Patent Description:
Research is being conducted into a technology adding flavors to aerosol provided from cigarettes. For example, a method, in which a capsule carrying a flavor is arranged inside a filter configuring a cigarette such that a smoker may selectively add a flavor to aerosol according to the smoker's preference, and when the capsule is crushed by the smoker, the aerosol is flavored, is used.

Various flavoring materials may be carried in a capsule. For example, natural oil ingredients and fat-soluble flavoring materials such as fat-soluble vitamins or the like may be carried in an outer membrane of a soft capsule, and when the capsule is crushed by a smoker, aerosol may be flavored. However, excessively irritating flavors may be added to the aerosol due to the fat-soluble flavoring materials, which may adversely affect the smoking taste of cigarettes.

Various flavoring materials are needed to be carried in a capsule to add a softer flavor to aerosol provided from cigarettes. For example, flavors flavored by a capsule are needed to be various as water-soluble flavoring materials in addition to the fat-soluble flavoring materials are carried in the capsule.

A structure of a capsule carrying flavoring materials is needed to be improved to improve the smoking taste of cigarettes by carrying various flavoring materials in the capsule. In particular, a capsule manufacturing method that may accurately implement an improved capsule is needed.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> - each presents a seamless capsule that comprises at least one core and a shell layer. The capsule can further comprise an intermediate layer which surrounds the core(s) and is surrounded by the shell layer. The shell layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, water-dispersible polymer, hydrogels. The shell layer can further comprise a disintegration aid.

<CIT> presents a seamless capsule that comprises at least one core and a shell layer. The capsule can further comprise an intermediate layer which surrounds the core(s) and is surrounded by the shell layer. The shell layer comprises a solvent-soluble, film forming agent. The shell layer can further comprise a disintegration aid.

<CIT> provides a seamless capsule for exterminating insect pests. The seamless capsule imitates an egg of an insect pest and the seamless capsule comprises a content material to be enclosed and a shell film material layer including the content material therein, wherein an active ingredient for exterminating insect pests is contained in the content material and/or the shell film material layer, an egg recognition pheromone is coated on the surface of the seamless capsule, and the seamless capsule has a surface roughness (Ra) of <NUM> to <NUM>.

<CIT> presents microspheres containing immunogens by which human beings or animals can be immunized. These microspheres have a multilayered structure consisting of a core layer containing the immunogens and a number of shell layers coating this core layer and at least the outermost layer is made from an enteric substance with such a shape retention as to form a sphere at an ordinary temperature.

<CIT> provides a microparticle containing a microorganism or biological material. A microparticle containing a microorganism or biological material having a three-layered structure composed of an outermost shell layer, an intermediate layer, and a core, wherein the outermost shell layer is composed of a composition containing gelatin and natural gum, an aqueous solution of the composition has a gelling temperature of <NUM> or lower, the intermediate layer is composed of a hydrophobic substance having a viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> cps or less and a viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> cps or more, the core is composed of a composition containing a micro-organism or biological material, and a water content of the whole particle is <NUM>% or less, and a water activity is <NUM> or less.

Furthermore relevant art is provided in <NPL>, <CIT>, <NPL>, and <CIT>.

Provided are a triple capsule, an apparatus for manufacturing the same, and a method of manufacturing the triple capsule. In addition to the technical problems related to the triple capsule and the apparatus and method of manufacturing the same, other technical problems may be derived from the embodiments to be described hereinafter.

The invention is as disclosed in the claims. According to the invention, a method of manufacturing a triple capsule includes supplying an interior material, an intermediate film material, and an exterior film material; discharging a triple molding body by receiving the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a nozzle mount and performing coextrusion on the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a triple nozzle in which a first nozzle discharging the interior material, a second nozzle discharging the intermediate film material, and a third nozzle discharging the exterior film material are arranged concentrically; and forming the triple capsule by circulating a coolant and cooling the triple molding body. The method is characterized in that the triple capsule is stored and inputted in a filter rod of a cigarette and in that the hardness of the intermediate film material is <NUM> penetration unit (PU) or more and <NUM> PU or less, according to the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) D1321.

A triple capsule including an exterior film material and an intermediate film material may be manufactured by a method and apparatus for manufacturing the triple capsule. When a fat-soluble material is included in an intermediate film material, an interior material including a water-soluble flavoring material may be carried in the triple capsule, and various flavors may be added to aerosol through the triple capsule.

The efficiency of manufacturing the triple capsule may be increased by the method and apparatus for manufacturing the triple capsule. The triple capsule may be rapidly manufactured as a coextrusion operation is performed on an exterior film material, the intermediate film material, and the interior material. In addition, an improved structure of the triple capsule may be accurately implemented by a nozzle structure of a molding unit that performs the coextrusion operation.

According to the invention, a method of manufacturing a triple capsule includes supplying an interior material, an intermediate film material, and an exterior film material; discharging a triple molding body by receiving the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a nozzle mount and performing coextrusion on the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material through a triple nozzle in which a first nozzle discharging the interior material, a second nozzle discharging the intermediate film material, and a third nozzle discharging the exterior film material are arranged concentrically; and forming the triple capsule by circulating a coolant and cooling the triple molding body. The method is characterized in that the triple capsule is stored and inputted in a filter rod of a cigarette and in that the hardness of the intermediate film material is <NUM> penetration unit (PU) or more and <NUM> PU or less, according to the American society for testing and materials (ASTM) D1321.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a triple capsule includes a material supply unit configured to supply an interior material, an intermediate film material, and an exterior film material; a molding unit comprising a nozzle mount receiving the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material and a triple nozzle in which a first nozzle discharging the interior material, a second nozzle discharging the intermediate film material, and a third nozzle discharging the exterior film material are arranged concentrically, and discharging a triple molding body by performing coextrusion on the interior material, the intermediate film material, and the exterior film material; and a cooling unit forming the triple capsule by circulating a coolant and cooling the triple molding body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a seamless capsule included in a cigarette includes an interior material including a water-soluble solvent and a water-soluble flavoring material and having a diameter of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less; an intermediate film material including a fat-soluble wax and having a thickness of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less; and an exterior film material including a water-soluble polymer material and having a thickness of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that the following description is only for the purpose of embodying the embodiments and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

In the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the term such as "configuring" or "including" is intended to indicate the existence of the various components or various operations disclosed in the present disclosure, some of the components or operations may be absent, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that additional components or operations may be added.

In the present disclosure, while such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, such components must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

With respect to the terms in the present disclosure, the general terms which are currently and widely used are selected in consideration of functions of structural elements in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, meanings of the terms can be changed according to intention, a judicial precedence, the appearance of a new technology, and the like.

The present embodiments relate to a triple capsule and an apparatus for manufacturing the same. The invention relates to a method of manufacturing the triple capsule. Details that are well known to one of ordinary art to which the following embodiments pertain are omitted.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a cigarette including a triple capsule.

Referring to <FIG>, a cigarette <NUM> may include a tobacco rod <NUM> and a filter rod <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that the filter rod <NUM> is configured in a single area, but is not limited thereto, and the filter rod <NUM> may be configured as a plurality of segments. For example, the filter rod <NUM> may include a first segment configured to cool aerosol and a second segment configured to filter a certain component included in the aerosol. In addition, the filter rod <NUM> may further include at least one segment configured to perform other functions.

The cigarette <NUM> may be packaged via at least one wrapper <NUM>. The wrapper <NUM> may have at least one hole through which external air may be introduced or internal air may be discharged. For example, the cigarette <NUM> may be packaged via one wrapper <NUM>. As another example, the cigarette <NUM> may be doubly packaged via at least two wrappers <NUM>. In detail, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be packaged via a first wrapper, and the filter rod <NUM> may be packaged via a second wrapper. The tobacco rod <NUM> and the filter rod <NUM>, which are respectively packaged via wrappers, may be coupled to each other, and the cigarette <NUM> may be entirely packaged via a third wrapper.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may include other additives, such as flavors, a wetting agent, and/or organic acid. The tobacco rod <NUM> may include a flavored liquid, such as menthol or a moisturizer, which is injected to the tobacco rod <NUM>.

The tobacco rod <NUM> may be manufactured in various methods. Alternatively, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be formed as a pipe tobacco, which is formed of tiny bits cut from a tobacco sheet.

Optionally, the tobacco rod <NUM> may be surrounded by a heat conductive material. For example, the heat conductive material may be, but is not limited to, a metal foil such as aluminum foil. In addition, the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod <NUM> may function as a susceptor heated by an induction heater. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, the tobacco rod <NUM> may further include an additional susceptor, in addition to the heat conductive material surrounding the tobacco rod <NUM>.

The filter rod <NUM> may include at least one cellulose acetate filter. The filter rod <NUM> may be manufactured in various shapes. Alternatively, the filter rod <NUM> may include a recess-type rod having a cavity therein. When the filter rod <NUM> includes a plurality of segments, the plurality of segments may be manufactured in different shapes from each other.

The filter rod <NUM> may be formed to generate flavors in the filter rod <NUM>.

When the filter rod <NUM> includes a segment configured to cool the aerosol, the cooling segment may include a polymer material or a biodegradable polymer material. For example, the cooling segment may include pure polylactic acid alone. Alternatively, the cooling segment may include a cellulose acetate filter having a plurality of holes. However, the cooling segment is not limited thereto, and the cooling segment may include a structure and a material cooling the aerosol.

The filter rod <NUM> may include at least one capsule <NUM>. The at least one capsule <NUM> may generate a flavor or aerosol. For example, the at least one capsule <NUM> may have a structure in which a liquid containing a flavoring material is wrapped with a film. The at least one capsule <NUM> may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

The at least one capsule <NUM> may include various capsules in which a plurality of materials form a plurality of layers. The various capsules may include at least one shell of at least one film material and at least one core of at least one interior material. For example, the various capsules may include a triple capsule including two film materials and one interior material. Detailed descriptions of the triple capsule will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure of a triple capsule.

Referring to <FIG>, a triple capsule <NUM> including an interior material <NUM>, an intermediate film material <NUM>, and an exterior film material <NUM>. The triple capsule <NUM> is illustrated to have a spherical shape, but is not limited thereto, and the cross-section of the triple capsule <NUM> may include a locally elliptical shape or a partially deformed circular shape.

The triple capsule <NUM> may include the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. For example, in the triple capsule <NUM>, the interior material <NUM> may be arranged in the innermost portion of the triple capsule <NUM> and form a core, the intermediate film material <NUM> may be arranged between the interior material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> and surround the interior material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be arranged on the outermost portion of the triple capsule <NUM> and surround the intermediate film material <NUM> surrounding the interior material <NUM>.

The triple capsule <NUM> may have various sizes. The diameters or thicknesses of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> included in the triple capsule <NUM> may be changed according to the intention of a designer. The standard of the triple capsule <NUM> may correspond to the standard of an outlet of a triple nozzle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> to be described below. Because a triple molding body <NUM> may be discharged in a size corresponding to the standard of the triple nozzle <NUM>, the triple capsule formed from the triple molding body may also have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the outlet of the triple nozzle <NUM>.

For example, the diameter of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the diameter of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the diameter of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Accordingly, a radius r1 of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, or <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

For example, a thickness d2 of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the thickness d2 of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. A thickness d3 of the exterior film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the thickness d3 of the exterior film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

The triple capsule <NUM> may be needed to be manufactured in a size acceptable to the filter rod <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM>. The total diameter of the triple capsule <NUM> may be needed to be <NUM> or less to be accommodated in the filter rod <NUM>. Preferably, the total diameter of the triple capsule <NUM> may be needed to be <NUM> or less.

When the size of the triple capsule <NUM> is excessively large or small, the efficiency in which the triple capsule <NUM> is formed from the triple molding body <NUM> may be reduced. Herein, the triple molding body <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>. In addition, the triple capsule <NUM> may be needed to have an appropriate size such that the triple capsule <NUM> may function smoothly.

As an example of a function of the triple capsule <NUM>, the triple capsule <NUM> may not leak without being crushed by a user, and aerosol generated from the cigarette <NUM> may be flavored by the interior material <NUM> after being crushed. In addition, to exhibit the function of the triple capsule <NUM>, the strength at which the triple capsule <NUM> is crushed may be needed to be within an appropriate range, and the triple capsule <NUM> may be needed not to be deformed by a high temperature of aerosol.

The size of the interior material <NUM> may directly affect the total size of the triple capsule <NUM>. When the diameter of the interior material <NUM> is excessively small, an area in which the triple capsule <NUM> is subjected to pressure inside the filter rod <NUM> of the cigarette <NUM> is reduced, and the triple capsule <NUM> is difficult to be crushed. When the diameter of the interior material <NUM> is excessively large, a content of the interior material <NUM> of the triple capsule <NUM> is excessive, and thus, the filter rod <NUM> may get wet or the wrapper <NUM> may stain after the triple capsule <NUM> is crushed.

The size of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be related to whether or not the intermediate film material <NUM> may be stably accommodated. When the thickness d2 of the intermediate film material <NUM> is excessively small, the intermediate film material <NUM> may leak. When the thickness d2 of the intermediate film material <NUM> is excessively large, the time required for the intermediate film material <NUM> to solidify increases during a molding operation, and thus, manufacturing efficiency may decrease.

The size of the exterior film material <NUM> may be related to the ease of crushing the triple capsule <NUM>. The exterior film material <NUM> may include a polymer material having elasticity. When the thickness d3 of the exterior film material <NUM> is excessively large, an external force required for crushing the triple capsule <NUM> increases, making the crushing of the triple capsule <NUM> difficult. When the thickness d3 of the exterior film material <NUM> is excessively small, the triple capsule <NUM> may be crushed even with a small impact.

Accordingly, the diameters or the thicknesses of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be needed to be set to appropriate values. When the triple capsule <NUM> is formed to have a diameter or thickness as in the above-stated example, functions of each of the components included in the triple capsule <NUM> may be smoothly exhibited.

The diameters or thicknesses of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> in the triple capsule <NUM> may refer to the diameter or thickness of the triple capsule <NUM> formed from the triple molding body <NUM>. Alternatively, the triple capsule <NUM> may be slightly reduced in diameters or thicknesses as a drying operation is performed after being formed.

The interior material <NUM> may include a water-soluble material, the intermediate film material <NUM> may include a fat-soluble material, and the exterior film material <NUM> may include a water-soluble material. For example, the water-soluble material may refer to a hydrophilic material that is well soluble in a polar solvent such as water or ethanol, and the fat-soluble material may refer to a hydrophobic material that is soluble in a non-polar solvent such as benzene. The water-soluble material and the fat-soluble material may not be homogeneously mixed with each other, and when the water-soluble material and the fat-soluble material are mixed, layers may be formed by each of the water-soluble material and the fat-soluble material. For example, the interior material <NUM> may include a water-soluble polymer material, the intermediate film material <NUM> may include a fat-soluble wax, and the exterior film material <NUM> may include a water-soluble solvent and a water-soluble flavoring material.

When the triple capsule <NUM> is formed in a double-layer structure of the intermediate film material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM>, and the intermediate film material <NUM> includes a fat-soluble material, a water-soluble material may be included in the interior material <NUM>. Accordingly, a water-soluble flavoring material may be carried in the triple capsule <NUM>, and flavors provided through the triple capsule <NUM> may vary. In addition, the water-soluble flavoring material may prevent undesirable effects on users.

Although the triple capsule <NUM> may carry the interior material <NUM>, which is water-soluble, the intermediate film material <NUM>, which is fat-soluble, may be arranged between the interior material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> in the triple capsule <NUM>. Therefore, the exterior film material <NUM> forming a surface of the triple capsule <NUM> may include a water-soluble material. In particular, when the exterior film material <NUM> includes a water-soluble polymer material, the exterior film material <NUM> may be elastic or flexible, and accordingly, an external force of a certain level or more may be needed to crush the triple capsule <NUM>, and thus, the triple capsule <NUM> may be prevented from being crushed unintentionally.

The interior material <NUM> may include a water-soluble solvent and a water-soluble flavoring material. The water-soluble solvent may include at least one of water, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, diphosphoglycerate, and glycerin. The water-soluble flavoring material may include chemical materials such as L-menthol, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, maltol, ethyl maltol, acetic acid, propionic acid, or the like, extracts of natural raw materials such as coffee, vanilla, cocoa, raisins, licorice, or the like, and functional additives such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame, neotame, thaumatin, stevioside, or the like.

The interior material <NUM> may be carried in the triple capsule <NUM> in various amount. The amount of the interior material <NUM> carried in the triple capsule <NUM> may be determined by the diameter of the interior material <NUM> and the density of the interior material <NUM> configuring the triple capsule <NUM>. For example, the amount of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the amount of the interior material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. However, the amount of the interior material <NUM> is not limited thereto and may be changed according to a change in the diameter or density of the interior material <NUM>.

The intermediate film material <NUM> may include a fat-soluble wax. The intermediate film material <NUM> may include a hydrophobic beeswax separated from water or a hydrophilic material. For example, the intermediate film material <NUM> may include an animal-derived wax such as shellac wax, beeswax, or the like, a plant-derived wax such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, castor wax, ouricury wax, or the like, a petroleum-based wax such as paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, or the like, a resin such as rosin, lacquer, propolis, or the like, and processed oils derived from animals and plants such as soybean, rapeseed, canola, sunflower, peanut, coconut, palm, rice bran, or the like.

The intermediate film material <NUM> may be a structure between the exterior film material <NUM> and the interior material <NUM> and configured to separate the exterior film material <NUM> from the interior material <NUM>, wherein the exterior film material <NUM> is water-soluble and the interior material <NUM> is water-soluble. Accordingly, the intermediate film material <NUM> being hardened and solidified between the exterior film material <NUM> and the interior material <NUM> may be a key operation in the molding operation of the triple capsule <NUM>. The intermediate film material <NUM> may be needed to have a melting point within a certain range such that the intermediate film material <NUM> may solidify at an appropriate rate between the exterior film material <NUM> and the interior material <NUM>. The melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> may refer to a dropping point according to a standard of the American society for testing and materials (ASTM).

When the temperature, as the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM>, at which the intermediate film material <NUM> is solidified is excessively high, the intermediate film material <NUM> may be solidified before completely surrounding the interior material <NUM> in an operation of cooling the triple molding body <NUM>. In addition, even when the temperature at which the intermediate film material <NUM> is solidified is excessively low, the time required for cooling may increase, thereby causing a molding failure of the triple capsule <NUM>.

As an embodiment of the melting point required for the intermediate film material <NUM>, the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. Alternatively, the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. As the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> is set not to be excessively high or low through an adjustment of the composition ratio of the intermediate film material <NUM>, the molding of the triple capsule <NUM> may be smoothly performed.

The intermediate film material <NUM> may have an appropriate range of hardness. In particular, when the triple capsule <NUM> is molded and the intermediate film material <NUM> is hardened, the intermediate film material <NUM> must have an appropriate range of hardness, such that the triple capsule <NUM> may be crushed according to the intention of a user. When the hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> is excessively high, the crushing of the triple capsule <NUM> may be difficult. When the hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> is excessively low, the triple capsule <NUM> may be unintentionally crushed. According to needle penetration of petroleum waxes according to the international standard ASTIM D1321, the hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> is <NUM> penetration units (PU) or more and <NUM> PU or less. The hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> PU or more and <NUM> PU or less.

The hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be implemented only by waxes in the intermediate film material <NUM> such as the above-stated examples, or may be implemented by a mixture of waxes and oils such as medium chain triglyceride (MCT) or the like. As the mixing ratio of oils in the mixture increases, the hardness of the intermediate film material <NUM> may decrease, and the melting point of the intermediate film material <NUM> may be changed. Accordingly, a preferable crushing characteristic of the triple capsule <NUM> may be implemented through an adjustment of the mixing ratio of waxes and oils configuring the intermediate film material <NUM>. For example, the mixing ratio of oils in the intermediate film material <NUM> may be <NUM> % or more and <NUM> % or less, based on the total weight of the intermediate film material <NUM>.

The exterior film material <NUM> may include a water-soluble polymer material. The exterior film material <NUM> is a structure forming the outermost portion of the triple capsule <NUM>, and may have a characteristic related to the crushing of the triple capsule <NUM>. The exterior film material <NUM> may include an elastic or flexible material to prevent the triple capsule <NUM> from being crushed unintentionally.

For example, the exterior film material <NUM> may include at least one of water-soluble hydrocolloids such as gelatin, agar, carrageenan, alginic acid, pectin, or the like, gums such as gellan gum or the like, starches such as potato starch, corn starch, or the like, and starch derivatives such as dextrin, naltodextrin, cyclodextrix, or the like. In addition, the exterior film material <NUM> may also include a cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or the like, polyvinyl alcohol, polyol, or the like.

The crushing strength indicating the strength for crushing the triple capsule <NUM> may be determined by the physical properties of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. The crushing strength of the triple capsule <NUM> may be set to a rather high range by considering that the interior material <NUM> may have a relatively large diameter and the intermediate film material <NUM> is further included in addition to the exterior film material <NUM>. In addition, due to the intermediate film material <NUM> implemented in an appropriate hardness and the elasticity of the exterior film material <NUM> implemented by a water-soluble polymer, the triple capsule <NUM> may be stored and inputted in the filter rod <NUM> even when the strength to crush the triple capsule <NUM> is somewhat low. For example, the crushing strength of the triple capsule <NUM> may be <NUM> kgf or more and <NUM> kgf or less. Alternatively, the crushing strength of the triple capsule <NUM> may be <NUM> kgf or more and <NUM> kgf or less.

<FIG> is a structural diagram illustrating an apparatus <NUM> for manufacturing the triple capsule <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> for manufacturing the triple capsule <NUM> may include a material supply unit <NUM>, a molding unit <NUM>, and a cooling unit <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition to the components shown in <FIG>, other general-purpose components may be further included in the apparatus <NUM>. The triple capsule <NUM> manufactured by the apparatus <NUM> may be the triple capsule <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

The material supply unit <NUM> may supply the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. The material supply unit <NUM> may supply, to the molding unit <NUM>, the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> included in the triple capsule <NUM>.

The material supply unit <NUM> may include a storage unit, a connection unit, and a transfer unit to supply the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>. The material supply unit <NUM> may include a unit configured to store the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, a unit configured to connect the material supply unit <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>, and a unit configured to transfer the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>.

Each of the storage unit, the connection unit, and the transfer unit of the material supply unit <NUM> may be provided in the material supply unit <NUM> in a single number, but each of the storage unit, the connection unit, and the transfer unit may be included in the material supply unit <NUM> in plural corresponding to the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. Detailed descriptions of the material supply unit <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The molding unit <NUM> may perform coextrusion on the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. The triple molding body <NUM> including the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be discharged from the molding unit <NUM> by the coextrusion on the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>.

Coextrusion may refer to an operation of simultaneously performing extrusion on a plurality of materials to form a corporate body including the plurality of materials. In the apparatus <NUM>, the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be coextruded by the molding unit <NUM>, and accordingly, the triple molding body <NUM> including the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be produced from the molding unit <NUM>.

The triple molding body <NUM> may refer to a mixture in which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are combined. The triple molding body <NUM> may be an intermediate material in an operation in which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are formed into the triple capsule <NUM>. When the triple molding body <NUM> is cooled by the cooling unit <NUM>, the triple capsule <NUM> may be formed.

The molding unit <NUM> may include a nozzle mount <NUM> receiving the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, and a triple nozzle <NUM> in which a first nozzle <NUM> discharging the interior material <NUM>, a second nozzle <NUM> discharging the intermediate film material <NUM>, and a third nozzle <NUM> discharging the exterior film material <NUM> are arranged concentrically. Detailed descriptions of components configuring the molding unit <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

The cooling unit <NUM> may form the triple capsule <NUM> by circulating a coolant to cool the triple molding body <NUM>. The coolant may be circulated, by the cooling unit <NUM>, through a path including the molding unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the triple molding body <NUM> may be, immediately after being discharged from the molding unit <NUM>, circulated according to the flow of the coolant, and in this operation, the triple molding body <NUM> may be cooled and the triple capsule <NUM> may be formed.

The cooling unit <NUM> may include a storage unit, a connection unit, and a transfer unit to circulate the coolant. The cooling unit <NUM> may include a storage unit configured to store the coolant, the connection unit configured to form a circulation path between the storage unit and the molding unit <NUM>, and the transfer unit configured to circulate the coolant along the circulation path. Detailed descriptions of the cooling unit <NUM> will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a structure of the molding unit <NUM> performing coextrusion.

Referring to <FIG>, the molding unit <NUM> may include the nozzle mount <NUM> and the triple nozzle <NUM>. According to necessity, other general-purpose components may be further included in the molding unit <NUM>, in addition to the nozzle mount <NUM> and the triple nozzle <NUM>.

The nozzle mount <NUM> may receive, from the material supply unit <NUM>, the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. The connection unit of the material supply unit <NUM> may be connected to the nozzle mount <NUM>, and the nozzle mount <NUM> may accommodate the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> transferred by the transfer unit of the material supply unit <NUM>.

The nozzle mount <NUM> may be bonded to the triple nozzle <NUM> to form the molding unit <NUM>. The nozzle mount <NUM> may transfer the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, which are to be transferred to the triple nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle mount <NUM> may be located higher than the triple nozzle <NUM> so as to more smoothly supply the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> to the triple nozzle <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

The nozzle mount <NUM> may have a cylindrical shape. When the nozzle mount <NUM> has a cylindrical shape, the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be transferred to the triple nozzle <NUM> that contacts through a bottom surface of the nozzle mount <NUM>. However, in addition to the cylindrical shape, the nozzle mount <NUM> may have other shapes that may transfer the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> between the material supply unit <NUM> and the triple nozzle <NUM>.

The triple nozzle <NUM> may have a shape in which the first nozzle <NUM> discharging the interior material <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM> discharging the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> discharging the exterior film material <NUM> are arranged concentrically. The first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may include a nozzle structure configured to eject a fluid to the outside. The triple nozzle <NUM> may discharge materials transferred from the material supply unit <NUM> and the nozzle mount <NUM> to the cooling unit <NUM> through an outlet having a small cross-sectional area.

The shape in which the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> are arranged concentrically may mean that a position at which the interior material <NUM> is discharged from the first nozzle <NUM>, a position at which the intermediate film material <NUM> is discharged from the second nozzle <NUM>, and a position at which the exterior film material <NUM> is discharged from the third nozzle <NUM> are coincident. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the shape in which the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> are arranged concentrically may mean that outlets from which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are discharged are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the ground surface.

The outlet of the first nozzle <NUM>, the outlet of the second nozzle <NUM>, and the outlet of the third nozzle <NUM> may have a circular cross-section. As the cross-sections of the outlets of the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> are formed in a circular shape, the cross-section of the triple molding body <NUM> discharged from the third nozzle <NUM> may be circular. Accordingly, the third nozzle <NUM> may have a spherical shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the outlets having a circular cross-section, and the cross-sections of the outlets of the triple nozzle <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to various shapes of the triple molding body <NUM> and the triple capsule <NUM>.

The outlets of the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may have different diameters from each other. For example, the outlet diameter of the second nozzle <NUM> discharging the intermediate film material <NUM> may be greater than the outlet diameter of the first nozzle <NUM> discharging the interior material <NUM>, and the outlet diameter of the third nozzle <NUM> discharging the exterior film material <NUM> may be greater than the outlet diameter of the second nozzle <NUM> discharging the intermediate film material <NUM>. Accordingly, a structure of the triple capsule <NUM> in which the exterior film material <NUM> again surrounds the intermediate film material <NUM> surrounding the interior material <NUM> may be implemented. However, when the structure of the triple capsule <NUM> is changed, the structure of the triple nozzle <NUM> may also be changed.

The standard of the triple nozzle <NUM> may be set to implement the standard of the triple capsule <NUM>. For example, the outlet diameters of the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may be set to numerical values that may implement the standard of diameters of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> forming the triple capsule <NUM>. For example, the outlet diameter of the first nozzle <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, the outlet diameter of the second nozzle <NUM> may be greater than the outlet diameter of the first nozzle <NUM> by <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the outlet diameter of the third nozzle <NUM> may be greater than the outlet diameter of the second nozzle <NUM> by <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. However, when the design of the size of the triple capsule <NUM> is changed, the size of the triple nozzle <NUM> may also be changed to correspond thereto.

As described above, the interior material <NUM> may be a water-soluble material, the intermediate film material <NUM> may be a fat-soluble material, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be a water-soluble material. The coolant circulating through the cooling unit <NUM> may be a fat-soluble material. According to such physical properties, the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> inside the triple molding body <NUM> discharged from the triple nozzle <NUM> may form layers that do not mix together with the coolant. As the coolant circulates, the triple molding body <NUM> may be cooled while moving along the circulation path together with the coolant in a layered state, and in this operation, the intermediate film material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> may form a curved surface by the attraction between water-soluble materials and the attraction between fat-soluble materials, and the triple capsule <NUM> carrying the interior material <NUM> may be formed.

In the operation in which the triple molding body <NUM> circulates along the coolant in the cooling unit <NUM>, the outlets of the triple nozzle <NUM> may be needed to have appropriate diameters to stably form the triple capsule <NUM>. When the outlets of the triple nozzle <NUM> have an excessively large diameter, the time required for the intermediate film material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> to be closed, cooled, and stabilized increases, thereby reducing the yield of the triple capsule <NUM>. When the outlets of the triple nozzle <NUM> have an excessively small diameter, the layers formed by the triple molding body <NUM> in the coolant may not form a thickness of a certain level or more, and the triple molding body <NUM> may be physically scattered by the circulation flow of the coolant.

Accordingly, the triple capsule <NUM> may be stably formed in the cooling unit <NUM> when the outlets of the triple nozzle <NUM> are formed with appropriate diameters. As described above, only when the outlet diameter of the first nozzle <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, the outlet diameter of the second nozzle <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the outlet diameter of the third nozzle <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, the triple molding body <NUM> may be effectively separated into respective layers of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, and thus, the yield of the triple capsule <NUM> may be increased.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape of the molding unit performing coextrusion.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-section <NUM> and a cross-section <NUM> cut parallel to the ground surface along line a-a' shown in <FIG> are shown. The first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> are shown in the cross-section <NUM> and the cross-section <NUM>, and pathways through which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> flow to the outlet of the third nozzle <NUM> are shown. However, the cross-section <NUM> and the cross-section <NUM> are only examples, and other structures may be applied in the triple nozzle <NUM> such that the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are transferred to the outlets arranged concentrically.

In the case of the cross-section <NUM>, the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may all have a circular shape. The interior material <NUM> may be transferred to the outlet of the triple nozzle <NUM> through the inside of the first nozzle <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM> may be transferred to the outlet of the triple nozzle <NUM> through the space between the first nozzle <NUM> and the second nozzle <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be transferred to the outlet of the triple nozzle <NUM> through the space between the second nozzle <NUM> and the third nozzle <NUM>.

In the case of the cross-section <NUM>, although the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and third nozzle <NUM> may all have a circular shape, spaces between the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may not be formed, and spaces transferring the intermediate film material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> may be respectively formed inside the second nozzle <NUM> and the third nozzle <NUM>]. In the case of the cross-section <NUM>, unlike in the cross-section <NUM>, the first nozzle <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> may be assembled without a gap, and thus, the structure of the triple nozzle <NUM> may be more stable.

The cross-section <NUM> and the cross-section <NUM> may be formed in different shapes at a position of line a-a', but may be implemented to have the same outlet structure as the cross-sectional area thereof becomes narrowly closer to the outlet from which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are discharged.

<FIG> is a diagram explaining the apparatus for manufacturing triple capsule.

Referring to <FIG>, more details of components configuring the apparatus <NUM> for manufacturing the triple capsule <NUM> are illustrated. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition to the components shown in <FIG>, other general-purpose components may be further included in the apparatus <NUM>.

The material supply unit <NUM> may include tanks <NUM> respectively storing the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, transfer lines <NUM> connecting each of the tanks <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>, and gear pumps <NUM> providing power respectively transferring the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM> through the transfer lines <NUM>.

The tanks <NUM> may respectively store the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. The tanks <NUM> may include three tanks respectively storing the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>, but are not limited thereto. The tanks <NUM> may be formed in a structure in which a single tank is divided into three zones to respectively store the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>.

The transfer lines <NUM> may connect each of the tanks <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>. The transfer lines <NUM> may be a pathway through which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are transferred from the tanks <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM>.

The gear pumps <NUM> may provide power transferring the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM> through the transfer lines <NUM>. The gear pumps <NUM> may be a unit transferring a fluid having a high viscosity by rotation of two or more gears that engage. The interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> may be transferred, by the gear pumps <NUM>, from the tanks <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM> through the transfer lines <NUM>.

Dampers may be further included in the transfer lines <NUM>. The dampers may refer to a unit configured to adjust the flow rate by limiting the flow of the fluid. The dampers may be respectively arranged in each transfer lines <NUM>, and the rate at which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are transferred may be adjusted by the gear pumps <NUM> and the dampers.

The cooling unit <NUM> may include a coolant tank <NUM> storing a coolant, a coolant circulation line <NUM> formed between the coolant tank <NUM> and the molding unit <NUM>, and a coolant gear pump <NUM> providing power circulating a coolant through the coolant circulation line <NUM>.

The coolant tank <NUM> may store a coolant. The coolant may be stored in the coolant tank <NUM> again after circulating along the coolant circulation line <NUM>. The coolant tank <NUM> may further include an inlet receiving the coolant that is to be stored again after circulation.

The coolant may include a fat-soluble material. As the coolant includes a fat-soluble material, the triple molding body <NUM>, in which the exterior film material <NUM>, which is water-soluble, is arranged on the outermost portion of the triple molding body <NUM>, may be cooled in the cooling unit <NUM> without being mixed with the coolant. For example, the coolant may be a medium chain triglyceride (MCT). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other materials, as a fat-soluble material, capable of cooling the triple molding body <NUM> may be used as the coolant.

The coolant circulation line <NUM> may be formed between the coolant tank <NUM> and the molding unit <NUM>. The coolant circulation line <NUM> may include a portion configured to transfer the coolant from the coolant tank <NUM> to the molding unit <NUM> and a portion configured to return the coolant from the molding unit <NUM> to the coolant tank <NUM>. The coolant may circulate between the coolant tank <NUM> and the molding unit <NUM> to cool the triple molding body <NUM> through the coolant circulation line <NUM>.

The coolant gear pump <NUM> may provide power circulating the coolant through the coolant circulation line <NUM>. The coolant gear pump <NUM> may be a unit transferring a fluid having a high viscosity by rotation of two or more gears that engage. The coolant may be circulated, by the coolant gear pump <NUM>, between the coolant tank <NUM> and the molding unit <NUM> through the coolant circulation line <NUM>. A damper configured to adjust the flow rate by limiting the flow of the coolant may be further included in the coolant circulation line <NUM>.

The cooling unit <NUM> may further include a capsule separator <NUM> configured to separate the triple capsule <NUM> from the coolant. The capsule separator <NUM> may separate the triple capsule <NUM> circulating together with the coolant into a coolant to be returned to the coolant tank <NUM> and the triple capsule <NUM> after cooling has been completed.

The capsule separator <NUM> may include a sieve that the coolant passes through and the triple capsule <NUM> does not pass through. When the coolant and the triple capsule <NUM> reach the sieve, the coolant may pass through the sieve and be transferred to the coolant tank <NUM>. The sieve may include a ramp structure having an inclined angle with respect to the ground surface. The triple capsule <NUM> may be separately collected by the ramp structure of the sieve.

The temperature of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, the exterior film material <NUM>, and the coolant respectively need to be maintained with a certain range, such that the triple molding body <NUM> is discharged from the molding unit <NUM> and the triple molding body <NUM> is cooled in the cooling unit <NUM> to form the triple capsule <NUM>. When the temperature of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> is excessively high or low, the triple molding body <NUM> may be difficult to be cooled at an appropriate speed, and thus, the triple capsule <NUM> may not be smoothly molded.

For example, the temperature at which the interior material <NUM> is supplied to the molding unit <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, the temperature at which the intermediate film material <NUM> is supplied to the molding unit <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the temperature at which the exterior film material <NUM> is supplied to the molding unit <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. However, this is only an example, and other temperature ranges may be set such that the triple molding body <NUM> is properly cooled.

The coolant may also be required to have a suitable temperature. As the triple molding body <NUM> is cooled by the coolant, the temperature of the coolant may be set to be lower than the temperature of the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>. For example, the temperature of the coolant may be required to be maintained at <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

The temperature of the tanks <NUM> and the transfer lines <NUM> of the material supply unit <NUM> may be maintained within a certain range to adjust the temperature at which the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> are supplied to the molding unit <NUM>. As described above, the tank storing the interior material <NUM> among the tanks <NUM> and the transfer line to which the interior material <NUM> is transferred among the transfer lines <NUM> may be maintained at a temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and the intermediate film material <NUM> and the exterior film material <NUM> may be applied the same.

The temperature of the coolant may increase in an operation of cooling the triple molding body <NUM> in the cooling unit <NUM>. Accordingly, the temperature of the coolant tank <NUM> and the coolant circulation line <NUM> may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to maintain the temperature of the heated coolant at an appropriate temperature again. For example, the coolant having a raised temperature after cooling the triple molding body <NUM> may be cooled again in the coolant tank <NUM> to a temperature of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less after being returned to the coolant tank <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may further include a washing unit (not shown) washing the coolant included in the triple capsule <NUM>, a drying unit (not shown) drying the triple capsule <NUM> washed by the washing unit, and a moisture-proof treatment unit (not shown) performing moisture-proof treatment on the triple capsule <NUM> dried by the drying unit.

The washing unit may wash the coolant included in the triple capsule <NUM>. The triple capsule <NUM> may be separated from the coolant in the capsule separator <NUM>, but a portion of the coolant may be still included in the triple capsule <NUM> and remain on the surface of the triple capsule <NUM>. The washing unit may remove the remaining coolant from the triple capsule <NUM>. The washing unit may remove the coolant with an organic solvent such as acetone, ethyl acetate, ethanol, petroleum ether, or the like. Alternatively, the washing unit may remove the coolant through centrifugation.

The drying unit may dry the triple capsule <NUM> washed by the washing unit. The triple capsule <NUM> molded by cooling the triple molding body may be more stabilized through a drying treatment. The drying unit may be a rotary dryer drying the triple capsule <NUM>, but other structures capable of drying the triple capsule <NUM> may be used in the drying unit.

The moisture-proof treatment unit may perform a moisture-proof treatment on the triple capsule <NUM> dried by the drying unit. The moisture-proof treatment may be performed to prevent the triple capsule <NUM> from including moisture again by an external environment after being dried by the drying unit. The moisture-proof treatment may be performed by a method of treating a hardening agent in the triple capsule <NUM>, which is dried.

The hardening agent may include a solution of calcium ions such as calcium chloride, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, or the like, and a weakly acidic solution such as adipic acid, fumaric acid, glucosan, or the like having a pH in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The method of treating the hardening agent may include coating or applying the hardening agent on the triple capsule <NUM>, immersing the triple capsule <NUM> into a hardening agent solution, spraying the hardening agent solution on the triple capsule <NUM>, or the like.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a triple capsule.

Referring to <FIG>, a method of manufacturing the triple capsule may include operation <NUM> to operation <NUM>. However, other general-purpose operations may be further included in the method of manufacturing the triple capsule, in addition to the operations illustrated in <FIG>.

The method of manufacturing the triple capsule of <FIG> may include operations performed in a time series in the apparatus <NUM> for manufacturing the triple capsule in <FIG>. Accordingly, descriptions described above with respect to the apparatus <NUM> for manufacturing the triple capsule in <FIG> may also be applied in the method of manufacturing the triple capsule of <FIG> even though omitted below.

In operation <NUM>, the apparatus <NUM> may supply the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM>.

In operation <NUM>, the apparatus <NUM> may discharge the triple molding body <NUM> by receiving the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> through the nozzle mount <NUM> and performing coextrusion on the interior material <NUM>, the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the exterior film material <NUM> through the triple nozzle <NUM> in which the first nozzle <NUM> discharging the interior material <NUM>, the second nozzle <NUM> discharging the intermediate film material <NUM>, and the third nozzle <NUM> discharging the exterior film material <NUM> are arranged concentrically.

In operation <NUM>, the apparatus may form the triple capsule <NUM> by circulating the coolant and cooling the triple molding body <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method of manufacturing a triple capsule (<NUM>), the method comprising:
supplying an interior material (<NUM>), an intermediate film material (<NUM>), and an exterior film material (<NUM>);
discharging a triple molding body (<NUM>) by receiving the interior material (<NUM>), the intermediate film material (<NUM>), and the exterior film material (<NUM>) through a nozzle mount (<NUM>) and performing coextrusion on the interior material (<NUM>), the intermediate film material (<NUM>), and the exterior film material (<NUM>) through a triple nozzle (<NUM>) in which a first nozzle (<NUM>) discharging the interior material (<NUM>), a second nozzle (<NUM>) discharging the intermediate film material (<NUM>), and a third nozzle (<NUM>) discharging the exterior film material (<NUM>) are arranged concentrically; and
forming the triple capsule (<NUM>) by circulating a coolant and cooling the triple molding body (<NUM>);
characterized in that:
the triple capsule (<NUM>) is stored and inputted in a filter rod (<NUM>) of a cigarette (<NUM>); and
wherein:
a hardness of the intermediate film material (<NUM>) is <NUM> penetration unit (PU) or more and <NUM> PU or less, according to American society for testing and materials (ASTM) D1321.