Nanofiber manufacturing method and nanofiber manufacturing device

The present invention provides a nanofiber manufacturing method and a nanofiber manufacturing device. A solution 25 in which a polymer is dissolved in a solvent is supplied from a distal end of a nozzle 16 to form a Taylor cone 44 at a distal end opening 16b. By applying a voltage between the solution 25 and a collector 50 using a power supply portion 62, an electrospinning jet 45 is sprayed from the Taylor cone 44 to the collector 50. At the start or stop of electrospinning, a blocking member 48 is inserted into a spraying area 42 of the electrospinning jet 45 such that an unstable electrospinning jet or unstable nanofibers are received. A product is not manufactured from an unstable electrospinning jet formed at the start or stop of electrospinning, and the manufacturing of a defective product is prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a nanofiber manufacturing method and a nanofiber manufacturing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

For example, fibers (nanofibers) having a nano-scale diameter of several nanometers or more and less than 1000 nm can be used as a material of a product such as a biofilter, a sensor, a fuel cell electrode material, a precision filter, an electronic paper, or wick of a heat pipe, and has been actively developed for use in various fields such as engineering and medical fields.

One of the methods of manufacturing nanofibers is an electrospinning method. The electrospinning method is performed using an electrospinning device including a nozzle, a collector, and a power supply portion (refer to JP2005-330624A). In this electrospinning device, a voltage is applied between the nozzle and the collector using the power supply such that, for example, the nozzle is negatively charged and the collector is positively charged.

In a case where a solution as a raw material is supplied from the nozzle in a state where a voltage is applied, a conical protrusion called a Taylor cone which is formed of the solution is formed at an opening of a distal end of the nozzle (hereinafter, also referred to as “distal end opening”). As the applied voltage is gradually increased such that the Coulomb force exceeds the surface tension of the solution, the solution is jetted from a distal end of the Taylor cone to form an electrospinning jet. The electrospinning jet moves to the collector due to the Coulomb force and is collected on the collector as nanofibers.

In a case where a highly volatile solvent is used in the solution supplied from the nozzle, the solution is solidified at the distal end opening, which may cause nozzle clogging. In addition, in a case where the solidified solution is separated from the distal end opening to some extent, the solidified solution may fall on a surface of the collector where nanofibers are collected. Due to the clogging or solidification of the solution, the quality of the nanofibers as a product deteriorates, and the nanofibers cannot be used as a product. Therefore, JP2008-202169A discloses a method using cleaning means in which the solidified solution is removed by bringing a flexible member into contact with the distal end opening or by sucking the distal end opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the method disclosed in JP2008-202169A in which the solidified solution is removed by moving the nozzle to a cleaning station and bringing the flexible member into contact with the distal end opening, when the flexible member is brought into contact with the distal end opening, the solidified solution attached to the flexible member or the distal end opening may be scattered by the flexible member or the nozzle being bent and then returning to the original state. In a case where the solidified solution falls on a nanofiber layer of the collector, a defective product may be manufactured.

In addition, at the start or stop of electrospinning, a Taylor cone or an electrospinning jet may be unstable. Therefore, due to an unstable electrospinning jet, liquid falling in which the solution falls on the collector may occur, or fibers may be increased in size or may become unstable, and countermeasures for the above-described problems are required.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a nanofiber manufacturing method and a nanofiber manufacturing device, in which unstable electrospinning can be prevented at the start or stop of electro spinning.

According to the present invention, there is provided a nanofiber manufacturing method comprising: supplying a solution in which a polymer is dissolved in a solvent from a distal end of a nozzle; applying a voltage between the solution and a collector; and spraying fibers from the solution to the collector, in which a blocking member is disposed so as to be movable between an insertion position, where the blocking member is inserted between the nozzle and the collector such that the fibers are received, and a retreat position, where the blocking member retreats from the insertion position such that the fibers are sprayed from the nozzle to the collector, and a voltage is applied between the nozzle and the blocking member in a state where the blocking member is positioned at the insertion position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a nanofiber manufacturing device where a solution in which a polymer is dissolved in a solvent is supplied from a distal end of a nozzle, a voltage is applied between the solution and a collector; and fibers are sprayed from the solution to the collector, the nanofiber manufacturing device comprising a blocking member, in which the blocking member is disposed movably between an insertion position, where the blocking member is inserted between the nozzle and the collector such that the fibers are received, and a retreat position, where the blocking member retreats from the insertion position such that the fibers are sprayed from the nozzle to the collector, and a voltage is applied between the nozzle and the blocking member in a state where the blocking member is positioned at the insertion position.

It is preferable that the blocking member is positioned at the retreat position during the manufacturing of the fibers and that the blocking member is positioned at the insertion position at the start and end of the manufacturing of the fibers. It is preferable that the voltage is applied in a state where a distal end of the blocking member reaches a spraying area of the fibers and that the voltage application is stopped in a state where the distal end of the blocking member passes the spraying area. In addition, it is preferable that the voltage application between the solution and the collector is stopped in a state where the voltage is applied between the solution and the blocking member. It is preferable that the polymer is a cellulose polymer.

According to the present invention, nanofibers in an unstable spinning state or liquid falling, which may occur at the start or end of electrospinning, can be prevented, and nanofibers with which no defective products are manufactured can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIG. 1, a nanofiber manufacturing device10according to the present invention manufactures nanofibers46from a solution25in which a cellulose polymer is dissolved in a solvent. The nanofiber manufacturing device10includes an electrospinning chamber11, a solution supply portion12, an electrospinning nozzle (hereinafter, referred to simply as “nozzle”)16, a collection portion15, and a power supply portion62. The electrospinning chamber11is configured to accommodate the nozzle16, the solution supply portion12, the collection portion15, and the like and to be sealable such that a solvent gas is prevented from leaking. The solvent gas is obtained by gasifying the solvent of the solution25.

The nozzle16is disposed above the electrospinning chamber11. The nozzle16supplies the solution25, for example, in a state where the nozzle16is negatively (−) charged by the power supply portion62as described below. As shown inFIG. 2, the nozzle16includes a nozzle main body16aand a resin layer26. The nozzle main body16ais, for example, a stainless steel cylinder having an outer diameter of 0.55 mm and an inner diameter of 0.35 mm, in which an edge portion of a distal end opening around a distal end opening16bforms a distal end flat surface16cperpendicular to a cylinder center (center line) direction. The nozzle main body16amay be formed of another conductive material such as an aluminum alloy, a copper alloy, or a titanium alloy instead of stainless steel.

A surface of a distal end portion of the nozzle16including the distal end flat surface16cand an outer circumferential surface16dis coated with the resin layer26formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The resin used is not limited to PTFE, and any resin such as other polyethylenes, polypropylene, silicone, or epoxy can be used as long as it is insoluble in the solvent used in the solution. A coating method is not particularly limited. The coating thickness is not particularly limited and is preferably 1 μm to 50 μm.

As shown inFIG. 1, a pipe32of the solution supply portion12is connected to a base end of the nozzle16. The solution supply portion12supplies the solution25to the nozzle16of the electrospinning chamber11. The solution supply portion12includes a storage container30, a pump31, and the pipe32. The storage container30stores the solution25at a fixed temperature in a range of 5° C. to 40° C. As a result, the temperature of the solution25supplied from the nozzle16is adjusted to be in a range of 5° C. to 40° C. By adjusting the temperature of the solution25to be 5° C. or higher, incorporation of water into the storage container30caused by dew condensation is prevented, which is preferable as compared to a case where the temperature of the solution25is lower than 5° C. In addition, by adjusting the temperature of the solution25to be 40° C. or lower, evaporation of the solvent in the solution25is prevented, which is preferable as compared to a case where the temperature of the solution25is higher than 40° C.

The pump31supplies the solution25to the nozzle16through the pipe32. By changing the rotation speed of the pump31, the flow rate of the solution25supplied from the nozzle16can be adjusted. In the embodiment, the flow rate of the solution25is set as 4 cm3/hr but is not limited thereto. Once the solution25is supplied to the nozzle16by the pump31, as shown inFIG. 2, a substantially conical Taylor cone44formed of the solution25is formed at the distal end opening16bof the nozzle16. The solution supply portion12including the storage container30and the pump31is used. However, in a case where the amount of the solution25supplied to the nozzle16is small, a syringe (not shown) may be used.

As shown inFIG. 1, the collection portion15is disposed below the nozzle16. The collection portion15includes a blocking member48, a collector50, a collector rotating portion51, a support supply portion52, and a support winding portion53. In the collector50, the solution25supplied from the nozzle16is collected as the nanofibers46. The collector50is formed of a belt-shaped metal, for example, an endless stainless steel belt. The material of the collector50is not limited to stainless steel. For example, the collector50may be formed of a material which is charged by the power supply portion62applying a voltage thereto. The collector rotating portion51includes a pair of rollers55and56and a motor57. The collector50is horizontally stretched between the pair of rollers55and56. A motor57which is disposed outside of the electrospinning chamber11is connected to a shaft of the roller55such that the roller55is rotated at a predetermined speed. Due to this rotation, the collector50circulates and moves between the pair of rollers55and56. In the embodiment, a moving speed of the collector50is set as 10 cm/hr, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

A support60formed of a belt-shaped aluminum sheet is supplied to the collector50by the support supply portion52. The support60according to the embodiment has a thickness of about 25 μm. The support60is provided to collect the nanofibers46to obtain a nanofiber layer (non-woven fabric)47. The support60on the collector50is wound by the support winding portion53. The support supply portion52has a delivery shaft52a. A support roll54is attachably and detachably mounted on the delivery shaft52a. The support roll54has a configuration in which the support60is wound therearound. The support winding portion53has a winding shaft58. The winding shaft58is rotated by a motor (not shown) and winds the support60, on which the nanofiber layer47is formed, around a core61set in the winding shaft58. In this way, the nanofiber manufacturing device10has a function of manufacturing the nanofibers46as well as a function of manufacturing non-woven fabric formed of the nanofiber layer47, and performs the nanofiber manufacturing method using an electrospinning method. It is preferable that a moving speed of the collector50and a moving speed of the support60are adjusted to be the same in order to prevent friction between the collector50and the support60. The support60may be placed on the collector50to be moved along with the movement of the collector50. In addition, by applying a winding tension to the support60, the support60may be linked with the collector50.

The blocking member48is formed of a metal plate and is disposed parallel to the collector50so as to be movable between the nozzle16and the collector50by a guide mechanism (not shown). A shift mechanism49moves the blocking member48between an insertion position and a retreat position using a rack-and-pinion method, a link mechanism, and the like. At the insertion position, the blocking member48is positioned below the nozzle16and covers a spraying area42of an electrospinning jet45. Therefore, the electrospinning jet45is blocked by the blocking member48and is not sprayed to the collector50. At the retreat position, the blocking member48retreats from the insertion position and does not cover the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45. Therefore, the electrospinning jet45reaches the collector50. On the blocking member48, a cover sheet (not shown) formed of, for example, an aluminum sheet is placed. The cover sheet is provided to easily peel the received electrospinning jet45and the like off from the blocking member48when the electrospinning jet45and the like are wasted. In a case where the electrospinning jet45can be easily peeled off from the surface of the blocking member48, the cover sheet may not be provided.

The power supply portion62applies a voltage of, for example, 35 kV between the nozzle16and the collector50such that, for example, the nozzle16is negatively (−) charged and the collector50is positively (+) charged. In addition, in the insertion state where the blocking member48is inserted into the insertion position, the voltage application to the collector50is stopped, and a voltage of, for example, 30 kV is applied between the nozzle16and the blocking member48such that the nozzle16is negatively charged and the blocking member48is positively charged. In a state where a voltage is applied between the nozzle16and the blocking member48, the power supply portion62stops the voltage application between the nozzle16and the collector50. The nozzle16has a charging polarity opposite to that of the collector50and the blocking member48.

An appropriate value of a distance L2between the distal end of the nozzle16and the collector50varies depending on the kinds of the polymer and the solvent and the solvent concentration. The distance L2is preferably in a range of 30 mm to 300 mm and is set as 170 mm in the embodiment. By adjusting the distance L2to be 30 mm or longer, as compared to a case where the distance L2is shorter than 30 mm, the sprayed electrospinning jet45is more reliably broken due to repulsion caused by electric charges thereof until it reaches the collector50. Therefore, fine nanofiber46can be more reliably obtained. By the electrospinning jet45being finely broken as described above, the solvent can be more reliably evaporated, and non-woven fabric and the like can be more reliably prevented from being sticky. In addition, by adjusting the distance L2to be 300 mm or shorter, the applied voltage can be reduced to be lower than that in a case where the distance L2is longer than 300 mm. Therefore, insulation breakdown of the device by applying a high voltage can be more reliably prevented, and thus the device is not damaged by short-circuiting at an unintended portion.

A distance L4between the distal end of the nozzle16and the blocking member48is not particularly limited. However, in consideration of a blocking region of the blocking member48and a moving length of the blocking member48, it is preferable that the distance L4between the distal end of the nozzle16and the blocking member48is about half of the distance L2between the nozzle16and the collector50.

Depending on the voltage applied to the nozzle16and the collector50, the thickness of the obtained nanofibers46varies. From the viewpoint of forming fine fibers, it is preferable that the voltage is as low as possible. In a case where the voltage is excessively low, not fibers but balls are formed and may be attached to the collector50. Conversely, as the voltage increases, the thickness of the fibers increases, and in a case where the voltage is excessively high, insulation breakdown occurs in the device, and short-circuiting occurs at an unintended portion, which may damage the device. Therefore, the voltage applied between the nozzle16and the collector50is preferably 2 kV to 40 kV.

It is preferable that the voltage applied between the nozzle16and the blocking member48is reduced as the distance between the blocking member48and the nozzle16decreases, but the applied voltage is not limited thereto. For example, the voltage applied between the nozzle16and the blocking member48may be higher than or equal to the voltage applied between the nozzle16and the collector50.

As the cellulose polymer, cellulose triacetate (TAC) is used in the embodiment, but the cellulose polymer is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of cellulose diacetate (DAC), cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, nitrocellulose, ethyl cellulose, or carboxymethylethyl cellulose, or a mixture thereof may be used. In the above-described example, TAC is used as the solution. However, the solution may be another polymer solution.

Examples of the solvent for dissolving the cellulose polymer include methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, benzyl alcohol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl formate, ethyl formate, hexane, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, toluene, xylene, dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, and 1-methoxy-2-propanol. Among these, one kind may be used alone, or a mixture of two or more kinds may be used according to the kind of the cellulose polymer. In a case where one solvent is used and the boiling point of the solvent is substantially 50° C. or lower, the occurrence of skinning becomes significant. In addition, since the evaporation rate of a solvent having a low boiling point is fast, skinning is likely to occur in this solvent. In order to prevent this problem, it is preferable that a solvent having a low boiling point is mixed with a solvent having a high boiling point to adjust the evaporation rate of the solvent. In this embodiment, the solution25in which cellulose triacetate is dissolved in a mixed solvent is used. In the mixed solvent, a mixing ratio (mass ratio; dichloromethane:NMP) of dichloromethane to NMP is set as 8:2, and the concentration of the cellulose triacetate solution is set as 4 mass %.

Next, the operation of the embodiment will be described. InFIG. 1, the blocking member48is set at the insertion position. In addition, the collection portion15is operated, and the collector50and the support60are moved. By operating the solution supply portion12to supply the solution25from the distal end opening16bof the nozzle16as shown inFIG. 2, the Taylor cone44is formed at the distal end opening16b. As shown inFIG. 1, in a case where the power supply portion62is switched on and the voltage applied to the blocking member48increases, the electrospinning jet45is sprayed from the Taylor cone44to the blocking member48. The electrospinning jet45is broken into fine nanofibers46by electrical charges thereof.

After a given time required for the electrospinning jet45to be stably formed, the blocking member48is moved from the insertion position to the retreat position. When a distal end of the blocking member48passes the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45, the voltage application between the nozzle16and the blocking member48is switched to the voltage application between nozzle16and the collector50. As a result, the electrospinning jet45is sprayed to the collector50and is converted into the nanofibers46during the spraying. The nanofibers46are collected on the support60moving on the collector50as the nanofiber layer47in the form of non-woven fabric.

Immediately after the start of electrospinning, the blocking member48is inserted into the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45such that an unstable electrospinning jet45or unstable nanofibers46formed immediately after electrospinning are received by the blocking member48. In addition, even in a case where liquid falling occurs immediately after electrospinning, the solution is also received by the blocking member48. The unstable electrospinning jet45or the solution during liquid falling from which a defective product is likely to be manufactured is not sprayed to the collector50. Therefore, the manufacturing of a defective product is prevented. In addition, a period of time in which the blocking member48moves in the spraying area42is short. Therefore, deterioration in the quality of non-woven fabric caused by an uneven distribution of the electrospinning jet45or the nanofibers46does not occur.

The collected nanofibers46are supplied as the nanofiber layer47to the support winding portion53along with the support60. The nanofiber layer47is wound around the core61in a state where it is laminated on the support60. After the core61is removed from the winding shaft58, the nanofiber layer47is separated from the support60. Next, the nanofiber layer47is cut in a desired size, and non-woven fabric formed of the nanofibers46is obtained.

In a case where electrospinning is stopped, the blocking member48is inserted into the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45. When the distal end of the blocking member48reaches the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45, the voltage application between nozzle16and the collector50is switched to the voltage application between the nozzle16and the blocking member48. As a result, the electrospinning jet45is sprayed to the blocking member48such that the electrospinning jet45and the nanofiber46are received by the blocking member48. After the blocking member48is completely inserted into the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45, the voltage application between the nozzle16and the blocking member48is stopped. In this way, the blocking member48covers the collector50provided below the blocking member48. Therefore, even in a case where the solution falls from the nozzle16or an unstable electrospinning jet or unstable nanofibers are formed, the solution, the unstable electrospinning jet, or unstable nanofibers are received by the blocking member48, and the manufacturing of a defective product is prevented.

In the above-described embodiment, when the distal end of the blocking member48is inserted into the spraying area42of the electrospinning jet45(concurrently with the insertion), the voltage is applied, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The voltage may be applied with a short time lag before the distal end of the blocking member48enters the spraying area42. Likewise, in a case where the blocking member48retreats, the voltage application may be stopped with a short time lag after the distal end of the blocking member48passes the spraying area42.

In the above-described embodiment, the blocking member48is configured to be movable in a horizontal direction parallel to the collector50. However, as shown inFIG. 3, a swing type blocking member90having a swing shaft90amay be used. In this case, a swing mechanism91allows the blocking member90to stand up or lie down, a position where the blocking member90stands up is set as the retreat position, and a position where the blocking member90lies down is set as the insertion position.

In the above-described embodiment, the blocking member48or90horizontally moves or swings in the electrospinning chamber11so as to switch between the insertion position and the retreat position. However, in addition to the above positions, a waste position P3may be further provided as moving positions of the blocking member93as shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 4. In this case, a shift mechanism94allows the blocking member90to switch between an insertion position P1and a retreat position P2and further allows the blocking member93at the retreat position P2to horizontally move to the waste position P3opposite to the insertion position P1. The shift mechanism94allows the blocking member93to horizontally move using a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a link mechanism, or the like (not shown). At the waste position P3, the blocking member93protrudes to the outside through an opening11awith a shutter which is provided in the electrospinning chamber11. The protruding blocking member93is pulled out from the opening11a, waste fibers accumulating on the blocking member93are removed, and then the blocking member93is returned into the electrospinning chamber11through the opening11a.

In the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 2, the resin layer26formed of PTFE is formed on the distal end portion of the nozzle16. Therefore, the critical surface tension is 18 mN/m, and an effect of reducing the attachment of the solution25is obtained. For example, the attachment of the solution25is reduced as compared to a case where a metal member is exposed to the surface as it is and the critical surface tension is 1000 mN/m. As a result, like a Taylor cone44indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 2, the solution25is prevented from spreading. In a case where the solution25spreads, the solution25remains in a spreading portion25a. Therefore, the solvent evaporates over time, and skinning is likely to occur. In the embodiment, the occurrence of skinning is prevented by preventing the spreading of the solution25.

As in the case of a nozzle64shown inFIG. 5, a fine unevenness63may be formed on a surface of a nozzle main body64a. The fine unevenness63is formed, for example, by performing blasting on a distal end portion of the nozzle64. Next, a processed surface on which the fine unevenness63is formed is coated with a resin layer65formed of PTFE. It is preferable that the surface roughness Ra obtained by the coated fine unevenness63is 0.2 μm to 1 μm. By adjusting the surface roughness Ra to be 0.2 μm or more, a surface-roughening effect can be exhibited as compared to a case where the surface roughness Ra is less than 0.2 μm. In addition, by adjusting the surface roughness Ra to be 1 μm or less, the peeling of the solution is promoted as compared to a case where the surface roughness Ra is more than 1 μm. The surface roughness Ra can be obtained using a surface roughness meter based on JIS B 0601.

In addition, as in the case of a nozzle66shown inFIG. 6, a length (flat length) L3of the distal end flat surface66cin a direction perpendicular to the core (center line) may be set to be 0.05 mm to 1 mm. In this case, a contracted surface66dis formed in a tapered shape in which the diameter of an outer circumferential surface of a distal end portion of the nozzle66gradually decreases toward the distal end portion. In particular, by polishing the distal end of the nozzle66in a flat shape, the flat length L3of the distal end flat surface66ccan be easily made to be, for example, 0.10 mm or less.

In a case where the flat length L3of the distal end flat surface66cis less than 0.05 mm, processing for securing a given length is difficult to perform. In addition, in a case where the flat length L3of the distal end flat surface66cis more than 1 mm, the effect of preventing the spreading of the solution25is reduced, which is not preferable. By adjusting the flat length L3to be 0.05 mm to 1 mm, the spreading of the solution25can be restricted in a range of the flat length L3. As a result, the occurrence of skinning in the spreading portion25awhere the solution25spreads is prevented. In particular, by adjusting the flat length L3to be 0.05 mm to 0.10 mm, the volume of the spreading portion25acan be reduced, the remaining of the solution25is also reduced, and the occurrence of skinning is more reliably prevented. Although not shown in the drawing, a nozzle in which the surface roughness Ra and the flat length L3are in the above-described predetermined ranges may be used. In addition, in the nozzle16,64, or66, the distal end portion of the metal nozzle main body16a,64a, or66ais coated with the resin layer26,65, or67. However, in the case of a solution which is less likely to be affected by skinning, a nozzle in which the resin layer26,65, or67is not provided may be used.

In the above description, one nozzle16,64, or66is used. However, plural nozzles16,64, or66may be used. In a case where plural nozzles16,64, or66are used, it is preferable that the nozzles16,64, or66may be provided at intervals in a feed direction of the support60or in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction. In addition, the nozzles16,64, or66may be disposed in a matrix shape in the feed direction of the support60or in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction. By providing the plural nozzles16,64, or66, the area of the obtained nanofiber layer47can be increased, and the manufacturing efficiency can be increased. In addition, in a case where the total amount of the solution jetted from the nozzles16,64, or66is increased by increasing the number of nozzles16,64, or66, it is preferable that a solvent recovery portion (not shown) is provided in the electrospinning chamber11.

In the above-described embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the distal end opening of the nozzle16or66is circular but may be an elongated rectangular slit shape (not shown).

As the collector50, a belt which circulates and moves is used. However, the collector is not limited to a belt. For example, the collector may be a fixed flat plate or a cylindrical rotating body. Even in this case, the blocking member is disposed between the nozzle and the collector so as to be movable between the retreat position and the insertion position. In a case where the collector is a flat plate or a cylindrical body, it is preferable that a support such as an aluminum sheet is used on the collector such that non-woven fabric can be easily separated from the collector. In a case where a rotating body is used, cylindrical nanofiber non-woven fabric is formed on a circumferential surface of the rotating body. Therefore, after electrospinning, the cylindrical nanofibers are removed from the rotating body and are cut into a desired size and a desired shape, and thus a nanofiber non-woven fabric product can be obtained. In a case where a cylindrical rotating body is used, nanofiber non-woven fabric cannot be continuously manufactured. However, a uniform quality product is likely to be manufactured and is easily applicable to a cell culture scaffold, medical applications, and the like. In addition, by increasing the rotation speed of the cylinder, the orientation degree of nanofibers can be improved, and an anisotropic product can be manufactured.

In the above-described embodiment, the blocking member48is positioned at the retreat position during the manufacturing of the fibers, and the blocking member48is positioned at the insertion position at the start and end of the manufacturing of the fibers. However, in a case where a nozzle cleaning mechanism (not shown) is provided, it is preferable that the blocking member48is positioned at the insertion position during cleaning. In addition, for example, in the case of emergency stop in which skinning occurs in the nozzle, it is preferable that the blocking member48is positioned at the insertion position.

In the above-described embodiment, all the members are disposed in the electrospinning chamber11. However, in order to minimize the electrospinning chamber11, for example, the storage container30, the pump31, the shift mechanism49, or the motor57may be disposed outside the electrospinning chamber11.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES