A continuous electrospinning solution supply device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a continuous electrospinning solution supply device, including a barrel fixed by a fixing structure; a piston disposed in the inner cavity of the barrel; a screw with a drive unit connected to its outer end; and a transmission mechanism including a transmission nut sleeved on the screw and a connecting shaft fixedly connected to the transmission nut. This utility model utilizes a piston-screw direct-drive structure and a barrel-piston coupling structure to optimize solution capacity. Combined with a clamp-type fixing structure, it enables rapid barrel replacement within 3 minutes, improving efficiency. Furthermore, the screw rotation drives the transmission nut, which in turn rigidly pushes the piston via four symmetrical connecting shafts, converting rotational motion into uniform linear propulsion. This completely eliminates the flow fluctuations associated with traditional stepper motors and effectively ensures a sealing effect through double sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrospinning equipment, specifically, it relates to a continuous electrospinning solution supply device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrospinning is a specialized fiber manufacturing process in which a polymer solution or melt is jetted and spun in a strong electric field. Under the influence of the electric field, the droplet at the needle changes from a spherical shape to a conical shape (i.e., a "Taylor cone"), and extends from the tip of the cone to form a fine fiber filament. This method can produce polymer filaments with nanometer-scale diameters. Electrospinning has become a widely applicable technology in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries due to its advantages such as simple manufacturing equipment, low spinning cost, wide variety of spinnable materials, and controllable process.

[0003] In the preparation of nanofibers using electrospinning technology, the stability of the solution supply is a core factor determining fiber morphology and production efficiency. Current mainstream solution supply devices suffer from several problems during use, such as: discontinuous spinning process due to capacity limitations, stability of the spinning jet due to pulse fluctuations, and the risk of solution leakage due to seal wear. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a continuous electrospinning solution supply device, comprising:

[0005] A feed cylinder having an inner cavity for containing a spinning solution, a solution outlet at one end of the inner cavity, and an opening at the other end of the inner cavity, the feed cylinder being fixed by a fixing structure;

[0006] A piston is disposed in the inner cavity of the barrel, the outer peripheral surface of the piston faces the inner wall of the inner cavity, and can move axially in a sealed manner within the inner cavity;

[0007] A screw is disposed outside the opening of the barrel, the axis of the screw coincides with the axis of the barrel, and a drive unit is connected to the outer end of the screw;

[0008] The transmission mechanism includes a transmission nut sleeved on the screw, the internal thread of the transmission nut engaging with the external thread of the screw, and the transmission mechanism also includes a connecting shaft extending along the axial direction of the barrel.

[0009] The connecting shaft has a first end and a second end. The first end of the connecting shaft passes through the opening of the material cylinder and is fixedly connected to the end face of the piston facing away from the solution outlet.

[0010] The second end of the connecting shaft is fixedly connected to the end face of the transmission nut facing the material cylinder.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the fixing structure includes a base, on which a mounting part is fixedly connected, and the outer wall of the material cylinder is fixedly connected to the mounting part.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the drive unit includes a drive motor disposed outside the open end of the barrel, and the output shaft of the drive motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to the screw via a spline shaft.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the piston and the inner cavity, which is sleeved on the piston.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment, the opening is provided with a shaft sealing device that allows the connecting shaft to move axially.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the number of connecting shafts is four and they are arranged symmetrically about the transmission nut.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This invention utilizes a piston-screw direct-drive structure and a barrel-piston coupling structure to improve solution capacity. Combined with a clamp-type fixing structure, it enables rapid barrel replacement within 3 minutes, enhancing efficiency. The screw rotation drives the transmission nut, which in turn rigidly pushes the piston via four symmetrical connecting shafts, converting rotational motion into uniform linear propulsion. This completely eliminates flow fluctuations associated with traditional stepper motors and effectively ensures a sealing effect through double sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the material cylinder and drive unit of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0021] A continuous electrospinning solution supply device, comprising:

[0022] The material cylinder 1 has an inner cavity 11 for containing the spinning solution, a solution outlet 12 located at one end of the inner cavity 11, and an opening 13 located at the other end of the inner cavity 11. The material cylinder 1 is fixed by a fixing structure 5.

[0023] Piston 2 is disposed in the inner cavity 11 of the barrel 1. The outer peripheral surface of piston 2 faces the inner wall of the inner cavity 11 and can move axially in a sealed manner within the inner cavity 11.

[0024] Screw 3 is located outside the opening 13 of the barrel 1. The axis of screw 3 coincides with the axis of the barrel 1. The outer end of screw 3 is connected to drive unit 6.

[0025] The transmission mechanism 4 includes a transmission nut 41, which is sleeved on the screw 3. The internal thread of the transmission nut 41 meshes with the external thread of the screw 3. The transmission mechanism 4 also includes a connecting shaft 44, which extends along the axial direction of the material cylinder 1.

[0026] The connecting shaft 44 has a first end 45 and a second end 46. The first end 45 of the connecting shaft 44 passes through the opening 13 of the material cylinder 1 and is fixedly connected to the end face of the piston 2 facing away from the solution outlet 12.

[0027] The second end 46 of the connecting shaft 44 is fixedly connected to the end face of the transmission nut 41 facing the material cylinder 1.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the barrel 1 is a cylindrical stainless steel cavity with an inner cavity 11 having a volume of 500mL. The piston 2 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, with a gap of ≤0.1mm between its outer circumference and the inner cavity 11. The screw 3 is a trapezoidal threaded screw with a pitch of 2mm, connected to the drive unit 6 via a coupling. The axial force of the transmission nut 41 is transmitted to the piston 2 through four symmetrically distributed connecting shafts 44. The process is as follows: the drive unit 6 drives the screw 3 to rotate. Since the screw 3 is fixed, the transmission nut can move along the axial direction of the screw 3. At this time, the connecting shafts 44 push the piston 2 towards the solution outlet 12 at a uniform speed, so that the solution can be extruded from the outlet 12 at a constant flow rate.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing structure 5 includes a base 51, on which a mounting part 52 is fixedly connected, and the outer wall of the material cylinder 1 is fixedly connected to the mounting part 52.

[0030] The base 51 is an L-shaped aluminum alloy frame, which is fixed to the base of the spinning equipment by bolts. The mounting part 52 is a ring clamp that covers the outer wall of the material cylinder 1 and locks it in place.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit 6 includes a drive motor 61 disposed outside the opening 13 end of the barrel 1, and the output shaft of the drive motor 61 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the screw 3 via a spline shaft 62.

[0032] The drive motor 61 is a servo motor, and its output shaft is connected to the screw 3 through the splined shaft 62. The spline structure avoids slippage, ensuring that the torque transmission is free from slippage loss and guaranteeing the propulsion force for high-viscosity solutions.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, a sealing element 7 is provided between the piston 2 and the inner cavity 11, which is sleeved on the piston 2.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a shaft sealing device 14 that allows the connecting shaft 44 to move axially is provided at the opening 13.

[0035] The double-sealed design ensures that the electrostatic solution will not leak.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, there are four connecting shafts 44, which are symmetrically arranged about the transmission nut 41. The four connecting shafts 44 are distributed symmetrically at 90°, are made of hardened stainless steel, and have a diameter of 8mm. Each shaft is fixed to the piston 2 and the transmission nut 41 at both ends by threads, distributing the thrust to the entire circumference of the piston, avoiding seal failure caused by unilateral load, and the multi-shaft support improves the rigidity of the system.

[0037] The complete operation process is as follows:

[0038] Initial loading:

[0039] Remove the feed cylinder 1 and inject the spinning solution into the inner cavity 11 through the opening 13 to 80% of its capacity;

[0040] Install piston 2 and connect transmission mechanism 4 to lock barrel 1 onto base 61.

[0041] Start the liquid supply:

[0042] Setting the drive motor speed to 61 (e.g., 100 rpm → flow rate 10 mL / h);

[0043] The motor drives the screw 3 to rotate via the splined shaft 62;

[0044] The transmission nut 41 drives the connecting shaft 44 to push the piston 2 forward at a constant speed;

[0045] The solution is stably output to the spinning needle through outlet 12.

[0046] Continuous operation:

[0047] When piston 2 reaches the end of its stroke, the motor automatically stops.

[0048] Disassemble the empty material cylinder and replace it with a quick-clamp structure for a pre-filled new material cylinder;

[0049] After the system is reset, the liquid supply continues, enabling uninterrupted spinning for 24 hours.

[0050] Maintenance procedures:

[0051] Regularly inspect the wear condition of seal 7;

[0052] Regularly lubricate the threaded pair of screw 3.

[0053] The contents not described in detail in this specification are existing technologies known to those skilled in the art, and their specifications and models can be selected according to actual conditions.

[0054] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical embodiments described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous electrospinning solution supply device, characterized in that, include: The material cylinder (1) has an inner cavity (11) for containing spinning solution, a solution outlet (12) at one end of the inner cavity (11) and an opening (13) at the other end of the inner cavity (11), and the material cylinder (1) is fixed by a fixing structure (5). Piston (2), the piston (2) is disposed in the inner cavity (11) of the barrel (1), the outer peripheral surface of the piston (2) faces the inner wall of the inner cavity (11), and can move axially in the inner cavity (11) in a sealed manner; The screw (3) is located outside the opening (13) of the barrel (1), the axis of the screw (3) coincides with the axis of the barrel (1), and the outer end of the screw (3) is connected to a drive unit (6). The transmission mechanism (4) includes a transmission nut (41), which is sleeved on the screw (3). The internal thread of the transmission nut (41) meshes with the external thread of the screw (3). The transmission mechanism (4) also includes a connecting shaft (44), which extends along the axial direction of the barrel (1). The connecting shaft (44) has a first end (45) and a second end (46). The first end (45) of the connecting shaft (44) passes through the opening (13) of the barrel (1) and is fixedly connected to the end face of the piston (2) facing away from the solution outlet (12). The second end (46) of the connecting shaft (44) is fixedly connected to the end face of the transmission nut (41) facing the barrel (1).

2. The electrospinning solution continuous supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing structure (5) includes a base (51), on which an installation part (52) is fixedly connected, and the outer wall of the material cylinder (1) is fixedly connected to the installation part (52).

3. The electrospinning solution continuous supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit (6) includes a drive motor (61) disposed outside the opening (13) end of the barrel (1), and the output shaft of the drive motor (61) is coaxially fixedly connected to the screw (3) through a spline shaft (62).

4. The electrospinning solution continuous supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element (7) is provided between the piston (2) and the inner cavity (11) and sleeved on the piston (2).

5. The electrospinning solution continuous supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening (13) is provided with a shaft sealing device (14) that allows the connecting shaft (44) to move axially.

6. The electrospinning solution continuous supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of connecting shafts (44) is four and they are arranged symmetrically about the transmission nut (41).

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