JP2004101161A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier which is excellent in sanitary aspect, easy in maintenance, easy to adjust the humidity, and save the energy consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The humidifier uses raw materials consisting of at least isocyanate composition, diol as chain extender, and polyethylene glycol as polyol composition, and uses a moisture-permeable polyurethane obtained by the reaction of these raw materials for a water permeable membrane. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００４６】
このシリコン型ポリオールは、得られるポリウレタンをシリコンの分子間力（凝集力）が小さいという特性を付与するために少量添加する。シリコン型ポリオールは、成形物、特にチューブ成形時の離型性を高くし、成形物のタック性を低減するために用いる。このようなシリコン型ポリオールのポリオール成分全体に対する配合量としては、１ｗｔ％以上７０ｗｔ％以下、好ましくは２ｗｔ％以上４ｗｔ％以下とされる。１ｗｔ％未満では得られるポリウレタン中のシリコン含有量が少なくなるため、離型性を高くし、タック性を低減する効果が十分に得られず、７０ｗｔ％を超えると高価なシリコン型ポリオールを添加して得られる成形性や機械強度等の物性が飽和するからである。また、２ｗｔ％以上４ｗｔ％以下の範囲では、チューブ成形時の離型性を高くし、かつ成形物のタック性を低減でき、十分な透湿性が得られる。
【００４７】
また、前記鎖延長剤とポリオール成分とは、その比、すなわち（鎖延長剤／ポリオール成分）のモル比が１〜１１の範囲内、好ましくは４〜１０の範囲内になるように調製されて用いられる。モル比が４未満であると、得られるポリウレタンの強度が不足し、実用性が低下してしまうからであり、１０を超えると、得られるポリウレタンの透湿性が低下し、またポリマーの重合も困難になってしまうからである。また、モル比が４を超えると、得られるポリウレタンの強度が良好となり、好ましい。
【００４８】
なお、イソシアネート成分の、ポリオール成分に対する配合量としては、特に限定されることはないものの、（イソシアネート成分／ポリオール成分）のモル比が４２以上１２以下程度、好ましく５以上１１以下程度とされる。このような範囲にすることにより、良好なポリマー重合性を確保することができるとともに、得られるポリウレタンの良好な強度を確保することができる。
また、本発明の透湿性ポリウレタンでは、前記のイソシアネート成分と鎖延長剤とポリオール成分とを原料としてこれらが反応させられることにより形成されるが、特に反応に際しては、公知のウレタン化触媒、安定化剤、相溶化剤、着色剤等を適宜に添加することができる。
【００４９】
透湿性チューブ１０の材料となる透湿性ポリウレタンは、以上のように、イソシアネート成分と特定の鎖延長剤及びポリオール成分を原料として用い、これら原料をそれぞれが適宜な配合比となるようにして反応させることにより、溶剤を用いることなく重合して得られるものである。反応法としては、特に限定されることなく、プレポリマー法、ワンショット法等、公知の方法を採用することが可能である。
【００５０】
通常、この種の透湿性を有するポリウレタンは、溶媒（ジメチルホルムアミド等）中で重合を行うため、フィルム等に成形するときには、この溶媒を除去する必要がある。一般的に、溶液中の樹脂固形分は３０％程度であるため、残り７０％の溶媒を成形時に除去することとなる。ところが、昨今の環境問題としてＶＯＣ規制等を鑑みるに、除去されて蒸気となった溶媒の処理が問題となる。
【００５１】
また、広く実施されている押出成形や射出成形では、樹脂を溶融させる必要性から、成形温度が高くなっている。ここに、溶媒を含んだ樹脂を成形することは、溶媒の蒸気が発生しやすいことを意味する。溶媒の蒸気は作業環境の悪化を起こすものであるので、別途に溶媒蒸気除去装置が必要となる等の理由により、コスト高になってしまう。
【００５２】
さらに、前記した３０％の樹脂固形分を含む原料を用いる場合は、高温成形の過程で仕込み原料の７０％が失われて、歩留まりは３０％となる。このような低い歩留まりの成形機は設計や運転が困難であり、製品としては成立しにくいものである。
【００５３】
このようにして得られる透湿性ポリウレタンは、それ自体で良好な高透湿性および機械的物性を有しており、さらには良好な成形性を備えることにより、例えば常法の造粒法によるペレット化が可能となり、このペレット化の際に、公知の抗菌剤、防かび剤、タルク等の無機充填材、顔料等の着色剤等を１種以上任意に混合することができる。さらに、このようにして得られるペレットを用いることにより、各種の成形法、例えば押出成形法等が可能になる。押出成形法としては、マンドレルを用いて中空押出する方法や、押出成形機を用いた成形法が好適に採用される。また、チューブを直接成形する方法以外に、押出成形によって薄いフィルム状に成形した透湿性ポリウレタンのシート１０ａ，１０ｂを２枚、図３の（ａ）や（ｂ）のように重ね合わせて熱溶着（ヒートシール）したものや、図３の（ｃ）のように一体となった複数の管状に一度に異形押出成形することができ、これらを重ね合わせて透湿モジュールとすることも可能である。
【００５４】
図１および図２に示した加湿器の作動の仕方について説明する。
タンク１に水を入れると、配管５を通じて、地球の重力を利用したいわゆるグラビティフローによって透湿モジュール２に水が供給され、各透湿性チューブ１０に水が満たされる。透湿性チューブ１０に満たされた水は、透湿性チューブ１０の内外の湿度の不均衡をドライビングフォースとして、透湿性チューブ１０の外側の湿度が内側より低い限り、透湿性チューブ１０の外側に分子レベルで透過される。透湿性チューブ１０を透過した水分は水蒸気となり、ファン３によって送り込まれる空気によって透湿モジュール２から押し出され、加湿空気となって任意の空間に供給される。
【００５５】
上記の加湿器はヒータ４を作動させなくとも液体の水分を水蒸気に変えることができるので、一定の性能を発揮し、室内に自然な湿度環境を作り出すことが可能であり、無駄にエネルギーを消費しない点が大きなメリットである。
本実施形態におけるヒータ４は、加湿器の能力を調節する場合に作動させるものである。上記のように、透湿性チューブ１０は内外の湿度が均衡していれば水分を透過しないが、そういった状態からさらに湿度を高めようとする場合、ヒータ４を作動させると、ファン３によって透湿モジュール２に送り込まれる空気がヒータ４に加熱されて乾燥し、相対湿度を低下させるので、透湿性チューブ１０の外側の湿度が内側より低くなり、水分が透過して水蒸気が生み出される。ヒータ４による加熱の度合いを調節すれば、所望の湿度環境を作り出すことも可能になる。
【００５６】
上記のような構造の加湿器においては、透湿性チューブ１０が分子レベルの水のみを透過し、雑菌やスケールは透過させないため、空気中への雑菌の拡散を防止するとともに微細孔の詰まりを原因とする性能低下が防止できる。しかも、詰まりを生じないので透湿モジュール２の掃除や交換をする必要がなく、使用に際して余計な手間やコストが削減できる。
【００５７】
また、四フッ化エチレン樹脂からなる透湿性樹脂を使用した従来の加湿器に比べ、本発明の透湿性チューブは、透湿性チューブ自体が剛性を有しているために、水蒸気を発生させる透湿モジュール２が透湿材を支えるための補強材やスペーサ等を必要とせず、透湿性チューブのみで構成される単純な構造なので、製造コストも安価で組立時の取り扱いも簡単である。
【００５８】
さらに、上記加湿器においては、図２に示すごとく複数の列をなして透湿性チューブ１０を配置することにより、透湿モジュール２内部の水蒸気の抜けが良くなり、水分の透過も円滑に行われるようになるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【００５９】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第２の実施形態を図４に示して説明する。なお、上記実施形態において既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態においては、透湿モジュール２の下部に水を導入し上部から導出してタンク１と透湿モジュール２との間で水を循環させる構造となっている。具体的には、タンク１と透湿モジュール２との間に、タンク１から透湿モジュール２に水を供給する配管５の他に、透湿モジュール２からタンク１に水を戻す配管６が設けられている。
【００６０】
配管５には、タンク１内の水を透湿モジュール２に送出する加圧ポンプ７が設けられている。さらに、配管５には透湿モジュール２への無用な水の出入りを防止し、加圧ポンプ７にうち勝つ逆流を防止する弁８が設けられている。配管５の一端はタンク１の底部に接続され、配管５の他端は透湿モジュール２を構成する下部のヘッダ１２に接続されており、配管６の一端は上部のヘッダ１１に接続され、配管６の他端はタンク１の上部に接続されている。
【００６１】
上記のような構造の加湿器においては、上記第１の実施形態と同様の効果が得られることに加え、水を加圧供給することによって加湿器の能力を調節することが可能である。透湿性チューブ１０は、内側に供給する水の圧力に応じて透過する水分量が変化する特性を有しているので、湿度を高めようとする場合は、加圧ポンプ７の駆動量を増やすと、透湿モジュール２に供給される水の圧力が高くなり、透過する水分量が増してより多くの水蒸気が生み出される。さらに、加圧ポンプ７の駆動量を調節すれば、所望の湿度環境を作り出すことも可能になる。したがって、本実施形態では湿度調節を行うヒータ４を併設しているが、ヒータを廃し、加圧ポンプ７のみにより湿度調節を行う構造とすることも可能である。
【００６２】
四フッ化エチレン樹脂からなる透湿性樹脂を使用した従来の加湿器では、シート状の透湿性樹脂を貼り合わせる中空構造体の構造上、水に高い圧力を付加すると、中空体構造に機械的な付加がかかり、場合によっては破断を起こす恐れがある。そのため、従来の加湿器では水に付加できる圧力は一定の値以下に制限されるか、水に圧力を付加せずにヒータ４により湿度調節を行う構造を採用するしかなかったが、本実施形態の加湿器においては、エネルギー消費量の比較的多いヒータ４を省略して省エネルギー運転を実現することができる。
【００６３】
なお、加圧ポンプ７は配管５の途中に設置する形態には限られない。例えば水中ポンプを採用すれば加圧ポンプ７をタンク１の内部（しかも底部付近）に設けることも可能である。また、加圧ポンプ７に代えて、水を温めて水の蒸気圧を高める加温手段を設けることも可能である。
【００６４】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第３の実施形態を図５に示して説明する。なお、上記実施形態において既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態においては、上記第２の実施形態と同じく、タンク１と透湿モジュール２との間で水を循環させるが、第２の実施形態が、透湿モジュール２の下部に水を導入し上部から導出する構造となっていたのに対し、本実施形態では、透湿モジュール２の上部に水を導入し下部から導出する構造となっている。具体的には、配管５の一端はタンク１の下部に接続され、配管５の他端は透湿モジュール２を構成する上部のヘッダ１１に接続されており、配管６の一端は下部のヘッダ１２に接続され、配管６の他端はタンク１の上部に接続されている。また、加圧ポンプ７は配管５ではなく配管６に設けられている。
【００６５】
上記のような構造の加湿器においては、上記第２の実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。
【００６６】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第４の実施形態を図６に示して説明する。本実施形態は透湿モジュール２の構造に関するもので、上記の各実施形態で説明した加湿器のいずれにも対応可能である。なお、本実施形態においても既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態の透湿モジュール２は、複数の透湿性チューブ１０が、透湿性チューブ１０自身の長さ方向から見てその断面が複数の列をなし、さらに各列が波打つように配置されている。さらに、各列の波は凹凸が揃うように配置されて列間の隙間ｐが一定となっており、空気の流れる通路も平面視すると波打って蛇行する形状になっている。
【００６７】
上記のような構造の透湿モジュール２を備える加湿器においては、透湿モジュール２内の空気の通路が波打った形状をなすことで、透湿モジュール２に送り込まれた空気の流れに変化が生まれ、透湿性チューブ１０の表面に乱流が生じるので、透湿性チューブ１０の表面に漂う水蒸気の層が剥離され、順次送り込まれる湿度の低い空気が透湿性チューブ１０の表面に活発に接触するようになる。これにより、透湿性チューブ１０の内外の湿度の不均衡による水分の透過が活発になるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【００６８】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第５の実施形態を図７および図８に示して説明する。本実施形態も透湿モジュール２の構造に関するもので、上記の各実施形態で説明した加湿器のいずれにも対応可能である。なお、本実施形態においても既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態の透湿モジュール２は、複数の透湿性チューブ１０が、図７に示すように長さ方向から見てその断面が千鳥状をなすように配置されている。しかもその配置は、空気の流れ方向に沿う列どうしの間隔ｐが一定で（図８（ａ）参照）、空気の流れ方向に直交する方向から見ると前後に隣り合う透湿性チューブ１０どうしがオフセットされてほとんど隙間を空けない（図８（ｂ）参照）ようになっている。
【００６９】
上記のような構造の透湿モジュール２を備える加湿器においては、透湿モジュール２内の空気の通路が互いに交差し合うことで、透湿モジュール２に送り込まれた空気の流れに変化が生まれ、透湿性チューブ１０の表面に乱流が生じるので、透湿性チューブ１０の表面に漂う水蒸気の層が剥離され、順次送り込まれる湿度の低い空気が透湿性チューブ１０の表面に活発に接触するようになる。さらに、個々の透湿性チューブ１０が他と接することなく配置されるので、透湿モジュール２に送り込まれた空気と透湿性チューブ１０の表面との接触面積が広くなる。これにより、透湿性チューブ１０の内外の湿度の不均衡による水分の透過が活発になるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【００７０】
なお、上記の千鳥構造に制限はないが、空気の流れを均一にし、かつ製作の便も考慮すると、千鳥の角度は３０°または６０°の三角配列、あるいは４５°または９０°の四角配列を採用することが望ましい。
【００７１】
また、上記の各実施形態においては、透湿性チューブ１０の列を、透湿性チューブ１０の断面が波打つように配置したり千鳥状をなすように配置したりしたが、透湿性チューブ１０の配列はこれらに限られるものではなく、その他の形態、例えば放射同心円状に配置したりしても構わない。
【００７２】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第６の実施形態を図９および図１０に示して説明する。なお、本実施形態においても既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態においては、上記の各実施形態とは異なり、透湿性チューブ１０の外側を水に触れさせて内側に水分を透過させ、さらに透湿性チューブ１０の内側を掃気することで加湿した空気を作り出す構造となっている。図９に示すように、本実施形態の加湿器には、タンク１の他に、水槽１３を一体化した透湿モジュール２が設けられている。水槽１３には、一方の側面１３ａに透湿性チューブ１０の一端を固定されるとともに、他方の側面１３ａに同じ透湿性チューブ１０の他端を固定されており、これら複数の透湿性チューブ１０が槽内を直線的に横切るようにして配置されている。
【００７３】
透湿性チューブ１０は、両側面１３ａ，１３ｂにそれぞれ開口されており、内側に空気を通すことが可能である。水槽１３には、複数の透湿性チューブ１０が、ある側方から見ると水平方向に平行に、他の側方から見ると図１０に示すように千鳥状に密に配置されている。
【００７４】
タンク１は、水槽１３よりも上方に配置されており、重力に従って水槽１３に給水するようになっている。水槽１３に給水する配管５は、水槽１に設定された所定の水位まで延出されており、その先端には、水槽１３に供給した水が所定の水位に達したら給水を断つフロート弁１４が設けられている。
【００７５】
ファン３、ヒータ４は水槽１３に配設された透湿性チューブ１０の長手方向の一方に配置されており、加熱された空気を透湿性チューブ１０の一方の開口端から押し込んで透湿性チューブ１０の内側を掃気する構造となっている。
【００７６】
図９および図１０に示した加湿器の作動の仕方について説明する。
タンク１に水を入れると、配管５を通じて、地球の重力を利用したいわゆるグラビティフローによって水槽１３に水が供給される。水槽１３の水位が所定の水位に達すると、フロート弁１４が図示しない弁体を浮かび上がらせ、配管５を閉じて水の供給が停止する。水槽１３に満たされた水は、透湿性チューブ１０の内外の湿度の不均衡をドライビングフォースとして、透湿性チューブ１０の内側の湿度が外側より低い限り、透湿性チューブ１０の内側に分子レベルで透過される。透湿性チューブ１０を透過した水分は水蒸気となり、ファン３により押し込まれる空気によって透湿性チューブ１０から押し出され、加湿空気となって任意の空間に供給される。運転を継続する過程で水槽１３の水が減っても、随時フロート弁が開いてタンク１から水槽１３に水が供給されるので、タンク１の水がなくならない限り、水槽１３の水位は常に一定に保たれる。
【００７７】
上記のような構造の加湿器においては、上記の各実施形態と同様の効果が得られることに加え、透湿モジュール２の小型化により加湿器そのものを小型化することが可能である。例えば上記第１の実施形態では、透湿モジュール２の通気を良くするためには、透湿性チューブ１０どうしの間隔を広めに確保しなければならない。間隔が狭いと圧力損失が大きくなって透湿モジュール２の通気がままならなくなるからである。これに対し本実施形態では、給水と通気の関係が逆転しており、束になった透湿性チューブ１０の外側には準静的に水を満たすだけなので、第１の実施形態のように通気時の圧力損失を考慮する必要がない。そのため、透湿性チューブ１０どうしの間隔を狭くできるので、同程度の能力を発揮する加湿器について考えると、本実施形態の加湿器は第１の実施形態の加湿器よりも透湿モジュール２の小型化が可能であり、これによって加湿器そのものを小型にすることができるのである。
これだけではなく、本実施形態の加湿器では、断面円形の透湿性チューブ１０を通じてほぼ直線的に通気が可能であり、圧力損失の低下が起こり難いので、同程度の風量を発揮させる場合もファン３の動力が少なくて済み、経済的である。
【００７８】
なお、本実施形態においては透湿性チューブ１０を千鳥状に配置したが、それらの配置は千鳥に限らずあらゆるパターン（例えば図２）が採用できる。また、本実施形態では水槽１３の上位にタンク１を配置し、グラビティフォースを利用して給水する構造を採用したが、タンク１を水槽１３と同位もしくは下位に配置して、ポンプの駆動により強制的に給水する構造を採用しても構わない。
【００７９】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第７の実施形態を図１１および図１２に示して説明する。なお、本実施形態においても既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態においては、上記第６の実施形態と同様に水槽１５一体型の透湿モジュール２を採用しているが、透湿性チューブ１０両端の固定位置と槽内での形状が異なる。
水槽１５は、図１２に示すように横長の矩形状で、上面は中央に開口１５ａが設けられ、その両側には蓋部１５ｂ，１５ｃが部分的に設けられている。透湿性チューブ１０は、一端を一方の蓋部１５ｂに固定され、他端を他方の蓋部１５ｃに固定されており、これら透湿性チューブ１０は、図１１のように両端を屈曲させてＵ字形に配置されている。また、水槽１５の内側には、槽内に水が無くなったことを知らせるセンサ１６が設置されている。
【００８０】
本実施形態の加湿器の作動の仕方は、第６の実施形態とまったく同じであるのでここでは省略する。上記のように構成された加湿器においては、透湿性モジュール１０の特徴である膨潤性（水に浸かると膨らみ、乾くと縮む性質）が考慮されている。透湿性チューブ１０を槽内に直線的に配置した場合だと、水が無くなって乾いたときに透湿性チューブ１０が自ら張力を発生し、両端の固定部分に応力を発生させるから、この部分を強固に接合しておく必要がある。
【００８１】
これに対して本実施形態では、槽内の透湿性チューブ１０が図１１のようにＵ字形に屈曲された状態となっているから、水槽１５の水が無くなって縮んだとしても、図中の二点鎖線のように変形するだけなので、透湿性チューブそのものや水槽１５との固定部分に無理な応力が作用せず、耐久性が向上する。また、水槽１５との固定部分が水上に存在することになるから、この部分の遮水性に注意を払う必要がなく、構造を簡素化できる。
【００８２】
本実施形態においては、透湿性チューブ１０をＵ字形に屈曲させたが、槽内に配設される透湿性チューブ１０については、その全長が、両端の固定位置間の距離よりも長くなるようにしておけば、膨潤性に起因する上記のような支障が解消される。
【００８３】
次に、本発明に係る加湿器の第８の実施形態を図１３ないし図１６に示して説明する。なお、本実施形態においても既に説明した構成要素には同一符号を付して説明は省略する。
本実施形態においても、上記第６、第７の実施形態と同様に水槽一体型の透湿モジュール２を採用している。本実施形態の透湿モジュール２は、図１３に示すように、水槽２０が、注水口２０ａを除いてその他の部分がすべて密閉された密閉形とされ、その内側に同じ長さに切り揃えられた複数の透湿性チューブ１０が千鳥状に配置されている。
【００８４】
水槽２０は、図１４に示すように、複数の透湿性チューブ１０の一方の端部を保持する底板部２１と、複数の透湿性チューブ１０の他方の端部を保持する天板部２２と、複数の透湿性チューブ１０の周囲を覆い、両端にそれぞれ底板部２１および天板部２２を隙間なく接着された筒状の側壁部２３とからなる。
【００８５】
底板部２１は、四方の縁辺が上方に立ち上がったトレーのような形状を有しており、図１５に示すように、透湿モジュール２の下面にあたる底面２１ａに、通風のための孔２４が、透湿性チューブ１０の千鳥配置に倣って該チューブ１０と同数形成されている（天板部２２も上下の向きが異なるだけで同形状なので、ここでの説明は省略する）。さらに、底板部２１の内側には、孔２４に連通する筒状部２５が、同じく透湿性チューブ１０の千鳥配置に倣って立設されている。透湿性チューブ１０は、その端部を筒状部２５に被着させるようにして底板部２１に仮止めされ、さらに底板部２１の内側に流し込まれた樹脂系の接着剤２６によって底板部２１に接着されている。接着剤２６は、底板部２１の内側で透湿性チューブ１０端部の外周面を接着するだけでなく、筒状部２５と透湿性チューブ１０端部の内周面との間にも毛細管現象を利用して導入されていて、透湿性チューブ１０の底板部２１に対する接着強度を高めている。
【００８６】
底板部２１および天板部２２に両端部をそれぞれ保持された複数の透湿性チューブ１０は、円形の断面形状を有し、その寸法は、透湿モジュール２の単位容積当たりの加湿面積（単位容積内に含まれる透湿性チューブ１０の表面積）をなるべく広く確保するために、内径；３〜８ｍｍ、好ましくは４〜６ｍｍ、厚み０．１〜０．３ｍｍ、好ましくは０．１５〜０．２５ｍｍ、長さ８０〜３００ｍｍ、好ましくは１００〜２５０ｍｍが選択される。さらに、これら複数の透湿性チューブ１０は、長さ方向から見て断面が千鳥状に配置されており、隣り合う透湿性チューブ１０どうしの間隔は、狭すぎるとチューブどうしが接触して水が入り込み難くなり、広すぎると透湿モジュール２の小型化が図れなくなるので、一般的に０．３〜１．０ｍｍ、好ましくは０．５〜０．７ｍｍが選択される。
【００８７】
透湿性チューブ１０を接着するための接着剤２６としては、ウレタン系、エポキシ系、シリコーン系等の各種市販の接着剤を使用することができる。また、透湿モジュール２には、水を注入しても接着性に優れ水漏れしないこと、加湿中にカビ等が発生しないように防カビ処理を施せること、密に配設された複数の透湿性チューブ１０間に流れ込み易い粘度であること、固化後に無臭であること、といった各種の条件が必要とされるが、特に、密に配設された複数の透湿性チューブ１０間に偏りなく流れ込むように、接着剤の粘度と可使時間とが重要となる。そこで、接着剤２６の粘度としては、１００００ｃｐｓ以下が好ましく、さらに好ましくは３０００ｃｐｓ以下のものが選択される。また、可使時間は１０分以上あれば良いが、より好ましくは１時間以上のものが選択される。
【００８８】
図１３ないし図１５に示した加湿器の作動の仕方は、上記第６の実施形態と同じなので、ここでの説明は省略する。上記のような構造の透湿モジュール２を備える加湿器においては、上記の各実施形態と同様の効果が得られることに加え、透湿モジュール２の水槽２０が密閉形となっているので、加湿器を乱暴に移動させたり倒したりしても、透湿モジュール２に注入された水がこぼれ出ることがなく、装置の内部や設置場所の周辺を濡らすことがない。また、透湿性チューブ１０の向きを考慮することなく、透湿モジュール２を加湿器内部に自由にレイアウトできるので、加湿器の小型化を進めるうえで有利である。
図１６には、本実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を備える加湿器のより具体的な機器の配置を示す。
【００８９】
以下では、本実施形態とは異なる構造の底板部、天板部の態様とその製造方法について説明する。
［態様１］
まず、透湿性チューブ１０の端部を平たく圧着させて封止する。そして、図１７（ａ）に示すように、複数の透湿性チューブ１０を、その圧着させた端部を下にして束ね、それら端部を型枠トレー３０の内側に配置して保持する。そのうえで、型枠トレー３０の内側に接着剤３１を流し込む。接着剤３１が固化したら、図１７（ｂ）に示すように、固化した接着剤３１を型枠トレー３０とともに上下に分割するようにバンドソー等を使って切断する。切断する位置は、透湿性チューブ１０に接着して残る部分が容器２０の一部をなす底板部２１（または天板部２２）として十分な強度を有するだけの厚みを有すること、切断により更新された透湿性チューブ１０の端部が切断面に開口していることを絶対条件として決定される。
下部を切断されて残った部分は底板部２１（または天板部２２）をなす。透湿性チューブ１０は固化した接着剤３１によって端部の外周面のみを接着されている。
【００９０】
［態様２］
まず、図１８（ａ）に示すように、内側の底面から円錐台形状の突起３３が多数突き出した型枠トレー３４を用意し、複数の透湿性チューブ１０の端部を各突起３３に被着させて保持する。このとき、透湿性チューブ１０の端部を型枠トレー３４の内側底面に完全には突き当てないように注意するとともに、突起３３と透湿性チューブ１０の内周面との間にも僅かに間隙を設けておくように注意する。これは、毛細管現象を利用して突起３３と透湿性チューブ１０の端部の間に接着剤を導入するためである。そのうえで、型枠トレー３４の内側に接着剤３５を流し込む。接着剤３５が固化したら、図１８（ｂ）に示すように、型枠トレー３４から固化した接着剤３５および接着剤３５と一体となった透湿性チューブ１０を離脱させる。
【００９１】
型枠トレー３４から離脱させて残った部分は底板部２１（または天板部２２）をなす。透湿性チューブ１０の端部は、固化した接着剤３５に外側面のみならず、内側に回り込んで固化した接着剤（樹脂体）３５ａによって底板部２１（または天板部２２）に接着されている。透湿性チューブ１０の内側に回り込んで固化した接着剤３５ａは、単に接着強度を得るだけでなく、内側から透湿性チューブ１０の潰れを阻んで蓋体を構成する接着剤３５からの剥離を防止し、水漏れを防止する効果を発揮する。
【００９２】
なお、水槽２０は密閉形に限らず、図１９に示すように上部を開放させた開放形としてもよい。この場合、水槽２０の底部は上記第８の実施形態の底板部２１の構造、もしくは上記［態様１］、または［態様２］の構造がそのまま適用される。
【００９３】
【実施例】
以下では、上記第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、接着剤２６の種類（下記参照）を換えて複数試作し、それらについて水漏れの検証を行った結果を示す。水漏れの検証は、具体的には、試作した各透湿モジュール２に水位が常時２００ｍｍとなるように（図１３参照）水を随時注入し、透湿性チューブ１０の端部と接着剤２６との界面からの水漏れの有無を観察した。その結果を図２０に示す。なお、注水当初は、いずれの試作品においても、２００ｍｍの水頭圧がかかる透湿性チューブ１０の下端に大きな変形や潰れ等は見られなかった。
［接着剤の種類］
１．サンユレック株式会社製サンユレジンウレタン配合樹脂；品番ＳＵ−２１５３−９（粘度１２３０ｃｐｓ，可使時間１２０分）
２．サンユレック株式会社製サンユレジンウレタン配合樹脂；品番ＵＦ−８２０（粘度２００ｃｐｓ，可使時間３０分）
３．エッチ・アンド・ケー株式会社製注形用ポリウレタン樹脂；品番Ｔ−１４３（粘度１５００ｃｐｓ，可使時間２０分）
４．セメダイン株式会社製エポキシ系樹脂接着剤；品番１５６５（粘度１５００ｃｐｓ，可使時間３０分）
５．セメダイン株式会社製アクリル系樹脂接着剤；品番Ｙ６１６（粘度５０００ｃｐｓ，可使時間４分）
６．東レ・ダウコーニングシリコーン株式会社製二液混合型ＲＴＶシリコーンゴム；品番ＣＹ５１−０３８ＲＴＶ（粘度５００ｃｐｓ，可使時間２０分）
７．東レ・ダウコーニングシリコーン株式会社製一液型シーラント；品番ＳＥ９１８６ＬＲＴＶ，粘度２５０００ｃｐｓ，可使時間７分）
なお、１．〜３．はいずれも二液混合型ウレタン系接着剤、４．は二液混合型エポキシ系接着剤、５．は二液混合型アクリル系接着剤、６．は二液混合型シリコーン系接着剤、７．は一液型シリコーン系接着剤である。
【００９４】
図２０の表に示すように、シリコーン系を除く各種の接着剤を使用した試作品において、水漏れは観察されず非常に良好な性能が確認できた。また、上記第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２の［態様１］、［態様２］についても上記とまったく同様の水漏れの検証を行っており、これらについても非常に良好な性能が確認できた。
【００９５】
次に、代表的な例として上記第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、透湿性チューブ１０（内径；４．６ｍｍ、外径；５．０ｍｍ、肉厚；０．２ｍｍ）の長さを変えて４６８本を１モジュールとしたものを複数試作し、それらについて加湿量を検証した結果を図２１に示すが、本発明はこれに限定されない。加湿量の検証は、具体的には、試作した各透湿モジュール２に水位が常時一定となるように（図１３参照）水を随時注入し、透湿性チューブ１０内に気温２０℃で湿度４０％の空気を送り込んだときのタンク１の水の減少量を測定した。図２１には、透湿性チューブ１０内を通過する空気の速度と、透湿性チューブ１０の単位表面積当たりの２４時間での加湿量（水の減少量、すなわち水透過量）との関係を示す。
【００９６】
図２１のグラフに示すように、透湿性チューブ１０の長さを８１ｍｍとした場合は、チューブ表面積が０．６ｍ^２となり、通過風速３．２ｍ／ｓｅｃのとき加湿量１２０００ｇ／ｍ^２・２４ｈｒｓを記録した。透湿性チューブ１０の長さを１２５ｍｍとした場合は、チューブ表面積が０．９ｍ^２となり、通過風速３．２ｍ／ｓｅｃのとき加湿量１００００ｇ／ｍ^２・２４ｈｒｓを記録した。透湿性チューブ１０の長さを１７５ｍｍとした場合は、チューブ表面積が１．２ｍ^２となり通過風速３．２ｍ／ｓｅｃのとき加湿量７５００ｇ／ｍ^２・２４ｈｒｓを記録した。チューブが長くなるにつれて、表面積は増加するものの、チューブを介した水／空気界面の濃度差が、チューブ入口で最も高く、出口付近でその空気温度の飽和水蒸気量へ近づくために、通過風速３．２ｍ／ｓｅｃ以下では、チューブ長さを長くしても、効率は上がらないことが明らかとなった。
【００９７】
次に、上記第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、透湿性チューブ１０（内径；４．６ｍｍ、外径；５．０ｍｍ、肉厚；０．２ｍｍ）の長さを変えて４６８本を１モジュールとしたものを複数試作し、それらについて加熱した空気を送り込んだときの加湿量を検証した結果を図２２に示す。加湿量の検証は、具体的には、気温２０℃、湿度４０％の環境下で、試作した各透湿モジュール２に水位が常時一定となるように（図１３参照）水を随時注入し、透湿性チューブ１０内にヒータ４によって加熱された空気の温度を計測し、その空気を送り込んだときのタンク１の水の減少量を測定した。図２２には、透湿性チューブ１０の表面積と、透湿性チューブ１０の２４時間での加湿量（水の減少量、すなわち水透過量）との関係を示す。
【００９８】
図２２のグラフに示すように、チューブ通過風速によって、空気温度が４３℃，３３℃，３１℃と変化し、チューブ通過風速が遅いほど、空気温度は高い。透湿性チューブ１０の表面積が０．６ｍ^２のとき、空気温度によって加湿量は７２００〜７７００ｇ／２４ｈｒｓを記録した。透湿性チューブ１０の表面積が０．９ｍ^２のとき、空気温度によって加湿量は８７００〜１０２００ｇ／２４ｈｒｓを記録した。透湿性チューブ１０の表面積が１．２ｍ^２のとき、空気温度によって加湿量は１００００〜１２０００ｇ／２４ｈｒｓを記録した。ヒータによって空気温度を上げることで、３．２ｍ／ｓｅｃの通過風速においても加湿量をふやすことができ、チューブ通過風速とモジュールに送り込む空気温度を調節することで、加湿能力が向上する。
【００９９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明に係る加湿器によれば、透湿性ポリウレタンが分子レベルの水のみを透過し、雑菌やスケールは透過させないため、空気中への雑菌の拡散を防止するとともに微細孔の詰まりを原因とする性能低下が防止できる。しかも、詰まりを生じ難くなるので、透湿性ポリウレタンからなる部品に対する定期的または不定期的なメインテナンスや交換作業の時間的な間隔を長くすることができ、使用に際して余計な手間や交換に伴うコストが削減できる。
【０１００】
また、本発明によれば、複数の透湿性チューブを、複数の列をなすように配置することにより、透湿モジュール内部の水蒸気の抜けが良くなり、水分の透過も円滑に行われるようになるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【０１０１】
本発明によれば、ポンプの駆動量を調節することにより、透湿性チューブを透過する水分量を制御できるので、従来のようにヒータで水を加熱して加湿した空気を作り出す機構を持たなくても所望の湿度環境を作り出すことが可能である。
【０１０２】
本発明によれば、透湿モジュール内の空気の通路を波打った形状とすることにより、透湿性チューブの表面に乱流が生じ、透湿モジュールに順次送り込まれる湿度の低い空気が透湿性チューブの表面に活発に接触するようになって透湿性チューブ内外の湿度の不均衡による水分の透過が活発になるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【０１０３】
本発明によれば、透湿モジュール内の空気の通路が互いに交差し合うことにより、透湿モジュールに送り込まれる空気の流れに変化が生まれ、透湿モジュールに順次送り込まれる湿度の低い空気が透湿性チューブの表面に活発に接触するようになって透湿性チューブ内外の湿度の不均衡による水分の透過が活発になる。さらに、個々の透湿性チューブが他と接することなく配置されることによっても、透湿性チューブ内外の湿度の不均衡による水分の透過が活発になるので、効率の高い運転が可能である。
【０１０４】
本発明によれば、透湿性チューブの両端を除く部分を水中に配置し、該透湿性チューブの外側から内側に水を透過させるとともに、該透湿性チューブの内側を掃気する構造を採用したことにより、透湿性チューブの外側には準静的に水を満たせばよく、透湿性チューブの外側に通風する構造のように通気時の圧力損失を考慮する必要がない。そのため、透湿性チューブどうしの間隔を狭くできるので、加湿器の小型化が可能である。また、管状にした透湿性チューブに空気を流すことになり、圧力損失の低下が起こり難いので、掃気に必要な動力が少なくて済み、経済的である。さらに、水槽を密閉形とした透湿モジュールを形成することにより、加湿器を乱暴に移動させたり倒したりしても、透湿モジュールに注入された水がこぼれ出ることがなく、装置の内部や設置場所の周辺を濡らすことがない。加えて、透湿性チューブの配向を考慮することなく、透湿モジュールを加湿器内部に自由にレイアウトできるので、加湿器の小型化を進めるうえで有利である。
【０１０５】
本発明によれば、透湿性チューブの外側から内側に水を透過させるとともに該透湿性チューブの内側を掃気する構造を採用し、さらに透湿性チューブの全長を両端の固定位置間の距離よりも長くすることにより、透湿性チューブの全長が膨潤によって変化しても、透湿性チューブそのものや両端の固定部分に無理な応力が作用しないので、耐久性を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図２】透湿モジュール２を構成する透湿チューブ１０の配置を示す斜視図である。
【図３】透湿性チューブを成形する他の例を示す斜視図である。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図５】本発明の第３の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図６】本発明の第４の実施形態を示す図であって、透湿モジュール２を構成する透湿チューブ１０の配置を示す平断面図である。
【図７】本発明の第５の実施形態を示す図であって、透湿モジュール２を構成する透湿チューブ１０の配置を示す平断面図である。
【図８】（ａ）は図７の透湿モジュール２を空気の流れ込む方向から見た側面図、（ｂ）は図７の透湿モジュール２を空気の流れ込む方向に直交する方向から見た側面図である。
【図９】本発明の第６の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図１０】図９におけるＡ−Ａ線矢視断面図である。
【図１１】本発明の第７の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図１２】水槽１５の斜視図である。
【図１３】本発明の第８の実施形態を示す図であって、加湿器の概略構成図である。
【図１４】透湿モジュール２の斜視図である。
【図１５】下蓋体２１の要部断面図である。
【図１６】第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を備える加湿器のより具体的な機器の配置を示す側面図である。
【図１７】図１５とは異なる構造の底板部の態様を示す要部断面図である。
【図１８】図１５、図１７と異なる構造の底板部の態様を示す要部断面図である。
【図１９】開放形の水槽２０を示す斜視図である。
【図２０】本発明の第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、接着剤２６の種類を換えて複数試作し、それらについて水漏れの検証を行った結果を示す表である。
【図２１】本発明の第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、透湿性チューブ１０の長さを変えて４６８本を１モジュールとしたものを複数試作し、それらについて加湿量を検証した結果をに示すグラフである。
【図２２】本発明の第８の実施形態に示した透湿モジュール２を、透湿性チューブ１０の長さを変えて４６８本を１モジュールとしたものを複数試作し、それらについて加熱した空気を送り込んだときの加湿量を検証した結果を示すグラフである。
【符号の説明】
１　　タンク
２　　透湿モジュール
３　　ファン
４　　ヒータ
１０　透湿性チューブ
１３，１５，２０　　水槽[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a humidifier that increases humidity by supplying moisture to an arbitrary space such as a room, and more particularly to a humidifier that uses moisture-permeable polyurethane as a moisture permeable membrane.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a moisture-permeable resin used in a conventional humidifier, "Gore-Tex (registered trademark)" in which countless micropores are formed in an ethylene tetrafluoride resin (PTFE), and a polyurethane resin are known. The tetrafluoroethylene resin has a contradictory function of waterproofness and moisture permeability, such as when liquid water is not transmitted and gaseous water vapor is transmitted, particularly when used as a fabric. Widely used for various kinds of clothing.
[0003]
By the way, in recent years, applications of such a material having both functions of waterproof and moisture permeability are expanding, and a humidifier applying the above material to release only a set amount of clean moisture (water vapor) is studied. And has been implemented in some.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 08-100935 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-60-171337
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-61-250429
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a humidifier using a moisture-permeable resin made of the above-mentioned tetrafluoroethylene resin, water is caused to flow through a hollow structure formed by laminating the moisture-permeable resin into a bag shape, and water vapor is generated from micropores formed in the moisture-permeable resin. Although it is made to permeate, it has been pointed out that there is a problem in terms of hygiene, since various germs that propagated inside and outside the humidifier pass through the micropores together with water vapor and diffuse into the air.
[0006]
In addition, due to the structure of the humidifier that evaporates and releases only water, foreign matter such as calcium and minute metal components contained in water tends to remain inside the hollow structure and gradually concentrate due to the structure of the humidifier that evaporates and releases only water. Therefore, when the humidifier is operated for a long period of time, the concentrated chalky matter and foreign substances easily become clogged in the micropores. Once clogging occurs, there is also a problem that the performance of the humidifier is remarkably deteriorated due to poor steam release. It is pointed out. In such a case, since the function as the humidifier cannot be restored unless the parts using the moisture-permeable resin are replaced, there is also a problem that maintenance costs are incurred. In addition, the cost is high because the hollow structure has a complicated structure and the manufacturing cost increases.
[0007]
Furthermore, conventional humidifiers require a heater that produces humidified air to adjust the humidity. However, driving a large-capacity heater that generates heat consumes a large amount of energy, so that the marketability is low. In terms of high energy savings, consumers have not been able to meet their demands.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object thereof is to be excellent in hygiene, easy to care, easy to adjust the humidity by adjusting the wind and the pressure of the pump, and also consume energy. It is to provide a humidifier that requires less.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As means for solving the above problems, a humidifier having the following configuration is employed. That is, the humidifier according to claim 1 of the present invention uses a isocyanate component, a diol as a chain extender, and polyethylene glycol as a polyol component as at least raw materials and reacts these raw materials to obtain a humidifier. It is provided with a wet polyurethane, and the moisture permeated through the moisture-permeable polyurethane is supplied to an arbitrary space to be humidified.
[0010]
The humidifier according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to claim 1, the diol as the chain extender is 1,4-butanediol.
[0011]
The humidifier according to claim 3 is the humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polyethylene glycol as the polyol component has a molecular weight of 600 or more and 4000 or less.
[0012]
A humidifier according to a fourth aspect is the humidifier according to any one of the first, second, and third aspects, wherein the isocyanate component is 4-4 ′ methylenebisphenyl isocyanate.
[0013]
The humidifier according to claim 5, wherein in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, the ratio of the chain extender to the polyol component is such that the chain extender is 1 mole to the polyol component. Was prepared within a range of 1 mol or more and 11 mol or less.
[0014]
The humidifier according to claim 6 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, wherein the ratio of the isocyanate component to the polyol component is such that the ratio of the isocyanate component to the polyol component is 1 mole. Was prepared in the range of 2 mol or more and 12 mol or less.
[0015]
A humidifier according to a seventh aspect is the humidifier according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, wherein a silicone type polyol is used as the polyol component in addition to polyethylene glycol.
[0016]
The humidifier according to claim 8 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, wherein the moisture-permeable polyurethane is formed into a tubular shape to form a moisture-permeable tube. It is characterized in that water is supplied to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube and permeated to the outside.
[0017]
A humidifier according to a ninth aspect is the humidifier according to the eighth aspect, further comprising a pump that pressurizes and supplies the water to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube.
[0018]
The humidifier according to claim 10 is the humidifier according to claim 8 or 9, wherein one end of the moisture-permeable tube is disposed above the other end of the moisture-permeable tube, and the other end is attached to the moisture-permeable tube. The water is circulated from one end to the one end.
[0019]
The humidifier according to claim 11, wherein the humidifier according to claim 8 or 9, wherein one end of the moisture-permeable tube is disposed above the other end of the moisture-permeable tube, and the one end is attached to the moisture-permeable tube. Characterized in that the water is circulated from to the other end.
[0020]
The humidifier according to claim 12 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, wherein the moisture-permeable polyurethane is formed into a tubular shape to form a moisture-permeable tube. It is characterized in that a portion excluding both ends of the moisture-permeable tube is placed in water, water is transmitted from the outside to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube, and the inside of the moisture-permeable tube is scavenged.
[0021]
A humidifier according to a thirteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to the twelfth aspect, the total length of the moisture-permeable tube is longer than the distance between the both ends.
[0022]
The humidifier according to claim 14 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, further comprising a moisture-permeable module in which a plurality of the moisture-permeable tubes are connected in parallel. Features.
[0023]
The humidifier according to claim 15 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, wherein the permeable tube is viewed from a longitudinal direction of the permeable tube. The cross-section of the moisture-permeable tube is arranged in a plurality of rows.
[0024]
A humidifier according to claim 16 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to claim 15, the row of the moisture-permeable tubes is arranged such that a cross section of the moisture-permeable tube is wavy when viewed from the length direction. .
[0025]
The humidifier according to claim 17 is the humidifier according to any one of claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, wherein the permeable tube is viewed from a longitudinal direction of the permeable tube. It is characterized in that the cross section of the moisture-permeable tube is arranged in a staggered manner.
[0026]
The moisture permeable module according to claim 18, wherein a moisture permeable polyurethane obtained by reacting at least a raw material with an isocyanate component, a diol as a chain extender, and polyethylene glycol as a polyol component is formed into a tubular shape, thereby forming a moisture permeable module. Tube and
A plurality of the moisture-permeable tubes are bundled and held, and portions excluding both ends of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes are arranged inside the water tank.
[0027]
The moisture-permeable module according to claim 19 is the moisture-permeable module according to claim 18, wherein the water tank is a closed type having a water inlet, and both ends of each moisture-permeable tube disposed inside are connected to the inner surface of the water tank. The inside of each moisture permeable tube is exposed to the outside through a hole formed in the outside surface of the water tank.
[0028]
The moisture-permeable module according to claim 20 is the moisture-permeable module according to claim 18, wherein the water tank has an open shape with an upper part opened, and one end of each moisture-permeable module disposed inside is provided on an inner surface of the water tank. It is characterized in that the inside of each moisture permeable tube is exposed to the outside through a hole formed in the outer surface of the water tank.
[0029]
In the moisture permeable module according to the twenty-first aspect, in the moisture permeable module according to the eighteenth aspect, a part of the water tank is resin-molded, and an end of the moisture-permeable tube is adhered in a process in which the resin is solidified. The inside of the wet tube is exposed to the outside of the water tank through a hole formed in a part of the water tank.
[0030]
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the moisture-permeable module according to the twenty-first aspect, a resin body is formed on an inner surface of an end portion of the moisture-permeable tube to prevent the inside of the moisture-permeable tube from being deformed. It is characterized by.
[0031]
The moisture permeable module according to claim 23 is the moisture permeable module according to claim 18, wherein a tubular portion communicating with the hole is erected on the inner surface of the water tank, and the tubular portion is provided with the moisture permeable tube. The moisture permeable tube is connected to the water tank by attaching an end portion.
[0032]
A moisture-permeable module according to a twenty-fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the moisture-permeable module according to the twenty-third aspect, an adhesive is adhered to an inner surface of the water tank, and the water tank and the moisture-permeable tube are adhered to each other. .
[0033]
The moisture permeable module according to claim 25 is the moisture permeable module according to claim 22, wherein an adhesive is filled between the tubular portion and the moisture permeable tube adhered to the tubular portion to bond the two. It is characterized by doing.
[0034]
A humidifier according to a twenty-sixth aspect includes the moisture permeable module according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-fifth aspects, and allows the water stored in the water tank to permeate the water from the outside to the inside of the moisture permeable tube. The inside of the wet tube is scavenged.
[0035]
In the humidifier of the present invention, an isocyanate component, 1,4-butanediol as a chain extender, and polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight of 600 to 4000 as a polyol component are used at least as raw materials, and the chain extender is used. And a polyol component (chain extender / polyol component) are prepared such that the molar ratio is in the range of 1 to 11, and water at the molecular level is added to the moisture-permeable polyurethane obtained by reacting these raw materials. Transparent micropores are formed. These micropores are not macroscopically existing holes, but are much smaller than micropores provided in a moisture-permeable resin made of tetrafluoroethylene resin such as “Gore-Tex (registered trademark)”. For this reason, various bacteria and scales are not permeated, and the performance degradation due to the diffusion of various bacteria into the air and the clogging of micropores can be prevented.
[0036]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment A humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the structure of a humidifier according to the present embodiment, wherein reference numeral 1 denotes a tank for storing water, 2 denotes a moisture permeable module for converting water supplied from the tank 1 into steam, and 3 denotes a moisture permeable module 2. A fan 4 for extruding the water vapor generated in the above and supplying the steam to the room 4 is a heater for heating the air sent into the moisture permeable module 2 by the fan 3. The tank 1 is arranged at a higher position than the moisture permeable module 2 and is connected to the moisture permeable module 2 through a pipe 5 so as to supply water to the moisture permeable module 2 by using gravity acting on water. I have.
[0037]
At the top of the tank 1, there is provided a water supply port 1a for externally replenishing water, which gradually decreases with the operation of the humidifier. At the bottom of the tank 1, there is provided a drain discharge section 1b for forcibly discharging old water in the tank 1 to prevent accumulation of dirt inside the humidifier.
[0038]
The moisture-permeable module 2 is configured by preparing a plurality of moisture-permeable polyurethanes formed in a tubular shape, that is, a plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 having the same length, and connecting both ends to the headers 11 and 12.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 constituting the moisture-permeable module 2 are arranged such that a cross section forms a plurality of rows when viewed from the length direction, and an equal gap p is provided between each row. Have been. For example, it has been considered to adopt any one of the diameters of 3, 5, and 8 mm for the moisture-permeable tube 10. In the case of the outer diameter of 3 mm, the interval p is 2 mm, and the outer diameter is 5 mm. In this case, the interval p is preferably 3 mm, and when the outer diameter is 8 mm, the interval p is preferably 4 mm. The moisture permeable module 2 is arranged so that the gap L between the rows matches the direction of the air sent by the fan 3.
[0040]
Here, the moisture-permeable polyurethane which is a material of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is obtained by using at least an isocyanate component, a chain extender diol component, and a polyol component as raw materials, and reacting these raw materials.
[0041]
The isocyanate component is not particularly limited, and various conventional ones are used. For example, 4,4'-methylenebisphenyl isocyanate (MDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, 4,4'-cyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, isophorone isocyanate and the like are used. (MDI) is preferably used because it has excellent handleability and workability due to low vapor pressure, and also has high mechanical properties of the obtained polyurethane.
[0042]
1,4-butanediol is used as a chain extender. Conventionally, for example, in a moisture-permeable polyurethane resin for clothing, ethylene glycol was used as a chain extender, but in that case, polymerization and molding were performed in a solvent. By using 4-butanediol, solvent-less is achieved as described later. In addition, as a chain extender used as a raw material of polyurethane, various types such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol can be used. From the viewpoint of ensuring the moldability and mechanical properties of the obtained polyurethane, 1,4-butanediol can be particularly preferably used.
[0043]
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 600 or more and 4000 or less is used as the polyol component. This is because polyethylene glycol has better moisture permeability of the obtained polyurethane resin than, for example, polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG) or a copolymer of polypropylene glycol (PPG) and polyethylene glycol. Further, the reason why the molecular weight, that is, the weight average molecular weight is 600 or more and 4000 or less, is that when the molecular weight exceeds 4000, the reactivity becomes low, and when the molecular weight is less than 600, the reactivity becomes high and the polymerization of the stable polymer becomes difficult. This is because it becomes difficult and the moisture permeability becomes low, which may be impractical. In addition, the molecular weight is particularly preferably in the range of 2,500 to 3,500. By setting the molecular weight in such a range, it is possible to ensure stable polymerizability of the polymer and good moisture permeability of the obtained polyurethane. Can be.
[0044]
As the polyol component, a silicone-type polyol can be used in addition to the polyethylene glycol. As the silicon-type polyol, the following polysiloxane carbinol-modified products are particularly used, and those having a molecular weight of 1,000 to 3,000 are particularly preferably used.
[0045]
Embedded image

[0046]
This silicone-type polyol is added in a small amount to the obtained polyurethane in order to impart the property that the intermolecular force (cohesion) of silicon is small. The silicone-type polyol is used for enhancing the releasability at the time of molding a molded product, particularly at the time of molding a tube, and reducing the tackiness of the molded product. The blending amount of such a silicone-type polyol with respect to the entire polyol component is 1 wt% or more and 70 wt% or less, preferably 2 wt% or more and 4 wt% or less. If the content is less than 1% by weight, the silicon content in the obtained polyurethane is small, so that the effect of increasing the releasability and reducing the tackiness cannot be sufficiently obtained. This is because the physical properties such as moldability and mechanical strength obtained by the above are saturated. Further, in the range of 2 wt% or more and 4 wt% or less, the releasability at the time of tube molding can be increased, the tackiness of the molded product can be reduced, and sufficient moisture permeability can be obtained.
[0047]
The chain extender and the polyol component are prepared so that the ratio thereof, that is, the molar ratio of (chain extender / polyol component) is in the range of 1 to 11, preferably in the range of 4 to 10. Used. When the molar ratio is less than 4, the strength of the obtained polyurethane is insufficient and the practicality is reduced. When the molar ratio is more than 10, the moisture permeability of the obtained polyurethane is reduced, and the polymerization of the polymer is difficult. It is because it becomes. Further, when the molar ratio exceeds 4, the strength of the obtained polyurethane becomes good, which is preferable.
[0048]
The blending amount of the isocyanate component with respect to the polyol component is not particularly limited, but the molar ratio of (isocyanate component / polyol component) is about 42 or more and about 12 or less, preferably about 5 or more and about 11 or less. By setting the content in such a range, good polymer polymerizability can be secured, and good strength of the obtained polyurethane can be secured.
In the moisture-permeable polyurethane of the present invention, the isocyanate component, the chain extender, and the polyol component are formed by reacting them with each other as a raw material. Agents, compatibilizers, coloring agents and the like can be added as appropriate.
[0049]
As described above, the moisture-permeable polyurethane used as the material of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is reacted by using the isocyanate component, the specific chain extender, and the polyol component as raw materials so that these raw materials have an appropriate mixing ratio. Thereby, it can be obtained by polymerization without using a solvent. The reaction method is not particularly limited, and a known method such as a prepolymer method or a one-shot method can be employed.
[0050]
Usually, this kind of moisture-permeable polyurethane is polymerized in a solvent (such as dimethylformamide), and thus it is necessary to remove this solvent when forming a film or the like. Generally, the resin solid content in the solution is about 30%, so that the remaining 70% of the solvent is removed during molding. However, in view of VOC regulations and the like as a recent environmental problem, there is a problem in treating a solvent that has been removed and turned into vapor.
[0051]
Further, in extrusion molding and injection molding widely practiced, the molding temperature is high due to the necessity of melting the resin. Here, molding a resin containing a solvent means that vapor of the solvent is easily generated. Since the vapor of the solvent causes deterioration of the working environment, the cost increases due to the necessity of a separate solvent vapor removing device.
[0052]
Furthermore, when the above-mentioned raw material containing 30% of resin solid content is used, 70% of the raw material charged is lost in the process of high-temperature molding, and the yield becomes 30%. Such a low-yield molding machine is difficult to design and operate, and is hardly feasible as a product.
[0053]
The moisture-permeable polyurethane thus obtained has good high moisture permeability and mechanical properties by itself, and furthermore has good moldability, for example, pelletization by a usual granulation method. During the pelletization, one or more known antibacterial agents, fungicides, inorganic fillers such as talc, and coloring agents such as pigments can be arbitrarily mixed. Further, by using the pellets thus obtained, various molding methods, for example, an extrusion molding method and the like can be performed. As the extrusion molding method, a method of hollow extrusion using a mandrel and a molding method using an extruder are suitably employed. In addition to the method of directly forming a tube, two sheets of moisture-permeable polyurethane sheets 10a and 10b formed into a thin film by extrusion are superimposed and thermally welded as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). (Heat-sealing) or a plurality of integrally formed tubes as shown in FIG. 3 (c) can be formed at a time by profile extrusion, and these can be laminated to form a moisture permeable module. .
[0054]
The operation of the humidifier shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.
When water is poured into the tank 1, water is supplied to the moisture permeable module 2 through a pipe 5 by so-called gravity flow utilizing the gravity of the earth, and each moisture permeable tube 10 is filled with water. The water filled in the moisture-permeable tube 10 uses the imbalance of the humidity inside and outside the moisture-permeable tube 10 as a driving force, and as long as the humidity outside the moisture-permeable tube 10 is lower than the inside, the molecular level is applied to the outside of the moisture-permeable tube 10. Transmitted through. The moisture that has passed through the moisture-permeable tube 10 becomes water vapor, is pushed out of the moisture-permeable module 2 by air sent by the fan 3, and is supplied as humidified air to an arbitrary space.
[0055]
The above humidifier can convert liquid moisture into water vapor without operating the heater 4, so that it exhibits a certain performance and can create a natural humidity environment in the room, and wastes energy. A major advantage is that it does not.
The heater 4 in the present embodiment is operated when adjusting the performance of the humidifier. As described above, the moisture permeable tube 10 does not transmit moisture if the inside and outside humidity are balanced, but if it is desired to further increase the humidity from such a state, when the heater 4 is operated, the fan 3 causes the moisture permeable module Since the air sent to 2 is heated by the heater 4 and dried to lower the relative humidity, the humidity on the outside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 becomes lower than that on the inside, and moisture permeates to generate steam. By adjusting the degree of heating by the heater 4, a desired humidity environment can be created.
[0056]
In the humidifier having the above structure, the moisture-permeable tube 10 allows only water at the molecular level to pass therethrough and does not allow bacteria and scales to pass therethrough, thereby preventing diffusion of bacteria into the air and causing clogging of micropores. Can be prevented from deteriorating. In addition, since no clogging occurs, there is no need to clean or replace the moisture-permeable module 2, and unnecessary labor and cost can be reduced in use.
[0057]
Further, as compared with a conventional humidifier using a moisture-permeable resin made of a tetrafluoroethylene resin, the moisture-permeable tube of the present invention has a moisture-permeable tube that generates steam because the moisture-permeable tube itself has rigidity. Since the module 2 does not require a reinforcing material or a spacer for supporting the moisture permeable material and has a simple structure composed of only the moisture permeable tube, the manufacturing cost is low and the handling at the time of assembly is easy.
[0058]
Further, in the humidifier, as shown in FIG. 2, by arranging the moisture permeable tubes 10 in a plurality of rows, the water vapor inside the moisture permeable module 2 can be easily removed, and the moisture can be smoothly transmitted. As a result, highly efficient operation is possible.
[0059]
Next, a second embodiment of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that components already described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, the structure is such that water is introduced into the lower part of the moisture permeable module 2 and is derived from the upper part to circulate water between the tank 1 and the moisture permeable module 2. Specifically, between the tank 1 and the moisture permeable module 2, in addition to the pipe 5 for supplying water from the tank 1 to the moisture permeable module 2, a pipe 6 for returning water from the moisture permeable module 2 to the tank 1 is provided. Have been.
[0060]
The pipe 5 is provided with a pressurizing pump 7 for sending water in the tank 1 to the moisture permeable module 2. Further, the pipe 5 is provided with a valve 8 for preventing unnecessary water from flowing into and out of the moisture permeable module 2 and for preventing a backflow that exceeds the pressure pump 7. One end of the pipe 5 is connected to the bottom of the tank 1, the other end of the pipe 5 is connected to a lower header 12 constituting the moisture permeable module 2, one end of the pipe 6 is connected to an upper header 11, The other end of 6 is connected to the upper part of the tank 1.
[0061]
In the humidifier having the above-described structure, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the capability of the humidifier can be adjusted by supplying water under pressure. The moisture-permeable tube 10 has a characteristic that the amount of water passing therethrough changes in accordance with the pressure of water supplied to the inside. Therefore, when increasing the humidity, the drive amount of the pressurizing pump 7 should be increased. The pressure of the water supplied to the moisture permeable module 2 is increased, and the amount of permeated water is increased, so that more water vapor is generated. Further, by adjusting the driving amount of the pressurizing pump 7, a desired humidity environment can be created. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heater 4 for adjusting the humidity is provided, but the heater may be omitted and a structure for adjusting the humidity only by the pressure pump 7 may be adopted.
[0062]
In a conventional humidifier using a moisture permeable resin made of tetrafluoroethylene resin, when a high pressure is applied to water due to the structure of the hollow structure to which the sheet-like moisture permeable resin is attached, mechanical Addition may take place, possibly causing breakage. Therefore, in the conventional humidifier, the pressure that can be applied to the water is limited to a certain value or less, or a structure in which the humidity is adjusted by the heater 4 without applying the pressure to the water has to be adopted. In the humidifier described above, the energy-saving operation can be realized by omitting the heater 4 which consumes a relatively large amount of energy.
[0063]
The pressurizing pump 7 is not limited to a configuration installed in the middle of the pipe 5. For example, if a submersible pump is adopted, the pressurizing pump 7 can be provided inside the tank 1 (and near the bottom). Further, in place of the pressurizing pump 7, it is possible to provide a heating means for heating the water to increase the vapor pressure of the water.
[0064]
Next, a third embodiment of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that components already described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
In the present embodiment, water is circulated between the tank 1 and the moisture permeable module 2 as in the second embodiment, but the second embodiment introduces water into the lower part of the moisture permeable module 2. In the present embodiment, water is introduced into the upper part of the moisture-permeable module 2 and is derived from the lower part, while the structure is derived from the upper part. Specifically, one end of the pipe 5 is connected to a lower part of the tank 1, the other end of the pipe 5 is connected to an upper header 11 constituting the moisture permeable module 2, and one end of the pipe 6 is connected to a lower header 12. And the other end of the pipe 6 is connected to the upper part of the tank 1. The pressure pump 7 is provided not in the pipe 5 but in the pipe 6.
[0065]
In the humidifier having the above structure, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.
[0066]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment relates to the structure of the moisture permeable module 2 and can correspond to any of the humidifiers described in the above embodiments. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted.
In the moisture-permeable module 2 of the present embodiment, the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged so that their cross sections form a plurality of rows when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the moisture-permeable tubes 10 themselves, and each row is wavy. . Further, the waves in each row are arranged so that the unevenness is aligned, the gap p between the rows is constant, and the air flow path has a wavy and meandering shape in plan view.
[0067]
In the humidifier including the moisture permeable module 2 having the above-described structure, the air passage in the moisture permeable module 2 has a wavy shape, so that the flow of the air sent into the moisture permeable module 2 is changed. Born, turbulence is generated on the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10, so that a layer of water vapor floating on the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is peeled off, so that low-humidity air that is sequentially sent comes into active contact with the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10. become. Thereby, the permeation of moisture due to the imbalance in humidity between the inside and outside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 becomes active, so that highly efficient operation is possible.
[0068]
Next, a humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment also relates to the structure of the moisture permeable module 2 and can correspond to any of the humidifiers described in the above embodiments. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted.
In the moisture-permeable module 2 of the present embodiment, a plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged so that the cross sections thereof are staggered when viewed from the length direction as shown in FIG. Moreover, the arrangement is such that the interval p between the rows along the air flow direction is constant (see FIG. 8A), and the moisture-permeable tubes 10 adjacent to each other in front and back are offset when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the air flow direction. As a result, almost no gap is left (see FIG. 8B).
[0069]
In the humidifier provided with the moisture permeable module 2 having the above-described structure, the passage of the air in the moisture permeable module 2 intersects with each other, so that the flow of the air sent into the moisture permeable module 2 is changed. Since a turbulent flow is generated on the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10, the layer of water vapor floating on the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is separated, and the low-humidity air sent sequentially comes into active contact with the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10. . Furthermore, since the individual moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged without contact with others, the contact area between the air sent into the moisture-permeable module 2 and the surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is increased. Thereby, the permeation of moisture due to the imbalance in humidity between the inside and outside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 becomes active, so that highly efficient operation is possible.
[0070]
In addition, although the above-mentioned staggered structure is not limited, in consideration of the uniformity of air flow and the convenience of manufacture, the staggered angle is a triangular arrangement of 30 ° or 60 °, or a square arrangement of 45 ° or 90 °. It is desirable to adopt.
[0071]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the rows of the moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged so that the cross section of the moisture-permeable tubes 10 is wavy or staggered. The present invention is not limited to these, and may be arranged in other forms, for example, radially concentric.
[0072]
Next, a sixth embodiment of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, unlike each of the above embodiments, the outside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is brought into contact with water to allow moisture to permeate the inside, and further, the inside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is scavenged to remove humidified air. It has a structure to create. As shown in FIG. 9, the humidifier of the present embodiment is provided with a moisture permeable module 2 in which a water tank 13 is integrated in addition to the tank 1. In the water tank 13, one end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is fixed to one side surface 13a, and the other end of the same moisture-permeable tube 10 is fixed to the other side surface 13a. It is arranged so that it may intersect linearly.
[0073]
The moisture-permeable tube 10 has openings on both side surfaces 13a and 13b, respectively, so that air can be passed inside. In the water tank 13, a plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are densely arranged in a staggered manner as viewed from one side in parallel with the horizontal direction and viewed from the other side as shown in FIG.
[0074]
The tank 1 is disposed above the water tank 13 and supplies water to the water tank 13 according to gravity. The pipe 5 for supplying water to the water tank 13 extends to a predetermined water level set in the water tank 1, and a float valve 14 that cuts off water supply when the water supplied to the water tank 13 reaches the predetermined water level is provided at the tip thereof. Is provided.
[0075]
The fan 3 and the heater 4 are arranged on one side in the longitudinal direction of the moisture permeable tube 10 provided in the water tank 13, and press heated air from one open end of the moisture permeable tube 10 to form the heat permeable tube 10. The inside is scavenged.
[0076]
The operation of the humidifier shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described.
When water is poured into the tank 1, the water is supplied to the water tank 13 through the pipe 5 by a so-called gravity flow utilizing the gravity of the earth. When the water level in the water tank 13 reaches a predetermined water level, the float valve 14 raises a valve element (not shown), closes the pipe 5, and stops the supply of water. The water filled in the water tank 13 permeates at the molecular level inside the moisture permeable tube 10 as long as the humidity inside the moisture permeable tube 10 is lower than the outside, assuming that the humidity imbalance inside and outside the moisture permeable tube 10 is a driving force. Is done. The moisture that has passed through the moisture-permeable tube 10 becomes water vapor, is pushed out of the moisture-permeable tube 10 by air pushed in by the fan 3, and is supplied as humidified air to an arbitrary space. Even if the water in the water tank 13 decreases during the continuation of the operation, the float valve is opened at any time and the water is supplied from the tank 1 to the water tank 13, so that the water level in the water tank 13 is always constant unless the water in the tank 1 runs out. Is kept.
[0077]
In the humidifier having the above-described structure, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those of the above embodiments, the humidifier itself can be reduced in size by downsizing the moisture-permeable module 2. For example, in the first embodiment, in order to improve the ventilation of the moisture-permeable module 2, the interval between the moisture-permeable tubes 10 must be made wider. This is because if the interval is small, the pressure loss increases and the ventilation of the moisture permeable module 2 does not remain. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the relationship between water supply and ventilation is reversed, and the outside of the bundle of vapor-permeable tubes 10 is only quasi-statically filled with water. There is no need to consider the time pressure loss. Therefore, since the interval between the moisture-permeable tubes 10 can be reduced, the humidifier of the present embodiment is smaller than the humidifier of the first embodiment. The humidifier itself can be reduced in size.
In addition to this, in the humidifier of the present embodiment, it is possible to ventilate almost linearly through the moisture-permeable tube 10 having a circular cross section, and it is difficult for the pressure loss to decrease. Requires less power and is economical.
[0078]
In the present embodiment, the moisture permeable tubes 10 are arranged in a staggered manner, but the arrangement is not limited to the staggered and any pattern (for example, FIG. 2) can be adopted. Further, in the present embodiment, the tank 1 is arranged above the water tank 13 and a structure for supplying water using gravity force is adopted. However, the tank 1 is arranged at the same level or lower than the water tank 13 and forced by driving the pump. It may be possible to adopt a structure for water supply.
[0079]
Next, a humidifier according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, the moisture permeable module 2 integrated with the water tank 15 is employed as in the sixth embodiment, but the fixed positions of both ends of the moisture permeable tube 10 and the shape in the tank are different.
The water tank 15 has a horizontally long rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 12, an upper surface having an opening 15a at the center, and lids 15b and 15c partially provided on both sides thereof. One end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is fixed to one lid 15b, and the other end is fixed to the other lid 15c. These moisture-permeable tubes 10 are bent at both ends as shown in FIG. Are located in Further, inside the water tank 15, a sensor 16 for notifying that water has run out in the tank is provided.
[0080]
The operation of the humidifier of this embodiment is exactly the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and will not be described here. In the humidifier configured as described above, the swelling property (the property of expanding when immersed in water and the property of shrinking when dried), which is a feature of the moisture-permeable module 10, is considered. When the moisture-permeable tube 10 is arranged linearly in the tank, the moisture-permeable tube 10 generates tension by itself when water runs out and dries, and generates stress in the fixed portions at both ends. It must be firmly joined.
[0081]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the moisture-permeable tube 10 in the tank is bent into a U-shape as shown in FIG. 11, even if the water in the water tank 15 runs out and shrinks, Since it is only deformed as shown by the two-dot chain line, no excessive stress acts on the moisture permeable tube itself or the portion fixed to the water tank 15, and the durability is improved. In addition, since a portion fixed to the water tank 15 exists on the water, there is no need to pay attention to the water shielding of this portion, and the structure can be simplified.
[0082]
In the present embodiment, the moisture permeable tube 10 is bent in a U-shape, but the entire length of the moisture permeable tube 10 disposed in the tank is longer than the distance between the fixed positions at both ends. By doing so, the above-mentioned problems caused by swelling are eliminated.
[0083]
Next, an eighth embodiment of the humidifier according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components already described, and the description will be omitted.
This embodiment also employs a water tank integrated moisture-permeable module 2 as in the sixth and seventh embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, in the moisture permeable module 2 of the present embodiment, the water tank 20 is of a closed type in which all other parts are closed except for the water inlet 20 a, and is cut into the same length inside the tank. The plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged in a staggered manner.
[0084]
As shown in FIG. 14, the water tank 20 includes a bottom plate 21 that holds one end of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10, a top plate 22 that holds the other end of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10, It comprises a cylindrical side wall portion 23 which covers the periphery of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 and has a bottom plate portion 21 and a top plate portion 22 adhered to both ends without any gap.
[0085]
The bottom plate portion 21 has a shape like a tray with four edges rising up, and as shown in FIG. 15, a hole 24 for ventilation is formed on a bottom surface 21a corresponding to the lower surface of the moisture-permeable module 2. The same number as the tubes 10 is formed following the zigzag arrangement of the moisture-permeable tubes 10 (the top plate 22 also has the same shape except for the up and down directions, so the description is omitted here). Further, inside the bottom plate portion 21, a tubular portion 25 communicating with the hole 24 is erected similarly to the staggered arrangement of the moisture-permeable tubes 10. The moisture-permeable tube 10 is temporarily fixed to the bottom plate portion 21 such that its end is attached to the cylindrical portion 25, and is further attached to the bottom plate portion 21 by a resin-based adhesive 26 poured into the inside of the bottom plate portion 21. Glued. The adhesive 26 not only bonds the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the moisture permeable tube 10 inside the bottom plate portion 21 but also causes a capillary phenomenon between the cylindrical portion 25 and the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the moisture permeable tube 10. The bonding strength is increased by using the water-permeable tube 10 and the bottom plate 21.
[0086]
The plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 each having both ends held by the bottom plate portion 21 and the top plate portion 22 have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the size thereof is determined by a humidifying area per unit volume of the moisture-permeable module 2 (unit volume). Inner diameter; 3 to 8 mm, preferably 4 to 6 mm, thickness 0.1 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.15 to 0.25 mm; A length of 80-300 mm, preferably 100-250 mm, is selected. Further, the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are arranged in a staggered cross section when viewed from the longitudinal direction. If the interval between the adjacent moisture-permeable tubes 10 is too small, the tubes come into contact with each other and water enters. If the width is too large, the size of the moisture permeable module 2 cannot be reduced. Therefore, a size of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 0.7 mm is generally selected.
[0087]
As the adhesive 26 for bonding the moisture-permeable tube 10, various commercially available adhesives such as urethane, epoxy, and silicone can be used. The moisture permeable module 2 has excellent adhesiveness even when water is injected, does not leak, can be subjected to a fungicide treatment so as to prevent mold or the like during humidification. Various conditions are required, such as having a viscosity that easily flows between the wet tubes 10 and being odorless after solidification. In particular, it is preferable that the flow be made to flow evenly between the plurality of densely disposed moisture-permeable tubes 10. In addition, the viscosity of the adhesive and the pot life are important. Therefore, the viscosity of the adhesive 26 is preferably 10000 cps or less, and more preferably 3000 cps or less. The pot life may be 10 minutes or more, but more preferably 1 hour or more.
[0088]
The manner of operation of the humidifier shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is the same as that of the above-described sixth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the humidifier provided with the moisture permeable module 2 having the above-described structure, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained. Even if the container is roughly moved or knocked down, the water injected into the moisture permeable module 2 does not spill out and does not wet the inside of the apparatus or the vicinity of the installation place. In addition, since the moisture-permeable module 2 can be freely laid out inside the humidifier without considering the direction of the moisture-permeable tube 10, it is advantageous in miniaturizing the humidifier.
FIG. 16 shows a more specific arrangement of devices of the humidifier including the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the present embodiment.
[0089]
Hereinafter, the form of the bottom plate and the top plate having a structure different from that of the present embodiment and a manufacturing method thereof will be described.
[Aspect 1]
First, the end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is pressed flat and sealed. Then, as shown in FIG. 17A, the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are bundled with their crimped ends down, and these ends are arranged and held inside the form tray 30. Then, the adhesive 31 is poured into the inside of the mold tray 30. When the adhesive 31 is solidified, as shown in FIG. 17B, the solidified adhesive 31 is cut using a band saw or the like so as to be divided into upper and lower portions together with the mold tray 30. The position to be cut is updated by cutting so that the portion remaining after being adhered to the moisture-permeable tube 10 has a thickness sufficient to have sufficient strength as the bottom plate portion 21 (or the top plate portion 22) forming a part of the container 20. It is determined as an absolute condition that the end of the permeable tube 10 is open to the cut surface.
The portion that has been cut off at the lower portion and forms a bottom plate portion 21 (or a top plate portion 22). Only the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is adhered by the solidified adhesive 31.
[0090]
[Aspect 2]
First, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), a mold tray 34 having a large number of truncated cone-shaped protrusions 33 protruding from the inner bottom surface is prepared, and the ends of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes 10 are attached to the respective protrusions 33. Let it hold. At this time, be careful not to completely abut the end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 against the inner bottom surface of the mold tray 34, and a slight gap is formed between the projection 33 and the inner peripheral surface of the moisture-permeable tube 10. Be careful to keep This is because the adhesive is introduced between the projection 33 and the end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. Then, the adhesive 35 is poured into the inside of the mold tray 34. When the adhesive 35 is solidified, the solidified adhesive 35 and the moisture-permeable tube 10 integrated with the adhesive 35 are removed from the mold tray 34 as shown in FIG.
[0091]
The portion left after being separated from the mold tray 34 forms the bottom plate portion 21 (or the top plate portion 22). The end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is adhered not only to the outer surface of the solidified adhesive 35 but also to the bottom plate 21 (or the top plate 22) by the adhesive (resin body) 35a that has wrapped around and solidified inside. I have. The adhesive 35a wrapped around the inside of the moisture-permeable tube 10 and solidified not only obtains adhesive strength, but also prevents the moisture-permeable tube 10 from being crushed from the inside and prevents peeling from the adhesive 35 constituting the lid. And exhibit the effect of preventing water leakage.
[0092]
In addition, the water tank 20 is not limited to the closed type, but may be an open type having an upper part opened as shown in FIG. In this case, the structure of the bottom plate portion 21 of the eighth embodiment or the structure of the above [Mode 1] or [Mode 2] is applied to the bottom of the water tank 20 as it is.
[0093]
【Example】
In the following, a plurality of prototypes of the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment described above with different types of the adhesive 26 (see below) are shown, and the result of verifying water leakage is shown. The verification of the water leakage is performed by specifically injecting water into each of the prototype moisture-permeable modules 2 so that the water level is always 200 mm (see FIG. 13), and the end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 and the adhesive 26 are adhered to each other. The presence or absence of water leakage from the interface was observed. FIG. 20 shows the result. Note that, at the beginning of the water injection, no significant deformation or crushing was observed at the lower end of the moisture-permeable tube 10 to which a water head pressure of 200 mm was applied in any of the prototypes.
[Type of adhesive]
1. Sanyuresin urethane compound resin manufactured by Sanyurec Co., Ltd .; product number SU-2153-9 (viscosity: 1230 cps, pot life: 120 minutes)
2. Sanyuresin urethane-containing resin manufactured by Sanyurec Co., Ltd .;
3. Polyurethane resin for casting manufactured by H & K Corporation; Part number T-143 (viscosity 1500 cps, pot life 20 minutes)
4. Cemedine Co., Ltd. epoxy resin adhesive; product number 1565 (viscosity 1500 cps, pot life 30 minutes)
5. Acrylic resin adhesive manufactured by Cemedine Co., Ltd .; product number Y616 (viscosity 5000 cps, pot life 4 minutes)
6. Toray Dow Corning Silicone Co., Ltd. two-component mixed type RTV silicone rubber; product number CY51-038 RTV (viscosity 500 cps, pot life 20 minutes)
7. One-component sealant manufactured by Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd .; SE9186LRTV, viscosity 25000 cps, pot life 7 minutes)
In addition, 1. ~ 3. Are two-component urethane-based adhesives; Is a two-component epoxy adhesive; Is a two-component mixed acrylic adhesive; Is a two-component mixed silicone adhesive; Is a one-part silicone adhesive.
[0094]
As shown in the table of FIG. 20, in the prototypes using various adhesives except the silicone type, no water leakage was observed, and very good performance was confirmed. In addition, with respect to [Aspect 1] and [Aspect 2] of the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment, verification of water leakage was performed in exactly the same manner as described above. It could be confirmed.
[0095]
Next, as a typical example, the moisture-permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment is connected to a moisture-permeable tube 10 (inner diameter: 4.6 mm, outer diameter: 5.0 mm, wall thickness: 0.2 mm). FIG. 21 shows the results of verifying the humidification amount of a plurality of prototypes each having 468 pieces as one module, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, verification of the humidification amount is performed by injecting water as needed into each of the prototype moisture-permeable modules 2 so that the water level is always constant (see FIG. 13), and into the moisture-permeable tube 10 at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40%. % Of the water in tank 1 when air was blown in was measured. FIG. 21 shows the relationship between the speed of air passing through the moisture-permeable tube 10 and the amount of humidification (the amount of water reduction, that is, the amount of water permeated) per unit surface area of the moisture-permeable tube 10 for 24 hours.
[0096]
As shown in the graph of FIG. 21, when the length of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 81 mm, the tube surface area is 0.6 m. ² And the humidification amount is 12000 g / m when the passing wind speed is 3.2 m / sec. ² -24 hrs was recorded. When the length of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 125 mm, the tube surface area is 0.9 m. ² When the passing wind speed is 3.2 m / sec, the humidification amount is 10,000 g / m. ² -24 hrs was recorded. When the length of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 175 mm, the tube surface area is 1.2 m. ² And the humidification amount is 7500 g / m when the passing wind speed is 3.2 m / sec. ² -24 hrs was recorded. Although the surface area increases as the tube lengthens, the passing air velocity is increased because the concentration difference at the water / air interface through the tube is highest at the tube inlet and approaches the saturated water vapor at the air temperature near the outlet. At 2 m / sec or less, it became clear that the efficiency did not increase even if the tube length was increased.
[0097]
Next, the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment is changed in length by changing the length of the moisture permeable tube 10 (inner diameter: 4.6 mm, outer diameter: 5.0 mm, wall thickness: 0.2 mm) to 468. FIG. 22 shows the results of verifying the humidification amount when heated air was supplied to a plurality of prototypes each having a book as one module. The verification of the humidification amount is, specifically, in an environment of a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40%, water is injected as needed into each of the prototype moisture-permeable modules 2 so that the water level is always constant (see FIG. 13). The temperature of the air heated by the heater 4 in the moisture-permeable tube 10 was measured, and the amount of water reduction in the tank 1 when the air was sent was measured. FIG. 22 shows the relationship between the surface area of the moisture-permeable tube 10 and the amount of humidification of the moisture-permeable tube 10 for 24 hours (the amount of reduced water, that is, the amount of water permeation).
[0098]
As shown in the graph of FIG. 22, the air temperature changes to 43 ° C., 33 ° C., and 31 ° C. depending on the wind speed passing through the tube. The slower the wind speed passing through the tube, the higher the air temperature. The surface area of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 0.6 m ² At this time, the humidification amount was recorded as 7200 to 7700 g / 24 hrs depending on the air temperature. The surface area of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 0.9 m ² At this time, the humidification amount was recorded as 8700 to 10200 g / 24 hrs depending on the air temperature. The surface area of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is 1.2 m ² At this time, the humidification amount was recorded from 10000 to 12000 g / 24 hrs depending on the air temperature. By increasing the air temperature by the heater, the humidification amount can be increased even at a passing wind speed of 3.2 m / sec, and the humidifying capacity is improved by adjusting the tube passing wind speed and the temperature of the air sent to the module.
[0099]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the humidifier according to the present invention, since the moisture-permeable polyurethane transmits only water at the molecular level and does not transmit bacteria and scales, it prevents diffusion of bacteria into the air and reduces micropores. Can be prevented from deteriorating due to clogging. In addition, since clogging hardly occurs, the time interval between regular or irregular maintenance and replacement work of the component made of the moisture-permeable polyurethane can be lengthened, resulting in unnecessary labor and cost associated with replacement during use. Can be reduced.
[0100]
Further, according to the present invention, by arranging the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes in a plurality of rows, the water vapor inside the moisture-permeable module can be easily released, and the moisture can be smoothly transmitted. Therefore, highly efficient operation is possible.
[0101]
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, since the amount of water which permeate | transmits a moisture-permeable tube can be controlled by adjusting the drive amount of a pump, it does not have the mechanism which heats water with a heater and produces humidified air conventionally. It is also possible to create a desired humidity environment.
[0102]
According to the present invention, the air passage in the moisture permeable module has a wavy shape, so that turbulence occurs on the surface of the moisture permeable tube, and low-humidity air sequentially fed to the moisture permeable module is used as the moisture permeable tube. The surface of the water-permeable tube comes into active contact with the surface of the water-permeable tube, and the permeation of moisture due to the imbalance in the humidity inside and outside of the tube becomes active, so that highly efficient operation is possible.
[0103]
According to the present invention, since the passages of the air in the moisture permeable module intersect with each other, the flow of the air sent to the moisture permeable module is changed, and the low-humidity air sequentially sent to the moisture permeable module has a low moisture permeability. Active contact with the surface of the tube increases moisture permeation due to an imbalance in humidity between the inside and outside of the moisture permeable tube. Furthermore, since the individual moisture-permeable tubes are arranged without contact with others, the permeation of moisture due to the imbalance in humidity between the inside and outside of the moisture-permeable tubes becomes active, so that highly efficient operation is possible.
[0104]
According to the present invention, by arranging portions except for both ends of the moisture-permeable tube in water, and by allowing water to permeate from the outside to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube, by adopting a structure that scavenges the inside of the moisture-permeable tube. The outside of the moisture-permeable tube may be quasi-statically filled with water, and there is no need to consider the pressure loss during ventilation as in a structure that ventilates the outside of the moisture-permeable tube. Therefore, the interval between the moisture-permeable tubes can be reduced, and the humidifier can be downsized. In addition, since air is caused to flow through the tubular moisture-permeable tube, the pressure loss is unlikely to be reduced, so that less power is required for scavenging, which is economical. Furthermore, by forming a moisture permeable module with a closed water tank, the water injected into the moisture permeable module does not spill even if the humidifier is roughly moved or dropped, and the inside of the device and the There is no wetting around the installation location. In addition, since the moisture permeable module can be freely laid out inside the humidifier without considering the orientation of the moisture permeable tube, it is advantageous in miniaturizing the humidifier.
[0105]
According to the present invention, a structure is employed in which water permeates from the outside to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube and the inside of the moisture-permeable tube is scavenged, and the entire length of the moisture-permeable tube is longer than the distance between the fixed positions at both ends. By doing so, even if the entire length of the moisture-permeable tube changes due to swelling, no excessive stress acts on the moisture-permeable tube itself or the fixed portions at both ends, so that the durability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a moisture permeable tube 10 constituting the moisture permeable module 2.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example of forming a moisture-permeable tube.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
6 is a view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan sectional view showing an arrangement of a moisture permeable tube 10 constituting the moisture permeable module 2. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan sectional view showing an arrangement of a moisture permeable tube 10 constituting the moisture permeable module 2;
8A is a side view of the moisture permeable module 2 of FIG. 7 as viewed from the direction in which air flows in, and FIG. 8B is a side view of the moisture permeable module 2 in FIG. 7 as seen from a direction orthogonal to the direction of air flow. FIG.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a view showing a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a water tank 15.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic configuration diagram of a humidifier.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the moisture permeable module 2.
15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the lower lid 21. FIG.
FIG. 16 is a side view showing a more specific arrangement of devices of a humidifier including the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing an aspect of a bottom plate having a structure different from that of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an aspect of a bottom plate having a structure different from that of FIGS. 15 and 17;
19 is a perspective view showing an open water tank 20. FIG.
FIG. 20 is a table showing the results of a plurality of prototypes of the moisture permeable module 2 shown in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, with the type of the adhesive 26 being changed, and verifying the leakage of water.
FIG. 21 shows a prototype of a plurality of 468 moisture-permeable modules 2 shown in an eighth embodiment of the present invention in which 468 tubes are made into one module by changing the length of the moisture-permeable tube 10, and the humidification amount thereof is verified. It is a graph which shows the result of having performed.
FIG. 22 shows a trial production of a plurality of the moisture-permeable modules 2 shown in the eighth embodiment of the present invention in which the length of the moisture-permeable tube 10 is changed and 468 tubes are made into one module, and the heated air is heated. It is a graph which shows the result of having verified the humidification amount at the time of sending in.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 tank
2 Moisture permeable module
3 fans
4 heater
10. Moisture permeable tube
13,15,20 Aquarium

Claims (26)

An isocyanate component, a diol as a chain extender, and polyethylene glycol as a polyol component are used at least as raw materials, and a moisture-permeable polyurethane obtained by reacting these raw materials is provided,
A humidifier characterized by supplying moisture permeated through the moisture-permeable polyurethane to an arbitrary space for humidification. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the diol as the chain extender is 1,4-butanediol. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the polyethylene glycol as the polyol component has a molecular weight of 600 or more and 4000 or less. 4. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the isocyanate component is 4-4 ′ methylenebisphenyl isocyanate. 5. The ratio of the chain extender to the polyol component is adjusted within a range of 1 mol to 11 mol of the chain extender per 1 mol of the polyol component. 5. The humidifier according to any one of 4. The ratio between the isocyanate component and the polyol component is adjusted so that the isocyanate component is in a range of 2 mol to 12 mol with respect to 1 mol of the polyol component. 5. The humidifier according to any one of 5. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, wherein a silicone-type polyol is used in addition to polyethylene glycol as the polyol component. The moisture-permeable polyurethane is formed into a tubular shape to form a moisture-permeable tube, and water is supplied to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube to allow the moisture to permeate to the outside. A humidifier according to any one of claims 7 to 10. The humidifier according to claim 8, further comprising a pump that supplies the water under pressure into the moisture-permeable tube. The one end of the moisture-permeable tube is disposed above the other end of the moisture-permeable tube, and the water flows through the moisture-permeable tube from the other end toward the one end. A humidifier according to claim 9. The one end of the moisture-permeable tube is disposed above the other end of the moisture-permeable tube, and the water flows from the one end to the other end of the moisture-permeable tube. A humidifier according to claim 9. The moisture-permeable polyurethane is formed into a tubular shape to form a moisture-permeable tube, portions of the moisture-permeable tube other than both ends are placed in water, and water is transmitted from the outside to the inside of the moisture-permeable tube. The humidifier according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, wherein the inside is scavenged. The humidifier according to claim 12, wherein the total length of the moisture-permeable tube is longer than the distance between the both ends. The humidifier according to any one of claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, further comprising a moisture permeable module in which a plurality of the moisture permeable tubes are connected in parallel. The said vapor-permeable tube was arrange | positioned so that the cross section of this vapor-permeable tube might make a several line when it sees from the longitudinal direction of this vapor-permeable tube, The Claims 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 14. The humidifier according to any one of 13 above. The humidifier according to claim 15, wherein the rows of the moisture-permeable tubes are arranged so that a cross section of the moisture-permeable tube is wavy when viewed from the length direction. The said vapor-permeable tube was arrange | positioned so that the cross section of this vapor-permeable tube might make a zigzag shape when it sees from the longitudinal direction of this vapor-permeable tube, The Claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 characterized by the above-mentioned. A humidifier according to any one of the above. Isocyanate component, a diol as a chain extender, polyethylene glycol as a polyol component as a raw material at least using a moisture-permeable polyurethane obtained by reacting them into a tubular to form a moisture-permeable tube,
A moisture-permeable module, wherein a plurality of the moisture-permeable tubes are bundled and held, and portions excluding both ends of the plurality of moisture-permeable tubes are arranged inside a water tank. The water tank is a closed type having a water inlet, and both ends of each moisture-permeable tube disposed inside are connected to the inner surface of the water tank, and the inside of each moisture-permeable tube is passed through a hole formed on the outer surface of the water tank. 19. The moisture permeable module according to claim 18, wherein the module is exposed to the outside. The water tank has an open shape with an upper part opened, one end of each moisture permeable module arranged inside is connected to the inner surface of the water tank, and the inside of each moisture permeable tube is formed on the outer surface of the water tank. 19. The moisture permeable module according to claim 18, wherein the moisture permeable module is exposed to the outside through a through hole. A part of the water tank is resin-molded, and the end of the moisture-permeable tube is adhered in the process of solidifying the resin, and the inside of each moisture-permeable tube is connected to the outside of the water tank through a hole formed in a part of the water tank. The moisture permeable module according to claim 18, wherein the moisture permeable module is exposed. 22. The moisture-permeable module according to claim 21, wherein a resin body for preventing deformation of the moisture-permeable tube to the inside is formed on an inner surface of an end portion of the moisture-permeable tube. On the inner surface of the water tank, a tubular portion communicating with the hole is erected, and the end of the moisture permeable tube is attached to the tubular portion to connect the moisture permeable tube to the water tank. The moisture-permeable module according to claim 18, wherein: 24. The moisture-permeable module according to claim 23, wherein an adhesive is adhered to an inner surface of the water tank to adhere the water tank and the moisture-permeable tube. 23. The moisture-permeable module according to claim 22, wherein an adhesive is filled between the tubular portion and the moisture-permeable tube adhered to the tubular portion and both are adhered. The moisture permeable module according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the water stored in the water tank is allowed to permeate water from the outside to the inside of the moisture permeable tube, and the inside of the moisture permeable tube is scavenged. Features humidifier.

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