JP6926417B2 - Humidity control element and humidity control device using humidity control element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidity control element, a humidity control device using the humidity control element, and a method for manufacturing the humidity control element.

As one type of humidity control element, the one shown in Patent Document 1 is known. The humidity control element of Patent Document 1 is composed of a water adsorbent such as silica gel and a paper machine formed of organic pulp. When this humidity control element is applied to a humidity control device, an electric heater or the like is used as a heat source for regenerating the moisture adsorbent. Further, as a conductive polymer fiber applicable to a humidity control element, those shown in Patent Document 2 are known. The conductive polymer fiber of Patent Document 2 is formed by impregnating a base fiber containing an animal fiber with a conductor containing a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer absorbs moisture when it is not energized and releases it when it is energized. Therefore, when the conductive polymer fiber is applied to the humidity control device, the heat source for regenerating the conductive polymer becomes unnecessary, and the dehumidifier can be miniaturized.

Japanese Patent No. 4715082 JP-A-2015-77414

In addition, there is a demand for further miniaturization of humidity control devices.
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidity control element capable of downsizing the humidity control device.

In order to solve the above problem, the humidity control element according to claim 1 adsorbs moisture contained in the fluid to be treated when it is in a non-energized state, and adsorbs the adsorbed moisture when it is in an energized state. a humidity control device releases the fluid, a base portion made of a fiber composed mainly of cellulose, a first conductor portion which is formed into a layer of a conductive material on the outer surface of the base portion, The conductive material is non-conductive, and includes a second conductor portion that is conductive and laminated on the outer surface of the first conductor portion so as to be electrically connected to the first conductor portion. Mainly any one of a conductive polymer, carbon, carbon fiber and graphite that adsorbs the moisture of the fluid to be treated when it is energized and releases the adsorbed moisture when it is energized. It is provided as an ingredient or by a combination of two or more of these.

According to this, since the fiber containing cellulose as a main component contains a relatively large amount of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, the base material portion can contain a relatively large amount of water. Therefore, when the humidity control element of the present invention is applied to the humidity control device, the humidity control element can be miniaturized. Further, when the first conductor portion is energized, the temperature of the base material portion rises, so that the water contained in the base material portion is released. Therefore, when the humidity control element of the present invention is applied to the humidity control device, a heat source such as an electric heater for releasing the moisture contained in the base material portion becomes unnecessary. As a result, the humidity control device can be miniaturized.

It is a partial cross-sectional view which shows the 1st Embodiment of the humidity control element by this invention. It is a figure which shows the time change of the hygroscopicity in the sample prepared in the same manner as the base material part shown in FIG. 1 by different kinds of fibers. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the particle diameter of the moisture discharged from the humidity control element shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the particle diameter of the moisture discharged from the humidity control element shown in FIG. 1, and is the figure which shows the region which the particle diameter is smaller than the figure shown in FIG. 3A. It is a partial cross-sectional view which shows the modification of the humidity control element shown in FIG. It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the humidity control element shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the time change of the hygroscopicity in the sample prepared in the same manner as the humidity control element shown in FIG. 4 by changing the type of the fiber of the base material part. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the weight ratio of the humidity control element shown in FIG. 4 and the moisture absorption rate. It is a partial cross-sectional view which shows the 2nd Embodiment of the humidity control element by this invention. It is a top view of the 2nd conductor part shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the state which the humidity control apparatus using the humidity control element shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 4 is attached to a bed. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device and the bed shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the outline of the humidity control part and the current-carrying part shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the humidity control device shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the humidity control part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the modification of one of the 2nd conductor part shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the other modification of the 2nd conductor part shown in FIG.

(1. Humidity control element)
(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the humidity control element according to the present invention will be described. The humidity control element 1 adsorbs (moisture absorbs) the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated when it is in a non-energized state, and releases (releases) the adsorbed moisture to the fluid to be treated when it is in an energized state. Is. The air to be processed is, for example, air.

When the humidity control element 1 is in a non-energized state, the humidity control element 1 can adsorb about 1 to 2% of the weight of water per minute with respect to the weight of the humidity control element 1, and the water can be adsorbed over time. The amount of adsorption increases and it stabilizes in the state of saturated moisture absorption rate. Further, when the humidity control element 1 is energized and the temperature of the humidity control element 1 rises to a temperature equal to or higher than the discharge temperature described later, the moisture adsorbed on the humidity control element 1 is released. By continuing the energization, the release of water continues, and when the moisture absorption rate reaches the release limit, the release of water stops. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity control element 1 is formed in a sheet shape. The humidity control element 1 has a base material portion 2 and a first conductor portion 3.

The base material portion 2 is made of fibers 2a containing cellulose as a main component. The base material portion 2 is formed in a sheet shape. The base material portion 2 is, for example, a non-woven fabric. The fiber 2a containing cellulose as a main component is, for example, natural fiber pulp, cotton, or regenerated fiber rayon. The diameter (thickness) of the fiber 2a is not particularly limited, and is, for example, in the range of 1 μm to 0.5 mm. The thickness of the base material portion 2 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, in the range of 50 μm to 5 mm.

Further, since the fiber 2a containing cellulose as a main component contains a relatively large amount of carboxyl groups having relatively high hydrophilicity, it has relatively high hygroscopicity. The hygroscopicity of the fiber will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an evaluation result comparing the time change (moisture absorption rate) of the hygroscopicity of four samples formed of different types of fibers. The moisture absorption rate is the ratio of the amount of change in the weight of the sample (weight of the absorbed sample-absolute dry weight) to the weight of the sample in the completely dry state (absolute dry weight) (that is, moisture absorption). Rate = (weight of absorbed sample-absolute dry weight) / absolute dry weight).

The four samples are formed of different types of fibers into a sheet-shaped non-woven fabric having the same weight and thickness as the base material 2. The samples are 100% pulp (sample X1), 100% cotton (sample X2), a mixture of nylon and polyester in a predetermined ratio (sample Y1), and 100% polyester (sample Y2). Nylon (sample Y1) has an amide group, and polyester (samples Y1 and Y2) has a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group as hydrophilic groups. Further, nylon (sample Y1) and polyester (samples Y1 and Y2) have a lower content of hydrophilic groups than pulp (sample X1) and cotton (sample X2).

When comparing the temporal changes in the hygroscopicity when the four samples in the absolutely dry state were placed in a space of 30 to 40% RH, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample X1 composed of fibers containing cellulose as a main component. (Pulp) and sample X2 (cotton) have a hygroscopicity three times or more that of sample Y1 (nylon, etc.) and sample Y2 (polyester).

The adsorption of water in the base material portion 2 is performed by the hydrophilic group of the fiber 2a forming a hydrogen bond with the water. Therefore, the base material portion 2 has a lower binding energy with water than zeolite or silica gel used as an adsorption material. Therefore, the base material portion 2 has a lower release temperature, which is a temperature at which water is released, as compared with zeolite or silica gel. Specifically, the release temperature of zeolite or silica gel is about 80 to 100 ° C, while the release temperature of the base material portion 2 is about 40 to 50 ° C. Further, the base material portion 2 has a higher rate of adsorbing water and a higher rate of releasing water than zeolite or silica gel.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first conductor portion 3 is provided in layers on both outer surfaces of the base material portion 2 by the conductive material 3a. The first conductor portion 3 is formed by applying a dispersion liquid in which the conductive material 3a is dispersed in a solvent to both outer surfaces of the base material portion 2 and then drying the first conductor portion 3. The dispersion liquid is, for example, water. In the present embodiment, the conductive material 3a adsorbs the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated (for example, air) when it is in a non-energized state, and adsorbs the moisture adsorbed in the fluid to be treated (for example, air) when it is in an energized state. The main component is a conductive polymer that is released into the air). Specifically, the conductive polymer is PEDOT / PSS (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) -poly (styrene sulfonic acid)), which is one of the thiophene-based conductive polymers.

The conductive polymer is a polymer compound having electrical conductivity. Moisture adsorption of the conductive polymer is performed by hydrogen bonding with the hydrophilic group of the conductive polymer. When the first conductor portion 3 is energized and the temperature of the first conductor portion 3 rises, the water adsorbed on the first conductor portion 3 (conductive polymer) is released. The discharge temperature of the first conductor portion 3 is about 40 to 50 ° C., similar to that of the base material portion 2. Further, among the conductive polymers, particularly the thiophene-based conductive polymer has a high rate of adsorbing water and a high rate of releasing water.

Further, among the thiophene-based conductive polymers, especially PEDOT / PSS, the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 is relatively small. The measurement results of the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B. The measurement result shown in FIG. 3A was actually measured by a measuring device (for example, a phase Doppler particle size measuring device (PDA)) in which the minimum particle size of measurable water is 0.5 μm.

As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3A, the number of water particles (small water droplets) released by evaporating water with, for example, a steam humidifier, measured as a comparison target (number per unit volume). Is distributed with a particle size of 5 μm as a peak. On the other hand, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3A, the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 has not been measured. That is, the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 is estimated to be smaller than 0.5 μm.

The measurement result shown in FIG. 3B was actually measured by a measuring device (scanning mobility particle sizer (manufactured by Tokyo Dyrec Co., Ltd.)) having a minimum particle size of measurable water of 6 nm. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the range of the particle size of 6 to 220 nm, the number of water particles increases as the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 decreases. Therefore, it is estimated that the number of water particles released from the first conductor portion 3 is distributed with a particle size smaller than 6 nm as a peak, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 3B.

Further, when the ion concentration of the water-containing air released from the first conductor portion 3 and the ion concentration of the water-free air released from the first conductor portion 3 are compared by an ion counter, There is no significant difference between the two. As a result, it is estimated that the water released from the first conductor portion 3 is not charged. The ion counter detects the concentration of ions in the air.

Further, the humidity control element 1 may be formed by impregnating the base material portion 2 with a dispersion liquid in which the conductive material 3a is dispersed in a solvent and then drying the base material portion 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the humidity control element 1 is integrally formed with the base material portion 2 and the first conductor portion 3. Further, in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the conductive material 3a is attached to the outer surface of the fiber 2a of the base material portion 2. As described above, the humidity control element 1 is attached to the base material portion 2 made of the fiber 2a containing cellulose as a main component by coating the conductive material 3a or by impregnating the conductive material 3a. Is formed.

The humidity control element 1 adsorbs the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated by both the base material portion 2 and the first conductor portion 3. That is, when the humidity control element 1 is in a non-energized state, the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated is adsorbed by the first conductor portion 3 and passes through (permeates) the first conductor portion 3 to form a base material. It is adsorbed on the part 2. FIG. 6 shows an evaluation result comparing the time change (moisture absorption rate) of the hygroscopicity of the two samples.

The two samples are formed by impregnating base materials having different types of fibers with the same conductive material at a predetermined weight ratio (for example, 15%). The weight ratio is the ratio of the weight of the conductive material to the weight of the base material. The base material is formed by forming different types of fibers into a sheet-shaped non-woven fabric having the same weight and thickness as the base material portion 2. The conductive material is mainly composed of the same thiophene-based conductive polymer (PEDOT / PSS) as the conductive material 3a.

The sample was a 100% cotton base material impregnated with a conductive material (Sample X3) and a base material obtained by mixing nylon and polyethylene terephthalate in a predetermined ratio and impregnating the conductive material (Sample Y3). Is. Polyethylene terephthalate (sample Y3) is hydrophobic and has a lower content of hydrophilic groups than cotton (sample X3).

When comparing the time change (moisture absorption rate) of the moisture absorption rate when the two samples in the absolutely dry state were placed in a space of 30 to 40% RH, as shown in FIG. 6, sample X3 (base material: cotton). ) Has a hygroscopicity more than twice that of sample Y3 (base material: nylon and polyethylene terephthalate). This is because the conductive materials are the same, so the difference in the amount of water adsorbed on the base material appears.

Further, in the first embodiment, the weight ratio of the first conductor portion 3 to the base material portion 2 of the humidity control element 1 is set to 1% to 25%. The relationship between the weight ratio and the moisture absorption rate in the humidity control element 1 is shown in FIG. In the humidity control element 1 evaluated in FIG. 7, the base material portion 2 formed of a sheet-shaped non-woven fabric with rayon is impregnated with a conductive material 3a made of a thiophene-based conductive polymer (PEDOT / PSS). Was formed. The moisture absorption rate is the amount of change in the moisture absorption rate per unit time.

As a result of evaluating the moisture absorption rate when 1 minute has passed from the time when the humidity control element 1 in the absolutely dry state is placed in the space of 35 to 40% RH, as shown in FIG. 7, the weight ratio is about 20%. If it is larger, the moisture absorption rate will decrease. This is because when the weight ratio is larger than about 20%, the weight of the first conductor portion 3 increases and the thickness of the first conductor portion 3 becomes thicker, so that the amount of water permeated in the first conductor portion 3 Is considered to be due to a decrease in the amount of water adsorbed on the base material portion 2.

On the other hand, when the weight ratio is smaller than 1%, the resistance value of the first conductor portion 3 becomes relatively large, so that it is considered that the first conductor portion 3 may not be able to be energized. In this case, in the humidity control device 100 described later, a sufficient amount of water released from the humidity control element 1 cannot be secured. As a result, the weight ratio is set to 1% or more. Further, the weight ratio of the first conductor portion 3 to the base material portion 2 may be in the range of 10% to 20% or in the range of 15% to 20%. In this case, the moisture absorption rate of the humidity control element 1 is improved.

When the humidity control element 1 is energized, a current flows through the conductive material 3a of the first conductor portion 3. When an electric current flows through the conductive material 3a, the temperature of the first conductor portion 3 rises. Further, heat is transferred from the first conductor portion 3 to the base material portion 2, and the temperature of the base material portion 2 rises. When the temperature of the first conductor portion 3 reaches the discharge temperature of the first conductor portion 3, the water adsorbed on the first conductor portion 3 is discharged to the fluid to be treated. Further, when the temperature of the base material portion 2 reaches the release temperature of the base material portion 2, the water adsorbed on the base material portion 2 is released to the fluid to be treated.

According to the first embodiment, the humidity control element 1 adsorbs moisture contained in the fluid to be treated (air) when it is in a non-energized state, and adsorbs the adsorbed moisture when it is in an energized state. It is released into a fluid. The humidity control element 1 is formed in layers by a base material portion 2 made of fibers 2a containing cellulose as a main component and a conductive material 3a on the outer surface of the base material portion 2, or is conductive on the outer surface of the fibers 2a. It is provided with a first conductor portion 3 to which the material 3a is attached.

According to this, since the fiber 2a containing cellulose as a main component contains a relatively large amount of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, the base material portion 2 can contain a relatively large amount of water. Therefore, when the humidity control element 1 of the first embodiment is applied to the humidity control device 100 described later, the humidity control element 1 can be downsized. Further, when the first conductor portion 3 is energized, the temperature of the base material portion 2 rises, so that the water contained in the base material portion 2 is released. Therefore, when the humidity control element 1 of the first embodiment is applied to the humidity control device 100, a heat source such as an electric heater for releasing the moisture contained in the base material portion 2 becomes unnecessary. As a result, the humidity control device 100 can be downsized.

Further, the hydroxyl group contained in cellulose generally has a higher rate of adsorbing water and a higher rate of releasing water than zeolite or silica gel used as an adsorbing material. Therefore, as compared with the case where the humidity control element 1 in the first embodiment is formed by using zeolite or silica gel, the amount of water adsorbed and the amount of water released per unit time are increased. Therefore, even when the weight (volume) of the humidity control element 1 is relatively small, the amount of water adsorbed and the amount of water released in a unit time can be secured, so that the humidity control element 1 and thus the humidity control device 100 can be made small. Can be achieved.

Further, since the hydroxyl group has a lower binding energy with water than zeolite or silica gel, the humidity control element 1 in the present embodiment has a temperature at which water is released as compared with the case where it is formed using zeolite or silica gel. Release temperature) is low. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the amount of electricity supplied to the humidity control element 1 when humidifying by the humidity control device 100. Therefore, the energy saving of the humidity control device 100 can be achieved.

Further, the conductive material 3a is provided with a conductive polymer as a main component, which adsorbs the moisture of the fluid to be treated (air) when it is in a non-energized state and releases the adsorbed moisture when it is in an energized state. Has been done.

According to this, since the first conductor portion 3 is made of a conductive polymer, it can adsorb and release water. Therefore, the humidity control element 1 having the first conductive portion 3 formed of the conductive polymer is formed of a material (for example, a material containing carbon as a main component) having relatively little adsorption and release of water. It can contain a large amount of water as compared with the case of having one conductor portion 3. Therefore, the humidity control element 1 and thus the humidity control device 100 can be miniaturized.

The conductive polymer is a thiophene-based conductive polymer.
According to this, the thiophene-based conductive polymer has a relatively high rate of adsorbing water and a rate of releasing water among the conductive polymers. Therefore, the size of the first conductor portion 3, the humidity control element 1, and the humidity control device 100 can be reduced.

The conductive polymer is PEDOT / PSS.
According to this, since the first conductor portion 3 is provided with PEDOT / PSS as a main component, both the speed at which the first conductor portion 3 adsorbs water and the speed at which water is released can be relatively increased. can. Further, since the first conductor portion 3 is provided with PEDOT / PSS as a main component, the particle size of the water released from the first conductor portion 3 can be made relatively small. As a result, the water released from the first conductor portion 3 can enter, for example, the open pores of the vegetables, which is effective for, for example, preventing the vegetables from drying and retaining the water content (preserving freshness).

The ratio of the weight of the first conductor portion 3 to the weight of the base material portion 2 is 1% to 25%.
According to this, as compared with the case where the humidity control element 1 is provided so that the ratio of the weight of the first conductor portion 3 to the weight of the base material portion 2 is larger than 25%, it is adsorbed on the base material portion 2. The amount of water to be added can be increased. Therefore, the size of the first conductor portion 3, the humidity control element 1, and the humidity control device 100 can be reduced.

Further, in the method for manufacturing the humidity control element 1, the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated (air) is adsorbed when the fluid is not energized, and the adsorbed moisture is discharged to the fluid to be treated when the fluid is energized. This is a method for manufacturing the humidity control element 1. The humidity control element 1 is manufactured by applying the conductive material 3a to the base material portion 2 made of the fiber 2a containing cellulose as a main component, or by impregnating the conductive material 3a with the conductive material 3a. It is formed.
According to this, the humidity control element 1 manufactured by this manufacturing method has the same effect as the effect of the humidity control element 1 described above.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment of the humidity control element of the present invention will be described mainly as a portion different from the humidity control element 1 of the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 8, the humidity control element 11 of the second embodiment includes a base material portion 12, a first conductor portion 13, and a second conductor portion 14.

The base material portion 12 is provided by fibers 12a (for example, pulp) containing cellulose as a main component. The base material portion 12 includes a liner portion 12b and a corrugated portion 12c. The liner portion 12b is formed in a sheet shape by fibers 12a (for example, pulp). The liner portion 12b is, for example, a non-woven fabric. The corrugated portion 12c is formed by corrugating a sheet formed by the fibers 12a and having a corrugated cross section. The lower surface of the liner portion 12b (lower side surface of FIG. 8) and the upper surface of the corrugated portion 12c (upper side surface of FIG. 8) are adhered by, for example, an adhesive.

The first conductor portion 13 is provided on the outer surface of the base material portion 12 in a layered manner in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above by the conductive material 13a. Specifically, the first conductor portion 13 is provided on the upper surface (upper side surface of FIG. 8) of the liner portion 12b of the base material portion 12. The conductive material 13a is provided with PEDOT / PSS as a main component as in the first embodiment described above.

The second conductor portion 14 has conductivity and is laminated on the outer surface of the first conductor portion 13 so as to be electrically connected to the first conductor portion 13. The second conductor portion 14 is provided of a conductive stainless steel material. The second conductor portion 14 is provided on the upper surface (upper side surface of FIG. 8) of the first conductor portion 13. The lower surface of the second conductor portion 14 (lower side surface of FIG. 8) and the upper surface of the first conductor portion 13 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected to each other. The first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 are adhered to each other by, for example, a conductive adhesive.

Further, the second conductor portion 14 has a penetrating portion 14a penetrating in the stacking direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8). A plurality of penetrating portions 14a are provided in a circular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 9). The second conductor portion 14 is a punching metal in the second embodiment.

When the humidity control element 11 of the second embodiment is applied to the humidity control device 100 described later, the first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 are energized as described later. In this case, a current flows through the first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 along the plane direction (horizontal direction or front-rear direction). That is, the first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 are electrically connected in parallel.

When the humidity control element 11 is energized, a current flows through the conductive material 13a and the second conductor portion 14 of the first conductor portion 13. When an electric current flows through the conductive material 13a and the second conductor portion 14, the temperature of the first conductor portion 13 rises. Further, heat is transferred from the first conductor portion 13 to the base material portion 12, and the temperature of the base material portion 12 rises. When the temperature of the first conductor portion 13 reaches the discharge temperature of the first conductor portion 13, the water adsorbed on the first conductor portion 13 is discharged to the fluid to be treated. In this case, the water released from the upper surface of the first conductor portion 13 is released via the penetrating portion 14a. When the temperature of the base material portion 12 reaches the release temperature of the base material portion 12, the water adsorbed on the base material portion 12 is released to the fluid to be treated.

According to the humidity control element 11 of the second embodiment, the conductive material 13a is provided with a conductive polymer (PEDOT / PSS) as a main component. The first conductor portion 13 is formed in a layer on the outer surface of the base material portion 12. The humidity control element 11 is conductive and further includes a second conductor portion 14 laminated on the outer surface of the first conductor portion 13 so as to be electrically connected to the first conductor portion 13. ..

Experiments and the like conducted in advance have shown that the moisture absorption rate and the moisture release rate (the rate at which moisture is released) of the first conductor portion 13 within a predetermined time are approximately constant regardless of the thickness of the first conductor portion 13. It is known by. Further, the conductive polymer which is the main component of the conductive material 13a is relatively expensive. Therefore, in order to reduce the cost of the humidity control element 11, it is conceivable to reduce the thickness of the first conductive portion 13 to reduce the total amount of the conductive material 13a containing the conductive polymer as a main component. .. However, when the thickness of the first conductor portion 13 is reduced, the electric resistance value of the first conductor portion 13 becomes relatively large, so that the supply voltage value when the desired power is supplied to the humidity control element 11. Is considered to be relatively high.

On the other hand, in the humidity control element 11 of the second embodiment, since the second conductor portion 14 is laminated on the first conductor portion 13, the second conductor portion 14 and the first conductor portion 13 are laminated. Are electrically connected in parallel. As a result, the combined electrical resistance value of each of the first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 becomes smaller than the electrical resistance value of the first conductor portion 13. Therefore, even when the thickness of the first conductor portion 13 is reduced in the state where the second conductor portion 14 is laminated on the first conductor portion 13, the increase in the electric resistance value and thus the supply voltage is suppressed. For example, when the combined electrical resistance values of the first conductor portion 13 and the second conductor portion 14 are set to 10 to 60 Ω, it is possible to use a power source generally used for home use. Become. Therefore, by laminating the second conductor portion 14 on the first conductor portion 13, it is possible to balance the moisture absorption rate and the moisture release rate of the first conductor portion 13, the magnitude of the supply voltage, and the cost. can.

Further, when the first conductor portion 13 is provided so as to have a relatively thin thickness, the electric resistance value of the first conductor portion 13 may vary. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the second conductor portion 14 is laminated on the first conductor portion 13 so as to be electrically connected in parallel with the first conductor portion 13, the second conductor portion 14 is laminated. The electric resistance value of the one conductor portion 13 and the electric resistance value of the second conductor portion 14 are combined. As a result, the electric resistance value of the first conductor portion 13 and the electric resistance value of the first conductor portion 13 are compared with the variation of the electric resistance value of the first conductor portion 13 when the second conductor portion 14 is not laminated on the first conductor portion 13. The variation in the electric resistance value combined with the electric resistance value of the second conductor portion 14 is suppressed.

Further, the second conductor portion 14 is provided of a stainless steel material.
According to this, since the stainless steel material has relatively high corrosion resistance, even when the second conductor portion 14 is laminated on the first conductor portion 13 that adsorbs moisture, the second conductor portion 14 is corroded. Is suppressed.

Further, the second conductor portion 14 has a penetrating portion 14a penetrating in the stacking direction.
According to this, the first conductor portion 13 can adsorb and release water through the penetrating portion 14a. Further, the electric resistance value of the second conductor portion 14 can be adjusted by changing the size or the number of the penetrating portions 14a.

(Humidity control device)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the humidity control device 100 according to the present invention will be described. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the upper side and the lower side in FIG. 10 are the upper side and the lower side of the humidity control device 100, respectively, and the left side and the right side are the front side and the rear side of the humidity control device 100, respectively. And the back side of the paper surface will be described as the left side and the right side of the humidity control device 100, respectively.

The humidity control device 100 humidifies or dehumidifies the second space S2 (described later) in which the user A sleeps. The humidity control device 100 humidifies or dehumidifies the space around the head of the sleeping user A, particularly the head. The humidity control device 100 is attached to the bed B as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The bed B includes a frame portion B1, a leg portion B2, and a headboard portion B3. A mattress M is laid on the frame portion B1. The headboard portion B3 is formed with a through hole B3a that penetrates the headboard portion B3 along the front-rear direction. The humidity control device 100 is attached to the headboard portion B3 so that the second communication portion Lb (described later) communicates with the through hole B3a.

As shown in FIG. 11, the humidity control device 100 is a control device 50 (corresponding to the blower unit of the present invention), the humidity control unit 30, the energizing unit 40, and the humidity control device 100 (corresponding to the air blower unit of the present invention). It corresponds to the control unit of the present invention).

The case 10 is formed in a tubular shape having both ends open and extending in the front-rear direction so as to have a flow path L for passing air (fluid to be processed) inside. The flow path L includes a first communication portion La and a second communication portion Lb that communicate with the outside of the case 10, respectively. The first series passage portion La is formed at the front end portion of the case 10 and opens from the flow path L toward the first space S1 which is the space in front of the case 10. The second communication portion Lb is formed at the rear end of the case 10 and opens from the flow path L through the through hole B3a toward the second space S2, which is the sleeping space of the user A on the mattress M.

The first space S1 and the second space S2 are spaces in the same room where the bed B is installed. The flow path L communicates with the first space S1 and the second space S2 via the communication portions La and Lb. In the flow path L, a blower 20 and a humidity control portion 30 are arranged in order from the front side to the rear side of the case 10 between the first communication portion La and the second communication portion Lb.

The blower 20 is arranged in the first series passage portion La, and by rotationally driving in the first direction, the air in the first space S1 is introduced into the flow path L, and the air introduced into the flow path L is introduced into the first flow path L. It is derived to the two spaces S2. Further, the blower device 20 introduces the air in the second space S2 into the flow path L by rotationally driving in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and introduces the air introduced into the flow path L into the first space. Derived to S1. The blower 20 is, for example, an axial blower. The blower device 20 is electrically connected to the control device 50 and is driven according to a control command value transmitted from the control device 50. Since the blower device 20 is PWM controlled, the control command value is calculated by the duty ratio.

The humidity control unit 30 is arranged in the flow path L and humidifies or dehumidifies the air introduced into the flow path L. The humidity control unit 30 is formed by using the humidity control element 1 of the first embodiment described above. The humidity control element 1 adsorbs the moisture of the air introduced into the flow path L when it is not energized, and releases the adsorbed moisture to the air introduced into the flow path L when it is energized.

As shown in FIG. 12, the humidity control unit 30 is provided by arranging a plurality of sheets 31 composed of the humidity control elements 1 along the vertical direction at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is a distance through which the air introduced into the flow path L can flow. The air introduced into the flow path L flows through the humidity control unit 30 along the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing. Further, electrodes 31a are arranged at both ends of the sheet 31. The electrode 31a is formed of, for example, a conductive metal flat plate. The electrode 31a is electrically connected to the sheet 31 by sandwiching and crimping the end portion of the sheet 31.

The energizing unit 40 is electrically connected to the humidity control unit 30 to energize the humidity control unit 30. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the energizing unit 40 includes an electric wire 41, a power supply 42, and a switch 43.

The electric wire 41 is an electric wire that electrically connects the power supply 42 and each sheet 31 in parallel. As shown in FIG. 12, the electric wire 41 is connected to the front end and the rear end of each of the sheets 31 of the humidity control portion 30 via the electrodes 31a. The power supply 42 is, for example, a storage battery.

The switch 43 is arranged on the electric wire 41, and the humidity control unit 30 is energized by electrically connecting or disconnecting the power supply 42 and the humidity control unit 30 according to the control command value transmitted from the control device 50. It switches between an energized state in which the humidity control unit 30 is energized and a non-energized state in which the humidity control unit 30 is not energized. The switch 43 is a normally open type switch that opens the path when it is not operated. The switch 43 electrically connects the power supply 42 and the humidity control unit 30 by closing the circuit. On the other hand, the switch 43 electrically shuts off the power supply 42 and the humidity control unit 30 by opening the circuit.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 50 includes a humidification control unit 51 and a dehumidification control unit 52. The humidification control unit 51 humidifies the second space S2. The humidification control unit 51 includes a humidification mode and a humidification preparation mode as operation modes of the humidity control device 100.

The humidification mode is an operation mode in which the air introduced into the flow path L from the first space S1 is humidified and the humidified air is led out to the second space S2. In the humidification mode, the air blower 20 is rotationally driven in the first direction, so that the air in the first space S1 is introduced into the flow path L from the first communication portion La, and the second communication portion Lb to the second communication portion Lb. Derived to space S2.

Further, in the humidification mode, the switch 43 of the energizing unit 40 is closed so as to energize the humidity control unit 30. That is, in the humidification mode, since the humidity control element 1 is in the energized state, the temperature of the humidity control element 1 rises, and the moisture adsorbed on the humidity control element 1 is released to the air introduced into the flow path L. Will be done. As a result, the air introduced into the flow path L from the first space S1 is humidified and led out to the second space S2.

In the present embodiment, when the temperature of the air in the first space S1 is 25 ° C. and the relative humidity is 40%, the air introduced into the flow path L from the first space S1 is humidified and becomes the second space S2. The driving amount of the blower 20, the amount of electricity applied to the humidity control section 30, the surface area of the sheet 31 of the humidity control section 30, and the like are set so that the relative humidity of the derived air is about 90%.

The humidification preparation mode is an operation mode in which the moisture of the air introduced into the flow path L from the second space S2 is adsorbed on the humidity control unit 30 to prepare for humidification by the humidification mode. In the humidification preparation mode, the air blower 20 is rotationally driven in the second direction, so that the air in the second space S2 is introduced from the second communication portion Lb into the flow path L, and the first series communication portion La to the first. It is derived to one space S1.

Further, in the humidification preparation mode, the switch 43 of the energizing unit 40 is opened so as to de-energize the humidity control unit 30. That is, in the humidification preparation mode, since the humidity control element 1 is in a non-energized state, the temperature of the humidity control element 1 that has risen in the humidification mode drops, and the humidity control element 1 moves from the second space S2 to the flow path L. While adsorbing the moisture of the air introduced into, the air adsorbed with the moisture is led out to the first space S1.

In the present embodiment, the driving amount and the predetermined operating time of the blower device 20 are set so that the amount of water released by the humidity control unit 30 is secured in the humidification mode. The predetermined operating time is, for example, 3 minutes.
Then, the humidification control unit 51 alternately repeats the humidification mode and the humidification preparation mode at predetermined operation times to humidify the second space S2.

The dehumidification control unit 52 dehumidifies the second space S2. The dehumidification control unit 52 includes a dehumidification mode and a dehumidification preparation mode as operation modes of the humidity control device 100.
The dehumidifying mode is an operation mode in which the air introduced into the flow path L from the first space S1 is dehumidified and the dehumidified air is led out to the second space S2. In the dehumidification mode, the switch 43 of the energizing unit 40 is opened so that the blower 20 is rotationally driven in the first direction and the humidity control unit 30 is de-energized. That is, in the dehumidification mode, since the humidity control element 1 is in a non-energized state, the moisture of the air introduced into the flow path L is adsorbed by the humidity control element 1. As a result, the air introduced into the flow path L from the first space S1 is dehumidified and is led out to the second space S2.

In the present embodiment, when the temperature of the air in the first space S1 is 25 ° C. and the relative humidity is 60%, the air dehumidified so that the relative humidity is about 40% is led out to the second space S2. As described above, the driving amount of the blower 20 and the surface area of the sheet 31 of the humidity control unit 30 are set.

The dehumidification preparation mode is an operation mode in which the moisture adsorbed on the humidity control unit 30 is discharged from the second space S2 to the air introduced into the flow path L to prepare for dehumidification by the dehumidification mode. In the dehumidification preparation mode, the switch 43 of the energizing unit 40 is closed so that the blower 20 is rotationally driven in the second direction and the humidity control unit 30 is energized. That is, in the dehumidification preparation mode, since the humidity control element 1 is in the energized state, the temperature of the humidity control element 1 rises, and the moisture adsorbed on the humidity control element 1 is absorbed in the air introduced into the flow path L. At the same time as being released, the air released with moisture is led out to the first space S1.

In the present embodiment, the driving amount of the blower device 20, the energizing amount to the humidity control unit 30, and the predetermined operating time are set so that the amount of water adsorbed by the humidity control unit 30 is secured in the dehumidification mode.
The second space S2 is dehumidified by the dehumidification control unit 52 alternately repeating the dehumidification mode and the dehumidification preparation mode at predetermined operation times.

According to the present embodiment, the humidity control device 100 is provided with a humidity control portion 30 formed by using the humidity control element 1 and a humidity control portion 30, and communicates the first space S1 and the second space S2. The flow path L to be operated, the blower 20 that introduces the air of the first space S1 into the flow path L and leads the air introduced into the flow path L to the second space S2, and the humidity control unit 30 are electrically connected. It is provided with an energizing unit 40 that energizes the humidity control unit 30, and a control device 50 that at least controls the blower device 20. The humidity control unit 30 humidifies or dehumidifies the air introduced into the flow path L. The control device 50 introduces the air in the first space S1 into the flow path L by the blower device 20 and energizes the humidity control unit 30 by the energizing unit 40 with respect to the air introduced into the flow path L. By releasing the moisture adsorbed on the humidity control unit 30, the air introduced into the flow path L is humidified, and the humidified mode is led out to the second space S2 by the blower 20. The air introduced into the flow path L is introduced into the flow path L by the humidification control unit 51 and the blower device 20, and the humidity control unit 30 is de-energized by the energization unit 40. Dehumidification control having a dehumidification mode in which the air introduced into the flow path L is dehumidified by adsorbing the moisture of the above to the humidity control unit 30, and the dehumidified air is led out to the second space S2 by the blower 20. A unit 52 and a unit 52 are provided.

According to this, the humidity control device 100 has the same effect as the effect of the humidity control element 1 described above.
Further, as described above, the hydrophilic group in the fiber 2a of the base material portion 2 of the humidity control element 1 has a higher rate of adsorbing water and a faster rate of releasing water than silica gel or the like, and therefore, in a unit time. The amount of water adsorbed and the amount of water released is large. Therefore, by using the humidity control element 1 for the humidity control unit 30 of the humidity control device 100, it is possible to shorten the predetermined operation time.

(Modification example)
Although an example of the humidity control element and the humidity control device is shown in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and other configurations may be adopted. For example, the base material portions 2 and 12 of the humidity control elements 1 and 11 described above are non-woven fabrics, but instead, the base material portion 2 may be made of cloth, pulp paper, or the like.

Further, in the above-mentioned humidity control element 1, the base material portion 2 is provided with cellulose as a main component, but a conductive material is used as another component of the base material portion 2 (a conductive material is added to cellulose). You may do so. The conductive material as another component of the base material portion 2 is, for example, graphite, activated carbon, carbon fiber, metal fiber or conductive ceramic. According to this, it can also conduct to the base material portion 2. Therefore, the temperature of the base material portion 2 can be raised in a short time and the water content from the base material portion 2 is shortened as compared with the case where the conductive material is not used as another component of the base material portion 2. It can be released in time.

Further, in the above-mentioned humidity control element 1, when the first conductor portion 3 is formed in a layered manner, it is formed on both sides of the outer surface of the base material portion 2, but instead of this, it is outside the base material portion 2. It may be formed on only one side of the surface.

Further, in the humidity control element 11 described above, the first conductor portion 13 is provided only on one surface of the base material portion 12 (upper surface of the liner portion), but instead of this, the other surface of the base material portion 12 is provided. It may be provided only on (the lower surface of the corrugated portion) or on both surfaces of the base material portion 12.

Further, in the humidity control elements 1 and 11 described above, the conductive materials 3a and 13a are provided with the conductive polymer as a main component, but instead, the first conductive parts 3 and 13 are made of water. It may be provided by the conductive materials 3a and 13a having relatively low adsorption and release. Specifically, the conductive materials 3a and 13a may be provided with any one of carbon, carbon fiber and graphite as a main component, for example. Further, the conductive materials 3a and 13a may be provided by a combination of two or more of the conductive polymer, carbon, carbon fiber and graphite.

According to this, when the conductive materials 3a and 13a contain carbon, carbon fiber or graphite as the main component, the conductivity of the first conductive portions 3 and 13 is higher than that when the conductive polymer is the main component. Is improved. Further, when the conductive materials 3a and 13a contain a conductive polymer as a main component, when carbon, carbon fiber or graphite is contained as another component, or when carbon, carbon fiber or graphite is not contained as another component. In comparison, the conductivity of the first conductor portions 3 and 13 is improved.

Further, the above-mentioned conductive materials 3a and 13a are provided with PEDOT / PSS as a main component, but instead, the conductive materials 3a and 13a are made of a thiophene-based conductive polymer other than PEDOT / PSS. It may be provided. Further, the conductive materials 3a and 13a may be provided with a conductive polymer other than the thiophene-based conductive polymer (for example, a polyaniline-based conductive polymer).

Further, in the humidity control elements 1 and 11 described above, the first conductive parts 3 and 13 are formed of the conductive materials 3a and 13a that adsorb and release water, but instead of this, the first conductive material 3a and 13a are formed. The body portions 3 and 13 may be formed of conductive materials 3a and 13a that do not adsorb and release water. Specifically, the conductive materials 3a and 13a may be provided with a metal such as silver particles or copper particles as a main component. In this case, only the base materials 2 and 12 adsorb and release water. The conductive materials 3a and 13a may be provided by a combination of two or more of the conductive polymer, silver particles, copper particles, carbon, carbon fibers and graphite.

Further, in the humidity control device 100 described above, the humidity control portion 30 is formed by arranging a plurality of sheets 31 formed by using the humidity control element 1, but instead of this, the humidity control unit 30 is processed in the front-rear direction. It may be formed in the shape of a honeycomb through which the fluid flows.

Further, in the humidity control device 100 described above, the humidity control unit 30 is provided by a plurality of sheets 31 formed by using the humidity control element 1, but instead, the sheet 31 is used as the humidity control element 11. It may be formed by using. Further, the humidity control portion 30 may be formed by arranging a plurality of sheets 31 formed in a cylindrical shape.

Further, the humidity control section 30 described above may be provided as in the humidity control section 130 shown in FIG. The humidity control unit 130 is provided by a sheet 131 formed in a spiral cross section using one humidity control element 11. In this case, the electrodes 131a are provided at both ends of the sheet 131 located inside and outside the humidity control portion 130, respectively. Further, in this case, the fluid to be processed (air) flows through the gap formed between the corrugated portion 12c and the liner portion 12b and the gap formed between the corrugated portion 12c and the second conductor portion 14. In this case, when the corrugated portion 12c and the second conductor portion 14 are formed so as to be in contact with each other, the corrugated portion 12c is heated by the heat generated when the second conductor portion 14 is energized.

Further, in the humidity control device 100 described above, positive or negatively charged electrodes (not shown) may be provided in the second communication portion Lb. According to this, when the moisture released from the humidity control portion 30 passes through the second communication portion Lb, the moisture is negatively or positively charged by dielectric charging.

Further, a plurality of through portions 14a of the second conductor portion 14 described above are formed in a circular shape in a plan view, but instead, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the second conductor portions 214 and 314 are formed. The penetrating portions 214a and 314a may be formed in a slit shape so as to meander. In this case, the electric resistance values of the second conductor portions 214 and 314 can be adjusted according to the shapes of the penetrating portions 214a and 314a.

Further, although the second conductor portion 14 described above is provided of a stainless steel material, it may be formed of a conductive material such as gold, silver, graphite or carbon instead of the stainless steel material. Further, although the second conductor portion 14 described above is provided with the penetrating portion 14a, the penetrating portion 14a may not be provided instead. Further, the second conductor portion 14 described above is a punching metal, but instead of this, a metal foil or a net formed in a sheet shape (mesh, expanded metal, etc.) may be used.

Further, although the second conductor portion 14 described above is formed in a layered manner, corrugated processing may be performed. Further, the above-mentioned second conductor portion 14 may be provided in a mesh shape having a relatively thick thickness. In these cases, when the humidity control element 11 is formed in a spiral cross section shown in FIG. 14, the second conductor portion 14 can be used as a flow path for the fluid to be processed. Further, in these cases, the size of the humidity control portion 130 may be adjusted by providing the base material portion 12 only by the liner portion 12b.

Further, in the embodiment of the humidity control device 100 described above, the electrode 31a is electrically connected to the sheet 31 by caulking, but instead, the electrode 31a is connected to the sheet 31 by, for example, a conductive adhesive or a tightening bolt. It may be electrically connected to the seat 31. Further, the humidity control device 100 may not include the electrode 31a and may directly electrically connect the electric wire 41 and the sheet 31.

Further, as long as the gist of the present invention is not deviated, the base material portions 2, 12 (fibers 2a, 12a), the first conductor portions 3, 13 (conductive materials 3a, 13a), the second conductor portion 14, and the sheet The shapes and materials of 31, 131 may be changed.

1 ... Humidification element, 2 ... Base material, 2a ... Fiber, 3 ... First conductor, 3a ... Conductive material, 10 ... Case, 14 ... Second conductor, 20 ... Blower (blower) , 30 ... Humidification control unit, 31 ... Sheet, 40 ... Energizing unit, 50 ... Control device (control unit), 51 ... Humidification control unit, 52 ... Dehumidification control unit, 100 ... Humidification control device, L ... Flow path, S1 ... First space, S2 ... Second space.

Claims (7)

A humidity control element that adsorbs the moisture contained in the fluid to be treated when it is in a non-energized state and releases the adsorbed moisture to the fluid to be treated when it is in an energized state.
A base material made of fibers containing cellulose as the main component, and
A first conductor portion which is formed into a layer of a conductive material on the outer surface of the base portion,
It is provided with a second conductor portion that is conductive and is laminated on the outer surface of the first conductor portion so as to be electrically connected to the first conductor portion.
The conductive material is a conductive polymer, carbon, carbon fiber and graphite that adsorbs the moisture of the fluid to be treated when it is in a non-energized state and releases the adsorbed moisture when it is in an energized state. as a main component any one of, or are provided by the combination of two or more of these, humidity elements. The humidity control element according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor portion is provided of a stainless steel material. The humidity control element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second conductor portion has a penetrating portion penetrating in the stacking direction. The humidity control element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive polymer is a thiophene-based conductive polymer. The humidity control element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive polymer is PEDOT / PSS. The humidity control element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of the weight of the first conductor portion to the weight of the base material portion is 1% to 25%. A humidity control unit formed by using the humidity control element according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
A flow path in which the humidity control portion is arranged and communicates between the first space and the second space,
A blower unit that introduces the air in the first space into the flow path and leads the air introduced into the flow path into the second space.
An energizing unit that is electrically connected to the humidity control unit and energizes the humidity control unit,
A humidity control device including a control unit that at least controls the blower unit.
The control unit
The air in the first space is introduced into the flow path by the blower, and the humidity control section is energized by the current-carrying section, so that the air introduced into the flow path is introduced into the humidity control section. A humidification control unit having a humidification mode that humidifies the air introduced into the flow path by releasing the adsorbed moisture and leads the humidified air to the second space by the blower unit. When,
The air in the first space is introduced into the flow path by the blower, the humidity control section is de-energized by the energizing section, and the moisture content of the air introduced into the flow path is introduced into the humidity control section. A dehumidification control unit having a dehumidification mode for dehumidifying the air introduced into the flow path and leading the dehumidified air to the second space by the blower unit is provided. Dehumidifier.

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