JP2008202827A - Evaporating filter and humidifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an evaporating filter performing humidification by evaporating water, capable of preventing contamination, and intrusion of bacteria and molds into the evaporating filter, easily removing dirt by being washed, and keeping cleanness, by improving dispersibility of a hydrophobic inorganic material adaptable to a base material not having hydrophilic property or water absorbing property, and evenly and uniformly applying the inorganic material to the base material. <P>SOLUTION: As this evaporating filter 11 obtained by applying the process liquid composed of the inorganic material 12, a synthetic resin emulsion 13, water 14 and a polar solvent 15 other than water to the filter base material 17 having voids through which air can pass, and drying the same, can be applied to various base materials and inorganic materials, the evaporating filter and the humidifying device capable of taking advantage of the base materials and inorganic materials can be provided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vaporizing filter and a humidifying device using the same.

  An example of a conventional humidifier is shown in FIG. That is, the end surface of the sheet-shaped vaporization filter 101 deformed into a wave shape or a U-shape is immersed in the water tank 102, and the humidified air is passed by the fan 103 through the interval between the sheet-shaped vaporization filters 101 that sucked up water. Air is obtained (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In addition, in order to impart stable water absorption and antibacterial properties, this type of vaporization filter is impregnated with a synthetic resin emulsion containing a hydrophilic porous fine powder and an antibacterial agent to impregnate the hydrophilic filter. There is also one in which a porous porous fine powder and an antibacterial agent are attached to a substrate via a synthetic resin. That is, as shown in an example in FIG. 6, the vaporization filter 201 immersed in the water tank 202 carries the hydrophilic porous fine powder and the antibacterial agent on itself, and the vaporization filter 201 sucked up the water Then, stable humidified air is obtained by bringing dry air into contact (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 2514145 Japanese Patent No. 3128581

  However, in the method in which dry air is passed through a vaporization filter that sucks up water, a trace amount of compounds containing elements such as silicon, calcium, and magnesium contained in the supplied water, bacteria, and mold also enter the vaporization filter. Therefore, there is a problem that even after washing, the dirt is not easily removed and cannot be kept clean.

  Moreover, the method of making a vaporization filter by impregnating a base material with a synthetic resin emulsion is limited to the case where a hydrophilic porous fine powder is supported on a hydrophilic base material. That is, water does not enter the inside of the base material that is not hydrophilic or does not absorb water, and the surface of the base material is soiled, but the inside of the base material is not soiled or bacteria are not propagated. There is an advantage that it can be easily washed and kept clean, but since the synthetic resin emulsion does not work well, the hydrophilic porous fine powder and the antibacterial agent are uniformly supported on the substrate surface. It was difficult. Further, since the dispersion of the hydrophobic inorganic material is inhibited in the aqueous synthetic resin emulsion, it is difficult to apply the hydrophobic inorganic material to the substrate. Therefore, the subject that the material of a base material and an inorganic material which can be processed as a vaporization filter are restricted, and the subject that the shape of a vaporization filter is restricted occurred.

  The present invention solves such problems, and is suitable for a substrate that is not hydrophilic or does not absorb water, so that a treatment liquid containing an inorganic material and a synthetic resin emulsion is uniformly applied to the substrate surface. A vaporizing filter coated and supported on the substrate is provided. Non-hydrophilic or non-water-absorbing base materials can also be used, water does not enter the base material, the base material surface is soiled, but the base material interior is not soiled or bacteria are propagated Therefore, it can be easily washed and can be kept clean. In addition, by improving the dispersibility of a hydrophobic inorganic material and enabling it to be applied to a substrate, a vaporization filter supported without selecting hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity of the inorganic material is provided. Further, the present invention provides a vaporization filter to which effects such as ion exchange ability, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and adsorption of impurities in water are added by selecting the properties of the inorganic material. Moreover, the humidification device which mounts the vaporization filter of this invention is provided.

  The present invention is a vaporization filter in which a treatment liquid composed of an inorganic material, a synthetic resin emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water is applied to a substrate having a void through which air can pass.

  Further, the polar solvent other than water is alcohol.

  Further, the volume mixing ratio of water and a polar solvent other than water is characterized in that the ratio of the polar solvent other than water to water 1 is greater than 0 and 7 or less.

  Further, the synthetic resin emulsion contains acrylic.

  Moreover, the synthetic resin emulsion is characterized by containing colloidal silica.

  Further, the solid component of the synthetic resin emulsion is characterized by containing a weight ratio of 8% or more with respect to the inorganic material.

  In addition, the inorganic material is porous.

  Further, the inorganic material includes any one of zeolite, talc, diatomaceous earth, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium fluoride, kaolin, allophane, and silica.

  In addition, the inorganic material is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment.

  In addition, the inorganic material includes a metal.

  In addition, the inorganic material has an ion exchange ability.

  Further, the inorganic material includes two or more kinds of metals.

  Further, the base material has a three-dimensional network structure.

  In addition, an antibacterial material is added to the vaporization filter.

  Moreover, it is a humidification apparatus provided with the vaporization filter in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14, the water supply means which supplies water to the said vaporization filter, and the ventilation means which ventilates the said vaporization filter.

  The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a water supply means for supplying water to the vaporization filter, a blower means for blowing air to the vaporization filter, and the vaporization filter by the blower means. It is a humidifying device provided with an air heating means for heating the air to be blown.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vaporization filter in which a treatment liquid containing an inorganic material and a synthetic resin emulsion is uniformly applied and supported on the surface of a substrate, which is well suited to a substrate that is not hydrophilic or does not absorb water. In addition, by improving the dispersibility of hydrophobic inorganic materials and allowing them to be applied to the substrate, water that is not hydrophilic or has no water absorption can be prevented from entering water inside the substrate. The surface of the base material is soiled, but the inside of the base material is not soiled or bacteria are propagated, so that the advantage that it can be easily cleaned and can be kept clean, and A vaporization filter that can be used without selecting the hydrophilicity / hydrophobicity of the inorganic material can be provided. Furthermore, by selecting the properties of the inorganic material, it is possible to provide a vaporization filter to which effects such as ion exchange capacity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and adsorption of impurities in water are added. In addition, the present invention provides a humidifier equipped with a vaporization filter having the above effects.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention has a void through which air can pass through a treatment liquid composed of an inorganic material, a synthetic resin emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water in a vaporization filter that performs humidification by vaporizing water. It is characterized by being applied to a substrate. By using a synthetic resin emulsion, the adhesive strength between the base material and the inorganic material can be increased, and powder falling off can be prevented. In addition, by mixing a polar solvent other than water with the treatment liquid, it is well-suited to non-hydrophilic or non-water-absorbing substrates, and can be applied evenly and uniformly, and is not hydrophilic or non-water-absorbing. A substrate can be used. Non-hydrophilic or non-water-absorbing substrates are easy because water does not enter the interior of the substrate and the surface of the substrate is soiled, but the interior of the substrate is not soiled or bacteria are propagated. It can be washed and has the effect of being kept clean. Moreover, in order to improve the dispersibility of the hydrophobic inorganic material and make it possible to apply to the base material, it is possible to use base materials and inorganic materials of various materials, and to create vapor filters of various shapes It has the effect. Further, by selecting the properties of the inorganic material, the vaporization filter can have various effects such as ion exchange capacity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and adsorption of impurities in water. In addition, since the inorganic material is excellent in heat resistance and moisture resistance, there is little deterioration in the inorganic material itself in an atmosphere in which wetting and drying are repeated, and this has the effect of imparting durability to the vaporization filter. Also, if the inorganic material is a fine particle, when it is supported on the base material, it forms a fine uneven shape on the base material, and the surface area increases, so the contact area of dry air and water increases, and the humidification efficiency This has the effect of improving the above.

  In addition, the polar solvent other than water is alcohol, and by adding alcohol, the surface tension is reduced, compared to the case where a liquid dispersed using only water is used. The familiarity to the surface is improved, and the treatment liquid can be applied widely and thinly on the surface of the substrate, so that the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased and the humidification efficiency can be improved. Further, since the volatility of the treatment liquid is increased by adding alcohol, the drying time required for immobilization of the treatment liquid on the substrate can be shortened. Moreover, it has the effect of suppressing foaming of the processing liquid. Moreover, the bacteria adhering to the base material at the time of manufacture can be sterilized and cleaned. Moreover, the fats and oils adhering at the time of processing of a base material can be dissolved and removed.

  The volume mixing ratio of water and a polar solvent other than water is such that the ratio of the polar solvent other than water to water 1 is greater than 0 and 7 or less. When the ratio of the polar solvent is greater than 0 and 7 or less, the synthetic resin emulsion can be stably present in the treatment liquid and has an effect of preventing gelation.

  Further, the synthetic resin emulsion is characterized by containing acrylic. Since acrylic is excellent in water resistance, it has the effect of improving the water resistance of the vaporization filter exposed to water for a long time and extending the life. In addition, since acrylic is polymerized, the base material and the inorganic material are connected by a plurality of functional groups, high adhesive strength is obtained, and the carried inorganic material has an effect of preventing peeling. In addition, since acrylic is a chemically stable substance, even if it is left for a long time, it does not easily undergo modification such as gelation, and is excellent in workability.

  Further, since the synthetic resin emulsion contains colloidal silica, the inorganic material and the colloidal silica are bonded via a silanol group, so that higher adhesive strength can be obtained and peeling of the inorganic material from the base material can be prevented. It has the effect. Also, in synthetic resin emulsions containing colloidal silica, fusion is partially inhibited by the colloidal silica on the surface of the synthetic resin particles during drying, resulting in voids surrounded by the colloidal silica. Can be formed. For this reason, the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased, the contact area of dry air and water is increased, and higher humidification performance can be obtained as compared with the case where a synthetic resin emulsion not containing colloidal silica is used. It has the effect.

  Further, the solid component of the synthetic resin emulsion contains 8% or more by weight with respect to the inorganic material, and the base material contains 8% or more by weight of the solid component of the synthetic resin emulsion with respect to the inorganic material. Adhesive strength of the inorganic material with respect to is sufficient, and the peeling of the inorganic material from the base material can be prevented.

  In addition, the inorganic material is porous, and because the inorganic material is porous, for example, pure water (specific electricity) such as bacteria and dead bodies, excess ions, mineral components, surfactants, etc. Since the impurities in the water that are not included in the resistance (with a resistance in the range of 1 to 10 MΩ · cm) are adsorbed and removed in the holes, the water tank is hardly contaminated.

  In addition, the inorganic material includes any one of zeolite, talc, diatomaceous earth, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium fluoride, kaolin, allophane, and silica. If the inorganic material is zeolite, depending on the type, odor-causing substances such as ammonia, surfactants, minerals, and the like can be removed by in-pore adsorption. In addition, zeolite has a cation exchange capacity, can remove calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water, and prevents the precipitation of the scale on the vaporization filter to reduce the humidification efficiency. This has the effect of extending the lifespan. In addition, talc has the property of adsorbing surfactants, so it is considered that surfactants can be removed, and it is hydrophobic and has the property of repelling water on the vaporization filter. It is possible to prevent airflow hindrance caused by stretching. In addition, since diatomaceous earth has a pore structure, bacteria, dead bodies, surfactants, minerals and the like can be removed by adsorption in the pores. Moreover, since it has good water retention and can retain a large amount of water, it has the effect of efficient humidification. In addition, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and calcium fluoride have strong hydrophilicity and thus have a strong interaction with water, thereby preventing airflow inhibition due to the formation of a water film on the vaporization filter. Moreover, since it has a good water holding capacity and can hold a large amount of water, it has an effect of performing efficient humidification. In addition, kaolin has anion exchange ability, so it can remove anions such as chloride ions in water. In addition, allophane has cation exchange capacity and anion exchange capacity, so it can remove cations such as chloride ions, calcium ions and magnesium ions in water, and the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in humidification efficiency due to the fact that the lifetime of the vaporization filter can be extended. In addition, since silica has good water retention and can hold a large amount of water, it has an effect of efficient humidification.

  In addition, it is characterized by applying a hydrophobic treatment to the inorganic material. By applying a hydrophobic treatment to the inorganic material, water is easily separated from the substrate, and a water film is formed between the voids of the substrate. In order to prevent this, it is possible to prevent the air flow from being blocked by the water film, and to provide a vaporization filter having a large contact area between water and dry air and good humidification efficiency. It also has an effect of adsorbing a surfactant having a large molecular weight in the hydrophobic part due to hydrophobic interaction.

  In addition, the inorganic material contains a metal, and the inorganic material contains a metal, so that in a humidifier having a heating means, heat generated from the heating means can be efficiently taken in and transferred to water. Since the water is easily vaporized, the humidification efficiency can be increased. Further, if the metal inorganic material is a metal having an antibacterial effect such as copper, silver, or zinc, it is possible to prevent the propagation of bacteria and mold on the water and the vaporization filter.

  In addition, the inorganic material has an ion exchange ability. Since inorganic materials have cation exchange capacity, cations such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in tap water can be removed, and the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter, reducing the humidification efficiency. Since it can prevent, it has the effect that the lifetime of a vaporization filter can be extended. Further, if the inorganic material has anion exchange ability, anions such as chloride ions in water can be removed.

  In addition, if the inorganic material carries at least two kinds of metals having different oxidation-reduction potentials, an electric field is formed in water, and bacteria are attracted to and adsorbed on the metal surface, thereby preventing reproduction.

  The substrate is characterized by a three-dimensional network structure. If the substrate is a three-dimensional network structure, the surface area of the substrate is large, and the contact area between dry air and water on the vaporization filter is large. In order to increase, humidification efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since the opening is large, it is difficult to cause clogging even when a scale is deposited on the vaporization filter, and the effect of preventing the air passage from being obstructed can be obtained. Further, since the network structure can hold a large amount of water at a time, it has an effect that more water can be given to the passing air.

  Moreover, it is characterized by adding an antibacterial material to the vaporization filter. By adding an antibacterial material, it is possible to prevent bacteria from growing on the vaporization filter and to keep the vaporization filter clean. Moreover, the smell and dirt by propagation of bacteria can be prevented, and clean humidification can be performed. In addition, the propagation of bacteria in the water tank in contact with the vaporization filter can be prevented.

  Moreover, it is a humidification apparatus provided with the vaporization filter in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 14, the water supply means which supplies water to the said vaporization filter, and the ventilation means which ventilates the said vaporization filter, Water supply Humidification is performed by allowing air to pass through the vaporizing filter supplied with water from the means by the blowing means. In addition, the amount of humidification can be easily controlled by controlling the amount of water and blown air supplied to the vaporizing filter. In addition, by using the vaporization filter of the present invention, cations and anions in water, bacteria and their dead bodies, mineral components, removal of odor-causing substances such as ammonia, surfactants, antibacterial, antifungal, scale prevention, Effects such as longer filter life and lower pressure loss can be obtained.

  The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a water supply means for supplying water to the vaporization filter, a blower means for blowing air to the vaporization filter, and the vaporization filter by the blower means. In the humidifier equipped with the air heating means for heating the air to be blown, the air introduced into the humidifier, that is, the air blown to the vaporization filter is heated, so that the saturation of the air passing through the vaporization filter The amount of water vapor increases and a higher humidification capacity can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a cross section of the vaporization filter. As shown in FIG. 1, the vaporization filter 11 is a treatment liquid obtained by mixing porous zeolite particles as an inorganic material 12, acrylic as a synthetic resin emulsion 13, water 14 and ethanol as a polar solvent 15 other than water. These are applied to the urethane foam voids 16 as the three-dimensional network structure filter substrate 17 having the voids 16 through which air can pass, and the substrate surface 18.

  By drying this, water 14 and ethanol as the polar solvent 15 other than water are volatilized, and the porous zeolite particles as the inorganic material 12 are fixed via the acrylic as the synthetic resin emulsion 13.

  In the above configuration, the material of the filter base material is not particularly limited. For example, resin, metal, ceramics, or the like can be used. Examples of resins include polyamides, polyimides, polyesters, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polycarbonates, acrylics, celluloses, and copolymers and derivatives thereof, which are excellent in moldability. In addition, if metal is used, it has excellent durability and antibacterial properties such as silver, copper, nickel, and zinc can be used to add antibacterial properties to the vaporization filter. Continuous use.

  Further, if the filter base material is not water-absorbing like metal, water is held only in the surface layer portion and does not enter the inside of the base material. Since the passing air is less likely to enter the deep part of the substrate of the vaporization filter instantly, it is easier for the water to be removed when the dry air passes because the water is held only in the surface layer, and a high humidifying capacity is obtained. It is done. Further, since ceramics are excellent in heat resistance and moisture resistance, durability in use under an atmosphere of repeated drying and wetting can be obtained. Further, if the inside of the gap is hydrophilic, the supplied water spreads instantly inside the gap, and the area of contact with water increases when the air passes, so that the humidifying ability is further improved.

  In addition, the shape of the filter is not particularly limited as long as it has a gap, but for example, the base material has a three-dimensional network structure, so that the surface area of the base material increases, and the contact between dry air and water on the vaporized filter occurs. The area is increased, and the humidification efficiency can be improved. Moreover, the opening area is large, and even if the scale is deposited on the vaporizing filter, it is difficult to cause clogging, and it is difficult to obstruct the ventilation path. Moreover, the net-like structure can obtain an effect that a lot of water can be retained at one time. As the three-dimensional network structure, there are a shape in which fibers are entangled and a foamed shape. For example, in a shape in which fibers are entangled, steel wool, a three-dimensional three-dimensional knitted fabric composed of a front surface portion, a connecting portion, and a back surface portion can be cited. Examples of the shape include foam metal, foam resin, and ceramic foam.

  In addition, as the inorganic material supported on the filter base material, porous materials such as zeolite, talc, diatomaceous earth, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium fluoride, kaolin, allophane, silica, and materials obtained by hydrophobizing these materials , Metals, and materials having ion exchange ability. Since these inorganic materials are excellent in heat resistance and moisture resistance, and the deterioration of the inorganic material itself is small, an effect of imparting durability to the vaporization filter can be obtained.

  Since the inorganic material is porous, for example, bacteria, dead bodies thereof, excess ions, mineral components, surfactants, etc., which are not contained in pure water (with a specific electric resistance in the range of 1 to 10 MΩ · cm) Since the impurities can be adsorbed in the holes and removed, the effect that the water tank is hardly soiled can be obtained.

  Further, when the inorganic material is zeolite, depending on the type, substances causing odor such as ammonia, surfactants, minerals, and the like can be removed by adsorption in the pores. In addition, since it has cation exchange capacity, it can remove calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water, and it can prevent the scale from precipitating on the vaporization filter and lowering the humidification efficiency. The effect that it can be extended is acquired. Further, the type of the synthetic resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, acrylic, and those obtained by polymerizing colloidal silica. By using these synthetic resins as a binder, the adhesive strength between the inorganic material and the filter base material can be obtained, and the inorganic material can be prevented from peeling from the vaporized filter. In addition, since the synthetic resin emulsion contains acrylic, acrylic has excellent water resistance, and thus has an effect of improving the water resistance of the vaporization filter exposed to water for a long time and extending the life. In addition, since acrylic is polymerized, the base material and the inorganic material are connected by a plurality of functional groups, high adhesive strength is obtained, and the carried inorganic material has an effect of preventing peeling.

  In addition, since acrylic is a chemically stable substance, even if it is left for a long time, it does not easily undergo modification such as gelation, and is excellent in workability. In addition, the method of supporting an inorganic material using a synthetic resin emulsion is based on a synthetic resin emulsion, an inorganic material, water, and a polar solvent other than water mixed in advance at an arbitrary ratio to obtain a treatment liquid. There are a method of applying to the surface, a method of forming a synthetic resin layer on the surface of the base material, and then supporting an inorganic material. In a method in which a synthetic resin emulsion, an inorganic material, water, and a polar solvent other than water are mixed in advance and applied as a treatment liquid to the substrate surface, the filter substrate is immersed in the treatment liquid, and the substrate surface is then immersed. A mixed film of an inorganic material and a binder can be formed. At this time, since a film is formed on the surface of the substrate, the inorganic material is easily supported uniformly.

  In addition, a treatment liquid in which an inorganic material, a synthetic resin emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water are mixed can be sprayed onto the substrate using a spray or the like. At this time, since the inorganic material can be loaded on the surface of the base material, a desired amount of the inorganic material can be easily loaded. In the method of applying a binder, water, and a polar solvent other than water to the substrate surface and forming a synthetic resin layer and supporting an inorganic material, the particles are not embedded in the synthetic resin emulsion, and the inorganic material is uniformly distributed. There is an advantage that can be carried. In either case, the affinity between the treatment liquid and the substrate can be increased by arbitrarily adjusting the synthetic resin emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water, and the treatment liquid can be uniformly applied to the substrate. Therefore, the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased, and the humidification efficiency can be improved.

  Any kind of polar solvent other than water can be used as long as the synthetic resin emulsion can exist stably. For example, if an alcohol such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol is used, it is inexpensive and easily volatilizes at a low temperature. There is an advantage that the drying time at the time of preparation is short.

  Further, the volume mixing ratio of water and polar solvent other than water is such that the ratio of polar solvent other than water to water 1 is greater than 0 and 7 or less, so that the synthetic resin emulsion is stably present in the treatment liquid. It is possible to prevent denaturation such as gelation of the treatment liquid.

  In addition, by including the solid component of the synthetic resin emulsion in a weight ratio of 8% or more with respect to the inorganic material, the adhesive strength of the inorganic material to the base material is sufficient, and the effect of preventing the inorganic material from peeling from the base material is obtained. It is done.

(Embodiment 2)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in an example of a cross section in FIG. 2, the vaporization filter 21 is obtained by mixing zeolite, a colloidal silica-containing acrylic resin layer 23, water and isopropyl alcohol as a hydrophobically treated inorganic material 22 having ion exchange ability. The coating material 25 is applied to a filter base 25 having air gaps 24 through which air can pass and dried, whereby a hydrophobic treatment-containing inorganic material 22 having ion exchange capacity is applied to the air gaps 24 and the substrate surface 26. It is fixed through the acrylic resin layer 23.

  In the above configuration, by applying hydrophobic treatment to the inorganic material, the repulsion between the inorganic material and water is strengthened, so that water is repelled from above the base material to prevent the formation of a water film between the gaps of the base material. Thus, a vaporization filter having a large contact area between water and dry air and having a low pressure loss can be provided. In addition, as for the hydrophobicity of an inorganic material, this effect is so large that the hydrophobicity is high. Further, it has an effect of adsorbing a surfactant having a large molecular weight in the hydrophobic part.

  In addition, since the inorganic material has ion exchange capacity, if the inorganic material has cation exchange capacity, calcium ions and magnesium ions in the water can be removed, and the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter to increase the humidification efficiency. As a result, the lifetime of the vaporization filter can be extended. Further, if the inorganic material has anion exchange ability, anions such as chloride ions in water can be removed.

  Further, since the synthetic resin emulsion contains colloidal silica, the inorganic material and the colloidal silica are bonded via a silanol group, so that higher adhesive strength can be obtained and peeling of the inorganic material from the base material can be prevented. It has the effect. In addition, in synthetic resin emulsions containing colloidal silica, fusion is partially inhibited by the colloidal silica on the surface of the synthetic resin particles during drying, resulting in voids surrounded by the colloidal silica. Can be formed. For this reason, the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased, the contact area of dry air and water is increased, and the effect of increasing the humidification performance by 3 to 14% compared to a synthetic resin emulsion not containing colloidal silica is obtained. It is done.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in an example of a cross section in FIG. 3, the vaporization filter 31 is a treatment formed by mixing two kinds of metal inorganic materials such as copper 32 and zinc 33, an antibacterial material 34, a colloidal silica-containing acrylic resin layer 35, water and ethanol. The liquid is applied to urethane foam 37 as a base material having a gap 36 through which air can pass, and dried, so that copper 32, zinc 33, and antibacterial material 34 are placed on the gap 36 or urethane surface 38, and the colloidal silica-containing acrylic resin layer. It is fixed via 35.

  In the said structure, if an inorganic material contains a metal, if a metal inorganic material is a metal with an antibacterial effect, such as copper, silver, and zinc, reproduction of bacteria and mold on water or a vaporization filter can be prevented.

  In addition, for example, if at least two kinds of metals having different redox potentials are supported, an electric field is formed in water, bacteria are attracted to the metal surface, and the effect of suppressing activity and preventing reproduction can be obtained. it can.

  Moreover, by including an antibacterial material, it is possible to prevent bacteria and molds from propagating on the vaporizing filter, and the vaporizing filter can be kept clean. Although it does not specifically limit as an antibacterial material, For example, as an antibacterial agent, the inorganic compound which elutes metal ions, such as silver, copper, and zinc, the metal fine particle of silver, copper, and zinc, silver zeolite, silver containing zirconium phosphate, iodine compounds , Phenols, quaternary ammonium salts, imidazole compounds, benzoic acids, hydrogen peroxide, cresol, chlorhexidine, irgasan, aldehydes, sorbic acid and other drugs, lysozyme, cellulase, protease and other enzyme preparations, catechins, bamboo Examples include natural component extracts such as extracts, Japanese cypress extracts, wasabi extracts and mustard extracts. Examples of the fungicide include organic nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, organic acid esters, organic iodine imidazole compounds, and benzazole compounds.

(Embodiment 4)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in Embodiments 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifying device 41. The humidifying device 41 includes a vaporizing filter 42, a fan 43 serving as a blowing unit, and a water tank serving as a water supply unit 44. An air heating unit 45 is provided between the vaporizing filter 42 and the fan 43. As a heater. The dry air 46 taken into the humidifying device 41 by the fan 43 is heated by the heater as the air heating means 45 and then comes into contact with the vaporizing filter 42 and passes through. At this time, the vaporization filter 42 receives water 47 from the water tank as the water supply means 44 and is in a moist state, so that water is vaporized, and humidified high-humidity air 48 is supplied to the downstream side.

  In the above configuration, humidification can be performed with low power when no heater is used. Further, the amount of humidification can be easily controlled by controlling the rotational speed of the fan.

  Moreover, if the air heating means is used, the saturated vapor pressure increases, so that a higher humidification capability can be obtained. The air heating means does not necessarily have to be a heater, and may be anything that can heat air, such as a halogen lamp.

(Example 1) Vaporization filter An acrylic emulsion and an acrylic emulsion containing colloidal silica were diluted 10 times with a solution in which water: isopropyl alcohol was mixed at a volume ratio of 1: 1, and zeolite and an antibacterial material were added thereto. The solution was stirred. The prepared treatment liquid was sprayed on both the front and back surfaces of the polyurethane foam having a three-dimensional network structure. Then, it was made to dry for 20 minutes at about 100 degreeC, and the vaporization filter was created.

  Table 1 shows the humidification performance of the vaporization filter prepared using only the base material and each of the acrylic emulsion and colloidal silica-containing acrylic emulsion, with 100 being the base material only. Although either the acrylic emulsion or the colloidal silica-containing acrylic emulsion is improved, the humidification performance is improved, but it was confirmed that the humidification performance was highest when the colloidal silica-containing acrylic emulsion was used.

(Example 2) Stability of acrylic emulsion An acrylic emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water were mixed at an arbitrary ratio, and the dispersion stability of the acrylic emulsion when a polar solvent other than water was added was evaluated. For evaluation, an acrylic emulsion containing colloidal silica and ethanol as a polar solvent other than water were used. Table 2 shows the dispersion stability by visual evaluation for each blending ratio. The volume ratio of ethanol to water was shown considering the amount of water contained in the acrylic emulsion. It was confirmed that when the volume ratio of ethanol and water was 5.7, the dispersion state of the acrylic emulsion was slightly deteriorated, and when it exceeded 7, the treatment liquid was completely gelled.

(Example 3) Adhesive strength between acrylic emulsion and inorganic material The acrylic emulsion was diluted 10 times with a solution in which water: ethanol was mixed at a volume ratio of 1: 4.5, and the inorganic material was shown in Table 3. A vaporization filter was prepared by the method of Example 1 with the treatment liquid added at a ratio. Note that zeolite was used as the inorganic material, and colloidal silica-containing acrylic emulsion was used as the acrylic emulsion. The adhesive strength between the acrylic emulsion and the inorganic material was judged by visually confirming the state of peeling of the inorganic material when the prepared vaporization filter was lightly rubbed with a finger. Table 3 shows the ratio of the acrylic emulsion solid component to the inorganic material and the adhesion state of the inorganic material. The resin solid component in Table 3 refers to the solid component of the acrylic emulsion. It was confirmed that when the acrylic emulsion solid component was less than 8% of the weight of the inorganic material, the adhesive strength of the acrylic emulsion was insufficient, and the inorganic material was peeled off.

  By using the vaporization filter of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vaporization filter having effects such as ion exchange capacity, hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and adsorption of impurities in water by selecting the properties of the inorganic material. It can also be applied to applications such as humidifiers, industrial humidifiers, and industrial humidifiers.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vaporization filter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Schematic sectional view of a vaporization filter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Schematic sectional view of a vaporization filter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Schematic sectional view of a humidifier according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Schematic perspective view of conventional humidifier Sectional view of a conventional vaporization filter attached to a water tank

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Vaporization filter 12 Inorganic material 13 Synthetic resin emulsion 14 Water 15 Polar solvent other than water 16 Void 17 Filter base material 18 Base material surface 21 Vaporization filter 22 Hydrophobized inorganic material 23 Colloidal silica containing acrylic resin layer 24 Void 25 Filter group Material 26 Substrate surface 31 Vaporization filter 32 Copper 33 Zinc 34 Antibacterial material 35 Colloidal silica-containing acrylic resin layer 36 Void 37 Urethane foam 38 Urethane surface 41 Humidifier 42 Vaporization filter 43 Fan 44 Water supply means 45 Air heating means 46 Dry air 47 Water 48 High-humidity air 101 Vaporization filter 102 Water tank 103 Fan 201 Vaporization filter 202 Water tank

Claims (16)

A vaporization filter, wherein a treatment liquid composed of an inorganic material, a synthetic resin emulsion, water, and a polar solvent other than water is applied to a substrate having a space through which air can pass. The vaporization filter according to claim 1, wherein the polar solvent other than water is alcohol. 3. The vaporization filter according to claim 1, wherein the volume mixing ratio of water and a polar solvent other than water is such that the ratio of the polar solvent other than water to water 1 is greater than 0 and 7 or less. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the synthetic resin emulsion contains acrylic. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the synthetic resin emulsion contains colloidal silica. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the solid component of the synthetic resin emulsion contains 8% or more by weight of the inorganic material. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inorganic material is porous. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inorganic material contains any one of zeolite, talc, diatomaceous earth, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium fluoride, kaolin, allophane, and silica. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inorganic material is subjected to a hydrophobic treatment. The vaporization filter according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic material contains a metal. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inorganic material has an ion exchange ability. The vaporization filter according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic material contains two or more kinds of metals. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the substrate has a three-dimensional network structure. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an antibacterial material. A humidifying device comprising: the vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a water supply unit that supplies water to the vaporization filter, and a blower unit that blows air to the vaporization filter. The vaporization filter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, water supply means for supplying water to the vaporization filter, blower means for blowing air to the vaporization filter, and air blown to the vaporization filter by the blower means. A humidifier equipped with air heating means for heating the air.

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