Filter materials, air filters, air conditioners, water filters, and water purifiers

Abstract

Provided are a filter, an air filter, an air conditioner, a water filter, and a water cleaner that exhibit high antimicrobial properties.　The filter material is provided with a fiber assembly that is composed of multiple protrusion-equipped fibers. Each of the protrusion-equipped fibers comprises: a fiber having a surface; and multiple protrusions that are disposed on said surface, that have a plate-like shape, and that are composed of aluminum oxide.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to filter materials, air filters, air conditioners, water filters, and water purifiers. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-33233 filed in Japan on March 4, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purification filter. The air purification filter includes a fiber aggregate formed in a non-woven fabric shape from fibers made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a shape-retaining member made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having a plurality of holes and covering both planes of the fiber aggregate, recesses formed by roughening the surface of the fibers on at least the upstream side of the fiber aggregate, and a skin layer of an alumite layer or a boehmite layer formed on the outer surface of the shape-retaining member and the outer surface of the fiber aggregate exposed from the holes of the shape-retaining member (paragraph 0006).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The air purification filter disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not have sufficient antibacterial properties, antiviral properties, etc.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a filter, an air filter, an air conditioner, a water filter, and a water purifier having high antimicrobial properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A filter material according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a fiber assembly having a plurality of protruding fibers, each protruding fiber comprising a fiber having a surface and a plurality of protrusions made of aluminum oxide having a plate-like shape and arranged on the surface.

[0007] An air filter according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a filter material according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] An air conditioner according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises an air filter according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

[0009] A water filter according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a filter material according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] A water purifier according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a water filter according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view illustrating the filter material of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment and the microorganisms attached to the protruding fibers. [Figure 4] These are electron microscope images of protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment and Escherichia coli attached to said protruding fibers. [Figure 5] These are electron microscope images of protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment and Escherichia coli attached to said protruding fibers. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the filter material according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the second embodiment. [Figure 8]It is an electron microscope image of the fiber with protrusions provided in the filter material of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram explaining the size relationship between the average interval between the tips of a plurality of protrusions provided in the filter material of the second embodiment and the sizes of bacteria and viruses. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the fiber with protrusions provided in the filter material of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an electron microscope image of the fiber with protrusions provided in the filter material of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram explaining the size relationship between the average interval between the tips of a plurality of protrusions provided in the filter material of the third embodiment and the sizes of bacteria and viruses. [Figure 13] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the example of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of the example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram schematically showing the filter material of another example of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a perspective view schematically showing the air filter of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view schematically showing the air conditioner of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram schematically showing the water purifier of the ninth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0013] 1. First Embodiment Figure 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating the filter material of the first embodiment.

[0014] The filter material 1 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 allows a fluid to pass through and inactivates microorganisms contained in the fluid. The fluid that can pass through is water, air, etc. The microorganisms that are inactivated are bacteria, viruses, etc.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the filter material 1 comprises a fiber aggregate 11. The fiber aggregate 11 comprises a plurality of protruding fibers 21.

[0016] Multiple protruding fibers 21 are intertwined. Gaps 11A are formed between the multiple protruding fibers 21, allowing fluid to pass through.

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fiber provided in the filter material of the first embodiment. In Figure 2, a portion of the surface layer of the fiber 31 and the protruding structure 32 formed on the surface layer are shown, and the same is true in Figures 3, 7, and 10.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, each protruding fiber 21 comprises a fiber 31 and a protruding structure 32. The protruding structure 32 comprises a plurality of protrusions 41.

[0019] Fiber 31 may be either a synthetic fiber or a natural fiber. The substances constituting the synthetic fiber may be either organic or inorganic. Organic substances include polyester, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. Inorganic substances include metals, glass, etc. Metals include aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, etc. Natural fibers include cotton, hemp, silk, etc.

[0020] Multiple protrusions 41 are arranged on the surface 31A of the fiber 31. Multiple protrusions 41 overlap on the surface 31A. Multiple protrusions 41 are densely arranged across the entire surface 31A, filling the surface 31A. Each protrusion 41 has a plate-like shape. Here, plate-like means a shape in which the height and depth are longer than the width. For example, in Figure 2, the width of one protrusion 41 relative to the paper plane is shorter in the height direction and the depth direction relative to the surface 31A of the fiber 31. The plate-like shape may be either a flat plate shape or a curved plate shape.

[0021] The multiple protrusions 41 are made of aluminum oxide. When the multiple protrusions 41 are made of aluminum oxide, the protrusion structure 32 can be easily formed on the surface 31A of the fiber 31.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment and the microorganisms attached to the protruding fibers.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the protruding structure 32 physically damages microorganisms 51 attached to the protruding structure 32, thereby inactivating the microorganisms 51. As a result, the filter material 1 has antimicrobial properties. The microorganisms 51 that are damaged include bacteria, viruses, etc., and the filter material 1 has antibacterial, antiviral, etc.

[0024] Figures 4 and 5 are electron microscope images of protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the first embodiment and Escherichia coli attached to said protruding fibers.

[0025] The white areas in the electron microscope images of Figures 4 and 5 represent the tips of the protrusions 41.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the E. coli 52 attached to the protruding fibers 21 are physically damaged and no longer retain their original form. Therefore, from Figures 4 and 5, it can be understood that the filter material 1, which has numerous protruding fibers 21, possesses anti-E. coli properties.

[0027] Each projection 41 is a minute projection that is approximately the same size as or smaller than the size of the microorganism 51.

[0028] The shape, size, and orientation of the multiple protrusions 41 are random. The positions in which the multiple protrusions 41 are arranged are also random.

[0029] When the protruding fiber 21 is cut at any position, adjacent protrusions 41 may overlap in the cross-section of the protruding fiber 21.

[0030] The aspect ratio, which represents the ratio of the height of each protrusion 41 to the thickness of each protrusion 41, is preferably 1 or greater. This makes the protrusion structure 32 more likely to physically damage microorganisms 51. This improves the antimicrobial properties of the filter material 1.

[0031] Each projection 41 is preferably a structure having a sharp, blade-like shape. Therefore, the thickness of the tip of each projection 41 is preferably thinner than the thickness of the base of each projection 41. This makes the projection structure 32 more likely to physically damage microorganisms 51. This improves the antimicrobial properties of the filter material 1.

[0032] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the filter material according to the first embodiment.

[0033] When filter material 1 is manufactured, steps S101 to S103 shown in Figure 6 are performed.

[0034] In step S101, a substrate is prepared. The substrate to be prepared is a fiber assembly comprising a plurality of fibers 31.

[0035] In the subsequent step S102, a coating made of aluminum oxide is formed on the surface 31A of the multiple fibers 31 provided on the prepared substrate. This results in a fiber assembly comprising multiple coated fibers. The coating can be formed, for example, by a sol-gel method using aluminum alkoxide.

[0036] In the subsequent step S103, the protruding structures 32 are self-assembled from the formed coating. The protruding structures 32 are self-assembled, for example, by immersing the resulting fiber assembly, which comprises multiple coated fibers, in hot water. The temperature of the hot water is, for example, 60°C.

[0037] The filter material 1 may be manufactured by other manufacturing methods.

[0038] 2. Second Embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For aspects not described, the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment is used in the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the second embodiment. Figure 8 is an electron microscope image of the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the second embodiment.

[0040] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 have an average spacing of 100 nm to 300 nm.

[0041] The average spacing between the tips of multiple protrusions 41 can be determined by cutting the protruding fiber 21 at an arbitrary position, observing the cross-section of the protruding fiber 21 with an electron microscope, identifying the protrusion 41 that has a height of 0.9 times or more the height of the tallest protrusion 41 within the observed field of view, and then determining the average spacing from the identified protrusion 41. For example, the average spacing can be determined by identifying the protrusion 41 that has a height of 0.9 times or more the height of the tallest protrusion 41 in an arbitrary cross-section of 5 μm in length, and measuring the spacing between these protrusions. Furthermore, in the fiber 21, if there is at least one point that has the average spacing when measuring the average spacing, it is considered that there are multiple such points in the fiber 21, considering the manufacturing method. Therefore, it is considered that a fiber 21 that satisfies the average spacing condition at at least one point in the measurement can damage bacteria. More preferably, it is desirable to measure multiple arbitrary points in the measurement of the average spacing and that more than half of the points satisfy the requirement for the average spacing. For example, if the average spacing is measured at 10 arbitrary points and more than half, i.e., 5 or more points, satisfy the requirement for the average spacing, it is considered desirable because it is considered that bacteria can reliably damage the fiber.

[0042] Figure 9 illustrates the relationship between the average spacing of the tips of the multiple protrusions provided on the filter material of the second embodiment and the size of bacteria and viruses.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, the size of bacteria is generally around 0.001 mm (1000 nm). Therefore, the average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41, which is between 100 nm and 300 nm as described above, is slightly smaller than the size of bacteria. This makes it easier to physically damage bacteria attached to the protruding fibers 21. This improves the antibacterial properties of the filter material 1.

[0044] The average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 can be adjusted in step S103 by the time the fiber assembly is immersed in hot water and the temperature of the hot water.

[0045] 3. Third Embodiment The differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be explained below. For aspects not explained, the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment will be used in the third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the third embodiment. Figure 11 is an electron microscope image of the protruding fibers provided in the filter material of the third embodiment.

[0047] In the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 have an average spacing of 10 nm to 100 nm.

[0048] The method for determining the average interval in the third embodiment is the same as the method for determining the average interval in the second embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 illustrates the relationship between the average spacing of the tips of the multiple protrusions provided on the filter material of the third embodiment and the size of bacteria and viruses.

[0050] As shown in Figure 12, viruses are generally about 10 nm to 100 nm in size. Therefore, the average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41, which is between 10 nm and 100 nm as described above, is about the same as the size of a virus. This makes it easier to physically damage viruses attached to the protruding fibers 21. This improves the antiviral properties of the filter material 1.

[0051] The average spacing between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 can be adjusted in step S103 by the time the fiber assembly is immersed in hot water and the temperature of the hot water.

[0052] 4. Fourth Embodiment The following describes the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment. For aspects not described, the fourth embodiment employs the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the fourth embodiment.

[0054] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the filter material 1 comprises two fiber assemblies 61 and 62. The filter material 1 may also comprise three or more fiber assemblies.

[0055] Each of the fiber assemblies 61 and 62 has a layered shape. The fiber assemblies 61 and 62 are stacked. As a result, the fluid 71 passing through the filter material 1 passes through the fiber assemblies 61 and 62 sequentially.

[0056] The fiber assemblies 61 and 62 include a fiber assembly 11 having a plurality of protruding fibers 21. This imparts antimicrobial properties to the filter material 1. The number of fiber assemblies 11 included may be one or two or more.

[0057] The fiber aggregates 61 and 62 have different fiber properties. These fiber properties include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of fiber diameter and basis weight. This makes it possible to make the size of the materials to be removed 81 and 82, respectively, different from each other. This makes it possible to suppress clogging of the filter material 1. This makes it possible to maintain the antimicrobial properties of the filter material 1 for a long period of time.

[0058] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the fourth embodiment.

[0059] In the embodiment of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the filter material 1 comprises fiber aggregates 61 and 62 and an adhesive cured product 63.

[0060] The fiber aggregates 61 and 62 are bonded to each other via the cured adhesive 63.

[0061] The second fiber aggregate 62 has a fiber diameter smaller than that of the first fiber aggregate 61.

[0062] The second fiber aggregate 62, which has a relatively small fiber diameter, is a fiber aggregate 11 comprising a plurality of protruding fibers 21.

[0063] The filter material 1 can be manufactured by applying an adhesive to one side of a first fiber aggregate 11 having a relatively large fiber diameter, bonding the first fiber aggregate 11 and the second fiber aggregate 11 together via the applied adhesive, and curing the adhesive to transform it into a cured adhesive product 63.

[0064] 5. Fifth Embodiment The differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment will be explained below. For aspects not explained, the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment will be used in the fifth embodiment.

[0065] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the fifth embodiment.

[0066] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the filter material 1 comprises two fiber assemblies 91 and 92. The filter material 1 may also comprise three or more fiber assemblies.

[0067] Each of the fiber assemblies 91 and 92 has a layered shape. The fiber assemblies 91 and 92 are stacked. As a result, the fluid 101 passing through the filter material 1 passes through the fiber assemblies 91 and 92 sequentially.

[0068] Fiber assemblies 91 and 92 have the same fiber properties. These fiber properties include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of fiber diameter and basis weight. Fiber assemblies 91 and 92 may have different fiber properties from each other.

[0069] Each of the fiber aggregates 91 and 92 is a fiber aggregate 11 comprising a plurality of protruding fibers 21. However, the plurality of fiber aggregates 11 have an average spacing between the tips of a plurality of different protrusions 41.

[0070] This makes it possible to make the types of microorganisms 111 and 112 that are inactivated by the fiber aggregates 91 and 92, respectively, different from each other. For example, microorganism 111 can be a bacterium and microorganism 112 can be a virus.

[0071] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the fifth embodiment.

[0072] In the embodiment of the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the filter material 1 comprises fiber aggregates 91 and 92 and an adhesive cured product 93.

[0073] The fiber aggregates 91 and 92 are bonded to each other via the cured adhesive 93.

[0074] Each of the fiber aggregates 91 and 92 is a fiber aggregate 11 comprising a plurality of protruding fibers 21.

[0075] The second fiber aggregate 92 has an average distance between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 that is smaller than the average distance between the tips of the multiple protrusions 41 of the first fiber aggregate 91.

[0076] The filter material 1 can be manufactured by applying an adhesive to one side of one of the fiber aggregates, the first fiber aggregate 91 and the second fiber aggregate 92, bonding the first fiber aggregate 91 and the second fiber aggregate 91 together via the applied adhesive, and allowing the adhesive to harden to transform it into a cured adhesive product 93.

[0077] 6. Sixth Embodiment The following describes the differences between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment. For aspects not described, the sixth embodiment employs the same configuration as that used in the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the sixth embodiment.

[0079] In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the filter material 1 comprises three fiber assemblies 121, 122, and 123. The filter material 1 may also comprise four or more fiber assemblies.

[0080] Each of the fiber assemblies 121, 122, and 123 has a layered shape. The fiber assemblies 121, 122, and 123 are stacked. As a result, the fluid passing through the filter material 1 passes through the fiber assemblies 121, 122, and 123 in sequence.

[0081] The fiber aggregates 121, 122, and 123 include a fiber aggregate 11 having multiple protruding fibers 21. This imparts antimicrobial properties to the filter material 1. The number of fiber aggregates 11 included may be one or two or more.

[0082] The fiber assemblies 121, 122, and 123 include fiber assemblies 121 and 123 having a first fiber property, and fiber assemblies 122 having a second fiber property. The first and second fiber properties are different from each other. The fiber properties include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of fiber diameter and basis weight.

[0083] Fiber assemblies 121 and 123 having first fiber properties and fiber assemblies 122 having second fiber properties are stacked alternately.

[0084] The rigidity of the fiber assemblies 121 and 123 having the first fiber characteristics and the rigidity of the fiber assembly 122 having the second fiber characteristics may differ from each other. The expansion of the fiber assemblies 121 and 123 due to temperature changes and the expansion of the fiber assembly 122 having the second fiber characteristics may differ from each other. The contraction of the fiber assemblies 121 and 123 due to temperature changes and the contraction of the fiber assembly 122 having the second fiber characteristics may differ from each other. These factors can cause deformation such as warping of the filter material 1 due to temperature changes. However, by alternately stacking the fiber assemblies 121 and 123 having the first fiber characteristics and the fiber assembly 122 having the second fiber characteristics, deformation of the filter material 1 due to temperature changes can be suppressed.

[0085] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the filter material of the sixth embodiment.

[0086] In the embodiment of the sixth embodiment, the filter material 1 comprises fiber aggregates 121, 122 and 123 and adhesive cured products 124 and 125.

[0087] Fiber assemblies 121 and 122 are bonded to each other via the cured adhesive 124. Fiber assemblies 122 and 123 are bonded to each other via the cured adhesive 125.

[0088] The second fiber aggregate 122 has a fiber diameter smaller than that of the first fiber aggregates 121 and 123.

[0089] The second fiber aggregate 122, which has a relatively small fiber diameter, is a fiber aggregate 11 comprising a plurality of protruding fibers 21.

[0090] The filter material 1 can be manufactured by applying an adhesive to one side of first fiber assemblies 121 and 123 having relatively large fiber diameters, bonding fiber assemblies 121 and 122 together via the adhesive applied to fiber assembly 121, bonding fiber assemblies 123 and 122 together via the adhesive applied to fiber assembly 123, and then changing the adhesives applied to fiber assemblies 121 and 123 into cured adhesive products 124 and 125, respectively.

[0091] Figure 19 schematically illustrates a filter material for another embodiment of the sixth embodiment.

[0092] The following describes how the filter material 1 of another embodiment of the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 19 differs from the filter material 1 of the embodiment of the sixth embodiment shown in Figure 18.

[0093] In another embodiment of the sixth embodiment, the second fiber aggregates 121 and 123 have a fiber diameter smaller than that of the first fiber aggregate 122.

[0094] Each of the second fiber aggregates 121 and 123, which have a relatively small fiber diameter, is a fiber aggregate 11 comprising a plurality of protruding fibers 21.

[0095] The filter material 1 can be manufactured by applying adhesive to both sides of a first fiber assembly 122 having a relatively large fiber diameter, bonding fiber assemblies 121 and 122 via the adhesive applied to one side of the first fiber assembly 122, bonding fiber assemblies 123 and 122 via the adhesive applied to the other side of the first fiber assembly 122, and changing the adhesives applied to one and the other side of the first fiber assembly 122 into adhesive cured products 124 and 125, respectively.

[0096] 7. Seventh Embodiment Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the air filter of the seventh embodiment.

[0097] The air filter 131 of the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, allows air to pass through and inactivates microorganisms 51 contained in the air that passes through.

[0098] As shown in Figure 20, the air filter 131 comprises a filter material 141 and an outer frame 142. The air filter 131 also includes an adhesive layer (not shown).

[0099] The filter material 141 is any of the filter materials 1 from the first to the sixth embodiment.

[0100] The outer frame 142 holds the filter material 141.

[0101] The adhesive layer fixes the outer frame 142 to the filter material 141.

[0102] The outer frame 142 and adhesive layer may be omitted. If the outer frame 142 and adhesive layer are omitted, preferably, the outer surface of the filter material 141 is subjected to a treatment to suppress the shedding of the protruding fibers 21, such as a treatment to compact the protruding fibers 21.

[0103] The filter material 141 may be subjected to electrostatic treatment to improve its dust collection performance.

[0104] 8. Eighth Embodiment Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the air conditioner of the eighth embodiment.

[0105] The air conditioner 151 shown in Figure 21 has an air purification function to clean the air and a humidification function to humidify the air. Therefore, the air conditioner 151 operates as both an air purifier and a humidifier. The air conditioner 151 may have functions other than air purification and humidification. For example, the air conditioner 151 may have cooling, heating, dehumidification, ion supply functions, etc. The air conditioner 151 does not have to have a humidification function.

[0106] As shown in Figure 21, the air conditioner 151 includes a blower fan 161, a pre-filter 162, an antibacterial HEPA filter 163, a deodorizing filter 164, and a humidifying filter 165. The air conditioner 151 also includes an outer frame (not shown). The outer frame has an intake port and an outlet port.

[0107] The blower fan 161 is drawn into the intake port, passes through the pre-filter 162, antibacterial HEPA filter 163, deodorizing filter 164, and humidifying filter 165, and generates an airflow that is blown out from the outlet port.

[0108] The pre-filter 162 allows air to pass through and removes coarse dust contained in the air.

[0109] The antibacterial HEPA filter 163 allows air to pass through and removes dust and debris contained in the air.

[0110] The deodorizing filter 164 allows air to pass through and removes odor components contained in the air that passes through.

[0111] The humidifying filter 165 allows air to pass through and humidifies the air that passes through it.

[0112] The antibacterial HEPA filter 163 is equipped with the air filter 131 of the seventh embodiment. This allows for the removal of microorganisms 51 contained in the air passing through the antibacterial HEPA filter 163, thereby inactivating the microorganisms 51. The air filter 131 may also be equipped with a dust collection filter to remove dust other than that of the antibacterial HEPA filter 163.

[0113] 9. Ninth Embodiment Figure 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating the water purifier of the ninth embodiment.

[0114] The water purifier 171 of the ninth embodiment, as shown in Figure 22, purifies the supplied raw water 181 to produce purified water 182, and supplies the produced purified water 182.

[0115] As shown in Figure 22, the water purifier 171 comprises a housing 191, a nonwoven fabric 192, an activated carbon layer 193, a ceramic particle layer 194, and an antibacterial / antiviral layer 195.

[0116] The housing 191 has a raw water inlet 201, a purified water outlet 202, and a flow path 203. The flow path 203 goes from the raw water inlet 201 to the purified water outlet 202, and guides water 211 from the raw water inlet 201 to the purified water outlet 202.

[0117] The nonwoven fabric 192 allows water 211 to pass through, removing any debris contained in the water 211 that passes through it.

[0118] The activated carbon layer 193 is made of activated carbon. The activated carbon layer 193 allows water 211 to pass through, removing chlorine, organochlorine compounds, and other substances contained in the water 211 that passes through it.

[0119] The ceramic particle layer 194 consists of ceramic particles. The ceramic particle layer 194 allows water 211 to pass through, removing various impurities contained in the water 211.

[0120] The antibacterial / antiviral layer 195 comprises a water filter having any of the filter materials 1 from the first to sixth embodiments. The antibacterial / antiviral layer 195 allows water 211 to pass through and inactivates microorganisms 51 contained in the water 211 that passes through.

[0121] Conventional synthetic fibers are hydrophobic. In contrast, the protruding fiber 21 is hydrophilic because its outermost surface is made of hydrophilic aluminum oxide. This makes it possible to lower the water pressure required to pass the water 211 through the filter material 1 and the antibacterial / antiviral layer 195.

[0122] Furthermore, if the microorganisms 51 are inactivated by antibacterial agents or other chemicals, there is a possibility that these chemicals may leach into the water 211. In contrast, if the microorganisms 51 are inactivated by the filter material 1, the microorganisms 51 are physically inactivated, thus suppressing the leaching of undesirable components into the water 211.

[0123] Furthermore, if the microorganisms 51 are inactivated by a catalyst, a carrier supporting the catalyst, and a light source that irradiates the catalyst with light, elements such as the light source become larger and more complex. In contrast, if the microorganisms 51 are inactivated by the filter material 1, the need for such elements can be suppressed.

[0124] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be replaced with configurations that are substantially the same as those shown in the embodiments, configurations that produce the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose.

Claims

1. A fiber aggregate comprising multiple fibers with protrusions. Equipped with, Each fiber with protrusions Fibers having a surface, Multiple protrusions made of aluminum oxide, having a plate-like shape and arranged on the aforementioned surface, Equipped with, The thickness of the tip of each projection is thinner than the thickness of the base of each projection. Filter material.

2. The ratio of the height of each protrusion to the thickness of each protrusion is 1 or more. The filter material according to claim 1.

3. The tips of the plurality of protrusions have an average spacing of 100 nm to 300 nm. The filter material according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tips of the aforementioned multiple protrusions have an average spacing of 10 nm to 100 nm. The filter material according to claim 1 or 2.

5. It comprises multiple fiber assemblies that have different fiber properties and are stacked together, The plurality of fiber assemblies include fiber assemblies comprising the plurality of protruding fibers. The filter material according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of fiber aggregates include a first fiber aggregate and a second fiber aggregate having a fiber diameter smaller than the fiber diameter of the first fiber aggregate. The second fiber aggregate is a fiber aggregate comprising the plurality of protruding fibers. The filter material according to claim 5.

7. The plurality of fiber assemblies include a fiber assembly having a first fiber characteristic and a fiber assembly having a second fiber characteristic different from the first fiber characteristic. Fiber assemblies having the first fiber characteristics and fiber assemblies having the second fiber characteristics are alternately stacked. The filter material according to claim 5.

8. It comprises multiple stacked fiber aggregates, Each fiber aggregate is a fiber aggregate comprising the plurality of protruding fibers, The plurality of fiber aggregates have an average distance between the tips of the plurality of protrusions which are different from each other. The filter material according to claim 1 or 2.

9. An air filter comprising the filter material according to claim 1 or 2.

10. An air conditioner comprising the air filter described in claim 9.

11. A water filter comprising the filter material described in claim 1 or 2.

12. A water purifier comprising the water filter described in claim 11.

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