초록 ▼

A segmented die assembly comprising a plurality of side-by-side and separate units. Each die unit includes (a) a manifold segment having an internal gear pump, (b) a die module mounted on the manifold segment, and (c) a recirculating module mounted on the manifold segment. The manifold segments are

A segmented die assembly comprising a plurality of side-by-side and separate units. Each die unit includes (a) a manifold segment having an internal gear pump, (b) a die module mounted on the manifold segment, and (c) a recirculating module mounted on the manifold segment. The manifold segments are interconnected and function to deliver process air and polymer melt to the modules. Each die module includes (a) a fiberization nozzle, and (b) a valve for controlling the flow of polymer therethrough. The gear pump of each manifold segment receives a polymer melt and delivers it either to the die module (with its valve open) or to the recirculation module (with the die module valve closed). Polymer melt flowing through the die module and is discharged as a filament or filaments onto a moving substrate or collector. On the other hand, polymer flow through the recirculation module is returned to the polymer melt hopper or reservoir for recirculation through the die assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A segmented die assembly comprising:(a) a plurality of manifold segments, each having an inlet polymer flow passage and a polymer discharge flow passage formed therein; said manifold segments being interconnected in side-by-side relationship wherein said inlet polymer f

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A segmented die assembly comprising:(a) a plurality of manifold segments, each having an inlet polymer flow passage and a polymer discharge flow passage formed therein; said manifold segments being interconnected in side-by-side relationship wherein said inlet polymer flow passages are in fluid communication, respectively, and each manifold segment including a rotary positive displacement pump for receiving a polymer melt from said inlet polymer flow passage and discharging the polymer melt into said polymer discharge flow passage, said positive displacement pump including a driven rotary member;(b) a shaft extending through said manifold segments and connected to said driven rotary member of each manifold segment, said shaft comprising a stub shaft mounted in each manifold segment, and said stub shafts being interconnected in end-to-end relationship;(c) a motor for driving said shaft so that said motor drives said interconnected stub shafts as a unit whereby said rotary positive displacement pump of each manifold segment pumps polymer melt into its respective polymer discharge flow passage;(d) a die module comprising (i) a die body mounted on each manifold segment and having a polymer flow passage in fluid communication with the polymer discharge flow passage of its associated manifold segment; and (ii) a nozzle mounted on the die body and having a polymer flow passage in fluid communication with said polymer flow passage of its associated die body for receiving the polymer melt and discharging a filament or filaments of the polymer melt therefrom; and(e) means for delivering a polymer melt to said inlet polymer flow passage of each manifold segment whereby the melt is distributed to said inlet polymer flow passages of the manifold segments and flows in each segment to said pump, said discharge flow passage and said flow passages of said die body and said nozzle.