JPH0660448B2 - Extrusion method and extrusion die apparatus with central air jet - Google Patents

Description

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an extrusion process and apparatus for producing fibers and non-woven mats, in particular thermoplastic material extruded from an exit nozzle in the molten state is produced from a high velocity gas delivery nozzle. It relates to a melt-blowing process in which a gas jet is extruded so as to be merged with a shear layer.

BACKGROUND ART Various well-known melt-blowing treatment methods include “Ultrafine thermoplastic resin fiber” by Went (“Superfine thermoplastic resin fiber”).
Thermoplastic Fibers ”) and chemistry of industrial engineering (Industr
ial and Engineering Chemistry) August 1956, Vol. 48, No. 8, pp. 1342 to 1346, "Manufacture of Superfine Organic F"
ibers ") and Naval Research Institute Report 1954 No. 111437 and U.S. Pat.
There is one shown in 676,242. As an apparatus suitable for use in such a manufacturing method, K. K. D. "An improved apparatus for forming ultrafine thermoplastic resin fibers," written by KD Lawrence et al.
d Device For The Formation of Superfine, Thermopl
astic Fibers ”) and Naval Research Institute Report February 1959
One is shown in US Pat. No. 3,981,650, issued to No. 5265, and to Page.

Nonwoven mats are produced by these and other presently known meltblowing processes and equipment used therein, whereby high temperature molten thermoplastic material is extruded from a row of narrow orifices by an extruder. As it is extruded, it is immediately forced into a converging, high velocity stream of heated gas, usually air, arranged on alternating sides of the extrusion orifice. The fibers of the thermoplastic material are thinned in this stream of gas and solidify in a place of sufficiently low temperature.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention offers the possibility of processing at least twice the processing speed achieved by the meltblowing processes currently used and the equipment used therein.

The method and apparatus of the present invention allows the formation of composite fabrics of two or more different polymers.

The present invention can further enhance the quenching effect of the fibers or filaments formed by the method of the present invention due to the proximity of the quenching air or water vapor to the fibers in the process.

The present invention also provides the extruded thermoplastic material with less sway immediately after being extruded, thereby reducing flow turbulence in the downstream section.

The present invention also allows filaments or fibers to become entangled in the initial shear zone where turbulence is of relatively small magnitude.

These and still other advantages of the present invention include a die head having at least one central delivery means for a fluid, preferably a high velocity gas or fluid used to continuously expel a gas. It is served by a meltblowing device. The die head also has a chamber for containing a thermoplastic material. At least one or more thermoplastic material delivery means, such as one or more thermoplastic material extrusion openings for releasing molten thermoplastic material, are formed in the die head adjacent the high velocity gas delivery means. There is. The centrally located high velocity gas delivery means may be disposed, i.e. enclosed, between one or more thermoplastic material extrusion openings. When more than one thermoplastic material extrusion opening is used, one or more thermoplastic materials are fed from separate chambers to the individual extrusion openings. Conduit means communicating between the chamber and each thermoplastic material extrusion opening are provided for transporting the thermoplastic material. Means for feeding the thermoplastic material to the chamber are also provided. The thermoplastic material extrusion opening is arranged such that the thermoplastic material is extruded towards the gas jet and introduced into the shear layer of the gas jet. A deposition surface may be formed for collecting the stream of narrowed fibers formed after the extruded thermoplastic material contacts the gas jet.

The invention also forms at least one centrally located high velocity gas stream or jet and is extruded from at least one thermoplastic material extrusion opening or orifice at least partially surrounding the at least one gas jet. Method for producing meltblown fibers and forming a nonwoven mat from the same, characterized in that at least one, usually two or more streams of molten thermoplastic material are combined with the high velocity gas stream. I am enthusiastic about how to do it. This results in the formation of at least one stream of fibers of the thermoplastic material that can be directed onto the deposition surface, thereby forming a meltblown nonwoven mat. In contrast to the present invention, according to the conventionally known melt-blowing process for producing a non-woven mat, a molten thermoplastic polymer resin forming a fiber passes through an orifice of a heated nozzle and is at least partially Extruded into a jet stream of usually two or more inert hot gases surrounding an extrusion orifice, the molten resin being atomized into a single stream or fiber row and then collected on a receiving means. Form a non-woven mat.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Although the present invention will be described in connection with certain and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all possible alternatives, modifications and equivalents that do not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. According to it, the die or extrusion head 10 is provided with a chamber 12 for containing a polymeric, usually thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be pressurized and supplied to the chamber 12 by a supply means or device 36 such as a supply hopper or an extrusion screw. The thermoplastic material is chamber 12
One or more heaters 3 suitably arranged to surround the hopper, or between the hopper and / or the hopper and the chamber
By means of 9, it can be brought into a fluid or molten state. First
As shown in the Figures and FIGS. 3a to 3f, chamber 12 provides a molten flow of thermoplastic material from chamber 12 through a plurality of thermoplastic material extrusion outlets or openings or orifices 18.
And outflow passages 14 and 16 for passage to a single opening 19 or the like. A single opening 19 is located in the die tip, which is preferably circular in shape, and a source 23 of inert gas, usually an inert gas, such as air at high velocity with a nozzle 22 and similar openings.
The means for delivering from is centrally located and arranged to surround it. Like the thermoplastic material, the air exiting the high velocity nozzle may be heated by a heater (not shown). The heater is suitably arranged to surround or be located within the inert gas source 23 or nozzle 22 itself. The chamber 12 may alternatively be provided with a single outlet (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) that branches into two or more passages. "High velocity" when referring to an inert gas or jet of inert gas is about 300 (91.5) to 2000 ft / s (6
10 m / s). The term "central" or "centrally" as used in the present invention for gas delivery means or gas jets means that the gas delivery means is surrounded by, or arranged between, thermoplastic material extrusion openings or openings. It generally includes the state of

In accordance with the invention, a single or near number of thermoplastic material extrusion openings 19 surrounding the opening containing the high velocity gas delivery means or air nozzles 22 or around the openings containing the high velocity gas delivery means or air nozzles 22. At least two thermoplastic material extrusion openings 1 disposed in
There can be 8 and 20. More common to melt-blown die tips, however, is the high velocity gas delivery means 22 in the form of an elongated opening or slot, and a series or individual thermoplastic material extrusion openings or slits 18 and 20 are provided. 3 Arranged in rows on either side of the gas delivery means 22 as shown in Figures a and b. The openings 18 and 20 are arranged such that their longitudinal axes form an angle of intersection of not less than about 30 ° and less than about 90 ° with the longitudinal axis of the high velocity gas delivery nozzle. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, this angle is typically 60 °.

Some of the configurations of the centrally located gas injection nozzle according to the invention and the surrounding thermoplastic resin extrusion opening, seen from the bottom side, are shown in Figures 3a-f. In one preferred configuration shown in Figure 3a, two rows 18 of holes are provided.
And 20 are arranged in rows, substantially parallel to the nozzle 22, which is formed as a straight elongated opening or slot, and on opposite sides of the nozzle 22. Each of the openings in row 18 may be arranged corresponding to a corresponding hole in row 20, respectively. Alternatively, the two rows of holes may be offset or skewed relative to the other rows of holes. Third
In the configuration depicted in Figure b, two thermoplastic resin extrusion ports 1
8 and 20 are arranged parallel to the elongated linear gas nozzles or slots 22 and on opposite sides of the nozzle and have the shape of elongated linear openings or slits. In the configuration shown in Fig. 3c, the inert gas is emitted from a capillary gas nozzle 22 which is arranged inside an elongated slit 19 through which the polymeric material flows. Nozzle 2
The two are here arranged linearly along a plane passing through the center of the slit and parallel to the elongated ends of the slit, but other arrangements such as staggered air nozzles are also possible. It is possible.

In the extrusion configuration shown in FIG. 3d, an inert gas nozzle 22 having a circular cross section has an inner surface of the cylindrical opening and an outer surface of the inert gas nozzle having an annular extrusion opening 19. Centered within the cylindrical opening to form. In this aspect and in the configuration shown in FIG. 3e, the central air nozzle 22 may have a diameter of up to about 2 inches. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3e, a plurality of thermoplastic polymer extrusion openings 18 are arranged in a spaced relationship to each other and to the inert gas nozzle about the inert gas nozzle. And 1
9 is provided. Finally, FIG. 3f illustrates a plurality of capillary gas nozzles 22 centrally located within the thermoplastic resin extrusion port 19 having a circular cross section.

The die head configuration of the present invention conveys the molten thermoplastic material from the chamber 12 through the passages or conduits 14 and 16 to the extrusion port 19 or 18, 20 and, as a result, as shown in FIG. The extrudate exits and contacts the shear layer of at least one jet of high-velocity gas that flows continuously through one or more nozzles 22 located in the center. As used herein, a shear layer is a layer or portion of an inert gas jet and is considered to be a layer or portion located in the perimeter of the jet. The result of this arrangement is a plurality, preferably two streams. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the melt extrudate is first refined at the peripheral portion or shear layer of one or more jets to form filaments or fibers which are mixed. And a porous surface 37 for forming or collecting, such as a roll (shown in FIG. 8), which is placed close to the die head.
Alternatively, the fibers are directed to a moving wire where the fibers form the matrix or mat 38. In this case, a plurality of melt extrudate streams, preferably two streams, are obtained.

An annular extrusion port 19 extending around the nozzle port 22
With the exception of the embodiment shown in Figure d, at least two streams of extrudate of thermoplastic material are formed by the extrusion head of the invention, these streams being finally delicated to fine filaments or non-woven mats. Form the fibers of
The present invention offers the possibility of more than double the output of fiber molding compared to conventional methods and equipment used therefor. Furthermore, since the filaments formed by the die head of the present invention are delicate in the shear layer of the high velocity gas flow, these filaments are closer to the air taken in from the atmosphere surrounding the installation and are of a thermoplastic material generated in the center. Quenching is more effective than conventional devices where air jets are concentrated in the flow.

2 and 5, the shape of the outlet of the high-velocity gas delivery nozzle 22 is shown in cross section. Thus, the outlet wall 24 of the nozzle 22 may be linear and substantially parallel to each other, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, or as shown in FIG. May be arranged so as to form an angle of intersection with each other. In the latter configuration, the intersection angle typically formed by the wall at the tip of the high velocity gas delivery nozzle is about 60 °. For other suitable wall shapes in which the walls 24 are substantially parallel, the tip of the nozzle will have a slightly different shape. As shown in the drawing, in that case, the tip of the nozzle has a specific shape, that is, a shape that gradually curves and tapers, and the outlet nozzle wall 26 arranged in a substantially parallel relationship passes through the loose S-shape 27 and the wall body The taper is made toward the narrowed nozzle tips 28 which are arranged substantially in one row or at a small angle to each other.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a means is provided for adding additives to an air stream or air jet that combines with the molten extrudate. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a conduit, such as a tube, or duct 30, is positioned centrally within the wall 24 of the high velocity gas delivery nozzle and spaced apart from the wall. Can be done. As shown in FIG. 6, the additive delivery conduit may have the shape of a duct 30 whose outlet tip is recessed from the outer portion or outlet surface 32 formed by the outer surface of the high velocity gas delivery nozzle. . Alternatively, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 6, the additive delivery conduit may take the form of a duct 34 whose outlet tip extends beyond the outer portion or outlet face of the high velocity gas delivery nozzle. The tip of the duct should also be positioned so that the outlet end is between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 6, especially the position where the outlet end of the duct is flush with the face 32. May be located at. Means may be provided for moving the duct between the two positions shown.

Additives that are added to the air flow through the duct are of any gaseous, liquid (eg, surfactant or encapsulating liquid) or particulate material (eg, superabsorbent material, i.e., capable of absorbing many times its weight of liquid). Possible materials, preferably carboxymethylcellulose, materials such as the crosslinkable sodium salt of polyacrylic acid esters; wood pulp, ie spinnable staple fibers such as cotton, flax, silk or jute), which are It can be used to form fibers or emerging webs. Additives may be delivered within the extrusion head or from a source located remote from the extrusion head. The outflow rates of the inert gas exiting through the high velocity gas delivery nozzle 22 and the gas and particle mixture exiting through duct 30 or 34 should be optimized, but these rates are the same. No need. The additive may be delivered to the duct in any conventional manner using gas as the carrier medium. Alternatively, the additive and a suitable flowing gas may be mixed and in some cases fed directly to the duct 22, eliminating the use of the additive feed duct.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a composite fabric made of two or more different thermoplastic materials is formed. Thus, a thermoplastic material extruded in the molten state in accordance with the present invention is disposed above or around either the high velocity gas delivery nozzle 22 or on either side of the nozzle or corresponding opposite sides, such as 18 and 20 above. With the exceptions noted, two or more extrusion ports or groups of extrusion ports provide injection of at least one rapidly moving stream of inert gas or jet into the shear layer. The thermoplastic materials extruded through these openings may be the same material or different in chemical and / or physical properties. First, second, ...
Materials referred to as n-th (n represents a certain number of plural) thermoplastic materials may have the same or different chemical components or molecular structures, and these materials have the same molecular structure. May differ in properties that give rise to different physical properties in molecular weight or other properties. In a situation where thermoplastic materials different from each other in terms of physical properties are used, for example, the first, second, ..., nth (n represents a certain number) heat is used for the extrusion, that is, the die head. There will be multiple chambers, one for each of several thermoplastic materials such as plastics. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the die head includes a first chamber 12 for a first thermoplastic material.
a, a second chamber 12b for the second thermoplastic material, etc., provided in a single chamber 12 with the single chamber and the first and second thermoplastic resin extrusion outlets 18 and 20, respectively. First provided with conduits or passages 14 and 16 communicating with
In contrast to the illustrated arrangement, the first chamber 12a and the second chamber 12
When b is used for the first and second thermoplastic materials respectively, each chamber is provided with only one extrusion outlet or passage to a group of openings. Thus, the first thermoplastic material chamber 12a communicates with the first extrusion outlet 18 by means of the first thermoplastic material passage 14a, while the second thermoplastic material chamber 12b passes through the second thermoplastic material passage 16b. It communicates with the second thermoplastic resin extrusion port 20.

The extrusion head may be cast as a single piece or may be a number of components, preferably two normally symmetrical portions 42 and 44 that are suitably clamped together, bolted or welded together.
It may be formed as. Each of these parts may also be formed by separate pieces that are suitably clamped, bolted or welded together. Depending on the configuration of the components of this equipment, when two or more chambers for thermoplastics are used,
The die head is fitted with suitable thermal insulation arranged to reduce the thermal effects of the air surrounding the device or some part of the device. Thus, the insulation may be arranged, for example, between the chambers and perhaps between the thermoplastic material conduit means 14a and 16b. By doing so, if the necessary appropriate means are provided, it is properly arranged 39a.
And heaters such as 39b (Fig. 8) can be controlled separately and independently, resulting in orifices 18 and 20.
The temperature of the thermoplastic material fed separately to the can be adjusted separately and independently. Thus, a first thermoplastic material having a series of properties is maintained at a first temperature, a second thermoplastic material having a series of properties different from the first property is maintained at a second temperature, and so on. be able to. Similarly, the temperature of the gas and the polymer can be different. It should be noted that the heater itself and possibly the means for supplying the thermoplastic material can also be insulated. Unlike the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in which a single thermoplastic material supply means and material chamber are used,
A number of (eg, first) for the first and second thermoplastic materials.
And the second means) may be provided. However, similar to a device in which a single chamber of thermoplastic material is provided, the device of the present invention using two chambers of thermoplastic material also has a supply means for supplying the thermoplastic material under pressure from its source into the chamber. It is provided. In embodiments having multiple (first and second) chambers of thermoplastic material, the pressures may be separately controlled to supply the thermoplastic material at different pressures.

In the die head embodiment, in both single piece and multi-piece die head embodiments, the thermoplastic chamber may be formed by any suitable means such as piercing or drilling the die head. The openings and passages or openings and conduits may also be drilled.

Although this description of the invention is directed to conventional extrusion or die heads that provide all or most of the recited elements, most of these elements are located away from the die head by the use of suitable conventional means. It should also be noted that it may be done. In such an arrangement, the thermoplastic extrusion port and one or more high velocity gas delivery nozzles centrally located may also be provided separately along with associated conduit means. In that case, the thermoplastic resin openings and the gas outlets are arranged in the positions and shapes described above and shown in the figures.

Both the high velocity gas delivery nozzle 22 and the extrusion ports 18 and 20 have diameters that vary significantly depending on the material being extruded and the parameters associated therewith, as well as the placement of the die head components. You can However, although the preferred width of the air nozzle 22 at the outlet end adjacent the extrusion surface is in the range of about 0.03 cm (about 0.01 inch) to about 0.32 cm (about 1/8 inch), However, if additive ducts 30, 34, or the like, are used, they may have a larger width so as not to obstruct the flow of particulate additive. The preferred width of the polymer extrusion port is about 0.01 cm (about 0.005 inches) at its outlet end adjacent the polymer extrusion surface.
Is about 0.13 cm (about 0.05 inch). Most preferably, the latter dimension is about 0.04 (about 0.015 inch). However, the size of the thermoplastic extrusion port is somewhat larger to accommodate the centrally located high velocity gas delivery nozzle 22 as shown in Figures 3c, 3d and 3f. It can also be done.

The present invention also contemplates that the size of each of the first and second thermoplastic material slotted openings can be adjusted. This adjustment may be accomplished by any suitable adjustment means, such as the slot adjustment post 46 shown in FIG.

As discussed above, nonwoven mats made of polymeric or thermoplastic fibers are made in accordance with the present invention by extruding and collecting multiple streams of thermoplastic material, i.e., one or more The first stream of molten thermoplastic material is extruded from the first thermoplastic material extrusion opening, while the same or another molten thermoplastic material is extruded from one or more second thermoplastic material extrusion openings. The first and second thermoplastic material extrusion openings are disposed to surround at least a portion of the high velocity gas nozzle or at opposite ends. The extruded thermoplastic material is thinned into fibers or filaments by a high velocity, inert gas jet or stream passing between its first and second streams. As shown in FIG. 4, when the streams containing the first and second thermoplastic materials merge with the inert gas stream shear layer, fibers are formed. The fibers are then directed onto a forming roll with recessed perforations or a collecting surface, such as a moving wire belt 37, located 1 to about 16 inches from the die head. The fibrous fabric or mat 38 is formed, in large part, when the fibers are deposited on the collecting surface. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, a flow of thermoplastic material is combined with an inert gas flow, and the turbulence is generally small in magnitude, causing internal shear that is downstream of the confluence of the two fiber flows. Some entanglement of fibers will occur in the area.

Polymeric materials or materials suitable for use in the present invention as a thermoplastic material include any that can be formed into fibers even after passing through a heated die head and that can withstand the high temperatures of the die head and short time delicate air flow. Materials are included. This material includes, in particular, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamides such as polyhexamethylene adipamide, poly w-caproamide and polyhexamethylene sebacamide, methyl and ethyl esters of polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid. Polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, cellulose esters and polyvinyl polymers such as polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, and polytrifluorochloroethylene.

All of the gases that do not react with the thermoplastic material under the temperature and pressure conditions of the meltblowing operation are suitable for use as inert gases used in high velocity gas streams that delicate the thermoplastic material into fibers or microfibers. Are suitable. It has been found that air is very suitable for this purpose.

In general, the fibers can be formed in any type and diameter that corresponds to the type of extrusion orifice.

The process of the present invention employs coarse fibers, that is, generally about 100
While it is possible to make fibers with diameters down to the micron, and in some cases larger, it is generally suitable for forming fine fibers, also known as microfibers or microfilaments. Microfibers made in accordance with the present invention often range in diameter from about 1 to about 20 microns, although microfibers as small as 0.1 microns can be made. Limiting factors that determine the ability of a given thermoplastic or polymer to delicate into fine fibers include the parameters of the extrusion system, the molecular weight of the material, melting point, surface tension, viscosity of the polymeric material such as temperature characteristics, There is pressure and flow velocity. By varying operating parameters such as air temperature, nozzle temperature, air velocity or pressure, polymer feed rate or ram pressure, optimal conditions for all particular thermoplastic materials can be achieved. These and other variables will be readily determined by those who are familiar with meltblowing operations. But Wente
By Industrial And Engineering Chemistry, Vol.
48, No. 8, p1342-1346 (1956), "Ultrafine thermoplastic fiber" and Naval Research Laboratory Re.
Naval Research Laboratory by Lawrence et al., "Processing of Ultrafine Organic Fibers", port No. 11, 437 (1954).
Report No., 5265 (1959), "Improved production equipment for ultrafine thermoplastic fibers," US Pat. No. 4,04.
No. 1,203, No. 4100324, No. 3959421, No. 3715251,
No. 3704198, No. 3692618, No. 3676242, No. 359524
No. 5, No. 3542615, No. 3509009, No. 3502763, No.
No. 3502538, No. 3341394, No. 3338992, No. 3276944
No., British Patent Specification No. 1217892, Canadian Patent Specification No.
A wealth of guidance is given by 803714, etc.

Generally, the operating conditions are summarized as follows. Suitable air temperatures to delicate the microfibers may be as low as ambient temperature. However, it is usually above the melting point of thermoplastic materials, at least about 93 ° C (200 ° F), but under certain conditions some materials such as polyolefins, especially polyethylene and polystyrene, may High melting point or softening point of plastic material 148
A temperature of about 300 ° F (° C) is required. When polypropylene is selected as the polymeric material, it is generally about 2
Temperatures in the range of 04 ° C (400 ° F) to about 370 ° C (700 ° F) are used.

The time during which the thermoplastic material dwells and becomes delicate in the heated, high velocity inert gas stream is relatively short, and therefore it is relatively unlikely that the thermoplastic material will decompose when subjected to high temperatures. Few. However, in general, the thermoplastic material dwells in the die head heating section for a longer period of time than it does in a high velocity, inert gas stream, and the residence time in the die head and the temperature at which the thermoplastic material is held are By both
It is easily decomposed. Therefore, when attempting polymer degradation, it may be achieved by adjusting the residence time of the polymer in the die head and the upstream delivery system. Generally, a thermoplastic material extruding port, that is, a polymer nozzle, which is dependent on the residence time in the heated portion of the die head and is approximately equal to or higher than 93 ° C. (200 ° F.) above ambient temperature Temperature is used. However, polymer nozzles are not normally tuned to achieve or maintain a particular temperature. Further, the temperature of the thermoplastic material extrusion port is largely determined by the heat released by the thermoplastic material passing through the opening and the surrounding air, both of which pass through the high velocity gas delivery nozzle and the atmosphere. In some cases, insulation may be placed around the polymer nozzle, the high velocity gas delivery nozzle, or both to keep the polymer nozzle in a temperature range.

The velocity of the heated inert gas stream, which depends at least in part on the gas pressure, also varies significantly depending on the nature of the thermoplastic material. Therefore, in some thermoplastic materials such as polyolefins, especially polyethylene, 1 to 25
Air pressures on the order of psi are suitable, but for other thermoplastic materials, for fibers of the same diameter and length, 3.5 kg / cm ²
(50 psi) is required. Without anticipation of such variables, air pressure generally ranges from 0.07 to about 4.2 kg /
It is in the cm ² (60 psi) range.

As indicated above, the advantages realized by the present invention over known meltblowing devices and methods using a single thermoplastic material extrusion opening or set of openings are:
It is an increase in overall speed. A standard row or set of openings has a maximum speed of 4.5 kg / cm / hr (25 pounds / in
ch / hour), 0.54kg / cm / hr (3pounds / in
Often operated at a speed of ch / hour), the present invention provides a similar operation speed of 1.07 kg / cm / hr (6 pounds / inch / hour) to about 9 kg / cm / hr (50 pounds / inch).
/ Hour) is possible.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made in the above described apparatus and method without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a die head having a structure and an operating principle according to the present invention, showing a flow of a thermoplastic material, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an example of a die chip according to the present invention, 3a to 3f. The figure is a bottom view of the die chip of the present invention having a thermoplastic material extrusion opening and a high-speed gas delivery means provided in the center, and FIG. 4 schematically shows the formation state of a filament flow in a shear layer of a gas jet. FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of another example of the die chip according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing an example of the die chip according to the present invention with an auxiliary duct, and FIG. 7 is a book having slot adjusting means. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing an example of a die chip according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic side sectional view of an example of a die head according to the present invention having two thermoplastic material chambers. Explanation of reference numerals 10 ... Extrusion head, 12 ... Chamber, 14, 16 ... Outflow passage, 18, 20 ... Orifice, 19 ... Supply source of extrusion opening of thermoplastic material, 36 ... Supply of thermoplastic material Device, 37 ... Porous surface, 39 ... Heating device.

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism having a die head, wherein the die head is adapted to continuously emit at least one gas jet having a shear layer, and a high-speed gas stream disposed at a central portion. A delivery means, at least one chamber for the thermoplastic material, and a delivery means for the thermoplastic material, provided near and at least partially surrounding the high velocity gas flow delivery means And a thermoplastic material delivery means adapted to direct the extruded molten thermoplastic material towards the gas jet, thereby introducing the extruded thermoplastic material into a shear layer of the gas jet; A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism comprising at least one chamber and means for communicating the thermoplastic material delivery means. 2. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic material supply means comprises at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening.
A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism having at least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening. 3. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 1 further including means for supplying said thermoplastic material to said at least one chamber. Extrusion mechanism. 4. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein two chambers are provided. 5. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the two chambers include a first chamber containing a first thermoplastic material and a second thermoplastic material. A second chamber that accommodates the thermoplastic material extruding mechanism. 6. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 5 wherein first conduit means is in fluid communication between said first chamber and said at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening. And a second conduit means for communicating the second chamber with the at least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening. 7. The thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a heater for raising the temperature of the thermoplastic material. 8. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 5; and means for supplying said first thermoplastic material to said first chamber at a first pressure; Means for supplying the second thermoplastic material to the second chamber at a second pressure. 9. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the first heating device for raising the temperature of the first thermoplastic material and the second thermoplastic material are provided. A second heating device for raising the temperature, a mechanism for extruding a thermoplastic material. 10. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising means for introducing an additive into the pressure gas passing through the high-speed gas delivery means. Mechanism for extruding thermoplastic material. 11. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the means for introducing the additive has an additive supply duct. mechanism. 12. The thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the high-speed gas delivery means has an exit plane, and the exit end of the additive supply duct projects from the exit plane. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism characterized in that 13. The thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the high-speed gas delivery means has an outlet plane, and the outlet end of the additive supply duct is inside the outlet plane. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism characterized by being pulled into. 14. The thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising means for adjusting a width of the extrusion openings of the first and second thermoplastic materials. Mechanism for extruding thermoplastic material. 15. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the high-speed gas delivery means provided at the center is provided for each of the first and second thermoplastic material extruding openings. Greater than about 30 ° and about 90
A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism characterized by being arranged so as to form an intersection angle smaller than °. 16. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein said centrally located high velocity gas delivery means has a slot with two elongated edges. And a thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism. 17. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 16 wherein said at least one first
A thermoplastic material extrusion opening having a first row of holes provided on one side of the slot in parallel with one of the elongated edges, the at least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening comprising: A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism having a second hole row provided on the other side of the slot in parallel with the other of the elongated edges. 18. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 16 wherein said at least one first
A thermoplastic material extrusion opening having a first slit on one side of the slot and parallel to the elongated edge, the at least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening on the other side of the slot. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism having a second slit provided parallel to the other of the elongated edges. 19. The thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic material delivering means has a slit, and the high-speed gas delivering means arranged at the center has a plurality of capillaries. A thermoplastic material extruding mechanism having a gas nozzle. 20. The thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the high-speed gas delivery means arranged at the center comprises a nozzle having a circular cross section, and the nozzle has a cylindrical opening. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism, wherein the thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism is disposed concentrically therewith, and an annular extrusion opening is provided between the surface of the cylindrical opening and the outer surface of the nozzle. 21. The thermoplastic material extruding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the high-speed gas delivery means arranged at the center comprises a nozzle having a circular cross section, and the thermoplastic material delivery means comprises: A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism having a plurality of thermoplastic material extrusion openings spaced from each other and spaced from the nozzle. 22. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic material delivery means comprises an extrusion opening having a circular cross section and said centrally located high velocity gas delivery means. Has a plurality of capillary gas nozzles provided in the extrusion opening. 23. A thermoplastic material extrusion mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein said thermoplastic material delivery means comprises at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening.
A first chamber and a second thermoplastic material including at least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening, the at least one chamber adapted to receive the first thermoplastic material; And a second conduit adapted to connect said first material to said at least one thermoplastic material extrusion opening, said first conduit means connecting said first chamber with said at least one thermoplastic material extrusion opening; Two chambers and a second conduit means connecting said at least one thermoplastic material extrusion opening, said high velocity gas delivery means comprising a slot with two elongated edges, said at least one A first row of holes in which a thermoplastic material extrusion opening is provided parallel to one of said elongated edges on one side of said slot and a second row of holes provided parallel to the other of said elongated edges on the other side of said slot. And the mechanism further includes Means for supplying a first thermoplastic material to the first chamber at a first pressure, and means for supplying a second thermoplastic material to the second chamber at a second pressure, A first heating device for raising the first thermoplastic material to a first temperature;
And a second heating device for raising the temperature of the thermoplastic material up to a second temperature. 24. A method of making fibers of a thermoplastic material, comprising: (a) forming at least one high velocity gas jet centrally located and having a shear layer; and (b) out of the high velocity gas jets. At least one stream of molten thermoplastic material is expelled from a thermoplastic material delivery means disposed in close proximity to and at least partially surrounding the thermoplastic material; and Combining at least one stream of a plastic material with the at least one high velocity gas jet to make the thermoplastic material fibrous, thereby forming a stream of fibers of the thermoplastic material. A method of forming fibers of a thermoplastic material. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the stream of at least one molten thermoplastic material comprises at least one first thermoplastic material stream and at least one second thermoplastic material stream. A thermoplastic material stream, wherein said thermoplastic material delivery means extrudes said at least one first thermoplastic material stream and at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening and said at least one second thermoplastic material stream. At least one second thermoplastic material extrusion opening for extruding thermoplastic material, the extrusions from both extrusion openings being performed simultaneously to provide the at least one first thermoplastic material stream and the at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening; 2 a thermoplastic material and a shear layer of the at least one high velocity gas jet, whereby the at least one first thermoplastic material fiber stream and the at least one second thermoplastic material fiber stream are combined. Method characterized in that respectively formed. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein a first thermoplastic material is extruded through the at least one first thermoplastic material extrusion opening and the at least one second thermoplastic material is extruded. A second thermoplastic material is extruded through the material extrusion opening, the first and second thermoplastic materials differing from each other in their physical properties. 27. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one high velocity gas jet contains fluidized additive. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the additive comprises a superabsorbent material. 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the fluidized additive comprises wood pulp fibers. 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the fluidized additive comprises staple fibers. 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the fluidized additive is a liquid. 32. The method of claim 25, wherein the first and second thermoplastic material streams form an angle to the high velocity gas stream that is greater than about 30 ° and less than about 90 °. A method characterized by performing with. 33. The method of claim 25, wherein the first and second fiber streams formed in step (C) are directed onto a deposition surface, thereby forming a non-woven mat. A method characterized by the following.