JP2012219420A - Apparatus for producing nanofiber, and method for producing nanofiber - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrict a nanofiber production space to a predetermined range.SOLUTION: The apparatus for producing a nanofiber 301 includes: a plurality of outflow means 115 having outflow holes 118 through which a material liquid 300 outflows into a nanofiber production space A where the nanofiber 301 is produced from the material liquid 300; an ion flow-generating mean 106 for generating an ion wind 302 bearing electrically repulsive charges against the outflowing material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301, the ion wind 302 flowing laterally to the nanofiber production space A to restrict a nanofiber production space A to a predetermined range; a charge electrode 121 disposed so as to be spaced at a predetermined interval from the outflow mean 115; and a charging electric source 122 for applying a predetermined voltage between the outflow mean 115 and the charge electrode 121.

Description

  The present invention relates to a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and a nanofiber manufacturing method for manufacturing a fiber (nanofiber) having a fineness of submicron order or nano order by electrostatic stretching phenomenon.

  As a method for producing a filamentous (fibrous) material made of a resin and having a submicron scale or nanoscale diameter, a method using an electrostatic stretching phenomenon (electrospinning) is known.

  This electrostatic stretching phenomenon means that a raw material liquid in which a solute such as a resin is dispersed or dissolved in a solvent is discharged (injected) into the space by a nozzle or the like, and an electric charge is applied to the raw material liquid to charge the space. This is a method of obtaining nanofibers by electrically stretching a raw material liquid in flight.

  The electrostatic stretching phenomenon will be described more specifically as follows. That is, the raw material liquid that has been charged and discharged into the space gradually evaporates the solvent while flying through the space. As a result, the volume of the raw material liquid in flight gradually decreases, but the charge imparted to the raw material liquid remains in the raw material liquid. As a result, the charge density of the raw material liquid in flight through the space gradually increases. Since the solvent continues to evaporate, the charge density of the raw material liquid further increases, and when the repulsive Coulomb force generated in the raw material liquid exceeds the surface tension of the raw material liquid, the raw material liquid explodes. The phenomenon that the film is stretched linearly occurs. This is the electrostatic stretching phenomenon. The electrostatic stretching phenomenon occurs geometrically in succession in the space, and thereby nanofibers made of a resin having a diameter of submicron order or nano order are manufactured.

  For example, when a long nonwoven fabric is manufactured using the nanofiber manufactured using the electrostatic stretching phenomenon as described above, the nanofiber is manufactured by flowing the raw material liquid from the nozzles arranged in a row. Manufacturing equipment may be used. According to this nanofiber manufacturing apparatus, a long nonwoven fabric can be manufactured by gradually transporting the deposited nanofibers in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzles are arranged.

  In this case, as one of the quality of the produced nonwoven fabric, there is uniformity of the quality of the nanofiber in the width direction of the nonwoven fabric. Usually, when a plurality of nozzles are arranged, the flight trajectory of the raw material liquid flowing out from the nozzles arranged at the end portions is not stable. Further, the raw material liquid flowing out from the nozzle disposed at the end portion tends to have a larger interval between the raw material liquid flowing out from the adjacent nozzle than the raw material liquid flowing out from the nozzle disposed at the intermediate portion. In the nonwoven fabric produced in such a state, a great difference in quality occurs between the nanofibers forming the end portions in the width direction and the nanofibers forming the intermediate portion. In this case, the nonwoven fabric from which the end portion is deleted is used, resulting in a decrease in yield.

  Therefore, in the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an electrode is arranged in the vicinity of a space where the nanofiber is manufactured, and an electric field is generated by applying a voltage to the electrode, and the nanofiber manufacturing space is generated by the electric field. Is prevented from spreading.

JP 2005-534828 gazette

  However, when a voltage is applied to the electrode to suppress the expansion of the nanofiber manufacturing space, the electrode needs to be arranged at a position closer to the collector (charging electrode) than the nozzle. In this case, there is a concern that a discharge occurs between the electrode and the collector. When the discharge occurs, the electric field is temporarily disturbed, which adversely affects the quality of the nanofiber. In addition, due to the presence of the electrode arranged in the vicinity of the nanofiber manufacturing space, the charge that should be concentrated on the nozzle is divided into the nozzle and the electrode, so that the charging amount of the nozzle is reduced and the spinning capacity is reduced. . In addition, this causes a difference between the amount of charge collected at the nozzle arranged near the electrode and the amount of charge collected at the nozzle arranged far from the electrode, and the variation in the width direction of the quality of the nanofiber. Will occur. For example, a phenomenon occurs such that the deposition thickness of the nanofiber is reduced as the distance from the boundary (end in the width direction) of the nanofiber manufacturing space becomes closer.

  In addition, it is relatively difficult to control the main electric field generated between the nozzle and the collector with another electric field, and there is a problem in terms of stability.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, and it aims at provision of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and nanofiber manufacturing method which can control the breadth of nanofiber manufacturing space easily.

  In order to achieve the above object, a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing nanofibers by electrically stretching a raw material liquid in a space. A plurality of outflow bodies having an outflow hole for allowing the raw material liquid to flow out into the nanofiber manufacturing space to be manufactured, the flowing out raw material liquid, and an ion flow having a charge electrically repelling the nanofiber, An ion flow generating means for generating an ion flow that flows to the side of the fiber manufacturing space and restricts the nanofiber manufacturing space to a predetermined range; a charging electrode disposed at a predetermined interval from the effluent; and And a charging power source for applying a predetermined voltage between the outflow body and the charging electrode.

  Furthermore, it comprises outflow means that integrally includes a plurality of the outflow bodies that are arranged so that the openings that are the tips of the outflow holes are arranged one-dimensionally at a predetermined interval, and the outflow means includes the openings. The raw material liquid flowing out from the opening is arranged so that the distance between the two is widened as the distance from the distal end is increased, the two side surfaces are extended so as to sandwich the outflow hole, and the outflow hole. A storage tank stored in the outflow body, and the ion flow generation means may generate an ion flow that flows to the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space in the arrangement direction of the openings.

  As a result, an ion flow having the same polarity as that of the raw material liquid and the nanofiber is generated on the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space, and the spread of the nanofiber manufacturing space can be regulated. In addition, since the nanofiber manufacturing space is regulated not by an electric field but by Coulomb force, it is possible to regulate the nanofiber manufacturing space in a stable state without worrying about discharge. Further, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the influence of the ion flow on the charged state of the effluent disposed in the vicinity, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the difference in the charged state among the plurality of effluents, for example, The nanofibers can be deposited with a substantially uniform thickness up to the boundary of the nanofiber manufacturing space.

  Further, the ion flow is an ion wind, and the ion flow generation means includes an ion wind generator including a singular part where a voltage having the same polarity as that of the effluent is applied and charges are concentrated in a minute region. But you can.

  According to this, since the ion flow can be generated using the atmosphere (atmosphere) in the vicinity of the nanofiber manufacturing space, the above effect can be obtained with a simple apparatus configuration.

  Further, a position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the singular part may be provided.

  According to this, the position where the ion flow flows can be adjusted according to the type and state of the flowing out raw material liquid, and the nanofiber manufacturing space can be stably regulated in a predetermined region.

  The ion wind generator may be electrically connected to the effluent so as to have the same potential as the effluent.

  According to this, it becomes possible to regulate the nanofiber manufacturing space with a simpler structure.

  In order to achieve the above object, a nanofiber manufacturing method according to the present invention is a nanofiber manufacturing method for manufacturing a nanofiber by electrically stretching a raw material liquid in a space, and has an outflow hole. A raw material liquid is allowed to flow out into a nanofiber manufacturing space in which nanofibers are manufactured from a plurality of outflow bodies, and between the outflow body and the charging electrode disposed at a predetermined interval by the charging power source. Applying a predetermined voltage, the raw material liquid flowing out, and an ion flow having a charge electrically repelling the nanofibers, flowing to the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space, and passing through the nanofiber manufacturing space The ion flow restricted to the range is generated by the ion flow generating means.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to produce a nanofiber in a state in which an ion flow having the same polarity as that of the raw material liquid or the nanofiber is generated on the side of the nanofiber production space and the spread of the nanofiber production space is regulated. In addition, since the nanofiber manufacturing space is regulated not by an electric field but by Coulomb force, it is possible to manufacture nanofibers in a stable state without worrying about discharge. In addition, the influence of the ion flow on the charged state of the effluent disposed in the vicinity can be suppressed as much as possible. It is possible to manufacture nanofibers.

  In addition, in the case where the ion flow is an ion wind generated from an ion wind generator provided with a singular part in which a charge is concentrated in a minute region to which a voltage having the same polarity as the effluent is applied, the position of the singular part When the nanofiber manufacturing space exceeds a predetermined range by the position adjusting means that adjusts the position of the singular part of the ion wind generator so that the flow of the ion wind acts more strongly on the nanofiber manufacturing space. If the nanofiber manufacturing space is narrower than a predetermined range, the position of the singular part of the ion wind generator may be adjusted so that the flow of the ion wind acts weakly on the nanofiber manufacturing space.

  According to this, even when the state of the raw material liquid flowing out from the effluent is changed, the nanofiber manufacturing space can be restricted to an appropriate range.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to stably regulate the expansion of the nanofiber manufacturing space due to repulsion between raw material liquids flowing out from a plurality of effluents, and manufacture nanofibers of equal quality in the nanofiber manufacturing space. It becomes possible.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outflow body cut along the XZ plane. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the tip from below. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a variation of the tip portion. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the ion flow generating means from the front, omitting an intermediate portion such as the outflow means. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing another embodiment of the ion flow generating means from the front, omitting intermediate portions such as the outflow means. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing another embodiment of the ion flow generating means from the front, omitting intermediate portions of a plurality of outflow bodies arranged in a line.

  Next, embodiments of a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and a nanofiber manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and the nanofiber manufacturing method according to the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the wording of the claims with reference to the following embodiments, and is not limited to the following embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus.

  As shown in the figure, the nanofiber production apparatus 100 is an apparatus for producing a nanofiber 301 by electrically stretching a raw material liquid 300 in a space, and includes an outflow means 115, an ion flow generation means 106, and the like. , A supply means 107, a charging electrode 121, and a charging power source 122 are provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 further includes a collecting unit 128, an attracting unit 104, and a moving unit 129.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outflow means cut along the XZ plane.

  The outflow means 115 is a member having a configuration in which an outflow body 150 having one opening 119 that is the tip of the outflow hole 118 through which the raw material liquid 300 flows out is continuously arranged in the Y direction in the drawing. The members 119 are members arranged so as to be arranged one-dimensionally at a predetermined interval. Although the individual outflow bodies 150 cannot be distinguished from each other in the drawing, the portion of the outflow means 115 forming one outflow hole 118 corresponds to one outflow body 150. The outflow means 115 is a member for causing the raw material liquid 300 to flow out into the space, and includes a plurality of outflow holes 118, a front end portion 116, a side surface portion 117, and a storage tank 113.

  The outflow unit 115 also functions as an electrode of a charging unit that supplies electric charge to the outflowing raw material liquid 300, and at least a part of the portion in contact with the raw material liquid 300 is formed of a conductive member. . In the case of the present embodiment, the entire outflow means 115 is made of metal, and the entire tip portion 116 can be charged uniformly. In addition, the kind of metal which comprises the outflow means 115 will not be specifically limited if it has electroconductivity, For example, arbitrary materials, such as brass, stainless steel, aluminum, and its alloy, can be selected.

  The outflow holes 118 are holes through which the raw material liquid 300 flows out into the space, and a plurality of outflow holes 118 are provided in the outflow means 115. Moreover, the opening part 119 in the front-end | tip of the outflow hole 118 is arrange | positioned along with the predetermined spacing one-dimensionally. In the case of the present embodiment, the outflow holes 118 are arranged so that the openings 119 are linearly arranged in the same plane, and the axis of the outflow holes 118 intersects at right angles to the direction in which the openings 119 are arranged. Are arranged as follows.

  The hole length and hole diameter of the outflow hole 118 are not particularly limited, and a shape suitable for the viscosity of the raw material liquid 300 may be selected. Specifically, the hole length is preferably selected from a range of 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less. The hole diameter is preferably selected from a range of 0.1 mm or more and 2 mm or less. Further, the shape of the outflow hole 118 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and an arbitrary shape can be selected. In particular, the shape of the opening 119 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a quadrangle, or a shape having a protruding portion such as a star shape.

  Further, the intervals at which the openings 119 are arranged may be equally spaced, and the interval between the openings 119 at the end of the outflow unit 115 is wider than the interval between the openings 119 at the center of the outflow unit 115. (Narrow) can be arbitrarily determined.

  Further, the openings 119 need not only be arranged on the same straight line, but also need only be arranged one-dimensionally. Here, the term “one-dimensional” refers to a state where the opening 119 is not lined up in the width direction of the rectangle when a marginal region where all the openings 119 are arranged is surrounded by a rectangle. The rectangular region where the opening 119 is disposed has a band shape. In this sense, the openings 119 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern as shown in FIG. 3 or may be arranged so as to draw a wave such as a sine curve.

  Here, when the openings 119 are arranged in a zigzag manner, the intervals p between the adjacent openings 119 on a straight line may be equally spaced, and the intervals at the end of the outflow means 115 may be It can be arbitrarily determined such that it is wider (narrower) than the interval at the center of the. In the knowledge currently obtained, when the hole diameter of the opening is 0.3 mm, the distance d between the two rows of the openings 119 arranged in a straight line is set to 0.5 mm, and the distance p between the openings is less than 5 mm. Is possible.

  The front end portion 116 is a portion of the outflow means 115 in which the opening portion 119 of the outflow hole 118 is disposed, and is a portion that connects between the opening portions 119 disposed at a predetermined interval with a smooth surface. In the case of the present embodiment, the tip portion 116 has an elongated rectangular flat surface on the surface.

  When the tip 116 is provided in this way, a tailor cone that covers the opening 119 and hangs down in a spindle shape is formed, and the generation of ion wind can be suppressed.

  In addition, the front-end | tip part 116 is not necessarily limited to what is provided with a rectangular plane. For example, as shown to Fig.4 (a), the front-end | tip part 116 may be provided with a curved surface, and as shown in FIG.4 (b), it may be provided with two planes by which the edge part was faced | matched. . As described above, the front end portion 116 is connected between the plurality of openings 119 by a plane (in FIG. 4B, they are connected by two planes as described above), and thus has a unique shape. There are few important parts and generation | occurrence | production of an ion wind can be suppressed.

  The side surface portions 117 are two surfaces arranged so as to sandwich the tip end portion 116. In the case of the present embodiment, the side surface portion 117 extends from the distal end portion 116 and is arranged in an upright state. The side surface portions 117 are provided so as to extend in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the outflow holes 118 arranged side by side, and are provided so that all the outflow holes are sandwiched between the side surface portions 117. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the side surface portions 117 are arranged such that the distance between the side surface portions 117 increases as the distance from the front end portion 116 increases.

  As described above, the outflow means 115 can suppress the ion wind generated from the outflow means 115 as much as possible by providing the front end portion 116 and the side surface portion 117 each having a smooth surface on the surface. Become.

  In addition, as shown to Fig.4 (a) and FIG.4 (b), the boundary of the front-end | tip part 116 and the side part 117 is ambiguous. Further, the shape of the side surface portion 117 may be not only a flat surface but also a curved surface.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage tank 113 is a tank that is formed inside the outflow means 115 and stores the raw material liquid 300 supplied from the supply means 107 (see FIG. 1). The storage tank 113 is connected to the plurality of outflow holes 118 and supplies the raw material liquid 300 to the plurality of outflow holes 118 at the same time. In the case of the present embodiment, one outflow unit 115 is provided, extends from one end of the outflow unit 115 in the Y-axis direction to the other end, and is connected to all outflow holes 118 in communication. Yes.

  The storage tank 113 is disposed so as to extend in the direction in which the openings of the outflow holes are arranged (Y-axis direction), and the cross-section (XZ plane) of the storage tank 113 orthogonal to the Y-axis direction is substantially triangular. In the case of this embodiment, the outflow means 115 has a tubular shape (cylindrical shape).

  As described above, the storage tank 113 has a function of temporarily storing the raw material liquid 300 in the vicinity of the outflow holes 118 and supplying the raw material liquid 300 to the plurality of outflow holes 118 with an equal pressure. The raw material liquid 300 can be allowed to flow out from each outflow hole 118 in an even state. Therefore, it becomes possible to suppress spatial unevenness of quality in the Y-axis direction of the manufactured nanofiber 301.

  The charging electrode 121 is disposed at a predetermined interval from the outflow unit 115, and is a member having conductivity for inducing electric charge in the outflow unit 115 when the charging electrode 121 is at a high voltage or a low voltage with respect to the outflow unit 115. And is an element constituting the charging means. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the charging electrode 121 also functions as an attracting means 104 that attracts the nanofiber 301 manufactured in the space, and faces the tip of the outflow means 115. It is a plate-shaped conductive member arranged at a position. The charging electrode 121 is grounded. When a positive voltage is applied to the outflow unit 115, a negative charge is induced in the charging electrode 121, and when a negative voltage is applied to the outflow unit 115, A positive charge is induced.

  The charging power source 122 is a power source that can apply a high voltage to the outflow means 115. In general, the charging power source 122 is preferably a DC power source. In particular, when the charged polarity of the nanofiber 301 is not affected, the charged nanofiber 301 is used to attract the nanofiber 301 with an electrode to which a reverse polarity potential is applied. Is preferably a DC power supply. When the charging power source 122 is a direct current power source, the voltage applied by the charging power source 122 to the charging electrode 121 is preferably set from a value in the range of 5 KV or more and 100 KV or less.

  If one electrode of the charging power source 122 is set to the ground potential and the charging electrode 121 is grounded as in the present embodiment, the relatively large charging electrode 121 can be set to the ground state, and safety is ensured. It becomes possible to contribute to improvement.

  Alternatively, a power source may be connected to the charging electrode 121 to maintain the charging electrode 121 at a high voltage, and the outflow unit 115 may be grounded to apply a charge to the raw material liquid 300. Further, the charging electrode 121 and the outflow means 115 may be connected so that they are not grounded.

  The collecting means 128 is a member that deposits and collects the nanofibers 301 manufactured by the electrostatic stretching phenomenon. In the case of the present embodiment, the collecting means 128 is supplied in a state of being wound around the roll 127.

  The collecting unit 128 is not limited to this. For example, the collecting means 128 may be made of a rigid plate-like member. Further, when only the deposit of the nanofiber 301 is used, the collection means 128 having a high releasability when the nanofiber 301 is peeled off, such as coating the surface of the collection means 128 with a fluororesin or silicon. There may be.

  The attracting means 104 is an apparatus for attracting the nanofiber 301 manufactured in the space to the collecting means 128. In the case of the present embodiment, the attracting means 104 is a metal plate that also functions as the charging electrode 121 and is disposed behind the collecting means 128. The attracting means 104 attracts the charged nanofiber 301 to the collecting means 128 by an electric field. That is, the attracting means 104 is an electrode for generating an electric field for attracting the charged nanofiber 301. The attracting means 104 may generate a gas flow toward the collecting means 128 by a suction device or the like.

  The moving unit 129 is a device that relatively moves the outflow unit 115 and the collecting unit 128. In the present embodiment, the outflow means 115 is fixed, and only the collection means 128 moves. Specifically, the transfer means is configured to pull out the long collection means 128 from the roll 127 while winding it, and convey the collection means 128 together with the nanofibers 301 to be deposited.

  The moving means 129 may not only move the collecting means 128 but also move the outflow means 115 relative to the collecting means 128. The moving means 129 moves the collecting means 128 in a certain direction. Arbitrary operation states, such as reciprocating the outflow means 115, can be exemplified. Further, although the collecting means 128 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the openings 119 are arranged, the present invention is not limited to this. The collecting means 128 is moved in the direction in which the openings 119 are arranged, and the outflow means 115 is moved to the opening. You may make it reciprocate in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of 119.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the supply means 107 is a device that supplies the raw material liquid 300 to the outflow means 115, and includes a container 151 that stores a large amount of the raw material liquid 300 and a pump that conveys the raw material liquid 300 at a predetermined pressure ( (Not shown) and a guide tube 114 for guiding the raw material liquid 300.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the ion flow generating means from the front, omitting an intermediate portion such as the outflow means.

  The ion flow generating means 106 is an ion flow (ion wind 302) having an electric charge that is electrically repelled from the flowing raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301, and flows to the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space A. It is an apparatus that generates an ion flow that regulates the fiber manufacturing space A within a predetermined range.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the ion flow is an ion wind 302, and the ion flow generation means 106 is applied with a voltage having the same polarity as the outflow means 115, and includes an singular part 161 in which charges concentrate in a minute region. A wind generator 160 is provided. The ion wind generator 160 is electrically connected to the outflow means 115 so as to have the same potential as the outflow means 115. Specifically, the ion wind generator 160 is a conductive rod-shaped member having a tip pointed toward the charging electrode 121. The ion wind generator 160 is fixedly connected to the outflow means 115 by a connecting member 162 having a conductive and round bar shape. The connecting member 162 not only electrically connects the outflow means 115 and the ion wind generator 160 but also structurally fixes the ion wind generator 160 to the outflow means 115 and adjusts the position of the singular part 161. It also functions as a position adjustment means. In the case of the present embodiment, the ion wind generator 160 is arranged in a state of being pierced in the vertical direction by the connecting member 162, and the vertical position of the singular part 161 can be adjusted.

  Here, the ion wind is considered to be generated by the following phenomenon. That is, it is considered that the singular part 161 is a pointed part of the ion wind generator 160 and charges are likely to accumulate. When electric charges accumulate in the singular part 161, the air (atmosphere) existing around the singular part 161 is ionized. The ionized air repels the charge of the ion wind generator 160 and jumps out in the direction of the charging electrode 121, thereby generating an ion wind that is a flow of air containing ions. Further, the ion wind flows in the vicinity of the nanofiber manufacturing space A, so that it repels electrostatically with the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 being manufactured, and is almost uniform over the entire vertical direction of the nanofiber manufacturing space A. As a result, the nanofiber manufacturing space A can be stably regulated within a predetermined range.

  Further, since the ion wind generated from the outflow means 115 is suppressed by the shape of the outflow means 115, the ion wind is unlikely to exist in the nanofiber manufacturing space A, and the ion current generation means 106 causes the nanofiber manufacturing space. Since the ion wind can flow only to the side of A, it is possible to effectively regulate the spread of the nanofiber manufacturing space A.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, another embodiment realized by arbitrarily combining the components described in this specification and excluding some of the components may be used as an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the present invention includes modifications obtained by making various modifications conceivable by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention, that is, the meaning described in the claims. It is.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the ion flow generation means 106 may include a liquid nozzle 165. The liquid nozzle 165 is a nozzle that is applied with a potential having the same polarity as the outflow unit 115 and outflows a liquid that does not contain the solute forming the nanofiber 301. Thereby, the ion flow generation means 106 can generate the ion flow 303 made of a liquid. Further, the liquid may be a solvent liquid or the like from which the solute forming the nanofiber 301 is excluded from the raw material liquid 300, and may be supplied from the liquid tank 166 separately from the supply unit 107.

  Further, the position adjusting means can adjust not only the vertical position of the ion wind generator 160 and the liquid nozzle 165 but also the distance (the Y-direction distance) from the outflow means 115 (outflow body 150). It doesn't matter.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an ion wind generator 160 and a liquid nozzle 165 that are not electrically connected to the outflow means 115 (outflow body 150) are provided, and a power source (to be connected to the ion wind generator 160 and the liquid nozzle 165 ( The voltage may be applied independently by not shown). In this case, it is possible to adjust the voltage applied to the ion wind generator 160 and the liquid nozzle 165 to adjust the electrical strength of the ion flow and adjust the spread of the nanofiber manufacturing space A.

  Here, the resin constituting the nanofiber 301, and the solute dissolved or dispersed in the raw material liquid 300 is polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, poly- m-phenylene terephthalate, poly-p-phenylene isophthalate, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride-acrylate copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer Coalesce, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester carbonate, polyamide, aramid, polyimide, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid Collagen, polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyvinyl acetate, polypeptides and the like, and polymeric materials such as copolymers thereof can be exemplified. Moreover, the kind selected from the above may be used, and a plurality of kinds may be mixed. In addition, the above is an illustration and this invention is not limited to the said resin.

  Examples of the solvent used for the raw material liquid 300 include volatile organic solvents. Specific examples are methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, hexafluoroisopropanol, tetraethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dibenzyl alcohol, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl. Ketone, methyl-n-hexyl ketone, methyl-n-propyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, acetone, hexafluoroacetone, phenol, formic acid, methyl formate, ethyl formate, propyl formate, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, benzoate Propyl acid, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, o-chloroto Ene, p-chlorotoluene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethane, dichloropropane, dibromoethane, dibromopropane, methyl bromide, ethyl bromide, propyl bromide, acetic acid, Benzene, toluene, hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, cyclopentane, o-xylene, p-xylene, m-xylene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, pyridine, water Etc. can be listed. Moreover, the kind selected from the above may be used, and a plurality of kinds may be mixed. In addition, the above is an illustration and the raw material liquid 300 used for this invention is not limited to employ | adopting the said solvent.

Furthermore, an inorganic solid material may be added to the raw material liquid 300. Examples of the inorganic solid material include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, silicides, fluorides, sulfides, and the like. From the viewpoint of heat resistance and workability of the nanofiber 301 to be manufactured. It is preferable to use an oxide. Examples of the oxide include Al ₂ O ₃ , SiO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Li ₂ O, Na ₂ O, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, B ₂ O ₃ , P ₂ O ₅ , SnO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , K. ₂ O, Cs ₂ O, ZnO, Sb ₂ O ₃ , As ₂ O ₃ , CeO ₂ , V ₂ O ₅ , Cr ₂ O ₃ , MnO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , CoO, NiO, Y ₂ O ₃ , Lu ₂ Examples thereof include O ₃ , Yb ₂ O ₃ , HfO ₂ , Nb ₂ O _{5 and the} like. Moreover, the kind selected from the above may be used, and a plurality of kinds may be mixed. In addition, the above is an illustration and the substance added to the raw material liquid 300 of this invention is not limited to the said additive.

  The mixing ratio of the solvent and the solute in the raw material liquid 300 varies depending on the type of solvent selected and the type of solute, but the amount of solvent is preferably between about 60 wt% and 98 wt%. Preferably the solute is 5-30%.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the nanofiber 301 using the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 of the said structure is demonstrated.

  First, the raw material liquid 300 is supplied to the outflow means 115 by the supply means 107 (supply process). As described above, the raw material liquid 300 is filled in the storage tank 113 of the outflow means 115.

  Next, the charging electrode 121 is set to a positive or negative high voltage by the charging power source 122. Charge concentrates on the tip 116 of the outflow means 115 facing the charging electrode 121, and the charge passes through the outflow hole 118 and is transferred to the raw material liquid 300 flowing into the space, so that the raw material liquid 300 is charged (charging process). ).

  The charging step and the supplying step are performed at the same time, and the uniformly charged raw material liquid 300 flows out from the opening 119 of the outflow means 115 (outflow step).

  At this stage, since the ion wind generator 160 has the same potential as the outflow means 115, an ion wind (ion flow) flows from the singular part 161 toward the charging electrode (ion wind generating step).

  Next, the nanofiber 301 is manufactured by an electrostatic stretching phenomenon acting on the raw material liquid 300 that has flew in the space to some extent (a nanofiber manufacturing process).

  The raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 generate a Coulomb force in a direction that repels the ion wind flowing to the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space A. Therefore, the spread of the nanofiber manufacturing space A is regulated, and the nanofiber manufacturing space A is kept within a predetermined range.

  Here, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A exceeds the predetermined range, the position of the singular part 161 of the ion wind generator 160 is adjusted so that the flow of the ion wind acts more strongly on the nanofiber manufacturing space A. do it. In the case of this embodiment, the singular part 161 of the ion wind generator 160 may be adjusted so as to approach the charging electrode 121 by the position adjusting means. According to this, the charged state of the ion wind becomes strong, and the repulsive force with the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 becomes strong. On the other hand, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A is narrower than the predetermined range, the position of the singular portion 161 of the ion wind generator may be adjusted so that the flow of the ion wind acts weakly on the nanofiber manufacturing space. Specifically, the position of the singular part 161 may be moved away from the charging electrode 121 by the position adjusting means. According to this, the charged state of the ion wind is weakened, and the repulsive force with the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 is weakened.

  Finally, the nanofiber 301 is attracted to the collecting means 128 by an electric field generated between the attracting means 104 and the outflow means 115 arranged behind the collecting means 128 (attraction process).

  Thus, the nanofiber 301 is deposited and collected on the collecting means 128 (collecting step). Since the collecting means 128 is slowly transferred by the moving means 129, the nanofiber 301 is also collected as a long belt-like member extending in the transfer direction.

  By using the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 configured as described above and performing the above nanofiber manufacturing method, the nanofiber manufacturing space A can be regulated to a predetermined range. The quality of the nanofiber 301 can be made uniform in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the collecting means 128.

  The method for adjusting the spread of the nanofiber manufacturing space A is not limited to the above. For example, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A exceeds a predetermined range, the position of the ion flow generating means 106 may be adjusted so that the ion flow is closer to the nanofiber manufacturing space A. Specifically, when the ion flow approaches the nanofiber manufacturing space A, the repulsive force between the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 increases. On the other hand, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A is narrower than the predetermined range, the position of the ion flow generating means 106 may be adjusted so that the ion flow is further away from the nanofiber manufacturing space A. Specifically, if the ion flow moves away from the nanofiber manufacturing space A, the repulsive force between the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 is weakened.

  Further, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A exceeds the predetermined range, the applied voltage may be increased so that the charged state of the ion flow is strengthened. On the other hand, when the nanofiber manufacturing space A is narrower than the predetermined range, the applied voltage may be lowered so that the charged state of the ion flow is weakened. The plurality of parameters may be adjusted.

  The present invention can be used for producing nanofibers, spinning using nanofibers, and producing nonwoven fabrics.

A Nanofiber manufacturing space 100 Nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 104 Attracting means 106 Ion flow generating means 107 Supply means 113 Storage tank 114 Guide tube 115 Outflow means 116 Tip part 117 Side face part 118 Outlet hole 119 Portion part 121 Charging electrode 122 Charging power source 127 Roll 128 Collecting means 129 Moving means 150 Outflow body 151 Container 160 Ion wind generator 161 Different part 162 Connection member 165 Liquid nozzle 166 Liquid tank 218 Second outflow hole 219 Second opening 300 Raw material liquid 301 Nanofiber 302 Ion wind 303 Ion flow

Claims (7)

A nanofiber manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing nanofibers by electrically stretching a raw material liquid in a space,
A plurality of outflow bodies having outflow holes for flowing out the raw material liquid into a nanofiber manufacturing space in which nanofibers are manufactured from the raw material liquid;
The raw material liquid that flows out, and an ion flow that has a charge that is electrically repelled from the nanofibers, flows to the side of the nanofiber production space, and regulates the nanofiber production space to a predetermined range. Ion flow generating means for generating;
A charging electrode disposed at a predetermined interval from the effluent body;
A nanofiber manufacturing apparatus comprising: a charging power source that applies a predetermined voltage between the effluent and the charging electrode. Furthermore, it comprises outflow means that integrally includes a plurality of the outflow bodies that are arranged so that the openings that are the tips of the outflow holes are arranged one-dimensionally at a predetermined interval,
The outflow means is
Two side parts that are arranged so that the distance between them widens as they move away from the tip part where the opening is arranged, and extend so as to sandwich the outflow hole;
A storage tank communicating with the outflow hole and storing the raw material liquid flowing out from the opening in the outflow body;
2. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ion flow generating means generates an ion flow that flows to the side of the nanofiber manufacturing space in the direction in which the openings are arranged. The ion flow is an ion wind;
The ion flow generating means includes
2. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ion wind generator including a singular part in which a voltage having the same polarity as that of the outflow body is applied and electric charges are concentrated in a minute region. Furthermore, the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus of Claim 3 provided with the position adjustment means to adjust the position of the said specific | specification part. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ion wind generator is electrically connected to the effluent so as to have the same potential as the effluent. A nanofiber production method for producing a nanofiber by electrically stretching a raw material liquid in a space,
The raw material liquid is allowed to flow out into a nanofiber manufacturing space where nanofibers are manufactured from a plurality of outflow bodies having outflow holes,
A predetermined voltage is applied between the outflow body and the charging electrode arranged at a predetermined interval by the charging power source,
The raw material liquid that flows out, and an ion flow that has a charge that is electrically repelled from the nanofibers, flows to the side of the nanofiber production space, and regulates the nanofiber production space to a predetermined range. A method for producing nanofibers generated by ion flow generating means. In the case where the ion flow is an ion wind generated from an ion wind generator provided with a singular part in which a charge is concentrated in a minute region to which a voltage having the same polarity as the effluent is applied.
When the nanofiber manufacturing space exceeds a predetermined range by the position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the singular part, the ion wind generator is arranged so that the flow of the ion wind acts more strongly on the nanofiber manufacturing space. Adjust the position of the singular part, and if the nanofiber production space is narrower than the predetermined range, adjust the position of the singular part of the ion wind generator so that the flow of ion wind acts weakly on the nanofiber production space The nanofiber manufacturing method according to claim 6.

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