Moisture absorption device and dish washing / drying device

Abstract

A moisture absorption device according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a first humidity control unit that has a first humidity control material that circulates air and absorbs or releases moisture in the air; a second humidity control unit that has a second humidity control material that circulates the air in a flow path different from that of the first humidity control unit and that absorbs or releases moisture in the air; and a switching unit that switches circulation of the air to the first humidity control unit or the second humidity control unit, the first humidity control material having a first humidity control component, the second humidity control material having a second humidity control component, the first humidity control component being a carboxylate, the second humidity control component being a substance other than a carboxylate, and the switching unit switching, in accordance with the relative humidity in the air, from the first humidity control unit to the second humidity control unit or from the second humidity control unit to the first humidity control unit.

Description

Moisture absorption device and dishwasher / drying device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-128917, filed on August 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Various tableware drying devices and the like have been disclosed in the past.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dishwasher that has a dish basket for placing items to be washed, a washing tub that houses the dish basket, a moisture absorption section that absorbs water from the air in the washing tub, an internal circulation means that agitates the air in the washing tub, a condensation path that condenses the water absorbed in the moisture absorption section, a regeneration section that desorbs the water adsorbed by the moisture absorption section from the moisture absorption section, and a regeneration section heating means that heats the regeneration section, and that circulates dry air within the washing tub to dry the items.

[0004] JP 2010-94247 A

[0005] However, the moisture absorption section of the device described in Patent Document 1 can efficiently dehumidify the air in the cleaning tank at the beginning of drying when the humidity is high, but the dehumidifying effect drops significantly when the air becomes low-humidity after drying has progressed to a certain extent.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a moisture absorbing device and a dishwasher / drying apparatus that can improve drying efficiency by promoting dehumidification of low-humidity air.

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a humidity control device includes a first humidity control unit that circulates air and has a first humidity control material that absorbs or releases moisture in the air, a second humidity control unit that circulates the air through a flow path separate from the first humidity control unit and has a second humidity control material that absorbs or releases moisture in the air, and a switching unit that switches the flow of the air between the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit, wherein the first humidity control material has a first humidity control component, the second humidity control material has a second humidity control component, the first humidity control component is a carboxylate, and the second humidity control component is a substance other than a carboxylate, and the switching unit switches from the first humidity control unit to the second humidity control unit or from the second humidity control unit to the first humidity control unit depending on the relative humidity of the air.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned moisture absorbing device, a washing tub for washing dishes, an air blowing section for blowing air from the washing tub to the moisture absorbing device, and a heating section provided between the moisture absorbing device and the washing tub for supplying warm air to the moisture absorbing device in order to regenerate the first humidity-controlling component and the second humidity-controlling component.

[0009] As described above, the present disclosure can provide a moisture absorbing device and a dishwasher / drying apparatus that can improve drying efficiency by promoting dehumidification of low-humidity air.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a moisture absorbing device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated to the first humidity control unit by the switching unit. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of a moisture absorbing device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated to the second humidity control unit by the switching unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a humidity conditioner. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a first ventilated substrate and a second ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of a first ventilated substrate and a second ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 7 is a front view showing an example of a ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of a ventilation substrate provided in the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the adsorption isotherm for the humidity control component at 25°C. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the equilibrium moisture adsorption amount per unit weight of the humidity control component in a predetermined relative humidity range of the ventilated air. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relative humidity of the air at the inlet and outlet of the moisture absorption device and the amount of moisture absorbed versus the moisture absorption time (drying time) in an apparatus not provided with a switching unit. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relative humidity of the air at the inlet and outlet of the moisture absorption device and the amount of moisture absorbed versus the moisture absorption time (drying time) in a moisture absorption device provided with a switching unit. FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a modified moisture absorption device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway side view of a modified moisture absorption device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated to the first humidity control unit by the switching unit. FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway side view of a modified moisture absorption device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated to the second humidity control unit by the switching unit. Fig. 17 is a perspective view schematically showing another modified example of the moisture absorbing device according to the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is a partially cutaway plan view of a modified example of the moisture absorbing device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated in one direction by the switching unit. Fig. 19 is a partially cutaway plan view of a modified example of the moisture absorbing device according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated in the other direction by the switching unit. Fig. 20 is a partially cutaway side view of a dishwasher / dryer according to the present disclosure, showing the state during drying.FIG. 20 is a partially cutaway side view of a dishwasher and dryer according to the present disclosure, showing a moisture absorbing device being regenerated.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that in the drawings, the X axis represents the air flow direction, the Y axis represents the width direction, and the Z axis represents the height direction.

[0012] [Moisture Absorbing Device] Fig. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure, showing the state where air is circulated to the first humidity control unit 10 by the switching unit 30. Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway side view of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure, showing the state where air is circulated to the second humidity control unit 20 by the switching unit 30. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a housing 1, a first humidity control unit 10, a second humidity control unit 20, and a switching unit 30. The switching unit 30 is characterized by switching from the first humidity control unit 10 to the second humidity control unit 20 or from the second humidity control unit 20 to the first humidity control unit 10, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, depending on the relative humidity in the air. The first humidity control unit 10 has a large equilibrium moisture absorption capacity in high-humidity air. Furthermore, the second humidity control section 20 has a larger equilibrium moisture absorption amount in low humidity air than the first humidity control section 10 .

[0013] In this way, the device has at least two first and second humidity control sections 10 and 20 that have dehumidifying functions by absorbing or releasing moisture, and when the humidity of the air that has passed through the first humidity control section 10 decreases and the dehumidifying efficiency decreases, the device switches to the second humidity control section 20, which has a larger equilibrium moisture absorption amount in low-humidity air than the first humidity control section 10, using the switching section 30, thereby promoting dehumidification of low-humidity air and enabling improvement of drying efficiency.

[0014] Each component will be explained below.

[0015] The housing 1 is an exterior of the moisture absorbing device 100. For example, a pipe or the like is used as the housing 1. The housing 1 also prevents switching of the air flow path and prevents the airflow from escaping to anything other than the moisture absorbing device.

[0016] The switching unit 30 switches the air flow to either the first humidity control unit 10 or the second humidity control unit 20. The switching unit 30 is not limited as long as it can switch the air flow path between the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The switching unit 30 may be, for example, a switching valve such as a valve, a gate valve, or the like. A partition 31 may be provided between the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20.

[0017] The first humidity control section 10 has a first humidity control material 12 that allows air to flow and absorbs or releases moisture in the air. The first humidity control material 12 has a first humidity control component.

[0018] The second humidity control unit 20 circulates air through a flow path separate from that of the first humidity control unit 10, and includes a second humidity control material 22 that absorbs or releases moisture in the air. The second humidity control material 22 includes a second humidity control component. In other words, the air circulating through the moisture absorption device 100 passes through either the first humidity control unit 10 or the second humidity control unit 20.

[0019] The first and second humidity control materials 12 and 22 have a humidity control function by absorbing or releasing moisture.

[0020] Furthermore, the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a first humidity control unit 10 and a second humidity control unit 20 each having a first and second humidity control component that are different from each other, thereby enabling the device to simultaneously promote the dehumidification of both high-humidity air and low-humidity air, thereby improving drying efficiency. The device includes a first humidity control component (a first humidity control component) made of a material whose equilibrium moisture absorption amount for air within a certain relative humidity range is greatest on the high-humidity side, and a second humidity control component (a second humidity control component) made of a material whose equilibrium moisture absorption amount is greater than that of the first humidity control component on the low-humidity side, and switches the flow path from the first humidity control component to the second humidity control component depending on the relative humidity of the air passing through the humidity control unit. The humidity control material will be described below.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 include first and second water-absorbing materials 14, 24 containing resin and / or clay mineral, and first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23, which are first and second humidity-conditioning components that absorb or release moisture and have humidity-conditioning function. The first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23 are impregnated into the first and second water-absorbing materials 14, 24. Depending on the humidity of the environment in which they are placed, the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 absorb and absorb moisture contained in the air at that location, or release moisture contained in the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 into the air to humidify. Furthermore, the first and second water-absorbing materials 14, 24 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of water-absorbent resins and clay minerals.

[0022] The first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 may be in the form of powder, particles, or blocks, or the resin may be supported on the first and second breathable substrates 11, 21 described below, so that they can be efficiently brought into contact with air.

[0023] The first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24 have the function of retaining the first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23. Because the first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24 retain the first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23, the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 can have a high surface area-to-volume ratio. This can increase the rate at which moisture is absorbed or released. Therefore, the first and second humidity-conditioning materials 12, 22 can be humidity-conditioning materials with a high humidity-conditioning rate.

[0024] The first and second water-absorbing materials 14, 24 are preferably water-absorbent resins (particles, powder). This allows the first and second water-absorbing materials 14, 24 to be suitably impregnated with the first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23, further enhancing the humidity-conditioning effect. Specific examples of water-absorbent resins include ionic and non-ionic resins. Examples of ionic resins include alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid and starch-acrylate graft polymers. Examples of alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid include sodium polyacrylate. Examples of non-ionic resins include vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyalkylene oxides. Metal salt components are more preferably those that form hydrate crystals within a predetermined humidity range, thereby promoting rapid moisture absorption and desorption within a specific humidity range.

[0025] The first humidity-controlling component is a carboxylate, and the carboxylate is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate.

[0026] The second humidity-conditioning component is a substance other than a carboxylate. The second humidity-conditioning component is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal salt, a polyhydric alcohol, a polymer adsorbent, silica gel, and a zeolite. Examples of adsorbent materials include a polymer adsorbent, silica gel, and zeolite.

[0027] Examples of metal salts of the second humidity-conditioning component include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate. Only one of these salts may be contained, or two or more may be contained. The second humidity-conditioning component may also be a water-soluble organic substance, and specific examples thereof include sugars such as sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylol, fructose, mannitol, and sorbitol, carboxylic acids such as citric acid, and amides such as urea.

[0028] Specific examples of the polyhydric alcohol of the second humidity-controlling component include at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and lactic acid, among which polyhydric alcohols having three or more hydroxyl groups such as glycerin are more preferably used. The polyhydric alcohol may form a dimer or a polymer.

[0029] The amount of the first and second humidity conditioning liquids 13, 23 relative to the first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24 is preferably 1 part by weight to 1000 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24. In this way, the amounts of the first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24 and the first and second humidity conditioning liquids 13, 23 become appropriate, and the humidity conditioning function can be further improved. Furthermore, the first and second water absorbent materials 14, 24 are preferably in powder or granular form.

[0030] Alternatively, the first and second humidity-conditioning liquids 13, 23 may be wetted and retained in hydrophilic fibers such as porous materials, nonwoven fabrics, or woven fabrics. The material may be in the form of a sheet, which may be formed into various shapes such as a flat, pleated, or honeycomb shape. For example, the sheet material may first be formed into a wave-like (fluted) shape using a corrugator, and then be bonded to a flat liner made of the same or a different material as the sheet using an adhesive to form an integrated unit.

[0031] For example, in the case of a ceramic honeycomb shape, a clay is produced by kneading raw materials such as ceramic raw material powder, binder, and pore-forming material. This clay is then extruded using a screw extruder to produce a honeycomb-structured molded body, which is then dried or fired. The inner surface of these substrates is impregnated with a humidity-controlling component, binder, and various additives to form a humidity-controlling portion. Because the specific surface area increases, the rate of moisture absorption from the circulating air is expected to increase.

[0032] In addition to the above, the second humidity control material 22 may also be B-type silica gel, zeolite, a polymeric sorption material, or the like.

[0033] Here, "humidity control" refers to adjusting the relative humidity of the air in the surrounding environment so that it approaches a predetermined target humidity range. Specifically, for example, assuming that the predetermined target relative humidity is 50% RH, when the relative humidity of the air in the surrounding environment is higher than 50% RH, the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 absorb moisture (moisture absorption), and when the relative humidity of the air in the surrounding environment is lower than 50% RH, the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 release moisture (moisture release). Typically, the predetermined target humidity range correlates with the material and moisture content of the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22. Specifically, for example, the predetermined target humidity range correlates with the moisture content of the humidity control liquid.

[0034] The first humidity control unit 10 supports the above-mentioned moisture absorbent and humidity control component, while the second humidity control unit 20 supports the above-mentioned moisture absorbent and humidity control component, or one or more selected from the group consisting of a polymer adsorbent, silica gel, and zeolite, which are adsorbents, and a humidity control component.

[0035] The first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 are regenerated by heating. When the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 are metal salts, polyhydric alcohols, or polymer adsorbents that chemically adsorb water molecules, the moisture contained in the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 can be released by heating them at a relatively low temperature.

[0036] Next, the first breathable substrate 11 and the second breathable substrate 21 provided in the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20 will be described.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the first ventilation substrate 11 and the second ventilation substrate 21 provided in the first humidity conditioning unit 10 and the second humidity conditioning unit 20. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the first ventilation substrate 11 and the second ventilation substrate 21 provided in the first humidity conditioning unit 10 and the second humidity conditioning unit 20. The moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure may include rectangular or cylindrical first ventilation substrates 11 and second ventilation substrates 21 (hereinafter simply referred to as ventilation substrates) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, the ventilation substrates shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be arranged vertically in the views shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first humidity conditioning unit 10 and the second humidity conditioning unit 20 may each be the same ventilation substrate, or may each be a different ventilation substrate. Furthermore, a plurality of ventilation substrates as shown in FIG. 4 or 5 may be provided to form the first humidity conditioning unit 10 and the second humidity conditioning unit 20.

[0038] The breathable substrates shown in Figures 4 and 5 allow air to flow in one direction. That is, when air is allowed to flow through the breathable substrates shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air flows in the X direction, but does not flow in the Y or Z directions.

[0039] Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are front views showing examples of the ventilated substrate provided in the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20. Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are front views of Figures 4 and 5 as viewed from the -X direction. As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the interior of the ventilated substrate preferably has a pleated structure, a corrugated structure, a honeycomb structure, or a rectangular shape. This increases the surface area of ​​the ventilated substrate, allowing for efficient contact with the blown air and further improving moisture absorption and desorption efficiency.

[0040] The first and second humidity control materials 12, 22, the first and second humidity control components, and the first and second water absorbents 14, 24 are supported on the breathable substrate to form the first and second humidity control units 10, 20. Alternatively, the first and second humidity control units 10, 20 may be formed as hollow column-shaped first and second breathable substrates 11, 21 shown in FIG. 5, which support the first and second humidity control materials 12, 22 (first and second humidity control components). By adopting such a hollow column shape, the amount of the first and second humidity control components can be increased, thereby increasing the moisture absorption capacity. For example, the breathable substrate may be made of a sheet-like material such as a hydrophilic fiber, such as a porous material, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. In this way, the uneven surface of the substrate increases the surface area, allowing for increased support of the humidity control components and water absorbent material, further improving the moisture absorption and desorption efficiency. Alternatively, the breathable substrate may be made of a metal sheet. In this way, the high thermal conductivity allows the heat of the blown air to be efficiently transferred to the humidity-conditioning material, further improving the moisture absorption and desorption efficiency. Note that the breathable substrate may be made of any material that achieves the effects described herein, and the above examples are not intended to limit the material of the breathable substrate.

[0041] Next, the moisture absorption amount (adsorption amount) of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure with respect to the humidity-conditioning component will be described.

[0042] FIG. 10 shows the adsorption isotherm for the humidity-conditioning component at 25°C. FIG. 11 shows the equilibrium moisture adsorption amount per unit weight of the humidity-conditioning component in a given relative humidity range of the ventilated air. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate begin to absorb moisture at a relative humidity of about 50%. These substances rapidly increase their moisture absorption amount when the relative humidity exceeds 50%. Furthermore, these substances exhibit large moisture absorption amounts in the high humidity range of 50%-80% relative humidity. When sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate are used as humidity-conditioning components, assuming that the relative humidity is x1 and the moisture absorption amount per unit weight of the moisture absorbent is y1, as shown in FIG. 10, in the high humidity range of 50%-80% relative humidity, y1≧6.8(x1-50). Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 11, the adsorption amount per unit weight of sodium acetate, sodium propionate and sodium formate is 218 to 253% in the high humidity range of 50% to 80% relative humidity.

[0043] The air relative humidity of 30% to 50% is defined as the low humidity range, and 50% to 80% as the high humidity range. Figure 11 shows the difference in equilibrium moisture adsorption per unit weight of a moisture-absorbing material between the low and high humidity ranges. For example, in the case of sodium formate, the equilibrium moisture adsorption at a relative humidity of 30% is 0%, while the equilibrium moisture adsorption at a relative humidity of 50% is 1%, so the equilibrium moisture adsorption in the low humidity range is 1%. Similarly, the equilibrium moisture adsorption at a relative humidity of 80% is 254%, so the equilibrium moisture adsorption in the high humidity range is 253%. The greater the equilibrium moisture adsorption per unit weight of a humidity-conditioning material, the greater the amount of moisture it can absorb and release, and therefore the higher its moisture absorption and release capacity.

[0044] On the other hand, substances other than sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate (in FIG. 11, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, glycerin, polymer adsorbent, silica gel, and zeolite), such as lithium chloride and calcium chloride, begin to absorb moisture at a relative humidity of around 0% or 30%. Furthermore, in the low humidity range of 0%-50% or the low humidity range of 30%-50%, these substances absorb larger amounts of moisture than sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate. Furthermore, when a humidity-conditioning component other than sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate is used, where x2 is the relative humidity and y2 is the amount of moisture absorbed per unit weight of the moisture absorbent, as shown in FIG. 10, in the low humidity range of 0%-50%, y2≧0.3x2, y2≧0.6x2, or y2≧3.5x2 is satisfied, and in the low humidity range of 30%-50%, y2≧x2-30 is satisfied. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the substances other than sodium formate, sodium acetate and sodium propionate have an adsorption amount per unit weight of 6 to 78% in the low humidity range of 30% to 50% relative humidity.

[0045] In the moisture absorption device 100 according to the present disclosure, a carboxylate is used in the first humidity control section 10, and another material is used in the second humidity control section 20, but the first humidity control section 10 uses a substance that has a large moisture absorption amount in the high humidity range of 50%-80% relative humidity and satisfies y1≧6.8(x1-50), and the second humidity control section 20 uses a substance that has a large moisture absorption amount in the low humidity range of 50% or less relative humidity and satisfies y2≧0.3x2, or y2≧0.6x2, or y2≧3.5x2 in the low humidity range of 0%-50%, or satisfies y2≧x2-30 in the low humidity range of 30%-50%.

[0046] In this way, by using a carboxylate in the first humidity control unit 10 and a substance other than a carboxylate in the second humidity control unit 20, air is circulated through the first humidity control unit 10 to dehumidify during the initial high humidity period, and then switched to circulating air through the second humidity control unit 20 for further dehumidification. This makes it possible to promote dehumidification of low-humidity air and improve drying efficiency.

[0047] The drying efficiency will be further explained below.

[0048] Fig. 12 is a graph showing the relative humidity of the air circulating through the moisture absorbing device 100 and the amount of moisture absorbed versus the moisture absorption time (drying time) in an apparatus that does not have the switching unit 30. Fig. 13 is a graph showing the relative humidity of the air circulating through the moisture absorbing device 100 and the amount of moisture absorbed versus the moisture absorption time (drying time) in an apparatus that has the switching unit 30.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12, in an apparatus that does not have a switching unit 30, the circulating air cannot be switched from the first humidity control unit 10 to the second humidity control unit 20 over time, so initially there is a large increase in the amount of moisture due to moisture absorption, but the increase in the amount of moisture absorbed becomes smaller over time.

[0050] Also, from the start of drying １ In the moisture absorption section, the difference between the equilibrium humidity of the moisture absorption section itself and the relative humidity of the inflowing air is large, and the difference between the absolute humidity of the inlet and outlet of the moisture absorption device 100 is large, so the amount of adsorption is large. １ ~t ２ At this time, the amount of moisture absorbed increases, the equilibrium humidity of the moisture absorbing section itself rises, and the humidity difference with the inflowing air becomes smaller, so the moisture absorption rate decreases. ２ ~t ３ It takes time to absorb the last bit of moisture, which means the drying efficiency is poor.

[0051] On the other hand, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the relative humidity of the circulating air and the amount of absorbed moisture with respect to the moisture absorption time (drying time) in the moisture absorbing device 100 having a switching unit. １The flow path of air flowing from the first humidity control unit 10 to the second humidity control unit 20 is switched at time t2. The moisture absorbing device 100 shown in FIG. 13 includes a switching unit 30, a first humidity control unit 10, and a second humidity control unit 20. Therefore, at time t2, when the amount of moisture absorbed decreases over time, the first humidity control unit 10 is switched to the second humidity control unit 20. Since the equilibrium humidity of the second humidity control unit 20 is low and the humidity difference with the incoming air increases, the absolute humidity difference between the inlet and outlet of the moisture absorbing device 100 increases again, increasing the moisture absorption rate and maintaining an increase in the amount of moisture absorbed even after switching. This promotes dehumidification of low-humidity air and improves drying efficiency. Furthermore, while the device shown in FIG. 12 reaches the target relative humidity at time t3, the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure shown in FIG. 13 reaches the target relative humidity at time t2. Therefore, the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure can shorten the time required to reach the target relative humidity.

[0052] Next, modified examples of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0053] Fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a modified example of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure. While Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20 arranged in parallel, the moisture absorbing device 110 shown in Fig. 14 has the second humidity control unit 20 provided on the outside so as to cover the first humidity control unit 10.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14 , the switching unit 30 may be switched to allow air to flow through the first humidity control unit 10 or the second humidity control unit 20 .

[0055] 15 is a partially cutaway side view of a modified example of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated through the first humidity control unit 10 by the switching unit 30. When circulating air through the first humidity control unit 10, as shown in FIG. 15 , the air inlet of the second humidity control unit 20 is closed by the switching unit 30, and air is circulated through the inner first humidity control unit 10.

[0056] On the other hand, when air is to be circulated through the second humidity control unit 20, the air inlet of the first humidity control unit 10 is closed by the switching unit 30, and air is circulated through the first humidity control unit 10 that covers the outside, as shown in Fig. 16. Note that multiple switching units 30 may be provided.

[0057] The humidity control materials provided in the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20 generate heat of adsorption when they absorb moisture from the air. Therefore, by having the second humidity control unit 20 cover the first humidity control unit 10, when air flows through the inner first humidity control unit 10, the heat of adsorption generated when moisture is absorbed from the air is transmitted to the second humidity control unit 20 covering the outside, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature in the first humidity control unit 10, increasing the relative humidity of the air passing through, and increasing the difference in equilibrium humidity between the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20, thereby improving the moisture absorption efficiency of the air and further improving the drying efficiency.

[0058] FIG. 17 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another modified example of the moisture absorbing device 100 according to the present disclosure. The moisture absorbing device 120 shown in FIG. 17 has first humidity control units 10 and second humidity control units 20 stacked alternately, and the air flow direction is perpendicular to the first humidity control units 10 and the second humidity control units 20. The moisture absorbing device 120 shown in FIG. 17 is a laminate of multiple first humidity control units 10 and second humidity control units 20. In this case, the first humidity control units 10 and the second humidity control units 20 are arranged so that air flows in one direction. Note that the moisture absorbing device 120 shown in FIG. 17 has the first humidity control unit 10 from the bottom and the second humidity control unit 20 above it, arranged alternately in the Z direction.

[0059] To achieve this configuration, for example, the height of the ventilation substrate shown in Fig. 4 may be reduced and arranged alternately by rotating them by 90°. For example, the first humidity conditioner 12 may be supported on the ventilation substrate arranged at 0° to form the first humidity conditioner 10, and the second humidity conditioner 22 may be supported on the ventilation substrate arranged at 90° to form the second humidity conditioner 20.

[0060] 18 is a partially cutaway plan view of a modified example of the moisture absorbing device 120 according to the present disclosure, showing the state when air is circulated in one direction by the switching unit 30. When circulating air through the first humidity control unit 10, as shown in FIG. 18 , the inlet side of the second humidity control unit 20 is closed by the switching unit 30 to circulate air through the first humidity control unit 10.

[0061] On the other hand, when air is to be circulated through the second humidity control section 20, as shown in Figure 19, the inlet side of the first humidity control section 10 is closed by the switching section 30 to allow air to be circulated through the second humidity control section 20.

[0062] In this way, when air flows through the first humidity control section 10, the heat of adsorption generated when moisture is absorbed from the inflowing air is transferred to the second humidity control section 20, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature in the first humidity control section 10, increasing the relative humidity of the passing air, and increasing the difference in equilibrium humidity in the first humidity control section 10. Furthermore, because the first humidity control section 10 and the second humidity control section 20 are alternately stacked, the heat of adsorption generated is better dispersed, improving the moisture absorption efficiency in the air and further improving the drying efficiency.

[0063] 20 is a partially cutaway side view of dishwasher / dryer 1000 according to the present disclosure, showing the state during drying. Dishwasher / dryer 1000 according to the present disclosure includes outer frame 2, moisture absorption devices 100, 110, 120 housed in outer frame 2, washing tub 40, air blower 50, and heater 60.

[0064] While the dishes 41 are being dried, the circulating air is blown by the air blower 50 through the first humidity control section 10 or the second humidity control section 20 of the moisture absorption device 100, 110, 120, passes through the washing tank 40, and then passes again through the first humidity control section 10 or the second humidity control section 20 of the moisture absorption device 100, 110, 120, before circulating within the dishwashing and drying apparatus 1000.

[0065] The moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120 included in the dishwasher / drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure are as described above.

[0066] The washing tank 40 accommodates and washes tableware 41.

[0067] The blower 50 causes the moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, and 120 to blow air from the cleaning tank 40. The blower 50 may be, for example, a fan.

[0068] The heating unit 60 is provided between the moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120 and the cleaning tank 40 in the path of the circulating air, and regenerates the first and second humidity control components (the first humidity control material 12 and the second humidity control material 22). The heating unit 60 supplies warm air to the moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120. Therefore, the heating unit 60 is provided upstream of the flowing air of the moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120. The heating unit 60 heats the absorbed first and second humidity control components (the first humidity control material 12 and the second humidity control material 22) and releases moisture contained in the first and second humidity control components (the first humidity control material 12 and the second humidity control material 22), thereby regenerating the first and second humidity control components (the first humidity control material 12 and the second humidity control material 22). The heating unit 60 heats the first humidity-conditioning component and the second humidity-conditioning component (the first humidity-conditioning material 12 and the second humidity-conditioning material 22) when they are regenerated. The heating unit 60 may be, for example, a heater.

[0069] In the dishwashing and drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure, the switching unit 30 switches the air flow from the first humidity control unit 10 to the second humidity control unit 20 while the dishes 41 are being dried. In this way, moisture is adsorbed even in the air with reduced humidity, which promotes dehumidification of the low-humidity air and improves drying efficiency.

[0070] Furthermore, the dishwasher / dryer 1000 according to the present disclosure incorporates moisture absorption devices 100, 110, and 120, allowing air for drying dishes 41 to circulate within the dishwasher / dryer 1000. In other words, the dishwasher / dryer 1000 is configured not to discharge high-humidity air to the outside. This prevents condensation on furniture around the dishwasher / dryer 1000, reduces unpleasant odors from washed dishes, and ensures safety.

[0071] In addition, the dishwashing and drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure can further improve moisture absorption efficiency by heating the circulating air using the heating section 60 so as to maintain the temperature at 70°C, which is the same as the temperature during washing.

[0072] Dishwashing and drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure may include humidity sensors 70 that measure the humidity of the air in washing tub 40 on the inlet and outlet sides of moisture absorption devices 100, 110, 120. When humidity sensor 70 detects a predetermined humidity or a predetermined difference in humidity between the inlet and outlet sides, switching unit 30 may switch the air flow.

[0073] Alternatively, the air flow may be switched by the switching unit 30 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0074] Fig. 21 is a partially cutaway side view of dishwashing and drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure, showing the state during regeneration of moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120. As shown in Fig. 20, air heated by heating unit 60 is blown into both first humidity control unit 10 and second humidity control unit 20 to regenerate the first humidity control component and the second humidity control component.

[0075] When the first humidity-controlling component is a carboxylate and the second humidity-controlling component is a metal salt other than a carboxylate, the heating unit 60 can be regenerated even at a temperature of about 70° C. This allows for increased regeneration efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

[0076] When zeolite or silica gel is supported on the second humidity control unit 20, a temperature of 100°C or higher is required for regeneration. In this case, the first humidity control unit 10 side is closed and the second humidity control unit 20 is regenerated at a temperature of 100°C or higher, and then the temperature is lowered to regenerate the first humidity control unit 10. In this manner, moisture absorption by the regeneration air after regeneration of the second humidity control unit 20 is suppressed. Also, energy savings are possible during regeneration of the first humidity control unit 10. Furthermore, because air is circulated through only one of the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20, the opening area for the regeneration air is reduced, increasing the air flow rate and improving regeneration efficiency.

[0077] Alternatively, a plurality of heating units 60 may be provided to blow air at about 70° C. and air at 100° C. or higher to the first humidity control unit 10 and the second humidity control unit 20, respectively.

[0078] As described above, the moisture absorbing devices 100, 110, 120 and the dishwasher / drying apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure can improve drying efficiency by promoting dehumidification of low-humidity air.

[0079] Although each embodiment and each example of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0080] For example, a term that is described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader or similar meaning can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configurations and operations of the moisture absorbing device and dishwashing and drying apparatus are not limited to those described in the embodiments and examples of the present disclosure, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A moisture absorption device comprising: a first humidity control unit having a first humidity control material that circulates air and absorbs or releases moisture in the air; a second humidity control unit having a second humidity control material that circulates the air through a flow path separate from the first humidity control unit and absorbs or releases moisture in the air; and a switching unit that switches the flow of the air to either the first humidity control unit or the second humidity control unit, wherein the first humidity control material has a first humidity control component, the second humidity control material has a second humidity control component, the first humidity control component is a carboxylate, and the second humidity control component is a substance other than a carboxylate, and the switching unit switches from the first humidity control unit to the second humidity control unit, or from the second humidity control unit to the first humidity control unit, depending on the relative humidity in the air.

2. The moisture absorbing device described in claim 1, characterized in that the first moisture-conditioning material further has a first water-absorbing material, the first moisture-conditioning section comprises a first breathable substrate that supports the first moisture-conditioning component and the first water-absorbing material, and the second moisture-conditioning section comprises a second breathable substrate that supports at least the second moisture-conditioning component.

3. The moisture absorbing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first moisture-regulating component is at least one selected from the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate.

4. A moisture absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second moisture-regulating component is at least one selected from the group consisting of metal salts, polyhydric alcohols, polymeric adsorbents, silica gel and zeolites.

5. A moisture absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second moisture control section is provided on the outside so as to cover the first moisture control section.

6. A moisture absorbing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first humidity control section and the second humidity control section are alternately stacked, and the air flow direction is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first humidity control section and the second humidity control section.

7. A dishwashing and drying apparatus comprising: a moisture absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a washing tub for washing dishes; an air blowing section for blowing air from the washing tub to the moisture absorbing device; and a heating section provided between the moisture absorbing device and the washing tub for supplying warm air to the moisture absorbing device in order to regenerate the first humidity-conditioning component and the second humidity-conditioning component.

8. The dishwashing and drying apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that the switching unit blows air from the washing tank to both the first humidity control unit and the second humidity control unit to regenerate the first humidity control component and the second humidity control component.

9. The dishwashing and drying apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity of the air in the washing tub.

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