JP4698753B2 - Humidifier and air purifier with humidification function - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier that humidifies dry indoor air and an air cleaner with a humidifying function.

  Conventionally, in such a humidifier, air is sent to the filter (vaporization filter) in a wet state by a blower and brought into contact with the filter base material, whereby moisture is vaporized to obtain humidified air. A structural device is used.

  An example of a conventional humidifier is shown in FIG. In the humidifying device 100 of FIG. 11, a water-absorbing vaporization filter 101 is arranged in a state where a part of the water-absorption vaporization filter 101 is immersed in the water 103 of the water tank 102, and a heater 104 is arranged in front of the vaporization filter 101. . Humidified air is obtained by allowing the air heated by the heater 104 to pass through the vaporization filter 101 that sucks up the water 103 from the water tank 102 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, as a vaporizing filter used in a conventional humidifying device, as shown in the humidifying device 200 of FIG. 12, a hollow cylindrical vaporizing filter 201 having a three-dimensional skeleton configuration rotates while immersing the lower part in water storage 202. There is one that forcibly supplies water to the entire vaporization filter 201 (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  There is also an adsorption element for adsorbing moisture in the air and performing humidity adjustment such as humidification and dehumidification. As shown in FIG. 13, a cylindrical adsorption element 301 is formed by holding an adsorbent in a honeycomb structure, and a large number of ventilation cells 302 are provided on the peripheral surface (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Further, there is also known an air purifier having a humidifying function in which the humidifying function of such a conventional humidifying device is added to an air purifier that purifies air, that is, an air purifier that purifies and humidifies air ( For example, see Patent Document 4).

Japanese Patent No. 2514145 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-274096 JP 2006-305482 A JP 2005-61655 A

  In such a conventional humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidifying function, the water that is generally supplied is tap water, and the water is supplied because it contains trace amounts of elements such as silicon, calcium, and magnesium. In the process of drying the vaporized filter, it deposits as a scale on the surface of the filter. When the water supply to the vaporization filter 101 is by natural suction as in the humidifier 100 of FIG. 11, the effect of sucking water is significantly reduced along with this scale deposition. Therefore, in order to maintain the humidification capability, it is necessary to periodically remove precipitates on the vaporization filter, and reduction of work for removing such precipitates, that is, reduction of maintenance is required.

  Further, in the humidifier 200 as shown in FIG. 12 for forcibly supplying water by rotating the vaporization filter 201, the three-dimensional skeleton structure of the vaporization filter 201 holds water well, so that the vaporization filter 201 is excessive. Water is likely to exist. For this reason, an increase in pressure loss is inevitable, and a reduction in pressure loss of the vaporization filter has been required.

  Further, in the adsorption element 301 in which the adsorbent is held in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 13, the ventilation cell 302 where the air and the adsorption element 301 come into contact is surrounded by the corrugated sheet and the flat sheet. However, since the wall surface is flat, the surface area is small. Therefore, when humidification is performed, the vaporization efficiency of moisture is low because the contact area between air and the adsorbing element is small, and it is necessary to increase the size of the vaporization filter in order to obtain high humidification performance. In addition, in the case of humidification by the adsorption element, since moisture in the air is used, it is not suitable as a humidifier for obtaining stable humid air in a short time.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, and provide a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidification function that can suppress a decrease in humidification ability even if scale is deposited on the vaporization filter. There is. In addition, the pressure loss can be reduced and the humidification operation can be performed silently, and by increasing the surface area of the vaporization filter, the contact efficiency between the air passing through and the water present on the vaporization filter can be increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidification function that can obtain high humidification performance even in a compact size.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.

The humidifying device of the present invention is formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are communicated with each other. A vaporization filter using a three-dimensional structure as a filter base material, a water supply device for supplying water to the vaporization filter to wet the filter base material, air is sent to the wet filter base material, and the openings are communicated A knitted fabric having a plurality of openings in which the first base material and the second base material have a plurality of openings, and two knitted fabrics are formed by a plurality of connecting fibers. A three-dimensional knitted fabric that is connected at intervals and retains water between the knitted fabric and the connecting fibers is configured as a filter base, and the filter base has a plurality of portions that define one opening in one knitted fabric At least one of the stitches From stitches, a plurality of stitches having the portion defining the opposite one of the openings in the other knitted fabric, extends connecting fiber is more than four, are connected the knitted fabric with each other defining an opening therebetween, stereoscopic in knitting, the total circumference of each cross section of the connecting fibers in the 2.54cm angle, der least 700mm is, is to hold the water in the gap between adjacent coupling fibers.

Moreover, the air cleaner with a humidification function of the present invention includes a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are communicated with each other. A vaporization filter using a three-dimensional structure formed by coupling as a filter base, an air purification filter for purifying air, a water supply device for supplying water to the vaporization filter and moistening the filter base, and air purification A blower that sends the purified air that has passed through the filter to the wetted filter substrate, passes the air through an opening communicated with the filter substrate, and sends out the humidified air purified from the vaporization filter, and One base material and a second base material are knitted fabrics having a plurality of openings, and two knitted fabrics are connected to each other with a plurality of connecting fibers at intervals, and water is retained between the knitted fabric and the connecting fibers. The knitted fabric In the filter base material, a portion defining one opening in the other knitted fabric from at least one stitch of the plurality of stitches included in the portion defining one opening in the one knitted fabric is formed. In the plurality of knitted fabrics, four or more connecting fibers extend so that the knitted fabrics defining each other's openings are connected to each other, and in the three-dimensional knitted fabric, the total circumference of each cross section of the connecting fibers at 2.54 cm square but der least 700mm is, is to hold the water in the gap between adjacent coupling fibers.

  According to the present invention, a tertiary formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are communicated with each other. Since a vaporization filter using the original structure as a filter base material is used, a continuous opening for allowing air to pass through is secured in the filter base material. Therefore, even if the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter due to the vaporization of water, it is possible to provide a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidification function that can maintain the humidification ability without being reduced in water retention and air permeability. . Moreover, since the opening connected with the filter base material is ensured, pressure loss can be reduced and a humidification operation can be performed silently. In addition, since the amount of water present on the vaporization filter can be kept optimal by changing the surface properties and number of the connecting fibers, the pressure loss is low and the humidification operation can be performed silently. Further, the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased by holding the water between the connecting fibers or by attaching the water to the connecting fiber surface to hold the water. Therefore, the contact efficiency between the air passing therethrough and the water present on the vaporization filter is increased, and a humidifier and an air cleaner with a humidification function capable of obtaining high humidification performance even in a compact manner can be provided.

These aspects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: In this drawing,
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a vaporization filter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the vaporization filter according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a vaporization filter according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air cleaner with a humidifying function of a seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 1 of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 2 of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a conventional humidifier, FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional humidifier, FIG. 13: is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the moisture absorption element of a prior art example, FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a vaporization filter according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic partially enlarged perspective view of the vaporization filter of FIG. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the vaporization filter according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 4 of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 4, FIG. 19 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 5 of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 6 of the present invention, FIG. 21 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 7 of the present invention, FIG. 22 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 8 of the present invention, FIG. 23 is a graph showing the measurement results of Example 9 of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a water retention state in the vaporization filter of the eighth embodiment, FIG. 25 is a schematic view showing a water retention state in a comparative example (filter base material in which the number of connected fibers is further increased) with respect to the vaporization filter of FIG.

  Prior to describing embodiments according to the present invention, some aspects of the present invention will be described first in relation to the features and effects thereof.

  A humidifying device according to one aspect of the present invention connects a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are communicated with each other. A vaporization filter using the three-dimensional structure formed as a filter base, supplying water to the vaporization filter to wet the filter base, and sending air to the wet filter base, And a blowing device that allows air to pass through the communication opening and sends out humidified air from the vaporizing filter.

  According to such a configuration, since the opening of the first base material and the opening of the second base material are communicated with each other in the filter base material to secure an air passage, the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter. However, water retention and air permeability are unlikely to decrease, and a decrease in humidification ability due to scale deposition can be suppressed. In addition, the amount of water present on the vaporization filter can be kept optimal by controlling the amount of water supply and changing the surface properties and number of the connecting fibers of the three-dimensional structure constituting the vaporization filter. Is low and can be humidified with low noise. Further, the connecting fiber that connects the first base material and the second base material holds water between the connecting fibers, or attaches to the surface of the connecting fiber to hold water, thereby reducing the surface area of the vaporization filter. Can be increased. Therefore, the contact efficiency between the air passing therethrough and the water present on the vaporization filter is increased, and a humidifier capable of obtaining high humidification performance even in a compact manner can be provided.

  Each filter base material is laminated so that the opening of one filter base material and at least a part of the opening of another filter base material communicate with each other so that a three-dimensional structure is formed. It may be. Thereby, shape and intensity | strength can be maintained in the vaporization filter which increased thickness by lamination | stacking, ensuring the channel | path of the air in a vaporization filter.

  Moreover, you may make it the 1st base material and the 2nd base material be formed with one or more types of fiber members. Examples of the fiber member include natural fibers, metal fibers, and resin fibers. By selecting the type of fiber member, for example, if a hard fiber member is used, the opening shape can be maintained, and if a flexible fiber member is included, the moldability can be improved, and the water absorption property can be improved. If a certain fiber is used, the water familiarity of a vaporization filter can be improved more.

  Further, the filter base material of the vaporization filter may be formed of two or more different fiber members. In this way, by selecting the type of the fiber member, necessary functions such as water absorption, water repellency, and flexibility can be provided.

  Further, the fiber member may be formed of a resin material. For example, when the fiber member includes a water-absorbing resin material, more water can be held in the vaporization filter, the contact efficiency between air and water can be increased, and high humidification performance can be obtained. In addition, if the fiber member contains a resin material that does not absorb water (or has low water absorption), the retained water can be easily released. Therefore, the amount of water retained on the vaporization filter and the pressure loss can be controlled by changing the amount of the water. Can do. Moreover, when using the fiber member formed with the resin material, a vaporization filter can be reduced in weight compared with the case where heavy fiber members, such as a metal, are used.

  Moreover, you may make it a connection fiber have a softness | flexibility higher than a 1st base material and a 2nd base material. If the fibers constituting the three-dimensional structure are flexible, the filter can be easily molded and processed. The term “flexibility” as used herein refers to a material that does not break even when a bending force is applied. Moreover, if the fiber which has elasticity is included, the effect that it will return even if it deform | transforms will be acquired.

  The connecting fiber may have water absorption. If the connecting fiber has water absorption, the filter base material can hold more water, the passing air can contact more water, and high humidification performance can be obtained even if it is compact.

  Moreover, a connection fiber may have water retention. In the case where water is not sucked into the connecting fibers and water is attached only to the surface and held, there is an advantage that moisture can be easily released and the humidification speed is fast. At the same time, since water and dirt adhere only to the fiber surface, the effect of facilitating cleaning can be obtained.

  Moreover, you may make it the unevenness | corrugation be formed in the surface of a connection fiber. By forming fine irregularities on the surface of the connecting fibers and holding water droplets on these irregularities, the connecting fibers can hold more water, and the contact efficiency between the passing air and water can be increased, High humidification performance can be obtained. Such fine irregularities represent, for example, those having a depth of 100 μm or less, and do not include depth 0 (zero).

  Concavities and convexities may be formed by supporting an attachment material on the surface of the connecting fiber. If fine irregularities can be obtained by supporting, i.e., fixing, the adhering material, when water is given to the vaporization filter, water can be widely retained by forming a water film by physical action on the irregularities. Further, if air is allowed to flow through the vaporized filter that has retained water, the water that is widely held in the unevenness is volatilized and humidified, and high humidification performance is obtained. For example, the size of the unevenness can be easily changed by selecting the particle size of the additive. In addition, the water retention amount can be controlled by selecting the properties of the adhering material and the binder. In addition, since the connecting fibers are bonded and fixed with a binder, a vaporization filter that is hard to fray and has high strength can be obtained.

  Further, if the supporting material to be carried is water-repellent, water and dirt are attached only to the surface of the mounting material, so that an effect of facilitating cleaning can be obtained.

  The portion that defines the opening of the first base material and the portion that defines the opening of the second base material are connected by connecting fibers, and in the filter base material, there are three or more connecting fibers for one opening. It may be. Thereby, a connection fiber can hold | maintain sufficient water quantity. If the number is 18 or more, the balance between the contact area between the passing air and the retained water may be improved.

  Further, if the connecting fiber has a diameter of 1 mm or less, the air passage can be secured by reducing the volume occupied by the fiber with respect to the air passage.

  The openings of the first base material and the second base material may be formed in a substantially circular shape or a polygonal shape, and the diameter or the longest diagonal line may be 2 mm or more. By doing in this way, since water becomes a film | membrane form and does not block an opening, the raise of the pressure loss at the time of water supply can be suppressed, and the effect that a humidification driving | operation can be performed silently is acquired.

  Further, if the shape of the openings of the first base material and the second base material is substantially circular or regular polygonal, the water does not form a film and does not block the opening. Can be suppressed.

  Further, if the thickness of the filter substrate is 5 mm or more, the thickness, that is, the amount of water retained by the connecting fibers can be obtained sufficiently, and at the same time, the time for the air passing through the vaporizing filter to contact with water can be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, high humidification performance can be obtained.

  Further, if the blower sends air in the vertical direction with respect to the surfaces of the first base material and the second base material, the air passes through the air passage formed by the communicating opening with low pressure loss. Can be made.

  Moreover, if the vaporization filter has antibacterial properties and / or antifungal properties, the vaporization filter can be kept clean by suppressing the growth of bacteria and fungi in the vaporization filter.

  Moreover, if the vaporization filter has hydrophilicity, the supplied water spreads thinly on the vaporization filter, so that the contact efficiency between the passing air and the water is improved, and high humidification performance can be obtained even with a compact size.

  Moreover, the filter base material is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the first base material is located on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the second base material is located on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and the water supply device is a cylinder disposed in the horizontal direction. You may make it provide the water tank which immerses the lower part of the filter base material rotated by making the center of a shape into a rotating shaft. According to such a configuration, since the water can be uniformly supplied to the entire vaporization filter by rotating the cylindrical vaporization filter, humidification can be stably performed for a long time. In particular, by rotating the lower part of the vaporization filter while being immersed in the water tank, it is not necessary to provide a nozzle or a pump as a water supply device, and water can be supplied with the water tank. Moreover, when rotating a cylindrical vaporization filter, the quantity of the water hold | maintained on a vaporization filter can also be controlled by changing a rotational speed.

  Further, the filter base material is formed in a belt shape so that the first base material is located on the outer peripheral surface and the second base material is located on the inner peripheral surface, and the water supply device You may make it provide the water tank which immerses a part of filter base material. Thus, the vaporization filter has a belt shape. For example, the vaporization filter can be thinned by rotating it using two or more shafts. Moreover, since water can be uniformly supplied to the entire vaporization filter, humidification can be performed stably over a long period of time. In particular, if a part of the lower part of the vaporization filter is rotated while being immersed in the water tank, it is not necessary to provide a nozzle or pump as a water supply device, and water can be supplied with the water tank. In addition, when the belt-shaped vaporization filter travels, that is, rotates, the amount of water retained on the vaporization filter can be controlled by changing the traveling speed (rotational speed).

  Further, the first base material and the second base material are knitted fabrics having a plurality of openings, and two knitted fabrics are connected with a plurality of connecting fibers at intervals, and water is supplied between the knitted fabric and the connecting fibers. The three-dimensional knitted fabric to be held is configured as a filter base material, and in the filter base material, at least one stitch among a plurality of stitches included in a portion defining one opening in one knitted fabric is opposed to the other knitted fabric. Four or more connecting fibers may be extended to the knitted fabric of the portion defining one opening, and the knitted fabrics defining each opening may be connected to each other. In the present invention, the “knitted fabric” means a structure made by knitting a fiber member, that is, a fabric. By adopting a structure in which four or more connecting fibers extend from the stitch of one knitted fabric toward the stitch of the other knitted fabric, water is held between adjacent connecting fibers. And a sufficient water holding amount can be secured. Furthermore, since such a connection fiber is formed by connecting openings of each other and is in contact with an air passage path, the water passing between the opening and the water held between the connection fibers is used. The contact property with can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vaporization filter having a low pressure loss and a good contact efficiency between water and air while obtaining a sufficient water holding amount.

  Specifically, the number of connected fibers extending from the stitch of one knitted fabric to the stitch of the other knitted fabric is preferably a fiber bundle of 4 or more and 50 or less, more preferably 6 or more and 30. The number is 8 or less, more preferably 26 or less. When the fiber is immersed in water, the water adheres to the surface of the fiber. When a plurality of fibers are arranged close to each other, water can be held between the fibers by capillary action in addition to adhesion to the fiber surface. In other words, since the connected fibers are always bundled in a bundle of 4 or more and exist between the knitted fabrics, water can be held between the fibers, and the water is attached only to the surface of the single fiber. More water can be retained than In such a structure, if the surface area of the connecting fiber is increased, the contact efficiency between the retained water and the passing air can be increased.

  In addition, by connecting the opening of one knitted fabric and the opening of the other knitted fabric facing each other, an air passage can be secured, and an effect of suppressing an increase in pressure loss due to water retention can be obtained. . Moreover, since the water currently hold | maintained between several connection fibers will be in the state which contact | connected the air path, the effective contact with the air introduce | transduced from opening can be implement | achieved.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide a vaporization filter that does not require a large amount of energy to flow air and can make gas-liquid contact more energy-saving. In particular, pressure is maintained by holding more water in a plurality of connecting fibers that connect two knitted fabrics than fibers forming two knitted fabrics having openings, that is, knitted fabrics on the front and back surfaces. A vaporization filter with low loss can be obtained. This is because the pressure loss when air is introduced is mainly governed by the shape and opening area of the two knitted fabrics, and the influence of the shape of the connecting fibers is small. Furthermore, by holding water between the plurality of connecting fibers, the contact area with the air introduced from the opening can be increased, and the vaporization rate of water from the holding material can be increased.

  Moreover, the outer periphery of the cross section of the single fiber of the connecting fiber may be 45 μm or more. The outer circumference of the cross-section of the single fiber of the connecting fiber is preferably 45 μm or more and 450 μm or less, more preferably 80 μm or more and 300 μm, and further preferably 100 μm or more and 250 μm. Such an outer periphery single fiber should just be used for at least one part of a connection fiber, and may be combined with the outer periphery single fiber of a different cross section.

  Further, the opening of the polygonal knitted fabric having a plurality of stitches may have a longest diagonal line larger than 3 mm. Moreover, it is preferable that this longest diagonal is 12 mm or less. If the longest diagonal line is larger than 3 mm, an effect that it is difficult to form a water film in the opening when water is held can be obtained. When a water film is formed, a sudden pressure loss rises, which hinders efficient passage of air. Moreover, if the longest diagonal is 12 mm or less, the amount of air passing without contacting the retained water can be reduced, and the contact efficiency between the retaining material retaining the water and the air introduced from the opening is increased. The effect that it can be obtained.

  In the three-dimensional knitted fabric, the total circumference of the cross section of each of the connecting fibers in a 2.54 cm square (ie, 1 inch square) may be 700 mm or more, and preferably 700 mm or more and 3000 mm or less. The total circumference of the cross section of the connecting fiber is more preferably 750 mm to 2500 mm, and still more preferably 800 mm to 2000 mm. Thereby, more water can be held.

  In the present invention, the outer circumference (or the total circumference) of each cross-section of the connecting fiber is obtained by, for example, cutting the connecting fiber of the three-dimensional knitted fabric in a perpendicular direction at the middle part of the front and back knitted fabrics, and from the enlarged photograph of this cut surface Obtain the outer circumference of the cross section and add it to the number of single fibers per 2.54 cm square, or if the single fiber is a round cross section, measure the diameter of the single fiber from a thickness meter or an enlarged photo to determine the outer circumference of the cross section. It can be calculated by a method such as obtaining and integrating the number of single fibers per 2.54 cm square. The total circumference of the cross-section of the connecting fiber is determined by the outer circumference of the cross-section of the single fiber of the connecting fiber and the number of single fibers per unit area (2.54 cm square). A multifilament is preferably used as the connecting fiber in which the number of fibers having a cross-section of a single fiber of 4 to 50 μm is converged. If the blending ratio of the multifilament is increased, the surface area of the entire vaporization filter can be increased while maintaining the same amount of fiber raw material used per unit volume, and a highly efficient and economical vaporization filter is obtained. be able to. In addition, by setting the outer periphery of the single fiber diameter to 45 μm or more, it has an appropriate repulsive force and strength, can stably maintain the interval formed by the two knitted fabrics, that is, the thickness, and has a shape stability. An excellent vaporization filter can be obtained.

  In addition, single fibers having a cross-section outer periphery of 45 μm or more and 450 μm are combined with single or different outer periphery single fibers to form a fiber bundle of 4 or more and 50 or less, and the total circumference of the cross-section of the connecting fiber in a solid knitted fabric 2.54 cm square When the thickness is 700 mm or more and 3000 mm or less, more water can be retained, the surface area is increased, and the contact efficiency between the retained water and the passing air can be increased.

In addition, the water holding amount per unit weight of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is 1.45 g / g or more and 2.55 g / g or less. The pressure loss P (Pa / mm) per unit thickness at the time of water retention when introduced vertically at (m / sec) is (0.64 × V ² −0.28 × V) <P <(1.53 × V ² + 0.52 × V), the water retention amount is appropriate, and the contact efficiency between the filter substrate holding water and the air introduced from the opening is appropriate. A large amount of energy is not required, and gas-liquid contact can be made more energy-saving.

  Further, the fibers constituting the knitted fabric and / or the connecting fibers may include a synthetic resin. In such a case, a filter base material having excellent flexibility, weather resistance, and water resistance is obtained. be able to. Moreover, weight reduction can be realized. When a synthetic fiber with low water absorption is selected, the water to be retained does not enter the deep part of the single fiber, so that it is easy to release, and when the water is vaporized and moved to the air, the speed can be increased. At the same time, since water can be supplied only where it is needed, it is difficult for dirt to propagate and the filter substrate can be kept clean.

  Further, the opening shape of the knitted fabric may be a substantially regular polygon. In such a configuration, openings of the same shape or the same size can be continuously provided on the front and back knitted surfaces, and a continuous opening can be obtained without creating a blocking portion. Moreover, if it is a regular polygon, the effect that it is hard to produce a liquid film in opening is also acquired.

  Further, the interval between the two knitted fabrics, that is, the thickness of the three-dimensional knitted fabric may be 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The pressure loss of air is mainly governed by the shape and opening area of the knitted fabric on the front and back surfaces, and the influence of the shape of the connecting fibers is considered to be small. By setting the thickness to 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less, a sufficient amount of water can be maintained between the front surface and the back surface while keeping the pressure loss low. In addition, a sufficient contact time between the retained water and the air passing therethrough can be obtained.

  Further, in a state where two knitted fabrics are connected, the connecting fiber may have a curved shape. That is, the connecting fiber can be formed in a curved shape by making the length of the connecting fiber longer than the distance between stitches connected by the connecting fiber. By adopting such a configuration, since the air introduced into the opening moves along a curved path created by the connecting fiber, even if the thickness is the same as compared to the case of being straight, The contact time between water and air can be extended, and high contact efficiency can be obtained even with a compact size. In addition, the water retention amount can be improved.

  Moreover, in the air cleaner with a humidifying function, a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are communicated with each other. A vaporization filter using the formed three-dimensional structure as a filter base, an air purification filter for purifying air, a water supply device for supplying water to the vaporization filter and moistening the filter base, and an air purification filter And a blower device that sends the purified air to the wet filter base material, passes the air through an opening communicated with the filter base material, and sends out the humidified air purified from the vaporization filter. it can. According to such a configuration, not only the air is purified and humidified, but also the humidifying ability can be maintained even if the scale is deposited on the vaporization filter, and the humidity can be sufficiently provided. can get.

Before continuing the description of the present invention, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidifying device 10 supplies air to the vaporizing filter 14, a watering nozzle 15 that is an example of a water supply device that supplies water to the vaporizing filter 14 to make it wet, and the wet vaporizing filter 14. The fan 16 which is an example of the ventilation apparatus which sends and vaporizes a moisture and sends humidified air indoors is provided.

  The vaporization filter 14 includes a first base material 11 having a plurality of openings 11a and a second base material 12 having a plurality of openings 12a with a plurality of connecting fibers 13 such that the openings 11a and 12a communicate with each other. Let the three-dimensional structure formed by connecting be a filter base material.

  The watering nozzle 15 is arranged on the upper part of the vaporizing filter 14, and supplies water supplied through a pipe or the like to the upper part of the vaporizing filter 14.

  The fan 16 is disposed downstream of the vaporization filter 14 in the air flow direction, sucks the air that has passed through the vaporization filter 14, and supplies the air toward the room. Note that the fan 16 may be disposed upstream of the filter 14 in the air flow direction. In addition, the flow direction of the air before and after the vaporization filter 14 formed by driving the fan 16 is preferably perpendicular to the surfaces of the first base material 11 and the second base material 12.

  In the humidifying device 10 having such a configuration, first, water is sprayed from the water spray nozzle 15 to the vaporization filter 14 so that the vaporization filter 14 is in a wet state. In such a wet state, for example, water adheres to and is held on the surfaces of the plurality of connecting fibers 13 that connect the first base material 11 and the second base material 12, or between the plurality of connecting fibers 13. The water supplied by, for example, water being held or water being sucked into the connecting fiber 13 is held in the vaporization filter 14. In this state, by driving the fan 16, air is introduced into the vaporization filter 14 through the opening 11 a of the first base material 11, and the introduced air passes through the opening 12 a of the second base material 12. 14 is led out. At this time, while the introduced air passes through the air passage formed by the communication between the opening 11a of the first base material 11 and the opening 12a of the second base material 12, The water held by the connecting fibers 13 is vaporized, and the air that passes through is humidified. The humidified air obtained from the vaporization filter 14 is sent out indoors by the fan 16.

  Further, the humidifying device of the first embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the humidifying device 10 of FIG. 1. For example, FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a humidifying device 20 according to a modification. In the humidifying device 20 of FIG. 2, the vaporization filter 24 is configured by stacking two filter base materials that are three-dimensional structures. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening in one filter base, for example, the opening 22a of the second base 22 is communicated with the opening in the other filter base, for example, the opening 21a of the first base 21. Two filter base materials are laminated. Each filter base material has the same structure as the vaporization filter 14 of FIG. 1 in that the first base material 21 and the second base material 22 have a structure connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 23. is doing. Also in the humidifier 20 having such a configuration, the water is supplied from the water spray nozzle 15 to the vaporization filter 24 so that the vaporization filter 24 is in a wet state, and the fan 16 is operated. Humidified air can be obtained by passing air through the air passage.

  Water is supplied to a vaporization filter having a three-dimensional structure formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers. In the humidifying device having a simple structure, since the air passage is secured in the vaporization filter by the communication opening, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the humidification capacity even if scale is deposited on the vaporization filter. Ability can be maintained. The size of the opening is preferably a circle or regular polygon having a diameter or longest diagonal of 2 mm or more. In addition, the amount of water retained on the vaporization filter can be controlled by changing the type, number, and shape of the fiber members that form the first base material and the second base material themselves, or the connecting fibers that connect them. Can do. Therefore, excessive water can be prevented from being excessively present on the vaporization filter, and pressure loss can be reduced. In addition, by changing the type, number, and shape of the fiber member, the surface area of the vaporization filter can be increased, and the contact efficiency between the air passing through and the water present on the vaporization filter can be increased. But high humidification performance can be obtained.

  In the vaporization filter, when the first base material and the second base material are composed of one or more types of fiber members, by selecting the type of the fiber member, for example, if a metal wire is used as a hard fiber member, the opening shape It becomes easy to maintain. Moreover, if a metal fiber contains the metal which has antibacterial properties, such as copper and silver, for example, a vaporization filter can also be given antibacterial property. Moreover, if resin fibers, such as nylon and polyester, are used as a flexible fiber member, moldability can be improved. In addition, if a fiber member such as rayon, cotton, or pulp having water absorbency is included, water familiarity of the vaporization filter can be improved. In order to obtain elasticity, heat resistance and the like, high-performance fibers such as glass fiber, aramid fiber, carbon fiber, and amorphous metal fiber may be included.

  In the vaporization filter, when the first base material, the second base material, and the connecting fiber are composed of two or more different fiber members, by selecting the type of the fiber member, water absorption, water repellency, and flexibility It is possible to provide necessary functions in necessary places such as sex. For example, if the first base material and the second base material are made of polyester fiber and the connecting fiber is made of cotton fiber, the three-dimensional structure is flexible and can be formed into an arbitrary shape. Moreover, since cotton fiber is excellent in water absorption, it can hold | maintain much water. Here, the water absorption represents the property that the material itself absorbs water inside. Hereinafter, the expressions water absorption and water retention will be described together. Water retention represents the property that the material itself or the structure created by the material retains water on its surface. Furthermore, hydrophilicity is used to mean water absorption or water retention. That is, both water absorption and water retention are included in the hydrophilicity.

  Moreover, since cotton fiber is excellent in water absorption, it can hold | maintain much water. As an example of the manufacturing method of a vaporization filter, a 1st base material and a 2nd base material are formed with a metal fiber, a shape is maintained, for example, and a 1st base material and a 2nd base material are resin as a connection fiber. The fibers can be joined and produced by heat welding. Further, the first base material and the second base material are formed by knitting flexible polyester fibers, and the first base material and the second base material are connected by knitting the same polyester fiber. You can also

The three-dimensional structure formed by connecting the first base material and the second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers in this way is compared with the honeycomb structure formed by corrugating the sheet. And there is an advantage that the surface area is large. For example, when compared with a vaporization filter with an opening having a regular hexagonal shape with a side of 2 mm and a thickness of 10 mm, the surface area of the sheet is 20 mm ² . In contrast, in a three-dimensional structure in which one surface is connected by 20 connecting fibers having a diameter of 100 μm, the surface area of one surface is about 63 mm ² , and a surface area about three times that of the honeycomb structure can be obtained.

  As a vaporization filter, by stacking a plurality of three-dimensional structures, a portion where the surfaces of the first base material and the second base material overlap each other is formed inside the three-dimensional structure. Thereby, even when the thickness of the vaporization filter, that is, the distance between the front surface and the back surface is increased, the vaporization filter is supported and the shape and strength can be maintained. In addition, by changing the size or position of the opening on the front and back surfaces that overlap each other, the flow of air can be controlled, and the pressure loss and humidification efficiency can be changed. That is, in the laminated structure of the filter base material, the filter base material may be laminated so that the opening of one filter base material and at least a part of the opening of the other filter base material communicate with each other.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the schematic sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus 30 concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the vaporization filter 34 provided in the humidifying device 30 of the second embodiment has a hollow cylindrical shape. Specifically, the filter base material is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the first base material 31 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and the second base material 32 is located on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. That is, the opening 31a of the first substrate 31 and the opening 32a of the second substrate 32 are communicated to form an air passage that communicates the cylindrical outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface. 31 and the second base material 32 are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 33. As shown in FIG. 3, a water tank 35 is provided as an example of a water supply device, and the lower part of the vaporization filter 34 having a cylindrical central axis arranged in the horizontal direction is immersed in the water in the water tank 35. Yes. Thereby, the vaporization filter 34 can hold the water pumped up from the water tank 35 on the vaporization filter 34. Further, the vaporization filter 34 has fine irregularities formed by supporting an adhering material on the surface of the three-dimensional structure. Air is passed through the vaporization filter 34 holding water by the irregularities by the fan 16, Humidified air can be sent indoors.

  In addition, by rotating the vaporization filter 34 with the cylindrical central axis as a rotation axis, water can be uniformly supplied to the entire vaporization filter 34. As a result, humidification can be performed stably over a long period of time. If a part of the lower part of the vaporization filter 34 is rotated while being immersed in the water tank 35, it is not necessary to provide a nozzle or a pump as a water supply device, and water can be supplied by the water tank 35. Moreover, when rotating the cylindrical vaporization filter 34, the quantity of the water hold | maintained on the vaporization filter 34 can also be controlled by changing a rotational speed. The optimum rotation speed varies depending on the water retention and size of the vaporization filter 34. For example, in the case of a vaporization filter having a hydrophilic diameter of 100 mm as a whole, it may be rotated at about 2 rpm. The cylindrical vaporization filter may not be hollow. In the humidifying device 30 of the second embodiment, a case where the cylindrical vaporization filter 34 is rotated to be in a wet state will be described as an example. However, instead of such a case, the vaporization filter is rotated. Instead, it may be a case where water is supplied to the vaporization filter using a technique such as watering.

  Further, if the three-dimensional structure is hydrophilic, the supplied water spreads thinly on the vaporization filter, so that the contact efficiency between the passing air and water is improved, and high humidification performance can be obtained even with a compact size. As a hydrophilic processing method, if a hydrophilic material is supported and coated, the vaporization filter can be processed to be hydrophilic regardless of the properties of the constituent material of the three-dimensional structure. A binder may be used for immobilization when carrying and coating the hydrophilic material. Examples of the binder that can be used include silica sol, alumina sol, titania sol, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, silicate compound, titanate compound, and resin emulsion. In addition, if the hydrophilic material has an impurity removing action such as zeolite, silica gel, alumina gel, activated carbon, impurities contained in the supplied water can be removed on the vaporization filter, and humidification is performed. For this, purified water can be used. Furthermore, if the hydrophilic material is an inorganic substance, the action of protecting the vaporization filter over a long period of time can be imparted, and high durability can be obtained. Examples of hydrophilic inorganic materials include natural and synthetic minerals such as zeolite, silica gel, kaolin, sepiolite and diatomaceous earth, alkali metal carbonates such as lithium, potassium and sodium, alkalis such as nitrates, oxides, chlorides, calcium and magnesium. Examples include earth metal carbonates, nitrates, oxides, chlorides, aluminum and zinc sulfates, and the like, but not limited to these as long as they have hydrophilicity.

  If the vaporization filter has fine irregularities on the surface of the filter substrate, water droplets can be held on the fine irregularities on the fiber surface, and the connecting fibers can hold more water. As a result, the contact efficiency between the passing air and water can be increased. Here, the fine unevenness has a depth of 100 μm or less, but does not include a depth of 0 (zero). Even if the adhering material is water-repellent particles such as talc, water can be retained in the voids formed by the particles supported. When the adhering material is water-repellent, water is not sucked into the interior, but water existing only on the surface is released and humidified, so that an advantage of high humidification speed can be obtained. In addition, if a synthetic resin material such as an acrylic colloidal silica polymer resin is used as an attachment material, an unevenness is formed by silica particles when it is dried by applying an emulsion in which this is dispersed to a base material. As the acrylic serves as a binder and is fixed, fine irregularities can be easily obtained. If the size of the colloidal silica is changed, the depth of the unevenness and the hole diameter can be changed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the schematic perspective view which shows an example of the structure of the vaporization filter 44 with which the humidification apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is provided is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional structure 45 as the filter base material of the vaporization filter 44 includes a first base material 41 having a plurality of openings 41 a and a second base material 42 having a plurality of openings 42 a. Are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 43, and the opening 41a and the opening 42a are communicated to form an air passage. Moreover, each opening 41a, 42a of the 1st base material 41 and the 2nd base material 42 has hexagonal shape, for example. In the three-dimensional structure 45, the longest diagonal line A of the openings 41a and 42a is 2 mm, the thickness B is 5 mm, the diameter of the connecting fiber 43 is 1 mm, and 18 connecting fibers 44 are provided for one opening.

  When the longest diagonal line A of the opening is smaller than 2 mm, the water supplied by the water supply device may form a film in the opening of the vaporization filter and block the opening. In order to easily suppress an increase in pressure loss during water supply, the longest diagonal line A may be 2 mm or more. Specific shapes of openings include circles and polygons, but in the case of polygons, if the regular polygons have the same length for all sides, the water forms a film compared to the other shapes and the openings It is easy to suppress blocking. The shapes of all the openings need not be the same, and can be formed by combining, for example, a hexagon and a triangle. Similarly, the size of each opening need not necessarily be uniform, and a combination of sizes according to need may be selected.

  Moreover, if the thickness B of the filter base material, which is the distance between the first base material and the second base material, is 5 mm or more, the amount of water retained by the connecting fibers can be obtained to be equal to or greater than the amount necessary for humidification. Therefore, the contact efficiency between the passing air and water can be increased. When the thickness B is less than 5 mm, sufficient water does not exist on the vaporization filter, and sufficient time for the passing air to contact the water is short, so that sufficient humidification performance cannot be obtained.

  Further, if the diameter of the connecting fiber is 1 mm or less, the air passage can be secured by reducing the volume occupied by the fiber with respect to the air passage. Moreover, since the surface area which hold | maintains water can be increased when the volume which a fiber occupies is the same compared with when using a fiber thicker than 1 mm, the contact efficiency of air and water can be improved. For example, when the diameter of the connecting fiber is 1 mm and when it is 3 mm, the use of 20 1 mm diameters and the use of 2 3 mm diameters are almost the same as the volume occupied by the fibers in the air passage. Be the same. At this time, as the surface area for holding water, the area of the connecting fiber having a diameter of 1 mm can obtain an area approximately three times as large as the case of using a diameter of 3 mm.

Further, if there are 18 or more connecting fibers per opening, the connecting fibers can hold more water, the contact efficiency between the passing air and water can be increased, and high humidification performance can be obtained. As shown in FIG. 4, the three-dimensional structure 45 is arranged such that adjacent openings 41 a are continuous in the first base material 41, and adjacent openings 42 a are continuous in the second base material 42. Has been placed. At this time, the connecting fiber 43 existing for one opening 41a or 42a may be shared by adjacent openings on each side. As a method of counting the connecting fibers existing for one opening, it is assumed that all connecting fibers connected to the opening are not counted as half even when the two sharing the two sides. For example, when regular hexagonal openings having four connecting fibers on one side are connected, all sides are shared by adjacent openings, but when one opening is noted, 3 × 6 sides A total of 18 fibers are present. The number of connecting fibers may be changed depending on the size of the opening. In order to obtain sufficient humidification performance, it is necessary to secure a sufficient water retention amount and an air flow path. For example, if the longest diagonal of the opening is 2 mm and one opening has 18 connecting fibers, the water retention amount is sufficient, but the pressure loss is high and it is difficult to pass air. At this time, the density of the connecting fiber is 3.46 / mm ² . On the other hand, when the longest diagonal of the opening is 5 mm and each opening has 18 connecting fibers, the density of the connecting fibers is 0.55 / mm ^2, which provides a good balance between water retention and pressure loss and improves the humidification efficiency. To do.

  If this density is applied when the longest diagonal of the opening is 2 mm, the number of connecting fibers existing for one opening is three. As for the connecting fibers, 18 or more fibers having the same diameter may be used, or fibers having different diameters may be mixed and used. For example, if 5 fibers having a diameter of 1 mm and 100 fibers having a diameter of 0.05 mm are used in combination, the surface of the vaporization filter is increased by the thin fibers while maintaining the shape of the vaporization filter by the thick fibers. Humidification efficiency can also be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the schematic perspective view (figure which shows a part of filter base material) which shows the structure of the vaporization filter with which the humidification apparatus concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention is provided is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the first base material 51 having the opening 51a and the second base material 52 having the opening 52a are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 53 so that the opening 51a and the opening 52a communicate with each other. The three-dimensional structure 55 used as a filter base material is formed by being connected. In the three-dimensional structure 55, the first base material 51 and the second base material 52 are formed of fiber members, and the fiber members including the connecting fibers 53 are configured by flexible resin fibers. Yes. Moreover, the resin fiber which comprises the connection fiber 53 has a fine unevenness | corrugation on the surface.

  If the fiber member which comprises a three-dimensional structure is formed with the resin material (resin fiber), a vaporization filter can be reduced in weight. Examples of the resin fiber include polyester, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, cupra, nylon, and acrylic. In addition, if a water-absorbing resin such as rayon is included, more water can be retained in the vaporization filter, and the contact efficiency between the passing air and water can be increased. In addition, if a resin that does not absorb water is included, the retained water can be easily released, and the amount of water retained on the vaporization filter can be controlled by adjusting the amount.

  Moreover, if the fiber member which comprises a three-dimensional structure is flexible, shaping | molding and a process of a filter will become easy. In addition, if a fiber member having elasticity is included, the effect of returning to the original even when deformed can be obtained.

  Here, FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view (a diagram showing a part of the filter base material) showing the structure of the vaporization filter according to the modification of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the first base member 61 having the opening 61a and the second base member 62 having the opening 62a are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 63 so that the opening 61a and the opening 62a are communicated with each other. The three-dimensional structure 65 used as a filter base material is formed by being connected. Moreover, in this three-dimensional structure 65, as shown in FIG. 6, each connection fiber 63 is formed in a spiral shape using a flexible resin fiber. That is, the connecting fiber 63 with one end fixed to the first base 61 and the other end fixed to the second base 62 is formed by, for example, turning a plurality of times between one end and the other end. And has a spiral shape. Since the connecting fiber 63 is formed in a spiral shape in this way, while increasing the contact efficiency between the passing air and water, it is possible to secure a passage for air and increase the surface area of the connecting fiber to increase the amount. Water can be retained.

  Moreover, if a fine unevenness | corrugation is provided in the surface of a connection fiber, a water droplet can be hold | maintained at the fine unevenness | corrugation on the fiber surface. Thereby, a connection fiber will be able to hold | maintain more water and can improve the contact efficiency of passing air and water. Here, the fine unevenness means that having a depth of 100 μm or less.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a vaporization filter provided in a humidifier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the vaporization filter of the fifth embodiment, the form (appearance structure) of the three-dimensional structure serving as the filter base has the same form as the above-described embodiment. That is, a three-dimensional structure that serves as a filter base material by connecting a first base material having an opening and a second base material having an opening with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are in communication with each other. Is formed. In the three-dimensional structure according to the fifth embodiment, the first base material and the second base material are formed of fiber members, and the connecting fibers have water absorption.

  If the connecting fiber has water absorption, the connecting fiber retains water, so that the passing air can come into contact with more water, and high humidification performance can be obtained even if it is compact. For example, cotton or rayon can be used as the fiber having water absorption. Further, fine fibers or particles having water absorption can be attached to the surface of a resin or metal fiber having no water absorption.

  If the vaporization filter retains water, microorganisms in the water may adhere to the vaporization filter. However, if the vaporization filter has antibacterial and / or antifungal properties, it can suppress the growth of bacteria and mold in the vaporization filter. Can keep the vaporization filter clean. Antibacterial agents include those that elute metal ions such as silver, copper and zinc, their metal particles, silver zeolite, silver-containing zirconium phosphate, iodine compounds, phenols, quaternary ammonium salts, imidazole compounds , Benzoic acids, hydrogen peroxide, cresol, chlorhexidine, irgasan, aldehydes, sorbic acids, etc., lysozyme, cellulase, protease and other enzyme preparations, catechins, bamboo extract, hinoki extract, wasabi extract, etc. There are natural component extracts such as citrus extract. Further, as the fungicide, organic nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, organic acid esters, organic iodine imidazole compounds, benzazole compounds and the like are also effective. These components may be kneaded into the fibers constituting the knitted fabric, or may be applied and included after forming the knitted fabric. In addition, the antibacterial agent and the antifungal agent may contain a coloring component for the vaporizing filter. For example, a filter colored green using a plant pigment that has antibacterial action can be easily recognized by the user because of the difference in color even when scale components contained in tap water adhere to the filter. The effect of prompting can be obtained. Even when the vaporizing filter is colored with components other than the antibacterial agent and the antifungal agent, the stain recognition effect can be obtained.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifying device 70 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. The humidifying device 70 of FIG. 7 forms the vaporization filter 74 in a belt shape, and runs the belt-shaped vaporization filter 74 in a state in which a part of the lower portion thereof is immersed in the water tank 35, whereby the vaporization filter 74. It has a configuration in which water is retained throughout and is in a wet state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, filters connected by a plurality of connecting fibers 73 so that the first base 71 is positioned on the outer peripheral surface and the second base 72 is positioned on the inner peripheral surface. A vaporization filter 74, which is a three-dimensional structure, is formed by forming the base material in a belt shape. The belt-shaped vaporization filter 74 is supported in a state where the inner peripheral surface thereof is in contact with two shafts 76 arranged in the horizontal direction. A water tank 35 is disposed below the vaporization filter 74, and a part of the lower part of the vaporization filter 74 is immersed in the water in the water tank 35. In the humidifying device 70 having such a configuration, by driving (or rotating) the belt-shaped vaporization filter 74 by driving the shaft 76, a part of the vaporization filter 74 is sequentially immersed in the water tank 35. Water can be retained on the vaporization filter 74. Further, in this state, the fan 16 is driven to pass air in a direction perpendicular to the surfaces of the first base material 71 and the second base material 72 of the vaporization filter 74, that is, the first base material 71. Humidified air is sent into the room by passing air along an air passage formed by communicating the opening 71a and the opening 72a of the second base material 72.

  By making a vaporization filter into a belt shape, a vaporization filter can be made thin and a humidifier can be made compact. Moreover, since water can be uniformly supplied to the entire vaporization filter, humidification can be performed stably over a long period of time.

  Further, when the vaporization filter is formed in a belt shape, the vaporization filter is deformed near the shaft. In the case of a honeycomb structure formed by corrugated sheet, the shape retention increases as the thickness increases, and the flexibility is lost. Have difficulty. However, in the three-dimensional structure according to the sixth embodiment, which is formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with connecting fibers, the connecting portion is a fiber. For this reason, even if it is deformed, it is suitable for returning to the original state.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, the schematic sectional drawing of the air cleaner 80 with a humidification function concerning 7th Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the air cleaner 80 with a humidifying function has a configuration in which an air purification filter is provided on the upstream side in the air flow direction of the vaporization filter 34 with respect to the humidifier 30 of the second embodiment. ing. As shown in FIG. 8, the air purification filter includes a dust collection filter 85 and a deodorization filter 86, and the filters 85 and 86 are arranged in a stacked manner.

  In the air cleaner 80 with the humidifying function having such a configuration, by operating the fan 16, air passes through the dust collection filter 85 and the deodorizing filter 86, and the purified air is sent to the vaporization filter 34. Further, the purified air passes through the vaporization filter 34, whereby purified humidified air can be obtained, and this air is supplied indoors.

  An air purifier with a humidifying function including a humidifying mechanism and an air purification filter is useful as an air conditioner because it not only purifies air but also provides humidity. If the dust collection filter as the air purification filter is disposed in front of the vaporization filter with respect to the air flow, since the purified air is always introduced into the vaporization filter, there is an advantage that the vaporization filter is hardly contaminated.

  When operating the device in a highly humid space, the amount of air to the vaporization filter 34 is controlled by opening / closing a damper (air regulating valve: not shown), etc., thereby increasing the humidity of the space more than necessary. It may not be allowed to.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, the schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the vaporization filter with which the humidification apparatus concerning the 8th Embodiment of this invention is provided is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the three-dimensional structure 511 constituting the filter base material of the vaporization filter includes two knitted fabrics 513 and 514 each having a plurality of substantially regular hexagonal openings 512, and the respective knitted fabrics 513 and 514. Is composed of a plurality of connecting fibers 515 that are connected to each other at intervals. In the eighth embodiment, the knitted fabric 513 is an example of a first base material, and the knitted fabric 514 is an example of a second base material. As an example of the size of the three-dimensional structure 511, for example, the longest diagonal line A of the opening 512 is 5 mm, the thickness B of the three-dimensional structure 511, that is, the interval B between the two knitted fabrics 513 and 514 is 8 mm. is there. A polyester multifilament having a single fiber diameter of 55 μm (330/10 dtex) is used as the connecting fiber 515. In such a configuration example of the three-dimensional structure 511, there are 310 stitches constituting one knitted fabric in a solid knitted fabric 2.54 cm square (ie, 1 inch square), and 20 stitches from one stitch. The connected fibers 515 converged as a fiber bundle extend to the stitches constituting the other knitted fabric, and the stitches of one knitted fabric and the knitted fabrics of the other knitted fabric are connected by the connected fibers 515. . The total circumference of the cross section of the connecting fiber 515 in the 2.54 cm square is 1071 mm.

  Here, a schematic partial enlarged perspective view of the three-dimensional structure 511 in FIG. 14 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, an opening forming portion 521 that forms (defines) one opening 512 of the plurality of openings 512 of the knitted fabric 513 and an opening 512 of the knitted fabric 514 that faces the opening 512 of the knitted fabric 513 ( The connection structure by the some connection fiber 515 with the opening formation part 522 to demarcate is shown typically. In FIG. 15, in order to facilitate understanding of the following description, some of the knitted fabrics 513 and 514 and the connecting fibers 515 are shown by solid lines, and some are shown by dotted lines.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the opening forming portion 521 has a generally annular shape formed by weaving fiber members, and has a plurality of stitches 523. The opening forming part 522 has substantially the same shape as the opening forming part 521, and has a plurality of stitches 524. In addition, from one of the plurality of stitches 523 included in the opening forming portion 521 of one knitted fabric 513, for example, four bundle-like connecting fibers 515 are stitched by the opening forming portion 522 of the other knitted fabric 514. The two opening forming portions 521 and 522 facing each other are connected to each other. The bundle of connected fibers 515 extending from one stitch 523 of one opening forming portion 521 to the stitch 524 of the other opening forming portion 522 may be, for example, 4 or more and 50 or less. Further, in the opening forming portions 521 and 522, it is not always necessary that all the stitches 523 and 524 are connected by the bundle of the connecting fibers 515, and it is sufficient that at least one stitch 523 and the stitch 524 are connected. Further, in the connection structure shown in FIG. 15, four bundle-like connection fibers 515 extending from one stitch 523 are connected so as to be dispersed in a plurality of stitches 524. By adopting such a structure, the area of the gap 525 formed between adjacent connecting fibers 515 can be increased. Instead of such a case, a configuration in which four connecting fibers 515 are connected from one stitch 523 to one stitch 524 may be employed.

  In the three-dimensional structure 511 shown in FIG. 15, the distance dimension between the stitch 523 of the opening forming portion 521 and the stitch 522 of the opening forming portion 522 (for example, the three-dimensional structure 511 shown in FIG. 14) is connected. The length of the connecting fibers 515 connecting these stitches 521 and 522 is set to be longer than the thickness B). By doing so, as shown in FIG. 15, the connecting fiber 515 can be formed in a curved shape, and the gap 525 formed between the adjacent connecting fibers 515 can be increased, and the gap 525 The amount of water held between them can be increased. Furthermore, the air passage between the two openings 512 formed by connecting the opening forming portions 521 and 522 can be a curved passage by forming the connecting fiber 515 in a curved shape in this way. . Compared with the case where this passage is formed linearly, even when the distance between the two knitted fabrics, that is, the thickness B is the same, the contact time between the air and the retained water can be obtained longer. Further, in a configuration in which four or more connected fibers 515 extend from one of the stitches 523 constituting the opening forming portion 521, the water retention amount is increased by gradually changing the curvature of the connected fibers 515. be able to. For example, the curvature can be changed by bundling polyester and nylon having different hardnesses to form the connecting fiber 515. However, in an arrangement in which the distance between adjacent connected fibers 515 is wider than 3 mm at the most distant position in the arc, the curved shape of the connected fibers is taken into consideration that water retention becomes difficult. It is preferable to determine.

  In such a configuration of the three-dimensional structure 511, as a method of extending a bundle of connected fibers 515 from 4 to 50 from one of the stitches 523 constituting the opening forming portion 521 to the other stitch 524. There are a method of using a multifilament for the connecting fiber 515 and a method of using a plurality of monofilaments in a bundle. When a plurality of monofilaments are used in a bundle, a filter base material having a small surface area and inferior contact efficiency between water and passing air can be obtained, compared to the case of using multifilaments. The effect that can be obtained. At this time, if a multifilament having a cross section of a single fiber having a cross section of 45 μm or more is used, water can be held between the single fibers existing in a bundle, and more water can be held, and an appropriate repulsive force and A filter base material having strength, capable of stably maintaining the distance between the front surface and the back surface, that is, the thickness, and having excellent shape stability can be obtained. Further, a monofilament and a multifilament may be mixed and bundled for use. In that case, the balance between the strength and the water retention amount can be adjusted by changing the blending ratio of the multifilament. For example, if the number of multifilaments is increased, the surface area of the entire filter substrate can be increased while maintaining the same amount of fiber raw material used per unit volume, and a highly efficient and economical filter substrate can be obtained. Obtainable. Examples of the cross-sectional shape of the single fiber of the connecting fiber include a round shape, a triangular shape, a square shape, a flat shape, a polygonal shape, a multileaf shape, a hollow shape, a W shape, and an I shape. If water is held in the gap 525 formed by the connecting fibers, for example, even when the knitted fabric is water repellent, water can be held between the connecting fibers without attaching water to the surface. In addition, a sufficient amount of water can be maintained while maintaining a low pressure loss.

  Further, if the connecting fibers 515 are provided as a bundle of 4 or more and 50 or less, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 24, the plurality of connecting fibers 515 are arranged close to each other in a bundle of at least 4 or more. Therefore, in addition to adhesion to the fiber surface, water can also be retained between the fibers (that is, the gap 525) by capillary action. More water can be retained as compared with the case where water is adhered and retained only on the surface of the single fiber. At the same time, by increasing the surface area, the contact efficiency between water and passing air can be increased.

  When there are more than 50 connecting fibers 555, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 25 (comparative example), the water retention amount may become excessive, which may lead to an increase in pressure loss when air is introduced. In addition, the retained water tends to be droplets having a size larger than the volume of the fiber bundle, and in such a case, a sufficient gas-liquid contact area cannot be obtained. The following is desirable. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the water W held between the fibers is shown by the hatched pattern shown in the figure.

  When water forms a film in the opening 512, the pressure loss when air is introduced into the opening 512 increases abruptly. Therefore, the shape or size of the opening 512 is preferably selected so as not to be blocked by water.

  As long as the shape of the opening 512 is a polygon such as a triangle, a quadrangle, or a hexagon, openings of the same shape and size can be continuously provided in the knitted fabrics 513, 514. It is the most efficient. For example, even if they are the same quadrangle, compared to rectangular and rhombus openings, the square openings are all farthest from each other, so that formation of a liquid film can be avoided.

  When the longest diagonal line A is 3 mm or less, the size of the opening 512 is that the retained water may form a film and block the opening. Therefore, in order to suppress an increase in pressure loss during water holding, the longest diagonal line A is 3 mm. Just make it bigger.

  In addition, when the thickness B of the three-dimensional structure 511 is 2 mm or more, a sufficient amount of water is retained by the connecting fibers 515 existing in the thickness portion. Also, if the thickness B is set to such a size, a sufficient contact time between the passing air and the retained water can be obtained when passing the air through the opening 512. In the use for vaporization, the amount of water vaporized from the three-dimensional structure 511 can be increased. In applications where air is dissolved in water, the amount of dissolution can be increased. Note that the surface wind speed when the passing air passes through the three-dimensional structure 511 is preferably 5 m / sec or less. When the surface wind speed is faster than 5 m / sec, there is a risk that water will be scattered in a liquid state.

  The amount of water held by the three-dimensional structure 511 is preferably 1.45 g / g or more and 2.55 g / g or less. When the water holding amount per unit weight of the three-dimensional knitted fabric (that is, the unit weight in the dry state of the three-dimensional structure 511) is less than 1.45 g / g, for example, in an application for vaporizing water, it is introduced from the opening 512. A sufficient amount of water cannot be vaporized with respect to the air. Moreover, in the use which melt | dissolves passing air in the water currently hold | maintained at the three-dimensional structure 511, a required amount of water cannot be hold | maintained. On the other hand, when the water retention amount is more than 2.55 g / g, the retained water tends to be droplets having a size larger than the volume of the fiber bundle, and a sufficient gas-liquid contact area cannot be obtained. At the same time, since the retained water itself can cause pressure loss, excessive energy is required to pass the air. If the water holding amount is 1.45 g / g or more and 2.55 g / g or less, even if a sufficient water holding amount is obtained, the pressure loss is low and a sufficient gas-liquid contact area can be obtained.

Further, when air is introduced at a surface wind speed V (m / sec) perpendicularly to the opening 512 of the two knitted fabrics 513 and 514 in the water holding state, the pressure loss P (Pa / mm) per unit thickness. ) Is preferably in the range of (0.64 × V ² −0.28 × V) <P <(1.53 × V ² + 0.52 × V). When the pressure loss P per unit thickness is smaller than (0.64 × V ² −0.28 × V), the contact area between the three-dimensional structure 511 holding water and the air is small. Does not touch well. In addition, when the pressure loss P per unit thickness is larger than (1.53 × V ² + 0.52 × V), it is difficult to let air pass through, and even if water can be retained, Contact efficiency is significantly reduced. Alternatively, excessive energy must be input to allow air to pass through. Here, the filter base material that allows sufficient contact between water and air is, for example, a material that can increase the humidity to 60% RH with respect to air at a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH at an arbitrary wind speed. is there.

  As the fibers and connecting fibers constituting the knitted fabrics 513 and 514, various materials such as synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, natural fibers such as wool and cotton, and regenerated fibers such as cupra can be used. By selecting the material of the fiber, for example, when a hard fiber such as polyester is used, the shape and thickness of the opening 512 and the shape of the three-dimensional structure 511 can be easily maintained. In addition, when cotton is used as the water-absorbing fiber for the connecting fiber 515, the water retention amount can be increased. If the fibers constituting the knitted fabrics 513 and 514 and / or the connecting fibers include synthetic fibers, the three-dimensional structure 511 can be expected to be reduced in weight and improved in durability. If fibers such as polyester that are hardly hygroscopic themselves are used, it is easy to release the water held between the fibers. Therefore, in applications where water is vaporized, increase the vaporization rate of water from the three-dimensional structure 511. Can do. At the same time, since water can be supplied only where it is necessary, it is difficult for dirt to propagate, and the three-dimensional structure 511 can be kept clean. The presence or absence of water absorption may be determined by the official moisture content measured by the method defined in JISL0105. For example, if the fiber having an official moisture content of 5.0% or less has no water absorption, polyester (0.4%), acrylic (2.0%), vinylon (5.0%), etc. may be mentioned. . Further, if fibers having an official moisture content of greater than 5.0% are made of fibers having water absorption, for example, cotton (8.5%), acetate (6.5%), cellulose (11.0%), and the like. Can be mentioned.

(Ninth embodiment)
Next, the schematic perspective view of the vaporization filter with which the humidification apparatus concerning the 9th Embodiment of this invention is provided is shown in FIG. FIG. 16 also shows a partial cross section of the three-dimensional structure 531 constituting the filter base material of the vaporization filter. As shown in FIG. 16, the three-dimensional structure 531 of the ninth embodiment has two three-dimensional structures 511 of the eighth embodiment overlapped, and these two three-dimensional structures 511 are formed into a cylindrical shape. Molded. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of openings 512 are arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder, and air can be passed through the openings 512 into and out of the cylinder. Note that in the ninth embodiment, the same components as those in the eighth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The filter base material does not necessarily have a block shape or a sheet shape, and a three-dimensional knitted fabric may be stacked or formed into various shapes. When a plurality of three-dimensional knitted fabrics are used as a filter base material, the thickness of the filter base material, that is, the distance between the two knitted fabrics is increased by forming the overlapping portion of the knitted fabric within the thickness. Even in this case, the filter base material is supported, and an excellent shape and strength can be maintained as compared with the case where the connecting fiber is lengthened to increase the thickness. In addition, by changing the size of the opening of the knitted fabric that overlaps or shifting the position, the flow of air can be controlled and the pressure loss can be changed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, if the filter base material is cylindrical, it is easy to hold water uniformly by rotating it. Water may be naturally sucked up and supplied by capillary action while immersing the three-dimensional structure (filter base material) 531 in the water tank, or it may be rotated and pumped up and supplied by itself. It may be sprayed from the surroundings.

  In addition, the surface may be processed to improve water retention. For example, as a hydrophilic processing method, there is a method of applying PEG (polyethylene glycol) to the surface of a fiber constituting a three-dimensional knitted fabric.

  The filter substrate may contain an antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent. These may be kneaded at the fiber production stage or applied to the knitted fabric. Thereby, even if a filter base material is always kept in the moist state, propagation of bacteria and mold can be suppressed and a filter base material can be kept clean.

Example 1
Using a wire having a diameter of 0.69 mm, a square having an arbitrarily selected diagonal length was created to create an opening model of a three-dimensional structure (that is, the opening of the first base material or the second base material). At the same time, the same square-shaped opening model was created with a wire having the same diameter processed to be hydrophilic by applying hydrophilic silicon and a wire having the same diameter processed to be water-repellent by applying a fluororesin. When these square-shaped opening models are immersed in water, whether or not a water film is formed, and if a water film is formed, the fragility of the water film is defined as the water film strength. evaluated.

  An example of the result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the water film strength. At this time, the water film strength indicates 0: water film cannot be formed, 1: disappears immediately, 2: disappears if wind is applied, 3: water film does not disappear unless strong wind is applied. With the untreated wire, when the diagonal length was 11 mm or less, a water film that would not disappear unless a strong wind with a water film strength of 3 was given. On the other hand, in the wire subjected to hydrophilicity or water repellency treatment, a water film is less likely to be formed than in the case of no treatment, and in both cases, the water film strength is 2 or less when the diagonal length is 2 mm or more. Similarly, even when a wire having a diameter of 0.49 mm was used, the water film strength was 2 or less when the diagonal length was 2 mm or more, if hydrophilic or water-repellent treatment was performed. Therefore, if the diagonal line of the three-dimensional structure constituting the vaporization filter is 2 mm or more, water will not form a film and block the opening. It can be said that it can be suppressed.

(Example 2)
Relative humidity of air after passing air through a vaporization filter having a three-dimensional structure formed by connecting a first base material having an opening and a second base material having an opening as a filter base material Was measured and evaluated as humidification performance. As the sample, a three-dimensional structure having a regular hexagonal shape having a longest diagonal line of 5 mm and a thickness of 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm was used.

  An example of the result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 10, the vertical axis represents the air humidity after passing through the vaporizing filter, that is, the humidifying performance. The humidification performance is improved because the contact time between the air and the water on the vaporization filter can be increased by increasing the thickness of the vaporization filter or reducing the wind speed of the passing air. However, as the wind speed is reduced, the air volume decreases when the volume of the vaporization filter is constant, so that the humidification performance as a humidifier, that is, the humidification amount per fixed time decreases. Therefore, there is a limit in reducing the wind speed, and the thickness of the vaporization filter is an important parameter for the humidifier. In order to obtain an air humidity of 60% or more after passing through the vaporization filter even when the wind speed is changed, the thickness is preferably 5 mm or more.

(Example 3)
Two types of vaporization filters provided with fine irregularities on the surface of the three-dimensional structure as a filter substrate and a vaporization filter provided with no irregularities were prepared.
(A) A vaporization filter in which an acrylic colloidal silica polymer resin emulsion is applied and dried to provide unevenness with a depth of about 0.1 μm on the surface of the three-dimensional structure. (B) 5 μm of acrylic colloidal silica polymer resin emulsion is used as a binder. The talc powder is fixed to the surface of the three-dimensional structure, and the three-dimensional structure base material that is not processed on the surface of the vaporization filter (C) in which the unevenness of the vaporization filter (A) is added to the unevenness of a depth of about 5 μm is formed into a cylindrical shape. Molded vaporization filters These vaporization filters (A), (B), and (C) were mounted on the humidification apparatus shown in the fifth embodiment, and the humidification performance of each vaporization filter was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 as humidification efficiency (moisture content per fixed amount of air). It can be seen that the humidification efficiency is improved as the unevenness is increased as in the vaporization filter of (A) and (B) with respect to the untreated filter substrate (C) having no unevenness.

Example 4
The size of the stitch of the filter base material, which is a three-dimensional structure in which four or more connecting fibers extend from one of the stitches constituting two knitted fabrics having a substantially regular hexagonal opening having a longest diagonal line of 5 mm Because of this restriction, a filter base material was produced in which the single fiber diameter and the fiber amount of the connecting fiber were varied. The number of connecting fibers extending from one stitch is six types of 4, 10, 12, 24, 36, and 48. The filter base having a large number of connecting fibers has a single fiber diameter. The filter substrate having a small number of connecting fibers and a small number of connected fibers has a single fiber diameter increased. All the filter substrates have a thickness of 8 mm. While continuously supplying water so that each filter base material is always kept moist, air having a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH is applied to the filter base material at a surface wind speed of 0.86 m / sec, 1.55 m. / Sec, 2.07 m / sec, water was vaporized, and the relative humidity and pressure loss of the air after passing through the filter substrate (vaporization filter) were measured. The result is shown in FIG.

  In the graph shown in FIG. 17, the vertical axis represents the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter base material, and the horizontal axis represents the pressure loss of the filter base material. At any surface wind speed, the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter substrate draws a parabola with respect to the pressure loss, and the region where the pressure loss in the parabola is low and the region where the humidity of 60% RH or higher cannot be obtained. Have. In applications where water is vaporized, air with a humidity lower than 60% RH cannot be said to have high humidification performance because a sufficient amount of water cannot be vaporized unless the amount of air passing through is greatly increased. . In the region where the pressure loss is low, a sufficient contact area between the filter substrate holding water and the passing air cannot be obtained, or water cannot be sufficiently vaporized because water is not sufficiently held. Further, in a region where the pressure loss is high, water is retained excessively, so that a sufficient contact area with the passing air cannot be obtained, or it is difficult to introduce air, so that water can be sufficiently vaporized. Can not. From this result, the two points where the parabola in FIG. 17 intersects the straight line of the humidity 60% RH after passing through the filter base material are boundaries where air with a humidity of 60% RH or more can be obtained, that is, these two points are The lower limit value and the upper limit value of the pressure loss necessary for obtaining a sufficient contact area between the water retained on the filter base material and the passing air.

As shown in FIG. 18, they draw a quadratic curve with respect to the surface wind speed. The vertical axis in FIG. 18 is a value obtained by dividing the pressure loss value in FIG. 18 by the thickness of the filter base material, and is expressed as a pressure loss per unit thickness. In order to sufficiently vaporize water, the water pressure loss may be in a region between the upper limit and the lower limit of the pressure loss as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 18, specifically, the openings of the two knitted fabrics. Pressure loss P (Pa / mm) per unit thickness at the time of water retention when air is introduced vertically at a surface wind speed V (m / sec) is (0.64 × V ² −0.28 × V). ) <P <(1.53 × V ² + 0.52 × V).

(Example 5)
A filter base material in which the connecting fiber is a multifilament and the opening shape of the knitted fabric is a three-dimensional structure having a substantially regular hexagonal shape, and the multifilament single fiber diameter and the longest diagonal of the opening are varied. It was created. The thickness of the water retaining material is all 8 mm. Each filter base material was cut into a size of 10 cm × 10 cm, and the whole was immersed in a water tank for 30 seconds, and then gently lifted by holding the corners of the filter base material, and the amount of water retained after 30 seconds from the lifting was measured. . Moreover, when flowing air having a surface wind speed of 1 m / sec and a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH in these water retaining materials, the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter base material is measured, and this is used as the amount of water vaporization. The relationship with water retention was evaluated.

  FIG. 19 shows the result. In the graph shown in FIG. 19, the vertical axis represents the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter base material, that is, the water vaporization amount, and the horizontal axis represents the water retention amount of the filter base material. When the water retention amount increases and the amount becomes excessive, the water becomes droplets and causes an increase in pressure loss. At the same time, since there is excess water on the connecting fibers, the surface area of the connecting fibers is not utilized, and the area in contact with the flowing air becomes the surface area of the water droplets, resulting in a decrease in the amount of water vaporized. On the other hand, if the amount of water retained decreases, the amount of water on the filter substrate becomes insufficient with respect to the amount of water that can be contained in the flowing air, and a sufficient amount of water vaporization cannot be obtained. In order to obtain a sufficient amount of water vaporization, that is, air having a temperature of 20 ° C. and humidity of 40% RH through the filter substrate to obtain air having a humidity of 60% RH or more, the water retention amount per unit weight of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is 1.45 g. / G or more and 2.55 g / g or less is desirable.

(Example 6)
When the water is held in the three-dimensional structure 511 of the eighth embodiment and air having a surface wind speed of 1 m / sec and a temperature of 20 ° C. and a humidity of 40% RH is passed through the opening 512, Relative humidity and pressure loss were measured. The filter base material was obtained by connecting two knitted fabrics having a substantially regular hexagonal opening having a longest diagonal line of 5 mm with multifilaments having different single fiber diameters, and the total volume occupied by the connecting fibers in the space was the same. That is, a multifilament with a small single fiber diameter has a large number of fibers, and a multifilament with a large single fiber diameter has a small number of fibers. As the single fiber diameter, five types of 15 μm, 16 μm, 18 μm, 55 μm, and 127 μm were used.

  The result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 20, the left vertical axis is the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter base, the right vertical axis is the pressure loss per unit thickness of the filter base during water retention, and the horizontal axis is the multifilament single fiber. The outer periphery of a cross section is shown. The black square mark in the graph of FIG. 20 shows the measurement result of the relative humidity of the air after passing through the filter substrate, and the white triangle mark shows the measurement result of the pressure loss. When the outer periphery of the multifilament is smaller than 45 μm, although water can be retained between the fibers, the amount of retained water is excessive, and the water becomes droplets and causes an increase in pressure loss. At the same time, the surface area of the connecting fiber is not utilized due to the presence of excess water on the connecting fiber, and the area in contact with the flowing air becomes the surface area of the water droplets, resulting in a decrease in the amount of water vaporized. Moreover, if the single filament diameter of a multifilament becomes small, elasticity will also attenuate. On the other hand, when the outer periphery of the multifilament is larger than 450 μm, a sufficient gas-liquid contact area cannot be obtained because the surface area is small. In addition, it becomes difficult to obtain the resilience of the knitted fabric, and it becomes difficult to form the filter base material, for example, a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the thickness and shape of the filter base material are maintained, and the low pressure loss and water vaporization amount are reduced. In order to achieve both, it is desirable that the outer periphery of the cross section of the multifilament single fiber is 45 μm or more and 450 μm or less.

(Example 7)
Using a wire with a diameter of 0.69 mm that has been processed to be water-repellent by applying a fluororesin, a square with an arbitrarily selected diagonal length is created. The relationship between the size of the opening and the formation of a water film was evaluated. Specifically, whether or not a water film is formed when these square-shaped wires are immersed in water, and if a water film is formed, the fragility of the water film is determined. The water film strength was evaluated.

  An example of the result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 21, the vertical axis represents the water film strength. At this time, the water film strength indicates 0: water film cannot be formed, 1: disappears immediately, 2: disappears if wind is applied, 3: water film does not disappear unless strong wind is applied. In the wire subjected to the water-repellent treatment, a water film is hardly formed, and when the diagonal length is 5 mm or more, the water film strength is 2 or less. Similarly, even when a wire having a diameter of 0.49 mm was used, the water film strength was 2 or less when the diagonal length was 5 mm or more, if water-repellent treatment was performed. From these data, since the opening of the knitted fabric of the filter base material has a diagonal line larger than 3 mm, water does not form a film and does not block the opening. Therefore, an increase in pressure loss during water retention is suppressed. It can be said that it is possible. If the longest diagonal line is 12 mm or less, the amount of air passing without contacting the retained water can be reduced, and the contact efficiency between the retaining material retaining water and the air introduced from the opening can be reduced. Can be increased.

(Example 8)
When the water is held in the three-dimensional structure 511 of the eighth embodiment and air having a temperature of 20 ° C. and humidity of 40% RH is caused to flow through the opening 512 at a surface wind speed of 1 m / sec and 2.5 m / sec, The relative humidity of the air after passing through the material was measured. The filter base material is obtained by connecting two knitted fabrics each having a substantially regular hexagonal opening having a longest diagonal line of 5 mm with a polyester multifilament in which 10 fibers having a single fiber diameter of 55 μm are bundled, and having a thickness of 4 mm, 6 mm, It was changed to 8 mm.

  The result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 22, the vertical axis indicates the relative humidity of air immediately after passing through the filter base material, that is, the humidifying performance. The humidification performance is improved because the contact time between the air and the water on the filter base can be increased by increasing the thickness of the filter base or reducing the wind speed of the passing air. However, if the area of the filter base that receives wind is constant, the amount of water vapor per unit time will decrease in applications where water is vaporized because the air volume decreases as the wind speed is reduced. Become. Therefore, in this case, there is a limit in reducing the wind speed, and the thickness of the filter base material is an important parameter. In order to obtain a relative humidity of air of 60% RH or more after passing through the filter substrate even when the wind speed is changed, the thickness is preferably 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less. Preferably, the thickness is 4 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

Example 9
A filter base material in which two knitted fabrics having a substantially regular hexagonal opening with a longest diagonal line of 5 mm are connected by a polyester multifilament in which 10 fibers having a single fiber diameter of 55 μm are bundled, and the thickness is changed to 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm. A filter base material having a thickness of 8 mm was prepared by connecting two knitted fabrics having substantially regular hexagonal openings whose longest diagonal lines were changed to 5 mm, 6 mm, and 7 mm with the multifilament. Water was held in these filter base materials, and the pressure loss was measured when air was passed through the openings at a surface wind speed of 1 m / sec.

  The result is shown in FIG. In the graph shown in FIG. 23, the left vertical axis represents thickness, the right vertical axis represents the longest diagonal of the opening, and the horizontal axis represents pressure loss. The black square mark in the graph of FIG. 23 indicates the thickness, and the white circle mark indicates the longest diagonal line of the opening. Of the parameters that increase or decrease the air pressure loss, the thickness has a smaller effect than the longest diagonal of the opening. This means that the pressure loss is mainly governed by the size of the opening of the two knitted fabrics, and the influence of the length of the connecting fiber is small. If the size of the opening is increased, the passage of the introduced air is secured, so that the pressure loss is significantly reduced. However, in practice, since the contact efficiency with the retained water is also reduced, it is not appropriate for use as a filter base material to realize a low pressure loss by greatly increasing the size of the opening. On the other hand, the effect of the length of the connecting fiber on the pressure loss is small, and when the thickness of the filter base is increased to increase the length of the connecting fiber, a sufficient water retention amount is obtained without increasing the pressure loss. And the contact efficiency with the introduced air can be increased. For these reasons, in order to obtain a filter base material having a low pressure loss and a large contact area between water and air even when water is sufficiently retained, the thickness is increased and the longest diagonal of the opening is reduced. Is desirable.

  It is to be noted that, by appropriately combining arbitrary embodiments of the various embodiments described above, the effects possessed by them can be produced.

  Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included therein, so long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention according to the appended claims.

  Japanese Patent Application No. 1 filed on May 21, 2007. No. 2007-133724, disclosures of claims, and claims, as well as Japanese Patent Application No. 2006 filed on Jan. 24, 2008. The disclosure of the specification, drawings, and claims of 2008-013318 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  Even if the scale deposits on the vaporization filter, the humidification ability can be maintained, and the contact efficiency between the air passing through and the water present on the vaporization filter can be increased. A humidifying device and an air purifier with a humidifying function that can be obtained can be provided, and can be applied to household and commercial humidifiers, air conditioners, and the like.

Claims (9)

A three-dimensional structure formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are in communication with each other. A vaporization filter as a material;
A water supply device for supplying water to the vaporizing filter and moistening the filter base;
An air blower that sends air to the wet filter base, passes the air through the communicating opening, and sends out the humidified air from the vaporization filter;
The first base material and the second base material are knitted fabrics having a plurality of openings, and two knitted fabrics are connected to each other with a plurality of connecting fibers at intervals, and water is held between the knitted fabric and the connecting fibers. A three-dimensional knitted fabric is configured as a filter substrate,
In the filter base material, a plurality of stitches having a portion defining one opening opposite to each other from at least one stitch of a plurality of stitches having a portion defining one opening in one knitted fabric In addition, four or more connecting fibers extend, and the knitted fabrics defining each other's openings are connected to each other,
In the three-dimensional knit fabric, the total circumference of each cross section of the connecting fibers in the 2.54cm angle state, and are more 700 mm,
A humidifier that holds water in the gap between adjacent connecting fibers .   The humidification device according to claim 1 whose perimeter of the section of a single fiber of connection fiber is 45 micrometers or more. The humidification device according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the polygonal knitted fabric having a plurality of stitches is formed so that a longest diagonal line thereof is larger than 3 mm. The water holding amount per unit weight of the three-dimensional knitted fabric is 1.45 g / g or more and 2.55 g / g or less, and in the water holding state, the surface air velocity V (m / sec) is applied to the openings of the two knitted fabrics. ), The pressure loss P (Pa / mm) per unit thickness is
In the range of ^{(0.64 × V 2 -0.28 × V} ) <P <(1.53 × V 2 + 0.52 × V), the humidification apparatus according to claim 1.   The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the fibers or the connecting fibers constituting the knitted fabric include a synthetic resin.   The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the opening shape of the knitted fabric is a substantially regular polygon. The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the three-dimensional knitted fabric, which is an interval between two connected knitted fabrics, is 2 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The connecting fiber is formed of multifilament and monofilament,
The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein two knitted fabrics are connected by a plurality of connecting fibers having curved shapes with different curvatures. A three-dimensional structure formed by connecting a first base material having a plurality of openings and a second base material having a plurality of openings with a plurality of connecting fibers so that the openings are in communication with each other. A vaporization filter as a material;
An air purification filter for purifying the air;
A water supply device for supplying water to the vaporizing filter and moistening the filter base;
A blower that sends air purified by passing through an air purification filter to a moistened filter base material, passes air through an opening communicated with the filter base material, and sends out humidified air purified from the vaporization filter; ,
The first base material and the second base material are knitted fabrics having a plurality of openings, and two knitted fabrics are connected to each other with a plurality of connecting fibers at intervals, and water is held between the knitted fabric and the connecting fibers. A three-dimensional knitted fabric is configured as a filter substrate,
In the filter base material, a plurality of stitches having a portion defining one opening opposite to each other from at least one stitch of a plurality of stitches having a portion defining one opening in one knitted fabric In addition, four or more connecting fibers extend, and the knitted fabrics defining each other's openings are connected to each other,
In the three-dimensional knit fabric, the total circumference of each cross section of the connecting fibers in the 2.54cm angle state, and are more 700 mm,
An air cleaner with a humidifying function that retains water in the gap between adjacent connecting fibers .

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