EP3346856B1 - Verfahren zur herstellung einer wärmequelle - Google Patents

Verfahren zur herstellung einer wärmequelle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3346856B1
EP3346856B1 EP16763290.0A EP16763290A EP3346856B1 EP 3346856 B1 EP3346856 B1 EP 3346856B1 EP 16763290 A EP16763290 A EP 16763290A EP 3346856 B1 EP3346856 B1 EP 3346856B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
cavity
chamber
particulate component
heat source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP16763290.0A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3346856A1 (de
Inventor
Lucien SUAREZ
Pierre-Emmanuel Marie Fournand
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Priority to PL16763290T priority Critical patent/PL3346856T3/pl
Publication of EP3346856A1 publication Critical patent/EP3346856A1/de
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Publication of EP3346856B1 publication Critical patent/EP3346856B1/de
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/10—Devices with chemical heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24C—MACHINES FOR MAKING CIGARS OR CIGARETTES
    • A24C5/00—Making cigarettes; Making tipping materials for, or attaching filters or mouthpieces to, cigars or cigarettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24B—MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF
    • A24B15/00—Chemical features or treatment of tobacco; Tobacco substitutes, e.g. in liquid form
    • A24B15/10—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/16—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes
    • A24B15/165—Chemical features of tobacco products or tobacco substitutes of tobacco substitutes comprising as heat source a carbon fuel or an oxidized or thermally degraded carbonaceous fuel, e.g. carbohydrates, cellulosic material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
    • A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
    • A24D1/22—Cigarettes with integrated combustible heat sources, e.g. with carbonaceous heat sources
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F42/00—Simulated smoking devices other than electrically operated; Component parts thereof; Manufacture or testing thereof
    • A24F42/80—Manufacture
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L5/00—Solid fuels
    • C10L5/02—Solid fuels such as briquettes consisting mainly of carbonaceous materials of mineral or non-mineral origin
    • C10L5/06—Methods of shaping, e.g. pelletizing or briquetting
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L2290/00—Fuel preparation or upgrading, processes or apparatus therefore, comprising specific process steps or apparatus units
    • C10L2290/30—Pressing, compressing or compacting
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L2290/00—Fuel preparation or upgrading, processes or apparatus therefore, comprising specific process steps or apparatus units
    • C10L2290/32—Molding or moulds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a heat source.
  • a number of aerosol forming articles in which tobacco is heated rather than combusted have been proposed in the art.
  • One aim of such 'heated' aerosol forming articles is to reduce known harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.
  • an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a combustible heat source to an aerosol forming substrate located downstream of the combustible carbonaceous heat source.
  • volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming substrate by heat transfer from the combustible heat source and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol forming article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.
  • WO-A2-2009/022232 discloses a smoking article comprising a combustible heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source, and a heat-conducting element around and in direct contact with a rear portion of the combustible heat source and an adjacent front portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • WO 2013/149810 discloses a method of manufacturing a combustible heat source having a barrier.
  • the method comprises providing a mould defining a cavity; placing a particulate component in the mould cavity; placing a laminar component, adjacent the mould, to cover the cavity opening; compressing the particulate component to form the combustible heat source; wherein, during the compression step, the barrier is formed by punching the laminar component using a punch and the mould, the punch acting on the barrier to compress the particulate component and affix the barrier to the combustible heat source.
  • Combustible heat sources for use in such aerosol forming articles are known to be manufactured in multi-stage process in which the heat source is formed by pressing particulate material to form a solid heat source.
  • the particulate material is known to be carbon-based and non-carbon-based, and may also comprise a binder to improve the structural properties of the heat source.
  • the heat conducting element is then attached to the heat source in a subsequent process.
  • the invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of a heat source for an aerosol forming article.
  • the method comprises providing a mould defining a cavity having a first opening; providing a chamber above said cavity, the chamber having a second opening fluidly connected to the first opening; placing a particulate component in the chamber; compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to a first pressure so that it forcedly flows into said cavity; and compressing the particulate component in the cavity up to a second pressure higher than said first pressure to form the heat source.
  • a method is defined in appended independent claim 1.
  • said heat source is a combustible heat source.
  • said particulate component includes a carbonaceous material.
  • carbonaceous' is used to describe heat sources and particulate components comprising carbon.
  • the first particulate component preferably has a carbon content of at least about 35 percent, more preferably of at least about 45 percent, most preferably of at least about 55 percent by dry weight of the first particulate component. In certain preferred embodiments, the first particulate component preferably has a carbon content of at least about 65 percent by dry weight of the first particulate component.
  • Particulate components for use in methods according to the invention for making combustible carbonaceous heat sources may comprise one or more additives in order to improve the properties of the combustible carbonaceous heat source.
  • Suitable additives include, but are not limited to, additives to promote consolidation of the combustible carbonaceous heat source (for example, sintering aids), additives to promote ignition of the combustible carbonaceous heat source (for example, oxidisers such as perchlorates, chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, zirconium and combinations thereof), additives to promote combustion of the combustible carbonaceous heat source (for example, potassium and potassium salts, such as potassium citrate) and additives to promote decomposition of one or more gases produced by combustion of the combustible carbonaceous heat source (for example catalysts, such as CuO, Fe 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 ).
  • At least one of the particulate components comprises carbon.
  • at least one of the particulate components comprises an ignition aid.
  • at least one of the particulate components may comprise carbon and an ignition aid.
  • the first particulate component comprises an ignition aid
  • the first particulate component preferably has an ignition aid content of less than or equal to about 60 percent, more preferably of less than or equal to about 50 percent, most preferably of less than or equal to about 40 percent by dry weight. In certain preferred embodiments, the first particulate component preferably has an ignition aid content of less than or equal to about 30 percent by dry weight.
  • the term 'ignition aid' is used to denote a material that releases one or both of energy and oxygen during ignition of the combustible heat source, where the rate of release of one or both of energy and oxygen by the material is not ambient oxygen diffusion limited. In other words, the rate of release of one or both of energy and oxygen by the material during ignition of the combustible heat source is largely independent of the rate at which ambient oxygen can reach the material.
  • the term 'ignition aid' is also used to denote an elemental metal that releases energy during ignition of the combustible heat source, wherein the ignition temperature of the elemental metal is below about 500 °C and the heat of combustion of the elemental metal is at least about 5 kJ/g.
  • the term 'ignition aid' does not include alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids (such as alkali metal citrate salts, alkali metal acetate salts and alkali metal succinate salts), alkali metal halide salts (such as alkali metal chloride salts), alkali metal carbonate salts or alkali metal phosphate salts, which are believed to modify carbon combustion. Even when present in a large amount relative to the total weight of the combustible heat source, such alkali metal burn salts do not release enough energy during ignition of a combustible heat source to produce an acceptable aerosol during early puffs.
  • alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids such as alkali metal citrate salts, alkali metal acetate salts and alkali metal succinate salts
  • alkali metal halide salts such as alkali metal chloride salts
  • alkali metal carbonate salts or alkali metal phosphate salts which are believed to modify carbon combustion.
  • oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to: nitrates such as, for example, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, strontium nitrate, sodium nitrate, barium nitrate, lithium nitrate, aluminium nitrate and iron nitrate; nitrites; other organic and inorganic nitro compounds; chlorates such as, for example, sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate; perchlorates such as, for example, sodium perchlorate; chlorites; bromates such as, for example, sodium bromate and potassium bromate; perbromates; bromites; borates such as, for example, sodium borate and potassium borate; ferrates such as, for example, barium ferrate; ferrites; manganates such as, for example, potassium manganate; permanganates such as, for example, potassium permanganate; organic peroxides such as, for example, benzoyl peroxide and acetone peroxide; inorganic peroxides such as, for example,
  • the term 'particulate component' is used to describe any flowable particulate material or combination of particulate materials including, but not limited to, powders and granules.
  • Particulate component used in methods according to the invention may comprise two or more particulate materials of different types.
  • the particulate components used in methods according to the invention may comprise two or more particulate materials of different composition.
  • the particulate component is used to realize a heat source.
  • the particulate component is pressed using a forming press or mould which comprises a specific cavity into which the particulate component is inserted by means of a first opening, and where it is then transformed to adequate volume, shape and density by the application of pressure, up to a second pressure value, to create the desired heat source.
  • the particulate component Before reaching the cavity, the particulate component is first put into a chamber, for example a tank, which can be located above or in proximity of the cavity of the forming press or mould and is in fluid communication to the same.
  • a chamber for example a tank
  • the fluid connection between the chamber and the cavity may be realized for example forming a second opening in the chamber and connecting it to the first opening of the cavity.
  • the second pressure applied to the particulate component to compress it into a heat source has a predetermined value and this value is preferably reached with rather high accuracy due the fact that if the heat source has a too high density, for example due by the application of a too high second pressure, the gasses generated during the combustion of the heat source may have difficulties in being expelled from the particulate, which may create internal stress that could break the heat source into parts which could fall from the aerosol generating article.
  • the cause of this problem could be that the mechanical fluidity of the particulate component, partly determined by granulometry distribution and moist of the particulate, is too low relatively to the cavity diameter.
  • both these quantities, cavity diameter and mechanical fluidity of the particulate component cannot be easily changed.
  • the cavity diameters are determined according to market accepted diameters of the aerosol generating article, and used by numerous other machineries implied in the manufacturing process, these diameters could not be adjusted to fit what could be mechanically needed for the particulate component.
  • the density of the particulate component cannot be changed without modifying its composition, which has been determined and fixed with great care to optimize its heat release.
  • an additional pressure is applied to the particulate component when the particulate is still in the chamber and not yet in the cavity.
  • This pressure which reaches a first pressure value, "forces" the particulate to fall from the chamber to the cavity. In this way, the correct amount of particulate component is likely present in the cavity.
  • the chamber is moved aside, leaving just the particulate component which is in the cavity and saving other particulate that has been poured into the chamber for next uses.
  • This step can be performed before or after the application of the cavity pressure up to a second pressure.
  • the mechanical fluidity of the particulate component is not an obstacle any more for the correct filling of the cavity.
  • Adapting the chamber pressure up to the first pressure to the mechanical fluidity of the particulate component allows to obtain the desired cavity filling with any particulate component and in a variety of external conditions, for example in presence of higher or lower moisture which may alter the fluidity of the particulate component.
  • the value of the first pressure can be substantially freely varied, contrary to the value of the second pressure which is substantially fixed, as explained above.
  • the first pressure does not equal or exceed the second pressure, because the application of a pressure inside the chamber up to the first pressure is preferably not compacting the particulate component in a single dense object, as the application of the second pressure does, but still allows the particles forming the particulate component to move independently or in small clusters to avoid obstructions of the cavity first opening.
  • the application of a pressure up to the first pressure in the chamber allows a quick flow of particulate component into the cavity, speeding up the manufacturing process.
  • a pressure in the cavity up to the second pressure is applied to the particulate component in the cavity to compact the same.
  • the value of the second pressure is unchanged by the presence of the application of a pressure up to the first pressure, therefore it can be optimized for achieving the correct density of the heat source, for example for the proper gas release during combustion.
  • the resulting compacted particulate is then optionally ejected out of the cavity, and processed to become a heat source.
  • the method of the invention between the phase of compressing the particulate component at a chamber pressure up to a first pressure and the phase of compressing the particulate component at a cavity pressure up to a second pressure, includes a step during which no pressure is applied, with the exception of atmospheric pressure, to said particulate component for a predetermined time.
  • the particulate component according to the method of the invention is preferably not subjected to a continuously increasing pressure.
  • the particulate is subjected to two separate steps in which different pressures, up to the first pressure and up to the second pressure, respectively, are applied for a given amount of time.
  • the pressure application can be as follows.
  • the pressure in the chamber up to the first pressure pushes the particulate component into the cavity.
  • the chamber is then preferably shifted from the cavity and during this shift there is an interruption in the pressure application: no pressure is applied to the particulate with the exception of the standard atmospheric pressure.
  • the cavity pressure up to the second pressure is applied, and the particulate component is compacted into a heat source by this pressure.
  • the two pressure steps could be one subsequent to the other, without a time interval in between.
  • the step of compressing said particulate component in the cavity up to the second pressure takes place only when the step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to the first pressure is terminated.
  • the chamber pressure up to the first pressure can be applied in a plurality of different ways.
  • the method preferably comprises providing a fluid flow in the chamber to push said particulate component towards said cavity.
  • the fluid flow acting on the particulate component provides the pressure up to the first pressure.
  • This pressure can be optionally regulated changing the flow rate of the fluid.
  • the fluid flow includes an air flow. Air is a cheap and easy-to-control fluid and therefore it is preferably used in the present method.
  • the method comprises the step of fluid-tightening the chamber to the mould.
  • the fluid flow can build up a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and up to the first pressure in the chamber.
  • the fluid-tightening is removed and the pressure in the chamber and in the cavity may return back to the atmospheric pressure.
  • a piping is provided connecting the chamber to a fluid reservoir.
  • the chamber is preferably connected to a fluid reservoir, for example an air reservoir, where the fluid is contained.
  • a fan or blower for example located within the flow reservoir, is imparting to the fluid the necessary speed and flow rate towards the particulate component.
  • the chamber pressure up to the first pressure may be imparted by means of a first mechanical pressing device to compress said particulate component towards the cavity.
  • Mechanical pressing device and air flow can also coexist imparting both a pressure, the sum of which generates a total pressure up to the first pressure, to the particulate component so that it flows in the right amount to the cavity.
  • the mechanical pressing device could include a movable wall, for example a wall of the chamber, which moves the particulate component towards the second opening.
  • Said mechanical pressing device may include a piston having a downwards movement.
  • a mechanical pressing device is used to apply the pressure up to the first pressure in the chamber to the particulate component, preferably a sensor of the applied chamber pressure is also present in the chamber, to generate for example feedback signals further used to optionally increase, decrease or stop the exerted pressure in the chamber.
  • the method comprises the step of sensing a weight of particulate component present inside the cavity. More preferably, the method also includes the step of interrupting the compression inside said chamber when said weight of particulate component in the cavity is above a cavity set threshold.
  • the amount of particulate inside the cavity is preferably well controlled in order to obtain a heat source of the desired size and density.
  • a sensor to check the amount of the particulate is included in the cavity. The sensor determines the weight of the particulate component fallen in the cavity and, preferably, if a certain threshold is reached, called cavity set threshold, sends a signal to interrupt the first pressure in the chamber.
  • the weight of the particulate component inside the cavity can be displayed visually and an operator may manually interrupts the chamber pressure application.
  • the method of the invention includes the step of tuning the applied pressure during the compression step inside the chamber.
  • the pressure in the chamber can be varied, always up to the first pressure, for example with reference to the amount of particulate component present in the cavity.
  • the pressure variations in the chamber can have predetermined patterns. More preferably, the variation of the pressure in the chamber includes slowly increasing a pressure during the compression step inside said chamber till the weight of the particulate material inside said cavity reaches a set threshold.
  • the method of the invention includes the step of tuning the applied pressure during the compression step inside the cavity.
  • the pressure in the chamber or in the cavity may be tuned in such a way that it is applied in different subsequent sub-steps, for example in a number of sub-steps equal to N.
  • the pressure reaches a maximum value, the maximum pressure value of each sub-step being preferably equal to or lower than the maximum pressure value of the subsequent sub-step.
  • the first pressure is preferably optimized to push the particulate component inside the cavity and at the same time to avoid compacting it excessively, avoiding clogging.
  • said first pressure is comprised between about 0.005 MegaPascal (5*10 3 N/m 2 ) and about 0.5 MegaPascal (5*10 5 N/m 2 ).
  • the second pressure is preferably optimized to obtain a heat source having the proper density and dimensions.
  • said second pressure is comprised between about 1 MegaPascal (10 6 N/m 2 ) and about 50 MegaPascal (5*10 7 N/m 2 ).
  • a pressure equal to the first pressure or equal to the second pressure is applied for a time interval comprised between about 0.01 seconds and about 2 seconds.
  • the first pressure is comprised between about 0.02 MegaPascal and about 0.1 MegaPascal. More preferably, the pressure equal to the first pressure is applied for a time interval equal to about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds, even more preferably for about 0.15 seconds.
  • the second pressure is comprised between about 5 MegaPascal and about 20 MegaPascal. More preferably, the pressure equal to the second pressure is applied for a time interval equal to about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second, even more preferably for a time interval equal to about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds.
  • the pressure in the cavity up to the second pressure is applied in N sub-steps, one subsequent to the other.
  • N five sub-steps.
  • each sub-steps lasts between about 0.2 seconds and about 0.3 seconds.
  • the ratio between the first pressure and the second pressure is preferably comprised between about 0.0001 and about 0.5, more preferably between about 0.0017 and about 0.1.
  • the method further comprises providing a hopper fluidly connected to the chamber; placing the particulate component in the hopper; and moving by gravity the particulate component from the hopper to the chamber.
  • the particulate component is introduced in a hopper from where it is then released to slide, due to gravity, via for example a pipe, to the chamber in small controlled amounts.
  • the diameter of the pipe could be adjusted, if needed, to make sure that every kind of particulate component is apt to fall easily from the hopper to the chamber by means of gravity only. In this way, in the chamber, only a relatively small amount of particulate component is present and only such a small amount has to be moved by the chamber pressure application.
  • the method includes the step of sealing the chamber to the mould when an amount of particulate component in the chamber reaches a chamber set threshold. Sealing the chamber to the mould assures that a proper control of the pressure applied into the chamber is achieved.
  • the method includes the step of moving away the chamber from above the cavity when the step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to a first pressure has ended.
  • the step of refilling the chamber with new particulate component and the compressing step with a pressure up to the second pressure in the cavity can be performed in parallel reducing production time.
  • only atmospheric pressure acts onto the particulate component.
  • the mould might include a plurality of cavities.
  • the chamber may include a plurality of apertures so as to be in fluid communication with each cavity.
  • a pressure up to the second pressure is applied and the particulate component herein present is compressed so as to obtain a heat source.
  • the plurality of cavities may be provided in a single row, or in multiple rows or staggered rows.
  • the pressure up to the second pressure inside the cavity can be applied by second mechanical means, such as a piston.
  • second mechanical means such as a piston.
  • one piston comes down - preferably vertically - into the cavity, applying pressure to the particulate component into the cavity so that it acquires a determined density and shape.
  • the method further comprises ejecting the formed combustible heat source from the cavity.
  • the formed heat source is preferably ejected by moving the piston out of the mould.
  • the portion of the mould defining the cavity walls may move downwards, and the portion of the mould defining the base of the cavity may remain stationary relative to the portion defining the cavity walls.
  • the ejection of the heat source from the mould cavity corresponds to the chamber slidably advancing across the mould, such that an external face of the chamber removes the heat source from the work area.
  • the method may comprise utilising a continuously rotating multi-cavity press, a so-called turret press.
  • the cavities may rotate about a central axis.
  • the particulate component is provided in the cavity from a chamber, the chamber being stationary relative to the cavity receiving the particulate component.
  • the chamber reciprocates along a line defined by an arc.
  • the piston is provided vertically above the cavity, and during the step of applying the second pressure, the piston is stationary relative to the cavity to which the pressure is applied.
  • the piston reciprocates both vertically, and along a line defined by an arc.
  • the formed combustible heat source is then ejected from the mould.
  • the combustible heat source may be blind or non-blind.
  • the term 'blind' is used to describe a combustible heat source in which air, drawn through an aerosol forming article comprising the heat source, for inhalation by a user does not pass through any airflow channels along the combustible heat source.
  • the term 'non-blind' is used to describe a heat source in which air, drawn through a smoking article comprising the heat source, for inhalation by a user passes through one or more airflow channels along the combustible heat source.
  • the heat source may comprise a plurality of layers.
  • the layers are preferably formed from different particulate material such that distinct layers are formed having distinct properties.
  • the plurality of layers may be formed by placing a first particulate material in the mould cavity, and placing a second particulate material in the mould cavity.
  • the first particulate material corresponds to the first layer and the second particulate material corresponds to the second layer.
  • the first particulate material is pushed in the cavity by means of a pressure up to the first pressure.
  • the second particulate material is also pushed into the cavity by a pressure applied in the chamber up to a first pressure.
  • the two operations can be performed in series.
  • combustible heat sources made by methods according to the invention have an apparent density of between about 0.8 g/cm 3 and about 1.1 g/cm 3 , more preferably about 0.9 g/cm 3 .
  • Combustible heat sources made by methods according to the invention have a length of between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, more preferably of between about 3 mm and about 15 mm, most preferably of between about 9 mm and about 11 mm.
  • combustible heat sources made by methods according to the invention have a diameter of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, more preferably of between about 7 mm and about 8 mm, most preferably about 7.8 mm in diameter.
  • combustible heat sources made by methods according to the invention are of substantially uniform diameter.
  • methods according to the invention may be used to make combustible heat sources that are tapered such that the diameter of a first end of the combustible heat source is greater than the diameter of an opposed second end thereof.
  • combustible heat sources made by methods according to the invention are substantially cylindrical.
  • methods according to the invention may be used to make cylindrical combustible heat sources of substantially circular cross-section or of substantially elliptical cross-section.
  • the term 'length' is used to describe the dimension in the longitudinal direction of smoking articles.
  • the combustible heat source as described herein may be used in aerosol forming articles.
  • the aerosol forming article may comprise a combustible heat source, an aerosol forming substrate, a transfer section such as an expansion chamber, a filter section and a mouthpiece.
  • the combustible heat source is preferably provided at a first end of the aerosol forming article adjacent the aerosol forming substrate.
  • the barrier of the combustible heat source is provided between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the mouthpiece is provided at a second end of the aerosol forming article.
  • an aerosol forming substrate refers to a substrate capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol.
  • An aerosol forming article is an article comprising an aerosol forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
  • An aerosol forming article may be a non-combustible aerosol forming article or may be a combustible aerosol forming article.
  • Non-combustible aerosol generating article releases volatile compounds without the combustion of the aerosol forming substrate, for example by heating the aerosol forming substrate, or by a chemical reaction, or by mechanical stimulus of an aerosol forming substrate.
  • Combustible aerosol forming article releases an aerosol by direct combustion of an aerosol forming substrate, for example as in a conventional cigarette.
  • the aerosol forming substrate is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol and may be released by heating or combusting the aerosol forming substrate.
  • Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d show schematic representations of steps for the manufacture of a heat source according to the present invention and globally indicated with 1.
  • the realized heat source 1 at the end of the method of the invention is depicted in an enlarged view in figs. 2a and 2b .
  • the machinery 10 utilised to manufacture the heat source 1 is arranged as follows.
  • a mould 100 is provided that defines the side walls of a cavity 101 for forming the heat source 1.
  • the top wall of the cavity is open defining a first opening 102.
  • the mould side walls and the bottom wall may be movable relative to each other in order to change the size of the cavity.
  • the cavity 101 is cylindrical.
  • a hopper 103 is provided that is configured to hold and release particulate matter 104 via an hopper outlet 105.
  • the machinery 10 includes a chamber 106 which is fluidly connected to the hopper 103 by means of a pipe 107.
  • the chamber 106 is slidably mounted relative to the mould 100, such that it can reciprocate along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 102.
  • chamber 106 is positioned on top of the mould 100 and includes a second opening 108.
  • the dimension of the second opening is equal to or bigger than that of the first opening 102.
  • a piston 109 is provided vertically above the cavity 102 and is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the piston and the longitudinal axis of the cavity 101 are aligned.
  • the piston 109 has a compressive area, that is the area that enters into contact to the particulate during the application of a pressure onto the particulate, of about 0.5 square centimetres.
  • a second piston (not depicted in the drawings) including a bottom wall of the cavity is also slidable and arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the second piston and the longitudinal axis of the cavity 101 are aligned. Piston 109 and second piston may cooperate to compress material present in the cavity therebetween.
  • a fluid reservoir 110 is fluidly connected to the chamber 106 by means of pipe 111.
  • pipe 111 branches off pipe 107.
  • Fluid reservoir 110 preferably includes a fan or blower 112 to blow the fluid towards the chamber 106.
  • the chamber 106 could be air-sealed to the forming mould 100, except for the pipes 107/111.
  • the chamber could have all around its bottom a compressible seal (not visible in the drawings) and the chamber could be mechanically pressed on the mould 100, making it air-sealed, except for the pipes.
  • a weight sensor 113 can be provided inside cavity 101 to weight the particulate material introduced therein.
  • the weight sensor 113 may send signals relating to the weight of the particulate material to a control unit 114 apt to command fan or blower 112 and to increase, decrease or interrupt the airflow in the chamber 106 as a function of the particulate material weight.
  • the connection between control unit 114, fan or blower 112 and sensor 113 is depicted as dashed lines in the figures 1a-1b .
  • Figure 1a shows the chamber 106 positioned above the mould 100 such that the first and second openings 102, 108 are located one on top of the other.
  • the hopper 103 is filled with particulate material 104 and therein stored.
  • the hopper 103 provides the chamber 106 with particulate material 104 via pipe 107 along the direction of arrows 20.
  • Sufficient particulate material is provided into the chamber 106 to form a single heat source 1. The flow of the particulate material takes place by gravity.
  • chamber 106 is air-tighten to mould 100.
  • Figure 1b shows the activation of the fan or blower 112 so that a flow of air is introduced in the chamber 106 by means of pipe 117 along the direction of the arrow 30.
  • Fan or blower can be activated by means of a command sent by control unit 114.
  • control unit 114 controls the pressure built up in chamber 106 and the particulate material 104 present in the chamber 106 moves into the cavity 101 being pushed by the air blow.
  • the pressure built up in the chamber is controlled, for example by means of suitable sensors (not depicted) so that it does not exceed the first pressure.
  • the air pressure applied is comprised between about 0.02 MegaPascal and about 0.1 MegaPascal for about 0.15 seconds so that the particulate component enters the chamber.
  • Weight sensor 113 may send signals to the control unit 114 which, depending on the weight of the particulate material 104 introduced in the cavity, may vary the pressure exerted by the air flow.
  • control unit 114 stops the air flow and thus no more pressure in addition to the atmospheric pressure is present in the chamber 106.
  • the control unit in order to interrupt the application of the chamber pressure may for example send a switch off signal to the fan 112.
  • Figure 1c shows the chamber 106 retreating from the cavity filling position shown in Figure 1a and 1b .
  • the piston 109 advances towards the cavity 101, in the direction as shown by arrow 40. Therefore, the particulate material 104 present in the cavity 101 is compressed by the piston 109 which presses the particulate towards the walls of the cavity 101.
  • the piston 109 compresses particulate material 104 till a second pressure is reached which is predetermined. The second pressure is high enough to pack together the particulate material which then is substantially "glued” together to form a single unit.
  • the second pressure is reached in three different subsequent sub-steps.
  • the piston 109 moves down towards the bottom of the cavity and starts compressing the particulate in a first sub-step, applying a force of between about 0.05 kiloNewton to about 0.15 kiloNewton for a time interval comprised between about 0.2 seconds to 0.3s seconds.
  • the piston 109 then proceeds further compressing the particulate in a second sub-step with a strength of between about 0.2 kiloNewton to about 0.4 kiloNewton for a time interval comprised between about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds.
  • the piston compresses the particulate in the cavity even more, with strength of between about 0.5 kiloNewton to about 0.6 kiloNewton, which defines the second pressure value, for a time interval comprised between about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds.
  • Figure 1d shows the piston 109 retreated from the cavity 101.
  • the mould portion defining the walls of the cavity is preferably lowered relative to the portion of the mould forming the bottom of the cavity.
  • the heat source 1 is ejected from the mould cavity.
  • the chamber 106 is slidably advanced along the top face of the mould to begin the process of manufacturing a further heat source.
  • the leading edge of the chamber 106 is utilised to clear the formed heat source from the work area. In this way, a continuous process is provided.
  • Figures 2a and 2b show the formed heat source 1.
  • the compressed particulate material forms the heat source.
  • the heat source is approximately about 7.8 mm in diameter and approximately about 9 mm in length.
  • the combustible heat source 1 is substantially circular in cross-section.
  • the heat source is used in an aerosol forming device.
  • the article comprises a heat source formed as described above, an aerosol forming substrate provided adjacent the barrier of the heat source, a diffuser, a transfer section, a filter adapted to condense vapour, and a mouthpiece filter.
  • a heat source formed as described above
  • an aerosol forming substrate provided adjacent the barrier of the heat source
  • a diffuser provided adjacent the barrier of the heat source
  • a transfer section a filter adapted to condense vapour
  • a mouthpiece filter As the user draws on the aerosol forming article, air is drawn through ventilation holes upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate which entrains the aerosol.

Claims (13)

  1. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Wärmequelle (1) für einen aerosolbildenden Artikel, aufweisend:
    - Vorsehen einer Form (100), die einen Hohlraum (101) mit einer ersten Öffnung (102) definiert;
    - Vorsehen einer Kammer (106) über dem Hohlraum (101), wobei die Kammer eine zweite Öffnung hat, die mit der ersten Öffnung (102) in Fluidverbindung steht;
    - Anordnen einer partikelförmigen Komponente (104) in der Kammer (106);
    - Verdichten der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) in der Kammer (106) bis zu einem ersten Druck, sodass sie gezwungenermaßen in den Hohlraum (101) fließt;
    - Verdichten der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) in dem Hohlraum (101) bis zu einem zweiten Druck, der höher als der erste Druck ist, um die Wärmequelle auszubilden;
    - wobei die Wärmequelle (1) eine Länge zwischen 2 mm und 20 mm hat.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei es, zwischen dem Schritt des Verdichtens der partikelförmigen Komponente bei einem ersten Druck und dem Schritt des Verdichtens der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) bei einem zweiten Druck, beinhaltet:
    - kein Anlegen eines Drucks, mit Ausnahme des Atmosphärendrucks, an die partikelförmige Komponente (104) in der Kammer (106) für eine vorbestimmte Zeit.
  3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend:
    - Vorsehen einer Fluidströmung in der Kammer (106), um die partikelförmige Komponente (104) in Richtung des Hohlraums (101) zu drücken.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend:
    - Vorsehen einer ersten mechanischen Pressvorrichtung (109) zum Verdichten der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) in Richtung des Hohlraums (101).
  5. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend:
    - Erfassen eines Gewichts einer partikelförmigen Komponente (104), die sich innerhalb des Hohlraums (101) befindet.
  6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, beinhaltend:
    - Unterbrechen der Verdichtung innerhalb der Kammer (101), wenn das Gewicht der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) in dem Hohlraum (101) über einem festgelegten Schwellenwert liegt.
  7. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die partikelförmige Komponente (104) ein brennbares kohlenstoffhaltiges Material beinhaltet.
  8. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend:
    - Anpassen eines angelegten Drucks während des Verdichtungsschritts innerhalb der Kammer (101).
  9. Verfahren, nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wenn abhängig von Anspruch 5, beinhaltend:
    - Langsames Erhöhen eines Drucks während des Verdichtungsschritts innerhalb der Kammer (101), bis das Gewicht der partikelförmigen Komponente (104) innerhalb des Hohlraums einen festgelegten Hohlraumschwellenwert erreicht.
  10. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der erste Druck zwischen etwa 0,005 Megapascal und etwa 0,5 Megapascal aufweist.
  11. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Druck, der gleich dem ersten Druck ist, für ein Zeitintervall, das zwischen etwa 0,01 Sekunden und etwa 2 Sekunden aufweist, angelegt wird.
  12. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der zweite Druck zwischen etwa 1 Megapascal und etwa 50 Megapascal aufweist.
  13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Druck, der gleich dem zweiten Druck ist, für ein Zeitintervall, das zwischen etwa 0,01 Sekunden und etwa 2 Sekunden aufweist, angelegt wird.
EP16763290.0A 2015-09-11 2016-09-12 Verfahren zur herstellung einer wärmequelle Active EP3346856B1 (de)

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EP15184798 2015-09-11
PCT/EP2016/071461 WO2017042389A1 (en) 2015-09-11 2016-09-12 A method for manufacturing a heat source

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US10798969B2 (en) 2018-03-16 2020-10-13 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Smoking article with heat transfer component
KR20230096596A (ko) * 2021-12-23 2023-06-30 주식회사 케이티앤지 흡연 물품용 가연성 열원의 성형 방법, 상기 방법으로 제조된 가연성 열원 및 이를 포함하는 흡연 물품
KR20230096602A (ko) * 2021-12-23 2023-06-30 주식회사 케이티앤지 흡연 물품용 가연성 열원 및 이를 포함하는 흡연 물품

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US475224A (en) * 1892-05-17 von mitzlaff
GB218703A (en) * 1923-03-06 1924-07-07 Edgar Rouse Sutcliffe Improvements relating to presses for the production of bricks, briquettes, blocks and the like
JPS5143247Y2 (de) * 1972-08-24 1976-10-20
CN1007792B (zh) * 1985-06-20 1990-05-02 丹斯克·英达斯特里·辛迪卡特A/S 铸模零件的生产方法
US4981522A (en) * 1988-07-22 1991-01-01 Philip Morris Incorporated Thermally releasable flavor source for smoking articles
KR920701020A (ko) * 1989-10-18 1992-08-10 버나드 엠 질레스피 원재료 공급장치
US5345955A (en) * 1992-09-17 1994-09-13 R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Composite fuel element for smoking articles
JP4641576B2 (ja) * 1999-09-07 2011-03-02 インターメタリックス株式会社 充填方法及びその装置
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AU2008288170C1 (en) 2007-08-10 2013-04-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Distillation-based smoking article
CN201882895U (zh) * 2010-09-14 2011-06-29 广州金宗机械有限公司 一种粘稠膏体物料灌装机
CA2865299C (en) * 2012-02-24 2020-06-23 Philip Morris Products S.A. Method of making a multilayer article
CN104320982B (zh) * 2012-04-02 2017-03-01 菲利普莫里斯生产公司 制造可燃热源的方法
EP2676559A1 (de) * 2012-06-21 2013-12-25 Philip Morris Products S.A. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer brennbaren Wärmequelle mit Abgrenzung

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PL3346856T3 (pl) 2022-03-28
CN107846984A (zh) 2018-03-27
BR112018001203B1 (pt) 2022-08-16
US20180206548A1 (en) 2018-07-26
JP2018532387A (ja) 2018-11-08
BR112018001203A2 (pt) 2018-09-11
EP3346856A1 (de) 2018-07-18
WO2017042389A1 (en) 2017-03-16
KR20180051484A (ko) 2018-05-16
JP6884764B2 (ja) 2021-06-09
RU2018112702A (ru) 2019-10-14
RU2018112702A3 (de) 2020-02-10

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