CN111690992A

CN111690992A - Nozzle unit, electric field spinning nozzle and electric field spinning device

Info

Publication number: CN111690992A
Application number: CN202010122718.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 木下静雄; 小林浩秋; 内田健哉; 町田守宽
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-12
Filing date: 2020-02-27
Publication date: 2020-09-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-27
Also published as: KR102287674B1; JP7242353B2; CN111690992B; JP2020147863A; KR20200109248A; US20200291544A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a nozzle unit, an electrospinning nozzle, and an electrospinning apparatus. Provided are a nozzle unit, an electrospinning nozzle, and an electrospinning device, which can appropriately form a film of fibers having a large width direction while suppressing complication of a structure and a control system, increase in manufacturing cost, and reduction in productivity. According to an embodiment, the electrospinning nozzle includes a plurality of nozzle units and a connection structure, and the plurality of nozzle units are connected to each other by the connection structure. The plurality of spinning nozzle units each include a unit body and a nozzle. A hollow space for accommodating the raw material liquid is formed inside the unit body along the long axis. The nozzle is formed of a conductive material and is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the unit main body. The nozzle ejects the raw material liquid supplied through the hollow of the unit body. The connection structure connects the plurality of head units in a state where the cavities of the unit main bodies communicate with each other.

Description

Nozzle unit, electric field spinning nozzle and electric field spinning device

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a nozzle unit, an electrospinning nozzle, and an electrospinning apparatus.

Background

There is an electrospinning apparatus for forming a film of fibers by depositing fine fibers on the surface of a collecting body or a base material by electrospinning (also referred to as an electrospinning method, a charge induction spinning method, or the like). The electrospinning device is provided with an electrospinning nozzle having a nozzle body and a nozzle. In an electrospinning nozzle, a hollow space (nozzle flow path) for storing a raw material liquid is provided inside a nozzle body, and a nozzle is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the nozzle body. Then, by applying a voltage between the electrospinning nozzle and the collector or the base material, the raw material liquid is discharged from the discharge port of the nozzle toward the surface of the collector or the base material, and the fibers are deposited on the surface of the collector or the base material.

In the above-described electrospinning device, when fibers are deposited on the surface of the base material having a large width dimension, a film of the fibers having a large width dimension may be formed by electrospinning. In the electrospinning device, even when a film of fibers having a large width direction is formed, it is required to appropriately form the film of fibers by appropriately depositing the fibers on the surface of the base material or the like. Further, in the electrospinning device, it is required to suppress the complication of the structure and the control system, and to suppress the increase in the manufacturing cost and the decrease in the productivity of the electrospinning nozzle at the same time.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a nozzle unit, an electrospinning nozzle, and an electrospinning apparatus that can appropriately form a film of fibers having a large width-wise dimension while suppressing complication of the structure and control system, increase in manufacturing cost, and reduction in productivity.

According to an embodiment, a head unit includes a unit body and a nozzle. A cavity for accommodating the raw material liquid is formed inside the unit main body along the long axis. The nozzle is formed of a conductive material and is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the unit main body. The nozzle ejects the raw material liquid supplied through the hollow of the unit body. The head unit has a connection structure, and the other head unit can be connected to at least one side of the head unit in a direction along the longitudinal axis by the connection structure. The connection structure connects the cell main bodies of the other head units to the cell main body in a state where the hollow of the cell main body communicates with the hollow of the cell main body of the other head unit. The head flow path is formed along the longitudinal axis by the hollow of the unit body and the hollow of another head unit communicating with the hollow.

According to an embodiment, the electrospinning nozzle includes a plurality of nozzle units arranged along the longitudinal axis and a connection structure. The plurality of head units are connected to each other by a connection structure. Each of the head units has a unit body and a nozzle. A cavity for accommodating the raw material liquid is formed inside the unit main body along the long axis. The nozzle is formed of a conductive material and is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the unit main body. The nozzle ejects the raw material liquid supplied through the hollow of the unit body. The connection structure connects the plurality of head units in a state where the cavities of the unit main bodies communicate with each other. The head flow path is formed by the cavities communicating with each other along the longitudinal axis.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the electrospinning device includes the electrospinning nozzle described above, a supply source, and a power source. The supply source supplies the raw material liquid to a head flow path of the electrospinning head. The power supply applies voltage to the electric field spinning nozzle.

According to the head unit, the electrospinning head, and the electrospinning device, the film of the fibers having a large width direction dimension can be appropriately formed while suppressing complication of the structure and the control system, increase in manufacturing cost, and reduction in productivity.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electrospinning device according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first embodiment in a state of being viewed from a direction intersecting with the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first embodiment in a cross-section parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first embodiment in a cross-section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an electrospinning nozzle according to the first modification.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first modification in a state of being viewed from a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first modification in a cross-section parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view schematically showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the first modification in a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing an electrospinning nozzle according to a second modification in a state where nozzle units are separated from each other.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view schematically showing an electrospinning nozzle according to a second modification example, in a sectional view parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the third modification in a state of being viewed from a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing the electrospinning nozzle according to the third modification in a state viewed from one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an electrospinning nozzle according to a fourth modification.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 1 shows an example of an electrospinning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the electrospinning device 1 includes an electrospinning nozzle 2, a source (supply section) 3 for supplying a raw material liquid, a power source 4, a collector 5, and a control section 6.

Fig. 2 to 5 show the structure of the electrospinning nozzle 2. As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the electrospinning nozzle 2 has a longitudinal axis C as a central axis and is disposed to extend along the longitudinal axis C. The electrospinning nozzle 2 includes a nozzle body 11 and a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) nozzles 12. The electrospinning head 2 is provided with the same number of connecting portions 13 as the nozzles 12, and the nozzles 12 are connected to the head main body 11 via the corresponding one of the connecting portions 13. In the present embodiment, the head main body 11, the nozzles 12, and the connection portion 13 are each formed of a conductive material.

The number of nozzles 12 is not particularly limited. The connection portion 13 does not necessarily need to be provided, and the nozzles 12 may be directly connected to the head main body 11. The head main body 11, the nozzles 12, and the connecting portion 13 are preferably formed of a material having resistance to a raw material liquid described later, for example, stainless steel. Here, fig. 2 is a perspective view, and fig. 3 shows a state viewed from a direction intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis C. Fig. 4 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and fig. 5 shows a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C.

The nozzles 12 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11, respectively. The outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11 extends in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C, and forms a part of the outer surface of the head main body 11. The outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11 faces away from the longitudinal axis C in a direction intersecting the longitudinal axis C. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 12 are arranged at the same or substantially the same angular position in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 12 are arranged along the longitudinal axis C to form the nozzle row 15. The nozzles 12 protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the head main body 11.

A head flow path 16 is formed along the longitudinal axis C inside the head main body 11. In the present embodiment, the head flow path 16 is formed coaxially or substantially coaxially with the head main body 11, and the center axis of the head flow path 16 is formed coaxially or substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis C. The head flow path 16 is formed over the entire head main body 11 or a large part thereof in a direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the head main body 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the head flow path 16 as an internal cavity.

The electrospinning head 2 has the same number of nozzle flow paths 17 as the number of the nozzles 12, and each of the nozzles 12 has a corresponding one of the nozzle flow paths 17 formed therein. The nozzle flow paths 17 communicate with the head flow paths 16, respectively, and extend from the head flow paths 16 toward the outer periphery of the head main body 11. The nozzle flow paths 17 are opened to the outside through the discharge ports 18. In the nozzle 12, ejection ports 18 are formed from the projection ends of the head main body 11, respectively.

The nozzles 12 are, for example, needle-type nozzles. The outer diameter of each nozzle 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably as small as possible. By reducing the outer diameter of each nozzle 12, when a voltage is applied between the electrospinning nozzle 2 and the collector 5 as described later, electric field concentration tends to occur in the vicinity of the discharge port 18 of each nozzle 12. By generating electric field concentration in the vicinity of the discharge ports 18 of the respective nozzles 12, even if the voltage applied between the electrospinning nozzle 2 and the collector 5 is reduced, the electric field intensity between the respective nozzles 12 and the collector 5 can be kept high. In one example, the outer diameter of each nozzle 12 is, for example, about 0.3mm to 1.3 mm.

The opening diameter size of each of the discharge ports 18 is not particularly limited as long as it is smaller than the outer diameter size of each of the nozzles 12. The size of the opening diameter of each of the ejection ports 18 can be appropriately set in accordance with the type of the fibers 100 deposited on the surface of the collector 5. In one example, the opening diameter of each of the ejection ports 18 is, for example, about 0.1mm to 1 mm.

The source 3 of the raw material liquid includes a storage section 31, a supply drive section 32, a supply adjustment section 33, and a supply pipe 35. The storage section 31, the supply driving section 32, the supply adjusting section 33, and the supply pipe 35 each have resistance to the raw material liquid, and in one example, the storage section 31 and the supply pipe 35 are each formed of an insulating material such as a fluorine resin.

The storage section 31 is a tank or the like that stores the raw material liquid. The raw material liquid is a liquid in which a polymer material is dissolved in a solvent. The polymer contained in the raw material liquid and the solvent for dissolving the polymer may be appropriately determined depending on the type of the fibers 100 deposited on the surface of the collector 5 and the like. The supply pipe 35 connects the housing 31 and the head main body 11 of the electrospinning head 2. A flow path for the raw material liquid is formed inside the supply pipe 35.

An inlet 22 is formed at one end of the head flow path 16 of the head main body 11. The supply pipe 35 is connected to the head main body 11 through the inlet 22, and the head flow path 16 communicates with the inside of the supply pipe 35 through the inlet 22. In the present embodiment, the inflow port 22 is formed in one end surface of the head main body 11 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. The other end of the head flow path 16, that is, the end of the head flow path 16 opposite to the inlet 22 is closed with respect to the outside of the head main body 11. In one example, the other end of the head flow path 16 is closed by the head main body 11 itself, and in another example, the other end of the head flow path 16 is closed by a cap or the like attached to the head main body 11.

The supply driving unit 32 is driven to supply the raw material liquid from the storage unit 31 to the head flow path 16 of the head main body 11 through the supply pipe 35. In one example, the supply drive unit 32 is a pump. In another example, the supply driving unit 32 supplies gas to the housing unit 31 to pressure-feed the raw material liquid from the housing unit 31 to the head flow path 16.

The supply adjusting unit 33 adjusts the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the raw material liquid supplied to the head flow path 16. In either example, the supply adjustment unit 33 is a control valve capable of controlling the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the raw material liquid. The supply adjusting unit 33 adjusts the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the raw material liquid to suppress the discharge of the raw material liquid from the discharge ports 18 of the nozzles 12. The supply adjusting unit 33 adjusts the flow rate, pressure, and the like of the raw material liquid to be appropriate based on the viscosity of the raw material liquid, the size of each of the discharge ports 18, and the like. In either example, the supply adjustment unit 33 can switch between supply and stop of the raw material liquid from the storage unit 31 to the head flow path 16. In this case, the supply adjustment unit 33 is, for example, a switching valve.

The supply driving unit 32 and the supply adjusting unit 33 are not necessarily provided. In either example, the storage unit 31 is provided vertically above the head main body 11, and the raw material liquid is supplied from the storage unit 31 to the head flow path 16 by gravity. In this case, by adjusting the difference in height of the housing portion 31 with respect to the head main body 11, the discharge of the raw material liquid from the discharge ports 18 of the respective nozzles 12 is suppressed in a state where no voltage is applied between the electrospinning head 2 and the collector 5.

The power supply 4 applies a voltage between the electrospinning jet head 2 and the collector 5. At this time, in the electrospinning nozzle 2, a voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to each nozzle 12 through the nozzle body 11 and the corresponding one of the connection portions 13. In one example, terminals (not shown) electrically connected to the nozzles 12 are provided, and a voltage is applied to each of the nozzles 12 via the terminals. In the configuration in which the terminal is provided, it is not necessary to form the head main body 11 and the connection portion 13 with a conductive material. As described above, the power source 4 may be configured to apply a voltage to each of the nozzles 12.

In addition, the nozzles 12 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to each of the nozzles 12, the nozzles 12 have the same or substantially the same potential. The polarity of the voltage applied to each nozzle 12 may be positive or negative. In the example of fig. 1, the power source 4 is a dc power source, and a positive voltage is applied to each nozzle 12.

The collector 5 is formed of a conductive material. The collector 5 is resistant to the raw material liquid, and is made of stainless steel in one example. The collector 5 is disposed on the side of the electrospinning nozzle 2 where the discharge ports 18 are opened. Therefore, the collector 5 is disposed on the side of the electrospinning nozzle 2 from which the raw material liquid is discharged from the discharge port 18.

In the example of fig. 1, the collector 5 is grounded. Therefore, in a state where a positive voltage is applied to each of the nozzles 12, the voltage to ground of the collector 5 is 0V or substantially 0V. In another example, the collector 5 is not grounded. Then, the power source 4 applies a voltage of a polarity opposite to that of the nozzles 12 to the collector 5.

In a state where the raw material liquid is supplied from the supply source 3 to the electrospinning head 2, the raw material liquid is discharged from the discharge ports 18 of the respective nozzles 12 toward the collector 5 by applying a voltage between the respective nozzles 12 and the collector 5 by the power source 4 as described above. That is, the raw material liquid is discharged toward the collector 5 by the potential difference between each of the nozzles 12 and the collector 5. The raw material liquid is discharged from the discharge ports 18 of the nozzles 12 toward the collecting body 5, whereby the fibers 100 are deposited on the surface of the collecting body 5, and a film of the fibers 100 is formed from the deposited fibers 100. That is, the film of the fiber 100 is formed by an electrospinning method (also referred to as an electrospinning method, a charge induction spinning method, or the like).

The voltage applied between the electrospinning head 2 and the collector 5, that is, the potential difference between each of the nozzles 12 and the collector 5 can be adjusted to an appropriate value according to the type of the polymer contained in the raw material liquid, the distance between each of the nozzles 12 and the collector 5, and the like. In either example, a dc voltage of 10kV to 100kV is applied between each of the nozzles 12 and the collector 5. In either example, the direction of the electrospinning nozzle 2 along the longitudinal axis C coincides or substantially coincides with the width direction of the collector 5. The width direction of the formed fiber 100 film is aligned or substantially aligned with the direction of the electrospinning nozzle 2 along the longitudinal axis C.

The collector 5 is formed in a plate shape or a sheet shape, for example. When the collector 5 is formed in a sheet shape, the fibers 100 may be accumulated on the collector 5 wound around the outer peripheral surface of a roller or the like. In addition, the collector 5 may be movable.

In one example, a pair of rotary drums and a drive source for driving the rotary drums are provided. The collector 5 is moved between the pair of rotating drums by the driving source of the rotating drums, similarly to the conveyor belt. At this time, for example, the moving direction (conveying direction) of the collector 5 intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) the width direction of the collector 5. By moving (conveying) the collector 5, the region where the fibers 100 are deposited on the surface of the collector 5 can be changed with time. This allows the fibers 100 to be deposited continuously over time on the collector 5, and a film of the fibers 100, which is a deposited body of the fibers 100, can be efficiently produced.

The film of fibers 100 formed on the surface of the collecting body 5 is removed from the collecting body 5. The film of the fiber 100 is not limited to these, and can be used for nonwoven fabric, mesh, and the like, for example.

In one example, the collector 5 is not provided. In this case, by using a base material made of a conductive material and applying a voltage between each nozzle 12 and the base material, the raw material liquid is discharged from each discharge port 18 of the nozzle 12 toward the base material. Then, the fibers 100 are deposited on the surface of the base material, thereby forming a film of the fibers 100 on the surface of the base material. In this case, the base material may be grounded, or a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of each nozzle 12 may be applied to the base material by the power supply 4.

In another example, a base material is provided on the collector 5, and a voltage is applied between each of the nozzles 12 and the collector 5 as described above. Then, the fibers 100 are deposited on the surface of the base material provided on the collector 5, and a film of the fibers 100 is formed on the surface of the base material. In this case, even when the base material has electrical insulation, a film of the fiber 100 can be formed on the surface of the base material.

In addition, when the base material is provided on the collector 5, the base material may be movable on the collector 5. In either example, a rotary drum around which a sheet-like base material is wound and a rotary drum around which a base material on the surface of which a film of the fibers 100 is formed are wound are provided. Further, the substrates are moved on the collector 5 by rotating the rotary drums individually. In this case, for example, the moving direction (conveying direction) of the base material intersects (is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular) the width direction of the base material. By moving (conveying) the base material, the region in which the fibers 100 are deposited on the surface of the base material can be changed with time. This allows the fibers 100 to be deposited continuously over time on the substrate, and a film of the fibers 100, which is a deposited body of the fibers 100, can be efficiently produced.

Examples of the film in which the fibers 100 are formed on the surface of the base material are not limited to this, and examples thereof include the production of a battery separator-integrated electrode. In this case, one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the electrode group is used as a base material. The film of fibers 100 formed on the surface of the substrate serves as a separator integrated with the negative electrode or the positive electrode.

The control unit (controller) 6 is, for example, a computer or the like. The control unit 6 includes a processor or an Integrated circuit (control circuit) including a cpu (central processing unit), an asic (application Specific Integrated circuit), an fpga (field programmable Gate array), or the like, and a storage medium such as a memory. The control unit 6 may include only one integrated circuit or the like, or may include a plurality of integrated circuits or the like. The control unit 6 executes a program or the like stored in a storage medium or the like to perform processing. The control unit 6 controls the driving of the supply driving unit 32, the operation of the supply adjusting unit 33, the output from the power supply 4, and the like.

As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the electrospinning nozzle 2 includes a plurality of (2 in the present embodiment)

nozzle units

21A and 21B. The

head units

21A, 21B are arranged along the long axis C. The

head units

21A and 21B are connected to each other. In the present embodiment, the electrospinning nozzle 2 is formed by connecting two

nozzle units

21A and 21B. The head unit 21A is connected to the other head unit 21B on one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the

head units

21A and 21B are adjacent to each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis C.

Each of the

head units

21A and 21B includes a unit body 23. The unit bodies 23 are disposed to extend around the longitudinal axis C as a center axis. In the electrospinning nozzle 2, the nozzle body 11 is formed by the unit bodies 23 of the

nozzle units

21A, 21B. The outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11 is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23 of the

head units

21A, 21B. The

head units

21A and 21B are coupled to each other in a state where the unit bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B are coaxial or substantially coaxial with each other.

In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, a cavity 25 is formed along the longitudinal axis C inside the unit body 23. In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, the hollow 25 is formed coaxially or substantially coaxially with the unit body 23, and the central axis of the hollow 25 is formed coaxially or substantially coaxially with the longitudinal axis C. In the electrospinning head 2, the

head units

21A and 21B are connected with each other in a state where the cavities 25 of the unit bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B communicate with each other. The head flow path 16 is formed along the longitudinal axis C by the hollow 25 of the unit main body 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B.

In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, the above-described nozzles 12 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23. In the example of fig. 2 and the like, two nozzles 12 are provided in the head unit 21A, and two nozzles 12 are provided in the head unit 21B. The number of nozzles 12 provided in each of the

head units

21A and 21B is not particularly limited, and one or more nozzles 12 may be connected to the unit main body 23 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B.

In the example shown in fig. 2 and the like, the end surface of one side of the head main body 11 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C is formed by the unit main body 23 of the head unit 21A, and the end surface of the other side of the head main body 11 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C is formed by the unit main body 23 of the head unit 21B. The inflow port 22 of the head flow path 16 is formed in the head unit 21A.

Further, a seal member 20 is provided between the

head units

21A, 21B adjacent to each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Thus, the seal member 20 is disposed on the connection plane P of the

head units

21A and 21B adjacent to each other. The sealing member 20 is, for example, a gasket, a ring, or the like, and examples of a material forming the sealing member 20 include Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the like. The seal member 20 keeps the unit bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B liquid-tight in the connection plane P. This prevents the raw material liquid from flowing out of the head main body 11 through the head flow path 16 in the connection plane P.

The connection plane P passes through a position offset from any of the nozzles 12. In the present embodiment, the connection plane P is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C. The normal direction of the connection plane P (the direction indicated by arrow heads N1 and N2) coincides with or substantially coincides with the direction along the longitudinal axis C, and is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C.

Here, a coupling structure (coupling) for coupling the

head units

21A and 21B to each other will be described. One or more holes 26 are formed along the longitudinal axis C in the unit main body 23 of each

head unit

21A, 21B. In the present embodiment, three holes 26 are formed in each of the

head units

21A and 21B. Further, in each of the

head units

21A, 21B, the holes 26 penetrate the unit main body 23 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, the hole 26 is formed on the inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit body 23 and the nozzle 12, and is formed between the hollow 25 and the outer circumferential surface of the unit body 23 in the radial direction of the unit body 23.

In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, the holes 26 are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction of the long axis C, and in either case, are arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals in the axial direction of the long axis C. The holes 26 of the head unit 21A are disposed at the same or substantially the same angular positions as the corresponding one of the holes 26 of the head unit 21B in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C.

In the present embodiment, the sealing member 20 is provided with the same number of holes 27 as the number of holes 26 formed in the head unit 21A, that is, the same number of holes 26 formed in the head unit 21B. The holes 27 penetrate the seal member 20 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, respectively. The holes 27 are arranged at the same or substantially the same angular positions as the corresponding one of the holes 26 of the head unit 21A and the corresponding one of the holes 26 of the head unit 21B in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C. In the head main body 11, the holes 26 of the head unit 21A communicate with the corresponding hole 26 of the head unit 21B via the corresponding hole 27 of the seal member 20.

Bolts 28 as fastening members are attached to the head main body 11 in the same number as the holes 26 formed in the head unit 21A, that is, in the same number as the holes 26 formed in the head unit 21B. The bolts 28 are inserted into a corresponding one of the holes 26 of the head unit 21A, a corresponding one of the holes 27 of the seal member 20, and a corresponding one of the holes 26 of the head unit 21B, respectively. The heads of the bolts 28 are in contact with one end surface of the head main body 11 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. In each of the bolts 28, a corresponding one of nuts 29 is fixed to an end portion opposite to the head portion by screwing or the like. The nuts 29 are in contact with the head main body 11 at end surfaces opposite to the end surfaces in contact with the heads of the bolts 28.

As described above, the head main body 11 is fixed by the bolt 28 and the nut 29 in the direction along the longitudinal axis C by the bolt 28 and the nut 29 being attached to the head main body 11. That is, the head main body 11 is compressed between the head of the bolt 28 and the nut 29 in the direction along the long axis C. The

head units

21A and 21B are coupled to each other by fastening with bolts 28 and nuts 29.

In the present embodiment, since the bolt 28 and the nut 29 are attached to the head main body 11 as described above, the bolt 28 and the nut 29 are provided on the inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit main body 23 and the nozzle 12 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B. The bolt 28 and the nut 29 are formed between the head flow path 16 (the cavity 25) and the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11 in the radial direction of the head main body 11. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the connection structure that connects the

head units

21A and 21B to each other is provided on the inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit main body 23 and the nozzles 12 of the

head units

21A and 21B, respectively. That is, the coupling structure (coupling) is not formed on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23 on which the nozzle 12 is disposed.

The bolt 28 and the nut 29 are formed of a conductive material. In the present embodiment, as described above, the head of the bolt 28 abuts against the end surface of the head main body 11 on one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. The nut 29 abuts on the head main body 11 at an end surface opposite to the end surface with which the head of the bolt 28 abuts. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the

head units

21A and 21B are electrically connected to each other via the bolt 28 and the nut 29. In each of the

head units

21A and 21B, the unit body 23 is electrically connected to the nozzle 12. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the electrospinning head 2 by the power source 4 as described above, the nozzles 12 of the head unit 21A and the nozzles 12 of the head unit 21B have the same or substantially the same potential.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of

head units

21A, 21B are arranged along the longitudinal axis C, and the

head units

21A, 21B are connected to each other. Therefore, the dimension of the head main body 11 in the direction along the longer axis C can be increased. In the head main body 11 having a large dimension in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, the plurality of nozzles 12 are arranged along the longitudinal axis C. By configuring the head main body 11 as described above, a film of the fibers 100 having a large size in the direction along the longitudinal axis C of the head main body 11 can be appropriately formed. That is, a film of the fibers 100 having a large width direction dimension can be formed appropriately.

In the present embodiment, since the plurality of nozzles 12 are arranged as described above, when the film of the fibers 100 is formed as described above by the discharge of the raw material liquid from the nozzles 12, it is not necessary to reciprocate the nozzles 12 in the width direction of the film of the fibers 100, for example. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a driving system for moving the nozzle 12 in the electrospinning device 1. Therefore, the electric field spinning device 1 does not complicate the structure and control system.

In the present embodiment, the

head units

21A and 21B are connected in a state where the cavities 25 of the unit main bodies 23 of the

head units

21A, 21B. Since the head flow path 16 is formed as described above, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to form the head main body 11 as a single member with a hole (cavity) having a large size in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, the production cost of the head main body 11 and the electrospinning head 2 can be suppressed, and the productivity of the head main body 11 and the electrospinning head 2 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the unit main bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B are kept liquid-tight by the seal member 20. The seal member 20 prevents the raw material liquid from flowing out of the head main body 11 from the head flow path 16 at the connection plane P. Therefore, even in the configuration in which the head flow paths 16 are formed by communicating the cavities 25 of the unit bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B, the raw material liquid can be effectively prevented from flowing out of the head flow paths 16.

In the present embodiment, the

head units

21A and 21B, the unit body 23 is electrically connected to the nozzle 12. Therefore, by connecting one of the unit bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B to the power supply 4, all the nozzles 12 of the

head units

21A and 21B are at the same or substantially the same potential when a voltage is applied from the power supply 4. This prevents the configuration of the power supply system for applying a voltage to the electrospinning nozzle 2 from becoming complicated.

In the present embodiment, the bolt 28, the nut 29, and the like are provided on the inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit main body 23 and the nozzle 12 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B. Therefore, even if a coupling structure for coupling the

head units

21A and 21B is provided, no protruding portion other than the nozzles 12 is formed near the nozzles 12 on the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11. Therefore, even if the connection structure of the

head units

21A, 21B is provided, the influence of the connection structure on the electric field in the vicinity of the nozzle 12 can be suppressed.

(modification example)

In the first modification shown in fig. 6 to 9,

nozzles

12A and 12B are provided as the nozzles 12 on the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11. In the present modification, a plurality of

nozzles

12A and 12B are provided, respectively. In the present modification, the plurality of nozzles (first nozzles) 12A are arranged at the same or substantially the same angular positions in the axial direction of the long-side axis C, and the plurality of nozzles (second nozzles) 12B are arranged at the same or substantially the same angular positions in the axial direction of the long-side axis C. Therefore, in the present modification, the plurality of nozzles 12A are arranged along the longitudinal axis C to form the nozzle row (first nozzle row) 15A. The plurality of nozzles 12B are arranged along the longitudinal axis C to form a nozzle row (second nozzle row) 15B. Here, fig. 6 is a perspective view, and fig. 7 shows a state viewed from a direction intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis C. Fig. 8 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and fig. 9 shows a cross section perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C.

The nozzles 12B are provided offset from the nozzles 12A in the axial direction of the long axis C. Therefore, the nozzle row 15B is formed to be shifted from the nozzle row 15A in the axial direction of the long axis C. In the present modification, both the

nozzles

12A and 12B are disposed on the side of the collector 5 with respect to the longitudinal axis C. For example, the nozzles 12A are arranged to be shifted by about 60 ° with respect to the nozzles 12B in the axial direction of the long axis C. In the example of fig. 6 and the like, two

nozzles

12A and 12B are provided in the head unit 21A, and two

nozzles

12A and 12B are provided in the head unit 21B. Therefore, four

nozzles

12A and 12B are provided in the head main body 11. The number of nozzles 12A and the number of nozzles 12B provided in each of the

head units

21A and 21B are not particularly limited, and one or more nozzles 12A and one or more nozzles 12B may be connected to the unit main bodies 23 of the

head units

21A and 21B.

In the electrospinning head 2, the nozzles 12A are provided with the nozzle flow paths 17A, and the nozzles 12B are provided with the nozzle flow paths 17B. The

nozzle flow paths

17A and 17B communicate with the head flow path 16, respectively, and extend from the head flow path 16 toward the outer periphery of the head main body 11. The nozzle flow paths 17A are opened to the outside through the discharge ports 18A, and the nozzle flow paths 17B are opened to the outside through the discharge ports 18B. In each of the nozzles 12A, an ejection port 18A is formed at a protruding end protruding from the head main body 11. Further, in each of the nozzles 12B, an ejection port 18B is formed at a protruding end protruding from the head main body 11.

On the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11,

nozzles

12A and 12B are arranged in a zigzag shape. The

nozzles

12A and 12B are alternately arranged in a direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, between the nozzles (first nozzles) 12A adjacent in the direction along the longitudinal axis C, a corresponding one of the nozzles (second nozzles) 12B is arranged.

In the present modification, the seal member 20 is also disposed on the connection plane P of the

head units

21A and 21B adjacent to each other. Further, the connection plane P passes through a position offset from each of the

nozzles

12A, 12B. However, in the present modification, the

nozzles

12A and 12B are arranged in a zigzag shape as described above. Therefore, the connection plane P is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis C. The normal direction of the connection plane P (the direction indicated by arrow heads N1 and N2) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis C.

In the present modification, the nozzles 12B are disposed between the nozzles 12A adjacent to each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, in the collector 5 or the base material, the fibers 100 can be stacked by the nozzles 12B even in the region between the nozzles 12A adjacent in the direction along the long-side axis C. This can effectively prevent the fibers 100 from being locally deposited on the collector 5 or the base material. Therefore, the thickness unevenness of the film of the formed fiber 100 can be effectively prevented.

The connection plane P is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, even if the

nozzles

12A and 12B are arranged in the zigzag shape as described above, the

head units

21A and 21B can be connected by the connection plane P passing through the positions offset from the

respective nozzles

12A and 12B.

The connection structure for connecting the

head units

21A and 21B is not limited to the above connection structure using the bolt (fastening member) 28 and the nut 29. For example, in the second modification shown in fig. 10 and 11, the male screw portion 41 is formed in the unit body 23 of the head unit 21A. In addition, a female screw portion 42 is formed in the unit main body 23 of the head unit 21B. In the present modification, the

head units

21A and 21B are coupled to each other by screwing the male screw portion 41 to the female screw portion 42. Therefore, the male screw portion 41 and the female screw portion 42 form a coupling structure (coupling) for coupling the

head units

21A and 21B. Here, fig. 10 shows a state viewed from a certain direction intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis C, and shows a state in which the

head units

21A, 21B are separated from each other. Fig. 11 shows a cross section parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis C.

In the present modification, the connection structure formed by the male screw portion 41 and the female screw portion 42 is also provided on the inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit body 23 and the nozzle 12 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B. The connection structure is formed between the head flow path 16 (cavity 25) and the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11 in the radial direction of the head main body 11. Therefore, in the present modification, the connection structure for connecting the

head units

21A and 21B to each other is not formed on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23 in which the nozzles 12 are arranged. Therefore, the influence of the connection structure on the electric field in the vicinity of the nozzle 12 can be suppressed.

head units

21A and 21B. In the present modification, the seal member 20 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the male screw portion 41 of the head unit 21A in the connection plane P. In the present modification, the

head units

21A and 21B are electrically connected to each other via the male screw portion 41 and the female screw portion 42, and the unit main body 23 and the nozzle 12 are electrically connected to each other in the

head units

21A and 21B. With the above-described configuration, the present modification also provides the same operation and effects as those of the first embodiment and the like.

In a modification, an external thread portion is formed in the head unit 21B, and an internal thread portion that is screwed to the external thread portion is formed in the head unit 21A.

In the third modification shown in fig. 12 and 13, a flange portion 45 is formed in the unit body 23 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B. In each of the

head units

21A, 21B, the flange portion 45 protrudes to the outer peripheral side on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23. However, the flange 45 is provided apart from the nozzle 12 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C. Preferably, the flange portion 45 is provided on the opposite side of the long axis C from the side where the nozzle 12 is provided. In either example, the flange 45 is disposed to be offset by about 180 ° from the nozzle 12 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C. Here, fig. 12 shows a state viewed from a direction intersecting (perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis C. Fig. 13 shows a state as viewed from one side (the side where the inlet 22 is located) in the direction along the longitudinal axis C.

In the head unit 21A, a flange portion 45 is formed at a side end in the direction along the long axis C where the head unit 21B is located. Further, in the head unit 21B, a flange portion 45 is formed at a side end of the head unit 21A in a direction along the long axis C. In the present modification, the flange portions 45 of the

head units

21A, 21B are in contact with each other. The flange portions 45 of the

head units

21A and 21B are fastened by bolts 46 and nuts 47 in a direction along the longitudinal axis C. The

head units

21A and 21B are coupled to each other by fastening the flange portions 45 of the

head units

21A and 21B with bolts 46 and nuts 47. Therefore, in the present modification, the flange portion 45, the bolt 46, and the nut 47 form a coupling structure (coupling) for coupling the

head units

21A and 21B.

In the present modification, the coupling structure is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the unit main body 23 of each of the

head units

21A and 21B. However, the coupling structure including the flange 45 is provided apart from the nozzle 12 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment and the like, no protruding portion other than the nozzle 12 is formed in the vicinity of the nozzle 12 on the outer peripheral surface of the head main body 11. Therefore, in the present modification as well, the influence of the connection structure on the electric field in the vicinity of the nozzle 12 can be suppressed.

head units

21A and 21B. In the present modification, the seal member 20 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the flange portion 45 of the head unit 21A in the connection plane P. In the present modification, the

head units

21A and 21B are electrically connected to each other via the flange 45, and the unit main body 23 is electrically connected to the nozzle 12 in each of the

head units

In a modification, the sealing member 20 is made of conductive rubber or the like and has conductivity. In this case, the

head units

21A and 21B are electrically connected to each other via the sealing member 20.

In the above-described embodiments and the like, the electrospinning head 2 is formed by the two

head units

21A, 21B, but the present invention is not limited to this. In a fourth modification shown in fig. 14, the electrospinning nozzle 2 is formed by three nozzle units 21A to 21C. In the present modification, the head units 21A to 21C are also arranged along the longitudinal axis C and connected to each other. The cavities 25 of the unit bodies 23 of the head units 21A to 21C communicate with each other, and the head flow paths 16 are formed along the longitudinal axis C by the cavities 25 of the unit bodies 23 of the head units 21A to 21C.

In this modification, the

head units

21A and 21B are coupled to each other, as in any of the above-described embodiments and the like. The

head units

21B and 21C are connected to each other as in any of the above-described embodiments and the like. When a voltage is applied to the electrospinning head 2 by the power source 4, the nozzles 12 of the head units 21A to 21C have the same or substantially the same potential. In the present modification, the seal member 20 is disposed on the connection surface of the

head units

21A and 21B adjacent to each other, and the seal member 20 is disposed on the connection surface of the

head units

21B and 21C adjacent to each other. In the present modification, the same operation and effects as those of the above-described embodiment and the like are exhibited.

In a modification, the electrospinning head 2 is formed by connecting four or more head units 21 to each other. In this case, as in any of the above-described embodiments, the head flow paths 16 are formed by connecting the head units 21 to each other.

According to at least one of the above embodiments or examples, the head unit can be coupled to another head unit by the coupling structure on at least one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis. The connection structure connects the unit main body of the other head unit to the unit main body in a state where the hollow of the unit main body communicates with the hollow of the unit main body of the other head unit. Thus, it is possible to provide a head unit capable of appropriately forming a film of fibers having a large width direction dimension while suppressing complication of a structure and a control system, increase in manufacturing cost, and reduction in productivity.

In addition, according to at least one of the above embodiments or examples, the plurality of head units are coupled to each other by a coupling structure. The connection structure connects the plurality of head units in a state where the cavities of the unit main bodies communicate with each other. Thus, it is possible to provide an electrospinning head capable of appropriately forming a film of fibers having a large width direction dimension while suppressing complication of the structure and control system, increase in manufacturing cost, and reduction in productivity.

Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Claims

1. A head unit includes:

a unit body in which a cavity for storing a raw material liquid is formed along a long axis; and

a nozzle which is formed of a conductive material and provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cell main body to discharge the raw material liquid supplied through the hollow of the cell main body,

the head unit further includes a coupling structure capable of coupling another head unit to at least one side in a direction along the longitudinal axis,

the connection structure connects the unit main bodies of the other head units to the unit main bodies in a state where the hollow of the unit main bodies communicates with a hollow of a unit main body of the other head unit, and forms a head flow path along the longitudinal axis from the hollow and the hollow of the other head unit communicating with the hollow.

2. The spray head unit of claim 1,

a plurality of the above-mentioned nozzles are provided,

the plurality of nozzles includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle that is offset from the first nozzle in an axial direction of the longitudinal axis.

3. An electrospinning nozzle comprising:

a plurality of head units arranged along the long side axis; and

a connection structure for connecting the plurality of head units to each other,

each of the plurality of head units includes:

a cell body in which a cavity for storing a raw material liquid is formed along the long axis; and

the connection structure connects the plurality of head units in a state where the cavities of the unit main body communicate with each other, and forms a head flow path along the longitudinal axis from the cavities that communicate with each other.

4. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3,

the nozzles of the plurality of head units are electrically connected to each other,

the nozzles of the plurality of head units are set to the same potential by applying a voltage.

5. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3,

the connection structure is provided on an inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the unit main body and the nozzle of each of the plurality of head units.

6. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 5,

a hole is formed in the unit body of each of the plurality of head units along the longitudinal axis on an inner circumferential side with respect to the outer circumferential surface,

the connecting structure has a fastening member inserted into the hole,

the plurality of head units are coupled to each other by fastening with the fastening member.

7. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3,

the connection structure is provided apart from the nozzle of each of the plurality of head units in an axial direction of the long axis.

8. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3,

the head unit may further include a seal member that is provided between the head units adjacent to each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis and prevents the raw material liquid from flowing out of the head flow path on a connection surface of the head units adjacent to each other by maintaining the liquid-tightness between the head units adjacent to each other.

9. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3,

the plurality of head units each have a plurality of nozzles,

in each of the plurality of head units, the plurality of nozzles include a first nozzle and a second nozzle provided to be shifted from the first nozzle in an axial direction of the longitudinal axis,

the first nozzles of the plurality of head units form a first nozzle row in which the first nozzles are arranged along the longitudinal axis,

the second nozzles of the plurality of head units form a second nozzle row in which the second nozzles are arranged along the longitudinal axis at a position shifted from the first nozzle row in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis.

10. The electric field spinning nozzle of claim 9,

the plurality of first nozzles of the first nozzle row and the plurality of second nozzles of the second nozzle row are arranged in a zigzag shape,

the first nozzles and the second nozzles are alternately arranged in a direction along the longitudinal axis,

the connection surface of the head unit adjacent to each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis and the normal direction of the connection surface are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis.

11. An electric field spinning device, comprising:

the electric field spinning nozzle of claim 3:

a supply source for supplying the raw material liquid to the head flow path of the electrospinning head; and

and a power supply for applying voltage to the electric field spinning nozzle.