JP4880638B2 - Nanofiber manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  More particularly, the present invention relates to a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus suitable for manufacturing a plurality of types of nanofibers.

  An electrospinning (charge-induced spinning) method is known as a method for producing a filamentous (fibrous) material (nanofiber) made of a polymer material or the like and having a submicron-scale diameter.

  In this electrospinning method, a raw material liquid in which a polymer substance or the like is dispersed or dissolved in a solvent is discharged (injected) into the space by a nozzle or the like, and the raw material liquid is charged by being charged to fly through the space. This is a method for obtaining nanofibers by electrostatically exploding the raw material liquid therein.

  More specifically, the volume of the charged and injected raw material liquid decreases as the solvent evaporates from the raw material liquid in flight through the space. On the other hand, 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 increases. Since the solvent in the raw material liquid continues to evaporate, the charge density of the raw material liquid grains further increases, and the coulomb force in the repulsive direction generated in the raw material liquid grains exceeds the surface tension of the raw material liquid. When this occurs, a phenomenon (electrostatic explosion) occurs in which the polymer solution is stretched linearly explosively. The electrostatic explosions occur one after another in the space, and nanofibers made of a polymer having a submicron diameter are manufactured.

  By depositing the nanofibers thus manufactured on a substrate or the like, a thin film having a three-dimensional structure having a three-dimensional network can be obtained. Furthermore, a highly porous web having a submicron network can be produced by depositing nanofibers thick. The thin films and highly porous webs produced in this way can be suitably applied to filters, battery separators, polymer electrolyte membranes and electrodes of fuel cells, and the highly porous webs made of nanofibers. Each can be expected to dramatically improve performance.

Conventionally, when manufacturing a web composed of nanofibers as described above, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, nanofibers are deposited on a long strip-shaped deposition member wound around a winding member, A long, highly porous web is produced by collecting the nanofibers deposited on the deposition member. And when the deposition member which can be supplied is lost, it replaced with the new deposition member, and manufactured the highly porous web which consists of nanofibers.
JP 2006-37329 A

  However, when it is necessary to change the type of nanofiber to be manufactured and to manufacture different types of webs in one nanofiber manufacturing apparatus, all the stacking members are attached to one winding member. After winding the wire, a new deposition member must be attached to the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus, which causes problems such as troublesome setup change.

  Furthermore, depending on the type of nanofiber, the method for depositing the nanofiber may be different, and further, time and labor will be spent for the setup change.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said problem, and aims at provision of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus which can shorten the time of setup change.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus that collects manufactured nanofibers by electrostatically exploding a raw material liquid as a raw material of nanofibers in a space. A discharge device for discharging nanofibers and a plurality of collection devices for collecting the discharged nanofibers, wherein the discharge device discharges a raw material liquid as a raw material of the nanofibers into the space. And a raw material liquid charging means for charging the raw material liquid, the collecting device receiving a nanofiber to deposit and depositing the belt, a supply means for supplying the deposition member, and the deposition member The collecting means for collecting, the attracting means for attracting the nanofibers to the deposition member, the deposition member, the supplying means, the collecting means, and the attracting means are attached. Characterized in that it comprises a movable base in state.

  As a result, when the setup change is performed with one collection device, the nanofiber can be manufactured using another collection device, so that the time required for the setup change can be shortened, and the nanofiber production can be performed. The production efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

  The attracting means included in the first collecting device, which is one of the collecting devices, generates an electric field by an applied voltage, and attracts the charged nanofibers to the deposition member; and the attracting electrode The second collecting device, which is another one of the collecting devices, includes a vent hole for ensuring air permeability, and the second collecting device. It is preferable that the attracting means possessed by comprises suction means for attracting the nanofibers to the deposition member by a gas flow sucked through the vent hole.

  This makes it possible to easily change the attracting means according to the type of nanofiber and the deposition state.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of collecting devices can reduce the time required for the setup change.

  Next, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a discharge device 200 that manufactures nanofibers and discharges the manufactured nanofibers, and a collection device 110 that collects the nanofibers discharged from the discharge device 200. ing.

  The discharge device 200 includes a raw material liquid outflow means 201, a raw material liquid charging means 202, a guide means 206, and a gas flow generation means 203.

  Here, the raw material liquid for manufacturing the nanofiber is referred to as a raw material liquid 300, and the manufactured nanofiber is referred to as a nanofiber 301. Since it changes, the boundary between the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 is ambiguous and cannot be clearly distinguished.

  The raw material liquid outflow means 201 is an apparatus that causes the raw material liquid 300 to flow out into the space. In this embodiment, an apparatus that discharges the raw material liquid 300 radially by centrifugal force is employed as the raw material liquid outflow means 201. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the raw material liquid outflow means 201 includes an outflow container 211, a rotating shaft body 212, and a motor 213.

  The outflow container 211 is a container capable of causing the raw material liquid 300 to flow out into the space by centrifugal force due to its rotation while the raw material liquid 300 is injected inward, and has a cylindrical shape with one end closed. Has a number of outlets 216. The outflow container 211 is formed of a conductor in order to give a charge to the stored raw material liquid 300, and also functions as a component of the raw material liquid charging means 202. The outflow container 211 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on a support (not shown), and does not shake even when rotated at a high speed.

  Specifically, the diameter of the outflow container 211 is preferably adopted from a range of 10 mm to 300 mm. If it is too large, it will be difficult to concentrate the raw material liquid 300 and the nanofiber 301 by the gas flow, and if the weight balance is slightly deviated, such as the rotation axis of the outflow vessel 211 is deviated, a large vibration will occur. This is because a structure for firmly supporting the outflow container 211 is required to suppress the vibration. On the other hand, if it is too small, the rotation for causing the raw material liquid 300 to flow out by centrifugal force must be increased, which causes problems such as motor load and vibration. Furthermore, it is preferable that the diameter of the outflow vessel 211 is adopted from the range of 20 mm or more and 100 mm or less. Moreover, the shape of the outflow port 216 is preferably circular, and the diameter is preferably employed from a range of 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

  The shape of the outflow container 211 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal column shape having a polygonal side surface or a conical shape. It is only necessary that the raw material liquid 300 flows out of the outlet 216 by centrifugal force by rotating the outlet 216. Further, the shape of the outlet 216 is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a polygonal shape or a star shape.

  The rotating shaft body 212 is a shaft body for transmitting a driving force for rotating the outflow container 211 and causing the raw material liquid 300 to flow out by centrifugal force, and is inserted into the outflow container 211 from the other end of the outflow container 211. This is a rod-like body in which the closed portion and one end portion of the outflow container 211 are joined. The other end is joined to the rotating shaft of the motor 213. The rotating shaft body 212 includes an insulating portion (not shown) that is an insulating portion so that the outflow container 211 and a motor 213 described later are not electrically connected.

  The motor 213 is a device that applies a rotational driving force to the outflow container 211 via the rotary shaft body 212 in order to cause the raw material liquid 300 to flow out from the outflow port 216 by centrifugal force. The rotational speed of the outflow vessel 211 is selected from a range of several rpm or more and 10,000 rpm or less depending on the diameter of the outlet 216, the viscosity of the raw material liquid 300 to be used, the type of polymer substance in the raw material liquid, and the like. Preferably, when the motor 213 and the outflow container 211 are in direct motion as in the present embodiment, the rotational speed of the motor 213 matches the rotational speed of the outflow container 211.

  The raw material liquid charging unit 202 is a device that charges the raw material liquid 300 by charging it. In the case of the present embodiment, the raw material liquid charging means 202 is a device that generates an induced charge and applies the charge to the raw material liquid 300, and includes an induction electrode 221, an induction power supply 222, and a grounding means 223. . The outflow container 211 also functions as part of the raw material liquid charging means 202.

  The induction electrode 221 is a member for inducing electric charges to the outflow vessel 211 that is arranged in the vicinity and grounded when the voltage is higher (or lower) than the ground. It is an annular member arrange | positioned so that it may surround. The induction electrode 221 also functions as a wind tunnel body 209 that guides the gas flow from the gas flow generation unit 203 to the guide unit 206.

  The size of the induction electrode 221 needs to be larger than the diameter of the outflow vessel 211, and the diameter is preferably adopted from a range of 200 mm or more and 800 mm or less. The shape of the induction electrode 221 is not limited to an annular shape, and may be a polygonal annular member having a polygonal shape.

  The induction power supply 222 is a power supply that can apply a high voltage to the induction electrode 221. The induction power supply 222 is a DC power supply, and is a device that can set a voltage (referenced to the ground potential) applied to the induction electrode 221 and its polarity.

  The voltage applied by the induction power source 222 to the induction electrode 221 is preferably set from a value in the range of 10 KV to 200 KV. In particular, the electric field strength between the outflow vessel 211 and the induction electrode 221 is important, and it is preferable to arrange the applied voltage and the induction electrode 221 so that the electric field strength is 1 KV / cm or more.

  The grounding means 223 is a member that is electrically connected to the outflow container 211 and can maintain the outflow container 211 at the ground potential. One end of the grounding means 223 functions as a brush so that an electrical connection state can be maintained even when the outflow container 211 is in a rotating state, and the other end is connected to the ground.

  If the induction method is adopted for the raw material liquid charging means 202 as in the present embodiment, the raw material liquid 300 can be charged while the outflow vessel 211 is maintained at the ground potential. If the outflow vessel 211 is in the ground potential state, members such as the rotating shaft 212 and the motor 213 connected to the outflow vessel 211 do not need to take measures against the high voltage between the outflow vessel 211, and the raw material liquid A simple structure can be adopted as the outflow means 201, which is preferable.

  As the raw material liquid charging means 202, a charge may be applied to the raw material liquid 300 by connecting a power source directly to the outflow container 211, maintaining the outflow container 211 at a high voltage, and grounding the induction electrode 221. In addition, the outflow vessel 211 is formed of an insulator, and an electrode that directly contacts the raw material liquid 300 stored in the outflow vessel 211 is disposed inside the outflow vessel 211, and an electric charge is applied to the raw material liquid 300 using the electrode. It may be a thing.

  The gas flow generation unit 203 is a device that generates a gas flow for changing the flight direction of the raw material liquid 300 flowing out from the outflow vessel 211 to the direction guided by the guide unit 206. The gas flow generation means 203 is provided at the back of the motor 213 and generates a gas flow from the motor 213 toward the tip of the outflow container 211. The gas flow generating means 203 can generate wind power that can change the raw material liquid 300 in the axial direction until the raw material liquid 300 flowing out from the outflow vessel 211 reaches the induction electrode 221 in a radial direction. It has become. In FIG. 2, the gas flow is indicated by arrows. In the case of the present embodiment, a blower including an axial fan that forcibly blows the atmosphere around the discharge device 200 is employed as the gas flow generation unit 203.

  The gas flow generation means 203 includes a wind tunnel body 209 that is a conduit that guides the generated gas flow to the vicinity of the outflow vessel 211 without diverging. The gas flow guided by the wind tunnel body 209 intersects the raw material liquid 300 that has flowed out of the outflow vessel 211, and changes the flight direction of the raw material liquid 300.

  Furthermore, the gas flow generation unit 203 includes a gas flow control unit 204 and a heating unit 205.

  The gas flow control means 204 has a function of controlling the gas flow so that the gas flow generated by the gas flow generation means 203 does not hit the outlet 216. In this embodiment, as the gas flow control means 204, A wind tunnel body that guides the gas flow so as to flow to a predetermined region is employed. Since the gas flow does not directly hit the outlet 216 by the gas flow control means 204, the raw material liquid 300 flowing out from the outlet 216 is prevented from evaporating at an early stage and blocking the outlet 216 as much as possible. The liquid 300 can be kept flowing out stably. The gas flow control means 204 may be a wall-like windbreak wall that is arranged on the windward side of the outlet 216 and prevents the gas flow from reaching the vicinity of the outlet 216.

  The heating unit 205 is a heating source that heats the gas constituting the gas flow generated by the gas flow generation unit 203. In the case of the present embodiment, the heating means 205 is an annular heater disposed inside the wind tunnel body 209, and can heat the gas passing through the heating means 205. By heating the gas flow by the heating means 205, the raw material liquid 300 flowing out into the space is accelerated in evaporation, and nanofibers can be efficiently manufactured.

  Note that the gas flow generating means 203 may be constituted by another blower such as a sirocco fan. Further, the direction of the raw material liquid 300 that has flowed out by introducing high-pressure gas may be changed. Further, a gas flow may be generated inside the guiding means 206 by the second gas flow generating means 232 or the collecting device 110 described later. In this case, the gas flow generating means 203 does not have a device that actively generates a gas flow. However, in the case of the present invention, the gas flow is generated when the gas flow is generated inside the wind tunnel body 209. It is assumed that the means 203 exists.

  The guiding means 206 is a conduit that forms a wind tunnel that guides the manufactured nanofiber 301 to the vicinity of the collecting device 110. The end of the guide means 206 is a tubular member that is connected to the end of the wind tunnel body 209 and can guide all of the nanofiber 301 produced from the raw material liquid outflow means 201 and the gas flow. In the case of the present embodiment, the compressing means 230 described later is also included in the guiding means 206 in the sense that the nanofiber 301 is guided.

  The compression unit 230 is a device having a function of compressing a space (inner portion of the guide unit 206) where the nanofibers 301 conveyed by the gas flow are present and increasing the density of the nanofibers 301 in the space. The second gas flow generating means 232 and the compression conduit 234 are provided.

  The compression conduit 234 is a cylindrical member that gradually narrows the space in which the nanofibers 301 conveyed inside the guide means 206 exist, and the gas flow generated by the second gas flow generation means 232 is compressed into the compression conduit. The peripheral wall is provided with a gas flow inlet 233 that can be introduced inwardly. The portion of the compression conduit 234 connected to the guide means 206 has an area corresponding to the area of the lead-out end of the guide means 206, and the lead-out end of the compression conduit 234 corresponds to the lead-out end. It is smaller than the area. Therefore, the compression conduit 234 has a funnel shape as a whole, and the nanofiber 301 introduced into the compression conduit 234 can be compressed together with the gas flow.

  In addition, the end shape on the upstream side (introduction side) of the compression unit 230 is an annular shape that matches the end shape of the guide unit 206. On the other hand, the shape of the end portion on the downstream side (discharge side) of the compression means 230 is also annular.

  The second gas flow generation means 232 is a device that generates a gas flow by introducing a high-pressure gas into the compression conduit 234. In the present embodiment, the second gas flow generating means 232 employs an apparatus that includes a tank (cylinder) that can store high-pressure gas and a gas outlet means that includes a valve 235 that adjusts the pressure of the high-pressure gas in the tank. ing.

  Further, a neutralizing charging unit 207 is attached to the inside of the guide unit 206.

  The neutralization charging means 207 has a function of enhancing the charging of the charged nanofibers 301 or charging the neutralized neutralized nanofibers 301, while charging the charged nanofibers 301. It is a device that also has a function of removing electricity. In the case of the present embodiment, the static elimination charging unit 207 is attached to the inner wall of the compression unit 230. As the charge eliminating and charging means 207, ions and particles having the same polarity as the charged nanofiber 301 are discharged into the space to enhance charging, and ions and particles having the opposite polarity are discharged into the space. Thus, an apparatus that can neutralize the nanofiber 301 can be listed. Specifically, the charge eliminating and charging means 207 includes any method such as a corona discharge method, a voltage application method, an AC method, a steady DC method, a pulse DC method, a self-discharge method, a soft X-ray method, an ultraviolet method, and a radiation method. it can.

  The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a first collection device 110 that attracts the nanofiber 301 with an electric field, and a second collection device 110 that attracts the nanofiber 301 with a gas flow.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the first collection device 110 includes a deposition member 101, a supply unit 111, a collection unit 104, an attracting electrode 112 as an attracting unit, and an attracting power source 113 as an attracting unit. The base 117 is provided.

  The deposition member 101 is a member on which nanofibers 301 that are manufactured by electrostatic explosion and fly are deposited. The deposition member 101 is a thin and flexible long sheet-like member made of a material that can be easily separated from the deposited nanofibers 301. Specifically, as the deposition member 101, a long cloth made of aramid fibers can be exemplified. Furthermore, it is preferable to perform a Teflon (registered trademark) coating on the surface of the deposition member 101 because the peelability when the deposited nanofibers 301 are peeled off from the deposition member 101 is improved.

  The supply means 111 is a device that can sequentially supply the deposition member 101 wound around the winding member, and is provided with a tensioner so that the deposition member 101 can be supplied with a predetermined tension.

  The collecting unit 104 is an apparatus that pulls out the long deposition member 101 from the supply unit 111 while winding it, and collects the deposition member 101 together with the nanofibers 301 to be deposited. The collecting means 104 is capable of winding the nanofiber 301 deposited in a nonwoven fabric shape together with the deposition member 101.

  The attracting electrode 112 is a conductor member that is maintained at a predetermined potential with respect to the ground by the attracting power source 113. When a potential is applied to the attracting electrode 112, an electric field is generated in the space. The attracting electrode 112 is a rectangular plate-shaped member, has no protruding portion for preventing discharge, and all corners are rounded.

  The attraction power source 113 is a DC power source capable of maintaining the attraction electrode 112 at a predetermined potential with respect to the ground. Further, the attracting power source 113 can change the positive / negative (including the ground potential) of the potential applied to the attracting electrode 112.

  The base 117 is a member attached so that the deposition member 101, the supply unit 111, the recovery unit 104, the attracting electrode 112, and the attracting power source 113 are integrated. In the case of the present embodiment, the base 117 is a box-shaped member that can accommodate the deposition member 101, the supply unit 111, the recovery unit 104, the attracting electrode 112, and the attracting power source 113 inside.

  In addition, a diffusion means 240 is attached to the inside of the base body 117, and a wheel 118 is provided below the base body 117.

  The diffusing means 240 is a conduit that diffuses and disperses the nanofibers 301 that have been compressed at one end by the compressing means 230 and diffuses widely, and is a hood-like member that reduces the speed of the nanofibers 301 accelerated by the compressing means 230 It is. The diffusing means 240 includes an upstream end side opening into which the gas flow is introduced and a downstream end rectangular opening that discharges the gas flow, and the opening area of the downstream end side opening is the upstream end side. It is set to be larger than the opening area of the opening. The diffusing means 240 has a shape that gradually increases in area from the opening on the upstream end side toward the opening on the downstream end side. The opening on the downstream end side has a width substantially equal to the width of the deposition member 101.

  When the gas flow flows from the small area introduction end side of the diffusing means 240 toward the large area lead-out end side, the nanofibers 301 in a high density state are dispersed in a low density state at once, and the flow velocity of the gas flow is It falls in proportion to the cross-sectional area of the diffusing means 240. Therefore, the speed of the nanofiber 301 carried on the gas flow is reduced along with the gas flow. At this time, the nanofiber 301 gradually and uniformly diffuses as the cross-sectional area of the diffusing means 240 increases. Therefore, the nanofibers 301 can be uniformly deposited on the deposition member 101. In addition, since the nanofiber 301 is not transported by the gas flow, that is, the gas flow and the nanofiber 301 are separated, the charged nanofiber 301 has a reverse polarity without being affected by the gas flow. Is attracted to the attracting electrode 112 in the state of

  The wheel 118 is a wheel provided to make the first collection device 110 movable, and is rotatably attached to the lower portion of the base body 117. In the case of the present embodiment, the wheel 118 rotates on the rail.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second collection device 110 includes a deposition member 101, a supply unit 111, a recovery unit 104, a suction unit 102 as an attraction unit, and a base body 117.

  The deposition member 101 is a member on which nanofibers 301 that are manufactured by electrostatic explosion and fly are deposited. The deposition member 101 is a thin and flexible long sheet-like member made of a material that can be easily separated from the deposited nanofibers 301. Specifically, as the deposition member 101, a long cloth made of aramid fibers can be exemplified. Furthermore, it is preferable to perform a Teflon (registered trademark) coating on the surface of the deposition member 101 because the peelability when the deposited nanofibers 301 are peeled off from the deposition member 101 is improved.

  Further, the deposition member 101 includes a large number of ventilation holes (not shown) for ensuring the air permeability of the gas flow generated by the gas flow generation means 203, and the nanofiber 301 is deposited but the gas flow passes therethrough. This is a mesh filter.

  The supply means 111 is a device that can sequentially supply the deposition member 101 wound around the winding member, and is provided with a tensioner so that the deposition member 101 can be supplied with a predetermined tension.

  The collecting unit 104 is an apparatus that pulls out the long deposition member 101 from the supply unit 111 while winding it, and collects the deposition member 101 together with the nanofibers 301 to be deposited. The collecting means 104 is capable of winding the nanofiber 301 deposited in a nonwoven fabric shape together with the deposition member 101.

  The suction means 102 is a device that forcibly sucks the gas flow passing through the deposition member 101 together with the solvent evaporated from the raw material liquid 300. In the present embodiment, a blower such as a sirocco fan or an axial fan is employed as the suction unit 102. Further, the suction unit 102 can suck most of the gas stream mixed with the solvent evaporated from the raw material liquid 300 and can transport the gas stream to the solvent recovery device 106 connected to the suction unit 102. Yes.

  The region regulating unit 103 includes an opening having the same shape and the same area as the lead-out opening end of the diffusing unit 240 on the deposition member 101 side, and the opening on the side connected to the suction unit 102 corresponds to the suction unit 102. It is circular. Thus, the entire nanofiber 301 diffused by the diffusing means 240 is attracted onto the deposition member 101 and all the gas flow is sucked.

  The base 117 is a member attached so that the deposition member 101, the supply unit 111, the recovery unit 104, and the suction unit 102 are integrated.

  In addition, a diffusion means 240 is attached to the inside of the base body 117, and a wheel 118 is provided below the base body 117.

  The diffusing means 240 is a conduit that diffuses and disperses the nanofibers 301 that have been compressed at one end by the compressing means 230 and diffuses widely, and is a hood-like member that reduces the speed of the nanofibers 301 accelerated by the compressing means 230 It is. The diffusing means 240 includes an upstream end side opening into which the gas flow is introduced and a downstream end rectangular opening that discharges the gas flow, and the opening area of the downstream end side opening is the upstream end side. It is set to be larger than the opening area of the opening. The diffusing means 240 has a shape that gradually increases in area from the opening on the upstream end side toward the opening on the downstream end side. The opening on the downstream end side has a width substantially equal to the width of the deposition member 101.

  When the gas flow flows from the small area introduction end side of the diffusing means 240 toward the large area lead-out end side, the nanofibers 301 in a high density state are dispersed in a low density state at once, and the flow velocity of the gas flow is It falls in proportion to the cross-sectional area of the diffusing means 240. Therefore, the speed of the nanofiber 301 carried on the gas flow is reduced along with the gas flow. At this time, the nanofiber 301 gradually and uniformly diffuses as the cross-sectional area of the diffusing means 240 increases. Therefore, the nanofibers 301 can be uniformly deposited on the deposition member 101. The suction means 102 sucks the nanofibers 301 together with the solvent, and the nanofibers 301 are stably deposited on the deposition member 101.

  The wheel 118 is a wheel provided to make the second collection device 110 movable, and is rotatably attached to the lower portion of the base body 117. In the case of the present embodiment, the wheel 118 rotates on the rail.

  In the second collection device 110, the nanofiber 301 is attracted onto the deposition member 101 by the suction means 102, so that the nanofiber 301 having a particularly weak charge can be stably deposited on the deposition member 101. .

  Next, a manufacturing method of the nanofiber 301 using the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a first type of nanofiber is manufactured.

  A gas flow is generated inside the guide unit 206 and the wind tunnel body 209 by the gas flow generation unit 203 and the second gas flow generation unit 232.

  Next, the raw material liquid 300 is supplied to the outflow container 211 of the raw material liquid outflow means 201. The raw material liquid 300 is separately stored in a tank (not shown), passes through a supply path 217 (see FIG. 2), and is supplied into the outflow container 211 from the other end of the outflow container 211.

  Here, as a polymer substance constituting the nanofiber 301, 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, polycarbonate, polyarylate, polyester carbonate, nylon, aramid , Polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyhydroxybutyric acid, polyvinyl acetate, polypep The de like. Moreover, the kind selected from the above may be used, and a plurality of kinds may be mixed. Note that the above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above polymer substance.

  Solvents used for the raw material liquid 300 include 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, propyl benzoate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipropyl phthalate, methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, methylene chloride, chloroform , O-chlorotoluene, p-chlorotoluene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethane, dichloropropane, dibromoethane, dibromopropane, methyl bromide, ethyl bromide, odor Propyl chloride, acetic acid, benzene, toluene, hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, cyclopentane, o-xylene, p-xylene, m-xylene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, N, N-dimethylformamide, pyridine, water, etc. it can. 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 solvent.

Furthermore, an additive such as an aggregate or a plasticizer may be added to the raw material liquid 300. Examples of the additive include oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, silicides, fluorides, sulfides, and the like. From the viewpoints of heat resistance and workability, oxides are preferably used. 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 this invention is not limited to the said additive.

  The mixing ratio of the solvent and the polymer substance is selected from the range of 1 vol% or more and less than 50 vol% of the polymer resin constituting the nanofiber, and the solvent is correspondingly selected in the range of 50 vol% or more and less than 99 vol%. It is desirable to select from.

  As described above, since the solvent vapor is processed without being retained by the gas flow, the raw material liquid 300 is sufficiently evaporated even if it contains 50 vol% or more of the solvent as described above, and generates an electrostatic explosion. Is possible. Therefore, since the nanofiber 301 is manufactured from a state in which the solute polymer is thin, it is possible to manufacture a thinner nanofiber 301. Moreover, since the adjustable range of the raw material liquid 300 is widened, the performance range of the manufactured nanofiber 301 can be widened.

  Next, while supplying electric charge to the raw material liquid 300 stored in the outflow container 211 by the induction power source 222 (raw material liquid charging step), the outflow container 211 is rotated by the motor 213 and charged from the outflow port 216 by centrifugal force. The raw material liquid 300 flows out (raw material liquid outflow process).

  The raw material liquid 300 that has flowed radially out of the outflow vessel 211 is changed in flight direction by the gas flow and is guided by the wind tunnel body 209 in the gas flow. The raw material liquid 300 is discharged to the guide means 206 while manufacturing the nanofiber 301 by the electrostatic explosion (nanofiber manufacturing process). The gas flow is heated by the heating means 205, and heats the raw material liquid 300 to promote the evaporation of the solvent while guiding the flight of the raw material liquid 300. As described above, the nanofiber 301 is conveyed by the gas flow inside the guide unit 206 (conveying step).

  Next, the nanofiber 301 passing through the inside of the compression unit 230 is accelerated by the jet of high-pressure gas, and is gradually compressed as the inside of the compression unit 230 becomes narrower and reaches a diffusion unit 240 in a high density state. (Compression process).

  Here, since there is a possibility that the nanofiber 301 carried by the gas flow has been weakly charged, the nanofiber 301 is forcibly charged with the same polarity by the charge eliminating charging means 207 (additional charging step). .

  The nanofibers 301 transported to the diffusion means 240 are rapidly reduced in speed and uniformly dispersed (diffusion process).

  In this state, the attracting electrode 112 disposed in the opening of the diffusing unit 240 is charged with a polarity opposite to the charged polarity of the nanofiber 301, and therefore attracts the nanofiber 301 (attraction process). Since the deposition member 101 exists between the nanofiber 301 and the attracting electrode 112, the nanofiber 301 attracted to the attracting electrode 112 is deposited on the deposition member 101 (deposition step).

  Here, when the production of the first type of nanofiber reaches the schedule, the setup is changed to produce the second type of nanofiber.

  As the setup change, the operation of the discharge device 200 is stopped, the coupling between the discharge device 200 and the collection device 110 is released, and the collection device 110 is moved along the rail. Then, the other collecting device 110 that has been prepared in advance is moved along the rail and coupled with the discharging device 200. Then, the discharge device 200 is operated again to manufacture a second type of nanofiber.

  Then, during the production of the second type of nanofiber, after collecting all of the deposition members 101 of the first collection device 110, a new deposition member 101 is attached to the first collection device 110, and the next Prepare for the manufacture of different types of nanofibers.

  With the configuration as described above, the discharge device 200 and the collection device 110 can be separated. That is, the raw material liquid 300 is charged by being charged by the raw material liquid charging means 202 provided in the discharge device 200 and is not affected by the collecting device 110. Therefore, even if the collection device 110 is replaced, it is possible to continue manufacturing the nanofiber 301 without any problem. The collecting means can be selectively used for one emitting device 200, such as a gas flow or an electric field.

  Therefore, as described above, the setup change can be performed in a short time, and the production efficiency of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 can be increased.

  The collecting device 110 after the changeover may be either the first collecting device 110 that is attracted by an electric field or the second collecting device 110 that is attracted by a gas flow.

  In addition, the number of collecting devices 110 included in the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to two. For example, a plurality of first collecting devices 110 and a plurality of second collecting devices 110 are provided. It doesn't matter.

  In the embodiment, the case where the first collecting device and the second collecting device can be used in combination is described, but only the collecting device attracted by an electric field or only the collecting device attracted by a gas flow is used. May be.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the collection apparatus demonstrated as a structure containing the spreading | diffusion means 240, this invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the diffusing unit 240 may be incorporated on the discharge device 200 side and separated between the diffusing unit and the collecting device 110.

  The present invention can be used for the production of nanofibers.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state to which the discharge | release apparatus and the 1st collection apparatus were attached. It is sectional drawing which shows the outflow apparatus vicinity. It is a perspective view which shows the outflow apparatus vicinity. It is a perspective view which abbreviate | omits a part of base | substrate and shows a 1st collection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the state to which the discharge | release apparatus and the 2nd collection apparatus were attached. It is a perspective view which abbreviate | omits a part of base | substrate and shows a 2nd collection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 101 Deposition member 102 Suction means 103 Area | region control means 104 Recovery means 106 Solvent recovery apparatus 110 Collection apparatus 111 Supply means 112 Attracting electrode 113 Attracting power source 117 Base | substrate 118 Wheel 200 Release | release apparatus 201 Raw material liquid outflow means 202 Raw material charging Means 203 Gas flow generation means 204 Gas flow control means 205 Heating means 206 Guide means 207 Static elimination charging means 209 Wind tunnel body 211 Outflow vessel 212 Rotating shaft body 213 Motor 216 Outlet 217 Supply path 221 Induction electrode 222 Induction power supply 223 Grounding means 230 Compression Means 232 Second gas flow generation means 233 Gas flow inlet 234 Compression conduit 235 Valve 240 Diffusion means 300 Raw material liquid 301 Nanofiber

Claims (4)

A nanofiber manufacturing apparatus that collects the manufactured nanofibers by electrostatically exploding a raw material liquid as a raw material of the nanofibers in a space,
An emission device for emitting nanofibers, and a plurality of collection devices for collecting the emitted nanofibers,
The discharge device is
Raw material liquid outflow means for flowing out the raw material liquid that is the raw material of the nanofiber into the space,
A raw material liquid charging means for charging the raw material liquid,
The collector is
A long belt-shaped deposition member that receives and deposits nanofibers;
Supply means for supplying the deposition member;
Recovery means for recovering the deposited member;
Attracting means for attracting nanofibers to the deposition member;
And a said deposition member and the supplying means and the collecting means and the substrate and the induction means is that attached,
The discharge device and the collection device are separable;
The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus , wherein the substrate is movable to replace a plurality of the collection devices with respect to the discharge device.   The attracting means of the first collecting device, which is one of the collecting devices, generates an electric field by an applied voltage, attracts the charged nanofibers to the deposition member, and applies a voltage to the attracting electrode. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an induced power source to be applied. The deposition member of the second collection device, which is another one of the collection devices, includes a vent hole for ensuring air permeability,
2. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attracting means included in the second collection device includes suction means for attracting the nanofibers to the deposition member by a gas flow sucked through the vent hole. The attracting means of the first collecting device, which is one of the collecting devices, generates an electric field by an applied voltage, attracts the charged nanofibers to the deposition member, and applies a voltage to the attracting electrode. With an attractive power source to apply,
The deposition member of the second collection device, which is another one of the collection devices, includes a vent hole for ensuring air permeability,
2. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attracting means included in the second collection device includes suction means for attracting the nanofibers to the deposition member by a gas flow sucked through the vent hole.

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