Method for regenerating decorative objects and humidifiers

Abstract

To provide a regeneration method of a decorative body and a humidifier for keeping the decorative body long as a result at the same time of capable of enjoying again by precipitating a crystal of a hue-shape delicately different from the first time by forming the decorative body by precipitating the crystal on the tip of a three dimensional-shaped base material having water absorptivity again by collecting the precipitated crystal in a use method of the decorative body of precipitating the crystal of a crystalline inorganic salt on the tip of the three-dimensional-shaped base material having the water absorptivity.SOLUTION: In a regeneration method of a decorative body of precipitating a crystal of a crystalline inorganic salt on the tail end of a base material by absorbing an aqueous solution of dissolving a crystalline inorganic salt in a base part of a three-dimensional-shaped base material having water absorptivity, the regeneration method of the decorative body and a humidifier of applying this method for precipitating the crystal of the crystalline inorganic salt on the tail end of three-dimensional-shaped base material again by soaking the base part of the decorative body in the aqueous solution as the aqueous solution by dissolving the crystal of the removed crystalline inorganic salt in water by removing the crystal of the crystalline inorganic salt precipitated in the decorative body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for reproducing a decorative object and a humidifier.

Background Art

[0002] In a room, a decorative object is known which is used for decoration by depositing crystals of a crystalline inorganic salt at the end of a water-absorbent base material having a three-dimensional shape and likening it to a cherry blossom or a Christmas tree. This decorative object is formed by dipping the base end of a water-absorbent base material having a three-dimensional shape in an aqueous solution of a crystalline inorganic salt to suck up water and depositing crystals of the inorganic salt at the upper end of the base material (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Depending on the temperature and humidity conditions when the crystals are deposited, the shape, amount, etc. of the crystals are slightly different, and when a pigment is used, the crystals are colored, but the degree of coloring also varies depending on the temperature and humidity conditions, so they do not become exactly the same crystals. However, after the crystals are deposited, they are appreciated in that form until they scatter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the crystalline inorganic salt deposited on the decorative object easily falls off due to vibration or contact, deteriorating the appearance of the decorative object. The crystals that have fallen off cannot be attached to the decorative object again and are left as they are. Also, since they are crystals, it is difficult to improve the adhesiveness. A method for making the decorative object last longer is desired. On the other hand, there is also a desire to be able to appreciate crystals with slightly different colors and shapes over and over again with the same decorative object.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for regenerating decorative objects in which crystalline inorganic salt crystals are precipitated on the tip of a three-dimensional, water-absorbent substrate. By collecting the precipitated crystals and precipitation them again on the tip of the three-dimensional, water-absorbent substrate to form a new decorative object, the decorative object can be enjoyed again with crystals of slightly different colors and shapes than the original, while simultaneously extending the lifespan of the decorative object. The invention also aims to provide a humidifier that utilizes this regeneration method as an application of the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of diligent research, the inventor discovered that the above problem could be solved by a specific method, leading to the present invention.

[0007] In other words, the present invention is a method for regenerating a decorative object, wherein an aqueous solution of a crystalline inorganic salt is absorbed into the base of a three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties, and crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt are deposited at the ends of the three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties. The method for regenerating the decorative element is as follows: Step A: Remove the crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt precipitated on the decorative body. Step B involves dissolving the removed crystalline inorganic salt crystals in water to obtain an aqueous solution. The process includes step C, in which the base of the decorative object from which the crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt have been removed is immersed in the aqueous solution. This is a method for regenerating a decorative object, which involves precipitating crystalline inorganic salt crystals again at the ends of the three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by repeating steps A, B, and C multiple times.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a humidifier that uses the above-mentioned method for regenerating decorative elements, The aforementioned humidifier is Decorative material with precipitated crystalline inorganic salts, A container for housing the aforementioned decorative element and filling it with water. It consists of water placed in a container, This humidifier is characterized by evaporating moisture from the crystalline inorganic salt crystals that precipitate on the decorative body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a method for using a decorative object in which crystalline inorganic salt crystals are precipitated on the tip of a water-absorbing three-dimensional substrate is provided, which involves collecting the precipitated crystals and precipitation crystals again on the tip of a water-absorbing three-dimensional substrate to form a decorative object, thereby allowing the user to enjoy the decorative object again with crystals of slightly different colors and shapes than the original, while also extending the lifespan of the decorative object. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a decorative substrate according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a photograph showing a decorative element according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a graph showing the rate of water evaporation. [Figure 4] This is a photograph showing the decorative element after seven regeneration cycles according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the following embodiments within the same and equivalent scope as the present invention.

[0013] 1. Ornament First, the decorative body to which the present invention applies will be described. The decorative body in the present invention comprises a three-dimensional shaped base material having water absorbency, an aqueous solution in which a crystalline inorganic salt is dissolved, and a container in which the base end portion of the water-absorbent base material can be installed and which is filled with the aqueous solution. A method for manufacturing a decorative body using the above three-dimensional shaped paper base material is a conventionally known method, that is, dipping the base end portion of a three-dimensional shaped base material having water absorbency into an aqueous solution of a crystalline inorganic salt to suck up water, and precipitating crystals of the inorganic salt at the upper end of the base material to obtain a decorative body.

[0014] (Three-dimensional shaped base material having water absorbency) The three-dimensional shaped base material having water absorbency refers to one having a three-dimensional shaped skeleton on which crystals are deposited to form a decorative body. The material of the water-absorbent base material (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the water-absorbent base material or simply the base material) that forms the three-dimensional shape is not particularly limited as long as it has water absorbency and shape retention, but paper is preferable because of its versatility. The type of paper is not particularly limited as long as it is a paper that sucks up water and crystals of a crystalline inorganic salt are deposited at the upper end of the base material. For example, it is preferable to use an absorbent paper material such as filter paper or coaster base paper. The thickness of the base material is preferably such that it can maintain the three-dimensional shape even when crystals are deposited. The size of the base material is not particularly limited as long as it can suck up the aqueous solution and crystals are sufficiently deposited, and it may be determined according to the purpose, but it is preferably within 30 cm in height.

[0015] The shape of the three-dimensional shaped base material having water absorbency is not particularly limited. For example, those forming flowers, trees, animals, buildings, etc. can be mentioned. The base material having a three-dimensional shape is formed by combining one or two to four cut pieces of paper to form the skeleton of the desired shape. For example, those described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-94174 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-192040 can be used.

[0016] (Aqueous solution in which a crystalline inorganic salt is dissolved) As the crystalline inorganic salt used in the aqueous solution, there is no particular limitation as long as crystals can precipitate at the tip of the substrate. For example, sodium acetate, monopotassium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, etc. can be mentioned. Among these, at least one or more can be used. Preferred are sodium acetate and monopotassium phosphate. In the aqueous solution, crystalline sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, ammonium chloride, etc. may be added as needed. These inorganic salts are also included in the crystalline inorganic salts in the present invention.

[0017] The amount of the crystalline inorganic salt in the aqueous solution is used within the saturation concentration range, but the concentration of the crystalline inorganic salt in the aqueous solution is preferably 30% or more and 96% or less of the saturation concentration of the crystalline inorganic salt. More preferably, it is 50% or more and 90% or less. If it is 30% or more, crystals can sufficiently precipitate at the end of the substrate. If it is 96% or less, crystals are unlikely to precipitate in the aqueous solution even at a low temperature close to 0°C. When mixing different types of crystalline inorganic salts, the concentration of the main crystalline inorganic salt is preferably within the above range.

[0018] An inorganic acid and / or an organic acid can be further mixed into the aqueous solution in which the crystalline inorganic salt is dissolved to increase the final amount of the inorganic salt crystals. Examples of the inorganic acid include hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, etc. Examples of the organic acid include, for example, formic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, etc. Preferred is the organic acid. Particularly preferred are organic carboxylic acids such as succinic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, etc.

[0019] The amount of inorganic acid and / or organic acid (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "acid") is preferably 0.001 moles or more and 3.0 moles or less per mole of crystalline inorganic salt. More preferably, it is 0.01 moles or more and 1.0 mole or less. If the amount is 0.001 moles or more, the precipitation of crystalline inorganic salt crystals at the ends of the substrate can be clearly observed, and if it is 3.0 moles or less, it is economical. The acid may be added directly to the aqueous solution, or it may be added after being diluted about 5 to 20 times. The latter is preferred because the amount can be added accurately.

[0020] Fragrances may be added to the aqueous solution. Examples of fragrances that can be used include geraniol, citral, terpineol, l-menthol, linalool, and limonene. These can be emulsified, dispersed, or solubilized in water with a water-soluble solvent such as ethanol or a surfactant.

[0021] (container) The container used in the decorative kit only needs to have a space at the bottom that can be filled with an aqueous solution of crystalline inorganic salt. Conventionally, because two pieces of paper can tip over if crystals precipitate at the ends, containers with a structure that stably supports the base material, such as a cross-shaped notch at the bottom for inserting the base material, have been used. In the case of a base material that can stand on its own, it is sufficient to have a space at the bottom that can be filled with an aqueous solution of crystalline inorganic salt, and special containers like those used conventionally are not necessary. The shape of the bottom of the container is not limited to a rectangular plate such as a square, but may also be circular, elliptical, etc.

[0022] The material of the container is not limited as long as it can stably hold an aqueous solution of a crystalline inorganic salt; examples include plastic, glass, and stainless steel. The size of the container and the depth of the space that fills the aqueous solution should be determined by the size of the substrate and the volume of the aqueous solution.

[0023] The paper pieces mentioned above may contain a crystalline inorganic salt. If the paper pieces, i.e., the substrate, are impregnated with a crystalline inorganic salt beforehand, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-28150, the absorption rate of the inorganic salt aqueous solution will increase, and crystals will precipitate much faster than before. In addition, the height to which the aqueous solution rises in the paper due to capillary action can be improved.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferable to impregnate the paper with a specific dye. When the paper is impregnated with dye, the crystalline inorganic salt is pulled along as it moves to the ends of the substrate, and as a result, the crystals can absorb the dye. This makes the crystals appear as if they have been dyed. By using different colored dyes, crystals of different colors can be obtained, allowing for the enjoyment of colorful crystals.

[0025] Such dyes should be water-soluble and do not react easily with paper. Water-soluble dyes generally exhibit these characteristics to some degree. Cationic dyes can also be used, but anionic dyes such as acid dyes containing sodium sulfonate groups, sodium carboxylate groups, etc., and direct dyes are preferred. Particularly preferred are dyes used in food coloring, which have low reactivity. Food coloring is safe even if ingested along with the crystals, making it preferable for practical use.

[0026] Methods for impregnating paper pieces with dye include immersing them in a dye solution, or spraying them with the dye solution and then drying them. The amount of dye in the paper pieces can be controlled by changing the dye concentration of the dye solution.

[0027] The processing temperature for the paper samples is preferably room temperature to 50°C. The drying temperature is also preferably room temperature to 50°C. When preparing an aqueous solution of crystalline inorganic salt, the concentration of the crystalline inorganic salt in the aqueous solution is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 5.0% by mass or less. More preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 2.5% by mass or less.

[0028] The method for manufacturing the decorative object involves placing the substrate in a container at room temperature and pouring an aqueous solution containing a crystalline inorganic salt into the container. The aqueous solution is absorbed by the substrate by capillary action, and crystals begin to precipitate from the tip of the substrate. Crystals continue to precipitate for a while even after all the aqueous solution in the container has been absorbed. Depending on the size of the substrate, the time it takes for the crystals to precipitate completely is usually 5 to 10 hours. As described above, a decorative object can be manufactured in which crystals are precipitated at the ends of the substrate.

[0029] 2. How to play The present invention provides a method for regenerating a decorative object, comprising the steps of: A) removing crystals of crystalline inorganic salt precipitated on the decorative object; B) dissolving the removed crystalline inorganic salt crystals in water to form an aqueous solution; and C) immersing the base of the decorative object from which the crystalline inorganic salt crystals have been removed in the aqueous solution, thereby causing crystalline inorganic salt crystals to precipitate again on the end of the three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties.

[0030] In this invention, regeneration refers to a process where, when crystals are precipitated again, the amount of crystals obtained is 80% or more of the initial amount of crystals. Preferably, it is 90% or more, and particularly preferably 95% or more. Most preferably, it is 100% or more. 100% or more means that the amount of crystals obtained after regeneration is greater than the amount of crystals obtained after regeneration.

[0031] When regenerating, water should be used. While an aqueous solution containing inorganic salts is used to create decorative objects, subsequent regeneration is usually preferable to be done with water alone. Conventionally, one would expect to have to start over by adding inorganic salts, but it has been discovered that it can be done with water alone.

[0032] In step A, removing the crystalline inorganic salt crystals can be done by mechanically removing the crystals precipitated on the decorative object, pouring water over the decorative object to make them fall into a container, or filling the container with water and using capillary action to gradually dissolve and remove the precipitated crystals, but there are no particular limitations.

[0033] Although process B is linked to process A, the process of dissolving the crystalline inorganic salt crystals in water to form an aqueous solution in process B can be done in various ways, such as dissolving the dropped crystals in water, pouring water over the decorative object and letting the crystals fall into a container to form an aqueous solution, or filling a container with water, drawing up the water through capillary action, dissolving the gradually precipitating crystals, and letting them fall into the container to form an aqueous solution. Any of these methods is acceptable.

[0034] The present invention is a method for using the decorative body according to claim 1, characterized in that steps A, B, and C are repeated multiple times. "Multiple times" means two or more times, preferably three or more times, and especially preferably five or more times. A higher number of repetitions is preferable, but as the number of repetitions increases, the amount of crystals gradually decreases.

[0035] The number of regeneration cycles can be controlled by selecting the type and amount of acid used when preparing the initial decorative material. In this case, organic carboxylic acids are preferred, and inorganic acids may also be used in combination, but organic carboxylic acids alone are preferred. Examples of organic carboxylic acids are those described in the section on decorative materials. The amount of organic carboxylic acid is preferably 0.001 moles or more and 0.5 moles or less per mole of crystalline inorganic salt. More preferably, it is 0.002 moles or more and 0.1 moles or less. If it is 0.001 moles or more, it can be clearly confirmed that crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt precipitate multiple times at the ends of the substrate, and if it is 0.5 moles or less, it is economical.

[0036] Furthermore, with repeated recycling, hard inorganic salts (not crystals) adhere to the surface of the paper, causing the precipitated crystals to harden and reducing their quantity. In such cases, the crystals can be removed from the decorative material, immersed in water to dissolve the hard crystals and inorganic salts in the paper, and then dried. This will cause crystals to precipitate again at the edges. In this case, the inorganic salts can be replenished by adding them to the water.

[0037] In this way, the crystals can be regenerated and enjoyed many times. The crystal precipitation process subtly changes in crystal shape, quantity, and color depending on temperature, humidity conditions, and air convection, and these changes can also be enjoyed. The amount of water added will also affect the appearance of the crystals and colors, allowing you to enjoy a different landscape each time you regenerate it. Furthermore, by combining substrates that precipitate crystals of different colors and repeating the above regeneration process, the hue gradually changes, and you can enjoy the subtle shifts in color with each repetition.

[0038] 3. Humidifier The humidifier of the present invention comprises a decorative body on which crystalline inorganic salts have precipitated, a container that houses the decorative body and is filled with water, and the water placed in the container, and is characterized in that it also evaporates moisture from the crystals of crystalline inorganic salts precipitated on the decorative body.

[0039] The humidifier of the present invention can increase the humidity in its surroundings by having the decorative element absorb water from the container, and then allowing the water to evaporate from the crystals or substrate deposited at its end. The humidifier of the present invention was made possible by utilizing the above-described regeneration method. If you create a decorative object with crystals precipitated in a container, all you have to do is add water. When water is added, the precipitated crystals will break down, but more crystals will precipitate, forming a new decorative object. If the crystals remain moist, they will not break down, and the water will evaporate. When the water in the container is gone and the crystals are dry, adding water will cause the crystals to break down as they absorb the water. In this way, by choosing when to add water, you can determine whether the crystals will regenerate or remain as a decorative object. You can enjoy humidifying while watching the decorative object regenerate.

[0040] As a simple humidifier that does not use electricity, humidifiers using absorbent paper are known. Some absorbent paper humidifiers have decorative features, but they do not move and maintain the same shape. In the case of the humidifier of the present invention, crystals can precipitate, disappear, and repeat, and since the rate of water evaporation does not change, it becomes a humidifier with a dynamic decorative element. [Examples]

[0041] The present invention will be further described by the following examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] (Manufacturing Example 1) (Production of aqueous solutions of crystalline inorganic salts) In a 200 mL beaker, 18.6 g of monopotassium phosphate, 0.8 g of sodium chloride, 0.8 g of a 10 wt% aqueous solution of "PEG1000" (polyethylene glycol, number average molecular weight 1000), 5 g of a 1 wt% aqueous solution of succinic acid, 5 g of a 1 wt% aqueous solution of citric acid, and 69.8 g of water were added and stirred with a stirrer at room temperature for 1 hour to dissolve the solids and obtain a colorless, transparent aqueous solution of a crystalline inorganic salt.

[0043] (Manufacturing Example 2) (Production of a dye aqueous solution containing crystalline inorganic salt and dye) In a 100 ml beaker, 0.2 g of monopotassium phosphate, a crystalline inorganic salt, and 1 g of a 1% by mass aqueous solution of Red No. 106 (food coloring) were added to 20 g of water. The mixture was stirred with a stirrer at room temperature for 3 hours to obtain a red, transparent liquid aqueous solution containing the crystalline inorganic salt and the dye.

[0044] (Example 1) Using coaster paper (0.8 mm thick), absorbent paper strips were cut into a tree shape (8 cm high, 5.2 cm wide) to form a three-dimensional shape. These strips were then trimmed from the ends to create branches, and when assembled, they formed a tree shape. Three of these strips were prepared. These strips were immersed in the above dye solution for 30 minutes, removed, left at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then dried in a 37°C dryer for 1 hour to obtain three absorbent paper strips containing crystalline inorganic salts. The three paper strips were combined to create a decorative base material. This decorative base material is shown in Figure 1.

[0045] A rectangular acrylic container (8cm x 8cm x 4cm high) was prepared in a room at 25°C, and 15g of the aqueous solution prepared in Production Example 1 was poured into it. The substrate formed as described above was placed upright in this liquid. The liquid immediately began to penetrate from the base. The room temperature was 20°C, and the air conditioning system was operated to circulate the air in the room. After about 6 hours, a cherry blossom-like decorative object was obtained, as shown in Figure 2, in which the entire tree was covered with pink inorganic salt crystals. Figure 2 is a photograph showing a decorative object according to one embodiment of the present invention. When the same decorative object was fabricated and crystals were dropped into it, the amount of crystals was found to be 2.12 g.

[0046] Using a different decorative element, the regeneration method and dehumidifier were evaluated. Furthermore, 50g of water was added to the rectangular container containing the decorative element (Example 1). For comparison, three three-dimensional decorative element substrates were similarly prepared using the same substrate as the one used for the decorative element, and 50g of water was added to them in the rectangular container (Comparative Example 1). Furthermore, 50g of water was added to the rectangular container without any substrate (Comparative Example 2). These were left at room temperature, and the rate of water evaporation was investigated. The results are shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a graph showing the rate of water evaporation.

[0047] The evaporation rate of water in the container with the decorative material was almost the same as that of the container with only the base material, indicating that the evaporation rate did not decrease due to crystal precipitation. Furthermore, the water evaporated significantly faster compared to when only water was added, confirming that it has humidifying properties.

[0048] The same procedure was repeated seven times, with 50g of water being added again after the water evaporated from the container. Each time water was added, the crystals in the ornament broke down, and then new crystals precipitated, forming a similar ornament. A photograph of the ornament after seven repetitions is shown in Figure 4. When the crystals were dropped after seven repetitions and their weight was measured, the weight was 2.13g. 100% of the initial crystal weight had precipitated as crystals. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the evaporation rate of the water in the seventh trial was the same as that of the first trial. We have confirmed that the present invention is effective as a regeneration method and as a humidifier having a dynamic decorative element.

Claims

1. A method for regenerating a decorative object, wherein an aqueous solution of a dissolved crystalline inorganic salt is absorbed into the base of a three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties, and crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt are deposited at the ends of the three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties, The method for regenerating the decorative element is as follows: Step A: Remove the crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt precipitated on the decorative body. Step B involves dissolving the removed crystalline inorganic salt crystals in water to obtain an aqueous solution. The process includes step C, in which the base of the decorative object from which the crystals of the crystalline inorganic salt have been removed is immersed in the aqueous solution. A method for regenerating a decorative object, comprising precipitating crystalline inorganic salt crystals again at the ends of the three-dimensional substrate having water absorption properties.

2. The method for using the decorative body according to claim 1, characterized in that steps A, B, and C are repeated multiple times.

3. A humidifier using the method for regenerating a decorative body according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned humidifier is Decorative material with precipitated crystalline inorganic salts, A container for housing the aforementioned decorative element and filling it with water. It consists of water placed in a container, A humidifier characterized by evaporating moisture from the crystalline inorganic salt crystals that precipitate on the decorative body.

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