Electric field spinning apparatus and electric field spinning method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electric field spinning apparatus and an electric field spinning method. The electric field spinning apparatus of the embodiment includes a conveying section, a spinning head, and an air ejection section. In the conveying section, a conveying object is conveyed along a conveying direction, and the spinning head ejects a raw material liquid towards the conveying section from a first direction intersecting the conveying direction. The air ejection section ejects air towards the conveying section from a side of a second direction intersecting both the conveying direction and the first direction, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section to the opposite side.

Description

[0001] This application enjoys priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-159497 (filed on October 3, 2022). This application incorporates the entire contents of that basic application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an electric field spinning apparatus and an electric field spinning method. Background Technology

[0003] Electrospinning apparatuses are used to form fiber membranes using electric field spinning (sometimes also called charge-induction spinning, etc.). When forming a fiber membrane using an electrospinning apparatus, a raw material liquid is ejected from nozzles of one or more spinning heads toward a transport object being conveyed in a transport section. As a result, fibers of the polymer material contained in the raw material liquid accumulate on the surface of the transport object, forming a fiber membrane on the surface of the transport object.

[0004] In the case of forming a fiber membrane by electric field spinning as described above, it is necessary to reduce the concentration of solvent vapor from the solvent contained in the feed solution in the area where the feed solution is ejected from the spinning head. Therefore, it is necessary to properly ventilate the area where the feed solution is ejected from the spinning head to appropriately reduce the concentration of solvent vapor from the feed solution in that area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment, the electric field spinning apparatus includes a conveying section, a spinning head, and an air ejection section. In the conveying section, the material to be conveyed is transported along a conveying direction, and the spinning head ejects a raw material liquid from a first direction intersecting the conveying direction toward the conveying section. The air ejection section ejects air from a side of a second direction intersecting both the conveying direction and the first direction toward the conveying section, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section to the opposite side.

[0006] According to this embodiment, an electric field spinning apparatus and an electric field spinning method can be provided, which can appropriately reduce the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid in the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field spinning apparatus of the first embodiment, showing the state of the conveying section and other components as viewed from one side in the second direction.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field spinning apparatus of the first embodiment, showing the state of the conveying section and the like as viewed from the upstream side of the conveying section.

[0009] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the electric field spinning apparatus of the first embodiment, showing the state of the conveying section and the like as viewed from one side in the first direction.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field spinning apparatus of the first modified example, showing the state of the conveying section and other components as viewed from one side in the first direction.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field spinning apparatus of the second modified example, showing the state of the conveying section and other components as viewed from one side in the first direction.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a modified electric field spinning apparatus, showing the state of the conveying section and other components as viewed from one side in the first direction.

[0013] Explanation of symbols

[0014] 1: Electric field spinning device; 3: Conveying section; 5 (5A, 5B): Spinning head; 10: Conveying object; 15: Air ejection section; 16: Air suction section; 17: Control section; 18: Detector. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] (First Embodiment)

[0017] Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 This illustrates an example of the electric field spinning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a transport path 2 for transporting the object 10 is formed in the electric field spinning apparatus 1. The transport path 2 extends from the feed section (not shown) to the take-up section (not shown), and the object 10 is transported from the feed section to the take-up section, for example, in a roll-to-roll manner. A substrate or a collection body is transported as the object 10. Figures 1 to 3 In one example, guide rollers 11 and 12 are arranged on the conveying path 2, and a conveying section 3 is formed between the guide rollers 11 and 12 as part of the conveying path 2.

[0018] In the conveying section 3, the conveying object 10 is conveyed from the guide roller 11 towards the guide roller 12, and the direction from the guide roller 11 towards the guide roller 12 is defined as the conveying direction (the direction indicated by arrow Z1). Furthermore, in the conveying section 3, the side facing the guide roller 12 is defined as the downstream side, and the side facing the guide roller 11 (the side indicated by arrow Z2) is defined as the upstream side. In addition, in the conveying section 3, a first direction intersecting the conveying direction (the direction indicated by arrows X1 and X2) and a second direction intersecting both the conveying direction and the first direction (the direction indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2) are defined. The first direction is also referred to as the depth direction of the conveying section 3, and the second direction is also referred to as the width direction of the conveying section 3. Figure 1 The state of the conveyor unit 3, etc., is shown by observing it from one side in the second direction. Figure 2 The state of the conveyor section 3, etc., as observed from the upstream side of the conveyor section 3 is represented in the text. Figure 3 The state of the conveyor unit 3, etc., is shown when viewed from one side in the first direction.

[0019] exist Figures 1 to 3 In one example, the first direction is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction in the conveying unit 3, and the second direction is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to both the conveying direction and the first direction. Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 3 In one example, the conveying direction in the conveying unit 3 is parallel or approximately parallel to the vertical direction, and the conveying object is conveyed towards the vertically downward side in the conveying unit 3. Furthermore, the first direction and the second direction are parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal plane, respectively. Additionally, the conveying direction in the conveying unit 3 is not particularly limited. In one example, the conveying object 10 is conveyed towards the vertically upward side in the conveying unit 3. In another example, the conveying direction in the conveying unit 3 is parallel or approximately parallel to the horizontal direction (horizontal plane). In yet another example, the conveying direction in the conveying unit 3 is inclined relative to both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0020] In the electric field spinning device 1, one or more spinning heads 5 are provided corresponding to the conveying section 3. Figures 1 to 3 In one example, eight spinning heads 5 are provided corresponding to the conveying section 3. Furthermore, four of the eight spinning heads 5, 5A, are arranged on one side of the conveying section 3 in the first direction (the depth direction of the conveying section 3), while the remaining four spinning heads 5B are arranged on the opposite side of the spinning heads 5A in the first direction relative to the conveying section 3. Figures 1 to 3In one example, in the region on one side of the conveying section 3 in the first direction, four spinning heads 5A are arranged relative to each other in the conveying direction of the conveying section 3. Furthermore, in the region on the opposite side of the conveying section 3 from the spinning heads 5A in the first direction, four spinning heads 5B are arranged relative to each other in the conveying direction of the conveying section 3. There is no particular limitation on the number of spinning heads 5 provided relative to the conveying section 3, as long as there is one or more.

[0021] Spinning heads 5 each have one or more nozzles 6, in Figures 1 to 3 In one example, each spinning head 5 is provided with a plurality of nozzles 6. In each spinning head 5, the nozzles 6 protrude outwards from their outer peripheral surfaces. Furthermore, in each spinning head 5, the nozzles 6 protrude in a first direction toward the side where the conveying section 3 is located. Each spinning head 5 can spray raw material liquid from the nozzles 6 toward the conveying section 3, and can spray the raw material liquid toward the conveying object 10 being conveyed in the conveying section 3. Furthermore, the number of nozzles 6 provided in each spinning head 5 is not particularly limited as long as there is one or more. Moreover, the shape of the nozzles 6 is not particularly limited.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the electric field spinning apparatus 1 includes a raw material liquid supply unit 7 and a power supply 8. The raw material liquid supply unit 7 constitutes a supply source for the raw material liquid and a supply path for the raw material liquid from the supply source to each spinning head 5. In one example, by driving a pump or other drive component in the supply unit 7, the raw material liquid stored in the tank or the like is supplied to each spinning head 5. Furthermore, the supply unit 7 may also be provided with either a control valve capable of controlling the flow rate and pressure of the raw material liquid supplied to each spinning head 5, or a switching valve capable of switching the supply of raw material liquid to each spinning head 5 and stopping the supply.

[0023] The raw material liquid is a liquid obtained by dissolving a polymer material in a solvent. Therefore, by spraying the raw material liquid from each spinning head 5 onto the transport object 10, the fibers of the polymer material contained in the raw material liquid accumulate on the surface of the transport object 10, forming a fiber membrane 13 on the surface of the transport object. In one example, a collector is transported as the transport object 10, and a fiber membrane 13 is formed on the surface of the collector. Then, by removing the fiber membrane 13 from the collector, a fiber membrane 13 is obtained as a product. In another example, a substrate is transported as the transport object 10, and a fiber membrane 13 is formed on the surface of the substrate. Then, a product in which the substrate and the fiber membrane 13 are integrated is obtained. The product in which the substrate and the fiber membrane 13 are integrated is not limited to this; an integrated electrode type for batteries or electrolytic capacitors can be cited. In this case, one of the negative electrode (cathode) and positive electrode (anode) of the electrode assembly is used as the substrate. Furthermore, the fiber membrane 13 formed on the surface of the substrate becomes a separator integrated with either the negative or positive electrode.

[0024] The polymer contained in the feed liquid and the solvent that dissolves the polymer are appropriately determined in relation to the type of fibers deposited on the surface of the object being transported. There are no particular limitations on the polymer material, which can be appropriately changed to correspond to the material of the fibers to be formed. Examples of polymer materials that can be used include polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, aromatic polyamides, polyamide-imide, and polyimide. The solvent used in the feed liquid only needs to be able to dissolve the polymer. The solvent can be appropriately changed in relation to the polymer to be dissolved. Examples of solvents that can be used include water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, benzene, toluene, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

[0025] The power supply 8 applies a voltage of a predetermined polarity to each spinning head 5. At this time, voltages of the same polarity relative to each other are applied to the multiple spinning heads 5. In each spinning head 5, the raw material liquid is supplied through the supply unit 7 by the voltage applied by the power supply 8 as described above, thereby charging the raw material liquid to the same polarity as the applied voltage. Furthermore, the polarity of the voltage applied from the power supply 8 to the spinning heads 5 can be either positive or negative. That is, in each spinning head 5, the raw material liquid can be charged with either a positive or negative polarity. Figure 2 In one example, each spinning head 5 is entirely formed of a conductive material, and a voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to the entire spinning head 5. Then, in each spinning head 5, the supplied feed liquid is charged to the same polarity as the applied voltage. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 In one example, power supply 8 is a DC power supply, and in each spinning head 5, the raw material liquid is charged with a positive polarity.

[0026] In another example, in each spinning head 5, only the nozzle 6 is formed of a conductive material, while the rest is formed of a non-conductive material. Furthermore, in each spinning head 5, a voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to the nozzle 6, and the supplied feed liquid is energized to the same polarity as the nozzle 6. In yet another example, a conductive portion is formed in either the feed liquid supply source to each spinning head 5 or the feed liquid supply path between the supply source and each spinning head 5. A voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to the conductive portion by a power source 8. Then, the feed liquid is energized to the same polarity as the voltage-applied conductive portion. In this case, the feed liquid energized to the predetermined polarity is supplied to each spinning head 5.

[0027] In one example, the transport object 10 conveyed in the transport section 3 is grounded. In another example, instead of grounding the transport object 10, a voltage of opposite polarity to each spinning head 5 is applied to the transport object 10 via a power supply 8 or a power supply different from the power supply 8. In this embodiment, as described above, a voltage is applied via the power supply 8, thereby charging the raw material liquid supplied to each spinning head 5 with a predetermined polarity. Therefore, a potential difference is generated between the raw material liquid supplied to each spinning head 5 and the transport object 10, and the raw material liquid is ejected from the nozzle 6 of each spinning head 5 toward the transport object 10 using the generated potential difference.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, a raw material liquid is ejected from each spinning head 5 toward the transport object 10 by an electric field spinning method (also known as charge-induction spinning, etc.), forming a fiber film 13 on the surface of the transport object 10. Furthermore, the voltage applied by the power source 8 to the spinning head 5 is appropriately set according to the type of solvent and solute in the raw material liquid, the boiling point and vapor pressure profile of the solvent, the concentration and temperature of the raw material liquid, the shape of the nozzle 6, and the distance between the transport object 10 (transport section 3) and the nozzle 6. In addition, the ejection speed of the raw material liquid ejected from the nozzle 6 of each spinning head 5 is corresponding to the concentration, viscosity, and temperature of the raw material liquid, the voltage applied to the spinning head 5, and the shape of the nozzle 6.

[0029] In addition, Figures 1 to 3 In one example, each spinning head 5A ejects raw material liquid from one side in the first direction (the depth direction of the conveying section 3) toward the conveying object 10. Furthermore, each spinning head 5B ejects raw material liquid from the side opposite to the spinning head 5A in the first direction toward the conveying object 10. Therefore, in Figures 1 to 3 In one example, the raw material liquid is sprayed from both sides in the first direction toward the transport object 10 being transported in the transport section 3. Therefore, the raw material liquid is sprayed onto both sides of the transport object 10, forming a fiber membrane 13 on both sides of the transport object 10. Alternatively, in another example, the raw material liquid may be sprayed onto only one side of the transport object 10 being transported in the transport section 3. In this case, the fiber membrane 13 may be formed only on one side of the transport object 10.

[0030] Furthermore, the electric field spinning apparatus 1 includes an air ejection section 15, an air suction section 16, and a control section (controller) 17. The air ejection section 15 is disposed on one side of the conveying section 3 in the second direction (the width direction of the conveying section 3). When the air ejection section 15 operates, it ejects air, for example, dry air, toward the conveying section 3. Thus, in the conveying section 3, air is ejected from one side in the second direction by the air ejection section 15. In addition, by ejecting air from the air ejection section 15 as described above, an airflow (arrow F1) is formed in the second direction, flowing across the conveying section 3 to the area opposite to the air ejection section 15 (the other side).

[0031] In this embodiment, the air suction unit 16 is disposed in the second direction on the side opposite to the air ejection unit 15 relative to the conveying unit 3, and in a region in the second direction that is opposite to the air ejection unit 15 across the conveying unit 3. Therefore, the air suction unit 16 is disposed in the region where air from the air ejection unit 15 flows across the conveying unit 3. When the air suction unit 16 operates, it draws air flowing across the conveying unit 3 in the second direction towards the region opposite to the air ejection unit 15 across the conveying unit 3. Figure 3 In one example, the air suction section 16 is positioned opposite the air ejection section 15 in the second direction (the width direction of the conveying section 3), separated by the conveying section 3.

[0032] In this embodiment, the air suction unit 16 operates while the air ejector 15 is in operation. Due to the operation of the air ejector 15 and the air suction unit 16, the flow direction of the air flowing across the conveyor 3 (arrow F1) to the region opposite to the air ejector 15, separated from the conveyor 3, is parallel or substantially parallel to the second direction. Here, an imaginary plane H is defined as being orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction in the conveyor 3. In this embodiment, the flow direction of the air flowing across the conveyor 3 formed by the operation of the air ejector 15 and the air suction unit 16 is parallel or substantially parallel to the imaginary plane H, and the angle between the flow direction and the imaginary plane H is 0° or substantially 0°. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In one example, the vertical lower side of the conveying section 3 becomes the conveying direction, so the imaginary surface H becomes the horizontal surface.

[0033] The control unit (controller) 17 is, for example, a computer. The control unit 17 includes a processor or integrated circuit (control loop) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a storage medium such as memory. The control unit 17 may have only one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The control unit 17 performs processing by executing programs stored in the storage medium. The control unit 17 controls the supply of raw material liquid to each spinning head 5, the transport of the transport object 10, the application of voltage from the power supply 8, and the respective operations of the air ejector 15 and the air suction unit 16. Alternatively, the processing of the control unit 17 may be performed by a server in a cloud environment instead of a computer. In this case, for example, the processing of the control unit 17 is performed by executing programs stored in cloud memory via a virtual processor.

[0034] The control unit 17 supplies raw material liquid from the supply unit 7 to each spinning head 5 while the transport object 10 is being transported in the transport unit 3, and charges the raw material liquid supplied to each spinning head 5 by applying voltage from the power supply 8. As a result, while the transport object 10 is being transported in the transport unit 3, the raw material liquid is ejected towards the transport object 10 from the first direction (the depth direction of the transport unit 3). Furthermore, while the raw material liquid is being ejected towards the transport object 10 in the transport unit 3, the control unit 17 also activates the air ejector 15, ejecting air from one side in the second direction towards the transport unit 3. As a result, while the raw material liquid is being ejected towards the transport object 10 in the transport unit 3, an airflow is formed in the second direction that flows across the transport unit 3 to the area opposite to the air ejector 15, separated from the transport unit 3.

[0035] In this embodiment, the control unit 17 operates the air suction unit 16 and the air ejection unit 15 in parallel. As a result, air flowing across the conveying section 3 in the second direction, opposite to the air ejection unit 15 and separated from it, is drawn in by the air suction unit 16. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 17 controls the operation of the air ejection unit 15, thereby adjusting the amount and speed of air ejected from the air ejection unit 15. Similarly, the control unit 17 controls the operation of the air suction unit 16, thereby adjusting the amount and speed of air drawn in by the air suction unit 16.

[0036] Furthermore, while the raw material liquid is being ejected from each spinning head 5 toward the conveying object 10 being conveyed in the conveying section 3, solvent vapors containing the solvent in the raw material liquid are generated in the area where the raw material liquid is ejected. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the electric field spinning apparatus 1 includes detectors 18. Each detector 18 detects the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material solution. Figure 1 In one example, four detectors 18 are provided, and the detectors 18 are respectively arranged between two corresponding spinning heads 5 that are adjacent to each other in the conveying direction in the conveying section 3.

[0037] Furthermore, the number of detectors 18 need to be one or more, and the location of the detectors 18 is not particularly limited as long as they are in or near the conveying section 3. That is, it is sufficient to arrange one or more detectors 18 in or near the area where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5. However, the detectors 18 are arranged in a position that does not obstruct the ejection of raw material liquid from each spinning head 5 to the conveying object 10. In one example, the detector 18 is arranged adjacent to the spinning head 5 located at the upstream side of the conveying section 3. In another example, the detector 18 is arranged adjacent to the spinning head 5 located at the downstream side of the conveying section 3. In yet another example, the detector 18 is arranged between the air ejection section 15 and the air suction section 16 in the second direction (the width direction of the conveying section 3), and the detector 18 is adjacent to the conveying section 3 from one side in the second direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control unit 17 acquires the detection result of the detector 18. Then, based on the detection result of the detector 18, the control unit 17 calculates the concentration of solvent vapor contained in the raw material liquid in the area where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5. Based on the calculated solvent vapor concentration, the control unit 17 adjusts the ejection volume and ejection speed of the air ejected from the air ejection unit 15. Furthermore, the control unit 17 may also adjust the suction volume and suction speed of the air in the air suction unit 16 based on the calculated solvent vapor concentration. In one example, the control unit 17 determines whether the calculated solvent vapor concentration is above a reference value. Then, if the solvent vapor concentration is above the reference value, the control unit 17 increases at least one of the ejection volume and ejection speed of the air ejected from the air ejection unit 15 from a real-time state. At this time, at least one of the suction volume and suction speed of the air in the air suction unit 16 may also be increased from a real-time state.

[0039] In this embodiment, each spinning head 5 can eject raw material liquid towards the conveying section 3 from a first direction. Furthermore, the air ejection section 15 ejects air towards the conveying section 3 from one side in a second direction, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section 3 to the region opposite to the air ejection section 15 (the other side). While the raw material liquid is ejected from each spinning head 5 towards the conveying target 10 of the conveying section 3, the airflow, as described above, causes the solvent vapor contained in the raw material liquid to flow together with the air from the air ejection section 15 to the region opposite to the air ejection section 15. As a result, the conveying section 3 and its vicinity, i.e., the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5, are appropriately ventilated, and the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid in the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5 is appropriately reduced.

[0040] By appropriately reducing the concentration of solvent vapor in the area where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5, it is difficult for solvent droplets contained in the raw material liquid to remain on the surface of the transport object 10. Since it is difficult for solvent droplets to remain on the surface of the transport object 10, even if the amount of raw material liquid ejected from each spinning head 5 is increased, the formation of solvent droplets in the fiber membrane 13 on the surface of the transport object 10 can be appropriately suppressed. Therefore, even if the amount of raw material liquid ejected from each spinning head 5 is increased, a fiber membrane 13 with no or almost no solvent droplets can be appropriately formed on the surface of the transport object 10.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air suction unit 16 draws air flowing across the conveyor 3 in the second direction to the region opposite to the air ejection unit 15, separated by the conveyor 3. The air suction unit 16 is positioned in the second direction in the region opposite to the air ejection unit 15, which is in between the conveyor 3. This allows for a more suitable airflow across the conveyor 3 in the second direction. Consequently, the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5 is more appropriately ventilated, and the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid is more appropriately reduced in this region. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detector 18 detects the concentration of solvent vapor evaporated from the solvent contained in the raw material liquid. Then, based on the detection result of the detector 18, the control unit 17 calculates the concentration of solvent vapor in the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5. Then, based on the calculated solvent vapor concentration, the control unit 17 adjusts the amount and speed of air ejected from the air ejection unit 15 and / or the amount and speed of air drawn from the air suction unit 16. As a result, the flow rate and velocity of the air traversing the conveying unit 3 are appropriately adjusted according to the solvent vapor concentration in the area where the raw material liquid is ejected. Consequently, the area where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5 is more appropriately ventilated, and the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid in the area where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5 is more appropriately reduced.

[0042] (Modified Example)

[0043] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the airflow direction that crosses the conveying section 3 in the second direction (the width direction of the conveying section 3) is parallel or substantially parallel to the imaginary surface H, but is not limited to this. Figure 4 In the first modified example shown, the airflow direction across the conveying section 3 in the second direction is inclined upstream of the conveying section 3 relative to the imaginary surface H. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the second modified example shown, the airflow direction across the conveying section 3 in the second direction is inclined towards the downstream side of the conveying section 3 relative to the imaginary surface H. Furthermore, in Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The states of the conveyor unit 3, etc., are shown from one side of the first direction.

[0044] In both the first and second modifications, similar to the embodiments described above, the air ejection section 15 ejects air from one side in the second direction toward the conveying section 3, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section 3 to the region opposite to the air ejection section 15, separated from the conveying section 3. Therefore, in both modifications, as in the embodiments described above, the conveying section 3 and its vicinity, i.e., the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5, are appropriately ventilated, and the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid in the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5 is appropriately reduced. Thus, in both modifications, the same function and effect as in the embodiments described above are achieved.

[0045] Here, in Figure 4 In the first variation, the direction of flow across the conveying section 3 is specified to be inclined at an angle θa relative to the imaginary surface H towards the upstream side of the conveying section 3. The angle θa is 60° or less. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In one example, the vertical lower side becomes the conveying direction in the conveying section 3. Therefore, in Figure 4 In one example, the tilt angle θa corresponds to the tilt angle, or elevation angle, relative to the horizontal plane tilting vertically upwards. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the second variation, the direction of flow across the conveying section 3 is specified to be inclined at an angle θb relative to the imaginary surface H towards the downstream side of the conveying section 3. The angle θb is 60° or less. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In one example, the vertical lower side becomes the conveying direction in the conveying section 3. Therefore, in Figure 5 In one example, the tilt angle θb is equivalent to the tilt angle, or depression angle, relative to the horizontal plane tilting vertically downwards.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the air suction unit 16 is disposed in the second direction in a region opposite to the air ejection unit 15, which separates the conveying unit 3 in the middle. However, this is not a limitation. Figure 6 In the third variation shown, the conveying object 10 is conveyed in the conveying section 3 toward the vertically downward side, and an air suction section 16 is arranged at a position separated from the conveying section 3 toward the vertically downward side. That is, the air suction section 16 is arranged at a position separated from the conveying section 3 in a direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction.

[0047] In this modification, the air ejector 15 ejects air from one side in the second direction toward the conveyor 3, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveyor 3 to the region opposite to the air ejector 15 across the conveyor 3 (arrow F1). However, in this modification, by making the air suction unit 16 operate in parallel with the air ejector 15, the air that flows across the conveyor 3 in the second direction flows vertically downward from the region opposite to the air ejector 15 across the conveyor 3 in the second direction (arrow F2). That is, the air flows from the region opposite to the air ejector 15 across the conveyor 3 in the second direction toward the air suction unit 16 in a direction that intersects both the first and second directions.

[0048] In this modified example, similar to the embodiments described above, an airflow is formed in the second direction, flowing across the conveying section 3 to the region opposite to the air ejection section 15. Therefore, in this modified example, as in the embodiments described above, the conveying section 3 and its vicinity, i.e., the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5, are appropriately ventilated, and the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid is appropriately reduced in the region from which the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head 5. Thus, this modified example also achieves the same function and effect as the embodiments described above.

[0049] Furthermore, in one example of the electric field spinning apparatus 1, alternating arrangements of such... Figures 1 to 3 The conveying section 3, as in one example, conveys the object 10 vertically downwards, and the conveying direction of the object 10 is aligned with... Figures 1 to 3 The conveying section is located on the vertically upper side opposite to the conveying section 3 in one example. Furthermore, in each of the conveying sections where the vertically lower side is the conveying direction and the conveying section where the vertically upper side is the conveying direction, similarly to the above embodiments, one or more spinning heads 5 spray raw material liquid from a first direction (the depth direction of the conveying section) that intersects (orthogonally or substantially orthogonally) with the conveying direction toward the conveying object 10.

[0050] Furthermore, in each conveying section, similar to the embodiments described above, dry air is ejected from the side of the conveying section (the width direction of the conveying section) in a second direction that intersects (orthogonally or substantially orthogonally) both the conveying direction and the first direction via the air ejection section 15. As a result, in each conveying section, an airflow is formed in the second direction that flows across the conveying section to the area opposite to the air ejection section 15. Therefore, in the electric field spinning apparatus 1, each conveying section and its vicinity are appropriately ventilated, similar to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, in each conveying section and its vicinity, similar to the embodiments described above, the concentration of solvent vapor in the raw material liquid is appropriately reduced.

[0051] According to at least one of these embodiments or examples, the spinning head can eject the raw material liquid towards the conveying section from a first direction intersecting the conveying direction. An air ejector ejects air towards the conveying section from one side of a second direction intersecting both the conveying direction and the first direction, thereby forming an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section to the opposite side region. An electric field spinning apparatus and an electric field spinning method can be provided that can appropriately reduce the concentration of solvent vapor of the raw material liquid in the region where the raw material liquid is ejected from the spinning head.

[0052] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric field spinning apparatus, comprising: The conveying section transports the objects along the conveying direction; The spinning head is capable of spraying raw material liquid toward the conveying section from a first direction that intersects with the conveying direction in the conveying section; An air ejector sprays air from a side of a second direction that intersects both the conveying direction and the first direction toward the conveying section, thereby creating an airflow in the second direction that flows across the conveying section to the opposite side, passing through it; and The detector measures the vapor concentration of the solvent contained in the above-mentioned raw material solution. In the region where air is ejected from the air ejection section toward the conveying section, the detectors are respectively disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side.

2. The electric field spinning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an air suction unit that draws the air flowing in the second direction toward the region opposite to the air ejection unit, separated by the conveying unit, and across the conveying unit.

3. The electric field spinning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The air suction unit is disposed in the region on the opposite side of the air ejection unit in the second direction, which separates the conveying unit in the middle.

4. An electric field spinning method, comprising: The conveying object is transported along the conveying direction in the conveying section; Raw material liquid is sprayed from a first direction that intersects with the conveying direction in the conveying section toward the conveying object being conveyed in the conveying section; While the raw material liquid is being sprayed toward the object to be conveyed, air is sprayed toward the conveying section from one side of the second direction that intersects both the conveying direction and the first direction, thereby forming an airflow that flows across the conveying section in the second direction to the opposite side of the conveying section. The vapor concentration of the solvent contained in the above-mentioned raw material liquid was detected; In the region where air is ejected from the air ejection section toward the conveying section, the above-mentioned detection is performed on both the upstream and downstream sides.

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