JP2019044301A - Device for producing fibrous deposit and method for producing fibrous deposit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a device and a method for producing a fiber deposit that can prevent the contamination of fibers deposited at locations other than a desired position and can make the basis weight distribution constant.SOLUTION: A fiber deposited body producing device 10 of the present invention includes an electrospinning device 20 that discharges resin into an electric field to spin the fibers F, and a collection device 30 that deposits and collects the fibers F. The collection device 30 includes a collection member 31 made of a non-conductive material, and a pair of wind collecting plates 34, 34 made of a non-conductive material. The collection member 31 is disposed such that a collection surface 30S faces the electrospinning device 20. The wind collecting plates 34 are respectively disposed at positions on both sides of the collection surface 30S of the collection device 30, and disposed such that a plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34 faces the electrospinning device 20 and makes an obtuse-angle with the collecting surface 30S. A plurality of convex portions P are formed on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34 facing the electrospinning device 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a fiber deposit and a method for producing a fiber deposit.

  Electrospinning (electrospinning) has attracted attention as a technique capable of producing a fiber sheet having fibers of nano-sized diameter (hereinafter, also referred to as fibers) with ease and high productivity. In the electrospinning method, a high voltage is applied to a solution or a melt of a resin as a raw material of fibers to form fibers. In the electrospinning method using a resin solution, the resin solution is put in a syringe, and between a nozzle attached to the tip of the syringe and a collecting electrode installed opposite to a position separated by a predetermined distance from the nozzle Apply high voltage. The resin solution discharged from the tip of the nozzle is drawn by coulomb force and the solvent evaporates instantaneously. The resin from which the solvent has evaporated is elongated and elongated while being coagulated to form fibers, which are attracted to the collecting electrode. The formed fibers are deposited on the surface of the collecting electrode to form a sheet.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for producing nanofibers by electrospinning. In the apparatus of the same document, when spinning in a charged state, the polymer in the liquid state is guided, the spinning route is guided to prevent the spread of the spun filament or to guide the filament to a collector. It is stated that a control unit or an induction unit to which a voltage is applied is provided in order to facilitate this.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus for producing nanofibers by an electrospinning method. The apparatus described in the same document is provided with an adjustment electrode for adjusting the area on which the nanofibers are deposited, and control means such as a cover member having an insulating property in the vicinity of the collection member for collecting nanofibers. It is stated that it is done.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-534828 JP, 2011-099178, A

  In the apparatuses of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the control means for adjusting the deposition area of the nano-fibers spun by the electrospinning method is provided, it is possible to control the deposition area of the nano-fibers. It is. However, it is not assumed that nano fibers are deposited on these control means itself, and there is no disclosure regarding the uniformity of the basis weight distribution of the fiber deposit to be produced. In particular, due to the fact that these control means are arranged in the vicinity of the collecting member, the fibers deposited on the member such as the control means are unintentionally mixed in the fiber deposit located on the collecting member (collector). As a result, defects in the basis weight of the produced fiber deposit occur, and as a result, the quality of the product using the fiber deposit is degraded.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for producing a fiber deposit that can prevent the contamination of fibers deposited at other than desired positions and make the basis weight distribution constant.

The present invention is an apparatus for producing a fiber deposit, comprising: an electrospinning apparatus that discharges a resin into an electric field to spin fibers; and a collection apparatus that deposits and collects the fibers,
The collection device includes a collection member made of a nonconductive material and a pair of current collecting plates made of a nonconductive material.
The collecting member is arranged such that its collecting surface faces the electrospinning apparatus,
The wind collecting plates are disposed at positions on both sides of the collecting surface of the collecting member, and the plate surface of the collecting plate faces the electrospinning apparatus and has an obtuse angle with the collecting surface. Are arranged to make
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber deposition body in which a plurality of convex portions are formed on the plate surface of the air collecting plate facing the electrospinning device.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can prevent that the fibers deposited other than a desired position mix with the fiber located on a collection surface unintentionally, and can manufacture a fiber with uniform basis weight.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view when the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the XY plane when the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1 is viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a collection device in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. Fig.4 (a) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows one Embodiment of the wind collecting board of the collection apparatus in FIG. 3, FIG.4 (b) is other implementation of the wind collecting board of the collection apparatus in FIG. It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows a form. FIG. 5: is a principal part enlarged view in XZ plane which shows the positional relationship of the 2nd current collection board in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of a collection device in the manufacturing apparatus of FIG.

  The present invention will be described based on its preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of the fiber sheet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. The manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is roughly divided into an electrospinning apparatus 20 and a collection apparatus 30.

  The electrospinning device 20 is a device that discharges a solution or a melt of a raw material resin supplied from a raw material supply unit (not shown) to perform spinning. The electrospinning apparatus 20 is disposed to face the collection surface 30S of the collection apparatus 30. In the following description, the solution or melt of the raw material resin is generically referred to as "raw material liquid".

  The electrospinning apparatus 20 includes a nozzle 21 for discharging the raw material liquid L, and a charging electrode 22 for charging the raw material liquid L. The nozzle 21 is made of a conductive material such as metal and has a hollow needle-like structure. The charging electrode 22 as a whole has a substantially wedge shape, and the surface facing the nozzle 21 is a concave surface. The nozzle 21 is provided at the bottom of the charging electrode 22 and is surrounded by the charging electrode 22. Preferably, an insulator (not shown) is provided between the nozzle 21 and the charging electrode 22 to electrically insulate the two. The tip 21 a of the nozzle 21 is exposed in the charging electrode 22. The rear end 21 b of the nozzle 21 is connected to the raw material supply unit on the back side of the charging electrode 22. A high voltage power supply 23 is connected to the charging electrode 22. The high voltage power supply 23 can use a known device such as a DC high voltage power supply.

  The lower limit of the inner diameter of the nozzle 21 can be set preferably to 100 μm or more, and more preferably to 300 μm or more. On the other hand, the upper limit thereof can be set preferably to 3000 μm or less, more preferably 2000 μm or less. The inner diameter of the nozzle 21 can be set preferably to 100 μm or more and 3000 μm or less, and more preferably to 300 μm or more and 2000 μm or less. By setting the inner diameter of the nozzle within this range, it is possible to easily and quantitatively feed the polymer raw material liquid L, and it is preferable because the raw material liquid L can be efficiently charged.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the nozzle 21 is grounded, and a high voltage is applied to the charging electrode 22. However, the voltage to be applied is not limited to this, and a positive voltage or a negative voltage may be applied to the nozzle 21, and the charging electrode 22 may be grounded. That is, it is sufficient that a potential difference is generated between the nozzle 21 and the charging electrode 22. The potential difference applied between the nozzle 21 and the charging electrode 22 is preferably 1 kV or more, particularly 10 kV or more, from the viewpoint of sufficiently charging the raw material liquid L. On the other hand, it is preferable to set the potential difference to 100 kV or less, particularly 50 kV or less, in order to prevent discharge between the nozzle 21 and the charging electrode 22. The potential difference is, for example, preferably 1 kV or more and 100 kV or less, and more preferably 10 kV or more and 50 kV or less.

  In order to further concentrate the electric charge on the tip of the nozzle 21, the nozzle 21 passes through the center of the circle defined by the open end of the charging electrode 22, or in the vicinity thereof. And it is advantageous that the tip 21 a of the nozzle 21 is located in or near the plane including the circle defined by the open end.

  In particular, the nozzle 21 is disposed such that its extending direction passes through the center of a circle defined by the open end of the concave surface 24 of the charge electrode 22 or near the center of the circle and the bottom of the charge electrode 22. Preferably. It is preferable that a plane including a circle defined by the open end of the charging electrode 22 is orthogonal to the extending direction of the nozzle 21. By arranging the nozzle 21 in this manner, the charge is further concentrated on the tip of the nozzle 21. From this point of view, it is particularly preferable that the charging electrode 22 has a substantially hemispherical shape of a spherical shell of a true sphere.

  With respect to the position of the tip 21 a of the nozzle 21, the nozzle 21 is positioned so that the tip 21 a is located in a plane including a circle defined by the open end of the charging electrode 22 or located inside the plane. Is preferably arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an airflow injection unit 25 is provided in the vicinity of the base of the nozzle 21. The air flow injection unit 25 is formed along the extending direction of the nozzle 21. The air flow injection unit 25 is located rearward of the tip 21 a of the nozzle 21 and is formed to be capable of injecting a gas flow in the direction of the tip 21 a of the nozzle 21. From the viewpoint of obtaining a uniform air flow, it is preferable that a plurality of air flow injection units 25 be provided in an annular shape so as to surround the nozzle 21. An opening on the rear end side of the air flow injection unit 25 formed of a through hole is connected to a gas flow supply source (not shown). By supplying the gas from the supply source, the gas is ejected from the periphery of the nozzle 21. The air velocity of the air flow is preferably 120 m / sec or more and 450 m / sec or less, and particularly preferably 190 m / sec or more and 350 m / sec or less. The wind speed of the air flow can be appropriately adjusted by the composition of the raw material liquid. The raw material liquid L discharged from the tip 21a of the nozzle 21 and elongated by the action of the electric field is transported toward the collection surface 30S of the collection device 30 described later by the ejected gas.

  From the viewpoint of maintaining the form of the fiber F to be manufactured constant, the flow rate of the air flow injected from the air flow injection unit 25 is, for example, 60 L /, provided that the air flow speed described above is satisfied. It is preferable to set it as min or more, particularly 80 L / min or more. The upper limit of the flow rate of the air flow is, for example, preferably 300 L / min or less, particularly 250 L / min or less. The flow rate of the air flow can be appropriately adjusted by the composition of the raw material liquid L.

  The collection apparatus 30 is provided with the collection member 31 which deposits and conveys the fiber F, and a pair of current collection board 34,34, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

  The collection member 31 provided in the collection device 30 is a member made of a nonconductive material such as a non-woven fabric or a synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the collection member 31 in the collection device 30 is disposed to face the electrospinning device 20, and forms a collection surface 30S of the fiber F. Although the collection member 31 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is in the form of a conveyor belt 31 comprising a belt conveyor having an endless belt, it is an embodiment using a roller rotatable in one direction instead of the belt conveyor It may be done. In the following description, the aspect which used the conveyance belt 31 as the collection member 31 demonstrates.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the transport belt 31 is wound between two transport rolls 32 and 32, and is transported so as to draw an orbit in the direction R. As the transport belt 31, instead of the endless belt, for example, a long belt-like belt may be fed from a roll-shaped wound body.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the production efficiency of the fiber deposit F, as shown in FIG. 3, the length 30Y in the Y direction in the collection surface 30S is preferably 200 mm or more, preferably 300 mm or more, and preferably 600 mm or less, 450 mm or less Is more preferred. From the same viewpoint, the length 30Z in the Z direction in the collection surface 30S is preferably 200 mm or more, preferably 300 mm or more, and preferably 1500 mm or less, more preferably 1100 mm or less.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the raw material liquid L is discharged from the nozzle 21 in a charged state. The charged raw material liquid L forms a fine diameter fiber by the electric repulsion of the raw material liquid L and the air ejected from the air flow injection unit 25, and the collection surface of the collection member 31 in the collection device 30 It is transported toward 30S. The small diameter fibers are deposited on the transport belt 31 forming the collecting surface to form a deposit of fibers F (hereinafter, the deposit of fibers F is also referred to as “fiber deposit F”). The fiber deposit F is a deposit of the spun fibers F, so the fibers F and the fiber deposit F are substantially the same. The fiber deposition body F is fed by the conveyance belt 31 forming the collection surface 30S, guided by the guide roll 33, and conveyed downstream.

  As shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, the collection apparatus 30 is provided with a pair of current collection board 34,34 which consists of nonelectroconductive materials, such as acrylic resin. The plate 34 is disposed so as to face the electrospinning device 20 on both sides of the collection surface 30S of the collection device 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the wind collecting plate 34 is a rectangular plate having a long side in the Z direction. The pair of current collecting plates 34, 34 are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to a longitudinal center line extending along the transport direction R, passing the center of the collection surface 30S in the width direction Y.

  As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the respective wind collecting plates 34, 34 be arranged such that an angle θ1 and an angle θ2 between the plate surface 34S and the collecting surface 30S form an obtuse angle. Specifically, it is preferable that the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 formed by each of the wind collecting plates 34 and 34 and the collection surface 30S are each independently larger than 90 °. The angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are preferably less than 180 °, more preferably 150 ° or less, and still more preferably 120 ° or less. From the viewpoint of making the basis weight distribution of the fiber deposit F uniform, the angles θ1 and θ2 are preferably the same.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the deposition of the fibers on the collection surface 30S, as shown in FIG. 3, the length 34N in the depth direction (X direction) of the wind collecting plate 34 is preferably 200 mm or more, and preferably 300 mm or more. 600 mm or less is preferable and 450 mm or less is more preferable. From the same viewpoint, the length 34L of the wind collecting plate 34 in the Z direction is preferably 200 mm or more, preferably 300 mm or more, preferably 1500 mm or less, and more preferably 1100 mm or less.

  By arranging the current collecting plate 34 as described above, the flow of air along the discharge direction of the raw material liquid L in the manufacturing apparatus 10 is adjusted to facilitate guiding the fiber F to the collection surface 30S. . In addition, compared with the case where the fiber deposition body is produced by the production apparatus in which the wind collecting plate 34 is not disposed, the production efficiency of the fiber deposition body F when electrospinning the same amount of the raw material liquid L is enhanced and the production cost The advantage of being able to reduce

  As described above, since the collection device 30 is disposed at a position where the pair of current collecting plates 34, 34 sandwich the collection surface 30S, it is easy to deposit the fiber F spun on the collection surface 30S. It has become. However, since the plate 34 is disposed so that the plate surface 34S faces the electrospinning apparatus 20, the three-dimensionally electrospun fibers F are the desired deposition areas of the fibers F in the present invention. In addition to a given collecting surface 30S, it may be unintentionally formed on the plate surface 34S of the current collecting plate 34 located therearound. When the fibers formed on the wind collecting plate 34 are mixed into the fiber deposit F present on the collection surface 30S, the basis weight distribution of the fiber deposit F becomes uneven, and as a result, the fibers It leads to the fall of productivity and quality of the product which uses deposit body F.

  As a result of intensive investigations conducted by the present inventor to eliminate such defects, when a plurality of convex portions P are formed on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34, the fiber F is unexpectedly unintentionally formed on the wind collecting plate 34. It has been found that, even if it has been spun, it is difficult to deposit on the plate surface 34S, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the unintended mixing of fibers into the fiber deposit F formed on the collecting surface 30S.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of convex portions P are formed on the plate surface 34 </ b> S of the current collecting plate 34. In FIG. 3, although the convex part P is formed in the substantially whole surface of the plate surface 34S and at equal intervals, even if the plane part in which the convex part P is not formed exists, as long as the effect of this invention is exhibited. Good.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a plurality of convex portions P are formed so as to protrude from the reference surface 34B of the wind collecting plate 34. It is preferable that the convex portion P be shaped such that the top portion PT is at the apex or has an area smaller than the area of the bottom portion PB. As such a shape, as shown to Fig.4 (a), what becomes a taper shape toward the top part PT from the bottom part PB in the convex part P, as shown to FIG.4 (b), the top PT What has become a cylindrical shape which made each side vertex a curved surface is mentioned. As the convex portion P having a tapered shape, cones such as cones and pyramids, truncated cones such as truncated cones and truncated pyramids, and rounded apexes or ridges of these on curved surfaces are listed. Be By having such a configuration, the fibers F are less likely to be deposited on the plate surface 34S, and as a result, it is possible to prevent unintended mixing of fibers into the fiber deposit body F formed on the collection surface 30S. Can.

  From the viewpoint of further suppressing the deposition of the fibers F on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the length W1 of the bottom portion PB in the convex portion P is 3 mm or more It is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or less, and still more preferably 10 mm or less. The length W1 indicates the diameter when the convex portion P has a conical shape or a truncated cone shape, and indicates the length of one side of the bottom portion PB when the convex portion P has a pyramid shape or a truncated pyramid shape. When the length W1 changes depending on the direction in which the convex portion P is viewed, the longest length is set to W1.

  From the same viewpoint, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), when the top PT has an area, the length W2 of the top PT is preferably 3 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more It is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less. The length W2 indicates the diameter when the convex portion P has a truncated cone shape, and indicates the length of one side at the top PT when the convex portion P has a truncated pyramid shape. When the length W2 changes depending on the direction in which the convex portion P is viewed, the longest length is set to W2.

  Further, from the same viewpoint, the distance W3 (see FIG. 4B) between the adjacent convex portions P is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and 15 mm or less Preferably, it is 10 mm or less. As shown to Fig.4 (a), it is not necessary to substantially have the space | interval of the convex part P which adjoins. Depending on the arrangement of the convex portions P, the distance W3 may have a length of 2 or more. In such a case, the shortest distance is taken as the distance W3.

  From the same viewpoint, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the height H1 of the convex portion P is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and 15 mm. It is preferable that it is the following and it is more preferable that it is 8 mm or less. In the case of forming two or more convex portions P having different heights, the height of the convex portion P having the lowest height is taken as the height H1.

  As the air collecting plate 34 having the convex portion P, a member in which the convex portion P is formed by integral molding may be used as it is, or a member having the convex portion P joined to another flat plate member is used. May be A commercial item can also be used as a member which has convex part P. Examples of such commercially available products include prism resin plates such as Dela Prism 15M and Dela Prism 12M (both manufactured by Asahi Kasei Techno Plus Co., Ltd.), and bubble buffer materials such as bubble wrap (manufactured by Kawakami Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

  It is not clear why the effect of the present invention can be achieved by forming the plurality of convex portions P on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34 which is the surface facing the electrospinning device 20, but the following two points Mechanism is guessed. First, the reduction of the frictional force between the fibers F and the projections P can be mentioned. As shown in FIG. 4 (a) or 4 (b), each convex portion P has a shape in which the top portion PT forms a vertex toward the electrospinning device 20 or is smaller than the area of the bottom portion PB. There is. Due to the convex portion P having such a shape, the contact area between the unintentionally spun fiber F and the convex portion P becomes smaller, and generation between the fiber F and the convex portion P occurs. Friction is reduced. As a result, the fibers F are less likely to be held on the plate surface 34S, and the fibers are easily detached from the air collecting plate 34.

  Secondly, there is a repulsive force due to electrostatic induction generated in the convex portion P. When electrospinning is performed using the manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present invention, the raw material liquid L is in a charged state even after it becomes the fiber F due to charging and discharging the raw material liquid L. When the charged fiber F adheres to the convex portion P of the plate surface 34S, the vicinity of the top PT of the convex portion P with which the fiber F contacts is charged to a different charge from the fiber F due to electrostatic induction. On the other hand, the vicinity of the bottom portion PB of the convex portion P is polarized by electrostatic induction and is charged to a charge different from that of the top portion PT. That is, the vicinity of the bottom portion PB is charged to the same charge as the fiber F. Due to this, an electrical repulsive force is generated between the fiber F charged to the same charge and the vicinity of the bottom portion PB to separate the fiber F from the plate surface 34S. As a result, the fibers F are less likely to be deposited on the plate surface 34S.

  From the viewpoint of making it easier to deposit the three-dimensionally electrospun fibers F on the collecting surface 30S, as shown in FIG. 3, the wind collecting plate 34 is positioned on both sides along the transport direction R in the collecting surface 30S. It is preferable to arrange each and arrange | position a pair of 2nd current collection board 35, 35 in the position before and behind the conveyance direction R. FIG. It is more preferable to arrange | position so that each side which forms the collection surface 30S may be enclosed by the current collecting plates 34 and 34 and the 2nd current collecting plates 35 and 35 especially. Similar to the current collecting plate 34, the second current collecting plate 35 is formed of a nonconductive material such as an acrylic resin. The pair of second current collecting plates 35, 35 are disposed at symmetrical positions with respect to a lateral center line extending along the width direction Y, passing through the center of the collection surface 30S in the Z direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plate surface 35S of the second wind collecting plate 35 has a plurality of convexes so as to protrude from the reference surface 35B of the plate surface 35S, like the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34. A part P is formed. Although the convex portions P shown in FIG. 3 are formed on substantially the entire surface of the plate surface 35S and at equal intervals, even if there are planar portions where the convex portions P are not formed, as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited. Good. The formation of the plurality of convex portions P on the second wind collecting plate 35 makes it difficult for the fibers F to be deposited on the plate surface 35S, and as a result, the fiber deposited body F formed on the collection surface 30S is Unintended fiber contamination can be prevented. Since the plurality of convex portions P formed on the plate surface 35S of the second wind collecting plate 35 have the same configuration as the convex portions P on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34, the explanation regarding the convex portion P described above is Applicable as appropriate.

  Similar to the wind collecting plate 34, the second wind collecting plate 35 is disposed such that the angle θ3 and the angle θ4 between the plate surface 35S of each second wind collecting plate 35 and 35 and the collection surface 30S form an obtuse angle. Is preferred. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, an imaginary straight line A extending along the collection surface 30S when the collection device 30 is viewed from the side, and each second wind collecting plate 35, 35 and the collection surface Each of the angle θ3 and the angle θ4 formed by 30S is preferably independently greater than 90 °. The angle θ3 and the angle θ4 are preferably less than 180 °, more preferably 150 ° or less, and still more preferably 120 ° or less. From the viewpoint of making the basis weight distribution of the fiber deposit F uniform, the angles θ3 and θ4 are preferably the same.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the deposition of the fibers on the collection surface 30S, as shown in FIG. 3, the length 35N of the second wind collecting plate 35 in the X direction is preferably 200 mm or more, preferably 300 mm or more, and 600 mm The following is preferable and 450 mm or less is more preferable. From the same viewpoint, the length 35L of the second wind collecting plate 35 in the Y direction is preferably 300 mm or more, preferably 400 mm or more, and preferably 600 mm or less, more preferably 500 mm or less.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in order to further improve the deposition of the fibers F on the collection surface 30S when the spinning conditions and / or the collection conditions in electrospinning are changed, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to have 41. The angle adjusting means 41 is for adjusting the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 which are the angles formed by the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34 and the collecting surface 30S within the above-mentioned range. As the angle adjustment means 41, for example, a hinge, a rod-like member and a bearing member which allow the wind collecting plate 34 to pivot about an axis, a slide hinge, a worm gear, etc. may be mentioned.

  From the viewpoint of preventing the accumulation of the fibers F in an unintended position, the angle adjusting means 41 is preferably provided in a portion other than the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34. The angle adjustment means 41 shown in FIG. 6 includes a support member 42 disposed on the outside of the collection device 30 so as to sandwich the collection surface 30S, and a back surface opposite to the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34. It connects with 34R, and it is arrange | positioned so that an air collection board can be opened and closed. Although the member etc. which comprise the outer frame of the collection apparatus 30 etc. are mentioned as the supporting member 42, for example, it is not restricted to this.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the wind collecting plate 34 has a distance between the pair of wind collecting plates 34, 34 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to have the space | interval adjustment means 43 which adjusts As the space adjusting means 43, for example, a slidable rail arranged to connect between the support members 42, 42, a stretchable rod-like member, a rack and pinion, a ball screw, etc. may be mentioned. From the viewpoint of preventing the fibers F from being deposited at unintended positions, the space adjusting means 43 is preferably provided at a portion other than the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34. The distance between the pair of current collecting plates 34 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the desired area of the collection surface 30S of the collection member 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 from the viewpoint of enhancing the spinning efficiency of the fiber F by causing an electric field to be generated between the nozzle 21 and the collection device 30 in the electrospinning device 20 to facilitate charging of the raw material liquid L. Preferably, the collection device 30 comprises a collection electrode 36. The collecting electrode 36 is disposed to face the electrospinning apparatus 20 and adjacent to the back surface of the transport belt 31.

  The collecting electrode 36 is a flat plate made of a conductive material such as metal. The plate surface of the collection electrode 36 and the extending direction of the nozzle 21 are disposed substantially orthogonal to each other. The collecting electrode 36 is not particularly limited as long as an electric field is formed between the nozzle 21 and the collecting electrode 36. For example, as shown in FIG. A voltage different from the voltage applied to 21 may be applied to the collection electrode 36 or may be grounded. When the second high voltage device 37 is used, it is preferable to apply a voltage different from the voltage applied to the nozzle 21 to the collection electrode 36. With this configuration, an electric field is likely to be formed between the nozzle 21 and the collecting electrode 36, and fibers of smaller diameter can be produced by electrospinning.

  When the collecting device 30 is provided with the collecting electrode 36, the Y direction in the collecting electrode 36 with respect to the length 30Y in the Y direction in the collecting surface 30S from the viewpoint of enhancing the deposition property of the fibers F on the collecting surface 30S. The ratio of lengths is preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.8 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less. From the same viewpoint, the ratio of the length in the Z direction of the collecting electrode 36 to the length 30Z of the collecting surface 30S in the Z direction is preferably 0.2 or more, and 0.25 or more. More preferably, it is preferably 2.0 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less.

  From the viewpoint of enhancing the collection efficiency of the fibers F spun by the electrospinning device 20 on the collection surface 30S and enhancing the production efficiency of the fiber deposit F, as shown in FIGS. Is preferably provided with a suction mechanism 38. The suction mechanism 38 is disposed on the back of the transport belt 31 so as to face the electrospinning device 20. When the collection device 30 includes the suction mechanism 38, the collection member 31 is preferably configured of a member through which air can flow. As shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the transport belt 31 be configured of a belt capable of circulating air, such as a mesh belt, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of suction holes 38 a are opened in the surface of the suction mechanism 38 facing the electrospinning device 20, and portions other than the suction holes 38 a are flat. Each suction hole 38a communicates with a suction device (not shown) such as a vacuum pump provided in the suction mechanism 38, and is configured to be able to suction outside air through each suction hole 38a. There is. By having such a configuration, in addition to the injection of the air flow from the air flow injection unit 25, the flow of air from the electrospinning device 20 toward the collection surface 30S side of the collection device 30 is strengthened As a result, the fibers F can be prevented from being unintentionally deposited at a position other than the collecting surface 30S.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, when the collection device 30 is provided with both the collection electrode 36 and the suction mechanism 38, the collection electrode 36 is provided behind the transport belt 31 and the collection electrode 36. Preferably, a suction mechanism 38 is provided behind the. That is, when viewed from the electrospinning apparatus 20 side, it is preferable that the collection device 30 be provided with the collection member 31 (the transport belt 31), the collection electrode 36, and the suction mechanism 38 in this order. .

  When the collecting device 30 is provided with both the collecting electrode 36 and the suction mechanism 38, as shown in FIG. It is preferable that a plurality of air flow holes 36a penetrating through the surface facing the electrospinning apparatus 20 and the other surface are provided, and the positions of the air flow holes 36a and the suction holes 38a are respectively matched. Is more preferred. With such a configuration, the spinning efficiency and the collection efficiency of the fibers F can be simultaneously enhanced, and the production efficiency of the fiber deposit F can be further enhanced.

  From the viewpoint of improving the collection efficiency of the fiber F on the collection surface 30S, the length in the Y direction of the suction mechanism 38 is preferably equal to or greater than the length in the Y direction of the collection electrode 36 Preferably, the length in the Z direction at 38 is equal to or greater than the length in the Z direction of the collecting electrode 36.

  From the same viewpoint, the ratio of the length in the Y direction in the suction mechanism 38 to the length 30Y in the Y direction in the collection surface 30S is preferably 0.7 or more, more preferably 0.8 or more Moreover, it is preferable to set it as 2.0 or less, and it is more preferable to set it as 1.5 or less. Similarly, the ratio of the Z-direction length in the suction mechanism 38 to the Z-direction length 30Z in the collection surface 30S is preferably 0.2 or more, and more preferably 0.25 or more. Moreover, it is preferable to be 2.0 or less, and it is more preferable to be 1.5 or less. With such a configuration, the spinning efficiency and the collection efficiency of the fibers F can be simultaneously enhanced, and the production efficiency of the fiber deposit F can be further enhanced.

  The suction static pressure generated by the suction mechanism 38 is preferably 1 kPa or more, and more preferably 1.5 kPa or more, from the viewpoint of achieving both the collection efficiency of the fibers F and the ease of transport on the transport belt 31. The upper limit thereof is preferably 40 kPa or less, more preferably 30 kPa or less.

  In the method of manufacturing a fiber sheet using the above manufacturing apparatus 10, electrospinning is performed in a state where the electrospinning apparatus 20 is disposed to face the collection surface 30S of the collection member 31 in the collection apparatus 30. The fiber F spun by the electrospinning device 20 is deposited on the front surface of the transport belt 31 forming the collection surface 30S to produce a fiber deposit F. The fiber deposit F is a deposit of the spun fibers F, so the fibers F and the fiber deposit F are substantially the same.

  In the manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present invention, since the pair of current collecting plates 34, 34 are disposed so as to sandwich the collection surface 30S, the fibers F are easily deposited on the collection surface 30S, which is a desired deposition area of the fibers F. Become. Even when fibers are unintentionally spun to a region other than the collecting surface 30S such as the wind collecting plate 34, the plate P is formed due to the formation of the convex portion P on the plate surface 34S of the wind collecting plate 34. The fibers on the surface 34S easily fall off in the region other than the collection surface 30S. As a result, it is possible to prevent the fibers spun in unintended regions from being mixed into the fiber deposit F located on the collection surface 30S, and stably producing the fiber deposit F having a uniform basis weight distribution. it can. Furthermore, by disposing the pair of second current collecting plates 35, 35 in the manufacturing apparatus 10, it is possible to more stably manufacture the fiber deposition body F having a uniform basis weight distribution.

  As the raw material liquid L used in the manufacturing apparatus 10, a solution in which a high molecular compound capable of fiber formation is dissolved or dispersed in a solvent can be used. As the polymer compound, any of a water-soluble polymer compound and a water-insoluble polymer compound can be used. In the present specification, the term "water-soluble polymer compound" refers to a polymer compound at a weight of 10 times or more of that of the polymer compound under an environment of 1 atmosphere and normal temperature (20 ° C ± 15 ° C). It is a polymer compound having such a property that it can be dissolved in water to such an extent that 50% by mass or more of the immersed polymer compound dissolves after immersion and a sufficient time (for example, 24 hours or more) elapses. On the other hand, "water-insoluble polymer compound" means that the polymer compound is immersed in water at a weight of 10 times or more of that of the polymer compound under an environment of 1 atmosphere and normal temperature (20 ° C ± 15 ° C). When sufficient time (for example, 24 hours or more) passes, the polymer compound which has the property which is hard to dissolve in water to such an extent that 80 mass% or more of the immersed polymer compound does not dissolve is said. In the raw material liquid L, inorganic particles, organic particles, plant extracts, surfactants, oil agents, electrolytes for adjusting ion concentration, and the like can be appropriately blended.

  Examples of water-soluble polymer compounds include pullulan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, poly-γ-glutamic acid, β-glucan, glucooligosaccharides, heparin, mucopolysaccharides such as heparin and keratosulfate, cellulose, pectin, xylan, lignin, glucomannan, Natural polymers such as galacturon, psyllium seed gum, tamarind seed gum, gum arabic, tragacan gum, modified corn starch, soya water soluble polysaccharide, alginic acid, carrageenan, laminaran, agar (agarose), fucoidan, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose Partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol (when not used in combination with a crosslinking agent described later), low saponified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene oxide, polya Synthetic polymers such as sodium acrylate and the like can be mentioned. These water-soluble polymer compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these water-soluble polymer compounds, pullulan and synthetic polymers such as partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, low saponified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide are preferably used from the viewpoint of easy production of fibers.

  As the water-insoluble polymer compound, for example, completely saponified polyvinyl alcohol which can be insolubilized after fiber formation, partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol which can be crosslinked after fiber formation by using it in combination with a crosslinking agent, poly (N-propanoyl ethyleneimine) graft-dimethyl Oxazoline modified silicone such as siloxane / γ-aminopropylmethyl siloxane copolymer, tween (main component of corn protein), polyester, polylactic acid (PLA), polyacrylonitrile resin, acrylic resin such as polymethacrylic acid resin, polystyrene resin, Polyvinyl butyral resin, polyethylene tephthalate resin, polybutylene tephthalate resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyamide imide resin, etc. may be mentioned. These water-insoluble polymer compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  As other polymer compounds, generally, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, poly-m-phenylene terephthalate, poly-p-phenylene isoflate, poly-fluorinated Vinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride-acrylate copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylonitrile-methacrylate copolymer, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester carbonate, nylon, aramid, Polycaprolactone, Polylactic acid, Polyglycolic acid, Collagen, Polyhydroxybutyric acid, Polyacetic acid Cycloalkenyl, polypeptides and the like. These high molecular compounds can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  As a solvent for the raw material liquid L, water, 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, benzoic acid Ethyl acetate, propyl benzoate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform, o- Rolotoluene, p-chlorotoluene, 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, pyridine and the like can be mentioned. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  In particular, when water is used as the solvent, it is preferable to use the following natural polymers and synthetic polymers which have high water solubility. Examples of natural polymers include pullulan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, poly-γ-glutamic acid, β-glucan, glucooligosaccharides, mucopolysaccharides such as heparin and keratosulfate, cellulose, pectin, xylan, lignin, glucomannan, galacturonic acid And psyllium seed gum, tamarind seed gum, gum arabic, tragacanth gum, soybean water-soluble polysaccharide, alginic acid, carrageenan, laminaran, agar (agarose), fucoidan, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and the like. Examples of synthetic polymers include partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, low saponified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide, sodium polyacrylate and the like. These high molecular compounds can be used singly or in combination of two or more. Among these polymer compounds, natural polymers such as pullulan and synthetic polymers such as partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, low saponified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide can be used from the viewpoint of easy preparation of fibers. preferable.

  The fiber F produced by the production apparatus 10 of the present invention is generally 10 nm or more and 3000 nm or less, particularly 100 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, when the thickness is represented by a circle equivalent diameter. The fiber thickness can be measured, for example, by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. By randomly depositing such fibers, a fiber deposit F can be obtained.

  The fiber F or a deposit thereof produced using the production apparatus 10 of the present invention can be used as a fiber compact for various purposes. The shape of the molded body may, for example, be a sheet, a cotton-like body, or a filament. The fiber molded body may be laminated with other sheets, or may be used by containing various liquids, fine particles, fibers and the like. The fiber sheet adheres to human skin, teeth, gums, hair, non-human mammalian skin, plant surfaces such as teeth, gums, branches and leaves, etc. for non-medical purposes such as medical purposes, cosmetic purposes, decorative purposes, etc. Is preferably used as a sheet. In addition, it is also suitably used as a high performance filter with high dust collection and low pressure loss, a battery separator that can be used at high current density, a cell culture substrate having a high pore structure, and the like. The cotton-like fiber is suitably used as a soundproofing material, a heat insulating material and the like.

  Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, the production apparatus and method of the present invention can be applied to any of the solution spinning method and the melting method.

  Further, the angle adjustment means 41 and / or the space adjustment means 43 may be provided to the second current collecting plates 35, 35 in addition to the current collecting plate 34. In this case, the angle adjusting means 41 in the second wind collecting plate 35 adjusts the angle θ3 and the angle θ4 which are the angles formed by the plate surface 35S of the second wind collecting plate 35 and the collection surface 30S within the above range. In addition, the space adjusting means 43 adjusts the space between the pair of second wind collecting plates 35, 35. The angle adjustment means 41 and / or the space adjustment means 43 used in the second wind collecting plate 35 can be configured similarly to those used in the wind collecting plate 34. The distance between the pair of second current collecting plates 35 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the desired area of the collection surface 30S of the collection member 31. By having such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the deposition of fibers at unintended positions effectively, and to more stably produce a fiber deposit F having a uniform basis weight distribution on the collection surface 30S. .

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

Example 1
A raw material liquid L of a molten resin comprising 80% by mass of polypropylene (PP; manufactured by PolyMirae, MF 650Y) as a resin and 20% by mass of zinc stearate as an additive using the production apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Were spun by melt electrospinning. The spinning time was 1 hour, and a fiber deposit F with a length of 69 m and a width of 300 mm was produced. The spinning conditions in the electrospinning apparatus 20 and the collection conditions in the collection apparatus 30 were as follows. A methacrylic resin plate (Dera prism 15M, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Techno Plus Co., Ltd .; bottom portion) in which a quadrangular pyramid shaped convex portion P is formed on each of the pair of current collecting plates 34 and 34 and the pair of second current collecting plates 35 Shape of PB: A square with a side length W1 of 10 mm was used.

<Spinning conditions>
・ Manufacturing environment: 27 ° C, 50% RH
・ The heating temperature of the raw material liquid L: 250 ° C.
· Discharge amount of raw material liquid L: 800 g / hr
· Applied voltage to charging electrode 22: -30 kV
The distance between the nozzle tip 21a and the collecting electrode 36: 1100 mm
・ Temperature of gas ejected from air flow injection unit 25: 450 ° C.
· Pressure of gas ejected from the air flow injection unit 25: 0.25 MPa
・ Flow rate of gas ejected from the air flow injection unit 25: 200 L / min

Collection conditions
-Belt width (length 30Y) of conveyance belt 31: 350 mm
-Belt length of conveyance belt 31 (length 30 Z): 1100 mm
・ Conveying speed of conveying belt 31: 1.15 m / min
-Dimension of the wind collecting plate 34: length 1000 mm x width 400 mm x thickness 5 mm
-Dimension of the second wind shield plate 35: length 500 mm × width 560 mm × thickness 5 mm
-Dimension of collecting electrode 36: length 300 mm × width 300 mm × thickness 1 mm
· Applied voltage to collecting electrode 36: -25 kV
· Maximum suction static pressure of suction mechanism 38: 18.2 kPa

Comparative Example 1
The fiber deposited body F was manufactured under the same conditions as in Example 1 except that a manufacturing apparatus in which the pair of current collecting plates 34, 34 and the pair of second current collecting plates 35, 35 were not used was used.

[Fiber contamination evaluation]
With respect to the fiber deposit F of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the contamination of unintended fibers was visually evaluated based on the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.
A: Unintended fiber deposits were not mixed in the fiber deposit F.
B: Unintended fiber deposits were mixed in the fiber deposit F.

[Evaluation of uniformity of basis weight]
With respect to the fiber deposit F of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the uniformity of the basis weight was evaluated from the fluctuation of the basis weight distribution of each fiber deposit F. Evaluation criteria were as follows. The results are shown in Table 1.
A: The change in basis weight of the fiber deposit F was small, and the basis weight distribution was good.
B: The change in basis weight of the fiber sediment F became large, and the basis weight distribution was poor.

  As shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the fiber deposit produced using the production apparatus of Example 1 has a good basis weight distribution without the contamination of unintended fiber deposits. On the other hand, it can be seen that the fiber deposit produced using the production apparatus of Comparative Example 1 is contaminated with unintended fiber deposits, has a large variation in basis weight, and has a poor basis weight distribution.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Production apparatus of fiber deposit 20 Electrospinning apparatus 21 Nozzle 22 Charged electrode 25 Air flow injection part 30 Collection apparatus 30S Collection surface 31 Collection member (conveyor belt)
34 air collecting plate 34S air collecting plate 35 second air collecting plate 35 S second air collecting plate 36 collecting electrode 38 suction mechanism 41 angle adjusting means 43 interval adjusting means F fiber, fiber deposit L raw material liquid P convex R direction of transport

Claims (9)

What is claimed is: 1. A fiber deposition apparatus comprising: an electrospinning apparatus that discharges resin into an electric field to spin fibers; and a collection apparatus that deposits and collects the fibers,
The collection device includes a collection member made of a nonconductive material and a pair of current collecting plates made of a nonconductive material.
The collecting member is arranged such that its collecting surface faces the electrospinning apparatus,
The wind collecting plates are disposed at positions on both sides of the collecting surface of the collecting member, and the plate surface of the collecting plate faces the electrospinning apparatus and has an obtuse angle with the collecting surface. Are arranged to make
The manufacturing apparatus of the fiber deposition body by which several convex parts are formed in the said plate | board surface which opposes the said electrospinning apparatus in the said current collecting board.   The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the collection surface of the collection member is configured to be capable of transporting the fibers deposited on the collection surface in one direction. A pair of the current collecting plates are respectively disposed at positions on both sides along the transport direction in the collection surface, and a pair of second current collectors are respectively disposed at front and rear positions in the transport direction. ,
The fiber according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of second current collecting plates are arranged such that the plate surface of the current collecting plate faces the electrospinning apparatus and forms an obtuse angle with the collection surface. Equipment for manufacturing sediments.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the collection surface of the collection member is a belt conveyor or a roller.   The said collection apparatus is a manufacturing apparatus of the fiber deposition body as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4 provided with the electrode for producing an electric field between the said electrospinning apparatus.   The said collection apparatus is further provided with the attraction | suction mechanism which attracts | sucks the fiber spun by the said electrospinning apparatus toward the said collection apparatus side, The manufacture of the fiber deposition body as described in any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5 apparatus.   The wind collecting plate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising angle adjusting means for adjusting an angle between the plate surface of the wind collecting plate and the collecting surface of the collecting member. The manufacturing apparatus of the fiber deposit | stacking body of description.   The said wind collecting board is a manufacturing apparatus of the fiber deposit body as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7 provided with the space | interval adjustment means which adjusts the space | interval between these wind collecting boards. The manufacturing method of the fiber deposition body using the manufacturing apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-8.