Filament manufacturing nozzle head
The nozzle head with decoupled polymer and blow air outlet openings addresses issues of turbulence and throughput in filament production, achieving precise control over filament properties and geometry for high polymer throughput.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- REIFENHAUSER GMBH & CO MASCHFAB
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing nozzle heads for producing filaments from polymer melts, particularly thermoplastics, are not optimally suited for high polymer throughput and fail to adequately influence the filament-airflow properties, leading to issues like turbulence and gravitational effects, especially in edge regions, and cannot precisely control filament geometry when combining multiple flows.
A nozzle head with polymer and blow air outlet openings arranged in a regular or irregular pattern, decoupled to allow independent control of airflow, enabling precise influence on filament properties and geometry, and allowing high polymer throughput.
The nozzle head effectively counters obstructive effects on the filament-airflow, such as turbulence, while enabling high throughput and precise control over filament geometry, particularly when combining filament and short fiber flows, and is economical and variable in application.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a nozzle head for producing filaments from a polymer melt, particularly from a thermoplastic, wherein the nozzle head is formed as a meltblown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of meltblown nonwovens and to a method for producing meltblown nonwovens using such an apparatus or such a nozzle head. When producing filaments using a meltblown blow head, a temperature-controlled blow air stream is typically supplied to the polymer melt discharged from the nozzle openings or polymer outlet openings. The polymer melt or molten plastic filaments are, so to speak, extruded into a high-speed blow air stream.
Background Art
[0002] The type of nozzle head or melt-blown blowhead described at the beginning is known in principle from practice in various embodiments. In the conventional melt-blown method, one or more flat blow airflows are supplied to one side or both opposing sides of the curtain of extruded plastic filaments. A corresponding nozzle head having a row of polymer outlet openings and two air inlet gaps running parallel to them and inclined in the direction of the row of polymer outlet openings is also called a single-row nozzle head. These single-row nozzle heads have been demonstrated in principle. However, they are not usually suitable for high polymer throughput. Furthermore, multi-row nozzle heads are known, which have multiple rows of polymer outlet openings. In one configuration of these multi-row nozzle heads, each of the individual polymer outlet openings or each of the individual extruded plastic films is supplied with a separate blow airflow from a blow air outlet opening that is coaxially positioned with the polymer outlet opening and therefore directly assigned to the polymer outlet opening, so that each individual filament is supplied with a blow airflow that surrounds the filament in the form of a jacket. These nozzle heads, also known as Biax nozzle heads from Biax-Fiberfilm-Corporation (USA), are essentially proven in themselves. Multi-row nozzle heads, or Biax nozzle heads, are intended, among other things, for high polymer throughput.
[0003] However, it has been found that known nozzle heads or melt-blown blowheads are not optimally suited for all melt-blown processes. The filament-airflow, including the manufactured filament and blown air, typically flows from the nozzle head towards the deposition belt located below it. When using known nozzle heads or melt-blown blowheads, it is usually not possible to adequately influence the extruded filament-airflow in terms of its properties and, in particular, its geometric shape. This is especially true for individual regions of the filament-airflow, such as the edge regions. Known nozzle heads or melt-blown blowheads typically allow influence on the filament-airflow only through influencing values such as polymer throughput, blown air throughput, and the inflow angle of blown air to the filament. Therefore, the destructive effects on the filament-airflow along the flow path from the nozzle head to the deposition belt cannot be adequately counteracted. For example, irregularities such as turbulence can occur in the edge regions of the filament-airflow. Furthermore, if the nozzle head or melt-blown blowhead is positioned at an angle or oblique to the deposition belt, a gravitational effect may also occur, which can affect the filament-airflow and similarly lead to turbulence.
[0004] Furthermore, in some melt-blown processes, multiple filament-airflows and / or short fiber or particle flows are intended to be combined between the corresponding nozzle head and deposition belt to be deposited as a filament mixture or filament-short fiber mixture. When combining these flows, turbulence should be avoided as much as possible. This requires precise influence on the properties and geometry of the filament-airflows. Known nozzle heads or melt-blown blowheads have shown that such precise influence on the properties and geometry of the filament-airflows is either not possible or not possible to a sufficient degree. Inhibitory effects or factors with respect to the filament-airflows cannot be precisely avoided or modified later. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0005] In contrast, the present invention is based on the technical problem of providing a nozzle head of the type described above that can effectively and functionally avoid the aforementioned drawbacks and, in particular, allows for precise influence of the generated filament-airflow to counteract obstructive effects on the flow path, such as turbulence, and nevertheless enables high polymer throughput. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the technical problem of providing an apparatus for producing meltblown nonwoven fabric using at least one such nozzle head, and a method for producing meltblown nonwoven fabric using such an apparatus or such nozzle head. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] To address this technical challenge, the present invention provides a nozzle head for manufacturing a filament from a polymer molten, particularly from a thermoplastic, wherein the nozzle head is formed as a melt-blown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings arranged in rows or columns of at least two, preferably at least three, and especially preferably at least four, with some of the nozzle openings formed as polymer outlet openings and some or the remainder of the nozzle openings formed as blow air outlet openings, and the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings are arranged apart from each other in a regular pattern and / or irregularly, thereby teaching the nozzle head.
[0007] Using the nozzle head according to the present invention, continuous filaments or melt-blown continuous filaments can be manufactured in particular. The manufactured continuous filaments or melt-blown continuous filaments have an average filament diameter in the range of 0.1 to 15 μm, preferably between 0.5 and 10 μm. Continuous filaments differ from short fibers, which have considerably shorter lengths, for example, 10 mm to 60 mm, in terms of their almost endless length. The manufactured filaments or continuous filaments are formed on a base of at least one thermoplastic, preferably selected from "polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, particularly polyethylene terephthalate, polylactide, and polyvinyl alcohol." In one of the alternative embodiments, the manufactured filaments are formed on a base of lyocell or lyocell liquid. Within the framework of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the manufactured filaments or continuous filaments are manufactured from a polymer melt from a thermoplastic, in which case the thermoplastic is particularly preferably polypropylene and / or polyethylene, and very particularly preferably polypropylene.
[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the nozzle openings of the nozzle head according to the present invention are arranged in or on the nozzle plate. In particular, the nozzle openings are arranged on the nozzle head or nozzle plate in at least two, preferably at least three, and especially preferably at least four rows or columns. More preferably, the nozzle openings are arranged on the nozzle head or nozzle plate in at least five, very especially preferably at least six, for example at least seven rows or columns. It is possible that the nozzle openings are arranged on the nozzle head or nozzle plate in at least eight, especially at least ten, especially twelve, and preferably at least fourteen rows or columns. Within the framework of the present invention, the term row or column means a row of nozzle openings that extends in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head and thus has a greater extension and / or a larger number of nozzle openings than a row of nozzle heads arranged laterally to the column, particularly perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the column, resulting from a plurality of row of row of nozzle heads arranged side by side. In a melt-blowing apparatus where nozzle heads are positioned on a deposition belt, the rows of nozzle heads extend particularly perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the machine direction or the conveying direction of the deposition belt.
[0009] According to the present invention, the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings are arranged separately from each other in a regular pattern and / or irregularly. In this case, a regular pattern means, in particular, a repeating, continuous, and uniform distribution of the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings in the sense of repeating units. In this case, an irregular arrangement means, in particular, an irregular or random distribution of the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings that does not have such repeating units. Within the framework of the present invention, it is also possible that a regular pattern exists in some area or section of the nozzle head, and an irregular arrangement of the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings exists in other areas or sections of the nozzle head.
[0010] One particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a polymer outlet opening is formed such that only polymer molten material is discharged from it. The polymer outlet opening is advantageously supplied with polymer molten material. Particularly preferably, the polymer outlet opening is formed such that polymer molten material is discharged from it without a blow air flow discharged coaxially to each polymer outlet opening. In this preferred embodiment, the nozzle opening formed as a polymer outlet opening is provided solely for the discharge of polymer molten material, and as a result, no blow air is discharged from this polymer outlet opening together with the polymer molten material. Within the framework of the present invention, blow air is supplied to the filament discharged from the polymer outlet opening, in particular, and this is discharged from a blow air outlet opening positioned apart from the polymer outlet opening. Thus, the polymer molten material is extruded in particular into an airflow having a cross-sectional area corresponding, so to speak, to the planar extension of the nozzle head or determined by the arrangement of the blow air outlet openings.
[0011] The blow air outlet openings are preferably not assigned to and positioned for only one polymer outlet opening each. Therefore, the filaments extruded from the polymer outlet openings are also not supplied with blow air from blow air outlet openings that are coaxially positioned with respect to each polymer outlet opening. This embodiment is based on the finding that the separation or decoupling of the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings, and their isolated arrangement in a regular pattern on the nozzle head and / or their irregular isolated arrangement, allows for functionally reliable control or influence of the resulting filament-airflow.
[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the blow air outlet opening is formed so that only blow air is discharged from it. Therefore, within the framework of the present invention, the blow air outlet opening is provided solely for the discharge of blow air, without discharging any polymer molten material together with it. The blow air is advantageously temperature-controlled, and preferably warm or hot blow air.
[0013] In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two polymer outlet openings are assigned to at least 70%, especially at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%, and very particularly preferably all, of the blow air outlet openings. Within the framework of the present invention, the assignment of polymer outlet openings to blow air outlet openings means, in particular, the direct adjacent arrangement of blow air outlet openings to polymer outlet openings without the interposition of other nozzle openings. Thus, the corresponding blow airflow discharged from the blow air outlet openings is assigned not to only one polymer outlet opening, but to at least two polymer outlet openings (each). Furthermore, the assignment and arrangement of at least two blow air outlet openings to at least 70%, especially at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%, and very particularly preferably all, of the polymer outlet openings is within the framework of the present invention.
[0014] Within the framework of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings of a nozzle head is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head in at least one nozzle head direction. Within the framework of the present invention, the spacing between two nozzle openings means, in particular, the center-to-center spacing of the nozzle openings. Within the framework of the present invention, directly adjacent nozzle openings of a nozzle head mean, in particular, nozzle openings that are arranged side by side in one nozzle head direction without any other nozzle openings in between. Nozzle openings can be directly adjacent, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head, in the lateral direction of the nozzle head, or in the diagonal or oblique direction of the nozzle head. Within the framework of the present invention, the fact that the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings in the nozzle head direction is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head means, in particular, that the spacing between all directly adjacent nozzle openings in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head, and / or that the spacing between all directly adjacent nozzle openings in the lateral direction of the nozzle head is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head, and / or that the spacing between all directly adjacent nozzle openings in the oblique or diagonal direction of the nozzle head is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head. Furthermore, the fact that the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings in at least two nozzle head directions is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head is within the framework of the present invention.
[0015] One particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the spacing between directly adjacent blow air outlet openings in at least one nozzle head direction and / or the spacing between adjacent polymer outlet openings in at least one nozzle head direction is the same or essentially the same throughout the entire nozzle head. Adjacent polymer outlet openings, within the framework of the present invention, mean, in particular, two polymer outlet openings that are not directly adjacent but between which no other polymer outlet openings are located. In other words, it is understood that blow air outlet openings may be directly adjacent to one another, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head, the lateral direction of the nozzle head, or in an oblique or diagonal direction of the nozzle head, and polymer outlet openings may be adjacent to one another, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head, the lateral direction of the nozzle head, or in an oblique or diagonal direction. Within the framework of the present invention, the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head means, in particular, the direction of the maximum longitudinal extension of the nozzle head, on the other hand, the lateral direction means, in particular, a direction that is lateral to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head, especially perpendicular or essentially perpendicular. Within the framework of this invention, the oblique or diagonal direction of the nozzle head means, in particular, any direction that does not correspond to the longitudinal or transverse direction of the nozzle head. In a melt-blowing apparatus in which the nozzle heads are arranged on a deposition belt, the rows of nozzle heads extend particularly perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly to the machine direction or the conveying direction of the deposition belt.
[0016] Within the framework of the present invention, the ratio of polymer outlet openings to the total number of nozzle openings is between 10% and 50%, particularly between 12% and 45%, preferably between 15% and 40%. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle head has only polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings as nozzle openings. This embodiment, having the aforementioned ratio of polymer outlet openings to the total number of nozzle openings, is based on the finding that the nature or geometric shape of the resulting filament-airflow can be very functionally and reliably influenced and / or controlled using this ratio of polymer outlet openings.
[0017] One particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the provision of at least one row or column consisting of nozzle openings having exclusively blow air outlet openings. Preferably, at least two, particularly preferably at least three, and very particularly preferably at least four rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings are provided on the nozzle head. In particular, the rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings are followed by rows or columns having polymer outlet openings. Advantageously, at least two, preferably at least three, and particularly preferably at least four rows or columns having polymer outlet openings are provided on the nozzle head. The rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings and the rows or columns having polymer outlet openings are particularly preferably arranged alternately across the entire nozzle head in the lateral direction. In this case, the nozzle head includes, in particular, a plurality of rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings and a plurality of rows or columns having polymer outlet openings. The presence of polymer outlet openings in a row or column means, in particular, that the row or column has at least one polymer outlet opening as a nozzle opening. In the context of this invention, the fact that two rows or columns are successive in succession means, in particular, that these rows or columns are successive in succession directly in the lateral direction of the nozzle head.
[0018] One recommended embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in at least one row or column having polymer outlet openings, and in particular in all rows or columns having polymer outlet openings, not only polymer outlet openings but also blow air outlet openings are provided, and in this case, the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings are preferably arranged alternately and / or irregularly in each row or column. Therefore, it is preferable that the nozzle head has rows or columns where blow air outlet openings are provided exclusively, and that the nozzle head has rows or columns where both polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings are provided. In such rows, the polymer outlet openings and blow air outlet openings can be arranged alternately and irregularly, area by area or section by section.
[0019] It is also essentially within the framework of the present invention that all rows or columns of nozzle openings have both polymer outlet openings and blown air outlet openings, and that in all rows or columns, the polymer outlet openings and blown air outlet openings are preferably arranged alternately and / or irregularly.
[0020] In one alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, polymer outlet openings are exclusively arranged in at least one row or column having polymer outlet openings, and in particular, in all rows or columns having polymer outlet openings. Within the framework of this alternative embodiment, it is possible for polymer outlet openings to be directly adjacent on the nozzle head (particularly in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head). Within the framework of this embodiment, it is preferable that rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings and rows or columns having exclusively polymer outlet openings are alternately arranged laterally across the entire nozzle head. Furthermore, within the framework of the present invention, it is also possible that the polymer outlet openings in rows or columns having exclusively polymer outlet openings are offset in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle head relative to the blow air outlet openings in rows or columns having exclusively blow air outlet openings.
[0021] It is preferable that the blow air outlet opening has a diameter between 0.05 and 2 mm, particularly between 0.1 and 1.5 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. It is recommended that all blow air outlet openings of the nozzle head have the same or essentially the same diameter. The nozzle opening of the nozzle head is otherwise formed in a round or circular shape within the framework of the present invention.
[0022] Within the framework of the present invention, the diameter of the polymer outlet opening may differ from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by up to 15%, particularly up to 10%. It is preferable that the diameters of all polymer outlet openings on the nozzle head are the same or essentially the same. Within the framework of the present invention, the diameter of the polymer outlet opening may be larger or smaller than the diameter of the blow air outlet opening, in which case it may differ from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by up to 15%, particularly up to 10%. In one particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the polymer outlet opening may differ from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by up to 5%. Advantageously, the diameter of the polymer outlet opening may differ from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by 2% to 20%, particularly 5% to 15%. In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the polymer outlet opening may essentially match the diameter of the blow air outlet opening, and thus, in particular, all nozzle openings on the nozzle head may have the same or essentially the same diameter.
[0023] One preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the nozzle head has an opening extension that protrudes beyond the nozzle head surface, and in particular, a polymer outlet opening is located at the end of the opening extension opposite to the nozzle head surface. Within the framework of the present invention, the fact that the opening extension protrudes beyond the nozzle head surface means, in particular, that the opening extension extends beyond the nozzle head surface, and that the polymer molten material is discharged from the opening extension or from the polymer outlet opening at the end of the opening extension opposite to the nozzle head surface. Within the framework of the present invention, the nozzle head surface is formed in particular from a nozzle plate. It is preferable that the blow air outlet opening is located on the nozzle head surface or in the nozzle plate. It has been found that it is useful for the distance between the end of the opening extension opposite to the nozzle head surface and the nozzle head surface to be between 0.05 and 10 times the diameter of the polymer outlet opening, preferably between 0.1 and 5 times.
[0024] If the nozzle head has an opening extension in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the opening extension at the end opposite to the nozzle head surface (particularly where the polymer outlet opening is located) is preferably different from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by up to 15%, preferably up to 10%. Advantageously, the outer diameters of the same opening extension are the same or essentially the same within this range. Within the framework of the present invention, the outer diameter of the opening extension at the end opposite to the nozzle head surface can be greater than or less than the diameter of the blow air outlet opening. In one preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the opening extension differs from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by up to 5% within this range. Advantageously, the outer diameter of the opening extension at the end opposite to the nozzle head surface differs from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening by between 2% and 20%, particularly between 5% and 15%. According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the opening extension at the end opposite to the nozzle surface matches or essentially matches the diameter of the blow air outlet opening.
[0025] To solve the above technical problem, the present invention further provides an apparatus for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric from a polymer melt, especially from a thermoplastic, comprising at least one filament delivery nozzle head, especially the nozzle head described above. In this case, a continuously movable deposition belt is arranged below the nozzle head, and filaments can be deposited on this deposition belt to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric. At this time, the nozzle head is formed as a meltblowing type blow head, and has a plurality of nozzle openings (especially arranged in at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four rows or columns extending transversely, especially perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the conveying direction of the deposition belt). In this case, some of these nozzle openings are formed as polymer outlet openings, and some or the rest of these nozzle openings are formed as blow air outlet openings. At this time, the polymer outlet openings and the blow air outlet openings are arranged in a regular pattern and / or irregularly at intervals from each other. This invention teaches such an apparatus.
[0026] The deposition belt is preferably a deposition screen belt, particularly a continuously movable deposition screen belt. Further, a suction device, particularly a suction fan, is arranged below the deposition belt or the deposition screen belt, particularly below the deposition area of the filaments, and it is preferable that air or process air can be sucked through the deposition screen belt from below using the same. Further, it is within the scope of the present invention that the device has at least two filament delivery nozzle heads or melt blow type blow heads. In this regard, it is preferable that the resulting two filament - air flows are combined in a contact zone on the flow path between the nozzle head and the deposition belt or the deposition screen belt. Further, short fibers, such as pulp short fibers, are preferably mixed into one filament - air flow or a plurality of filament - air flows, particularly in the contact zone described above. For this purpose, it is preferable that the device has a device for delivering short fibers or pulp short fibers. The term "pulp" means, within the scope of the present invention, particularly a fiber material based on cellulose or cellulosic.
[0027] One nozzle head or melt blow type blow head, particularly a plurality of nozzle heads or melt blow type blow heads, is arranged obliquely or at an angle with respect to the deposition screen belt, and as a result, the resulting filament - air flow flows obliquely or at an angle particularly in the direction of the deposition belt or its surface and / or in the direction of the short fiber - air flow or the pulp - short fiber air flow, and then these flows are combined particularly in the contact zone and then flow as a combined flow having a flow direction perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the screen belt surface of the deposition screen belt, which is particularly preferable.
[0028] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention further teaches a method for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric using the apparatus described above, wherein, using at least one nozzle head, filaments are produced from a polymer molten, particularly from a thermoplastic, and these filaments are deposited on a continuously movable deposition belt to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric. Within the framework of the method according to the present invention, it is preferable to supply short fibers, particularly pulp-short fibers, to the filaments in a flow path between the at least one nozzle head and the deposition belt, especially in the contact zone, and thereby deposit the filament-short fiber mixture on the deposition belt to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric.
[0029] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of the nozzle head described above in a method for producing a nonwoven fabric or meltblown nonwoven fabric from a filament or meltblown filament and pulp-short fibers.
[0030] The present invention is based on the finding that by using the nozzle head according to the present invention, it is possible to functionally, reliably, and accurately influence the properties or geometric shape of the generated filament-airflow. By decoupling the blow air outlet opening and the polymer outlet opening, it is avoided that each blow air outlet opening be directly assigned to only one polymer outlet opening, and thus it is possible to influence the resulting properties or geometric shape of the filament-airflow to a sufficient extent to avoid or counteract inhibiting effects when the filament-airflow flows. The so-called free distribution of the blow air outlet opening and the polymer outlet opening on the nozzle head allows for the nozzle opening, or the polymer outlet opening and the blow air outlet opening, to be arranged in a customized manner for individual applications. The resulting filament-airflow can be similarly functionally and reliably influenced through the ratio of the polymer outlet opening to the blow air outlet opening. By using the nozzle head according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus for manufacturing meltblown nonwoven fabrics that can avoid inhibiting effects on the filament-airflow in the flow path between the nozzle head and the deposition belt, such as turbulence in the edge region of the filament-airflow. This is particularly advantageous when merging multiple filament-airflows or when merging one or more filament-airflows with short fibers, especially pulp-short fibers. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the nozzle head according to the present invention is highly economical because the means are labor-intensive and especially cost-effective. Finally, it should be noted that the nozzle head according to the present invention is highly variable, as such labor-intensive means allow the polymer outlet opening to be transformed into a blown air outlet opening, or vice versa.
[0031] The present invention will be described in more detail below, based on drawings showing only one embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0032] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows a bottom view of the nozzle head according to the present invention in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the nozzle head according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the nozzle head according to the present invention in a third embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the nozzle head according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a vertical cross-section of the apparatus of the present invention for manufacturing meltblown nonwoven fabric. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0033] Figures 1-3 show preferred embodiments of a nozzle head 1 according to the present invention for producing filaments 2 from a polymer melt, particularly from thermoplastic plastics. The nozzle head 1 is formed as a melt-blown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings arranged in a plurality of columns 3. Some of these nozzle openings are formed as polymer outlet openings 4. These polymer outlet openings 4 are shown as black circles in Figures 1-3. The remainder of the nozzle openings are formed as blow air outlet openings 5. These blow air outlet openings 5 are shown as white circles in Figures 1-3.
[0034] In preferred embodiments of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figures 1 and 3, the polymer outlet opening 4 and the blow air outlet opening 5 are arranged or distributed in a regular pattern, separated from each other. In preferred embodiments of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 2, the polymer outlet opening 4 and the blow air outlet opening 5 are arranged or distributed irregularly, separated from each other. In the framework and embodiments of the present invention, the nozzle openings of the nozzle head 1 are arranged or distributed in or on the nozzle plate 9. Preferably and in the embodiments of the drawings, the nozzle head 1 has only the polymer outlet opening 4 and the blow air outlet opening 5 as nozzle openings.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 1, the nozzle openings, or polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5, are arranged on the nozzle head 1 or nozzle plate 9 in seven columns 3. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5 are arranged on the nozzle head 1 or nozzle plate 9 in six columns 3. In the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 3, the polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5 are arranged or distributed on the nozzle head 1 or nozzle plate 9 in eleven columns 3.
[0036] Within the framework of this invention, the term "column 3" refers to a row of nozzle openings that extends in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1 and therefore has greater extension and / or more nozzle openings than a row of nozzle heads 1 arranged in the transverse direction Q of the nozzle head 1, resulting from a plurality of adjacently arranged columns 3. Thus, the transverse direction Q of the nozzle head 1 is advantageous and in embodiments to extend laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction 1 of the nozzle head 1, particularly perpendicular or essentially perpendicular. By using the nozzle head 1 according to the present invention, continuous filaments can be produced in particular. The filaments 2 or continuous filaments produced are preferably made from a polymer melt from a thermoplastic, in which case the thermoplastic is particularly preferably polypropylene.
[0037] Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiments, the polymer outlet opening 4 is formed so that only molten polymer is discharged from it. Particularly preferably, in the illustrated embodiments, the polymer outlet opening 4 is formed so that molten polymer is discharged from it without a blow air flow coaxially discharged to each polymer outlet opening 4. Furthermore, in particular in the illustrated embodiments, not only a single blow outlet opening 5 or a single blow air flow is assigned to each polymer outlet opening 4. Within the framework of the present invention and in the illustrated embodiments, in addition, the blow air outlet opening 5 is formed so that only blow air is discharged from it.
[0038] In preferred embodiments of the present invention and in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, at least 80% of the blow air outlet openings 5, and especially all of the blow air outlet openings 5, are each assigned at least two polymer outlet openings. The assignment of polymer outlet openings 4 to blow air outlet openings 5 means, within the framework of the present invention, a direct adjacent arrangement of polymer outlet openings 4 to blow air outlet openings 5 without the interposition of other nozzle openings. Within the framework of the present invention, two nozzle openings can be directly adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 1 of the nozzle head 1, in the lateral direction Q of the nozzle head 1, or in the diagonal or oblique direction of the nozzle head 1.
[0039] Furthermore, it is within the framework of the present invention that at least 85% of the polymer outlet openings 4 are each assigned at least two blow air outlet openings 5. Recommended and in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3, all polymer outlet openings 4 are each assigned at least two blow air outlet openings 5.
[0040] In preferred embodiments of the present invention and in the illustrated embodiments, the ratio of polymer outlet openings 4 to the total number of nozzle openings is between 10% and 50%, particularly between 12% and 45%. In preferred embodiments of the nozzle head 1 according to Figures 1 and 2, the ratio of polymer outlet openings 4 to the total number of nozzle openings can be about 30%. In preferred embodiments of the nozzle head 1 according to Figure 2, the ratio of polymer outlet openings 4 to the total number of nozzle openings can be about 20%.
[0041] Within the framework of the present invention, it is particularly preferable that the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings of the nozzle head 1 is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head 1 in at least one nozzle head direction. Within the framework of the present invention and in the embodiments, the spacing between two nozzle openings specifically means the center-to-center spacing of the nozzle openings. The nozzle openings can be directly adjacent in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1, in the lateral direction of the nozzle head 1, or in the diagonal or oblique direction of the nozzle head 1. In this case, two nozzle openings being directly adjacent means, in particular, that no other nozzle openings are located between the two nozzle openings.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 1, substantially all spacing b1 in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1 between directly adjacent nozzle openings is the same or essentially the same throughout the nozzle head 1. Furthermore, preferably and in the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 1, all spacing b2 in the lateral direction Q of the nozzle head 1 between directly adjacent nozzle openings is the same or essentially the same throughout the nozzle head 1. In addition, as recommended and in the preferred embodiment of Figure 1, all spacings b1 and b2 are the same or essentially the same.
[0043] Furthermore, the distance b between directly adjacent blow air outlet openings 5 in at least one nozzle head direction bIt is preferable that the distance b is the same or essentially the same throughout the entire nozzle head 1. In Figures 2 and 3, for example, all the distance b in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1 between directly adjacent blow air outlet openings 5 b It can be seen that this is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head 1.
[0044] Furthermore, in the recommended and preferred embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the distance b between adjacent polymer outlet openings 4 in at least one nozzle head direction is also specified. p This is the same or essentially the same throughout the nozzle head 1. Adjacent polymer outlet openings 4 mean two polymer outlet openings 4 that are not directly adjacent but have no other polymer outlet openings 4 located between them. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the approximately entire spacing b in the lateral Q of the nozzle head 1 between adjacent polymer outlet openings 4 is p This is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distance between adjacent polymer outlet openings 4 of the nozzle head in the diagonal or oblique direction is approximately all of the spacing b p This is the same or essentially the same throughout the entire nozzle head 1.
[0045] In one preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 according to the present invention and in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, at least one column 3 consisting of nozzle openings, each having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5, is provided. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there are three columns 3 having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are six columns 3 having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5. Advantageously, following the column 3 having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5, a column 3 having polymer outlet openings 4 follows laterally in the nozzle head 1 (Figures 1 and 3). Preferably, and in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, the column 3 having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5 and the column 3 having polymer outlet openings 4 are alternately arranged across the entire nozzle head 1 in the lateral direction Q of the nozzle head 1.
[0046] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, both polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5 are arranged in at least one column 3 having polymer outlet openings 4, and in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in all columns 3 having polymer outlet openings 4. In this case, advantageously, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5 are arranged alternately in the columns 3 having polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5.
[0047] In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, polymer outlet openings 4 are exclusively arranged in at least one column 3 having polymer outlet openings 4, and in particular, in all columns 3 having polymer outlet openings 4. This corresponds to the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 3. In addition, in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3, the polymer outlet openings 4 of the column 3 having exclusively polymer outlet openings 4 are positioned offset in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1 from the blow air outlet openings 5 of the column 3 having exclusively blow air outlet openings 5. In this case, within the framework of the embodiment shown in Figure 3, there are directly adjacent polymer outlet openings 4, particularly in the longitudinal direction L of the nozzle head 1.
[0048] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that all columns 3 comprising nozzle openings have both polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5. This corresponds, for example, to the preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, the polymer outlet openings 4 and blow air outlet openings 5 are irregularly arranged in all columns 3.
[0049] In the advantageous embodiments and examples, the blow air outlet opening 5 has a diameter d1 between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm. In the embodiment according to the figure, the blow air outlet opening 5 may have a diameter d1 of about 1 mm (Figure 1). In the preferred embodiments and examples, the diameter d2 of the polymer outlet opening 4 differs from the diameter d1 of the blow air outlet opening 5 by up to 10%. In the example (Figure 1), the diameter d2 of the polymer outlet opening 4 is about 10% smaller than the diameter d1 of the blow air outlet opening 5.
[0050] In one particularly preferred embodiment of the nozzle head 1 according to the present invention, the nozzle head 1 has an opening extension 10 that protrudes from the nozzle head surface 6 of the nozzle head 1, and at its end opposite to the nozzle head surface 6, in particular and in the embodiment, a polymer outlet opening 4 is located (Figure 4). This means, in particular within the framework of the present invention, that the opening extension 10 extends beyond the nozzle head surface 6, and that the polymer molten material is discharged from the opening extension 10 or from the polymer outlet opening 4 at the end of the opening extension 10 opposite to the nozzle head surface 6. The nozzle head surface 6 of the nozzle head is advantageously and in the embodiment formed from a nozzle plate 9 of the nozzle head 1. More preferably and in the embodiment, a blow air outlet opening 5 is located in the nozzle plate 9 or in the nozzle head surface 6. It has been found that the distance a between the end of the opening extension 10 opposite to the nozzle head surface 6 and the nozzle head surface 6 is useful to correspond to between 0.05·d2 and 10·d2, particularly between 0.1·d2 and 5·d2, where d2 is the diameter of the polymer outlet opening 4. In the preferred embodiment of Figure 4, the distance a between the end of the opening extension 10 and the nozzle head surface 6 can correspond to about 2·d2. The outer diameter of the opening extension 10 at the end of the nozzle head 1 opposite to the nozzle head surface 6 differs from the diameter d1 of the blow air outlet opening 5 by at least 15%, preferably at least 10%, and especially preferably at least 5%. Advantageously, the outer diameter of the opening extension 10 at the end of the nozzle head 1 opposite to the nozzle head surface 6 corresponds to or is essentially equivalent to the diameter d1 of the blow air outlet opening 5.
[0051] Figure 5 shows an apparatus according to the present invention for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric 8, comprising at least one filament 2 delivery nozzle head 1. Below the nozzle head 1 is a continuously movable deposition belt 7, preferably and in the embodiment an endlessly circulating deposition screen belt, on which the filaments 2 can be deposited to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric 8. The nozzle head 1 is formed as a meltblown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings arranged in a plurality of longitudinal columns 3 that extend laterally with respect to the transport direction F of the deposition screen belt 7, particularly perpendicular or essentially perpendicular. The nozzle head 1 is advantageously the nozzle head 1 according to the present invention described above, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5. This application relates to the invention described in the claims, but the disclosure of this application also includes: 1. A nozzle head for producing a filament (2) from a polymer molten, particularly from a thermoplastic, wherein the nozzle head (1) is formed as a melt-blown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings arranged in rows or columns (3) at least two, preferably at least three, and especially preferably at least four, and some of these nozzle openings are formed as polymer outlet openings (4) and some or the remainder of these nozzle openings are formed as blow air outlet openings (5), and the polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a regular pattern and / or irregularly, the nozzle head. 2. The nozzle head according to 1., wherein the polymer outlet opening (4) is formed such that only polymer molten material is discharged therefrom and the polymer molten material is discharged from the polymer outlet opening (4) without a blow airflow that is discharged in particular coaxially with each polymer outlet opening (4). 3. The nozzle head according to 1. or 2., wherein the blow air outlet opening (5) is formed such that only blow air is discharged from it. 4. The nozzle head according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein at least 70%, particularly at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95%, and very preferably all of the blow air outlet openings (5), each have at least two polymer outlet openings (4). 5. A nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 4., wherein the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings of the nozzle head (1) is the same or essentially the same in at least one nozzle head direction and across the entire nozzle head (1), and in particular, the spacing between directly adjacent blow air outlet openings (5) is the same or essentially the same across the entire nozzle head (1) in at least one nozzle head direction and / or the spacing between adjacent polymer outlet openings (4) is the same or essentially the same in at least one nozzle head direction. 6. The nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 5. above, wherein the ratio of polymer outlet openings (4) to the total number of nozzle openings is between 10% and 50%, particularly between 12% and 45%, preferably between 15% and 40%. 7. A nozzle head according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein at least one row or column (3) of nozzle openings is provided, which exclusively has blow air outlet openings (5), and in particular, the row or column (3) having exclusively blow air outlet openings (5) is followed by a row or column (3) having polymer outlet openings (4), and the row or column (3) having exclusively blow air outlet openings (5) and the row or column (3) having polymer outlet openings (4) are particularly preferably arranged alternately in the lateral direction of the nozzle head and over the entire nozzle head (1). 8. The nozzle head according to 7., wherein at least one row or column (3) having polymer outlet openings (4), and in particular all rows or column (3) having polymer outlet openings (4), both polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5) are provided, and the polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5) are preferably arranged alternately and / or irregularly in each row or column (3). 9. A nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 8. above, wherein the blow air outlet opening (5) has a diameter between 0.05 and 2 mm, particularly between 0.1 and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.1 and 1 mm. 10. A nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 9. above, wherein the diameter of the polymer outlet opening (4) differs from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening (5) by up to 15%, and especially up to 10%. 11. The nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 10. above, wherein the nozzle head (1) has an opening extension (10) which protrudes beyond the nozzle head surface (6) of the nozzle head (1), and a polymer outlet opening (4) is provided at the end of the opening extension (10) opposite to the nozzle head surface (6), wherein the distance between the end of the opening extension (10) opposite to the nozzle head surface (6) and the nozzle head surface (6) is between 0.05 and 10 times the diameter of the polymer outlet opening (4), preferably between 0.1 and 5 times. 12. An apparatus for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric, particularly from a polymer molten material from a thermoplastic, comprising at least one filament (2) delivery nozzle head (1), particularly the at least one filament (2) delivery nozzle head (1) described in any one of 1. to 11. above, wherein a continuously movable deposition belt (7) is disposed below the nozzle head (1), and this continuously movable deposition belt (7) can deposit filaments (2) onto it to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8), and in this case, the nozzle head (1) is formed as a meltblown blowhead. The apparatus is configured to have a plurality of nozzle openings, and having them arranged in rows or columns (3) in particular at least two, preferably at least three, and especially preferably at least four, extending laterally with respect to the conveying direction of the deposition belt (7), particularly perpendicular or essentially perpendicular, and some of the nozzle openings are formed as polymer outlet openings (4), and some or the remainder of the nozzle openings are formed as blow air outlet openings (5), and the polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a regular pattern and / or irregularly. 13. A method for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric using the apparatus described in 12. above, comprising: producing a filament (2) using at least one nozzle head (1) from a polymer molten material, particularly from a thermoplastic plastic; and depositing the filament (2) on a continuously movable deposition belt (7) to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8). 14. The method according to 13., wherein short fibers, particularly pulp-short fibers, are supplied to a filament (2) in a flow path between at least one nozzle head (1) and a deposition belt (7), and the filament-short fiber mixture is deposited on the deposition screen belt (7) as a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8). 15. Use of a nozzle head according to any one of 1. to 12. above in a method for producing a nonwoven fabric or meltblown nonwoven fabric (8) from a filament (2) or meltblown filament and pulp-short fibers.
Claims
1. A nozzle head for manufacturing a filament (2), wherein the nozzle head (1) is formed as a melt-blown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings, some of which are formed as polymer outlet openings (4), and some or the remainder of which are formed as blow air outlet openings (5), and the polymer outlet openings (4) and the blow air outlet openings (5) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a regular pattern and / or irregularly, and The polymer outlet openings (4) are formed such that only polymer molten material is discharged from them, and the polymer molten material is discharged from the polymer outlet openings (4) without a blow airflow that is discharged coaxially with each polymer outlet opening (4), and The nozzle head (1) has an opening extension (10) which protrudes beyond the nozzle head surface (6) of the nozzle head (1), and a polymer outlet opening (4) is located at the end of the extension opposite to the nozzle head surface (6). The aforementioned nozzle head.
2. The nozzle head according to claim 1, wherein the blow air outlet opening (5) is formed such that only blow air is discharged therefrom.
3. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least 70% of the blow air outlet openings (5) are each allocated at least two polymer outlet openings (4).
4. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing between directly adjacent nozzle openings of the nozzle head (1) is the same or essentially the same in at least one nozzle head direction and across the entire nozzle head (1).
5. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of polymer outlet openings (4) to the total number of nozzle openings is between 12% and 45%.
6. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one row of nozzle openings is provided, each having only a blow air outlet opening (5), and the row having only the blow air outlet opening (5) is followed by a row having a polymer outlet opening (4).
7. The nozzle head according to claim 6, wherein at least one row having polymer outlet openings (4) is provided with both polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5).
8. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blow air outlet opening (5) has a diameter between 0.05 and 2 mm.
9. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of the polymer outlet opening (4) differs from the diameter of the blow air outlet opening (5) by up to 15%.
10. The nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the end of the opening extension portion (10) on the opposite side of the nozzle head surface (6) and the nozzle head surface (6) is between 0.05 and 10 times the diameter of the polymer outlet opening (4).
11. An apparatus for manufacturing meltblown nonwoven fabric, comprising at least one filament (2) delivery nozzle head (1), wherein a continuously movable deposition belt (7) is disposed below the nozzle head (1), and the continuously movable deposition belt (7) can deposit filaments (2) onto it to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8), wherein the nozzle head (1) is formed as a meltblown blow head and has a plurality of nozzle openings, some of which are formed as polymer outlet openings (4), and some or the remainder of the nozzle openings are formed as blow air outlet openings (5), and the polymer outlet openings (4) and blow air outlet openings (5) are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a regular pattern and / or irregularly, and The polymer outlet openings (4) are formed such that only polymer molten material is discharged from them, and the polymer molten material is discharged from the polymer outlet openings (4) without a blow airflow that is discharged coaxially with each polymer outlet opening (4), and The nozzle head (1) has an opening extension (10) which protrudes beyond the nozzle head surface (6) of the nozzle head (1), and a polymer outlet opening (4) is located at the end of the extension opposite to the nozzle head surface (6). The aforementioned device.
12. A method for producing a meltblown nonwoven fabric using the apparatus described in claim 11, comprising: producing a filament (2) using at least one nozzle head (1); and depositing the filament (2) on a continuously movable deposition belt (7) to form a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8).
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein short fibers are supplied to a filament (2) in a flow path between at least one nozzle head (1) and a deposition belt (7), and the filament-short fiber mixture is deposited on the deposition screen belt (7) as a meltblown nonwoven fabric (8).
14. Use of the nozzle head according to claim 1 or 2 in a method for producing a nonwoven fabric or meltblown nonwoven fabric (8) from a filament (2) and pulp-short fibers.