Dehumidifiers

Abstract

This invention provides a dehumidifying product that combines moisture absorption performance, mechanical strength, and reusability. [Solution] The dehumidifying device 10 of this invention is composed of a breathable packaging material 1 and a moisture-absorbing core 2 housed inside the packaging material. The moisture-absorbing core is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside a blend of absorbent fibers and shape-retaining support fibers. The moisture-absorbing core is formed into spherical particles by rolling the blend of fibers, and the packaging material houses multiple spherical particles inside. The moisture-absorbing core is formed from a blend of absorbent fibers and support fibers in a mass ratio of 7:3 to 2:8.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a dehumidifying device, and more specifically to a dehumidifying device suitable for dehumidifying enclosed spaces such as clothing storage areas such as dressers, closets, and clothing cases, and shoe storage areas such as shoe cabinets and shoe boxes, which can be regenerated and reused by heating and drying. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional dehumidifying products have the following problems. (1) When a single material is used, for example, super absorbent fiber (SAF) made from super absorbent polymer (SAP) in a fibrous form, the strength decreases after absorbing moisture, and the super absorbent fiber aggregates or loses its fluffy structure and hardens into a plate-like shape, significantly reducing breathability. (2) Many dehumidifying products are disposable (single-use), and reuse is difficult or limited. For example, dehumidifying products that use calcium chloride as a dehumidifying agent have the risk of the deliquescent liquid that is generated as the dehumidifying agent absorbs moisture leaking out, making it impossible to regenerate them by heating and drying.

[0003] In addition, a moisture-absorbing and moisture-desorbing fiber textile has been proposed in which the upper and lower surfaces of a sheet-like mat body formed from a mixture of superabsorbent material fibers and mixed fibers with moisture-absorbing and moisture-desorbing properties are porous and have a suede-like surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in the moisture-absorbing / dehumidifying fiber textiles mentioned above, the mechanical strength of the sheet-shaped fiber mixture decreases as it absorbs water and moisture, and the layer structure collapses, which can result in a decrease in moisture absorption and breathability (quick-drying ability). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Registered Utility Model No. 3235682 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] This invention was developed in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a dehumidifying product that combines moisture absorption performance, mechanical strength, and reusability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained inside the packaging material, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is molded to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside a blend of fibers consisting of absorbent fibers with water-absorbing properties and support fibers with shape-retaining properties.

[0007] In this case, the moisture-absorbing core may be a spherical particle formed by rolling the mixed fiber, and the packaging material may contain a plurality of the spherical particle inside. The moisture-absorbing core may be formed from a fiber mixture in which the water-absorbing fibers and the supporting fibers are blended at a mass ratio of 7:3 to 2:8. The moisture-absorbing core may be regenerated by dehydration through heating. The absorbent fiber is preferably a super absorbent fiber (SAF). Furthermore, the supporting fibers may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers.

[0008] In addition, a second aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product that is composed of a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained inside the packaging material, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is a spherical granular body formed by rolling a mixed fiber consisting of absorbent fiber with water absorption properties and support fiber with shape retention properties, and is molded to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, the absorbent fiber is a superabsorbent fiber (SAF), and the support fiber is a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical granular bodies inside.

[0009] In addition, a third aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained within the packaging material, the moisture-absorbing core being a spherical granular body formed by rolling a mixed fiber mixture of absorbent fibers with water absorption properties and support fibers with shape retention in a mass ratio of 7:3, and the granular body is formed to form a three-dimensional mesh structure within the mixture, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core consisting of a plurality of the spherical granular bodies within it.

[0010] In addition, a fourth aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained within the packaging material, the moisture-absorbing core being a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixed fiber mixture of absorbent fibers with water absorption properties and support fibers with shape retention in a mass ratio of 6:4, and the mixed fiber mixture is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure within the spherical particle body, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particle body within the packaging material.

[0011] In addition, a fifth aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained within the packaging material, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle formed by rolling a mixed fiber mixture of absorbent fibers with water absorption properties and support fibers with shape retention in a mass ratio of 5:5, and the mixed fiber mixture is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure within the spherical particle, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particle bodies within the packaging material.

[0012] In addition, a sixth aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained within the packaging material, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle formed by rolling a mixed fiber mixture of absorbent fibers with water absorption properties and support fibers with shape retention in a mass ratio of 4:6, and the mixed fiber mixture is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure within the spherical particle, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particle bodies within the packaging material.

[0013] In addition, a seventh aspect of the present invention is a dehumidifying product comprising a breathable packaging material and a moisture-absorbing core contained within the packaging material, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle formed by rolling a mixed fiber mixture of absorbent fibers with water absorption properties and support fibers with shape retention in a mass ratio of 2:8, and the mixed fiber mixture is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure within the spherical particle, and the packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particle bodies within the packaging material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this invention, the dehumidifying product is made not only of absorbent fibers but also of a blend of absorbent and supporting fibers, and a moisture-absorbing core formed to form a three-dimensional mesh structure is housed inside the packaging material. In other words, the supporting fibers suppress the loss of strength and the loss of breathability caused by aggregation of the absorbent fibers after moisture absorption (water absorption).

[0015] This allows the three-dimensional mesh structure formed inside the dehumidifying product (mixed fiber) to maintain its three-dimensional shape without being crushed by moisture absorption (water absorption), making it possible to create a dehumidifying product that can efficiently absorb more moisture and maintains breathability so that the absorbed moisture can be easily released (dried). Therefore, it is possible to provide dehumidifying products that combine moisture absorption performance, mechanical strength, and reusability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the packaging material partially cut away; [Figure 2] 1 is a photograph showing a moisture-absorbing core formed by collecting a plurality of spherical particles and contained inside a packaging material that constitutes a dehumidifying device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The dehumidifying device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are preferred examples of the present invention and are therefore subject to various technical limitations. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the dehumidifying product 10 in this embodiment is composed of a breathable packaging material 1 and a moisture-absorbing core 2 housed inside the packaging material 1. In other words, the dehumidifying product 10 is a dehumidifying pack packaged by housing the moisture-absorbing core 2 inside the packaging material 1, which may be formed into any shape or size suitable for various uses (hereinafter, the "dehumidifying product" will be referred to as a "dehumidifying pack").

[0019] As described above, the packaging material 1 is a breathable container that has an area inside that can accommodate the moisture-absorbent core 2, and can take any form, such as a box, bag, sheet, etc. This packaging material 1 can be, for example, a flexible packaging bag appropriately selected from known breathable packaging materials, such as paper, nonwoven fabric, a resin sheet with many micropores formed therein, or woven fabric (hereinafter, the "packaging material" will be referred to as a "packaging bag").

[0020] That is, the packaging bag 1 is made of, for example, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet or moisture-permeable film having tiny air holes of a few microns in size, and is configured so that the tiny air holes allow moisture to pass through but not liquid. As described above, the shape of the packaging bag 1 is not limited, and can be any shape, such as a rectangle, triangle, circle, or oval, when viewed from above.

[0021] The moisture-absorbent core 2 is made of a blend of absorbent fibers with water-absorbing (moisture-absorbing) properties and support fibers with shape-retaining properties, and is molded to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside. In other words, each fiber (absorbent fiber and support fiber) that makes up the moisture-absorbent core 2 is fine and flexible, and absorbs and retains moisture through a structure that creates capillary currents.

[0022] Here, the "shape retention" of the supporting fiber does not mean that the shape will not be distorted at all, but rather that the fiber is flexible and has the restoring force to return to its original state even if it is deformed by external stress, thereby maintaining its original shape.

[0023] In addition, the moisture-absorbing core 2 is made by molding a mixed fiber in which absorbent fibers and supporting fibers are entangled to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, such as a hollow or porous structure, which gives it excellent ability to quickly absorb moisture (humidity) and retain more moisture inside. Therefore, the moisture-absorbent core 2 achieves excellent moisture absorption and breathability by loosely intertwining the water-absorbent fibers and the supporting fibers.

[0024] The absorbent fiber is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb a large amount of water, but it can be, for example, a superabsorbent fiber (SAF), which gels and expands (swells) when it comes into contact with liquid, thereby retaining water.

[0025] The support fibers are not particularly limited as long as they are flexible and can maintain their shape, but can be, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. That is, the support fibers (PET fibers) form a skeletal net on the outer periphery of the moisture-absorbent core 2, which allows the absorbent fibers to expand uniformly after absorbing moisture and prevents localized aggregation or plate-like hardening.

[0026] The moisture-absorbing core 2 has heat resistance of, for example, 120°C or higher, and can be dehydrated and regenerated by heating. That is, in the dehumidifying pack 10, by using a moisture-absorbing core 2 configured, for example, with superabsorbent fiber (SAF) as the absorbent fiber and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber as the support fiber, the three-dimensional mesh structure inside the moisture-absorbing core 2 is maintained without being crushed unnecessarily, allowing a large amount of moisture to be absorbed inside the moisture-absorbing core 2 and allowing the absorbed moisture to be easily released (dried) while maintaining breathability. Therefore, the dehumidifying pack 10 is not a disposable product that is discarded after one use, but can be dehydrated and regenerated by heating in a dryer, and is resistant to deformation even after repeated moisture absorption and drying cycles, making it environmentally friendly and reusable.

[0027] The moisture-absorbing core 2 is a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixture of absorbent fiber and supporting fiber, and a plurality of spherical particles are accommodated inside the packaging bag 1. That is, a dehumidifying pack 10 can be made by accommodating the moisture-absorbing core 2 made up of a plurality of spherical particles inside the packaging bag 1 of any shape depending on the application.

[0028] By rolling the mixed fiber that combines absorbent fiber and supporting fiber into spherical particles in this way, it is possible to efficiently accommodate the moisture-absorbent core 2 made up of a plurality of spherical particles inside the packaging bag 1. Because this moisture-absorbent core 2 is a spherical particle formed by rolling the mixed fiber, it can be efficiently and easily formed, and stress is evenly distributed to prevent local stress concentration, allowing shape retention to be maintained.

[0029] The moisture-absorbent core 2 is formed from a fiber blend in which the absorbent fiber and the supporting fiber are blended at a mass ratio of 7:3 to 2:8. In other words, the mass ratio of the absorbent fiber to the supporting fiber can be any mass ratio depending on the expected application scene, such as 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, or 2:8. In this way, by arbitrarily selecting the ratio of absorbent fibers to supporting fibers in the mixed fibers that make up the moisture-absorbing core 2, the balance between moisture absorption (water absorption) performance and shape retention performance (mechanical strength) can be adjusted, making it possible to provide the desired dehumidifying pack 10 for a variety of uses.

[0030] Specifically, for example, a composition with a mass ratio of absorbent fiber to supporting fiber of 7:3 can be characterized by the highest moisture absorption rate of 6.2 g / min. Therefore, it is expected that a dehumidifying pack 10 using such a moisture absorbent core 2 will be suitable for emergency dehumidification in high-humidity environments.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, a composition in which the mass ratio of absorbent fiber to supporting fiber is 6:4 can provide an excellent balance between moisture absorption capacity and strength. Therefore, it is expected that a dehumidifying pack 10 using such a moisture absorbent core 2 will be suitable for use in ordinary clothing storage devices and shoe storage devices.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, a composition with a mass ratio of absorbent fiber to supporting fiber of 5:5 can be characterized by high pressure resistance, i.e., not deforming under a load of about 5 kg. Therefore, it is expected that a dehumidifying pack 10 using such a moisture-absorbent core 2 will be preferably used as a lower layer in a stack of goods, such as a dehumidifying mat placed inside a drawer or shelf.

[0033] Furthermore, for example, a composition in which the mass ratio of absorbent fiber to supporting fiber is 4:6 can be characterized by low cost and high rigidity. Therefore, it is expected that a dehumidifying pack 10 using such a moisture absorbent core 2 will be preferably used as a large drying pack, for example, 15 cm or larger.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, a composition in which the mass ratio of absorbent fiber to supporting fiber is 2:8 can be characterized by extremely high mechanical strength. Therefore, a dehumidifying pack 10 using such a moisture-absorbent core 2 has the mechanical strength to be able to be stepped on, and is therefore expected to be suitable for use in bath mats that absorb moisture from the feet after a bath, or as dehumidifying sheets that are placed under bedding such as futons and mattresses to absorb moisture from night sweats.

[0035] Such a moisture absorbent core 2 can be formed, for example, by the following steps. First, the absorbent fibers and supporting fibers are mixed uniformly in a carding machine to form a blended fiber. In other words, similar to a carding process, the fibers are combed, dust removed, and oriented in a uniform direction to disentangle the fibers, and the absorbent fibers and supporting fibers are mixed together to form a uniform blend (blended fiber).

[0036] The fiber web is then formed by airflow, which transforms the mixed fibers into a fluffy, spider-web-like fiber layer. The fiber web is then formed into spherical particles using a rotary ball mill, that is, the mixed fibers are rolled into balls, and spherical particles are formed with a three-dimensional structure formed inside.

[0037] In this way, the moisture-absorbent core 2 is made by combing and mixing the absorbent fibers and the supporting fibers, and then forming them into spherical particles through a ball-smashing process, and a three-dimensional network structure is formed inside the spherical particles. In addition, by accumulating (stacking) multiple spherical particles to form the moisture-absorbent core 2, a continuous ventilation path is ensured inside the moisture-absorbent core 2 contained in the packaging bag 1. Therefore, it is possible to provide a dehumidifying pack 10 that can be used for dehumidifying purposes to remove moisture and for absorbing water.

[0038] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0039] The dehumidifying pack 10 of the present invention can be used in enclosed spaces such as clothing storage or shoe storage, or under bedding to absorb moisture from night sweats.It is also expected to be used for water absorption purposes such as a bath mat placed on the floor to absorb moisture from the feet after a bath, a draining tray to absorb moisture from washed dishes in the kitchen, and a coaster to absorb water droplets on the surface of a cup or glass. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 Packaging material 2 Moisture absorbing core 10 Dehumidification supplies

Claims

1. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside a mixed fiber composed of water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and support fibers having shape retention properties. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

2. the moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle formed by rolling the mixed fiber, The packaging material contains a plurality of the spherical particles therein.

2. The dehumidifying product according to claim 1.

3. 2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-absorbing core is formed from a blend of the water-absorbing fibers and the support fibers in a mass ratio of 7:3 to 2:

8.

4. 2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the moisture-absorbing core can be dehydrated and regenerated by heating.

5. 2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent fiber is a super absorbent fiber (SAF).

6. 2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the support fibers are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers.

7. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical granular body formed by rolling a mixed fiber consisting of water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and support fibers having shape retention properties, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The absorbent fiber is a super absorbent fiber (SAF), the support fibers are polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers; The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

8. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical granular body formed by rolling a mixed fiber obtained by blending water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and supporting fibers having shape retention properties in a mass ratio of 7:3, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

9. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixed fiber obtained by blending water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and supporting fibers having shape retention properties in a mass ratio of 6:4, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

10. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixed fiber obtained by blending water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and supporting fibers having shape retention properties in a mass ratio of 5:5, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

11. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixed fiber obtained by blending water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and supporting fibers having shape retention properties in a mass ratio of 4:6, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

12. A breathable packaging material; a moisture-absorbing core accommodated inside the packaging material; It consists of The moisture-absorbing core is a spherical particle body formed by rolling a mixed fiber obtained by blending water-absorbing fibers having water absorption properties and supporting fibers having shape retention properties in a mass ratio of 2:8, and is formed so as to form a three-dimensional mesh structure inside, The packaging material contains the moisture-absorbing core made of a plurality of the spherical particles. A dehumidifying product characterized by:

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