JP6884764B2 - How to make a heat source - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a heat source.

Many aerosol-forming articles that heat rather than burn cigarettes have been advocated in the art. One purpose of such "heat-not-burn" aerosol-forming articles is to reduce the well-known harmful smoke components of the type produced by tobacco burning and pyrolysis in conventional cigarettes. In one well-known type of heated aerosol-forming article, an aerosol is produced by the transfer of heat from a flammable heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate located downstream of the flammable carbonaceous heat source. During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a flammable heat source and mixed into the air drawn through the aerosol-forming article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

For example, in WO-A2-2009 / 0222232, there is a flammable heat source, an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the flammable heat source, and around the rear portion of the flammable heat source and the adjacent anterior portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. Disclosure of smoking articles with direct contact thermal conductivity elements.

It is well known that flammable heat sources for use in such aerosol-forming articles are manufactured in a multi-stage process in which a heat source is formed by pressurizing a particulate material to form a solid heat source. It is well known that the particulate material is carbon-based and non-carbon-based, and may also contain a binder to improve the structural properties of the heat source. The heat conductive element is then attached to the heat source in a subsequent process.

As described above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a manufacturing method for increasing the efficiency of manufacturing a flammable heat source.

The present invention relates to a method of producing a heat source for an aerosol-forming article. The method is a step of providing a mold defining a recess having a first opening and a step of providing a chamber above the recess, wherein the chamber is fluidly connected to the first opening. A process with an opening, a process of placing the particulate component in the chamber, and a particulate in the chamber up to a first pressure to force the particulate component to flow into the recess. It includes a step of compressing the components and a step of compressing the particulate component in the recess to form a heat source up to a second pressure higher than the first pressure.

Providing such a method advantageously minimizes wasted particulate components and the number of heat sources. In addition, because the defective rate is reduced, the heat source can be created faster than other methods.

The heat source is preferably a flammable heat source.

The particulate component preferably contains a carbonaceous material.

As used herein, the term "carbonaceous" is used to describe carbon-containing heat sources and particulate components.

In embodiments where the particulate component is carbonaceous, the first particulate component preferably has a carbon content of at least about 35 percent by dry mass of the first particulate component. More preferably, it has a carbon content of at least about 45 percent, and most preferably it has a carbon content of at least about 55 percent. In certain preferred embodiments, the first particulate component preferably has a carbon content of at least about 65 percent by dry mass of the first particulate component.

The particulate component for use in making a flammable carbonaceous heat source by the method according to the invention may contain one or more additives to improve the properties of the flammable carbonic heat source. Suitable additives include additives that promote compaction of flammable carbonaceous heat sources (eg, sintering aids), additives that promote ignition of flammable carbonic heat sources (eg, perchlorates, chlorates). Oxidizing agents such as salts, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, zirconium and combinations thereof), additives that facilitate the combustion of flammable carbonaceous heat sources (eg potassium and potassium salts such as potassium citrate) and _{Additives (eg, catalysts such as CuO, Fe 2} O ₃ and Al ₂ O ₃ ) that promote the decomposition of one or more gases produced by combustion of a flammable carbonaceous heat source include, but are not limited to. ..

When the method according to the invention is used to create a flammable carbonaceous heat source for aerosol-forming articles, at least one of the particulate components contains carbon. At least one of the particulate components preferably contains an ignition aid. In certain embodiments, at least one of the particulate components may include carbon and an ignition aid.

In embodiments where the first particulate component comprises an ignition aid, the first particulate component preferably has an ignition aid content of about 60 percent or less in dry mass, preferably about 50 percent. It is more preferable to have the following ignition auxiliary agent content, and most preferably to have the ignition auxiliary agent content of about 40% or less. In certain preferred embodiments, the first particulate component preferably has an ignition aid content of about 30 percent or less by dry mass.

As used herein, the term "ignition aid" refers to one of energy and oxygen during ignition of a flammable heat source, where the release rate by one or both materials of energy and oxygen is not a finite diffusion of ambient oxygen. Or used to mean a material that emits both. In other words, the rate of release of one or both of the energy and oxygen by the material during ignition of the flammable heat source is independent of the rate at which ambient oxygen can reach the material. As used herein, the term "ignition aid" is also used to mean an elemental metal that releases energy during ignition of a flammable heat source, with an ignition temperature of the elemental metal of about 500. Below ° C., the heat of combustion of the elemental metal is at least about 5 kJ / g.

As used herein, the term "ignition aid" refers to alkali metal salts of carboxylic acids (such as alkali metal citrates, alkali metal acetates and alkali metal succinates), alkali metal halide salts (as used herein). It does not contain alkali metal chloride salts (such as alkali metal chloride salts), alkali metal carbonates or alkali metal phosphate salts, but these are thought to regulate carbon combustion. Such alkali metal combustion salts ignite the flammable heat source with sufficient energy to produce an acceptable aerosol during the initial smoking, even when present in large quantities relative to the total weight of the flammable heat source. Does not release during.

Examples of suitable oxidizing agents include nitrates such as potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, strontium nitrate, sodium nitrate, barium nitrate, lithium nitrate, aluminum nitrate and iron nitrate; nitrites; other organic and inorganic nitro compounds; chlorates. , For example sodium chlorate and potassium chlorate; perchlorates such as sodium permanganate; chlorite; bromates such as sodium bromate and potassium bromine; perbromate; bromine acid Borates such as sodium borate and potassium borate; iron salts such as barium ironate; phosphite; manganates such as potassium manganate; permanganates such as permanganate Potassium and the like; organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide and acetone peroxide; inorganic peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, strontium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, calcium peroxide, barium peroxide, zinc peroxide and peroxide Lithium and the like; superoxides such as potassium permanganate and sodium superoxide; iodates; periodates; subiodates; sulfates; sulfites; other sulfoxides; phosphates; phosphinates; sub Phosphates; and subphosphinates include, but are not limited to.

As used herein, the term "particulate component" is used to describe any fluid particulate material or combination of particulate materials, including but not limited to powders and granules. To. The particulate components used in the methods according to the invention may include two or more particulate materials of different types. The particulate components used in the methods according to the invention may include two or more particulate materials of different compositions.

Particle-like components are used to provide a heat source. To achieve such a heat source, the particulate component is compressed using a forming press or mold with a specific indentation into which the particulate component is inserted by the first opening. There, it is then transformed into the appropriate volume, shape, and density by applying pressure up to a second pressure value to create the desired heat source.

Prior to reaching the depression, the particulate component is first placed in a chamber, eg, a tank, that is located above or near the depression of the forming press or mold and communicates with it. The fluid connection between the chamber and the indentation may be achieved, for example, by forming a second opening in the chamber and connecting it to the first opening in the indentation.

Thus, an amount of particulate component needs to be released from the chamber and inserted into the indentation, where pressure is applied up to a second pressure into the indentation. However, some problems may arise if, for example, slipping causes the movement of particulate components from the chamber to the indentation solely due to gravity.

The second pressure applied to the particulate component to compress the particulate component into a heat source has a predetermined value and preferably reaches this value with slightly higher accuracy. This is because, for example, if the density of the heat source is too high because the second pressure applied is too high, it may be difficult for the gas generated during the combustion of the heat source to be expelled from the particles, which causes the heat source. Due to the fact that it can generate internal stresses that break apart and can fall off aerosol-generating articles.

Problems arise when gravity is not sufficient to allow the proper amount of particulate components to fall into the depression, resulting in partial filling. Therefore, when a particular second pressure is applied to the partially filled depression, the resulting heat source should be excluded, resulting in wasted particulate components and manufacturing time.

The cause of this problem may be that the mechanical fluidity of the particulate components, which is partially determined by the particle size distribution and moisture, is too low for the diameter of the indentation. However, both of these quantities, the diameter of the indentation and the mechanical fluidity of the particulate components, cannot be easily changed.

The diameter of the indentation is determined by the diameter of the aerosol-generating article accepted on the market and is used by a number of other machines implied in the manufacturing process, so it is mechanically needed for the particulate component. It is not possible to adjust these diameters to fit what may be done.

Moreover, the density of particulate components that have been meticulously determined and fixed to optimize their heat release cannot be changed without modification of their composition.

According to the present invention, to solve the above problems, additional pressure is applied to the particulate component when the particles are still in the chamber and not yet in the recess. This pressure, which reaches the first pressure value, "forces" the particles to fall from the chamber into the depression. In this way, it is more likely that the correct amount of particulate components will be present in the indentation.

When the correct amount of particulate component falls into the depression, the chamber is moved aside, leaving only the particulate component in the depression and other particles poured into the chamber. Is preferably set aside for next use. This step can be performed before or after pressurizing the depression up to a second pressure.

The mechanical fluidity of the particulate component is no longer an obstacle to the correct filling of the indentation, as it is applied up to the first pressure. By adapting the chamber pressure up to the first pressure to the mechanical fluidity of the particulate component, any particulate component can be used and various external conditions (eg, particulate configuration). In the presence of higher or lower moisture, which may change the fluidity of the element), the desired indentation filling can be obtained. The value of the first pressure can change substantially freely, but conversely the value of the second pressure is substantially fixed as explained above. However, even in this free change, the application of pressure inside the chamber up to the first pressure causes the particulate component to compress into a single dense object so that the second pressure compresses. Since it is preferable not to compress with, the first pressure will not be higher than the second pressure, but the particles forming the particulate component can still move independently or in small clusters, indentations. Does not interfere with the first opening of the.

In addition, the application of pressure up to the first pressure into the chamber allows rapid flow of particulate components into the indentations, increasing the speed of the manufacturing process.

After applying pressure into the chamber up to the first pressure, the pressure into the indentation up to the second pressure to compress the particulate components is the particulate composition in the indentation. It is applied to the element and compresses the same component. The presence of pressurization up to the first pressure does not change the second pressure value and is therefore optimized to achieve the correct density of heat source, for example for proper gas release during combustion. Can be transformed into.

The resulting compressed particles are then optionally expelled from the indentation and processed to serve as a heat source.

The method of the present invention comprises a phase in which the particulate component is compressed by a chamber pressure up to a first pressure and a phase in which the particulate component is compressed by a pressure into a depression up to a second pressure. In between, it is preferable to include a step in which no pressure is applied to the particulate component other than atmospheric pressure during a predetermined time. It is preferred that the particulate components according to the method of the invention are not subject to continuously increasing pressure. The particles are preferably subjected to two separate steps, each of which is applied with different pressures up to a first pressure and up to a second pressure at a given time. Between the application up to the first pressure and the application up to the second pressure, it is preferable that no pressure is applied other than atmospheric pressure at a given time. For example, the pressure application can be as follows. The pressure in the chamber up to the first pressure pushes the particulate component into the depression. The chamber is then moved out of the depression, and it is preferable that there is a interruption in pressure application (no pressure is applied to the particles other than standard atmospheric pressure) during this switch. A pressure is then applied to the indentation up to a second pressure, which compresses the particulate components into a heat source.

The two pressure steps can be followed by one followed by the other, with no time interval between them. The step of compressing the particulate component in the recess to a maximum of a second pressure may be performed only when the step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber to a maximum of a first pressure is completed. preferable.

Chamber pressures up to the first pressure can be applied in a number of different ways, all of which are encompassed by the present invention. The method preferably comprises providing a flow of fluid into the chamber to push the particulate component towards the recess. The flow of fluid acting on the particulate component provides pressure up to the first pressure. This pressure can be adjusted at will to change the flow rate of the fluid. It is more preferable that the fluid flow includes an air flow. Air is an inexpensive and easy-to-control fluid and is therefore preferably used in this method.

When this fluid flow is applied, the method preferably comprises the step of fluid sealing the chamber with respect to the mold. In this way, the fluid flow can increase the pressure in the chamber above atmospheric pressure and up to the first pressure. When the chamber is removed from the indentation, the fluid seal is eliminated and the pressure in the chamber and the pressure in the indentation can return to atmospheric pressure.

Advantageously, piping is provided that connects the chamber to the fluid reservoir. In order to obtain a flow of fluid that pushes the particles towards the depression, the chamber is preferably connected to a fluid reservoir, eg, an air reservoir, in which the fluid is housed. A fan or blower (eg, located in a flow reservoir) preferably imparts the fluid with the required speed and flow rate towards the particulate component.

Chamber pressures up to the first pressure may be applied by the first mechanical pressurizer to compress the particulate component towards the indentation. A mechanical pressurizer and an air stream can coexist, both of which can exert pressure on the particulate component, the sum of which creates the total pressure up to the first pressure and its proper amount. Let it flow into the depression. Mechanical pressurizers can include movable walls, such as chamber walls, which move particulate components towards a second opening. The mechanical pressurizer may include a piston with downward movement. When a mechanical pressurizer is used to apply a pressure up to the first pressure on the particulate component in the chamber, for example, increasing the pressure exerted into the chamber at will. It is also preferred that a sensor of applied chamber pressure be present in the chamber to generate a feedback signal that is further used to reduce or stop.

The method preferably comprises the step of sensing the weight of the particulate components present inside the depression. More preferably, the method also includes the step of interrupting compression inside the chamber when the weight of the particulate component in the recess is greater than the set threshold of the recess. The amount of particles inside the indentation is preferably well controlled to obtain a heat source of the desired size and density. A sensor for checking the amount of particles is included in the depression to check that the chamber pressure up to the first pressure pushes the correct amount of particulate component inside the depression. The sensor can determine the weight of the particulate component that has fallen into the depression and signal to interrupt the first pressure in the chamber when a certain threshold, called the depression setting threshold, is reached. preferable. The weight of the particulate components inside the indentation can be visually displayed and the operator may manually interrupt chamber pressurization.

The method of the present invention preferably includes a step of adjusting the pressure applied inside the chamber during the compression step. In this way, for example, the pressure in the chamber can always be changed up to the first pressure, with reference to the amount of particulate components present in the depression. The pressure change in the chamber can have a predetermined pattern. The change in pressure in the chamber more preferably comprises slowly increasing the pressure inside the chamber during the compression step until the weight of the particulate material reaches a set threshold inside the recess.

The method of the present invention preferably includes a step of adjusting the pressure applied inside the recess during the compression step. The pressure in the chamber or recess may be adjusted in such a way that it is applied in different subsequent sub-steps, eg, in as many sub-steps as N. It is preferable that the pressure reaches the maximum value in each lower step of the sequence, and the maximum pressure value of each lower step is equal to or less than the maximum pressure value of the subsequent lower steps. This is because the pressure in the depression is raised up to the second pressure in the N lower process, and the maximum reached pressure in each j-lower process (j = 1, ..., N) is P _j (. It means that P _j ≤ P _{j + 1} and _{PN in the} equation = second pressure).

In the method of the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure in the recess up to the second pressure is applied in a plurality of N lower steps. It is even more preferable that the pressure up to the second pressure is applied in N ≦ 5 lower steps. The lower step is preferably equal to N = 3. By adjusting the pressure applied in the recess, as in the case of applying pressure in different lower steps, it is possible to have a more homogeneous density inside the heat source.

The first pressure is preferably optimized to push the particulate component into the indentation and at the same time not over-compress it to avoid clogging. The first pressure is preferably from about 0.005 megapascals (5 × 10 ³ N / m ² ) to about 0.5 megapascals (5 × 10 ⁵ N / m ² ). The second pressure is preferably optimized to obtain a heat source with the appropriate density and dimensions. It said second pressure is preferably about 1 megapascal ^{(10 6 N / m 2)} ~ about 50 MPa ^{(5 × 10 7 N / m} 2). The pressure equal to the first pressure, or the pressure equal to the second pressure, is preferably applied in about 0.01 seconds to about 2 seconds. The first pressure is preferably from about 0.02 megapascals to about 0.1 megapascals. The pressure equal to the first pressure is more preferably applied for a time equal to about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds, and even more preferably for about 0.15 seconds. The second pressure is preferably from about 5 megapascals to about 20 megapascals. The pressure equal to the second pressure is more preferably applied for a time equal to about 0.1 seconds to about 1 second, and may be applied for a time equal to about 0.2 seconds to about 0.4 seconds. Even more preferable.

The pressure in the recess up to the second pressure is more preferably applied in the N substep so that one substep follows the other substep. It is preferable that the process is a lower process of N ≦ 5. Each substep preferably lasts from about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds. In each subprocess, the maximum pressure is defined as _{P j.} When the number of sub-steps is N = 3, the maximum pressure of each j-sub-step (j = 1, 2, 3 in the equation) is _{a value in the range of P 1} (about 1 megapascal to about 3 megapascals). (Has), P ₂ (having values in the range of about 4 megapascals to about 8 megapascals), and P ₃ (having values in the range of about 10 megapascals to about 12 megapascals) are preferably equal. A _{pressure equal to P 1} is applied into the indentation in about 0.2 to about 0.3 seconds, then a _{pressure equal to P 2} is applied into the indentation in about 0.2 to about 0.3 seconds. Next, _{a pressure equal to P 3} = second pressure is preferably applied into the recess in about 0.2 to about 0.3 seconds.

The ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure is preferably from about 0.0001 to about 0.5, more preferably from about 0.0017 to about 0.1.

Advantageously, the method of the present invention provides a hopper fluidally connected to the chamber, places a particulate component within the hopper, and causes the particulate component to move from the hopper to the chamber by gravity. The process of moving is further included. In order to minimize the consumption and waste of the particulate components, the particulate components are introduced into the hopper and then from there, for example, through a pipe, by gravity, the controlled amount of the chamber. It is released to slide with. Advantageously, the diameter of the pipe can be adjusted as needed to ensure that all types of particulate components tend to easily fall from the hopper into the chamber by gravity alone. In this way, only a relatively small amount of particulate components are present in the chamber, and only these small amounts of particulate components need to be moved by the pressurization of the chamber.

If an appropriate amount of particulate component is present in the chamber, the method comprises sealing the chamber against the mold when the amount of particulate component in the chamber reaches the set threshold of the chamber. Is preferable. Sealing the chamber against the mold ensures that proper control of the pressure applied to the chamber is achieved.

The method preferably comprises moving the chamber away from above the indentation when the step of compressing the particulate components in the chamber to a maximum of first pressure is complete. In this way, the steps of refilling the chamber with new particulate components and compressing at pressures up to a second pressure in the recess can be performed with reduced manufacturing time. Furthermore, between the application of chamber pressure up to the first pressure and the application of pressure to the indentation up to the second pressure, only atmospheric pressure acts on the particulate component.

We have mentioned a single indentation, but of course the mold may contain multiple indentations. The chamber may include multiple openings to allow fluid communication with each recess. Within each recess of the mold, pressures up to a second pressure are applied, compressing the particulate components present in it to obtain a heat source. Multiple indentations may be supplied in a single row, or in multiple rows, or in staggered rows.

A second mechanical means, such as a piston, can apply a pressure up to a second pressure inside the indentation. In the case of multiple indentations, for each indentation, one piston descends (preferably vertically) into the indentation and is particulate in the indentation to obtain the determined density and shape. Apply pressure to the components.

The method further preferably comprises draining the formed flammable heat source from the depression. The heat source formed is preferably discharged by moving the piston out of the mold.

The portion of the mold defining the wall of the recess may move downwards, and the portion of the mold defining the bottom of the recess may remain stationary relative to the portion defining the wall of the recess. The discharge of the heat source from the recess of the mold preferably corresponds to a chamber that slidably travels across the mold so that the outer surface of the chamber draws the heat source out of the work area.

The method may include utilizing a continuously rotating multi-cavity die, a so-called turret press. The recess may rotate about a central axis. The particulate component is provided from the chamber into the indentation, and the chamber does not move with respect to the indentation that receives the particulate component. In this way, the chamber reciprocates along the line defined by the arc. The piston is provided vertically above the indentation and during the process of applying the second pressure, the piston does not move with respect to the indentation to which the pressure is applied. In this way, the piston reciprocates both vertically and along the line defined by the arc. After that, the formed flammable heat source is discharged from the mold.

As further described below, the flammable heat source may be blind or non-blind. As used herein, the term "blind" means that air for inhalation by the user drawn through an aerosol-forming article with a heat source does not pass through any airflow channel along the flammable heat source. Used to describe flammable heat sources.

As used herein, the term "non-blind" refers to one or more airflow channels in which air for inhalation by a user drawn through a smoking article with a heat source is along a flammable heat source. Used to describe the heat source that passes through.

The heat source may include multiple layers. The layers are preferably formed from different particulate materials such that separate layers with different properties are formed. Multiple layers may be formed by placing the first particulate material in the indentation of the mold and by placing the second particulate material in the indentation of the mold. 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 into the depression by pressure up to the first pressure. The second particulate material is also pushed into the depression by the pressure applied into the chamber up to the first pressure. Two operations can be performed in succession.

The flammable heat source produced by the method according to the present invention ^{preferably has an apparent density of about 0.8 g / cm 3} to about 1.1 g / cm ³ , and has an apparent density of about 0.9 g / cm ^3. Is more preferable.

The flammable heat source produced by the method according to the present invention preferably has a length of about 2 mm to about 20 mm, more preferably a length of about 3 mm to about 15 mm, and a length of about 9 mm to about 11 mm. It is most preferable to have.

The flammable heat source produced by the method according to the present invention preferably has a diameter of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, more preferably a diameter of about 7 mm to about 8 mm, and preferably a diameter of about 7.8 mm. Most preferred.

The flammable heat source created by the method according to the invention preferably has a substantially uniform diameter. However, the method according to the invention may also be used to create a flammable heat source that tapers so that the diameter of the first end of the flammable heat source is greater than the diameter of the second end on the opposite side. Good.

The flammable heat source created by the method according to the invention is preferably substantially cylindrical. For example, the method according to the invention may be used to create a cylindrical flammable heat source with a substantially circular or substantially elliptical cross section.

As used herein, the term "length" is used to describe the longitudinal dimensions of smoking articles.

As described herein, flammable heat sources may be used in aerosol-forming articles. Aerosol-forming articles may include flammable heat sources, aerosol-forming substrates, moving sections such as expansion chambers, filter sections, and mouthpieces. The flammable heat source is preferably provided adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate at the first end of the aerosol-forming article. A flammable heat source barrier is provided between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece is provided at the second end of the aerosol-forming article.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols upon heating. Aerosol-forming articles are articles that include aerosol-forming substrates that are capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. The aerosol-forming article may be a nonflammable aerosol-forming article or a flammable aerosol-forming article. Non-flammable aerosol-generating articles release volatile compounds without combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example, by heating the aerosol-forming substrate, or by a chemical reaction, or by mechanical stimulation of the aerosol-forming substrate. .. The flammable aerosol-forming article releases the aerosol by direct combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate, as is the case with conventional cigarettes, for example.

The aerosol-forming substrate has the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols, and the volatile compounds may be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

The present invention will be further described, but only as an example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The schematic process of the method for manufacturing a heat source by this invention is shown. A schematic diagram of the process of the method for producing a heat source according to the present invention is shown. The schematic process of the method for manufacturing a heat source by this invention is shown. A schematic diagram of the process of the method for producing a heat source according to the present invention is shown. The top view and the side view of the heat source realized by the method of this invention are shown. The top view and the side view of the heat source realized by the method of this invention are shown.

1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d show schematics of the process for manufacturing a heat source according to the present invention and are generally represented by 1. The heat source 1 realized at the end of the method of the present invention is illustrated in enlarged views in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

The machine 10 used to manufacture the heat source 1 is arranged as follows. The mold 100 is provided to define the side wall of the recess 101 for forming the heat source 1. The upper wall of the recess is open and defines the first opening 102. The side walls and bottom wall of the mold may be movable relative to each other to vary the size of the indentation. The recess 101 may be cylindrical.

The hopper 103 is configured and provided to hold and release the particulate matter 104 through the hopper outlet 105. Further, the machine 10 includes a chamber 106 fluidly connected to the hopper 103 by a pipe 107. The chamber 106 is slidably attached to the mold 100 so that it can reciprocate along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess 102. In addition, chamber 106 is positioned above the mold 100 and includes a second opening 108. The dimensions of the second opening are preferably equal to or greater than the dimensions of the first opening 102.

The piston 109 is provided vertically above the recess 102 and is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the piston and the longitudinal axis of the recess 101 are aligned. The piston 109 preferably has a compressed area of about 0.5 square centimeters, i.e., an area that enters and contacts the particles during pressure application. Optionally, the second piston (not shown), including the bottom wall of the recess, is also slidable so that the longitudinal axis of the second piston and the longitudinal axis of the recess 101 are aligned. Be placed. The piston 109 and the second piston may work together to compress the material that exists between them within the indentation.

Further, the fluid storage unit 110 is fluidly connected to the chamber 106 by a pipe 111. The pipe 111 is preferably branched from the pipe 107. The fluid reservoir 110 preferably includes a fan or blower 112 for blowing the fluid towards the chamber 106.

The chamber 106 can be air-sealed with respect to the forming mold 100 (excluding pipes 107/111). For example, the chamber can have a compressible seal (not visible in the figure) all around its bottom, and the chamber can be mechanically pressed onto the mold 100 to make it an air seal (except for pipes). Can be done.

A weight sensor 113 can be provided inside the recess 101 to weigh the particulate material introduced into the recess. The weight sensor 113 commands the fan or blower 112 to signal the weight of the particulate material to the control unit 114, which tends to increase, decrease, or interrupt the airflow in the chamber 106 as a function of the particulate material weight. You may. The connection between the control unit 114, the fan or blower 112 and the sensor 113 is shown by a broken line in FIGS. 1a-1b.

FIG. 1a shows a chamber 106 positioned above the mold 100 such that the first opening 102 and the second opening 108 are located on top of one so that the other overlaps. At this position, the hopper 103 is filled with the particulate material 104, in which the particulate material is stored. The hopper 103 provides the particulate material 104 to the chamber 106 via the pipe 107 along the direction of arrow 20. Sufficient particulate material is provided into chamber 106 to form a single heat source 1. The flow of particulate material is done by gravity.

The chamber 106 is then airtight with respect to the mold 100.

FIG. 1b shows the operation of a fan or blower 112 for introducing an air flow into the chamber 106 by a pipe 117 along the direction of arrow 30 after the particulate material 104 has reached the chamber 106 from the hopper 103. .. A fan or blower can be activated by a command sent by the control unit 114. In this way, the pressure in the chamber 106 increases due to the airtight connection between the chamber and the mold, and the particulate material 104 present in the chamber 106 is pushed by air blowing into the recess 101. Moving. The increase in pressure in the chamber is controlled, for example, by a suitable sensor (not shown) so that it does not exceed the first pressure. The applied air pressure is preferably from about 0.02 megapascals to about 0.1 megapascals in about 0.15 seconds so that the particulate components enter the chamber. The weight sensor 113 may send a signal to the control unit 114 that can change the pressure exerted by the airflow according to the weight of the particulate material 104 introduced into the recess. The airflow is stopped by the control unit 114 when the desired weight is achieved, thus there is no more pressure in the chamber 106 in addition to the atmospheric pressure. The control unit may send, for example, a signal to the fan 112 to switch off in order to interrupt the pressurization of the chamber.

FIG. 1c shows the chamber 106 retracting from the recess filling position shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b. When the chamber 106 slides away from the recess opening 102 of the mold, the piston 109 advances toward the recess 101 in the direction indicated by the arrow 40. Therefore, the piston 109 that pushes the particles toward the wall of the recess 101 compresses the particulate material 104 that exists in the recess 101. The piston 109 compresses the particulate material 104 until a predetermined second pressure is reached. The second pressure is high enough to pack the particulate material together, after which the particulate material is "glued" substantially together to form a single unit.

It is preferable to reach the second pressure in three different substeps. In the first substep, the piston 109 moves down towards the bottom of the indentation and begins to compress the particles, about 0.05 kilonewtons to about 0.15 kilos in about 0.2 seconds to 0.3 seconds. Apply Newton's force. The piston 109 then goes into further compression of the particles in about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds with a strength of about 0.2 kilonewtons to about 0.4 kilonewtons in the second substep. move on. In the third sub-step, the piston takes about 0.2 seconds to about 0.3 seconds and uses a strength of about 0.5 kilonewtons to about 0.6 kilonewtons that defines the second pressure value. Further compress the particles in the depression. FIG. 1d shows the piston 109 retracted from the recess 101. When the piston 109 retracts, the mold portion defining the wall of the recess is preferably lowered relative to the portion of the mold forming the bottom of the recess. In this way, the heat source 1 is discharged from the recess of the mold. When the mold portion defining the side wall of the recess is lowered, the chamber 106 slides along the top surface of the mold to initiate the process of producing additional heat sources. As the chamber advances, the front edge of the chamber 106 is used to clear the formed heat source from the work area. In this way, a continuous process is provided.

2a and 2b show the formed heat source 1. The compressed particulate material forms a heat source. The heat source has a diameter of about 7.8 mm and a length of about 9 mm. As shown in FIG. 2b, the flammable heat source 1 has a substantially circular cross section.

The heat source is used in aerosol forming equipment. The article comprises a heat source formed as described above, an aerosol-forming substrate provided adjacent to the heat source barrier, a diffuser, a moving section, a filter adapted to condense vapor, and a mouthpiece filter. When the user inhales the aerosol-forming article, air is drawn through a vent upstream upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate, which mixes the aerosol.

The above embodiments and examples are illustrated, but the present invention is not limited. Other embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and of course, the specific embodiments described herein are not limited.

Claims (12)

A method of producing a heat source for aerosol-forming articles.
A process of providing a mold that defines a recess with a first opening, and
A step of providing a chamber above the recess, wherein the chamber has a second opening fluid-connected to the first opening.
The process of placing the particulate components in the chamber and
A step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to a first pressure so as to force it into the recess.
A step of compressing the particulate component in the recess to a second pressure, up to a higher than the first pressure, to form the heat source.
A predetermined time with respect to the particulate component in the chamber between the step of compressing the particulate component with a first pressure and the step of compressing the particle with a second pressure. A process that does not apply pressure other than atmospheric pressure inside,
The step of sensing the weight of the particulate component existing inside the depression, and
A method comprising the step of slowly increasing the pressure inside the chamber during the step of compressing to the first pressure until the weight of the particulate component inside the recess reaches the set threshold of the recess. .. A method of producing a heat source for aerosol-forming articles.
A process of providing a mold that defines a recess with a first opening, and
A step of providing a chamber above the recess, wherein the chamber has a second opening fluid-connected to the first opening.
The process of placing the particulate components in the chamber and
A step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to a first pressure so as to force it into the recess.
A step of compressing the particulate component in the recess to a second pressure, up to a higher than the first pressure, to form the heat source.
The step of sensing the weight of the particulate component existing inside the depression, and
Including a step of slowly increasing the pressure inside the chamber during the step of compressing to the first pressure until the weight of the particulate component inside the recess reaches the set threshold of the recess.
The method, wherein the first pressure is from about 0.005 megapascals to about 0.5 megapascals. A method of producing a heat source for aerosol-forming articles.
A process of providing a mold that defines a recess with a first opening, and
A step of providing a chamber above the recess, wherein the chamber has a second opening fluid-connected to the first opening.
The process of placing the particulate components in the chamber and
A step of compressing the particulate component in the chamber up to a first pressure so as to force it into the recess.
A step of compressing the particulate component in the recess to a second pressure, up to a higher than the first pressure, to form the heat source.
The step of sensing the weight of the particulate component existing inside the depression, and
Including a step of slowly increasing the pressure inside the chamber during the step of compressing to the first pressure until the weight of the particulate component inside the recess reaches the set threshold of the recess.
A method in which the heat source has a length of 2 mm to 20 mm. Between the step of compressing the particulate component with a first pressure and the step of compressing the particles with a second pressure.
The method according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a step of applying no pressure other than atmospheric pressure to the particulate component in the chamber for a predetermined time. The method of any one of claims 1-4, comprising the step of providing a flow of fluid into the chamber to push the particulate component towards the recess. The method of any one of claims 1-5, comprising the step of providing a first mechanical pressurizing device for compressing the particulate component towards the recess. The method of any one of claims 1-6, comprising the step of interrupting the compression inside the chamber when the weight of the particulate component in the recess is greater than a set threshold. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the particulate component comprises a flammable carbonaceous material. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising a step of adjusting the pressure applied inside the chamber during the step of compressing to the first pressure. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the pressure equal to the first pressure is applied in about 0.01 seconds to about 2 seconds. The method according to any one or more of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the second pressure is about 1 megapascal to about 50 megapascal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the pressure equal to the second pressure is applied in about 0.01 seconds to about 2 seconds.

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