Dehumidifier container

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifying agent container capable of suppressing bulkiness while containing a sufficient amount of deliquescent chemicals, as well as, maintaining a good moisture absorption rate from immediately after starting to the end of use.SOLUTION: A dehumidifying agent container includes: a waterproof container body 40 having a bottom surface part 10, a side surface part 20, and a top surface opening 30 having an open top surface; a flange part 50 extending from an upper end of the side surface part 20; deliquescent chemicals 60 contained in the container body 40; a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 that covers the top opening 30 and is adhered to an upper surface side of the flange part 50; and a non-moisture-permeable lid sheet 80 that covers the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. Gas inside the container body 40 is degassed. Height H2 from a lower surface of the bottom surface part 10 to the upper surface of the flange part 50 is smaller than height H1 from the bottom surface part 10 before degassing to the upper surface of the flange part 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier container in which a deliquescent agent is stored inside.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a means for removing moisture from storage spaces such as closets, drawers, or shoe boxes, a tank-type dehumidifier that uses a deliquescent agent such as calcium chloride to absorb moisture in the air and liquefy it, and stores this inside a container, has been widely proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a tank-type dehumidifier (hereinafter also referred to as Prior Art 1) that uses a self-standing container with an open top formed of a synthetic resin material. In Prior Art 1, a tray having a plurality of dripping holes is disposed in the middle part in the vertical direction of the container, granular deliquescent agent is stored on the tray, and the open top portion of the container is covered with a moisture-permeable and waterproof sheet. In Prior Art 1, the deliquescent liquid generated by the deliquescent agent absorbing moisture is stored below the tray through the dripping holes.

[0004] Also, apart from the tank type such as Prior Art 1, a bag type dehumidifier has also been proposed. For example, Patent Document 2 below discloses a dehumidifying bag (hereinafter also referred to as Prior Art 2) formed by overlapping a transparent film made of polyethylene or polypropylene and a moisture-permeable film, heat-sealing three sides thereof to form a bag shape, filling this with a deliquescent agent such as calcium chloride, and heat-sealing the opening part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The conventional technologies 1 and 2 described above each had the following problems. In other words, since deliquescent agents absorb moisture from the air and become deliquescent, increasing in volume, tank-type dehumidifiers like the one in Conventional Technology 1 are designed to be large enough to account for the amount of deliquescent by the end of the product's lifespan. As a result, tank-type dehumidifiers are bulky, posing problems in terms of transportation during shipping, carrying by consumers who purchase them at stores, and storage.

[0007] Furthermore, conventional tank-type dehumidifiers, such as those in Conventional Technology 1, have the problem of slow moisture absorption. According to the inventors' research, deliquescent agents absorb moisture more easily the closer they are to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, and they continue to absorb moisture even after becoming deliquescent. At this stage, too, moisture absorption is easier the closer the deliquescent liquid surface is to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. Based on these findings, Conventional Technology 1 can start absorbing moisture at a sufficient rate immediately after use because the distance between the deliquescent agent contained on the tray inside the container and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the opening at the top of the container is relatively short. However, the resulting deliquescent liquid is stored below the tray. Therefore, as the deliquescent liquid is generated, the distance to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet increases, and it was thought that the moisture absorption rate would slow down after some time had passed since opening.

[0008] On the other hand, Conventional Technology 2 uses a transparent film and a moisture-permeable film to form a bag-like structure to store the deliquescent agent, resulting in a smaller volume compared to Conventional Technology 1. However, due to the small capacity of the bag, there is a limit to the amount of deliquescent agent that can be stored, and therefore a limit to the amount of moisture that can be absorbed. Furthermore, in the configuration of Conventional Technology 2, since the deliquescent solution is stored inside the moisture-permeable film, there was a risk that some of the aqueous solution might seep out to the outside after prolonged use.

[0009] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a desiccant container that can accommodate a sufficient amount of deliquescent agent while suppressing its bulkiness, and that can maintain a good moisture absorption rate from the moment it is first used until it is finished using. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The dehumidifying agent container of the present invention comprises a waterproof container body having a top opening with openings on the bottom, sides, and top; a flange portion extending from the upper end of the side portion; a deliquescent agent contained in the container body; a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet covering the top opening and adhered to the upper side of the flange portion; and a non-moisture-permeable lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet, wherein the gas inside the container body is degassed, and the height H2 from the bottom portion to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet is smaller than the height H1 from the bottom portion to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet before degassing. The container body is made of a resin sheet, The flange thickness Tf is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and the flange thickness Tf ≥ the bottom thickness Tb > the side thickness Ts (excluding desiccant containers in which the container body is suspended in mid-air at the start of use). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The desiccant container of the present invention, having the above configuration, is deaerated and reduced in volume so as to be compressed in the height direction, preventing it from becoming bulky and making it easy to transport and store. Furthermore, because it is compressed in the height direction, the distance between the deliquescent agent contained inside and the breathable waterproof sheet covering the top opening is short. Therefore, the present invention has a fast moisture absorption rate from the start of use. Moreover, as the volume of the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption increases, the deaerated and compressed container body expands and returns to its original shape, so the level of the deliquescent liquid is always near the breathable 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 drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is a side view of a desiccant container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (2A) to (2C) are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for the container body used in the present invention. [Figure 3] (3A) to (3C) are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for the dehumidifier container of the present invention. [Figure 4] (4A) to (4C) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the dehumidifier container of the present invention from the start of use to the later stages of use. [Figure 5] This graph shows the long-term changes in moisture absorption during use in Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. [Figure 6] These are photographs of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 taken from the side at the start of use, on day 10, and on day 31. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same reference numerals are used for similar components, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. The drawings used in describing the present invention do not limit the dimensions, dimensional ratios, and shapes of the present invention and the components included in the present invention. In this specification, "vertical direction" refers to the direction of up and down as viewed from any given height, and "horizontal direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the above-mentioned vertical direction.

[0014] First, an overview of a desiccant container according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described using Figure 1. Figure 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 surface portion 10, a side surface portion 20, and a top surface opening 30 with an open top surface, a flange portion 50 extending from the upper end of the side surface portion 20, a deliquescent agent 60 housed in the container body 40, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top surface opening 30 and adhered to the upper surface side of the flange portion 50, and a moisture-impermeable lid sheet 80 covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. In the dehumidifying agent container 100, the gas inside the container body 40 is degassed. Therefore, the height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom surface portion 10 to the upper surface of the flange 50 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the height H2 before opening after degassing) is configured to be smaller than the height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom surface 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 for the container body 30 showing the height H1 before degassing, reference is made to FIG. 3A showing a cross section of the container body.

[0015] The dehumidifying agent container 100 with such a configuration is reduced in volume by degassing the inside of the container body 40 so that the dimensional size in the height direction of the container body 40 becomes smaller. Therefore, the dehumidifying agent container 100 has a small bulk and is easy to transport and store. Further, since the dehumidifying agent container 100 is degassed so that the height dimension becomes smaller compared to before degassing as described above, the distance between the deliquescent agent 60 housed in the container body 40 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 becomes shorter. Therefore, a good moisture absorption rate is shown from the start of use. Other effects of the present invention will be sequentially described in the following detailed description of the dehumidifying agent container 100.

[0016] (Container body) The container body 40 has a bottom surface portion 10, a side surface portion 20, and a top surface 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, square, circular, elliptical, or any arbitrary shape. The side portion 20 extends upward from the outer edge of the bottom portion 10, separating the inside from the outside of the container body 40. The upper end of the side portion 20 is open, forming a top opening 30. Before degassing, the side portion 20 is a smooth wall without wrinkles or folds, as shown in Figure 3A. In contrast, the container body 40 shown in Figure 1 is in a degassed and sealed state, and the side portion 20 has contracted irregularly, resulting in a smaller height dimension of the container body 40 compared to before degassing. That is, the container body 40 is configured such that the height H2 after degassing and before opening is smaller than the height H1 before degassing. In this invention, degassing means 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 portions 20 of the container body 40 are made of a flexible material that shrinks due to degassing while maintaining the ability to store deliquescent liquid, thereby reducing the volume of the container body 40. Specifically, for example, a resin sheet having appropriate thickness and strength can be used. By constructing the side portions 20 or the entire container body 40 using such a resin sheet, the amount of plastic and other materials used can be reduced compared to the container of a conventional tank-type dehumidifier, and the amount of waste at disposal is also advantageous in that it reduces the amount of waste.

[0017] The constituent members of the side surface portion 20 may be any member as long as it can shrink when the container body 40 is degassed as described above and can store deliquescent liquid in that state. Considering formability and the like, examples of the constituent member include a waterproof resin sheet made of a polyethylene-based resin, a nylon-based resin, a polypropylene-based resin, a polystyrene-based resin, or the like. The resin sheet is composed of one or more kinds of the above-described resin members as a mixed resin. Considering flexibility and the like, a resin sheet containing a polyethylene-based resin in the constituent member is preferable. Further, the resin sheet may be a single-layer sheet or a laminated sheet having a plurality of resin layers. For example, a laminated sheet having polyethylene-based resin layers on both outermost surfaces and other resin layers therebetween is preferable from the viewpoint of flexibility. More specific examples include a laminated sheet in which a polyethylene-based resin layer / nylon-based resin layer / polyethylene-based resin layer are laminated in this order.

[0018] The bottom surface portion 10 may be composed of the same member as the side surface portion 20 or a different member. Considering ease of manufacturing and waste treatment, etc., it is preferable that the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are composed of the same member. It is more preferable that both the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are composed of resin members, and it is even more preferable that the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 are composed of the same resin member.

[0019] The container body 40 provided with the above-described bottom surface portion 10 and side surface portion 20 is preferably composed of a single resin sheet. Thereby, since the boundary between the bottom surface portion 10 and the side surface portion 20 is continuously formed, leakage of deliquescent liquid is preferably prevented well. Also, since the number of parts during manufacturing can be reduced, it is advantageous in manufacturing to configure the container body 40 from a single resin sheet. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the container body 40 and the flange portion 50 are composed of a single resin sheet. It is advantageous in the manufacturing process as it can reduce the number of parts in the manufacturing process, and it is less likely that the flange portion 50 will 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, which is made of the resin sheet described above, are not particularly limited as long as they allow for volume reduction due to degassing. From the viewpoint of 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 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 by the fact that the gas inside the container body 40 is removed and it shrinks in the vertical direction. Therefore, in order to ensure good stability of the container body 40 in the degassed state, to allow sufficient vertical shrinkage during degassing, and to avoid shrinkage of the bottom portion 10, the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness of the side portion 20 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 to Tb (μm) is preferably less than 1, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.6 or less. If the ratio Ts / Tb described above is 1 or greater, there is a risk that wrinkles may form on the bottom surface 10 during degassing, which may result in insufficient stability of the container. Furthermore, after use begins, as the deliquescence liquid accumulates in the container body 40 of the desiccant container 100, the container body 40, which has contracted due to degassing, expands back to its original shape. However, if wrinkles form on the bottom surface 10 as the deliquescence liquid accumulates, the weight of the deliquescence liquid makes it difficult for the wrinkles on the bottom surface 10 to straighten, and the expanded container body 40 may tilt. If the container body 40 tilts in this way, there is a risk that the deliquescence liquid may come into contact with the breathable waterproof sheet 70 in the latter half of the usage period. Because the breathable waterproof sheet 70 is waterproof, it is normally constructed so that deliquescence does not leak out even if such contact occurs. However, if a pinhole occurs in the breathable waterproof sheet 70, or if a part of the bonded breathable waterproof sheet 70 and flange portion 50 peels off, there is a risk that deliquescence may leak out.

[0022] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of moisture resistance of the side portion 20 and the shape retention of the container body 40 when deliquescence accumulates, the above ratio Ts / Tb is preferably 0.2 or more, and more preferably 0.3 or more. As shown in Figure 3A, in the desiccant container 100, the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 refers to the thickness of the central part 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 the region corresponding to a height of 3 / 8 of the way up from the top of the height H1 from the bottom surface of the bottom portion 10 to the top surface of the flange portion 50 of the container body 40 before degassing. The thickness Ts of the side portion 20 is the arithmetic mean of the thicknesses of four randomly selected locations at the aforementioned height. The measurement of the thickness Tb and thickness Ts may be performed before or after degassing.

[0023] The dimensions and shape of the container body 40 are not particularly limited and may be determined as appropriate, taking into consideration the amount of deliquescent agent 60 to be contained, its intended use, and the size of the space in which it is intended to be used. When the dehumidifier container 100 is used in a household setting, the capacity of the container body 40 can be designed to be, for example, 300 ml to 1200 ml, and from the viewpoint of ensuring an adequate area for the top opening 30, the height of the container body 40 before degassing can be designed to be 3 cm to 10 cm. Here, the dehumidifier container 100 has been degassed and has shrunk vertically, so the height H2 before opening after degassing is smaller than the height H1 of the container body before degassing, and the bulkiness has been improved compared to conventional containers. Therefore, even if the container body 40 is designed to be 2 to 10 times larger than the capacity and height suitable for household use as described above, it will still be easy to transport and store when used as a commercial dehumidifier container 100.

[0024] (Flange section) The dehumidifier container 100 is provided with a flange portion 50 extending from the upper end of the side portion 20 of the container body 40. The flange portion 50 extends from the upper end of the side portion 20 in a direction that intersects the vertical direction, and its upper side is the adhesive surface with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. The moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top opening 30 is firmly supported by the flange portion 50. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the flange portion 50 extends substantially horizontally from the upper end of the side portion 20 toward the outside of the container. The flange portion 50 provided toward the outside of the container is easy to manufacture together with the container body 40 in the deep drawing process described later. On the other hand, as a modified example not shown, the flange portion 50 may extend toward the inside of the container (i.e., in a direction that does not protrude outward from the container body 40 when viewed from above), and this embodiment is preferable in that the shape of the dehumidifier container 100 can be made more compact. The flange portion 50 is provided on at least a part of the top opening 30, preferably on the entire circumference of the opening.

[0025] The flange portion 50 may be constructed separately from the container body 40 and bonded or joined to the upper end of the side portion 20, but it is preferable that it be provided integrally with the side portion 20. For example, the side 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 portion 20, and the flange portion 50 may also be integrally molded.

[0026] The thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion 50, which is made of resin material, is not particularly limited and should be thick enough to support the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. Considering the balance with the container body 40, a specific preferred thickness range is that the thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion 50 is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and the ratio Tf / Tb of the thickness of the flange portion 50 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 is preferably 1 or more, and more preferably greater than 1. With a flange portion 50 within this thickness range, the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 can be adequately supported during degassing and use. In this context, the thickness Tf of the flange portion 50 is the arithmetic mean of the thicknesses measured at four randomly selected locations on the flange portion 50.

[0027] The desiccant container 100 is formed integrally from a single resin sheet, with the bottom portion 10, side portions 20, and flange portion 50 being molded together. Furthermore, it is preferable that the flange portion 50 satisfies the aforementioned preferred thickness range, and that the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness of the side portion 20 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion 10 is less than 1. This allows the side portion 20 to shrink during degassing, reducing the volume of the container body 40 while maintaining good shape retention.

[0028] For example, in a desiccant container 100 in which the container body 40 and flange portion 50 are integrally formed using a single waterproof resin sheet 42 (see Figure 2A), one preferred embodiment is that the thickness of the waterproof resin sheet 42 used is 200 μm or more and 400 μm or less, and the thickness of the flange portion 50 Tf (μm) ≥ the thickness of the bottom portion 10 Tb (μm) > the thickness of the side portion 20 Ts (μm). In such an embodiment, degassing makes it easier to shrink the side portion 20 in the vertical direction while firmly supporting the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70, and prevents shrinkage of the bottom portion 10. Furthermore, sufficient strength to store the deliquescent liquid generated by moisture absorption and good shape retention of the container body 40 are easily ensured.

[0029] (Hydrophilic agents) Next, we will explain deliquescence agent 60. The deliquescent agent 60 broadly includes agents that become aqueous solutions by absorbing moisture. Specific examples include deliquescent substances such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, and potassium acetate, with calcium chloride and magnesium chloride being particularly preferred in terms of moisture absorption capacity and cost. The deliquescent agent 60 is composed of one or more known deliquescent substances. For example, the deliquescent agent 60 can be formulated into granules using one or more of the above-mentioned deliquescent substances by methods such as drop-in granulation or air-cooled granulation.

[0030] The amount of deliquescent agent 60 contained in the container body 40 is not particularly limited and can be determined as appropriate, taking into account the volume of the container body 40 before degassing, the size of the space in which it is intended to be used, and so on.

[0031] (Breathable waterproof sheet) The breathable waterproof sheet 70 covering the top opening 30 of the container body 40 is a sheet that is both breathable and waterproof (i.e., has the property of preventing the passage of deliquescence). A microporous membrane resin sheet is preferred as the breathable waterproof sheet 70. The method for manufacturing this microporous membrane resin sheet is not particularly limited, but it can be manufactured, for example, by molding and then stretching a thermoplastic resin sheet containing an inorganic filler. Examples of thermoplastic resins used for molding this microporous membrane resin sheet include polyethylene, polyolefins such as polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyamide, etc. Examples of breathable waterproof films made from this microporous membrane resin sheet include "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. Within the limits that do not impede the moisture permeability of the above-mentioned microporous membrane resin sheet, a nonwoven fabric or other perforated film may be laminated onto the microporous membrane resin sheet to form a multilayer sheet.

[0032] The outer edge region of the breathable waterproof sheet 70 is attached and fixed to the flange portion 50 described above by adhesive bonding. The bonding method to the flange portion 50 can include, but is not limited to, ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding, or high-frequency welding.

[0033] (Lid sheet) The lid sheet 80 is a non-breathable sheet that covers the breathable waterproof sheet 70. Preferably, the lid sheet 80 completely covers the breathable waterproof sheet 70 in at least the area of ​​the top opening 30 when viewed from above. In the state before use, the lid sheet 80 seals the container body 40 to prevent moisture absorption of the deliquescent agent 60 contained in the container body 40 and to maintain the degassed and reduced volume state, and is peeled off and removed when in use.

[0034] The lid sheet 80 only needs to be non-permeable (gas barrier) and may be transparent or opaque. Examples of non-permeable sheets include resin sheets such as stretched 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 non-permeable sheets may be used as a single layer or as a composite (laminated) layer. The non-breathable sheet has an easily peelable adhesive layer on the side that contacts the breathable waterproof sheet, allowing only the lid sheet to be easily peeled off when first used.

[0035] (Manufacturing method) Next, an example of a manufacturing method for the dehumidifier container 100 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the manufacturing process for the container body 40, showing a process in which the container body 40 is deep-drawn into a predetermined shape by deep-drawing using a plug for molding assistance (hereinafter also referred to as plug assist). Figures 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a manufacturing process for manufacturing the dehumidifier container 100 using the container body 40. All of the drawings shown in Figures 2 and 3 are longitudinal cross-sectional views. An embodiment of the manufacturing method for the dehumidifier container 100 is shown below, but this description does not limit the manufacturing method of the dehumidifier container of the present invention in any way.

[0036] The manufacturing method for the desiccant container 100 in this embodiment comprises a container forming step, a storage step, and a degassing and sealing step. These steps will be described in order. The container forming process, as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, involves placing a waterproof resin sheet 42 in a predetermined mold 201 and deep drawing it into a predetermined shape having a bottom portion 10, side portions 20, and flange portions 50 extending from the upper ends of the side portions 20, thereby forming a container body 40 with flange portions 50. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2A, a waterproof resin sheet 42, which is a single resin sheet that constitutes the container body 40, is first placed in the desired mold 201. The outer edge of the waterproof resin sheet 42 is held by the clamping body 204, and a state of horizontal tension is maintained. When deep drawing the container body 40, it is also possible to process it into the desired shape by sucking (vacuum suction) the waterproof resin sheet 42 through the suction hole 203 provided in the mold 201 and aligning it with the inner wall surface of the mold 201, without plug assist. However, by employing plug assist, it is easier to obtain a container body 40 with a more desirable shape. Although the heating device is not shown in Figure 2, the desired container body 40 can be more easily obtained by appropriately heating and softening the waterproof resin sheet 42 before deep drawing.

[0037] The plug 202 is paired with the mold 201 in an interlocking manner. The mold 201 and the plug 202 are placed opposite each other via the waterproof resin sheet 42, and then interlocked as shown in Figure 2B, thereby forming the waterproof resin sheet 42 into a 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 part corresponding to the bottom surface 10 from becoming too thin during deep drawing, and to easily adjust the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness of the side surface 20 to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface 10 to be less than 1.

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

[0039] Figure 3A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the container body 40 formed in the container forming process described above. Next, as shown in Figure 3B, the deliquescent agent 60 is placed in the container body 40 obtained by the container forming process, and then the outer edge of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 is bonded to the upper surface of the flange portion 50 in a storage process. After that, a non-moisture-permeable lid sheet 80 is laminated on the upper surface of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 to cover it, and while maintaining the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70 taut in the planar direction, as shown in Figure 3C, a degassing and sealing process is performed in which the gas inside the container body 40 is degassed and the container body 40 is sealed with the lid sheet 80.

[0040] Generally, the deliquescent agent 60 increases in volume as it absorbs moisture and becomes a deliquescent liquid. Therefore, at the stage of the above-mentioned storage process, as shown in Figure 3B, the amount of deliquescent agent 60 stored is well below the capacity of the container body 40 before degassing. Consequently, in the state before degassing, there is a significant distance between the top surface of the deliquescent agent 60 stored in the container body 40 and the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70. If degassing is not performed, this distance will be a factor in slowing down the moisture absorption rate of the deliquescent agent 60 at the start of use. In contrast, in the desiccant container 100, the gas inside the container body 40 is degassed, and as a result the height H2 before opening after degassing is smaller than the height H1 before degassing, and the bulk of the desiccant container 100 is reduced.

[0041] The method of degassing can be any method that reduces the volume of the container body 40 by contracting it vertically. For example, the gas inside the container body 40 can be sucked out using a suction device, or the container body 40 can be physically crushed by applying pressure from above and below until it reaches an appropriate height (height H2).

[0042] Furthermore, in the degassing and sealing process, 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 becomes less than atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the container body 40 may be physically crushed vertically to push out the air inside 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 desiccant container of the present invention encompasses both the embodiment in which the internal pressure of the container body is less than atmospheric pressure and the embodiment in which the pressure is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure. With the desiccant container 100 in which the internal pressure of the container body 40 is less than atmospheric pressure, it is easier to maintain the reduced volume until use, and compactness (bulk reduction) is well achieved.

[0043] The degree of degassing may be appropriately determined in consideration of the amount of deliquescent agent 60 to be contained, such that the height H1 before degassing > the height H2 after degassing and before opening. For example, it is preferable that the volume is reduced to the extent that when the volume is reduced by degassing from the state in Figure 3B to the state in Figure 3C, the upper surface of the deliquescent agent 60 contained in the container body 40 is in contact with the lower surface of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70.

[0044] As described above, the manufactured dehumidifier container 100, as shown in Figure 3C, has a closer distance between the top surface of the deliquescent agent 60 and the breathable waterproof sheet 70 compared to the pre-degassing state shown in Figure 3B. Therefore, moisture absorption occurs rapidly from the moment the lid sheet 80 is removed and use begins. The rapid moisture absorption rate from the moment use begins is highly desirable for the user of the dehumidifier container 100, as it allows them to confirm the moisture absorption effect more quickly. Furthermore, with the dehumidifier container 100, a rapid moisture absorption rate is maintained not only at the start of use but also in the middle and later stages of use. This effect will be further explained in the usage examples described later.

[0045] (Example of use) Next, we will explain examples of how to use the dehumidifier container using Figures 4A to 4C. Figures 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams that show the dehumidifier container 100 from the start of use to the later stages of use, and all are shown as vertical cross-sectional views.

[0046] As described above, when using the manufactured desiccant container 100, the lid sheet 80 is peeled off and the container body 40 is opened. Figure 4A shows the height H3 from the bottom surface to the top surface of the flange 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 follows the relationship H2 ≤ H3 < H1 (height before opening after degassing). The reason why the height H3 (height immediately after opening after degassing) may be higher than the height H2 (height before opening after degassing) is that a portion of the side portion 20 that has shrunk due to degassing stretches back to its original shape due to the elastic deformation of the resin material, and the space 44 between the deliquescent agent 60 and the breathable waterproof sheet 70 may 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 breathable waterproof sheet 70 be as short as possible (the height H3 immediately after opening after degassing should be as small as possible), and for this to be possible, it is preferable that the ratio Ts / Tb described above be less than 1. If the ratio Ts / Tb is 1 or more, the strength of the side portion 20 will increase, and when the lid sheet 80 is removed, a force will easily act to return the side portion 20 to its original shape.

[0048] As moisture absorption begins, as shown in Figure 4B, deliquescent liquid 62 is generated and the amount of deliquescent agent 60 decreases. Since the volume of the deliquescent agent 60 increases as it absorbs moisture and becomes deliquescent liquid 62, the sum of the volumes of the deliquescent agent 60 and deliquescent liquid 62 after opening is greater than the volume of the deliquescent agent 60 alone before opening. As a result, in the desiccant 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 deliquescent liquid 62 increases further, as shown in Figure 4C, the deliquescent agent 60 liquefies to the point where it is no longer visible to the naked eye. However, moisture absorption in the desiccant container 100 does not stop at this point; moisture absorption continues due to the moisture-absorbing capacity of the deliquescent liquid 62 itself. As the volume of the contents (deliquescent liquid 62) increases, the contracted side portions 20 of the container body 40 are pushed out and gradually begin to return to their volume before degassing. In other words, even at this time, the container body 40 is expanded by the volume of the increased deliquescence 62, so the upper surface of the deliquescence 62 is maintained in a position close to the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet 70.

[0050] As described above, with the dehumidifier container 100, the distance between the deliquescent agent 60 and the breathable waterproof sheet 70 is short at the start of use, and the distance between the deliquescent liquid 62 and the breathable waterproof sheet 70 is short from the middle to the end of use, so a fast moisture absorption rate is always maintained and a high moisture absorption capacity is exhibited. [Examples]

[0051] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited in any way to the following examples. Figures 5 and 6 will be used to illustrate some of the examples and comparative examples. The manufacturing conditions, container dimensions, and evaluation are shown in Table 1. Figure 5 is a graph showing the long-term changes in moisture absorption during use for Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. Figure 6 is a photograph of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 taken from the side at the start of use, on day 10, and on day 31. In order to observe the long-term changes, three samples each (six in total) were prepared for observation up to day 31 and for long-term changes (observation up to day 180), and these were used for observation up to day 31 and long-term changes (observation up to day 180), respectively.

[0052] (Example 1) A non-permeable multilayer film (200 μm thick) consisting of three layers of polyethylene resin / nylon resin / polyethylene resin was set in the mold of a vacuum pressure forming machine capable of deep drawing. The multilayer film was then plug-assisted while vacuuming was applied 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. As described above, the container body was filled with a deliquescent agent (280g of calcium chloride dihydrate). Note that 280g of calcium chloride dihydrate is the amount of deliquescent agent capable of absorbing approximately 650g of moisture. Next, a moisture-permeable waterproof sheet was heat-sealed to the upper surface of the flange, and then the inside of the container was suctioned to remove air until the deliquescent agent was in firm contact with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet. Finally, a lid sheet covering the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet was heat-sealed to make it removable, thereby obtaining the desiccant container of Example 1. Furthermore, the breathable waterproof sheet used was a nonwoven fabric with a sheath-core structure, consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate core layer and a polyethylene sheath layer, laminated to both sides of a polyolefin-based microporous membrane. The cover sheet used was a gas-barrier sheet made by laminating an alumina-deposited polyethylene terephthalate film and an oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, with a part-coating agent applied to the side in contact with the breathable waterproof sheet.

[0053] (Example 2) Except for changing the thickness of the multilayer film constituting the container body to 400 μm, a desiccant container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, and this was designated as Example 2. (Example 3) Except for not performing plug assistance, a desiccant container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, and this was designated as Example 3. (Example 4) Except for changing the thickness of the multilayer film constituting the container body to 400 μm, a desiccant container was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 3, and this was designated as Example 4.

[0054] (Comparative Example 1) A desiccant container was manufactured 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 desiccant container was manufactured 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 as Comparative Example 2. (Comparative Example 3) A commercially available tank-type dehumidifier (tank dimensions: 150mm wide x 85mm deep x 101mm high; type and amount of deliquescent agent contained: calcium chloride dihydrate / 280g) was prepared and designated as Comparative Example 3.

[0055] (Measurement of container body dimensions 1) Before filling with the deliquescent agent, the height H1, bottom thickness Tb (μm), side thickness Ts (μm), and flange thickness Tf (μm) of the container body used in Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were measured. For each example and comparative example, the measurement was performed on one sample from three samples that was visually determined to be the most typical. The height H1 of the container body was measured as the distance from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the flange. The thickness Tb of the base was measured at the center of the base. The thickness Ts of the side surface was determined by measuring the thickness at four randomly selected locations at a height of 3 / 8 of the way from the top relative to the height H1 from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the flange, and calculating the arithmetic mean of these measurements. The flange thickness Tf was determined by measuring the thickness at four randomly selected locations on the flange and calculating the arithmetic mean.

[0056] (Measurement of container body dimensions 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 from three samples that was visually determined to be the most standard. The measurement was taken by avoiding the highest and lowest points visually and measuring the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the flange at a single point in the middle, and this was defined as the height H2. Furthermore, immediately after removing the lid sheet, the height H3 (height H3 after degassing and opening) was measured again using the same method as for measuring height H2.

[0057] (Measurement and evaluation) The following measurements and evaluations were performed using the examples and comparative examples prepared as described above. The lids of each example and comparative example were removed and the containers were opened. The initial weight W0 was measured, and the containers were placed on the floor with the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet facing upwards. The containers were left in an environment maintained at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 80% RH for one month. 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 taken as the weight increase on day 31 of use. For weight measurement, the weight of all three samples in each example and comparative example was measured, the average value was calculated, and this average value was taken as weight W1. The difference from 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 using the same method as for measuring the height H2.

[0059] The shape of the desiccant container after 31 days of use was evaluated as follows. 〇...It was stable and self-supporting, and in a side view, the breathable waterproof sheet had little tilt and was positioned almost horizontally. △···Wrinkles were observed on the bottom surface, the container body was significantly distorted, or the breathable waterproof sheet was significantly tilted when viewed from the side. ×...In a side view, it was confirmed that the breathable waterproof sheet was significantly tilted, or that the container body was significantly distorted.

[0060] (Long-term moisture absorption evaluation) For Examples 1, 2, and Comparative Example 3, weight measurements were taken up to day 180, and the difference (increase) from the initial weight W0 was determined. The results are plotted in Figure 5. For weight measurement, the weight of all three samples in each example and comparative example was measured, the average value was calculated, and the difference (increase) between this average value and the weight W0 was determined.

[0061] (Photo observation) For Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2, photographs were taken from the side at the start of the test, on day 10, and on day 31. The results are shown in Figure 6. In Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2, one sample was selected from three samples, visually judged to be the most standard, and used for photography.

[0062] From the results of the above-described examples and comparative examples, it was confirmed that the weight increase was significantly greater in Examples 1 and 3 and Comparative Example 1, which used resin sheets with a thickness of 200 μm. A similar trend was also observed in Examples 2, 4 and Comparative Example 2, which used resin sheets with a thickness of 400 μm. Comparative Example 3, a commercially available tank-type product, showed the smallest weight increase.

[0063] Examples 3 and 4 showed a higher increase in weight compared to the comparative examples, which was desirable. However, the ratio of the side thickness Ts to the bottom thickness Tb was greater than 1, meaning the side thickness was relatively large and the bottom thickness was small. Therefore, the shape evaluation after 31 days of use showed slightly inferior results compared to Examples 1 and 2.

[0064] As shown in Figure 5, Examples 1 and 2 showed a fast moisture absorption rate from the initial stages of use, and this fast absorption rate was maintained thereafter. Furthermore, Examples 1 and 2 showed a weight increase of approximately 650g, which is considered a guideline, after about three months. On the other hand, Comparative Example 3 showed a moisture absorption rate similar to Examples 1 and 2 immediately after the start of use, but it quickly slowed down, and thereafter the moisture absorption rate remained slow, with the amount of moisture absorbed (weight increase) being about half that of Example 1 after 60 days of use.

[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 vertically, and a decrease in volume was visually confirmed. Furthermore, on day 10, in Example 1, which had the fastest moisture absorption rate, almost no deliquescent agent was visible, and on day 31, almost no deliquescent agent was visible in Example 2 either. Thus, it was confirmed visually that the examples had a faster moisture absorption rate. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 2, deliquescent agent remained even on day 31, 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 designated space in the home, such as a closet, cupboard, shoe cabinet, or room. Furthermore, as described above, the dehumidifying agent container of the present invention has its volume reduced by the degassing of the container body, so even if it is made large, it is easy to transport and store, and also easy to dispose of. For this reason, the present invention is also suitable as a commercial dehumidifier equipped with a large container body that contains a large amount of deliquor for large spaces such as commercial food storage rooms, rental warehouses, or rooms where precision equipment that is sensitive to humidity is installed.

[0068] The present invention described above encompasses the following technical concepts. (1) A waterproof container body having a top opening with the bottom, sides and top openings, A flange portion extending from the upper end of the aforementioned side portion, The deliquescent agent contained in the container body, A breathable waterproof sheet that covers the top opening and is adhered to the upper surface of the flange portion, A non-breathable cover sheet that covers the aforementioned breathable waterproof sheet, Equipped with, The gas inside the container body has been degassed. A dehumidifier container characterized in that the height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than the height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing. (2) The desiccant container according to (1) above, wherein the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness of the side surface to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface is less than 1. (3) The thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, A dehumidifier container according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the ratio Tf / Tb of the thickness of the flange portion to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion is 1 or more. (4) The dehumidifying agent container according to any one of the above items (1) to (3), wherein the container body is made of a single resin sheet. (5) A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying agent container as described in any one of items (1) to (4), A container forming step involves placing a waterproof resin sheet in a predetermined mold and deep drawing it into a predetermined shape having a bottom portion, side portions, and a flange portion extending from the upper end of the side portions, thereby forming a container body having the flange portion. A storage step in which the deliquescent agent is placed in the container body, and then the outer edge of the moisture-permeable waterproof sheet is bonded to the upper surface of the flange, and A degassing and sealing process is performed in which a non-breathable lid sheet covering the breathable waterproof sheet is laminated on the upper surface of the breathable waterproof sheet, and while maintaining the breathable waterproof sheet taut in the planar direction, gas is removed from inside the container body to reduce the volume of the container body, and the container body is sealed with the lid sheet. A method for manufacturing a desiccant container that includes the following features. (6) The method for manufacturing a dehumidifier container according to (5) above, wherein, during the deep drawing process in the container forming step, a plug that matches the shape of the inner wall surface 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 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 section 60. Dehygroscopic 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 an opening at the top, with the bottom, sides, and top being open, A flange portion extending from the upper end of the aforementioned side portion, The deliquescent agent contained in the container body, A breathable waterproof sheet that covers the top opening and is adhered to the upper surface of the flange portion, A non-breathable cover sheet that covers the aforementioned breathable waterproof sheet, Equipped with, The gas inside the container body has been degassed. The height H2 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion is smaller than the height H1 from the lower surface of the bottom portion to the upper surface of the flange portion before degassing. The container body is made of a resin sheet, The thickness Tf of the flange portion is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, A dehumidifier container characterized in that the thickness Tf of the flange portion is greater than or equal to the thickness Tb of the bottom portion, and the thickness Ts of the side portion is greater than or equal to (excluding dehumidifier containers in which the container body is suspended in mid-air at the start of use).

2. The dehumidifier container according to claim 1, wherein the ratio Ts / Tb of the thickness of the side surface to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom surface is 0.2 or more and less than 1.

3. The thickness Tf (μm) of the flange portion is 180 μm or more and 400 μm or less, The dehumidifier container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio Tf / Tb of the thickness of the flange portion to the thickness Tb (μm) of the bottom portion is 1 or more.

4. The dehumidifying agent container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the container body is made of a single resin sheet.

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