RU2760806C2 - Device for the production of nanofibers and the die head used in it - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: nanotechnology.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a device for the production of nanofibers, as well as the die head used in it. The device for the production of nanofibers contains a surface 22 for the release of the source material, on which there is a passage 25 for the flow of the source material intended for the release of liquid source material. As well as the surface 23 for the release of gas, which is located at an angle α to the surface 22 for the release of the source material, where 0 <α ≤90°, and on which there is a passage 26 for the gas flow intended for the release of gas. The passage 25 for the source material flow is orthogonal to the source material release surface 22, the passage 26 for the gas flow is orthogonal to the gas release surface 23, and the passage 25 for the source material flow and the passage 26 for the gas flow are arranged so that the liquid source material released from the passage 25 for the source material flow meets the gas ejected from the passage 26 for the gas flow.

EFFECT: invention makes it possible to create a device for the production of nanofibers and a die head used in it, which could be produced by drilling and which could effectively transfer molten resin with a gas flow.

14 cl, 40 dwg, 2 tbl

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of nanofibers and to a die head used therein.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002]

A conventional apparatus for the production of nonwoven fabrics is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This apparatus for the production of nonwoven fabrics comprises, as shown in FIG. 40, an extruder 915 for extruding molten resin, a high-pressure blower 916, and a heating unit 917 for heating air from a high-pressure blower 916. The nonwoven fabric-making apparatus comprises a meltblown block 911 for capillary-spinning molten resin from the extruder 915, and for spraying hot blast from the heating block 917 onto the capillary molten resin.

[0003]

This meltblown block 911 is provided with a polymer flow passage 912 for molten resin flow, as well as with hot blowing passages 913a and 913b. These hot blast passages 913a and 913b are provided on each side of the polymer passage 912 with a slope towards the polymer passage 912. Hot blast from the hot blast passages 913a and 913b is sprayed onto molten resin that is spun from the polymer passage 912.

DESCRIPTION OF PREVIOUS TECHNOLOGY

PATENT LITERATURE

[0004]

Patent Document 1: JP2010-185153A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005]

In the aforementioned nonwoven fabric manufacturing apparatus, the passages 913a and 913b of the hot blast passage 913 are formed with a slope toward the bottom surface 911a. When the hot blast passages 913a and 913b are formed by the drill, the drill obliquely contacts the bottom surface 911a. Therefore, the tip of the drill can slide on the bottom surface 911a, and it is difficult to accurately shape the hot blast passages 913a and 913b. In order to guarantee accuracy, it was necessary to use electrochemical machining, which is very expensive.

[0006]

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus and a die head used therein that can be produced by drilling and that can efficiently transfer molten resin into a gas stream.

PROBLEM SOLVERS

[0007]

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for producing nanofibers comprising a starting material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging liquid feed material is located, and a gas discharge surface which is located at an angle of b (0 <b≤ 90 °) to said raw material discharge surface and on which a gas flow passage serving for gas discharge is arranged, in which said raw material flow passage is orthogonal to said raw material discharge surface, said gas flow passage is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, and said raw material flow passage and said gas flow passage are positioned such that said liquid raw material discharged from said raw material flow passage meets gas discharged from said gas flow passage a.

[0008]

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for producing nanofibers, comprising a starting material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging liquid feed material is disposed, a gas discharge surface that is directed downwardly from said feed discharge surface, and on which there is a gas flow passage serving to discharge gas, a connecting surface that is connected to said surface for discharging raw material and said surface for discharging gas and is located at an angle of (0 ≤ h <90 °) to said surface for discharging source material in which said raw material flow passage is orthogonal to said raw material discharge surface, said gas flow passage orthogonal to said gas discharge surface, an opening of said gas flow passage contacts said connecting surface, and said feed passage and said gas flow passage are disposed so that said liquid feed discharged from said feed passage reaches an opening of said gas flow passage along said connection surface.

[0009]

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a spinneret head for use in a nanofiber production apparatus, comprising: a starting material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging liquid feed material is located, and a gas discharge surface that is angled b (0 <b≤90 °) to said surface for discharging raw material and on which a gas flow passage serving for gas discharge is located, in which said passage for a flow of raw material is orthogonal to said surface for discharging raw material, said passage for gas flow is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, and said feed flow passage and said gas flow passage are positioned such that said liquid feed discharged from said feed flow path meets gas discharged from of the mentioned passage for the gas flow.

[0010]

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a spinneret head for use in an apparatus for the production of nanofibers, comprising: a starting material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging a liquid feed material is located, a gas discharge surface that is directed downwardly from said a surface for discharging a raw material and on which a gas flow passage for discharging gas is located, a connecting surface that is connected to said surface for discharging a raw material and said surface for discharging gas and is located at an angle of (0 ≤ h <90 °) to said raw material outlet surface, wherein said raw material flow path is orthogonal to said raw material outlet surface, said gas flow path is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, an opening of said path and for a gas flow, contacts said connecting surface, and said feed passage and said gas flow passage are positioned so that said liquid feed discharged from said feed passage reaches an opening of said gas flow passage along said connecting surface.

EFFECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0011]

In accordance with the present invention, the feed passage is formed to be orthogonal to the feed discharge surface, and the gas flow passage is formed to be orthogonal to the gas discharge surface. Therefore, a feed passage is formed at the feed discharge surface by drilling, and a gas flow passage is formed at the gas discharge surface. It becomes possible to directly or indirectly connect at an angle the liquid feed discharged from the feed flow passage with the gas flow discharged from the gas flow passage through a connecting surface connected to the feed discharge surface and the gas discharge surface. This can be achieved for precision manufacturing by drilling and efficiently transferring the liquid feed in the gas stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012]

FIG. 1 shows a complete structure of a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the die head of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. one.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 1 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 2 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 3 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 4 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 5 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 6 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 7 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the variation 8 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 8 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a variation 9 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 9 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a variation 10 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 10 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a variation 11 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 11 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a variation 12 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 12 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 12 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a variation 13 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 13 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 13 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a variation 14 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a variation 15 of the die head shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a spinneret head of a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the nanofiber production apparatus shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a die head of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 1 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 2 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 3 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 4 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 5 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 6 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 7 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the variation 8 of the die head shown in FIG. thirty.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the basic concept of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a conventional nonwoven fabric manufacturing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013]

Next, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention can be easily applied to a structure other than the described embodiments of the present invention within a scope that does not conflict with the object of the present invention.

[0014]

In accordance with the present invention, nanofibers are formed by feeding a liquid feed into a gas projected at a relatively high pressure. In this description, the term "gas" without specifying its composition means a gas of any composition and molecular structure. Additionally, in this description, the term "starting material" means all materials that can be used to form nanofibers. In the embodiments described later, explanation will be given for an example using a synthetic resin as a "starting material", but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various kinds of material can be used.

[0015]

The term "liquid starting material" in this description does not limit the properties of the material to liquid. A “liquid starting material”, for example, includes a “solvent” that is prepared by first dissolving a solid starting material or a liquid starting material as a solute in a predetermined solvent so that a predetermined concentration thereof is obtained. In addition, "liquid raw material" also includes a "molten raw material" obtained by melting a solid raw material. In short, the "liquid feed" of the present invention needs a property such as sufficient viscosity to supply (discharge) the "feed" from the feed holes (discharge holes, discharge holes), and a "feed" having such a liquid property is described in the present invention as "liquid starting material".

[0016]

The basic concept of the present invention, as shown in (I) FIG. 39 (a) should include a raw material discharge surface 22, a gas discharge surface 23, a liquid feed port 24 that is formed to be orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 22, and a gas discharge port 26 which is formed to be orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. The surface 22 for the outlet of the starting material and the surface 23 for the outlet of gas are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °), and the axis line P of the passage for the flow 25 of the starting material and the line of the axis Q of the passage 26 for the gas flow intersect at an angle b.

[0017]

Additionally, as shown in (II) FIG. 39 (b), the basic concept of the present invention is to comprise a raw material discharge surface 22, a gas discharge surface 23, a feed flow passage 25 from which a liquid feed is discharged and which is formed to be orthogonal to the surface 22 for discharging the raw material, a gas flow passage 26 from which gas is discharged and which is formed so as to be orthogonal to the gas discharging surface 23, and a connecting surface 24 connected to the raw material discharging surface 22 and the discharging surface 23 gas. The gas outlet surface 23 and the connecting surface 24 are disposed at an angle b (0≤w <90 °), and the direction R of the connecting surface 24 and the Q axis line of the gas flow passage 26 intersect at an angle b (b = 90 ° -c).

[0018]

Accordingly, the liquid feed discharged from the feed flow passage 25 directly as shown in FIG. 39 (a), or indirectly as shown in FIG. 39 (b) meets the gas flow discharged from the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b through the connecting surface 24 connected to the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23.

[0019]

FIG. 39 (a) the positional relationship of each component is as follows. If the gas outlet surface 23 that the gas flow passage 26 forms is considered a reference position, "distance a" is the distance to the feed passage 25, and "b" is the distance to the meeting point of the liquid feed from passage 25 for the feed stream. “Distance c” is the diameter of the opening of the gas flow passage 26, and “distance d” is the distance orthogonal to the Q-axis line between the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26. The same can be said for FIG. 39 (b) (provided that a = 0).

[0020]

As used herein, the P axis line of the feed passage 25 has an angle b with the Q axis line of the gas flow passage 26. The feed angle b of the original material is obtained from the following Equation

tan b = d / (b-a)

where 0≤Ɵ <90 °

[0021]

The feed angle b of the starting material should be determined by the distance "a", the distance "b" and the distance "d", and in addition should be determined by the ratio of the diameter "c" of the high pressure gas orifice, as well as the pressure and temperature of the gas ejected through the passage 26 for flow gas.

[0022]

Regarding the positioning conditions of the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26, it is also capable of forming nanofibers having an inhomogeneous fiber diameter or length by changing the number of passes, the spacing, the distance (distance "a" from the gas ejection hole ), the angle of arrangement (angle b) and the diameter of the passage. According to the types of nanofibers produced, the arrangement conditions of the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26 can be appropriately selected and changed.

[0023]

(First embodiment)

Next, referring to FIG. 1-26, an apparatus for producing nanofibers according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall structure of a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a side view and FIG. 1 (b) is a top view. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the die head of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the die head of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 (a) is a front view, FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-section along line A-A 'and FIG. 3 (c) is a cross-section along line B-B '. FIG. 4-26 are explanatory diagrams of structures of variations 1-15 of the die head based on the basic structure shown in FIG. 2, and each drawing is a perspective view (including an exploded perspective view), or a front view and a cross-section as in FIG. 2 and 3. In the following, the terms "front, back, left, right, top and bottom" may be used to indicate the relative positional relationship of each component, and not the absolute relationship, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In all the drawings, a component having the same function has the same reference numeral, and therefore, its detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0025]

The nanofiber production apparatus 1 of the first embodiment uses a solvent that is prepared by first dissolving a solid or liquid starting material as a solute in a predetermined solvent so that a predetermined concentration thereof is obtained.

[0026]

As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus 1 for the production of nanofibers comprises a rectangular flat base 10, a solvent storage 11 which is located on the base 10 and serves to extrude the solvent at a predetermined pressure, a hose 12 for supplying the solvent from the solvent storage 11 to the die head 20, which will be described later, a gas ejection unit 13, which is located on the base 10 and ejects high pressure gas, and a die head 20 connected to the top of the gas ejection unit 13. When temperature control is provided for the solvent in accordance with the production conditions, a temperature control function (not shown) such as a heater may be provided in each of the solvent storage 11, hose 12, and die head 20. In the present embodiments, the solvent storage 11, hose 12 and die head 20 are made of metal, however, they can be made of polymer, glass, and other materials according to solvent types and nanofiber product requirements.

[0027]

As shown in FIG. 2 and 3, the die head 20 is approximately rectangular in shape and includes a front surface 21 facing forward (left in FIG. 1), a raw material discharge surface 22 and a gas discharge surface 23, which are connected in this order from top to bottom. The front surface 21 and the gas outlet surface 23 are parallel to each other, and the gas outlet surface 23 is located at a distance t in the rearward direction from the front surface 21. The raw material outlet surface 22 and the gas outlet surface 23 are disposed at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °), and the raw material discharge surface 22 is inclined downward. The die head 20 has a rear surface 27 that is parallel to the front surface 21 and faces rearward.

[0028]

The die head 20 comprises a feed passage 25 orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 22 and a gas flow passage 26 orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. A feed passage 25 in the die head 20 communicates with a feed passage 28 orthogonal to the rear surface 27. The gas flow passage 26 is provided to pass linearly through the gas outlet surface 23 and the rear surface 27.

[0029]

In the present embodiments, the feed passage 25 has a cylindrical space (each cross section orthogonal to the centerline has the same circular shape) and the gas flow passage 26 also has a cylindrical space. The feed outlet surface 22 has a width (up and down length in FIG. 3) greater than the diameter of the feed passage 25 (about twice this diameter), and the feed passage 25 is located in the central areas in the width direction. The gas flow passage 26 is located at a distance from the surface 22 for the discharge of the source material. The centerline P of the feed passage 25 and the centerline Q of the gas flow passage 26 are provided to be in the same plane and the centerline P and the centerline Q intersect at a point ahead of the die head 20 at an angle b.

[0030]

An opening on the rear surface 27 of the feed passage 28 connects to the hose 12, and the solvent from the solvent store 11 passes through the hose 12, the feed passage 28 and the feed passage 25, and is discharged from the opening of the feed passage 25 material on the surface 22 to release the starting material.

[0031]

An opening on the rear surface 27 of the gas flow passage 26 is connected to the gas ejection unit 13, and the high pressure gas supplied from the gas ejection unit 13 passes through the gas flow passage 26 and is discharged from the opening of the gas flow passage 26 on the outlet surface 23 gas.

[0032]

Such a structure is just an example, and if a feed passage 25 and a gas flow passage 26 are provided, orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23, which are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °) accordingly, such a structure may be optional in accordance with the object of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the die head 20 is directly connected to the hose 12 and the gas ejection unit 13. However, for example, on the side of the rear surface 27 of the die head 20, a manifold unit connected to the hose 12 and the gas ejection unit 13 may be provided. In such a structure, the spinneret head 20 can be detachable with a manifold unit, and feed material and gas can be supplied to the spinneret head 20 from the hose 12 and the gas ejection unit 13 through the manifold unit.

[0033]

Next, a description will be given of the operation of the nanofiber production apparatus 1 and die head 20 according to the present embodiments. The nanofiber production apparatus 1 is supplied with solvent from the solvent store 11 and discharges it from the opening of the feed passage 25 on the feed discharge surface 22. The device 1 for producing nanofibers is supplied with high pressure gas from the gas ejection unit 13 and ejects it from the opening of the gas flow passage 26 on the gas outlet surface 23. The solvent exiting the feed passage 25 meets the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b and is carried forward, elongating so as to produce nanofibers.

[0034]

According to the nanofiber production apparatus 1 and the die head 20 of the above embodiment, the feed passage 25 is positioned to be orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 22, and the gas flow passage 26 is positioned to be orthogonal to surfaces 23 for gas outlet. As a result, by drilling, a raw material flow passage 25 can be formed on the raw material discharge surface 22, and a gas flow passage 26 can be formed on the gas discharge surface 23. The solvent exiting the feed flow passage 25 directly encounters the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b.

This can be achieved for precision manufacturing by drilling and efficient solvent transfer in the gas stream.

[0035]

The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is capable of creating a structure without using a complex apparatus such as a heating cylinder, motor, screw, etc. due to a solvent that is prepared by dissolving a starting material in a solvent. Therefore, the size of the device becomes small and the installation space is saved. The structure of the device becomes compact, so that the implementation of a portable nanofiber production device can be achieved. The portable type device for producing nanofibers is configured to spray nanofibers towards the place where the nanofibers are to be adhered and formed. The use of nanofibers can be extended by using such a portable type device.

[0036]

(Variation 1 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 4 shows a variation 1 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the basic structure of the die head 20). The spinneret head 20A of variation 1 is configured so that the width of the feed discharge surface 22 (up-down length in FIG. 4) becomes the same as the diameter of the feed passage 25. Another structure of the die head 20A of the variation 1 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0037]

Variation 2 of the first embodiment

FIG. 5 shows a variation 2 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. Variation 2 die head 20B is configured such that the width of the feed discharge surface 22 (up-down length in FIG. 5) is greater than the diameter of the feed passage 25 (approximately three times this diameter), and a portion of the gas flow passage 26 is positioned to contact the raw material discharge surface 22. Another structure of the die head 20B of variation 2 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0038]

Variation 3 of the first embodiment

FIG. 6 shows a variation 3 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. Variation 3 spinneret head 20C is configured such that the width of the feed outlet surface 22 (up and down length in FIG. 6) is the same as the diameter of the feed passage 25 and a portion of the gas flow passage 26 is positioned to contact the starting material discharge surface 22. Thereby, the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26 contact each other. The other structure of the die head 20C of the variation 3 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0039]

Variation 4 of the first embodiment

FIG. 7 shows a variation 4 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The spinneret head 20D of variation 4 is configured such that the feed passage 25 has a parallelepiped space with a rectangular cross section. Another structure of the die head 20D of variation 4 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0040]

Variation 5 of the first embodiment

FIG. 8 shows a variation 5 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The die head 20E of the variation 5 is configured such that the gas flow passage 26 has a parallelepiped space with a rectangular cross-section. Another structure of the die head 20E of the variation 5 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0041]

Variation 6 of the first embodiment

FIG. 9 shows a variation 6 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The spinneret head 20F of variation 6 is configured such that the feed passage 25 has a parallelepiped space with a rectangular cross section and that the gas flow passage 26 also has a parallelepiped space with a rectangular cross section. Another structure of the die head 20F of the variation 6 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0042]

(Variation 7 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 10 shows a variation 7 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The die head 20G of the variation 7 is configured to be a rectangular parallelepiped, the front surface 21 is not provided on the front side of the die head 20, and the gas outlet surface 23 facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 10 (a) and located on the left in FIG. 10 (b) and (c)) are provided on the entire front side. The gas flow passage 26 is positioned to be orthogonal to the gas outlet surface 23, and the feed outlet surface 22 is angled b to the gas outlet surface 23 in the gas flow passage 26. The gas flow passage 26 has a space in the form of a chordally cut cylinder. The die head 20G of the variation 7 spinneret is configured so that the width of the raw material discharge surface 22 (up and down length in FIG. 10 (a)) becomes the same as the diameter of the feed passage 25. Another structure of the die head 20G of the variation 7 is the same as the basic structure of the die head 20.

[0043]

(Variation 8 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 11 and 12 show a variation 8 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. In the die head 20H of the variation 8, a part of the front surface 21 and a surface 22 for the discharge of the starting material (the first part 20a), as well as a part of the surface 23 for the discharge of gas (the second part 20b) are shown as separate bodies. The two parts can be detachably connected by means of connecting means such as a strap and a screw (not shown).

[0044]

The first part 20a of the die head 20H of the variation 8 is a rectangular parallelepiped, one side of which is beveled, the front surface 21 and the raw material discharge surface 22 (corresponding to the beveled part) are connected in this order from top to bottom, and the feed passage 25 is orthogonal to the starting material discharge surface 22. The second part 20b is a rectangular parallelepiped, a gas discharge surface 23 is provided over the entire front surface, and a gas flow passage 26 is orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. When the first part 20a and the second part 20b are connected, the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23 are disposed at an angle b. The die head 20H of the variation 8 has a structure in which the first part 20a and the second part 20b are separable, and has the same structure as the basic structure of the die head 20 when these parts are not connected.

[0045]

(Variation 9 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 13 and 14 show a variation 9 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. In the die head 20I of the variation die 9, the second part 20b has the same structure as the die head 20H of the variation die 8, and when the first part 20a and the second part 20b are connected, the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23 form an angle b ' different from the angle of the die head 20H variation 8 （b '≠ b, 0 <b'≤90 °）. As variations 8 and 9, the angle of intersection of the center line P of the feed passage 25 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 26 can be easily changed by changing the combination of the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b if a plurality of first portions 20a and second portions are prepared. 20b, which have different angles of connection between the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23. In addition, the intersection angle of the centerline P and the centerline Q can be easily changed if the first portion 20a is displaced relative to the second portion 20b in the front-to-back direction. In this case, a gasket in which a gas or raw material flow passage is provided may be located on the rear side of the first portion 20a or the second portion 20b.

[0046]

(Variation 10 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 15 and 16 show a variation 9 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The die head 20J of the variation 9 has a first part 20a and a second part 20b as separate bodies, similar to the die head 20H of the variation 8. The two parts can be detachably connected by means of connecting means such as a belt and a screw (not shown).

[0047]

The first part 20a of the die head 20J of the variation die 10 is configured so that its shape is a rectangular parallelepiped, the front surface 21 is provided on its entire front surface facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 16 (a) and located on the left in Fig. 16 ( b) and (c)), a raw material discharge surface 22 is provided on the lower surface facing downward, and the feed passage 25 is positioned to be orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 22. The second part 20b has a structure similar to that of the die head 20H of the variation 8, and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The gas discharge surface 23 is provided on the front surface and has a gas flow passage 26 orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. In the die head 20J of the variation die 10, the raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23 are disposed orthogonally to each other (b = 90 °) when the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b are connected.

[0048]

(Variation 11 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 17 and 18 show a variation 11 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. FIG. 17 (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the die head 20K of a variation die 11, and FIG. 17 (b) is a perspective view showing an untreated K component before cutting off the first portions 20a of the die head 20A. The spinneret head 20K of the variation 11 includes a feed outlet tube 29 that protrudes from the feed discharge surface 22, and a feed passage 25 is disposed therein. The other structure of the head 20K of the spinneret 11 is the same as the structure of the head 20H of the spinneret 8. Also, similarly to the outlet pipe 29, another outlet pipe (not shown) protruding from the gas discharge surface 23, inside which is located passage 26 for gas flow.

[0049]

(Variation 12 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 19 and 20 show a variation 12 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. Variation spinneret head 20L is provided with a concave groove 31 having a rectangular cross-section on the upper surface of the second portion 20b instead of the cylindrical gas flow passage 26 of the variation spinneret head 20H 8. Variation spinneret head 20L has a gas flow passage 26 having a space in the form of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular, due to one surface of the first part 20a in contact with the second part 20b and a concave groove 31 of the second part 20b when the first part 20a and the second part 20b are connected. Another structure of the die head 20L of the variation die 12 is the same as that of the die head 20H of the variation die 8. As shown in FIG. 21, the first part 20a and the second part 20b can be moved back and forth so that the front surface 21 and the gas discharge surface 23 are on the same plane.

[0050]

(Variation 13 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 22 and 23 show a variation 13 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The head 20M of the spinneret 13 is provided with a concave groove 31 having a rectangular cross-section on the upper surface of the second portion 20b instead of the cylindrical gas flow passage 26 of the head 20J of the spinneret 10. The head 20M of the spinneret 13 has a gas flow passage 26 having a space in the form of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular, formed by one surface of the first part 20a in contact with the second part 20b and a concave groove 31 of the second part 20b when the first part 20a and the second part 20b are connected. Another structure of the die head 20M of the variation die 13 is the same as the structure of the die head 20J of the variation die 10. As shown in FIG. 24, the first portion 20a and the second portion 20b can be slid back and forth so that the front surface 21 and the gas discharge surface 23 are on the same plane.

[0051]

(Variation 14 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 25 shows a variation 14 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The spinneret head 20S of the variation 14 comprises two feed passages 25, 25 and a gas flow passage 26 located between the two feed passages 25, 25. In other words, the head 20S of the spinneret of variation 14 comprises a set of passages including two feed passages 25, 25 and a gas flow passage 26. The die head 20S of the spinneret of variation 14 comprises two starting material discharge surfaces 22, between which there is a gas discharge surface 23. The surfaces 22 for the outlet of the starting material and the surface 23 for the outlet of gas are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °). The spinneret head 20S of the variation 14 comprises two feed passages 25, 25 orthogonal to the feed discharge surfaces 22, respectively, and a gas flow passage 26 orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. In the spinneret head 20S of variation 14, similar to the device 1 for the production of nanofibers, the centerline P, P (not shown) of the feed passages 25, 25 and the centerline Q of the gas flow pass 26 intersect at a point ahead of the spinneret head 20S at an angle b. Thus, the solvent discharged from the two feed passages 25, 25 encounters the gas flow exiting the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b, and is carried forward, elongating. In a given structure, different kinds of raw material can be discharged from the two feed passes 25, 25, respectively. Therefore, two different kinds of fibers can be produced and mixed with these two different kinds of starting material using the same gas.

[0052]

(Variation 15 of the first embodiment)

FIG. 26 shows a variation 15 of the die head 20 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 1. The spinneret head 20T of variation 15 comprises two feed passes 25, 25 and two passes 26, 26 for gas flow. In other words, the head 20S of the spinneret of variation 14 comprises a set of passages including two feed passages 25, 25 and a gas flow passage 26. The spinneret head 20S of the variation 14 comprises a plurality of (two) sets of passages, each of which includes one feed passage 25 and one gas flow passage 26. The die head 20T of the variation 15 comprises two first portions 20a, 20a and second portions 20b inserted into the two first portions 20a, 20a. The first portions 20a, 20a have the same structure as the first portion 20a of the aforementioned variation 8. The second portion 20b has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with concave grooves 31, 31 on the upper surface and the lower surface. The spinneret head 20T of variation 15 has gas flow passages 26, 26 having a space in the form of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular, formed by the surfaces of the first portions 20a, 20a in contact with the second portion 20b and the concave grooves 31, 31 of the second portion 20b when the first portions 20a and the second portion 20b are connected. The relationship between the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26 of the die 20T of the variation die 15 is the same as the relationship between the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26 in the die 20L of the variation die 12. In this structure different types of feed material can be discharged from the two feed passages 25, 25, and different types of gas can be discharged from the gas flow passages 26, 26. Therefore, two different kinds of fibers can be produced at the same time and mixed with these two different kinds of liquid raw material and two different gases.

[0053]

Table 1 shows a schematic diagram of the basic structure and structure of variations 1-15 of the die head 20 according to embodiment 1.

[0054]

[Table 1]

First embodiment Feed passage shape Gas flow path shape Differences between the variation and the basic structure Illustration Basic structure Cylindrical Cylindrical - FIG. 2, 3 Variation 1 Cylindrical Cylindrical The width of the surface for the outlet of the raw material is equal to the diameter of the passage for the flow of the raw material. FIG. 4 Variation 2 Cylindrical Cylindrical The gas flow passage contacts the surface for the discharge of the source material FIG. 5 Variation 3 Cylindrical Cylindrical Feed port contacts with gas flow port FIG. 6 Variation 4 Square column shape Cylindrical The feed passage is in the shape of a square bar FIG. 7 Variation 5 Cylindrical Square column shape The gas flow passage is in the shape of a square bar FIG. eight Variation 6 Square column shape Square column shape Feed port and flow port are in the shape of a square bar FIG. 9 Variation 7 Cylindrical Cylinder shape chordally cut Feed port is located in the gas flow port FIG. 10 Variation 8 Cylindrical Cylindrical The first part and the second part can be detached from each other FIG. 11, 12 Variation 9 Cylindrical Cylindrical The passages are located at an angle b 'different from the angle b Variations 8 FIG. 13, 14 Variation 10 Cylindrical Cylindrical The passes are located at an angle (90 degrees) different from the angle b Variations 8 FIG. 15, 16 Variation 11 Cylindrical Cylindrical Output tube for source material is added to the Variation 8 structure FIG. 17, 18 Variation 12 Cylindrical Square column shape (concave groove) The gas flow passage is a concave groove similar to the structure of Variation 8 FIG. 19, 20, 21 Variation 13 Cylindrical Square column shape (concave groove) The gas flow passage is a concave groove similar to the structure of Variation 10. FIG. 22, 23, 24 Variation 14 Cylindrical Cylindrical Provides two feed passages and one gas pass FIG. 25 Variation 15 Cylindrical Square column shape (concave groove) Two sets of passages are provided, consisting of one feed pass and one gas pass FIG. 26

[0055]

(Second embodiment)

Next, referring to FIG. 27, an apparatus for producing nanofibers according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The nanofiber production apparatus 2 of the second embodiment (not shown) comprises a die head 20U instead of the die head 20, however, the rest of the structure is the same as in the nanofiber production apparatus 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. one.

[0056]

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a spinneret head of a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 (a) is a front view, FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-section along line A-A 'and FIG. 3 (c) is a cross-section along line B-B '.

[0057]

The spinneret head 20U of the nanofiber production apparatus 2 of the second embodiment comprises a starting material discharge surface 22 facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 27 (a) and located on the left in Figs. 27 (b) and (c)), connecting the surface 24 and the surface 23 for gas discharge, which are connected in the indicated order in the direction from top to bottom as an absolute positional relationship. The raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23 are disposed parallel to each other, and the gas discharge surface 23 is disposed at a distance t in the forward direction from the front surface 21. The die head 20U has a rear surface (not shown) that is parallel to the front surface 21 and is facing rearward (coincides with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 27 (a) and is located on the right in Fig. 27 (b) and (c)).

[0058]

The spinneret head 20U includes a feed passage 25 orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 22 and a gas flow passage 26 orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 23. The feed passage 25 is configured to linearly pass through the feed discharge surface 22 and the rear surface. The gas flow passage 26 is also configured to extend linearly through the gas outlet surface 23 and the rear surface 27. The center line P of the feed passage 25 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 26 are provided to be in the same plane.

[0059]

The connecting surface 24 and the gas outlet surface 23 are disposed at an angle β (0 β <90 °), and the connecting surface 24 is inclined upward. In other words, the direction R of the connecting surface 24 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 26 form an angle b （b = 90-c）. The die head 20U is configured such that the R direction and the Q centerline intersect at a point in front of the die head 20U at an angle b to the lateral direction (front to back in FIG. 27 (b), (c)). The "lateral direction" is a direction parallel to the connecting surface 24 and the gas outlet surface 23.

[0060]

According to the present embodiment, the feed passage 25 and the gas flow passage 26 have cylindrical spaces (cross-sections orthogonal to the axis lines are exactly the same). Alternatively, the feed passage 25 and gas flow passage 26 may have square column spaces. One part of the feed passage 25 contacts the connecting surface 24, and one part of the gas flow passage 26 contacts the connecting surface 24. The connecting surface 24 is provided with a feed groove 24a linearly connecting the feed passage 25 and the passage 26 for gas flow.

[0061]

Next, a description will be given of the operation of the nanofiber production apparatus 1 and die head 20U according to the present embodiments. The nanofiber production apparatus is supplied with solvent from the solvent store 11 and discharges it from the opening of the feed flow passage 25 on the feed discharge surface 22. The nanofiber production apparatus is supplied with high pressure gas from the gas ejection unit 13 and ejects it from the opening of the gas flow passage 26 on the gas discharge surface 23. The solvent exiting the feed passage 25 reaches the opening of the gas flow passage 26 through the feed groove 24a, encounters the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b, and is carried forward, elongating and so that nanofibers are produced.

[0062]

According to the nanofiber production apparatus 2 and die head 20U of the above embodiment, the feed passage 25 is positioned to be orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 22, and the gas flow passage 26 is positioned to be orthogonal to surfaces 23 for gas outlet. As a result, by drilling, a raw material flow passage 25 can be formed on the raw material discharge surface 22, and a gas flow passage 26 can be formed on the gas discharge surface 23. The solvent exiting the feed passage 25 through the feed groove 24a directly encounters the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 26 at an angle b. This can be achieved for precision manufacturing by drilling and efficient solvent transfer in the gas stream.

[0063]

(Third embodiment)

Next, referring to FIG. 28 to 38, an apparatus for producing nanofibers according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The nanofiber production apparatus 3 has a structure using a molten starting material prepared by melting a solid starting material.

[0064]

FIG. 28 and 29 are perspective views and cross-sections showing a nanofiber manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a die head of the nanofiber manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 28, where (a) shows a front view and (b) is a cross-section along line A-A '. FIG. 31 to 38 are explanatory diagrams of structures of variations 1 to 8 of a die head having the basic structure shown in FIG. 30, and a front view and cross-sectional view are illustrated in each drawing similarly to FIG. 30. In the following, the terms "front, back, left, right, top and bottom" may be used to indicate the relative positional relationship of each component, and not the absolute relationship, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In all the drawings, a component having the same function has the same reference numeral, and therefore, its detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0065]

An apparatus 3 for producing nanofibers according to the present embodiment comprises a hopper 62 for feeding a pelleted resin (granular synthetic resin having fine particles) serving as a material for nanofibers into an apparatus 3 for producing nanofibers, a heating cylinder 63 for heating and melting the resin supplied from the hopper 62, a heater 64 as a heating element for heating the heating cylinder 63 from the outside, a screw 65 that can rotate inside the heating cylinder 63 and functions as an extrusion unit to move the molten resin to the end of the heating cylinder 63 by rotation, the motor 66 in as a drive unit for rotating the auger 65 through a connecting block 69 (not shown in detail), and a cylindrical die head 70 located at the end of the heating cylinder 63. The die head 70 is connected to a gas ejection unit (not shown) through a feed tube 68. In the present embodiment carried out each structure, such as the heating cylinder 63 and the die head 70, is made mainly of metal, however, other materials such as polymers and glass can be used according to the conditions of the modes, such as types of resin as nanofiber materials or products from nanofibers.

[0066]

As shown in FIG. 30, in the die head 70 in the direction from top to bottom in this order, the front surface 71 facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 30 (a) and located on the left in Fig. 30 (b) and (c)) is connected, the surface 72 for discharging raw material and surface 73 for discharging gas. The front surface 71 and the gas discharge surface 23 are parallel to each other, and the gas discharge surface 23 is located at a distance t in the rearward direction (to the right in FIG. 30 (b)) from the front surface 71. The raw material discharge surface 72 and the surface 73 for the gas outlet are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °), and the surface 72 for the outlet of the source material is inclined downward. The spinner head 70 also has a rear surface (not shown) that is parallel to the front surface 71 and faces rearward.

[0067]

The die head 70 includes a plurality of feed passages 75 orthogonal to the feed outlet surface 72 and a gas flow passage 76 orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 73. In the present embodiment, the number of feed passages 75 and gas flow passages 76 are the same (seven), and the feed passage 75 and gas flow passage 76 located in the up-down direction correspond to each other. In other words, there are multiple (seven) sets of one feed passage 75 and one gas flow passage 76. These sets are positioned in the same direction so that the feed passage 75 and the gas flow passage 76 are parallel.

[0068]

In the present embodiments, the feed passage 75 has a cylindrical space and the gas flow passage 76 also has a cylindrical space. The raw material discharge surface 72 has a width (up-and-down length in FIG. 30 (a)) greater than the diameter of the feed passage 75 (about twice this diameter) and the feed passage 75 is located in the center region in the width direction. The gas flow passage 76 is located at a distance from the surface 72 for the outlet of the source material. The centerline P of the feed passage 75 and the centerline Q of the gas flow passage 76 are provided to be in the same plane, and the centerline P and centerline Q intersect at a point ahead of the die head 70 at an angle b.

[0069]

The plurality of feed passages 75 communicate with the heating cylinder 63 and molten polymeric feedstock supplied from the heating cylinder 63 flows through the plurality of feed passages 75 and exits the apertures of the plurality of feed passages 75 on the discharge surface 72 source material.

[0070]

The plurality of gas flow passages 76 communicate with the gas supply pipe 68 in the die head 70, and the high pressure gas supplied from the gas ejection unit flows through the gas supply pipe 68 and the plurality of gas flow passages 76, and exits the openings of the plurality of passages 76 for gas flow on the surface 73 to release the gas.

[0071]

Such a structure is just an example, and if a feed passage 75 and a gas flow passage 76 are provided, orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 72 and the gas discharge surface 73, which are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °) accordingly, such a structure may be optional in accordance with the object of the present invention.

[0072]

Next, a description will be given of the operation of the nanofiber production apparatus 3 and die head 70 according to the present embodiments. In the nanofiber production apparatus 3, a pellet-shaped raw material (resin) supplied to a hopper 62 is fed and melted in a heating cylinder 63 heated by a heater 64, and sent to the front of a heating cylinder 63 by a screw 65 rotated by a motor 66. The molten raw material (molten resin) entering the top of the heating cylinder 63 is discharged from a plurality of feed passages 75 through the inside of the die head 70. High pressure gas is discharged from a plurality of gas flow passages 76 located in the die head 70. The molten feed exiting the feed passage 75 meets the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 76 at an angle b and is carried forward, elongating so as to produce nanofibers.

[0073]

According to the nanofiber production apparatus 3 and die head 70 of the aforementioned embodiment, the feed passage 75 is positioned to be orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 72, and the gas flow passage 26 is positioned to be orthogonal to surface 73 for gas release. As a result, by drilling, a plurality of raw material flow passages 75 can be formed on the raw material discharge surface 72, and a plurality of gas flow passages 26 can be formed on the gas discharge surface 23. The molten feed exiting from the feed flow passage 75 directly encounters the gas stream ejected from the gas flow passage 76 at an angle b. This can be achieved for precision manufacturing by drilling and efficient solvent transfer in the gas stream. Since the device contains a plurality of feed passages 75 and gas flow passages 76, a large number of nanofibers are efficiently produced in a short time.

[0074]

(Variation 1 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 31 shows a variation 1 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3 (hereinafter referred to as the base structure of the die head 70). The spinneret head 70A of variation 1 comprises a plurality of gas flow passages 76 having a space in the form of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular. As for the rest of the structure of the die head 70A of the variation 1, it is the same as the basic structure of the die head 70.

[0075]

(Variation 2 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 32 shows a variation 2 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. Variation 2 spinneret head 70B includes a laterally slit gas flow passage 76 (left-right in FIG. 32 (a), front-to-back in FIG. 32 (b)), and the gas flow passage 76 has a space in the shape of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular. As for the rest of the structure of the die head 70B of the variation 2, it is the same as the basic structure of the die head 70. Variation 2 spinneret head 70B comprises a plurality of unidirectional gas flow passages 76 and a plurality of feedstock flow passages located in the same direction. Variation 2 die head 70B is configured such that the center line P of the feed passage 75 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 76 intersect at a point ahead of the die head at an angle b to the lateral direction. The "lateral direction" is a direction parallel to the raw material discharge surface 72 and the gas discharge surface 73.

[0076]

(Variation 3 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 33 shows a variation 3 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. The spinneret head 70C of variation 3 comprises m feed passages 75 and n gas flow passages 76 (m n). Variation 3 spinneret head 70C comprises six feed passages 75 and gas flow passages 76, which are positioned so that the lateral direction (left-right in FIG. 33 (a), front-to-back in FIG. 33 (b) a) of each feed flow passage 75 was an intermediate position of the adjacent gas flow passage 76. As for the rest of the structure of the die head 70C of variation 3, it is the same as the basic structure of the die head 70. Variation 3 spinneret head 70C comprises a set of m feed passages 75 and n gas flow passages 76. Variation 3 die head 70C is configured such that the center line P of the feed passage 75 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 76 intersect at a point ahead of the die head 70 at an angle b to the lateral direction.

[0077]

(Variation 4 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 34 shows a variation 4 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. In the die head 70D of the variation 4, a portion of the front surface 71 and a surface 72 for discharge of raw material (first portion 70a) and a portion of a surface 73 for exhausting gas (second portion 70b) are shown as separate bodies. The two parts can be detachably connected by means of connecting means such as a strap and a screw (not shown).

[0078]

The first part 70a of the die head 70D of variation 4 is made by cutting the cylinder along its diameter, and one side corresponding to the diameter is beveled. The front surface 71 and the raw material discharge surface 72 (beveled portion) are connected in this order from top to bottom, and a plurality of feed passages 75 are provided orthogonal to the raw material discharge surface 72. The second portion 70b is made by cutting the cylinder along its diameter and forms an entire cylinder when connected to the first portion 70a. A gas discharge surface 73 is provided over the entire front surface, and a gas flow passage 76 is provided orthogonal to the gas discharge surface 73. In the die head 70D of the variation 4, the starting material discharge surface 72 and the gas discharge surface 73 are disposed at an angle b when the first portion 70a and the second portion 70b are connected. The die head 70D of variation 4 contains these two parts, which can be detachably connected, and except for their releasability, has the same structure as the die head 70 of the base structure.

[0079]

(Variation 5 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 35 shows a variation 5 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. The die head 70E of the variation 5 comprises an annular front surface 71 of the cylindrical body facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 35 (a) and located on the left in Fig. 35 (b)), an annular surface 72 for discharging the starting material and a circular surface 73 for gas outlet, which are connected in the indicated order in the direction from the periphery to the center and are arranged concentrically. The front surface 71 and the gas discharge surface 73 are parallel to each other, and the gas discharge surface 73 is located at a distance t in the rearward direction (Fig. 30 (b)) from the front surface 21. The raw material discharge surface 72 and the gas discharge surface 73 gas outlets are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °), and the surface 72 for the outlet of the starting material narrows and faces inward. The die head 70E of the variation 5 also has a rear surface (not shown) that is parallel to the front surface 71 and faces rearward.

[0080]

Variation 5 spinneret head 70E includes a plurality of feed passages 75 that are orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 72 and spaced at regular intervals in a circular direction, and a gas flow passage 76 orthogonal to the center of the gas discharge surface 73. The die head 70E of the variation 5 includes a plurality of (eight) feed passages 75 that are disposed around the gas flow passage 76. Variation 5 spinneret head 70E has a set of gas flow passage 76 and a plurality of feed flow passages 75 disposed around gas flow passage 76.

[0081]

In the spinneret head 70E of variation 5, the feed passage 75 has a cylindrical space, and the gas flow passage 76 also has a cylindrical space. The raw material discharge surface 72 has a width (length in the radial direction) equal to the diameter of the feed passage 75. The gas flow passage 76 is located at a distance from the surface 72 for the outlet of the source material. The centerline P of the feed passage 75 and the centerline Q of the gas flow passage 76 intersect at a point ahead of the die head 70B at an angle b.

[0082]

(Variation 6 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 36 shows a variation 6 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. The die head 70F of the variation 6 includes a plurality of feed outlet pipes 79 that protrude from the feed discharge surface 72 and a plurality of feed passages 75 are disposed therein. Another structure of the die head 70F of the variation 6 is the same as that of the die head 70E of the variation 5.

[0083]

(Variation 7 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 37 shows a variation 7 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. The die head 70G of the variation 7 comprises an annular front surface 71 of the cylindrical body facing forward (coinciding with the plane of the drawing in Fig. 37 (a) and located on the left in Fig. 37 (b)), an annular surface 72 for discharging the starting material and a circular surface 73 for gas outlet, which are connected in the indicated order in the direction from the periphery to the center and are arranged concentrically. The front surface 71 and the gas discharge surface 73 are parallel to each other, and the gas discharge surface 73 is located at a distance t in the rearward direction (Fig. 30 (b)) from the front surface 21. The raw material discharge surface 72 and the gas discharge surface 73 gas outlets are located at an angle b (0 <b≤90 °), and the surface 72 for the outlet of the starting material narrows and faces inward. The die head 70G of the variation 7 also has a rear surface (not shown) that is parallel to the front surface 71 and faces rearward.

[0084]

The die head 70G of the variation 7 includes a plurality of feed passages 75 that are orthogonal to the feed discharge surface 72 and spaced at regular intervals in a circular direction, as well as a plurality of gas flow passages 76 that are orthogonal to the discharge surface 73 gas and are spaced at regular intervals in a circular direction. The die head 70G of the variation 7 includes a plurality of (eight) feed passages 75 and gas flow passages 76, respectively. Variation 7 spinneret head 70G has eight sets of one feed passage 75 and one gas flow passage 76. A plurality of such sets are arranged annularly such that the feed passages 75 and the gas flow passages 76 are located on two concentric circles.

[0085]

In the die head 70G of the variation 7, the feed passage 75 has a cylindrical space, and the gas flow passage 76 also has a cylindrical space. The raw material discharge surface 72 has a width (length in the direction of the radius) greater (approximately twice) than the feed passage 75. The plurality of gas flow passages 76 are positioned to contact the feed discharge surface 72. The center line P of the feed passage 75 and the center line Q of the gas flow passage 76 intersect at a point ahead of the die head 70G at an angle b.

[0086]

(Variation 8 of the third embodiment)

FIG. 38 shows a variation 8 of the die head 70 of the aforementioned nanofiber production apparatus 3. In the die head 70H of the variation nozzle 8, the plurality of gas flow passages 76 have a space in the form of a square column, the cross-section of which is rectangular, and are located at a distance from the surface 72 for discharging the starting material. As for other structures, the die head 70H of the variation 8 is the same as the die head 70G of the variation 7.

[0087]

Table 2 is a schematic diagram of the basic structure and structure of variations 1 to 8 of the die head 70 in accordance with Embodiment 3.

[0088]

[Table 2]

Third embodiment Feed passage shape Gas flow path shape Differences between the variation and the basic structure Illustration Basic structure Cylindrical (7) Cylindrical (7) Multiple feed passages and multiple gas flow passages are located on two parallel lines FIG. thirty Variation 1 Cylindrical (7) Square Post (7) The gas flow passage is in the shape of a square bar FIG. 31 Variation 2 Cylindrical (7) Slit shape (1) The gas flow passage is slotted FIG. 32 Variation 3 Cylindrical (6) Cylindrical (7) Feed port and gas flow port are laterally offset relative to each other FIG. 33 Variation 4 Cylindrical (7) Cylindrical (7) The first part and the second part can be detached from each other FIG. 34 Variation 5 Cylindrical (8) Cylindrical (1) Multiple feed passages are arranged in a circular direction, surrounding one gas flow pass FIG. 35 Variation 6 Cylindrical (8) Cylindrical (1) Output tube for source material is added to the Variation 5 structure FIG. 36 Variation 7 Cylindrical (8) Cylindrical (8) Multiple feed passages and multiple gas flow passages are arranged in a circular direction FIG. 37 Variation 8 Cylindrical (8) Square Post (8) The gas flow passage is formed in the form of a square bar in the structure of variation 7 FIG. 38

(1) (6) (7) (8): number of passes

[0089]

Although a detailed description has been given for specific embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0090]

For example, in the above embodiment, a horizontal nanofiber production apparatus is disclosed in which holes for ejecting molten resin and gas are provided in the horizontal direction, however, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not a problem to arrange the apparatus vertically so that the die head faces downward. ... Such a vertical arrangement is capable of effectively preventing the influence of gravity.

[0091]

In each embodiment and in each variation, the positions of the feed passage and the gas flow passage may be reversed. Specifically, in the die head 20 of Embodiment 1, the position of the raw material discharge surface 22 may be replaced by the position of the gas discharge surface 23, the raw material discharge surface 22 and the front surface 21 may be arranged in parallel, and the gas discharge surface 23 may be located underneath angle b to surface 22 for the release of the source material. The raw material discharge surface 22 and the gas discharge surface 23 may be provided with a feed passage 25 and a gas flow passage 26, respectively. The structure is not limited to the arrangements shown in the drawings of each embodiment. For example, the drawings of each embodiment may be reversed and the feed passage (feed discharge surface) and gas flow passage (gas discharge surface) can be reversed. In addition, by rotating through 90 °, the feed passage (raw material discharge surface) and the gas flow passage (gas discharge surface) can be arranged horizontally.

[0092]

The extruder is described as a screw, but intermittent piston extrusion with sequential solution feed can also be used, such as in injection molding.

[0093]

The nanofiber production apparatus and die head according to the present invention preferably comprise a function of adjusting the temperature of the raw material (not shown) in accordance with the conditions of the liquid raw material and nanofiber production.

[0093]

The nanofiber production apparatus and die head according to the present invention preferably comprise a gas temperature control function (not shown) in order to control the outlet gas temperature.

Claims (26)

1. A device for the production of nanofibers containing a raw material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging liquid feed is located, and a gas outlet surface that is located at an angle α, where 0 <α≤90 ° to said raw material outlet surface, and on which a gas flow passage for gas outlet is located, wherein said raw material flow passage is orthogonal to said raw material outlet surface, said gas flow path is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, and said raw material flow path and said gas flow path are positioned such that said liquid raw material discharged from said flow path starting material met with gas discharged from said gas flow passage. 2. An apparatus for producing nanofibers according to claim 1, comprising one or more sets of one said feed flow path and one said gas flow path. 3. The nanofiber production apparatus of claim 2, wherein a plurality of sets of passages are provided, and these sets are disposed in the same direction so that said feed passage and said gas flow pass along two parallel lines. 4. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 2, wherein a plurality of sets of passages are provided and the plurality of sets of passages are arranged annularly such that said feed passages and said gas flow passages are located on two concentric circles. 5. Device for the production of nanofibers according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, wherein the centerline of said feed passage and the centerline of said gas flow passage are in the same plane. 6. An apparatus for producing nanofibers according to claim 1, comprising one or more sets of a plurality of said feed passages and said gas flow passage. 7. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein said set of passages comprises said gas flow passage having a slit shape extending in one direction and said plurality of feed passages located in said one direction. 8. The nanofiber manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein said set of passages comprises said gas flow passage and a plurality of said feed material flow passages disposed around said gas flow passage. 9. Device for the production of nanofibers according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein an outlet tube is provided protruding from said raw material outlet surface and said raw material flow passage therein. 10. Device for the production of nanofibers according to any one of paragraphs. 1-9, in which an outlet tube is provided protruding from said gas outlet surface and said gas flow passage is located within it. 11. Device for the production of nanofibers according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, comprising a first portion having said surface for discharging raw material, and a second part having said surface for discharging gas, in which said first part and said second part are releasably connected. 12. A device for the production of nanofibers containing a raw material outlet surface on which a raw material flow passage is located for discharging a liquid raw material, a gas discharge surface which is located below said feed material discharge surface and on which a gas flow passage for discharging gas is located, a connecting surface that connects to said raw material discharge surface and said gas discharge surface and is located at an angle β, where 0 β <90 ° to said raw material discharge surface, wherein said feed passage is orthogonal to said feed outlet surface, said gas flow passage is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, an opening of said gas flow passage contacts said connection surface, and said feed flow passage material and said gas flow passage are disposed so that said liquid feed discharged from said feed passage reaches an opening of said gas flow passage along said connection surface. 13. A spinneret head used for a nanofiber production apparatus, comprising: a raw material discharge surface on which a feed passage for discharging liquid feed is located, and a gas outlet surface that is located at an angle α, where 0 <α≤90 ° to said raw material outlet surface, and on which a gas flow passage for gas outlet is located, wherein said raw material flow passage is orthogonal to said raw material outlet surface, said gas flow path is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, and said raw material flow path and said gas flow path are positioned such that said liquid raw material discharged from said flow path starting material, met with gas discharged from said gas flow passage. 14. A spinneret head used for a nanofiber production apparatus, comprising: a raw material outlet surface on which a raw material flow passage is located for discharging a liquid raw material, a gas discharge surface which is located below said feed material discharge surface and on which a gas flow passage for discharging gas is located, a connecting surface that connects to said raw material discharge surface and said gas discharge surface and is located at an angle β, where 0 β <90 ° to said raw material discharge surface, wherein said feed passage is orthogonal to said feed outlet surface, said gas flow passage is orthogonal to said gas outlet surface, an opening of said gas flow passage contacts said connection surface, and said feed flow passage material and said gas flow passage are disposed so that said liquid feed discharged from said feed passage reaches an opening of said gas flow passage along said connection surface.

Images