Aerosol-generating article

Abstract

The application relates to the aerosol generating technical field and provides an aerosol generating article, which comprises at least two sub-substrate sections, the at least two sub-substrate sections are arranged in equal length with a substrate section and are spliced to form a cylindrical shape, a boundary zone is arranged between two adjacent sub-substrate sections to separate the adjacent sub-substrate sections, and the at least two adjacent sub-substrate sections separated by the boundary zone are used for generating different aerosols. The sub-substrate sections used for generating different aerosols can enrich the taste of the aerosol and form heat transfer time sequences between different sub-substrate sections; the boundary zone can separate different sub-substrate sections, delay heat transfer between the sub-substrate sections and hinder the diffusion of flavor substances, the sub-substrate sections used for generating different aerosols and the boundary zone are in a synergistic effect, the independent release of different sub-zones can be effectively ensured, the taste alternation can be realized, and the mixing of aerosol tastes is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and more specifically to an aerosol generation product. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol-generating products utilize the principle of heat-not-burning to generate aerosols at high temperatures for user consumption. When using aerosol-generating products, a matrix segment needs to be inserted into the heat-not-burning device; the matrix segment generates aerosols upon heating. However, current aerosol-generating products mostly offer a single, uniformly mixed flavor, resulting in a relatively simple taste and a lack of dynamic complexity. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides an aerosol-generating article that can enrich the flavor or effect of the aerosol-generating article and can release aerosols independently in separate zones.

[0004] This application provides an aerosol generating article, including a matrix segment and a dividing zone. The matrix segment includes at least two sub-matrix segments, each of which is of equal length to the matrix segment and is joined together to form a cylinder. The dividing zone is provided between two adjacent sub-matrix segments to separate them. At least two adjacent sub-matrix segments separated by the dividing zone are used to generate different aerosols.

[0005] In some alternative embodiments, the at least two sub-matrix segments are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis of the aerosol-generated article.

[0006] In some alternative embodiments, the boundary zone between two adjacent sub-matrix segments is planar or arc-shaped.

[0007] In some optional embodiments, the thickness of the dividing strip cross-section ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments, the dividing zone comprises a porous substrate and a fragrance additive impregnated within the porous substrate.

[0009] In some optional embodiments, the loading of the flavor additive in the dividing zone is 5%-15% of the total weight of the sub-matrix segment.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the sub-matrix segment is configured as a smoking sheet or a shredded smoking sheet.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, the sub-matrix segment includes a carrier and a smoke generator and fragrance loaded on the carrier, the carrier including a reconstituted homogeneous substrate or a plant fiber substrate.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating article further includes a filtration section and a sealing section, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the matrix section along the axial direction of the aerosol generating article.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the sub-matrix segment includes a first matrix and a second matrix, which are joined together to form the cylinder; the first matrix includes a first flavoring, and the second matrix includes a second flavoring.

[0014] The aerosol-generating article according to this embodiment includes at least two sub-matrix segments. A dividing zone is provided between adjacent sub-matrix segments, isolating them from each other. This dividing zone slows heat transfer between the sub-matrix segments and hinders the diffusion of flavor compounds. Since the at least two sub-matrix segments generate different aerosols, the flavor and effects of the aerosols are enriched. Furthermore, a heat transfer sequence is established between the different sub-matrix segments. The synergistic effect of the dividing zone and the sub-matrix segments generating different aerosols effectively ensures independent aerosol release from different zones, providing users with an alternating flavor experience and preventing the mixing of aerosol flavors. Because the at least two sub-matrix segments are of equal length to the matrix segment, the aerosols generated by the sub-matrix segments flow along the axial direction of the matrix segment within it, further preventing aerosol diffusion and mixing, and also helping to solve the problem of odor mixing. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generated product in use in one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the matrix segment in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the aerosol-generated product in use in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the matrix segment in the first embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the matrix segment in the second embodiment;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the matrix segment in the third embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the matrix segment in the fourth embodiment;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the matrix segment in the fifth embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generated product in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for preparing an aerosol-generated product in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol-generating product preparation apparatus in one embodiment.

[0026] Among them: 1. Aerosol generating device; 11. Heating component; 111. Heating chamber;

[0027] 2. Aerosol generation product; 21. Matrix section; 211. Sub-matrix section; 2111. First matrix body; 2112. Second matrix body; 2113. Third matrix body; 212. Boundary zone; 22. Airflow section; 23. Filtration section; 24. Sealing section;

[0028] 3. Equipment for preparing aerosol-generated products; 31. Sheet forming mechanism; 32. Conveying roller; 33. Mold; 34. High-pressure injection mechanism for sheet filaments; 35. Forming paper conveying mechanism; 36. Glue application mechanism; 37. Main unit;

[0029] OO, central axis; W, thickness of the cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0031] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments, and the operational steps involved in each embodiment can also be rearranged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a particular embodiment and do not imply that they represent the necessary components and / or order.

[0032] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0033] This application provides an aerosol generating article 2, which is used in an aerosol generating device 1 and generates an inhalable medium including aerosol when a user applies the aerosol generating device 1 for inhalation.

[0034] The term "aerosol" as used herein refers to a dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas. As used herein, "aerosol" may also refer to a substance that has been vaporized, atomized, sprayed, or jetted, or otherwise transformed from a solid or liquid form into an inhalable form containing suspended solid or liquid drug particles.

[0035] Please see Figures 1 to 9 The aerosol generating article 2 includes a matrix segment 21 and a heating component 11 having a heating chamber 111. In use, the matrix segment 21 of the aerosol generating article 2 is inserted into the heating chamber 111. The heating component 11 can independently heat the matrix segment 21 using one of circumferential heating, central heating and airflow heating or a combination of at least two to perform composite heating of the matrix segment 21, so that the matrix segment 21 generates the aerosol mentioned above after being heated.

[0036] Please continue reading. Figure 1 The matrix segment 21 includes at least two sub-matrix segments 211, which are of equal length to the matrix segment 21 and are joined together to form a cylinder. A dividing zone 212 is provided between two adjacent sub-matrix segments 211. The at least two sub-matrix segments 211 are used to generate different aerosols.

[0037] It should be noted that the differences in aerosols may be due to the different characteristics of the sub-matrix segment 211 itself, resulting in differences in aerosol parameters (including concentration, flavor, etc.). The characteristics of the sub-matrix segment 211 itself include at least one of its type (such as tobacco type), material composition, material physical properties, or material structural properties.

[0038] Furthermore, the material composition refers to the material components in the sub-matrix segment 211. Different material components will affect the flavor of the sub-matrix segment 211, giving it a rich flavor profile and thus solving the problem of a single flavor in the aerosol-generated product 2. Differences in material components include variations in the type or content of nicotine, smoke-generating agents, and flavorings.

[0039] Material physical properties include material density, material morphology (such as particles, flakes, tobacco shreds, or molded bodies), thermal conductivity, and melting point. For example, by setting different thermal conductivity values ​​for the sub-matrix segments 211, the heat transfer rates within each sub-matrix segment 211 differ. This creates a heat transfer sequence between the different sub-matrix segments 211 under the same heating environment, resulting in different behaviors of the sub-matrix segments 211 after heating (e.g., no aerosol production, small amount of aerosol production, or large amount of aerosol production). This leads to different aerosol usage effects and allows the sub-matrix segments 211 to generate aerosols at different times, thus achieving independent release of aerosols from different areas and solving the problem of mixed aerosol flavors.

[0040] Material structural properties include at least one of porosity and phase composition. Porosity and phase composition can also affect the rate of heat transfer within the sub-matrix segment 211, ultimately solving the problem of mixed aerosol flavors.

[0041] The matrix segment 21 includes at least two sub-matrix segments 211, each possessing at least one different material property. Through different designs in material composition, physical properties, and structure, the sub-matrix segments 211 exhibit a heat transfer sequence, enabling the generation and release of aerosols at different time points. A boundary band 212 separates the sub-matrix segments 211, isolating them from each other. The boundary band 212 slows down heat transfer between the sub-matrix segments 211 and hinders the diffusion of flavor compounds, further enhancing the heat transfer sequence on both sides of the boundary band 212. This ensures independent aerosol release from different zones, providing users with an alternating flavor experience and preventing the mixing of aerosol flavors. This structural design is particularly suitable for applications where heat is transferred radially from the circumference to the center during circumferential heating of the matrix segment 21. For example, a sweet fruity flavor segment and a mellow tobacco flavor segment can be integrated within the same matrix segment 21. By heating the segments separately, different flavors can be activated sequentially, achieving a layered and personalized presentation of the aerosol taste and enriching the user's sensory experience. The sub-matrix segment 211 and the matrix segment 21 are set to the same length, so that the aerosol generated by the sub-matrix segment 211 flows along the axial direction of the matrix segment 21 within it, avoiding the mixing of aerosols between the sub-matrix segments 211 that would cause odor mixing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sub-matrix segments 211 are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis OO of the aerosol-generated article 2, meaning that each sub-matrix segment 211 occupies the same area. Unlike traditional schemes that layer sub-matrix segments along the axial direction (direction of the central axis OO) or radially, this arrangement, with the central axis OO as the center, ensures that the distance from the center of all sub-matrix segments 211 to the center of the matrix segment 21 is essentially the same. Whether heat is transferred from the outside to the inside or from the inside to the outside, this results in uniform heating of the matrix segment 21, effectively guaranteeing the taste of the aerosol.

[0043] Furthermore, at least two sub-substrate segments 211 are joined to form a cylinder (including a circular or near-circular shape). The cylindrical structure is symmetrical about the central axis OO, ensuring that the radial distances from each part of the sub-substrate segment 211 to the heat source (such as the heating element 11) are equal, thus achieving coaxial and uniform heating. When there are two sub-substrate segments 211, i.e. Figure 2 Regions A and B, as shown, are separated by a dividing band 212. After rotation, the overlapping portions of regions A and B have equal radial distances to the heating element 11, and regions A and B have the same area. Figure 2 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of heat transfer.

[0044] In other embodiments, to obtain aerosol concentrations of different flavors, the areas of the sub-matrix segments 211 at different locations can be designed to be different. For example, the matrix segment 21 has two sub-matrix segments 211, with the aroma concentration of sub-matrix segment 211 in region A being high and its thermal conductivity being improved, while the concentration in region B is low. Correspondingly, the area of ​​region A is designed to be smaller than the area of ​​region B. When inhalation begins, region A is released independently to form an initial burst of power.

[0045] Please see Figures 4 to 8 In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile of the sub-matrix segment 211 is a tai chi semi-figure, a semi-circle, a fan shape, or a petal shape.

[0046] In embodiments where the cross-sectional profile of the sub-matrix segment 211 is a Taiji diagram, when there are two sub-matrix segments 211, that is, the sub-matrix segment 211 includes a first matrix body 2111 and a second matrix body 2112, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first matrix 2111 and the second matrix 2112 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis OO, with a rotation angle of 180°, to form a Tai Chi symbol (also known as Yin-Yang symbol). The first matrix 2111 and the second matrix 2112 are separated by a dividing zone 212. When there are three sub-matrix segments 211, that is, the sub-matrix segment 211 includes the first matrix 2111, the second matrix 2112 and the third matrix 2113, as shown... Figure 5As shown, the first matrix 2111, the second matrix 2112 and the third matrix 2113 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis OO, with a rotation angle of 120°, to form a three-pole Taiji diagram, and three dividing zones 212 are provided to isolate the first matrix 2111, the second matrix 2112 and the third matrix 2113.

[0047] In embodiments where the cross-sectional profile of the sub-matrix segment 211 is semi-circular, when there are two sub-matrix segments 211, that is, the sub-matrix segment 211 includes a first matrix body 2111 and a second matrix body 2112, such as... Figure 6 As shown, both the first matrix 2111 and the second matrix 2112 are semi-circular to form a circle, and the first matrix 2111 and the second matrix 2112 are separated by a dividing zone 212. When there are three sub-matrix segments 211, that is, the sub-matrix segment 211 includes the first matrix 2111, the second matrix 2112, and the third matrix 2113, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the cross-sectional profile of the sub-matrix segment 211 is fan-shaped. The first matrix 2111, the second matrix 2112 and the third matrix 2113 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis OO, with a rotation angle of 120° to form a circle.

[0048] Of course, there can be more than three sub-matrix segments 211. In embodiments where the cross-sectional profile of the sub-matrix segment 211 is petal-shaped, there are multiple sub-matrix segments 211, such as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0049] It should be noted that the Tai Chi diagram includes yin and yang fish separated by a Tai Chi chord (S-curve), and the Tai Chi half-diagram mentioned above refers to either the yin or yang fish. In this application, when the cross-section of the sub-matrix segment 211 is a Tai Chi half-diagram, the dividing zone 212 is the Tai Chi chord between the yin and yang fish.

[0050] It should be further noted that the "cross section" mentioned in this article refers to the section perpendicular to the central axis OO of the matrix segment 21.

[0051] In some embodiments, sub-matrix segment 211 includes a carrier and a smoking agent and flavoring loaded on the carrier, the carrier including a homogeneous substrate (including reconstituted tobacco) or a plant fiber substrate. The smoking agent includes at least one of glycerol, propylene glycol, or nicotine salt; at least two sub-matrix segments 211 include at least one flavoring.

[0052] Flavorings are volatile organic compounds or mixtures that impart specific aroma characteristics (such as fragrance and flavor) to a product. They are typically composed of flavorings (main flavoring agents), solvents, and auxiliary agents. Flavorings can be categorized by aroma type, such as fruity, tobacco-based, and herbal / cooling. Different sub-matrix segments 211 contain flavorings with different flavors, enriching the flavor of the aerosol-generated product 2. Different flavorings can be selected to enrich the flavor of the aerosol-generated product 2 based on different needs; no excessive restrictions are placed on the type of flavoring. For example, two, three, or even more sub-matrix segments 211 can be selectively set, each with a different flavor, resulting in the aerosol-generated product 2 having two, three, or more flavors. Furthermore, based on different flavoring types, their boiling points, viscosities, etc., may differ. This difference can also alter the heat transfer efficiency of the sub-matrix segments 211, thereby creating a heat transfer sequence within the matrix segments 21.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, the sub-matrix segment 211 includes a first matrix 2111 and a second matrix 2112. The first matrix 2111 includes a first flavoring, and the second matrix 2112 includes a second flavoring. Because the first matrix 2111 includes the first flavoring and the second matrix 2112 includes the second flavoring, i.e., the material composition of the first matrix 2111 and the second matrix 2112 is different, the matrix segment 21 has two flavors, allowing users to experience different tastes.

[0054] In some embodiments, different sub-matrix segments 211 can correspond to different heating states of the heating element 11, thereby enabling the sub-matrix segments 211 in different regions to be uniformly heated. Furthermore, by setting different heating states, the heating differences between different sub-matrix segments 211 can be further increased, facilitating the independent release of aerosols from different zones. Specifically, different sub-matrix segments 211 correspond to different power levels of the heating element 11. For example, in an embodiment with two sub-matrix segments 211, the first matrix 2111 corresponds to high power, and the second matrix 2112 corresponds to low power. This design can also save energy consumption of the heating element 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, the boundary zone 212 between two adjacent sub-matrix segments 211 is planar or arc-shaped. That is, the cross-sectional profile of the boundary zone 212 can be curved, broken, or straight. When there are two or more boundary zones 212, they are arranged radially with the center of the matrix segment 21 as the center. For example, when the cross-section of the sub-matrix segment 211 is a Tai Chi semi-diagram, the boundary zone 212 is an S-shaped curve (or spiral). As another example, when the cross-section of the sub-matrix segment 211 is semi-circular, the boundary zone 212 is straight, and the extension length of the boundary zone 212 is consistent with the diameter of the matrix segment 21. For example, when the cross-section of the sub-matrix segment 211 is fan-shaped or petal-shaped, the dividing zone 212 can be straight or curved. Multiple dividing zones 212 are arranged radially with the center of the matrix segment 21 as the center. One end of the dividing zone 212 is connected to the center of the matrix segment 21, and the other end extends roughly along the radial direction of the matrix segment 21.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thickness W of the cross-section of the boundary band 212 ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The thickness W of the cross-section of the boundary band 212 is the linear dimension occupied by the boundary band 212 along the direction perpendicular to the contact surface of the adjacent sub-matrix segment 211, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The thickness of the dividing strip 212 can affect the heat transfer efficiency between two adjacent sub-matrix segments 211. For example, the thickness of the dividing strip 212 affects the thermal resistance. The greater the thickness of the dividing strip 212, the longer the heat conduction path (or the larger the volume of the insulation material), and the more significant the heat transfer delay between adjacent sub-matrix segments 211. This results in a gradient difference in heat transfer delay between different regions, which is suitable for multi-segment flavor release. Setting the thickness W of the dividing strip 212 cross-section to a range of 0.5mm-1.5mm can make the zoned heating effect more significant. Specifically, the thickness W of the dividing strip 212 cross-section can be any value among 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm, 1.0mm, 1.1mm, 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, or 1.5mm, or any value between any two of the above values.

[0057] In some embodiments, the dividing zone 212 includes a porous substrate and a flavoring additive impregnated within the porous substrate. That is, the dividing zone 212 can also release fragrance substances upon heating. The release of fragrance substances at the dividing zone 212 can reduce the difference in flavor between the two sides of the dividing zone 212, avoiding abrupt flavor transitions that may cause discomfort to the user. Specifically, the dividing zone 212 includes flavorings in its two sub-sub-matrix segments 211, meaning it can release the same flavor as its two sub-sub-matrix segments 211. In this embodiment, when different sub-sub-matrix segments 211 correspond to different heating states of the heating element 11, the flavoring additive in the dividing zone 212 can also be slowly released based on the temperature difference between its two sides, further harmonizing the flavor transition between the two sides and avoiding flavor conflicts.

[0058] In some specific embodiments, the loading of flavor additives in the boundary zone 212 is 5%-15% of the total weight of the sub-matrix segment 211. If the content of flavor additives in the boundary zone 212 is too high, flavor molecules may penetrate into adjacent areas through diffusion or capillary action, resulting in the mixing of different flavor substances. High concentrations of flavor additives may also increase thermal resistance, affecting heat transfer, and may also produce pyrolysis byproducts (such as aldehydes and ketones) when released and heated. These substances can mask the characteristic odor of the main aroma component and affect the taste of the aerosol. Therefore, the loading of flavor additives in the boundary zone 212 is limited to the above-mentioned range. Specifically, the loading of flavor additives in the boundary zone 212 is any one of 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% of the total weight of the sub-matrix segment 211, or any value between any two of the above values.

[0059] In some embodiments, the dividing strip 212 slows down the rate of heat spread through differences in material properties or structural design. For example, the use of different flavorings as mentioned above, or the selection of materials with different thermal conductivity coefficients for the substrate of the dividing strip 212, or the differential design of the porosity of the dividing strip 212, can be used to set the dividing strip 212 as a multi-layer composite structure, with differential designs between layers to slow down the rate of heat spread, thereby further effectively ensuring the zoned release on both sides.

[0060] Of course, in other embodiments, the dividing band 212 can also be an air gap, or the dividing band 212 can be separated on both sides through physical structural design, thereby achieving independent release of aerosols in separate zones. Alternatively, the fragrance additive in the dividing band 212 can be replaced with other materials, such as a high-molecular heat-insulating material with heat-insulating properties, depending on the heat-insulating requirements. The porous substrate in the dividing band 212 can also be replaced with a gel capsule, which can both delay heat transfer and prevent the diffusion of liquid fragrance from affecting the heat insulation performance.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, the sub-matrix segment 211 is constructed as a smoking sheet or a shredded smoking sheet. The sub-matrix segment 211 can also be a solid structure with a certain shape formed by filling particles or powder or by stamping.

[0062] Please see Figure 9 In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 2 further includes an airflow section 22 and a filter section 23. The matrix section 21, the airflow section 22 and the filter section 23 are continuously arranged along the axial direction of the aerosol generating article 2. The airflow section 22 is used to guide the aerosol to the filter section 23, and the filter section 23 is used to filter the aerosol to improve the purity of the aerosol and improve its taste.

[0063] In some embodiments, a sealing section 24 is further provided at the end of the matrix section 21 away from the airflow section 22. Along the axial direction of the aerosol generating article, the filter section 23 and the sealing section 24 are respectively located at both ends of the matrix section 21. The sealing section 24 is used to prevent liquid from passing through, ensuring that the sealing section 24 does not leak condensate, thereby preventing condensate from entering the aerosol generating device 1 and contributing to achieving a cleaning-free aerosol generating device 1. In some embodiments, the sealing section 24 may also be made of an airtight material.

[0064] This application provides an aerosol generation system, which includes an aerosol generation article 2 and an aerosol generation device 1. The aerosol generation article 2 is the same as the aerosol generation article 2 described in any of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here. The aerosol generation device 1 includes a heating component 11, which has a heating chamber 111 for accommodating the aerosol generation article 2. The aerosol generation device 1 heats the aerosol generation article 2 by circumferential heating (heat is transferred from the periphery to the center). The heating component 11 is provided with multiple heating areas, which are arranged circumferentially along the heating chamber 111. These multiple heating areas are independently arranged, which can realize independent heating control. Thus, different heating curves can be used for different sub-substrate segments 211 of the matrix segment 21, that is, the heating time and heating temperature of different sub-substrate segments 211 can be independently controlled. For example, each of the multiple heating zones can be positioned to face a different sub-matrix segment 211; or, for another example, the heating zones corresponding to different sub-matrix segments 211 can be set to work alternately or in turn at different time periods, thereby heating the corresponding sub-matrix segments 211 and enabling the inhalation of different aerosols at different time periods, thus achieving a switching of flavors; or, at least two heating zones can be controlled to work simultaneously at a certain time period, thereby heating at least two sub-matrix segments 211 to produce aerosols with combined flavors, enriching the inhalation experience.

[0065] Please see Figure 10 This application also provides a method for preparing aerosol-generating article 2, used to prepare the aerosol-generating article 2 in any of the above embodiments, comprising:

[0066] S101: Provides multiple sub-matrix segments 211, and the multiple sub-matrix segments 211 are used to generate at least two aerosols, for example, with multiple flavors.

[0067] This step includes dispersing the raw materials for preparing the sub-matrix segment 211 in a solvent, homogenizing and laying it on a conveyor belt moving at a uniform speed to dry, and then peeling it off and cutting it into thin sheets of a predetermined size. The raw materials for preparing the sub-matrix segment 211 include a homogeneous substrate (including reconstituted tobacco) or plant fiber substrate as a carrier, as well as a smoke-generating agent and flavoring. These raw materials are uniformly dispersed in a solvent (including water), and then adhesives and other additives (such as thickeners) are added. The mixture is homogenized and laid on a conveyor belt moving at a uniform speed to dry. After being peeled off from the conveyor belt, it is cut into thin sheets with a width of 0.5 mm to 1 mm for use in the next process.

[0068] S102: Provides dividing strip 212.

[0069] In an embodiment where the dividing strip 212 comprises a porous substrate and a fragrance additive impregnated on the porous substrate, the preparation of the dividing strip 212 includes uniformly adding a solution containing the fragrance additive onto the porous substrate on a conveyor belt moving at a constant speed, and drying the porous substrate after it has absorbed the solution to obtain the dividing strip 212. The dividing strip 212 has a strip-like structure, allowing it to be processed into different shapes as needed.

[0070] S103: The dividing strip 212 is positioned and formed in the mold 33 with a preset shape, and the dividing strip 212 divides the space in the mold 33 into different areas.

[0071] In this step, the mold 33 can be selected according to the shape of the cross-section of the final forming matrix segment 21. The cross-section of the mold 33 can be a rotationally symmetric figure. For example, the cross-section of the mold 33 can be a Tai Chi symbol, or a three-pole Tai Chi symbol, or a rotationally symmetric figure composed of multiple fan-shaped or petal-shaped shapes.

[0072] S104: Sub-matrix segments 211 are set in different regions of mold 33 to form a matrix structure with a preset cross-section.

[0073] Specifically, setting sub-matrix segments 211 in different areas of mold 33 to form a matrix structure with a preset cross-sectional shape involves spraying different sub-matrix segments 211 into different areas of mold 33 using a high-pressure filament injection mechanism 34, and using a dividing band 212 to separate the different sub-matrix segments 211 around them, thereby forming a matrix structure with a preset cross-sectional shape. For example, when the cross-section of mold 33 is a tai chi symbol, the dividing band 212 is positioned as an S-shaped curve (or spiral) using mold 33, two different sub-matrix segments 211 are set on both sides of the dividing band 212 using the high-pressure filament injection mechanism 34, and then shaped by the main unit 37 to form a tai chi symbol matrix structure.

[0074] S105: The matrix segment 21 is formed by wrapping the matrix structure and the dividing zone 212 with molding paper.

[0075] In some embodiments, step S105 can be combined with step S104, whereby the sheet filaments, the dividing strip 212, and the forming paper are simultaneously unwound and wound into the mold 33. The dividing strip 212 passes through the center of the mold 33, and the sheet filaments converge from different sides of the dividing strip 212 into specific shapes. The forming paper is wound on the outermost layer, ultimately forming a columnar structure. After the forming paper on this columnar structure is glued and fixed, it is cut into several matrix segments 21. In this embodiment, by controlling the unwinding speed of the dividing strip 212 and the sheet, a roll of sheet (smoking sheet) can be formed from different sides of each dividing strip 212.

[0076] In some embodiments, the process further includes rolling the matrix section 21, the airflow section 22, and the filter section 23 into an aerosol generating article 2. Specifically, the matrix section 21, the airflow section 22, and the filter section 23 can be joined together using, but not limited to, a twisting and bonding process.

[0077] Please see Figure 11This application also provides an apparatus 3 for preparing aerosol-generated articles, used to implement the above-described method for preparing aerosol-generated articles 2. The apparatus includes a sheet forming mechanism 31, a conveying roller 32, a mold 33, a high-pressure filament injection mechanism 34, a forming paper conveying mechanism 35, a sizing mechanism 36, and a main unit 37. The sheet forming mechanism 31 is used to prepare a dividing strip 212 and wind it into shape, so that the released dividing strip 212 can be conveyed to the mold 33 by a conveying pipe and shaped into a preset shape, for example, an S-shaped curve. The high-pressure filament injection mechanism 34 is used to inject the prepared sub-matrix segment 211 filaments into the mold 33 and set on both sides of the dividing strip 212. After injection, the main unit 37 shapes it into a matrix structure with a preset shape (such as a yin-yang symbol). Then, in conjunction with the forming paper conveyed to the main unit 37 by the forming paper conveying mechanism 35 and the sizing mechanism 36, the matrix structure with the preset shape (such as a yin-yang symbol) is wound into shape to obtain the matrix segment 21. Specifically, the conveyor roller 32 includes two symmetrically placed rollers. During transport, the dividing zone 212 from the sheet forming mechanism 31 is gradually transported to the mold 33 for shaping as the rollers rotate. The main unit 37 includes a smoke tongue, which is used to form the matrix structure.

[0078] In some embodiments, the mold 33 is cylindrical in shape and its cross-section is a rotationally symmetrical graphic, including but not limited to a tai chi symbol, a circular structure composed of multiple fan-shaped shapes, etc. Specifically, the shape of the mold 33 is selected based on the shape of the matrix segment 21, which has been described in detail above and will not be elaborated further here.

[0079] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art to which this application pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the ideas presented.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating product, characterized in that, It includes a matrix segment and a boundary zone. The matrix segment includes at least two sub-matrix segments, which are of equal length to the matrix segment and are joined together to form a cylinder. The boundary zone is provided between two adjacent sub-matrix segments to separate them. At least two adjacent sub-matrix segments separated by the boundary zone are used to generate different aerosols.

2. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two sub-matrix segments are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the central axis of the aerosol-generated article.

3. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boundary zone between two adjacent sub-matrix segments is planar or arc-shaped.

4. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the dividing zone ranges from 0.5mm to 1.5mm.

5. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dividing zone includes a porous substrate and a fragrance additive impregnated within the porous substrate.

6. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 5, characterized in that, The loading of the flavor additive in the dividing zone is 5%-15% of the total weight of the sub-matrix segment.

7. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sub-matrix segment is constructed as a smoking sheet or a shredded smoking sheet.

8. The aerosol-generating product according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aerosol generating product further includes a filtration section and a sealing section, which are respectively located at both ends of the matrix section along the axial direction of the aerosol generating product.

9. The aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The sub-matrix segment includes a carrier and a smoke generator and fragrance loaded on the carrier, wherein the carrier includes a reconstituted homogeneous substrate or a plant fiber substrate.

10. The aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sub-matrix segment includes a first matrix and a second matrix, which are assembled to form the cylinder; the first matrix includes a first flavoring, and the second matrix includes a second flavoring.

Images