JP4025134B2 - Air filter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an air filter that removes dust, chemical substances, odors, and the like from air in any room such as an automobile, a ship, an airplane, a railway vehicle, a house, an office, and a factory, and a method for manufacturing the same. The dust is dust, dust, pollen and the like. Chemical substances include aldehydes that enter from outside and components contained in tobacco smoke. Odor is tobacco odor, ammonia or amine odor emitted from the human body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as an air cleaning filter for removing chemical substances, there is one using activated carbon particles. FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing this type of air filter. The air filter 90 is an automobile cabin air filter and has a sandwich structure in which particulate activated carbon 93 having a diameter of about 1 mm is uniformly dispersed between filter media 91 and 92 made of two polyester fiber nonwoven fabrics. ing. The dirty air 94 becomes clean air 95 by passing through the air filter 90.
[0003]
Air filters using activated carbon have adsorption performance for many odors and chemical substances. The deodorization mechanism by activated carbon is based on a physical adsorption phenomenon in which a chemical substance penetrates and is trapped in fine pores existing on and inside the activated carbon.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the air filter using activated carbon has the following problems.
[0005]
(1) . The chemical substance physically adsorbed on the activated carbon is desorbed from the activated carbon and re-released indoors under a high temperature atmosphere. In particular, in an automobile, when the window is closed and the air conditioner (air conditioner) is stopped under direct sunlight in midsummer, the temperature in the passenger compartment reaches 50 ° C. or higher. Therefore, at a high temperature, the chemical substance adsorbed on the activated carbon is easily released again into the passenger compartment. (2) . Activated carbon has a short adsorbing effect because of the small amount of chemical substances that can be physically adsorbed. (3) . In order to promote physical adsorption, it is necessary to increase the ventilation resistance. As a result, the output capacity of the blower fan must also be increased.
[0006]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an air filter that has a high chemical substance adsorption effect, a low airflow resistance, and is inexpensive.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Air filter according to the present invention, catechins include tea (hereinafter, "catechin tea" called.) As an active ingredient and, which has a filter medium that responsible lifting the catechin tea, exhibits the following effects. (1) . Catechin chemically adsorbs chemical substances. The binding energy of chemisorption is much greater than the binding energy of physical adsorption. Therefore, even under a high temperature atmosphere, a chemical substance once adsorbed on catechin is difficult to desorb from catechin. (2) . Since catechin is chemical adsorption, it has a long adsorption effect. (3) . Because of chemical adsorption, it is not necessary to increase the ventilation resistance so much. As a result, the output capacity of the blower fan may be small. (4) . Catechin emits a fragrance that softens the mind.
[0008]
The term a "responsible lifting" is "sandwiched" are also included.
[ 0009 ]
The air filter according to claim 1 is sandwiched between a first filter medium provided on the air inflow side, a second filter medium provided on the air outflow side, and the first filter medium and the second filter medium. and Rutotomoni catechin tea, in which further comprising a third filter media provided in the air inflow side of the first filter medium, the activated carbon sandwiched between the third filter media and the first filter medium. Dirty air first passes through the third filter medium to collect mainly dust, then passes through activated carbon to absorb mainly chemical substances, and then passes through the third filter medium to collect first dust. The chemical substance collected by the filter medium and subsequently re-released from the activated carbon is adsorbed by the catechin, and finally the dust passing through the first filter medium is collected by the second filter medium. Therefore, the effect of collecting dust is improved by the triple filter medium. In addition, since most of the dust is collected by the first filter medium and most of the chemical substances are adsorbed by the activated carbon, dust and chemical substances covering the catechin tea can be suppressed. improves. Furthermore, since the activated carbon is provided on the windward side of catechin tea , chemical substances desorbed from the activated carbon at high temperatures can be efficiently captured by catechin, so that the disadvantage of activated carbon can be compensated. In this way, by sandwiching activated carbon between the filter media on the leeward side and catechin tea between the filter media on the leeward side, it is not possible to obtain only by superimposing the three filter media, activated carbon and catechin tea. The effect is obtained.
[ 0010 ]
Air filter according to claim 2, wherein, in the air filter of claim 1, is obtained by the above-mentioned catechin tea powder, and. Tea is relatively inexpensive because it contains abundant catechins and is widely distributed. Further, the tea powder is preferably tea husk, which is tea waste. This is because tea husk is a waste and can be obtained at a lower cost.
[ 0011 ]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the air filter according to the first or second aspect is provided on the air inflow side of the air conditioner. Therefore, air flows into the air conditioner through the air filter. At this time, since the catechins of the air filter have antibacterial activity, the growth of mold and the like causing air conditioner odor (bad odor) can be suppressed.
[ 0012 ]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the air filter according to the first or second aspect is provided on the air outflow side of the air conditioner. Therefore, the air flows out of the air conditioner and passes through the air filter. At this time, since the catechin of the air filter has a deodorizing action, the odor of the air conditioner generated from the air conditioner is suppressed.
[ 0013 ]
An air filter according to a fifth aspect is the air filter according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the air filter is for an automobile interior. The interior of an automobile can easily reach 50 ° C., for example, under the hot summer sun. However, since the catechin of the air filter chemically adsorbs the chemical substance, the chemical substance does not desorb from the catechin at that temperature.
[ 0014 ]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 [1] is a schematic sectional view showing a first reference example which is a premise of an air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 1 [2] is explanatory drawing which shows the chemical structure of an example of catechin used by this invention. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this drawing.
[ 0015 ]
Air filter 10 of this embodiment, a tea powder 12 containing catechin as an active ingredient, in which the tea powder 12 and a filter medium 11 which is responsible equity. Catechin is a kind of polyphenols abundantly contained in tea and the like, and epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate and the like are representative. In particular, green tea is rich in epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. The filter medium 11 is a nonwoven fabric such as polyester or polyethylene. Tea powder 12 weight to e.g. 0.05 wt% 50 wt% of the filter media 11, by responsible lifting the filter medium 11, adds a deodorant effect and antimicrobial ability in the air filter 10.
[ 0016 ]
As a method for responsible lifting tea powder 12 in the filter medium 11, for example by grinding tea leaves to produce a tea powder 12 is uniformly sprayed tea powder 12 in at least one of the front and back of the filter medium 11. At this time, an adhesive agent or the like may be sprayed on the filter medium 11 in advance so as not to impair the action of the filter medium 11.
[ 0017 ]
Next, the operation of the air filter 10 will be described. When the dirty air 13 passes through the air filter 10, the dust 14, the chemical substance 15, the malodorous component 16, and the like are adsorbed and removed, and the clean air 17 is obtained. In this case, chemical 15 chemicals or malodorous components 16, such as is adsorbed by the catechins responsible lifting been tea powder 12 to the fiber surface of the filter media 11. Since this adsorption is based on a chemical reaction, unlike the physical adsorption such as activated carbon, the re-release of the adsorbed material with a rise in temperature is extremely small. Further, the antimicrobial ability of catechin can suppress the generation of microorganisms such as mold that cause air conditioner odor, for example. In addition, since catechin is a natural product contained in tea, it is not only harmless to the human body but also has an aromatherapy effect such as a soothing heart by its aroma.
[ 0018 ]
FIG. 2 [1] is a schematic sectional view showing a second reference example which is a premise of the air filter according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this drawing. However, the same parts as those in FIG.
[ 0019 ]
The air filter 20 of this example includes a filter medium 21 provided on the air inflow side, a filter medium 22 provided on the air outflow side, and a tea shell sandwiched between the filter medium 21 and the filter medium 22 and containing catechin as an active ingredient. 23. In other words, the air filter 20 has a sandwich structure in which the tea shell 23 is sandwiched between two filter media 21 and 22. The filter media 21 and 22 may be either the same or different. If the filter media 21 and 22 are the same, the filter media 22 may be provided on the air inflow side, and the filter media 21 may be provided on the air outflow side. Further, the air inflow side filter medium 21 may be coarse, and the air outflow side filter medium 22 may be fine.
[ 0020 ]
The tea husk is the remainder obtained by removing tea leaves for drinking from tea leaves and stems, and is finely chopped and discarded in the tea leaf production process. This tea husk is also rich in catechins. Therefore, the tea husk 23 may be used as it is, or may be crushed and sized so as to have a diameter of about 25 μm to several mm. Then, for example, 0.05 wt% to 50 wt% of tea husk 23 is uniformly sprayed on the filter media 21 and 22 with respect to the weight of the filter media 21 and 22, thereby adding a deodorizing action and an antibacterial ability to the air filter 20. Moreover, in order to suppress generation | occurrence | production of the mold | fungi from the tea-shell 23, you may add the antifungal agent for foods (for example, TBZ: thioventazole etc.).
[ 0021 ]
Next, the operation of the air filter 20 will be described. The dirty air 13 first passes through the filter medium 21 to mainly collect dust. Subsequently, the chemical substance is mainly adsorbed by the catechin of the tea shell 23, and finally the dust that has passed through the filter medium 21 is collected by the filter medium 22. Is done. Therefore, the double filter media 21 and 22 improve the dust collection effect. Moreover, since most of the dust is collected by the filter medium 21, the dust covering the tea shell 23 can be suppressed, so that the durability of catechin chemical adsorption is improved. Further, by sandwiching the tea shell 23 with the filter media 21, 22, the tea shell 23 can be easily attached to the filter media 21, 22.
[ 0022 ]
FIG. 2 [2] is a schematic sectional view showing a third reference example which is a premise of the air filter according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this drawing. However, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 [1] are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[ 0023 ]
In the air filter 30 of this example, an activated carbon 31 and a tea shell 23 are sandwiched between the filter medium 21 and the filter medium 22. The contaminated air 13 first passes through the filter medium 21 to mainly collect dust. Subsequently, the chemical substances are mainly adsorbed by the activated carbon 31 and the catechin of the tea shell 23, and finally the dust that has passed through the filter medium 21 is filtered. It is collected at. Therefore, the double filter media 21 and 22 improve the dust collection effect. In addition, since most of the dust is collected by the filter medium 21 and the chemical substance is also adsorbed by the activated carbon 31, the dust and the chemical substance covering the tea husk 23 can be suppressed, so that the durability of chemical adsorption by catechin is improved. Furthermore, since the chemical substance desorbed from the activated carbon 31 at a high temperature can be captured by the catechin of the tea shell 23, the disadvantage of the activated carbon can be compensated.
[ 0024 ]
FIG. 3 [1] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of an air filter according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this drawing. However, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 [1] are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.
[ 0025 ]
The air filter 40 of the present embodiment is one in which the activated carbon 31 is sandwiched between the air inflow side filter media 41 and 21, and the tea shell 23 is sandwiched between the air outflow side filter media 21 and 22. The dirty air 13 first passes mainly through the filter medium 41 to collect dust, and then passes through the activated carbon 31 to mainly absorb the chemical substance. Subsequently, the dust passed through the filter medium 41 is collected by the filter medium 21. The chemical substances collected and subsequently re-released from the activated carbon 31 are adsorbed by the catechins of the tea husk 23, and the dust passing through the filter medium 21 is collected by the filter medium 22. Therefore, the trapping effect on dust is improved by the triple filter media 41, 21, 22. In addition, since most of the dust is collected by the filter medium 41 and most of the chemical substances are adsorbed by the activated carbon 31, dust and chemical substances covering the tea husk 23 can be suppressed, so that the durability of chemical adsorption by catechin is improved. To do. Furthermore, since the activated carbon 31 is provided on the windward side of the tea husk 23, a chemical substance desorbed from the activated carbon 31 at high temperature can be efficiently captured by catechin, so that the disadvantage of the activated carbon 31 can be compensated. Thus, the activated carbon 31 is sandwiched between the filter media 41 and 21 on the leeward side, and the tea shell 23 is sandwiched between the filter media 21 and 22 on the leeward side, so that the filter media 41, 22, 22, the activated carbon 31, and the tea shell 23 are simply attached. New effects can be obtained that cannot be obtained simply by overlapping them.
[ 0026 ]
FIG. 3 [2] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the air filter according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given based on this drawing. However, the same parts as those in FIG.
[ 0027 ]
The air filter 50 of this embodiment is provided with another filter medium 51 on the air outflow side of the filter medium 22, and the aromatic beads 52 are sandwiched between the filter medium 22 and the filter medium 51. The fragrance beads 52 are made by adding a fragrance to a pulp material, porous ceramics, polymer gel or the like. As a result, the scent emitted by the catechins of the tea husk 23 and the scent emitted by the fragrance contained in the scented beads 52 combine to obtain a higher aromatherapy effect.
[ 0028 ]
FIG. 4 [1] is a front view showing a third embodiment of the air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 4 [2] is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioner to which the air filter of the present embodiment is attached. Hereinafter, description will be given based on these drawings.
[ 0029 ]
Air filter 60 of this embodiment includes a filter medium 61 responsible lifting or clamping the tea leaves (not shown) comprising a catechin as an effective ingredient, and a frame 62 that lines the filter medium 61, the air inlet side of the air conditioner 70 of a motor vehicle Is provided. In other words, the air filter 60, one of the air filters 40 and 50 shown in FIG. 3, but lined with frame 62.
[ 0030 ]
The air conditioner 70 mixes a cooling unit 71 that takes in outside air and cools it to generate cold air, and mixes the generated cold air and warm air produced by the engine water temperature to adjust the temperature, and also changes the outlet. It is divided into and. The cooling unit 71 is provided with an air intake 78, an air filter 60, a blower 73, and an evaporator 74 from the air inflow side. The heater unit 72 is provided with a heater 75, a blowout port switching unit 76, a front blowout port 77, and a foot blowout port 78 from the air inflow side.
[ 0031 ]
The air 79 introduced from outside air or the passenger compartment flows into the air conditioner 70 through the air filter 60. At this time, dust contained in the air 79 is mainly removed by the filter medium 61. Further, the chemical substance 15 is mainly removed by the catechin of the tea husk.
[ 0032 ]
Inside the air conditioner 70 (especially in the evaporator 74), the wet air 79 is rapidly cooled, so that condensation is likely to occur. As a result, mold and the like propagate, and this becomes an air conditioner odor. In this embodiment, since catechin has antibacterial activity, mold spores and the like are mostly killed by the catechin of the air filter 60 before entering the inside of the air conditioner 70, and even if the catechin enters the inside of the air conditioner 70, the air filter 60. Breeding is hindered by catechins scattered from Therefore, the air conditioner odor is suppressed.
[ 0033 ]
The interior of the passenger compartment easily reaches 50 ° C., for example, under the hot summer sun. However, since the catechin of the air filter 60 chemically adsorbs the chemical substance, the chemical substance does not desorb from the catechin at that temperature.
[ 0034 ]
In addition, the unique scent derived from catechin also has the effect of relieving the driver's mood. Furthermore, if it is responsible lifting fragrance to the air filter 60, and aroma emitted by the catechins, it is a fragrance cooperation with emitting the fragrance, even higher aromatherapy effect. In addition, since the fragrance is generated only when the air conditioner 70 is operated, the fragrance is increased and the fine fragrance can be maintained as compared with the conventional scented fragrance that always emits the fragrance. To responsible lifting fragrance to the air filter 60, for example, spraying or applying a fragrance to the filter medium 61, immersing the filter medium 61 in a solution of fragrance, and the other one filter medium disposed on the leeward side of the filter medium 61 of these There are methods such as sandwiching aromatic beads between filter media (see FIG. 3 [2]).
[ 0035 ]
The air filter 60 may be provided on the air outflow side of the air conditioner 70, for example, on the air outflow side of the heater 75. In this case, since the catechin of the air filter 60 has a deodorizing action, the air conditioner odor generated from the air conditioner 70 is suppressed.
[ 0036 ]
Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The air filter according to the present invention is installed not only in an air conditioner but also in an air purifier, a ventilator, a ventilation fan, a vent, a window frame, etc., and not only removes dust in the air but also harmful indoor chemical components and odors. It can be effectively used for removal of water.
[ 0037 ]
【The invention's effect】
According to the air filter of the present invention, the catechin tea, by the catechin tea and a filter medium was responsible equity, the following effects. (1) . Since catechins chemically adsorb chemical substances, the re-release of adsorbed substances in a high temperature atmosphere can be suppressed. (2) . Since catechin is chemical adsorption, it can improve the persistence of the adsorption effect. (3) . Since it is chemical adsorption, the ventilation resistance is small, so the blower fan can be downsized. (4) . Since catechin emits a fragrance that soothes the heart, in addition to a dustproof effect and a deodorizing effect, an aromatherapy effect is also obtained.
[ 0038 ]
Moreover, according to the air filter of the present invention , the activated carbon is sandwiched between the filter media on the leeward side, and the catechin tea is sandwiched between the filter media on the leeward side, thereby improving the dust collecting effect by the triple filter media. In addition, since dust and chemical substances covering catechin tea can be suppressed on the windward side, it is possible to further improve the sustainability of catechin chemical adsorption. Furthermore, since the chemical substance desorbed from the activated carbon at a high temperature can be captured by the catechin in the lee, the defects of the activated carbon can be effectively compensated.
[ 0039 ]
In addition, abundant catechins can be procured inexpensively and easily by using catechin tea . According to the air filter of claim 2, by using tea powder as the catechin tea , abundant catechins can be procured more inexpensively and easily, for example, as tea husks.
[ 0040 ]
According to the air filter of claim 3, since it is provided on the air inflow side of the air conditioner, the antibacterial activity of catechin on the wind of the air conditioner makes it difficult for mold and the like to propagate inside the air conditioner, thereby generating the air conditioner odor. Can be suppressed.
[ 0041 ]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by providing the air filter on the air outflow side of the air conditioner, it is possible to suppress the spread of the air conditioner odor due to the deodorizing action on the catechin in the lee of the air conditioner.
[ 0042 ]
According to the air filter of the fifth aspect , since it is used for the interior of an automobile, the re-release of the adsorbed substance at a high temperature such as under hot weather can be suppressed by the action of catechin.
[ 0043 ]
Moreover, according to the air filter which concerns on this invention, since catechin tea is used instead of catechin itself, there exists the following effect.
[ 0044 ]
The technique for responsible lifting catechin itself filter medium has the following problems. (1) The technique for extracting catechin from tea or the like is extremely complicated. For this reason, special equipment is required, and much labor and time are required. (2) techniques for responsible lifting the catechin filter medium is extremely complex. While catechin is hydrophilic, filter media used as in-vehicle air filters are often hydrophobic, such as polyester. Therefore, in order to charge of lifting the catechins to filter media, the bonding material called a binder is required. Therefore, a step of impregnating, spraying or applying the catechin / binder mixed solution to the filter medium, a step of drying it, and their facilities are required.
[ 0045 ]
On the other hand, for catechin tea , for example, tea husk can be used as it is. Moreover, by simply sandwiching the catechin tea between two sheets of filter media can be easily responsible lifting catechin tea filter medium. Therefore, according to the air filter according to the present invention, the use of catechin tea instead of catechin itself is easy to manufacture, so that the price can be reduced. Moreover, since catechins are also contained deep in catechin tea , the action of catechins can be continued for a long time.
[ 0046 ]
The effect of using catechin tea will be described in more detail.
[ 0047 ]
(1) . Lower prices can be achieved.
When using catechin itself, the process of extracting catechin from catechin tea and mixing this with a binder is required. On the other hand, in this invention, since the process becomes unnecessary by using catechin tea itself, manufacturing cost becomes cheap. In addition, if tea husk is used as catechin tea , it is essentially discarded, so there is almost no cost for raw materials.
[ 0048 ]
(2) . Catechin tea becomes an aggregate.
In an air filter using catechin itself, the shape is maintained in a process of roll-shaped filter medium (binder impregnated) → folding process (pleats) → heat treatment. On the other hand, in the present invention, since catechin tea is an aggregate, a binder is not necessary when processing the air filter. That catechin tea is aggregate, by responsible lifting catechin tea filter medium, easily processed can stiffness to the filter medium is that. That is, when is responsible lifting catechin tea filter medium, the rigidity of the filter medium is high, it is the bending or the like of the filter medium is likely to. As a result, since the thickness of the filter medium can be reduced, there is also a secondary effect that an increase in ventilation resistance is achieved.
[ 0049 ]
(3) . Catechin tea itself becomes a physical collector such as dust.
Catechin in catechin tea chemically adsorbs chemical substances, and the plant tissue (porous layer) in catechin tea physically collects fine particles, dust and the like. Therefore, the physical removal effect is improved as compared with the case where catechin itself is used.
[ 0050 ]
(4) . Long life can be achieved.
Catechin in catechin tea is covered with plant tissue, so it gradually emerges over time. Therefore, in the present invention, the action of catechin can be prolonged. Moreover, since the chemical reaction rate of catechin increases as the temperature increases, the duration of action of catechin is shortened. In the present invention, since the catechin is covered with the plant tissue, the consumption of the catechin can be suppressed even if the temperature rises. Therefore, a suitable air filter can be realized for a vehicle interior such as an automobile whose temperature is likely to rise due to direct sunlight.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 [1] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first reference example as a premise of an air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 1 [2] is explanatory drawing which shows the chemical structure of an example of catechin used by this invention.
FIG. 2 [1] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second reference example as a premise of the air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 2 [2] is a schematic sectional view showing a third reference example which is a premise of the air filter according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 [1] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of an air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 3 [2] is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the air filter according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 [1] is a front view showing a third embodiment of an air filter according to the present invention. FIG. 4 [2] is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioner to which the air filter of the present embodiment is attached.
FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view showing a conventional air filter.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 Air filter 11, 21, 22, 41, 51 Filter medium 12 Tea powder (catechin tea )
23 Tea husk (catechin tea )
31 activated carbon 52 aromatic beads 70 air conditioner

Claims (5)

The first filter medium provided on the air inflow side, the second filter medium provided on the air outflow side, sandwiched between the first filter medium and the second filter medium, and catechin as an active ingredient Containing tea, a third filter medium provided on the air inflow side of the first filter medium, activated carbon sandwiched between the third filter medium and the first filter medium,
An air filter comprising: The tea is in powder form,
The air filter according to claim 1 . Provided on the air inflow side of the air conditioner,
The air filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Provided on the air outflow side of the air conditioner,
The air filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Used for automobile interiors
The air filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

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