JP2011241993A - Humidifier and air cleaner with humidifying function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier capable of obtaining high humidifying performance, and to reduce the power consumption of the humidifier in regard to a humidifier humidifying dry indoor air.SOLUTION: The humidifier includes a body 12 having a suction port 21 and an outlet 11 for air, a humidifying filter 14 in an air duct 13 making the suction port 21 communicate with the outlet 11, a tray 15 for arranging the humidifying filter 14, a tank 16 for supplying water to the humidifying filter 14, and a fan motor 17 sending air. By providing, at the humidifying filter 14, a water absorption passage composed of threads bundling a plurality of filaments and lengthening the water absorption passage more than a linear passage, a water capacity of the humidifying filter 14 can be increased, and the high humidifying performance can be obtained without the shortage of water supply even if a humidification speed from the humidifying filter 14 is increased. By this, the power consumption of the humidifier can be reduced.

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifying device for humidifying dry room air and an air cleaning device with a humidifying function.

  Conventionally, this type of humidifying device is known to form a water-absorbing sheet containing 20 to 80% by mass of fibers having a fiber diameter of 3 to 15 μm to form a humidifying filter (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

  Hereinafter, the humidifying filter will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown to Fig.7 (a), the humidification filter 101 consists of the nonwoven fabric 102 as a water absorbing sheet, makes a corrugated structure a structural unit, and naturally absorbs water from the water storage part 103 with which water was filled. When the nonwoven fabric 102 contains 20 to 80% by mass of fibers having a fiber diameter of 3 to 15 μm and at least a part thereof is thermally welded, the humidification filter 101 having excellent humidification performance and durability can be obtained. .

JP 2005-156006 A

  In such a conventional humidifying device, the humidifying filter is a corrugated structure using a nonwoven fabric as a water absorbent sheet, and there are a plurality of straight water absorption paths in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is difficult for water to be absorbed in a path connecting a plurality of straight water absorption paths, and the humidification filter functions only locally.For example, when a large amount of humidification is performed, the amount of water absorption cannot catch up and higher humidification performance is achieved. It was sought to get.

  Therefore, the present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a humidifier capable of obtaining high humidification performance by not having a vertical straight water absorption path in the humidification filter.

  And in order to achieve this object, the present invention comprises a main body having an air inlet and an outlet, and a humidifying filter for humidifying air in an air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet, A humidifying device comprising a tray for disposing the humidifying filter, a water supplying means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, and a blowing means for sending air to the humidifying filter, wherein the humidifying filter includes: A water absorption path composed of yarns in which a plurality of filaments are bundled is provided, and in the vertical direction, the water absorption path is longer than a straight path, thereby achieving the intended purpose. is there.

  According to the present invention, a main body having an air inlet and an outlet, and a humidifying filter for humidifying air in the air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet, and the humidifying filter are disposed. A humidifying device comprising a tray, water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, and air blowing means for sending air to the humidifying filter, wherein the humidifying filter is a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. By providing a configured water absorption path and the water absorption path is longer than the straight path in the vertical direction, water supply and moisture release in the humidification filter are performed in a well-balanced manner, and high humidification efficiency can be obtained.

Schematic sectional view showing a humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. (A) Schematic showing the knitted fabric in which the opening in the humidifying device forms a substantially circular shape, (b) Schematic showing the knitted fabric in which the opening forms a hexagon. (A) Schematic showing the circular opening of the knitted fabric in the humidifier, (b) Schematic showing the rhomboid opening, (c) Schematic showing the rectangular opening, (d) The triangular opening (E) Schematic showing the hexagonal opening, (f) Schematic showing the parallelogram opening The schematic perspective view which shows the knitted fabric in the humidification apparatus of Embodiment 2 of this invention. Schematic sectional view showing an air cleaning device with a humidifying function according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The graph which shows the relationship between the water absorption path | route of a present Example, a water absorption speed | rate, and a moisture release speed | rate. (A) Schematic perspective view showing a conventional humidifier, (b) Schematic showing details of the humidification filter

  A humidifier according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a main body having an air inlet and an outlet, a humidifying filter for humidifying air in an air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet, and the humidifier. A humidifying device comprising a tray for arranging a filter, water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, and air blowing means for sending air to the humidifying filter, wherein the humidifying filter has a plurality of A water absorption path constituted by yarns in which filaments are bundled is provided, and the water absorption path is longer than a straight path in the vertical direction. Thereby, since the water retention amount of a humidification filter can be kept much, even if the moisture release rate from a humidification filter becomes quick, water supply does not run short and can obtain high humidification performance.

  Moreover, the water absorption path | route provided to the humidification filter is the distance of 105% or more and 150% or less with respect to a linear path | route in the orthogonal | vertical direction, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Thereby, since the water retention amount of a humidification filter can be kept much, even if the moisture release rate from a humidification filter becomes quick, water supply does not run short and can obtain high humidification performance.

  Further, the humidifying filter may be composed of a knitted fabric made of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. Thereby, compared with the case where the yarn is composed of one filament, a large number of intervals are generated in the yarn, so that the capillary phenomenon is likely to occur, and the water retention amount of the humidifying filter can be kept large. Thereby, even if the moisture release rate from a humidification filter becomes high, water supply does not run short and high humidification performance can be obtained. Further, even if some filaments break during use, the humidification performance can be maintained for a long time without greatly deteriorating the function and shape.

  The knitted fabric may have a plurality of openings, and the opening diameter may be 3 mm or more. This prevents the opening from being clogged with the supplied water, and even when accelerating humidification by sending a large amount of air to the humidification filter, the pressure loss can be kept low. Can be realized.

  Further, the humidifying filter may be a laminate of knitted fabrics. Thereby, since the water retention amount of a humidification filter can be kept much, even if the moisture release rate from a humidification filter becomes quick, water supply does not run short and can obtain high humidification performance.

  Further, a plurality of laminated knitted fabrics may be connected by a yarn. As a result, the water absorbed by the knitted fabric is also transmitted to the yarn between the knitted fabrics, and when the air is sent to the humidifying filter, the probability of contact between the air and water increases, so that high humidification performance can be obtained. it can. Further, since the knitted fabric can be maintained in three dimensions, the shape stability can be obtained.

  Further, in a plurality of laminated knitted fabrics, two adjacent knitted fabrics may be laminated while maintaining an interval of 2 mm or more. As a result, the water absorbed by the knitted fabric is also transmitted to the yarn between the knitted fabrics, and when the air is sent to the humidifying filter, the probability of contact between the air and water increases, so that high humidification performance can be obtained. it can. Further, since the knitted fabric can be maintained in three dimensions, the shape stability can be obtained.

  Further, a part of the humidifying filter may be submerged. Thereby, since water can be naturally supplied from the submerged portion to the entire humidifying filter without using power, low power consumption of the humidifying device can be realized. When the humidification filter is operated using power, water can be supplied more efficiently.

  Further, the humidifying filter may be antibacterial and / or antifungal. Thereby, propagation of germs and molds in the humidifying filter can be prevented, and cleanliness can be maintained over a long period of time.

  An air cleaning device with a humidifying function according to claim 11 includes a main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, and an air purification filter for purifying air in an air passage communicating the air inlet and the air outlet. A humidifying filter for humidifying air, a tray for arranging the humidifying filter, a water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter, and a blowing means for sending air to the air purification filter and the humidifying filter The air purifier with a humidifying function is provided with a water absorption path composed of yarns in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. Thereby, not only the purification of the air but also the humidity can be given to the air at the same time, and a higher air quality can be obtained.

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

(Embodiment 1)
The humidifier shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 12 having an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet 11, and a humidifying filter for humidifying air in an air passage 13 communicating the air inlet and the air outlet 11. 14, a tray 15 for disposing the humidifying filter 14, a tank 16 as water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter 14, and a fan motor 17 as air blowing means for sending air to the humidifying filter 14 It is equipped with. The lower part of the humidification filter 14 is immersed in the water in the tray 15.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifying filter 14 is constituted by a knitted fabric 18 made of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. In the knitted fabric 18, a portion made of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled bears a water absorption path. The water absorption path is a distance of 105% to 150% with respect to the straight path in the vertical direction. Here, the water absorption path represents the shortest path from the lower end to the upper end when the knitted fabric is arranged vertically. Some knitted fabrics 18 have openings 19 as shown in (a) and (b).

  With the above configuration, the water absorption path is longer than the straight path, water absorption is performed using almost all of the water absorption path, and the water retention amount of the humidification filter 14 can be kept large, so that the moisture release rate from the humidification filter 14 is high. Even if it becomes, the water supply does not run short and high humidification performance can be obtained.

  Furthermore, since the water absorption of the humidification filter 14 can be performed without power, low power consumption of the humidifier can be realized.

  In addition, if the humidifying filter is composed of a knitted fabric made of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled, a large number of intervals occur in the yarn as compared to the case where the yarn is composed of a single filament. Capillary phenomenon is likely to occur, and the water retention amount of the humidifying filter 14 can be kept large. Therefore, even if the moisture release rate from the humidifying filter 14 is increased, water supply is not insufficient, and high humidifying performance can be obtained. it can. As a method of bundling a plurality of filaments, a so-called multifilament can be used, short fibers can be twisted together, or a plurality of monofilaments can be used together. To supply more water faster, it is better to bundle a large number of thin filaments. Thereby, a large surface area can be secured and the effect of water absorption by capillary action can be enhanced.

  As the yarn constituting the knitted fabric 18, for example, polyester (contact angle 67 degrees), nylon (contact angle 73 degrees), acrylic (contact angle 80 degrees), glass fiber (contact angle 10 degrees), or the like can be used. . What exhibits a water contact angle of 10 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees on the surface of the material is a so-called hydrophilic surface. Further, the contact angle can be set to 10 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees by applying or bonding a hydrophilic agent such as a silicate material to the surface of the material. As a result, the water compatibility of the yarn surface is improved, the capillary phenomenon is liable to occur, and the water retention amount of the humidifying filter 14 can be kept large, so that the water supply can be performed even if the moisture release rate from the humidifying filter 14 is increased. High humidification performance can be obtained without shortage. In addition, when dirt is attached, it is easy to remove the dirt because of good water compatibility.

  The knitted fabric may have a plurality of openings, and the opening diameter may be 3 mm or more. FIG. 3 shows (a) a circle (b) a rhombus (c) a rectangle (d) a triangle (e) a hexagon (f) a parallelogram as an example of the opening 19 of the knitted fabric 18. If the opening 19 is circular, the opening diameter R can be represented by the diameter. When the opening 19 is a polygon, if the inscribed circle can be drawn, the diameter of the inscribed circle may be considered as the opening diameter R. In the case where the opening 19 is a polygon in which an inscribed circle cannot be drawn, for example, a rectangle or a parallel six-shaped deformation, the short diameter of the inscribed ellipse should be considered as the opening diameter R. If the opening diameter R of the opening of the knitted fabric is 3 mm or more, the opening 19 is prevented from being blocked by the supplied water, and even when a large amount of air is sent to the humidifying filter 14 to accelerate humidification, the pressure loss Therefore, low power consumption of the humidifier can be realized. Further, even when dirt adheres, the opening 19 is not easily blocked, so that ventilation is not hindered, and the humidification performance can be maintained over a long period of time.

  Even when the humidifying filter 14 is not composed of a knitted fabric, a similar effect can be obtained by forming a water absorption path by arranging, for example, rope-shaped yarns bundled with a plurality of filaments around the humidifying filter 14. .

  If the lower part of the humidification filter 14 is immersed in the water in the tray 15, water can be naturally supplied from the submerged part to the entire humidification filter 14 without using power. Electricity can be realized. At this time, dirt contained in the water may be sucked up by the humidifying filter 14 together with water. In this case, the attached dirt can be removed by making the knitted fabric 18 washable. it can.

  Furthermore, if the knitted fabric 18 has antibacterial and / or antifungal properties, it is possible to prevent the proliferation of germs and molds in the humidifying filter 14, and to maintain cleanliness over a long period of time. Examples of a method for imparting antibacterial properties to the humidifying filter 14 include means of kneading an antibacterial agent at the time of fiber production, or immersing the fiber, thread, or the humidifying filter 14 in an aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion of the antibacterial agent. There is. Antibacterial agents include those containing metal ions such as silver, copper and zinc, those containing drugs such as quaternary ammonium salts, imidazole compounds, cresol and sorbic acid, and those containing enzymes such as lysozyme, cellulase and protease. , Catechins, bamboo extract, cypress extract and other natural component extracts. Further, organic nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, organic acid esters, benzazole compounds, and the like, which have a high antifungal effect, may be included. In view of the characteristics that the humidifying filter 14 is used in water, it is better to use a material having low solubility in water.

(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 4, the humidifying filter 14 is formed by laminating two knitted fabrics 18. The knitted fabric 18 has an opening 19. As a result, the water absorption path in the humidifying filter 14 can be increased and the amount of water retained in the humidifying filter 14 can be kept large, so that the water supply is insufficient even when the moisture release rate from the humidifying filter 14 is increased. And high humidification performance can be obtained. The interval between the plurality of laminated knitted fabrics is indicated by A in the figure.

  Further, if the plurality of laminated knitted fabrics are connected by the connecting yarn 20, the water absorbed by the knitted fabric is also transmitted to the connecting yarn 20 between the knitted fabrics, and when the air is sent to the humidifying filter 14, Since the contact probability between air and water increases, high humidification performance can be obtained. In order to transmit the water absorbed by the knitted fabric between the knitted fabrics, it is preferable to impart a capillary phenomenon to the connecting yarn 20. For example, the contact angle of water on the material surface of the connecting yarn 20 can be 10 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees, or a thread in which a plurality of filaments are bundled can be used. Further, since the knitted fabric is connected and the knitted fabric can be maintained in three dimensions, the shape stability can be obtained.

  As a method of connecting the knitted fabrics with yarns, arbitrary points on the knitted fabric 18 may be connected with yarns, or when creating the knitted fabric 18, two knitting machines are used from the beginning using a double raschel knitting machine or the like. A three-dimensional knitted fabric having a shape in which the ground 18 is connected may be obtained.

  If two adjacent knitted fabrics 18 are laminated while maintaining a distance of 2 mm or more in the plurality of laminated knitted fabrics 18, the water absorbed by the knitted fabric 18 is also transmitted to the connecting yarn 20, and the humidifying filter Since the contact probability between air and water when air is sent to 14 increases, high humidification performance can be obtained. Further, since the knitted fabric 18 can be maintained in a three-dimensional manner, shape stability can be obtained. The plurality of laminated knitted fabrics 18 do not necessarily have an equal interval. For example, when four knitted fabrics 18 are laminated, there are three intervals, but each is different, for example, 2 mm / 4 mm / 8 mm. May be.

  Moreover, the humidification filter 14 may be washable. Thereby, since the stain | pollution | contamination adhering to the humidification filter 14 can be removed, high humidification performance and cleanliness can be maintained over a long period of time. When the plurality of laminated knitted fabrics 18 are connected by yarns, the shape of the humidifying filter 14 can be easily maintained stably even during the cleaning operation, and can be used cleanly over a long period of time.

(Embodiment 3)
The air purifying apparatus with a humidifying function shown in FIG. 5 is for purifying air in a main body 12 having an air inlet 21 and an air outlet 11 and an air passage 13 communicating the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 11. A dust collecting filter 22 and a deodorizing filter 23 as an air purification filter, a humidifying filter 14 for humidifying air, a tray 15 for arranging the humidifying filter 14, and supplying water to the humidifying filter 14. A tank (not shown) as water supply means, and a fan motor 17 as air blowing means for sending air to the dust collection filter 22, the deodorizing filter 23 and the humidification filter 14.

  The humidifying filter 14 is provided with a water absorption path composed of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. The water absorption path is a distance of 105% to 150% with respect to the straight path in the vertical direction.

  The installation positions of the dust collection filter 22 and the deodorization filter 23 are not particularly limited as long as an air cleaning effect can be obtained, but if they are arranged as shown in FIG. 5, the air passing through the humidification filter 14 is purified in advance. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the humidifying filter 14, the fan motor 17 and the like. As the dust collection filter 22, a nonwoven fabric, HEPA, an electrostatic filtration filter, an electric dust collection filter, etc. can be used. As the deodorizing filter 23, it is possible to use an adsorbent such as granular activated carbon or zeolite attached to a base material, packed in a breathable bag, processed into a sheet shape, or the like.

  Various knitted fabrics were obtained and cut into 25 cm × 10 cm as test pieces. At this time, the longitudinal direction (25 cm) was the horizontal direction and the short direction (10 cm) was the vertical direction, and it was confirmed that the water absorption path length at that time was 100% to 147% with respect to the straight path.

  First, the water absorption rate was measured. The water absorption rate (ml / min) was calculated by measuring the amount of water absorption (g) per unit cloth piece for 1 minute after water immersion using the “Byreck method” defined in JISL1907.

  Next, using the humidifier shown in FIG. 1, the moisture release rate when air was passed was measured. Under a constant energy input, the air discharge rate decreases in a knitted fabric with high pressure loss, so the moisture release rate decreases. This time, the moisture evaporation amount when dry air of 20 ° C. and 30% RH was passed at 0.6 m / sec was expressed as a moisture release rate (ml / min).

  The graph shown in FIG. 6 is a plot of the characteristics of various knitted fabrics with the horizontal axis as the water absorption path length, the vertical first axis as the water absorption rate (ml / min), and the vertical second axis as the moisture release rate (ml / min). It is.

  In the region where the water absorption path length is smaller than 105% and the region larger than 150%, the water absorption rate exceeds the moisture release rate. In a region smaller than 105%, the water absorption rate is very high, and it is considered that the moisture release rate has not caught up. In a region larger than 150%, the water absorption rate is low, but the moisture release rate is low, and it is considered that most of the air passes through the knitted fabric without coming into contact with moisture.

  Theoretically, the highest humidification performance can be obtained at the point where the water absorption rate and the moisture release rate coincide with each other. For these reasons, these matching points are not necessarily the best performance. However, for example, in the region where the water absorption path length is 105% or more and 150% or less, the water absorption speed is low. This can reduce the contact angle of water on the material surface of the yarn constituting the knitted fabric or configure the knitted fabric. It can be said that it is a region where higher humidification performance can be obtained because it can be improved while keeping the pressure loss low by changing to a large surface area while maintaining the volume of the yarn to be .

  Since the humidifying device according to the present invention can achieve high humidification efficiency because the water supply and moisture release in the humidifying filter are performed in a well-balanced manner, it is possible to obtain a humidifying device for home and business use with a humidifying function. It is useful as an air cleaning device, an air conditioner, a cold air fan or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Air outlet 12 Main body 13 Air path 14 Humidification filter 15 Tray 16 Tank 17 Fan motor 18 Knitted fabric 19 Opening 20 Connecting thread 21 Suction port 22 Dust collection filter 23 Deodorizing filter 101 Humidification filter 102 Nonwoven fabric 103 Water storage part

Claims (10)

A main body having an air inlet and an outlet, a humidifying filter for humidifying air in an air passage communicating the inlet and the outlet, a tray for arranging the humidifying filter, and the humidifying filter A humidifying device comprising water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter and air blowing means for sending air to the humidifying filter, wherein the humidifying filter has a water absorption path composed of yarns in which a plurality of filaments are bundled. The humidifying device is characterized in that, in the vertical direction, the water absorption path is longer than the straight path. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the water absorption path given to the humidifying filter is a distance of 105% or more and 150% or less with respect to the straight path in the vertical direction. The humidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidifying filter is formed of a knitted fabric made of yarn obtained by bundling a plurality of filaments. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the knitted fabric has a plurality of openings, and the opening diameter is 3 mm or more. The humidifying device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the humidifying filter is formed by laminating knitted fabrics. The humidifying device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of laminated knitted fabrics are connected by a yarn. The humidifying device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, in a plurality of laminated knitted fabrics, two adjacent knitted fabrics are laminated while maintaining an interval of 2 mm or more. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a part of the humidifying filter is submerged. The humidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the humidifying filter has antibacterial and / or antifungal properties. A main body having an air inlet and an air outlet, an air purification filter for purifying air in an air passage communicating the air inlet and the air outlet, a humidifying filter for humidifying the air, and the humidification An air cleaning device with a humidifying function, comprising: a tray for arranging a filter; water supply means for supplying water to the humidifying filter; and air blowing means for sending air to the air purification filter and the humidifying filter. An air cleaning device with a humidifying function, wherein the humidifying filter is provided with a water absorption path composed of a yarn in which a plurality of filaments are bundled.

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