Melt-blown non-woven fabric production equipment

Abstract

There is provided a meltblown nonwoven production apparatus (1) comprising: a distributor (2) comprising at least one primary channel (20) adapted to convey a polymer fluid and a plurality of secondary channels (21) adapted to convey a gas; a distribution device (3) forming a fluid pathway connection with the distributor (2), configured to distribute the polymer filaments starting from the polymer fluid, and comprising at least one spinning plate (4) adapted to form the polymer filaments and an air knife (5) adapted to receive a gas to direct the polymer filaments flowing out of the distribution device (3), where the spinning plate (4) comprises a plurality of juxtaposed spikes (40), each spike comprises a primary outlet (40a) configured to deliver a polymer fluid in a respective delivery direction (4a), and for each spike (40), a pair of secondary outlets (41) is arranged on opposite sides of the respective spike (40) and configured to deliver gas to an air knife (5), where the air knife (5) is adapted to deliver a jet of gas to converge towards each delivery direction (4a), and wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises transmission means (6) configured to make the at least one primary channel (20) in a fluid pathway connection with the at least one primary outlet (40a) and to make each secondary channel (21) in a fluid pathway connection with the at least one respective secondary outlet (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a meltblown nonwoven fabric production device of the type described in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a device adapted to allow the extrusion of polymer filaments to directly or indirectly achieve a nonwoven fabric, also known as TNT. Background Art

[0003] As is well known, nonwoven fabric or TNT is an industrial product similar to a fabric, but its manufacturing process is different from weaving and knitting. Therefore, inside the nonwoven fabric, the fibers are distributed in a random path and there is no ordered structure, while in a fabric, the fibers have two main directions, orthogonal to each other, usually called the warp and weft directions.

[0004] Currently, according to the implementation technology mainly related to the use of the product itself, a variety of products containing TNT can be realized.

[0005] Specifically, high-quality TNT for healthcare products and low-quality TNT mainly for geotextiles can be distinguished.

[0006] From a technical perspective, nonwoven fabrics (also known as "nonwoven fabric") can be basically divided into spunlace nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and meltblown nonwoven fabrics.

[0007] Spunlace nonwoven fabrics are processed through a specific process to endow the material with uniform strength in all directions. Due to this property, and the fact that they can be produced from a variety of materials such as viscose fiber, polyester fiber, cotton, polyamide, and ultrafine fiber, with two possible finishing methods of smooth or perforated, and can present a variety of smooth or printed colors, spunlace nonwoven fabrics are suitable for the healthcare field, as well as the automotive and cosmetics fields, and can also be used for industrial or disposable purposes.

[0008] Spunbond nonwoven fabrics are usually made of polypropylene and are a type of nonwoven fabric with a variety of applications in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, furniture, mattresses, and the like. Through appropriate processing, a series of highly specialized products can be achieved for each field: fluorescent, soft calendering, mite-proof, flame-retardant, antibacterial, antistatic, ultraviolet-proof, etc. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics can also adopt a variety of finishing methods, such as printing, lamination, flexographic printing lamination, and self-adhesive.

[0009] TNT meltblown nonwoven fabrics are achieved through a specific spinneret with the aim of achieving higher technical characteristics than the aforementioned TNT. In fact, the characteristic of meltblown fabrics is that they have fibers with high filtering ability for both liquid and gas substances.

[0010] Traditional meltblown nonwoven fabric production equipment consists of multiple components as shown in Figures 11 - 12.

[0011] They include a housing in which all the components required for the meltblown fiber manufacturing device and process operation are encapsulated. In addition, known devices typically include a first support, a distribution plate, a spike-shaped spinneret, a second support, and an air knife.

[0012] The function of the distribution plate is to direct and filter the polymer (usually polypropylene) to the spike-shaped spinneret. The latter is a device which, as previously mentioned, includes a perforated spike-shaped portion adapted to allow the polypropylene to flow out under pressure.

[0013] The first support is essentially a connecting element between the housing and the distribution plate, while the second support is adapted to support the air knife and is arranged to re-encapsulate the distribution plate and the meltblown device within the housing.

[0014] Sometimes, the second support and the plate forming the air knife can coincide, thus reducing the components of the device. The air knife consists of a housing that surrounds the spike portion of the meltblown device in order to direct an airflow with as little turbulence as possible into the holes of the spike portion.

[0015] From a process perspective, after the polymer material enters the housing, it begins its path within the housing at a temperature of approximately 240 - 270 °C.

[0016] The polymer material is first directed to the first support, then flows to the distribution plate, and finally reaches the spike-shaped spinneret, and is particularly conveyed under pressure to the holes on the spike portion.

[0017] Typically, the spike portion contains 30 to 50 holes per inch arranged along the main direction, the aperture of which varies between 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm, and the hole depth is 10 - 13 times the aperture.

[0018] When the polymer flows out of the holes of the spike portion, it is immediately impacted by the airflow formed on both sides of the air knife.

[0019] The air knife basically consists of two pipes converging to a discharge space or slit, the width of which extends from 0.7 to 2 mm, where the air flows out at approximately 180°.

[0020] The acceleration of the gas within the air knife allows the formation of a flow that atomizes the polymer upon contact, forming a jet containing extremely fine particles, which in turn are deposited on a rapidly moving conveyor belt.

[0021] Then, in addition to including a polymer inlet channel, the housing also includes an air inlet channel adapted to supply air to the air knife.

[0022] There are some important defects in the above-mentioned known technologies.

[0023] In particular, meltblown devices of the prior art have a fixed configuration by which it is substantially only possible to deposit one or more non-woven fabric rows starting from the same spike portion.

[0024] Therefore, if it is desired to deposit a second row of polymer filaments on the conveyor roller, a second device needs to be arranged, which second device at least comprises a box, a support plate, a diverter plate, a spike-shaped spinneret and an air knife.

[0025] Obviously, such requirements have a huge impact economically, mainly reflected in the accumulation of equipment costs and the corresponding management and maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0026] In this context, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to design a meltblown non-woven fabric production device that can substantially at least partially overcome the above-mentioned defects.

[0027] Within the scope of this technical problem, an important object of the present invention is to obtain a meltblown non-woven fabric production device that allows for the realization of more than one row of polymer filaments.

[0028] Another important object of the present invention is to realize a meltblown non-woven fabric production device that can reduce the number of components required to achieve the above advantages.

[0029] Furthermore, another task of the present invention is to realize a meltblown non-woven fabric production device that allows for the at least partial use of traditional equipment components, thereby reducing the equipment retrofit cost.

[0030] Finally, another object of the present invention is to obtain a meltblown non-woven fabric production device that is economical from the perspective of operation and maintenance.

[0031] The technical problem and specific objects of the present invention are achieved by the meltblown non-woven fabric production device described in claim 1.

[0032] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims. Description of the Drawings

[0033] The features and advantages of the present invention are explained hereinafter by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a meltblown non-woven fabric production device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the spike portions are separated and independent from each other, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding outlet, and the transmission device is completely contained within the distributor;

[0035] Figure 2Shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where the spike portions are separated and independent from each other, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding outlet, and the distributor includes a splitter plate containing a transfer device;

[0036] Figure 3 Is a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the spike portions are separated and independent from each other, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with two corresponding outlets, and the transfer device is completely contained within the distributor;

[0037] Figure 4 Represents a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where the spike portions are separated and independent from each other, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with two corresponding outlets, and the distributor includes a splitter plate containing a transfer device;

[0038] Figure 5 Shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where the spike portions are juxtaposed and integral, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with two corresponding outlets, and the transfer device is completely contained within the distributor;

[0039] Figure 6 Shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where the spike portions are juxtaposed and integral, each channel forms a fluid passage connection with two corresponding outlets, and the distributor includes a splitter plate containing a transfer device;

[0040] Figure 7a Is a view of the branch end of the transfer device in the main plane of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to the present invention, where only one main end and one secondary end in the same group are aligned;

[0041] Figure 7b Represents a view of the branch end of the transfer device in the main plane of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to the present invention, where all the ends in the same group are aligned;

[0042] Figure 8 Shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, where the transfer device is completely contained within the spinneret plate;

[0043] Figure 9 Is a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, where the distributor includes a plurality of main channels, and each main channel forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding main outlet;

[0044] Figure 10Shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dispenser, the spinneret, the air knife, and the conveying device are not integral and include a plurality of independent parts adjacent to each other;

[0045] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus of the prior art; and

[0046] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus of the prior art. Detailed Embodiments

[0047] In this document, when measured values, numerical values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are associated with "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", it should be understood that measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors are excluded, and most importantly, minor deviations from the associated values, measurements, shapes, or geometric references are excluded. For example, if these terms are associated with a certain value, it preferably means a deviation of not more than 10% of the value itself.

[0048] Furthermore, when terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main", and "secondary" are used, they do not necessarily represent order, relationship priority, or relative position, but may only be used to more clearly distinguish different components from each other.

[0049] Unless otherwise specified, from the following discussion, terms such as "processing", "computer science", "determining", "calculating", etc. refer to actions and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that operates and / or transforms data represented in the form of physical data, such as electronic quantities in computer system registers and / or memories, into other data represented in a similar physical quantity form, and these physical quantities exist in a computer system, register, or other device for storing, transmitting, or displaying information.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, the measurements and data reported herein should be considered to have been made under the conditions of the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO2533:1975).

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the meltblown nonwoven fabric production apparatus according to the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 1 as a whole.

[0052] The apparatus 1 is preferably configured to manufacture nonwoven fabrics based on meltblown technology. This meltblown technology generally provides for extruding a molten polymeric material through a plurality of holes having a nominal micron-sized dimension, which are adapted to distribute polymeric filaments onto a conveyor belt or introduce the polymeric filaments into holes in a spike portion in contact with one or more air knives.

[0053] In this regard, the apparatus 1 includes some elements of known technology.

[0054] Preferably, the device 1 includes at least one dispenser 2.

[0055] The dispenser 2 is essentially a device adapted to allow the distribution of the polymer fluid and air within respective conduits to achieve a diffusion path.

[0056] Then, the dispenser 2 is configured to be operatively connected to one or more casings 10.

[0057] The casing 10 is essentially a conventional element of the meltblowing device. Specifically, the casing 10 is the part that conveys the polymer fluid and gas to the dispenser 2.

[0058] Thus, the casing 10 includes at least one main conduit 10a adapted to convey the polymer fluid and a plurality (e.g., a pair) of secondary conduits 10b adapted to convey gas.

[0059] Then, the dispenser 2 includes at least one main channel 20.

[0060] The main channel 20 is adapted to form a fluid passage connection with the main conduit 10a. Then, the main channel 20 is the part where the polymer fluid enters the dispenser 2.

[0061] The dispenser 2 may also include a plurality of main channels 20.

[0062] In addition, the dispenser 2 includes at least one secondary channel 21. Preferably, the dispenser 2 includes a plurality of secondary channels 21.

[0063] Each secondary channel 21 is adapted to form a fluid passage connection with a corresponding secondary conduit 10b. Thus, the secondary channels 21 define the part where gas enters the dispenser 2.

[0064] Generally, the dispenser 2 may be integral or may include a plurality of different parts, such as, as Figure 10 shown, each part includes at least one main channel 20 and one secondary channel 21.

[0065] In addition, the device 1 includes at least one dispensing device 3.

[0066] The dispensing device 3 forms a fluid passage connection with the dispenser 2. Specifically, the dispensing device 3 receives the polymer fluid and gas from the dispenser 2.

[0067] Then, the dispensing device 3 is configured to dispense polymer filaments from the polymer fluid.

[0068] Thus, in this regard, the dispensing device 3 includes at least one spinneret 4.

[0069] The spinneret 4 is basically adapted to form polymer filaments. Thus, the spinneret 4 is the part of the apparatus 1 that is configured to extrude the polymer fluid in the form of filaments. Of course, in this regard, as will be explained in more detail below, the spinneret 4 can also be integral, or can include a plurality of independent parts that are adjacent to each other or even separated from each other.

[0070] In addition, the dispensing device 3 further includes an air knife 5. The air knife 5 is basically adapted to receive a gas to direct the polymer filaments flowing out of the dispensing device 3.

[0071] Like the spinneret 4 and the dispenser 2, the air knife 5 can also be integral, or can include a plurality of independent parts. For example, as Figure 10 shown, the air knife 5 can include a part for each independent part of the spinneret 4.

[0072] The parts just described are basically common to all meltblown apparatuses.

[0073] In addition, as is well known, the dispenser 2 and the dispensing device 3 mainly extend along the main direction 1a.

[0074] The main direction 1a is the extension direction of the apparatus, in particular the extension direction of the dispensing line of the polymer filaments.

[0075] The apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to a cross-section perpendicular to the main direction 1a of the apparatus 1 itself, taking into account that the parts described are basically distributed periodically or continuously along the main direction 1a.

[0076] In fact, the apparatus 1 includes some special features.

[0077] In particular, advantageously, the spinneret 4 includes a plurality of spike portions 40.

[0078] The spike portions 40 are basically tip elements, and the formed polymer fluid flows out from their sharp ends in the form of filaments. In particular, at the end of each spike portion 40, the air knife 5 conveys a gas (usually air) to direct the polymer fluid flowing out of the dispensing device 3.

[0079] Then, the spike portions 40 are juxtaposed with each other. This means that the spike portions 40 develop one after another parallel to the main direction 1a.

[0080] In this regard, the spike portions 40 can be integral. In this case, the spike portions can be juxtaposed and form a single whole, as Figures 5 - 6 and Figures 8 - 9 shown. Alternatively, the spike portions 40 can be adjacent to each other and constrained. For example, mechanical constraints such as screws can be used. In another alternative configuration, the spike portions 40 can also be independent of each other, adjacent or separated, as Figures 1 - 4 shown.

[0081] In addition, each spike portion 40 includes at least one main outlet 40a. The main outlet 40a is substantially configured to convey the polymer fluid along respective conveying directions 4a. Accordingly, the main outlet 40a corresponds to the outlet nozzle of the spike portion 40.

[0082] The conveying direction 4a of each main outlet 40a is perpendicular or inclined with respect to the main direction 1a. Then, the main outlets 40a are configured such that the conveying directions 4a are parallel to each other.

[0083] In addition, advantageously, the spike portions 40 are configured to form a distance d between respective conveying directions 4a. In particular, the distance d is defined perpendicular to the conveying directions 4a. Then, the distance d is preferably between 5 mm and 1 m. More preferably, the distance d can be between 1 cm and 7 dm. Even more preferably, the distance d can be between 3 cm and 5 dm. Even more suitably, the distance can be between 5 cm and 3 dm.

[0084] Of course, as described above, in a cross-sectional view, the spike portion 40 includes at least one main outlet 40a. If the entire depth of the spinneret 4 is considered, the spike portion 40 includes a plurality of main outlets 40a distributed along the main direction 1a or parallel to the main direction 1a, as clearly shown, for example, in Figure 4 shown.

[0085] In addition, the spinneret 4 includes a pair of secondary outlets 41 for each spike portion 40.

[0086] The secondary outlets 41 are preferably arranged on opposite sides with respect to respective spike portions 40. This means that the secondary outlets 41 can be provided on the spike portion 40 itself, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 5 - 6 and Figure 9 shown, or can be provided on both sides of the spike portion 40, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 - 4 and Figure 8 shown.

[0087] Similar to the main outlets 40a, of course, the secondary outlets 41 are also preferably distributed along or parallel to the main direction 1a.

[0088] Then, advantageously, the air knife 5 is configured to convey a jet of gas to converge towards each conveying direction 4a. In this way, the jets of gas meet at the main outlets 40a of each spinneret 40 and guide the polymer filaments flowing out from the dispensing device 3, particularly along the conveying direction 4a.

[0089] Of course, the air knife 5 also extends mainly along the main direction 1a. Accordingly, specifically, the air knife 5 can define a slit developing parallel to the main direction 1a at each main outlet 40a, i.e., parallel to the tip of each spike portion 40.

[0090] In addition, the device 1 includes a transfer device 6.

[0091] The transfer device 6 is configured to establish a fluid passage connection between at least each secondary channel 21 and a corresponding secondary outlet 41. Alternatively, advantageously, the transfer device 6 may be configured to establish a fluid passage connection between at least each secondary channel 21 and each pair of secondary outlets 41.

[0092] Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, the transfer device 6 may even advantageously be configured to establish a fluid passage connection between the main channel 20 and at least one main outlet 40a. Additionally, the main channel 20 of the transfer device 6 may even advantageously be configured to establish a fluid passage connection between the main channel 20 and each main outlet 40a.

[0093] Alternatively, instead, the transfer device 6 may also be configured to establish a fluid passage connection between a plurality of main channels 20 and corresponding main outlets 40a.

[0094] Then, generally, the transfer device 6 allows the use of at least partially conventional equipment to convey the polymer fluid and gas to the spinneret 4 of the device 1.

[0095] The transfer device 6 may also be integral, or may include a plurality of independent parts, as Figure 10 shown.

[0096] More specifically, the transfer device 6 includes at least one main inlet 60.

[0097] The main inlet 60 forms a fluid passage connection with the main channel 20. Thus, the main inlet 60 is adapted to receive the polymer fluid from the main channel 20.

[0098] Furthermore, the transfer device 6 includes a plurality of main branches 61.

[0099] As Figures 1 - 2 shown, each main branch 61 forms a passage connection with a corresponding main inlet 60. Alternatively, as Figures 3 - 6 and Figures 8 - 9 shown, all the main branches 61 form a fluid passage connection with the main inlet 60. Additionally, each main branch 61 forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding main outlet 40a.

[0100] Then, the main branches 61 substantially transfer the polymer fluid from the main inlet 60 to each main outlet 40a.

[0101] Advantageously, the transfer device 6 further includes a plurality of secondary inlets 62.

[0102] Each main inlet 62 forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding secondary channel 21. Then, each main inlet 62 receives gas, such as air, from the secondary channel 21. Furthermore, the transfer device 6 includes a plurality of pairs of secondary branches 63.

[0103] In each pair, as Figures 1 - 2 shown, the secondary branch 63 forms a fluid passage connection with the corresponding secondary inlet 62. Alternatively, as Figures 3 - 6 and Figures 8 - 9 shown, all of the secondary branches 63 form fluid passage connections with the corresponding secondary inlets 62. In addition, in the same pair, each secondary branch 63 forms a fluid passage connection with the corresponding secondary outlet 41 in a pair of secondary outlets 41, i.e., with the secondary outlet 41 at the same spike portion 40.

[0104] To enable such a configuration, different solutions can be adopted.

[0105] For example, in the first embodiment as Figures 1 - 6 and Figure 9 shown, the transmission device 6 can be fully contained within the dispenser 2.

[0106] In this case, the main inlet 60 preferably corresponds to the main channel 20, and each secondary inlet 62 corresponds to the corresponding secondary channel 21. Then, the spinneret 4 can include a main delivery channel 42 and a pair of secondary delivery channels 43 for each spike portion 40.

[0107] The main delivery channel 42 is preferably configured to form a fluid passage connection between the main branch 61 and the main outlet 40a.

[0108] Each of the pair of secondary delivery channels 43 is configured to form a fluid passage connection between the corresponding secondary branch 63 and the corresponding secondary outlet 41 in the same pair of secondary outlets 41.

[0109] In this embodiment, the spinneret 4 defines conventional features.

[0110] The dispenser 2 can also include the transmission device 6 in a different manner.

[0111] The dispenser 2 can be integral or divided into two different blocks.

[0112] For example, the dispenser 2 can include one or more support plates 7 and one or more diverter plates 8. As is well known, the support plate 7 is an interface element that is typically arranged between the housing 10 and the diverter plate 8. The diverter plate 8 is a connecting plate between the support plate 7 and the spinneret 4.

[0113] Advantageously, the transmission device 6 can be fully contained within one or more of the support plate 7 and the diverter plate 8. This means that the transmission device 6 can be provided in a single component between the support plate 7 and the diverter plate 8, or partially in the support plate 7 and partially in the diverter plate 8.

[0114] In as Figure 8In the second embodiment shown, the transfer device 6 can be fully contained within the spinneret 4.

[0115] In this case, the spinneret 4 no longer includes the conventional features mentioned above. Additionally, the dispenser 2 includes a main distribution channel 22 and secondary distribution channels 23.

[0116] The main distribution channel 22 is configured to form a fluid passage connection between the main channel 20 and the main inlet 60.

[0117] Conversely, each secondary distribution channel 23 is configured to form a fluid passage connection between the corresponding secondary channel 21 and the corresponding secondary inlet 62.

[0118] As previously mentioned, this description is made by considering a cross-section of the device perpendicular to the main direction 1a.

[0119] However, the device 1 also extends along the main direction 1a.

[0120] Therefore, the device 1 can define a main plane 1b, and at least a part of the device extends along this main plane.

[0121] The main plane 1b is parallel to the main direction 1a. Additionally, more specifically, the main plane 1b is a virtual or actual interface plane to which the ends of the main branches 61 and the secondary branches 63 are accessible.

[0122] Specifically, each main branch 61 defines a main end 61a.

[0123] The main end 61a is substantially opposite to the main inlet 60.

[0124] Conversely, each secondary branch 63 defines a secondary end 63a. The secondary end 63a is preferably opposite to the secondary inlet 62.

[0125] Then, as Figure 7a shown, the ends 61a, 63a are distributed on the main plane 1b such that for each spike portion 40 and each group including one main end 61a and a pair of adjacent secondary ends 63a, at least the secondary ends 63a are not aligned with each other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction 1a.

[0126] Alternatively, as Figure 7b shown, all the ends 61a, 63a can be not aligned with each other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction 1a.

[0127] In other words, the ends 61a, 63a that are located upstream or downstream of the same spike portion 40 and are adjacent to each other belong to the same group.

[0128] More specifically, preferably, for each spike portion 40 and each group, at least one main end portion 61a and one secondary end portion 63a in the same group are aligned with each other along the extension direction 6a. The extension direction 6a is transverse to the main direction 1a.

[0129] In addition, as Figures 7a - 7b clearly shown, the extension directions 6a are preferably parallel to each other.

[0130] This configuration advantageously avoids the various branches 61, 63 from crossing each other.

[0131] Finally, the device 1 can define additional detailed features.

[0132] For example, the spinneret 4 can include at least one seat 44.

[0133] If present, the seat 44 is configured to accommodate at least one filter 11. The filter 11 can be a sponge-like element adapted to filter the polymer fluid entering the spinneret 4. Therefore, the seat 44 is preferably arranged close to the dispenser 2.

[0134] In particular, in the second embodiment, the seat 44 is preferably arranged between the main inlet 60 and the main distribution channel 22. Alternatively, in the first embodiment, the seat 44 is preferably arranged between each of the said main branches 61 and the corresponding main delivery channel 42.

[0135] Of course, the device 1 can also include the filter 11 and one or more boxes 10.

[0136] Structurally, the operation mode of the foregoing meltblown nonwoven fabric production device 1 is basically similar to that of any meltblown nonwoven fabric production device.

[0137] However, since multiple juxtaposed spike portions can be utilized, the device 1 allows multiple parallel rows to be formed along the main direction 1a.

[0138] The meltblown nonwoven fabric production device 1 according to the present invention achieves important advantages.

[0139] In fact, the device 1 allows more than one row of polymer filaments to be realized. The possibility of using multiple juxtaposed spike portions allows the quality of the nonwoven fabric to be improved and the production speed to be increased.

[0140] In addition, in view of the above advantages, the device 1 allows the number of components required for distributing multiple rows to be reduced, and also allows the use of at least partially known technology devices, considering that the device can include at least boxes and, where appropriate, a conventional dispenser 2.

[0141] Therefore, the device 1 allows the retrofit cost of the device to be reduced and, in any case, is more economical from the perspectives of operation and maintenance.

[0142] The present invention can be varied within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0143] For example, as previously described and shown in Figures 1 - 2 and Figure 9 , the dispenser 2 of the device 1 may include a plurality of main channels 20. Then, the transfer device 6 may also be configured to form a fluid passage connection between each main channel 20 and a corresponding main outlet 40a. In this case, each main channel 20 may correspond to a main inlet 60, and each main inlet 60 may form a fluid passage connection with the corresponding main outlet 40a through a separate main branch 61.

[0144] Such a configuration can be easily used to convey two different types of polymers flowing out of the dispensing device, thereby manufacturing a variety of nonwoven fabrics, or manufacturing nonwoven fabrics containing filaments of different materials (i.e., formed of different polymers).

[0145] Within such a scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may be arbitrary.

Claims

1. A meltblown nonwoven fabric production device (1), comprising: - A dispenser (2), which is configured to be operably connected to one or more boxes (10), and includes at least one main channel (20) and a plurality of secondary channels (21). The main channel is adapted to form a fluid path connection with a main pipe (10a) of the box (10) suitable for conveying a polymer fluid, and the secondary channels are adapted to respectively form a fluid path connection with secondary pipes (10b) of the box (10) suitable for conveying gas; - A dispensing device (3), which forms a fluid path connection with the dispenser (2), is configured to dispense polymer filaments from the polymer fluid, and includes at least one spinneret plate (4) and an air knife (5). The spinneret plate is adapted to form the polymer filaments, and the air knife is adapted to receive the gas to guide the polymer filaments flowing out of the dispensing device (3); It is characterized in that - The spinneret plate (4) includes: - A plurality of juxtaposed spike portions (40), each spike portion includes at least one main outlet (40a), and the main outlet is configured to guide the polymer fluid along its respective conveying direction (4a) such that the conveying directions (4a) are parallel to each other, and - For each spike portion (40), a pair of secondary outlets (41) are arranged on opposite sides of the spike portion (40) and are configured to convey the gas to the air knife (5), - The air knife (5) is adapted to convey a jet of the gas so that it converges towards each of the conveying directions (4a) to guide the polymer filaments, and - The device (1) further includes a transmission device (6), which is configured to form a fluid path connection between the at least one main channel (20) and at least one of the main outlets (40a), and to form a fluid path connection between each secondary channel (21) and at least one corresponding secondary outlet (41).

2. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spike portions (40) are configured to form a distance (d) of 5 mm to 1 m between the respective conveying directions (4a).

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spike portions (4) are integral, or adjacent to and constrained by each other, or separated and adjacent to each other, or separated.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission device (6) is configured to form a fluid path connection between the main channel (20) and each main outlet (40a).

5. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the dispenser (2) includes a plurality of main channels (20), and the transmission device (6) is further configured to form a fluid path connection between each main channel (20) and the corresponding main outlet (40a).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission device (6) is further configured to form a fluid path connection between each secondary channel (21) and the corresponding secondary outlet (41).

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transfer device (6) is further configured to establish a flow connection between each of the secondary channels (21) and a corresponding one of the pair of secondary outlets (41).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission means (6) comprises: At least one main inlet (60) that forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding main channel (20); A plurality of main branches (61), each main branch respectively forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding main inlet (60) or all of them form a fluid passage connection with the main inlet (60), and each main branch forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding one of the main outlets (40a); a plurality of secondary inlets (62), each secondary inlet forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding one of the secondary inlets (21); And a plurality of pairs of secondary branches (63), wherein each pair of the secondary branches (63) respectively forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding secondary inlet (62) or all of them form a fluid passage connection with the corresponding secondary inlet (62), and each secondary branch forms a fluid passage connection with a corresponding one of the pair of secondary outlets (41).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer device (6) is completely contained within the spinneret plate (4), and the distributor (2) includes a main distribution channel (22) configured to establish a fluid passage connection between the main channel (20) and the main inlet (60), and a plurality of secondary distribution channels (23), each secondary distribution channel being configured to establish a fluid passage connection between a corresponding one of the secondary channels (21) and a corresponding one of the secondary inlets (62).

10. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transfer device (6) is completely contained within the distributor (2), the main inlet (60) corresponds to the main channel (20), and each secondary inlet (62) corresponds to a corresponding one of the secondary channels (21).

11. The device (1) according to the claim, wherein the distributor (2) includes one or more support plates (7) and one or more diverter plates (8), and the transfer device (6) is integrally contained within one or more of the support plates (7) and the diverter plates (8).

12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the spinneret plate (4) for each of said spike portions (40) comprises: A main delivery channel (42) configured to establish a fluid passage connection between the main branches (61) and the main outlet (40a); And a pair of secondary delivery channels (43), each secondary delivery channel being configured to establish a fluid passage connection between a corresponding secondary branch (63) of the same pair of secondary branches (63) and a corresponding secondary outlet (41) of the same pair of secondary outlets (41).

13. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (2) and the dispensing device (3) mainly extend along a main direction (1a), each of the main branches (61) defines a main end (61a) opposite to the main inlet (60), each of the secondary branches (63) defines a secondary end (63a) opposite to the secondary inlet (62), and the ends (61a, 63a) are distributed in a main plane (1b) parallel to the main direction (1a), such that for each spike portion (40) and each group including one of the main ends (61a) and a pair of adjacent secondary ends (63a), at least the secondary ends (63a) are not aligned with each other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction (1a).

14. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ends (61a, 63a) are distributed in the main plane (1b) such that all the ends (61a, 63a) of the same group are not aligned with each other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction (1a).

15. The device (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein for each spike portion (40) and each group, at least one of the main ends (61a) and one of the secondary ends (63a) are aligned along an extending direction (6a) transverse to the main direction (1a).

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