EP4045282A1

EP4045282A1 - Melt conductor for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, extrusion tool, extrusion system and method for operating an extrusion system of this type

Info

Publication number: EP4045282A1
Application number: EP20828267.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Helmut Meyer; Volkmar KRUK; Anna Klara Rottstegge; Hans-Georg Geus; Tim POHL
Original assignee: Reifenhaeuser GmbH and Co KG Maschinenenfabrik
Current assignee: Reifenhaeuser GmbH and Co KG Maschinenenfabrik
Priority date: 2019-10-15
Filing date: 2020-10-14
Publication date: 2022-08-24
Also published as: KR20220083705A; CN114728458A; DE112020005041A5; CN114555328B; DE102020212987A1; JP2022551894A; US20240100762A1; EP4045280A1; DE112020005000A5; DE112020005051A5; CN114929452A; CN114555328A; WO2021073695A1; US20240100761A1; WO2021073697A1; WO2021073696A1; EP4045281A1; EP4045280B1; BR112022007227A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a melt conductor (1), in particular a melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool (2) of an extrusion system (3), comprising two or more melt conductor blocks (4a, 4b) and a multi-channel system (5), wherein the multichannel system (5) is arranged, extending three-dimensionally, within at least one of the melt conductor blocks (4a, 4b) and has at least one inlet (6) and at least one outlet (7) for polymer melt; wherein a plurality of branchings (8) arranged one downstream the other and a plurality of generations (9a) of further branchings (10) of melt channels (11a, 11b), which melt channels are divided among a plurality of generations (12a, 12b), are formed between an inlet (6) and an outlet (7) fluidically connected to the inlet (6); wherein m melt channels (11a) of a-th generation (12a) having x-th local cross-sections and n melt channels (11b) of b-th generation (12b) having y-th local cross-sections are provided; wherein n > m, if b > a; wherein the y-th local cross-sections of the melt channels (11b) of b-th generation (12b) are smaller than the x-th local cross-sections of the melt channels (11a) of a-th generation (12a). The invention further relates to an extrusion tool, to an extrusion system and to a method for operating the extrusion system.

Description

MELT CONDUCTOR FOR AN EXTRUSION TOOL OF AN EXTRUSION PLANT, EXTRUSION TOOL, EXTRUSION PLANT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A

SUCH EXTRUSION PLANT

The invention relates to a fusible link for an extrusion tool of an extrusion plant, comprising a fusible link block with a multi-channel system.

The invention also relates to an extrusion tool for at least indirect Extrudie ren or producing extrusion products such as films, nonwovens, profiles, pipes, blow molded parts, filaments, plates, semi-finished products, hoses, cables, compounds or foam semi-finished products. An extrusion tool generally comprises one or more melt conductors, which can be configured as melt distributors and / or melt mixers. The extrusion tool is intended to distribute and / or mix a polymer melt that is held and fed by at least one supply unit and, depending on the design of the melt conductor or melt conductors, to direct it directly into the vicinity of the extrusion tool. In such a case, one outlet or several outlets of the respective melt conductor functions as an extrusion nozzle or as a nozzle outlet. Alternatively, a separate extrusion nozzle is arranged downstream of the melt conductor or the melt conductor, which is fed with polymer melt from one or more melt conductors and at least indirectly guides the polymer melt from the extrusion tool into the environment. In this case, the extrusion tool thus comprises the melt conductor (s) as well as an extrusion nozzle located downstream in the direction of flow of the designated polymer melt.

The melt conductor (s) and the extrusion nozzle can be separate components. However, it is also conceivable that the melt conductor (s) and the extrusion nozzle are designed in one piece. The extrusion tool can thus be an assembly consisting of the components mentioned and, depending on the design and requirements of the extrusion system, other components. The nozzle outlets of the respective melt conductor or the extrusion nozzle is thus the component that provides the shape for the extrusion product in the direction of flow of the polymer melt. A melt mixer is to be understood as a component or assembly that receives a plasticized polymer melt in one or more inlets, the polymer melt then being brought together or mixed via merged or intersecting melt channels until the polymer melt is at one or more outlets , the number of which is less than that of the entries from the Schmelzemi shear exits. The polymer melt is therefore initially divided into a large number of melt threads guided in melt channels, which are gradually brought together by the multi-channel system. In other words, in a direction opposite to the designated flow direction of the polymer melts, the melt mixer has melt channels which are divided into divided melt channels via at least one branch and several generations of branches. Conversely, melt channels and thus also the melt threads in the designated flow direction of the polymer melts are combined over several generations, so that there are fewer outlets on one outlet side of the melt mixer than on one inlet side of the melt mixer.

In contrast, a melt distributor is to be understood as a component or assembly that receives a plasticized polymer melt in one or more inlets, the polymer melt then being distributed over divided melt channels until the polymer melt at two or more outlets, the number of which is greater than the the inlets from the melt distributor, exits. The multichannel system therefore gradually divides the polymer melt into a large number of melt threads guided in melt channels. In other words, the melt distributor has melt channels in a designated flow direction of the polymer melt, which are divided into divided melt channels over at least one branch and several generations of branches. Conversely, melt channels are combined in a direction opposite to the designated flow direction of the polymer melt over several generations of merges, so that more outlets are formed on an outlet side of the melt mixer than inlets on an inlet side of the melt mixer.

The invention also relates to an extrusion system which is designed in particular as a flat film, meltblown, spunbond, blown film, mono-filament or multi-filament system and comprises an extrusion tool, the extrusion tool has at least one fusible link of the aforementioned type. The extrusion system is essentially designed to receive an extrudable polymer, to convert it to a polymer melt or to process it further as a polymer melt in order to subsequently produce an extrusion product through a suitable line of the polymer melt and downstream atomization.

The term “extrudable polymer” is essentially to be understood as meaning materials and their mixtures and commercially available additives which are extrudable or can be processed by an extruder. This includes in particular thermoplastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly amide (PA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), styrene butadiene (SB), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PUR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH, PVAL) or polysulfone (PSU). In particular, the polymer can be a plastic polymer. In addition, biomaterials such as thermoplastic starch, solutions and other materials are extrudable and can be used for the present invention instead of or together with a plastic polymer. For the sake of simplicity, the present patent application usually only speaks of “polymer” or “plastic polymer”.

The extrudable polymer can be provided to the extrusion system, for example, as granules or powder or flakes in essentially solid form. Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least part of the extrudable polymer is in essentially liquid form. The supply unit which holds the extrudable polymer can be, for example, a storage unit which provides the polymer for feeding the melt conductor in the form suitable for the melt conductor. Alternatively, the supply unit can be an extruder which converts the extrudable polymer beforehand into a phase which is optimal for feeding the melt conductor, for example from an essentially solid form to an essentially liquid form. When the melt conductor is fed, the polymer melt is generally essentially completely melted or plasticized or in solution and is then divided up and / or brought together by the melt conductor. It is also possible for part of the polymer to be in essentially solid form or to be added as an additive or additive to the essentially liquid or melted polymer melt before feeding the melt conductor, the solid portion having a different melting temperature can be considered the melted portion. In other words, the polymer in this case consists of at least two components which are fed to the fusible conductor together or separately.

The invention also relates to a method for operating an extrusion plant.

Generic melt conductors and extrusion tools are known from the state of the art of extrusion technology and can be implemented in different embodiments.

There are known extrusion tools with a circular or annular gap-shaped exit cross section on the extrusion nozzle. For example, there are spiral distributors for charging round nozzles with polymer melt provided from a supply unit, the spiral distributors having spiral grooves which are incorporated on the outside or inside of a jacket surface of a mandrel or a quill. In this context, pin distributors or bar dome holders also exist, by means of which polymer melt can be distributed evenly in such a way that a film tube or a profile can emerge from the extrusion tool.

Furthermore, extrusion tools with a slot-shaped exit cross section on the extrusion nozzle are known. The aim of the melt conductor of this extrusion tool is to convey a polymer melt provided by a supply unit as evenly as possible up to the nozzle outlets or the extrusion nozzle, so that a required amount of polymer melt is present over a desired width at every point of the nozzle outlet. State of the art are in particular melt conductor systems as T-distributors, fishtail distributors and clothes hanger distributors.

In addition, extrusion tools with a large number of individual outlet cross-sections are known. The aim of the melt conductor of this extrusion tool is to exit a polymer melt provided by a supply unit as uniformly as possible from the nozzles or to feed it to the extrusion nozzle. Depending on the area of application, these fusible conductors are designed as T-distributors, clothes hanger distributors, strand distributors, channel distributors, step distributors, pin distributors, spiral distributors or gap distributors.

Most of the fusible conductors known to date are provided as a multi-part construction, with at least two fusible conductor halves being screwed together. There are also welded constructions. It is becoming increasingly problematic that the dimensions of a melt conductor increase with ever larger extrusion tools, which increases the stresses on the components, in particular on the components carrying the polymer melt, due to the prevailing mold cavity pressure caused by shear stresses in the polymer melt. This results in restrictions in the structural design and dimensioning, in particular of the extrusion tool, particularly when extruding products with a small extrusion cross section.

In any case, such melt conductors are used to uniformly distribute or merge a polymer melt, which is essentially continuously provided by a supply unit, from an inlet side of the melt conductor with a total inlet cross-sectional area to an outlet side of the melt conductor with a geometrically and spatially significantly changed total outlet cross-sectional area than the total inlet cross-sectional area.

A melt conductor designed as a melt distributor has the task of providing the polymer melt downstream on the outlet side of the melt distributor with a larger total exit cross-sectional area than was fed to the melt conductor upstream. In other words, the polymer melt must be distributed evenly from a first overall passage cross-section to a second overall passage cross-section with a greater width, whereby the respective melt channel cross-section exiting on the outlet side does not have to run in a straight line, as is the case with a slot nozzle arranged on the outlet side, but also arc-shaped or circular , for example with regard to a round nozzle arranged on the outlet side. In any case, the total circumference of the second total passage cross section, that is, the sum of all Elmfänge the melt channels on the exit side of the melt conductor, is significantly larger than that of the first total passage cross section on the entry side of the melt conductor.

In contrast, a melt conductor designed as a melt mixer has the task of providing the polymer melt downstream on the exit side with a smaller total exit cross-section than was fed to the melt conductor upstream. In other words, the polymer melt has to be cross-section can be brought together or mixed uniformly to a total passage cross-section with a significantly smaller total cross-sectional area, the respective melt channel exiting cross-section not having to run in a straight line in this case either.

The polymer melt is generally provided continuously on the inlet side of the melt conductor by at least one supply unit, in particular from at least one extruder or the like, and fed to the melt conductor. On the outlet side of the melt conductor, the polymer melt is at least indirectly atomized in order to continuously produce an extrusion product.

For example, DE 21 14 465 A discloses a device for evenly distributing thermoplastic plastics from at least one extruder head nozzle to several blow or pointed heads, the device having a massive manifold block in which a large number of bores and additional bolts are introduced in order to create melt lines as well as elbow steering points within the massive distribution block.

EP 0 197 181 B1 describes a method for producing a composite injection molding distributor, the injection molding distributor having various branches in order to transfer melt from a common inlet opening to a plurality of outlet openings. The injection molding manifold is screwed together from two plates made of tool steel with opposing surfaces, the surfaces having matching grooves in order to design melt channels in the interior of the melt manifold.

From DE 197 03 492 A1 a melt distributor for plasticized plastic melt in an extruder is known, which after being pressed out of an extrusion nozzle is divided into several individual strands for individual processing tools. The melt distributor has a feed channel and an adjoining nozzle with distributor channels, the number of distributor channels corresponding to the number of machining tools, and the centers of the mouths of the distributor channels formed on the nozzle lying on a circle in order to allow plastic melt with all machining tools as possible to be able to provide the same temperature profiles. Whenever a melt conductor is mentioned in the context of the present patent application, a melt conductor of an extrusion system should be thought of, which either itself has nozzle outlets for producing extrusion products or is designed to feed a shaping extrusion nozzle. So it is thought of such a fusible link that is part of an extrusion tool of an extrusion plant. In the formulation of the patent claims, the phrase “for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system” should not imply that the extrusion tool or the system should be a mandatory part of the respective claim, but rather only require suitability. Furthermore, the wording “for an extrusion system” should not imply that the system should be a mandatory part of the respective claim.

The invention is based on the object of further developing fusible conductors and overcoming their disadvantages. In particular, the invention is based on the object of further developing extrusion tools, extrusion systems and related processes, in particular for operating such extrusion systems.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a fusible link with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous optional further developments of the fusible conductor emerge from the subclaims 2 to 12. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by an extrusion tool according to claim 13. Advantageous further developments of the extrusion tool emerge from dependent claim 14. Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by an extrusion system according to patent claim 15. In addition, the object of the invention is achieved by a method for operating a system according to patent claim 16.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a melt conductor, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, having two or more melt conductor blocks and a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system being arranged in a three-dimensional manner within at least one of the melt conductor blocks and has at least one inlet and at least one outlet for polymer melt, whereby between an inlet and an outlet fluidically connected to the inlet, several branches arranged one behind the other and several generations of further branches are formed over several generations of divided melt channels, m melt channels of the a-th generation with x-th local cross-sections and n melt channels of the b-th generation y-th local cross-sections are present, where n> m, if b> a, where the y-th local cross-sections of the melt channels of the b-th generation are smaller than the x-th local cross-sections of the melt channels of the a-th generation, and where in In the designated flow direction of the polymer melt, the melt channels of the a-th generation are oriented towards the inlet and the melt channels of the b-th generation are oriented toward the exit, so that the melt conductor serves as a melt distributor for a designated melt flow of the polymer melt, or the melt channels of the a-th generation in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt the exit and the Sc The b-th generation melt channels are oriented towards the inlet so that the melt conductor serves as a melt mixer for a designated melt flow of the polymer melt.

First of all, it should be expressly pointed out that in the context of the present patent application, indefinite articles and numerical information such as "one", "two" etc. should generally be understood as "at least" information, i.e. as "at least one ...", "At least two ..." etc., unless it is explicitly stated in the respective context or it is obvious or technically imperative for a person skilled in the art that only "exactly one ...", "exactly two ..." etc. can be meant.

Furthermore, all numerical data as well as data on process parameters and / or device parameters are to be understood in the technical sense, ie to be understood as provided with the usual tolerances. Even from the explicit specification of the restriction “at least” or “at least” or the like, it must not be concluded that simply using “a”, i.e. without specifying “at least” or the like, means “exactly one” " is meant.

The following should be explained in terms of the terms:

A “fuse link” is to be understood as a component or an assembly comprising a fuse block with the multi-channel system, which is designed to distribute and / or merge a polymer melt fed to the fuse link depending on the design of the multi-channel system. The melt conductor can be designed exclusively as a melt distributor, which distributes the designated polymer melt from at least one inlet to a large number of outlets. Furthermore, the melt conductor can be designed exclusively as a melt mixer which brings together the designated polymer melt from two or more inlets to one of the number of inlets compared to a lower total number of outlets. In addition, the melt conductor can be designed in any order partly as a melt distributor and partly as a melt mixer, so that the designated polymer melt can be distributed and merged as desired, the number of inlets and outlets being arbitrarily selectable according to the application. The fusible conductor is preferably manufactured at least partially by means of an additive manufacturing process.

The term "fuse block" refers to that component of the fuse link which, when assembled and braced with other fuse blocks, forms a block unit in which the multi-channel system is fully or partially accommodated and / or which forms the multi-channel system by joining together parts of the multi-channel system that are matched to each other in a fluid line. The respective fusible conductor block is preferably formed by means of an additive manufacturing process. The respective fusible conductor block can be a base body which is solid or has support structures, for example in a skeleton construction. The support structures can be formed to ensure static stability of the respective fusible conductor block, wherein the support structure can also be formed to support the multi-channel system. If the melt conductor is designed as a melt distributor, the term “melt distributor block” is used as a synonym for the melt conductor block. Alike If the melt conductor is designed as a melt mixer, the term “melt mixer block” is used as a synonym for the melt conductor block.

The fusible conductor blocks are preferably designed in such a way that the fusible conductor is modular. This means that the fusible conductor blocks can in principle be put together and connected to one another or braced in any way - provided that they have a matching design. The individual fusible conductor blocks are therefore designed to be exchangeable and are arranged in relation to one another in such a way that simple assembly, maintenance and / or servicing of the fusible conductor is possible. In other words, the fusible conductor blocks can be connected to one another in a detachable manner, that is, for example - and preferably - by means of mutual bracing and sealing, but also in a non-detachable manner, that is to say in particular with a material connection. A releasable connection or bracing is understood to mean that the individual fusible conductor blocks are designed to be non-destructive or replaceable, for example in the event of damage, for maintenance measures, for changing a module or for transport or the like. This enables simple assembly, disassembly, maintenance and / or servicing of the fuse link.

One advantage of the modular design of the fuse link by means of several fuse link blocks is that comparatively simply constructed fuse link blocks can be produced and kept available as standard blocks, whereby these standard blocks can have comparatively simple channel routing of the multi-channel system and / or an outer geometry that is easy to manufacture. This enables simple assembly of the fusible conductor by simplifying the fusible conductor blocks, with the fusible conductor blocks being able to be arranged in series and / or parallel as desired, depending on the design of the base body and / or the multichannel system. In addition, standard blocks can be combined as desired with individually designed and constructed melt distribution blocks, which can also be designed in such a way that they seal off channel outlets of the standard blocks. An advantageous method for constructing a fusible link can therefore consist in combining, on the one hand, a selection of standard blocks available for several orders and, on the other hand, blocks individually created for a customer order.

A "melt channel" is a polymer melt or a melt flow of the polymer melt-carrying, essentially elongated section of the multi-channel system. tems, which extend exclusively longitudinally or in a straight line or can have curvatures, for example in the form of curves, in order to realize a three-dimensional design of the multi-channel system. A plurality of such melt channels are fluidically connected to one another via branches and further branches and thus form the multi-channel system, whereby two or more melt channels can be arranged in series and / or in parallel in order to distribute and / or close the polymer melt according to the requirements of the melt conductor Mix. The Schmelzeka channels extend from the respective inlet to the fluidically verbun with the inlet which respective outlet.

The respective melt channel can be shaped as desired. It is thus conceivable that the melt channel has an essentially unchanged melt channel cross-section, that is to say a local cross-section of any configuration which extends over the entire length of the respective melt channel between the branches. The local cross-section can have an essentially circular cross-sectional shape, an essentially oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape and / or an essentially rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. A cross-sectional shape that deviates from the known geometric standard shapes can also be selected for the melt channel, in particular in the case of transitions between the known standard shapes. Whenever a specific cross-sectional shape of a melt channel is spoken of in the context of this invention, this means that the respective melt channel has the said cross-sectional shape or the local cross-section essentially constant over a large part of its axial extent, preferably greater than or equal to 50% of the length of the respective melt channel, preferably of at least 2/3 of the length of the respective melt channel, further preferably of at least 3/4 of the length of the respective melt channel.

In the context of the present patent application, melt channels arranged in series and fluidically connected to one another via branches or further branches are described as being divided into "generations" which, depending on the design of the melt conductor and depending on the direction of flow of the designated polymer, melt in ascending or descending alphabetical order Order are designated. The same also applies to the branches and further branches, which are also designated in generations with ascending or descending order. The "designated flow direction" of the polymer melt relates to the arrangement of the melt conductor in the extrusion system and the design of the multi-channel system, with the flow direction always running from an inlet to an outlet fluidically connected to the inlet, regardless of whether the polymer melt is in the multi-channel system is distributed and / or mixed. In particular, the designated flow direction of the polymer melt runs from an entry side to an exit side of the melt conductor.

A “multichannel system” is a channel structure, preferably at least partially produced by means of an additive manufacturing process, within the fuse link, which is at least partially integrated in the respective fuse link block and extends three-dimensionally within the respective fuse link block. The multi-channel system consists of a large number of melt channels fluidly connected to one another, which extend from at least one inlet to at least one outlet fluidly connected to the inlet and which, depending on the design of the melt conductor, are fluidically connected to one another via branches and further branches or via junctions. The melt channels of the multichannel system are fluidically connected in series or arranged in parallel to one another. In the case of a series connection, at least one melt channel of the a-th generation is fluidically connected via a branching or further branching with at least one melt channel of the b-th generation, the melt channel of the a-th generation depending on the design of the melt conductor as a distributor or mixer in the designated flow direction of the Polymer melt downstream or upstream of the respective b-th generation melt channel. In other words, the a-th generation melt channel is fluidically connected to the b-th generation melt channel via a branch or a junction. In contrast, several, preferably all, melt channels of a respective generation are arranged in parallel.

An “entry” of the multichannel system is to be understood as the entry of the multichannel system into the respective fusible link block, into which the polymer melt provided by a supply unit is fed into the respective fusible link block. In other words, the respective inlet is arranged on the inlet side or on an inlet side on the respective fusible conductor block. In contrast, an “exit” of the multichannel system is to be understood as the exit or outflow of the multichannel system from the respective fusible conductor block from which the polymer melt guided or distributed and / or merged through the respective fusible conductor block emerges from the respective fusible conductor block. The respective outlet can be designed in such a way that it functions as a nozzle, the respective outlet thus being a nozzle outlet. Alternatively or in addition, the respective outlet can also be designed in such a way that it feeds an extrusion nozzle connected downstream of the melt conductor, which atomizes the polymer melt accordingly in order to at least indirectly produce an extrusion product. The respective outlet is therefore arranged on the outlet side or on an outlet side on the respective fusible conductor block.

The fusible conductor block accordingly has an inlet side and an outlet side, the inlet side with the respective inlet being arranged downstream of the supply unit in relation to the designated flow direction of a polymer melt, and the outlet side with the respective outlet upstream of an extrusion nozzle or downstream of the inlet side with the respective entry is arranged.

If the present melt conductor is designed as a melt distributor, the melt conductor has more outlets than inlets, since the respective inlet is preferably fluidically connected to a plurality of outlets over at least two generations of divided melt channels. In order to prevent a break in the melt flow of the designated polymer melt, to protect the multi-channel system from unwanted deposits and to keep the shear stresses in the multi-channel system essentially constant, a total cross-section of all local cross-sections of the melt channels of a respective generation increases with increasing generation. Although the respective local cross-section of the n melt channels of the bth generation decreases compared to the respective local cross-section of the m melt channels of the a-th generation, the number of melt channels increases from generation to generation, i.e. with increasing order of the alpha bet . In other words, the a-th generation melt channel is oriented towards the inlet, the b-th generation melt channel being oriented toward the exit and following the a-th generation melt channel in the designed flow direction of the polymer melt. Accordingly, a melt channel of the c-th generation follows the melt channel of the b-th generation in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt, and so on, the melt channel of the c-th generation in relation to the melt channel a-ter and b-ter Generation is also oriented towards leaving. In contrast, the melt channel of the b-th generation is to be oriented towards the entrance in relation to the melt channel of the c-th generation. A melt channel of an a-th generation is divided into at least two melt channels of a b-th generation, with a melt channel of the b-th generation in turn being divided into at least two melt channels of a c-th generation, and so on. As a result, the alphabetical series of the generations of the melt channels and the number of melt channels along the designated flow direction of the polymer melt increases from generation to generation.

If the present melt conductor is designed as a melt mixer, the melt conductor has more inlets than outlets, since at least two of the inlets are fluidically connected via preferably at least two generations of merged melt channels with a smaller number of outlets. The total cross-section of all local cross-sections of the melt channels of a respective generation decreases with decreasing generation in order to prevent a melt flow of the designated polymer melt and to keep the wall shear stresses in the multi-channel system essentially constant. Although the respective local cross-section of the n melt channels of the bth generation increases compared to the respective local cross-section of the m melt channels of the a-th generation, the number of melt channels decreases from generation to generation, i.e. with a decreasing order of the alphabet. In other words, based on the example of three generations of melt channels in the multichannel system, the respective melt channel c-th generation is oriented towards the inlet, with the melt channel b-th generation oriented towards the outlet and in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt towards the melt channel c-th generation follows. Accordingly, a melt channel of the a-th generation follows the melt channel of the b-th generation in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt, and is also oriented towards the outlet in relation to the melt channel of the c-th and b-th generation. In contrast, the melt channel of the b-th generation is to be oriented towards the entrance in relation to the melt channel of the c-th generation. This means that at least two melt channels of a c-th generation are brought together to a smaller number of melt channels of a b-th generation, with at least two melt channels of the b-th generation in turn being combined to a smaller number of melt channels of an a-th generation become. As a result, the alphabetical series of the generations of the melt channels increases as well the number of melt channels against the designated flow direction of the polymer melt from generation to generation.

In addition, it is conceivable to design the melt conductor partially as a melt conductor and partially as a melt mixer. Using an example, this is to be understood as meaning that a melt channel of an a-th generation is initially divided into at least two melt channels of a b-th generation, with a melt channel of the b-th generation in turn dividing into at least two melt channels of a c-th generation so that the polymer melt is initially distributed from generation to generation. At least two melt channels of the c-th generation can subsequently be merged again into a smaller number of melt channels of a b'th generation, with at least two melt channels of the b'th generation subsequently being able to be merged into melt channels of the a'-th generation, and so on continues, so that the polymer melt is brought together from generation to generation. A reverse arrangement, in which melt channels are first brought together and then divided, as well as any combination of distributions and merges, is also conceivable, depending on the requirements for the polymer melt and the extrusion product made from it.

The wording “to be oriented” is to be understood in the context of the invention as an arrangement of a melt channel and / or a branching or further branching of a first generation relative to a further generation. For example, if a multi-channel system has an a-th, b-th and c-th generation melt channels, the a-th generation directly at the entry of the respective fusible link block, the c-th generation directly at the exit of the respective fusible link block and the b-th generation are arranged in the designed flow direction of the polymer melt between the a-th and c-th generation, the melt channel of the a-th generation is to be oriented relative to the melt channels of the b-th and c-th generation at the entrance. In contrast, the melt channel of the c-th generation is oriented towards the outlet relative to the melt channels of the a-th and b-th generation. The melt channel of the bth generation is consequently on the one hand to be oriented relative to the melt channel of the a-th generation at the exit and on the other hand to be oriented relative to the melt channel of the cth generation at the entrance. In the following, the term “three-dimensionally extending” is to be understood as meaning that the multichannel system can be designed or shaped in up to six different degrees of freedom within the melting conductor block. In other words, a melt channel of the multichannel system can run vertically upwards and / or downwards and / or horizontally to the left and / or to the right and / or forwards and / or backwards in sections. Regardless of how the multi-channel system is designed within the respective fusible link block, at least three of the six degrees of freedom are always used. If, for example, a vertically downward-running melt channel of the a-th generation is divided into two melt channels of the b-th generation via an essentially 90 ° branching in a common plane or in a sheet plane, the divided melt channels run starting from the melt channel of the a-th generation for example in the horizontal direction to the left or right. Thus, with such a simple division of a melt channel, three degrees of freedom are already used. However, if one of the melt channels is branched in such a way that at least one of the divided melt channels runs partially at an angle to the plane mentioned, a fourth and / or fifth degree of freedom is used. In addition, one of the bth generation melt channels can also be partially directed opposite to the a-th generation melt channel, which is directed vertically downwards, i.e. having an opposite flow direction of the polymer melt, so that the sixth degree of freedom is also used. Furthermore, a curved design of the multi-channel system or the melt channels and / or the further branches in space is conceivable, so that several degrees of freedom can be used at the same time.

In the present invention, a “branch” or “further branching” is a junction at which a melt channel is divided into at least two melt channels regardless of a flow direction of a polymer melt. A further branch is a branch from the second generation. In the case of a melt distributor, a melt channel of the a-th generation is divided into two or more melt channels of the b-th generation via a branch. A b-th generation melt channel is subsequently divided into two or more c-th generation melt channels via a further branching. In the case of a melt mixer, on the other hand, the branching or the further branches function as confluences, with two or more melt channels of the bth generation being brought together into a melt channel a- 3rd generation or in a smaller number of a-th generation melt channels are brought together or combined.

By means of a melt conductor designed as a melt distributor, it is possible to distribute a polymer melt continuously fed into the melt distributor or into the multichannel system of the melt distributor block up to a large number of outlets in such a way that the polymer melt is provided at the outlets or the outlet channels with essentially the same shear stresses can be. The multichannel system is accordingly preferably designed in such a way that the polymer melt always has the same, that is to say a symmetrical melt history. This also makes it possible for the polymer melt to be distributed particularly uniformly over the entire area on the outlet side of the melt conductor and thus also particularly uniformly distributed in an extrusion space adjoining these outlet channels further downstream, i.e. in particular a collecting space and / or an inlet of the extrusion nozzle .

In the context of the invention, the term "equal shear stresses" essentially describes wall shear stresses between the wall of the multi-channel system and the polymer melt conducted in the respective melt channel, in particular in all branching stages or in all generations of the melt channels, with the shear stresses being essentially the same or constant or are approximately the same or constant, with the shear stresses deviating from one another by less than 30%, preferably less than 20% and particularly preferably less than 10%.

By means of a melt conductor designed as a melt mixer, it is possible to bring together a polymer melt continuously fed into the melt mixer or into the multi-channel system of the melt mixer block at a smaller number of outlets in such a way that the polymer melt is provided at the outlet or outlets with essentially the same shear stresses can. In this case too, the multichannel system is preferably designed in such a way that the polymer melt always has the same, that is to say symmetrical, history at the outlet. This also makes it possible for the polymer melt to be brought together particularly uniformly on the exit side of the melt conductor and thus also specifically in an extrusion space adjoining the exit channel or channels further downstream, that is to say in particular a collecting space and / or an entrance of the extrusion nozzle can be provided.

This is essentially achieved through the cross-sectional sizes of the melt channels that change from generation to generation, as well as the branches and further branches or junctions arranged between the melt channel generations.

In the case of a melt distributor, the cross-sectional area of each melt channel of a respective generation decreases with increasing generation as well as in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt, whereby the sum of melt channels per generation increases with increasing generation, so that a division of melt flows takes place from generation to generation in the designated flow direction .

In a melt mixer, the cross-sectional area of each melt channel of a respective generation increases with decreasing generation and in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt, whereby the sum of melt channels per generation decreases with decreasing generation, so that from generation to generation a merging of melt flows takes place in the designated flow direction.

The multi-channel system preferably extends through at least two of the fusible link blocks. In other words, the multi-channel system is only fully developed when the fusible conductor blocks are positioned and assembled with respect to one another. Part of the melt channels of the multi-channel system, forming a first sub-channel system, extends through a first melt conductor block and another part of the melt channels, forming a second sub-channel system, extends through at least one second melt conductor block, the melt channels of the first melt conductor block with the melt channels of the second fusible link block are fluidically connected.

If, for example, a first and a second fusible conductor block are connected in series, a respective exit of the first fusible conductor block opens into an inlet of the second fusible conductor block.

In contrast, in the case of, for example, two fusible conductor blocks connected in parallel, the melt channels on the side surfaces or on contact surfaces of the fusible conductor blocks that come into contact with one another can have channel inlets and / or channel outlets which form a melt channel of the first partial channel formed in the first fused conductor block. nalsystems fluidly connect with a melt channel of the second sub-channel system formed in the second melt conductor block.

Furthermore, in the case of, for example, two fusible conductor blocks connected or arranged in parallel, the melt channels on the side surfaces or on contact surfaces of the fusible conductor blocks that come into contact with one another can have channel inlets and / or channel outlets that form two partial collecting spaces that create a common collecting space that extends over at least two parallel connected melt conductor blocks and in which the polymer melt is evenly distributed and merges with the same melt history into the melt channels of the respective formed sub-channel systems of the respective melt conductor block.

In this context, a “sub-channel system” is to be understood as a section of the multi-channel system which is formed or arranged in the respective fusible link block, the sum of all sub-channel systems forming the multi-channel system. The full size of the multi-channel system is only available after the fusible conductor blocks have been installed in the extrusion tool. The sub-channel systems are thus fluidically connected to one another.

A bracing system is preferably provided, by means of which the fusible conductor blocks can be braced together to form a block unit. "Bracing" of the fusible conductor blocks by means of the bracing system means that the fusible conductor blocks that are braced together are initially positioned with respect to one another by suitable means during assembly and this position is then secured in such a way that a relative movement of the fusible conductor blocks is prevented and at the same time an optimal alignment of the direct fluidically connected inlets, outlets and / or melt channels of the two adjacent fusible conductor blocks is ensured. The bracing can in particular take place hydraulically and / or mechanically and / or thermally.

The advantage here is that any number of fuse link blocks can be coupled to one another so that the fuse link is modular. As a result, a fusible conductor of any shape and size can be implemented, in which fusible conductor blocks connected in series and / or in parallel are braced to one another to form a block unit which at least indirectly forms the fusible conductor. It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraphs also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt ladder, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system being arranged in three dimensions extending within at least two of the melt conductor blocks, the melt conductor comprising a bracing system by means of which the Fusible conductor blocks can be clamped together to form a block unit.

According to one embodiment, the bracing system comprises a holding device with a thermally activatable frame part, by means of which at least two of the melting conductor blocks can be braced against one another.

A “thermal activation of the frame part” of the holding device is to be understood as meaning that the frame part only braces the fusible conductor blocks when it undergoes thermal expansion under the influence of temperature. In particular when the fusible conductor blocks heat up during operation, at least through the melted polymer conveyed by the multi-channel system, and preferably through additional temperature control of the fusible conductor blocks, the fusible conductor blocks expand thermally and interact with the holding device or with the thermally activated one Frame part of the holding device. Due to the temperature-related change in the geometric dimensions of the fusible conductor blocks, the frame part creates a tensioning effect between the fusible conductor blocks. The frame part therefore ensures that the fusible conductor blocks are braced to form a coherent block unit.

It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraphs also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being disclosed as independent and independently advantageous would therefore be as follows, whereby an analogous method for assembling the Schmel zeleiterblocks and the frame part is also independently advantageous:

Melt ladder, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system being arranged in a three-dimensional manner within at least two of the melt conductor blocks, the melt conductor having a holding device with a thermally activatable frame part comprises, wherein at least two of the fusible conductor blocks are braced against each other as a result of a temperature difference between the frame part and the fusible conductor blocks during assembly and operation.

The fusible conductor blocks preferably have positioning means by means of which the at least two fusible conductor blocks can be positioned relative to one another. The positioning means (s) are preferably formed on contact surfaces of the fusible conductor blocks that come into abutment and, like the rest of the respective fusible conductor block, can be produced by means of an additive manufacturing process, preferably directly together with the respective fusible conductor block. The positioning means are provided for the form-fitting connection of at least two fusible conductor blocks. For example, a projection is formed or molded on a first fusible conductor block, which engages in a recess or depression formed on the second fusible conductor block and thereby on the one hand realizes a direct positioning of the fusible conductor blocks to one another and on the other hand creates a positive connection. In other words, male and female parts are formed on the fusible conductor blocks, which ensure direct positioning after the fusible conductor blocks have been assembled, so that additional alignment of the blocks relative to one another can be dispensed with. The male and female parts are preferably positioned coded in such a way that the melt conductor blocks can only be positioned in the order and alignment to one another in which they are provided, whereby incorrect assembly of the melt conductor can be avoided. The fusible conductor blocks to be connected can also be fixed to one another by gluing or welding. As a result, the fusible conductor blocks to be connected to one another can be materially connected. It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraphs also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt ladder, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion plant, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system being arranged in three-dimensional extending within at least two of the melt conductor blocks, the melt conductor blocks having positioning means by means of which at least two the fusible terminal blocks can be pre-positioned with respect to one another.

Means for connecting are preferably provided, in particular for screw connecting and / or gluing the fusible conductor blocks. “Means for connecting” are designed in particular to implement a form-fitting, frictional and / or material connection between the fusible conductor blocks to be braced with one another. In this case, two fusible conductor blocks can be connected to one another, three or more fusible conductor blocks also being connectable to one another. A screw connection preferably comprises a threaded bolt and a nut, the threaded bolt being at least partially received by the fusible conductor blocks. An adhesive connection can comprise a single- or multi-component adhesive which is arranged between the fusible conductor blocks to be glued together.

It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraphs also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt conductor, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multichannel system, the multichannel system being arranged in a three-dimensional manner extending within at least two of the fusible conductor blocks, with means for Connect, in particular for screw connection and / or gluing, the fusible conductor blocks are provided.

Optionally, the means for connecting comprise a tie rod which is passed through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks and which braces at least two fusible conductor blocks against one another. For this purpose, the respective fusible link blocks to be braced advantageously have breakthroughs or through openings through which the tie rod is passed. The tie rod is preferably prestressed in the assembled state. The tie rod can, for example, be arranged parallel to a global machine direction or at an angle or at an angle, in particular transversely thereto.

A “global machine direction” is to be understood as the arrangement of the melt conductor, in particular the melt conductor block, in the extrusion system, the global machine direction running along the designated flow direction between the supply unit and any extrusion nozzle or the nozzle outlets on the melt conductor block. The global machine direction is therefore a spatial extension of the melt conductor, in particular the melt conductor block, in the extrusion system, taking into account the entry side and exit side of the multi-channel system for the designated polymer melt.

In contrast, a “local machine direction” can deviate locally from the global machine direction, the local machine direction describing the local orientation of the multi-channel system, in particular of the respective melt channel relative to the global machine direction. The local machine direction runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the melt channel in the direction of the designated flow direction of the polymer melt. In a particularly simplified case, the local machine direction can preferably be congruent in sections with the global machine direction if the multichannel system has an inlet on an inlet side of the fusible link block and an outlet fluidically connected to it and arranged coaxially thereto on an outlet side of the fusible link block opposite the inlet side having. The spatial alignment of the melt channel and thus the local machine direction can in this case be at least partially coaxial with the global machine direction.

Since the multi-channel system extends three-dimensionally in the fusible conductor or in the fusible conductor block, the local machine direction regularly deviates the global machine direction. Since all six degrees of freedom can be used to form the multi-channel system, an inclined arrangement of the respective melt channel relative to the global machine direction can be provided on the one hand. However, it is also conceivable and can be advantageous, in particular for saving installation space, for the local machine direction to run in sections in the opposite direction with respect to the global machine direction.

As a result, melt channels of the multichannel system in a special exemplary embodiment can be returned almost to the entry side of the melt conductor, in particular the melt conductor block. The advantage of guiding the local machine direction of the melt channels opposite to the global machine direction is that the melt conductor or the melt conductor block can be designed in a particularly space-saving manner by guiding the melt channels in any way relative to the global machine direction. In addition, the melt channels can be routed around connection or fastening elements, in particular screws, threads or the like, as desired.

Melt conductor, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion plant, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multichannel system, the multichannel system extending three-dimensionally within at least two of the fusible conductor blocks, with means for connecting, in particular for screw connection and / or Gluing the fusible conductor blocks are provided, wherein the means for connecting comprise a tie rod, which is passed through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks and which braces at least two fusible conductor blocks against one another.

Furthermore, a seal is preferably arranged on a contact surface between two fusible conductor blocks coming into contact with one another. The seal can be designed as a sealing ring, a sealing lip or the like and is in particular for this purpose intended to seal the multi-channel system against an external atmosphere. The seal also prevents moisture or dirt from getting into the multi-channel system.

It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraph also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt ladder, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with a multichannel system, the multichannel system extending three-dimensionally within at least two of the fusible conductor blocks, with a contact surface between two fusible conductor blocks coming into contact with one another a seal is arranged.

The invention includes the technical teaching that two or more multichannel systems extend through at least two fusible link blocks, a channel outlet of a k-th multi-channel system of the first fusible link block being clearly assigned to a channel inlet of a k-th multi-channel system of the second fusible link block, and vice versa . In other words, the fusible conductor and in particular the fusible conductor blocks are constructed in such a way that the multi-channel system extends three-dimensionally through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks, with all fusible conductor blocks functioning as a common block unit during operation of the extrusion system and no geometric defects at the interfaces between the Melt conductor blocks, in particular between the fluidically connected melt channels occur. Preferably, all channel outlets of the melt channels of a first sub-channel system of the first fusible conductor block are aligned with channel inlets of fluidically connected melt channels of a second sub-channel system of the second fusible link block, wherein the respective channel outlet and the respective channel inlet ideally have identical cross-sections to avoid unwanted shear stress fluctuations, segregation and / or deposits Avoid multi-channel system. It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraph also represents an independent aspect of the invention in itself, that is, independent of the previously described independent patent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt conductor, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion plant, comprising two or more melt conductor blocks with two or more multichannel systems, the multichannel systems being arranged in a three-dimensional manner extending within at least two of the fusible conductor blocks, with one channel outlet, in particular several or all channel outlets , of a k-th multichannel system of the first fusible link block are uniquely assigned to one or more channel inlets of a k-th multichannel system of the second fusible link block, preferably and vice versa.

At least one of the fusible conductor blocks preferably has a media channel, in particular for a circulating fluid supply, especially for temperature control, and / or for an electrical line and / or for a measuring device.

In this context, a “media channel” is to be understood as an additional channel system that is formed in addition to the multi-channel system and fluidically separated therefrom, and which can basically be structured like the multi-channel system. This means that the media channel can also extend three-dimensionally through the melting conductor block and have an inlet and an outlet fluidically connected to it. The media channel runs spatially spaced between the melt channels of the multichannel system and can be operatively connected to the multichannel system. The media channel can be designed, for example, to guide a medium, in particular a temperature control medium. In contrast to the hollow chamber system, the media channel is a separate, space-saving channel or a separate channel system through which an interaction with the designated polymer melt guided in the melt channels can be realized. In addition, the media channel or another media channel for guiding electrical lines and / or a measuring device, such as a sensor system with its electrical supply line, can be provided. Due to its additive manufacturing, the multi-channel system can be the media channel, which can also be produced additively, or vice versa, can be routed around. The support structures described above can also be used to achieve static stability of the median canal. Likewise, the interfaces described above, namely channel outlets or inlets, can be used to connect the media channel between at least two fusible conductor blocks.

Melt conductor, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, comprising a melt conductor block with a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system being arranged in a three-dimensional manner within the melt conductor block, the melt conductor, in particular the melt conductor block, spatially between melt channels of the multi-channel system arranged media channel, in particular for a circulating fluid supply, especially for temperature control, and / or for an electrical line and / or for a measuring device.

According to one embodiment, the fusible conductor block has a static functional element for at least indirectly influencing the designated polymer melt. A “static functional element” is to be understood as meaning at least one essentially stationary element or component which is arranged or formed on or in the multichannel system and interacts with the designated polymer melt. The static functional element implements such an influence on the designated polymer melt, so that the properties, in particular the flow properties, of the polymer melt remain essentially the same from entry to exit, and are preferably improved. In particular, the static functional element can have the effect that a melt temperature of the melt flow is made more homogeneous. Deposits and / or segregation phenomena of the polymer melt in the multi-channel system can also be prevented by homogenizing the melt flow. The static functional element is preferably a static mixing element. The static mixing element is preferably arranged within the multichannel system or in a melt channel of the multichannel system and is advantageously also produced at least partially additively in the case of additive production of the multichannel system. The mixing element can be designed in the form of a ramp, rod, curved or the like and is primarily used for mixing and homogenizing the designated polymer melt. Due to the existing shear stresses in the polymer melt, there are different flow velocities of the melt flow in the melt channel, which flow speeds decrease from a central axis of the melt channel towards the melt channel wall. In this context, the static functional element, in particular the static mixing element, makes the melt zestranges guided in the melt channel more uniform. For example, immediately before the exit of the multi-channel system, a uniformity of the melt flow by a static mixing element can realize a uniform supply of an extrusion nozzle or a collecting space formed upstream of the extrusion nozzle.

The static mixing element is preferably arranged in the melt channel between two branches or further branches. It is conceivable that a slight local change in cross-section of the local cross-sectional shape of the melt channel is formed in the area of the mixing element, in particular in order to improve a mixing effect. A local widening of the melt channel is preferably provided, which is shaped as a function of the flow properties present in the respective melt channel, the static mixer being formed within the local widening. The melt channel preferably has essentially the same cross-sectional size and shape before and after the local widening of the melt channel, a locally enlarged cross-section being formed in between in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt. The change in cross-section can be step-shaped and / or ramp-shaped. Furthermore, it is advantageous if, after a change in direction of the melt channel, the polymer melt or the melt flow is directed from the central axis of the respective melt channel in the direction of the wall of the melt channel with a simple static mixing element.

It should be expressly pointed out that a device with the features of the preceding paragraphs also per se constitutes an independent aspect of the invention represents, so regardless of the previously described independent claim. A combination of features to be understood as being independently and independently disclosed would therefore be as follows:

Melt ladder, in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool of an extrusion system, having a fusible conductor block with a multi-channel system, the multi-channel system extending three-dimensionally within the fusible conductor block, the fusible conductor, in particular the fusible conductor block, a static functional element for at least indirect influence Solution of the designated polymer melt flowing under pressure through the multi-channel system.

The invention includes the technical teaching that the fusible conductor block has a first multichannel system and a second multichannel system, in particular a third, fourth or fifth multichannel system. It is conceivable that the multi-channel systems run fluidically separated from one another or that at least two multi-channel systems are brought together in order to mix the polymer melts of the combined multi-channel systems with one another. More than five multi-channel systems are also conceivable, each of which is at least partially formed by means of an additive manufacturing process within the fusible conductor block. The multichannel systems can conduct identical, but for example also different or partly identical and partly different polymer melts in order to produce, for example, multi-layer or at least partly overlapping film webs or filaments. Polymer melts that differ in terms of their material requirements and properties can also be conducted into the multi-channel systems, in particular brought together and / or distributed in order to produce a corresponding extrusion product. It is also conceivable that individual filaments are produced from polymer melts from various multi-channel systems. Filaments can therefore be formed from different components or polymer melts with any mixing ratios, the components being arranged, for example, adjacent to one another, in layers, layers and / or segments in the respective filament.

Nonwovens or nonwovens with the same or different material properties can be produced from a large number of filaments. A fleece consists of a multitude Individual filaments, preferably from 20 to 10,000 individual filaments per meter of width of the fleece. The outlets of the respective multi-channel system can be designed to atomize the polymer melt to form a filament. It is also conceivable that the extrusion nozzle downstream of the fusible conductor block is provided for producing the filaments and then the fleece.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an extrusion tool for an extrusion system for producing extrusion products, comprising a melt conductor according to the type described above, the melt conductor being designed to distribute and / or mix at least one polymer melt.

An “extrusion tool” is to be understood as an assembly of an extrusion system that comprises one or more melt conductors, each with one or more melt conductor blocks. The extrusion tool is fed with polymer melt, which is passed at least indirectly into the melt conductor or a multi-channel system of a melt conductor block of the melt conductor. A supply unit in the form of an extruder or the like for supplying the designated polymer melt is arranged upstream of the extrusion tool.

At least one extrusion nozzle segment is preferably arranged downstream of the fusible conductor or the respective fusible conductor block, the fusible conductor or the respective fusible conductor block being designed to at least partially feed the respective extrusion nozzle segment with polymer melt. Thus, the extrusion tool has two or more extrusion nozzle segments, which in turn can form a contiguous at least one extrusion nozzle with a respective extrusion nozzle outlet, wherein the respective extrusion nozzle can also be part of the extrusion tool. For the intermediate or final shaping of the extrusion product, the extrusion nozzle segments are combined or connected to one another in such a way that a common extrusion nozzle outlet is formed, which ensures a uniform shape of the polymer melt.

Alternatively, each fusible conductor block can already comprise an extrusion nozzle connected to it in one piece or can itself be designed as an extrusion nozzle or assume the functions of an extrusion nozzle, so that a separate extrusion nozzle can be dispensed with. For this purpose, the respective exit of the multi-channel system is on the exit side of the melt conductor shaped and dimensioned accordingly so that atomization of the designated polymer melt is realized. In this case, the sum of all outlets on the fusible link is referred to as the extrusion nozzle outlet, and the extrusion nozzle outlet can be designed as desired in height and width, depending on the arrangement of the outlets relative to one another. The extrusion nozzle outlet preferably has a width that is many times greater than its height, for example in order to produce films or nonwovens.

Like the fusible link, the separate extrusion nozzle and, accordingly, also the extrusion nozzle outlet can be manufactured at least partially with an additive manufacturing process. Such an additive manufacturing process enables the most varied geometries of the extrusion nozzle and the extrusion nozzle outlet as well as corresponding connection means for form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection of the extrusion nozzle to the melt conductor to be produced in a particularly uncomplicated manner.

The extrusion nozzle outlet of the extrusion tool is preferably designed with a width of more than 5,000 mm, preferably of more than 6,000 mm or more than 8,000 mm. As a result of the at least partially additive manufacturing of the extrusion tool, in particular the extrusion nozzle outlet, dimensions that were previously impossible can be realized. In particular, the extrusion nozzle and the extrusion nozzle outlet can be made oversized. In addition, it enables faster production and subsequent delivery of worn or defective parts. In addition, the extrusion nozzle and / or the extrusion nozzle outlet can be designed in several parts, in particular precisely fitting components with low tolerances can be provided.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by an extrusion system for producing extrusion products, comprising an extrusion tool according to the configuration described above. The extrusion system is intended in particular for the preparation of polymer melt and for the production of extrusion products. The extrusion system is fed with polymer melt from a supply unit which comprises a silo and / or an extruder or the like. Such an extrusion tool has the advantage that, due to its manufacturing method, for example, for maintenance and / or maintenance work, it is possible to change the melt conductor, the respective melt conductor block, a possible extrusion nozzle segment and / or a possible extrusion nozzle outlet at the extrusion nozzle. In addition, extrusion products can be produced in oversize, in particular oversized, since the extrusion tool can be designed in any shape and size, in particular in any width. By connecting the fusible conductor blocks in parallel and / or in series, it is possible to manufacture extrusion products with dimensions that were previously not possible, in particular with excess width.

The extrusion system according to the invention with the melt conductor according to the invention can be designed as a device for producing filaments or threads. Such devices have in common that they have a point-shaped polymer melt outlet on the extrusion tool or on the fusible conductor block of the fusible conductor, a plurality of small nozzle bores being formed in each case on the outlet side. The threads form, for example, so-called nonwovens, monofilaments or multifilaments or ribbons as continuous filaments. The melt conductor according to the invention is advantageously used as a melt distributor of the shaping extrusion tool for distributing the polymer melt.

In particular, the melt conductor according to the invention can be used in a device for the production of nonwovens from continuous filaments (a so-called spunbond system), essentially consisting of at least one spinning device for spinning the filaments, a cooling device for cooling the filaments, a stretching device for stretching the filaments, a depositing device, in particular a depositing screen band, for depositing the filaments to form a nonwoven web, a consolidation device for consolidating the filaments of nonwoven web and a winding device for winding up the nonwoven web.

The spinning device essentially consists of at least one gravimetric or volumetric metering device for metering and supplying at least one polymer component to an extruder or a supply unit, at least one extruder or a supply unit for compressing, melting and conveying the at least one polymer component, at least one melt filter , which is ideally used as a screen changer with or without automatic cleaning for filtering particles from the polymer melt, at least one melt and / or spinning pump for conveying the polymer melt, at least one melt conductor designed as a melt distributor, which feeds the polymer melt essentially across the global machine rieh do g or evenly distributed in the so-called "Cross Direction" (CD) of the device, if necessary at least one further melt conductor designed as a melt distributor, which also carries the polymer melt transversely to the global machine direction, but also perpendicular to the "Cross Direction" (CD) Distributed in a so-called “Machine Direction” (MD) of the device, a single or multi-row nozzle tool of the extrusion tool for producing filaments from polymer melt and pipe and / or hose lines for connecting the above devices. The melt conductor according to the invention is thus used in particular as a melt distributor for distributing the polymer melt.

The invention can also be used in a device for producing nonwovens from ultrafine continuous filaments (a so-called meltblown system), essentially consisting of at least one blowing device for producing and subsequent cooling of ultrafine filaments, a depositing device, in particular a depositing roller, for depositing the ultrafine filaments to form a nonwoven web , a consolidation device for consolidating the filaments of the nonwoven web and a winding device for winding up the nonwoven web.

The spinning device essentially consists of at least one gravimetric or volumetric metering device for metering and supplying at least one polymer component to an extruder or a supply unit, at least one extruder or a supply unit for compressing and melting the at least one polymer component, at least one melt filter, ideally as a screen changer with or without automatic cleaning to filter particles from the polymer melt, at least one melt and / or spinning pump to build up continuous pressure of the polymer melt, at least one melt conductor designed as a melt distributor for the polymer melt in "cross direction" (CD) the device evenly distributed, optionally at least one further melt conductor designed as a melt distributor which additionally distributes the polymer melt in “Machine Direction” (MD) of the device, one or more row nozzle tool of the extrusion tool for the production of ultra-fine filaments from polymer melt and pipe and / or hose lines for connecting the above devices. The melt conductor according to the invention is thus used in particular as a melt distributor for distributing the polymer melt. The extrusion system according to the invention with the melt conductor according to the invention can, in a further variant, be a device for producing plates or flat films. Such devices have in common that a linear polymer melt outlet is formed on the extrusion tool, in particular on the melt conductor block of the melt conductor, whereby the extrusion product has at least one top and bottom. The melt conductor according to the invention is advantageously used as a melt distributor of the shaping extrusion tool for distributing the polymer melt.

In a further variant, melt conductors according to the invention can be used in a device for producing flat films (a so-called flat film plant), comprising a device for providing a polymer melt, a slot die or a tool for generating a tabular polymer melt flow and a cooling roller unit.

The device for providing a polymer melt consists of at least one gravimetric or volumetric metering device for metering and feeding at least one polymer component to the extruder, at least one extruder for compressing, melting and conveying the at least one polymer component, at least one melt filter, ideally used as a screen changer or without automatic cleaning to filter particles from the polymer melt, optionally from a melt and / or spinning pump to convey the polymer melt, optionally from a melt mixer to create a multi-layer structure of the melt flow, a melt conductor designed as a melt distributor for distributing the melt flow in " Cross Direction ”(CD), an extrusion nozzle designed as a slot die for forming a tabular polymer melt flow and pipe and / or hose lines for connecting the above devices. In such devices it is conceivable to design the melt conductor as a melt distributor, as a melt mixer and in a combination of melt distributor and melt mixer.

The extrusion system according to the invention with the fusible conductor according to the invention can be designed in a further variant as a device for the production of pipes, profiles or hoses. Such devices provide a polymer melt outlet, which is provided by appropriately designed melt channel guidance and / or supplementary Built-in internal and external surfaces of the extrusion product are generated. The melt conductor according to the invention is advantageously used as a melt distributor of the shaping extrusion tool for distributing the polymer melt.

The extrusion system according to the invention with the fusible conductor according to the invention can be designed in a further variant as a device for producing a tubular film. Such a device has an at least partially circular shaped polymer melt outlet on the extrusion tool which comprises an annular gap, as a result of which the extrusion product is given an inside and outside. The melt conductor according to the invention is advantageously used as a melt distributor of the shaping extrusion tool for distributing the polymer melt.

In particular, the melt conductor according to the invention can be used in a device for the production of blown films (a so-called blown film system), essentially consisting of a device for providing a polymer melt or a supply unit, a blow head for producing a film tube, a pull-off device for pulling off and transverse and Longitudinal stretching of the film tube in the extrusion direction and a cooling device for cooling the film tube are used.

The device for providing a polymer melt or the supply unit consists of at least one gravimetric or volumetric dosing device for dosing and feeding at least one polymer component to the extruder, at least one extruder for compressing, melting and conveying the at least one polymer component, at least one melt filter, ideally as a screen changer with or without automatic cleaning to filter particles from the polymer melt, optionally from a melt and / or spinning pump to convey the polymer melt, and pipe and / or tube lines to connect the protruding devices and the Blow head, whereby at least the blow head is to be understood as an extrusion tool according to the invention with a melt distributor integrated in the blow head, in particular a spiral distributor or plate distributor, the blow head comprising an annular slot nozzle with a spiral distributor, in particular a radial spiral part he, for forming a single or multi-layer ring-shaped polymer melt stream and an inflation device for inflating a film tube. The inventive Melt conductor is thus used in particular as a melt distributor for distributing the polymer melt.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for operating an extrusion system according to the embodiment described above, the extrusion system being supplied with at least one extrudable polymer, in particular at least one plastic, which is plasticized to form a respective polymer melt, the respective Polymer melt is fed to a melt conductor according to the type described above, which distributes and / or mixes the respective polymer melt.

The extrudable polymer is supplied, for example, via a silo or a conveying device that is either part of the extrusion system or a separate component or assembly. The extrudable polymer can be fed to the extrusion plant as granules, that is to say in substantially solid form, or as an at least partially melted melt.

After being fed into the extrusion system, granulate can be processed further by a supply unit, in particular an extruder or the like, and plasticized by melting and / or further processing steps in such a way that it can be fed to the melt conductor as a polymer melt for merging and / or dividing. After the polymer melt has been divided and / or combined, it can be fed from the melt conductor to an extrusion nozzle which processes the polymer melt further to produce the extrusion product.

The advantage of such a system is that a system with such an extrusion tool can be operated much more economically because the product change times for a polymer change are significantly shorter and the total running time of the extrusion tool before tool cleaning is significantly longer.

All components of the extrusion system described in the context of this invention as additively manufactured components, in particular the extrusion tool, the fusible conductor and the fusible conductor block, are made from a material suitable for additive manufacturing and / or casting. Metal, plastic and / or ceramic are particularly suitable as the material. The term “plastic ^4” is preferably to be understood as meaning high-performance plastics, the operating temperatures of the extrusion tool of over 200.degree enable. One advantage of components made from ceramic additively, in particular from melt channels made from ceramic additively, is the minimization of deposits. The surfaces of the melt channels that come into direct contact with the polymer melt are advantageously designed as a single or multi-layer ceramic layer in the form of an inliner, in a material that differs from the existing melt conductor block. In other words, the channels of the respective multi-channel system can have, at least in sections, a single-layer or multi-layer ceramic layer for channel surface modification. However, it is also conceivable to form the entire fusible conductor block entirely or partially from ceramic. In other words, the fusible conductor block with the multichannel system can consist of different materials in segments, the advantages of which can be used for the respective application. In particular, these can be different metals, or a combination of metal, ceramic and / or plastic.

Depending on the material of the fusible conductor block and / or the channels of the multi-channel system, a surface treatment can alternatively take place to refine the surface of the channels of the multi-channel system. This can include heat treatment, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, infiltration or the like. As a result, a coating is formed in one or more layers, in particular on the channel surfaces of the multi-channel system, whereby the surface properties of the channels of the multi-channel system is influenced, so that advantageously the flow properties of the polymer melt are improved and deposits within the multi-channel system are reduced.

After the production of the fusible conductor block, the inner surface of the channels of the multichannel system and, if provided, the coating of the channels can be post-processed or post-treated. On the one hand, this can include cleaning and / or flushing of the multi-channel system. It is also conceivable to carry out flow grinding of the channels of the multi-channel system. These steps can also be carried out at maintenance intervals or when changing products in order to loosen any deposits in the multi-channel system and remove them accordingly. It goes without saying that features of the solutions described above or in the claims can optionally also be combined in order to be able to implement the present achievable advantages and effects cumulatively.

Further features, effects and advantages of the present invention are explained on the basis of the drawing and the following description, in which a continuous polymer-processing extrusion plant and exemplary embodiments of various melt conductors are shown and described by way of example.

Components which in the individual figures at least essentially correspond in terms of their function can be identified with the same reference numerals, although the components do not have to be numbered and explained in all figures.

Show in the drawing

1A shows a schematic view of a possible structure of an extrusion system with a fusible link, comprising several fusible link blocks and a multi-channel system according to a first alternative;

FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of the fuse link according to FIG. 1A; FIG.

FIG. IC shows a simplified detailed view of an interface between two melt conductor blocks according to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

2 shows a schematic view of an exit side of the fuse link according to a second alternative embodiment; 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the multichannel system according to FIGS. 1A to 1C, the melt conductor being designed as a melt distributor;

4 shows a schematic perspective view of the multichannel system according to a third alternative exemplary embodiment, the melt conductor being designed as a melt mixer; 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the multichannel system according to a fourth alternative exemplary embodiment, the melt conductor being partially designed as a melt distributor and partially as a melt mixer; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a fifth alternative Ausfüh approximately example of the multi-channel system, wherein the melt conductor is partially designed as a melt mixer and partially as a melt distributor;

7A is a schematic perspective view of a sixth alternative Ausfüh approximately example of the multichannel system, wherein the fusible conductor is designed as a melt distributor;

7B shows a further schematic perspective view of the sixth alternative exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7A;

Fig. 8A is a schematic plan view of a seventh alternative Ausführungsbei game of the multi-channel system, wherein the melt conductor is designed as a Schmelzevertei ler;

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the seventh alternative embodiment according to FIG. 8A;

8C is a further schematic perspective view of the seventh alternative

Embodiment according to FIGS. 8A and 8B;

8D shows a further schematic perspective view of the seventh alternative

Exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 8A to 8C;

9 is a schematic perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment example of the multi-channel system, wherein the fusible conductor is designed as a Schmelzever divider;

10A is a schematic perspective view of a ninth alternative Ausfüh approximately example of the multichannel system, wherein the fusible conductor is designed as a melt distributor;

FIG. 10B shows a schematic top view of the ninth alternative exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10A; and

IOC shows a further schematic perspective view of the ninth alternative exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10A and 10B. In Fig. 1A, an extrusion system 3 is shown greatly simplified. The extrusion system 3 comprises a supply unit 23 which is designed to provide and process a polymer melt 24 for the production of an extrusion product 30 or an intermediate product. In the present case, the supply unit 23 is designed as an extruder - not shown here - which plasticizes at least one extrudable polymer 29 to form the polymer melt 24. The polymer is, for example, a plastic. The supply unit 23 can also be designed to provide one or more different polymer melts 24 with the same or different properties. The polymer melt 24 is continuously conveyed from the supply unit 23 into an extrusion tool 2, comprising a melt conductor 1 and an extrusion nozzle 14 downstream of the polymer melt 24 in the designed flow direction 25. The extrusion tool 2 is integrated in the continuously operating extrusion plant 3, at which the polymer melt 24 is continuously conveyed through the melt conductor 1 in a global machine direction 18, the terms “downstream” and “upstream ^4” referring to this global machine direction 18.

The fusible conductor 1, which is designed as a melt distributor according to this first exemplary embodiment, has five separate fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e, with a multi-channel system 5 extending three-dimensionally after the assembly of the fusible conductor 1 within the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e. The subdivision of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e is shown here by dashed lines. The fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e are produced by means of an additive manufacturing process and are arranged and fixed in a stationary manner with respect to one another. As a result, a modular design of the fusible conductor 1 is realized, because the fusible conductor blocks 4a -4e can be combined or exchanged with one another as required, depending on the requirements placed on the extrusion product 30 or in the case of a maintenance or servicing measure. Consequently, the fusible conductor blocks 4a - 4e can be integrated into the continuously operating extrusion system 3 as exchangeable components of the fusible conductor 1. The respective fusible conductor block 4a-4e can be designed as a solid block or filigree with support structures. To this extent, the multichannel system 5 is supported by support structures that are spatially arranged around the multichannel system 5 - not shown here.

The supply unit 23 is flange-mounted on an entry side 26 of the fuse link 1 or on the first fuse link block 4a. The second, third, fourth and fifth Fusible conductor block 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e are arranged downstream of the first fusible conductor block 4a and together have the same width as the first fusible conductor block 4a. The extrusion nozzle 14 is flanged to the outlet side 27 of the fusible conductor 1 or to the second, third, fourth and fifth fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e. Alternatively, the extrusion nozzle 14 can also be manufactured by means of an additive manufacturing process, namely in extrusion nozzle segments - not shown here - which are each formed in one piece with one of the second to fifth fusible conductor blocks 4b-4e. The extrusion nozzle 14 again has an extrusion nozzle outlet 22 downstream, which in the present case implements an atomization of the polymer melt 24 to form the extrusion product 30. The extrusion nozzle 14 has an extrusion nozzle outlet 22 with a width B of more than 5,000 mm. The width B defines the width of an extrusion product 30 produced by the extrusion system 3, which is designed as a film according to FIG. 1A. Atomization to form filaments is also possible by means of the present extrusion system 3, in particular by means of the present extrusion tool 2.

On the outlet side 27 of the melt conductor 1, a collecting space 15 is formed, into which the multi-channel system 5 opens, the collecting space 15 being designed to receive the polymer melt 24 distributed with the melt conductor 1, which is designed as a melt distributor, and to feed it continuously to the extrusion nozzle 14. In the present case, when the fusible conductor 1 is in an assembled state, the collecting space 15 is formed on the outlet side by the second, third, fourth and fifth fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e.

The entire size of the multichannel system 5 is only formed when the fusible conductor 1 is installed or when the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e are braced against one another. Because as can be seen in Fig. 1B in connection with Fig. IC, the multi-channel system 5 extends through all fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e, each of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e having a sub-channel system with a plurality of melt channels 11, which are mounted in State of the fuse element 1 form the multi-channel system 5. In other words, the melt channels 11 of all melt conductor blocks 4a-4e are fluidically connected to one another, forming the multichannel system 5.

According to Fig. 1B, the fuse element 1 is shown in plan view. The bracing of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e against one another is carried out by a bracing system 13 that is spatially arranged around the fusible conductor 1 or around all of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e clamped together to form a block unit. The bracing system 13 in the present case comprises a holding device 16 with four thermally activatable frame parts 17. More or fewer frame parts 17 are also conceivable, depending on the design of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e. The thermally activatable frame parts 17 are designed in such a way that, as a result of thermal expansion of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e during operation, be it through the polymer melt 24 conveyed by the multi-channel system and / or through additional temperature control of the fusible conductor 1, a tensioning effect is realized. There is thus no need for separate mechanical bracing of the fusible conductor blocks 4a -4e against one another, because during the operation of the extrusion system 3 the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e are automatically braced against one another. Regardless of this, the bracing system 13 can nevertheless be designed for at least partial or partial mechanical bracing of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e.

The fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e can be designed and assembled in any way. In addition to individually designed fusible conductor blocks, it is particularly possible to produce so-called standard blocks in order to enable faster production, assembly and assignment of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e and to produce more economical blocks. In the present case, the second to fifth fusible conductor blocks 4b-4e are of identical design, and in particular the sub-channel system formed in the respective fusible conductor block 4b-4e is of identical design. Thus, according to this embodiment, the fusible conductor 1 has five fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e, but only two differently designed fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e are provided. The first fusible conductor block 4a realizes a pre-distribution of the polymer melt 24 to the second to fifth fusible conductor blocks 4b-4e which are downstream in the designated flow direction 25 and in the global machine direction 18 and are connected in parallel.

Fig. IC shows a detailed partial section between the first and second Schmelzelei terblock 4a, 4b. In the present case, the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b have positioning means 31, namely in the form of a projection 37 and a recess 38, with the protrusion 37 engaging or protruding into the recess 38 during assembly of the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, thereby causing a relative movement of the fusible conductor blocks cke 4a, 4b to each other, in this case to the left and right in the plane of the sheet, prevented. The projection 37 is during the additive manufacturing of the respective fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b formed in one piece therewith, the recess 38 also being formed directly when the respective fusible conductor block 4a, 4b is manufactured. As a result, the respective arrangement of the projection 37 and the recess 38 complementary thereto is predetermined. By means of the positioning means 31, the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b can thus be positioned directly with respect to one another during assembly, without additional alignment and positioning of the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b being necessary.

It is clear from FIG. IC that the multichannel system 5 extends three-dimensionally through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b. The melt conductor blocks 4a, 4b are designed and arranged or braced to one another in such a way that a channel outlet 36 of the melt channel 11 formed on the first melt conductor block 4a is clearly assigned to a channel inlet 35 of the melt channel 1G formed on the second melt conductor block 4b, and vice versa. In other words, the channel inlet 35 and the channel outlet 36 at the point of intersection of the melt channel 11 and 11 '' have the same shape and size, so that unimpeded guidance of the polymer melt 24 is possible and, in particular, deposits and / or disruption of the polymer melt are prevented.

Furthermore, seals 34 are provided between a first contact surface 33a of the first fusible conductor block 4a and a second contact surface 33b coming into contact with the first contact surface 33a, which seals provide a sealing effect for the multichannel system 5 against an external atmosphere. In addition, it is prevented that the polymer melt 24 can react with air. In the present case, the seals 34 are received on the first fusible conductor block 4a.

The design and arrangement of the seals 34 and the positioning means 31 is only to be understood as an example. The shape, size and arrangement can be selected as desired and can be easily transferred to all other fusible conductor blocks 4c, 4d, 4e, in particular to all contact surfaces 33a, 33b that come into contact between the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e.

According to FIG. 2, a second alternative embodiment of the fuse link 1 is shown; which schematically shows the exit side 27 of the fuse element 1 in the view. The fusible conductor 1 has three fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c, the second and third fusible conductor blocks 4b, 4c jointly being as wide as the first fusible conductor block 4a. In the present case, the fusible conductor 1 is mounted in two layers, the first fusible conductor block 4a being arranged in the lower layer and the second and third fusible conductor blocks 4b, 4c being arranged in the upper layer. This makes it clear that the melt conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c can be arranged next to one another as well as above or below one another and can be braced with one another.

In this exemplary embodiment, the fusible conductor 1 has means for connecting or screw-connecting the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c. The means for connecting or screwing are designed as tie rods 32 - shown here with dashed lines - which are passed through openings 39 - here also shown with dashed lines - and screwed. A tensioning effect is achieved by means of the tie rods 32, which prevents a relative movement of the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c. More than the tie rods 32 shown here are also conceivable; in particular, the first and second fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b can also be braced against one another. In the sectional planes between the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c, an arrangement of Dichtele elements 34 and / or positioning means 31 analogous to FIG. IC is possible. As an alternative or in addition, the fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, 4c can be materially connected to one another after positioning, in particular by means of gluing, soldering, welding or the like.

In the present case, the multichannel system 5 is designed to extend three-dimensionally in such a way that a large number of outlets 7 of the multichannel system 5 are arranged on the exit side 27 of the melt conductor 1, the outlets 7 transversely to the exit direction of the designated melt flow, i.e. in several planes or in the plane of the sheet . Layers are arranged at a distance from one another. Depending on the requirements placed on the extrusion product 30, the outlets 7 can be arranged with respect to one another and in one or more layers as desired. The outlets 7 are designed to lead the polymer melt 24 for feeding the extrusion nozzle 14 according to FIG. 1A into the collecting space 15, thus feeding the extrusion nozzle 14. The design of the multichannel system 5 according to this exemplary embodiment is described by way of example for the first and second fusible link blocks 4a, 4b in FIGS. 7A and 7B and for the third fusible link block 4c in FIGS. 10A to 10A. In this example the outlets 7 are arranged in six parallel layers. In the case of the first two fusible conductor blocks 4a, 4b, four layers are provided, with four outlets 7 each being arranged vertically one above the other at a uniform distance in the plane of the sheet. In contrast, the third fusible conductor block 4c has two layers of outlets 7, one outlet 7 of each layer being arranged in the flow direction of the polymer melt 24 centrally between two outlets 7 of the respective other layer. It is therefore possible to arrange outlets 7 transversely to the outlet direction of the designated melt flow one above the other, offset from one another and / or partially overlapping.

According to FIG. 3, the multichannel system 5 according to the first exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A and 1B is shown, wherein this multichannel system 5 can be arranged or designed as a sub-channel system in one of the second to fifth fusible conductor blocks 4b-4e. The polymer melt 24 is fed by means of the multichannel system 5 from an inlet 6 arranged on an inlet side 26 of the melt distributor 1, which in this case is designed as a melt distributor, via a branch 8, several successive generations 9a, 9b further branches 10 and several generations of divided melt channels arranged fluidically in between 11 to a plurality of fluidically connected to the inlet 6 and on the outlet side 27 of the melt conductor 1 is arranged outlets 7 distributed. The designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 thus runs from the inlet side 26 to the outlet side 27.

The multi-channel system 5 consequently has an inlet 6 and a multiplicity of outlets 7 fluidically connected to the inlet 6. The inlet 6 on the inlet side 26 is to be understood as an inlet opening through which the polymer melt 24 is fed into the multi-channel system 5. The outlets 7 are consequently to be understood as Ausittsöff openings from which the polymer melt 24 is evenly distributed and supplied to the collecting space 15 - not shown here - with the same melt history.

For the sake of simplicity, the boundaries between the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e are not shown in FIG. 3 and the subsequent figures. Furthermore, the multichannel system 5 is shown in an exemplary and simplified manner, namely the multichannel system 5 here only comprises one branch 8 and two generations 9a, 9b branchings 10, three or more generations of branchings 10 being of course also conceivable. In the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 is between the inlet 6 and The branch 8 has a melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a, between the branch 8 and the first generation 9a branches 10 a bth generation 12b melt channels 11b, and between the first generation 9a branches 10 and the second generation 9b branches 10 a c-th generation 12c melt channels 11c arranged. The second generation 9b branches 10 is also followed by a d-th generation 12d melt channels lld.

3 also shows that the number of melt channels 11 increases with the generation, namely one melt channel 11a of the a-th generation becomes two melt channels 1 lb of the b-th generation, and the two melt channels 1 lb of the b-th generation Generation two melt channels 11c of the c-th generation, that is to say a total of four melt channels 11c, will be formed, and so on. In other words, the number of melt channels 11 doubles from generation to generation downstream in the direction of flow 25. In this respect, the multi-channel system 5 and its individual cavities, in the present case designed as melt channels 11, branch 8 and branching 10, are manufactured by means of the additive manufacturing process. Furthermore, further cavities can be provided, for example as a collecting space 15 according to FIG. 1, local expansions or merges. In addition, the cavities can be designed as distribution or mixing chambers (not shown here) or the like.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a has a first local cross section which is made smaller than the second local cross section of the divided melt channels 11b of the b-th generation 12b. Each local cross section of the divided melt channels 11b b-th generation 12b is in turn larger than the local cross section of the melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c divided from them, and so on.

When speaking of a smaller or larger local cross section of the respective melt channel 11, it is to be understood that the respective melt channel 11 over at least half the length of the respective melt channel 11, preferably over at least 2/3 the length of the respective melt channel 11, preferably has a larger or smaller local cross section over at least 3/4 of the length of the respective melt channel 11. In the present case, the melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 is the inlet 6 and the melt channels 11b of the b-th generation 12b are opposite the melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a the outlet? too oriented. The melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c are oriented towards the inlet 6 with respect to the melt channels lld d-th generation 12d, the melt channels lld d-th generation 12d being based on the melt channels 11 a-ter, b-ter and c-ter Generation 12a, 12b, 12c are to be oriented towards the respective outlet 7. It follows from this that the melt conductor 1 functions as a melt distributor.

According to FIG. 4, a third alternative multichannel system 5 of a third alternative melt conductor 1 - not shown here - the melt conductor 1, in contrast to FIG Melt mixer is formed. This results from the fact that the fuse link 1 has a plurality, in the present case eight inlets 6 on the inlet side 26 of the fuse link 1, via which one or up to eight identical or at least partially different polymer melts 24 are fluidically connected to the inlets 6 and at the Exit side 27 of the melt conductor 1 arranged outlet 7 are merged. The multi-channel system 5 is designed essentially identically to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3. The only difference is that the polymer melt 24 is not distributed by the multichannel system 5, but that up to eight different polymer melts 24 can be brought together by the multichannel system 5. The multi-channel system 5 comprises a branch 8, several successive generations 9a, 9b further branches 10 as well as several generations of divided melt channels 11 arranged in between, but this is to be considered against the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24, namely from the exit side 27 to Entry page 26.

Against the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24, a melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a are arranged between the respective outlet 7 and the branch 8, and between the branch 8 and the first generation 9a further branches 10 a bth generation 12b melt channels 11b and 11b A c-th generation 12c melt channels 11c are arranged between the first generation 9a branches 10 and the second generation 9b branches 10. The second generation 9b branches 10 is also a d-th generation 12d melt channels lld downstream, which are fluidically connected directly to the inlets 6. Thus, in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24, the number of melt channels 11 from the inlets 6 to the outlet 7 decreases with a decreasing generation, namely two of the present eight melt channels lld d-th generation 12d each become one melt channel 11c c-ter Generation 12c, so a total of four melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c. From two of the four melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c in turn one melt channel 11b b-th generation 12b emerges, i.e. a total of two melt channels 1 lb b-th generation 12b, and from the two melt channels 11b b-th generation 12b a melt channel 11a of the a-th generation is formed, which is fluidically connected directly to the outlet 7.

Conversely to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3, the local cross section of the respective melt channel generation increases in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 with each decreasing generation. The melt channels 11a of the a-th generation 12a are oriented in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 to the outlet 7 and the melt channels 11b of the b-th generation 12b are oriented towards the melt channels 11a of the a-th generation 12a to the inlets 6. The melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c are oriented towards the outlet 7 with respect to the melt channels lld d-th generation 12d, the melt channels lld d-th generation 12d being based on the melt channels 11 a-th, b-th and c-th generation 12a, 12b, 12c are oriented towards the entrances 6. It follows from this that the fusible conductor 1 functions as a melt mixer.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth alternative multi-channel system 5 of a - not shown here - fourth alternative fusible conductor block 4. The multi-channel system 5 is formed as a combination of a partially formed as a melt distributor and partially as a melt mixer formed melt conductor 1. On the inlet side of the melt conductor 1 or the multichannel system 5, an entry 6 of the multichannel system 5 is initially provided, the melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a being divided into a plurality of melt channels lld d-th generation 12d analogously to the embodiment according to FIG. Further downstream in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt, starting from the melt channels lld d-th generation 12d, the melt channels 11 are again brought together analogously to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 via melt channels 11c, 11b c'th generation 12c 'and b'- 1st generation 12b ⁴ up to a melt channel 11a a'-th generation 12a 'or the outlet 7. According to FIG. 6, a fifth alternative multichannel system 5 according to a fifth alternative embodiment is shown, a combination of a melt conductor 1 partially configured as a melt mixer and partially as a melt distributor being depicted. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. In fact, the multichannel system 5 has several inlets 6 on its inlet side 26, the melt channels 11d th generation 12d fluidly connected directly to the inlets 6 along the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 analogous to the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS be merged from generation to generation to form a melt channel 11a of a-th generation 12a. Further downstream, this melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a is analogous to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3 via a branch 8, several generations 9a ', 9b', further branches 10 and generations 12b ', 12c', 12d 'melt channels 11b, 11c, 11d divided from generation to generation until a large number of outlets 7 are arranged on the outlet side 27 of the fuse link 1 or of the multi-channel system 5.

The multichannel system 5 according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 and according to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 is not limited to the respective shape and arrangement shown here. It is also conceivable to provide further sections designed as melt distributors and / or melt mixers within a fusible conductor block 4a-4e upstream or downstream of the respective sub-channel system, which sections can be configured and combined as desired. However, it is advantageous if the polymer melt 24 always has the same melt history, completely regardless of which melt channels 11 or melt channel sequence it has flowed through. With eight melt channels l ld of the d-th generation 12d, the polymer melt 24 is consequently divided into a maximum of eight different melt streams. The same history of the polymer melt 24 means in this context that all melt flows of the polymer melt 24 at the time of exit from the multichannel system 5 at the exit 7 or the exits 7 covered the same distance through the multichannel system 5 and the same number of melt channels, Branches 8 and further branches 10 have flowed through.

The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 7A to 10C described below relate exclusively to melt conductors 1 designed as melt distributors, the Polymer melt 24 in the multichannel system 5 is distributed from a respective inlet 6 to a plurality of outlets 7. Thus, the arrangement and counting of the generation of the melt channels 11, as well as the branches 8 and generations of the further branches 10 is analogous to the first embodiment of FIG. 3, that is in the designated flow direction 25 of the polymer melt 24 ascending. Of course, the following embodiments are also suitable for designing the melt conductor 1 as a melt mixer or as a combination of melt mixer and melt distributor.

According to the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3 to 6, the multi-channel system 5 is designed to lie essentially in one plane, with the respective inlet 6 and outlet 7 and all melt channels 11, branches 8 and branches 10 lie in a common plane. At least three degrees of freedom are therefore used to form the multi-channel system 5.

In contrast, a sixth alternative multichannel system 5 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the multichannel system 5 in the present case being fanned out three-dimensionally in space using five degrees of freedom. In fact, as clearly shown in FIG. 7B, the melt channels 11 run in the direction of flow of the polymer melt 24, starting from the inlet 6, at least partially downward, to the left, to the right, into the plane of the sheet and out of the plane of the sheet. The melt channels 11 fluidically connected to the inlet 6 are thus distributed over the branches 8 and further branches 10 to the outlets 7, which due to the present division are divided into two essentially parallel planes, the first generation 9a further branches 10 being designed in this way that the melt channels 11c of the c-th generation 12b in comparison to the melt channels 11b of the b-th generation 12b are rotated by essentially 90 °, so that, starting from each melt channel 11c of the c-th generation, a separate distribution system 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, in which the first and second distribution systems 29a, 29b and the third and fourth distribution systems 29c, 29d are arranged in a respective plane, the planes being arranged essentially parallel to one another.

With the aid of a melt conductor 1 embodied in this way, it is possible in a simple manner to not only have the polymer melt 24 uniformly in width, analogous to FIG. 3, but rather equally evenly transversely to it, that is to say upwards or downwards depending on the viewing direction, in order to be able to let the polymer melt 24 emerge from the respective fusible conductor block 4a-4e in a comparatively large area. This is particularly suitable for the production of filaments or continuous filaments, in particular for the production of spunbonded nonwovens by means of multi-row nozzle tools.

Regardless of the formation of the branch 8 and the further branches 10 relative to the melt channels 11 and their arrangement in three-dimensional space, the local cross-section of the melt channels 11 decreases from generation to generation up to the outlets 7, with the melt channels 11 of each generation 12a, 12b , 12c, 12d, 12e are always symmetrical in all distribution systems 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d and the divided melt flows of the polymer melt 24 have the same melt history.

Thus, the outlets 7 of the first and second distribution systems 29a, 29b lie on an imaginary first straight line and the outlets 7 of the third and fourth distribution system 29c, 29d on an imaginary second straight line. Both lines are arranged parallel to one another, so that all melt flows at the respective outlet 7 have identical material properties due to the same polymer melt 24. Such an arrangement of the outlets 7 along straight, parallel lines is shown by way of example in FIG. 2, the melt channels 11 on the first and second melt distributor lock 4a, 4b not being distributed on two, but on four levels.

According to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a media channel 20 is also arranged in the melt conductor 1, which extends spatially between the melt channels 11 of the multi-channel system 5 and in particular realizes a circulating fluid supply, in the present case for temperature control of the polymer melt 24. The media channel 20 is not connected to the Melt channels 11 of the multichannel system 5 are fluidically connected and have the effect that the melt conductor 1 and in particular the melt conductor blocks 4a-4e are temperature-controlled during the operation of the extrusion system 3. Further media channels of any configuration can also be provided, which are fluidically separated from the melt channels 11 of the multichannel system 5 in one or more melt conductor blocks 4a-4e. The other media channels can also be designed in the form of drying shafts, which are provided, for example, for receiving an electrical line and / or for receiving a measuring device.

According to FIGS. 8 to 8D, a seventh alternative multichannel system 5 is shown, the multichannel system 5 in the present case spreading out three-dimensionally in space using six degrees of freedom. In this exemplary embodiment it is shown that the two melt channels 11b of the bth generation 12b partially run counter to a global machine direction 18. The global machine direction 18 leads from the inlet 6 to the outlet 7 of a designated melt flow of the polymer melt 24. Each melt channel 11b of the b th generation 12b has a local machine direction 19 which, depending on the design and extent of the respective melt channel 11, is in the longitudinal direction of the melt channel 11 can always be aligned in the same way or which can have a changing alignment in the longitudinal direction of the melt channel 11. It can be advantageous here if the local machine direction 19 runs at least partially counter to the global machine direction 18. This is shown in particular in FIG. 8A. In the present case, the inlet 6 and the outlets 7 of the multi-channel system 5 are essentially arranged in a first level, the melt channels 11b of the bth generation 12b partially running transversely to this first level, so that the first generation 9a branches 10 on one to the first Plane parallel second plane are arranged. The c-th generation 12c molded melt channels 11c extend partially in the second level and are returned to the first level for further distribution of the polymer melt 24. Due to the three-dimensional guidance of the melt channels 11 in space, and in particular by guiding the local machine direction 19 of the melt channels 11 partially against the global machine direction 18, the polymer melt 24 is distributed over a smaller axial installation space, i.e. in global machine direction 18 of the melt conductor 1. Consequently, in such a case, the fusible conductor 1 can be made more compact.

According to FIG. 9, an eighth alternative exemplary embodiment with an eighth alternative multichannel system 5 is shown. The multichannel system 5 is designed essentially identically to the multichannel system 5 according to FIG. 3. The difference in the present case is essentially that the fusible conductor 1 in the present case in the region of the c-th generation 12c melt channels 11c each has a static functional element 21 in the form of a static mixing element for influencing the designated Polymer melt 24 has. The respective functional element 21 is arranged within a local widening 28 of the melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c and realizes a thorough mixing of the polymer melt 24 guided and distributed within the melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c of the polymer melt 24, in particular its flow and material properties, can be guaranteed. Thus, the respective functional element 21 is arranged in one of the melt channels 11c c-th generation 12c between a branch 10 of the first generation 9a and a branch 10 of the second generation 9b. Before and after the local widening 28, the respective melt channel 11c c-th generation 12c has essentially the same cross-sectional size and shape. The static mixing element can alternatively also be arranged directly in the respective melt channel 11 and thus not be formed in a local widening.

According to a ninth alternative exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 10A to 10C, the fuse link 1 has a first multi-channel system 5a and a second multi-channel system 5b fluidically separated therefrom, three or more multi-channel systems also being readily conceivable. A first polymer melt 24 is fed into a first inlet 6a of the first multichannel system 5a and a second polymer melt 24 is fed into a second inlet 6b of the second multichannel system 5b, wherein the polymer melts 24 can have the same or different properties. Thus, each multichannel system 5a, 5b has a respective inlet 6a, 6b for supplying the respective polymer melt 24 and a plurality of outlets 7a, 7b for feeding an extrusion nozzle (not shown here) with the respective polymer melt 24. The first multi-channel system 5a is essentially analogous to the multi-channel system 5 according to FIG. 3. In this respect, reference is made to the relevant description, where, where not unavoidable, for the sake of clarity, the identical reference symbols are not reproduced again.

The melt channel i la of the a-th generation 12a of the second multichannel system 5b, starting from the inlet 6a of the second multichannel system 5b, initially runs parallel to the melt channel 11a of the a-th generation 12a of the first multichannel system 5a. The divided melt channels 11b b-th generation 12b downstream of the branch 8 are, however, rotated by 45 ° in the present case, namely by about 45 ° to the first multichannel system 5a so that the melt channels 11 b-th, c-th and d-th generation 12b, 12c, 12d of the second multi-channel system 5b run towards the first multi-channel system 5a and constantly approach the melt channels 11 of the first multi-channel system 5a with increasing generation. As a result, the outlets 7b of the second multichannel system 5b are relatively close to the outlets 7a of the first multichannel system 5a, so that the melt flow of the polymer melt 24 distributed with the second multichannel system 5b is in the area of the outlets 7a, 7b exits at a comparatively small distance from the melt flow of the polymer melt 24 distributed with the first multichannel system 5a.

The first outlets 7a of the first multi-channel system 5a are arranged on a first straight line and the second outlets 7b of the second multi-channel system 5b are arranged on a second straight line, the lines being arranged essentially parallel to one another. In other words, the outlets 7a, 7b of the respective multi-channel system 5a, 5b are arranged on two planes arranged parallel to one another. This enables two-layer film webs to be produced, the layers of which can have the same or different material properties.

The outlets 7a, 7b of the multichannel systems 5a, 5b are arranged offset from one another transversely to the designated flow direction 25 or to the global machine direction 18 of the respective polymer melt 24. Each outlet 7a of the first multi-channel system 5a is arranged between two outlets 7b of the second multi-channel system 5b. The two multichannel systems 5a, 5b are spatially offset from one another. Such an arrangement of the outlets 7 can be provided for the third melt conductor block 4c according to FIG. 2, the melt channels 11 on the third melt distributor block 4c not emerging from the third melt distributor block 4c on two parallel planes.

The two multichannel systems 5a, 5b extend analogously to FIG. 1B and FIG. IC through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks 4a-4e. In this regard, reference is made to FIG. IC, wherein a channel outlet 36 of a first sub-channel system of the first fusible conductor block 4a, for example, is clearly assigned to a channel inlet 35 of a second sub-channel system of the second fusible conductor block 4a, for example. At least from the first and second sub-channel system, after the fuse element 1 has been installed, the first multi-channel System 5a formed. Likewise, a channel outlet 36 of a third sub-channel system of the first fusible conductor block 4a, for example, is clearly assigned to a channel inlet 35 of a fourth sub-channel system of the second fusible conductor block 4a, for example. After the fuse element 1 has been assembled, the second multi-channel system 5a is formed from at least the third and fourth sub-channel system. This can of course also be used with more than two sub-channel systems and for the third, fourth and / or fifth fusible conductor block 4c, 4d, 4e.

At this point, it should be explicitly pointed out that features of the solutions described above or in the claims and / or figures can optionally also be combined in order to be able to implement or achieve the explained features, effects and advantages in a correspondingly cumulative manner. It should also be mentioned explicitly that the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 9 can also be implemented with two or more multi-channel systems. For this and the embodiment according to FIGS. 10A to 10C, the fusible link 1 can also be designed with three multichannel systems, with four multichannel systems, with five multichannel systems, but also with more than five multichannel systems.

It goes without saying that the exemplary embodiments explained above are only first configurations of the invention, in particular of the melt conductor according to the invention, the extrusion tool according to the invention and the extrusion system according to the invention. In this respect, the configuration of the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.

All of the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed to be essential to the invention, provided that they are new to the state of the art individually or in combination with one another. The embodiments shown here only represent examples of the present invention and must therefore not be understood as restrictive. Alternative embodiments contemplated by those skilled in the art are equally encompassed by the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols:

1 fusible link

2 extrusion tool

3 extrusion line

4a First fusible conductor block 4b Second fusible conductor block 4c Third fusible conductor block 4d Fourth fusible conductor block

4e Fifth fusible conductor block

5 multi-channel system

6 Entry of the multi-channel system

7 Exit of the multi-channel system

8 branch

9a First generation of a branch 9b Second generation of a branch

10 further branching

11 melt channel

11 ‘Melt channel

11a Melt channel of a first generation to be divided

1 lb split melt channel of a second generation

11c Split melt channel of a third generation

1 ld split melt channel of a fourth generation

Ile Split melt channel of a fifth generation

12a a-th generation of a melt channel

12a ‘a‘ th generation of a melt channel

12b bth generation of a melt channel

12b ‘b‘ th generation of a melt channel

12c c-th generation of a melt channel

12c ‘c‘ th generation of a melt channel

12d d th generation of a melt channel

12d ‘d‘ th generation of a melt channel

12th generation of a melt channel 13 Bracing system

14 extrusion nozzle

15 collection room

16 holding device

17 frame part

18 Global machine direction

19 Local machine direction

20 media channel

21 Static functional element

22 Extrusion nozzle outlet

23 Provisioning unit

24 polymer melt

25 Direction of flow of the polymer melt

26 Entry side of the fusible conductor block

27 Exit side of the fusible conductor block

28 Local expansion of the melt channel

29 polymer

30 extrusion product

31 positioning means

32 tie rods

33a First contact surface of a fusible conductor block

33b Second contact surface of a fusible conductor block

34 Seal

35 Canal entry

36 duct exit

37 Advantage

38 recess

39 breakthrough

B Width of the extrusion nozzle outlet

Claims

1. Melt conductor (1), in particular melt distributor or melt mixer, for an extrusion tool (2) of an extrusion system (3), comprising two or more melt conductor blocks (4a, 4b) and a multichannel system (5), the multichannel system (5) being three-dimensional extending within at least one of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) and having at least one inlet (6) and at least one outlet (7) for polymer melt, with an inlet (6) and one fluidically connected to the inlet (6) Outlet (7) several branches (8) arranged one behind the other and several generations (9a) further branches (10) over several generations (12a, 12b) of divided melt channels (11a, 11b) are formed, with m melt channels (11a) a-th generation ( 12a) with x-th local cross-sections and n melt channels (1 lb) b-th generation (12b) with y-th local cross-sections are present, where n> m, if b> a, where the y-th local Cross-sections of the melt channels (1 lb) bth generation (12b) are smaller than the xth local cross-sections of the melt channels (1 la) a- th generation (12a), and the melt channels (1 la ) a-th generation (12a) the inlet (6) and the melt channels (11b) b-th generation (12b) the outlet (7) are to be oriented so that the melt conductor (1) for a designated melt flow of the polymer melt as Melt distributor is used, or in the designated flow direction of the polymer melt the melt channels (11a) a-th generation (12a) the outlet (7) and the melt channels (1 lb) b-th generation (12b) the inlet (6) are to be oriented so that the melt conductor (1) serves as a melt mixer for a designated melt flow of the polymer melt.

2. Fusible conductor (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the multi-channel system (5) extends through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b).

3. Fusible conductor (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a Verspannsys system (13), by means of which the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) can be braced with one another to form a block unit.

4. Fusible link (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the bracing system (13) comprises a holding device (16) with a thermally activatable frame part (17) by means of which at least two of the fusible lead blocks (4a, 4b) can be braced against one another are.

5. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) have positioning means (31) by means of which the at least two fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) can be positioned relative to one another.

6. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by means for connecting, in particular for screw connection and / or gluing, of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b).

7. Fusible conductor (1) according to claim 6, characterized by a tie rod (32) which is passed through at least two of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) and at least two fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) are braced against one another.

8. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a seal (34) is arranged on a contact surface (33a, 33b) between two fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) coming into contact with one another.

9. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more multi-channel systems (5 a, 5b) extend through at least two fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b), wherein a channel outlet (36) of a k-th multi tkanalsystem (5) of the first fusible conductor block (4a) is clearly assigned to a channel inlet (35) of a k- th multichannel system (5) of the second fusible conductor block (4b), and vice versa.

10. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) has a media channel (20), in particular for a circulating fluid supply, especially for tempering, and / or for an electrical line and / or for a measuring device.

11. Fusible conductor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the fusible conductor blocks (4a, 4b) has a static functional element (21) for at least indirect influencing of the designated polymer melt.

12. Fusible link (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the static functional element (21) is a static mixing element.

13. Extrusion tool (2) for an extrusion system for producing extrusion products, comprising a melt conductor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, where the melt conductor (1) is designed to distribute and / or at least one designated polymer melt to mix.

14. Extrusion tool (2) according to claim 13, characterized by an extrusion nozzle outlet (22) with a width (B) of more than 5,000 mm, preferably of more than 6000 mm or more than 8000 mm.

15. Extrusion plant (3) for producing extrusion products, comprising an extrusion tool (2) according to one of the preceding claims 13 or 14.

16. A method for operating an extrusion system (3) according to claim 15, wherein the extrusion system (3) is supplied with at least one extrudable polymer, in particular at least one plastic, which is plasticized to form a respective polymer melt, the respective polymer melt following a melt conductor (1) is supplied to one of claims 1 to 12, which distributes and / or mixes the respective polymer melt.