JP2001029720A - Filter fitted with replacing sign - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the discernment of a replacing period without bringing about trouble in ventilation properties. SOLUTION: Replacing signs 2 having a color similar to a filter staining color at a time of the recommendation of replacement are printed on a filter surface 1A so as to be almost equally arranged thereon. The replacing signs 2 are designed, for example, so as to have a bear's face to be constituted as hollowed-out patterns not being solid coating printing patterns. When the color of the replacing signs 2 and the filter staining color are visually identified and the replacing signs disappear or the discrimination of the replacing signs becomes difficult (confusion is generated), the arrival of a replacement recommending period is reported to a user.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a filter for trapping contaminants in a fluid, and more particularly to a technique for easily determining a filter replacement time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a filter used for collecting contaminants in an air flow is attached to an intake opening of a ventilation fan installed in a kitchen to collect oil dust generated during cooking. There is a ventilation filter. Further, a technique for easily determining the replacement time of such a filter is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-136720 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-268937 (hereinafter referred to as Document 2). And Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-12823 (hereinafter referred to as Reference 3) and Japanese Patent No. 263048 (hereinafter referred to as Reference 4).

In the technique disclosed in Document 1, by providing a display label made of a material that is the same color as the filter contamination color and does not allow air to pass through on a part of the filter surface, the degree of contamination of the display label is delayed and the filter replacement is performed. At the same time, since the display label is also replaced, the problem that the display label itself is contaminated and it is difficult to compare the color with the filter-contaminated color is solved, and the timing of replacement is easily determined.

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Document 2, a letter indicating the filter contamination is hardly attached to the ventilation surface of the filter with a material having the same system color as that of the filter. Since the letters indicating the dirt are gradually raised, it is easy to determine the replacement time.

[0005] In the technique disclosed in Document 3, since the filter itself is colored in a plurality of colors over the entire surface so that it is impossible to identify the plurality of colors at the time of replacement, the filter contamination color may vary depending on the type of cooking or the type of cooking. Even if the state differs, it is easy to determine the replacement time without affecting the ventilation performance.

[0006] Document 4 discloses that a character or a pattern formed by printing of a different color from dirt is dispersed and formed at substantially equal intervals over the entire surface of the filter, and the color density is increased in a portion having a larger amount of ventilation. Since it is possible to collect oil and the like on the entire surface and to make it impossible to determine the entire character, pattern, etc. at substantially the same time, it is easy to determine the replacement time.

[0007]

[0005] However, Document 1
In this case, since air cannot pass through the portion of the display label, there is a problem in ventilation. On the other hand, in Literatures 2 to 4, since printing is performed on the filter itself, there is no problem in ventilation, but it has the following disadvantages.

[0008] That is, according to Literature 2, since the oil or the like does not adhere to the portion where the characters and the like are applied and formed, the collecting ability is reduced. Further, there is no material suitable for mass production for forming characters and the like. In Document 3, a considerable amount of time is required before it becomes impossible to identify a plurality of colors. Therefore, the amount of oil that has already adhered to the filter in the meantime reduces the ventilation rate, resulting in a decrease in the trapping ability. In addition, too much oil is attached, so that any oil is likely to occur.

[0009] In Document 4, since a character or the like having a different color from the filter contamination color is formed, unless a considerable amount of oil adheres,
It is not until characters and the like can no longer be determined. In addition, the density of characters and the like is set to be higher in a portion having a larger amount of ventilation. Therefore, a delay in determining the replacement time occurs, and oil dripping is likely to occur in the same manner as described above.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate determination of a replacement time without impairing ventilation.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following constitution. The filter according to claim 1 is characterized in that a replacement sign of the same color as the filter contamination color at the time of recommending replacement is printed on the filter surface, and the color of the replacement sign and the filter contamination color are visually recognized. When the replacement sign becomes invisible due to assimilation or when it becomes difficult to identify the replacement sign (when confusion occurs)
To inform the user of the recommended replacement time.

[0012] For this reason, it is easier to determine the replacement time than when the filter is replaced when the replacement sign is filled with the filter contaminated color and it becomes difficult to distinguish between the two colors. Exchange becomes possible. In addition, since the replacement sign is printed on the filter surface, the ventilation is not impaired.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the filter according to the first aspect, wherein the replacement sign is formed of a non-solid pattern. For example, a picture of an animal is adopted as the replacement sign. In this case, only the outline is printed without performing solid printing.

In such a case, since the color of the replacement sign and the filter contamination color are visually assimilated and easily confused, it is easier to determine whether the recommended replacement time has come. Further, since a pattern is used as the replacement sign, cuteness and the like can be expressed in design as compared with the case of using characters and symbols, and a design effect can be exhibited.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the filter according to the first or second aspect, wherein a plurality of replacement signs are arranged substantially evenly on the filter surface. In this case, it is possible to easily and reliably determine the recommended replacement time even when a filter is used that does not make the air flow distribution on the filter surface uniform over the entire surface.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A filter for a kitchen ventilation fan according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a filter according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a filter, 2 denotes a replacement sign, and X denotes an enlarged view of a main part.

The filter 1 is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric obtained by imparting flame retardancy to synthetic fibers so that air can pass therethrough. On the filter surface 1A, a lattice-shaped cutout line 3 and a plurality of bear faces are designed. The replacement sign 2 is printed.
The replacement signs 2 are arranged at regular intervals over substantially the entire surface of the filter surface 1A, and are printed in the same color as the filter contamination color when replacement is recommended, that is, the oil stain.

On the other hand, the cut line 3 is printed in blue in the present embodiment, and serves as a guide when the filter 1 is cut straight according to the size of a ventilation fan or the like. The design of the bear's face is not a pattern painted solid with the same color as the oil stain, but rather a hollow pattern consisting mainly of thin outlines. The printing liquid used for printing the replacement sign 2 is, for example, a mixture of a pigment and a binder in the following ratio, which is diluted to one fifth of the concentration.

[Components of the printing liquid] Ink Aqueous pigment Dark Brown; 80% Yellow; 20% Binder Acrylic resin If the ink used is one that is visually assimilated with the stained color of the filter 1, the ink becomes invisible. Is not particularly limited.

The signature color is set by preparing several kinds of samples which are expected to be visually assimilated and become invisible due to oil stains attached to the filter 1, and actually performing tests. . The test method is a home use test. The oil stain on the filter 1 and the signature color of the test sample when used for about one month (recommended replacement time) under normal use in a standard four-person home are compared. did. However, for K-K4 which was judged to be not assimilated in one month although the color was appropriate, the test was continued until the assimilation with the contaminated color. Table 1 shows the results of selecting each test sample.

[0021]

[Table 1]

Samples A to G of "x" in the judgment result of Table 1
Is a sign color in which the replacement sign 2 did not become invisible due to oil stains caused by use for about one month, and was judged to be inappropriate from the viewpoint of color. On the other hand, the samples K to K4 having a judgment result of “△” or “○” are the sign colors in which the replacement sign 2 has become invisible or very invisible for about one month of use. It is determined that there is. Replacement sign 2 is hard to see or very hard to see, but has not yet been assimilated with the contaminated color.
As a result of continuing the test, K4 was about 1 month and 1
Assimilation was performed in 0 days, and KK was assimilated in about 1 month and 20 days.

That is, if K to K4 are not used for a period longer than the replacement period (one month), they will not be assimilated with the contaminated color, so that there is a high possibility that the trapping ability is reduced and the oil is dripped. Therefore, when a filter 1 having a high performance (a filter having a high oil retaining ability) is used and the recommended replacement period is lengthened, K to K4 are appropriate. On the other hand, in the sample K5 having the judgment result of “結果”, the replacement sign 2 became invisible after being used for about one month.

Thus, the filter 1 having the above-described structure is similar to that of FIG.
3 is attached to a hood 11 of a system kitchen or a disk-shaped ventilation fan 12 as shown in FIG.
When the replacement sign 2 becomes invisible due to assimilation of the color of the filter and the filter contamination color, or when it becomes difficult to identify the replacement sign 2 (when confusion occurs), the user is notified of the recommended replacement time. Will inform you.

Therefore, it is easier to determine the replacement time than when the filter 1 is replaced when the color of the replacement sign 2 is filled with oil stains and it becomes difficult to distinguish between the two colors. As a result, the filter 1 can be surely replaced at the recommended replacement time, and the replacement sign 2
Is printed on the filter surface 1 </ b> A so as not to impair the ventilation, so that it is possible to effectively prevent the trapping ability from lowering and, consequently, the oil dripping.

Although the distribution of contamination on the filter surface 1A differs depending on the structure of the ventilation fan to which the filter is attached, the replacement sign 2 is printed on the filter 1 of this embodiment at regular intervals over substantially the entire surface of the filter surface 1A. Therefore, in any case of FIGS. 2 and 3, oil dripping can be prevented.

That is, in FIG. 2, since there is a cavity between the ventilation fan 11 and the filter 1, oil dirt spreads substantially uniformly over the entire surface 1 A of the filter, and in FIG. , The oil stain on the filter surface 1A concentrates on the circular portion along the fan, but in any case, when all or a part of the replacement sign 2 becomes invisible, the filter may be replaced. ,
It will not be left unattended until the oil drops.

Further, in the present embodiment, by printing the replacement sign 2 in which the face of the bear is designed, the cuteness can be appealed to the user as compared with the replacement sign 2 using characters and symbols. In addition to being able to exert a design effect such as stimulating purchase motivation, since the bear's face is not printed solid, the color of the replacement sign 2 and the color of oil stains are visually assimilated. It is easier to get confused, and it is easier to determine whether the recommended replacement time has come.

Next, using Table 2, the sample K5 of Table 1 was used.
The effect of the filter 1 on which the replacement sign 2 is printed by using FIG.

[Table 2]

As can be seen from the test results shown in Table 2, in Comparative Example 1 in which a plurality of colors were printed on the filter surface, it took four months before the oil stain and the pattern could not be discriminated. In this case, the amount of oil droplets attached increased, resulting in oil dripping. Also, a red or blue circle (solid) on the filter surface
In Comparative Examples 2 and 3 in which is printed, is a single color unlike Comparative Example 1, but since it is a solid printing, it takes 3 to 3.5 months before the oil stain and the pattern cannot be distinguished. I have. In this case, too, the amount of oil droplets attached increased, causing oil dripping.

Further, in Comparative Example 4 in which a pale blue circle (only the circumference) was printed on the filter surface, unlike Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it was a single color, and it was not a solid coating print. The period until the oil stain and the pattern cannot be discriminated becomes shorter than that. However, since the color of the replacement sign was different from that of oil stains, it took two months before it could not be determined, and oil dripping occurred even if the amount of deposited oil droplets was not large.

In contrast to Comparative Examples 1 to 4, in the filter 1 according to the present invention (in Table 2, denoted as “the present invention”), the replacement sign 2 is a single color and the same color as the oil stain. The time it takes to do so is as short as one month. In this state, the amount of oil droplets attached is small and no oil dripping occurs. As described above, according to the present filter 1, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the arrival of the recommended replacement before oil dripping occurs.

In this embodiment, a so-called range hood filter for collecting oil stains adhering to a ventilation fan in a kitchen at the upstream side has been described as an example of the filter 1, but the present invention is applied to this type of filter. The present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to a dust collecting filter for an air conditioner, and can be applied to a filter provided in a flow path and used for collecting contaminants in a fluid for any use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the function of the replacement sign 2 can be substituted for the cut line 3 by printing the cut line 3 with ink of the same color as the oil stain. In this case, the design of the bear's face constituting the replacement sign 2 in FIG. 1 becomes unnecessary.

[0035]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained. (A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a replacement sign of the same color as the filter contamination color at the time of recommending replacement is printed on the filter surface, ventilation is not hindered, and the color of the replacement sign is also provided. When the replacement sign becomes invisible due to the visual assimilation of the filter contaminated color and when it becomes difficult to identify the replacement sign (when confusion occurs), the user is notified of the recommended replacement time. This makes it easier to determine when to replace the filter than when replacing the filter when the color of the replacement sign is filled with the filter contamination color and it becomes difficult to distinguish between the two colors. Therefore, it is possible to replace the filter at an optimum cycle, and it is possible to effectively prevent a reduction in the trapping capacity and, consequently, an oil dripping.

(B) According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the replacement sign is composed of a non-solid pattern, the color of the replacement sign and the filter contamination color are visually assimilated and easily confused. It becomes easier to determine whether the recommended replacement time has come. Further, by using a pattern as a replacement sign, cuteness and the like can be expressed in design as compared with the case of using characters and symbols, and a design effect can be exhibited.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, by disposing a plurality of replacement signs substantially evenly on the filter surface, the filter is used so that the ventilation volume distribution on the filter surface is not uniform over the entire surface. In addition, it is possible to easily and reliably determine the recommended replacement time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a filter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of the filter illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another usage example of the filter shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Filter 1A Filter surface 2 Replacement sign

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takuko Iwahara 2-3-3 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Mitsubishi Aluminum Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Kobori 7 Kitatone, Sowa-cho, Sarushima-gun, Ibaraki Japan Tokyo, Japan F term in the factory (reference) 3L058 BK05 BK09 4D058 PA02 PA03 SA02

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A filter characterized in that a replacement sign of the same color as the filter contamination color at the time of recommending replacement is printed on the surface of the filter. 2. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the replacement sign comprises a non-solid pattern. 3. The filter according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of replacement signs are arranged substantially evenly on the filter surface.