Electrospinning apparatus

Abstract

To suppress non-uniformity of an electric field strength between nozzle heads arranged in parallel within a limited space.SOLUTION: An electrospinning apparatus A includes: a plurality of nozzle heads 10 that can discharge a spinning solution L and are arranged so as to be parallel in a plan view; a spinning electrode 12 that is individually provided for each of the plurality of nozzle heads 10 and charges the spinning solution L; a collector electrode 22 that is disposed above the plurality of nozzle heads 10 and generates an electric field between the collector electrode and the spinning electrode 12; and a collecting member 20 that is disposed between the nozzle heads 10 and the collector electrode 22 and collects the spinning solution L that has been formed into ultrafine fibers by an electrostatic force, wherein the plurality of nozzle heads 10 are arranged such that a height difference is generated between adjacent nozzle heads 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrospinning apparatus having multiple elongated nozzle heads arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Each nozzle head has multiple spinning holes formed therein for discharging the spinning solution. A spinning electrode is provided on the nozzle head, and a collector electrode is arranged above the nozzle head. A spinning electrode is individually provided on each nozzle head, and an electric field is generated between each spinning electrode and the collector electrode. The spinning solution discharged from the spinning hole in an electrically charged state becomes ultrafine fibers as it is sprayed upward toward the collector electrode. The spinning solution that has become ultrafine fibers is collected with a sheet-like collecting member, thereby producing a fiber aggregate (e.g., nonwoven fabric) made of ultrafine fibers. This electrospinning apparatus has the advantage of easily producing ultrafine fibers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-074630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an electrospinning apparatus in which multiple nozzle heads are arranged in parallel, by narrowing the parallel pitch of the nozzle heads, it is possible to concentrate the spinning solution and collect it on a collecting member even in a limited space. However, when the spinning electrodes of adjacent nozzle heads come close to each other, electric field interference causes the strength of the electric field at each nozzle head to become uneven. For example, when the electric field at some nozzle heads becomes weak, the amount of spinning solution sprayed by the nozzle heads as a whole decreases, and the basis weight (collected amount) of ultrafine fibers on the collecting member becomes less than the intended basis weight.

[0005] The present disclosure was completed in light of the above circumstances, and has an object to suppress non-uniformity in electric field strength between nozzle heads arranged in parallel within a limited space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrospinning apparatus of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of nozzle heads that are capable of discharging a spinning solution and are arranged in parallel in a plan view; a spinning electrode provided individually on each of the plurality of nozzle heads and configured to charge the spinning solution; A collector electrode disposed above the plurality of nozzle heads and generating an electric field between the collector electrode and the spinning electrode; a collecting member disposed between the nozzle head and the collector electrode, which collects the spinning solution that has been converted into ultrafine fibers by electrostatic force; The plurality of nozzle heads are arranged so that there is a difference in height between adjacent nozzle heads. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the electric field strength between nozzle heads arranged in parallel in a limited space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing an outline of an electrospinning apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Here, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Any combination of the following embodiments without causing any contradiction is also included in the embodiments for carrying out the invention.

[0010] The electrospinning apparatus of the present disclosure comprises: (1) A method for producing a spinning solution comprising: a plurality of nozzle heads each capable of discharging a spinning solution and arranged in parallel in a planar view; a spinning electrode provided individually on each of the plurality of nozzle heads and charging the spinning solution; a collector electrode arranged above the plurality of nozzle heads and generating an electric field between the spinning electrode; and a collecting member arranged between the nozzle head and the collector electrode and collecting the spinning solution that has been converted into ultrafine fibers by electrostatic force; wherein the plurality of nozzle heads are arranged so that a difference in height occurs between adjacent nozzle heads. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, the plurality of nozzle heads are arranged so that a difference in height occurs between adjacent nozzle heads. Therefore, it is possible to increase the spacing between adjacent spinning electrodes and reduce electric field interference between adjacent spinning electrodes without increasing the parallel pitch in a planar view. As a result, when a plurality of nozzle heads are arranged in parallel in a limited space, it is possible to suppress unevenness in electric field strength between the nozzle heads.

[0011] (2) In (1), it is preferable that the three nozzle heads arranged in parallel are arranged so that a difference in height is created between the central nozzle head and the other two nozzle heads. According to this configuration, by creating a difference in height between the central nozzle head and the other two nozzle heads, it is possible to widen the gap between the spinning electrodes of the adjacent nozzle heads with a difference in height.

[0012] (3) In (1), it is preferable that the four nozzle heads arranged in parallel are arranged so that there is a height difference between the two nozzle heads located in the center and the other two nozzle heads. According to this configuration, by providing a height difference between the two nozzle heads located in the center and the other two nozzle heads, it is possible to widen the distance between the spinning electrodes of the adjacent nozzle heads with a height difference.

[0013] (4) In (3), it is preferable that the distance between the two central nozzle heads is set to the same dimension as the distance between two adjacent nozzle heads having a height difference in a front view perpendicular to both the plan view direction and the direction in which the nozzle heads are arranged side by side. According to this configuration, the distance between any adjacent spinning electrodes can be made constant in the four nozzle heads arranged side by side.

[0014] (5) In (1), it is preferable that the nozzle heads are arranged so that the height of the nozzle heads increases sequentially from one end to the other end in the parallel direction. According to this configuration, the nozzle heads are arranged so that the height of the nozzle heads increases sequentially from one end to the other end in the parallel direction, thereby widening the gap between the spinning electrodes of adjacent nozzle heads.

[0015] (6) In (1), it is preferable that the four or more nozzle heads are arranged so that adjacent nozzle heads have alternating height differences. According to this configuration, by arranging the four or more nozzle heads so that adjacent nozzle heads have alternating height differences, the distance between the spinning electrodes of adjacent nozzle heads can be increased.

[0016] <Embodiment 1> A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. In this first embodiment, with regard to the front-to-rear direction, the F direction in FIG. 2 is defined as the front. With regard to the up-down direction, the H direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined as the up. With regard to the left-to-right direction, the R direction in FIG. 1 is defined as the right. The left-to-right direction and the width direction are used synonymously.

[0017] 1 and 2 is an apparatus for producing a fiber aggregate (not shown) by spinning ultrafine fibers Lf (nanofibers) from a spinning solution L and collecting the ultrafine fibers Lf in a collecting member 20. An example of the fiber aggregate is a nonwoven fabric used as a separator for a secondary battery (not shown).

[0018] The electrospinning apparatus A is configured to include a plurality of nozzle heads 10, a tank 14, a pump 15, a DC power supply 16, a transport device 17 for transporting the collecting member 20, and a plurality of collector electrodes 22. The plurality of nozzle heads 10, the transport device 17, and the collector electrodes 22 of the electrospinning apparatus A are housed in a spinning booth (not shown) where the temperature and humidity are controlled. The tank 14, the pump 15, and the DC power supply 16 are arranged outside the spinning booth.

[0019] The spinning solution L contains a resin material that forms the ultrafine fibers Lf as a solute, which is dissolved or dispersed in a volatile solvent. Examples of the solute include synthetic resins such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). Examples of the solvent include compounds such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and tetrahydrofuran (THF).

[0020] The nozzle head 10 is a single component made of a cylindrical tube with its axis oriented horizontally (front-rear direction). The axis of the nozzle head 10 is parallel to the width direction of the collecting member 20, which will be described later. The nozzle head 10 is a component that stores the amount of spinning solution L required for spinning and discharges the spinning solution L upward.

[0021] The internal space of the nozzle head 10 functions as a supply path (not shown) for storing and flowing the spinning solution L. The downstream ends of two pipes 13 are connected to the front and rear ends of the nozzle head 10, respectively. Note that, for convenience, only one of the two pipes 13 is shown in FIG. 2. The upstream end of the pipe 13 is connected to a tank 14 in which the spinning solution L is stored. A pump 15 is provided in the middle of the pipe 13 to pressure-feed the spinning solution L in the tank 14 to the nozzle head 10.

[0022] At the upper end of the nozzle head 10, a plurality of radiation holes 11 are formed spaced apart in the axial direction. In addition, in Figures 1 and 2, the shape of the radiation holes 11 is omitted, and the position of the radiation holes 11 is identified by a symbol. The radiation holes 11 are openings for discharging the spinning solution L in the nozzle head 10 (in the supply path) above the nozzle head 10. The nozzle head 10 is a conductive part made of stainless steel or the like. The nozzle head 10 functions as a spinning electrode 12 for charging the spinning solution L discharged from the radiation holes 11. One end of the nozzle head 10 in the axial direction is connected to the positive electrode of the DC power source 16.

[0023] The conveying device 17 is a device for conveying the capturing member 20 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) above the nozzle head 10. The capturing member 20 is a long, sheet-shaped member. The conveying device 17 is configured to include a feed roller 18 and a take-up roller 19, which are arranged at the same height and spaced apart in the left-right direction. The capturing member 20 is wound around the feed roller 18. The leading end of the capturing member 20 in the conveying direction is wound around the take-up roller 19. In the spinning process, the capturing member 20 wound around the feed roller 18 is wound around the take-up roller 19 while moving horizontally (to the right) between the rollers 18 and 19.

[0024] The collector electrode 22 is disposed between the delivery roller 18 and the take-up roller 19. The collector electrode 22 is a flat plate with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction. The collector electrode 22 is disposed horizontally along the upper surface of the collection region 21 of the collection member 20, which is stretched horizontally between the rollers 18 and 19. The collector electrode 22 is connected to the negative electrode of the DC power supply 16.

[0025] Next, a method for producing a fiber aggregate will be described. The supply channel of the nozzle head 10 is filled with a spinning solution L. When the electrospinning apparatus A starts operating, the DC power supply 16 is closed, and the nozzle head 10, which serves as the spinning electrode 12, is positively charged. The collecting member 20 is sent horizontally at a constant speed from the delivery roller 18 to the take-up roller 19 while in contact with or close to the lower surface of the collector electrode 22. The pump 15 is driven to supply the spinning solution L in the tank 14 to the supply channel of the nozzle head 10.

[0026] Since the nozzle head 10 functions as a spinning electrode 12, the spinning solution L in the nozzle head 10 is positively charged by contacting the nozzle head 10. The spinning solution L that has passed through the spinning hole 11 is sprayed upward from the spinning hole 11 by an electrostatic force (Coulomb force) caused by the potential difference between the spinning electrode 12 and the collector electrode 22, and is attracted to the collector electrode 22. The spinning solution L sprayed upward from the spinning hole 11 becomes ultrafine fibers Lf due to the repulsive force of the positive charge accumulated in the spinning solution L in the process of rising from the nozzle head 10 toward the collecting member 20. As the formation of ultrafine fibers Lf progresses, the charge density of the ultrafine fibers Lf increases, so the repulsive force between the charged ultrafine fibers Lf increases, and each ultrafine fiber Lf is split into even thinner ultrafine fibers Lf.

[0027] Through this process, the ultrafine fibers Lf are spun and the spun ultrafine fibers Lf are collected on the lower surface of the collecting member 20 to form a fiber aggregate. The collecting member 20 on which the fiber aggregate is layered is taken up by a take-up roller 19. When using the fiber aggregate, the fiber aggregate is peeled off from the collecting member 20 while the collecting member 20 is pulled out from the take-up roll.

[0028] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 1, one head group 10G is configured from three nozzle heads 10. For convenience, only one head group 10G is shown in FIG. 1. The three nozzle heads 10 constituting one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In a front view of the electrospinning apparatus A (nozzle heads 10) viewed from the front parallel to the axis of the nozzle heads 10, the two nozzle heads 10 at both ends of the left and right of the three nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height. The central nozzle head 10 of the three nozzle heads is arranged at a higher position than the two nozzle heads 10 at both ends of the left and right.

[0029] In a plan view of the electrospinning apparatus A (nozzle heads 10) seen from above, the parallel pitch of the three nozzle heads 10 is constant. The interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a front view is larger than the interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a plan view. Therefore, in this embodiment 1, the interval between adjacent spinning electrodes 12 is secured wider than when the three nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0030] Therefore, it is possible to reduce electric field interference between adjacent nozzle heads 10. By reducing the electric field interference, it is possible to prevent or reduce non-uniformity in the discharge amount of the spinning solution L caused by the electric field interference. As a result, the thickness of the ultrafine fibers Lf collected in the collection region 21 of the collection member 20 becomes uniform.

[0031] The electrospinning apparatus A of this embodiment 1 has a plurality of nozzle heads 10 capable of discharging the spinning solution L, a plurality of spinning electrodes 12, a collector electrode 22, and a collecting member 20. The plurality of nozzle heads 10 are arranged in parallel in a plan view. The plurality of spinning electrodes 12 are individually provided on the plurality of nozzle heads 10 and charge the spinning solution L supplied to the nozzle heads 10. The collector electrode 22 is arranged above the plurality of nozzle heads 10 and generates an electric field between the plurality of nozzle heads 10 and the spinning electrode 12. The collecting member 20 is arranged between the nozzle head 10 and the collector electrode 22 and collects the spinning solution L that has been converted into ultrafine fibers by electrostatic force. Of the plurality of nozzle heads 10, three nozzle heads 10 constituting each head group 10G are arranged so that there is a height difference between adjacent nozzle heads 10.

[0032] According to the configuration of the present embodiment 1, the plurality of nozzle heads 10 are arranged so that there is a difference in height between the adjacent nozzle heads 10, and therefore, even without increasing the parallel pitch in a plan view, it is possible to widen the interval between the adjacent spinning electrodes 12 and reduce the electric field interference between the adjacent spinning electrodes 12. As a result, when the plurality of nozzle heads 10 are arranged in parallel in a limited space, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the electric field strength between the nozzle heads 10.

[0033] Three nozzle heads 10 are arranged in parallel so that there is a difference in height between the central nozzle head 10 and the other two nozzle heads 10. The central nozzle head 10 is arranged at a higher position than the other two nozzle heads 10. According to this configuration, by arranging the central nozzle head 10 at a higher position than the other two nozzle heads 10, the distance between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 can be increased.

[0034] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the second embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the H direction in Figure 3. The left-right direction is defined as the R direction in Figure 3. The electrospinning apparatus B of the second embodiment has a nozzle head 10 arranged in a different form from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description of the structure, operation, and effect will be omitted.

[0035] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. One head group 10G is configured from three nozzle heads 10. The three nozzle heads 10 that make up one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 3. When viewed from the front, the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends of the three are arranged at the same height. The central nozzle head 10 of the three is arranged at a lower position than the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends.

[0036] In this way, of the three nozzle heads 10 arranged in parallel in each head group 10G, the central nozzle head 10 is arranged at a lower position than the other two nozzle heads 10. In this embodiment 2, by arranging the central nozzle head 10 at a lower position than the other two nozzle heads 10, the distance between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 is increased.

[0037] In a plan view of the electrospinning apparatus B (nozzle heads 10) seen from above, the parallel pitch of the three nozzle heads 10 is constant. The interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a front view is larger than the interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a plan view. Therefore, in this embodiment 2, the interval between adjacent spinning electrodes 12 is secured wider than when the three nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0038] <Embodiment 3> Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In the third embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the H direction in FIG. 4. The left-right direction is defined as the R direction in FIG. 4. The electrospinning apparatus C of the third embodiment has a different arrangement of the nozzle head 10 from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description of the structure, operation, and effect will be omitted.

[0039] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. One head group 10G is configured from four nozzle heads 10. The four nozzle heads 10 that make up one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 4. In a front view, the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends of the four are arranged at the same height. The two central nozzle heads 10 of the four are arranged at a higher position than the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends. The two central nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0040] In a front view, the parallel pitch between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this right-end nozzle head 10 is set to the same dimension as the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10. The parallel pitch between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this left-end nozzle head 10 is also set to the same dimension as the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10. In a plan view, the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10 is larger than the parallel pitch between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this right-end nozzle head 10, and the parallel pitch between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this left-end nozzle head 10.

[0041] In this embodiment 3, the four nozzle heads 10 arranged in parallel are arranged so that there is a height difference between the two nozzle heads 10 located in the center and the other two nozzle heads 10. According to this configuration, by providing a height difference between the two nozzle heads 10 located in the center and the other two nozzle heads 10, it is possible to widen the interval between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 having a height difference.

[0042] In a front view seen from a direction perpendicular to both the plan view direction and the direction in which the nozzle heads 10 are arranged side by side, the distance between the two central nozzle heads 10 is set to the same dimension as the distance between two adjacent nozzle heads 10 having a height difference. According to this configuration, the distance between any adjacent spinning electrodes 12 can be made constant in the four nozzle heads 10 arranged side by side.

[0043] <Embodiment 4> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 5. In the fourth embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the H direction in FIG. 5. The left-right direction is defined as the R direction in FIG. 5. The electrospinning apparatus D of the fourth embodiment has a different arrangement of the nozzle head 10 from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations, and descriptions of the structure, operation, and effects will be omitted.

[0044] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. One head group 10G is configured from four nozzle heads 10. The four nozzle heads 10 that make up one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 5. In a front view, the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends of the four are arranged at the same height. The two central nozzle heads 10 of the four are arranged at a lower position than the two nozzle heads 10 at the left and right ends. The two central nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0045] In a front view, the parallel pitch between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this right-end nozzle head 10 is set to the same dimension as the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10. The parallel pitch between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this left-end nozzle head 10 is also set to the same dimension as the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10. In a plan view, the parallel pitch between the two central nozzle heads 10 is larger than the parallel pitch between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this right-end nozzle head 10, and the parallel pitch between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the nozzle head 10 adjacent to this left-end nozzle head 10.

[0046] In this embodiment 4, the four nozzle heads 10 arranged in parallel are arranged so that there is a height difference between the two nozzle heads 10 located in the center and the other two nozzle heads 10. According to this configuration, by providing a height difference between the two nozzle heads 10 located in the center and the other two nozzle heads 10, it is possible to widen the distance between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 having a height difference.

[0047] In a front view seen from a direction perpendicular to both the plan view direction and the direction in which the nozzle heads 10 are arranged side by side, the distance between the two central nozzle heads 10 is set to the same dimension as the distance between two adjacent nozzle heads 10 having a height difference. According to this configuration, the distance between any adjacent spinning electrodes 12 can be made constant in the four nozzle heads 10 arranged side by side.

[0048] <Embodiment 5> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the fifth embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the H direction in FIG. 6. The left-right direction is defined as the R direction in FIG. 6. The electrospinning apparatus E of the fifth embodiment has a different arrangement of the nozzle head 10 from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description of the structure, operation, and effect will be omitted.

[0049] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. One head group 10G is made up of three nozzle heads 10. The three nozzle heads 10 that make up one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 6. In a front view, the leftmost nozzle head 10 of the three is arranged at the lowest position. The rightmost nozzle head 10 of the three is arranged at the highest position. The central nozzle head 10 of the three is arranged at an intermediate height between the nozzle heads 10 on both the left and right ends.

[0050] The distance (parallel pitch) between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the central nozzle head 10 is set to the same dimension as the distance (parallel pitch) between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the central nozzle head 10. The difference in height between the right-end nozzle head 10 and the central nozzle head 10 is the same dimension as the difference in height between the left-end nozzle head 10 and the central nozzle head 10.

[0051] In the electrospinning apparatus E of the fifth embodiment, the nozzle heads 10 are arranged so that the height of the nozzle heads 10 increases sequentially from one end (left end) to the other end (right end) in the parallel direction. According to this configuration, by arranging the nozzle heads 10 so that the height increases sequentially from one end to the other end in the parallel direction, the interval between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 can be increased.

[0052] In a plan view of the electrospinning apparatus E (nozzle heads 10) seen from above, the parallel pitch of the three nozzle heads 10 is constant. The interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a front view is larger than the interval (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a plan view. Therefore, in this embodiment 5, the interval between adjacent spinning electrodes 12 is secured wider than when the three nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0053] <Embodiment 6> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In the sixth embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the H direction in FIG. 7. The left-right direction is defined as the R direction in FIG. 7. The electrospinning apparatus F of the sixth embodiment has a different arrangement of the nozzle head 10 from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description of the structure, operation, and effect will be omitted.

[0054] The multiple nozzle heads 10 are configured as multiple head groups 10G arranged side by side in the left-right direction. One head group 10G is configured from four nozzle heads 10. The four nozzle heads 10 that make up one head group 10G are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. 7. In a front view, the rightmost nozzle head 10 of the four and the third nozzle head 10 from the right are arranged at the same height. The second nozzle head 10 from the right and the leftmost nozzle head 10 of the four are arranged at the same height.

[0055] The leftmost nozzle head 10 and the second nozzle head 10 from the right are positioned higher than the rightmost nozzle head 10 and the third nozzle head 10 from the right. In other words, the four nozzle heads 10 are positioned so that the nozzle heads 10 at higher positions and the nozzle heads 10 at lower positions are alternately arranged. The intervals between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a plan view are all the same dimension.

[0056] In the electrospinning apparatus F of the seventh embodiment, four or more nozzle heads 10 are arranged so that a difference in height is alternately created between adjacent nozzle heads 10. According to this configuration, by arranging four or more nozzle heads 10 so that a difference in height is alternately created between adjacent nozzle heads 10, the distance between the spinning electrodes 12 of the adjacent nozzle heads 10 is increased.

[0057] In a plan view of the electrospinning apparatus F (nozzle heads 10) seen from above, the parallel pitch of the four nozzle heads 10 is constant. The distance (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a front view is larger than the distance (parallel pitch) between adjacent nozzle heads 10 in a plan view. Therefore, in this embodiment 6, the distance between adjacent spinning electrodes 12 is secured wider than when the four nozzle heads 10 are arranged at the same height.

[0058] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, and the following embodiments, for example, are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. The spinning electrode may be a separate member from the nozzle head. In embodiments 1 to 4, the number of adjacent nozzle heads with a height difference may be increased to three or more, and the arrangement disclosed in embodiment 5 in which the heights of the three or more nozzle heads increase sequentially may be applied. In the third and fourth embodiments, the distance between the two nozzle heads located in the center may be different from the distance between two adjacent nozzle heads that have a height difference. The arrangement disclosed in the fifth embodiment can also be applied to a case where the number of nozzle heads arranged in parallel is four or more. In the sixth embodiment, the arrangement in which the nozzle heads are arranged in parallel with alternating height differences can also be applied to the case where there are five or more nozzle heads. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] A, B, C, D, E, F...Electrospinning equipment L: Spinning solution 10...Nozzle head 12...Spinning electrode 20...Collection member 22...Collector electrode

Claims

1. a plurality of nozzle heads that are capable of discharging a spinning solution and are arranged in parallel in a plan view; a spinning electrode provided individually on each of the plurality of nozzle heads and configured to charge the spinning solution; A collector electrode disposed above the plurality of nozzle heads and generating an electric field between the collector electrode and the spinning electrode; a collecting member disposed between the nozzle head and the collector electrode, which collects the spinning solution that has been converted into ultrafine fibers by electrostatic force; The electrospinning apparatus, wherein the plurality of nozzle heads are arranged so that there is a difference in height between adjacent nozzle heads.

2. 2. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three nozzle heads arranged in parallel are arranged so that a difference in height is created between the central nozzle head and the other two nozzle heads.

3. 2. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the four nozzle heads arranged in parallel are arranged so that there is a difference in height between the two nozzle heads located in the center and the other two nozzle heads.

4. 4. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, in a front view seen from a direction perpendicular to both the planar view direction and the parallel direction of the nozzle heads, the distance between the two central nozzle heads is set to the same dimension as the distance between two adjacent nozzle heads having a height difference.

5. 2. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of nozzle heads are arranged so that the height of the nozzle heads increases sequentially from one end to the other end in the parallel direction.

6. 2. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein four or more of the nozzle heads are arranged so that adjacent nozzle heads are alternately arranged at different heights.

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