JP4923391B2 - HYGROSCOPIC FILTER, MANUFACTURING METHOD AND REPRODUCTION METHOD, HUMIDATOR - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hygroscopic filter used in a humidifier or a dehumidifier and a method for manufacturing the same.

An example of a conventional humidifier is shown in FIG. That is, in the humidifier 41, a hygroscopic filter 42 made of a non-woven fabric is disposed in a state where a part of the hygroscopic filter 42 is immersed in the water 45 of the water tank 44, and the hygroscopic filter 42 absorbs the water 45 of the water tank 44 by capillary action. The dry air sucked up and introduced into the humidifier 41 by the air blowing means 43 along the direction indicated by the arrow passes through the portion of the hygroscopic filter 42 not immersed in water. At this time, a method is generally known in which the water sucked up by the hygroscopic filter 42 is vaporized and the air becomes high humidity, and the high humidity air is supplied into the room (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-166413

  In this method, the hygroscopic filter that has sucked up water dries the air that passes through it, and the hygroscopic filter itself dries and contacts the water from the lower part of the hygroscopic filter that has been submerged in the water of the aquarium by capillary action. The filter is kept in a damp state at all times while allowing moisture to permeate all other parts that are not.

  Such hygroscopic filters are constantly wet and dry, and minerals such as silicon, calcium, and magnesium in tap water are deposited on the filter, so regular cleaning work is necessary and long-term use There was a problem that the strength was reduced by repeated washing.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a hygroscopic filter having improved wet load and dry load and strength against washing, and a method for producing the same.

In order to achieve the above object, a hygroscopic filter according to the present invention is characterized in that, as described in claim 1 , a hydrophilic inorganic material is applied to a structure having a void through which air can pass and a hydrolyzate of a silicate compound or a titanate compound. And the structure is coated with an acrylic resin.

  The hygroscopic filter according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the hygroscopic filter according to claim 1, the structure having a void through which air can pass is a urethane resin.

  The hygroscopic filter according to claim 3 is the hygroscopic filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure having a void through which air can pass is a foam.

  The hygroscopic filter according to claim 4 is the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrophilic inorganic material includes one or more of silica gel, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, and apatite. It is a feature.

  A hygroscopic filter according to claim 5 is the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a deodorizing catalyst is supported.

  A hygroscopic filter according to claim 6 is characterized in that the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5 carries an antibacterial agent.

  The hygroscopic filter according to claim 7 is characterized in that the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6 carries a fungicide.

  The hygroscopic filter according to claim 8 is the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a photocatalyst is supported.

  A method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to claim 9 is the method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a treatment liquid comprising a basic dispersant and an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic resin is used. It is characterized in that it is coated on a hygroscopic filter and dried.

  A method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to claim 10 is the method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a hydrophilic inorganic material is mixed with a hydrolyzate of a silicate compound or a titanate compound. In addition, it is characterized in that it is coated on a hygroscopic filter and dried.

  A method for regenerating a hygroscopic filter according to claim 11 is the method for regenerating a hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a hygroscopic filter and a blowing means, and ventilating the hygroscopic filter. It is characterized by desorbing the absorbed water.

A humidifying device according to a twelfth aspect includes the hygroscopic filter according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a blower unit, and a water supply unit, and the hygroscopic filter vaporizes water obtained from the water supply unit. It is characterized by supplying high humidity air into the room.

A humidifying device according to a thirteenth aspect includes the hygroscopic filter according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a blowing unit, a water supply unit, and a heating unit, and warm air is converted into a hygroscopic filter by the blowing unit and the heating unit. The water obtained from the spraying and water supply means is vaporized from the hygroscopic filter, whereby high-humidity air can be supplied to the downstream side.

Further, a dehumidifying device according to claim 14 comprises the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , a blowing means, a heating means, and a steam collecting means, and the air containing water by the blowing means is hygroscopic. The air is dehumidified on the downstream side to obtain air dehumidified, and the hygroscopic filter containing water is heated and vaporized, and then recovered by water vapor recovery means.

  According to the present invention, a structure having a void through which air can pass is coated with an acrylic resin coating and a hydrophilic inorganic material, so that it has good water wettability, excellent tensile strength, and water resistance. And a manufacturing method thereof. Further, it is possible to provide a humidifier or a dehumidifier that can maintain the filter strength over a long period of time in an environment where drying and wetting are repeated using the hygroscopic filter.

In the hygroscopic filter of the present invention , a hydrophilic inorganic material is supported on a structure having a void through which air can pass with an adhesive of a silicate compound or a hydrolyzate of a titanate compound, and the structure is covered with an acrylic resin. It is characterized by being. Since the structure having a void through which air can pass is coated with an acrylic resin, the water resistance, heat resistance, and strength of the acrylic resin can be imparted while maintaining the shape of the structure. Moreover, since the acrylic resin is milky white that is almost transparent, the strength can be improved without changing the color or appearance of the structure. Further, since the acrylic resin plays the role of an adhesive, it is effective for maintaining the shape of the structure when wet.

  Structures with voids through which air can pass include net-like, slit-like, straw-like, honeycomb-like, fiber-like, foam-like, bead-like, and a structure in which fibers are molded to a desired size by adhesive or heat fusion There is no particular limitation as long as air can pass through the body.

  Examples of the material of the structure having a void through which air can pass according to the present invention include organic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, and urethane, in addition to these materials, resin plates such as polystyrene and ABS, and natural materials such as cotton. Examples thereof include fiber, paper, and resin-impregnated paper.

  Among these, urethane foam is a material suitable for the purpose of the present invention because it has a large number of voids inside and is excellent in air permeability, and is inexpensive, flexible and easy to process. is there. However, urethane foam resin is weak in water absorption, and long-term use under severe conditions such as high temperature and high humidity may cause deterioration in quality, so it is difficult to use it alone as a hygroscopic filter. Therefore, it has been found that it is preferable to apply a hydrophilic inorganic material in order to increase the hygroscopicity after covering the urethane foam resin with an acrylic resin to ensure strength. As shown in FIG. 1, the urethane structure 1 is used as a structure mold, and the surface of the fiber 2 of the urethane structure is coated with an acrylic coating layer 3 to improve its strength, moisture resistance, heat resistance, and hydrophilic properties. An example in which water absorption is ensured using the inorganic material 4 and water is held in the structure is given. There is no problem whether the fine shape of the coated urethane is fibrous, plate-like or spherical.

  Examples of hydrophilic inorganic materials include synthetic and natural minerals such as silica gel, zeolite, diatomaceous earth and apatite, carbonates, nitrates, oxides and chlorides of alkali metals such as lithium, potassium and sodium, and alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium. And carbonates, nitrates, oxides, chlorides, aluminum and zinc sulfates, and the like, and any inorganic material having water absorption is not limited.

  By carrying a deodorizing catalyst on the hygroscopic filter of the present invention, it is possible to deodorize the air passing through the filter. As the deodorizing catalyst, a compound containing at least one metal selected from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu is preferable, and those containing at least one noble metal selected from Pt, Ru, Pd, Rd are still used. It is effective.

  The hygroscopic filter of the present invention may contain an antibacterial agent and / or an antifungal agent. The germs and mold spores contained in the air passing through the hygroscopic filter may accumulate on the surface of the hygroscopic filter and propagate. Since the filter is hygroscopic, it is considered that the antibacterial and / or antifungal agent is eluted on the surface of the filter by a very small amount of water. Can prevent breeding on.

  Examples of the antibacterial agent include inorganic compounds that elute metal ions such as silver, copper, and zinc, fine metal particles of silver, copper, and zinc, silver zeolite, silver-containing zirconium phosphate, iodine compounds, phenols, and quaternary ammonium salts. , Imidazole compounds, benzoic acids, hydrogen peroxide, cresol, chlorhexidine, irgasan, aldehydes, sorbic acid, etc. and enzyme preparations such as lysozyme, cellulase, protease, catechins, bamboo extract, hinoki extract, wasabi Examples include natural component extracts such as extracts and mustard extracts.

  Examples of the antifungal agent include organic nitrogen compounds / sulfur compounds, organic acid esters, organic iodine imidazole compounds, and benzazole compounds.

  The hygroscopic filter of the present invention may contain a photocatalyst. By irradiating the hygroscopic filter with a photocatalyst and irradiating light capable of activating the photocatalyst such as sunlight, an ultraviolet lamp, or a fluorescent lamp, germs and malodorous components adhering to the hygroscopic filter can be decomposed.

  As photocatalysts, metal oxides such as tin oxide, zinc oxide, tungsten trioxide, titanium oxide, strontium titanate, iron oxide, bismuth oxide, metal sulfides such as zinc sulfide, cadmium sulfide, molybdenum sulfide, titanium nitride, etc. In view of safety and economy, titanium oxide is preferable.

  Examples of titanium oxide include titanium dioxide, hydrous titanium oxide, hydrated titanium oxide, metatitanic acid, orthotitanic acid, titanium hydroxide, and oxygen-deficient titanium oxide. The crystal form is not particularly limited as long as it has photocatalytic activity, and any of an amorphous form, anatase form, rutile form, and brookite form may be used. There is no problem even if components having different crystal forms such as a combination of rutile type and anatase type titanium oxide are combined.

  It is conceivable to use an adhesive as a method for supporting the hydrophilic inorganic material of the present invention on a structure having a void through which air can pass. Since the water-repellent adhesive decreases the hygroscopic performance of the hygroscopic filter, a hydrophilic adhesive is desirable, and an adhesive that does not peel off the hydrophilic inorganic material even after repeated moisture absorption and drying is required. As an adhesive satisfying this requirement, a hydrolyzate of a silicate compound / titanate compound is suitable.

  Examples of the silicate compound include tetraethoxysilane and its polymer, methoxypolysiloxane, ethoxypolysiloxane, butoxypolysiloxane, and lithium silicate. Examples of the titanate compound include tetrapropoxytitanium and a polymer thereof. These metal alkoxides are hydrolyzed with water and acid or base, and can be used as an adhesive.

  The hygroscopic filter is formed by applying an aqueous acrylic resin emulsion to a structure having a space through which air can pass and drying to form a coating layer, and then applying and drying a mixture of the adhesive and a hydrophilic inorganic material. Can be easily manufactured.

  The acrylic resin is dispersed as an emulsion in water with a surfactant or a basic dispersant. When a surfactant is contained, an acrylic emulsion containing a basic dispersant is preferred because it may foam when applied to the structure and block the voids in the structure.

  The above adhesives are used after being hydrolyzed with water and acid or base. If these acids or bases remain on the hygroscopic filter, there is a possibility of damaging the resin or fibers forming the structure. . After using a basic dispersant when coating the acrylic resin, if acid is used for hydrolysis of the adhesive, both can be neutralized, reducing acid and / or base residue on the hygroscopic filter. be able to. For the same reason, it is also effective to wash the hygroscopic filter after production with water.

  The hygroscopic filter that absorbs water can evaporate the water and allow the air to be humidified by allowing the dry air to pass through the filter gap. Conversely, when high-humidity air is allowed to pass through, water is absorbed when passing through the air gaps in the filter, so that dehumidified air can be obtained. By combining these actions to absorb and release moisture, the air can be humidified and dehumidified to be controlled to an arbitrary humidity.

  The humidifying device according to claim 12 includes a hygroscopic filter, an air blowing unit, and a water supply unit, and the hygroscopic filter supplies high humidity air to the room by vaporizing water obtained from the water supply unit. Thus, by keeping the hygroscopic filter moistened with the water supply means, moisture can be given to the air passing therethrough and high-humidity air can be supplied indoors. Here, by utilizing the property that the higher the temperature of the air, the more moisture can be retained, the air passing therethrough is heated by a heating means to form hot air, thereby allowing the air containing a larger amount of moisture to flow into the room. Can be supplied to. A fan, a pump, etc. can be utilized as a ventilation means. As the heating means, a heater, a heat exchanger using high-temperature air / gas / water, a burner, or the like can be used.

  The dehumidifying device according to claim 14 is provided with a hygroscopic filter, a blowing means, a heating means, and a steam collecting means, and air containing water is blown to the hygroscopic filter by the blowing means, and the air dehumidified downstream is supplied. The water-absorbing filter containing water is vaporized by heating, and then recovered by means of water vapor collecting means, and air containing water is sprayed onto the dried hygroscopic filter. Thus, the dehumidified air can be supplied indoors. When the hygroscopic filter contains water and the hygroscopicity decreases, the hygroscopic filter is warmed to vaporize the water, and the vaporized water is collected by the water vapor collecting means without releasing water into the room. The hygroscopic filter can be dried. As the steam recovery means, an air-cooled, water-cooled, gas-type heat exchanger or the like can be used.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention in detail, this invention is limited to the following description and is not interpreted at all.

(Example 1) Preparation of hygroscopic filter and its moisture absorption / release performance A solution obtained by diluting an acrylic emulsion 10 times with water was prepared, and urethane foam (thickness 30 mm, 100 x 100 mm) was immersed in the solution. After dipping for a few seconds, it was lifted to remove excess liquid and dried at about 100 ° C. for about 20 minutes to coat the acrylic resin.

  Ethanol and 1N hydrochloric acid were added to tetraethoxysilane to hydrolyze the adhesive. After adding hydrophilic zeolite here and stirring, urethane foam with / without acrylic coating was immersed. After dipping for a few seconds, it was lifted off to remove excess liquid and dried at about 100 ° C. for about 20 minutes to produce a hygroscopic filter with and without acrylic coating.

  These hygroscopic filters were immersed in water, the excess liquid was shaken off, and the water retention amount of each filter was measured from the weight increase. Thereafter, two hygroscopic filters containing water were stacked and placed in a duct with a thickness of 60 mm, and placed in a 6 tatami room having a temperature of 20 ° C. and a relative humidity of 30%. While the air at the inlet of the duct was heated to about 50 ° C., a flow rate of 1 m 3 / min was passed through the hygroscopic filter, and the amount of water discharged by vaporization of water from the hygroscopic filter to air was measured from the change in weight of the entire duct.

  Table 1 shows the moisture absorption amount and the water discharge amount of each filter. From this result, it was found that the water absorption and the amount of water released into the air can be increased by loading hydrophilic zeolite on the urethane foam, and that the acrylic coating does not affect these performances. .

(Example 2) Durability of hygroscopic filter The hygroscopic filter prepared in Example 1 was placed in an environment of 70 ° C and humidity of 95%, and the strength change of the filter over time was compared by a tensile strength test. Table 2 shows the relationship between the elapsed time and the strength of each hygroscopic filter. Regardless of the material, the strength is improved by acrylic coating at 0 hours. Urethane A was found to be unsuitable for use as a hygroscopic filter, although a decrease in strength due to the influence of temperature and humidity was observed and improvement was observed with acrylic coating. On the other hand, although the initial strength of urethane B was inferior to that of urethane A, it was found that there was almost no strength reduction due to the influence of temperature and humidity. The improvement of the strength by acrylic coating was also recognized, and it was found that it can be used as a hygroscopic filter.

(Example 3) Humidifying device Hydrophilic zeolite as a hydrophilic inorganic material, tetraethoxysilane hydrolyzed by adding hydrochloric acid to an ethanol solution as an adhesive, 1,1′-hexamethylenebis [5- ( 4-Chlorophenyl) biguanide] A solution in which dihydrochloride and thiabendazole were mixed as an antifungal agent was prepared, and an acrylic coated sheet-like urethane foam was immersed in the solution. After soaking for a few seconds, it was lifted to remove excess liquid and dried at about 100 ° C. for about 20 minutes to obtain a hygroscopic filter.

  2 includes a fan 23 as a blowing means, a hygroscopic filter 22, and a water supply means 24. A heater as an air heating means is provided between the fan 23 and the hygroscopic filter 22. 26 is arranged. The dry air 27 taken into the humidifying device 21 by the fan 23 is heated to about 50 ° C. by the heater 26, and then comes into contact with the hygroscopic filter 22 and passes through. At this time, the hygroscopic filter 22 receives the water 25 from the water supply means 24 and is in a moist state, so that the water is vaporized, and high-humidity air 28 is supplied downstream.

  We tried to make a hygroscopic filter using urethane foam with foam density of 6 cells / 25mm or less, 6-10, 11-16, 17-23 cells / 25mm, but those with 17-23 cells / 25mm or more are cells. Since the interval is too small, and the solution does not penetrate into the urethane foam when the urethane foam is immersed in the solution, 16 cells / 25 mm or less is preferable. However, a cell of 10 cells / 25 mm or less is convenient because it has a high permeability of the solution, but the amount of water that can be retained per unit volume as a hygroscopic filter is reduced. In addition, the hygroscopic filter was manufactured using a sheet having a thickness of 5, 8, 10, 13, 15, 20 mm. However, the 20 mm sheet has a large thickness and is provided in a general household humidifier. It was found that 15 mm or less is good because sufficient air cannot flow with the power of the fan. In the case of 5 mm or less, the thickness is small, the strength as a hygroscopic filter cannot be maintained, and the processing is difficult, so the sheet thickness is suitably 5 to 15 mm.

(Embodiment 4) Dehumidifying Device A dehumidifying device 31 whose schematic sectional view is shown in FIG. 3 includes a fan 33 as a blowing means, a hygroscopic filter 32, a water vapor collecting means 35, and a water tank 34. A heater 36 is disposed between the hygroscopic filters 32 as air heat means. The wet air 37 taken into the dehumidifying device 31 by the fan 33 comes into contact with the hygroscopic filter 32 and escapes as dry air 38. When the moisture absorption efficiency of the hygroscopic filter 32 decreases due to continuous use, the heater 36 is heated, whereby the water vapor is desorbed from the hygroscopic filter 32 by the action of the heated air, and the cooled water vapor Water vapor is condensed by the collecting means 35, and the condensed water vapor is collected in the water tank 34. By repeating these actions, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier that supplies dry air into the room.

  By using the hygroscopic filter of the present invention, it is possible to easily adsorb and desorb water vapor in the air, so it can be used for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, dryers, humidity control storage containers such as clothes and foods, etc. Applicable.

Conceptual diagram of urethane-coated hygroscopic filter Schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifying device of Example 3 Schematic sectional view of the dehumidifying device of Example 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of conventional humidifier

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Urethane structure 2 Urethane structure fiber 3 Acrylic coating layer 4 Hydrophilic inorganic material 5 Void 21 Humidifier 22 Hygroscopic filter 23 Fan 24 Water supply means 25 Water 26 Heater 27 Dry air 28 High humidity air 31 Dehumidifier 32 Hygroscopic filter 33 Fan 34 Water tank 35 Steam recovery means 36 Heater 37 Wet air 38 Dry air 41 Humidifier 42 Hygroscopic filter 43 Blower means 44 Water tank 45 Water 46 Heating means

Claims (14)

A hygroscopic material characterized in that a hydrophilic inorganic material is supported by a hydrolyzate of a silicate compound or a titanate compound on a structure having a void through which air can pass, and the structure is covered with an acrylic resin. filter. The hygroscopic filter according to claim 1, wherein the structure having a void through which air can pass is urethane resin. The hygroscopic filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure having a void through which air can pass is a foam. The hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hydrophilic inorganic material includes one or more of silica gel, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, and apatite. The hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a deodorizing catalyst is supported. The hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an antibacterial agent. The hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an antifungal agent. The hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a photocatalyst is supported. The method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a treatment liquid comprising a basic dispersant and an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic resin is applied to the hygroscopic filter and dried. . The method for producing a hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a hydrophilic inorganic material is mixed with a hydrolyzate of a silicate compound or a titanate compound, applied to the hygroscopic filter and dried. A method for regenerating a hygroscopic filter, comprising the hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an air blowing means, and desorbing water absorbed by ventilation through the hygroscopic filter. A hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a blowing unit, and a water supply unit, wherein the hygroscopic filter vaporizes water obtained from the water supply unit to supply high-humidity air into the room. Humidification device that can. A hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a blowing means, a water supply means, and a heating means, wherein hot air is blown onto the hygroscopic filter by the blowing means and the heating means, and the water supply means A humidifier capable of supplying high-humidity air to the downstream side when the obtained water is vaporized from the hygroscopic filter. A hygroscopic filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a blowing unit, a heating unit, and a steam collecting unit are provided, and air containing water is blown onto the hygroscopic filter by the blowing unit, and dehumidified downstream. A dehumidifying device is characterized in that the air is obtained and the hygroscopic filter containing water is heated and vaporized, and then recovered by the water vapor recovery means.

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