US 6,551,088 B2 · Apparatus for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments

Abstract

An apparatus for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments. The apparatus includes a distributor, a spinneret having holes and a shim having openings fixed between the distributor plate and the spinneret. The distributor supplies a first polymer having an MV to a first part of the spinneret holes and a second polymer having a lower MV to a recessed section of the spinneret. The shim openings are positioned above the spinneret holes and extend away from the first part of the holes to allow the second polymer to flow from the recessed section, through the shim openings, to a second part of the spinneret holes. The two polymers travel along the opposed first and second parts of the holes until exiting the spinneret through respective asymmetric C-shaped apertures. The apertures are sized so that hydraulic split does not occur between the polymers and consequently potential filament kneeing is obviated. Upon exiting the apertures, the polymers self-join to form hollow filaments and are quenched. Since the polymers have different MV properties, the filaments self-crimp into a spiral configuration.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A spin pack assembly for the production of hollow bicomponent filaments comprising:

a distributor having a plurality of outer polymer flow passages for the flow of a first polymer and an inner polymer flow passage for the flow of a second polymer;
a spinneret secured relative to said distributor and communicating with said distributor to receive the first and second polymers, wherein said spinneret includes a top face directed towards said distributor, an opposed bottom face and a plurality of holes extending from said top face to said bottom face, wherein said holes have a lower section which includes a plurality of apertures and wherein each of said apertures communicate substantially only with either said inner flow passage or at least one of said outer flow passages;
and
a shim secured between said distributor and said spinneret, said shim having a plurality of openings, each of said openings having adjacent first and second portions, wherein said first portion forms a continuous path from said outer flow passage, through said openings to said holes, and said second portion forms a continuous path from said inner flow passage, through said openings to said holes.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments

Life of this patent

Apparatus for spinning hollow bicomponent filaments

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14