JP6595199B2 - Humidity control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus that adjusts the humidity of air using a hygroscopic material.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a humidity control apparatus using a hygroscopic material such as zeolite (hygroscopic porous material) is known as a humidity control apparatus for adjusting humidity in the air (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  This type of humidity control device absorbs moisture in the room air once by a hygroscopic material such as zeolite to dehumidify the room air, and applies high-temperature hot air to the moisture absorbing material that has absorbed moisture. Evaporate the absorbed moisture and extract it as high-temperature and high-humidity air, and cool the high-temperature and high-humidity air with room air to condense the moisture in the high-temperature and high-humidity air and collect the water. It has become.

JP 2003-144833 A JP 2001-259349 A

  However, in a conventional humidity control device using a hygroscopic material, the hygroscopic material captures moisture in the air because the hygroscopic material (zeolite, etc.) and the absorbed water molecules form strong silanol bonds. Yes.

  For this reason, in order to regenerate the hygroscopic material by releasing the moisture adsorbed on the hygroscopic material, it is necessary to heat to a high temperature in order to break the strong bond between the hygroscopic material and water molecules, There is a problem that a large amount of energy is required.

  For example, when using zeolite as a hygroscopic material, it is necessary to heat the hygroscopic material to a high temperature of 200 ° C. or more (locally about 400 ° C.) for the regeneration treatment. Also, when using a hygroscopic material composed of a hydrophilic polymer mainly composed of sodium acrylate, which is called a polymer adsorbent, it is necessary to evaporate water captured by the hygroscopic material from the inside of the hygroscopic material in the regeneration process. Yes, it needs to be heated to a high temperature.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce energy consumption required for regeneration processing of a hygroscopic material in a humidity control apparatus using the hygroscopic material.

  A humidity control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a moisture absorbent material including a stimulus-responsive polymer that reversibly changes to hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in response to a predetermined external stimulus, and the moisture absorbent material is hydrophilic. A stimulus applying unit for applying an external stimulus for switching from hydrophobic to hydrophobic, and a heating unit for applying heat for evaporating water released from the hygroscopic material when the hygroscopic material is switched to hydrophobic. It is characterized by being.

  According to the above configuration, by applying a predetermined external stimulus to the hygroscopic material, the hygroscopic material is switched to hydrophobic so that moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material is exuded, and water exuded from the hygroscopic material is heated and evaporated. Thus, the hygroscopic material can be regenerated to a dry state. In this way, when the moisture exuded from the hygroscopic material is evaporated, the water can be evaporated with a smaller amount of heat than when the moisture adsorbed on the hygroscopic material such as zeolite is evaporated as in the prior art. Thereby, the energy consumption required for the regeneration process of a hygroscopic material can be reduced.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the humidity control apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the moisture absorption unit with which the humidity control apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of the moisture absorption part with which the moisture absorption unit shown in FIG. 2 is equipped. It is a top view of the moisture absorption unit with which the humidity control apparatus concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention is equipped. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the humidity control apparatus concerning Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the humidity control apparatus concerning Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the humidity control apparatus concerning Embodiment 5 of this invention.

Embodiment 1
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the humidity control apparatus 1 includes a first air path (first processing unit) 10, a second air path (second processing unit) 20, a cooling air path 30, a moisture absorption unit 40, and a drain tank 50. It has.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the moisture absorption unit 40. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the moisture absorption unit 40 includes a substantially cylindrical support portion 41, a rotation shaft 43 passing through the center of the support portion 41, and a rotational axis at a rotationally symmetric position about the rotation shaft 43. 43, two moisture absorption parts 42 a and 42 b penetrating the support part 41, and a motor (switching part) 44 connected to the rotation shaft 43 are provided. Further, the moisture absorbing parts 42a and 42b are filled with a moisture absorbing material to be described later.

  The motor 44 rotates and rotates the rotating shaft 43 in accordance with an instruction from a control unit (not shown) so that the hygroscopic unit 40 is positioned in the first air passage 10 and the hygroscopic unit 42b is in the second air. Switching between the first state arranged in the path 20 and the second state in which the hygroscopic part 42a is arranged in the second air path 20 and the hygroscopic part 42b is arranged in the first air path 10 is performed.

  The said control part switches a 1st state and a 2nd state for every predetermined timing. For example, it may be switched every time the operation time reaches a predetermined time, or may be switched in accordance with an instruction from the user. A sensor for detecting the amount of moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing portions 42a and 42b is provided, and the first air passage 10 is provided. Switching may be performed when the moisture absorption amount of the moisture absorption section arranged in the above becomes a predetermined value or more. The control unit may be a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, and a computer including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). It may be realized by executing software.

  When the hygroscopic parts 42a and 42b are arranged in the first air passage 10, they are arranged in the whole area in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 43 in the first air passage 10, so that almost the entire amount of air flowing through the first air passage 10 is reduced. It passes through the moisture absorption part 42a (or 42b). Similarly, when the hygroscopic portions 42 a and 42 b are arranged in the second air passage 20, the hygroscopic portions 42 a and 42 b are arranged in the entire area in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 43 in the second air passage 20, thereby the air flowing through the second air passage 20. Almost the entire amount passes through the moisture absorption part 42a (or 42b).

  In addition, the air in the first air passage 10 is outside the first air passage 10 between the wall portion of the first air passage 10 and the moisture absorbing portion 42 a (or 42 b) disposed in the first air passage 10. A seal member for preventing leakage may be disposed. Similarly, the air in the second air passage 20 leaks to the outside of the second air passage 20 between the second air passage 20 and the moisture absorbing portion 42b (or 42a) disposed in the second air passage 20. You may arrange | position the sealing member for preventing this.

  Further, the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b include a base material that surrounds the outer peripheral surfaces of the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b, and a partition member that divides the inside of the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b surrounded by the base material into a large number of cells. It is also possible to have a configuration (not shown) that stably holds the powder and particulate polymer constituting the hygroscopic material by this partition member.

  The hygroscopic material filled in the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b includes a dried product of a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes between hydrophilic and hydrophobic in response to external stimuli. A hygroscopic material can be used. In the present embodiment, a configuration using a temperature responsive polymer (thermally responsive polymer) whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to heat will be described as the stimulus responsive polymer. . The temperature-responsive polymer is particularly suitable for use in a humidity controller because it can reversibly absorb moisture in the air and release the absorbed moisture by changing the temperature using a simple heating device. be able to. In addition, the specific example of the moisture absorption material used with the moisture absorption parts 42a and 42b and its manufacturing method are mentioned later.

  FIGS. 3A to 3C are explanatory views schematically showing the characteristics of the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b made of a temperature-responsive polymer.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the temperature-responsive polymer exhibits hydrophilicity in an unheated state (lower critical solution temperature (LCST) or lower temperature state)), and air Absorbs moisture inside. LCST is a temperature at which the temperature-responsive polymer switches between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the temperature-responsive polymer is heated to LCST or higher, the hydrophilicity is changed to hydrophobic, and the moisture absorbed by the temperature-responsive polymer is released. For this reason, unlike a conventional hygroscopic material such as zeolite, it is not necessary to evaporate by adding a large amount of heat to the adsorbed water, and it can be directly taken out from the hygroscopic material as liquid water with a relatively small amount of heat. For example, by using a temperature-responsive polymer whose LCST is higher than room temperature (for example, about 40 ° C.), without heating to a high temperature like a conventional dehumidifier using a hygroscopic material such as zeolite, The absorbed moisture can be taken out only by heating to a temperature at which the hygroscopic material becomes LCST or higher.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3C, by continuing heating even after the temperature-responsive polymer is switched to hydrophobic (or by supplying warm air to the hygroscopic material), Water that has exuded to the surface can be easily evaporated with a relatively small amount of heat. Note that the water that has oozed out of the hygroscopic material when the hygroscopic material is switched to hydrophobic is not bound by silanol bonds or the like, unlike the water adsorbed on the hygroscopic material such as conventional zeolite, and is released and bound. Since it is not in a state (a state in which there is little or very little force to restrain water adsorbed by the hygroscopic material), it can be efficiently evaporated at a relatively low temperature. For example, it is possible to efficiently evaporate the water in the medicine can just by applying air having a predetermined temperature set in a temperature range of 40 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower as in the case of warming the water in the medicine can.

  The first air passage 10 includes an intake portion 11, a fan 12, and an exhaust portion 13. When the fan 12 is driven, the air to be dehumidified is taken into the first air passage 10 from the intake section 11 by the suction force of the fan 12, and is dehumidified by passing through the moisture absorption section 42 a (or 42 b) to be the exhaust section 13. Discharged from.

  The second air passage 20 includes an intake portion 21, a heating portion 22, a fan 23, a cooling portion 24, a drainage portion 25, and an exhaust portion 26. The heating unit 22 is provided with a heater 22a.

  When the fan 23 is driven, the air to be dehumidified is taken into the second air passage 20 from the intake section 21 by the suction force of the fan 23, heated by the heating section 22, and passes through the moisture absorption section 42b (or 42a). . As a result, the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic portion 42b (or 42a) is heated to the LCST or higher so that it is leached as a water droplet on the surface of the hygroscopic portion 42b (or 42a) and evaporates into the air. Accordingly, the hygroscopic portion 42b (or 42a) is regenerated into a dry state (or a state where the hygroscopic amount is reduced).

  In addition, the heating temperature of the air by the heating unit 22 is a temperature at which the moisture absorbing part 42b (or 42a) is heated to the LCST of the moisture absorbing material or more and water droplets exuded on the surface of the moisture absorbing part 42b (or 42a) evaporate. Although not particularly limited, in the present embodiment, the temperature is set within a range of 40 ° C to 70 ° C.

  The air that has passed through the moisture absorption part 42 b (or 42 a) is sent to the cooling part 24 by the blowing force of the fan 23. In addition, the air flowing through the cooling air passage 30 comes into contact with the outer surface of the cooling unit 24, and thereby air to be dehumidified flowing through the cooling unit 24 (air that has passed through the moisture absorbing unit 42b (or 42a)). Is cooled, moisture in the air is condensed and separated from the air, and adheres to the inner wall of the cooling unit 24.

  The second air passage 20 is inclined downward from the cooling section 24 to the drainage section 25, and water droplets condensed on the inner wall of the cooling section 24 travel along the inner wall of the second air path 20 from the drainage section 25. It is drained into the drain tank 50. Further, the air dehumidified by passing through the cooling unit 24 is exhausted from the exhaust unit 26.

  The cooling air passage 30 includes an intake portion 31, a fan 32, and an exhaust portion 33. When the fan 32 is driven, the cooling air is taken into the cooling air passage 30 from the intake portion 31 by the suction force of the fan 32, and comes into contact with the outer wall of the cooling portion 24 of the second air passage 20 to make the cooling portion 24. After cooling, it is discharged from the exhaust part 33. In addition, since the air that has passed through the hygroscopic portion 42b (or 42a) and reached the cooling portion 24 in the second air passage 20 is in a high-humidity state including moisture evaporated in the hygroscopic portion 42b (or 42a), it is about room temperature. The water vapor in the air can be easily formed into water droplets by cooling the water. For this reason, regeneration of the moisture absorption parts 42a and 42b and collection | recovery of the water discharged | emitted from the moisture absorption parts 42a and 42b can be performed efficiently. A fin or the like for promoting heat exchange between the air in the second air passage 20 and the air flowing through the cooling air passage 30 may be provided on the outer wall and / or the inner wall of the cooling unit 24.

  As described above, the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a temperature-responsive polymer (having an affinity for water reversibly between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity according to temperature (external stimulus) ( In order to release the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material 42a, 42b containing the hygroscopic material containing the stimuli-responsive polymer and the hygroscopic material that has absorbed the water, thereby switching the hygroscopic material to hydrophobic and evaporating it. Heating unit (stimulation unit, heating device) 22.

  This eliminates the need to evaporate by adding a large amount of heat to the adsorbed moisture unlike conventional hygroscopic materials such as zeolite, and directly takes out the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material as liquid water with a relatively small amount of heat. Can be evaporated. That is, the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material can be released from the hygroscopic material and can be easily evaporated simply by heating the hygroscopic material to LCST (for example, about 40 ° C.) or higher. Therefore, the energy consumption required for the regeneration treatment of the hygroscopic material can be reduced as compared with the case where the conventional hygroscopic material such as zeolite is used.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cooling air path 30 cools the cooling unit 24 using the air taken in from the outside via the intake unit 31 has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the air taken in from the outside may be cooled by an air conditioner (not shown), and the cooling unit 24 may be cooled using air cooled to a temperature lower than the outside air temperature. In addition, the cooling unit 24 may be cooled using another cooling fluid such as water, for example, without flowing air as a cooling fluid through the cooling air passage 30.

  In the present embodiment, the cooling air passage 30 cools the cooling portion 24 using air (cooling fluid) taken from the outside via the intake portion 31, and then the air is discharged from the exhaust portion 33. Although the configuration has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, air (cooling fluid) in the cooling air passage 30 whose temperature has risen due to heat exchange with the air flowing through the second air passage 20 in the cooling section 24 is cooled by cooling means (not shown), and again the cooling section 24. You may make it circulate to the heat exchange part. The configuration of the cooling means is not particularly limited as long as the air (cooling fluid) in the cooling air passage 30 can be cooled. For example, the air flowing through the first air passage 10, or the first The structure which performs heat exchange with the air before being heated with the heating part 22 which flows through the two air paths 20 may be sufficient.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the moisture absorption unit 40 includes two moisture absorption parts 42a and 42b has been described. However, the number of moisture absorption parts is not limited thereto, and three or more moisture absorption parts are provided. Any one of the plurality of moisture absorbing portions may be disposed in the first air passage 10, and any other one may be disposed in the second air passage 20.

  Further, the upstream side (between the intake unit 11 and the moisture absorption unit 40 and between the intake unit 21 and the moisture absorption unit) and the downstream side (between the moisture absorption unit 40 and the exhaust unit 13 and the moisture absorption unit 40) of the moisture absorption units 42a and 42b. Between the first air passage 10 and the second air passage. A damper (not shown) for switching the air flow path is provided between the first air path 10 and the second air path. You may make it switch between 20. That is, by controlling the operation of each tamper, (i) the second air path from the intake section 21 to the cooling section 24 is disposed in the first air path 10 from the intake section 11 to the exhaust section 13. 20 is a state in which the moisture absorbing portion 42b is disposed, and (ii) a second air passage in which the moisture absorbing portion 42b is disposed in the first air passage 10 extending from the intake portion 11 to the exhaust portion 13 and from the intake portion 21 to the cooling portion 24. 20 may be switched to a state in which the moisture absorbing portion 42a is disposed. For example, a valve or a movable plate can be used as the damper.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b have a cylindrical shape (the cross-sectional shape parallel to the air flow direction is circular) has been described. However, the shape of the hygroscopic portions 42a and 42b is not limited thereto. It may be changed as appropriate according to the cross-sectional shapes of the first air passage 10 and the second air passage 20.

  In the present embodiment, the air heated by the heating unit 22 of the second air passage 20 is sent to the hygroscopic units 42a and 42b, so that (i) the hygroscopic material provided in the hygroscopic units 42a and 42b changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. (Ii) heat treatment for evaporating the water released from the hygroscopic material. That is, the heat treatments (i) and (ii) are performed by a common heating means. However, the configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 is not limited to this, and a heating means (stimulation unit) for mainly performing the heat treatment (i) and a heat treatment (ii) are mainly performed. These heating means may be provided separately.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the moisture absorption unit 40b shown in FIG. 4 instead of the moisture absorption unit 40 in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the moisture absorption unit 40b.

  In the first embodiment, the cylindrical support portion 41 includes two moisture absorbing portions 42a and 42b, and the arrangement position of each of the moisture absorbing portions 42a and 42b is switched between the first state and the second state at every predetermined timing. explained.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the moisture absorption unit 40b provided with the columnar (rotor shape) moisture absorption part 42c centering on the rotating shaft 43 is used. That is, the hygroscopic material is filled in substantially the entire area of the hygroscopic unit 40b. And a control part controls operation | movement of the motor 44, and rotates the moisture absorption unit 40b by the predetermined | prescribed rotational speed (for example, the speed | rate which carries out 1 rotation by several tens of minutes) centering on the rotating shaft 43.

  In addition, as a moisture absorption material with which the moisture absorption part 42c is filled, the thing similar to the moisture absorption material with which the moisture absorption parts 42a and 42b of Embodiment 1 are filled can be used.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, a part of the moisture absorption part 42c is disposed in the first air path 10, the other part is disposed in the second air path 20, and the first air path 10 in the moisture absorption part 42c. The first air path 10 and the second air path of the hygroscopic portion 42c are moved so that the portion that has absorbed moisture moves to the second air path 20 and is regenerated (releases moisture that has been absorbed) and moved to the first air path 10 again. The relative position to 20 changes. Thereby, the 1st process which makes the moisture absorption part 42c absorb the air in air, and the 2nd process which discharge | releases and evaporates the water | moisture content absorbed by the moisture absorption part 42c can be performed continuously.

[Embodiment 3]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the moisture absorption unit 40b shown in FIG. 4 is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the moisture absorption unit 40 shown in FIG. 2 may be used.

  In the first and second embodiments, the second air passage 20 includes an intake portion 21 and an exhaust portion 26, and the air taken in from the intake portion 21 is heated by the heating portion 22 and cooled after passing through the moisture absorption portion. The air was dehumidified by cooling the unit 24 to condense moisture, and the air was discharged from the exhaust unit 26.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the air that has been cooled by the cooling unit 24 is circulated to the heating unit 22 again without the intake unit 21 and the exhaust unit 26.

  Even with such a configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

[Embodiment 4]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the first air passage 10, the second air passage 20, and a moisture absorption unit 40 having moisture absorption portions 42a and 42b are provided, the moisture absorption portion 42a is disposed in the first air passage 10, and the moisture absorption portion 42b is provided. The configuration for switching between the first state arranged in the second air passage 20 and the second state in which the hygroscopic portion 42a is arranged in the second air passage 20 and the hygroscopic portion 42b is arranged in the first air passage 10 has been described. .

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the 1st air path 10 is not provided, and it replaces with the moisture absorption unit 40, and is provided with the moisture absorption unit 40c. Unlike the moisture absorption unit 40 in the first embodiment, the moisture absorption unit 40 c does not include the rotating shaft 43 and the motor 44, and the moisture absorption part 42 d is fixedly disposed in the second air path 20. As the hygroscopic material filled in the hygroscopic portion 42d, the same material as in the first embodiment can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit controls the operation of the heater 22a, stops the heating by the heater 22a, and sends the air taken from the intake unit 21 to the moisture absorption unit 42d without heating, and the intake air The air taken in from the unit 21 is switched at every predetermined timing to the second state in which the air is heated by the heater 22a and sent to the moisture absorption unit 42d. That is, the control unit controls on / off of the heater 22a to make the moisture absorption part 42d hydrophilic and to absorb moisture in the air, and to make the moisture absorption part 42d hydrophobic and heat the moisture absorption part 42d. The supplied air is supplied to the hygroscopic part 42d to switch to the second state in which the water oozed from the hygroscopic part 42d is evaporated. Thereby, the substantially same effect as Embodiment 1 can be acquired.

[Embodiment 5]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration using the temperature-responsive polymer as the stimulus-responsive polymer has been described. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as a stimulus-responsive polymer, a stimulus response in which the affinity with water reversibly changes in response to a stimulus such as a change in light, electric field, or pH (hydrogen ion index). A functional polymer is used. Specific examples of these stimulus-responsive polymers will be described later.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a stimulus applying unit 45 in addition to the configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

  The stimulus imparting section 45 imparts a stimulus for switching the stimulus-responsive polymer contained in the hygroscopic material used in the hygroscopic section from hydrophilic to hydrophobic to the hygroscopic section 42b (or 42a).

  For example, in the case of a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to light, light for switching the stimulus-responsive polymer from hydrophilic to hydrophobic is applied. In the case of a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity for water reversibly changes in response to an electric field, an electric field for switching the stimulus-responsive polymer from hydrophilic to hydrophobic is applied. In the case of a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity for water reversibly changes in response to changes in pH (hydrogen ion index), the stimulus-responsive polymer is switched from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. A change in pH of

  In the heating unit 22, the air taken in from the intake unit 21 is heated to a temperature at which the moisture released from the hygroscopic material can be evaporated by applying a stimulus to the hygroscopic unit 42b (or 42a). .

  Thereby, like each embodiment mentioned above, regeneration processing of moisture absorption part 42b (or 42a) can be performed with little energy consumption.

  In the present embodiment, a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to a stimulus such as a change in light, electric field, or pH is used as the stimulus-responsive polymer, and the stimulus is applied. Although the example which combined the structure which added the part 45 with the humidity control apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 (FIG. 1) was demonstrated, not only this but the humidity control apparatus 1 shown in either of Embodiment 2-4 You may combine.

[Details of hygroscopic material having stimuli-responsive polymer]
Next, details of the hygroscopic material having a stimulus-responsive polymer used in each of the above-described embodiments will be described. In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, “A to B” representing a numerical range means “A or more and B or less”. In addition, when both “acryl” and “methacryl” are meant, “(meth) acryl” is described.

(I) Hygroscopic material The hygroscopic material used in each embodiment described above is a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes between hydrophilic and hydrophobic in response to external stimuli. A hygroscopic material containing a dried product can be used. The shape of the hygroscopic material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a plate shape, a sheet shape, a film shape, a block shape, or a particle shape. The shape of the particulate hygroscopic material is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a substantially spherical shape or a rod shape. Moreover, the magnitude | size of the moisture absorption material which concerns on this invention is not specifically limited, What is necessary is just to select suitably according to the structure of a humidity control apparatus.

(Dry product of stimulus-responsive polymer)
In the present invention, a dried product of stimulus-responsive polymer is used.

  In particular, when the stimulus-responsive polymer is a crosslinked body, a three-dimensional network structure formed by crosslinking the polymer forms a swollen polymer gel by absorbing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent. There are many cases. In such a case, in the present invention, a dried polymer gel is used as the hygroscopic material. Here, the dried polymer gel refers to a polymer gel from which the solvent has been removed by drying. In the present invention, the dried polymer gel does not need to have the solvent completely removed from the polymer gel, and may contain a solvent or water as long as it can absorb moisture in the air. . Accordingly, the moisture content of the dried polymer gel is not particularly limited as long as the dried body can absorb moisture in the air. For example, it is more preferably 40% by weight or less. . Here, the moisture content refers to the ratio of moisture to the dry weight of the polymer gel.

(Stimulus responsive polymer)
A stimulus-responsive polymer refers to a polymer that reversibly changes its properties in response to an external stimulus. In the present invention, a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water is reversibly changed between hydrophilic and hydrophobic in response to an external stimulus is used.

  Although it does not specifically limit as said external stimulus, For example, a heat | fever, light, an electric field, pH (hydrogen ion index) etc. can be mentioned.

  In addition, the affinity for water reversibly changes in response to external stimuli. In response to external stimuli, the polymer exposed to the external stimuli is reversible between hydrophilic and hydrophobic. It means to change to.

  Among these, stimuli-responsive polymers whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to heat, that is, temperature-responsive polymers (thermo-responsive polymers) change temperature using a simple heating device. By doing so, absorption of moisture in the air and release of the absorbed moisture can be performed reversibly, so that it can be used particularly suitably for a humidity control apparatus.

  Such temperature-responsive polymer is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer having a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Polymers with LCST are hydrophilic at low temperatures, but become hydrophobic at temperatures above LCST. LCST refers to a temperature at the boundary when a polymer is dissolved in water and becomes hydrophilic at low temperatures and dissolves in water, but becomes hydrophobic and insolubilized at a certain temperature or higher.

  More specifically, examples of the temperature-responsive polymer include poly (N-isopropyl (meth) acrylamide), poly (N-normalpropyl (meth) acrylamide), and poly (N-methyl (meth) acrylamide). Poly (N-ethyl (meth) acrylamide), poly (N-normal butyl (meth) acrylamide), poly (N-isobutyl (meth) acrylamide), poly (Nt-butyl (meth) acrylamide), etc. (N-alkyl (meth) acrylamide); poly (N-vinylisopropylamide), poly (N-vinylnormalpropylamide), poly (N-vinylnormalbutyramide), poly (N-vinylisobutyramide), poly ( Poly (N-vinylalkylamide) such as N-vinyl-t-butylamide); poly (N-vinylamide); Nylpyrrolidone); poly (2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) such as poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), poly (2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline), poly (2-normalpropyl-2-oxazoline); Polyvinyl alkyl ethers such as polyvinyl methyl ether and polyvinyl ethyl ether; copolymers of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide; poly (oxyethylene vinyl ether); cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and the like; Mention may be made of copolymers of polymer compounds.

  The temperature-responsive polymer may be a crosslinked product of these polymer compounds. When the temperature-responsive polymer is a crosslinked product, examples of the crosslinked product include N-isopropyl (meth) acrylamide, N-normalpropyl (meth) acrylamide, N-methyl (meth) acrylamide, and N-ethyl (meta). ) N-alkyl (meth) acrylamides such as acrylamide, N-normal butyl (meth) acrylamide, N-isobutyl (meth) acrylamide, Nt-butyl (meth) acrylamide; N-vinylisopropylamide, N-vinyl normal propyl N-vinyl alkylamides such as amide, N-vinyl normal butyramide, N-vinyl isobutyramide, N-vinyl-t-butylamide; vinyl alkyl ethers such as vinyl methyl ether and vinyl ethyl ether; ethylene oxide and propylene oxide Existence of a monomer such as 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline, 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline, 2-normalpropyl-2-oxazoline and the like, or two or more of these monomers in the presence of a crosslinking agent Examples thereof include polymer compounds obtained by polymerization under the following conditions.

  As the crosslinking agent, conventionally known crosslinking agents may be appropriately selected and used. For example, ethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, propylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, N, N′-methylenebis (meth) acrylamide, Crosslinkable monomer having polymerizable functional group such as diisocyanate, divinylbenzene, polyethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate; glutaraldehyde; polyhydric alcohol; polyvalent amine; polyvalent carboxylic acid; metal such as calcium ion and zinc ion Ions or the like can be preferably used. These crosslinking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Alternatively, when the temperature-responsive polymer is a crosslinked body, the crosslinked body has a network structure by reacting a non-crosslinked temperature-responsive polymer, for example, the temperature-responsive polymer exemplified above with the crosslinking agent. The crosslinked body obtained by forming may be sufficient.

  Examples of stimuli-responsive polymers whose affinity for water reversibly changes in response to light include polymer compounds whose hydrophilicity or polarity changes with light, such as azobenzene derivatives and spiropyran derivatives, and their temperature. Examples thereof include a copolymer with at least one of a responsive polymer and a pH responsive polymer compound, a crosslinked product of the photoresponsive polymer, or a crosslinked product of the copolymer.

  In addition, as a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to an electric field, a polymer compound having a dissociation group such as a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, or an amino group, carboxyl Examples thereof include a polymer compound in which a complex is formed by electrostatic interaction or hydrogen bonding, such as a complex of a group-containing polymer compound and an amino group-containing polymer compound, or a crosslinked product thereof.

  In addition, as a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to pH, a polymer compound having a dissociation group such as a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, or an amino group, carboxyl Examples thereof include a polymer compound in which a complex is formed by electrostatic interaction or hydrogen bonding, such as a complex of a group-containing polymer compound and an amino group-containing polymer compound, or a crosslinked product thereof.

  In addition, the stimulus-responsive polymer may be a derivative of the above-described stimulus-responsive polymer or a copolymer with another monomer. The other monomer is not particularly limited and may be any monomer. For example, (meth) acrylic acid, allylamine, vinyl acetate, (meth) acrylamide, N, N′-dimethyl (meth) acrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, alkyl (meth) acrylate, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, vinyl benzene Monomers such as sulfonic acid, acrylamide alkyl sulfonic acid, dimethylaminopropyl (meth) acrylamide, and (meth) acrylonitrile can be suitably used.

  Alternatively, the stimulus-responsive polymer may be a polymer formed by forming an interpenetrating polymer network structure or a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure with another crosslinked polymer or an uncrosslinked polymer. Good.

  The molecular weight of the stimuli-responsive polymer is not particularly limited, but the number average molecular weight determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is preferably 3000 or more.

((Semi-) interpenetrating polymer)
Among them, in the present invention, the stimulus-responsive polymer is formed by the above-described stimulus-responsive polymer and the hydrophilic polymer forming an interpenetrating polymer network structure or a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure (semi It is more preferable that the polymer is an interpenetrating polymer. Such a (semi) interpenetrating polymer has a function of a stimulus-responsive polymer that changes between a state of absorbing moisture and a state of releasing absorbed moisture in response to an external stimulus, and is high Since it also has a hygroscopic ability, it is very suitable as a hygroscopic material. In the present specification, the (semi) interpenetrating polymer means an interpenetrating polymer and / or a semiinterpenetrating polymer.

  Here, the interpenetrating polymer network structure means that different types of polymers are all cross-linked polymers, and the cross-linked networks of the respective polymers exist independently without being chemically bonded to each other. An intertwined structure. In addition, the semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure means that one of different types of polymers is a crosslinked polymer and the other is a linear polymer, and each polymer is independently bonded without being chemically bonded. It is a structure that is intertwined with each other.

  In the former case, the stimulus-responsive polymer and the hydrophilic polymer are both crosslinked polymers having a crosslinked network, and the crosslinked network of the stimuli-responsive polymer, the crosslinked network of the hydrophilic polymer, However, they form an intertwined structure without chemically bonding, that is, an interpenetrating polymer network structure.

  In the latter case, either the stimulus-responsive polymer or the hydrophilic polymer is a crosslinked polymer having a crosslinked network, the other is a linear polymer, and the stimulus-responsive polymer, The hydrophilic polymer forms a structure entangled with each other without chemically bonding, that is, a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure.

  As said hydrophilic polymer, the polymer which has hydrophilic groups, such as a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, an amino group, in a side chain or a principal chain can be mentioned, for example. More specific examples of the hydrophilic polymer include, for example, polysaccharides such as alginic acid and hyaluronic acid; chitosan; cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose; poly (meth) acrylic acid and polymaleic acid. , Polyvinyl sulfonic acid, polyvinyl benzene sulfonic acid, polyacrylamide alkyl sulfonic acid, polydimethylaminopropyl (meth) acrylamide, co-use of these with (meth) acrylamide, hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, (meth) acrylic acid alkyl ester, etc. Polymer, composite of polydimethylaminopropyl (meth) acrylamide and polyvinyl alcohol, composite of polyvinyl alcohol and poly (meth) acrylic acid, poly (meth) acrylic Nitrile, polyallylamine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, poly (meth) acrylamide, poly-N, N′-dimethyl (meth) acrylamide, poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, poly-alkyl (meth) acrylate, poly Examples thereof include dimethylaminopropyl (meth) acrylamide, poly (meth) acrylonitrile, and copolymers of the above polymers.

  The hydrophilic polymer may be a crosslinked body. When the hydrophilic polymer is a crosslinked product, examples of the crosslinked product include (meth) acrylic acid, allylamine, vinyl acetate, (meth) acrylamide, N, N′-dimethyl (meth) acrylamide, and 2-hydroxyethyl. Polymerization of monomers such as methacrylate, alkyl (meth) acrylate, maleic acid, vinyl sulfonic acid, vinyl benzene sulfonic acid, acrylamide alkyl sulfonic acid, dimethylaminopropyl (meth) acrylamide, and (meth) acrylonitrile in the presence of a crosslinking agent Can be mentioned.

  As the crosslinking agent, conventionally known crosslinking agents may be appropriately selected and used. For example, ethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, propylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, N, N′-methylenebis (meth) acrylamide, Crosslinkable monomer having polymerizable functional group such as diisocyanate, divinylbenzene, polyethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate; glutaraldehyde; polyhydric alcohol; polyvalent amine; polyvalent carboxylic acid; metal such as calcium ion and zinc ion Ions or the like can be preferably used. These crosslinking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Alternatively, when the temperature-responsive polymer is a cross-linked product, the cross-linked product is a non-crosslinked hydrophilic polymer, for example, a polymer obtained by polymerizing the monomer, or alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, etc. A cross-linked product obtained by reacting a cellulose derivative such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and the like with the above cross-linking agent to form a network structure.

  The molecular weight of the hydrophilic polymer is not particularly limited, but the number average molecular weight determined by GPC is preferably 3000 or more.

[Summary]
The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a moisture absorbing portion 42a, 42b having a moisture absorbing material including a stimulus-responsive polymer that reversibly changes between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in response to a predetermined external stimulus. , 42c, 42d, a stimulus applying unit (heating unit 22, stimulus applying unit 45) for applying an external stimulus for switching the hygroscopic material from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, and the hygroscopic material is switched to hydrophobic. It is characterized by comprising a heating unit 22 that imparts an amount of heat for evaporating water released from the hygroscopic material.

  According to the above configuration, by applying a predetermined external stimulus to the hygroscopic material, the hygroscopic material is switched to hydrophobic to release moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material, and the water released from the hygroscopic material is heated and evaporated. By doing so, the hygroscopic material can be regenerated to a dry state. Thus, when the water released from the hygroscopic material is evaporated, the water can be evaporated with a smaller amount of heat than when the water adsorbed on the hygroscopic material such as zeolite is evaporated as in the prior art. Thereby, the energy consumption required for the regeneration process of a hygroscopic material can be reduced.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the air containing water vapor evaporated by the heat applied by the heating unit 22 is cooled, and the water vapor contained in the air is condensed to form the air. And a cooling unit 24 to be separated.

  According to said structure, the water | moisture content discharge | released and evaporated from the hygroscopic material can be collect | recovered easily.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the aspect 3 of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus 1 according to the aspect 1 or 2, wherein the moisture absorbent in a hydrophilic state absorbs moisture in the air, and the moisture absorption. Moisture absorbed by the material is discharged by the stimulus applying unit (heating unit 22, stimulus applying unit 45) and the heating unit 22, and the second processing unit (second air passage 20) regenerates the hygroscopic material to a dry state. And a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the first processing unit (first air passage 10) and a second state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the second processing unit (second air passage 20). (Motor 44), and a plurality of the moisture absorbing portions 42a, 42b, and the switching portion (motor 44) is one of the moisture absorbing portions (42a, 42b) of the plurality of moisture absorbing portions 42a, 42b. One) is disposed in the first processing section (first air passage 10). As moisture absorbing part of one of the other (42a, 42b the other) are disposed in the second processing section (second air passage 20), wherein a structure for switching the moisture absorption portion 42a, the position of 42b.

  According to said structure, a moisture absorber is made to absorb moisture in the air in a 1st process part (1st air path 10) by arrange | positioning a hygroscopic material in a 1st process part (1st air path 10). In addition to adjusting the humidity of the air, placing the hygroscopic material that has absorbed moisture in the second processing unit (second air passage 20) releases and evaporates the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material and regenerates the hygroscopic material into a dry state. can do. Thereby, humidity control of air and regeneration of a hygroscopic material can be performed repeatedly. Moreover, the process which adjusts humidity in a 1st process part (1st air path 10), and the process which reproduces | regenerates a hygroscopic material in a 2nd process part (2nd air path 20) can be performed in parallel.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to Aspect 4 of the present invention is the Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the moisture treatment material in the hydrophilic state absorbs moisture in the air in the hydrophilic state, and the moisture absorption device. Moisture absorbed by the material is discharged by the stimulus applying unit (heating unit 22, stimulus applying unit 45) and the heating unit 22, and the second processing unit (second air passage 20) regenerates the hygroscopic material to a dry state. And a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the first processing unit (first air passage 10) and a second state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the second processing unit (second air passage 20). (The motor 44), and the switching unit (the motor 44) is configured such that a part of the moisture absorption part 42c is disposed in the first processing unit (first air passage 10) and the other part is the second processing. The first processing section of the moisture absorption section 42c so as to be disposed in the section (second air passage 20) A structure for changing the relative position with respect to the first air passage 10) and the second processing section (second air passage 20).

  According to said structure, a moisture absorber is made to absorb moisture in the air in a 1st process part (1st air path 10) by arrange | positioning a hygroscopic material in a 1st process part (1st air path 10). In addition to adjusting the humidity of the air, placing the hygroscopic material that has absorbed moisture in the second processing unit (second air passage 20) releases and evaporates the moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material and regenerates the hygroscopic material into a dry state. can do. Thereby, humidity control of air and regeneration of a hygroscopic material can be performed repeatedly. Moreover, the process which adjusts humidity in a 1st process part (1st air path 10), and the process which reproduces | regenerates a hygroscopic material in a 2nd process part (2nd air path 20) can be performed in parallel.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the heating apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the external stimulus is heat, and the stimulus applying unit (heating unit 22) and the heating unit 22 are common. It is the composition which is.

  According to said structure, compared with the case where the stimulus provision part 45 and the heating part 22 are provided separately, the structure of the humidity control apparatus 1 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the humidity control apparatus 1 can be reduced.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to the sixth aspect of the present invention has a configuration in any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the external stimulus is a change in heat, light, electric field, or hydrogen ion exponent (pH).

  According to the above configuration, by applying a predetermined change in heat, light, electric field, or hydrogen ion index, it is possible to switch the hygroscopic material to hydrophobic and release moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material.

  The humidity control apparatus 1 according to Aspect 7 of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus 1 according to any one of the Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the heating unit 22 supplies air heated to a predetermined temperature set in a range of 40 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower. It is the structure which evaporates the water discharge | released from the said moisture absorption material by supplying to the moisture absorption parts 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d.

  The water released from the hygroscopic material by switching the hygroscopic material to hydrophobic is not bound by silanol bonds or the like, unlike the water adsorbed by the conventional hygroscopic material such as zeolite. For this reason, by supplying air having a predetermined temperature set in a temperature range of 40 ° C. or higher and 70 ° C. or lower to the moisture absorbing portions 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d, the moisture absorbing portions 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d are provided. The water released from the hygroscopic material can be easily evaporated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be applied to a humidity control apparatus that adjusts the humidity of air using a hygroscopic material.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidity control apparatus 10 1st air path (1st process part)
11 Intake Unit 12 Fan 13 Exhaust Unit 20 Second Air Path (Second Processing Unit)
21 Inhalation part 22 Heating part (stimulation part, heating device)
22a Heater 23 Fan 24 Cooling unit 25 Drainage unit 26 Exhaust unit 30 Cooling air path 31 Intake unit 32 Fan 33 Exhaust units 40, 40b, 40c Hygroscopic unit 41 Support units 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d Hygroscopic unit 43 Rotating shaft 44 Motor ( Switching part)
45 Stimulation unit 50 Drainage tank

Claims (4)

A stimulus-responsive polymer that reversibly changes between hydrophilic and hydrophobic in response to a predetermined external stimulus and a hydrophilic polymer form an interpenetrating polymer network or semi-interpenetrating polymer network A (semi) interpenetrating polymer comprising a hygroscopic material containing a (semi) interpenetrating polymer that reversibly changes between hydrophilic and hydrophobic in response to a predetermined external stimulus. When,
A stimulus applying unit for applying an external stimulus for switching the hygroscopic material from hydrophilic to hydrophobic;
A heating unit for applying a heat quantity for evaporating water released from the hygroscopic material by switching the hygroscopic material to hydrophobic ;
A humidity control apparatus comprising: a cooling unit that cools air containing water vapor evaporated by heat applied by the heating unit, and that condenses water vapor contained in the air to separate it from the air . A first treatment unit that absorbs moisture in the air to the hygroscopic material in a hydrophilic state;
A second processing unit for discharging moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material by the stimulus applying unit and the heating unit to regenerate the hygroscopic material in a dry state;
A switching unit that switches between a first state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the first processing unit and a second state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the second processing unit;
A plurality of the moisture absorption parts,
The switching unit is configured so that any one of the plurality of moisture absorbing units is disposed in the first processing unit, and any one of the other moisture absorbing units is disposed in the second processing unit. The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the position of the moisture absorption unit is switched. A first treatment unit that absorbs moisture in the air to the hygroscopic material in a hydrophilic state;
A second processing unit for discharging moisture absorbed by the hygroscopic material by the stimulus applying unit and the heating unit to regenerate the hygroscopic material in a dry state;
A switching unit that switches between a first state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the first processing unit and a second state in which the hygroscopic material is disposed in the second processing unit;
The switching unit includes the first processing unit and the first processing unit of the hygroscopic unit such that a part of the hygroscopic unit is disposed in the first processing unit and another part is disposed in the second processing unit. The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the relative position with respect to the two processing units is changed. The external stimulus is heat;
The humidity control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the stimulus applying section and the heating section are a common heating apparatus.

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