Extrusion die and extrusion apparatus for manufacturing aerosol-generating product

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating product, comprising a support part and a shaping part. The support part comprises a support body having multiple supporting members, each supporting member having opposite first and second sides, the multiple supporting members being arranged such that the first sides of the supporting members are close to each other, and the second sides of the supporting members are radially separated from each other, so as to cause a feed channel extending along a first direction to be formed between two adjacent supporting members. The shaping part is disposed at one side of the support part along the first direction, and comprises a shaping body, the shaping body comprising multiple shaping rings sequentially sleeved from inside to outside, each shaping ring having multiple shaping teeth circumferentially spaced along the shaping ring; a first extrusion channel is formed between two adjacent shaping rings, and a second extrusion channel is formed between two adjacent shaping teeth of each shaping ring. The extrusion die of the embodiment of the present application can not only reduce the extrusion resistance of the extrusion die, but also has a relatively simple structure.

Description

An extrusion die and extrusion equipment for manufacturing aerosol-generated products

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410963371.3, filed on July 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of mold technology, and in particular to an extrusion mold for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, extrusion dies used to manufacture aerosol-generated products via extrusion generally have a feed channel and an extrusion channel. Material enters the extrusion die through the feed channel and is then extruded through the extrusion channel to form the aerosol-generated product. To meet the structural requirements of aerosol-generated products, the extrusion die typically needs to have a large number of feed channels.

[0005] However, a large number of feed channels will increase the extrusion resistance of the extrusion die and increase the extrusion pressure, thereby increasing the wear and power consumption of the extruder. In addition, the structure of this type of extrusion die is relatively complex, the design and processing are more difficult, the production cost is higher and the production cycle is longer, resulting in poor mass production economy and timeliness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present application aims to provide an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, in order to solve the technical problems in the related art where the extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles by extrusion method has large extrusion resistance and a complex structure.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, comprising:

[0008] The support portion includes a support body having a plurality of support members, each of the support members having a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the plurality of support members are arranged in a radial pattern such that the first sides of each support member are close to each other and the second sides of each support member are separated from each other, so that a feeding channel extending along a first direction is formed between two adjacent support members.

[0009] A shaping section is disposed on one side of the support section along the first direction. The shaping section includes a shaping body, which includes a plurality of shaping rings spaced apart from the inside to the outside along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each shaping ring has a plurality of shaping teeth spaced apart circumferentially. A first extrusion channel is formed between two adjacent shaping rings, and a second extrusion channel is formed between two adjacent shaping teeth of each shaping ring. The first extrusion channel and the second extrusion channel are respectively connected to the corresponding feed channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, each of the shaped teeth is connected to two adjacent support members.

[0011] In one embodiment, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projections of each of the second extrusion channels are respectively located within the projection area of ​​the corresponding support member; and / or,

[0012] A portion of the structure of each of the shaping teeth is located between the two supports connected to the shaping teeth, and is connected to the two supports.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shaping teeth of each of the shaping rings are connected to the support member in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0014] In one embodiment, a portion of the structure of each of the shaping teeth is located on opposite sides of the support member connected to the shaping teeth along the circumference of the shaping ring, and is connected to the support member.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the support members has a first end face and a second end face disposed opposite to each other along the first direction, the first end face being located on the side of the support member near the shaping part, and each of the shaping teeth being disposed on the first end face of the corresponding support member.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the supports has a groove on the side near the shaping portion, the groove and the shaping teeth disposed on the support are alternately arranged along the second direction, the groove is recessed in a direction away from the shaping portion, and at least a portion of the groove protrudes from the adjacent shaping teeth, the groove penetrates the opposite sides of the support along the circumference of the shaping ring to connect two adjacent feed channels.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the grooves protrudes from the area of ​​the adjacent shaped tooth by a length dimension of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm along the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the support members has a first end face and a second end face disposed opposite to each other along the first direction. The first end face is located on the side of the support member closer to the shaping part. From the first side to the second side of each of the support members, the distance between the first end face and the second end face gradually increases along the first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first end face is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second end face is inclined relative to the first end face.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the support members has two opposing sidewalls, and a feeding channel is formed between the sidewalls of two adjacent support members. From the first side to the second side of each support member, the distance between the two sidewalls of each support member gradually increases.

[0021] In one embodiment, the support body includes a support column, the first side of a plurality of support members is connected to the outer periphery of the support column, the shaping body includes a shaping column, the shaping column is disposed on the support column, and each of the shaping rings surrounds the outer periphery of the shaping column.

[0022] In one embodiment, the forming ring closest to the forming column is spaced apart from the forming column, such that a third extrusion channel communicating with the corresponding feed channel is formed at the interval; or,

[0023] The shaping ring closest to the shaping column is connected to the shaping column.

[0024] In one embodiment, the support portion includes a support base, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the support body.

[0025] In one embodiment, the shaping part includes a shaping seat, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaping body; among the plurality of shaping rings, the outermost shaping ring is spaced apart from the shaping seat, so that a fourth extrusion channel communicating with the corresponding feed channel is formed at the interval.

[0026] This application provides an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generated products. By arranging multiple supports radially, the die creates feed channels with relatively large cross-sectional areas between adjacent supports. Compared to perforated feed channels, this die significantly reduces the number of feed channels while increasing the area of ​​each individual channel, thus effectively reducing extrusion resistance and pressure, thereby minimizing wear and power consumption of the extruder. Furthermore, using multiple supports to form the feed channels simplifies the die structure, reduces design and manufacturing complexity, effectively lowers production costs, shortens production cycles, and improves the economic efficiency and timeliness of mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application, and the aerosol generating medium is also shown in the figure.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 2, in which a portion of the support base and the shaping base are cut out;

[0030] Figure 4 is a front view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 2;

[0031] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 4;

[0032] Figure 6 is a BB cross-sectional view of Figure 4;

[0033] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Figure 2 from another perspective;

[0034] Figure 8 is a rear view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 4;

[0035] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second type of extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application, in which a portion of the support base and the shaping base are cut off;

[0036] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 9, and the cutting position is the same as that at point AA in Figure 3;

[0037] Figure 11 is another cross-sectional view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 9, with the cutting position being the same as at BB in Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the third type of extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application, in which a portion of the support base and the shaping base are cut off;

[0039] Figure 13 is a front view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 12;

[0040] Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fourth type of extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application, in which a portion of the support base and the shaping base are cut off;

[0041] Figure 15 is a front view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 14;

[0042] Figure 16 is a CC cross-sectional view of Figure 15;

[0043] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol generation matrix shown in Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation matrix shown in Figure 17;

[0045] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another aerosol generation matrix according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the term "first direction" etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 5. These orientation terms are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 the embodiments of this application.

[0047] This application provides an extrusion die 10 for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles. Please refer to Figures 1 to 8. The extrusion die 10 includes a support portion 11 and a shaping portion 12.

[0048] The support portion 11 includes a support body 111 having a plurality of support members 1111. Each support member 1111 has a first side X1 and a second side X2 (see Figure 8). The plurality of support members 1111 are arranged in a radial pattern such that the first sides X1 of each support member 1111 are close to each other and the second sides X2 of each support member 1111 are separated from each other, so that a feed channel 111a extending in a first direction is formed between two adjacent support members 1111. The shaping part 12 is disposed on one side of the support part 11 along the first direction. The shaping part 12 includes a shaping body 121. The shaping body 121 includes a plurality of shaping rings 1211 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each shaping ring 1211 has a plurality of shaping teeth 12111 arranged circumferentially around the shaping ring 1211. It should be noted that only two shaping teeth 12111 are shown in the figure. In fact, other structures similar to the two shaping teeth 12111 shown in the figure are also shaping teeth 12111. A first extrusion channel 121a is formed between two adjacent shaping rings 1211, and a second extrusion channel 121b is formed between two adjacent shaping teeth 12111 of each shaping ring 1211. The first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b are respectively connected to the corresponding feed channel 111a.

[0049] The aerosol generating product is used in conjunction with an electronic atomizing device having a heating element. Specifically, please refer to Figures 1, 17 and 18. The aerosol generating product includes an aerosol generating matrix 20. The heating element heats and atomizes the aerosol generating matrix 20 to generate an aerosol for users to inhale or for use in medicine, beauty, etc.

[0050] There are various heating methods for heating elements. For example, heating methods include center heating and peripheral heating. Center heating refers to the heating element being inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating matrix 20. Peripheral heating refers to the heating element being positioned around the aerosol generating matrix 20 to bake and heat the aerosol generating matrix 20. These heating methods can specifically include resistance heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating, microwave heating, laser heating, etc., and are not specifically limited here.

[0051] The extrusion die 10 is used in conjunction with an extruder, such as a hydraulic plunger extruder, a twin-screw extruder, a single-screw extruder, etc., to manufacture all or part of an aerosol-generating product by extruding and molding the material.

[0052] Extrusion molding is a processing method in which material is fed into an extruder, and through the action between the extruder barrel and the screw, the material is pushed forward by the screw and continuously passed through the extrusion die 10 at the extruder outlet to form products or semi-finished products of various cross-sections. The material formed by extrusion molding is in the form of strips.

[0053] This application describes an example of using an extrusion die 10 to manufacture an aerosol generating matrix 20 in an aerosol generating product. It should be noted that the aerosol generating product may consist only of the aerosol generating matrix 20, or it may be a combination of the aerosol generating matrix 20 and other structures. For example, as needed, the aerosol generating product may also have functional sections at one or both ends of the aerosol generating matrix 20. The functional sections may only have a filtration function, or they may have both filtration and cooling functions. In some embodiments, all or part of the functional sections may also be manufactured using the extrusion die 10 in this application embodiment.

[0054] The specific structure of the aerosol generating matrix 20 is not limited here. Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix 20 may be made of the atomizing medium itself, such as a smoky flavoring medium. In other embodiments, the aerosol generating matrix 20 may also include a matrix and an atomizing medium disposed on the matrix. The matrix may be, for example, high-temperature resistant carbon fiber. In this way, by providing a matrix, the strength of the aerosol generating matrix 20 can be improved, and it can withstand a certain degree of high temperature without producing odor.

[0055] The specific composition of the aerosol generating matrix 20 is not limited here. For example, in one embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix 20 may include plant components, auxiliary components, smoke-generating components, adhesive components, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, the plant-based ingredients are one or more combinations of raw tobacco leaves, tobacco fragments, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, and aromatic plants, which are powdered 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.

[0057] In one embodiment, the auxiliary component can be one or more combinations of inorganic fillers, lubricants, and emulsifiers. The inorganic fillers include one or more combinations of heavy calcium carbonate, light calcium carbonate, zeolite, attapulgite, talc, and 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 one embodiment, the smoke-generating agent may include, for example, one or more combinations of: 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 lauryl acetate, triacetin, meso-erythritol, a mixture of diacetins, diethyl caprylate, triethyl citrate, methyl benzoate, phenylacetic acid methyl ester, ethyl vanillate, glyceryl tributate, and lauryl acetate).

[0061] In one embodiment, 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 product component materials through wetting at the interface, generating intermolecular attraction, thereby binding the powder, liquid, or other components. 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 associated with colloidal modification, thus improving the safety of the product.

[0062] For example, the aerosol generating matrix 20 can be a particulate aggregate, which is a reconstituted tobacco medium, such as a reconstituted tobacco medium containing smoke-generating agents, tobacco, and other components. The particulate aggregate aerosol generating matrix 20 remains an integral medium after being heated and inhaled or after heating is stopped, and is not prone to disintegration and falling off. This solves the problems of thin sheet-like, filamentous, or loose particulate aerosol generating matrices in the prior art, such as loose sheet-like components, shedding of filamentous components, and difficulty in cleaning.

[0063] Please refer to Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8. The feed channel 111a on the support 11 is a channel used to supply material into the first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b during the extrusion process.

[0064] The feeding channel 111a is constructed from a plurality of support members 1111 arranged radially. The space between each pair of adjacent support members 1111 forms a feeding channel 111a extending along a first direction. Therefore, the plurality of support members 1111 actually construct a plurality of feeding channels 111a.

[0065] It should be noted that there is generally no need to set up other support structures between two adjacent support members 1111. That is to say, the feed channel 111a formed between two adjacent support members 1111 does not need to be further divided into multiple small feed spaces by other support structures.

[0066] The shaping part 12 is provided on one side of the support part 11 along the first direction, so the first direction is actually parallel to the extrusion direction of the material.

[0067] The first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b are channels used to achieve material extrusion molding.

[0068] The first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b are constructed by a plurality of shaping rings 1211 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the shaping rings 1211 are annular.

[0069] Interval nesting refers to the sequential nesting of multiple shaping rings 1211, with an interval between adjacent shaping rings 1211.

[0070] Since the two adjacent shaping rings 1211 are spaced apart, the space between the two adjacent shaping rings 1211 forms an annular first extrusion channel 121a.

[0071] In addition, since each shaping ring 1211 has multiple shaping teeth 12111, and the multiple shaping teeth 12111 are spaced apart along the circumference of the shaping ring 1211, the shaping ring 1211 is not actually a closed ring on all four sides, but a ring with multiple openings on all four sides. The second extrusion channel 121b formed by the space between two adjacent shaping teeth 12111 of each shaping ring 1211 is equivalent to the opening of the ring.

[0072] Please refer to Figures 1, 17 and 18. During the extrusion process, some material enters the first extrusion channel 121a from the corresponding feed channel 111a and is then extruded from the first extrusion channel 121a to form the first air passage wall 21 of the aerosol generation matrix 20. Since the first extrusion channel 121a is annular, the first air passage wall 21 is also annular.

[0073] Please refer to Figures 1, 17 and 18. Another portion of the material is extruded from the second extrusion channel 121b to form the second air passage wall 22 of the aerosol generation matrix 20. The second air passage wall 22 is strip-shaped.

[0074] Please refer to Figures 1, 17, and 18. The area on the aerosol generating matrix 20 corresponding to the shaping teeth 12111 forms the airflow channel 20a of the aerosol generating matrix 20. The first airway wall 21 and the second airway wall 22 mainly serve a supporting role, essentially forming the skeleton of the aerosol generating matrix 20. Both the first airway wall 21 and the second airway wall 22 can release aerosols during the heating process, and the airflow channel 20a is used to collect the aerosols and allow them to flow along the airflow channel 20a. This allows the aerosols to be delivered more smoothly and orderly through the airflow channel 20a, thereby effectively improving the aerosol extraction efficiency and enhancing the suction experience.

[0075] Please refer to Figures 2 to 8. The supporting body 111 can be provided with supporting columns 1112. The first side X1 of multiple supporting members 1111 is connected to the outer periphery of the supporting column 1112. The shaping body 121 can be provided with shaping columns 1212. The shaping columns 1212 are provided on the supporting column 1112, and each shaping ring 1211 surrounds the outer periphery of the shaping column 1212.

[0076] Specifically, referring to Figures 17 and 18, the shaping column 1212 can be used to form a heating channel 20b in the aerosol generating matrix 20.

[0077] The heating channel 20b is a channel for the heating element in the aerosol generating device to be inserted into the aerosol generating matrix 20. In other words, the aerosol generating matrix 20 with the heating channel 20b can be heated by a central heating method.

[0078] In the extrusion die 10 shown in Figures 2 to 6, the forming ring 1211 closest to the forming column 1212 is spaced apart from the forming column 1212 so that a third extrusion channel 121c communicating with the corresponding feed channel 111a is formed at the interval. That is to say, in addition to the first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b, the forming part 12 can also be provided with the third extrusion channel 121c and other extrusion channels. Please refer to Figures 17 and 18. The material is extruded from the third extrusion channel 121c and can form the annular heating channel wall 20b of the aerosol generation matrix 20. The space enclosed by the annular heating channel wall 20b is the heating channel 20b.

[0079] In some other embodiments, the shaping ring 1211 closest to the shaping post 1212 may also be connected to the shaping post 1212. That is, each shaping tooth 12111 in the shaping ring 1211 closest to the shaping post 1212 is connected to the shaping post 1212.

[0080] Referring to Figure 19, the aerosol generating matrix 20 formed by this configuration still has heating channels 20b, but it lacks the annular heating channel wall 20b shown in Figures 17 and 18. Essentially, the aerosol generating matrix 20 forms heating channels 20b by spaced second airway walls 22. During heating, this aerosol generating matrix 20 allows the heat generated by the heating element to be transferred outwards more quickly from the opening between adjacent second airway walls 22, minimizing heat accumulation within the heating channels 20b and effectively preventing scorching of the aerosol generating matrix 20, thereby improving the user's suction experience.

[0081] In some embodiments, the support column 1112 and the shaping column 1212 may not be provided, meaning that the extruded aerosol generating matrix 20 may not have a heating channel 20b. For the aerosol generating matrix 20 without a heating channel 20b, a circumferential heating method can be used for heating.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 2 through 8. The support part 11 may be provided with a support seat 112. The support seat 112 is arranged around the outer periphery of the support body 111, which is equivalent to the support body 111 being located inside the support seat 112. The support seat 112 not only provides support for the support body 111, but also makes the feed channel 111a form a closed structure on all four sides, so as to ensure that the material can flow along the feed channel 111a.

[0083] In some other embodiments, the support portion 11 may not be provided with a support base 112. For example, the extrusion die 10 may be provided with a mold sleeve with a channel. That is, the support portion 11 and the shaping portion 12 constitute a component, and the mold sleeve is another component separate from the component composed of the support portion 11 and the shaping portion 12. The support body 111 of the support portion 11 can extend into the channel of the mold sleeve so that the feed channel 111a forms a closed structure on all sides.

[0084] Please refer to Figures 2 through 8. The shaping section 12 may also be provided with a shaping seat 122, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the shaping body 121, which is equivalent to the shaping body 121 being located inside the shaping seat 122. The shaping seat 122 can ensure that the material can flow along the first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b.

[0085] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, among the multiple shaping rings 1211, the outermost shaping ring 1211 can be spaced apart from the shaping seat 122, so that a fourth extrusion channel 121d communicating with the corresponding feed channel 111a is formed at the interval. The material is extruded from the fourth extrusion channel 121d, which can form the annular outer wall 24 of the aerosol generation matrix 20.

[0086] In some other embodiments, the outermost shaping ring 1211 may also be connected to the shaping seat 122, which means that the aerosol generating matrix 20 may not have an annular outer wall 24.

[0087] In some other embodiments, the shaping part 12 may not be provided with a shaping seat 122. For example, in the case of an extrusion mold 10 with a mold sleeve, the shaping body 121 of the shaping part 12 may extend into the channel of the mold sleeve. The shaping ring 1211 may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the channel or connected to the inner wall of the channel.

[0088] In related technologies, the feed channels of extrusion dies used to manufacture aerosol-generating products by extrusion are generally perforated structures with relatively small cross-sectional areas (cross-sectional area refers to the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the feed channel), such as circular or square feed channels with relatively small cross-sectional areas. Because these perforated feed channels have relatively small cross-sectional areas, and the extrusion die needs to have a large number of feed channels, the extrusion resistance and pressure are high during the extrusion process, thus increasing the wear and power consumption of the extruder. Furthermore, the relatively small cross-sectional area and the large number of feed channels also make the extrusion die structure more complex, increasing the difficulty of design and manufacturing. This is especially true when the cross-sectional shape of the airflow channel of the extruded aerosol-generating matrix is ​​elongated as shown in Figures 17 to 19, making the arrangement of the feed channels even more difficult. Therefore, the production cost of this type of extrusion die is high, the production cycle is long, and the economic efficiency and timeliness of mass production are poor.

[0089] In this embodiment, the extrusion die 10 arranges multiple support members 1111 radially, forming a feed channel 111a with a relatively large cross-sectional area between adjacent support members 1111. Compared to a perforated feed channel, with the same total feed area, the number of feed channels 111a in this extrusion die 10 is significantly reduced, while the area of ​​each individual feed channel 111a increases. This effectively reduces the extrusion resistance and pressure of the extrusion die 10, thereby reducing wear and power consumption of the extruder. Furthermore, by using multiple support members 1111 to form the feed channel 111a, the structure of the extrusion die 10 is relatively simple, reducing design and manufacturing difficulties, thus effectively lowering production costs, shortening the production cycle, and improving the economy and timeliness of mass production.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, each shaped tooth 12111 can be connected to two adjacent support members 1111 respectively to improve the strength of the connection between the shaped tooth 12111 and the support member 1111.

[0091] For example, please refer to Figure 4, which can be considered equivalent to the projection of the extrusion die 10 onto a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction. On this projection plane, the projections of each second extrusion channel 121b can be located within the projection area of ​​the corresponding support member 1111. That is, each shaping tooth 12111 does not protrude from the corresponding support member 1111 on either side of the circumference of the shaping ring 1211, and material from the feed channel 111a can enter the corresponding second extrusion channel 121b through the first extrusion channel 121a. This arrangement allows for the setting of a larger number of shaping teeth 12111, thereby enabling the extruded aerosol generation matrix 20 to have a larger number of airflow channels 20a, thus more effectively improving the aerosol extraction efficiency.

[0092] In other embodiments, on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of each second extrusion channel 121b may also be located in the projection area of ​​the corresponding feed channel 111a. That is, each shaping tooth 12111 protrudes from the corresponding support member 1111 on opposite sides of the circumference of the shaping ring 1211.

[0093] Please refer to Figure 3. Part of the structure of each shaping tooth 12111 can be located between and connected to the two support members 1111. In other words, part of the structure of each shaping tooth 12111 is located within the corresponding feed channel 111a, and the part of each shaping tooth 12111 located within the feed channel 111a is connected to the two support members 1111, thereby further improving the connection strength between the shaping tooth 12111 and the support member 1111.

[0094] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 12 and 13, the shaping teeth 12111 of each shaping ring 1211 can also be connected one-to-one with the support member 1111. That is, the shaping teeth 12111 are only connected to one support member 1111. On the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction (Figure 13 can be equivalent to the projection of the extrusion die 10 on the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction), the projections of each second extrusion channel 121b are respectively located in the projection area of ​​the corresponding feed channel 111a.

[0095] This structure allows most of the area of ​​the first extrusion channel 121a and the second extrusion channel 121b to be connected to the feed channel 111a in the first direction. Therefore, these connected locations can be wire-cut by passing through the wire cutting line. As for the part of the first extrusion channel 121a that is blocked by the support member 1111, it can be machined by electrical discharge machining. In other words, most of the area of ​​the extrusion die 10 with this structure can be machined by wire cutting.

[0096] Wire EDM has advantages such as stable process, one-time installation, good consistency and high precision. Moreover, the process precision of wire EDM is higher than that of EDM. Therefore, using wire EDM in most areas of the extrusion die 10 can significantly improve the dimensional accuracy of the extrusion die 10.

[0097] Please refer to Figure 12. Part of the structure of each shaping tooth 12111 can be located on opposite sides of the support member 1111 connected to the shaping tooth 12111 along the circumference of the shaping ring 1211, and connected to the support member 1111. That is to say, each shaping tooth 12111 can form an interlocking structure with the corresponding support member 1111, thereby improving the strength of the connection between the shaping tooth 12111 and the support member 1111.

[0098] In some other embodiments, any part of each shaping tooth 12111 may not be connected to the opposite sides of the support member 1111 along the circumference of the shaping ring 1211. For example, please refer to Figures 14 and 16. For ease of description, the two end faces of the support member 1111 that are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction can be referred to as the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c, respectively. The first end face 1111b is located on the side of the support member 1111 near the shaping part 12, and each shaping tooth 12111 can be provided on the first end face 1111b of the corresponding support member 1111.

[0099] Additionally, it should be noted that, for the extrusion die 10 described in the preceding embodiments, where each shaping tooth 12111 is connected to two adjacent support members 1111, each shaping tooth 12111 can also be disposed on the first end face 1111b of the corresponding support member 1111.

[0100] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 9 to 11, 14 and 16, each support member 1111 may have a groove 1111a on the side near the shaping part 12. The groove 1111a and the shaping teeth 12111 provided on the support member 1111 are arranged alternately in the second direction. That is, the groove 1111a may be provided between two adjacent shaping teeth 12111 in the second direction, or the shaping teeth 12111 may be provided between two adjacent grooves 1111a in the second direction. The number of grooves 1111a is determined according to the number of shaping rings 1211 and the structure of the extrusion mold 10.

[0101] Please continue to refer to Figures 9 to 11, 14 and 16. The groove 1111a is recessed in a direction away from the shaping part 12, and at least a portion of the groove 1111a (i.e. the part indicated by the arrow of the reference numeral 1111a in Figures 9 and 11, 14 and 16) protrudes from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111. That is to say, a portion of the groove 1111a is located upstream of the adjacent shaping tooth 12111 in the material extrusion direction.

[0102] For the extrusion die 10 shown in Figures 9 to 11, where part of the structure of the shaping tooth 12111 is located between the two support members 1111 connected to the shaping tooth 12111, the groove 1111a actually overlaps with the adjacent shaping tooth 12111 in a certain area, and only a certain area of ​​the groove 1111a protrudes from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111. However, for the extrusion die 10 shown in Figures 14 and 16, which is set on the first end face 1111b, the entire groove 1111a protrudes from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111.

[0103] Please refer to Figures 9 to 11, 14 and 16. The groove 1111a passes through the support 1111 on both sides of the circumference of the molding ring 1211 to connect two adjacent feed channels 111a. That is, the materials in the two adjacent feed channels 111a can converge at the groove 1111a.

[0104] The groove 1111a facilitates the entry of material from the feed channel 111a into the extrusion channel, such as the first extrusion channel 121a, which is connected to the groove 1111a, thereby further reducing the extrusion resistance of the material. Furthermore, during the extrusion process, the feed channel 111a on the support 11 causes material separation. Therefore, at least a portion of the groove 1111a protrudes from the adjacent shaping teeth 12111, and the groove 1111a penetrates the support 1111 along the opposite sides of the shaping ring 1211 circumferentially. This allows the material in two adjacent feed channels 111a to re-adhere at the groove 1111a, thus helping the extruded aerosol generation matrix 20 maintain its intact shape.

[0105] Additionally, referring to Figure 9, the length H3 of the area of ​​each groove 1111a protruding from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111 along the first direction can be adjusted according to design requirements. However, to ensure that two adjacent feed channels 111a can be connected through the groove 1111a, and that the length H3 of the area of ​​each groove 1111a protruding from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111 in the first direction is not too large and affects material extrusion, it is preferable that the length H3 of the area of ​​each groove 1111a protruding from the adjacent shaping tooth 12111 along the first direction can be 0.1mm to 0.5mm (including endpoint values), for example, 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, etc.

[0106] In one embodiment, referring to FIG6, from the first side X1 to the second side X2 of each support member 1111, the distance H1 between the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c of the support member 1111 along the first direction can gradually increase.

[0107] It should be noted that for the support member 1111 with the groove 1111a, the first end face 1111b is equivalent to being broken at the groove 1111a. Therefore, for the support member 1111 with the groove 1111a, a virtual surface coplanar with the first end face 1111b can be constructed (i.e., the first end face 1111b coincides with the virtual surface). The distance between this virtual surface and the second end face 1111c along the first direction is the distance between the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c along the first direction.

[0108] Since multiple support members 1111 are arranged radially, the first side X1 of the support member 1111 is actually close to the center of the support body 111. If the distance between the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c along the first direction is consistent, the closer to the center of the support body 111, the greater the flow resistance of the material in the feed channel 111a. Therefore, the distance between the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c along the first direction gradually increases, so that the length of the feed channel 111a along the first direction can gradually increase from the first side X1 to the second side X2 of each support member 1111. That is, the closer to the center of the support body 111, the smaller the length of the feed channel 111a along the first direction. This can reduce the flow resistance of the material near the center of the support body 111, making the flow resistance of the material in the entire feed channel 111a more uniform, and thus better ensure that the extruded aerosol generation matrix 20 can remain uniform.

[0109] As shown in Figure 6, the first end face 1111b is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second end face 1111c is inclined relative to the first end face 1111b. Since the first end face 1111b is located on the side of the support member 1111 close to the shaping part 12, the first end face 1111b is perpendicular to the first direction, which makes it easier to keep the length dimension of the shaping teeth 12111 of each shaping ring 1211 consistent along the first direction, thereby facilitating the processing of the shaping teeth 12111. In addition, when the number of first extrusion channels 121a is greater than one, the length dimension of each first extrusion channel 121a along the first direction can also be basically consistent, thereby better ensuring that the flow resistance of the material in each first extrusion channel 121a tends to be consistent.

[0110] In other embodiments, the first end face 1111b may be inclined relative to the first direction, and the second end face 1111c may be perpendicular to the first direction. Alternatively, both the first end face 1111b and the second end face 1111c may be inclined relative to the first direction.

[0111] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 8, each support member 1111 has two opposing sidewall surfaces 1111d, and a feeding channel 111a is formed between the sidewall surfaces 1111d of two adjacent support members 1111. From the first side X1 to the second side X2 of each support member 1111, the distance H2 between the two sidewall surfaces 1111d of each support member 1111 can gradually increase. That is, the closer to the center of the support body 111, the smaller the distance H2 between the two sidewall surfaces 1111d of the support member 1111. This arrangement can also effectively reduce the flow resistance of material near the center of the support body 111.

[0112] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in yet another embodiment," or "exemplary," 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 a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the 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 are included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol generating article, comprising: a support portion comprising a support body having a plurality of support pieces, each of the support pieces having opposite first and second sides, the plurality of support pieces being arranged in a radial manner such that the first sides of the support pieces are close to each other and the second sides of the support pieces are separated from each other, so as to form a feeding passage between two adjacent support pieces extending in a first direction; a shaping portion disposed on one side of the support portion in the first direction, the shaping portion comprising a shaping body having a plurality of shaping rings sequentially and spacedly sleeved from inside to outside in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each of the shaping rings having a plurality of shaping teeth spacedly disposed in a circumferential direction of the shaping ring, a first extrusion passage being formed between two adjacent shaping rings, and a second extrusion passage being formed between two adjacent shaping teeth of each of the shaping rings, the first and second extrusion passages being communicated with the corresponding feeding passage, respectively. 2.The extrusion die according to claim 1, each of the shaping teeth being connected with two adjacent support pieces, respectively. 3.The extrusion die according to claim 2, in a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, a projection of each of the second extrusion passages is located within a projection area of the corresponding support piece, respectively; and / or, a part of a structure of each of the shaping teeth is located between and connected with the two support pieces connected with the shaping teeth. 4.The extrusion die according to claim 1, the shaping teeth of each of the shaping rings being connected with the support pieces one by one. 5.The extrusion die according to claim 4, a part of a structure of each of the shaping teeth is located on opposite sides of the support pieces connected with the shaping teeth in the circumferential direction of the shaping ring and connected with the support pieces. 6.The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1 to 5, each of the support pieces has opposite first and second end faces disposed in the first direction, the first end face being located on a side of the support piece close to the shaping portion, and each of the shaping teeth being disposed on the first end face of the corresponding support piece. 7.The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a side of each of the support pieces close to the shaping portion has a groove, the groove and the shaping teeth disposed on the support piece are alternately arranged in the second direction, the groove is recessed in a direction away from the shaping portion, at least a part of the groove protrudes from the adjacent shaping teeth, and the groove penetrates through the support piece on opposite sides in the circumferential direction of the shaping ring so as to communicate two adjacent feeding passages. 8.The extrusion die according to claim 7, a length dimension of the area of each of the grooves protruding from the adjacent shaping teeth in the first direction is 0.1mm to 0.5mm.

9. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, each of the support members having a first end surface and a second end surface oppositely arranged along the first direction, the first end surface being located on a side of the support member close to the shaping portion, and the distance between the first end surface and the second end surface along the first direction gradually increases from the first side to the second side of each of the support members.

10. The extrusion die according to claim 9, the first end surface being perpendicular to the first direction, and the second end surface being inclined relative to the first end surface.

11. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, each of the support members having two oppositely arranged side wall surfaces, the side wall surfaces of two adjacent support members forming the feed channel therebetween, and the distance between the two side wall surfaces of each of the support members gradually increases from the first side to the second side of each of the support members.

12. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, the support body comprising a support column, the first sides of the plurality of support members being connected to an outer circumferential side of the support column, and the shaping body comprising a shaping column arranged on the support column, each of the shaping rings being arranged around an outer circumferential side of the shaping column.

13. The extrusion die according to claim 12, the shaping ring closest to the shaping column being spaced apart from the shaping column to form a third extrusion channel in the space, which communicates with the corresponding feed channel; or, the shaping ring closest to the shaping column being connected to the shaping column.

14. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, the support portion comprising a support seat arranged around an outer circumferential side of the support body.

15. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-5, the shaping portion comprising a shaping seat arranged around an outer circumferential side of the shaping body, and the outermost shaping ring of the plurality of shaping rings being spaced apart from the shaping seat to form a fourth extrusion channel in the space, which communicates with the corresponding feed channel.

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