kHz-65kHz and the time is 3min-23min.

[0047] Furthermore, the frequency of the ultrasound-assisted shaping process is 25kHz-50kHz, and the time is 10min-18min.

[0048] It should be noted that ultrasonic treatment further ensures the purity and uniformity of reconstituted tobacco, and can also improve the physicochemical properties of reconstituted tobacco. Using ultrasonic equipment of a specific frequency to assist in shaping the curled reconstituted tobacco, and processing for an appropriate time, can further optimize the curling shape of the reconstituted tobacco, making it more stable and consistent.

[0049] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the drying process includes hot air drying, wherein the temperature of the hot air drying process is 40℃-90℃ and the time is ≥3min.

[0050] Furthermore, the hot air drying process is carried out at a temperature of 58℃-75℃ for a time of 3min-20min.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the hot air drying process is controlled at 68°C, and the moisture content of the matrix generated from the filamentous aerosol after hot air drying is 8% ± 4%.

[0052] Furthermore, the moisture content of the matrix generated from the filamentous aerosol after hot air drying is 8% ± 1%.

[0053] It's important to note that maintaining the moisture content of the tobacco within a reasonable range is crucial for preserving its freshness, ensuring stable combustion, producing a smoother smoke, and enhancing its flavor. Specifically, the ultrasonically treated reconstituted tobacco is placed in a specially designed hot air drying channel, where an intelligent temperature control system precisely regulates the air temperature, resulting in rapid and even drying of the tobacco.

[0054] If the drying temperature is too high, the aroma compounds and volatile compounds in the tobacco can easily be lost due to over-drying, thus affecting the flavor of the tobacco and reducing its quality; if the temperature is too low, the drying process will take longer, which is uneconomical.

[0055] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for preparing a filamentous aerosol generating matrix, used to implement the aforementioned method for improving the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix. The apparatus includes: a pretreatment device 1, a freezing treatment device 2, a curling treatment device 3, an ultrasonic device 4, and a drying device 5; wherein, the freezing treatment device 2 is disposed upstream of the curling treatment device 3, and the ultrasonic device 4 is disposed between the curling treatment device 3 and the drying device 5.

[0056] The pretreatment device 1 includes a sorting operation unit 6, a shredding unit 7, a cutting unit 8, and a waste removal unit 9;

[0057] The curling processing device 3 includes a feeding unit, a curling execution unit 11, a pressure control unit, a power drive unit, and a transmission unit. The curling execution unit 11 includes multiple sets of staggered rollers. The surface of each roller is provided with a spiral texture, and the external thread of one roller and the internal thread of the adjacent roller are staggered.

[0058] The sorting unit 6 is used to sort out unqualified reconstituted tobacco leaves and some non-tobacco impurities. It should be noted that this part can be operated manually or by machine, or a combination of both, depending on the actual situation, to ensure the purity and quality of the reconstituted tobacco leaves.

[0059] The shredding unit 7 includes a shredding device for cutting reconstituted tobacco leaves into reconstituted tobacco shreds of uniform width; the cutting unit 8 includes a cutting machine for cutting reconstituted tobacco shreds of uniform length.

[0060] The impurity removal unit 9 uses air separation technology in this embodiment to thoroughly remove various impurities and overly fine powder from the reconstituted tobacco, ensuring that the tobacco has a high degree of purity and consistency.

[0061] The freezing process 2 is used to spread the pre-treated reconstituted tobacco evenly and loosely on a specially designed freezing tray, and then carefully place it into a low-temperature freezing device.

[0062] The curling processing device 3 was designed by the researchers of this invention to improve the curling degree of tobacco. The feeding unit adopts a unique inclined wide-mouth design and is equipped with a carefully designed multi-layer uniform grid inside to ensure that the reconstituted tobacco can enter the curling execution unit 11 smoothly, at a constant speed and evenly.

[0063] The curling unit 11 consists of a series of high-precision rollers arranged in an alternating pattern. The roller surfaces are treated with a special process to form a unique spiral texture, with the roughness precisely controlled between 10-100μm. The pressure control unit includes a precision control device that, with the aid of a sophisticated electro-hydraulic system, can adjust the pressure between adjacent rollers in real time and with high accuracy. The specific roughness settings need to be rationally adjusted based on the width and length of the reconstituted tobacco being processed.

[0064] It should be noted that the rollers are arranged in multiple groups side-by-side on the same horizontal plane, and their orientation can be chosen to be along the production line or perpendicular to the production line, depending on actual needs. Considering that the reconstituted tobacco prepared in the embodiments of the present invention is short filament, it is fed from the upper end of adjacent rollers for curling. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also have a roller external thread and internal thread spacing of 0.4mm-3.4mm. This setting allows the short filament to be curled multiple times regardless of which direction it enters the roller, thereby greatly improving the overall curl of the short filament.

[0065] The power drive unit uses a high-efficiency, silent motor, and through an intelligent transmission unit (such as a high-precision synchronous belt drive or precision gear drive), it ensures that the rollers rotate at a constant and precise speed. When the tobacco enters the curling execution unit 11, it is efficiently and uniformly curled under the synergistic squeezing of the rollers and the action of moderate friction.

[0066] The transmission unit in the curling processing device 3 includes intelligent control operation. Under the power provided by the power drive unit, the rollers are rotated precisely via the intelligent transmission unit.

[0067] In summary, the working principle of the curling processing device 3 provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0068] The filamentous aerosol matrix first passes through a uniquely designed feeding unit, where it is evenly distributed and stably conveyed by a uniform grid. It then enters the curling execution unit 11, composed of high-precision rollers. Powered by the drive unit, the rollers rotate precisely via an intelligent transmission unit. The special texture and interlaced arrangement of the roller surfaces, combined with the appropriate pressure set by the pressure precision control unit, apply just the right amount of squeezing and friction to the tobacco, achieving efficient curling. The entire process, through precise control and synergy, ensures the consistency and stability of the tobacco curling degree.

[0069] The ultrasonic device 4 is used to assist in shaping the rolled reconstituted tobacco, and the drying device 5 is used to control the moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco within a reasonable range to ensure the freshness of the tobacco, the stability of its heating process, the smoothness of the smoke, and the better taste.

[0070] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, a vacuum packaging device 14 is also provided downstream of the drying device 5 to vacuum package the dried reconstituted tobacco, which can effectively maintain the humidity of the tobacco, ensure the quality of the tobacco, and provide users with a better smoking experience.

[0071] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] This embodiment provides a method for improving the curvature of the matrix generated from filamentous aerosols, which includes the following steps:

[0074] (1) Preprocessing

[0075] High-quality reconstituted tobacco leaves suitable for heated cigarettes are carefully selected, and any spoiled, pitted, or obviously defective parts are meticulously removed. The reconstituted tobacco leaves are cut into thin strips approximately 1mm wide using a shredder, and then further processed into reconstituted tobacco shreds ranging from 15 to 20mm in length using a cutting machine. Advanced air-separation technology is used to thoroughly remove all impurities and excessively fine powder from the reconstituted tobacco shreds, ensuring a high degree of purity and consistency.

[0076] (2) Low-temperature freezing treatment

[0077] The pre-treated tobacco shreds are spread evenly and loosely on a specially designed freezing tray, and then carefully placed into a low-temperature freezing device 10. This device can precisely and stably control the temperature at -10℃ and continuously freeze for 0.6 hours.

[0078] (3) Mechanical curling treatment

[0079] The reconstituted tobacco after freezing is fed into the feeding unit of the curling processing device 3. The unique inclined wide-mouth design of the feeding unit, as well as the multi-layer uniform grid inside, ensures that the reconstituted tobacco can enter the curling execution unit 11 smoothly, at a constant speed and evenly.

[0080] The curling execution unit 11 consists of a series of high-precision rollers arranged in a staggered manner. The roller surfaces are treated with a special process to form a unique spiral texture, and the roughness is precisely controlled at 55μm. The spacing between the external and internal threads of the rollers is 1.9mm.

[0081] The pressure control unit, with the help of a sophisticated electro-hydraulic system, can adjust the pressure between the rollers in real time and with precision.

[0082] The power drive unit uses a high-efficiency, silent motor, and the intelligent transmission unit ensures that the rollers rotate at a constant and precise speed of 28 r / min.

[0083] (4) Ultrasound-assisted shaping

[0084] The reconstituted tobacco that has undergone mechanical curling is subjected to ultrasonic vibration treatment. The ultrasonic vibration device 12 uses an ultrasonic device with a specific frequency of 38kHz, and the processing time is precisely controlled within 13 minutes to further optimize the curling shape of the tobacco, making it more stable and uniform.

[0085] (5) Hot air drying treatment

[0086] The ultrasonically treated reconstituted tobacco shreds are placed in a specially designed hot air drying device 13. The air temperature is precisely controlled at 68°C by an intelligent temperature control system to dry the tobacco shreds quickly and evenly until the moisture content reaches 8.2%, thus producing a filamentous aerosol generation matrix.

[0087] Examples 2-5

[0088] Examples 2-5 provide a method for improving the curvature of the matrix for generating filamentous aerosols. The difference between these methods and Example 1 is only in (2) low-temperature freezing treatment, as follows:

[0089] In Example 2, tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and continuously frozen in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -20°C for 0.6 hours.

[0090] In Example 3, tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and continuously frozen in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at 0°C for 0.6 hours.

[0091] In Example 4, tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and continuously frozen in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -10°C for 0.2 hours.

[0092] In Example 5, tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and continuously frozen in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -10°C for 1.0 h.

[0093] Comparative Example 1

[0094] This comparative example provides a method for preparing a conventional filamentous aerosol generation matrix, which includes the following steps:

[0095] After removing any deteriorated, pitted, or obviously defective parts from the reconstituted tobacco leaves, a shredding device is used to cut the reconstituted tobacco leaves into thin strips with a width of about 1 mm. Then, the strips are further processed by a cutting machine into tobacco shreds with a length of 15 to 20 mm. After sieving through a 60-mesh sieve to remove powder, the tobacco leaves are directly vacuum-packed.

[0096] Comparative Examples 2-5

[0097] Comparative Examples 2-5 each provide a method for improving the curl of the matrix for generating filamentous aerosols. The only difference between them and Example 1 is the low-temperature freezing treatment, as follows:

[0098] Comparative Example 2: The tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and frozen continuously for 0.6 hours in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -30°C.

[0099] Comparative Example 3: The tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and frozen continuously for 0.6 hours in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at 10°C.

[0100] Comparative Example 4: The tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and frozen continuously for 0.1 hours in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -10°C.

[0101] Comparative Example 5: The tobacco shreds were placed on a freezing tray and frozen continuously for 1.2 hours in a low-temperature freezing device 10 at -10°C.

[0102] Comparative Example 6

[0103] This comparative example provides a method for preparing a filamentous aerosol generating matrix, which differs from Example 1 only in that it lacks (3) mechanical curling treatment.

[0104] Experimental Example 1

[0105] This experiment measured the filling value, curl degree, and final moisture content of the reconstituted tobacco prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. Specifically, the curl degree of the filamentous aerosol-forming matrix was measured using the authorized patent CN 108871187 B, "A Quantitative Characterization Method for the Curl Degree of Cigarette Tobacco Shreds." The filling value was determined according to the tobacco industry standard YC / T 152-2001, "Determination of Filling Value of Cigarette Tobacco Shreds." The moisture content was determined according to GB / T 6283-2008, "Determination of Moisture Content in Chemical Products," using the Karl Fischer method (general method). The relevant results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0106] Table 1 Comparison of physical properties of reconstituted tobacco leaves

[0107]

[0108] As can be seen from Table 1, the moisture conditions of the reconstituted tobacco prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 are consistent. Among them, the curl index of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix prepared in Example 1 is 12° / mm, which significantly improves the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix compared with the conventional reconstituted tobacco prepared in Comparative Example 1. Reflected in the filling value, the filling value of Example 1 is 28.6% higher than that of Comparative Example 1, which significantly enhances its filling performance, making the filled tobacco core structure more compact and uniform, and effectively improving the physical stability of the aerosol generated product.

[0109] As can be seen from the above, the method for improving the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix provided by the present invention has the characteristic of not changing the intrinsic quality of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, and it increases the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix while increasing the filling value.

[0110] Experimental Example 2

[0111] This experiment tested the flexibility of the filamentous aerosol-generating matrices prepared in Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 2-5. The tests were conducted using a bending test device on each group of tobacco shreds; the specific model of the bending test device was a square U-shaped shred bending tester HT-180U. The specific testing method was as follows: one end of the tobacco shred was fixed to the midpoint, and a gradually increasing force was applied to the other end until the tobacco shred bent to 90°. The applied force F and the shape of the tobacco shred were recorded at this point. The relevant results are summarized in Table 2.

[0112] Table 2 Bending Test Results

[0113]

[0114]

[0115] As shown in Table 2, the minimum applied force and optimal flexibility of the tobacco shreds are achieved under freezing conditions of -10℃ and 0.6h. Temperatures that are too low (e.g., -30℃) result in excessively large ice crystals, severely damaging the internal structure and reducing flexibility; while temperatures that are too high (e.g., 10℃) prevent ice crystal formation or result in insufficient formation, failing to effectively alter the internal structure and resulting in minimal improvement in flexibility.

[0116] Similarly, freezing for too long (e.g., 1.2 hours) will result in excessively large ice crystals, severely damaging the internal structure and reducing flexibility; while freezing for too short a time (e.g., 0.1 hours) will result in insufficient ice crystal formation, failing to effectively alter the internal structure and resulting in minimal improvement in flexibility. Furthermore, freezing at -10℃ for 0.6 hours leads to poor rebound, which is beneficial for shaping the rolled tobacco.

[0117] Experimental Example 3

[0118] This experiment measures the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 6; the test method is the same as in Example 1.

[0119] Testing revealed that the curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix prepared in Comparative Example 6 was 2° / mm. The curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix prepared in Example 1 was 12° / mm. Compared to Comparative Example 6, the improvement in curl of the filamentous aerosol generating matrix after omitting the mechanical curling treatment in Comparative Example 6 was not significant. This indicates that the mechanical curling step plays a crucial role in improving the curl.

[0120] In summary, the method for improving the curvature of the matrix for generating filamentous aerosols provided in this embodiment of the invention has the following advantages:

[0121] (1) It has the characteristic of not changing the intrinsic quality of the filamentous aerosol generation matrix, greatly improving the curvature of the filamentous aerosol generation matrix, significantly enhancing its filling performance, making the structure of the filled cigarette core more compact and uniform, and effectively improving the physical stability of aerosol generation products.

[0122] (2) Optimize the contact characteristics and thermal conductivity between the filamentous aerosol generating matrix, thereby improving the uniformity of heated cigarettes during the heating process, ensuring the stability and continuity of smoke release, and improving the consumer's smoking experience.

[0123] (3) The entire process of producing filamentous aerosol matrix adopts physical processing methods, which are not only environmentally friendly and safe, but also easy to achieve precise control and large-scale industrial production, which helps to improve production efficiency and product quality stability.

[0124] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of increasing the curl of a filamentous aerosol generating substrate, characterized by, It comprises the following steps: The reconstituted tobacco leaf is pre-processed, frozen, and curled to produce a filamentous aerosol generating substrate, the curling degree of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate being 8° / mm-13° / mm. The freezing temperature is -25℃ to 5℃, and the freezing time is 0.2h-1h.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 120°C. The freezing temperature is -15℃ to -5℃.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 200°C. The pressure applied in the curling process is 2N-15N. Preferably, the curling device used in the curling process comprises a plurality of groups of staggered rollers, and the surface of each roller is provided with a texture having a roughness of 10μm-100μm. Preferably, the rollers are provided with external threads and internal threads, and the thread spacing of the external threads and the internal threads is 0.4mm-3.4mm. Preferably, the rotation speed of the rollers is 10r / min-46r / min.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 100°C to 200°C. The pre-processing comprises removing deteriorated, pitted, or obviously defective parts of the reconstituted tobacco leaf.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 120°C. The pre-processed reconstituted tobacco leaf is cut and trimmed to produce reconstituted tobacco shreds, the width of the reconstituted tobacco shreds being 0.6mm-1.3mm, and the length being 15mm-20mm.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 120°C. The reconstituted tobacco shreds are further subjected to a setting process and a drying process after the curling process.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 120°C. The setting process comprises ultrasonic-assisted setting, the frequency of the ultrasonic-assisted setting being 11kHz-65kHz, and the time being 3min-23min. Preferably, the frequency of the ultrasonic-assisted setting is 25kHz-50kHz, and the time is 10min-18min.

8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the filamentous aerosol-generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 150°C to 250°C. The drying process comprises hot air drying, the temperature of the hot air drying being 40℃-90℃, and the time being ≥3min. Preferably, the temperature of the hot air drying is 58℃-75℃, and the time is 3min-20min.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the filamentous aerosol- generating substrate is heated to a temperature of from 80°C to 120°C. The water content of the filamentous aerosol generating substrate after the hot air drying process is 8%±4%. Preferably, the water content is 8%±1%.

10. A device for making a filamentous aerosol generating substrate, characterized in that, The preparation device for implementing the method for improving the curling degree of a filamentous aerosol generating substrate according to any one of claims 1-9 comprises a pre-processing device, a freezing device, a curling device, an ultrasonic device, and a drying device; wherein the freezing device is arranged upstream of the curling device, and the ultrasonic device is arranged between the curling device and the drying device. The pre-processing device comprises a selection operation unit, a shredding unit, a trimming unit, and a foreign matter removal unit. The curling device comprises a feeding unit, a curling execution unit, a pressure control unit, a power driving unit, and a transmission unit, wherein the curling execution unit comprises a plurality of groups of staggered rollers, the surface of each roller is provided with a spiral texture, and the external threads of one roller and the internal threads of an adjacent roller are staggered.

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