Electrospinning Equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electrospinning and provides an electrospinning apparatus. The apparatus includes: a high-voltage power supply; a receiving device electrically connected to the negative pole of the high-voltage power supply; a rotary spinning generator electrically connected to the positive pole of the high-voltage power supply; and a supply device for supplying the spinning solution to the rotary spinning generator. The rotary spinning generator includes: a supply tank for receiving and storing the spinning solution; and multiple rotors, all of which are at least partially located in the supply tank and configured to revolve around a single center while simultaneously rotating on their own axes, so that at least a portion of their surfaces adhere to the spinning solution. In the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply, the spinning solution is stretched under the action of electric field force to form nanofibers, which are then deposited on the receiving device. The electrospinning apparatus of the present invention not only enables batch production of nanofibers, but also avoids clogging of spinning components and rapid evaporation of organic solvents in the spinning solution during free-surface spinning.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of and priority to a Chinese invention patent application, entitled "Electrospinning Apparatus," application number 202211278267.8, filed on October 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of electrospinning, and more particularly to electrospinning devices. [Background technology]

[0003] Electrospun nanofibers have high porosity and specific surface area, and their structure is very similar to that of the natural extracellular matrix. Therefore, electrospun nanofibers are widely used in fields such as tissue engineering, controlled drug release, filtration, electrochemistry, and energy.

[0004] Conventional electrospinning equipment consists of a single-needle spinner, a supply system, a storage system, and a high-voltage power supply. This single-needle electrospinning equipment not only has a very low nanofiber production rate, but also has a tendency for the single-needle spinner to become clogged during the spinning process, which affects the continuous stability of the spinning process and reduces the morphology and performance of the nanofiber membrane.

[0005] Based on these drawbacks of the single-needle electrospinning device, a free-surface spinning device was developed. However, due to the open nature of the spinning components of the free-surface spinning device, the organic solvent in the spinning solution evaporates rapidly, significantly affecting the viscosity and conductivity of the spinning solution, ultimately degrading the morphology and performance of the nanofiber membrane. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention provides an electrospinning apparatus that not only allows for batch production of nanofibers, but also avoids clogging of spinning components and rapid evaporation of organic solvents in the spinning solution during free-surface spinning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An electrospinning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: A high voltage power supply; a receiving device electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply; a rotary spinning generator disposed apart from the storage device and electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high voltage power supply; a supply liquid device in fluid communication with the rotary spinning generator for supplying a spinning liquid to the rotary spinning generator; The rotary spinning generator is a feed reservoir in fluid communication with the feed device for receiving and containing the spinning solution; a plurality of rotating bodies; Each of the plurality of rotating bodies is at least partially located in the supply liquid reservoir and is configured to rotate on its axis while revolving around its center, the spinning solution adheres to at least a portion of the surface of the rotating body, and in the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply, the spinning solution is stretched by the electric field force to form a supercritical flow, and the supercritical flow forms nanofibers as the solvent evaporates, and the nanofibers are deposited on the storage device.

[0008] As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present invention, multiple rotors are installed above the feed pool, and the spinning operation is performed by rotating the rotors while revolving around the center. In other words, the rotary spinning generator of the present invention has a revolution-rotation spinning structure. This new spinning structure can avoid the clogging phenomenon of the spinner and ensure continuous, stable, and highly efficient production of nanofibers. Furthermore, the use of multiple rotors can realize batch production of nanofibers.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the feed pond includes an annular feed pond, and the rotors are configured to rotate around the center of the annular feed pond, and the storage device includes an annular storage device and is disposed on the outer periphery of the annular feed pond.

[0010] In some embodiments, the annular feed pond comprises: an annular inner plate; an annular outer cover coupled to the annular inner plate and rotatable relative to the annular inner plate, the annular outer cover and the annular inner plate defining an annular cavity for receiving a spinning solution from the annular feed pool, and an outer circumferential surface of the annular outer cover having a plurality of holes communicating with the annular cavity; The plurality of rotating bodies are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, with at least a portion thereof exposed to the outside of the cavities, and are configured to revolve around the center of the annular feed liquid reservoir and rotate within the cavities at the same time by the rotation of the annular outer cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the diameter of the rotor is greater than the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the annular cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rotary spinning generator further comprises a sealing gasket; The sealing gasket is installed at the joint between the annular outer cover and the annular inner plate to prevent overflow of the spinning solution.

[0013] In some embodiments, the distances from the plurality of rotors to the nanofiber-containing surface of the annular containment device are equal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the center of the annular containment device and the center of the annular feed reservoir overlap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the annular containment device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the annular outer cover.

[0016] As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present invention, a rotary spinning device is surrounded by an annular containing device, which increases the containing area and can accommodate more nanofibers, enabling batch production of nanofibers and improving productivity. Furthermore, the rotary spinning device of the present invention defines an annular cavity with an annular outer cover and an annular inner plate to receive the spinning solution, forming a relatively sealed storage space for the spinning solution and maintaining the spinning solution within a desired viscosity and conductivity range. At the same time, multiple holes are formed in the annular outer cover, and rotors are installed in the holes. The spinning operation is performed by rotating the rotors in the holes through the rotation of the annular outer cover. This new spinning device can avoid spinner clogging and ensure continuous, stable, and highly efficient production of nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, the annular outer cover and annular inner plate can be disassembled, making disassembly and cleaning of the spinning device easy, saving costs and providing convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the annular containing device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as the annular outer cover or in the opposite direction, thereby achieving stretching and orientation of the fibers.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the feed pond includes an annular feed pond, and the plurality of rotors are configured to rotate about a center of the annular feed pond. The storage device includes a disk-shaped storage device and is disposed above the annular feed pond.

[0018] In some embodiments, the annular feed pond comprises: an annular groove defining an annular cavity for receiving and containing the spinning solution; an annular cover plate used to close a groove opening of the annular groove and rotatable relative to the annular groove, the annular cover plate having a plurality of holes; The plurality of rotating bodies are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the cavities, and the rotating bodies are configured to revolve around the center of the annular feed liquid reservoir and rotate within the cavities at the same time as rotating the annular cover plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the center of the disk-shaped containment device and the center of the annular feed pond are coaxial.

[0020] In some embodiments, the diameter of the disk-shaped container is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the annular cover plate.

[0021] In some embodiments, the distances from the plurality of rotors to the nanofiber-containing surface of the disk-shaped containment device are equal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the disk-shaped container device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the annular cover plate.

[0023] As can be seen from the above, an embodiment of the present invention places a disk-shaped storage device above a rotary spinning device having multiple rotors, enabling batch production of nanofibers and improving productivity. Furthermore, the rotary spinning device of the present invention defines an annular cavity using an annular groove and an annular cover plate to receive the spinning solution, forming a relatively sealed storage space for the spinning solution and maintaining the spinning solution within a desired viscosity and conductivity range. At the same time, the annular cover plate has multiple holes, into which rotors are attached, and the spinning operation is performed by rotating the rotors within the holes through the rotation of the annular cover plate. This new spinning device can avoid spinner clogging and ensure continuous, stable, and highly efficient production of nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, the annular groove and annular cover plate can be disassembled, making disassembly and cleaning of the spinning device easy, saving costs, and providing convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the disk-shaped storage device is configured to rotate in the same direction as the annular cover plate or in the opposite direction, enabling fiber stretching and orientation.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the feed pond comprises a circular feed pond; The rotary spinning generator further includes a circular cover plate, which is used to close an upper opening of the circular feed reservoir and is rotatable relative to the circular feed reservoir, and has a plurality of holes; The multiple rotating bodies are respectively installed in the multiple cavities, with at least a portion exposed to the outside of the cavities, and are configured to revolve around the center of the circular supply liquid reservoir and rotate within the cavities at the same time as rotating the circular cover plate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the containment device comprises a disk-shaped containment device positioned above the circular feed pond.

[0026] In some embodiments, the center of the disk-shaped containment device and the center of the circular feed pond are coaxial.

[0027] In some embodiments,

[0028] The diameter of the disk-shaped container is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the circular cover plate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the distances from the plurality of rotors to the nanofiber-containing surface of the disk-shaped containment device are equal.

[0030] In some embodiments, the disk-shaped container device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the circular cover plate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotating body comprises at least one of a conductive sphere, a conductive cylinder, and a conductive cylindrical body.

[0032] In some embodiments, the liquid supply device comprises: a flow pump; a channel communicating the flow pump with the feed reservoir; a screw feed rod disposed within the channel; a drive member connected to the screw feed rod; When the flow pump supplies the spinning solution to the channel, the driving member rotates the screw feed rod to input the spinning solution into the feed reservoir.

[0033] As can be seen from the above, in an embodiment of the present invention, a disk-shaped storage device is placed above a rotary spinning device having multiple rotors, enabling batch production of nanofibers and improving productivity. Furthermore, the rotary spinning device of the present invention defines a cylindrical (or cylindrical tub-shaped) cavity using a circular feed tank and a circular cover plate to receive the spinning solution, forming a relatively sealed storage space for the spinning solution and maintaining the spinning solution within a desired viscosity and conductivity range. At the same time, multiple holes are formed in the circular cover plate, and rotors are installed within the holes. The spinning operation is performed by rotating the rotors within the holes through the rotation of the circular cover plate. This new spinning device can avoid spinner clogging and ensure continuous, stable, and highly efficient production of nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, the circular feed tank and circular cover plate can be disassembled, allowing for easy disassembly and cleaning of the spinning device, saving costs and providing convenience and efficiency. Furthermore, the disk-shaped storage device is configured to be able to rotate in the same direction as the circular cover plate or in the opposite direction, thereby enabling the fibers to be stretched and oriented.

[0034] In summary, the electrospinning apparatus provided by each embodiment of the present invention not only enables batch production of nanofibers, but also ensures the morphology and performance of the produced nanofibers by suppressing the evaporation of organic solvents in the spinning solution and maintaining the viscosity and conductivity of the spinning solution within the desired range.

[0035] The various aspects, features, advantages, etc. of the embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below in combination with the drawings. Based on the specific description in combination with the following drawings, the above aspects, features, advantages, etc. of the present invention will become more apparent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a structural conceptual diagram of an electrospinning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a plan view of the rotary spinning device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram showing the rotary spinning device and the liquid supply device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram of a rotary spinning generator and a liquid supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a structural conceptual diagram of an electrospinning apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram showing a schematic structure of the electrospinning apparatus shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional conceptual view showing a state in which the annular cover plate and the annular groove in FIG. 5 are joined together. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a plan view of the rotary spinning device of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a structural conceptual diagram of an electrospinning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional conceptual diagram showing a state in which the circular cover plate and the circular supply liquid reservoir in FIG. 9 are joined together. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the rotary spinning device of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the disclosure herein will be exhaustive and comprehensive, and will fully convey each aspect and feature of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques unnecessary for those skilled in the art to fully understand each aspect and feature of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise specified, similar reference numerals throughout the accompanying drawings and text description indicate similar elements, and therefore, their descriptions may not be repeated. Furthermore, features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects of other exemplary embodiments.

[0038] Certain terms used in the following description are for reference purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "above," and "below" may be used to refer to directions in the accompanying drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "back," "rear," "side," "outer," and "inner" may be used to describe the orientation and / or position of portions of a described component within a consistent but arbitrary reference system. Such orientation and / or position can be clearly understood by reference to the textual description of the described component and the associated accompanying drawings. Such terms may include words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates, the use of "first," "second," and other numerical terms referring to such structure does not imply any order or sequence.

[0039] It should be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as "on another element or layer," "connected to," or "coupled," it may be directly connected or coupled to another element or feature, or there may be one or more intervening elements or features. Furthermore, when an element or feature is referred to as "between" two elements or features, it should be understood that it may be the only element or feature between those two elements or features, or there may be one or more intervening elements or features.

[0040] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "an" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, when used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are understood to specify the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. Phrases such as "at least one of" preceding a list of elements modify the list of elements as a whole, rather than modifying each individual element of the list.

[0041] As used herein, the terms "essentially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize. Also, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present invention means "one or more embodiments of the present invention." As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "being used" can be considered synonymous with the terms "utilizing," "utilizing," and "being utilized," respectively.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Furthermore, unless expressly defined herein, terms (as defined in common dictionaries) should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field and / or in the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0043] To address the problem of low productivity of conventional single-needle electrospinning devices, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electrospinning device including a high-voltage power supply, a receiving device electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply, a rotary spinning generator disposed at a distance from the receiving device and electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply, and a supply device fluidically connected to the rotary spinning generator and supplying a spinning solution to the rotary spinning generator. The rotary spinning generator includes a supply tank fluidically connected to the supply tank and configured to receive and accommodate the spinning solution, and multiple rotors, each of which is at least partially located in the supply tank and rotates around its center (e.g., the center of the supply tank) so that at least a portion of the rotor's surface adheres to the spinning solution. In the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply, the spinning solution is stretched under the action of electric field force to form a supercritical flow, and the supercritical flow forms nanofibers as the solvent evaporates and deposits on the receiving device. In an embodiment of the present invention, multiple rotors are installed above the feed pool, and the spinning operation is performed by rotating the rotors while revolving around a center. This new spinning device can avoid the clogging phenomenon of the spinner and ensure continuous, stable, and highly efficient nanofiber production. Furthermore, the use of multiple rotors allows for batch production of nanofibers.

[0044] [First embodiment] 1 shows the schematic structure of an electrospinning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrospinning apparatus includes a liquid supply device installed on a fixed iron stand 6, a rotary spinning generator 1, an annular container 9, and a high-voltage power supply 10.

[0045] The fluid supply device is mounted on the base of the fixed iron frame 6 and includes a flow pump 8, a drive member including an electric motor 7, and a channel 2 including a screw feed rod. In an optional embodiment, the flow pump 8 can be mounted remotely from the fluid supply device and in fluid communication with the fluid supply device via an infusion tube.

[0046] The rotary spinning generator 1 is installed above the liquid supply device and can be rotated by driving a driving member. In some embodiments, the rotary spinning generator 1 is operably connected to an electric motor 5 via a connecting member 3, the electric motor 5 is fixedly connected to a horizontal arm bracket of the fixed iron frame 6, and the connecting member 3 is connected to a rotor 4 of the electric motor 5. Thus, the rotary spinning generator 1 can be rotated under the driving of the electric motor 5.

[0047] The annular containing device 9 is installed around or surrounding the rotary spinning generator 1, specifically, the annular containing device 9 is installed around the rotary spinning generator 1. In addition, the positive electrode of the high voltage power supply 10 is electrically connected to the rotary spinning generator 1, and the negative electrode is electrically connected to the annular containing device 9.

[0048] 2, the rotary spinning generator 1 includes an annular outer cover 1-1, an annular inner plate 1-3, and a plurality of rotors 1-2. The plurality of rotors 1-2 are electrically connected to the positive pole of the high-voltage power supply 10, and the negative pole of the high-voltage power supply 10 is electrically connected to the annular containing device 9. In some embodiments, the annular outer cover 1-1 and the rotors 1-2 are both made of conductive metal materials, and the annular outer cover 1-1 is electrically connected to the positive pole of the high-voltage power supply 10, and the rotors 1-2 are in contact with the annular outer cover 1-1, so that the rotors 1-2 are electrically connected to the positive pole of the high-voltage power supply 10.

[0049] The annular outer cover 1-1 and the annular inner plate 1-3 form an annular supply reservoir. Specifically, the annular outer cover 1-1 and the annular inner plate 1-3 are coupled to each other and rotatable relative to each other. The annular outer cover 1-1 and the annular inner plate 1-3 define an annular cavity for receiving the spinning solution supplied by the supply device. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 3, the inner end of the annular outer cover 1-1 is provided with two upper and lower ring-shaped clasps, which are correspondingly fitted into two upper and lower ring-shaped clasps on the annular inner plate 1-3. A sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the clasps to prevent the spinning solution from spilling. This forms a relatively sealed storage space for the spinning solution, and the spinning solution is maintained within a desired viscosity and conductivity range.

[0050] 2 and 3, the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover 1-1 has a plurality of holes communicating with the annular cavity, and a rotor 1-2 is installed in each of the holes, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the hole, and the rotor 1-2 can rotate within the corresponding hole but cannot be removed from the hole. In some embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the rotor 1-2 is greater than the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the annular cavity. The annular outer cover 1-1 is connected to the rotor 4 of the electric motor 5 via a connecting member 3 and can rotate under the driving force of the electric motor 5. The rotation of the annular outer cover 1-1 rotates the rotor 1-2 within the hole but cannot be removed from the hole.

[0051] 2 and 3, a plurality of through-holes are formed in the wall of the annular inner plate 3, and the through-holes are fluidly connected to the channel containing the screw feed rod 2. Therefore, when the feed device is operating, the flow pump 8 continuously supplies the spinning solution to the channel 2 containing the screw feed rod, which rotates in the channel 2 under the pulling force of the electric motor 7, thereby transporting the spinning solution upward. After reaching the top end of the channel 2, the spinning solution flows into the annular cavity through the through-holes in the wall of the annular inner plate 1-3. When the rotor 1-2 is pulled by the annular outer cover 1-1 and rotates in the cavity, the surface of the rotor 1-2 sufficiently attracts the spinning solution from the annular cavity. As a result, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotary spinning generator is covered with the spinning solution.

[0052] In the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply 10, the spinning solution attached to the surfaces of all the rotors 1-2 exposed on the surface of the annular outer cover 1-1 is simultaneously stretched under the action of the electric field force to form a jet stream, the solvent evaporates, and finally solidifies and deposits on the annular containing device 9 to form nanofibers. As a new type of spinning component, the rotary spinning generator of the embodiment of the present invention can avoid the clogging phenomenon of the spinner and ensure the continuous, stable, and highly efficient production of nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, the annular outer cover 1-1 and the annular inner plate 1-3 can be disassembled, which makes the spinning components easy to disassemble and clean, saving costs and being convenient and efficient.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the rotating body 1-2 is a conductive metal sphere. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the rotating body 1-2 may be a sphere made of other conductive materials. In any embodiment, the rotating body may be a conductive columnar body or a conductive cylindrical body.

[0054] [Second embodiment] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electrospinning apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the structure of the electrospinning apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as that of the electrospinning apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, except that the rotor 1-2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is replaced with a conductive cylinder 1-4. In the electrospinning apparatus shown in FIG. 4, a rotation axis is installed within the annular outer cover 1-1, and the conductive cylinder 1-4 can freely rotate around the rotation axis. Therefore, when the annular outer cover 1-1 rotates under the drive of the motor 5, the rotation causes the conductive cylinder 1-4 to rotate around its respective rotation axis and cannot detach from the hole in the annular outer cover 1-1. When the conductive cylinder 1-4 rotates within the cavity while being pulled by the annular outer cover 1-1, the surface of the conductive cylinder 1-4 sufficiently attracts the spinning dope from the annular cavity. In the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply 10, the spinning solution attached to the surfaces of all the rotors 1-2 exposed to the surface of the annular outer cover 1-1 is simultaneously stretched under the action of the electric field force to form a supercritical flow, the solvent evaporates, and finally solidifies and deposits on the annular container 9 to form nanofibers. In any embodiment, the conductive columnar body 1-4 can be replaced with a conductive cylindrical body.

[0055] 4, the installation of a rotating shaft is acceptable. Of course, any structure known in the art can be adopted in any embodiment, as long as the conductive cylindrical body 1-4 can rotate freely and not be detached from the hole of the annular outer cover 1-1 at the same time.

[0056] In the above exemplary embodiment, the rotating bodies are arranged around the annular outer cover at a first height on the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover, in other words, the rotating bodies are arranged around the annular outer cover at the same height on the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover.

[0057] In any embodiment, some of the rotating bodies are arranged around the annular outer cover at a first height on the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover, and some are arranged around the annular outer cover at a second height on the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover, the first height and the second height being different. In other words, the rotating bodies are arranged in at least two layers in the height direction of the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover. In some embodiments, the rotating bodies located at the first height and the rotating bodies located at the second height are circumferentially offset from each other, i.e., the rotating bodies in adjacent layers are circumferentially offset from each other. This can further improve the nanofiber production yield. Of course, in other embodiments, the rotating bodies in adjacent layers can be arranged opposite each other, which can facilitate the manufacture of the device and improve the production efficiency of the device.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the spacing between adjacent rotating bodies among the plurality of rotating bodies at the same height (or the same layer) on the outer peripheral surface of the annular outer cover may be equal or unequal. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the plurality of rotating bodies are equally spaced, i.e., uniformly arranged, in the circumferential direction of the annular outer cover.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the distances from the plurality of rotating bodies to the nanofiber-containing surface of the annular containing device are equal, thereby ensuring that the jet streams are drawn under the same conditions as much as possible, thereby improving the uniformity of the nanofiber diameter distribution and morphological structure.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation center of the rotary spinning generator and the center of the annular container overlap, thereby allowing the jet to be drawn under the same conditions as possible, thereby improving the uniformity of the diameter distribution and morphology of the nanofibers.

[0061] In some embodiments, the rotation speed of the rotary spinning generator is adjustable, for example, the rotation speed of the annular outer cover 1-1 can be adjusted by adjusting the input current of the motor 5, thereby adjusting the stretching and orientation of the fibers.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flow pump for supplying the spinning solution is connected and in fluid communication with the annular cavity through a channel including a screw feed rod. In any embodiment, the supply liquid device includes a flow pump, and the flow pump is connected to the annular cavity through a connecting pipe, thereby supplying the spinning solution directly to the annular cavity.

[0063] Furthermore, in any embodiment, the rotary spinning generator does not necessarily need to be installed above the supply liquid device, and the rotary spinning generator can be installed at the base of the fixed iron frame 6. For example, the electric motor 5 can be installed at the base of the fixed iron frame 6. In this case, the supply liquid device can be installed above the rotary spinning generator, and the spinning liquid can be supplied to the rotary spinning generator without a screw supply rod. Alternatively, the flow pump can directly supply the spinning liquid to the rotary spinning generator through a connecting pipe.

[0064] As can be seen from the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the rotary spinning generator of the present invention is a revolving-rotating device, in which the annular outer cover revolves each rotor around the rotation center of the annular outer cover, while each rotor rotates around its own center. The rotation allows the corresponding rotor to fully deposit the spinning solution from within the annular cavity. This revolving-rotating motion allows each rotor to fully soak in the spinning solution without clogging. Furthermore, by performing the spinning operation through the surface of each rotor, the same effect as a free-surface spinning device can be achieved, but without causing rapid evaporation of the organic solvent in the spinning solution, thereby avoiding deterioration in the morphology and performance of the nanofiber membrane. Therefore, the use of the rotary spinning generator of the present invention not only increases the production yield of nanofibers, but also improves the quality of the nanofibers.

[0065] Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the annular containment device is configured to be able to rotate in the same direction or in the opposite direction to the rotary spinning generator. For example, the outer periphery of the annular containment device has teeth that function as a worm gear, and the teeth mesh with a worm connected to an electric motor, thereby rotating the annular containment device forward or backward by the electric motor. In addition, the rotation speed of the annular containment device can be adjusted by adjusting the current input to the electric motor. The stretching and orientation of the fibers can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation direction and relative rotation speed of the annular containment device and the rotary spinning generator.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the annular containment device and the rotary spinning generator rotate in opposite directions to achieve fiber stretching and orientation. The present invention is not limited thereto, and even if the annular containment device and the rotary spinning generator rotate in the same direction, the fiber stretching and orientation can be adjusted by adjusting the relative rotation speeds of the two.

[0067] [Third embodiment] 5 shows the schematic structure of an electrospinning apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the electrospinning apparatus includes a high-voltage power supply 510, a disk-shaped container device 520 electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply 510, a rotary spinning generator 530 located below the disk-shaped container device 520 and electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply 510, and a liquid supply device 540 (e.g., a flow pump) fluidly connected to the rotary spinning generator 530 and supplying a spinning solution to the rotary spinning generator 530. In this embodiment, the rotary spinning generator 530 is installed on a base 550, and the disk-shaped container device 520 is supported above the rotary spinning generator 530 via a support structure (not shown).

[0068] In this embodiment, the rotary spinning generator 530 includes an annular feed pond 531 fluidly connected to the feed pond device 540 and configured to receive and accommodate the spinning solution, and a plurality of rotors 532, each of which is at least partially located in the annular feed pond 531 and configured to move along the annular feed pond 531 and simultaneously rotate about its axis. In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 6, the annular feed pond 531 defines an annular cavity for receiving and accommodating the spinning solution, and includes an annular groove 531-1 having an open top of the annular cavity, and an annular cover plate 531-2 used to cover the open top of the annular groove and rotatable relative to the annular groove 531-1, and the annular cover plate 531-2 has a plurality of holes. The plurality of rotors 532 are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the cavities, and are adapted to rotate within the cavities by being pulled by the rotation of the annular cover plate 531-2. FIG. 7 shows a portion of the annular supply reservoir, in which a fitting groove is provided on the side wall of the open end of the annular groove 531-1, and the annular cover plate 531-2 is fitted into the fitting groove and is movable (i.e., rotatable) along the fitting groove. For example, the annular cover plate 531-2 can be moved via a driving member. Referring to FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the driving member includes an electric motor 560 and a transmission mechanism 570. The transmission mechanism 570 is connected to the output shaft 561 of the electric motor. For example, the transmission mechanism 570 includes a rotating shaft, one end of which is connected to the output shaft 561 and the other end of which is provided with a connecting part connected to the annular cover plate 531-2. Therefore, the rotation of the motor 560 is transmitted to the annular cover plate 531-2 via the output shaft 561 and the transmission mechanism 570, causing the annular cover plate 531-2 to move (i.e., rotate) along the mating groove on the annular groove 531-1, causing the rotors 532 in each cavity of the annular cover plate 531-2 to revolve around the center of the annular groove 531-1 (i.e., the center of the annular supply liquid reservoir 531), and at the same time, the rotors 532 rotate within the corresponding cavity.As a result, part or all of the surface of the rotating body adheres to the spinning solution, and in the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply 510, the spinning solution is stretched under the action of the electric field force to form a supercritical flow, and the supercritical flow forms nanofibers as the solvent evaporates, and these nanofibers are deposited on the disk-shaped container device 520.

[0069] In some embodiments, the center of the disk-shaped containment device 520 and the center of the annular feed reservoir 531 are coaxial. Optionally, the diameter of the disk-shaped containment device 520 may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the annular cover plate 531-2, thereby ensuring that the containment device can contain all of the nanofibers.

[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of rotating bodies 532 are arranged in a circle on the annular cover plate 531-2. In other embodiments, the plurality of rotating bodies may be arranged in at least two circles on the annular cover plate. In some embodiments, the rotating bodies located in one circle and the rotating bodies located in another circle are arranged offset from each other. Optionally, the rotating bodies located in one circle and the rotating bodies located in another circle may be arranged radially opposite each other. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent rotating bodies among the plurality of rotating bodies located in the same circle on the annular cover plate may be equal. In some embodiments, the plurality of rotating bodies may be randomly distributed on the annular cover plate.

[0071] In some embodiments, the distances from the plurality of rotating bodies 532 to the nanofiber-containing surface of the disk-shaped containing device 520 are equal, thereby ensuring that the jet stream is drawn under the same conditions as much as possible, improving the uniformity of the nanofiber diameter distribution and morphological structure.

[0072] In some embodiments, the disk-shaped container device 520 is configured to rotate in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the annular cover plate 531-2. By adjusting the rotation direction and relative rotation speed of the disk-shaped container device and the annular cover plate, the stretching and orientation of the fibers can be adjusted.

[0073] [Fourth embodiment] 9 shows the schematic structure of an electrospinning apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the electrospinning apparatus includes a high-voltage power supply 910, a disk-shaped container 920 electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply 910, a rotary spinning generator 930 located below the disk-shaped container 920 and electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage power supply 910, and a liquid supply device 940 fluidly connected to the rotary spinning generator 930 and supplying a spinning solution to the rotary spinning generator 930. The rotary spinning generator 930 includes a circular feed tank 931-1 fluidly connected to the feed tank device 940 and configured to receive and store the spinning solution; a circular cover plate 931-2 used to close the upper opening of the circular feed tank 931-1 and rotatable relative to the circular feed tank 931-1, and having a plurality of cavities; and a plurality of rotors 932 respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed outside the cavities, and the plurality of rotors 932 rotate in the cavities by being pulled by the rotation of the circular cover plate 931-2.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10 , the bottom of the disk-shaped cover plate 931-2 is provided with an annular groove, the open end of the circular feed reservoir 931-1 is fitted into the annular groove, and the disk-shaped cover plate 931-2 is rotatable relative to the circular feed reservoir 931-1. For example, the disk-shaped cover plate 932-1 can be rotated via a driving member. In some embodiments, the driving member may include an electric motor 960 and a transmission mechanism 970, and the transmission mechanism 970 may include a gear connected to an output shaft 961 of the electric motor 960. The circular cover plate 931-2 has teeth on its circumferential surface that mesh with the gear. As a result, the rotation of the electric motor 960 is transmitted to the circular cover plate 931-2 via the output shaft 961 and the gear of the transmission mechanism 970, causing the circular cover plate 931-2 to rotate around the circumference of the circular feed reservoir 931-1. The rotation of the circular cover plate 931-2 causes the rotors 932 in each cavity to revolve around the center of the circular supply liquid reservoir 931-1, and simultaneously the rotors 932 rotate within the corresponding cavity, so that a part or all of the surface of the rotors adheres to the spinning solution, and in the electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply 910, the spinning solution is stretched under the action of the electric field force to form a supercritical flow, and the supercritical flow forms nanofibers as the solvent evaporates, and the nanofibers are deposited on the disc-shaped container device 920.

[0075] In some embodiments, the center of the disk-shaped container 920 and the center of the circular feed liquid reservoir 931-1 are coaxial. The diameter of the disk-shaped container 920 is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the circular cover plate 931-2. This ensures that the container can accommodate the nanofibers.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11 , the plurality of rotating bodies 932 are arranged in a circle on the circular cover plate 931-2. In other embodiments, the plurality of rotating bodies may be arranged in at least two circles on the circular cover plate. In some embodiments, the rotating bodies located in one circle and the rotating bodies located in the other circle are arranged offset from each other. Optionally, the rotating bodies located in one circle and the rotating bodies located in the other circle may be arranged radially opposite each other. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent rotating bodies among the plurality of rotating bodies located on the same circle on the annular cover plate may be equal. In some embodiments, the plurality of rotating bodies may be randomly distributed on the circular cover plate.

[0077] In some embodiments, the distances from the rotating bodies 932 to the nanofiber-containing surface of the disk-shaped container 920 are equal, which allows the jet stream to be drawn under the same conditions as much as possible, improving the uniformity of the nanofiber diameter distribution and morphological structure.

[0078] In some embodiments, the disk-shaped container device 920 is configured to rotate in the same direction as or in the opposite direction to the circular cover plate 931-2. By adjusting the rotation direction and relative rotation speed of the disk-shaped container device and the circular cover plate, the stretching and orientation of the fibers can be adjusted.

[0079] In the first to third embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of rotors revolve around the center of the supply liquid reservoir while simultaneously rotating on their own axes. In other embodiments, the plurality of rotors can revolve around the center of a holding member that holds the rotors while simultaneously rotating on their own axes within the holding member. For example, in the above embodiments, an annular outer cover, an annular cover plate, and a circular cover plate having holes for attaching the rotors can be examples of the holding member.

[0080] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above disclosure is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and of course, it does not limit the scope of the patent protection claimed by the present invention. Equivalent modifications made based on the embodiments of the present invention are still within the scope covered by the claims of the present invention. For example, in the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention, the rotating body is described as a conductive sphere. However, it should be understood that, as in the second embodiment, the rotating body can also be implemented as a conductive columnar or a conductive cylinder, or the rotating body can be implemented as a combination of at least two types of conductive spheres, conductive cylinders, and conductive cylinders.

Claims

1. A high voltage power supply; a receiving device electrically connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage power supply; a rotary spinning generator disposed apart from the storage device and electrically connected to the positive electrode of the high voltage power supply; a supply liquid device in fluid communication with the rotary spinning generator for supplying a spinning liquid to the rotary spinning generator; The rotary spinning generator is a feed reservoir in fluid communication with the feed device for receiving and containing the spinning solution; a plurality of rotating bodies; an electrostatic spinning apparatus, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of rotors is located in the supply liquid reservoir and is configured to rotate while revolving around a center, the spinning solution adheres to at least a portion of the surface of the rotor, the spinning solution is stretched by an electric field force in an electrostatic field generated by the high-voltage power supply and becomes a supercritical flow, and the supercritical flow forms nanofibers as the solvent evaporates, and the nanofibers are deposited on the storage device.

2. the feed pond comprises an annular feed pond; The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rotors are configured to rotate about a center of the annular feed pond and simultaneously rotate on their own axes.

3. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the containment device includes an annular containment device disposed on an outer periphery of the annular feed pond.

4. The annular feed reservoir comprises: an annular inner plate; an annular outer cover coupled to the annular inner plate and rotatable relative to the annular inner plate, the annular outer cover and the annular inner plate defining an annular cavity for receiving a spinning solution from the annular feed pool, and an outer circumferential surface of the annular outer cover having a plurality of holes communicating with the annular cavity; 4. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of rotating bodies are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the cavities, and the rotating bodies are configured to revolve around the center of the annular feed liquid reservoir and simultaneously rotate within the cavities by the rotation of the annular outer cover.

5. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the diameter of the rotating body is greater than the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter of the annular cavity.

6. The rotary spinning generator further comprises a sealing gasket; The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the sealing gasket is installed at a joint between the annular outer cover and the annular inner plate to prevent overflow of the spinning solution.

7. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the distances from the plurality of rotating bodies to the nanofiber-containing surface of the annular containment device are equal.

8. 5. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the center of the annular containment device and the center of the annular feed pool overlap.

9. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the annular containment device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the annular outer cover.

10. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the containment device comprises a disk-shaped containment device located above the annular feed pond.

11. The annular feed reservoir comprises: an annular groove defining an annular cavity for receiving and containing the spinning solution; an annular cover plate used to close a groove opening of the annular groove and rotatable relative to the annular groove, the annular cover plate having a plurality of holes; 11. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of rotating bodies are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the cavities, and the rotating bodies are configured to revolve around the center of the annular feed liquid reservoir and simultaneously rotate within the cavities by the rotation of the annular cover plate.

12. 12. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the center of the disk-shaped containment device and the center of the annular feed pond are coaxial.

13. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the diameter of the disk-shaped containing device is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the annular cover plate.

14. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the distances from the plurality of rotating bodies to the surface of the disk-shaped containing device that contains the nanofibers are equal.

15. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the disk-shaped container device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the annular cover plate.

16. the feed pond comprises a circular feed pond; The rotary spinning generator further includes a circular cover plate, which is used to close the upper opening of the circular feed reservoir and is rotatable relative to the circular feed reservoir, and has a plurality of holes; 2. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rotating bodies are respectively installed in the plurality of cavities, at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the cavities, and the rotating bodies are configured to revolve around the center of the circular feed liquid reservoir and simultaneously rotate within the cavities by rotating the circular cover plate.

17. 17. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 16, wherein the containment device comprises a disk-shaped containment device positioned above the circular feed pond.

18. 18. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the center of the disk-shaped containment device and the center of the circular feed pool are coaxial.

19. 19. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the diameter of the disk-shaped containing device is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the circular cover plate.

20. 18. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the distances from the plurality of rotating bodies to the surface of the disk-shaped containing device that contains the nanofibers are equal.

21. 18. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 17, wherein the disk-shaped container device is configured to be rotatable in the same direction as or opposite to the circular cover plate.

22. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rotating body comprises at least one of a conductive sphere, a conductive cylinder, and a conductive cylindrical body.

23. the liquid supply device includes a flow pump; The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flow pump is connected to the feed reservoir via a connecting pipe.

24. The liquid supply device is a flow pump; a channel communicating the flow pump with the feed reservoir; a screw feed rod disposed within the channel; a drive member connected to the screw feed rod; 2. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the flow pump supplies the spinning solution to the channel, the drive member rotates the screw feed rod to input the spinning solution into the feed pool.

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