Water-related materials

Abstract

To provide a water section member in which even when water is splashed on the surface and remains there, the water can be drained from the surface and which can display high antifouling sustainability.SOLUTION: A water section member is provided in which the surface is exposed and fixed and which is used under an environment where water is splashed on the surface. The water section member includes a water receiving surface and an end provided downward from the water receiving surface. An angle between the water receiving surface and a horizontal surface is between 0° and 5°. The end includes a curved surface portion having arcuate cross section having at least one curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more. The water section member has a hydrophilic region continuing to at least the water receiving surface and an apex of the end so that water can be drained downward from the water receiving surface through the end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply member. [Background technology]

[0002] Plumbing components are known as components used in wet areas, which are environments where water is used. When plumbing components are fixed and used in plumbing areas, for example, countertops, are installed with their surfaces exposed. As a result, water may splash onto the surface of the plumbing component and remain on the surface. If water remains on the surface of the plumbing component, not only will the surface appearance of the component be poor, but there is also a risk of limescale formation and bacterial growth on the surface of the component.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that can prevent water droplets from remaining on the top surface of a counter, with the aim of providing a bathroom counter that can prevent water droplets from remaining on the top surface.The technology describes a collection section that is provided between the main body of the bathroom counter and the lower end of the top plate placed on the main body to collect water droplets that have adhered to the edge of the top surface of the top plate.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a technique for improving the hydrophilicity and stain resistance of resin molded bodies used in wet areas, in which the surface of the molded body is made hydrophilic by leaving the molded body in a gas consisting of fluorine and oxygen, and the resulting hydrophilicity makes it difficult for dirt to adhere to the surface of the molded body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-213666 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-169606 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Despite the existence of the above technologies, there is still a need for technology to prevent water from remaining on surfaces visible to users in wet areas, and to enable the remaining water to drain from the surface. In particular, water-related components with a small slope toward the drainage direction are prone to water remaining on the surface due to the small slope. In other words, the water conduction is interrupted at the surface of the water-related component, making it difficult to drain. There is a need for technology that can quickly or completely drain water from the surface of such water-related components.

[0007] The inventors considered the possibility of solving the problem of water remaining on surfaces of plumbing components with a small slope toward the drainage direction, i.e., a gentle slope, by making the water-receiving surface (top surface) of the plumbing component hydrophilic, as is conventionally known. It is generally known that hydrophilic surfaces increase the water's wetting and spreading properties, thereby increasing the specific surface area for water and increasing the drying rate. However, experiments have confirmed that when only the water-receiving surface (top surface) of a plumbing component is made hydrophilic, water is drained from the water-receiving surface (top surface) by water conduction during watering, but after watering stops, water does not drain from the water-receiving surface (top surface) and remains on the water-receiving surface (top surface). In other words, it was confirmed that water conduction stops and water does not drain from the water-receiving surface (top surface). Furthermore, it was confirmed that even after time has passed, the water on the water-receiving surface (top surface) dries somewhat, but does not drain and remains. Furthermore, it was confirmed that water containing dirt remains on the water-receiving surface (top surface), and as it dries repeatedly, the accumulation of dirt on the surface progresses.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve such problems and to provide a wet area component, particularly a wet area component with a small inclination in the drainage direction, that can drain water from the surface even if water splashes on the surface and remains, and that can exhibit high and lasting stain resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The plumbing member according to the present invention is: A water-related component that is fixed with an exposed surface and is used in an environment where water splashes on the surface, The water-related member is A water receiving surface, an end portion extending downward from the water receiving surface, The angle between the water receiving surface and the horizontal plane is 0° or more and 5° or less, The end portion includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more, The water receiving surface has a hydrophilic area that is continuous at least from the water receiving surface to the top of the end portion so that water can be drained downward through the end portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a bathroom in which the plumbing member of the present invention can be used. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a water-related component of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a water-related component of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a water-related component of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a water-related component of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Water-related materials The plumbing component of the present invention is fixed with its surface exposed, and is used in an environment where water splashes on the surface. Here, "fixed with its surface exposed" means that the plumbing component is installed in a state where its surface is visible to the user and does not move. The plumbing component only needs to be fixed when used by the user, and may be configured to be removable, for example. Furthermore, "used in an environment where water splashes on the surface" means that the plumbing component is used in a place where it is exposed to water, for example, because a water-discharging device such as a faucet is installed around the plumbing component.

[0012] The plumbing member of the present invention is a member used in a plumbing area, and is preferably a member used in at least one selected from a toilet, a washroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen.

[0013] In the present invention, specific plumbing components used in plumbing areas are preferably components with a small inclination of the water receiving surface, that is, a small (gentle) inclination in the direction of drainage and a structure that allows water to easily remain on the water receiving surface (a structure with a large water receiving surface).Specific examples include counters, washbasins, sinks, bathtub bodies and rims, and areas around drains on bathroom floors that have relatively large water receiving surfaces.Examples of counters include faucet counters installed in bathrooms, washbasin counters on which washbasins and the like are placed, and counters used in washrooms.Examples of washbasins include those with a small inclination of the bowl surface (water receiving surface) around the drain in the direction of drainage.

[0014] Bathroom counters and bathtub rims will be explained using specific drawings of bathrooms. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a typical example of a bathroom. In this specification, the near side as seen from a user facing the bathroom components is referred to as the "front," the far side as the "rear," the upper side as the "upper," the lower side as the "lower," the right side as the "right side," and the left side as the "left side."

[0015] In Figure 1, bathroom 100 has multiple walls (side walls) including first to third walls 110-130, a floor, and a ceiling. The walls, floor, and ceiling form a bathroom space BS. The bathroom space BS is a space surrounded by the walls, floor, and ceiling. A bathtub 90 is provided within bathroom space BS.

[0016] Bathtub 90 has a rim that users can grasp to get in and out of the bathtub. As can be seen from Figure 1, the rim is prone to being splashed with water from showers and has a large top surface, making it easy for water to remain.

[0017] The bathroom 100 also includes a faucet counter 11 and a washbasin counter 12 as counters 10. The faucet counter 11 dispenses water. The washbasin counter 12 is a relatively large, plate-shaped member on which items such as shampoo bottles and washbasins can be placed. The faucet counter 11 is also a relatively large, plate-shaped member on which items such as shampoo bottles can be placed. The counter 10 is designed to accommodate items, i.e., has a large water-receiving surface and a small slope in the drainage direction, making it prone to residual water. In particular, the washbasin counter 12 is prone to residual water because it is hit by a lot of water due to the faucet counter 11 installed above it.

[0018] The bathroom component of the present invention can be used as the bathroom counter 10 or the rim of the bathtub 90 as described above.

[0019] The plumbing component of the present invention is preferably used as a counter. Counters are relatively large, plate-shaped components with large water-receiving surfaces (top surfaces) and are surrounded by faucets, so they are prone to water splashing and remaining. In addition, since items are placed on the counter (water-receiving surface), it is necessary to minimize the downward slope (toward drainage) of the water-receiving surface. Using the plumbing component of the present invention as a counter improves drainage and provides lasting stain resistance.

[0020] drainage As described above, the inventors of the present invention investigated the drainage performance of plumbing components with a small slope toward the drainage direction. They found that even when only the water-receiving surface (top surface) was made hydrophilic, water spread across the surface but did not drain from the water-receiving surface (top surface), resulting in residual water. Furthermore, they found that residual water remained over time, dried, and led to the accumulation of limescale and dirt. The inventors considered this to be due to water accumulating on the water-receiving surface (top surface) of the plumbing component, i.e., preventing water conduction. Furthermore, they considered this to be due to the fact that water did not fall in the drainage direction, i.e., was not drained, but instead remained on the water-receiving surface (top surface), particularly at the edges connected to the water-receiving surface (top surface). Furthermore, they found that when the edges of the water-receiving surface (top surface) were sharp, water was stopped at the sharp edges and did not drain downward. This was thought to be due to surface tension blocking the water at the sharp edges. The inventors have solved these problems by devising the shape and properties of the components to guide water on the surface of the plumbing components, resulting in the following configuration.

[0021] That is, the plumbing member of the present invention is fixed with its surface exposed, and is used in an environment where water splashes on the surface, a water receiving surface; and an end portion extending downward from the water receiving surface, The angle between the water receiving surface and the horizontal plane is 0° or more and 5° or less, The end portion includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more, The container has a hydrophilic region that is continuous at least from the water receiving surface to the top of the end portion so that water can be drained downward from the water receiving surface through the end portion.

[0022] According to the present invention, even if water is sprayed onto a surface by watering and the watering stops, i.e., the water flow stops, and water remains on the water-receiving surface, the hydrophilic regions on the water-receiving surface allow the water to spread and be guided to the edge. Furthermore, the water guided to the edge is guided to the top of the edge without stopping. In other words, the water is not interrupted from the water-receiving surface to the top of the edge. After that, the water guided to the top of the edge falls downward under its own weight, i.e., can be drained. As a result, the water-related component of the present invention allows water to be quickly drained from the surface of the water-receiving surface, even if water is sprayed onto the surface and remains. Therefore, residual water on the water-receiving surface can be reduced. Furthermore, because the water is drained from the surface of the water-receiving surface, the accumulation of dirt can be suppressed, and high stain-resistant properties can be achieved.

[0023] The plumbing component of the present invention allows water to be drained from the water-receiving surface over time, even if it remains on the water-receiving surface after the watering stops. In other words, the plumbing component of the present invention has high drainage properties. Therefore, even if water remains on the water-receiving surface after the watering stops, the plumbing component of the present invention allows the amount of water on the water-receiving surface (residual water amount) to decrease over time. Specifically, under the measurement conditions below, the residual water ratio shown by the following formula (1) is preferably less than 7%, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 2% or less. As a result, even if water is splashed on the water-receiving surface and remains, it will be drained over time, and the amount of residual water on the water-receiving surface can eventually decrease and approach zero. <Measurement conditions> 3. Place on the water receiving surface. 2L Water is sprayed at a rate of 1 / min for 10 seconds, and 5 seconds after the water spray has stopped, the amount of water remaining on the water receiving surface is measured and this is L1 (g / cm 2 After watering, the water receiving surface is left to stand in the air at room temperature, for example, in an environment of 25°C and 60% RH for 90 minutes, and the amount of water remaining on the water receiving surface is measured and expressed as L2 (g / cm 2 ) The remaining water ratio (%) is calculated by substituting L1 and L2 into the following formula (1). Residual water ratio (%) = L2 / L1 × 100 Equation (1) In formula 1, L1: Initial amount of water remaining on the top surface (g / cm 2 ) L2: Residual water content on the top surface after 90 minutes (g / cm 2 ) Shows.

[0024] The plumbing member of the present invention will be further described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the plumbing member 200 of the present invention. FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the plumbing member 200 of the present invention cut in the vertical direction. In FIG. 2, the member 200 has a water-receiving surface (top surface) 201, a vertical surface 202, and an end portion 203 connecting the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the vertical surface 202. Here, the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 is a surface formed in the left-right direction, and the vertical surface 202 is a surface formed in the up-down direction. The plumbing member of the present invention has the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201, the vertical surface 202, and the end portion 203, as well as other surfaces necessary to maintain the shape of the member. The vertical surface 202 and the end portion 203 are provided facing the drainage direction. The ends (in the drainage direction) of the vertical surface 202 and the end portion 203 may be connected to, for example, a drain outlet (not shown).

[0025] The plumbing member of the present invention will be further described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a top surface 201 and an end portion 203 of a plumbing member 200. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a vertical surface 202 is further provided in addition to the top surface 201 and the end portion 203.

[0026] In FIG. 3, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 is tilted at an angle of θ 天面 In other words, the angle between the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the horizontal plane is θ 天面 In addition, the end 204 downward The angle between the edge of the 端部最大 The surface of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the end portion 203 have a continuous hydrophilic region 205 from one end of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 side to the apex 204. The apex 204 will be described in detail later.

[0027] As mentioned above, FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a vertical surface 202 is further provided below the end portion 203 in comparison with FIG.

[0028] Hydrophilic region The plumbing member of the present invention has a continuous hydrophilic region 205 from the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 to the top 204 of the end 203, so that water can be drained downward from the top surface 201 through the end. In other words, the surface of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the surface of the end 203 from one end on the water receiving surface (top surface) side to the top have a continuous hydrophilic region. As a result, even if water remains on the water receiving surface (top surface) 201, the water spreads over the water receiving surface (top surface) and the water continues to be guided uninterrupted from the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 to the end 203, so that the water can be drained from the end 203. Therefore, water on the water receiving surface (top surface) can be drained.

[0029] In the water-related member of the present invention, it is preferable that the entire surface of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the end portion 203 have a hydrophilic region. downward It is preferable that the surface has a continuous hydrophilic region extending to the other end (upright side) of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201. This allows the water to flow from the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 to the end 203 without stopping even if water remains on the water receiving surface (top surface) 201, and to be drained from the water receiving surface (top surface) 201.

[0030] The plumbing member of the present invention has the entire water receiving surface (top surface) 201, the entire end portion 203, and the vertical surface 202. Upward It is preferable that the hydrophilic region covers at least 50% of the area from the end (end on the end 203 side) downward, and it is even more preferable that the hydrophilic region covers all of the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201, the end 203, and the vertical surface 202. This allows the water to continue to flow from the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 to the end 203 without stopping, even if water remains on the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201, and promotes drainage from the vertical surface 202.

[0031] In the present invention, the hydrophilic region is a region that exhibits hydrophilicity. The water contact angle can be used as an index of hydrophilicity, and in the present invention, the water contact angle of the hydrophilic region is preferably 45° or less, and more preferably 20° or less. This makes it easier for water to spread and drain on the surface of the water-related component of the present invention.

[0032] In the present invention, the water contact angle can be measured by the following method: For example, using a water contact angle measuring device (e.g., DM-701 model manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.), measurements are taken at five locations with a water droplet size of 1 μL, and the measurements are analyzed by the θ / 2 method, and the average of the five obtained values ​​can be used as the water contact angle in the present invention.

[0033] In the plumbing component of the present invention, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 has a surface formed in the left-right direction. The surface of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 is positioned so that it can be seen by the user, and since it is exposed to water, it is prone to retaining water. Therefore, high drainage and stain resistance are required.

[0034] In the plumbing component of the present invention, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 has a small (gentle) inclination. That is, the inclination of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 with respect to the drainage direction is small. Specifically, the angle between the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the horizontal plane is 0° or more and 5° or less, preferably 0° or more and 5° or less, and more preferably 0° or more and 3° or less. That is, the top surface 201 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane by 0° or more and 5° or less, preferably 0° or more and 5° or less, and more preferably 0° or more and 3° or less. When viewed from the right or left side, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 is inclined in the drainage direction (downward). This allows water remaining on the top surface 201 after watering stops to move toward the end 203 and to be easily drained from the end 203 toward the vertical surface 202 (downward). This allows water on the top surface 201 to be quickly drained. Moreover, as time passes, it is possible to finally achieve a state where there is no remaining water on the top surface 201, that is, the amount of remaining water becomes zero.

[0035] In the plumbing component of the present invention, as described above, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 may have a portion where the inclination of the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 is small relative to the drainage direction. Specifically, it may have a portion where the inclination is small near (around) the position where the water is drained. Therefore, it may have a raised portion or the like in a location away from the drainage position. For example, as in a washbasin or bathtub, the water receiving surface 201 may have a portion where the inclination is small around the drain outlet, and a raised portion in a location away from the drain outlet.

[0036] In the plumbing member of the present invention, the end portion 203 extends downward from the top surface 201 and includes at least one curved portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a radius of curvature of 0.5 mm or more. An arc-shaped cross section means that the cross section is arc-shaped, that is, the outer edge of the end portion is rounded and not pointed. The end portion 203 may include one curved portion having an arc-shaped cross section. In other words, the end portion 203 may be the same as the curved portion having an arc-shaped cross section. The end portion 203 may also include multiple curved portions having an arc-shaped cross section. In this case, the radius of curvature of each curved portion having an arc-shaped cross section may be different. However, if multiple curved portions having an arc-shaped cross section are included, the radius of curvature of each curved portion having an arc-shaped cross section is 0.5 mm or more.

[0037] In the present invention, end 203 includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 0.5 mm or more. End 203 preferably includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 3 mm or more, and more preferably includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 5 mm or more. This prevents water that has flowed from water receiving surface (top surface) 201 to end 203 from remaining at end 203, making it easier for it to be drained downward. In the present invention, end 203 is the surface through which water that has moved from above water receiving surface (top surface) 201 passes, and after passing through end 203, this water moves downward and is drained from the plumbing component.

[0038] In the plumbing member of the present invention, the top 204 of the end 203 refers to a specific part that exists on the curved surface part of the end 203 that has an arc-shaped cross section. Specifically, the angle between the water receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the horizontal plane and the angle between the end 203 or the vertical surface 202 downward Of the parts of the end 203 that form an angle between the end and the horizontal plane, this refers to the part that forms the intermediate value between these two angles. In other words, it refers to the part that forms the angle expressed by the following formula. The angle between the top of the edge and the horizontal plane: (θ 天面 +θ 端部最大 ) / 2 θ 天面 refers to the angle between the top surface and the horizontal plane. θ 端部最大 is the edge or elevation downwardrefers to the angle between the edge of the

[0039] The plumbing member of the present invention may have one or more end portions 203. It is preferable that end portion 203 is formed in the direction in which water moving from water receiving surface (top surface) 201 is drained. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, in a bathroom counter, if water on the water receiving surface (top surface) is drained in three directions, left, right, and front, it is preferable that end portions 203 are provided in all three directions, and that continuous hydrophilic regions are formed on the water receiving surface (top surface) and at least up to the top of each end portion 203.

[0040] The plumbing member of the present invention preferably includes a vertical surface 202. The vertical surface 202 is a surface formed in the vertical direction and is provided below the end portion 203. That is, the end portion 203 is provided between the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the vertical surface 202. In other words, the end portion 203 connects the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 and the vertical surface 202. In the present invention, the angle between the vertical surface 202 and the horizontal plane is preferably 120° or less, more preferably 90° or less. Furthermore, the angle between the vertical surface 202 and the horizontal plane is preferably 15° or more, more preferably 30° or more, and even more preferably 45° or more. Even if water remains on the water-receiving surface (top surface) 201 after watering stops, the water continues to be guided, and the water passes over the surface of the end portion 203 and the vertical surface 202, allowing it to be quickly drained. Moreover, over time, all of the water on the water-receiving surface (top surface) can be drained.

[0041] The surface shape of the water supply component of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it may be textured by surface treatment. Furthermore, in the water supply component of the present invention, the water receiving surface (top surface) may have grooves or through-holes for drainage to improve drainage. In this case, it is preferable to provide an end portion in the drainage direction of the hole and to provide a hydrophilic area on the end surface to improve drainage into the hole.

[0042] In the present invention, the plumbing member includes a substrate. That is, the member may consist of a substrate, or may include a substrate and other elements. For example, the surface of the substrate may include a hydrophilic surface layer, which will be described later.

[0043] Base material In the present invention, the substrate is not particularly limited, but is preferably a resin molded body. The resin molded body is a molded body whose main component is resin. The main component preferably means that the resin in the resin molded body is contained in an amount of 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more. This makes it possible to obtain good moldability and appearance.

[0044] In the present invention, either a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin can be used as the resin. When the resin molded body is large and requires high strength and heat resistance, it is preferable to use a thermosetting resin. On the other hand, when the resin molded body is small and has a complex shape, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin.

[0045] In the present invention, the thermosetting resin may be one or more selected from the group consisting of urea resin, melamine resin, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester resin, epoxy resin, and silicone resin.

[0046] In the present invention, the thermoplastic resin may be one or more selected from polypropylene resin (PP), polyethylene resin (PE), polyacetal resin (POM), polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT), polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), polystyrene resin (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA), polyamide resin (PA), polyether ether ketone resin (PEEK), polytrimethylene terephthalate resin (PTT), polycarbonate resin (PC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (tetrafluoroethylene resin).

[0047] In the present invention, the resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. More preferably, the resin is one or more selected from PP, PE, POM, PBT, PVC, ABS, PPS, PET, PMMA, PA, and PC. Of these, one or more selected from PP, POM, PBT, ABS, and PMMA are even more preferred.

[0048] In the present invention, the method for imparting hydrophilicity to the surface of a water-related component is not particularly limited. Usable methods include using a component (substrate) made of a resin having a hydrophilic functional group (acrylic resin, urethane resin, vinyl acetate, etc.), imparting unevenness to the surface of the component (substrate) to structurally impart hydrophilicity, imparting hydrophilicity to the surface of the component (substrate) by surface treatment such as corona treatment or plasma treatment, forming a hydrophilic surface layer on the surface of the substrate, and adding a hydrophilic material to the substrate.

[0049] In the present invention, the plumbing component includes a base material 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as "resin base material") whose main component is resin, and this resin base material 300 preferably includes a hydrophilic material. This makes it possible to make the surface of the plumbing component hydrophilic. As the hydrophilic material, a hydrophilic filler can be used. Examples of the hydrophilic filler that can be used include silica, alumina, glass, and titanium oxide.

[0050] In the present invention, a method of forming a hydrophilic surface layer on the surface of the resin substrate 300 is preferably used as a method of imparting a hydrophilic region to the surface of the water-related component 200. This makes it possible to impart hydrophilicity to desired positions on the surface of the water-related component 200.

[0051] Hydrophilic surface layer The water supply member of the present invention preferably includes a resin substrate 300 and a hydrophilic surface layer 301 formed on the surface of the resin substrate 300. By providing the hydrophilic surface layer 301, a hydrophilic region can be imparted to the surface of the water supply member 200. In other words, by providing the hydrophilic surface layer 301, the water supply member of the present invention can have a hydrophilic region. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an embodiment of the water supply member 200 of the present invention, which includes the substrate 300 and the hydrophilic surface layer 301. In this embodiment, the surface of the substrate 300 is covered with the hydrophilic surface layer 301. In other words, in this embodiment, the water receiving surface (top surface) 201, the end portion 203, and the vertical surface 202 all have hydrophilic regions.

[0052] In the present invention, the hydrophilic surface layer 301 is a layer containing a hydrophilic functional group. In the present invention, it is preferable that the hydrophilic functional group contains an anionic functional group. As the anionic functional group, one or more types selected from a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and a phosphate group can be used. In the present invention, it is more preferable that the hydrophilic surface layer 301 contains a sulfonic acid group. This makes it possible to further enhance the hydrophilicity of the surface layer 301.

[0053] In the present invention, the hydrophilic surface layer 301 preferably contains more sulfonic acid groups on the surface side than on the substrate 300 side. It is more preferable that the sulfonic acid groups are segregated on the surface side of the hydrophilic surface layer 301. This allows the hydrophilic surface layer 301 to exhibit high hydrophilicity and maintain the hydrophilicity for a long period of time.

[0054] In the present invention, whether the hydrophilic surface layer 301 contains sulfonic acid groups can be determined by surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS can detect the amount of sulfonic acid groups present on the surface of the hydrophilic surface layer 301. Specifically, sulfonic acid groups can be identified from the chemical shift of the 2p orbital peak of sulfur (S) element detected by XPS. Furthermore, the amount of sulfonic acid groups present on the surface of the hydrophilic surface layer 301 can be quantified from the concentration.

[0055] In the water-related member of the present invention, the hydrophilic surface layer 301 preferably contains 0.5 at. % or more, and more preferably 1.0 at. % or more, of sulfur elements derived from sulfonic acid groups on the surface thereof.

[0056] In the water-related component of the present invention, the main component of the hydrophilic surface layer 301 is preferably acrylic resin. This allows for a highly durable film, which can suppress wear and tear even when subjected to stresses such as cleaning with abrasive detergents, and makes it difficult for water stains to adhere to the surface of the component. Here, "main component" refers to acrylic resin accounting for more than half of the components contained in the layer. The fact that the main component of the hydrophilic surface layer 301 is acrylic resin can be confirmed using the ATR method using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR).

[0057] In the present invention, the hydrophilic surface layer 301 is preferably a coating film obtained by curing a paint. The paint preferably contains a hydrophilic compound. The hydrophilic compound may be one or more selected from a sulfonic acid group, a carboxyl group, and a phosphate group. It is more preferable to use a compound having a sulfonic acid group as the hydrophilic compound. Specifically, it is even more preferable to use one or more selected from a linear alkylsulfonic acid having a methacryloyloxy group and its salts, such as 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethanesulfonic acid, 3-(methacryloyloxy)propane-1-sulfonic acid, 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethanesulfonic acid sodium salt, and 3-sulfopropyl potassium methacrylate.

[0058] In the present invention, a known hydrophilic paint can be used as the paint for forming the hydrophilic surface layer 301. For example, those described in JP-A-2015-212324, JP-A-2014-218612, JP-A-2014-198754, JP-A-2014-111745, etc. can be used.

[0059] In the present invention, the hydrophilic surface layer 301 preferably has a thickness of 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less, and even more preferably 5 μm or more and 25 μm or less. This allows the hydrophilic properties to be exhibited well and the adhesion between the substrate 300 and the hydrophilic surface layer 301 to be improved. The thickness can be determined by observing the cross section of the surface layer 301 with a microscope or by measuring the film thickness of the surface layer 301.

[0060] When applying the above-mentioned paint to the substrate 300, masking tape or the like can be applied to areas where you do not want the paint to be applied to prevent the paint from being applied. As the painting method, known methods such as brush coating, spray coating, dip coating, spin coating, curtain coating, and roll coating can be used. [Example]

[0061] The present invention will be described in more detail by the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0062] Hydrophilic paint composition 1 Hydrophilic coating composition 1 was prepared by the following method. Hydrophilic coating composition 1 was prepared by dissolving 0.08 g (0.32 mmol) of potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPMA-K) (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) in 0.5 g of water, followed by 7 g (12 mmol) of dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (NK Ester A-DPH, Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.), 0.4 g (3.1 mmol) of hydroxymethyl methacrylate (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), 0.14 g of Irgacure 500 (BASF) as a photopolymerization initiator, and 15 g of methoxyethanol as a solvent.

[0063] Hydrophilic paint composition 2 Hydrophilic coating composition 2 was prepared by the following method. A solution containing 0.5 parts by weight of potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate (SPMA-K), 27.9 parts by weight of dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, 5.5 parts by weight of the acrylic acid ester copolymer shown below, 0.55 parts by weight of Omnirad 500 as a photopolymerization initiator, and 50.9 parts by weight of methoxyethanol as a solvent was stirred with a stirrer for 60 minutes, and then 5 wt% (1.67 parts by weight) of acrylic particles (average particle diameter 6 μm) was added to the total weight of the dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate and acrylic acid ester copolymer (film-forming components) and stirred for 5 minutes to prepare hydrophilic coating composition 2. [ka]

[0064] Base material The substrate was prepared by the following method.

[0065] Base material A One end of an A4 sized acrylic plate was processed using an acrylic plate bending machine (HA-400 manufactured by Taiyo Electric Industry Co., Ltd.) to produce substrate A with a top surface size of 210 x 260 mm, a vertical surface size of 210 x 30 mm, an end size of 260 x 10 mm, a radius of curvature φ of the end of 4 mm, and an angle of 90° between the lower end of the vertical surface and the horizontal plane.

[0066] Base material B~F Substrate A was prepared in the same manner as above, except that the angle between the lower edge of the vertical surface and the horizontal plane was set to the angle shown in Table 1.

[0067] Base material G A bathroom counter component (ABS resin) was prepared and used as base material G. This counter component had a top surface size of 720 x 250 mm, a vertical surface size of 720 x 20 mm, an end size of 720 x 10 mm, and an end curvature radius φ of 5 mm.

[0068] Base material H Substrate A was prepared in the same manner as above, except that the size of the edge was set to 260 x 1 mm and the radius of curvature of the edge was set to less than 0.5 mm by cutting.

[0069] Sample preparation Hydrophilic coating composition 1 or 2 was applied to each of the above-mentioned substrates by spray coating. Masking tape was applied to areas of the substrate where the hydrophilic coating composition was not to be applied, and then the hydrophilic coating composition was spray-applied. The substrates to which the hydrophilic coating composition had been applied were immediately heated in a hot air drying oven (YAMATO Scientific Co., Ltd., DKN402) at a temperature of 70°C for a drying time of 10 minutes to volatilize the solvent. The substrates were then removed from the hot air drying oven and irradiated with an integrated light intensity of 1000 mJ / cm. 2 The substrate was then irradiated with ultraviolet light (ANUP4154, manufactured by Panasonic Electric Works). As a result, a hydrophilic coating film approximately 10 μm thick was formed on the surface of the substrate. The hydrophilic coating film was mainly composed of acrylic resin and contained sulfonic acid groups. The water contact angle of the hydrophilic coating film was 20°.

[0070] Table 1 shows the proportion of hydrophilic regions formed on each surface (top surface, edge surface, and elevational surface) of each sample obtained (formation proportion of hydrophilic regions on each surface).

[0071] Formation ratio of hydrophilic area on the top surface (water receiving surface) The percentage of hydrophilic regions on the top surface indicates the percentage of the surface area on which hydrophilic regions are formed. "100%" means that hydrophilic regions are formed on the entire top surface. "0%" means that no hydrophilic regions are formed on the top surface.

[0072] Formation ratio of hydrophilic area at edge The formation ratio of the hydrophilic region at the edge was calculated by the following formula. Formation rate of hydrophilic region at edge (%) = (θ 端部 -θ 天面 ) / (θ 端部最大 -θ 天面 ) x 100 Here, each angle has the following meaning: θ 端部the angle between the horizontal plane and the tangential plane at the lower edge of the hydrophilic region on the edge θ 天面 : Angle between the top surface and the horizontal plane θ 端部最大 : the angle between the lower edge of the elevation and the horizontal plane Also, θ 天面 <θ 端部 <θ 端部最大 Meet the following. The position where the formation rate of the hydrophilic region at the end = 50% means the apex of the end. When the formation rate of the hydrophilic region at the end is less than 50%, it means that the hydrophilic region is not formed up to the apex of the end, and the edge of the hydrophilic region is between one end of the horizontal surface side of the end and the apex of the end. When the formation rate of the hydrophilic region at the end is more than 50%, it means that the hydrophilic region is formed beyond the apex of the end, and the edge of the hydrophilic region is between the apex of the end and the other end of the vertical surface side of the end. "100%" means that the hydrophilic region is formed on the entire surface of the end face. "0%" means that the hydrophilic region is not formed on the surface of the end face.

[0073] Formation rate of hydrophilic area on elevation The formation rate of the hydrophilic region on the vertical surface indicates the percentage of the surface area on which the hydrophilic region is formed relative to the surface area of ​​the vertical surface, from one end on the edge side to the other end below, with the one end on the edge side being the reference (0) and the other end below being 100. "0%" means that no hydrophilic region is formed on the surface of the vertical surface. "50%" means that the hydrophilic region is formed from one end on the edge side to the 50% position (halfway position) of the other end below. "100%" means that the hydrophilic region is formed on the entire surface of the vertical surface.

[0074] [Table 1]

[0075] The obtained samples were evaluated by the following methods.

[0076] Evaluation 1: Residual water test Each sample was placed on an electronic balance (Shimadzu Corporation BW4200H). The vertical side was placed at the bottom of the incline, and the angle between the top surface and the horizontal plane was as shown in Table 1. 3. Using a shower head (TOTO THYC10R shower mode), 2L Water was sprayed at a flow rate of 1 / min for 10 seconds so that the entire sample was wet. Five seconds after the water was stopped, the weight of the remaining water on the top surface of the sample was measured. This was repeated five times, and the average of the five measured weights of remaining water was divided by the area of ​​the top surface to calculate the amount of remaining water per unit area of ​​the top surface. This was taken as the initial amount of remaining water on the top surface, L1 (g / cm 2 After the water spraying, the sample was left to stand for 5, 30, 60, and 90 minutes in an environment of 25°C and 60% RH, and then the weight of the remaining water on the top surface of the sample was measured. This was divided by the area of ​​the top surface to calculate the amount of remaining water per unit area of ​​the top surface. This was taken as the amount of remaining water on the top surface after 90 minutes, L2 (g / cm 2 ) L1 and L2 were substituted into the following formula (1) to calculate the residual water ratio (%). Residual water ratio (%) = L2 / L1 × 100 Equation (1) The results are shown in Table 1.

[0077] Evaluation 2: Visual evaluation In the water retention test, the top surface of the sample was left to stand for 90 minutes, and then visually evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. ◎: No residual water. 〇: There is almost no sticky feeling due to residual water. ×: Feels sticky due to residual water

[0078] Evaluation 3: Antifouling durability test Using the same method as the water retention test, water was sprayed onto the top surface of each sample, and then the sample was left to dry completely. This process was repeated five times, and the condition of the top surface was then visually inspected. Based on the condition, the sample was evaluated as follows. The results are shown in Table 1. ×: Water scale formation and / or dirt accumulation ◯: No limescale formation and no dirt accumulation ◎: No limescale formation or dirt accumulation even after repeating the test five more times [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 90: Bathtub 100: Bathroom 110~130: 1st to 3rd walls BS: Bathtub space 200: Plumbing materials 201: Water receiving surface (top) 202:Elevation 203:End 204:Top 205: Hydrophilic region 300: Base material 301: Hydrophilic surface layer

Claims

1. A water-related component that is fixed with an exposed surface and is used in an environment where water splashes on the surface, The water-related member is A water receiving surface, an end portion extending downward from the water receiving surface, The angle between the water receiving surface and the horizontal plane is equal to or greater than 0° and equal to or less than 5°, the end portion includes at least one curved surface portion having an arc-shaped cross section with a curvature radius of 4 mm or more, a hydrophilic region that is continuous at least from the water receiving surface to the top of the end portion so that water can be discharged downward from the water receiving surface through the end portion; The hydrophilic area has a water contact angle of 20° or less.

2. Water was sprayed onto the water receiving surface at 3.2 L / min for 10 seconds, and the amount of water remaining on the water receiving surface 5 seconds after the water spraying was stopped was measured as L1 (g / cm ２ After the water spraying, the water receiving surface was left standing in the air at room temperature for 90 minutes, and the amount of water remaining on the water receiving surface was measured as L2 (g / cm ２ 2. The water-related component according to claim 1, wherein the residual water rate (%) represented by the following formula (1) is less than 7% when the water content is 100%: Residual water ratio (%) = L2 / L1 × 100 Formula (1)

3. further comprising an elevation below said end; The water receiving surface and the vertical surface are connected by the end portion, 3. The plumbing member according to claim 1, wherein an angle between a lower end of the vertical surface and a horizontal plane is 120 degrees or less.

4. The angle between the water receiving surface and the horizontal plane is greater than 0°, 4. The plumbing member according to claim 3, wherein the hydrophilic region is further formed continuously over at least 50% or more of the area from an upper end of the elevational surface downward.

5. The angle between the lower end of the elevation and the horizontal plane is 30° or more; 4. The plumbing member according to claim 3, wherein the hydrophilic region is further formed continuously over at least 50% or more of the area from an upper end of the elevational surface downward.

6. The water-related member is a base material mainly composed of resin; a hydrophilic surface layer formed on the substrate; The water-related component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hydrophilic surface layer forms a continuous hydrophilic region extending to the water-receiving surface and the top of the end portion defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, and optionally extending downward from the upper end of the vertical surface to at least 50% or more of the area.

7. The water-related component according to claim 6, wherein the hydrophilic surface layer contains a sulfonic acid group.

8. 8. The water-related component according to claim 6, wherein the hydrophilic surface layer is mainly composed of an acrylic resin.

9. A counter configured with the plumbing member according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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