Electrospinning Equipment

Abstract

To provide an electrospinning device that allows a nozzle to be easily stored in a housing case.SOLUTION: An electrospinning device has an electrospinning head 2, a housing case 8, and a case moving portion 3. The electrospinning head has a nozzle 12 capable of ejecting raw material liquid and can move between a first movement position and a second movement position. A housing cavity capable of housing the nozzle is formed and an opening to outside of the housing cavity is formed in the housing case. The housing case allows the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the first movement position to be disposed at a position spaced away from the housing cavity and the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position to be stored inside the housing cavity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an electrospinning apparatus that deposits fine fibers on the surface of a collector or a substrate by electrospinning (sometimes called electric charge spinning, etc.) to form a fiber membrane. In the electrospinning apparatus, a raw material liquid containing a polymeric material is supplied to an electrospinning head. Then, a voltage is applied to the electrospinning head, etc. to charge the raw material liquid, and the charged raw material liquid is ejected from the nozzle of the electrospinning head toward the surface of the collector or substrate. As a result, the fibers are deposited on the surface of the collector or substrate.

[0003] In the electrospinning apparatus as described above, when the operation of forming a fiber membrane is not being performed, the nozzle of the electrospinning head is protected by being stored inside a storage case, for example. It is required that the operation of storing the nozzle inside the storage case be automated as much as possible. In addition, even if the operation of storing the nozzle inside the storage case is automated, it is required that the configuration for storing the nozzle in the storage case does not become complicated. In other words, it is required that the automation of the operation of storing the nozzle in the storage case be realized with a simple configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-155457 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-145533 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-145551 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrospinning apparatus capable of easily storing a nozzle in a storage case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment, the electrospinning apparatus includes an electrospinning head, a storage case, and a case moving unit. The electrospinning head includes a nozzle capable of ejecting a raw material liquid containing a polymeric material, and is movable between a first moving position and a second moving position. A storage cavity capable of storing the nozzle of the electrospinning head is formed inside the storage case, and an opening to the outside of the storage cavity is formed in the storage case. When the electrospinning head is located at the first movement position, the storage cavity of the storage case is located at a position separated from the nozzle. When the electrospinning head is moved to the second movement position, a force is applied from the electrospinning head to the case movement unit. The case movement unit moves the storage case by the force from the electrospinning head, thereby inserting the nozzle into the storage cavity of the storage case from the opening, and storing the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position inside the storage cavity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrospinning device according to a first embodiment, in which an electrospinning head is positioned at a first movement position, viewed from a direction intersecting the central axis of the electrospinning head and intersecting the protruding direction of the nozzle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electrospinning device according to the first embodiment, in which the electrospinning head is located at a first movement position, as viewed from the opposite side to the protruding direction of the nozzle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the electrospinning device according to the first embodiment, in which the electrospinning head is positioned at a second movement position, viewed from a direction intersecting the central axis of the electrospinning head and intersecting the protruding direction of the nozzle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position is stored in the storage case in the electrospinning device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position is stored in the storage case in the electrospinning device according to the first modified example. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position is stored in the storage case in the electrospinning device according to the second modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position is stored in the storage case in the electrospinning device according to the third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 to 3 show an example of an electrospinning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1 to 3, the electrospinning apparatus 1 includes an electrospinning head 2, a moving drive unit 3, a raw material liquid supply unit 4, a power source 5, a collector 6, a control unit 7, and a storage case 8.

[0010] The electrospinning head 2 includes a head body 11 and one or more (four in this embodiment) nozzles 12. Here, a central axis of the head body 11 (electrospinning head 2) is defined, and a direction along the central axis of the head body 11 is defined as a longitudinal direction. The head body 11 extends along the central axis and along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, each of the head body 11 and the nozzles 12 is made of a conductive material. The number of the nozzles 12 is not particularly limited, and one or more nozzles 12 may be provided. In addition, each of the head body 11 and the nozzles 12 is preferably made of a material having resistance to the raw material liquid, for example, made of stainless steel.

[0011] Each of the nozzles 12 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the head body 11. Each of the multiple nozzles 12 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the head body 11 toward the outer peripheral side, that is, toward the side away from the central axis of the head body 11. In this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 12 are arranged at the same or approximately the same angular positions relative to each other around the central axis of the head body 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the multiple nozzles 12 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2 to form one nozzle row. Note that FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 show a state viewed from a direction intersecting the central axis (longitudinal direction) of the electrospinning head 2 and intersecting the protruding direction of the nozzles 12. FIG. 2 shows a state viewed from the opposite side to the protruding direction of the nozzles 12.

[0012] An internal cavity (not shown) is formed inside the head body 11. A flow path (not shown) is formed inside each of the nozzles 12, and an ejection port 13 is formed at the end (tip) of each of the nozzles 12 protruding from the head body 11. In each of the nozzles 12, the ejection port 13 communicates with the internal cavity of the head body 11 through the flow path. Each of the nozzles 12 is capable of ejecting the raw material liquid from the ejection port 13. Each of the nozzles 12 is capable of ejecting the raw material liquid toward the side protruding from the head body 11, i.e., the side where the ejection port 13 is open.

[0013] The moving drive unit 3 includes a driving member such as an electric motor, and the driving member is driven by supplying electric power. The electrospinning head 2 is connected to the moving drive unit 3 via a support 31 and a movable body 32. The movable body 32 is connected to the support 31 in a state in which it can move together with the electrospinning head 2 relative to the support 31 and the moving drive unit 3. In one example of FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrospinning head 2 and the movable body 32 can move relative to the support 31 and the moving drive unit 3 along the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2 (the central axis of the electrospinning head 2) (arrows X1 and X2). The electrospinning head 2 can also move between a first moving position and a second moving position.

[0014] Here, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the electrospinning head 2 is located at a first movement position, and in FIG. 3, the electrospinning head 2 is located at a second movement position. In this embodiment, the movement drive unit 3 is driven, and power is transmitted to the movable body 32 and the electrospinning head 2 via the support 31, and the movable body 32 and the electrospinning head 2 move. In addition, since the electrospinning head 2 is connected to the movement drive unit 3 via the support 31 and the movable body 32, the movement drive unit 3 is located away from the electrospinning head 2 regardless of the position of the electrospinning head 2. Therefore, in any position of the electrospinning head 2, the driving member such as an electric motor provided in the movement drive unit 3 is located away from the electrospinning head 2. In addition, the electrospinning head 2 is located away from the movement drive unit 3 when it is located at the first movement position compared to when it is located at the second movement position.

[0015] The supply unit 4 of the raw material liquid can supply the raw material liquid to the electrospinning head 2 when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position. When the electrospinning head 2 is located at a position other than the first movement position, such as when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the second movement position, the supply unit 4 does not supply the raw material liquid to the electrospinning head 2. The supply unit 4 constitutes a supply source of the raw material liquid and a supply path of the raw material liquid from the supply source to the electrospinning head 2. The supply unit 4 of the raw material liquid includes a storage unit 41, a supply drive unit 42, a supply adjustment unit 43, and a supply pipe 45. Each of the storage unit 41, the supply drive unit 42, the supply adjustment unit 43, and the supply pipe 45 is resistant to the raw material liquid, and in one example, each of the storage unit 41 and the supply pipe 45 is formed of an electrically insulating material such as a fluororesin.

[0016] The storage unit 41 is a tank or the like that stores the raw material liquid. The raw material liquid is a polymer material dissolved in a solvent. The polymer contained in the raw material liquid and the solvent that dissolves the polymer are appropriately determined according to the type of the fiber 10 to be deposited on the surface of the collector 6. The polymer material is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the material of the fiber 10 to be formed. For example, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, nylon, aramid, etc. can be used as the polymer material. The solvent used in the raw material liquid may be any one that can dissolve the polymer material. The solvent can be appropriately changed according to the polymer material to be dissolved. For example, water, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, benzene, toluene, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), etc. can be used as the solvent.

[0017] The supply pipe 45 connects the storage unit 41 and the electrospinning head 2 to form a supply flow path for the raw material liquid. The supply drive unit 42 is driven to supply the raw material liquid from the storage unit 41 through the supply pipe 45 to the electrospinning head 2. In one example, the supply drive unit 42 is a pump. The supply adjustment unit 43 adjusts the flow rate and pressure of the raw material liquid supplied to the electrospinning head 2. In one example, the supply adjustment unit 43 includes a control valve capable of controlling the flow rate and pressure of the raw material liquid. In this case, the supply adjustment unit 43 adjusts the raw material liquid to an appropriate flow rate and pressure based on the viscosity of the raw material liquid and the structure of the nozzle 12. In another example, the supply adjustment unit 43 can switch between supplying and stopping the supply of the raw material liquid from the storage unit 41 to the electrospinning head 2. In this case, the supply adjustment unit 43 includes, for example, a switching valve.

[0018] In this embodiment, the power source 5 applies a voltage to the electrospinning head 2 when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position. At this time, in the electrospinning head 2, a voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to each of the nozzles 12 via the head body 11. Then, the plurality of nozzles 12 are applied with a voltage of the same polarity to each other. When the raw material liquid is supplied to the electrospinning head 2 by the supply unit 4, the power source 5 applies a voltage to the electrospinning head 2 as described above, so that the raw material liquid is charged with the same polarity as the nozzle 12 (electrospinning head 2). In this embodiment, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at a position other than the first movement position, such as when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the second movement position, the power source 5 does not apply a voltage to the nozzle 12 (electrospinning head 2). However, the power source 5 may be operated to apply a voltage to the electrospinning head 2 when the electrospinning head 2 is located between the first movement position and the second movement position.

[0019] In one example, terminals (not shown) electrically connected to each of the nozzles 12 may be provided, and the power source 5 may apply a voltage to each of the nozzles 12 via the terminals. In this case, it is not necessary to form the head body 11 from a conductive material. The polarity of the voltage applied to each of the nozzles 12 may be positive or negative. In one example such as FIG. 1, the power source 5 is a DC power source, and applies a positive voltage to each of the nozzles 12.

[0020] The collector 6 is made of a conductive material. The collector 6 is resistant to the raw material liquid, and in one example, is made of stainless steel. When the electrospinning head 2 is in the first moving position, the collector 6 is disposed on the side of the electrospinning head 2 where the nozzle 12 protrudes, and is disposed on the side of the electrospinning head 2 where the raw material liquid is ejected from the nozzle 12. In one example of FIG. 1, the collector 6 is grounded, and the voltage of the collector 6 relative to the ground is 0 V or approximately 0 V. In another example, a voltage of the opposite polarity to the raw material liquid and the electrospinning head 2 (nozzle 12) is applied to the collector 6 by the power source 5 or a power source other than the power source 5.

[0021] In this embodiment, the raw material liquid supplied to the electrospinning head 2 is charged to the same polarity as the electrospinning head 2 by applying a voltage to the electrospinning head 2. When the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first moving position, the raw material liquid is charged to the same polarity as the electrospinning head 2, and the raw material liquid is ejected from each nozzle 13 of the nozzle 12 toward the collector 6 due to the potential difference between the raw material liquid of the electrospinning head 2 (nozzle 12) and the collector 6. When the raw material liquid is ejected from the electrospinning head 2 toward the collector 6, the fibers 10 are deposited on the surface of the collector 6, and the deposited fibers 10 form a film of the fibers 10. That is, the film of the fibers 10 is formed by the electrospinning method (sometimes referred to as the charge-induced spinning method, etc.). The voltage applied to the nozzle 12 (electrospinning head 2) and the voltage applied to the collector 6 are adjusted to an appropriate magnitude according to the type of polymer material contained in the raw material liquid and the distance of the electrospinning head 2 to the collector 6.

[0022] The collector 6 is formed, for example, in a plate or sheet shape. When the collector 6 is formed in a sheet shape, the fibers 10 may be deposited on the collector 6 wound around the outer circumferential surface of a roll or the like. The collector 6 may be movable. In one example, a pair of rotating drums and a drive source for driving the rotating drums are provided. The rotating drums are driven by the drive source, so that the collector 6 moves between the pair of rotating drums in the same manner as a belt conveyor. The movement (transportation) of the collector 6 makes it possible to change the area on the surface of the collector 6 where the fibers 10 are deposited over time. The film of the fibers 10 formed on the surface of the collector 6 is removed from the collector 6. The film of the fibers 10 is used, for example, in nonwoven fabrics and filters, but is not limited thereto.

[0023] In one example, the collector 6 is not provided. In this case, a substrate made of a conductive material is used. Then, as described above, a voltage is applied to the electrospinning head 2 while the raw material liquid is supplied to the electrospinning head 2, and the raw material liquid is ejected from each of the nozzles 13 of the nozzles 12 toward the substrate. As a result, the fibers 10 are deposited on the surface of the substrate, and a film of the fibers 10 is formed on the surface of the substrate. In this case, the substrate may be grounded, and a voltage of the opposite polarity to that of the electrospinning head 2 (nozzle 12) and the raw material liquid may be applied to the substrate by the power source 5 or a power source other than the power source 5.

[0024] In another example, a substrate is placed on the collector 6. Then, by applying a voltage to the electrospinning head 2 while the raw material liquid is being supplied to the electrospinning head 2 as described above, the raw material liquid is ejected from each of the ejection ports 13 of the nozzle 12 toward the collector 6 and the substrate. As a result, the fibers 10 are deposited on the surface of the substrate placed on the collector 6, and a film of the fibers 10 is formed on the surface of the substrate. In this case, even if the substrate has electrical insulation properties, it is possible to form a film of the fibers 10 on the surface of the substrate.

[0025] In addition, when the substrate is placed on the collector 6, the substrate may be movable on the collector 6. In one example, a rotating drum on which a sheet-shaped substrate is wound and a rotating drum for winding up the substrate on which a film of the fibers 10 is formed are provided. The substrate moves on the collector 6 by rotating each of the rotating drums. By moving (transporting) the substrate, it becomes possible to change the area on the substrate surface where the fibers 10 are deposited over time. An example of forming a film of the fibers 10 on the substrate surface is, but is not limited to, the manufacture of a separator-integrated electrode for a battery. In this case, one of the negative electrode and the positive electrode of the electrode group is used as the substrate. The film of the fibers 10 formed on the substrate surface becomes a separator integrated with the negative electrode or the positive electrode.

[0026] The control unit (controller) 7 is, for example, a computer. The control unit 7 includes a processor or integrated circuit (control circuit) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a storage medium such as a memory. The control unit 7 may include only one integrated circuit or multiple integrated circuits. The control unit 7 performs processing by executing a program stored in a storage medium or the like. The control unit 7 controls the drive of the supply drive unit 42, the operation of the supply adjustment unit 43, and the output from the power source 5. The control unit 7 also controls the drive of the movement drive unit 3 to control the movement of the electrospinning head 2 between the first movement position and the second movement position.

[0027] The storage case 8 is attached to the support 83 via a relay link 81 and an axis member 82. The storage case 8 can rotate together with the relay link 81 around the axis member 82 relative to the support 83. The rotation axis of the storage case 8 intersects (is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to) the moving direction of the electrospinning head 2. One end of a spring member 85 is connected to the relay link 81, and the other end of the spring member 85 is connected to the support 83.

[0028] In this embodiment, the electrospinning head 2 moves to the second movement position, so that the electrospinning head 2 abuts against the relay link 81. As a result, a force acts from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81, and the relay link 81 and the electrospinning head 2 rotate around the shaft member 82 by the force from the electrospinning head 2. As a result, the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is inserted into the storage case 8. Therefore, in this embodiment, the relay link 81, the shaft member 82, etc. constitute a case moving part that moves the storage case 8 by the force acting from the electrospinning head 2. Then, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the second movement position, the storage case 8 moves to a storage position in which the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is stored inside by the mechanical force acting from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81 of the case moving part. That is, the storage case 8 stores the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position inside the storage case 8 (that is, inside the storage cavity 86).

[0029] In addition, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at a position away from the second movement position, such as when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position, the electrospinning head 2 does not contact the relay link 81, and no force is applied from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81 of the case movement section. In a state in which no force is applied from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81, the storage case 8 is held at a position away from the storage position in which the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is stored, by the elastic force acting on the relay link 81 from the spring member 85. That is, in a state in which no force is applied from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81, the storage case 8 is biased by the spring member 85 to a position away from the aforementioned storage position. That is, the storage case 8 positions the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the first movement position at a position away from the inside of the storage case 8 (i.e., the storage cavity 86).

[0030] Therefore, in this embodiment, the spring member 85 etc. constitute a case holding section that holds the storage case 8 at a position away from the storage position when no force is acting on the relay link 81 of the case moving section from the electrospinning head 2. Also, in this embodiment, when a force is acting on the relay link 81 from the electrospinning head 2, the storage case 8 moves to the storage position against the elastic force from the spring member 85 etc.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows the state in which the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is stored in the storage case 8. In FIG. 4, the electrospinning head 2 is shown in a state viewed from one side in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 4, a storage cavity 86 is formed inside the storage case 8, and the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 can be stored in the storage cavity 86. In addition, an opening 87 to the outside of the storage cavity 86 is formed in the storage case 8. The electrospinning head 2 moves to the second movement position, and the storage case 8 moves as described above due to the force acting from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81 of the case movement unit, so that the nozzle 12 is inserted into the storage cavity 86 from the opening 87.

[0032] In the storage case 8, the longitudinal direction is defined. In the storage case 8, the storage cavity 86 and the opening 87 are formed along the longitudinal direction. In a state in which the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is stored, the longitudinal direction of the storage case 8 coincides or approximately coincides with the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2, and coincides or approximately coincides with the movement direction of the electrospinning head 2. In addition, in the storage case 8, the storage cavity 86 opens at the opening 87 toward a direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the longitudinal direction. In addition, in the storage case 8, a bottom surface (bottom part) is formed on the opposite side to the opening 87 in the direction intersecting (perpendicular or approximately perpendicular) with the longitudinal direction. That is, in the storage case 8, the bottom surface is formed at a position about 180° away from the opening 87 in the circumferential direction. In a state in which the nozzle 12 of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second movement position is stored, the storage cavity 86 opens at the opening 87 toward the opposite side to the protruding direction of the nozzle 12.

[0033] Further, the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8 is provided with caps 88 in the same number as the nozzles 12. When the nozzles 12 are stored in the storage cavity 86, each of the caps 88 is in close contact with a corresponding one of the nozzles 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, each of the caps 88 forms a close contact portion with which a corresponding one of the nozzles 12 is in close contact when the nozzles 12 are stored in the storage cavity 86. Each of the nozzles 12 is in close contact with the close contact portion, which is a corresponding one of the caps 88, at the end (tip) protruding from the head body 11, i.e., at the nozzle 13 and its vicinity.

[0034] In addition, when each of the nozzles 12 is in close contact with a corresponding one of the caps 88, the outer periphery of the nozzles 12 is covered by the corresponding one of the caps 88. The caps 88 are flexible and made of rubber. Examples of rubber forming the caps 88 include silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). In the example of FIG. 4, the cross section of each of the caps 88 has a shape having a recess, and the protruding end (i.e., the nozzle 13 and its vicinity), which is the tip of the corresponding one of the nozzles 12 protruding from the head body 11, is in close contact with the bottom of each recess of the cap 88, but the shape of the cap 88 is not limited thereto. In particular, when rubber such as silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) is used as the material for forming the caps 88, the cross section of each of the caps 88 may be formed into a rectangle, and the tip of the corresponding one of the nozzles 12 may be in close contact with the surface of each of the caps 88.

[0035] As described above, the nozzles 12 are stored in the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8 with each nozzle 12 in close contact with a corresponding one of the caps 88, and thus the nozzles 12 are appropriately protected by the caps (close contact portions) 88. That is, in a state in which the film of the fiber 10 is not being formed by the electrospinning method, the nozzles 12 are stored in an appropriately protected state. In addition, since each nozzle 12 is in close contact with a corresponding one of the caps 88 made of rubber at the nozzle 13 and its vicinity, solidification of the raw material liquid remaining in the flow path (inside) of each nozzle 12 is effectively prevented.

[0036] In this embodiment, as described above, by moving the electrospinning head 2 to the second movement position, a force acts from the electrospinning head 2 on the relay link 81 of the case movement section, and the storage case 8 moves (rotates) due to the force from the electrospinning head 2. Then, by moving the storage case 8, the nozzle 12 is inserted into the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8. Therefore, the operation of storing the nozzle 12 in the storage case 8 is automated.

[0037] In addition, since the storage case 8 is moved by the force acting on the relay link 81 from the electrospinning head 2, the configuration for storing the nozzle 12 inside the storage case 8 by the movement of the storage case 8 is not complicated. Therefore, the operation of storing the nozzle 12 in the storage case 8 can be automated with a simple configuration.

[0038] As described above, the configuration for storing the nozzle 12 inside the storage case 8 is not complicated, and therefore the configuration for storing the nozzle 12 inside the storage case 8 is effectively prevented from becoming large. In addition, since the storage case 8 is moved by the force acting on the relay link 81 from the electrospinning head 2, there is no need to provide a driving member driven by electricity, such as an electric motor, as a driving source for moving the storage case 8. Therefore, when forming a film of the fiber 10 by the electrospinning method, the influence of the configuration for storing the nozzle 12 inside the storage case 8 (the configuration for moving the storage case 8) on the electrospinning head 2 and the electric field formed in the vicinity thereof is reduced.

[0039] Furthermore, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at a position away from the second movement position, no force is applied from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81 of the case movement section, and the storage case 8 is held at a position away from the storage position where the nozzle 12 is stored by the spring member (case holding section) 85. Then, the electrospinning head 2 is moved to the second movement position, and a force is applied from the electrospinning head 2 to the relay link 81, so that the storage case 8 moves to the storage position against the elastic force from the spring member 85. Therefore, by moving the electrospinning head 2 to the second movement position, the relay link 81 and the storage case 8 move appropriately, and the nozzle 12 is appropriately stored in the storage case 8.

[0040] In this embodiment, in any position of the electrospinning head 2, the driving members such as the electric motor provided in the movement driving unit 3 are located away from the electrospinning head 2. In addition, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position, the electrospinning head 2 is located away from the movement driving unit 3 compared to when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the second movement position. Therefore, when forming a film of the fiber 10 using the electrospinning head 2 located at the first movement position, the influence of the movement driving unit 3 on the electric field formed at and near the electrospinning head 2 is reduced.

[0041] (Modification) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the nozzles 12 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2 to form one nozzle row, but the arrangement of the nozzles 12 on the outer circumferential surface of the head body 11 is not limited to the arrangement in the above-mentioned embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiment, when the nozzles 12 are stored in the storage cavity 86, each of the nozzles 12 is in close contact with a corresponding one of the caps 88, but the configuration of the contact portion where the nozzles 12 are in close contact in the storage cavity 86 is not limited to the configuration in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0042] In the first modified example shown in FIG. 5, one or more nozzles 12A and one or more nozzles 12B are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the head body 11. Each of the nozzles 12A and 12B protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the head body 11 toward the outer circumferential side. The nozzles 12A and 12B are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the electrospinning head 2, that is, around the central axis of the head body 11. However, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position, both of the nozzles 12A and 12B are arranged on the side where the collector 6 is located with respect to the central axis of the head body 11. Then, when the electrospinning head 2 is located at the first movement position, the raw material liquid is sprayed from each of the nozzles 12A and 12B toward the collector 6.

[0043] In one example, a plurality of nozzles 12A are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2 to form a nozzle row of a plurality of nozzles 12A. A plurality of nozzles 12B are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the electrospinning head 2 to form a nozzle row of a plurality of nozzles 12B. In this case, the nozzle row of nozzles 12A and the nozzle row of nozzles 12B are arranged apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the electrospinning head 2.

[0044] In this modification, the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. In this modification, sponges 89A and 89B are provided in the storage cavity 86 instead of the cap 88. When the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86, each of the nozzles 12A adheres closely to the sponge 89A, and each of the nozzles 12B adheres closely to the sponge 89B. Therefore, in this modification, each of the sponges 89A and 89B forms a contact portion to which the corresponding one of the nozzles 12A and 12B adheres closely when the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86. Each of the nozzles 12A and 12B adheres closely to the contact portion, which is the corresponding one of the sponges 89A and 89B, at the protruding end (tip) from the head body 11, that is, at the nozzle 13 and its vicinity.

[0045] Each of the sponges 89A and 89B has flexibility and holds a solution. Each of the sponges 89A and 89B is formed using a porous body such as a resin porous body and a polymer porous body. Examples of the porous body forming the sponges 89A and 89B include a foam. From the viewpoint of holding the solution, the foam forming the sponges 89A and 89B is preferably an open-cell structure. Examples of the foam forming the sponges 89A and 89B include foamed melamine and foamed polyurethane.

[0046] In addition, the solution is held in the internal holes or gaps of each of the sponges 89A and 89B. The solution held in the sponges 89A and 89B is not particularly limited as long as it can dissolve the polymer material contained in the raw material liquid. In one example, the same liquid as the solvent of the raw material liquid is used as the solution held in the sponges 89A and 89B. Therefore, the solution held in the sponges 89A and 89B can be water, methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, benzene, toluene, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), or the like.

[0047] As described above, the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8 in a state where each of the nozzles 12A and 12B is in close contact with one of the sponges 89A and 89B, so that the nozzles 12 are appropriately protected by the sponges (close contact parts) 89A and 89B, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, in a state where the film of the fiber 10 is not formed by the electrospinning method, the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in a state where they are appropriately protected. Also, since each of the nozzles 12A and 12B is in close contact with one of the sponges 89A and 89B at the nozzle 13 and its vicinity, solidification of the raw material liquid remaining in the flow path (inside) of each of the nozzles 12A and 12B is effectively prevented, as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0048] Furthermore, in this modification, the droplets of the raw material liquid and the polymeric material of the raw material liquid adhering to each of the nozzles 12A and 12B are dissolved by the solution held in the sponges 89A and 89B. This allows the droplets of the raw material liquid and the polymeric material of the raw material liquid adhering to each of the nozzles 12A and 12B to be appropriately removed. That is, the nozzles 12A and 12B are cleaned by the solution held in the sponges 89A and 89B.

[0049] In the second modified example shown in FIG. 6, similarly to the first modified example, the nozzles 12A and 12B are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the head body 11. In this modified example, only one sponge 89 is arranged in the storage cavity 86 of the storage case 8. The sponge 89 is flexible and holds the solution, similarly to the sponges 89A and 89B. In this modified example, when the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86, each of the nozzles 12A and 12B is in close contact with the sponge 89. Therefore, in this modified example, the sponge 89 forms a close contact portion where the nozzles 12A and 12B are in close contact with each other when the nozzles 12A and 12B are stored in the storage cavity 86.

[0050] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the bottom surface of the storage case 8 is formed in a curved shape, but in this modified example, the bottom surface of the storage case 8 is formed in a flat shape. Therefore, in this modified example, the shape of the storage case 8 is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. However, in this modified example, an opening 87 of the storage cavity 86 is formed in the storage case 8. Then, the electrospinning head 2 moves to the second moving position, and the storage case 8 moves due to a force acting from the electrospinning head 2 on a case moving part such as the relay link 81, and the nozzles 12A and 12B are inserted into the storage cavity 86 from the opening 87.

[0051] In the third modified example shown in FIG. 7, similarly to the first modified example, the nozzles 12A and 12B are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the head body 11. However, in this modified example, two storage cases 8A and 8B are provided. A storage cavity 86A is formed inside the storage case 8A, and an opening 87A leading to the outside of the storage cavity 86A is formed in the storage case 8A. A storage cavity 86B is formed inside the storage case 8B, and an opening 87B leading to the outside of the storage cavity 86B is formed in the storage case 8B. In this modified example, the sponge 89A described above is arranged in the storage cavity 86A of the storage case 8A, and the sponge 89B described above is arranged in the storage cavity 86B of the storage case 8B.

[0052] In this modification, the electrospinning head 2 moves to the second moving position, and the storage cases 8A and 8B move as a result of a force acting from the electrospinning head 2 on a case moving part such as the relay link 81. As the storage case 8A moves due to the force acting from the electrospinning head 2, the nozzle 12A is inserted into the storage cavity 86A from the opening 87A and stored in the storage cavity 86A. As the storage case 8B moves due to the force acting from the electrospinning head 2, the nozzle 12B is inserted into the storage cavity 86B from the opening 87B and stored in the storage cavity 86B.

[0053] In this modification, when nozzles 12A are stored in storage cavity 86A, each of nozzles 12A adheres closely to sponge 89A. Therefore, sponge 89A forms a close contact portion to which nozzles 12A adhere when nozzles 12A are stored in storage cavity 86A. When nozzles 12B are stored in storage cavity 86B, each of nozzles 12B adheres closely to sponge 89B. Therefore, sponge 89B forms a close contact portion to which nozzles 12B adhere when nozzles 12B are stored in storage cavity 86B.

[0054] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the raw material liquid is charged by applying a voltage to the nozzle (12; 12A, 12B) by the power source 5, but the configuration for charging the raw material liquid is not limited to this. In a modified example, a conductive part is provided in either the supply source of the raw material liquid to the electrospinning head 2 or the supply path between the supply source and the electrospinning head 2. In this case, for example, the conductive part is formed in the supply part 4 by forming the storage part 41 of the supply part 4 from a conductive material, or by forming a part of the supply pipe 45 from a conductive material. In this modified example, the power source 5 applies a voltage to the conductive part of the supply part 4, so that the raw material liquid is charged to the same polarity as the conductive part. Then, the charged raw material liquid is supplied to the electrospinning head 2, and the raw material liquid is ejected from each ejection port 13 of the nozzle (12; 12A, 12B).

[0055] In any of the above-mentioned modified examples, by moving the electrospinning head 2 to the second moving position, a force acts on the case moving part such as the relay link 81 from the electrospinning head 2, and the storage case (8; 8A, 8B) moves due to the force from the electrospinning head 2. Then, by moving the storage case (8; 8A, 8B), the nozzle (12; 12A, 12B) of the electrospinning head 2 located at the second moving position is inserted into the storage cavity (86; 86A, 86B) of the storage case (8; 8A, 8B). Therefore, in any of the modified examples, as in the first embodiment, the automation of the work of storing the nozzle (12; 12A, 12B) in the storage case (8; 8A, B) is realized with a simple configuration.

[0056] According to at least one of these embodiments or examples, the electrospinning head is movable between a first movement position and a second movement position. The storage case disposes the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the first movement position at a position separated from the storage cavity, and stores the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position inside the storage cavity. This makes it possible to provide an electrospinning device that can easily store the nozzle in the storage case.

[0057] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The following are additional notes. [1] An electrospinning head having a nozzle capable of ejecting a raw material liquid containing a polymer material and movable between a first movement position and a second movement position; a storage case having a storage cavity formed therein capable of storing the nozzle of the electrospinning head and an opening to the outside of the storage cavity; Equipped with The storage case disposes the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the first movement position at a position separated from the storage cavity, and stores the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position inside the storage cavity. Electrospinning apparatus. [2] The electrospinning apparatus of [1], further comprising a case moving unit that applies a force from the electrospinning head when the electrospinning head moves to the second moving position, and moves the storage case using the force from the electrospinning head, thereby inserting the nozzle from the opening into the storage cavity of the storage case. [3] The electrospinning apparatus of [2], further comprising a case holding section that holds the storage case at a position away from a storage position that stores the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position when no force is acting on the case moving section from the electrospinning head. [4] The electrospinning apparatus according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising a contact portion provided in the storage cavity of the storage case and to which the nozzle is in close contact when the nozzle is stored in the storage cavity. [5] The electrospinning apparatus according to [4], wherein the contact portion is a cap containing rubber or a sponge that holds a solution capable of dissolving the polymer material contained in the raw material liquid. [6] A supply unit for supplying the raw material liquid to the electrospinning head; a power source that charges the raw material liquid and ejects the charged raw material liquid from the nozzle; The electrospinning apparatus according to any one of [1] to [5], further comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1...electrospinning apparatus, 2...electrospinning head, 3...moving drive unit, 4...supply unit, 5...power source, 6...collection body, 7...control unit, 8...storage case, 11...head body, 12, 12A, 12B...nozzle, 13...nozzle, 81...relay link, 82...shaft member, 85...spring member, 86, 86A, 86B...storage cavity, 87, 87A, 87B...opening, 88...cap, 89, 89A, 89B...sponge.

Claims

1. an electrospinning head having a nozzle capable of ejecting a raw material liquid containing a polymer material and movable between a first movement position and a second movement position; A storage case in which a storage cavity capable of storing the nozzle of the electrospinning head is formed inside and an opening to the outside of the storage cavity is formed, the storage cavity being located at a position separated from the nozzle when the electrospinning head is located at the first movement position; A case moving unit that causes a force to act from the electrospinning head by moving the electrospinning head to the second moving position, and moves the storage case by the force from the electrospinning head, thereby inserting the nozzle into the storage cavity of the storage case from the opening, and stores the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second moving position inside the storage cavity; An electrospinning apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a case holding section that holds the storage case at a position away from a storage position that stores the nozzle of the electrospinning head located at the second movement position when no force is acting on the case moving section from the electrospinning head.

3. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a contact part provided in the storage cavity of the storage case, to which the nozzle is in close contact when the nozzle is stored in the storage cavity.

4. The electrospinning apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the contact part is a cap containing rubber or a sponge that holds a solution capable of dissolving the polymer material contained in the raw material liquid.

5. A supply unit that supplies the raw material liquid to the electrospinning head; a power source that charges the raw material liquid and ejects the charged raw material liquid from the nozzle; The electrospinning apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:

Images