Forming apparatus for aerosol-generating substrate strip and production line

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a forming apparatus for an aerosol-generating substrate strip and a production line. The forming apparatus comprises an extrusion device, a rolling device and a shaping die, wherein the extrusion device is provided with a discharge port, the rolling device is arranged downstream of the extrusion device in a first direction and is in communication with the discharge port, the rolling device comprises at least one rolling group, each rolling group at least comprising a first roller shaft and a second roller shaft, rotation axes of the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft being parallel to a second direction, and the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft being spaced apart in a height direction; and the shaping die is arranged downstream of the rolling device, and is provided with a plurality of shaping channels distributed in the second direction.

Description

Equipment and production line for forming aerosol matrix strips

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410831300.8, filed on June 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of this application relate to the field of aerosol generation technology, and more particularly to a molding equipment and production line for aerosol generation matrix segment. Background Technology

[0004] Aerosol generating matrix can form aerosols by ignition or by heating without combustion. In the heated but non-combustible aerosol generating matrix, the aerosol generating matrix is ​​heated by an external heat source to a level sufficient to release aerosols. The aerosol generating matrix does not burn; instead, it is loaded with a smoke-generating agent, and aerosols are released by heating the aerosol generating matrix during use.

[0005] The aerosol generation matrix section typically includes multiple aerosol generation matrix strips. In related technologies, the aerosol generation matrix strips are extruded by forming equipment. However, the aerosol generation matrix strips extruded by the forming equipment in related technologies are prone to breakage, which affects subsequent related processes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present application aims to provide a molding equipment and production line for aerosol-generated matrix strips that can solve or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0007] The first aspect of this application provides a molding apparatus for aerosol generating matrix strips, the molding apparatus comprising: an extrusion device having a discharge port, the extrusion device being used to extrude a mixture from the discharge port; a rolling device disposed downstream of the extrusion device along a first direction and communicating with the discharge port, the rolling device being used to roll the extruded mixture into an aerosol generating matrix sheet, the rolling device comprising at least one rolling group, each rolling group comprising at least a first roller shaft and a second roller shaft, the rotation axes of the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft being parallel to a second direction, and the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft being spaced apart along a height direction, the first direction, the second direction and the height direction intersecting each other; and a molding die disposed downstream of the rolling device, the molding die having a plurality of molding channels distributed along the second direction, the plurality of molding channels being used to mold the aerosol generating matrix sheet into a plurality of aerosol generating matrix strips.

[0008] A second aspect of this application provides a production line for aerosol generation matrix segments, comprising: a molding device according to the first aspect of this application; a conveyor belt disposed downstream of the molding device for conveying the plurality of aerosol generation matrix strips; a bundling mechanism disposed on the side of the conveyor belt away from the molding device for bundling the plurality of aerosol generation matrix strips into an aerosol generation matrix bundle; and a packaging and cutting device disposed downstream of the bundling mechanism for packaging and cutting the aerosol generation matrix bundle into aerosol generation matrix segments.

[0009] The aerosol generation matrix strip forming equipment and production line of the present application embodiment can reduce the difference between the extrusion speeds of multiple aerosol generation matrix strips, thereby reducing the risk of aerosol generation matrix strip breakage or accumulation on the conveyor belt. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the production line for the aerosol generation matrix section according to an embodiment of this application;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the molding equipment according to an embodiment of this application;

[0012] Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the roller pressing device and the molding die in Figure 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the molding roller according to an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a feeding screw according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extrusion screw according to an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an extrusion screw according to another embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement mechanism according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the rearrangement of the aerosol generation matrix strips according to an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of aerosol generating matrix strips on the conveyor belt according to an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, molding equipment; 10, feeding device; 11, first feeding assembly; 111, first feeding bin; 111a, first feeding port; 112, conveying screw; 113, conveying housing; 113a, conveying channel; 12, second feeding assembly; 121, second feeding bin; 121a, second feeding port; 122, conveying pipe; 123, metering pump; 20, extrusion device; 211, rod; 212, threaded blade; 22, extrusion housing; 22a, discharge port; 22b, extrusion channel; 22c, feed inlet; 30, transition connector; 3 0a, Flow channel; 30aa, Shrinkage section; 40, Molding mold; 40a, Molding channel; 41, Molding roller; 41a, Molding groove; 50, Roller pressing device; 51, Roller pressing group; 511, First roller; 512, Second roller; 51a, Roller pressing gap; 52, Base; 52a, Roller pressing channel; 521, Guide section; 522, Roller pressing section; 523, Guide surface; 200, Conveyor belt; 300, Packaging and cutting equipment; 400, Bundling mechanism; 500, Arrangement mechanism; 501, Body; 502, Guide hole; 502a, First guide hole group; 502b, Second guide hole group. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0022] The specific technical features described in the specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different combinations of specific technical features can form different embodiments and technical solutions. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features in this application will not be described separately.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. "A plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of this application, the orientation or positional relationship of "first direction", "second direction" and "height direction" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. Among them, "first direction" is the direction indicated by arrow L1 in the accompanying drawings, "second direction" is the direction indicated by arrow L2 in the accompanying drawings, and "height direction" is the direction indicated by arrow L3 in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these orientation terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0025] In this application, the aerosol generating matrix segment is used to generate aerosols through heating. Exemplarily, the aerosol generating matrix segment can be used to generate aerosols by heating and combustion. The aerosol generating matrix segment can also be used to generate aerosols by heating without combustion. That is, the aerosol generating matrix segment is heated to a temperature below its ignition point to generate aerosols. The aerosol generating matrix segment does not burn during the aerosol generation process.

[0026] Specifically, an aerosol generation matrix segment can be a segmental structure composed of several aerosol generation matrix strips or sheets.

[0027] The aerosol generating matrix section is used in aerosol generating articles. The aerosol generating articles include the aerosol generating matrix section and a functional section. The functional section is located at one end of the aerosol generating matrix section along its longitudinal direction, and includes a filter section for filtering aerosols. The filter section is used to filter the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating matrix section.

[0028] Of course, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may not include the functional section.

[0029] Aerosol generating products are intended for users to inhale the aerosols generated by the aerosol generating matrix section. For example, users can inhale the filtered aerosols through the filter section. The aerosols generated by the aerosol generating matrix section are transported to the filter section under suction negative pressure.

[0030] The aerosol generating product is intended for use in conjunction with an aerosol generating apparatus having a heating element. Specifically, the heating element heats and atomizes the aerosol generating matrix section to generate an aerosol.

[0031] There are various heating methods for heating components. Exemplary methods include center heating, peripheral heating, and / or bottom heating. Center heating involves inserting the heating component inside the aerosol-generating product to bake it from the inside out. Peripheral heating involves placing the heating component around the aerosol-generating product to bake it from the outside in. Bottom heating involves placing the heating component at the bottom of the aerosol-generating product, heating the air first, and then allowing the hot air to bake the aerosol-generating product from the bottom up.

[0032] It should be noted that the bottom of the aerosol-generated product is the end that is furthest from the functional section along its longitudinal direction.

[0033] The heating methods of the heating components include, but are not limited to, resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, or laser heating.

[0034] The embodiments of this application provide a molding device for generating aerosol matrix strips. Referring to Figures 2-4, the molding device 100 includes an extrusion device 20, a roller pressing device 50, and a molding die 40.

[0035] The extrusion device 20 has a discharge port 22a, which is used to extrude the mixture from the discharge port 22a. As described above, in actual use, the extrusion device 20 can continuously extrude the mixture from the discharge port 22a.

[0036] The specific structure of the extrusion device 20 is not limited. As an example, the extrusion device 20 may include an extrusion housing 22 and an extrusion mechanism. The extrusion housing 22 forms an extrusion channel 22b, and an outlet 22a is formed at one end of the extrusion channel 22b. The extrusion mechanism is disposed in the extrusion channel 22b and may include an extrusion screw 21.

[0037] Specifically, the extrusion housing 22 also has an extrusion channel 22b, with the discharge port 22a located at one end of the extrusion channel 22b and communicating with it, and the extrusion screw 21 rotatably disposed within the extrusion channel 22b.

[0038] Solid and liquid materials enter the extrusion channel 22b through the feed port 22c and are accommodated in the space between two adjacent threads of the extrusion screw 21. By rotating, the extrusion screw 21 provides an extrusion force to propel the solid and liquid materials along its axial direction. Simultaneously, during this axial movement, the screw provides an extrusion force to compress the materials. Under this force, the solid and liquid materials are kneaded and mixed to form a mixture, ensuring that the density of the mixture reaching the discharge port 22a meets requirements. The mixture, having reached the required density, continues to move under the extrusion force, being shaped through the molding channel 40a and extruded into a continuous, elongated aerosol matrix strip.

[0039] The method of driving the extrusion screw 21 to rotate is not limited. As an example, the first feeding assembly extrusion device 20 also includes a second drive member, which is drively connected to the extrusion screw 21, and the second drive member facilitates driving the extrusion screw 21 to rotate. The type of the second drive member is not limited, and it can be, for example, various types of drive motors.

[0040] It is understandable that by changing the rotational speed of the second drive component, the rotational speed of the extrusion screw 21 can be adjusted, thereby allowing the extrusion pressure provided by the screw 21 and the extrusion rate of the aerosol-generated matrix strip to be extruded.

[0041] Furthermore, in related technologies, the presence of air bubbles in the mixture can easily lead to breakage of the extruded aerosol-generating matrix strips, either directly or after drying, thus affecting production efficiency. In this embodiment, the extrusion screw 21 provides a certain extrusion pressure to the mixture. Under this pressure, it helps to expel air bubbles from the mixture; that is, the extrusion screw 21 functions as a venting mechanism, thereby improving the breakage phenomenon of the aerosol-generating matrix strips in related technologies and increasing the production efficiency of the aerosol-generating matrix strips.

[0042] The number of extrusion screws 21 provided in the extrusion channel 22b is not limited. For example, it can be one, two, or three, etc. For example, as shown in FIG2, two extrusion screws 21 are provided in the extrusion channel 22b, and the two extrusion screws 21 need to be arranged alternately.

[0043] The specific structure of the extrusion screw 21 for providing extrusion pressure to the mixture is not limited. Exemplarily, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the extrusion screw 21 includes a rod body 211 and threaded blades 212, the threaded blades 212 being disposed on the rod body 211 and extending helically along the axial direction of the rod body 211, the pitch of the threaded blades 212 gradually decreasing in the direction close to the discharge port 22a.

[0044] Therefore, as the mixture moves along the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21 towards the discharge port 22a, the gap between two adjacent screw threads gradually decreases, thereby compressing the containment space of the mixture. The mixture is subjected to extrusion force along the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21, thereby achieving the venting function. At the same time, it also makes the solid and liquid materials in the mixture mix more evenly, and the density of the mixture can meet the requirements.

[0045] In other embodiments, the extrusion screw 21 includes a rod body 211 and a threaded blade 212. The threaded blade 212 is disposed on the rod body 211 and extends spirally along the axial direction of the rod body 211. The radial dimension of the rod body 211 gradually increases in the direction close to the discharge port 22a.

[0046] In this embodiment, with the diameter of the extrusion channel 22b remaining unchanged, as the mixture moves axially toward the discharge port 22a along the extrusion screw 21, the gap between the sidewall of the rod 211 and the sidewall of the extrusion channel 22b gradually decreases, thereby compressing the space for the mixture. The mixture is subjected to at least radial extrusion force along the extrusion screw 21, thus achieving the venting function. At the same time, it also makes the solid and liquid materials in the mixture more uniformly mixed, and the density of the mixture meets the requirements.

[0047] In some other embodiments, along the direction close to the discharge port 22a, the pitch of the threaded blade 212 gradually decreases, and the radial dimension of the rod 211 gradually increases.

[0048] It should be noted that the extrusion mechanism is not limited to the extrusion screw 21 or other spiral extrusion mechanisms. For example, the extrusion mechanism can also be a push-type extrusion mechanism, as long as it can achieve the extrusion function.

[0049] The extrusion device 20 also has at least one feed port 22c through which material can be fed into the extrusion device 20. The material fed in here can be pre-mixed material or unmixed material, such as solid material and liquid material can be fed in separately. The unmixed material will be mixed into a mixture during the extrusion process of the extrusion mechanism.

[0050] Compared to pre-mixed materials, unmixed materials are in a dispersed state, which reduces the risk of clogging the feed inlet 22c during material feeding and facilitates precise control of the material feeding amount. In addition, the materials used to prepare aerosol generation matrix strips usually contain adhesives. Unmixed materials are mixed in the extrusion device 20 and will be extruded in a shorter time. Therefore, it can reduce the risk that the mixture will harden due to the evaporation of moisture from the adhesive and become impossible to extrude.

[0051] Furthermore, since the extrusion device 20 in this embodiment can continuously extrude the mixture, it can continuously and quantitatively feed the material. Here, "continuous quantitative feeding" means feeding the material into the extrusion device 20 at a certain speed. The advantage of continuous quantitative feeding is that it can keep the extrusion device 20 in a relatively full state of mixture, thereby improving the extrusion effect and reducing the risk of the extruded aerosol matrix strip breaking or the machine stopping due to insufficient material.

[0052] In some other embodiments, materials may be fed at intervals or all at once.

[0053] In some embodiments, the molding equipment 100 includes a feeding device 10, which is connected to the feed port 22c and is used to feed material into the extrusion device 20.

[0054] In one embodiment, the feeding device 10 includes a first feeding component 11 and a second feeding component 12. The first feeding component 11 is used to supply solid material to the extrusion device 20, and the second feeding component 12 is used to supply liquid material to the extrusion device 20.

[0055] In other words, the feeding device supplies solid and liquid materials to the extrusion device respectively. After the solid and liquid materials are mixed in the extrusion device to become a mixture, they can be extruded from the outlet relatively quickly.

[0056] In related technologies, solid and liquid materials need to be mixed first to obtain a mixture, which is then supplied to an extrusion device via a feeding device to produce aerosol generating matrix strips. The mixture contains adhesives and other components, which, on the one hand, result in high viscosity, making it prone to sticking to the feeding device and clogging the extrusion device's inlet; on the other hand, the mixture tends to harden over time, making extrusion difficult. Therefore, the extrusion of aerosol generating matrix strips is relatively difficult and has low production efficiency.

[0057] In this embodiment, the forming apparatus includes a feeding device 10 comprising a first feeding assembly 11 and a second feeding assembly 12. The first feeding assembly 11 supplies solid material to the extrusion device 20, while the second feeding assembly 12 supplies liquid material. The solid and liquid materials are mixed within the extrusion device 20 to form a mixture, which can be extruded relatively quickly through the outlet 22a and molding channel 40a to form an aerosol-generating matrix strip. On one hand, the mixture obtained after mixing the solid and liquid materials does not remain in the extrusion device 20 for an extended period, facilitating extrusion before the mixture hardens, thus reducing the extrusion difficulty of the aerosol-generating matrix strip. On the other hand, since the solid and liquid materials are mixed inside the extrusion device 20, their individual viscosities are relatively low, minimizing the risk of material sticking to both the first feeding assembly 11 and the second feeding assembly 12, and also reducing the risk of blockage at the inlet 22c of the extrusion device 20. Therefore, this improves the production efficiency of the aerosol-generating matrix strip.

[0058] Furthermore, the feeding speeds of the first feeding component 11 and the second feeding component 12 can be synchronously controlled with the extrusion speed of the extrusion device 20. That is, when the extrusion speed is fast, the feeding speed is also fast, and when the extrusion speed is slow, the feeding speed is also slow. As a result, the operation of the molding equipment 100 is relatively simple. At the same time, the mixing of solid and liquid materials by the extrusion device 20 does not require the use of a dedicated mixing device, which helps to simplify the production process of aerosol matrix strips.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 1. In one embodiment, the first feeding assembly 11 includes a first feeding bin 111 having a first feeding port 111a and a first conveying assembly having a conveying channel 113a. The first feeding bin 111 is used to contain solid material, the first feeding port 111a is connected to the conveying channel 113a, and the first conveying assembly is used to quantitatively supply solid material to the extrusion device 20.

[0060] It should be noted that solid and liquid materials are supplied in a certain ratio. The "quantity" here refers to the supply of solid materials in a set ratio, which can be set according to actual needs. In other words, the specific amount of solid material in the "quantity" can be adjusted.

[0061] The first feeding hopper 111 can store a certain amount of solid material. That is, the mixed solid material can be stored in the first feeding hopper 111, and the first conveying component delivers the solid material according to a set ratio. The solid material can enter the conveying channel 113a through the first feeding port 111a and be supplied to the extrusion device 20 through the conveying channel 113a. Therefore, during the production of the aerosol-generated matrix strip, there is no need for continuous manual feeding. The first conveying component can more precisely control the feeding speed of the solid material, thereby improving the yield of the aerosol-generated matrix strip.

[0062] The specific structure of the first feeding assembly is not limited. For example, please refer to FIG1. ​​In one embodiment, the first feeding assembly includes a feeding screw 112 and a feeding housing 113 having a feeding channel 113a. The feeding screw 112 is rotatably disposed in the feeding channel 113a. The feeding screw 112 feeds solid material quantitatively to the extrusion device 20 by rotating.

[0063] Solid material in the first feed bin 111 enters the conveying channel 113a through the first feed port 111a. The conveying screw 112, by rotating, can provide an axial force along the conveying channel 113a. Under the action of this force, the solid material can be conveyed along the axial direction of the conveying channel 113a. When it reaches the feed port 22c of the extrusion device 20, the solid material can fall into the extrusion device 20 under the action of gravity.

[0064] The method of driving the feed screw 112 to rotate is not limited. As an example, the first feeding assembly also includes a first driving member, which is drivenly connected to the feed screw 112, and the first driving member facilitates driving the feed screw 112 to rotate. The type of the first driving member is not limited, and it can be, for example, various types of drive motors.

[0065] It is understandable that by changing the rotation speed of the first driving component, the rotation speed of the feeding screw 112 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the feeding speed of the solid material.

[0066] Please refer to Figures 2 and 5. In one embodiment, the feed screw 112 is a constant pitch screw.

[0067] During the rotation of the feed screw 112, the solid material slides relative to the sidewall on one side of the screw thread axis, thereby propelling the solid material to move axially along the feed screw 112. Since the feed screw 112 is a constant-pitch screw, the pitch between adjacent screw threads remains constant. During the sliding process between adjacent screw threads, the solid material is not subjected to compressive force along the axial direction of the feed screw 112. This helps the solid material maintain its original state as it enters the extrusion unit 20, reducing the probability of agglomeration under compressive force and facilitating uniform mixing of solid and liquid materials within the extrusion unit 20.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the second feeding assembly 12 includes a second conveying assembly and a second feeding bin 121. The second feeding bin 121 is used to contain liquid material, and the second conveying assembly is used to quantitatively supply liquid material to the extrusion device 20.

[0069] It should be noted that solid and liquid materials are supplied in a certain ratio. The "quantity" here refers to the liquid material being supplied in a set ratio. This ratio can be set according to actual needs, meaning that the specific amount of "quantity" liquid material can be adjusted.

[0070] The second feeding hopper 121 can store a certain amount of liquid material. That is, the mixed liquid material can be stored in the second feeding hopper 121, and the second conveying component delivers the liquid material according to a set ratio. As a result, during the production of aerosol generation matrix strips, there is no need for continuous manual feeding. The second conveying component can control the feeding speed of the liquid material more precisely, thereby improving the yield of aerosol generation matrix strips.

[0071] The specific structure of the second feeding assembly is not limited. For example, please refer to FIG2. In one embodiment, the second feeding assembly includes a feeding pipe 122 and a metering pump 123 disposed on the feeding pipe 122. The second feeding bin 121 has a second feeding port 121a, the extrusion device 20 has an extrusion channel 22b, and the two ends of the feeding pipe 122 are respectively connected to the second feeding port 121a and the extrusion channel 22b.

[0072] The metering pump 123 can control the flow rate of liquid in the conveying pipeline 122, thereby enabling the quantitative supply of liquid.

[0073] The type of material conveying pipe 122 is not limited. For example, it can be a steel pipe, PVC pipe, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second feeding assembly may further include a nozzle disposed at one end of the feeding pipe 122 near the extrusion device 20, that is, the nozzle supplies liquid material to the extrusion device 20, and the liquid material can be sprayed onto the solid material more evenly, thereby facilitating the thorough mixing of the solid material and the liquid material.

[0075] In one embodiment, the extrusion housing 22 has a feed port 22c communicating with the extrusion channel 22b. The feeding device 10 supplies solid and liquid materials into the extrusion channel 22b through the feed port 22c. The feed port 22c is located on the periphery of the extrusion screw 21, and the discharge port 22a is located on the axial side of the extrusion screw 21.

[0076] Understandably, the space in the extrusion screw 21 used to accommodate solid and liquid materials is the space between two adjacent threads. By setting the feed port 22c on the periphery of the extrusion screw 21, after the solid and liquid materials enter the extrusion channel 22b, they can more easily enter the space between two adjacent threads of the extrusion screw 21. Thus, they can move along the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21 under the action of the extrusion screw 21, reducing the probability of solid and liquid materials being stuck at the feed port 22c and blocking the feed port 22c.

[0077] In addition, the extrusion force provided by the extrusion screw 21 is basically parallel to the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21. By setting the discharge port 22a on one side of the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21, it is convenient for the mixture to be extruded through the discharge port 22a.

[0078] The roller pressing device 50 is located downstream of the extrusion device 20 along the first direction and is connected to the discharge port 22a. The extruded mixture at the discharge port 22a will enter the roller pressing device 50 and be rolled into an aerosol generating matrix sheet. The molding die 40 is located downstream of the roller pressing device 50 and is used to shape the aerosol generating matrix sheet into multiple aerosol generating matrix strips.

[0079] Specifically, the roller pressing device 50 includes at least one roller pressing group 51, and each roller pressing group 51 includes at least a first roller shaft 511 and a second roller shaft 512. The rotation axes of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 are both parallel to the second direction, and the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 are spaced apart along the height direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect, and both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the height direction.

[0080] As an example, the first and second directions can be perpendicular or at any other suitable angle. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first direction can be parallel to the extrusion direction of the extrusion device 20 (e.g., parallel to the axial direction of the extrusion screw 21) and / or the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 200, and the second direction can be parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt 200.

[0081] It should be noted that the first direction may not be parallel to the extrusion direction of the extrusion device 20 or the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 200. For example, if the extrusion direction and the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 200 are horizontal, the first direction may be an upward or downward inclined direction. Similarly, the second direction may not be parallel to the width direction of the conveyor belt 200. Those skilled in the art can reasonably set it according to the spatial layout requirements of the actual production line, as long as it can ensure that the aerosol-generated matrix strip continuously extruded by the molding equipment 100 can be continuously conveyed by the conveyor belt 200 and maintain the desired integrity and continuity.

[0082] The specific number of roller pressing groups 51 is not limited; for example, it can be one, two, three, four, etc. Roller pressing groups 51 may also include other rollers spaced apart from the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 along the height direction. In this way, the mixture extruded from the discharge port 22a can be rolled into multiple aerosol generating matrix sheets. It should be noted that the number of rollers in each roller pressing group 51 should be the same, so that each aerosol generating matrix sheet can ultimately reach the molding die 40. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the number of roller pressing groups 51 and the number of rollers in each roller pressing group 51 according to actual manufacturing needs.

[0083] The specific structure of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 is not limited. It should be noted that the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 can be actively rotating. Specifically, the roller pressing device 50 may include a driving component (not shown in the figure). The driving component is used to drive the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51 to rotate synchronously, so that the mixture can pass through each pressing group relatively smoothly and at a near-uniform speed. Synchronous rotation here specifically means that each first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 rotates at the same time and at the same rotational speed. The rotational speed here can refer to the rotational speed of each roller shaft or the linear velocity of a point on the outer surface of each roller shaft.

[0084] In some other embodiments, the first roller 511 and the second roller 512 may also be passively rotated. It is understood that since the extrusion device 20 can continuously extrude the mixture, even if the mixture has been extruded into the rolling device 50, the first extruded mixture will still be pushed by the subsequently extruded mixture to move in the rolling device 50 along the first direction. The first roller 511 and the second roller 512 can be pushed to rotate during the movement of the mixture, thereby rolling the extruded mixture.

[0085] The molding die 40 has a plurality of molding channels 40a distributed along the second direction, thereby enabling the aerosol generating matrix sheet to be segmented along the second direction and molded into multiple aerosol generating matrix strips. It should be noted that the molding die 40 may also have molding channels 40a distributed along other directions. For example, in embodiments where the roll forming assembly 51 includes more rollers, it may roll-form a plurality of aerosol generating matrix sheets distributed along the height direction. In this case, the molding die 40 may have molding channels 40a distributed along the height direction. For example, the molding die 40 may have a group of multiple molding channels 40a distributed along the height direction, each group of molding channels 40a including a plurality of molding channels 40a distributed along the second direction.

[0086] In actual use, the molding equipment 100 is used to continuously extrude the mixture to form aerosol generating matrix strips. Here, "continuous extrusion" means continuously applying extrusion force to the mixture so that each aerosol generating matrix strip formed after the mixture is extruded is a basically continuous strip structure under ideal conditions. In other words, under ideal conditions, during the continuous extrusion process, the extruded aerosol generating matrix strips do not break along the extrusion direction.

[0087] Referring to Figure 1, the aerosol generating matrix strip is usually extruded onto the conveyor belt 200. The conveying of the conveyor belt 200 and the extrusion of the aerosol generating matrix strip are carried out synchronously. In other words, during the continuous extrusion process, the conveyor belt 200 is always in a conveying state. Thus, the continuously extruded aerosol generating matrix strip will be continuously transported to the subsequent workstation for processing.

[0088] In this scenario, a reasonable difference needs to be maintained between the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip and the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 200. If the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 200 is greater than the extrusion speed and the difference is large, the aerosol-generating matrix strip may be subjected to axial tensile force, increasing the risk of breakage. If the conveying speed of the conveyor belt 200 is less than the extrusion speed and the difference is large, the aerosol-generating matrix strip may stack on the conveyor belt 200, which is detrimental to subsequent processing.

[0089] In the molding equipment of related technologies, the extrusion speed of each aerosol generating matrix strip may not be uniform. For example, the mixture located in the middle position of the molding equipment along the second direction experiences relatively less frictional force from the molding equipment's own structure and is relatively close to the extrusion mechanism, thus resulting in a relatively large overall force in the extrusion direction. Conversely, the mixture located at the edge position of the extrusion shell along the second direction experiences relatively greater frictional force from the molding equipment's own structure and is relatively far from the extrusion mechanism, resulting in a relatively smaller overall force in the extrusion direction. This leads to the extrusion speed at the middle position of the molding equipment potentially being higher than the extrusion speed of the mixture at the edge position.

[0090] If there is a large difference in the extrusion speed between the various aerosol generating matrix strips, it may be impossible to maintain the extrusion speed and conveying speed of each aerosol generating matrix strip within a reasonable range, which may cause some aerosol generating matrix strips to break or accumulate on the conveyor belt.

[0091] In this embodiment, a roller pressing device 50 is added to the molding equipment 100. Each roller pressing group 51 of the roller pressing device 50 can provide a certain shear force to the aerosol generating matrix sheet. Thus, when the mixture is rolled to form an aerosol generating matrix sheet and arrives at the molding die 40, the force is more uniform at different positions on the cross-section (the cross-section perpendicular to the extrusion direction) of the aerosol generating matrix sheet. This reduces the difference in extrusion speed between multiple aerosol generating matrix strips, thereby reducing the risk of aerosol generating matrix strip breakage or accumulation on the conveyor belt.

[0092] In addition, the rolling process can expel some of the gas from the aerosol generation matrix sheet, thereby improving the toughness of the aerosol generation matrix strip and reducing the risk of breakage from another perspective.

[0093] In some embodiments, the roller pressing device 50 includes a plurality of roller pressing groups 51 distributed along a first direction. A roller pressing gap 51a is formed between the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51. Along the direction away from the discharge port 22a, the roller pressing gap 51a of each roller pressing group 51 decreases sequentially in the height direction. The dimension of the roller pressing gap 51a in the height direction specifically refers to the minimum distance between the outer surfaces of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512.

[0094] As an example, referring to Figure 3, along the direction away from the discharge port 22a, the dimensions of the roller gap 51a of each roller pressing group 51 in the height direction are D1, D2, and D3, respectively, where D1 > D2 > D3.

[0095] In this embodiment, since the roller spacing of each roller group 51 decreases sequentially, the mixture is subjected to more thorough compression when passing through each roller group 51, increasing the overall shear force during extrusion. This further improves the uniformity of stress at various locations on the cross-section of the aerosol generation matrix sheet, reducing the risk of aerosol matrix strip breakage or accumulation on the conveyor belt 200. Furthermore, the sequential decrease in roller spacing also further improves the venting effect, enhances the toughness of the aerosol generation matrix strip, and further reduces the risk of aerosol generation matrix strip breakage.

[0096] In some embodiments, the center points of the roller gaps 51a of each roller group 51 are located at the same height in the height direction. Thus, during the roller pressing process, the center points of the aerosol generating matrix sheet at various positions along the first direction will be substantially at the same height, thereby further improving the uniformity of its stress and reducing the possibility of the aerosol generating matrix sheet breaking due to torsion during the roller pressing process.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 in the same roller pressing group 51 have the same diameter, and the diameters of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51 increase sequentially in the direction away from the discharge port 22a. This results in the roller pressing distance of each roller pressing group 51 decreasing sequentially.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the rotation axes of the first roller shafts 511 of each roller pressing group 51 are located at the same height, and the rotation axes of the second roller shafts of each roller pressing group 51 are located at the same height, thereby ensuring that the center points of the roller pressing gaps 51a of each roller pressing group 51 are located at the same height in the height direction. Furthermore, in embodiments where the roller pressing device 50 includes a drive member, this arrangement also helps to simplify the transmission structure between the drive member and each roller shaft, thereby simplifying the structure of the roller pressing device 50.

[0099] It is understood that in some other embodiments, the rotation axes of the first rotating shafts of each roller pressing group 51 may not be at the same height, but may be successively lowered. Correspondingly, the height of the rotation axes of the second rotating shafts of each roller pressing group 51 is successively increased. In this way, the center point of the roller pressing gap 51a of each roller pressing group 51 in the height direction can also be located at the same height.

[0100] In some other embodiments, the diameters of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51 are the same, and the first roller shaft 511 is located on the top side of the second roller shaft 512. Along the direction away from the discharge port 22a, the height of the rotation axis of the first roller shaft 511 of each roller pressing group 51 decreases sequentially, and the height of the rotation axis of the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51 increases sequentially. Thus, the roller gap of each roller pressing group 51 decreases sequentially along the direction away from the discharge port 22a. Simultaneously, it is also possible to ensure that the center points of the roller gaps 51a of each roller pressing group 51 are at the same height in the height direction.

[0101] In some embodiments, still referring to FIG3, the roller pressing device 50 includes two bases 52 spaced apart along the height direction, and a roller pressing channel 52a communicating with the discharge port 22a is defined between the two adjacent bases 52. A first roller shaft 511 and a second roller shaft 512 are respectively disposed on the two bases 52, and a portion of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 extends into the roller pressing channel 52a.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 are disposed on the base 52, and only a portion of them extend into the roller pressing channel 52a. In this way, the overall volume of the roller pressing channel 52a can be reduced, making the distribution of the mixture in the roller pressing device 50 more concentrated, improving the roller pressing efficiency and roller pressing effect, and reducing waste.

[0103] As an example, the base 52 may be formed with rotating cavities corresponding to each roller shaft respectively, the rotating cavities having openings communicating with the roller pressing channel 52a, through which a portion of the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 may extend into the roller pressing channel 52a.

[0104] Furthermore, as described above, the roller press assembly 51 may include more rollers, and correspondingly, the roller press device 50 may also include more bases 52.

[0105] In some embodiments, the gap between the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 is adjustable. For example, the first roller shaft 511 and / or the second roller shaft 512 are slidably connected to the base 52, allowing the gap between the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512 of each roller pressing group 51 to be adjusted. Thus, the manufacturing requirements can be adapted by adjusting the gap between the first roller shaft 511 and the second roller shaft 512. In this embodiment, the specific manner in which the first roller shaft 511 and / or the second roller shaft 512 are slidably connected to the base 52 is not limited.

[0106] In some embodiments, the dimension of the roller pressing channel 52a in the height direction decreases in the direction away from the discharge port 22a. This allows for auxiliary extrusion of the aerosol-generating matrix sheet. Furthermore, in some of the embodiments described above, the roller gap 51a along each roller pressing group 51 decreases sequentially; that is, the aerosol-generating matrix sheet becomes increasingly thinner during the rolling process. The decreasing dimension of the roller pressing channel 52a in the height direction along the first direction allows it to adapt to the thickness changes of the aerosol-generating matrix sheet, further improving rolling efficiency and effect, and reducing waste.

[0107] In some embodiments, still referring to FIG3, the base 52 includes a guide section 521 and a roller section 522. The guide section 521 connects the extrusion shell 22 and the roller section 522. A first roller shaft 511 and a second roller shaft 512 are disposed on the roller section 522. The guide section 521 has a guide surface 523 on one side along the height direction. The guide surfaces 523 of the two bases 52 are disposed facing each other and extend toward each other in a direction away from the discharge port 22a.

[0108] Thus, before entering the roller pressing section 522, the extrusion medium is pre-pressed by the two guide surfaces 523, reducing its thickness to a certain extent, which facilitates subsequent roller pressing operations and helps improve production efficiency. On the other hand, it also helps to vent the mixture and improve its toughness. Furthermore, it also makes the overall height of the extrusion unit 20 no longer limited by the roller spacing of the roller pressing group 51 close to the extrusion unit 20, which helps to increase the throughput.

[0109] It should be noted that in some embodiments described above, the dimension of the roller pressing channel 52a in the height direction decreases in the direction away from the discharge port 22a. That is, the two opposing surfaces of the roller pressing section 522 also extend towards each other in the direction away from the discharge port 22a. In this case, the guide surface 523 can have a larger slope compared to the two surfaces mentioned above.

[0110] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4, the molding die 40 includes at least two molding rollers 41 spaced apart along the height direction. The rotation axes of the two molding rollers 41 are parallel to the second direction. The outer surface of each molding roller 41 is formed with a plurality of molding grooves 41a distributed along the second direction. The molding grooves 41a of the two molding rollers 41 are joined together along the height direction to form a plurality of molding channels 40a.

[0111] As an example, a ring-shaped closed structure is formed by extending circumferentially along the molding roller shaft 41. Thus, during the rotation of the molding roller shaft 41, the molding grooves 41a of two adjacent molding roller shafts 41 will always remain aligned along the height direction. The molding groove 41a can be, for example, a groove with a semi-circular, semi-elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or other shaped cross-section. That is, the cross-section of the molding channel 40a can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, rhomboid, etc. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the shape of the molding groove 41a according to the specific shape of the aerosol-generating matrix strip to be prepared.

[0112] In this embodiment, the molding die 40 also adopts the form of a roller. This ensures that the stress at various locations on the cross-section of the aerosol-generating matrix sheet is more uniform during the molding process, further reducing the difference in extrusion speed among multiple aerosol-generating matrix strips. On the other hand, it is understood that after being rolled by multiple roller groups 51, the aerosol-generating matrix sheet is relatively thin. The roller-type molding die 40 helps to align the aerosol-generating matrix sheet with the molding channel 40a in the height direction, improving the molding effect. Furthermore, during the molding process, the molding roller 41 has a certain degree of active cutting effect on the aerosol-generating matrix sheet, thus improving the molding effect and reducing waste.

[0113] In some embodiments, as described above, the roller assembly 51 may include more rollers, and correspondingly, the molding die 40 may also include more molding rollers 41.

[0114] In some embodiments, the two molding rollers 41 may also be respectively disposed in the two bases 52, and at least a portion of them may extend into the roller pressing channel 52a. This simplifies the structure of the molding equipment 100.

[0115] In some embodiments, regardless of whether the rollers in the roller group 51 rotate actively or passively, the molding roller 41 can rotate either passively or actively. In embodiments where the molding roller 41 rotates actively, the molding roller 41 can rotate synchronously with the rollers in the roller group 51 under the same driving member, or it can rotate under an independent driving member; there is no limitation on this.

[0116] In some embodiments of this application, the molding equipment 100 can form aerosol generation matrix strips of different specifications.

[0117] In related technologies, the aerosol generating medium segment, formed by packaging multiple aerosol generating matrix strips, has all aerosol generating matrix strips with identical specifications. These specifications include, but are not limited to, the composition, density, cross-sectional shape, and cross-sectional dimensions of the aerosol generating matrix strips. A potential problem with this is that it's difficult to ensure consistent aerosol release throughout the entire inhalation process, leading to significant differences in smoke volume between puffs and a poor vaping experience. In this embodiment, however, the forming device 100 can simultaneously prepare aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications. Therefore, the aerosol generating matrix segment can include multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of various specifications, increasing its filling rate and combining the advantages of different specifications, thereby improving the vaping experience and the uniformity of each puff.

[0118] In some embodiments, the molding die 40 forms molding channels 40a with different cross-sectional shapes and / or dimensions, thereby enabling the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously produce aerosol generation matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes and / or dimensions. It should be noted that the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the molding channel 40a here refer to the shape and dimensions of the flow section (the section perpendicular to the extrusion direction) of the molding channel 40a.

[0119] The cross-sectional dimensions of the molded channel 40a can specifically include the area of ​​the flow cross section and the maximum distance between two points on the flow cross section. If either of these is different, it can be understood that the cross-sectional dimensions are different.

[0120] The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the aerosol generation matrix strip refer to the cross-section of the aerosol generation matrix strip.

[0121] Specifically, the molding rollers 41 can form molding grooves 41a of various shapes and / or sizes. Thus, when the groove walls of the molding grooves 41a of two molding rollers 41 are joined, they will form molding channels 40a of various shapes and / or sizes. For example, some molding channels 40a may have a circular cross-section, while others may have a square or rhomboid cross-section. As another example, multiple molding channels 40a may have circular cross-sections, with the diameter of some of the molding channels 40a being larger than the diameter of others.

[0122] In some embodiments, the number of molding molds 40 can be multiple, and the multiple molding molds 40 can be arranged along the second direction or the height direction. The cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the molding channels 40a of the same molding mold 40 are the same, and the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the molding channels 40a of different molding molds 40 are different. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the molding channels 40a of the same molding mold 40 are the same, so that the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the prepared aerosol generating matrix strip can be flexibly adjusted by changing the mold.

[0123] In embodiments where multiple molding dies 40 are arranged along the height direction, the molding channels 40a of the multiple molding dies 40 do not overlap on the projection plane perpendicular to the height direction. This reduces the probability of the extruded aerosol matrix strips from the multiple molding dies 40 sticking together. The specific arrangement of the molding channels 40a of the multiple molding dies 40 can be found in the descriptions in the relevant sections above, and will not be repeated here.

[0124] In the above embodiments, there can be multiple extrusion devices 20, each corresponding to one of the multiple molding dies 40. It is understood that because the frictional force exerted on the aerosol generating matrix sheet by molding channels 40a with different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes varies, it may affect the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip to some extent. In this embodiment, however, there are multiple extrusion devices 20, each corresponding to one of the multiple molding dies 40, and the cross-sectional shape and / or size of the molding channels 40a in the same molding die 40 are the same. This ensures that the extrusion speed of the multiple aerosol generating media strips extruded from each molding die 40 has good uniformity.

[0125] In some other embodiments, one extrusion device 20 may also correspond to multiple molding dies 40.

[0126] In the above embodiments, the specific shape and size of the cross-section of the molding channel 40a are not limited. As an example, the maximum distance between two points on the cross-section of the molding channel 40a is 0.5-7 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, etc. The cross-sectional area of ​​the molding channel 40a can be 0.2-40 mm². 2 For example, it can be 0.2mm 2 0.4mm 2 0.6mm 2 1mm 2 2mm 2 3mm 2 4mm², 5mm², 10mm 215mm 2 20mm 2 25mm 2 30mm², 35mm², 40mm 2 The cross-sectional shape can be circular, elliptical, oblong, rectangular, rhomboid, polygonal, etc.

[0127] In some embodiments, there are multiple extrusion devices 20, which can be used to extrude mixtures with different components, thereby enabling the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously prepare aerosol generation matrix strips with multiple components. Alternatively, the multiple extrusion devices 20 can extrude the mixtures with different extrusion forces, thereby enabling the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously prepare aerosol generation matrix strips with multiple densities.

[0128] As an example, the density range of the aerosol-generating matrix strips can be 400-1500 mg / cm³. 3 For example, it can be 400mg / cm 3 450mg / cm 3 500mg / cm 3 550mg / cm 3 600mg / cm 3 650mg / cm 3 700mg / cm 3 750mg / cm 3 800mg / cm 3 ,850mg / cm3, 900mg / cm3, 950mg / cm 3 1000mg / cm 3 1100mg / cm 3 1200mg / cm 3 1300mg / cm 3 1400mg / cm3, 1500mg / cm3 3 wait.

[0129] In the above embodiments, multiple extrusion devices 20 can share a single molding die 40, that is, one molding die 40 can be simultaneously connected to the discharge ports 22a of multiple extrusion devices 20. Alternatively, each extrusion device 20 can correspond one-to-one with a molding die 40.

[0130] It should be noted that the structure of the molding die 40 is not limited to this. For example, the molding die 40 in the second embodiment described below can also be used. Those skilled in the art can choose according to the actual situation.

[0131] In some embodiments, the molding apparatus 100 further includes a heating element for heating the mixture in the extrusion apparatus 20.

[0132] In related technologies, the aerosol-generated matrix strips are typically dried after being formed. However, in this embodiment, the mixture is heated and dried within the extrusion device 20.

[0133] One advantage of heating the mixture in the extrusion unit 20 is that the post-extrusion drying steps and equipment can be simplified, eliminating the need to reserve a long space on the conveyor belt to perform these steps. This reduces the length of the conveyor belt, thereby reducing production line costs and increasing production efficiency.

[0134] Another advantage is that, since the mixture is at a relatively high temperature during extrusion, the solvent in the extruded aerosol generation matrix strip can evaporate quickly, which facilitates the rapid activation of the binder in the aerosol generation matrix strip, enhances the structural strength of the aerosol generation matrix strip, and further reduces the risk of breakage.

[0135] Another advantage is that most of the solvent in the aerosol generating matrix strip evaporates within a short time after extrusion. Therefore, during transportation, the shrinkage of the aerosol generating matrix strip due to solvent evaporation will be reduced, further reducing the risk of breakage.

[0136] As an example, the heating element may include structures such as an electric heating coil or an electric heating plate disposed on the outside or inside of the extrusion shell 22.

[0137] And / or, the heating element may include an electric heating wire disposed inside the extrusion screw 21 (or other extrusion mechanism). The advantage of disposing of the heating element inside the extrusion screw 21 is that it allows for more uniform heating of the mixture, improves heating efficiency and effect, and facilitates precise control of the heating temperature. Specifically, in embodiments where a heating wire is disposed inside the extrusion screw 21, the heating efficiency can reach over 85%, while in related technologies where aerosol-generated matrix strips are extruded and then dried, the drying efficiency is only 20%-35%.

[0138] An embodiment of this application also provides a production line for generating an aerosol matrix segment. Referring to FIG1, the production line includes a molding device 100, a conveyor belt 200, a gathering mechanism 400, and a packaging and cutting device 300.

[0139] The molding device 100 can be the molding device 100 described in any of the embodiments above, which is used to continuously extrude the mixture to form multiple aerosol generating matrix strips. A conveyor belt 200 is disposed downstream of the molding device 100 for conveying the aerosol generating matrix strips. A bundling mechanism 400 is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 200 away from the molding device 100 for aggregating the multiple matrix strips into an aerosol generating matrix bundle. A packaging and cutting device 300 is disposed downstream of the bundling mechanism 400 for packaging and cutting the aerosol generating matrix bundle into aerosol generating matrix segments.

[0140] The term "mixture" here refers to the components of the aerosol generating matrix, and its specific composition is not limited herein. For example, in some embodiments, the matrix strip may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke-generating agent components, adhesive components, etc.

[0141] In some embodiments, the plant-based ingredients are one or more combinations of powders formed from raw tobacco leaves, tobacco fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants after being crushed. The plant-based ingredients are the core source of the product's aroma. Endogenous substances in the plant-based ingredients, such as nicotine, enter the bloodstream through atomization, promoting the pituitary gland to produce dopamine, thereby generating a sense of physiological satisfaction.

[0142] In some embodiments, the plant components may include one or more of the following: tobacco, tea leaves, tea stems, dandelion, eucalyptus, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, fungi, insulin wood, astragalus, jujube seed, lentil, kudzu root, fennel, rosemary, star anise, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, rose, calendula, mugwort, olive, ginseng, American ginseng, mung bean, red bean, dried tangerine peel, nut shells, lily, coffee, agarwood, peppermint, hawthorn, licorice, cocoa, wood ear fungus, lotus seed, lotus leaf, ginger, fresh ginger, tartary buckwheat, and wheat bran. The mass percentage of the plant components in the aerosol matrix may be 20%-80% (including endpoint values).

[0143] In some embodiments, the auxiliary components may 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 diatomaceous earth. The inorganic fillers provide skeletal support for the plant components, and their micropores increase the porosity of the wall material after molding, thereby improving the aerosol release rate.

[0144] Lubricants include one or more of the following: candelilla wax, carnauba wax, shellac, sunflower wax, rice bran, beeswax, stearic acid, and palmitic acid. Lubricants can increase the flowability of particles, reduce friction between particles, result in a more uniform overall particle density, and also reduce the pressure required for mold forming, thus reducing mold wear.

[0145] Emulsifiers include one or more combinations of polyglycerol fatty acid esters, Tween-80, and polyvinyl alcohol. Emulsifiers can, to some extent, slow down the loss of flavor substances during storage, increase the stability of flavor substances, and improve the sensory quality of the product. Emulsifiers (also known as surfactants) can reduce the interfacial tension between water-soluble and water-insoluble components in a mixture, and form a more robust film on the surface of microdroplets or an electric double layer on the surface of microdroplets due to the charge given by the emulsifier, preventing microdroplets from agglomerating and maintaining a homogeneous emulsion. Homogenizing two immiscible components through emulsification can improve the consistency of product quality.

[0146] The function of the smoke-generating agent is to produce a large amount of vapor upon heating, thereby increasing the amount of smoke in the smoke-generating product. In some embodiments, 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-butanediol, 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 dodecanoate, dimethyl tetradecanoate, erythritol, 1,3-butanediol, tetraethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triactin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetic acid esters, diethyl caprylate, triethyl citrate, benzoyl peroxide, etc.

[0147] One or more combinations of benzoyl peroxide, phenylbenzyl acetate, ethyl vanillate, glyceryl tributyrate, and lauryl acetate.

[0148] In some embodiments, the adhesive component is a natural plant extract, a non-ionic modified viscous polysaccharide, including one or more combinations of tamarind polysaccharide, pullulan polysaccharide, seaweed polysaccharide, locust bean gum, guar gum, and xyloglucan. The adhesive achieves close contact with the component materials of the product through wetting at the interface, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby binding the powder, liquid, etc., components together. Furthermore, the use of a natural plant extract and a non-ionic adhesive avoids the release of harmful substances such as methanol, formaldehyde, and acrolein that can occur with colloidal modification, thus improving the safety of the product.

[0149] In actual use, the extrusion of the molding equipment 100, the conveying of the conveyor belt 200, the gathering of the binding mechanism 400, and the packaging and cutting of the packaging and cutting equipment 300 are carried out simultaneously. In other words, during the continuous extrusion process, the conveyor belt 200 is always in the conveying state. As a result, the continuously extruded aerosol generating matrix strips will be continuously conveyed to the binding mechanism 400. After passing through the binding mechanism 400, the aerosol generating matrix strips will be bound into aerosol generating matrix bundles, and then packaged and cut into aerosol generating matrix segments by the packaging and cutting equipment 300.

[0150] As mentioned above, the molding apparatus 100 of this application embodiment can improve the uniformity of the extrusion speed of each aerosol generating matrix strip, thereby reducing the risk of breakage during the conveying of the aerosol generating matrix strip, enabling the production line of this application embodiment to continuously produce aerosol generating matrix segments and improve production efficiency.

[0151] Furthermore, production lines provided in related technologies typically first prepare the mixture into aerosol generating matrix fragments or small aerosol generating matrix strips, and then package them separately into aerosol generating matrix segments. The production line of this application embodiment can form continuous aerosol generating matrix strips through continuous extrusion of the molding equipment 100 and conveying by the conveyor belt 200, and then bundle the aerosol generating matrix strips into aerosol generating matrix bundles and package and cut them to form aerosol generating matrix segments, thereby simplifying the packaging steps and improving production efficiency.

[0152] The specific structure of the gathering mechanism 400 is not limited. As an example, the gathering mechanism 400 can be a cylindrical structure or a trough structure. It has an inlet on the side facing the conveyor belt 200 and an outlet on the side away from the conveyor belt 200. The size of the outlet is smaller than the size of the inlet, so as to achieve the gathering effect and gather multiple aerosol generating matrix strips at the outlet into an aerosol generating matrix bundle.

[0153] The specific structure of the packaging and cutting equipment 300 is not limited. As an example, the packaging and cutting equipment 300 may include a packaging mechanism, a gluing mechanism, and a cutting mechanism. The packaging structure is used to wrap the aerosol generating matrix bundle with an outer packaging. The outer packaging can be paper packaging, plastic packaging, metal film packaging, or other suitable packaging; there are no limitations on this. The gluing mechanism is used to seal the edges of the outer packaging. As an example, the gluing mechanism may include a gluing component and a heating structure. After the gluing component applies the adhesive to the sealing edge, the heating structure bakes the adhesive, thereby improving work efficiency and sealing stability. The cutting mechanism is used to cut the packaged aerosol generating matrix bundle into small segments, forming aerosol generating matrix segments. The specific length of the aerosol generating matrix segments is not limited. In some embodiments, the cutting length of the cutting mechanism is adjustable to prepare aerosol generating matrix segments of different lengths.

[0154] The following will continue to describe other relevant details of the production line in the embodiments of this application.

[0155] In some embodiments, as described above, the forming apparatus 100 can simultaneously form multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications. This results in the final aerosol generating matrix segment comprising multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications, improving the filling rate and combining the advantages of different specifications of aerosol generating matrix strips, thereby improving the suction experience and the uniformity of suction per breath.

[0156] As an example, aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can be aerosol generating matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes. The cross-sectional shape here specifically refers to the shape of the cross-section of the aerosol generating matrix strip, which can be circular, elliptical, waist-shaped, rectangular, rhomboid, polygonal, etc.

[0157] Aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can also be aerosol generating matrix strips with different cross-sectional dimensions. Here, the cross-sectional dimensions include the cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating matrix strip and / or the maximum distance between two points on the cross-section. Any difference in either of these can be understood as a difference in cross-sectional dimensions.

[0158] The maximum distance between two points on the cross-section of the aerosol generating matrix strip can be between 0.5 and 7 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7 mm. The cross-sectional area of ​​the aerosol generating matrix strip can be between 0.2 and 40 mm². 2 Between, for example, it can be 0.2mm. 2 0.4mm 2 0.6mm 2 1mm 2 2mm 2 3mm 2 4mm 2 5mm 2 10mm 2 15mm 2 20mm 2 25mm 2 30mm 2 35mm 2 40mm 2 wait.

[0159] As mentioned above, the molding die 40 can have various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions of molding channels 40a, enabling the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously form aerosol generation matrix strips with various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions.

[0160] Alternatively, there may be multiple molding dies 40, which may be stacked along the height direction or arranged side by side along the width direction of the conveyor belt 200. The cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimensions of the molding channels 40a of the same molding die 40 may be the same, while the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimensions of the molding channels 40a of different molding dies 40 may be different, enabling the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously form multiple aerosol generating matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions.

[0161] When there are multiple molding dies 40, there are also multiple extrusion devices 20, each corresponding to one of the molding dies 40. This ensures that the extrusion speed of the multiple aerosol generating medium strips extruded from each molding die 40 has good uniformity.

[0162] When the molding dies 40 are stacked along the height direction, the molding channels 40a of the multiple molding dies 40 do not overlap on the projection plane perpendicular to the height direction. In this way, the probability of the aerosol generation matrix strips extruded from the multiple molding dies 40 sticking together is reduced.

[0163] Aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can also be aerosol generating matrix strips with different densities. Specifically, the density can range from 400-1500 mg / cm³. 3 For example, it can be 400mg / cm 3 450mg / cm 3 500mg / cm 3 550mg / cm 3 600mg / cm 3 650mg / cm 3 700mg / cm 3 750mg / cm 3 800mg / cm 3 850mg / cm 3 900mg / cm 3 950mg / cm 3 1000mg / cm 3 1100mg / cm 3 1200mg / cm 3 1300mg / cm 3 1400mg / cm 3 1500mg / cm 3 wait.

[0164] As mentioned above, there are multiple extrusion devices 20, each capable of extruding the mixture with different extrusion forces. This allows the molding equipment 100 to simultaneously produce aerosol matrix strips of varying densities. In this case, the molding die 40 can be one or more.

[0165] Aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can also be aerosol generating matrix strips with different compositions. As mentioned above, there can be multiple extrusion devices 20, which can be used to extrude mixtures with different compositions. In this way, the molding equipment 100 can simultaneously produce aerosol generating matrix strips with multiple compositions. In this case, the molding die 40 can be one or multiple.

[0166] In this embodiment, the filling rate of the aerosol generating matrix strip in the final prepared aerosol generating matrix segment can be 65%-90%, such as 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, etc. The desired filling rate of the aerosol generating matrix strip can be achieved by adjusting the ratio between the number of molding channels 40a in the molding mold 40, the cross-sectional area of ​​each specification of aerosol generating matrix strip, and the outlet size of the binding mechanism 400, etc., and there are no limitations on this.

[0167] In the above embodiments, there will be a variety of aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications on the conveyor belt 200. After the gathering mechanism 400 gathers the aerosol generating matrix strips into an aerosol generating matrix bundle, the various aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications in the aerosol generating matrix bundle may not be arranged in the desired manner.

[0168] Therefore, in some embodiments, referring to FIG1, the production line further includes a layout mechanism 500. The layout mechanism 500 is disposed on the side of the conveyor belt 200 away from the forming equipment 100, and is used to change the arrangement of multiple aerosol generating matrix strips. In this way, multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can be arranged in a desired manner in the aerosol generating matrix bundle and in the finally prepared aerosol generating matrix segment, further improving the suction experience of the aerosol generating matrix segment.

[0169] In some embodiments, referring to FIG5, the arrangement mechanism 500 may specifically include a body 501 and a plurality of guide holes 502 disposed on the body 501. The plurality of guide holes 502 penetrate the body 501 along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 200, so that the plurality of substrate strips can pass through the plurality of guide holes 502 respectively.

[0170] The specific structure of the body 501 is not limited. The body 501 can be connected to the conveyor belt 200, or the body 501 can be connected to an external structure. Taking the body 501 as a plate-like structure as an example, the surface of the body 501 can be perpendicular to the side surface of the conveyor belt 200 used for conveying the aerosol generation matrix strip.

[0171] The arrangement of the multiple guide holes 502 on the body 501 is not limited. Those skilled in the art can set the arrangement of the guide holes 502 on the body 501 according to the desired arrangement of the aerosol generating matrix strips. As an example, at least a portion of the multiple guide holes 502 are arranged in a ring array. In this way, the aerosol generating matrix strips passing through the portion of guide holes 502 will form a ring array, and other aerosol generating matrix strips can be surrounded in the ring array to form a concentrically distributed aerosol generating matrix strip.

[0172] It should be noted that the aerosol generating matrix strips do not have to pass through multiple guide holes 502 in a one-to-one correspondence. In other words, multiple aerosol generating matrix strips can pass through a single guide hole 502 at the same time.

[0173] It should also be noted that, in actual production, various different arrangement methods can be achieved by changing the guide holes 502 through which each aerosol generating matrix strip passes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the position of each guide hole 502 on the body 501 can be changed.

[0174] It is understood that the specific structure of the arrangement mechanism 500 is not limited to this. For example, the arrangement mechanism 500 may include multiple guide rings, which are suspended above the conveyor belt 200. Multiple aerosol generating matrix strips can pass through the multiple guide rings, thereby changing the arrangement of the aerosol generating matrix strips.

[0175] In some embodiments, the arrangement mechanism 500 has guide holes 502 with various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions.

[0176] One advantage of providing guide holes 502 with various cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes is that it facilitates the adaptation to aerosol generation matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes and / or sizes. Another advantage is that it allows for a further increase in the arrangement methods achievable by the arrangement mechanism 500.

[0177] In some embodiments, referring to FIG8, the plurality of guide holes 502 include at least a first guide hole group 502a and a second guide hole group 502b. The first guide hole group 502a is used for a first specification of aerosol generating matrix strip to pass through, and the second guide hole group 502b is used for a second specification of aerosol generating matrix strip to pass through. The guide holes 502 in the first guide hole group 502a are arranged around the second guide hole group 502b.

[0178] Thus, referring to Figure 9, after passing through the arrangement mechanism 500, the first type of aerosol generating matrix strip will form a ring array, while the second type of aerosol generating matrix strip will be wrapped inside the ring array. This arrangement effect is difficult to achieve by directly bundling the two types of aerosol generating matrix strips together.

[0179] Furthermore, referring to Figure 8, in this embodiment, the second guide hole group 502b may include only one guide hole 502. The cross-sectional area of ​​this guide hole 502 is larger than that of the guide hole 502 in the first guide hole group 502a. In actual use, multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of the second specification can pass through this guide hole 502 simultaneously. In this way, the fabrication difficulty of the arrangement mechanism 500 can be reduced.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, referring to FIG10, the conveyor belt 200 may have at least two first regions and one second region. The two first regions are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second region along the width direction of the conveyor belt 200. The first region is used to convey aerosol generating matrix strips of a first specification, and the second region is used to convey aerosol generating matrix strips of a second specification.

[0181] In practical use, the aerosol generating matrix strip in the first region on the left in Figure 10 can pass through the guide hole 502 on the left side of the first guide hole group 502a in Figure 8, and the aerosol generating matrix strip in the first region on the right in Figure 7 can pass through the guide hole 502 on the right side of the first guide hole group 502a in Figure 8. This reduces the probability of interference between the first and second specifications of aerosol generating matrix strips as they pass through the guide holes 502.

[0182] Furthermore, Figure 10 labels the aerosol generating matrix strips passing through each guide hole 502 of the first guide hole group 502a. These labels correspond to those in Figure 7. In actual use, the first-specification aerosol generating matrix strip can pass through the first guide hole group 502a according to the correspondence shown in Figures 8 and 10. Specifically, the first-specification aerosol generating matrix strip relatively close to the second region can pass through the guide hole 502 of the first guide hole group 502a that is relatively far away from the conveyor belt 200 in the height direction, while the first-specification aerosol generating matrix strip relatively far away from the second region can pass through the guide hole 502 of the first guide hole group 502a that is relatively close to the conveyor belt 200 in the height direction. In this way, while reducing the probability of interference, the travel distance of the aerosol generating matrix strip when passing through the guide hole 502 can be shortened as much as possible, reducing the probability of accidental breakage during the process of passing through the guide hole 502.

[0183] It should be noted that the aerosol generating matrix strips prepared by the molding equipment 100 may have more than two specifications. Therefore, the arrangement mechanism 500 may include more guide hole groups, and is not limited to the first guide hole group 502a and the second guide hole group 502b mentioned above.

[0184] In some embodiments, the production line further includes a traction mechanism (not shown) for pulling multiple aerosol generating matrix strips on the conveyor belt 200 into the guide hole 502. As an example, the traction mechanism may include a structure with traction function, such as a robotic arm. It is understood that in actual use, since the aerosol generating matrix strips are continuous, the traction mechanism only needs to pass the head end (the end furthest from the forming device 100) of the aerosol generating matrix strip through the guide hole 502 at the initial stage of production. Subsequent aerosol generating matrix strips will automatically pass through the guide hole 502 under the pushing action of the conveyor belt 200.

[0185] In some other embodiments, the body 501 may be formed with a plurality of guide ramps (not shown in the figure) corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of guide holes 502. One end of the guide ramp extends to the vicinity of the guide hole 502 and the other end extends to the conveyor belt, so that the aerosol generating matrix strip can move along the guide ramp into the guide hole 502 under the thrust of the conveyor belt 200.

[0186] In some other embodiments, the head end of the aerosol generation matrix strip can also be manually passed through the guide hole 502 by an operator at the beginning of production.

[0187] In the embodiment described above, which includes the arrangement mechanism 500, the gathering mechanism 400 can be a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure has an inlet on the side facing the arrangement mechanism 500 and an outlet on the side facing the packaging and cutting equipment 300. The outlet is smaller than the inlet. On a projection plane perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 200, the inlet covers all the guide holes 502. This reduces the risk of the arrangement of multiple aerosol-generating matrix strips being disrupted during the gathering process of the gathering mechanism 400.

[0188] In some embodiments, as described above, the molding apparatus 100 includes a heating element for heating the mixture.

[0189] In these embodiments, the conveyor belt includes a belt body, a drive mechanism, and a cooling mechanism. The belt body carries the matrix strips, the drive mechanism drives the belt body to move, and the cooling mechanism cools the aerosol-generating matrix strips carried by the belt body. This allows for active cooling and drying of the aerosol-generating matrix strips, and the integration of the cooling mechanism into the conveyor belt further shortens the conveyor belt length, improving production efficiency and reducing costs. Furthermore, compared to high-temperature drying, cooling drying reduces the volatilization of heat-sensitive aroma substances, improving the suction experience of the aerosol-generating matrix section.

[0190] The specific structure of the belt and the drive mechanism, as well as the connection method between them, are not limited. Those skilled in the art can refer to the relevant technical settings in this field.

[0191] The specific structure of the cooling mechanism is not limited; it can be an air-cooled mechanism, a liquid-cooled mechanism, or heat dissipation fins.

[0192] In some other embodiments, the conveyor belt may not include a cooling mechanism, and the aerosol generating matrix strip may be naturally cooled and dried during the conveying process. Alternatively, a heating mechanism may be provided on the conveyor belt to dry the aerosol generating matrix at a high temperature.

[0193] In some embodiments, the belt can be a mesh structure, the cooling mechanism includes a base and an air extraction component, the base is disposed on the bottom side of the belt and has a cavity, the top side of the cavity has an opening, the belt covers the opening, and the air extraction component is used to create a negative pressure in the cavity.

[0194] In this embodiment, the suction unit creates a negative pressure within the cavity, causing airflow to flow from the top side of the belt through the mesh to the bottom side, thereby cooling the aerosol generation matrix strip carried on the belt. This cooling method facilitates rapid cooling of the aerosol generation matrix strip and helps to quickly remove the solvent emitted by the aerosol generation matrix strip, reducing solvent residue and improving the environmental friendliness of the production line. Furthermore, the cooling mechanism has a relatively simple structure, low cost, and is easy to operate in actual use.

[0195] In some other embodiments, the molding equipment 100 may not include a heating element. Instead, a baking device is installed downstream of the molding equipment 100, and the conveyor belt 200 can pass through the baking device. The specific structure of the baking device can be found in relevant technologies in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0196] The following describes a production method for an aerosol generation matrix segment that can be applied to a production line in the embodiments of this application.

[0197] The method for producing the aerosol-generating matrix segment according to the embodiments of this application includes the following steps.

[0198] In the aerosol-generated matrix strip extrusion step, during the conveyor belt transport process, the mixture is continuously extruded onto the conveyor belt to form multiple matrix strips distributed side by side on the conveyor belt.

[0199] The aerosol generation matrix strip bundling step involves aggregating the multiple matrix strips on the conveyor belt into an aerosol generation matrix bundle.

[0200] The packaging and cutting process involves packaging the aerosol generation matrix bundles and cutting them into aerosol generation medium segments.

[0201] "Continuous extrusion" here refers to continuously applying extrusion force to the mixture, so that each aerosol generating matrix strip formed after extrusion is ideally a substantially continuous strip structure. In other words, ideally, during continuous extrusion, the extruded aerosol generating matrix strips do not break along the extrusion direction. The step of continuously extruding the mixture can be achieved using the molding equipment described in any of the embodiments above.

[0202] The continuous extrusion of the mixture is carried out during the conveyor belt process, and is also carried out simultaneously with the subsequent aerosol generation matrix strip bundling and packaging and cutting steps. Thus, the continuously extruded aerosol generation matrix strips will be continuously transported to the bundling station to be bundled into aerosol generation matrix bundles, and then packaged and cut into aerosol generation matrix segments by the packaging and cutting equipment.

[0203] The aerosol-generated matrix strip extrusion step can be achieved using the molding equipment 100 described in any of the embodiments above.

[0204] The aerosol generation matrix strip binding step can be achieved using the binding mechanism 400 described in any of the embodiments above.

[0205] The packaging cutting step can be achieved using the packaging cutting equipment 300 described in any of the embodiments above.

[0206] The specific structure of the above devices will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that in some other embodiments, the above steps can also be implemented by any device provided in the related art that can achieve the relevant functions, and are not limited to the devices provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0207] The production methods provided in related technologies typically involve first preparing the mixture into aerosol generating matrix fragments or small aerosol generating matrix strips, and then packaging them separately into aerosol generating matrix segments. The production method of this application, however, can form continuous aerosol generating matrix strips through continuous extrusion by a molding device and conveyor belt transport. These strips are then bundled into aerosol generating matrix bundles, packaged, and cut to form aerosol generating matrix segments. This simplifies the packaging process, enables continuous production, and improves production efficiency.

[0208] It is understandable that, for continuous production, the conveyor belt speed should be compatible with the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip. Specifically, ideally, the aerosol-generating matrix strip should extend approximately in a straight line on the conveyor belt without breaking, allowing subsequent aerosol-generating matrix strip bundling and packaging cutting steps to proceed smoothly and continuously. If the conveyor speed is greater than the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip, and the difference is significant, the aerosol-generating matrix strip may break due to excessive axial tensile force. If the conveyor speed is less than the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip, and the difference is significant, the aerosol-generating matrix segments may accumulate on the conveyor belt and fail to maintain their strip shape. Therefore, in actual production, the conveyor belt speed and the extrusion speed of the mixture should be interlocked and controlled.

[0209] In some embodiments, the conveying speed of the conveyor belt can be adjusted according to the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip. It is understood that the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip is relatively difficult to adjust compared to the conveying speed of the conveyor belt, and adjusting the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip may affect the specifications of the aerosol generating matrix strip, such as changing the density of the aerosol generating matrix strip. Therefore, in this embodiment, the conveying speed of the conveyor belt is adjusted, rather than the extrusion speed of the mixture.

[0210] As an example, in actual production, a speed sensor can be used to detect the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip. The conveyor belt speed can then be adjusted based on this extrusion speed to ensure the aerosol-generating matrix strip extends in a roughly straight line along the conveyor belt with minimal breakage. It should be noted that adjusting the conveyor belt speed based on the extrusion speed of the aerosol-generating matrix strip can be done dynamically during actual production, ideally minimizing the possibility of breakage during production.

[0211] In some embodiments, in the step of adjusting the conveyor belt speed according to the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip, the difference between the extrusion speed and the shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating matrix strip can be determined, and then the conveyor belt speed can be determined based on the detected extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip and the aforementioned difference. Specifically, the shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating matrix strip here refers to the shrinkage rate of the axial length of the aerosol generating matrix strip due to solvent evaporation after extrusion. This shrinkage rate of the aerosol generating matrix strip can be determined based on test data before formal production, or by other suitable methods, without limitation.

[0212] In this embodiment, the shrinkage of the aerosol generation matrix strip is compensated during the step of determining the conveyor belt speed, thereby further reducing the possibility of breakage of the aerosol generation matrix strip during the conveying process.

[0213] In some embodiments, the extrusion speed of the aerosol generating matrix strip at different locations may vary during the aerosol generating matrix strip extrusion step. For example, in some embodiments described below, multiple aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications may be formed, and the extrusion speeds of these strips may differ. In this case, the conveying speed of the conveyor belt can be adjusted by comprehensively considering the extrusion speeds of the various specifications of the aerosol generating matrix strips. Alternatively, the conveyor belt may include multiple belt bodies arranged along its width, and aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can be extruded onto different belt bodies. The speed of each belt body can be adjusted separately according to the extrusion speed of each specification of aerosol generating matrix strip. Of course, in this case, the synchronicity between the aerosol generating matrix strips in the subsequent aerosol generating matrix strip bundling step should also be considered during adjustment. Those skilled in the art can determine the adjustment method according to actual usage requirements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0214] In some embodiments, during the aerosol generation matrix strip extrusion step, aerosol generation matrix strips of various sizes can be formed. Thus, the final aerosol generation matrix segment will include aerosol generation matrix strips of various sizes.

[0215] The specifications here include, but are not limited to, the composition, density, cross-sectional shape, and cross-sectional dimensions of the aerosol generating matrix strip.

[0216] In related technologies, the aerosol generating medium segment, formed by packaging multiple aerosol generating matrix strips, has all aerosol generating matrix strips of the same specifications. A potential problem with this is that it's difficult to ensure consistent aerosol release throughout the entire inhalation process, resulting in significant differences in smoke volume between puffs and a poor vaping experience. In this embodiment, however, the aerosol generating matrix segment can include a variety of aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications. This increases the filling rate of the aerosol generating matrix segment and combines the advantages and smoke generation characteristics of various specifications of aerosol generating matrix strips, thereby improving the vaping experience and the uniformity of each puff.

[0217] As an example, aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can be aerosol generating matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes, such as circles, ellipses, waist-shaped, rectangles, rhombuses, polygons, etc.

[0218] Aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can also be aerosol generating matrix strips with different cross-sectional dimensions. The cross-sectional dimension can include the cross-sectional area and the maximum distance between two points on the cross-section; any difference in either one can be considered a difference in cross-sectional dimensions. The maximum distance between two points on the cross-section can specifically range from 0.5 to 7 mm, such as 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, and 7 mm. The cross-sectional area can specifically range from 0.2 to 40 mm². 2 For example, it can be 0.2mm 2 0.4mm 2 0.6mm 2 1mm 2 2mm 2 3mm 2 4mm 2 5mm 2 10mm 2 15mm 2 20mm 2 25mm 2 30mm 2 35mm 2 40mm 2 wait.

[0219] Aerosol generating matrix strips of different specifications can also be aerosol generating matrix strips with different densities. Specifically, the density of the aerosol generating matrix strips can range from 400-1500 mg / cm³. 3 For example, it can be 400mg / cm 3 450mg / cm 3 500mg / cm 3 550mg / cm 3 600mg / cm 3 650mg / cm 3 700mg / cm 3 750mg / cm 3 800mg / cm 3 850mg / cm 3 900mg / cm 3 950mg / cm 3 1000mg / cm 3 1100mg / cm 3 1200mg / cm 3 1300mg / cm 3 1400mg / cm 3 1500mg / cm 3 wait.

[0220] In the aerosol generating matrix segments prepared using the aforementioned aerosol generating matrix strips of various specifications, the filling rate of the aerosol generating matrix strips can be 65%-90%, such as 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, etc. The aforementioned filling rates can be achieved by reasonably setting the specific specifications of the aerosol generating matrix strips and the specific quantity of each specification.

[0221] The following will introduce several specific methods to achieve "forming aerosol generation matrix strips of various specifications in the aerosol generation matrix strip extrusion step".

[0222] In some embodiments, the step of "continuously extruding the mixture onto a conveyor belt" may specifically include extruding the mixture from multiple molding dies using multiple extrusion devices, each molding die having multiple molding channels, the molding channels of the same molding die having the same cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size, and the molding channels of different molding dies having different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional sizes, so as to form aerosol generating matrix strips with multiple cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional sizes.

[0223] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape and size of each molding channel in each molding die are the same, thus the difference in extrusion speed between the aerosol generating matrix strips at each molding channel in each molding die is small. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mixture is extruded from multiple molding dies using multiple extrusion devices. This allows for easy control of the extrusion force of each extrusion device to reduce the difference in extrusion speed between the aerosol generating matrix strips at each molding die. In summary, this embodiment reduces the difference in extrusion speed between the aerosol generating matrix strips, thereby reducing the possibility of breakage of the aerosol generating matrix strips during transport.

[0224] In this embodiment and other embodiments described below, when extruding the mixture from multiple molding dies, the mixture should be extruded from the multiple molding dies as synchronously as possible. Here, "synchronous extrusion" means that the mixture is extruded from multiple molding channels of each of the multiple molding dies at the same time, and the speed difference between the mixture extruded from the multiple molding dies and the speed difference between the mixture extruded from the multiple molding channels of the same molding die are within the allowable error range, such as speed difference less than 5%, less than 3%, less than 1%, etc., which can be specifically determined according to the actual preparation requirements.

[0225] The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the molding channel here refer to the shape and dimensions of the flow section (the section perpendicular to the extrusion direction) of the molding channel. If the shape and dimensions of different flow sections along the extrusion direction of the molding channel are different, it should be understood as the shape and dimensions of the flow section closest to the conveyor belt (the end of the extrusion direction). The cross-sectional dimensions include the area of ​​the flow section and the maximum distance between two points on the flow section.

[0226] The specific structure of the molding die can be found in the descriptions in the relevant sections above, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] In some other embodiments, the mixture can also be extruded from a molding die having molding channels with various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions to form aerosol generating matrix strips with various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions.

[0228] In some other embodiments, the mixture may be extruded from multiple molding dies, each molding die having a variety of molding channels with different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions.

[0229] Those skilled in the art can select one or more of the above methods in combination to form aerosol generation matrix strips with different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions according to actual usage requirements.

[0230] In some embodiments, "continuously extruding the mixture onto a conveyor belt" may specifically include: extruding the mixture from multiple extrusion devices using different extrusion pressures to form matrix strips of various densities.

[0231] As an example, multiple identical extrusion units can be controlled to operate at different power levels to provide different extrusion forces to the mixture, and / or multiple different extrusion units can be used to provide different extrusion forces to the mixture. The different extrusion units here can be extrusion units with different sizes of extrusion mechanisms (such as different screw pitches, etc.). There are no specific restrictions on this, as long as it is possible for each extrusion unit to provide different extrusion forces.

[0232] In some embodiments, "continuously extruding the mixture onto a conveyor belt" may specifically include: extruding a mixture of multiple components from multiple extrusion devices to form a multi-component aerosol generating matrix strip.

[0233] In the above embodiments, aerosol generating matrix strips of various specifications are formed during the extrusion step. In these embodiments, before the aerosol generating matrix strip aggregation step, the method may further include an aerosol generating matrix strip rearrangement step, adjusting the arrangement of the various specifications of aerosol generating matrix strips. This allows the aerosol generating matrix strips of various specifications to be arranged in a desired manner within the aerosol generating matrix bundle and the final prepared aerosol generating matrix segment, thereby improving the suction experience and the uniformity of suction per intake.

[0234] The specific arrangement of the aerosol generation matrix strips can be determined by those skilled in the art based on actual usage requirements, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0235] The aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step can be implemented using the arrangement mechanism described in any of the embodiments above, or it can be implemented using other suitable structures provided in the related art, or even it can be implemented in a fully manual or semi-manual manner.

[0236] In some embodiments, the aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step may specifically include: arranging aerosol generation matrix strips of a first specification into a circular array, and arranging aerosol generation matrix strips of a second specification inside the circular array. This can further improve the compatibility of the aerosol generation matrix segments with different aerosol generation devices, thereby improving the suction experience of the aerosol generation matrix segments and the uniformity of suction per breath.

[0237] It should be noted that the arrangement method in the aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step is not limited to this. Furthermore, aerosol generation matrix strips of various specifications can be formed, and each pair of aerosol generation matrix strips can be arranged using the above-described arrangement method.

[0238] In some embodiments, in the step of "continuously extruding the mixture onto the conveyor belt," a first-size aerosol generating matrix strip can be extruded into a first region of the conveyor belt, and a second-size aerosol generating matrix strip can be extruded into a second region of the conveyor belt. The number of first regions is at least two, and these at least two first regions are located on opposite sides of the second region along its width. This reduces interference between the first-size and second-size aerosol generating matrix strips during the matrix strip rearrangement step, lowering the likelihood of breakage during rearrangement.

[0239] In some embodiments, the mixture may be heated during the aerosol-generated matrix strip extrusion step.

[0240] In related technologies, the aerosol-generated matrix strip is typically dried after extrusion. However, in this embodiment, the mixture is heated and dried during the extrusion process.

[0241] One advantage of heating the mixture in the extrusion unit is that the post-extrusion drying steps and equipment can be simplified, eliminating the need to reserve a long space on the conveyor belt to perform these steps. This reduces the length of the conveyor belt, thereby reducing production line costs and increasing production efficiency.

[0242] Another advantage is that, since the mixture is at a relatively high temperature during extrusion, the solvent in the extruded aerosol generation matrix strip can evaporate quickly, which facilitates the rapid activation of the binder in the aerosol generation matrix strip, enhances the structural strength of the aerosol generation matrix strip, and further reduces the risk of breakage.

[0243] Another advantage is that most of the solvent in the aerosol generating matrix strip evaporates within a short time after extrusion. Therefore, during transportation, the shrinkage of the aerosol generating matrix strip due to solvent evaporation will be reduced, further reducing the risk of breakage.

[0244] The heating element mentioned in the relevant section above can be used to heat the mixture in the extrusion unit, or any other suitable method can be used to heat the mixture in the extrusion unit, without limitation.

[0245] In some embodiments, specifically in the aerosol-generating matrix strip extrusion step, the moisture content of the mixture is 6%-13%, such as 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, or 13%. The extrusion temperature of the aerosol-generating matrix strip is 60°C-150°C, such as 60°C, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, or 150%.

[0246] It is understandable that compared to drying after extrusion, heating during extrusion drying requires a relatively shorter heating time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the moisture content of the mixture is adjusted to 6%-13%, and the extrusion temperature of the aerosol-generating matrix strip is adjusted to 60℃-150℃, so that the physical parameters, smoke generation performance, and aroma retention of the aerosol-generating matrix strip can reach a level similar to or even better than those achieved by extrusion followed by drying. On the other hand, in related technologies, the shrinkage rate of aerosol-generating matrix strips during baking is typically 5%-15%. However, with the moisture content and extrusion temperature provided in this embodiment, the shrinkage rate of the aerosol-generating matrix strip after extrusion can be controlled to below 5%, or even virtually non-shrinkage. This further reduces the risk of breakage of the aerosol-generating matrix strip.

[0247] Furthermore, in some embodiments, before the aerosol generation matrix strip bundling step, the method further includes an aerosol generation matrix strip cooling step, in which multiple aerosol generation matrix strips on the conveyor belt are cooled during conveying. This ensures that the aerosol generation matrix strips are at a suitable temperature when bundling, improving the quality of the finished product from the aerosol generation section. The temperature that the aerosol generation matrix strips should reach before bundling can be specifically determined by those skilled in the art based on actual usage requirements, and there are no limitations on this.

[0248] It should be noted that, in cases where an aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step is required, the aerosol generation matrix strip cooling step should be performed before the aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step. This is to further reduce the risk of aerosol generation matrix strip breakage during the rearrangement step and to reduce the possibility of disorder due to shrinkage of the aerosol generation matrix strip after rearrangement.

[0249] In some embodiments, "cooling the multiple aerosol-generating matrix strips on the conveyor belt" may specifically include:

[0250] A negative pressure is created on one side of the conveyor belt, causing airflow to pass through the top side of the conveyor belt and reach the other side, thereby cooling the aerosol generation matrix strip on the conveyor belt.

[0251] In this embodiment, the aerosol generation matrix strip is actively cooled during the cooling step, which helps to further reduce the length of the conveyor belt, thereby saving costs and improving production efficiency. Specifically, the length of the conveyor belt in this embodiment is only 1 / 3 or even less of the conveyor belt length used in related art methods of extrusion followed by drying.

[0252] Furthermore, this embodiment employs negative pressure for cooling. This cooling method facilitates rapid cooling of the aerosol generation matrix strip and also helps to quickly absorb the solvent emitted by the aerosol generation matrix strip, reducing solvent residue and improving environmental friendliness during production. Moreover, it is cost-effective and relatively simple to operate in practice.

[0253] The above-described cooling method can be achieved using the conveyor belt structure given in the relevant sections above, or other suitable structures provided in the relevant art can be used to achieve the above-described cooling method, without limitation.

[0254] It should be noted that the cooling method is not limited to this. Other active cooling methods can also be used, or even the aerosol generation matrix strip can be allowed to cool naturally on the conveyor belt without active cooling. Those skilled in the art can choose according to their actual needs.

[0255] In some other embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix strip baking step can also be performed before the aerosol generating matrix strips are bundled together, that is, the multiple aerosol generating matrix strips on the conveyor belt are baked during the conveying process.

[0256] It should be noted that in this case, the mixture may or may not be heated during the extrusion process, and those skilled in the art can choose according to their actual needs.

[0257] It should also be noted that, in cases where an aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step is required, the aerosol generation matrix strip baking step should be performed before the aerosol generation matrix strip rearrangement step. This is to further reduce the risk of the aerosol generation matrix strip breaking during the rearrangement step and to reduce the possibility of disordering due to shrinkage of the aerosol generation matrix strip after rearrangement.

[0258] In some embodiments, during the aerosol-generated matrix strip extrusion step, solid and liquid materials can be separately fed into the extrusion apparatus and mixed into a mixture in the extrusion apparatus.

[0259] Understandably, compared to pre-mixed materials, unmixed materials are in a dispersed state, which reduces the risk of clogging the feed inlet during material feeding and facilitates precise control of the material dosage. Furthermore, the materials used to prepare aerosol generation matrix strips typically contain adhesives. Unmixed materials, after being mixed in the extrusion unit, will be extruded within a shorter time, thus reducing the risk of the mixture hardening due to adhesive moisture evaporation and becoming unextrudable.

[0260] The specific method for mixing solid and liquid materials into a mixture in the extrusion unit can be found in the description of the relevant section above, and will not be repeated here.

[0261] Furthermore, in some embodiments, solid and liquid materials can be continuously and quantitatively fed. Here, "continuous quantitative feeding" means feeding materials into the extrusion device at a certain rate. The advantage of continuous quantitative feeding is that it can keep the extrusion device in a relatively full state of mixed materials, thereby improving the extrusion effect and reducing the risk of breakage of the extruded aerosol matrix strip due to insufficient material.

[0262] Specifically, solid material can be added at a first speed, followed by liquid material at a second speed. The first and second speeds can be determined based on the extrusion speed of the aerosol matrix strip. This ensures that the material in the extrusion unit remains relatively abundant during continuous extrusion.

[0263] In some other embodiments, materials may be fed at intervals or all at once.

[0264] In the description of this application, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions 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 any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as features of different embodiments or examples.

[0265] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A molding device for generating aerosol matrix strips, comprising: An extrusion device having a discharge port, the extrusion device being used to extrude a mixture from the discharge port; A roller pressing device is disposed downstream of the extrusion device along a first direction and communicates with the discharge port. The roller pressing device is used to press the extruded mixture into an aerosol to generate a matrix sheet. The roller pressing device includes at least one roller pressing group. Each roller pressing group includes at least a first roller shaft and a second roller shaft. The rotation axes of the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft are both parallel to the second direction, and the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft are spaced apart along the height direction. The first direction, the second direction and the height direction intersect each other. as well as A molding die is disposed downstream of the roller pressing device. The molding die has a plurality of molding channels distributed along the second direction. The plurality of molding channels are used to mold the aerosol generating matrix sheet into a plurality of aerosol generating matrix strips.

2. The molding equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The roller pressing device includes a plurality of roller pressing groups distributed along the first direction. A roller pressing gap is formed between the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft of each roller pressing group. Along the direction away from the discharge port, the size of the roller pressing gap of each roller pressing group decreases sequentially in the height direction.

3. The molding equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The center point of the roller gap in each of the roller pressing groups is located at the same height in the height direction.

4. The molding equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The first and second rollers in the same roller press group have the same diameter, and the diameters of the first and second rollers in each roller press group increase sequentially in the direction away from the discharge port.

5. The molding equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The rotation axes of the first roller shafts of each roller pressing group are located at the same height, and the rotation axes of the second roller shafts of each roller pressing group are located at the same height.

6. The molding equipment according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein, The diameters of the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft of each roller pressing group are the same, and the first roller shaft is located on the top side of the second roller shaft. Along the direction away from the discharge port, the height of the rotation axis of the first roller shaft of each roller pressing group decreases sequentially, and the height of the second roller shaft of each roller pressing group increases sequentially.

7. The molding equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The roller pressing device includes a driving component, which is used to drive the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft of each roller pressing group to rotate synchronously.

8. The molding equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The roller pressing device includes at least two bases spaced apart along the height direction, and a roller pressing channel communicating with the discharge port is defined between two adjacent bases. The first roller shaft and the second roller shaft are respectively disposed on the two bases, and a portion of the first roller shaft and the second roller shaft extends into the roller pressing channel.

9. The molding equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The gap between the first roller and the second roller is adjustable.

10. The molding equipment according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The base includes a guide section and a roller section. The guide section connects the extrusion device and the roller section. The first roller and the second roller are disposed in the roller section. The guide section has a guide surface on one side along the height direction. The guide surfaces of the two bases are arranged facing each other and extend towards each other in a direction away from the discharge port.

11. The molding equipment according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The molding die includes at least two molding rollers spaced apart along the height direction. The rotation axes of the two molding rollers are parallel to the second direction. Each molding roller has a plurality of molding grooves distributed along the second direction on its outer surface. The molding grooves of the two molding rollers are joined together along the height direction to form a plurality of molding channels.

12. The molding equipment according to claim 11, wherein, The molding die forms molding channels with various cross-sectional shapes and / or different cross-sectional dimensions.

13. The molding equipment according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The number of molding molds is multiple, and each molding mold is arranged along the second direction or the height direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional size of the molding channel of different molding molds are different.

14. The molding equipment according to claim 13, wherein, The number of extrusion devices is multiple, and each device is configured to correspond one-to-one with one of the molding dies.

15. The molding equipment according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein, The extrusion apparatus includes a heating element for heating the mixture in the extrusion apparatus.

16. A production line for an aerosol generation matrix segment, comprising: The molding equipment according to any one of claims 1-15; A conveyor belt, located downstream of the molding equipment, is used to transport the multiple aerosol-generated matrix strips; A gathering mechanism is provided on the side of the conveyor belt away from the forming equipment, and is used to gather the multiple aerosol generating matrix strips into an aerosol generating matrix bundle. as well as A packaging and cutting device, located downstream of the bundled mechanism, is used to package and cut the aerosol generating matrix bundle into aerosol generating matrix segments.

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