Continuous liquid adding device for electrostatic spinning and electrostatic spinning machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a continuous liquid adding device for electrostatic spinning and an electrostatic spinning machine, and relates to the field of electrostatic spinning. The continuous liquid adding device for electrostatic spinning comprises a liquid adding hopper, a liquid conveying pipe and a liquid conveying driving part, the liquid adding hopper is provided with a liquid storage cavity and a liquid adding opening, the liquid adding opening is communicated with the liquid storage cavity, one end of the liquid conveying pipe is communicated with the liquid storage cavity, and the other end of the liquid conveying pipe is communicated with a spinning injector. When an electrostatic spinning solution needs to be added into the spinning injector, the electrostatic spinning solution can be injected into the solution adding hopper, and the electrostatic spinning solution in the solution conveying pipe is driven by the solution conveying driving part to flow to the spinning injector and is extruded out of a needle of the spinning injector, so that continuous spinning work is carried out, and the spinning work efficiency is improved. The embodiment of the utility model further provides an electrostatic spinning machine. The electrostatic spinning machine comprises the continuous liquid adding device for electrostatic spinning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrospinning, and more specifically, to a continuous liquid feeding device and an electrospinning machine for electrospinning. Background Technology

[0002] Electrospinning is a process in which an electrospinning machine sprays an electrospinning solution into a high-voltage electrostatic field generated by an electrostatic generator. Under the influence of the electric field, the molecules of the electrospinning solution are stretched and refined to form filaments. These numerous filaments interweave on a receiving device to form a spun film. Existing electrospinning machines use medical syringes to store and extrude the electrospinning solution, thus acting as the syringe injector. The needle of the medical syringe serves as the nozzle for the electrospinning solution. In production, the medical syringe is filled with electrospinning solution and placed in the electrospinning machine. A high-voltage electrostatic generator generates an electrostatic field, and the push plate of the electrospinning machine pushes the injection handle of the medical syringe, extruding the electrospinning solution from the nozzle.

[0003] As the working time of electrospinning is extended, the storage capacity of conventional medical syringes is limited and cannot meet the needs of spinning. Therefore, during the spinning process, it is necessary to pause multiple times and remove the medical syringe multiple times to add electrospinning solution. This not only affects the efficiency of spinning, but also affects the stability of spinning. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a continuous liquid feeding device and an electrospinning machine for electrospinning, which can continuously add electrospinning liquid to the spinning injector without interrupting the spinning process, thereby improving spinning efficiency.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0006] An embodiment of this utility model provides a continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning, which includes:

[0007] The liquid addition hopper is equipped with a liquid storage chamber and a liquid addition port, and the liquid addition port is connected to the liquid storage chamber.

[0008] The infusion tube has one end connected to the fluid storage chamber and the other end connected to the spinning syringe.

[0009] Optionally, the continuous liquid dispensing device further includes a liquid transfer drive component, which is disposed in the liquid delivery pipe and is used to drive the flow of electrospinning liquid in the liquid delivery pipe.

[0010] Optionally, the continuous liquid dispensing device also includes a controller, an alarm, and a flow sensor, all of which are communicatively connected to the controller.

[0011] Optionally, the side wall of the liquid addition chamber is provided with graduations.

[0012] Optionally, a switch valve may be installed on the infusion tubing.

[0013] Optionally, the liquid addition hopper is equipped with a stirrer for stirring the electrospinning solution.

[0014] Optionally, the infusion tubing is covered with a temperature control layer, which is used to regulate the temperature of the electrospinning solution inside the infusion tubing.

[0015] Optionally, the temperature control layer includes a graphene sheet and a heat-insulating outer layer, with the graphene sheet covering the outside of the infusion tube and the heat-insulating outer layer disposed outside the graphene sheet.

[0016] Optionally, the continuous liquid dispensing device also includes a fixed support, on which the dispensing hopper is mounted.

[0017] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an electrospinning machine, including a continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model embodiment:

[0019] The continuous electrospinning solution feeding device includes a feeding hopper, a delivery tube, and a liquid transfer drive. The feeding hopper has a storage chamber and a feeding port, with the feeding port connected to the storage chamber. One end of the delivery tube is connected to the storage chamber, and the other end is connected to the spinning injector. When electrospinning solution needs to be added to the spinning injector, it can be injected into the feeding hopper. The liquid transfer drive then drives the electrospinning solution in the delivery tube to flow to the spinning injector and is extruded from the needle of the spinning injector, thus performing continuous spinning and improving the efficiency of the spinning process.

[0020] The electrospinning machine includes a continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning, which has all the functions of a continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous liquid addition device for electrospinning provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning provided in the embodiments of this utility model when it is used in conjunction with an electrospinning machine.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the stirrer provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Icons: 1-Liquid filling hopper; 10-Liquid storage chamber; 11-Liquid filling port; 12-Scale; 2-Liquid delivery pipe; 3-Liquid transfer drive component; 4-Agitator; 40-Rotating shaft; 41-Agitator blade; 42-Crossbar; 421-Mounting hole; 5-Flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0027] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase “comprising one…” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0032] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0034] Electrospinning is a special fiber manufacturing process in which a polymer solution or melt is spun into fibers under a strong electric field. The principle is as follows: the polymer fluid is atomized in an electrostatic field. The fluid split from the atomization is not a tiny droplet, but a tiny polymer jet. The jet can travel a considerable distance. Under the action of the electric field, the droplet at the needle of the spinning syringe will change from a spherical shape to a conical shape (i.e., "Taylor cone"), and extend from the tip of the cone to obtain a filament, which is eventually solidified into a fiber.

[0035] Currently, medical syringes are used as spinning syringes in electrospinning machines. However, common medical syringes have limited storage capacity, and the stored electrospinning solution cannot meet the needs of a complete electrospinning operation. Therefore, in actual electrospinning operations, it is often necessary to pause and remove the spinning syringe multiple times to add electrospinning solution. Frequent pauses during electrospinning not only seriously affect the efficiency of the spinning operation but also affect the effect of electrospinning.

[0036] In view of this, the continuous liquid feeding device and electrospinning machine for electrospinning provided in the embodiments of this utility model can solve the above problems, and will be described in detail below.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The continuous liquid addition device for electrospinning includes a liquid addition hopper 1, a liquid delivery pipe 2, and a liquid transfer drive 3. The liquid addition hopper 1 is provided with a liquid storage chamber 10 and a liquid addition port 11, which is connected to the liquid storage chamber 10. One end of the liquid delivery pipe 2 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 10, and the other end of the liquid delivery pipe 2 is connected to the spinning injector. When it is necessary to add electrospinning liquid to the spinning injector, the electrospinning liquid can be injected into the liquid addition hopper 1. The liquid transfer drive 3 drives the electrospinning liquid in the liquid delivery pipe 2 to flow to the spinning injector and is squeezed out from the needle of the spinning injector, thereby performing continuous spinning work, improving the efficiency of spinning work, and protecting the needle of the spinning injector. In addition, the continuous liquid addition device of this utility model embodiment does not require modification of existing electrospinning machines and can be directly applied, with good adaptability.

[0038] Specifically, the liquid addition hopper 1 is can-shaped, with a hollow liquid storage chamber 10 inside, which is used to temporarily store electrospinning solution. A liquid addition port 11 is provided on the top or side wall of the liquid addition hopper 1. The liquid addition port 11 penetrates the wall of the liquid addition hopper 1 and communicates with the internal liquid storage chamber 10. Electrospinning solution can be added to the liquid storage chamber 10 through the liquid addition port 11. Of course, a pipe joint can also be installed at the liquid addition port 11 to connect with the pipe for conveying electrospinning solution.

[0039] In this embodiment, the liquid addition funnel 1 is a funnel with an open top, and a connection hole is provided at the bottom of the liquid addition funnel 1. It is connected to the infusion tube 2 through the connection hole, so that the electrospinning solution flows from the liquid addition funnel 1 into the infusion tube 2. It should be noted that the connection between the infusion tube 2 and the liquid addition funnel 1 needs to be sealed, such as by using sealant or setting a sealing ring or sealing gasket, or by welding or integrally forming the infusion tube 2 and the liquid addition funnel 1.

[0040] In other embodiments, the liquid filling hopper 1 can also be a top-closed structure, with the liquid filling port 11 located on the side wall of the liquid filling hopper 1. The connection hole on the liquid filling hopper 1 needs to be lower than the liquid filling port 11 to prevent the electrospinning liquid in the liquid storage chamber 10 from flowing back from the liquid filling port 11.

[0041] To more accurately monitor the volume or height of the electrospinning solution in the adding hopper 1, a graduation 12 is provided on the inner wall of the adding hopper 1. The amount of electrospinning solution added to the adding hopper 1 each time can be estimated based on the spinning time and amount of yarn spun, preventing residual electrospinning solution from remaining in the adding hopper 1 after a spinning cycle. Alternatively, a level sensor can be installed inside the adding hopper 1 to more accurately measure the liquid level of the electrospinning solution. The adding hopper 1 can also be made of a transparent material, or a viewing window can be provided on the side wall of the adding hopper 1 to facilitate observation of the electrospinning solution level inside the adding hopper 1.

[0042] refer to Figure 3If the electrospinning solution used for spinning solidifies after standing for a certain period of time, a stirrer 4 can be installed in the liquid addition hopper 1 to stir the electrospinning solution and prevent solidification. In this embodiment, the stirrer 4 includes a rotating shaft 40, stirring blades 41, and a crossbar 42. The crossbar 42 has mounting holes 421. Both ends of the crossbar 42 are fixed to the inner wall of the liquid addition hopper 1. The stirring blades 41 are connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 40 and are immersed in the electrospinning solution. The upper end of the rotating shaft 40 is fitted with a bearing, which is embedded in the mounting holes 421 of the crossbar 42. The rotating shaft 40 is connected to the output end of a drive motor, thereby driving the stirring blades 41 to rotate and stir the electrospinning solution. The drive motor is a micro motor and can be installed on the crossbar 42 and the top wall of the liquid addition hopper 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, a liquid transfer drive 3 is provided on the infusion tube 2. The liquid transfer drive 3 drives the electrospinning liquid in the infusion tube 2 to flow and be squeezed out from the syringe needle. The liquid transfer drive 3 can be a peristaltic pump with appropriate power and model. The pump pressure pumps the electrospinning liquid to the spinning syringe and squeezes it out from the syringe needle.

[0044] In this embodiment, the infusion tube 2 is a flexible tube used to cooperate with the peristaltic pump for squeezing. The peristaltic pump is an existing product and will not be described in detail here.

[0045] A switch valve is also installed on the infusion tube 2. The switch valve is located between the peristaltic pump and the liquid addition hopper 1. The flow of electrospinning solution in the infusion tube 2 can be controlled by the switch valve.

[0046] The continuous dispensing device also includes a controller, an alarm, and a flow sensor 5. The probe of the flow sensor 5 is installed inside the infusion tube 2. The flow sensor 5 detects whether the flow in the infusion tube 2 is interrupted, either by means of an infrared detector or by other means. Both the flow sensor 5 and the alarm are communicatively connected to the controller. When the flow sensor 5 detects that no electrospinning solution is flowing through the infusion tube 2, it sends a detection signal to the controller. The controller then determines the signal and instructs the alarm to activate, reminding the operator to add electrospinning solution or to monitor the remaining flow of electrospinning solution in the infusion tube 2, so as to prepare for pushing the syringe handle to expel all the electrospinning solution. The model of the flow sensor 5 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0047] Furthermore, the flow sensor 5 and the alarm can be replaced by a device that can both measure flow and trigger an alarm, such as the infusion alarm commonly used in hospitals, which will sound an alarm after detecting an interruption in the flow of fluid in the infusion tube 2. There can also be two infusion alarms. The first infusion alarm is located near the filling hopper 1 to detect whether all the electrospinning solution in the filling hopper 1 has flowed out. When the first infusion alarm sounds, the operator knows that spinning is about to end. The second infusion alarm is located near the spinning syringe. When the second infusion alarm sounds, the operator can immediately activate the push plate of the electrospinning machine to push the injection handle of the medical syringe, expelling all the remaining electrospinning solution from the spinning syringe.

[0048] The controller in this embodiment can be programmed using a microcontroller or PLC. It is only used to receive signals from the flow sensor 5 and issue commands to the alarm. The controller part can be easily implemented using existing technology and is considered as existing technology, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0049] A temperature control layer can also be wrapped around the outside of the infusion tube 2. The temperature control layer is used to regulate the temperature of the electrospinning solution inside the infusion tube 2. The temperature control layer includes a graphene sheet and a heat-insulating outer layer. The graphene sheet is tubular and is sleeved on the outside of the infusion tube 2. The heat-insulating outer layer is placed outside the graphene sheet. When the graphene sheet is connected to electricity, it will generate heat, thereby raising the temperature of the electrospinning solution.

[0050] The continuous liquid addition device for electrospinning according to this embodiment can continuously add electrospinning liquid to the spinning injector, thereby improving the efficiency of the spinning process.

[0051] An embodiment of this utility model also provides an electrospinning machine, including the above-mentioned continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning, which has all the functions of the continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning.

[0052] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning, characterized in that, include: A liquid filling hopper (1) is provided with a liquid storage chamber (10) and a liquid filling port (11), and the liquid filling port (11) is connected to the liquid storage chamber (10); An infusion tube (2) is provided, one end of which is connected to the liquid storage chamber (10), and the other end of which is connected to a spinning syringe.

2. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous liquid feeding device also includes a liquid transfer drive (3), which is disposed on the liquid delivery pipe (2) and is used to drive the electrospinning liquid in the liquid delivery pipe (2) to flow.

3. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous liquid dosing device also includes a controller, an alarm and a flow sensor (5), and the flow sensor (5) and the alarm are all communicatively connected to the controller.

4. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall of the liquid addition hopper (1) is provided with graduations (12).

5. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infusion tube (2) is equipped with a switch valve.

6. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid addition hopper (1) is equipped with a stirrer (4), which is used to stir the electrospinning solution.

7. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infusion tube (2) is covered with a temperature control layer, which is used to regulate the temperature of the electrospinning solution inside the infusion tube (2).

8. The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature control layer includes a graphene sheet and a heat insulation outer layer. The graphene sheet covers the outside of the infusion tube (2), and the heat insulation outer layer is disposed outside the graphene sheet.

9. The continuous liquid feeding apparatus for electrospinning according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The continuous liquid addition device also includes a fixed support, and the liquid addition hopper (1) is installed on the fixed support.

10. An electrospinning machine, characterized in that, The continuous liquid feeding device for electrospinning as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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