Extrusion mold for fabricating aerosol-generating article

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an extrusion mold for fabricating an aerosol-generating article. The extrusion mold comprises a first form cavity and a plurality of first forming columns. The first form cavity is provided with a first side wall, the first side wall is provided with at least one extrusion gap, and the extrusion gap comprises a first extrusion gap. The plurality of first forming columns are arranged on the first side wall at intervals in the circumferential direction of the first form cavity, and each of the first forming columns protrudes towards the interior of the first form cavity, such that a first extrusion gap is defined between each two adjacent first forming columns. At least one protruding structure may be formed on a peripheral side of an aerosol-generating medium extruded by the extrusion mold of the embodiments of the present application, and the protruding structure may enable a space for releasing an aerosol on the peripheral side of the aerosol generating medium to be increased; therefore, the release path of the aerosol may be unimpeded, rapid release of the aerosol is facilitated, and the extraction efficiency of the aerosol may be further improved.

Description

An extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating products

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 2023108170762 and application date of July 4, 2023, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of mold technology, and in particular to an extrusion mold for manufacturing aerosol-generating products. Background Art

[0004] In related technologies, in order to meet the diverse needs of users, the forms of aerosol generating products are becoming more and more diverse. The forms of aerosol generating products include filamentous forms made by thick slurry method, rolling method, etc., and also include one-piece forms made by extrusion method, etc.

[0005] However, the aerosol-generating products currently manufactured by the extrusion method have a relatively simple form. During the heating process, the aerosol cannot be released in time, and the aerosol extraction efficiency is low.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating products to solve the technical problems in the related art that aerosol-generating products manufactured by extrusion method have a relatively simple form and low aerosol extraction efficiency.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present application provides an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, comprising:

[0009] a first die cavity having a first sidewall, wherein the first die cavity has at least one extrusion gap therein, the extrusion gap including a first extrusion gap;

[0010] A plurality of first molding columns are arranged on the first side wall, and the plurality of first molding columns are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first cavity, and each of the first molding columns protrudes into the first cavity, so that the first extrusion gap is defined between two adjacent first molding columns.

[0011] In one embodiment, the width of the first molding column at a side close to the first sidewall is smaller than the width of the first molding column at a side away from the first sidewall.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first forming column includes a rod portion and a main body portion, the rod portion is located between the first side wall and the main body portion; and the width of the rod portion is smaller than the width of the main body portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent main body portions gradually increases or remains unchanged from a side close to the first side wall to a side far from the first side wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the width of the first forming column gradually decreases or remains unchanged from a side close to the first sidewall to a side far from the first sidewall.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first forming columns have the same shape; or, among all the first forming columns, at least some of the first forming columns have different shapes.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of first molding pillars are evenly distributed or unevenly distributed along the circumference of the first cavity.

[0017] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a second extrusion gap and a third extrusion gap, and the extrusion mold includes a second molding column having multiple second extrusion gaps, the second molding column is arranged in the first cavity, and extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion mold, and the second molding column and the multiple first molding columns define the third extrusion gap connected to each of the first extrusion gaps; the second extrusion gap passes through the second molding column along the extrusion direction, and each of the second extrusion gaps is connected to the third extrusion gap.

[0018] In one embodiment, one side of each of the second extrusion gaps is connected to the third extrusion gap, and the other opposite sides of each of the second extrusion gaps are connected to each other at the center of the second molding column.

[0019] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a fourth extrusion gap, the second molding column is provided with a second cavity having a second side wall, and a plurality of second extrusion gaps surround the circumference of the second cavity and are respectively connected to the second cavity; the extrusion mold includes a third molding column arranged in the second cavity, the third molding column extends along the extrusion direction, and defines the fourth extrusion gap between the third molding column and the second side wall.

[0020] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a fifth extrusion gap, the extrusion mold includes a fourth molding column arranged in the first mold cavity, the fourth molding column extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion mold, and the fourth molding column and multiple first molding columns define the fifth extrusion gap that is connected to each of the first extrusion gaps.

[0021] In one embodiment, the widths of all the extrusion gaps are the same.

[0022] In one embodiment, among all the extrusion gaps, the width dimension of at least one extrusion gap is smaller than the width dimension of another extrusion gap, wherein the width dimension of the extrusion gap with the smallest width dimension is not less than 70% of the width dimension of the extrusion gap with the largest width dimension.

[0023] In one embodiment, the width of each extrusion gap is 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the extrusion die includes a first die, and the first die is provided with the first cavity and a plurality of the first molding columns.

[0025] In one embodiment, one end of the first cavity has a discharge port, and a plurality of the first molding columns are arranged at the discharge port.

[0026] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a second extrusion gap and a third extrusion gap, the extrusion die includes a second die provided with a second molding column, the second molding column has a plurality of second extrusion gaps, the second extrusion gaps penetrate the second molding column along the extension direction of the second molding column, and each second extrusion gap penetrates the outer side wall of the second molding column;

[0027] The second mold is connected to the first mold, the second molding column extends into the first mold cavity, and the second molding column and the plurality of first molding columns define the third extrusion gap that is respectively connected to the first extrusion gaps and the second extrusion gaps.

[0028] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a fourth extrusion gap, the second molding column is provided with a second cavity having a second sidewall, and a plurality of the second extrusion gaps surround the circumference of the second cavity;

[0029] The extrusion die includes a third die provided with a third molding column. The third die is connected to the second die. The third molding column extends into the second cavity and defines the fourth extrusion gap between the third molding column and the second side wall.

[0030] In one embodiment, the extrusion gap includes a fifth extrusion gap, the extrusion mold includes a fourth mold provided with a fourth molding column, the fourth mold is connected to the first mold, the fourth molding column extends into the first cavity, and defines the fifth extrusion gap connected to each of the first extrusion gaps between the fourth molding column and the plurality of first molding columns.

[0031] An embodiment of the present application provides an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating product, wherein the extrusion die is provided with a first cavity and a plurality of first molding columns, wherein the plurality of first molding columns are provided on a first side wall of the first cavity and are spaced apart along the circumference of the first cavity. Each first molding column protrudes into the first cavity so that a first extrusion gap is defined between two adjacent first molding columns. In the process of extruding the aerosol-generating medium through the extrusion die, part of the material passes through the first extrusion gap so that at least one convex structure can be formed on the outer peripheral side of the extruded aerosol-generating medium, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating medium is no longer a conventional circle or polygon, but is in a form in which a part of the outer contour protrudes outward. By providing a protruding structure, space for aerosol release can be increased on the peripheral side of the aerosol generating medium. For example, when there is one protruding structure, the space on the opposite sides of the protruding structure along the circumference of the aerosol generating medium is the increased space for aerosol release. When there are multiple protruding structures, the spacing space formed between two adjacent protruding structures is the increased space for aerosol release. These increased spaces can unblock the aerosol release path to facilitate the rapid release of the aerosol, thereby better improving the aerosol extraction efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a first extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application, which also shows an aerosol generating medium;

[0033] FIG2 is an exploded view of the extrusion die shown in FIG1 ;

[0034] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the extrusion die shown in FIG1 from another perspective;

[0035] FIG4 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in FIG1 from another perspective;

[0036] FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of point A in the extrusion die shown in FIG4 ;

[0037] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of the first mold shown in FIG1 ;

[0038] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of the second mold shown in FIG1 ;

[0039] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of the third mold shown in FIG1 ;

[0040] FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in FIG1 ;

[0041] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the aerosol generating medium shown in FIG1 ;

[0042] FIG11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating medium shown in FIG10 ;

[0043] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a second extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating medium extruded through the extrusion die shown in FIG12 ;

[0045] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a third extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG15 is an exploded view of the extrusion die shown in FIG14 ;

[0047] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of the extrusion die shown in FIG14 from another perspective;

[0048] FIG17 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in FIG14;

[0049] FIG18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating medium extruded through the extrusion die shown in FIG14 ;

[0050] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG20 is an exploded view of the extrusion die shown in FIG19 ;

[0052] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of the extrusion die shown in FIG19 from another perspective;

[0053] FIG22 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in FIG19;

[0054] FIG23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating medium extruded through the extrusion die shown in FIG19 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] An embodiment of the present application provides an extrusion die 10 for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article. Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 , the extrusion die 10 includes a first cavity 10 a and a plurality of first molding columns 10 d .

[0056] The first cavity 10a has a first sidewall 10b and defines at least one extrusion gap 10c therein, including a first extrusion gap 10c1. A plurality of first molding pillars 10d are disposed on the first sidewall 10b and spaced apart along the circumference of the first cavity 10a. Each first molding pillar 10d protrudes into the first cavity 10a, defining a first extrusion gap 10c1 between adjacent first molding pillars 10d.

[0057] The aerosol generating product is used in conjunction with an electronic atomization device having a heating component. Specifically, the aerosol generating product mainly includes an aerosol generating medium 20. The heating component heats and atomizes the aerosol generating medium 20 to generate an aerosol for users to inhale or use for medicine, beauty, etc.

[0058] The heating assembly can be heated in a variety of ways. Exemplarily, these methods include central heating and peripheral heating. Central heating involves inserting the heating assembly into the aerosol-generating medium 20 to heat the aerosol-generating medium 20 from the inside out. Peripheral heating involves placing the heating assembly around the periphery of the aerosol-generating medium 20 to heat the aerosol-generating medium 20 from the outside in. These heating methods may include resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, and the like, and are not specifically limited herein.

[0059] The extrusion die 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application is used in conjunction with an extruder, such as a hydraulic plunger extruder, a twin-screw extruder, a single-screw extruder, etc., to manufacture all or part of an aerosol-generating product by extruding the material.

[0060] Extrusion molding refers to a processing method in which the material is added to the extruder, and the material is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel and the screw of the extruder, and continuously passes through the extrusion die at the extruder outlet to form various cross-sectional products or semi-finished products. The material formed by extrusion molding is in the form of strips.

[0061] The embodiment of the present application is described by taking the extrusion die 10 as an example of being used to manufacture the aerosol-generating medium 20 in the aerosol-generating product. It should be noted that the aerosol-generating product may have only the aerosol-generating medium 20, or it may be a combination of the aerosol-generating medium 20 and other structures. For example, as needed, the aerosol-generating product may also be provided with a functional segment at one end of the aerosol-generating medium 20. The functional segment may have only a filtering function, or it may have a filtering and cooling function. In some embodiments, all or part of the functional segment may also be manufactured using the extrusion die 10 in the embodiment of the present application.

[0062] The specific structure of the aerosol-generating medium 20 is not limited herein. For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol-generating medium 20 can be made of an atomizing medium itself, such as a smoke-flavoring flavoring medium. In other embodiments, the aerosol-generating medium 20 can also include a substrate and an atomizing medium disposed on the substrate. The substrate can be, for example, high-temperature-resistant carbon fiber. The substrate can improve the strength of the aerosol-generating medium 20 while also allowing it to withstand a certain degree of high temperature without generating odor.

[0063] The specific components of the aerosol generating medium 20 are not limited herein. For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating medium 20 may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke-generating components, adhesive components, and the like.

[0064] In one embodiment, the plant component is one or more combinations of powders formed from crushed tobacco leaves, tobacco leaf fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and flavorful plants. The plant component is the core source of the flavor of the product. Endogenous substances in the plant component, such as nicotine, enter the human bloodstream through aerosolization, promoting dopamine production in the pituitary gland, thereby achieving a sense of physiological satisfaction.

[0065] In one embodiment, the auxiliary agent may be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. Inorganic fillers include one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomaceous earth. Inorganic fillers can provide skeletal support for the plant component and, while also possessing micropores, can increase the porosity of the wall material after the plant component is formed, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

[0066] Lubricants include one or more of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Lubricants can increase particle flowability, reduce friction between particles, and achieve a more uniform particle density. They can also reduce mold pressure and reduce mold wear.

[0067] Emulsifiers include one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers can, to a certain extent, slow the loss of flavoring substances during storage, increase their stability, and improve the sensory quality of the product. Emulsifiers (also known as surfactants) can reduce the interfacial tension between the water-soluble and water-insoluble components in a mixed system and form a relatively strong film on the surface of the droplets. Alternatively, due to the charge imparted by the emulsifier, a double layer is formed on the surface of the droplets, preventing the droplets from aggregating and maintaining a uniform emulsion. Emulsifying and homogenizing two immiscible components can improve the consistency of product quality.

[0068] The function of the smoke-generating agent component is to generate a large amount of vapor when heated, thereby increasing the amount of smoke produced by the smoking article. In one embodiment, the smoke-generating agent may include, for example, a monohydric alcohol (such as menthol); a polyhydric alcohol (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol); an ester of a polyhydric alcohol (such as glyceryl monoacetate, glyceryl diacetate, or glyceryl triacetate); a monocarboxylic acid; a polycarboxylic acid (such as lauric acid, myristic acid), or an aliphatic ester of a polycarboxylic acid (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetyl glycerides, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, ethyl vanillate, tributyrin, and lauryl acetate).

[0069] In one embodiment, the adhesive component is a natural plant-extracted, non-ionically modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, pullulan, seaweed polysaccharide, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xyloglucan. The adhesive wetting and intimately contacting the product component materials creates intermolecular attraction, thereby bonding the powders and liquids of the component materials. The use of a natural plant-extracted, non-ionic adhesive can prevent the release of harmful substances such as methanol, formaldehyde, and acrolein caused by colloid modification, thereby improving the safety of the product.

[0070] For example, the aerosol-generating medium 20 may be a particle-bound medium, which is a reconstituted tobacco medium, such as a reconstituted tobacco medium containing a smoking agent, tobacco, and other ingredients. The particle-bound aerosol-generating medium 20 remains a single unit during inhalation and after heating, making it less susceptible to disintegration and falling. This solves the problems of prior art aerosol-generating matrices in the form of flakes, filaments, or loose particles, such as loose flakes, loss of filamentary and granular components, and difficulty in cleaning.

[0071] The first side wall 10b of the first cavity 10a forms the outer contour of the first cavity 10a. The extrusion gap 10c is a passage through which the material passes during the extrusion process.

[0072] There are at least two first molding columns 10d, which protrude from the first sidewall 10b into the first cavity 10a. A first extrusion gap 10c1 is defined between two adjacent first molding columns 10d. That is, there is at least one first extrusion gap 10c1.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4, 10 and 11. During the extrusion process, part of the material passes through the first extrusion gap 10c1, thereby forming the aerosol generating medium 20 extruded by the extrusion die 10 into a form having a medium body 21 and a protruding structure 22, and the protruding structure 22 is located on the outer peripheral side of the medium body 21. In other words, the purpose of setting the first extrusion gap 10c1 is to form the protruding structure 22.

[0074] 3 , 10 and 11 , when the number of the first forming columns 10 d is large, the number of the protruding structures 22 located on the outer periphery of the aerosol generating medium 20 is also relatively large. These protruding structures 22 are arranged around the outer periphery of the aerosol generating medium 20 to form a tooth shape.

[0075] In Figures 1 to 4 , the first forming pillars 10d have the same external shape, that is, all of the first forming pillars 10d have the same size and shape. In other embodiments, at least some of the first forming pillars 10d may have different external shapes, that is, each first forming pillar 10d may have a different external shape, that is, each first forming pillar 10d may have at least one of its size and shape different from the other first forming pillars 10d. Alternatively, only some of the first forming pillars 10d may have different external shapes, that is, some of the first forming pillars 10d may have at least one of its size and shape different from the other first forming pillars 10d, while the other first forming pillars 10d may have the same size and shape.

[0076] Alternatively, the plurality of first molding pillars 10d may be uniformly distributed along the circumference of the first cavity 10a as shown in FIG3 , i.e., the spacing between each pair of adjacent first molding pillars 10d at the same location is the same, or in other words, all first extrusion gaps 10c1 have the same size and shape. Alternatively, the plurality of first molding pillars 10d may be non-uniformly distributed along the circumference of the first cavity 10a, i.e., the spacing between at least some adjacent pairs of first molding pillars 10d at the same location is different from the spacing between other adjacent pairs of first molding pillars 10d at the same location, or in other words, at least one of the size and shape of at least some first extrusion gaps 10c1 differs from that of the other first extrusion gaps 10c1.

[0077] In related art, aerosol-generating media extruded through an extrusion die typically take the form of a cylindrical, circular-shaped column or a prismatic, polygonal-shaped prism. These aerosol-generating media have a relatively simple form, and therefore, the final aerosol-generating product also has a relatively simple form. However, the form of the aerosol-generating product significantly impacts the heating effect and puffing experience. Current aerosol-generating products, during the heating process, fail to release aerosol promptly, resulting in low aerosol extraction efficiency.

[0078] The extrusion die 10 of the embodiment of the present application is provided with a first cavity 10a and a plurality of first molding columns 10d. The plurality of first molding columns 10d are provided on the first side wall 10b of the first cavity 10a and are spaced apart along the circumference of the first cavity 10a. Each first molding column 10d protrudes into the first cavity 10a so that a first extrusion gap 10c1 is defined between two adjacent first molding columns 10d. During the process of extruding the aerosol generating medium 20 by the extrusion die 10, part of the material passes through the first extrusion gap 10c1, so that at least one protruding structure 22 can be formed on the outer peripheral side of the extruded aerosol generating medium 20. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol generating medium 20 is no longer a conventional circle or polygon, but is in a form in which a portion of the outer contour protrudes outward. By providing the protrusion structure 22, space for aerosol release can be increased on the peripheral side of the aerosol generating medium 20. For example, when there is only one protrusion structure 22, the space on the opposite sides of the protrusion structure 22 along the circumference of the aerosol generating medium 20 is the increased space for aerosol release. When there are multiple protrusion structures 22, the interval space formed between two adjacent protrusion structures 22 is the increased space for aerosol release. These increased spaces can unblock the aerosol release path to facilitate the rapid release of the aerosol, thereby better improving the aerosol extraction efficiency.

[0079] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 , a width dimension D01 of the first molding pillar 10 d close to the first sidewall 10 b may be smaller than a width dimension D02 of the first molding pillar 10 d away from the first sidewall 10 b .

[0080] The width dimension of the first molding column 10 d refers to the distance between two opposing surfaces of the first molding column 10 d along the circumference of the extrusion die 10 .

[0081] That is, as shown in FIG5 , the width D11 of the first extrusion gap 10c1 near the first sidewall 10b is greater than the width D12 of the first extrusion gap 10c1 away from the first sidewall 10b. Accordingly, referring to FIG11 , the width of the raised structures 22 on the aerosol-generating medium 20 is relatively wider at locations away from the center of the aerosol-generating medium 20, while the width of the raised structures 22 near the center of the aerosol-generating medium 20 is relatively narrow. This arrangement can further increase the space available for aerosol release.

[0082] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 to 5 , the first forming column 10d may include a stem portion 10d1 and a main body portion 10d2, with the stem portion 10d1 positioned between the first sidewall 10b and the main body portion 10d2. The width of the stem portion 10d1 is smaller than the width of the main body portion 10d2. That is, on a projection plane perpendicular to the extrusion direction, the projection of the first extrusion gap 10c1 is generally T-shaped. Accordingly, the raised structure 22 on the aerosol-generating medium 20 forms a T-shape, as shown in Figures 10 and 11 , comprising a transversely extending section 221 and a vertically extending section 222. This allows for a larger space to be formed on either side of the T-shaped raised structure 22 on the aerosol-generating medium 20, resulting in smoother aerosol release and flow.

[0083] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4 and 11 , the spacing between two adjacent main body portions 10d2 can also remain constant from the side closest to the first sidewall 10b to the side further away from the first sidewall 10b. In other words, the first extrusion gap 10c1 between two adjacent main body portions 10d2 has a uniform width. Alternatively, the vertical extensions 222 on the raised structures 22 of the aerosol-generating medium 20 have a uniform width as shown in Figure 11 . These vertical extensions 222 can reduce the likelihood of cracking or breaking at the junction of the raised structures 22 and the medium body 21.

[0084] In another embodiment, please refer to Figures 12 and 13. The distance between two adjacent main body portions 10d2 can gradually increase from the side close to the first side wall 10b to the side away from the first side wall 10b. That is, the width dimension of the area where the first extrusion gap 10c1 is located between the two adjacent main body portions 10d2 gradually increases from the side close to the first side wall 10b to the side away from the first side wall 10b. In other words, the vertical extension section 222 on the raised structure 22 of the aerosol generating medium 20 gradually increases from the end close to the lateral extension section 221 to the end away from the lateral extension section 221 as shown in Figure 12. As a result, the width dimension of the part where the vertical extension section 222 is connected to the medium body 21 can be made relatively large, which can better prevent cracking or even breakage at the connection between the raised structure 22 and the medium body 21.

[0085] In some embodiments, the width of the first molding column 10d may also gradually increase from the side close to the first sidewall 10b to the side away from the first sidewall 10b, which is equivalent to the width of the first molding column 10d changing continuously.

[0086] In addition, it should be noted that the width dimension of the first molding column 10d is not limited to the width dimension on the side close to the first side wall 10b being smaller than the width dimension on the side away from the first side wall 10b. For example, the width dimension of the first molding column 10d can also gradually decrease from the side close to the first side wall 10b to the side away from the first side wall 10b, which is equivalent to the width dimension of the part where the protruding structure 22 and the dielectric body 21 are connected being relatively large. For example, multiple protruding structures 22 can form a wave shape together.

[0087] For example, the width of the first molding column 10d may remain unchanged from the side close to the first sidewall 10b to the side away from the first sidewall 10b, that is, the first molding column 10d is a structure of equal width, for example, the first molding column 10d may be rectangular.

[0088] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 4, 5, 9, and 14 to 17, the extrusion gap 10c may include a second extrusion gap 10c2 and a third extrusion gap 10c3. The extrusion die 10 includes a second molding column 10e having a plurality of second extrusion gaps 10c2. The second molding column 10e is disposed within the first die cavity 10a and extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion die 10. The second molding column 10e and the plurality of first molding columns 10d define a third extrusion gap 10c3 that communicates with each of the first extrusion gaps 10c1. The second extrusion gap 10c2 extends through the second molding column 10e along the extrusion direction, and each of the second extrusion gaps 10c2 communicates with the third extrusion gap 10c3.

[0089] Specifically, during the extrusion process, a portion of the material passes through the third extrusion gap 10c3 to form the first annular structure 211 shown in Figures 10, 11, and 18. The first annular structure 211 is part of the medium body 21 of the aerosol-generating medium 20. The outer surface of the first annular structure 211 facing the protrusion structure 22 is equivalent to the outer sidewall of the medium body 21. A portion of the material passes through the second extrusion gap 10c2 to form the support ribs 212 located within the medium body 21 as shown in Figures 10, 11, and 18. The area between the support ribs 212 forms the airflow channel 20a within the medium body 21. The airflow channel 20a within the aerosol-generating medium 20 can increase the flow velocity of the airflow in the aerosol-generating medium 20, thereby increasing the impact force of the airflow, ensuring uniform mixing of the aerosol, and further improving the extraction efficiency and uniformity of the aerosol in the aerosol-generating medium 20. The supporting ribs 212 can play a good supporting role inside the aerosol generating medium 20, so as to increase the cross-sectional size of the airflow channel 20a as much as possible and improve the stability of the overall structure of the aerosol generating medium 20.

[0090] For example, please refer to Figures 16 and 17. One side of each second extrusion gap 10c2 is connected to the third extrusion gap 10c3, and the other side opposite to each second extrusion gap 10c2 can be connected to each other at the center position of the second molding column 10e, which is equivalent to the support ribs 212 of the aerosol generating medium 20 in Figure 18 radially spreading from the center position of the second molding column 10e to the surrounding areas. The aerosol generating medium 20 with this structural form has higher strength and better stability, and the cross-sectional size of the airflow channel 20a is also relatively large.

[0091] In other embodiments, the second extrusion gaps 10c2 may also be arranged in other forms. For example, the second extrusion gaps 10c2 may be arranged in parallel or crosswise, as long as they can be connected to the third extrusion gap 10c3.

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 , the extrusion gap 10c may further include a fourth extrusion gap 10c4. The second molding column 10e may define a second cavity 10e1 having a second sidewall 10e2. Multiple second extrusion gaps 10c2 surround the second cavity 10e1 and are respectively connected to the second cavity 10e1. The extrusion die 10 includes a third molding column 10f disposed within the second cavity 10e1. The third molding column 10f extends along the extrusion direction and defines a fourth extrusion gap 10c4 between the third molding column 10f and the second sidewall 10e2.

[0093] That is, each second extrusion gap 10c2 is connected to the fourth extrusion gap 10c4. During the extrusion process, part of the material passes through the fourth extrusion gap 10c4 to form the second annular structure 213 located within the medium body 21 shown in Figures 10 and 11. The interior of the second annular structure 213 forms an airflow channel 20a. Each support rib 212 is connected to the second annular structure 213. The first annular structure 211, the second annular structure 213, and the space between two adjacent support ribs 212 define additional airflow channels 20a. This structural form of the aerosol-generating medium 20 also has high strength and good stability, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the airflow channel 20a are relatively large.

[0094] In addition, for the central heating method, the heating component can also be inserted into the air flow channel 20a located in the second annular structure 213 to bake and heat the aerosol generating medium 20 from the inside out.

[0095] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 19 to 22, the extrusion gap 10c may include a fifth extrusion gap 10c5, and the extrusion mold 10 may be provided with a fourth molding column 10g in the first cavity 10a. The fourth molding column 10g extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion mold 10, and a fifth extrusion gap 10c5 connected to each first extrusion gap 10c1 is defined between the fourth molding column 10g and the plurality of first molding columns 10d.

[0096] Specifically, during the extrusion process, part of the material passes through the fifth extrusion gap 10c5 and can also form the first annular structure 211 shown in Figure 23, except that the medium body 21 of the aerosol generating medium 20 does not have a support rib 212 inside, but only has an air flow channel 20a with a larger cross-sectional size.

[0097] In addition, when the widths of different extrusion gaps 10c differ greatly, the pressure at each extrusion gap 10c cannot be kept relatively uniform, that is, the pressure at some extrusion gaps 10c is relatively high, while the pressure at other extrusion gaps 10c is relatively low. The material is easily extruded from the extrusion gap 10c with a lower pressure, but is difficult or even impossible to extrude from the extrusion gap 10c with a higher pressure. Therefore, in order to ensure that the pressure at each extrusion gap 10c is relatively uniform, so as to avoid the material being extruded only from the extrusion gap 10c with a lower pressure,

[0098] In order to reduce the qualified rate of the aerosol generating medium 20, the widths of all the extrusion gaps 10c should be substantially the same or similar.

[0099] For example, among all the extrusion gaps 10c, the width dimension of at least one extrusion gap 10c may be smaller than the width dimension of another extrusion gap 10c. The width dimension of an extrusion gap 10c refers to the distance between two opposing sidewalls of the extrusion gap 10c. The width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c with the smallest width dimension is no less than 70% of the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c with the largest width dimension. For example, if the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c with the largest width dimension is 1 mm, the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c with the smallest width dimension may be equal to 0.7 mm, or may be greater than 0.7 mm and less than 1 mm.

[0100] Taking the extrusion die 10 shown in FIG5 as an example, the width dimension of at least one of the extrusion gaps 10c, which is equivalent to the width dimensions D11 and D12 of the first extrusion gap 10c1, the width dimension D2 of the second extrusion gap 10c2, the width dimension D3 of the third extrusion gap 10c3, and the width dimension D4 of the fourth extrusion gap 10c4 in FIG5, can be smaller than the width dimension of another extrusion gap 10c. For example, the width dimension D2 of the second extrusion gap 10c2, the width dimension D3 of the third extrusion gap 10c3, and the width dimension D4 of the fourth extrusion gap 10c4 in FIG5 are the same, while the width dimension D1 of the first extrusion gap 10c1 is relatively small. Therefore, any one of the second extrusion gap 10c2, the third extrusion gap 10c3 and the fourth extrusion gap 10c4 can be used as the extrusion gap 10c with the largest width dimension, and the first extrusion gap 10c1 is the extrusion gap 10c with the smallest width dimension. Taking the second extrusion gap 10c2 as an example, the width dimension D1 of the first extrusion gap 10c1 is not less than 70% of the width dimension D2 of the second extrusion gap 10c2.

[0101] It should be noted that if the extrusion gap 10c with the smallest width dimension is a structure of equal width, then the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c has only one value, which is equivalent to the width dimensions of the extrusion gap 10c at all positions being the same. If the extrusion gap 10c with the smallest width dimension is a structure of non-equal width, that is, the width dimensions of the extrusion gap 10c at some positions are relatively large, and the width dimensions at some positions are relatively small, then the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c refers to the minimum value of all its width dimensions.

[0102] Similarly, if the extrusion gap 10c with the largest width dimension is a structure of equal width, then the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c has only one value. If the extrusion gap 10c with the largest width dimension is a structure of non-equal width, then the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10c refers to the maximum value of all its width dimensions.

[0103] For example, the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10 c with the smallest width dimension may be 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the width dimension of the extrusion gap 10 c with the largest width dimension.

[0104] In other embodiments, the width dimensions of all the extrusion gaps 10c on the extrusion die 10 may also be the same. Taking the extrusion die 10 shown in Figure 5 as an example, the width dimension D1 of the first extrusion gap 10c1, the width dimension D2 of the second extrusion gap 10c2, the width dimension D3 of the third extrusion gap 10c3, and the width dimension D4 of the fourth extrusion gap 10c4 in Figure 5 may all be the same. That is to say, no matter how many extrusion gaps 10c are set, each extrusion gap 10c has an equal width structure, and the width dimension of each extrusion gap 10c is also the same, which is equivalent to the aerosol generating medium 20 and the parts corresponding to each extrusion gap 10c have the same width dimension.

[0105] In addition, regardless of whether the width dimensions of all extrusion gaps are the same, preferably, the width dimension of each extrusion gap can be in the range of 0.1mm to 1.2mm. For example, the width dimension of each extrusion gap can be 0.1mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 0.9mm, 1.1mm, and 1.2mm.

[0106] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 , the extrusion die 10 may include a first die 11 , and the first die 11 is provided with a first cavity 10 a and a plurality of first molding columns 10 d .

[0107] For example, referring to Figures 1 to 3, 6, and 9, one end of the first cavity 10a has a discharge port (not shown in the figure), which is the outlet for the material to be extruded from the extrusion mold 10. Multiple first molding columns 10d can be set at the discharge port, that is, the material forms a protruding structure 22 when passing through the discharge port.

[0108] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4, 7, and 9, the extrusion die 10 may include a second die 12 having a second molding column 10e. The second molding column 10e has a plurality of second extrusion gaps 10c2. The second extrusion gaps 10c2 extend through the second molding column 10e along its extension direction, and each second extrusion gap 10c2 extends through the outer wall of the second molding column 10e. The second die 12 is connected to the first die 11. The second molding column 10e extends into the first mold cavity 10a. It is understood that after extending into the first mold cavity 10a, the extension direction of the second molding column 10e is the same as the extrusion direction of the extrusion die 10. A third extrusion gap 10c3 is defined between the second molding column 10e and the plurality of first molding columns 10d, which is connected to each of the first extrusion gaps 10c1 and each of the second extrusion gaps 10c2.

[0109] The second mold 12 and the first mold 11 can be detachably connected. For example, the second mold 12 and the first mold 11 shown in FIG1 are fastened together by bolts 15. In other embodiments, the second mold 12 and the first mold 11 can also be non-detachably connected. For example, the second mold 12 can be welded to the first mold 11.

[0110] After the second mold 12 is connected to the first mold 11, the second molding column 10e extends into the first mold cavity 10a, thereby forming a third extrusion gap 10c3.

[0111] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 , the second molding column 10e is provided with a second cavity 10e1 having a second sidewall 10e2, and a plurality of second extrusion gaps 10c2 surround the second cavity 10e1. The extrusion die 10 also includes a third die 13 provided with a third molding column 10f. The third die 13 is connected to the second die 12. The third molding column 10f extends into the second cavity 10e1 and defines a fourth extrusion gap 10c4 between the third molding column 10f and the second sidewall 10e2.

[0112] The third mold 13 and the second mold 12 can also be detachably connected. For example, the bolt 15 shown in Figure 1 passes through the first mold 11, the second mold 12 and the third mold 13 at the same time to firmly connect the first mold 11, the second mold 12 and the third mold 13. In some embodiments, the third mold 13 and the second mold 12 can also be firmly connected by the bolt 15 alone.

[0113] In other embodiments, the third mold 13 and the second mold 12 may also be non-detachably connected. For example, the third mold 13 may be welded to the second mold 12 .

[0114] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 19 to 22, the extrusion mold 10 includes a fourth mold 14 provided with a fourth molding column 10g, the fourth mold 14 is connected to the first mold 11, the fourth molding column 10g extends into the first cavity 10a, and defines a fifth extrusion gap 10c5 connected to each first extrusion gap 10c1 between the fourth molding column 10g and the multiple first molding columns 10d.

[0115] The fourth mold 14 and the first mold 11 may also be detachably connected. For example, the fourth mold 14 shown in FIG19 is fastened to the first mold 11 by bolts 15. In other embodiments, the fourth mold 14 and the first mold 11 may also be non-detachably connected. For example, the fourth mold 14 may be welded to the first mold 11.

[0116] That is to say, the second mold 12, the third mold 13 and the fourth mold 14 can all be used in conjunction with the first mold 11 to combine different extrusion molds 10. In particular, when the first mold 11, the second mold 12, the third mold 13 and the fourth mold 14 are all detachable structures, only one first mold 11 is needed to be configured, and it can be used in conjunction with the second mold 12, the third mold 13 and the fourth mold 14. In this way, the versatility of the first mold 11 can be improved, and the cost of the extrusion mold 10 can be reduced.

[0117] In other embodiments, the extrusion die 10 may not be provided with the first die 11, the second die 12, the third die 13 and the fourth die 14. For example, the extrusion die 10 may be an integrated structure, on which corresponding molding columns and extrusion gaps 10c are formed.

[0118] In the description of this application, the descriptions with reference to the terms "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of the present application. In this application, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine different embodiments or examples described in this application and features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.

[0119] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An extrusion die for making an aerosol-generating article, comprising: A first cavity having a first sidewall, the first cavity having at least one extrusion gap therein, the extrusion gap comprising a first extrusion gap; A plurality of first molding columns are arranged on the first side wall, the plurality of first molding columns are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the first cavity, and each of the first molding columns protrudes into the first cavity, so that the first extrusion gap is defined between two adjacent first molding columns. 2 . The extrusion die according to claim 1 , wherein a width dimension of the first molding column on a side close to the first side wall is smaller than a width dimension of the first molding column on a side away from the first side wall.

3. The extrusion die according to claim 2, wherein the first molding column comprises a rod portion and a main body portion, wherein the rod portion is located between the first side wall and the main body portion; and a width dimension of the rod portion is smaller than a width dimension of the main body portion. 4 . The extrusion die according to claim 3 , wherein the distance between two adjacent main body parts gradually increases or remains unchanged from a side close to the first side wall to a side far from the first side wall. 5 . The extrusion die according to claim 1 , wherein a width dimension of the first molding column gradually decreases or remains unchanged from a side close to the first side wall to a side far from the first side wall.

6. According to the extrusion die of any one of claims 1 to 5, the shapes of the first molding columns are the same; or, among all the first molding columns, at least some of the first molding columns have different shapes.

7. According to the extrusion die of any one of claims 1 to 5, the plurality of first molding columns are evenly or unevenly distributed along the circumference of the first cavity.

8. According to the extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, the extrusion gap includes a second extrusion gap and a third extrusion gap, the extrusion die includes a second molding column having a plurality of the second extrusion gaps, the second molding column is arranged in the first cavity and extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion die, the second molding column and the plurality of the first molding columns define the third extrusion gap connected to each of the first extrusion gaps; the second extrusion gap passes through the second molding column along the extrusion direction, and each of the second extrusion gaps is connected to the third extrusion gap.

9. The extrusion die according to claim 8, wherein one side of each of the second extrusion gaps is connected to the third extrusion gap, and the other side opposite to each of the second extrusion gaps is connected to each other at the center of the second molding column; and / or, The extrusion gap includes a fourth extrusion gap, the second molding column is provided with a second cavity having a second side wall, a plurality of the second extrusion gaps surround the circumference of the second cavity and are respectively connected to the second cavity; the extrusion mold includes a third molding column arranged in the second cavity, the third molding column extends along the extrusion direction, and defines the fourth extrusion gap between the third molding column and the second side wall.

10. According to the extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, the extrusion gap includes a fifth extrusion gap, the extrusion die includes a fourth molding column arranged in the first cavity, the fourth molding column extends along the extrusion direction of the extrusion die, and the fourth molding column and a plurality of the first molding columns define the fifth extrusion gap connected to each of the first extrusion gaps.

11. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the widths of all the extrusion gaps are the same; or, Among all the extrusion gaps, at least one extrusion gap has a width dimension that is smaller than another extrusion gap, wherein: The width dimension of the extrusion gap with the smallest width dimension is not less than 70% of the width dimension of the extrusion gap with the largest width dimension. 12 . The extrusion die according to claim 11 , wherein the width of each of the extrusion gaps is 0.1 mm to 1.2 mm. 13 . The extrusion die according to claim 1 , comprising a first die, wherein the first die is provided with the first cavity and a plurality of the first molding columns. 14 . The extrusion die according to claim 13 , wherein one end of the first cavity has a discharge port, and a plurality of the first molding columns are disposed at the discharge port.

15. The extrusion die according to claim 13, wherein the extrusion gap comprises a second extrusion gap and a third extrusion gap, the extrusion die comprises a second die provided with a second molding column, the second molding column has a plurality of the second extrusion gaps, the second extrusion gaps penetrate the second molding column along the extension direction of the second molding column, and each of the second extrusion gaps penetrates the outer side wall of the second molding column; The second mold is connected to the first mold, the second molding column extends into the first mold cavity, and the second molding column and the plurality of first molding columns define the third extrusion gap respectively connected to the first extrusion gaps and the second extrusion gaps.

16. The extrusion die according to claim 15, wherein the extrusion gap comprises a fourth extrusion gap, the second molding column is provided with a second cavity having a second side wall, and a plurality of the second extrusion gaps surround the circumference of the second cavity; The extrusion die includes a third die provided with a third molding column, the third die is connected to the second die, the third molding column extends into the second cavity, and defines the fourth extrusion gap between the third molding column and the second side wall.

17. According to the extrusion die of claim 13, the extrusion gap includes a fifth extrusion gap, the extrusion die includes a fourth die provided with a fourth molding column, the fourth die is connected to the first die, the fourth molding column extends into the first cavity, and the fifth extrusion gap connected to each of the first extrusion gaps is defined between the fourth molding column and the plurality of the first molding columns.

Images