DE20122752U1 - Moisture absorption apparatus for transport container, comprises desiccant container with air access opening and holes, slidably provided in desiccant solution container, to move between usage and storage states - Google Patents

Abstract

A desiccant container (1) has an air flow opening (6) in the side wall (5) and several holes (4) in bottom portion (3). The container is slidably provided in a desiccant solution container (2) having specific depth to cover the opening of desiccant container in the storage state. In the usage state, the desiccant stored in a permeable bag (16) contacts with moist air to form a desiccant solution which flows into the solution container.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

The The present invention relates to the field of dehumidification, in particular a device for absorption of moisture with a desiccant in an upper chamber is provided. In particular, the present invention relates Invention a device for absorbing moisture to the atmosphere in a Keep transport container in a dry condition.

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

The The present invention is based on that disclosed in US Pat. 5,676,739 of Gustafson described moisture absorbing Device for vertical mounting, for example, in a closed steel container for the transport of moisture-sensitive goods is provided. The device consists of a polymer-coated cardboard, the for the Requires rigidity. Comprising from its upper end this in a longitudinal direction a chamber with a moisture absorbing material such as Calcium chloride, which forms an aqueous solution in contact with moist air. The saline solution is constantly in a lower fluid collection chamber in the form of a plastic container derived, which communicates with the upper chamber. The solid Desiccant material is passed through a sieve means in the upper chamber retained which includes a one-way valve. The contact of the desiccant with The ambient air is ensured by a braid that is ahead an opening is mounted in the wall of the upper chamber. The mesh is like this, that the watery solution the upper chamber not through the mesh, but only through the Leave sieve means. Until the commissioning is the braid and thus the opening in the wall of the upper chamber by a removable plastic film locked.

Even though the moisture absorbing device of Gustafsson in proven industrial application has, it can still be improved. In particular, the well-known Device too big. This is during transport and storage prior to use a disadvantage.

A Another moisture absorbing device is in the document SE-B-419 630, which is related to U.S. Patent Application US-A-4,319,679, in which a lid prevents displacement of the two desiccant containers. Further, in JP-A-7 328 371 a dehumidifying tank is described, in which the movement between the inner and the outer container through executed a screw means becomes.

TASKS OF INVENTION

A The main object of the present invention is a device the above mentioned To provide species that are smaller than known devices of this Art is and therefore can be stored and transported easier.

Further Objects of the invention will become apparent from the following summary of the invention, the drawings, the description of preferred embodiments and the claims clear.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

According to the present Invention describes a device for moisture absorption, to the atmosphere to keep in a dry container in a transport container the device comprising a desiccant container having a side wall, optionally a bottom and a means for retaining the desiccant in the container and further a container comprising a sidewall and a bottom for the desiccant solution, wherein the desiccant container is able to absorb a desiccant when in contact forms a desiccant solution with moist air, and wherein the Side wall of the desiccant container at least one air inlet opening and a passage through which the desiccant solution in the container for the Desiccant solution flow can, being the container for desiccant solution one upper opening and sliding on the desiccant container can be moved so that the desiccant container in container for desiccant solution until can be moved to a depth sufficient for full coverage the air inlet opening of the Desiccant container through the container sufficient for desiccant solution, the device further comprising means for separating desiccant container from the container prevented for desiccant solution.

Preferably includes the means for preventing the separation cooperative annular Flanges of the desiccant container and the container for desiccant solution. Especially it is preferred that the means for preventing the separation barb profiles includes. Also preferred are latching connections, which are for separating the container will be opened can, in particular for emptying the container for desiccant solution.

Conceivable are also other means of preventing separation, for example a flexible element like a string or a ribbon (that's elastic enough can be so that the containers temporarily to empty can be separated), attached with its respective ends to the bottom of each container is.

Preferably have the desiccant container and the container for desiccant solution in general the shape of a cylinder or a parallelepiped. Further comprises the device for moisture absorption according to the invention preferably means for fixing to the wall of a transport container.

In a condition prior to use, the desiccant container is at least so far in the container pushed for desiccant solution, that the latter completely covers the air inlet opening of the former. As a result, the desiccant before the action of moist air protected. In this way, the container acts for desiccant solution like a protective cover that the removable plastic film in the mentioned above Device according to the prior art corresponds.

to Activation of the device according to the invention the device is brought into an upright position, that is, that for example, the bottom of the container for desiccant solution on a pad rests and pulled the desiccant container from the container for desiccant solution becomes. Cooperating holding means, for example on the outer wall desiccant container and on the inner wall of the container for desiccant solution attached Holding means prevent the containers from being completely separated. Preferably exercises the retaining means of the container for desiccant solution in a condition prior to use a sealing function.

The Device according to the invention can for be designed once or several times. In design for the one - time use is the sealed desiccant container Device provided with a desiccant filling. In such a Case may be the desiccant container only two openings or groups of openings include: an opening in his sidewall for the Air inlet and the other opening at his bottom for the leakage of the desiccant solution. In a condition before use, the desiccant container is at least so far in the container pushed for desiccant solution, that the latter completely covers the air inlet opening of the former. As a result, the desiccant before the action of moist air protected. In this way, the container acts for desiccant solution like a protective cover that the removable plastic film in the mentioned above Device according to the prior art corresponds.

The container can be made of any suitable polymeric material, For example, made of high density polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene or polyvinyl acetate.

at Design for in multiple use, the desiccant container also includes one refill, preferably arranged on the upper part and with a Screw connection or the like is provided.

It is within the scope of the invention, the desiccant either in the form of loose particles or in the form of a refill cartridge to provide for permeable to moist air and desiccant solution, For example, a cartridge of filter paper or a polymer fleece. In this case, the device for moisture absorption according to claim 1 for multiple use a through hole in the upper part of the desiccant container, the is closed by a removable plug or the like. Preferably, the desiccant container is further through the air inlet opening in its side wall filled. This opening can with a braid or grid for retaining the desiccant be provided, for example with a frame attached to a Braid or grid by the frame, for example, by snapping on the side wall of the dry medium tank at an area around the Air inlet opening is locked around. A preferred variant is the desiccant container made of two parts, from a trough-shaped part in which a short End (in use the lower end or the bottom) of a perforated Wall through which the desiccant solution enters the desiccant solution container, and from a lockable Part of the air inlet opening includes. The lockable Part can after filling snapped with desiccant on the tray part and after use for refilling be unlocked with desiccant. In particular, this two-part execution desiccant container preferred if this has the shape of a parallelepiped.

Preferably comprises the device according to the invention for the multiple use in the bottom of desiccant container one Through opening for emptying the container for desiccant solution, the is closed by a removable plug or the like. Alternatively, the container for desiccant solution whole or partially temporarily from the desiccant container be separated.

The Moisture absorption device according to the invention preferably comprises one on the wall of the container for desiccant solution, in particular on the inner surface the side wall of the container for desiccant solution in nearby the upper opening, attached sealant.

Preferably, the desiccant container and desiccant solution container have one elongated shape, for example, a tubular shape, on. In this context, the term "axial" refers to the axis of the desiccant container or desiccant solution container As the apparatus according to the invention is intended for use in an upright position, the terms "up" and "down"("bottom") ) on this job. For example, the device is held in working position by a wire which is secured to an eyelet at the top of the desiccant container and at the other end to a suitable attachment point on the inside wall of a steel container or other space.

preferred deliquescent Desiccants are calcium chloride or calcium chloride containing Desiccant mixtures, but in principle all desiccants be used, which melt when in contact with moist air. The aqueous solution the desiccant flows through the bottom opening (s) desiccant container in the container for desiccant solution. At the floor openings can one or more one-way valves, but this is for the Function of the device according to the invention unimportant; their sole task is to return the flow of Liquid off because container for desiccant solution in the desiccant container and to prevent from this, if the device by Tear or loosening the retaining wire should fall on the floor. The desiccant preferably consists of loose particles. It can also be beneficial be, the desiccant in the form of a desiccant particles filled To provide cartridge whose walls are for humidity and watery Desiccant are permeable.

According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the cross-section of the air inlet opening is variable, around the device according to the invention adapt to different drying tasks. A big cross section causes a high rate of drying, while a smaller cross section a causes lower drying rate. A high drying speed is preferred in applications where moisture is fast should be reduced, for example, after loading a transport container in a tropical humid climate. As it is with most applications with a few exceptions, where a relative humidity of less than 50% is required, not required, a relative To provide humidity in the transport container of less than 75%, would the Long-term operation of a version of the device according to the invention with big Window the moisture unnecessary keep low, which is impractical from an economic point of view. To the humidity over longer Time at a corresponding value, such as between 50 and Keeping 75% is the use of a device with a smaller one Air inlet opening according to the invention appropriate and preferable. Within the scope of the invention a number of devices according to the invention are provided, a number of such devices with different cross section the air inlet opening include. Furthermore, preferably also a device according to the invention with a variable one Cross section of the air inlet opening to be provided; this change can be effected, for example, by a disk which is parallel guide profiles on both sides of the Air inlet opening over the Cross section of the air inlet opening slidably arranged.

The same thing Result leaves Also achieve by using the desiccant solution tank for Cover the air inlet opening is used. According to one Another preferred aspect of the invention may thus be the container for desiccant solution in be fixed in a position in which he partially closes the air inlet opening covers.

According to one another preferred aspect of the invention, a group of devices is provided, extending through the cross section of their air inlet openings differ from each other.

in the Below, the invention will be described with reference to two preferred embodiments the invention illustrated in a drawing in more detail explained.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

1a shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention for single use in a storable state and in an axial cross-sectional view;

1b shows the embodiment of 1a in an active state in the same view;

2a shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention for multiple use in the same state and in the same view as the embodiment of 1a ;

2 B shows the embodiment of 2a in the same state and in the same view as the embodiment of 1b ,

to Clarification was the thickness of the side wall, the floor and the upper portion of the embodiments shown in the figures shown enlarged.

DESCRIPTION PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The in the 1a and 1b illustrated first preferred embodiment of the device for moisture absorption according to the invention for single use comprises a desiccant container 1 and a container 2 for desiccant solution of a slightly elastic polymer material such as high density polyethylene. Both containers have a substantially cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the desiccant container 1 is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the container 2 for desiccant solution, so that it can be plugged into the latter for assembly; the 1a and 1b show the device in an assembled state. The desiccant container 1 has a floor 3 with a number of through holes 4 on. Its cylindrical wall 5 includes a large window 6 and goes seamlessly into the upper section 7 over, the cavity 8th completes the container. The upper section 8th is with eyelets 9 and eyes 10 provided to attach the device by means of a cord or the like to an inner wall of a dry-to-hold transport container. The lower end of the wall 5 is on the perimeter with a flange 11 provided with a barb profile so that the desiccant container 1 in the opening of the container 2 can be plugged for desiccant solution, the walls are slightly elastic and at its top on the circumference of a corresponding inner flange 12 having barb profile. The container 2 for desiccant solution has no openings other than the opening at its top. After the desiccant container 1 in the container 2 For desiccant solution was plugged, he can because of the interlocking flanges 11 . 12 no longer just removed, but within through the flanges 11 . 12 and the floor 13 the desiccant solution container limits to the desiccant solution container 2 be moved sliding. In the 1a and 1b are the tubular side wall of the container for desiccant solution by the reference number 14 and that through the wall 14 and the container bottoms 3 and 13 enclosed volumes of desiccant solution container by reference number 15 designated. In the volume 8th desiccant container 1 is a sealed bag 16 housed in non-woven plastic material containing anhydrous calcium chloride as a desiccant; the bag lies on the floor 3 , The nonwoven material is permeable to moist air and the aqueous calcium chloride solution formed during the drying process.

The first embodiment of the device according to the invention is in 1a shown in a storable state, that is, in a state in which no drying effect is desired. In this state is the desiccant container 1 completely in the container 2 for desiccant solution, so his window 6 through the container 2 for desiccant solution is protected from moist air and the flange 12 in this condition serves as a seal. The device is activated by the desiccant container 1 so far out of the container 2 for desiccant solution is drawn that the flanges 11 . 12 collide. This allows humid air from the environment through the window into the desiccant container 1 reach. This active state of the device according to the invention is in 1b shown. In the bag 16 An aqueous calcium chloride solution is formed by the reaction of the atmospheric moisture with the desiccant. The out of the bag 15 escaping calcium chloride solution flows through holes 4 in the ground 3 in the container 2 for desiccant solution and collects on the ground 13 of the container 2 for desiccant solution.

The preferred second embodiment of the device according to the invention for multiple use is in the 2a and 2 B shown. The top part 27 of the cylindrical desiccant container 21 has a threaded opening through a matching threaded plug 31 is tightly closed, which is to refill the volume 28 with loose desiccant 36 can be removed. In addition, the multiple-use device can be provided with a larger opening to refill a bag of desiccant as in the first embodiment. As in the first preferred embodiment, the desiccant container 21 for attachment with eyelets 29 and eyes 30 Mistake. The window 26 in the sidewall 25 desiccant container 21 is braided to retain the desiccant particles. The same applies to the through holes 24 in the ground 23 desiccant container. In the assembled state shown in the figures, the desiccant container 21 in the cylindrical container 22 for desiccant solution, within which it is in the axial direction of the in 2a shown transport or storage position can be moved, in which the window 26 through the side wall 34 of the container 2 is covered for desiccant solution. At the top, the sidewall of the desiccant solution container has an inner flange 32 on top of the container against the sidewall 25 desiccant container 21 seals. The volume 35 of the container 22 for desiccant solution is designed so that it in the desiccant container 21 formed aqueous desiccant solution receives. This solution can be through an opening in the bottom 33 of the container 22 be removed for desiccant solution. The removal opening is usually through a rubber stopper 38 according to 2 B verschlos sen. At the stopper 38 and on the ground 23 desiccant container 21 a plastic cord is attached which controls the displacement of the latter relative to the container 22 limited to desiccant solution, so that the containers 21 . 22 not be separated from each other. To clarify the stopper 38 and the string 37 in 2a been omitted.

Claims (20)

Moisture absorption device for keeping the atmosphere in a transport container in a dry state, the device comprising: a desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) with a side wall ( 5 . 25 ) and a means for retaining the desiccant in the container, further comprising a container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution with a side wall ( 14 . 34 ) and a floor ( 13 . 33 ), the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) can receive the desiccant, which forms a desiccant solution in contact with moist air, wherein the side wall ( 5 . 25 ) of the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) at least one air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 ) and the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) in its bottom at least one opening ( 4 . 24 ) through which the desiccant solution into the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution, the container ( 2 . 22 ) has an upper opening for desiccant solution and is displaceable on the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ), that the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) in the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution from an active position in which the air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 ) the entry of moist air from the environment to the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ), can be moved to a transport or storage position in which the side wall ( 14 . 34 ) of the container for desiccant solution the air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 ) of the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) completely covered, wherein the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) by simply moving in the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution can be transferred from the transport or storage position to the active position and the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) during this transfer its relative orientation to the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution and the underside of the soil ( 3 . 23 ) of the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) of the top of the soil ( 13 . 33 ) of the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution, the apparatus further comprising means for separating the displaced desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) from the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution. Moisture device according to claim 1, wherein said means for preventing separation comprises interlocking circular flanges ( 11 . 12 . 32 ) of the desiccant container and the desiccant solution container. Moisture device according to claim 1 or 2, when the means for preventing the separation barb profiles includes. Moisture device according to claim 1, wherein the means for preventing the separation of a latching connection between the desiccant container and the container for desiccant solution. Moisture device according to claim 1, wherein the means for preventing separation comprises a flexible element, which is secured with its respective ends to the bottoms of the container. Moisture device according to claim 1, which is intended in particular for repeated use and in the upper part ( 7 . 27 ) of the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) comprises a passage opening through a removable plug ( 31 ) or the like is closed. Moisture device according to claim 1, which is particularly intended for repeated use and in which the air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 ) of the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) is covered by a removable element for retaining the desiccant, for example a mesh or a mesh. Moisture device according to claim 1, which is intended in particular for repeated use and in which the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) comprises a container part and a jacket part, which the air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 ) and can be attached by a latching mechanism on the container part. Moisturizing device according to claim 1, which is intended in particular for repeated use and in the ground ( 33 ) of the container ( 2 . 22 ) a desiccant solution ( 38 ) for draining the desiccant solution through a removable plug ( 38 ) or the like is closed. Moisture device according to claim 5 or 6, in which the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution comprises a sealant attached to the inside of its sidewall near its upper opening. Moisture device according to one of claims 1 to 10, the means ( 9 . 10 . 29 . 30 ) for hanging on a wall of a transport container. Moisture device according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the desiccant consists of freely mobile particles. Moisture device according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the desiccant in the form of a with the particulate desiccant filled Cartridge is provided, whose walls for atmospheric humidity and a aqueous Desiccant solution permeable are. Moisture device according to one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) and the container ( 2 . 22 ) are generally cylindrically shaped for desiccant solution. Moisture device according to one of claims 1 to 14, in which the desiccant container ( 1 . 21 ) and the container ( 2 . 22 ) for desiccant solution generally have the shape of a parallelepiped. Moisture device according to one of claims 1 to 15, comprising means for partially covering the air inlet opening (15). 6 . 26 ). Moisture device according to claim 16, wherein the means for partially covering by the container ( 2 . 22 ) is provided for desiccant solution. Moisture device according to claim 17, in which the container ( 2 . 22 ) can be fixed for desiccant solution in a position in which it closes the air inlet opening ( 6 . 26 partially covered. Devices of different design according to one of the claims 1 to 15 with different sizes area the air inlet opening. Devices of different design according to Claim 8, which includes a number of identical part-pieces and a number cover of shell parts, in which the surface of the air inlet openings has at least two sizes.