Extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating article

Abstract

Provided is an extrusion die (10) for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article. The extrusion die comprises a die sleeve (11) and a die core assembly (12). The die sleeve (11) is provided with a discharge channel (111a). The die core assembly (12) comprises a first die core (121) and a second die core (122). The first die core (121) has a feeding portion (1211), an extrusion portion (1212) and a molding channel (121a), wherein the extrusion portion (1212) is arranged at the end of the feeding portion (1211) in a first direction of the first die core (121); the molding channel (121a) runs through the feeding portion (1211) and the extrusion portion (1212); the feeding portion (1211) has a plurality of first feeding channels (1211a) annularly arranged on the outer peripheral side of the molding channel (121a); the extrusion portion (1212) has a plurality of first extrusion channels (1212a) annularly arranged on the outer peripheral side of the molding channel (121a), the first extrusion channels (1212a) being correspondingly in communication with the first feeding channels (1211a); the extrusion portion (1212) extends into the discharge channel (111a), and is spaced apart from an inner side wall of the discharge channel (111a), such that a second extrusion channel (1212b) surrounding the outer peripheral side of the extrusion portion (1212) is formed between the extrusion portion (1212) and the inner side wall; and the second die core (122) extends into the molding channel (121a). The extrusion die provided therein has a simple structure and is convenient to use.

Description

An extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] The present application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410781296.9, filed on June 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of molds, in particular to an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article. BACKGROUND

[0004] In related technologies, in order to meet the diversified needs of users, the forms of aerosol-generating articles are also increasingly diversified, including a filamentous form made by a thick paste method, a rolling method, etc., and an integrated form made by an extrusion method, etc. Among them, the extrusion method is a way of extruding through a forming die to obtain a solid medium with a stable three-dimensional structure.

[0005] However, the structure of the extrusion die for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article by the extrusion method is relatively complex and is not convenient to use. SUMMARY

[0006] Therefore, the embodiments of the present application aim to provide an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article to solve the technical problem that the structure of the extrusion die for manufacturing the aerosol-generating article by the extrusion method is relatively complex and is not convenient to use in related technologies.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiments of the present application provide an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, comprising:

[0008] a die sleeve, the die sleeve being provided with a discharging channel;

[0009] a die core assembly, the die core assembly comprising a first die core and a second die core, the first die core having a feeding portion, an extruding portion and a forming channel, the extruding portion being arranged at one end of the feeding portion along a first direction of the first die core, the forming channel penetrating through the feeding portion and the extruding portion; the feeding portion having a plurality of first feeding channels arranged around the outer periphery of the forming channel, the extruding portion having a plurality of first extruding channels arranged around the outer periphery of the forming channel, the first extruding channels being in communication with the first feeding channels correspondingly; the extruding portion extending into the discharging channel and being spaced apart from the inner side wall of the discharging channel, so that the second extruding channel is formed between the extruding portion and the inner side wall and surrounds the outer periphery of the extruding portion; the second die core extending into the forming channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the forming channel comprises a positioning section arranged at the feeding portion and a forming section arranged at the extruding portion, the second mold core comprises a positioning column and a forming column, the positioning column is connected with the feeding portion, and at least part of the positioning column is arranged in the positioning section, and the forming column is arranged in the forming section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the positioning column comprises a riveting head and a column body, the riveting head and the forming column are arranged at opposite ends of the column body respectively, the column body is arranged in the positioning section, the forming column is arranged in the forming section, and the riveting head is riveted with the feeding portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the forming channel further comprises a riveting section arranged at the feeding portion, the riveting section is located at one end of the positioning section away from the forming section, and the riveting head is arranged in the riveting section.

[0013] In one embodiment, the positioning column is welded with the feeding portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the forming channel further comprises a bevel section arranged at the feeding portion, the bevel section is located at one end of the positioning section away from the forming section, and a cross-sectional area of the bevel section gradually increases from one end close to the positioning section to one end away from the positioning section.

[0015] In one embodiment, the forming column is provided with external threads, the positioning section is provided with internal threads, and the external threads are threadedly matched with the internal threads.

[0016] In one embodiment, an outer contour of the positioning section is smaller in size than an outer contour of the forming section, so that a step surface is formed at a junction of the forming section and the positioning section and faces the forming section, and an outer contour of the positioning column is smaller in size than an outer contour of the forming column, and the forming column abuts against the step surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, an outer side wall of the forming column is arranged in spaced relation with the extruding portion, so that a third extruding channel is formed between the outer side wall and the extruding portion and surrounds an outer peripheral side of the second mold core, and the feeding portion further has a second feeding channel, and the second feeding channel communicates with the third extruding channel.

[0018] In one embodiment, the number of the second feeding channels is multiple, and multiple second feeding channels are arranged in spaced relation around an outer peripheral side of the positioning section; and / or,

[0019] A width dimension of the third extruding channel is 0.05mm-0.8mm.

[0020] In one embodiment, the distance between the outer sidewall of the forming post and the extrusion portion is 0mm-0.03mm.

[0021] In one embodiment, the extrusion die comprises at least two of the second mold cores, wherein the outer sidewall of the forming post of one of the second mold cores forms the third extrusion channel with the extrusion portion, and wherein the distance between the outer sidewall of the forming post of another of the second mold cores and the extrusion portion is 0mm-0.03mm, and the first mold core is detachably connected to each of the second mold cores alternatively; or,

[0022] The extrusion die comprises at least two of the mold core assemblies, wherein in one of the mold core assemblies, the outer sidewall of the forming post of the second mold core forms the third extrusion channel with the extrusion portion of the first mold core, and wherein in another of the mold core assemblies, the distance between the outer sidewall of the forming post of the second mold core and the extrusion portion of the first mold core is 0mm-0.03mm, and the mold jacket is detachably connected to each of the mold core assemblies alternatively.

[0023] In one embodiment, the extrusion portion comprises a plurality of columns, and the plurality of columns are spaced apart to collectively define a plurality of the first extrusion channels.

[0024] In one embodiment, the distance between two adjacent columns is 0.05mm-0.8mm; and / or,

[0025] The shape of the cross section of the column perpendicular to the first direction is one of a circle, a polygon, an ellipse, a racetrack, and a special shape.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mold jacket comprises a main body portion and a die mounting portion for connecting to an extruder, and the main body portion is provided with the discharge channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, the size of the outer contour of the feeding portion is greater than the size of the outer contour of the extrusion portion, so that the extrusion portion and the feeding portion form a stepped structure, and the main body portion has a limiting groove in communication with the discharge channel, and at least part of the feeding portion is located in the limiting groove.

[0028] In one embodiment, the die mounting portion is provided with a threaded hole, and the threaded hole is located on the side of the limiting groove away from the discharge channel and in communication with the limiting groove.

[0029] In one embodiment, the width of the second extrusion channel is 0.05mm-0.8mm.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first mold core and the mold jacket are connected by a sleeve joint or a fastening joint to achieve detachable connection.

[0031] In one implementation, a shape of a cross section of the first feeding channel perpendicular to the first direction is circular or square; and / or,

[0032] A shape of a cross section of the second extrusion channel perpendicular to the first direction is one of circular ring, polygonal ring, elliptical ring and racetrack ring.

[0033] The extrusion die for manufacturing the aerosol generating article provided by the embodiments of the present application can not only utilize the discharge channel provided on the die sleeve and the first die core of the die core assembly to define the second extrusion channel capable of forming the annular outer wall of the aerosol generating substrate, but also can form the heating channel of the aerosol generating substrate by extending the second die core into the forming channel of the first die core. The extrusion die is simple in structure and convenient to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a first extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application, and an aerosol generating medium is also shown in the figure;

[0035] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the extrusion die shown in Fig. 1;

[0036] Fig. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Fig. 1 from another perspective;

[0037] Fig. 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Fig. 1 from still another perspective;

[0038] Fig. 5 is an A-A sectional view of Fig. 4;

[0039] Fig. 6 is a B-B sectional view of Fig. 4;

[0040] Fig. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the die sleeve shown in Fig. 3;

[0041] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the die sleeve shown in Fig. 7;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the die core assembly shown in Fig. 3;

[0043] Fig. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the die core assembly shown in Fig. 9 from another perspective;

[0044] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the die core assembly shown in Fig. 9;

[0045] Fig. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the first die core shown in Fig. 9;

[0046] Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the first die core shown in Fig. 12;

[0047] Figure 14 is a schematic view of the structure of the second mold core shown in Figure 9;

[0048] Figure 15 is a schematic view of the structure of the aerosol generating substrate shown in Figure 1;

[0049] Figure 16 is a schematic view of the cross section of the aerosol generating substrate shown in Figure 15;

[0050] Figure 17 is a schematic view of a second mold core assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 18 is a schematic view of the cross section of the first mold core shown in Figure 17;

[0052] Figure 19 is a schematic view of the structure of the second mold core shown in Figure 17;

[0053] Figure 20 is a schematic view of a third mold core assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 21 is a schematic view of the structure of the second mold core shown in Figure 20;

[0055] Figure 22 is a schematic view of another extrusion die according to an embodiment of the present application, which shows a fourth mold core assembly;

[0056] Figure 23 is a schematic view of the cross section of the aerosol generating substrate extruded by the extrusion die shown in Figure 22. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "first direction" and the like is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 1. These orientation terms are only used to facilitate the description of the embodiments of the present application and simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] The embodiments of the present application provide an extrusion die 10 for manufacturing an aerosol generating article, please refer to Figures 1 to 14, the extrusion die 10 comprises a die sleeve 11 and a mold core assembly 12.

[0059] The die set 11 is provided with a discharge channel 111a. The die core assembly 12 comprises a first die core 121 and a second die core 122, the first die core 121 has a feeding portion 1211, an extruding portion 1212 and a forming channel 121a, the extruding portion 1212 is arranged at one end of the feeding portion 1211 along a first direction of the first die core 121, and the forming channel 121a penetrates through the feeding portion 1211 and the extruding portion 1212; the feeding portion 1211 has a plurality of first feeding channels 1211a arranged at the outer peripheral side of the forming channel 121a, the extruding portion 1212 has a plurality of first extruding channels 1212a arranged at the outer peripheral side of the forming channel 121a, and the first extruding channels 1212a are in communication with the first feeding channels 1211a correspondingly; the extruding portion 1212 extends into the discharge channel 111a and is spaced apart from the inner side wall of the discharge channel 111a, so that the second extruding channel 1212b is formed between the extruding portion 1212 and the inner side wall and surrounds the outer peripheral side of the extruding portion 1212; and the second die core 122 extends into the forming channel 121a.

[0060] The aerosol generating article is used in cooperation with an electronic atomization device having a heating element, and specifically, referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate 20, and the heating element heats and atomizes the aerosol generating substrate 20 to generate an aerosol for a user to smoke or for medical, beauty, etc.

[0061] There are various heating modes for the heating element, and exemplarily, the heating modes include center heating and peripheral heating. The center heating mode refers to that the heating element is inserted into the inside of the aerosol generating substrate 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating substrate 20. The peripheral heating mode refers to that the heating element is arranged at the periphery of the aerosol generating substrate 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating substrate 20. These heating modes can be electric resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, etc., which are not limited here.

[0062] The extrusion die 10 provided by the embodiments of the present application is used in cooperation with an extruder, such as a hydraulic ram extruder, a double screw extruder, a single screw extruder, etc., to manufacture all or part of the aerosol generating article by extruding and molding the material.

[0063] Extrusion molding refers to a processing method that the material is added to the extruder, the material is pushed forward by the screw through the action between the barrel and the screw of the extruder, and various cross-section products or semi-products are manufactured by continuously passing through the extrusion die 10 at the outlet of the extruder. The material formed by extrusion molding is in a strip shape.

[0064] The embodiments of the present application are described by taking the extrusion die 10 for manufacturing the aerosol generating substrate 20 in the aerosol generating article as an example. It should be noted that the aerosol generating article can only have the aerosol generating substrate 20, or can be a combination of the aerosol generating substrate 20 and other structures. For example, according to needs, the aerosol generating article can also be provided with a functional section at one end or both ends of the aerosol generating substrate 20. The functional section can only have a filtering function, or can have both filtering and temperature reducing functions. In some embodiments, the functional section can also be wholly or partially manufactured by the extrusion die 10.

[0065] The specific structure of the aerosol generating substrate 20 is not limited herein. For example, in an embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be made of the atomization medium itself, for example, made of a smoking flavor medium. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate 20 can also include a substrate and an atomization medium arranged on the substrate. The substrate can be, for example, a high-temperature-resistant carbon fiber. In this way, by arranging the substrate, the strength of the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be improved, and a certain degree of high temperature can be withstood without producing an odor.

[0066] The specific composition of the aerosol generating substrate 20 is not limited herein. For example, in an embodiment, the aerosol generating substrate 20 can include plant components, additive components, smoking agent components, adhesive components, etc.

[0067] In an embodiment, the plant components are one or more combinations of powders formed after crushing processing of tobacco raw materials, tobacco fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco fines, and flavor plants. The plant components are the core source of product flavor. Endogenous substances in the plant components, such as nicotine, enter the human body through atomization, promote the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, and thus obtain a physiological satisfaction feeling.

[0068] In an embodiment, the additive components can be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. The inorganic fillers include one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and diatomite. The inorganic fillers can provide skeletal support for the plant components, and at the same time, the inorganic fillers have micropores, which can improve the porosity of the wall material after the plant components are formed, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

[0069] The lubricants include one or more combinations of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. The lubricants can increase the flowability of the particles, reduce the friction between the particles, make the overall density of the particle distribution more uniform, and also reduce the pressure required for die forming and the wear of the die.

[0070] The emulsifier includes one or more of polyglycerin fatty acid ester, Tween-80, polyvinyl alcohol in combination. The emulsifier can slow down the loss of flavoring substances during storage to some extent, increase the stability of flavoring substances, and improve the sensory quality of the product. The emulsifier (also known as a surfactant) can reduce the interfacial tension between water-soluble and water-insoluble components in the mixed system, and form a relatively strong film on the surface of the droplets or a double electric layer on the surface of the droplets due to the charge given by the emulsifier, preventing the droplets from aggregating with each other and maintaining a uniform emulsion. The emulsification of two incompatible components can improve the consistency of product quality.

[0071] The function of the smoking agent component is to generate a large amount of steam when heated, thereby increasing the amount of smoke of the smoking article. In an embodiment, the smoking agent may, for example, include one or more of monohydric alcohols (such as menthol); polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol); esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate); monocarboxylic acids; polycarboxylic acids (such as lauric acid, myristic acid); or fatty esters of polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, erythritol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, Triactin, meso-erythritol, glycerol diacetate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, ethyl vanillate, glycerol tributyrate, lauryl acetate).

[0072] In an embodiment, the binder component is a natural plant extract, a non-ionic modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more of jambu polysaccharide, pullulan, fucoidan, locust bean gum, guar gum, xyloglucan in combination. The binder is in close contact with the component material of the product by wetting the interface, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby playing a role in binding the powders, liquids, etc. of the component materials. At the same time, the use of natural plant extracts, non-ionic binders can avoid the release of harmful substances such as methanol, formaldehyde, and propylene aldehyde caused by colloid modification, and improve the safety of the product.

[0073] Exemplarily, the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be a granular combination, which is a reconstituted tobacco medium, for example, a reconstituted tobacco medium containing smoking agent, tobacco, and the like. The aerosol generating substrate 20 of the granular combination is an integrated medium during heating and after stopping heating, and is not prone to disintegration and falling off, solving the problems of the existing thin sheet, filament, or scattered granular aerosol generating substrates, such as thin sheet loosening, filament components, granular components falling off, and difficulty in cleaning.

[0074] The discharge passage 111a is a passage for the material to pass through during extrusion.

[0075] The plurality of first feeding passages 1211a provided on the feeding portion 1211 of the first mold core 121 are passages for feeding the material into the first mold core 121 during the extrusion process, and the plurality of first extrusion passages 1212a provided on the extruding portion 1212 are passages for realizing the extrusion molding of the material.

[0076] It can be understood that the first direction is actually parallel to the extrusion direction of the material.

[0077] The first extrusion passages 1212a can be in one-to-one correspondence with the first feeding passages 1211a, or one first extrusion passage 1212a can be in correspondence with at least two first feeding passages 1211a.

[0078] The second extrusion passage 1212b formed between the extruding portion 1212 and the inner side wall of the discharge passage 111a and surrounding the outer peripheral side of the extruding portion 1212 is also a passage for realizing the extrusion molding of the material.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, 15 and 16, during the extrusion process, part of the material enters the first extrusion passage 1212a from the first feeding passage 1211a, and is then extruded from the first extrusion passage 1212a to form the airway wall 21 and the airflow passage 20a of the aerosol generating substrate 20, while another part of the material is extruded from the second extrusion passage 1212b to form the annular outer wall 22 of the aerosol generating substrate 20. The second mold core 122 can extend into the molding passage 121a to make the extruded aerosol generating substrate 20 have the heating passage 20b.

[0080] The airway wall 21 mainly plays a supporting role, which is equivalent to the skeleton of the aerosol generating substrate 20, and the annular outer wall 22 constructs the outer contour of the aerosol generating substrate 20. Both the airway wall 21 and the annular outer wall 22 can release aerosol during heating, and the airflow passage 20a is used to collect aerosol and make the aerosol flow along the airflow passage 20a, thereby making the aerosol be able to be delivered more smoothly and orderly through the airflow passage 20a, and thus effectively improving the aerosol extraction efficiency and improving the smoking experience.

[0081] The shape of the cross section of the first feeding passage 1211a perpendicular to the first direction is not limited, as long as it can realize feeding. Preferably, the shape of the cross section of the first feeding passage 1211a can be circular or square.

[0082] The structure of the first extrusion channel 1212a is not limited, as long as it can correspondingly communicate with the first feeding channel 1211a. Exemplarily, referring to FIGS. 5, 9, 11 and 12, the extrusion part 1212 can be provided with a plurality of columns 12121 which are spaced apart to jointly define a plurality of first extrusion channels 1212a. That is, in the process of material extrusion, the material passes through the spacing area between the columns 12121, so that the area where the material avoids the columns 12121 defines the airflow channel 20a of the aerosol generating substrate 20, and the spacing area between the columns 12121 defines the airway wall 21 of the aerosol generating substrate 20, so that the extruded aerosol generating substrate 20 can form a grid structure.

[0083] The aerosol generating substrate 20 in the grid structure not only can improve the structural strength, but also can improve the heat conduction rate in the heating process and the airflow uniformity of the aerosol, reduce the waiting time of the user in the smoking process, and further improve the smoking experience of the user.

[0084] The distance between the adjacent two columns 12121 can be designed as needed, but when the distance between the adjacent two columns 12121 is less than 0.05 mm, the wall thickness of the formed airway wall 21 is thin and the strength is low, and when the distance between the adjacent two columns 12121 is greater than 0.8 mm, the wall thickness of the formed airway wall 21 is thick, which is not conducive to the release of the aerosol in the airway wall 21, thereby resulting in low utilization rate of the aerosol generating substrate 20. Therefore, preferably, the distance between the adjacent two columns 12121 can be 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm (including the end point value), for example, the distance between the adjacent two columns 12121 can be 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, etc.

[0085] The shape of the cross section of the column 12121 perpendicular to the first direction is not limited, and exemplarily, the shape of the cross section of the column 12121 can be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangular, square, prismatic, etc.), elliptical, track-shaped, special-shaped, etc., wherein the special-shaped refers to other symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes other than the shapes listed above. The shape of the cross section of the airflow channel 20a of the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be circular, polygonal (including but not limited to triangular, square, prismatic, etc.), elliptical, track-shaped, special-shaped, etc.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, for the extrusion part 1212 provided with the column 12121, the second extrusion channel 1212b is actually formed by spacing all the columns 12121 located at the outermost side of the extrusion part 1212 and the inner side wall of the discharging channel 111a.

[0087] In other embodiments, the extrusion portion 1212 can also not be provided with the plurality of columns 12121, for example, the extrusion portion 1212 can be a solid structure in the shape of a column, and each first extrusion channel 1212a directly penetrates through opposite ends of the extrusion portion 1212 along the first direction (i.e., the first extrusion channel 1212a can adopt a structure similar to the first feed channel 1211a shown in FIG. 10).

[0088] The width dimension of the second extrusion channel 1212b can be designed as needed, but when the width dimension of the second extrusion channel 1212b is less than 0.05 mm, the wall thickness of the formed annular outer wall 22 is relatively thin, and the strength is relatively low, and when the width dimension of the second extrusion channel 1212b is greater than 0.8 mm, the wall thickness of the formed annular outer wall 22 is relatively thick, which is not conducive to the release of aerosol in the annular outer wall 22, thereby resulting in a relatively low utilization rate of the aerosol generating substrate 20, therefore, preferably, the width dimension of the second extrusion channel 1212b can be 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm (including the end point value), for example, the width dimension of the second extrusion channel 1212b can be 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, etc.

[0089] The shape of the cross section of the second extrusion channel 1212b perpendicular to the first direction is not limited, as long as it can extrude the annular outer wall 22. Preferably, the shape of the cross section of the second extrusion channel 1212b can be a circular ring, a polygonal ring, an elliptical ring, a racetrack ring, etc.

[0090] The heating channel 20b is a channel for inserting a heating element in the aerosol generating device into the aerosol generating substrate 20, that is, the aerosol generating substrate 20 with the heating channel 20b can be heated in a center heating manner.

[0091] In addition, the first mold core 121 and the mold sleeve 11 can be detachably connected to facilitate disassembly of the first mold core 121. The detachable connection between the first mold core 121 and the mold sleeve 11 is not limited, and exemplarily, the first mold core 121 and the mold sleeve 11 can be sleeved, that is, the part where the mold sleeve 11 is connected to the first mold core 121 surrounds the outer periphery of the first mold core 121, and the part where the mold sleeve 11 is connected to the first mold core 121 is fixed on the mold sleeve 11 by interference fit with the first mold core 121. The first mold core 121 and the mold sleeve 11 can also be fastened and connected by using fasteners such as screws and bolts to achieve detachable connection.

[0092] The extrusion die 10 of the embodiment of the present application can not only utilize the discharge channel 111a provided on the die sleeve 11 to cooperate with the first die core 121 of the die core assembly 12 to define the second extrusion channel 1212b capable of forming the annular outer wall 22 of the aerosol generating substrate 20, but also can form the heating channel 20b of the aerosol generating substrate 20 by extending the second die core 122 into the forming channel 121a of the first die core 121. The extrusion die 10 has a simple structure and is convenient to use.

[0093] In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the die sleeve 11 can include a main body portion 111 and a die mounting portion 112 for connecting with the extruder, and the main body portion 111 is provided with the discharge channel 111a.

[0094] The die mounting portion 112 is connected with the extruder to mount the extrusion die 10 on the extruder.

[0095] The manner in which the die mounting portion 112 is connected with the extruder is not limited, and exemplarily, referring to FIG. 7, the die mounting portion 112 can be provided with a threaded hole 112a, and the die mounting portion 112 is threadedly connected with the extruder through the threaded hole 112a.

[0096] In other embodiments, the die mounting portion 112 can also be fastened with the extruder by using fasteners such as screws and bolts.

[0097] The die sleeve 11 can facilitate mounting the extrusion die 10 on the extruder by providing the die mounting portion 112, thereby improving the convenience of using the extrusion die 10.

[0098] In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5, 7 to 11, the size of the outer contour of the feeding portion 1211 (the outer contour referred to in the present application refers to the outer contour of the cross section perpendicular to the first direction) can be greater than the size of the outer contour of the extruding portion 1212, so that the extruding portion 1212 and the feeding portion 1211 form a stepped structure, and the main body portion 111 can be provided with a limiting groove 111b in communication with the discharge channel 111a, and at least part of the feeding portion 1211 is located in the limiting groove 111b.

[0099] That is, the size of the outer contour of the limiting groove 111b matches the size of the outer contour of the feeding portion 1211, and the limiting groove 111b serves to limit the feeding portion 1211 to better ensure that the position of the extruding portion 1212 does not deviate greatly, so that the width size of the second extrusion channel 1212b at each position can be substantially uniform, thereby better ensuring that the wall thickness of the formed annular outer wall 22 can be substantially uniform.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8, for the mold mounting portion 112 provided with the threaded hole 112a, the threaded hole 112a can be located on the side of the limiting groove 111b away from the discharge channel 111a and in communication with the limiting groove 111b, so that the mold mounting portion 112 is not only convenient for threaded connection with the extruder, but also convenient for material passing.

[0101] In an embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11-14, the forming channel 121a can include a positioning segment 121a1 provided at the feeding portion 1211 and a forming segment 121a2 provided at the extruding portion 1212, and the second mold core 122 includes a positioning column 1221 and a forming column 1222, the positioning column 1221 is connected with the feeding portion 1211, and at least a part of the positioning column 1221 is arranged in the positioning segment 121a1, and the forming column 1222 is arranged in the forming segment 121a2.

[0102] That is, the second mold core 122 can be fixed by connecting the positioning column 1221 with the feeding portion 1211, and the forming column 1222 is arranged in the forming segment 121a2 for the heating channel 20b of the aerosol generating substrate 20 to be formed.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the size of the outer contour of the positioning segment 121a1 can be smaller than the size of the outer contour of the forming segment 121a2, so that a step surface 1211c is formed at the junction of the forming segment 121a2 and the positioning segment 121a1 towards the forming segment 121a2, and the size of the outer contour of the positioning column 1221 is smaller than the size of the outer contour of the forming column 1222, the forming column 1222 abuts against the step surface 1211c, so that the positioning column 1221 can better position the forming column 1222.

[0104] The way in which the positioning column 1221 is connected with the feeding portion 1211 is not limited, and exemplarily, referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the positioning column 1221 can include a rivet head 12211 and a column body 12212, the rivet head 12211 and the forming column 1222 are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the column body 12212, the column body 12212 is arranged in the positioning segment 121a1, the forming column 1222 is arranged in the forming segment 121a2, and the rivet head 12211 is riveted with the feeding portion 1211. That is, the second mold core 122 can be fixed on the first mold core 121 by riveting.

[0105] Please continue to refer to FIG. 11, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the forming channel 121a can be provided with a riveting section 121a3 at the feeding portion 1211, the riveting section 121a3 is located at one end of the positioning section 121a1 away from the forming section 121a2, and the riveting head 12211 is located in the riveting section 121a3. That is, the riveting head 12211 can be hidden in the riveting section 121a3, so as to not only avoid the riveting head 12211 protruding from the first mold core 121 to interfere with other structures of the extrusion die 10, but also avoid the riveting head 12211 protruding from the first mold core 121 to affect the installation of the extrusion die 10 on the extruder.

[0106] Exemplarily, please refer to FIG. 17 to FIG. 19, the positioning column 1221 can be welded with the feeding portion 1211, that is, the second mold core 122 can be fixed on the first mold core 121 by welding.

[0107] Please continue to refer to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the forming channel 121a can be provided with a bevel section 121a4 at the feeding portion 1211, the bevel section 121a4 is located at one end of the positioning section 121a1 away from the forming section 121a2, and the cross-sectional area of the bevel section 121a4 gradually increases from one end close to the positioning section 121a1 to one end away from the positioning section 121a1.

[0108] The bevel section 121a4 is actually a welding bevel for filling welding material. The setting of the bevel section 121a4 can improve the reliability of the welding of the positioning column 1221 with the feeding portion 1211.

[0109] In addition, please refer to FIG. 17, one end of the positioning column 1221 away from the forming column 1222 can be flush with the end face of the feeding portion 1211 located at the outer circumferential side of the bevel section 121a4, so as to facilitate welding.

[0110] Exemplarily, please refer to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the forming column 1222 can be provided with external threads, the positioning section 121a1 can be provided with internal threads, and the external threads are threadedly connected with the internal threads. That is, the second mold core 122 can be fixed on the first mold core 121 by threadedly connecting, and this setting mode can facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the second mold core 122.

[0111] In an embodiment, please refer to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 is spaced apart from the extrusion portion 1212, so that a third extrusion channel 122a surrounding the outer circumferential side of the second mold core 122 is formed between the outer side wall and the extrusion portion 1212, and the feeding portion 1211 further has a second feeding channel 1211b, which is in communication with the third extrusion channel 122a.

[0112] Specifically, the third extrusion channel 122a is a channel for realizing extrusion molding of the material, and the second feeding channel 1211b is a channel for feeding the material into the third extrusion channel 122a.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, 15 and 16, part of the material enters the third extrusion channel 122a from the second feeding channel 1211b and is extruded from the third extrusion channel 122a to form the annular heating channel wall 23 of the aerosol generating substrate 20. The space surrounded by the annular heating channel wall 23 is the heating channel 20b.

[0114] The width of the third extrusion channel 122a can be designed as needed, as long as the annular heating channel wall 23 of the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be formed. However, when the width of the third extrusion channel 122a is less than 0.05 mm, the wall thickness of the formed annular heating channel wall 23 is relatively thin, and the strength is low. When the width of the third extrusion channel 122a is greater than 0.8 mm, the wall thickness of the formed annular heating channel wall 23 is relatively thick, which is not conducive to the release of aerosol in the annular heating channel wall 23, thereby resulting in a relatively low utilization rate of the aerosol generating substrate 20. Therefore, preferably, the width of the third extrusion channel 122a can be 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm (including the end point value), such as 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, etc.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the feeding part 1211 can be provided with a plurality of second feeding channels 1211b, which are arranged at intervals on the outer circumferential side of the positioning section 121a1 to better ensure that the material can uniformly enter the third extrusion channel 122a.

[0116] In other embodiments, the feeding part 1211 can also be provided with one second feeding channel 1211b,

[0117] In another embodiment, referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the distance between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 and the extrusion part 1212 can be 0 mm to 0.03 mm (including the end point value), such as 0 mm, 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm, etc. That is, the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 can be in contact with the extrusion part 1212, or a gap greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 0.03 mm can be formed between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 and the extrusion part 1212.

[0118] When the distance between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 and the extrusion part 1212 is 0mm-0.03mm, the material can hardly pass between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 and the extrusion part 1212, please refer to FIG. 23, the formed aerosol generating substrate 20 still has a heating channel 20b, but does not have the annular heating channel wall 23 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, which is equivalent to that the aerosol generating substrate 20 is surrounded by the spaced air channel walls 21 to form the heating channel 20b. Such an aerosol generating substrate 20 can enable the heat generated by the heating element to be transmitted outward from the opening between the two adjacent air channel walls 21 during the heating process, so as to avoid the heat from being accumulated in the heating channel 20b for a long time, thereby better preventing the aerosol generating substrate 20 from being burnt, and further improving the user's smoking experience.

[0119] Further, the extrusion die 10 can be provided with at least two second mold cores 122, that is, the types of the second mold cores 122 can be two or more. The outer side wall of the forming column 1222 of one of the second mold cores 122 forms a third extrusion channel 122a with the extrusion part 1212, and the distance between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 of the other second mold core 122 and the extrusion part 1212 is 0mm-0.03mm. The first mold core 121 is detachably connected to each of the second mold cores 122. That is, the first mold core 121 can be detachably connected to one of the second mold cores 122 each time, and the first mold core 121 can be combined with different second mold cores 122 to extrude the aerosol generating substrate 20 with the annular heating channel wall 23 or without the annular heating channel wall 23, so that the form of the aerosol generating substrate 20 can be diversified to meet different product requirements.

[0120] In other embodiments, the extrusion die 10 can also include at least two mold core assemblies 12. In one of the mold core assemblies 12, the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 of the second mold core 122 forms a third extrusion channel 122a with the extrusion part 1212 of the first mold core 121, and in the other mold core assembly 12, the distance between the outer side wall of the forming column 1222 of the second mold core 122 and the extrusion part 1212 of the first mold core 121 is 0mm-0.03mm. The mold jacket 11 is detachably connected to each of the mold core assemblies 12. That is, the mold jacket 11 can be detachably connected to one of the mold core assemblies 12 each time, so that the aerosol generating substrate 20 with the annular heating channel wall 23 and the aerosol generating substrate 20 without the annular heating channel wall 23 can be extruded respectively.

[0121] In the description of the application, the description of the terms "in an embodiment", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", "in yet other embodiments", or "exemplary" etc. means that the particular feature, structure, material or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment or example of the application. The illustrative appearances of the above-mentioned terms in various places in the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the application can be implemented in any suitable combination of hardware and / or software for any real or theoretical computer system dependent on the particular needs and requirements of the application being implemented. Moreover, the different embodiments or examples of the application can be combined with each other and / or combined with the features of the different embodiments or examples without departing from the scope of the application.

[0122] The above description is merely illustrative of the application, and is not intended to limit the application. The application can be modified and varied in various ways, and it is therefore intended that the application encompass all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the application. Any modification or equivalent arrangement made during the life of the application shall be covered by the application.

Claims

1. An extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, comprising: A mold sleeve, wherein the mold sleeve is provided with a material discharge channel; A mold core assembly includes a first mold core and a second mold core. The first mold core has a feeding section, an extrusion section, and a forming channel. The extrusion section is disposed at one end of the feeding section along a first direction of the first mold core. The forming channel passes through the feeding section and the extrusion section. The feeding section has a plurality of first feeding channels arranged around the outer periphery of the forming channel. The extrusion section has a plurality of first extrusion channels arranged around the outer periphery of the forming channel. The first extrusion channels are correspondingly connected to the first feeding channels. The extrusion section extends into the discharge channel and is spaced apart from the inner sidewall of the discharge channel, so that a second extrusion channel is formed between the extrusion section and the inner sidewall, surrounding the outer periphery of the extrusion section. The second mold core extends into the forming channel.

2. The extrusion die according to claim 1, wherein the forming channel includes a positioning section disposed in the feeding section and a forming section disposed in the extrusion section, the second die core includes a positioning post and a forming post, the positioning post is connected to the feeding section, and at least a portion of the positioning post passes through the positioning section, and the forming post passes through the forming section.

3. The extrusion die according to claim 2, wherein the positioning post includes a rivet joint and a column body, the rivet joint and the forming post are respectively disposed at opposite ends of the column body, the column body passes through the positioning section, the forming post passes through the forming section, and the rivet joint is riveted to the feeding part.

4. The extrusion die according to claim 3, wherein the forming channel further includes a riveting section disposed in the feeding section, the riveting section being located at one end of the positioning section opposite to the forming section, and the riveting head being located in the riveting section.

5. The extrusion die according to claim 2, wherein the positioning post is welded to the feeding part.

6. The extrusion die according to claim 5, wherein the forming channel further includes a bevel section disposed in the feed section, the bevel section being located at one end of the positioning section away from the forming section, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the bevel section gradually increasing from the end closer to the positioning section toward the end farther from the positioning section.

7. The extrusion die according to claim 2, wherein the forming column is provided with an external thread, the positioning section is provided with an internal thread, and the external thread and the internal thread are threadedly engaged.

8. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 2-7, wherein the outer contour of the positioning section is smaller than the outer contour of the forming section, so that a stepped surface facing the forming section is formed at the junction of the forming section and the positioning section, the outer contour of the positioning post is smaller than the outer contour of the forming post, and the forming post abuts against the stepped surface.

9. The extrusion die according to claims 2-7, wherein the outer wall of the forming column is spaced apart from the extrusion part so that a third extrusion channel is formed between the outer wall and the extrusion part, surrounding the outer periphery of the second die core, and the feeding part further has a second feeding channel, the second feeding channel being in communication with the third extrusion channel.

10. The extrusion die according to claim 9, wherein the number of the second feed channels is plurality of, and the plurality of second feed channels are spaced apart and arranged around the outer periphery of the positioning section; and / or, The width of the third extrusion channel is 0.05mm to 0.8mm.

11. The extrusion die according to claims 2-7, wherein the distance between the outer wall of the forming column and the extrusion section is 0 mm to 0.03 mm.

12. The extrusion die according to claim 9, wherein the extrusion die comprises at least two types of second die cores, wherein the outer wall of the forming column of one type of second die core forms the third extrusion channel between it and the extrusion portion, wherein the distance between the outer wall of the forming column of the other type of second die core and the extrusion portion is 0 mm to 0.03 mm, and the first die core is detachably connected to each of the second die cores; or, The extrusion die includes at least two types of die core assemblies. In one type of die core assembly, the third extrusion channel is formed between the outer wall of the forming column of the second die core and the extrusion portion of the first die core. In another type of die core assembly, the distance between the outer wall of the forming column of the second die core and the extrusion portion of the first die core is 0 mm to 0.03 mm. The die sleeve is detachably connected to each of the die core assemblies.

13. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the extrusion section includes a plurality of pillars, the plurality of pillars being spaced apart to collectively define a plurality of first extrusion channels.

14. The extrusion die according to claim 13, wherein the distance between two adjacent columns is 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm; and / or, The shape of the cross-section of the column perpendicular to the first direction is one of the following: circular, polygonal, elliptical, racetrack-shaped, and irregular.

15. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the die sleeve includes a main body and a die mounting part for connection with an extruder, and the main body is provided with the discharge channel.

16. The extrusion die according to claim 15, wherein the outer contour of the feed portion is larger than the outer contour of the extrusion portion, so that the extrusion portion and the feed portion form a stepped structure, the main body portion having a limiting groove communicating with the discharge channel, and at least a portion of the feed portion being located within the limiting groove.

17. The extrusion die according to claim 16, wherein the die mounting part is provided with a threaded hole, the threaded hole being located on the side of the limiting groove opposite to the discharge channel and communicating with the limiting groove.

18. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the width of the second extrusion channel is 0.05 mm to 0.8 mm.

19. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first die core and the die sleeve are connected by sleeve or fastening to achieve a detachable connection.

20. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the shape of the cross-section of the first feed channel perpendicular to the first direction is circular or square; and / or, The shape of the cross-section of the second extrusion channel perpendicular to the first direction is one of the following: circular ring, polygonal ring, elliptical ring, and racetrack ring.

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