Extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating article

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application is an extrusion die for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, the extrusion die comprising a base body portion, at least one first support member and a shaping portion, wherein the base body portion has a feed cavity and a discharge cavity which are in communication with each other; the feed cavity has a first length dimension in a first direction and a second length dimension in a second direction, the first length dimension being greater than the second length dimension; the discharge cavity is located on one side of the feed cavity in a third direction; the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other; at least one first support member is provided, and is arranged in the feed cavity to divide the feed cavity into at least two feed channels arranged in the first direction; and the shaping portion has a plurality of first extrusion channels, the shaping portion is arranged in the discharge cavity, and each first extrusion channel is in communication with a corresponding feed channel. The extrusion die of the embodiments 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 for manufacturing aerosol-generating products

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202422781805.6, filed on November 14, 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] Extrusion molds used to manufacture aerosol products by extrusion are generally equipped with a feeding channel and an extrusion channel. The material enters the extrusion mold from the feeding channel and is then extruded from the extrusion channel to form an aerosol product.

[0005] In related technologies, there is a type of aerosol-generated product formed by extrusion through an extrusion die with a strip-shaped cross-section. In order to meet the structural requirements of this type of aerosol-generated product, the extrusion die generally needs to be equipped with a large number of feeding channels.

[0006] 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

[0007] 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.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles, comprising:

[0009] The seat portion has an infeed chamber and an outlet chamber that are interconnected. The infeed chamber has a first length dimension along a first direction and a second length dimension along a second direction. The first length dimension is greater than the second length dimension. The outlet chamber is located on one side of the infeed chamber along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0010] At least one first support member is disposed within the feed chamber to divide the feed chamber into at least two feed channels arranged along the first direction;

[0011] A shaping section having multiple first extrusion channels is disposed within the discharge chamber, and each first extrusion channel is connected to a corresponding feed channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, there are multiple first support members, which are spaced apart along the first direction to divide the feed chamber into at least three feed channels arranged along the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the feed channels have a width dimension along the first direction, and the width dimension of each feed channel gradually increases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first support member has a thickness dimension along the first direction, and the thickness dimension of each first support member gradually decreases from the middle to both sides along the first direction, so that the width dimension of each feed channel gradually increases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first support member has a third length dimension along the third direction, and the third length dimension of each of the first support members gradually decreases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the shaping part includes a plurality of shaping teeth, which are spaced apart in the discharge cavity to form a first extrusion channel between two adjacent shaping teeth, and each shaping tooth is connected to a corresponding first support member.

[0017] In one embodiment, a portion of the shaped teeth extends to opposite sides of the first support member along the first direction and is connected to the first support member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the feeding chamber is divided into two feeding channels by a first support member; the extrusion die further includes a second support member disposed in at least one of the feeding channels, the second support member dividing the corresponding feeding channel into at least two sub-channels arranged along the second direction.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first support member is a flat plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the shaping portion and the seat portion are spaced apart to form a second extrusion channel at the interval.

[0021] In one embodiment, on a projection plane perpendicular to the third direction, the projection of the feeding cavity is a racetrack shape with two arc-shaped contour lines on its outer contour. The two arc-shaped contour lines are located on opposite sides of the projection of the feeding cavity along the first direction. The projection of the second extrusion channel is located within the projection area of ​​the feeding cavity, and the projection of the second extrusion channel has arc-shaped segments protruding outward from opposite sides along the first direction. A portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel extends along the first direction, and another portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel extends along the second direction, so that the projections of multiple first extrusion channels together form a grid.

[0022] In one embodiment, the seat portion has at least one of the opposite sides of the discharge cavity along the second direction, and the plurality of ribs protruding into the discharge cavity are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0023] In one embodiment, there are multiple first support members, which are spaced apart along the first direction to divide the feeding chamber into at least three feeding channels arranged along the first direction. Each of the protruding ribs is disposed between two adjacent first support members, and a gap is formed between the projection of the protruding rib and the projection of the first support member on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0024] In one embodiment, the gap has a dimension of 0.1 mm to 1 mm along the third direction.

[0025] This application provides an extrusion die for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles. The die has at least one first support member within the feed chamber of the base. This first support member divides the feed chamber into at least two feed channels arranged along a first direction, allowing each feed channel to have a larger feed area. Compared to perforated feed channels, this extrusion die significantly reduces the number of feed channels while increasing the feed area of ​​each individual channel, thus effectively reducing extrusion resistance and pressure, and consequently reducing wear and power consumption of the extruder. Furthermore, by using the first support member to form the feed channels, the die structure becomes relatively simple, reducing design and manufacturing complexity, thereby effectively lowering production costs, shortening production cycles, and improving the economy and timeliness of mass production. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of the extrusion die shown in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seat portion shown in Figure 1 perpendicular to the first direction;

[0030] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the extrusion die shown in Figure 1 from another perspective;

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 4;

[0032] Figure 7 is a BB cross-sectional view of Figure 4;

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the second type of extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application. The cutting position is the same as that at BB in Figure 5.

[0034] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the third type of extrusion die according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol matrix generated by the extrusion die shown in Figure 1. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "first direction" and "second direction" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 3, and the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "third direction" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in Figure 4. 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.

[0037] This application provides an extrusion die 10 for manufacturing aerosol-generating articles. The extrusion die 10 is used in conjunction with an extruder, such as a hydraulic plunger extruder, a twin-screw extruder, or a single-screw extruder, to manufacture all or part of the aerosol-generating articles by extruding and molding materials.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The extrusion die 10 of this application embodiment is used to extrude aerosol-generated articles with a strip-shaped cross-section.

[0040] The cross section of an aerosol-generated product refers to the section of the aerosol-generated product that is perpendicular to the extrusion direction of the material.

[0041] Strip-shaped refers to the cross-section of an aerosol-generated product having different length dimensions in two perpendicular directions. For example, the cross-section of an aerosol-generated product can be elliptical, racetrack-shaped, etc., rather than square, circular, or other shapes with the same length dimensions in two perpendicular directions.

[0042] The aerosol generating product is used in conjunction with an electronic atomizing device with a heating element. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] This application describes an example of using an extrusion die 10 to manufacture an aerosol generating matrix 20 in an aerosol generating article. It should be noted that the aerosol generating article may only have 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 article 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 of this application.

[0045] The specific structure of the aerosol generating matrix 20 is not limited here. Exemplarily, 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7. The extrusion mold 10 of this embodiment includes a base portion 11, a first support member 12, and a shaping portion 13.

[0055] The seat portion 11 has a feed chamber 11a and a discharge chamber 11b that are interconnected. The feed chamber 11a has a first length dimension L1 along a first direction and a second length dimension L2 along a second direction. The first length dimension L1 is greater than the second length dimension L2. The discharge chamber 11b is located on one side of the feed chamber 11a along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0056] In other words, the cross-section of the feed chamber 11a perpendicular to the third direction has different length dimensions in the two perpendicular directions (i.e., the first direction and the second direction), which means that the feed chamber 11a is wider on the opposite sides along the first direction and narrower on the opposite sides along the second direction.

[0057] The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the third direction of the feed chamber 11a generally matches the shape of the cross section of the aerosol generation matrix 20 extruded by the extrusion die 10.

[0058] The number of first support members 12 is at least one, and the first support member 12 is disposed in the feed chamber 11a to divide the feed chamber 11a into at least two feed channels 12a arranged along the first direction.

[0059] Feed channel 12a is a channel for materials to enter the extrusion die 10.

[0060] The first support member 12 is actually connected to the sidewalls on the narrower opposite sides of the feed chamber 11a to divide the feed chamber 11a into at least two feed channels 12a arranged along the first direction.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 2 and 3. The first support member 12 can be in the shape of a flat plate. The flat plate shape of the first support member 12 has a simple structure and is easy to process and manufacture.

[0062] In other embodiments, the first support member 12 may also be curved or other shapes.

[0063] Please refer to Figures 2, 3, and 7. There can be multiple first support members 12, spaced apart along a first direction, to divide the feed chamber 11a into at least three feed channels 12a arranged along the first direction. That is, the number of feed channels 12a varies according to the number of first support members 12. For example, please refer to Figure 3, where the extrusion die 10 has nine first support members 12, which divide the feed chamber 11a into ten feed channels 12a arranged along the first direction.

[0064] It should be noted that since the first support member 12 is connected to the side walls of the feed cavity 11a on both narrower opposite sides, when multiple first support members 12 are provided in the feed cavity 11a, the multiple first support members 12 can provide sufficient support for the seat portion 11, so that the structural strength of the extrusion die 10 can meet the extrusion requirements. Therefore, generally no other support structure is needed between two adjacent first support members 12. That is to say, the feed channel 12a formed between two adjacent first support members 12 does not need to be further divided into multiple small feed spaces by other support structures. However, it is understood that, according to specific design needs, other support structures may also be provided between two adjacent first support members 12.

[0065] Please refer to Figure 9. The number of first support members 12 can also be one. The feeding chamber 11a is divided into two feeding channels 12a by one first support member 12.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 9. For an extrusion die 10 with a first support member 12, the extrusion die 10 can also have second support members 14 in each feed channel 12a. The second support members 14 divide the corresponding feed channel 12a into at least two sub-channels 13a1 arranged along the second direction. That is, one or more second support members 14 can be provided in each feed channel 12a (the number of second support members 14 in each feed channel 12a can be the same or different). One side of the second support member 14 is connected to the first support member 12, and the opposite side of the second support member 14 is connected to the side wall of one of the wider opposite sides of the feed cavity 11a, so as to further divide the corresponding feed channel 12a into multiple small feed spaces. For example, in the two feed channels 12a of the extrusion die 10 shown in Figure 9, two second support members 14 are provided respectively, and the two second support members 14 divide the corresponding feed channel 12a into three sub-channels 13a1 arranged along the second direction.

[0067] In other embodiments, the extrusion die 10 may also have a second support 14 provided in only one of the feed channels 12a.

[0068] The first support member 12 and the second support member 14 can jointly support the base portion 11 so that the structural strength of the extrusion die 10 can meet the extrusion requirements. However, it should be noted that for an extrusion die 10 with a first support member 12, it is not required to have a second support member 14. Provided that the structural strength of the extrusion die 10 can meet the extrusion requirements (for example, the difference between the first length dimension L1 and the second length dimension L2 of the feed chamber 11a is small, or the material of the extrusion die 10 itself has high strength), the second support member 14 may not be provided.

[0069] Please refer to Figures 1, 5 to 7. The shaping part 13 has multiple first extrusion channels 13a. The shaping part 13 is disposed in the discharge chamber 11b. Each first extrusion channel 13a is connected to the corresponding feed channel 12a.

[0070] The first extrusion channel 13a is a channel used to extrude and shape materials.

[0071] Since the discharge chamber 11b is located on the side of the feed chamber 11a along the third direction, the first extrusion channel 13a actually extends along the third direction, that is, the third direction is actually parallel to the extrusion direction of the material.

[0072] Please refer to Figure 10. During the extrusion process, part of the material enters the corresponding first extrusion channel 13a from the feed channel 12a and is then extruded from the first extrusion channel 13a to form an aerosol generation matrix 20 with multiple airflow channels 20a and multiple airway walls 21. The airway walls 21 are formed by the material extruded from the first extrusion channel 13a, and the multiple airway walls 21 separate the airflow channels 20a.

[0073] The airway wall 21 mainly serves as a support, essentially forming the framework of the aerosol generation matrix 20. During heating, the airway wall 21 can release aerosols, while the airflow channel 20a collects the aerosols and allows them to flow along the airflow channel 20a. This enables the aerosols to be delivered more smoothly and orderly through the airflow channel 20a, thereby effectively improving aerosol extraction efficiency and enhancing the suction experience.

[0074] In related technologies, for extrusion dies used to manufacture aerosol products with strip-shaped cross-sections via extrusion, the feed channels of the extrusion die are generally perforated structures with relatively small feed areas (feed 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 feed areas. Because these perforated feed channels have relatively small feed areas, and the extrusion die needs to have a large number of feed channels, the extrusion resistance is high and the extrusion pressure is high during the extrusion process, thus increasing the wear and power consumption of the extruder. Furthermore, the relatively small feed area and the large number of feed channels also make the structure of the extrusion die more complex, increasing the difficulty of design and manufacturing. Therefore, the production cost of this type of extrusion die is high, the production cycle is long, and its mass production economy and timeliness are poor.

[0075] In this embodiment, the extrusion die 10 has at least one first support member 12 disposed within the feed chamber 11a of the base portion 11. The first support member 12 divides the feed chamber 11a into at least two feed channels 12a arranged along a first direction, allowing the feed channels 12a to have a larger feed area. Compared to perforated feed channels 12a, with the same total feed area, the number of feed channels 12a in this extrusion die 10 is significantly reduced, while the feed area of ​​a single feed channel 12a is increased. 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 the first support member 12 to form the feed channels 12a, 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 mass production economy and timeliness.

[0076] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the feed channel 12a has a width dimension D1 along a first direction. For an extrusion die 10 provided with a plurality of first support members 12, the width dimension D1 of each feed channel 12a can gradually increase from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

[0077] In other words, the closer to the center, the smaller the width dimension D1 of the feed channel 12a, and the narrower the feed channel 12a; the farther away from the center, the larger the width dimension D1 of the feed channel 12a, and the wider the feed channel 12a.

[0078] Generally, when the width dimension D1 of each feed channel 12a is the same, the further away from the center, the greater the flow resistance of the feed channel 12a, and the slower the material extrusion speed. Therefore, the width dimension D1 of each feed channel 12a gradually increases from the center to both sides along the first direction, which can make the flow resistance of the feed channel 12a near the center larger and the flow resistance of the feed channel 12a near both ends smaller. This can make the extrusion speed of the material from each feed channel 12a more consistent, and thus ensure that the material can be extruded more uniformly.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 3. The first support member 12 has a thickness dimension D2 along the first direction. For example, the thickness dimension D2 of each first support member 12 gradually decreases from the middle to both sides along the first direction, so that the width dimension D1 of each feed channel 12a gradually increases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

[0080] In other words, the closer to the center, the greater the thickness of the first support member 12; the farther from the center, the smaller the thickness of the first support member 12. By adjusting the thickness of each first support member 12, the width of each feed channel 12a can gradually increase from the center to both sides along the first direction. This arrangement facilitates the formation of feed channels 12a with different widths.

[0081] In other embodiments, the thickness of each first support member 12 can also be kept consistent. Meanwhile, the width of each feed channel 12a can be gradually increased from the middle to both sides along the first direction by adjusting the spacing between two adjacent first support members 12.

[0082] In other embodiments, the width dimension D1 of each feed channel 12a may also be the same.

[0083] In one embodiment, referring to FIG8, the first support member 12 has a third length dimension L3 along a third direction. For an extrusion die 10 provided with multiple first support members 12, the third length dimension L3 of each first support member 12 can gradually decrease from the middle to both sides along a first direction.

[0084] The closer to the center, the larger the third length dimension L3 of the first support member 12; the farther away from the center, the smaller the third length dimension L3 of the first support member 12. This arrangement also allows the material to be extruded at a more uniform speed from each feed channel 12a, thus ensuring that the material can be extruded more evenly.

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1, 5 to 7, the shaping section 13 includes a plurality of shaping teeth 131, which are spaced apart within the discharge chamber 11b to form a first extrusion channel 13a between two adjacent shaping teeth 131. That is, the first extrusion channel 13a can be formed by providing the shaping teeth 131.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. For an extrusion die 10 with multiple first support members 12, each shaping tooth 131 can be connected to the corresponding first support member 12 to improve the fixing strength of the shaping tooth 131.

[0087] In addition, this arrangement also allows most of the area of ​​the first extrusion channel 13a to be connected to the feed channel 12a in the third direction. Therefore, these connected positions can be wire-cut by passing through the wire cutting line. As for the part of the first extrusion channel 13a that is blocked by the first support member 12, 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a portion of the shaped tooth 131 extends to opposite sides of the first support member 12 along the first direction and is connected to the first support member 12, thereby further improving the fixing strength of the shaped tooth 131. In other embodiments, the shaped tooth 131 may not extend to opposite sides of the first support member 12 along the first direction; for example, the shaped tooth 131 may only be connected to the end face of the first support member 12 near the side of the shaped tooth 131.

[0090] Alternatively, for an extrusion die 10 equipped with a second support member 14, a portion of the shaping teeth 131 may be connected to the first support member 12, while another portion of the shaping teeth 131 may be connected to the second support member 14.

[0091] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1, 5 to 7, the shaping part 13 may be spaced apart from the seat part 11 so that a second extrusion channel 113b is formed at the interval.

[0092] Referring to Figure 10, the material is extruded from the second extrusion channel 113b, which can form the annular outer wall 22 of the aerosol generation matrix 20.

[0093] For example, referring to Figures 3, 5, and 10, on a projection plane perpendicular to a third direction (Figure 3 can be equivalent to the projection of the extrusion die 10 on a projection plane perpendicular to a third direction), the projection of the feed cavity 11a can be a racetrack shape with two arc-shaped contour lines on its outer contour. The two arc-shaped contour lines are located on opposite sides of the projection of the feed cavity 11a along the first direction. The projection of the second extrusion channel 113b is located within the projection area of ​​the feed cavity 11a, and the projection of the second extrusion channel 113b has arc-shaped segments protruding outward from opposite sides along the first direction. A portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel 13a extends along the first direction, and another portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel 13a extends along the second direction, so that the projections of multiple first extrusion channels 13a together form a grid.

[0094] In other words, the two arc-shaped segments of the projection of the second extrusion channel 113b correspond to the two arc-shaped contour lines of the projection of the feed chamber 11a, thereby facilitating the extrusion of an aerosol generating matrix 20 with a racetrack-shaped cross-section or a racetrack-like shape as shown in Figure 10. The material extruded from the multiple first extrusion channels 13a causes the air passage walls 21 of the aerosol generating matrix 20 to form a mesh.

[0095] Please refer to Figures 1, 4 to 6. The seat 11 is located on opposite sides of the discharge chamber 11b along the second direction, and multiple ribs 11c protruding into the discharge chamber 11b can be respectively provided. The multiple ribs 11c are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 10. By setting multiple ribs 11c, the outer surface of the annular outer wall 22 of the aerosol generating matrix 20 can form grooves 22a that correspond one-to-one with the ribs 11c. These grooves 22a can increase the outer surface area of ​​the aerosol generating matrix 20. In addition to improving heating efficiency and enhancing the user's suction experience, they are also more conducive to aerosol extraction.

[0097] Please refer to Figures 1 and 5. For an extrusion die 10 with multiple first support members 12, each rib 11c can be disposed between two adjacent first support members 12. On a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction (Figure 6 can be equivalent to the projection of the extrusion die 10 on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction), the projection of the rib 11c can form a gap 11d with the projection of the first support member 12. Setting the gap 11d facilitates the entry of material from the feed channel 12a into the second extrusion channel 113b, thereby reducing the extrusion resistance of the material.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 6. The dimension H of the gap 11d along the third direction can be adjusted according to design requirements. Preferably, the dimension H of the gap 11d along the third direction can be 0.1mm to 1mm (including the endpoint value), for example, it can be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.8mm, 1mm, etc.

[0099] In other embodiments, multiple ribs 11c may be provided only on one side of the seat portion 11 located on opposite sides of the discharge chamber 11b along the second direction, while no ribs 11c may be provided on the other side. Alternatively, the seat portion 11 may not be provided with ribs 11c, which is equivalent to the outer surface of the annular outer wall 22 of the aerosol generating matrix 20 not having grooves 22a.

[0100] In other embodiments, the shaping part 13 may also be connected to the seat part 11, which means that the aerosol generating matrix 20 may not have an annular outer wall 22.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 aerosol-generating articles, comprising: The seat portion has an infeed chamber and an outlet chamber that are interconnected. The infeed chamber has a first length dimension along a first direction and a second length dimension along a second direction. The first length dimension is greater than the second length dimension. The outlet chamber is located on one side of the infeed chamber along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. At least one first support member is disposed within the feed chamber to divide the feed chamber into at least two feed channels arranged along the first direction; A shaping section having multiple first extrusion channels is disposed within the discharge chamber, and each first extrusion channel is connected to a corresponding feed channel.

2. The extrusion die according to claim 1, wherein the number of the first support members is multiple, and the multiple first support members are spaced apart along the first direction to divide the feed chamber into at least three feed channels arranged along the first direction.

3. The extrusion die according to claim 2, wherein the feed channel has a width dimension along the first direction, and the width dimension of each feed channel gradually increases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

4. The extrusion die according to claim 3, wherein the first support member has a thickness dimension along the first direction, and the thickness dimension of each of the first support members gradually decreases from the middle to both sides along the first direction, so that the width dimension of each of the feed channels gradually increases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

5. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the first support member has a third length dimension along the third direction, and the third length dimension of each of the first supports members gradually decreases from the middle to both sides along the first direction.

6. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the shaping part includes a plurality of shaping teeth, the plurality of shaping teeth being disposed at intervals in the discharge cavity such that a first extrusion channel is formed between two adjacent shaping teeth, and each shaping tooth is connected to a corresponding first support member.

7. The extrusion die according to claim 6, wherein a portion of the shaping teeth extends to opposite sides of the first support member along the first direction and is connected to the first support member.

8. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the feed chamber is divided into two feed channels by a first support member; the extrusion die further includes a second support member disposed in at least one of the feed channels, the second support member dividing the corresponding feed channel into at least two sub-channels arranged along the second direction.

9. The extrusion die according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first support member is a flat plate.

10. The extrusion die according to claim 1, wherein the shaping portion and the base portion are spaced apart to form a second extrusion channel at the interval.

11. The extrusion die according to claim 10, on a projection plane perpendicular to the third direction, the projection of the feed cavity is a racetrack shape with two arc-shaped contour lines on its outer contour, the two arc-shaped contour lines being located on opposite sides of the projection of the feed cavity along the first direction, the projection of the second extrusion channel being located within the projection area of ​​the feed cavity, and the projection of the second extrusion channel having arc-shaped segments protruding outward from the opposite sides along the first direction; a portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel extends along the first direction, and another portion of the projection of the first extrusion channel extends along the second direction, so that the projections of multiple first extrusion channels together form a grid.

12. The extrusion die according to claim 10, wherein at least one side of the base portion located on opposite sides of the discharge cavity along the second direction has a plurality of ribs protruding into the discharge cavity, and the plurality of ribs are spaced apart along the first direction.

13. The extrusion die according to claim 12, wherein the number of the first support members is multiple, and the multiple first support members are spaced apart along the first direction to divide the feed chamber into at least three feed channels arranged along the first direction, and each of the ribs is respectively disposed between two adjacent first support members, and a gap is formed between the projection of the rib and the projection of the first support member on a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The extrusion die according to claim 13, wherein the gap has a dimension of 0.1 mm to 1 mm along the third direction.

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