Dehumidifier container and dehumidification method

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier container that can contain a sufficient amount of a deliquescent agent while controlling bulkiness and maintaining a good moisture absorption rate from immediately after the start of use to the end of use, and a dehumidification method.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier container 100 comprises: a waterproof container body 40 having a bottom surface 10, side surface 20, and a top surface opening 30 formed by a top surface being opened; a flange 50 extending from an upper end of the side surface 20; a deliquescent agent 60 contained in the container body 40; a permeable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top surface opening 30 and bonded to an upper surface side of the flange 50; and a nonpermeable lid sheet 80 covering the permeable waterproof sheet 70. Gas inside the container body 40 is degassed, and the side surface 20 is irregularly contracted. A height H2 from a lower surface of the bottom surface 10 to an upper surface of the flange 50 is configured to be smaller than a height from the bottom surface 10 to the upper surface of the flange 50 before degassing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying agent container containing a deliquescent agent therein and a dehumidifying method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, tank-type dehumidifiers have been widely proposed as a way to remove moisture from storage spaces such as closets, storage closets, or shoe cabinets. These dehumidifiers use a deliquescent agent such as calcium chloride to absorb and liquefy moisture from the air, which is then stored in a container.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a tank-type dehumidifier (hereinafter also referred to as Prior Art 1) that uses a free-standing container made of a synthetic resin material with an open top. Prior Art 1 is configured such that a tray with multiple drip holes is placed in the vertical middle of the container, a granular deliquescent chemical is stored on the tray, and the top opening of the container is covered with a moisture-permeable, waterproof sheet. In Prior Art 1, the deliquescent liquid generated when the deliquescent chemical absorbs moisture is collected below the tray through the drip holes.

[0004] Furthermore, bag-type dehumidifying agents have also been proposed in addition to the tank-type dehumidifying agents of Prior Art 1. For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a dehumidifying bag (hereinafter also referred to as Prior Art 2) made by overlapping a transparent film made of polyethylene or polypropylene or the like and a moisture-permeable film, heat-sealing three sides to form a bag, filling the bag with a deliquescent agent such as calcium chloride, and heat-sealing the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-274985 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-245332 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The above-mentioned prior arts 1 and 2 each have the following problems. That is, since a deliquescent chemical becomes a deliquescent liquid by absorbing moisture in the air and increases in volume, a tank-type dehumidifier such as that of Prior Art 1 is designed to be large enough to take into account the amount of deliquescent liquid at the end of product use. As a result, tank-type dehumidifiers are bulky, which poses a problem in that they are bulky for transportation during shipping, for carrying by consumers who purchase the dehumidifier in a store, and for storage.

[0007] Furthermore, tank-type dehumidifiers such as those in Prior Art 1 have a problem of slow moisture absorption. According to the inventors' research, the closer a deliquescent chemical is to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, the more easily it absorbs moisture. It also continues to absorb moisture even after becoming a deliquescent liquid. Even then, the closer the distance between the deliquescent liquid surface and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, the more easily it absorbs moisture. Based on this knowledge, Prior Art 1 can begin absorbing moisture at a sufficient rate immediately after use because the distance between the deliquescent chemical contained on the tray inside the container and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening of the container is relatively short. However, the resulting deliquescent liquid accumulates below the tray. Therefore, as the deliquescent liquid is generated, the distance from the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet increases, and it was thought that the moisture absorption rate slows down after a while after opening.

[0008] On the other hand, in prior art 2, a transparent film and a moisture-permeable film are configured into a bag shape to store a deliquescent drug, so the volume is smaller than that of prior art 1. However, because the volume of the bag is small, the amount of deliquescent drug stored is small. The amount of deliquescent agent was limited, and therefore the amount of moisture absorbed was also limited. Furthermore, in the configuration of Prior Art 2, the deliquescent liquid was stored in the moisture-permeable film, so there was a risk that part of the aqueous solution would seep out over long periods of use.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying agent container and a dehumidifying method that can accommodate a sufficient amount of a deliquescent chemical while suppressing bulkiness and can maintain a good moisture absorption rate from immediately after the start of use to the end of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The desiccant container of the present invention comprises a waterproof container body having a bottom, side and top opening, a flange extending from the upper end of the side portion, a deliquescent chemical contained in the container body, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and attached to the upper surface of the flange, and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, wherein gas inside the container body is degassed and the side portions are irregularly shrunk, and a height H2 from the bottom to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet is smaller than a height H1 from the bottom to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet before degassing. In the container body, the sum of the volumes of the deliquescent chemical and the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption after the lid sheet is opened is increased to be larger than the volume of the deliquescent chemical alone before the lid sheet is opened, and the deliquescent liquid is maintained in a position close to or in contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. It is characterized by: Further, the present invention provides a dehumidification method for a container comprising: a waterproof container body having a bottom portion, side portions, and a top opening formed by openings in the bottom portion, side portions, and top surface; a flange portion extending from the upper end of the side portion; a deliquescent chemical contained in the container body; a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and attached to the upper surface side of the flange portion; and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, wherein gas inside the container body is degassed and the side portions are shrunk, and a height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is increased by 1 / 2 the height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion before degassing to ... The lid sheet of a dehumidifying agent container that is smaller than the height H1 to the top surface of the flange portion is peeled off and opened, and the container is placed on a horizontal surface. The deliquescent liquid is generated by causing the deliquescent agent to absorb moisture through the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, and the sum of the volumes of the deliquescent agent and the deliquescent liquid inside the dehumidifying agent container after opening is increased to be greater than the volume of the deliquescent agent alone before opening, thereby expanding the contracted side portions and maintaining a state in which the deliquescent liquid is close to or in contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The dehumidifying agent container of the present invention having the above-described configuration is degassed and reduced in volume so as to be compressed in the vertical direction, preventing bulkiness and facilitating transport and storage. Furthermore, because it is compressed in the vertical direction, the distance between the deliquescent agent contained inside and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening is short. Therefore, the present invention has a fast moisture absorption rate from the start of use. Furthermore, as the volume of the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption increases, the degassed and compressed container body expands and returns to its original shape, so the deliquescent liquid surface is always near the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. Therefore, the present invention maintains a fast moisture absorption rate even after several days have passed since the start of use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a dehumidifying agent container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2(A) to 2(C) are explanatory views illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for the container body used in the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A to 3C are explanatory views illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for the dehumidifying agent container of the present invention. [Figure 4] (4A) to (4C) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the dehumidifying agent container of the present invention from the beginning of use to the later stage of use. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the long-term change in moisture absorption amount during use in Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. [Figure 6] Photographs of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 taken from the side at the start of use, on the 10th day, and on the 31st day. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted where appropriate. It should be noted that the drawings used in describing the present invention do not limit the dimensions, dimensional ratios, or shapes of the present invention or the components included therein. In this specification, the term "vertical direction" refers to the direction from top to bottom as viewed from an arbitrary height position, and the term "horizontal direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned direction.

[0014] First, an outline of a desiccant container according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a side view of a desiccant container 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The dehumidifying agent container 100 includes a waterproof container body 40 having a bottom portion 10, a side portion 20, and a top opening 30 formed by openings on the top surface, a flange portion 50 extending from the upper end of the side portion 20, and The desiccant container 100 comprises a deliquescent chemical 60 contained in a container body 40, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 that covers the top opening 30 and is adhered to the upper surface of the flange portion 50, and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet 80 that covers the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. In the desiccant container 100, the gas inside the container body 40 has been degassed. Therefore, the height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 to the upper surface of the flange 50 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the height H2 after degassing and before opening) is configured to be smaller than the height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 to the upper surface of the flange portion 50 before degassing (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the height H1 before degassing). Note that the height H1 before degassing of the container body 30 is shown in FIG. 3A, which shows a cross section of the container body.

[0015] The dehumidifying agent container 100 having such a configuration is reduced in volume so that the height dimension of the container body 40 is reduced by evacuating the inside of the container body 40. Therefore, the dehumidifying agent container 100 is small in volume and easy to transport and store. Furthermore, as described above, the desiccant container 100 is evacuated so that its height is smaller than before evacuating, and therefore the distance between the deliquescent chemical 60 contained in the container body 40 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is shortened. As a result, a good moisture absorption rate is exhibited from the start of use. Other effects of the present invention will be explained in turn in the detailed description of the desiccant container 100 given below.

[0016] (Container body) The container body 40 has a bottom surface portion 10, side surfaces 20, and a top opening 30. The bottom surface portion 10 is a portion having a predetermined area and configured in a substantially flat plate shape, and its shape is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a square, a circle, an oval, or any other shape. The side surface portion 20 extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 10 and separates the inside and outside of the container body 40. The upper end of the side surface portion 20 is open, forming a top opening 30. As shown in FIG. 3A, the side surface portion 20 before degassing is a wall-like shape without wrinkles or folds. In contrast, the container body 40 shown in FIG. 1 is in a degassed and sealed state, with the side surface portion 20 shrinking irregularly and the height dimension of the container body 40 being smaller than before degassing. In other words, the container body 40 is configured so that the height H2 after degassing and before opening is smaller than the height H1 before degassing. In the present invention, degassing refers to removing a portion of the gas inside the container body 40. Degassing substantially reduces the volume of the container body 40. Therefore, at least the side surface portion 20 of the container body 40 is made of a flexible material that can shrink upon degassing and reduce the volume of the container body 40 while maintaining its ability to store deliquescent liquid. Specifically, for example, a resin sheet with appropriate thickness and strength can be used. By using such a resin sheet to construct the side surface portion 20 or the entire container body 40, the amount of plastic and other materials used can be reduced compared to conventional tank-type dehumidifier containers, which is also advantageous in that it reduces the amount of waste generated during disposal.

[0017] The components of the side portion 20 may be any material that can shrink when the container body 40 is degassed, as described above, and that can store the deliquescent liquid in that state. Considering formability and other factors, examples of such components include waterproof resin sheets made of polyethylene-based resins, nylon-based resins, polypropylene-based resins, polystyrene-based resins, etc. The resin sheet is composed of one or a mixture of two or more of the above-mentioned resin materials. Considering flexibility and other factors, a resin sheet containing a polyethylene-based resin is preferred. The resin sheet may be a single-layer sheet or a laminated sheet having multiple resin layers. For example, a laminated sheet having polyethylene-based resin layers on both outermost surfaces and other resin layers between them is preferred from the standpoint of flexibility. A more specific example is a laminated sheet having a polyethylene-based resin layer / nylon-based resin layer / polyethylene-based resin layer stacked in this order.

[0018] The bottom surface portion 10 may be made of the same material as the side surface portion 20, or may be made of a different material. Considering ease of manufacturing and disposal, it is preferable that the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are made of the same material, it is more preferable that the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are both made of a resin material, and it is even more preferable that the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are made of the same resin material.

[0019] The container body 40 having the above-described bottom surface portion 10 and side surface portion 20 is preferably made from a single resin sheet. This makes the boundary between the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 continuous, effectively preventing leakage of the deliquescent liquid. Furthermore, making the container body 40 from a single resin sheet is advantageous in terms of manufacturing, as it allows for a reduction in the number of parts required during manufacturing. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the container body 40 and the flange portion 50 are made from a single resin sheet. This is advantageous in that the number of parts required in the manufacturing process can be reduced, and the flange portion 50 is less likely to fall off or be damaged due to contact or the like.

[0020] The thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 and the thickness Ts (μm) of the side portion 20 of the container body 40 made of the resin sheet described above are not particularly limited as long as they are within a range that allows for volume reduction due to degassing. From the viewpoint of the shape retention and moisture resistance of the container body 40, the thicknesses Tb and Ts are preferably 10 μm or more, and more preferably 20 μm or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of allowing for degassing and reducing the amount of material used while maintaining good shape retention and moisture resistance, the thicknesses Tb and Ts are preferably 400 μm or less, and more preferably 380 μm or less.

[0021] The desiccant container 100 is characterized in that it shrinks vertically as gas is degassed from inside the container body 40. Therefore, from the viewpoints of improving the stability of the container body 40 in a degassed state, enabling sufficient shrinkage vertically during degassing, and avoiding shrinkage of the bottom surface portion 10, the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness Ts (μm) of the side surface portion 20 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface portion 10 is preferably less than 1, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.6 or less. If the ratio Ts / Tb is 1 or greater, the bottom surface 10 may wrinkle during degassing, resulting in insufficient stability of the container. After use, the dehumidifier container 100 expands as the deliquescent liquid accumulates in the container body 40, causing the container body 40, which has shrunk due to degassing, to return to its original shape. However, if the deliquescent liquid accumulates in the bottom surface 10 while it is wrinkled, the weight of the deliquescent liquid makes it difficult for the wrinkles in the bottom surface 10 to be straightened, and the expanded container body 40 may tilt. If the container body 40 tilts in this way, the deliquescent liquid may come into contact with the breathable waterproof sheet 70 later in use. Because the breathable waterproof sheet 70 is waterproof, it is normally designed so that the deliquescent liquid will not leak out even if such contact occurs. However, if a pinhole occurs in the breathable waterproof sheet 70, or if part of the bonded breathable waterproof sheet 70 and flange portion 50 peels off, there is a risk of the deliquescent liquid leaking out.

[0022] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of moisture resistance of the side surface portion 20 and shape retention of the container body 40 when the deliquescent liquid accumulates, the ratio Ts / Tb is preferably 0.2 or more, and more preferably 0.3 or more. 3A, in the desiccant container 100, the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 refers to the thickness of the center of the bottom portion 10 of the container body 40, and the thickness Ts (μm) of the side portion 20 refers to the thickness of the side portion 20 in a region corresponding to a height position 3 / 8 of the height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion 10 to the upper surface of the flange portion 50 in the container body 40 before degassing. The thickness Ts of the side portion 20 is the arithmetic mean value of thicknesses at four randomly selected points at the above-mentioned height position. The thicknesses Tb and Ts may be measured before or after degassing.

[0023] The dimensions and shape of the container body 40 are not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately taking into consideration the amount of deliquescent chemical 60 to be contained, the intended use, the size of the space in which it will be used, and other factors. When the dehumidifying agent container 100 is used for home use, the capacity of the container body 40 can be designed to be, for example, approximately 300 ml to 1200 ml. From the perspective of ensuring an appropriate area for the top opening 30, the height of the container body 40 before degassing can be designed to be approximately 3 cm to 10 cm. Here, the dehumidifying agent container 100 is degassed and shrunk vertically. The height H2 of the container body before degassing and before opening is smaller than the height H1 of the container body before degassing, resulting in improved bulkiness compared to conventional containers. Therefore, even if the container body 40 is designed to be approximately two to ten times larger than the capacity and height suitable for home use, it is easy to transport and store.

[0024] (flange part) The desiccant container 100 has a flange 50 extending from the upper end of the side surface 20 of the container body 40. The flange 50 extends from the upper end of the side surface 20 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and its upper surface is the adhesive surface for the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. The moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top opening 30 is firmly supported by the flange 50. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the flange 50 extends substantially horizontally from the upper end of the side surface 20 toward the outside of the container. The flange 50 extending toward the outside of the container is easily manufactured together with the container body 40 in the deep drawing process described below. On the other hand, as a modified example (not shown), the flange 50 may extend toward the inside of the container (i.e., in a direction that does not protrude beyond the container body 40 when viewed from above). This configuration is preferable because it allows the shape of the desiccant container 100 to be more compact. The flange portion 50 is provided on at least a part of the top surface opening 30, and preferably on the entire periphery of the opening.

[0025] The flange portion 50 may be formed separately from the container body 40 and adhered or joined to the upper end of the side surface portion 20, but is preferably provided integrally with the side surface portion 20. For example, the side surface portion 20 and the flange portion 50 can be integrally molded using a single waterproof resin sheet. Of course, the container body 40 including the side surface portion 20 and the flange portion 50 may also be integrally molded.

[0026] The thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion 50 made of a resin member is not particularly limited, as long as it is thick enough to support the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. Considering the balance with the container body 40, a specific preferred thickness range for the flange portion 50 is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and the ratio Tf / Tb of the thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion 50 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface portion 10 is preferably 1 or more, and more preferably exceeds 1. A flange portion 50 within this thickness range can adequately support the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 during deaeration and use. Here, the thickness Tf of the flange portion 50 is the arithmetic mean value of thicknesses measured at four randomly selected points on the flange portion 50.

[0027] The desiccant container 100 is formed by integrally molding the bottom surface portion 10, the side surface portion 20, and the flange portion 50 using a single resin sheet, and it is more preferable that the flange portion 50 satisfies the above-mentioned preferable thickness range, and that the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness Ts (μm) of the side surface portion 20 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface portion 10 is less than 1. This makes it possible to shrink the side surface portion 20 during degassing, thereby reducing the volume of the container body 40 and maintaining good shape retention.

[0028] For example, in a dehumidifier container 100 in which the container body 40 and the flange portion 50 are integrally formed using one waterproof resin sheet 42 (see FIG. 2A), it is preferable that the thickness of the waterproof resin sheet 42 used is 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and that the thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion 50≧the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10>the thickness Ts (μm) of the side portion 20. In this embodiment, deaeration makes it easy to shrink the side portion 20 in the vertical direction while firmly supporting the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70, and it is possible to prevent shrinkage of the bottom portion 10, and it is easy to ensure sufficient strength to store the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption and good shape retention of the container body 40.

[0029] (deliquescent drugs) Next, the deliquescent drug 60 will be described. The deliquescent drug 60 broadly includes agents that become aqueous by absorbing moisture. Specific examples include deliquescent substances such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and potassium acetate. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are particularly preferred in terms of moisture absorption capacity and cost. The deliquescent drug 60 is composed of one or more known deliquescent substances. For example, the deliquescent drug 60 is formulated into granules by a dropping granulation method, an air-cooling granulation method, or the like, using one or more of the above-mentioned deliquescent substances.

[0030] The amount of deliquescent drug 60 contained in the container body 40 is not particularly limited, and can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the volume of the container body 40 before degassing, the size of the space in which it is intended to be used, and the like.

[0031] (breathable waterproof sheet) The moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top opening 30 of the container body 40 is a moisture-permeable and waterproof sheet (i.e., capable of preventing the passage of deliquescent liquid). A preferred example of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is a microporous resin sheet. While there are no particular limitations on the method for manufacturing this microporous resin sheet, it can be manufactured, for example, by molding and then stretching a thermoplastic resin sheet containing an inorganic filler. Examples of thermoplastic resins used to mold this microporous resin sheet include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and polyamide. Examples of moisture-permeable waterproof films made from this microporous resin sheet include those available under the trade names "Cellpore" manufactured by Sumika Sekisui Film Co., Ltd., "NF Sheet" manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation, "Breathlon" manufactured by Nitoms Corporation, and "Excepol" manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation. A multilayer sheet may be formed by laminating a nonwoven fabric or other porous film on the microporous resin sheet as long as the moisture permeability of the microporous resin sheet is not impaired.

[0032] The outer edge region of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is attached and fixed by bonding to the flange portion 50. Methods for bonding to the flange portion 50 include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding, and high-frequency welding.

[0033] (lid sheet) The lid sheet 80 is a moisture-impermeable sheet that covers the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. It is preferable that the lid sheet 80 completely covers the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 in at least the area of ​​the top opening 30 when viewed from above. Before use, the lid sheet 80 seals the container body 40 to prevent moisture absorption by the deliquescent chemical 60 contained in the container body 40 and to maintain a degassed and reduced-volume state, and is peeled off and removed when in use.

[0034] The lid sheet 80 may be transparent or opaque as long as it is moisture-impermeable (gas barrier). Examples of moisture-impermeable sheets include resin-based sheets such as oriented polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene chloride-coated PET (K-PET), polyvinylidene chloride-coated OPP (K-OPP), silica-deposited PET, and alumina-deposited PET, as well as aluminum sheets. These moisture-impermeable sheets may be used in a single layer or in a composite (laminated) of multiple layers. The non-permeable sheet has an easily peelable adhesive layer on the side that contacts the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, so that the lid sheet can be easily peeled off at the start of use.

[0035] (Manufacturing method) Next, an example of a manufacturing method for the dehumidifying agent container 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2A to 2C are explanatory views illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for the container body 40, and show a process of deep drawing the container body 40 into a predetermined shape by forming using a plug for assisting forming (hereinafter also referred to as plug assist) in deep drawing. Figures 3A to 3C are explanatory views illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for manufacturing the dehumidifying agent container 100 using the container body 40. Each of the drawings shown in Figures 2 and 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view. Note that, although one embodiment of a method for manufacturing the desiccant container 100 will be described below, this description does not limit the method for manufacturing the desiccant container of the present invention in any way.

[0036] The manufacturing method of the desiccant container 100 in this embodiment includes a container forming step, a containing step, and a vacuum sealing step. These steps will be described in order. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the container forming process is a process in which a waterproof resin sheet 42 is placed in a predetermined molding die 201 and deep-drawn into a predetermined shape having a bottom portion 10, a side portion 20, and a flange portion 50 extending from the upper end of the side portion 20, thereby forming a container body 40 having the flange portion 50. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2A , waterproof resin sheet 42, which is a single resin sheet that constitutes container body 40, is first placed on a desired forming mold 201. The outer edge of waterproof resin sheet 42 is clamped by clamping body 204, and is maintained in a horizontally tensed state. When deep-drawing container body 40, it is possible to suck (vacuum suction) waterproof resin sheet 42 through suction holes 203 provided in forming mold 201 without using plug assist, and to process it into the desired shape along the inner wall surface of forming mold 201; however, by using plug assist, it is easier to obtain container body 40 in a more desirable desired shape. Although the heating device is not shown in FIG. 2, the desired container body 40 can be easily obtained by appropriately heating and softening the waterproof resin sheet 42 before deep drawing.

[0037] The plug 202 is mated with the forming die 201 in an uneven manner, and the forming die 201 and the plug 202 are opposed to each other via the waterproof resin sheet 42, and then the uneven surfaces are mated as shown in Fig. 2B, thereby forming the waterproof resin sheet 42 into the container body 40 of the desired shape. By employing plug assist in addition to vacuum suction, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the portion corresponding to the bottom surface portion 10 from becoming too thin during deep drawing, and it is easy to adjust the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness Tb (µm) of the bottom surface portion 10 to the thickness Ts (µm) of the side surface portion 20 so that it is less than 1.

[0038] 2C, the plug 202 is removed from the mold 201. After this, the outer edge region of the waterproof resin sheet 42 is cut away, leaving the portion that will become the flange portion 50, thereby forming the container body 40 and the flange portion 50 that continues from the upper end of the side surface portion 20 integrally.

[0039] FIG. 3A shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the container body 40 formed in the container forming step described above. Next, as shown in Figure 3B, a deliquescent chemical 60 is placed in the container body 40 obtained by carrying out the container forming process, and then a placement process is carried out in which the outer edge of a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is adhered to the upper surface of the flange portion 50.After that, a non-moisture-permeable lid sheet 80 that covers the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is laminated on the upper surface of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70, and while maintaining the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 stretched in the surface direction, as shown in Figure 3C, an evacuation and sealing process is carried out in which the gas inside the container body 40 is evacuated and the container body 40 is sealed with the lid sheet 80.

[0040] Generally, the volume of the deliquescent drug 60 increases as it absorbs moisture and becomes a deliquescent liquid. Therefore, in the stage of the above-mentioned storing step, as shown in FIG. 3B, the volume of the container body 40 before degassing is sufficiently reduced. The container body 40 contains a circulating amount of deliquescent chemical 60. Therefore, before degassing, there is a significant distance between the upper surface of the deliquescent chemical 60 contained in the container body 40 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. If degassing is not performed, this distance is a factor that slows down the moisture absorption rate of the deliquescent chemical 60 at the start of use. In contrast, the dehumidifying agent container 100 has gas removed from inside the container body 40, and as a result, the height H2 after degassing and before opening becomes smaller than the height H1 before degassing, and the volume of the dehumidifying agent container 100 becomes smaller.

[0041] The degassing method may be any method that can reduce the volume by shrinking the container body 40 in the vertical direction. For example, the gas inside the container body 40 may be sucked out using a suction device, or pressure may be applied from above and below to physically crush the container body 40 until it reaches an appropriate height (height H2).

[0042] In the evacuation and sealing step, the gas inside the container body 40 may be sucked out to reduce the pressure, and the container body 40 may be sealed with the lid sheet 80 so that the internal pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the container body 40 may be physically crushed vertically to push out the internal air and reduce its volume, and then sealed with the lid sheet 80, so that the internal pressure of the container body 40 is approximately atmospheric pressure. In other words, the dehumidifying agent container of the present invention encompasses both an embodiment in which the internal pressure of the container body is less than atmospheric pressure and an embodiment in which the internal pressure is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure. A dehumidifying agent container 100 in which the internal pressure of the container body 40 is less than atmospheric pressure is easily maintained in a reduced volume state until use, and compactness (bulk reduction) is effectively achieved.

[0043] The degree of degassing may be determined as appropriate in consideration of the amount of deliquescent chemical 60 contained therein, within the range of height H1 before degassing > height H2 after degassing and before opening. For example, when the container is degassed and reduced in volume from the state shown in Fig. 3B to the state shown in Fig. 3C, it is preferable that the volume be reduced to such an extent that the upper surface of the deliquescent chemical 60 contained in the container body 40 comes into contact with the lower surface of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3C, the desiccant container 100 manufactured as described above has a closer distance between the upper surface of the deliquescent chemical 60 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 than the state before degassing shown in FIG. 3B. Therefore, moisture absorption occurs at a fast rate immediately after peeling off the cover sheet 80 and starting use. A fast moisture absorption rate immediately after starting use is highly desirable for users of the desiccant container 100, as it allows them to more quickly confirm the moisture absorption effect. Furthermore, the desiccant container 100 maintains a fast moisture absorption rate not only at the beginning of use but also during and after use. This effect will be further explained in the usage examples described below.

[0045] (Example of use) Next, an example of how to use the dehumidifying agent container will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 4C. Figures 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams illustrating the dehumidifying agent container 100 from the beginning of use to the later stages of use, and all are shown as vertical cross sections.

[0046] When the desiccant container 100 manufactured as described above is used, the lid sheet 80 is peeled off to open the container body 40. Fig. 4A shows the height H3 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion after degassing and at the start of use (hereinafter also referred to as the height H3 immediately after opening after degassing). The height of the desiccant container 100 has the following relationship: height H2 before opening after degassing≦height H3 immediately after opening after degassing<height H1 before degassing. The height H3 immediately after opening after degassing can be higher than the height H2 before opening after degassing because a part of the side surface portion 20 that has shrunk due to degassing stretches in an attempt to return to its original shape due to elastic deformation of the resin member, etc., and the space 44 between the deliquescent chemical 60 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 can become larger than before opening.

[0047] As described above, in order to increase the moisture absorption rate, it is desirable that the distance between the deliquescent agent 60 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 be as short as possible (the height H3 immediately after opening after degassing is as small as possible). For this purpose, it is preferable that the ratio Ts / Tb described above is less than 1. When the ratio Ts / Tb is 1 or more, the strength of the side surface portion 20 is increased, and when the lid sheet 80 is removed, a force acts more easily to return the side surface portion 20 to its original shape.

[0048] When moisture absorption begins, as shown in Figure 4B, a deliquescent liquid 62 is generated and the amount of deliquescent chemical 60 decreases. Because the volume of deliquescent chemical 60 increases as it absorbs moisture and becomes deliquescent liquid 62, the sum of the volumes of deliquescent chemical 60 and deliquescent liquid 62 after opening is greater than the volume of deliquescent chemical 60 alone before opening. As a result, in the dehumidifying agent container 100, the upper surface of the deliquescent liquid 62 stored in the container body 40 can always be located close to (or in contact with) the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70, thereby maintaining a fast moisture absorption rate.

[0049] As the amount of the deliquescent liquid 62 further increases, all of the deliquescent chemical 60 liquefies to the extent that it cannot be visually confirmed, as shown in Fig. 4C. The moisture absorption in the dehumidifying agent container 100 does not stop at this point, but continues due to the moisture absorption capacity of the deliquescent liquid 62 itself. As the volume of the contents (deliquescent liquid 62) increases, the contracted side surface portion 20 of the container body 40 is pushed outward, and the container body 40 gradually begins to return to the volume before degassing. In other words, at this time too, the container body 40 is expanded by the amount of the increased volume of the deliquescent liquid 62 , so that the upper surface of the deliquescent liquid 62 is maintained in a position close to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 .

[0050] As described above, with the dehumidifying agent container 100, the distance between the deliquescent chemical 60 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is short at the beginning of use, and from the middle to the end of use, the distance between the deliquescent liquid 62 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is short, so that a fast moisture absorption rate is always maintained and high moisture absorption capacity is exhibited. [Example]

[0051] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Figures 5 and 6 are used to explain some of the examples and comparative examples. Table 1 shows the manufacturing conditions, container body dimensions, and evaluation results. Fig. 5 is a graph showing the long-term change in moisture absorption during use of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. Fig. 6 is photographs of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 taken from the side at the start of use, on the 10th day, and on the 31st day. In order to observe the long-term change over time, three samples each (six in total) were prepared for Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3: one for observation up to the 31st day and one for observation over long-term change over time (up to 180 days). These samples were used for the observation up to the 31st day and the observation over long-term change over time (up to 180 days), respectively.

[0052] Example 1 A moisture-impermeable multilayer film (200 μm thick) consisting of three layers of polyethylene resin / nylon resin / polyethylene resin was placed in the mold of a deep-drawing vacuum / compressed air molding machine, and the multilayer film was vacuumed and plug-assisted to form a rectangular container body with a width of 80 mm x 167 mm and a height of 80 mm. The width of the flange was 18 mm on the short side and 15 mm on the long side. The container body formed as described above was filled with a deliquescent agent (280 g of calcium chloride dihydrate), which is the amount of deliquescent agent capable of absorbing approximately 650 g of water. Next, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet was heat-sealed to the upper surface of the flange portion, and then the container was evacuated to degas it until the deliquescent agent was in firm contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet.A lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet was then heat-sealed in a peelable manner to obtain the dehumidifier container of Example 1. The moisture-permeable waterproof sheet was made of a polyolefin-based microporous film with a sheath-core nonwoven fabric laminated on both sides, the core of which was made of polyethylene terephthalate and the sheath of polyethylene. The cover sheet was made of an alumina-deposited polyethylene terephthalate film. A gas barrier sheet was used, which was made by laminating a sheet and an oriented polypropylene (OPP) film together and applying a part coating agent to the side that came into contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet.

[0053] Example 2 A dehumidifying agent container was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the thickness of the multilayer film constituting the container body was changed to 400 μm, and this was designated Example 2. Example 3 A dehumidifying agent container was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that plug assist was not performed, and this was designated as Example 3. Example 4 A dehumidifying agent container was produced in the same manner as in Example 3, except that the thickness of the multilayer film constituting the container body was changed to 400 μm, and this was designated Example 4.

[0054] (Comparative Example 1) A dehumidifying agent container was produced in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the lid sheet was heat-sealed without degassing, and this was designated as Comparative Example 1. (Comparative Example 2) A dehumidifying agent container was produced in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the thickness of the multilayer film constituting the container body was changed to 400 μm, and this was designated Comparative Example 2. (Comparative Example 3) A commercially available tank-type dehumidifier (tank dimensions: width 150 mm × depth 85 mm × height 101 mm, type and amount of deliquescent chemical contained: calcium chloride dihydrate / 280 g) was prepared and designated as Comparative Example 3.

[0055] (Container body dimension measurement 1) Before filling with the deliquescent drug, the height H1 of the container body, the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom part, the thickness Ts (μm) of the side part, and the thickness Tf (μm) of the flange part were measured for each of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3. The measurements were carried out on one sample of the three samples in each Example and Comparative Example that was visually judged to be the most standard. The height H1 of the container body was measured as the distance from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange. The thickness Tb of the bottom surface was measured at the center of the bottom surface. The thickness Ts of the side surface was determined by measuring the thickness at four randomly selected locations at a height of 3 / 8 from the top of the height H1 from the underside of the bottom surface to the top of the flange, and calculating the arithmetic mean value. The flange thickness Tf was determined by measuring the thickness at four randomly selected points on the flange and calculating the arithmetic mean value.

[0056] (Container body dimension measurement 2) The height H2 of the container body immediately before use (height H2 after degassing and before opening) was measured. For each example and comparative example, the measurement was performed on one sample of three samples that was visually judged to be the most standard. The measurement was performed by avoiding the visually highest and lowest points, and measuring the distance from the underside of the bottom part to the top surface of the flange at one midpoint, which was taken as height H2. Immediately after the lid sheet was peeled off, the height H3 (height H3 after deaeration and opening) was measured again using the same method as that for measuring the height H2.

[0057] (Measurement and evaluation) The Examples and Comparative Examples prepared as described above were used to carry out measurements and evaluations as follows. The lid sheet of each example and each comparative example was peeled off and opened, the initial weight W0 was measured, and the container was placed on the floor with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet facing up. The mixture was kept at 40°C for one month. Then, one month later, the weight W1 of each Example and Comparative Example was measured, and the value obtained by subtracting weight W0 from weight W1 was defined as the weight increase on the 31st day of use. For each Example and Comparative Example, the weights of all three samples were measured and an average value was calculated, and this average value was defined as weight W1. The difference between this average and weight W0 was then calculated to obtain the weight increase.

[0058] The height H4 of the container body on the 31st day of use was measured in the same manner as the height H2.

[0059] The shape of the dehumidifying agent container after 31 days of use was evaluated as follows. 〇...It was stable and stood on its own, and when viewed from the side, the breathable waterproof sheet was positioned approximately horizontally with little tilt. △: Wrinkles remained on the bottom, the container body was significantly distorted, or the breathable waterproof sheet was significantly tilted when viewed from the side. × When viewed from the side, it was confirmed that the breathable waterproof sheet was noticeably tilted or the container body was noticeably distorted.

[0060] (Long-term moisture absorption evaluation) For Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3, the weight was further measured up to 180 days, and the difference (increase) from the weight at the start of use, W0, was determined. The results are plotted in a graph shown in Figure 5. For each Example and Comparative Example, the weights of all three samples were measured and the average value was calculated, and the difference (increase) between this average value and weight W0 was determined.

[0061] (Photo observation) Photographs were taken from the side for Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 at the start of the test, and on the 10th and 31st days. The results are shown in Figure 6. Note that for each of the three samples in Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2, one sample that was visually judged to be the most standard was selected and used for photographing.

[0062] From the results of the above-described Examples and Comparative Examples, it was confirmed that in Examples 1 and 3, which used a resin sheet with a thickness of 200 μm, and Comparative Example 1, the weight gain of Examples 1 and 3 was significantly greater. A similar tendency was also confirmed in Examples 2, 4, and Comparative Example 2, which used a resin sheet with a thickness of 400 μm. Furthermore, Comparative Example 3, which is a commercially available tank-type product, had the smallest weight gain.

[0063] Examples 3 and 4 showed desirable results with a higher weight gain than the comparative example, but the side surface thickness Ts / bottom surface thickness Tb was greater than 1, meaning that the side surface thickness was relatively large and the bottom surface thickness was relatively small. Therefore, the shape evaluation after 31 days of use showed results slightly inferior to Examples 1 and 2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, it was confirmed that Examples 1 and 2 had a fast moisture absorption rate from the beginning of use and maintained that fast moisture absorption rate thereafter. Furthermore, it was confirmed that Examples 1 and 2 had a weight gain of 650 g, which is considered to be a guideline, after about three months. On the other hand, Comparative Example 3 showed a moisture absorption rate similar to that of Examples 1 and 2 immediately after use, but this soon slowed down, and the moisture absorption rate remained slow thereafter. At the 60th day after use, the amount of moisture absorbed (weight gain) was about half that of Example 1.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, at the start (immediately after removing the lid sheet), it was confirmed that the container body of Examples 1 and 2 had shrunk in the vertical direction, and it was also visually confirmed that the volume had decreased. Furthermore, on the 10th day, Example 1, which had the fastest moisture absorption rate, could not visually confirm the presence of any deliquescent drug, and on the 31st day, Example 2 also had not visually confirmed the presence of any deliquescent drug. No drug could be confirmed. This confirmed that the Example had a fast moisture absorption rate, even by visual inspection. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 2, the deliquescent drug remained even on the 31st day, confirming that the moisture absorption rate was slow.

[0066] [Table 1] [Industrial Applicability]

[0067] The dehumidifying agent container of the present invention can be used as a household dehumidifier for the purpose of dehumidifying a specific space in the home, such as a closet, a storage room, a shoe cabinet, or a room. Furthermore, as described above, the dehumidifying agent container of the present invention has a degassed container body and reduced bulk, so that even if it is large, it is easy to transport, store, and dispose of. Therefore, the present invention is also suitable as a commercial dehumidifier having a large container body that stores a large amount of deliquescent material and is suitable for use in large spaces such as commercial food storage, rental warehouses, and rooms where precision equipment that is sensitive to humidity is installed.

[0068] The present invention described above encompasses the following technical ideas. (1) a waterproof container body having a bottom, side, and top opening; a flange portion extending from an upper end of the side surface portion; a deliquescent drug contained in the container body; A moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and adhered to the upper surface side of the flange portion; A non-moisture-permeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet; Equipped with The gas inside the container body is degassed, causing the side surface to shrink irregularly, A dehumidifying agent container characterized in that a height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than a height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing. (2) The dehumidifying agent container according to (1) above, wherein the container body is self-supporting. (3) The dehumidifying agent container according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the side surface portion is contracted in the entire vertical direction. (4) A waterproof container body having a bottom, side, and top opening, a flange extending from the upper end of the side, a deliquescent chemical contained in the container body, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and attached to the upper side of the flange, and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. the lid sheet of the dehumidifying agent container is peeled off and opened, and the container is placed on a horizontal surface, and the gas inside the container body has been degassed, causing the side portion to shrink, and a height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than a height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing; The deliquescent agent is allowed to absorb moisture through the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet to generate a deliquescent liquid, A dehumidification method characterized by increasing the sum of the volumes of the deliquescent chemical and the deliquescent liquid in the dehumidifying agent container after opening to be greater than the volume of the deliquescent chemical alone before opening, thereby expanding the contracted side portions and maintaining a state in which the deliquescent liquid is close to or in contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. (5) A method for producing a dehumidifying agent container according to any one of (1) to (3), a container forming step of placing the waterproof resin sheet in a predetermined mold and deep drawing the sheet into a predetermined shape having a bottom portion, a side portion, and a flange portion extending from the upper end of the side portion to form a container body having the flange portion; A housing step of housing a deliquescent chemical in the container body and then bonding the outer edge of a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet to the upper surface of the flange portion; a deaeration and sealing process in which a non-moisture-permeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet is laminated on the upper surface of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, and while maintaining the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet stretched in the surface direction, the gas inside the container body is degassed to reduce the volume of the container body, and the container body is sealed with the lid sheet; The method for manufacturing a desiccant container includes: (6) A method for manufacturing a desiccant container as described in (5) above, in which, during the deep drawing process in the container forming step, a plug that matches the inner wall shape of the mold is used from the upper side of the waterproof resin sheet, and the resin sheet is sandwiched between the inner wall surface of the mold and the outer peripheral surface of the plug to form the container body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10...Bottom part 20...Side part 30 Top opening 40... Container body 42 Waterproof resin sheet 44...space 50···Flange part 60 Deliquescent Drugs 62...deliquescent liquid 64...deliquescent liquid level 70···Breathable waterproof sheet 80···Lid sheet Tb, Ts, Tf... thickness 100···Dehumidifier container 201...Molding mold 202···Plug 203...Suction hole 204...Holding body H1: Height from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the flange before degassing H2: Height from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the flange after degassing and before use H3: Height from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the flange after degassing and at the start of use

Claims

1. a waterproof container body having a bottom portion, a side portion, and a top surface opening; a flange portion extending from an upper end of the side surface portion; a deliquescent drug contained in the container body; A moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and adhered to the upper surface side of the flange portion; A non-moisture-permeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet; Equipped with The gas inside the container body is degassed, causing the side surface to shrink irregularly, a height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than a height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing; A dehumidifying agent container characterized in that, within the container body, the sum of the volume of the deliquescent chemical and the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption after the lid sheet is opened is increased to be greater than the volume of the deliquescent chemical alone before the lid sheet is opened, and the deliquescent liquid is maintained in a position close to or in contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet.

2. 2. The desiccant container according to claim 1, wherein the container body is self-supporting.

3. 3. The dehumidifying agent container according to claim 1, wherein the side surface is contracted in the entire vertical direction.

4. The container comprises a waterproof container body having a bottom, side and top opening, a flange extending from the upper end of the side, a deliquescent chemical contained in the container body, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and attached to the upper surface of the flange, and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, the lid sheet of the dehumidifying agent container is peeled off and opened, and the container is placed on a horizontal surface, and the gas inside the container body has been degassed, causing the side portion to shrink, and a height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than a height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing; The deliquescent agent is allowed to absorb moisture through the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet to generate a deliquescent liquid, A dehumidification method characterized by increasing the sum of the volumes of the deliquescent chemical and the deliquescent liquid in the dehumidifying agent container after opening to be greater than the volume of the deliquescent chemical alone before opening, thereby expanding the contracted side portions and maintaining a state in which the deliquescent liquid is close to or in contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet.

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