JPH09230105A - Antifogging method and facility applied with the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an antifogging method which exhibits a sufficient optical semiconductor effect even in a room and exhibits an effect in antifogging of the mirror of a wash-stand, etc., and facility applied with the method. SOLUTION: This facility (wash-stand 1) has a member (mirror 5) to be subjected to antifogging and an ancillary illumination appliance (fluorescent lamp 3) for illuminating the peripheral thereof. The surface of the mirror 5 has hydrophilicity and the optical semiconductor effect. The fluorescent lamp 3 emits white light and optical semiconductor exciting light. The appliance which emits the white light and optical semiconductor exciting light is used as the ancillary illumination appliance and, therefore, the appliance plays the role of general interior illumination as well and is capable of sufficiently promoting the optical semiconductor effect for antifogging, etc.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vanity, a bathroom mirror, a vehicle mirror and glass, or a frozen food case or a transparent door of a store refrigerator, which is easily used for indoors and outdoors. The present invention relates to a method for preventing fog on a member surface (anti-fog). It also relates to such anti-fog equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A vanity is often installed in a dressing room adjacent to a bathroom, and the mirror of the vanity is easily fogged due to the influence of water vapor from the bathroom. A typical method for stopping the fogging is to electrically heat the surface of the mirror to prevent condensation on the surface. However, this method is slow if heating is started after the mirror has begun to become cloudy, so that it is generally necessary to always heat the mirror, resulting in a large waste of power.

The inventors of the present invention have filed Japanese Patent Application No. 7-1176.
In No. 00 and No. 7-182020, an antifogging method for the surface of glass or the like using the action of a photocatalyst (optical semiconductor) was proposed. This antifogging method forms a titanium oxide film on the surface of glass and realizes antifogging by the action of the optical semiconductor.

As a result of extensive studies thereafter, it was found that the anti-fog effect due to the action of an optical semiconductor is as follows.
I was able to clarify. That is, when the optical semiconductor is irradiated with light,
Physical adsorption of water vapor in the air onto the surface of the photosemiconductor occurs, and the surface becomes hydrophilic. Further, the physically adsorbed water layer also serves to prevent the stain component having a hydrophobic functional group and the water-soluble stain component from being fixed to the surface of the member.

The present invention is common to the conventionally known so-called photocatalytic action in that it includes forming a layer containing an optical semiconductor such as titanium oxide and irradiating with ultraviolet rays. However, the antifogging operation principle and the basic structure for strengthening the antifogging function are essentially different. As a result, when a hydrophilic surface is realized, even if dew condensation occurs on the surface, only a water film is formed and no clouding occurs. Haze is caused by the scattering of light by fine water droplets.

[0006]

The above heating method has a large energy loss. Also, once cloudy, it is impossible to deal with it quickly. In many cases, in bathrooms and washrooms, when water droplets adhering to the surface of the mirror dry, calcium carbonate is formed from calcium ions in tap water and carbon dioxide gas in the air, and adheres to the mirror surface. On the other hand, the antifogging method based on the photo-semiconductor effect does not have the problem like the heating method, but depending on the conditions under which light is applied, the photo-semiconductor effect may be inactive and the effect may be incomplete. This is particularly the case in places where only artificial lighting is used indoors.
It should be noted that this problem is not specific to antifogging, but relates to the overall photo-semiconductor action including photocatalysts such as antibacterial and deodorant.

Now, the relationship between illumination and the action of an optical semiconductor will be described. Typical photocatalyst (optical semiconductor) is a titanium oxide (TiO ₂₎ exhibits an optical semiconductor effect when light having an energy greater than the band gap strikes. Such light will be referred to as optical semiconductor excitation light. In the case of titanium oxide, it is near-ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than about 380 nm. As artificial lighting that emits such near-ultraviolet light, so-called black light blue fluorescent lamp (main wavelength 360 nm)
There is also a lamp for trapping insects (main wavelength 370 nm). Further, a general white fluorescent lamp also emits a faint mercury emission line spectrum (365 nm).

When a member exhibiting an optical semiconductor action in a room where natural light does not enter is used, a fluorescent lamp such as the above black light blue is used together with a white fluorescent lamp, or a near-ultraviolet light component included in the white fluorescent lamp. You will expect it. However, in a black light blue fluorescent lamp, the fluorescent tube glows blue to purple, and all the illuminated objects appear blue. Therefore, a person living under white light (daylight, daylight white) such as sunlight receives a very different feeling and is difficult to use as general indoor lighting.
Further, since the near-ultraviolet light component of the white fluorescent lamp is weak, the light amount becomes insufficient in a high load situation where an active optical semiconductor action is expected.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an antifogging method which exhibits a sufficient photo-semiconductor function even in a room and is effective for antifogging of a mirror of a vanity and the like, and an equipment provided with the method. To do. Further, equipment having an illumination lamp that includes near-ultraviolet light for exciting electrons in the valence band of an optical semiconductor to exert a sufficient optical semiconductor action and antifogging action, and that also emits white light for indoor lighting The purpose is to provide.

[0010]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the anti-fogging method of the present invention is an anti-fogging method for preventing the surface of a member from being fogged; And illuminating the surface of the member with white light and photo-semiconductor excitation light. That is, illumination that emits both white light and optical-semiconductor excitation light (near-ultraviolet light, etc.) is appropriately applied to the optical semiconductor, and the optical semiconductor is sufficiently exhibited.

The facility of the present invention is a facility equipped with a member to be fog-prevented and an attached lighting device for illuminating the periphery of the member; the surface of the member has hydrophilicity and an optical semiconductor, and The attached luminaire emits white light and optical semiconductor excitation light. That is, there are some types of equipment having an attached lighting fixture, such as a vanity and the like, which have members (mirrors, etc.) required to prevent fog. If an accessory lighting device that emits white light and photo-semiconductor excitation light is adopted, it can play the role of general indoor lighting and can sufficiently promote the photo-semiconductor action such as anti-fog.

The illuminating lamp used in the anti-fog method of the present invention is
It emits both white light and light that excites the optical semiconductor. In particular, the wavelength at which the optical semiconductor is excited is 300 to 400 nm, and the intensity of the optical semiconductor excitation light (maximum relative intensity) is 10 to 60% of the intensity of white light. With such an illuminating lamp, the photo-semiconductor action of titanium oxide, which is a typical photocatalyst, can be sufficiently brought out.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in more detail below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a vanity having a mirror with an antifogging function according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this external view, there is no difference from the conventional vanity having no antifogging function. The vanity 1 includes a cabinet 11, a bowl 9, a faucet 7, a mirror 5, a fluorescent lamp 3 and the like. The cabinet 11 is a cabinet for storing towels and the like, and is also a base for supporting the bowl 9 and the like at the upper part.
The water (hot water) discharged from the faucet 7 is received by the bowl 9. A mirror 5 is provided at the upper back of the bowl 9. A fluorescent lamp 3 (attached lighting device) is installed on the upper edge of the mirror 5.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the sectional structure of the mirror of FIG. The cross-sectional structure of the mirror 5 includes a backup resin layer 21, a copper film 22, and a silver film 2 from the back surface (lower side of the figure) to the front.
3, a soda glass plate 25, a silica glass film 27, and a titanium oxide film 29 have a five-layer structure. The silver film 23 is a mirror surface that reflects light from the surface. Backup resin layer 21
Protects the silver film 23. The copper film 22 is for preventing the silver film 23 from being oxidized and improving the adhesion to the resin layer 21. The soda glass plate 25 is the body of the end plate. The backup resin layer 21, the copper film 22, the silver film 23, and the soda glass plate 25 are the same as those of the conventional mirror.

A feature of the mirror according to the present invention is that a titanium oxide film 29 is provided on the mirror surface. When the photo-semiconductor excitation light (near-ultraviolet light) strikes the titanium oxide film 29, the photon energy of the light excites electrons in the valence band into a conductor to generate conduction electrons. At the same time, a positively excited level is created in the vacant energy level of the electron, and a high-energy state having negative (electron) and positive (hole) charges is created. As a result, the polarity of the surface of the substrate made of a hydrophilic substance is increased, and the physical adsorption water layer is increased, thereby realizing hydrophilicity.

The role of the silica glass film 27 between the titanium oxide film 29 and the soda glass plate 25 is as follows. Hydrophilicity contributes more to the formation of the physically adsorbed water layer on the surface of the member by the optical semiconductor than to the oxidative decomposition by the photocatalyst. Therefore, since silica has a property of storing water in a structure (so that silica gel can be used as a desiccant), it is presently considered that silica has an effect of maintaining physically adsorbed water more stably.

The fluorescent lamp 3 which is an accessory lighting device is also one of the characteristic parts of the present invention. In this fluorescent lamp 3, a fluorescent film containing both an ultraviolet fluorescent substance and a visible fluorescent substance is formed on the inner wall of the glass tube. When the photocatalyst is TiO ₂ , an example of a phosphor of near-ultraviolet light is 310 nm (CaZn) ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ :
Tl ⁺ , 328 nm Ca ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ : Tl ⁺ , 350 nmB
aSi ₂ O ₅ : Pb ²⁺ , 360 nm SrB ₄ O ₇ F: Eu
²⁺ , 370 nm (Ba, Sr, Mg) ₃ Si ₂ O ₇ : Pb ²⁺
Can be mentioned. 3Ca as a phosphor for visible light
₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ · Ca (F, Cl) ₂ : Sb ³⁺ , Mn ²⁺ , Sr
_{10 (PO 4) 6 Cl 2} : Eu 2+, (Sr, Ca) 10 (PO 4)
₆ Cl ₂ : Eu ²⁺ , (Sr, Ca) ₁₀ (PO ₄ ) ₆ Cl ₂ ·
nB ₂ O ₃ : Eu ²⁺ , (Ba, Ca, Mg) ₁₀ (PO ₄ ) ₆
Cl ₂ : Eu ²⁺ , SrP ₂ O ₇ : Sn ²⁺ , BaP ₂ O
₇ : Ti ⁴⁺ , (Sr, Mg) ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ Cl ₂ : S
n ²⁺ , 2SrO ・ 0.84P ₂ O ₅・ 0.16B ₂ O
₃ : Eu ²⁺ , LaPO ₄ : Ce ³⁺ , Tb ³⁺ , La ₂ O ₃
・ 0.2 SiO ₂・ 0.9 P ₂ O ₅ : Ce ³⁺ , Tb
³⁺ , MgWO ₄ , BaAl ₈ O ₁₃ : Eu ²⁺ , BaMg ₂
Al ₁₆ O ₂₇ : Eu ²⁺ , Sr ₄ Al ₁₄ O ₂₅ : Eu ²⁺ , Ce
Examples thereof include MgAl ₁₁ O ₁₉ : Tb ³⁺ and Y ₂ O ₃ : Eu ³⁺ . It is possible to freely select from these phosphors depending on the lamp efficiency and the preference of the colored light. The above description means “310 nm (CaZn) ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂ :
Tl ⁺ "is taken as an example, 310 nm represents the dominant wavelength of the emission spectrum of this phosphor, and (CaZn) ₃ (PO ₄ ) ₂
Is the matrix of the inactive phosphor and Tl ⁺ is its activator.

[0018]

Example 1 (1) Mirror surface treatment: (1.1) Silica glass film formation: Tetraethoxysilane (Si (C ₂ H) was formed on the surface of soda glass mirror glass.
₅ O) ₄ ): 36% hydrochloric acid: pure water: ethanol = 6: 2:
The silica glass precursor liquid mixed in a weight ratio of 6:86 was applied.

(1.2) Titanium oxide film formation: Next, 36
% Of hydrochloric acid to titanium tetraethoxide was mixed with titanium tetraethoxide at a weight ratio of 9: 1 to prepare a coating liquid. This coating liquid was applied to the surface of the mirror glass coated with the silica glass precursor liquid by a flow coating method in dry air. The coating amount per time was 45 μg / cm ² in terms of titanium oxide.

(1.3) Dry firing: The above glass was dried in dry air for 1 to 10 minutes and then fired at 500 ° C. for 10 minutes. The thickness of the obtained silica glass film and titanium oxide film was about 0.05 μm. (1.4) Mirror surface formation: silver is applied by a silver mirror reaction on the back side of the glass on which the optical semiconductor layer is formed in the above-mentioned step (aluminum or chromium vapor deposition is also possible) to form a mirror surface by coating a light reflection film. did. A Cu film was formed on the back surface of the mirror surface, and further protected by a backup resin to complete the mirror. No double image was observed when the finished mirror was viewed from the front diagonally.

(2) Fabrication of fluorescent lamp: In this embodiment, 370
nm (Ba, Sr, Mg) ₃ Si ₂ O ₇ : Pb ²⁺ and 3Ca
(F, Cl) ₂ : Sb ³⁺ , Mn ²⁺ was applied to the inner wall of the glass tube to manufacture a fluorescent lamp with a tube power of 20W. As shown in FIG. 4, the former UV fluorescent material is applied to about half of the inner wall and the latter visible fluorescent material is applied to the other half by the same application method used in the production of ordinary fluorescent lamps. did. In FIG. 4, 31 is a glass tube, 33 is a visible phosphor coating film, and 35 is an ultraviolet phosphor coating film. Here, the ultraviolet phosphor was applied in such a positional relationship that the glass surface of the mirror could be directly illuminated when it was attached to a lighting fixture. The method of applying the phosphor is, in addition to the method of applying by dividing in this way,
It is also possible to mix the visible fluorescent substance and the ultraviolet fluorescent substance and apply them uniformly on the entire surface of the glass tube. The spectrum of the produced fluorescent lamp is shown in FIG. The spectrum of this fluorescent lamp contained an ultraviolet light peak (wavelength of 368 nm) as compared with a general white fluorescent lamp, as shown in FIG. Illuminometer capable of measuring ultraviolet light (UV illuminometer (UIT-101-365 manufactured by Ushio Inc.
When measured with a PD) at a distance of about 20 cm, the illuminance was 0.2 mW / cm ² . Under the same conditions, the illuminance of visible light was measured by Tokyo Koden Co., Ltd. pocket illuminance meter ANA-9.
It was 1500 lx when measured using 99.

(3) Evaluation: These antifogging properties were evaluated as follows. Two bathrooms were prepared, "a bathroom vanity equipped with a normal mirror and an ordinary white fluorescent lamp: a comparative example" and "a bathroom vanity equipped with a photocatalyst and a light source for irradiating the same: an embodiment".
Actually placed next to the bathroom. Then, when the makeup mirror of the comparative example opened the door of the bathroom after taking a bath and received steam, it immediately became cloudy and could not function as a mirror. On the other hand, with the makeup mirror of the example, a clear image could be recognized without clouding the mirror.

The antifogging property was evaluated by the contact angle of water drops as follows. After irradiating a fluorescent lamp from a distance of 20 cm and leaving the combination shown in Table 1 for 2 days, the contact angle of water droplets was measured. It was found that the combination of this example had the lowest contact angle and the hydrophilicity was achieved.

[0024]

[Table 1]

Example 2, electron beam evaporation method: A titanium oxide film was formed on the surface of a float glass plate by the following method.
First, Si was placed on the float glass plate heated to 300 ° C.
A SiO ₂ layer having a thickness of about 50 nm was formed using an O ₂ target. Then, using a TiO ₂ target, about 50 nm
Was formed into a film. After that, take it out to the atmosphere, 500 ℃
Heat treatment was carried out for 30 minutes to form a photohydrophilic thin film. Further, a mirror surface was formed by the method (1.4) to obtain an anti-fog mirror.

The obtained anti-fog mirror was evaluated for the recovery of hydrophilicity after adhesion of oil stains as follows. After oleic acid is spread on the hydrophilic thin film of the mirror and spread, neutral synthetic detergent for bathroom (Brand name: Bath Magic phosphorus)
Was put on a sponge and washed. 50 after rinsing with running water
Dry at ℃. This was irradiated with a BLB fluorescent lamp at 0.2 mW / cm ² and the time-dependent change in contact angle with water was measured (FIG. 5).
Then, the contact angle reached 10 ° or less by light irradiation for several hours, and was 5 ° or less the next day. At this time, even if the breath was blown on the mirror surface, it did not become cloudy.

Example 3, alkoxide method: The feature of this example is that by adding SiO ₂ having a low refractive index to TiO ₂ , the refractive index of the thin film can be lowered and the transmittance of visible light can be improved. Therefore, the reflection image of the mirror can be brightened. A titanium oxide film was formed on the surface of the float plate glass by the following method. To 20 g of ethanol, 1 g of Nissan Chemicals' methanol SiO ₂ sol diluted to 5% with ethanol was added, and 5 g of the above-mentioned (1.2) Ti alkoxide was added to prepare a solution. TiO at this time
The solid content concentration in terms of oxide of ₂ and SiO ₂ was 0.7%. This was flow-coated on the glass on which the SiO ₂ intermediate layer of (1.1) was formed, and then dried and baked. After that, a mirror surface was formed by the above method (1.4).

SiO ₂ : T by changing the addition amount of silica sol
those prepared by changing the iO ₂ ratio was evaluated by the appearance of transmittance and haze film Gardner Co. haze meter (Fig. 6). Further, the hardness of the film was evaluated by pencil hardness (Fig. 7). Here, as the silica sol, several kinds of solvents such as isopropanol and xylene are commercially available, and these can be used. Silica sol of water solvent is also mixed with Ti alkoxide in a cold place, by adding a hydrolysis inhibitor,
It can be used by taking measures such as suppressing hydrolysis of the alkoxide when mixed with the Ti alkoxide, and adding a dispersant to suppress aggregation. The spectral sensitivity of the measured transmittance is
Follow the y function under the ICE standard illuminant C.

As a result of the above test, when silica sol was added, the transmittance of the film was increased and the haze value was decreased (FIG. 6). On the other hand, the film hardness, when silica sol is added,
It turned out to be weak (Fig. 7). From this, it can be said that the range in which both the transmittance and the film hardness are compatible is 10 to 30 mol%.

At this time, it is preferable to use a Si alkoxide (TEOS tetraethoxysilane or the like) as a starting material instead of the silica sol and mix it with a Ti alkoxide to prepare a composite alkoxide, thereby achieving a dense and high hardness film. Although it is possible to produce TiO ₂
Since silica suppresses crystallization of, the thin film exhibiting hydrophilicity cannot be obtained. In that case, it is necessary to hydrolyze TiO ₂ first (partial hydrolysis in a warm bath) to accelerate crystallization. However, since particles start to form with hydrolysis, the alkoxide solution becomes cloudy, the viscosity becomes high, and there are many disadvantages for forming a transparent thin film. On the other hand, the composition shown here combining Ti alkoxide and silica sol can solve problems such as crystallization, liquid properties, and film transparency.

The arrangement of the illumination (fluorescent lamp) and the photohydrophilic thin film
In another example , in the case of a fluorescent lamp having a structure in which the ultraviolet phosphor is divided, the following needs to be considered. A fluorescent lamp is attached to the mirror of the vanity so that the light emitting surface of the ultraviolet phosphor faces the mirror so that the ultraviolet light hits the mirror. The light emitting surface of the visible phosphor is directed toward a person so that ultraviolet light does not enter the human eye. For that purpose, it is necessary to design the division angle of the coating portion of the ultraviolet phosphor according to the size of the mirror and the position of the fluorescent lamp.

FIG. 8 is a view in which the illumination of the mirror in the vanity according to one embodiment of the present invention is considered. (A)
Is an overall view, and (B) is an enlarged view of a fluorescent lamp. The vanity 40 includes a mirror 47 standing on a counter 49 and a fluorescent lamp 45 for illumination. A user 41 stands in front of the mirror 47. Reference numeral 43 indicates the eyes of the user.
In FIG. 8B, reference numeral 44 is a lamp and 46 is a base of a fluorescent lamp.

The division of the ultraviolet phosphor of the fluorescent lamp 45 is shown by θ _{1 in the} figure.
And theta ₂ (range of theta ₁ through? ₂ is ultraviolet fluorescent lamp) is defined by. The mounting position of the fluorescent lamp, the length of the mirror, and the distance to the person are d ₁ , L, and d ₂ , respectively. These have the following relationships. tan θ ₂ = L / D ₁ → θ ₂ = tan ⁻¹ (L / D ₁ ) d ₁ tan θ ₁ + d ₂ tan θ ₁ = L / 2 → θ ₁ = tan ⁻¹ (L / 2 (d ₁ + d ₂ ))

For example, d ₁ = 10 cm, L = 110 cm,
If d ₂ = 65 cm and a person stands in the center of the mirror, the calculation results in θ ₁ = 38 degrees and θ ₂ = 85 degrees. That is,
It can be seen that it is optimal to manufacture a fluorescent lamp coated with an ultraviolet phosphor with a width of about 47 degrees from 38 degrees to 85 degrees from the diagonal direction of the base. The position of the fluorescent lamp is not limited to the upper part of the mirror, and may be on the side surface or the lower part.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a vanity having an anti-fog three-sided mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention. (A)
Is a perspective view of the whole, (B) is a plan view when the three-sided mirror is used,
(C) is a plan view of the three-sided mirror when not in use. The three-sided mirror of the vanity 91 in this figure includes a front mirror 93 and side mirrors 95a and 95b on both sides thereof. Then, between the front mirror 93 and the side mirrors 95a and 95b, fluorescent lamps 97a and 97b for irradiating ultraviolet rays are mounted in a vertical direction. The back sides of the fluorescent lamps 97a and 97b are covered with a case 99. This case is for preventing the light of the fluorescent lamp 97 from leaking outside (in the state of FIG. 13C).

In the use state of the three-sided mirror shown in FIG. 13B, the side surface mirrors 95a and 95b are opened sideways. In the state of FIG. 13C, the side mirrors 95a and 95b are closed, and the front mirror 93
Covers the front of the. The case 99 of the fluorescent lamp 97
Is rotatable. The fluorescent lamp 97 is generally turned on by a timer for a certain period of time a day only when the side mirror 95 of FIG. 13C is closed, and irradiates the surface of each mirror with ultraviolet rays. As a result, the anti-fog effect on the mirror surface is maintained throughout the day. At night, when the fluorescent lamp 97 is turned on when there is no electric light in the room and light leaks to the outside, the case 99 blocks the light of the fluorescent lamp 97 because it causes the resident's concern.

Structure in which an ultraviolet phosphor is mixed with a visible light phosphor
Of another embodiment of a case of the fluorescent lamp 9 are views was discussed Mirror lighting at vanity according to another embodiment of the present invention. (A) is an overall view and (B) is an enlarged view of a fluorescent lamp. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a fluorescent lamp having a structure in which an ultraviolet phosphor is mixed with a visible light phosphor is used, and the following consideration is taken. The reflector 53 is provided on the lamp 53 so that the ultraviolet light is concentrated on the mirror 47. A protective cover 57 is provided in front of the fluorescent lamp 51 so that ultraviolet light does not enter the eyes.

The material of the reflection plate 55 is preferably a metal such as Al, Ag, Cr or the like which efficiently reflects the ultraviolet light in the vicinity of 360 nm, but a generally used white paint reflection plate is also sufficient. The protective cover 57 absorbs only ultraviolet light (transmits visible light) from an opaque material that completely blocks light.
Applicable to materials as well. As a matter of course, the efficiency of absorption depends on the thickness of the material, and it is necessary to select it in consideration of it.

In FIG. 9B, θ ₄ represents the range covered by the protective cover, and θ ₅ represents the inclination of the lamp. These relationships are as follows. tan θ ₄ = L / 2 (d ₂ −d ₁ ) tan θ ₅ = d ₁ / (L / 2)

For example, d ₁ = 10 cm, L = 110 cm,
When d ₂ = 65 cm and a person stands in the center of the mirror, it is best to provide a protective cover that covers θ ₄ = 48 degrees from the horizontal direction. Further, the direction of the reflection plate may be inclined about 10 degrees from the horizontal.

Applications other than bathroom vanities : Showcases: In many cases, fluorescent lamps are used as lighting in the refrigerator, either of the type arranged inside the cabinet or the type illuminated from outside the cabinet. In some cases. When a fluorescent lamp is arranged outside the refrigerator, it has the effect of preventing frost on the outside, and the same design as that of the vanity table may be used. An example is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 61 in the figure
Is a wind showcase, 63 is a fluorescent lamp, and 65 is a glass door.

When a fluorescent lamp is placed inside the chamber, it has an effect of preventing fog on the inner side, and ultraviolet rays are used as a photohydrophilic material (TiO 2).
_Since it is absorbed by ₂ ) and the glass, there is usually no need to protect it, so the glass should be designed so that it is exposed to ultraviolet light. An example is shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 71 is a fluorescent lamp arranged in the above-mentioned compartment, 73 is a fluorescent lamp arranged on the inner side surface of the compartment, and 75 is a glass door.

Bathroom : FIG. 12 is a view showing a bathroom in which the anti-fog mirror of the present invention is installed. 81 is a bathroom, 83
Is a fluorescent lamp, 85 is a mirror, and 87 is a bathtub. Bathroom 81
Since the humidity is strong, the fluorescent lamp 83 is sufficiently waterproofed. Since the mirror 85 is often attached to a wall, the fluorescent lamp 83 is arranged near the top of the mirror 85. Protection for the human eye is similar to that of a vanity. In addition to the above examples, the present invention uses a fluorescent lamp that emits near-ultraviolet light and white light in place of general lighting in bathrooms and washrooms, and in the same manner as in the above example, a mirror surface is coated with an optical semiconductor. Good.

The present invention can be applied to antifouling and antifogging of a vehicle illumination lamp cover and antifogging of a vehicle side mirror, in addition to the above-mentioned examples.

[0045]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention uses a fluorescent lamp that emits near-ultraviolet light and white light to irradiate an optical semiconductor with the light, thereby maintaining the antifogging property for a long period of time. The effect of being able to double as interior lighting is also demonstrated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a vanity having a mirror with an antifogging function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure of the mirror of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an emission spectrum of a fluorescent lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of a fluorescent lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph in which a BLB fluorescent lamp is irradiated after the attachment of oleic acid to measure the change over time in the contact angle with water.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in transmissivity and haze of photocatalytic thin films produced by changing the SiO ₂ : TiO ₂ ratio.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing changes in film hardness of photocatalytic thin films prepared by changing the SiO ₂ : TiO ₂ ratio.

FIG. 8 is a diagram in which lighting of a mirror in a vanity according to an embodiment of the present invention is considered. (A) is an overall view and (B) is an enlarged view of a fluorescent lamp.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating illumination of a mirror in a vanity according to another embodiment of the present invention. (A) is an overall view and (B) is an enlarged view of a fluorescent lamp.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a wind showcase in which a fluorescent lamp is arranged outside the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a wind showcase in which a fluorescent lamp is arranged in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a bathroom in which the anti-fog mirror of the present invention is installed.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a bathroom vanity having an anti-fog three-sided mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a perspective view of the whole, (B) is a plan view when the three-sided mirror is used, and (C) is a plan view when the three-sided mirror is not used.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Vanity 3 Fluorescent lamp 5 Mirror 7 Faucet 9 Bowl 11 Cabinet 21 Backup resin layer 22 Copper film 23 Silver film 25 Soda glass plate 27 Silica glass film 29 Titanium oxide film 31 Glass tube 33 Visible phosphor 35 Ultraviolet phosphor 40 Vanity 41 User 43 Eyes 44 Lamp 45 Fluorescent lamp 46 Clasp 47 Mirror 49 Counter 51 Fluorescent lamp 53 Lamp 55 Reflector 57 Protective cover 61 Wind showcase 63 Fluorescent lamp 65 Door 71 Fluorescent lamp 73 Fluorescent lamp 75 Door 81 Bathroom 83 Fluorescent lamp 85 Mirror 87 Bathtub 91 Bathroom vanity 93 Front mirror 95 Side mirror 97 Fluorescent lamp 99 Case

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location C03C 17/25 C03C 17/25 A 17/34 17/34 Z E06B 7/12 E06B 7/12

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An antifogging method for preventing the surface of a member from being fogged; illumination which imparts hydrophilicity and an optical semiconductor action to the surface of the member and emits white light and optical semiconductor excitation light to the surface of the member. Anti-fog method, which is characterized by applying. 2. The antifogging method according to claim 1, wherein the member is a mirror. 3. The antifogging method according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the member is provided with a titanium oxide coating to impart an optical semiconductor effect to the surface of the member. 4. A facility comprising a member to be fog-proof and an accessory lighting device for illuminating the periphery of the member; the surface of the member having a hydrophilic property and an optical semiconductor action, the accessory lighting device. Emits white light and optical semiconductor excitation light. 5. The facility according to claim 4, wherein the member is a mirror. 6. The facility according to claim 4, wherein the member is a mirror and the facility is a vanity. 7. The equipment according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the surface of the member is coated with titanium oxide. 8. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein the attached lighting device is a fluorescent lamp containing both an ultraviolet phosphor and a visible phosphor. 9. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein the surface of the member is coated with a substance containing silica, and the titanium oxide coating is further applied thereon. 10. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein a titanium oxide coating containing silica is applied to the surface of the member. 11. The equipment according to claim 10, wherein the silica addition rate is 10 to 30 mol%. 12. The facility according to claim 8, wherein the accessory lighting fixture is provided with a reflector plate that reflects ultraviolet light. 13. The equipment according to claim 8, wherein the accessory lighting device is provided with a protective cover for blocking ultraviolet light so that the user's eyes do not receive ultraviolet light. 14. The protective cover absorbs ultraviolet light,
The equipment according to claim 13, which is a semi-transparent cover that transmits visible light.