JP2011158226A - Humidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidifier capable of effectively suppressing the adhesion of a scale. <P>SOLUTION: The humidifier includes: a water retention member having a conductive part formed of conductive ceramics and exposed to at least part of the surface and capable of holding water on the surface; an air blowing means making air come into contact with the surface of the water retention member; a water holding member which has an opening and capable of storing a part of the water retention member and in which water can be stored in the stored portion so as to contact with the surface of the water retention member; a casing storing at least the water retention member, the air blowing means and the water holding member; a water tank which has a replenishing part detachably connected to the water holding member and replenishing water and is attachable and detachable to/from the casing; a voltage application means applying a voltage between the water stored in the water holding member and the conductive part so that the conductive part has noble potential; and a grounding means grounding a section in the vicinity of a portion to/from which the replenishing member is attached and detached in the water holding member and the casing. By applying the noble potential to the surface of the water retention member, the deposition of the scale is suppressed. In addition, uncomfortable feeling is not imparted to a user by performing grounding. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidifier that can effectively suppress adhesion of scale (scale).

  As consumer needs in recent years, there has been a demand for electrical appliances that can operate without deterioration in performance even if maintenance is not performed as much as possible throughout the life of the product. For example, air conditioners that automatically clean filters are on the market.

  There was a lot of time and effort to maintain the humidifier. A humidifier is a device that evaporates moisture and replenishes the indoor air with moisture. As a method for evaporating water, a method is commonly used in which air is sent on a filter formed of a porous material or the like while water is held and vaporized on the filter. Heating is also performed during vaporization. In general, tap water is used as the water to be evaporated. Since minerals and the like are dissolved in tap water and cannot be evaporated by a humidifier, the minerals and the like are deposited as a scale in the humidifier. In particular, the filter has a form that increases the specific surface area.If the scale is deposited on the filter, it is not only troublesome to remove, but also the performance of the humidifier cannot be fully exhibited. Must be removed regularly. The generation of scale can be suppressed by using water (pure water) that does not contain minerals, but it is not realistic.

  Conventionally, there has been disclosed a technique in which water is passed through a cation exchange resin for the purpose of adopting a filter material that does not easily adhere to the scale or removing dissolved metal ions (Patent Document 1).

  However, with the technology that applies materials that do not easily adhere to the scale to the filter, it becomes difficult to completely prevent the scale from adhering due to deterioration of the filter with use, and eventually it is necessary to remove the scale. It was. In the technique of Patent Document 1, the cation exchange resin is excellent in the action of exchanging metal ions (cations) in water, but if a certain amount of cations are exchanged, the subsequent cation exchange action cannot be exhibited. It was. In order to exhibit the cation exchange action again, it was necessary to regenerate the cation exchange resin or to exchange it with a new cation exchange resin so that the cation can be exchanged again. This operation was not easy to perform.

  Eventually, in the prior art, although scale adhesion to the filter can be suppressed, it is necessary to replace or regenerate the filter and cation exchange resin, and the operation for maintaining the performance is complicated. There was no progress.

  The present inventors have disclosed a water treatment apparatus that can be applied to a humidifier and can suppress adhesion of scale (Patent Document 2). The apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 prevents the adhesion of the scale to the filter by suppressing the approach of the cation contained in the water to the filter by applying a noble voltage to the filter.

JP-A-11-201508 JP 2009-106925 A

  In the water treatment device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the effect of suppressing scale deposition varies depending on the magnitude of the voltage applied to the filter. Here, about 10 years is assumed as the lifetime of the humidifier generally assumed. If the humidifier can be used without changing or cleaning the filter for 10 years, it is completely innovative.

  Then, when the voltage which can use a filter, without wash | cleaning and replacing | exchanging about the humidifier which applied the water treatment apparatus of patent document 2, was demonstrated in detail in the Example mentioned later, about several kV (for example, 5 kV) It became clear that it was necessary to apply a voltage of.

  The present inventors made a detailed test by making a humidifier adopting the voltage application condition, and depending on the use conditions, there are cases where the user feels uncomfortable due to the voltage applied to the filter, and countermeasures are required. became.

  This invention is completed in view of the said situation, and makes it the subject which should be solved to provide the humidifier which can suppress the adhesion of the scale to a filter effectively, without giving the surroundings an undesirable influence.

The feature of the humidifier according to claim 1 for solving the above problem is that the water retaining member is formed of conductive ceramics and has a conductive portion exposed on at least a part of the surface, and is capable of retaining water on the surface.
Air blowing means for bringing air into contact with the surface of the water retaining member;
An opening that can store a part of the water retaining member is formed, and a water retaining member that can store water so as to be able to contact the surface of the water retaining member in the accommodated portion;
A housing that houses at least the water retaining member, the air blowing means, and the water retaining member;
A water tank removably connected to the water holding member to replenish water, and a water tank removable from the housing;
Voltage applying means for applying a voltage so that the conductive portion has a noble potential between water stored in the water holding member and the conductive portion;
A grounding means for grounding the vicinity of a portion of the water holding member and the housing in which the replenishment part is detached; and
It is in having.

  The humidifier according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to claim 1, the water retaining member has a pointed portion in which a hole having a hole diameter of 10 μm or less is opened at a tip.

The humidifier according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, the humidifier is disposed in the vicinity of a portion where the replenishing portion of the housing is detached and / or within the water holding member. A counter electrode,
The voltage applying means is means for applying a voltage between the conductive portion and the counter electrode.

  The humidifier according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the voltage applied by the voltage applying means is 5 kV or more.

  The humidifier according to claim 5 is characterized in that in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the conductive ceramic is a conductive carbon material.

  The humidifier according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the conductive portion covers the entire surface of the water retention member and is in contact with water. It is to be.

  The humidifier according to claim 7 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the grounding means performs grounding when the replenishment portion of the water tank is removed. It is in.

  The humidifier according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the water retaining member carries platinum particles on a surface thereof.

  In the humidifier according to claim 1, the conductive portion formed of the conductive ceramic is disposed on the surface of the water retaining member corresponding to the filter and kept at a noble potential (repels positive ions), thereby Adhesion of the contained mineral (metal ions: positive ions) can be effectively suppressed by repulsion. Furthermore, since the conductive ceramic has low affinity with the deposited scale, even if the scale is deposited on the surface of the water retaining member, it is not firmly bonded to the surface of the water retaining member and can be easily removed. In addition, conductive ceramics are difficult to dissolve in treated water even when a voltage is applied in the treated water, so the life of the treated electrode is long even if a high voltage is applied to the treated electrode in order to improve the scale removal effect. As a result, the electrode life can be greatly extended. In other words, when a general metal is used for the processing electrode, the surface is corroded by a product generated by electrolysis when a voltage that causes water electrolysis is applied, and the durability of the electrode is significantly reduced. However, high durability could be realized by forming the processing electrode from conductive ceramics.

  Here, there is a user who feels uncomfortable by applying a potential when operating from the outside such as when replenishing water to be evaporated. Therefore, by successfully grounding the vicinity of the member that the user would touch, the potential in the vicinity was made equal to the peripheral potential, thereby successfully reducing discomfort due to potential application.

  As described above, the water retaining member employing conductive ceramics can suppress the precipitation of scale and can also prevent the scale from adhering firmly. Also, the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  In the humidifier according to claim 2, by forming a hole opening in the surface of the water retention member, a positive potential is generated in the water in the hole, and the fine mist can be scattered. it can. A necessary amount of moisture can be released into the air without relying on evaporation from the surface of the water retaining member.

  In the humidifier according to claim 3, by disposing the counter electrode on at least one of them, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the scale and to reliably suppress the influence on the user.

  In the humidifier according to claim 4, by setting the applied voltage to 5 kV or more, it is possible to reliably suppress the metal ions that cause the scale from adhering to the water retaining member. Moreover, many mists can be produced | generated by the combination with the hole of Claim 2 by making a voltage high.

  The humidifier according to claim 5 can provide a highly durable humidifier by employing a conductive carbon material as the conductive ceramic. This is because the conductive carbon material is highly resistant to corrosion caused by substances generated by voltage application.

  In the humidifier according to the sixth aspect, the surface precipitation contact effect is enhanced by covering all surfaces of the water retaining member that are in contact with water with the conductive portion.

  In the humidifier according to claim 7, when the grounding has an unfavorable effect on the suppression of scale deposition by performing the grounding only when operated by the user, the influence can be eliminated.

  In the humidifier according to claim 8, by propagating platinum particles on the surface of the water retention member, it is possible to suppress the propagation of microorganisms (including the production of biofilms) in the water in contact with the water retention member. According to the knowledge of the present inventors, platinum particles have an effect of changing the oxidation-reduction potential by contacting with water to make it difficult for microorganisms to propagate. The change in the oxidation-reduction potential is presumed to be caused by changes in trace components (chlorine, metal ions) dissolved in water. By suppressing the growth of microorganisms, the production of slime is eliminated, and the reduction in humidification ability can be suppressed. As a result of suppressing the generation of slime, there is also an effect that the maintenance of the water retaining member becomes easier.

  Further, in the humidifier having a configuration corresponding to both the humidifier according to claim 8 and the humidifier according to claim 2, a part of the water whose oxidation-reduction potential is changed by the platinum particles is released as it is. Therefore, an effect on pathogenic viruses (influenza virus, cold virus, SARS virus, etc.) present in the air is expected.

  The humidifier of the present invention will be described in detail below. The humidifier of the present invention includes not only a single-function device that performs only humidification but also a device that combines other functions such as a humidified air cleaner that also serves as an air cleaner. Further, by applying a voltage to the water retaining member, it is possible to suppress the propagation of microorganisms in the apparatus as an accompanying effect. In the humidifier, since the generation of microorganisms in water is considered, it is desirable to suppress the propagation of microorganisms in the water or to sterilize them.

  The humidifier according to the present embodiment includes a water retaining member, a blowing unit, a water holding member, a casing, a water tank, a voltage applying unit, a grounding unit, and other members that are employed as necessary.

  The water retaining member is a means capable of retaining water on the surface and evaporating from it. The water retaining member may have a water absorbing member. The water absorbing member is a member in which the material itself can absorb water. The surface of the water retaining member is preferably hydrophilic. By making it hydrophilic, the amount of water retained on the surface can be increased. Further, water is permeated into the water retention member without making the water retention member move by making the surface hydrophilic after making it porous so that capillary action occurs. In addition, water can be efficiently held on the surface of the water retaining member by moving the water retaining member. As a method of making the surface of the water retaining member hydrophilic, a hydrophilic property may be imparted by surface treatment in addition to a method of making the material itself hydrophilic. The water retaining member is preferably a porous body. For example, a sponge-like or mesh-like member (having a folded net or a non-woven fabric) having a hole penetrating the front and back surfaces can be used. Air can pass through the holes penetrating the front and back surfaces, and water can be evaporated more effectively. The shape of the entire water retaining member is not particularly limited. As the shape of the water retaining member, a mesh-like plate-like body or a plate-like body is rounded into a cylindrical shape, or a ring-like member in which short sides of a flexible mesh-like belt-like member are connected to each other, or a disc-like shape. Can be exemplified. Water is evaporated from the surface by, for example, rotating these members to wet the surface with water. In the case of having a water-absorbing member, or when the water-absorbing member itself has water absorption and can absorb water, a form in which a part of the water-absorbing member is immersed in water may be employed. In that case, in order to increase the surface area in contact with air, it is possible to adopt a shape that has a large specific surface area such as a honeycomb shape and does not obstruct air flow. Driving means can be provided for taking the water retaining member into and out of the water.

  The water retaining member has a conductive part on the surface. It is desirable that all portions of the water retaining member that come into contact with water are made of conductive portions. Scale adhesion can be effectively prevented in the vicinity of the conductive portion. The conductive part is made of conductive ceramics. Examples of conductive ceramics include conductive carbon materials (silicon carbide, nitrogen carbide, tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, zirconium carbide (giving conductivity)), metal powders and metal fibers made of ceramics (alumina, aluminum titanate, zirconia, Examples thereof include those dispersed in cordierite (including gradient ceramics). In particular, it is desirable to be one or more selected from conductive carbon materials selected from the group consisting of graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes and conductive diamonds. The conductive diamond is diamond imparted with conductivity by containing nitrogen, boron, phosphorus or the like. Furthermore, it is desirable to employ graphite. As a conductive ceramic, it can be used if it is conductive as a whole even if it is mixed with non-conductive ceramics (carbon materials such as amorphous carbon, diamond not doped with impurities, silica, alumina, etc.) It is. The amount of the conductive ceramics formed on the surface is not particularly limited, but it is desirable that conductivity can be imparted to the entire surface of the water retaining member.

  The method for forming the surface with conductive ceramics is not particularly limited. For example, the molded conductive ceramic is used as it is as a water retention member, or is applied to the surface of the substrate constituting the water retention member as a paint in which fine particles of conductive ceramic are dispersed in some vehicle, or a water retention member (from resin It can be formed by molding in a state of being dispersed in the resin that constitutes the formed one). The application can be performed by immersing the electrode in the paint or by a general printing method (screen printing or the like).

  When a porous member or a mesh-like member is adopted as the water retaining member, only the outermost surface can be formed as a portion for forming the conductive portion, or the conductive portion may be provided inside. This is because even if the conductive portion is provided only in the vicinity of the surface, before the water penetrates from the surface to the inside, the conductive portion formed on the surface can prevent the metal ions that cause the scale from approaching. The scale that has not adhered to the water retaining member may be deposited outside the water retaining member, but does not adversely affect the humidifying ability. It is desirable to remove the scale deposited outside the water holding member as appropriate.

  It is desirable that the water retaining member has a pointed portion. A hole is opened at the tip of the sharp portion. A repulsive force is generated in the water inside the opened hole by the voltage applied by the voltage applying means, and becomes mist. This is because the potential concentrates at the tip of the sharp portion. When a noble potential is applied to the filter, the generated mist is positively charged. In particular, a mist can be continuously generated by forming a hole opened at the tip of the sharp portion as a through hole. The hole diameter of this hole is not particularly limited, but can be about 0.1 μm to 10 μm.

  It is desirable to carry platinum particles on the surface of the water retaining member. By supporting platinum, the growth of microorganisms can be suppressed and the adhesion of microorganisms to the water retaining member can be prevented. Platinum lowers the oxidation-reduction potential by acting on water or a very small amount of impurities contained in water. Platinum particles change water by contact with water. Therefore, since the one where a specific surface area is large can contact water effectively, the one where a particle size is as small as possible is desirable. For example, the volume average particle diameter can be about 1 nm to 10 nm, preferably about 1 nm to 5 nm. In particular, it is desirable that the particle diameter of 90% of the particles is in the range of 0.1 nm to 10 nm on the mass basis. Platinum particles can be supported on the surface of the water retaining member as it is, or after being supported on a carrier (ceramic carrier or the like), the surface of the water retaining member can be supported, or a part of the surface of the water retaining member can be supported on the ceramic carrier. Can also be substituted. The amount of platinum particles supported is not particularly limited, and a necessary amount (an amount capable of obtaining a necessary oxidation-reduction potential) is supported.

  Here, platinum particles may be suspended in water. For the suspension of platinum particles, a colloidal solution prepared at a concentration of 200 μg / mL may be contained in an amount of about 0.0001 mL to 0.001 mL per liter of water. The particle size of the platinum particles to be suspended is the above-mentioned nanometer order particle (volume average particle size can be about 1 nm to 10 nm, preferably about 1 nm to 5 nm. It is desirable that the particle diameter is 0.1 nm to 10 nm. When platinum particles are contained at such a low concentration, aggregation is suppressed, so a colloid agent such as polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, and ascorbic acid is not essential. In the case of suspending in water, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which platinum particles are dispersed in a substance that gradually dissolves, and the substance dissolves in water and the platinum particles are supplied.

  The ceramic carrier is made of ceramics, and its shape is arbitrary. For example, it can be spherical, honeycomb, plate, or powder. When the ceramic carrier is in the form of powder, it is sufficient that the size thereof is the same as or larger than that of the platinum particles, preferably 10 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or less. Moreover, it is preferable to set it as 0.1 micrometer or more, and it is more preferable to set it as 0.5 micrometer or more. It can also be a porous body. By making a porous body having pores penetrating the inside as a ceramic carrier, water can pass through the inside. Examples of the ceramic forming the ceramic carrier include those obtained by firing silica, alumina, zirconia, titania, clay compounds, and mixtures thereof. Silica and alumina are particularly desirable.

  The method for supporting platinum particles on the ceramic carrier is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include a method in which platinum particles are deposited on a ceramic carrier and firing, and a method in which a binder such as colloidal silica is interposed between the two and fixed. The amount of colloidal silica contained when interposing colloidal silica is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20% to 50%, preferably about 25% to 30%, based on the total mass. More desirable.

  As a specific method for supporting platinum particles on a ceramic carrier, a method of immersing the ceramic carrier in a dispersion in which platinum particles are dispersed and then drying or firing can be exemplified. Either water or an organic solvent (such as alcohol) can be used as a dispersion medium for the dispersion liquid in which platinum particles are dispersed. In addition, a dispersant can be used for stable dispersion. Although it does not specifically limit as a dispersing agent, So-called thickener, surfactant, and the carboxy-group containing compound (Polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, ascorbic acid, etc.) which contain a carboxy group in a chemical structure can be illustrated. The dispersion medium can be removed by drying, and the dispersant can be removed by oxidation under heating in an oxidizing atmosphere (for example, heating at 800 ° C. to 1100 ° C.).

  The air blowing means is means for evaporating water held in the portion by allowing air to contact or pass through the water retaining member. A typical blower (a fan such as a sirocco fan or a blower) can be exemplified.

  The water holding member is a member used for holding water in the water holding member. The water holding member is a member in which an opening that can store a part of the water holding member is formed and water is stored in a portion in which the water holding member is stored. The stored water comes into contact with the water retaining member at the stored portion. It is desirable that the position of the water surface is constant in the water holding member. Platinum particles can be supported on the surface of the water holding member that comes into contact with water in the same manner as the water holding member. In addition to being able to change the reduction potential of water by supporting platinum particles, propagation of microorganisms in water can be suppressed, and adhesion to the water holding member can be prevented.

  The housing accommodates the water retaining member, the water retaining member, and the air blowing means inside. In particular, since a voltage is applied to the water retaining member and the water retaining member, it is possible to reduce the risk of touching the user.

  The water tank is a member for supplying water into the water holding member. Water can be appropriately supplied. For example, water can be discharged when the water level in the water holding member becomes less than a certain level. The water tank has a replenishment portion that is a portion connected to the water holding member. The water tank supplies water into the water holding member through the supply unit. The water tank is a member that is detachable from the humidifier (water holding member, casing). In the water tank, platinum particles can be supported on the surface in contact with water in the same manner as the water retaining member. In addition to being able to change the reduction potential of water by supporting platinum particles, it is possible to suppress the growth of microorganisms in water and to prevent the adhesion of microorganisms to the container.

  The voltage application means is means for applying a voltage between the conductive portion of the water retention member and the water stored in the water retention member. By making the electric potential of the conductive part nobler than the water stored in the water holding member, repulsive force is generated between the metal ions present in the water and the conductive part, and the deposition of scale is suppressed. The voltage applied by the voltage applying means is not particularly limited, but scale adhesion to the water retention member can be effectively suppressed by applying a high voltage such as 1 kV, 2 kV, 3 kV, 4 kV, 5 kV or the like. When such a high voltage is used, air can be ionized by discharging in the air with the voltage output from the voltage applying means. Ionized air can exert actions such as sterilization, bacteriostasis, and deodorization.

  The voltage application means may apply a voltage directly between the conductive portion of the water retention member and the water stored in the water retention member (electrode provided in the water retained in the water retention member). The voltage may be applied indirectly by applying a voltage to an electrode provided in the vicinity of the conductive portion (and / or water stored in the water holding member). When an electrode disposed in the water stored in the water holding member is used as an electrode for applying a voltage, scale is likely to deposit on the electrode. Therefore, the scale can be removed by making the electrode removable. It becomes easy.

  The grounding means is means for grounding a predetermined part. By grounding the predetermined part, it is possible to reduce uncomfortable feeling when the user touches the predetermined part. The predetermined part is a part that may be touched by the user, specifically, in the vicinity of a part where the replenishment part is attached or detached in at least one of the water holding member and the housing. Grounding is performed by providing a grounded electrode at the site. It is desirable to insert a resistor (about 1 kΩ to 300 MΩ) between the electrode and the grounded portion. This is because the discharge generated when the user is charged by static electricity or the like can be moderated. The electrode to be grounded can be used in common with an electrode used for applying a voltage to water stored in the water holding member, or can be equipotential with the electrode. Further, it can be selectively grounded when there is a possibility that the user may touch it. For example, it can be grounded in conjunction with the operation of removing the water tank.

  As another member, a pump for supplying water stored in the water holding member to the surface of the water holding member can be provided. Water can be more reliably held on the surface of the water retention member.

  In addition, a device (nanomist generating device) that generates nanometer order particles using surface acoustic waves can also be used. Examples of the nanomist generating device include a device including a piezoelectric substrate, a comb-shaped electrode pair, a high-frequency applying unit, and a treated water supplying unit. The piezoelectric substrate is formed from a piezoelectric material. As the piezoelectric material, general materials such as quartz and lithium niobate can be used. The comb-shaped electrode pair has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes are combined on the surface of the piezoelectric substrate so that electrodes protruding in a comb shape are alternately combined (crossing fingers). The frequency of the surface acoustic wave generated can be controlled by the pitch at which the comb of the comb electrode pair is formed. A surface acoustic wave element (SAW device) is configured with a comb-shaped electrode pair disposed on a piezoelectric substrate. The high-frequency applying means is a means for generating a frequency (for example, a resonance frequency) at which an appropriate value is determined by the type of the piezoelectric material constituting the piezoelectric substrate and the shape of the comb-shaped electrode pair and supplying the generated frequency to the comb-shaped electrode pair. Usually, a high frequency of 60 MHz or more is applied. It is excited by applying this high frequency. The treated water supply means is means for supplying treated water to the surface of the piezoelectric substrate. The supply method may be any method. Examples thereof include a water absorption body that supplies treated water to the surface of the piezoelectric substrate by a metering pump such as a peristaltic pump, or that contacts the surface of the piezoelectric substrate. Here, it becomes possible to change the oxidation-reduction potential of the nano mist formed by supporting platinum particles on the surface in contact with water in the nano mist generating apparatus, and the above-described effect is produced.

  And about each of the above members, the platinum particle can be carry | supported like the water retention member on the surface which water contacts. By carrying platinum particles, the reduction potential of the water in contact can be changed, and the growth of microorganisms in water can be suppressed and adhesion to the container can be prevented.

The humidifier of the present invention will be described in detail below based on examples.
-Structure of humidifier The humidifier used the commercial item (model number: MCK75K-W, the Daikin Industries Co., Ltd. make, humidification air cleaner) after modification. Graphite was spread on the surface of the humidifying filter (water retaining member) of the humidifier. The graphite was spread by immersing and drying a commercially available humidified filter in a dispersion in which fine graphite powder was dispersed in water together with an acrylic or urethane resin emulsion. The amount of graphite applied was 10% on a mass basis. Thereafter, a copper plate (anode side) having a size corresponding to the width and thickness of the humidifying filter was disposed on the upper side of the humidifying filter. A cathode made of a graphite plate was placed in water (stored in a member corresponding to water holding means). As the voltage application means, a high voltage generation means (streamer) provided in a commercially available humidifier was used.
-Test method Humidification operation was performed with air volume: standard and humidification: continuous. Commercially available mineral water (Contrex) was used as water. In addition, since this mineral water contained S content as a sulfate ion, what was coprecipitated with barium and removed was used. From the mineral content, 1 L of this mineral water corresponds to 10.85 L of tap water (hardness 50 mg / L). The humidification operation was performed continuously in a room of about 200 m ³ where the air conditioner set at 25 ° C. and dry mode was operated. Three humidifiers were prepared, and the first applied a voltage of 5 kV to the electrode, and the cathode was grounded. Second, a voltage of 5 kV was applied to the electrode, and the cathode was not grounded. Third, no voltage was applied by the voltage applying means. Humidification ability was measured every time 40L of mineral water was used (equivalent to 100 days. Assume that over 3 months in winter was assumed as the working day of the humidifier for one year, and that one year had passed in 100 days). . For the humidifying capacity, the amount of humidification per hour was determined from the change in mass of the water tank (mL / hour). The results are shown in Table 1.

  As is apparent from the table, the decrease in the humidifying ability due to the voltage application was significantly suppressed as compared with the case where no voltage application was performed. When the humidifier without grounding was touched around the water holding member when refilling the water in the water tank, there was a sense of numbness. On the other hand, the feeling of numbness was suppressed with a grounded humidifier. In particular, when connected to the GND (ground) terminal of the streamer via a 30 MΩ resistor as a grounding condition, the operation could be performed without any sense of incongruity. In addition, slight numbness was felt when the resistance was 300 MΩ. Even when a 300 MΩ resistor was used, numbness was not felt by setting the applied voltage to 2 kV.

  As is clear from the above results, the decrease in the humidifying ability was suppressed by the voltage application. Moreover, numbness during operation could be suppressed by grounding. In order to achieve both the effect of suppressing numbness and the effect of maintaining the humidification effect, it has been found desirable to adopt a configuration in which grounding is selectively performed during operation while applying voltage. In addition, it is thought that the influence that grounding has on the suppression of decrease in humidification ability (inhibition of scale deposition) varies depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage, absolute value, electrode arrangement, etc., and there are cases where the suppression of scale deposition is enhanced by grounding. It is considered a thing.

  Here, a voltage of 5 kV was applied in a state where a ceramic member (corresponding to the sharpened portion) having a through-hole opened at the sharpened tip portion was disposed on the filter. As a result, it was confirmed that mist-like water was ejected from the through-hole opened in the pointed portion.

  In addition, although it tested also about the apparatus which applied the voltage applied with the same apparatus to 2 kV, as a result, it turned out that a humidification capability falls slightly by driving | running | working with time. Differences were also observed visually. That is, the adhesion of the scale to the filter surface cannot be observed at 5 kV, but a slight adhesion was observed at 2 kV. Accordingly, it has been found that, although a high effect is recognized for both 2 kV and 5 kV as the applied voltage, the humidifying ability can be maintained for a very long period by setting the voltage to 5 kV.

  Specifically, a filter to which a voltage of 5 kV is applied has an initial capacity of 239.1 mL / hour, 10-day operation (corresponding to 10.85 L of tap water per 1 L of mineral water, which corresponds to about 100 days of operation. The same) is 252.1 mL / hour, 20-day operation (equivalent to about 200 days) is 244.1 mL / hour, 30-day operation (equivalent to about 300 days) is 244.1 mL / hour, and there are initial fluctuations. However, no decrease in the humidifying ability was observed.

  On the other hand, in the filter to which a voltage of 2 kV is applied, the initial capacity is 230.5 mL / hour, 10-day operation (equivalent to about 100 days) is 250.2 mL / hour, and 20-day operation (equivalent to about 200 days) is 230. .1 mL / hour, 30-day operation (corresponding to about 300 days) was 213.4 mL / hour, and a slight decrease in humidification capacity was observed. In addition, when voltage application was not performed, it was found that the maximum voltage decreased from about 260 mL / hour to about 180 mL / hour under the same conditions, and that any voltage value had a high effect.

  Further, when the amount of graphite spread was examined, it was found that the larger the amount, the better the effect of preventing precipitation of scale. In particular, it has been found that it is desirable to spread 10% or more of graphite based on the total mass.

Claims (8)

A water retaining member formed of conductive ceramics and having a conductive portion exposed on at least a part of the surface, and capable of retaining water on the surface;
Air blowing means for bringing air into contact with the surface of the water retaining member;
An opening that can store a part of the water retaining member is formed, and a water retaining member that can store water so as to be able to contact the surface of the water retaining member in the accommodated portion;
A housing that houses at least the water retaining member, the air blowing means, and the water retaining member;
A water tank removably connected to the water holding member to replenish water, and a water tank removable from the housing;
Voltage applying means for applying a voltage so that the conductive portion has a noble potential between water stored in the water holding member and the conductive portion;
A grounding means for grounding the vicinity of a portion of the water holding member and the housing in which the replenishment part is detached; and
A humidifier characterized by comprising:   2. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the water retaining member has a pointed portion in which a hole having a hole diameter of 10 μm or less opens at a tip. A counter electrode disposed in the vicinity of a portion where the replenishment part of the housing is detached and / or in the water holding member;
The humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voltage applying means is means for applying a voltage between the conductive portion and the counter electrode.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the voltage applied by the voltage applying means is 5 kV or more.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive ceramic is a conductive carbon material.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive portion has a shape that covers a portion of the surface of the water retention member that contacts water.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the grounding means performs grounding when the replenishing portion of the water tank is removed.   The humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water retaining member carries platinum particles on a surface thereof.