EP2093163A1 - Dehumidifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) has a carrier layer (110) for closing a perforated wall region of a closed container (10) in which a steam outlet channel (115) is formed, where the carrier layer is made of food safe polymer or metal material. Humidity in form of water vapor is withdrawn from air contained in the closed container through the steam outlet channel. A steam absorption layer (120) is arranged downstream to a steam outlet direction of the carrier layer. The absorption layer absorbs the water vapor withdrawn from the container through the steam outlet channel. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a one-way food package comprising a packing bowl (2) a food storage container comprising a storage bowl.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container.

State of the art

An example of a closed container according to the invention is a resealable food package, e.g. Cheese or sausage packaging that can be resealed after initial opening and partial removal of food for further storage in the refrigerator. From the air trapped in the packaging, water vapor condenses after resealing. This precipitates on the inner walls of the packaging and on the food and, together with these, creates ideal conditions for microorganisms. On the other hand, if the package were not closed when re-stored in the refrigerator, the food still stored in the package could quickly dry out.

The above problem of water vapor condensation is not limited to resealable food packaging, but may generally occur in any resealable packaging or container that does not permit air and gas exchange with the outside environment after sealing. From the air contained in the packaging or the container after closing, water vapor can condense under unfavorable conditions and lead to damage of the goods contained in the packaging or the container.

The DE 3 713 949 A1 describes a device for long-term dehumidification in packaging and transport containers. In this device, a self-contained and controlled dehumidification of the a barrier layer envelope trapped air by means of dehumidifiers such as zeolites, silica gels or hygroscopic salts achieved. The device is designed in the form of a cylindrical dehumidifying container, which is suspended on an inner edge in the ceiling region of a transport container within a tightly welded polyethylene film. The dehumidifier container consists of the layers Vulkanfiber and aluminum. In addition, U-shaped cuts are made with a slope to the surface of the container that creates flaps for controlling the humidity. This device is very complex, requires a large volume and can only be used within a package. Furthermore, the dehumidifiers are not suitable for food.

The invention has for its object to provide a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying a closed container, in particular a disposable food packaging or reusable food storage container, which is inexpensive to manufacture, has a compact design, can be attached to suitable containers from the outside or in a wall of the container can be integrated, and allows a controlled escape of moisture in the form of water vapor from the container.

This object is achieved by a dehumidifying device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

After attaching the dehumidifying device according to the invention to a container to be dehumidified so that the carrier layer closes a perforated wall portion of the container, steam can flow from the air contained in the container via the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer to the vapor absorption layer, from which it is finally absorbed. Under a perforated wall area is generally a defined water vapor permeable wall area to understand, ie a Wall area with one or more openings through which water vapor can escape or enter.

The dehumidifying device according to the invention has the following advantages:

By means of a corresponding design of the at least one steam outlet channel, the carrier layer allows control and metering of the quantity of water vapor emerging from the container. Furthermore, just the layer form of the carrier layer and the vapor absorption layer offers the possibility of keeping the dehumidifying device according to the invention as a whole relatively flat or plate-shaped and thus compact. By a plate-shaped, compact design, a relatively large surface of both the carrier layer and the vapor absorption layer can be obtained, which is useful for a large-scale escape of moisture in the form of vapor from the container or a large-scale vapor absorption, without the volume of the dehumidifier altogether excessively to enlarge,

To ensure that all the steam exiting the container is directed through the carrier-mounted carrier layer in the direction of the vapor-absorption layer and not e.g. In any case, the carrier layer must be large enough to fire the perforated wall area of the container tightly to the outside environment. In the case of an existing perforated wall area, therefore, a dehumidifying device with a correspondingly large carrier layer is to be selected. If the perforated wall area is first formed, care must be taken that its area is not greater than the area of the carrier layer of the dehumidifying device to be used.

A plate-like, compact design is ideal for attaching the dehumidifying device according to the invention, for example by gluing, for example, the sealing film of a conventional reclosable executed disposable food packaging both in a still unopened transport state before first opening as well as in a resealed state of use after first opening and partial removal of food. Such food packaging usually has a relatively large sealing film, which is withdrawn for the removal of goods from the sealed from the sealing film packaging tray. If only part of the goods initially contained in the food packaging is removed, the remaining product can be kept in the food packaging by resealing the sealing film. The area of the sealing film over which the dehumidifying device according to the invention is to be placed can be manually perforated in advance, for example. Depending on the shape of the food packaging, however, the dehumidifying device according to the invention can in principle be attached to any suitable wall area, eg floor, wall or sealing foil. In any case, the dehumidifying device according to the invention enables a controlled dehumidification of the food packaging by absorption of steam from the air contained in the food packaging after resealing.

Alternatively for subsequent attachment to the container, e.g. on the above-mentioned sealing film of a food packaging, the dehumidifying device according to the invention for positive and / or non-positive reception can be designed in an example already prefabricated opening in a wall of the container. In this case, the dehumidifying device according to the invention acts as a closure for a defined opening of the otherwise closed container. This alternative variant is interesting, for example, in the case where the container is used as a durable food storage container, e.g. in the form of a plastic bowl closed by a lid, etc., is formed.

The dehumidifying device according to the invention can therefore be designed independently of the container to be dehumidified as an item to be subsequently attached to a container wall on the outside or as a component to be integrated in a defined manner in the container to be dehumidified.

The at least one steam outlet channel in the carrier layer can be formed from exactly one steam outlet channel passing through the carrier layer or else comprising a multiplicity of steam outlet channels passing through the carrier layer. In the latter case, the steam outlet channels are preferably arranged distributed as uniformly as possible over the surface of the carrier layer, in order to ensure as large a steam outlet as possible over the surface of the carrier layer. In the case of a multiplicity of steam outlet channels, the individual steam outlet channels can have the same or differently sized channel cross-sectional areas.

Advantageous or preferred developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A diameter in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm of the steam outlet channel ensures a satisfactory dehumidification of the air in the container.

The carrier layer of the dehumidifying device according to the invention is preferably made of a food-safe polymer or metal material such as PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), PMP (polymethylpentene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), acrylic glass, PEHD (high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polycarbonate, PETG (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), ETFE ( Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), Teflon-FEP (polyfluoroethylene-propylene), Teflon-PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane) or aluminum. These materials make it possible to produce the carrier layer in the form of a sufficiently rigid plate, which, in contrast to a support layer made of a relatively flexible material, more or less retains its shape under the action of force. As a result, the attachment of the dehumidifying device according to the invention in particular a container made of a resilient material container wall, for example, the above-mentioned sealing film, and thus the handling of the dehumidifying device according to the invention is facilitated

Until first-time use, the dehumidifying device according to the invention can be easily stored packed in a water vapor-tight manner in order to obtain its vapor absorption capacity of the vapor absorption days over an arbitrarily long period until subsequent use. In order to use the vapor absorption layer and thus the dehumidifying device according to the invention even after prolonged use and in particular to ensure their sterility in the application for food packaging, the vapor absorption layer is preferably carried out regenerable and / or autoclavable. In this case, the dehumidifying device according to the invention does not have to be stored in a water vapor-tight packaging until it is used for the first time.

The vapor absorption layer is preferably made breathable. As a result, not only a dehumidification of the air in the container, but at the same time a ventilation of the goods stored in the container is possible, which is often desirable, especially in food packaging. By the ventilation and thus the supply of 02 and CO2 into and out of the container, e.g. a desired reddish color in meat products are guaranteed.

The vapor absorption layer preferably comprises a hygroscopic fibrous material such as cellulose, mixed esters, polyamide, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, nylon, glass fiber, filter paper or other suitable fiber or filter materials. These materials are characterized by a good vapor absorption capacity. So that the vapor absorption layer does not absorb moisture from the outside environment, but only from the closed container, the vapor absorption layer preferably has a vapor barrier layer, for example made of HMWPE (linear polyethylene with a very high molecular weight), PA, on its surface side facing away from the carrier layer (Polyamide), UL-LD-PE (ultra low density, low density (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), PEHD (high density polyethylene) or Tyrek®) . Leave through the vapor barrier the duration of use of the dehumidifying device according to the invention significantly prolong

To facilitate the attachment and attachment of the dehumidifying device according to the invention to the container to be dehumidified an annular adhesive seal is preferably arranged on the carrier layer in the region of the interface between the carrier layer and the container. This adhesive seal ensures on the one hand attachment of the dehumidifying device according to the invention to the container by gluing and on the other hand, that in the attached to the container state of the dehumidifier according to the invention via the interface between the carrier layer and the container and the perforated wall area from the outside no moisture in the form penetrates from water vapor into the container or in the vapor absorption layer. As a result, the period of use of the dehumidifying device according to the invention can be significantly extended.

The perforated wall area may be provided by the user with a suitable object, e.g. a kitchen knife, are prepared manually before attaching the dehumidifying device according to the invention to the container. To facilitate the use of the dehumidifying device according to the invention, however, can be developed so that it has a suitable means for producing the perforated wall region when attaching the carrier layer to the container to be dehumidified.

Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, at least one rasp-like tooth or at least hoop-like projection can be provided on the carrier layer within the above-mentioned adhesive seal, by pressing the dehumidifying device according to the invention against the container to be dehumidified at any suitable location, for example on the above-mentioned sealing film a food packaging, the section below the carrier layer cuts through or pierces, ie perforated.

In order to attach the dehumidifying device according to the invention to container walls of a very flexible material, such as e.g. To facilitate the above-mentioned sealing film of a food packaging, in addition to the support layer positively and / or positively engageable in plug perforation plate may be provided which has at least one hollow needle-like projection according to the number and areal arrangement of the at least one Dampfiaustrittskanafs the carrier layer, in terms of shape and length is designed for receiving in the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer. In this case, the container wall to be perforated can be produced by first placing the container by means of the perforation plate at any suitable wall area, e.g. the above-mentioned sealing film of a food package, is perforated from the inside to the outside, and then on the perforation plate, whose at least one hook-like projection protrudes through the perforated wall portion to the outside, the support plate is plugged from the outside. In this state, the perforated wall portion of the container between the support plate and the perforation plate is crushed, whereby a permanent and tight arrangement of the dehumidifying device according to the invention is ensured on the container

In a preferred development, the carrier layer forms the bottom of a support frame which laterally surrounds the vapor absorption layer. In this development, the carrier layer can be used both inseparably, in particular in one piece, with the support frame or can be interchangeably inserted as a component which can be handled integrally with the support frame into a bottom opening provided on the side of the support frame. In any case, the support frame ensures the required stability and secure attachment of the dehumidifier according to the invention to the container to be dehumidified. In addition, the support frame offers the possibility to interchangeable the vapor absorption layer. An exchange of the vapor absorption layer can, for example, for reasons of hygiene and the Wear and tear is an advantage. Since in this case the carrier layer can continue to be used, this development can make sense from an ecological point of view.

In a further advantageous development, an at least relative to the carrier layer movable blocking position is provided between the carrier layer and the vapor absorption layer, which has the number and areal arrangement of the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer according to at least one vapor passage. By a movement, e.g. Displacement or rotation, the blocking position at least relative to the carrier layer, the at least one vapor passage of the barrier layer in or out of alignment with the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer can be brought. In other words, a vapor flow through the at least one vapor exit channel and the at least one vapor passage to the vapor absorption layer can be produced or interrupted or increased or decreased by the barrier layer. In the latter case can be controlled and metered by the blocking position of the steam outlet from the container in the direction of vapor absorption.

Analogous to the at least one steam outlet channel, a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm is advantageous for the at least one vapor passage and the barrier layer advantageously of a food-safe polymer or metal material such as PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), PMP (polymethylpentene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), acrylic glass , PEHD (high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polycarbonate, PETG (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), Teflon-FEP (polyfluoroethylene-propylene), Teflon-PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane) or aluminum.

In order to ensure a simple and user-friendly operation of the dehumidifying device according to the invention, the locking position is preferably movable only between two defined end positions, namely between an open position in which the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer with the at least one Steam passage of the locking position is aligned, and a closed position in which the at least one steam outlet channel of the carrier layer is offset from the at least one vapor passage of the barrier layer. However, as already indicated above, the dehumidifying device according to the invention can also be developed in such a way that the locking position can assume several intermediate positions in addition to the two end positions.

The movement of the barrier layer may be relative to the carrier layer and relative to the vapor absorption layer, i. regardless of the carrier layer and vapor absorption layer, or as a unit with the vapor absorption layer relative to the carrier layer.

The dehumidifying device according to the invention is preferably equipped with a moisture indicator. This allows the user to see the remaining usage time. In addition, the user can also draw conclusions about the previous opening time of the packaging. By means of a moisture indicator, a precisely defined moisture content in the closed container can be achieved by defined removal of moisture.

The field of application of this dehumidifying device basically extends to any containers, e.g. For disposable or extended-life storage containers whose contents are prone to excessive moisture. The dehumidifying device according to the invention is particularly suitable for food packaging.

It should be expressly noted at this point that the features described above can be combined with each other as far as this is technically feasible, and are not limited to the combination of features of the claims or the embodiments explained below. All technically possible feature combinations are the subject of the present application.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figur 1a eine Schnittdarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 1b eine Draufsicht der ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 1c eine Draufsicht einer Variante der ersten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 2a eine Schnittdarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 2b eine Draufsicht der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 2c eine Draufsicht einer Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 2d eine Schnittdarstellung einer weiteren Variante der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 3 eine Schnittdarstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform,
• Figur 4a eine Schnittdarstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform in einem geöffneten Zustand,
• Figur 4b eine Schnittdarstellung der vierten Ausführungsform in einem geschlossenen Zustand,
• Figur 4c eine Draufsicht der vierten Ausführungsform in dem geöffneten Zustand,
• Figur 5a eine Schnittdarstellung einer fünften Ausführungsform in einem geöffneten Zustand,
• Figur 5b eine Schnittdarstellung der fünften Ausführungsform in einem geschlossenen Zustand,
• Figur 5c eine Draufsicht der fünften Ausführungsform in dem geöffneten Zustand,
• Figur 6a eine Schnittdarstellung einer sechsten Ausführungsform entlang einer Ebene A-A' in Figur 6b in einem geöffneten Zustand,
• Figur 6b eine Draufsicht der sechsten Ausführungsform in dem geöffnete Zustand,
• Figur 6c eine Schnittdarstellung der sechsten Ausführungsform entlang der Ebene A-A' in Figur 6d in einem geschlossenen Zustand und
• Figur 6d eine Draufsicht der sechsten Ausführungsform in dem geschlossenen Zustand.

In the drawings:

• FIG. 1a a sectional view of a first embodiment,
• FIG. 1b a plan view of the first embodiment,
• Figure 1c a top view of a variant of the first embodiment,
• FIG. 2a a sectional view of a second embodiment,
• FIG. 2b a plan view of the second embodiment,
• Figure 2c a top view of a variant of the second embodiment,
• Figure 2d a sectional view of another variant of the second embodiment,
• FIG. 3 a sectional view of a third embodiment,
• FIG. 4a a sectional view of a fourth embodiment in an open state,
• FIG. 4b a sectional view of the fourth embodiment in a closed state,
• Figure 4c a plan view of the fourth embodiment in the open state,
• FIG. 5a a sectional view of a fifth embodiment in an open state,
• FIG. 5b a sectional view of the fifth embodiment in a closed state,
• FIG. 5c a top view of the fifth embodiment in the open state,
• FIG. 6a a sectional view of a sixth embodiment along a plane AA 'in FIG. 6b in an open state,
• FIG. 6b a top view of the sixth embodiment in the open state,
• FIG. 6c a sectional view of the sixth embodiment along the plane AA 'in FIG. 6d in a closed state and
• FIG. 6d a plan view of the sixth embodiment in the closed state.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments First embodiment

The FIGS. 1a to 1c schematically show a first embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container. The closed container is formed in the first embodiment in the form of a conventional resealable food storage container 10, for example, made of plastic and consisting of a storage tray with a bottom 12 and a side wall 13 and a cover 11 closing the storage tray. According to FIG. 1a For example, the dehumidifier 100 is integrated into a wall of the reclosable food storage container 10.

As in FIG. 1a As shown, the dehumidifying device 100 is integrated with the lid 11 of the food storage container 10. The dehumidifying device 100 is in particular in a provided in the lid 11 of the food storage container 10 opening 14 non-positively and / or positively, in any case, tight, used and can be taken for the purpose of cleaning, etc. from the opening 14.

The dehumidifying device 100 has a vapor-permeable carrier layer 110 and a vapor-absorbing layer 120 which seals the outer environment of the surface of the carrier layer 110.

In the carrier layer 110, a plurality of steam outlet channels 115 are formed, through which moisture in the form of water vapor can flow in the direction of the vapor absorption layer 120 from the air contained in the food storage container 10. The steam outlet channels 115 each have a circular cylindrical cross section with a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm. The backing sheet 110 is made of a food grade polymeric material, e.g. PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), PMP (polymethylpentene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), acrylic, PEHD (high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polycarbonate, PETG (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), Teflon-FEP (polyfluoroethylenepropylene) or Totlon-PFA (Perfluoroalkoxyalkane), prepared in sheet form. As an alternative to the polymer material, metallic materials, e.g. Aluminum.

The vapor absorption layer 120 arranged flush on the carrier layer 110 in the first embodiment is in the form of a plate-shaped filter of a hygroscopic, absorbent fiber material, eg polymer or natural fiber material such as cellulose, mixed esters, polyamide, cellulose acetate, regenerated cellulose, nylon, glass fiber, filter paper or other suitable fiber or filter materials, formed with a pore size of 0.2 microns to 50 microns. On its surface side facing away from the carrier layer 120, the vapor absorption layer 120 is provided with a breathable vapor barrier layer 121 of HMWPE (linear high molecular weight polyethylene), PA (polyamide), UL-LD-PE (ultra-low-density, low density polyethylene), nylon, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), PEHD (high density polyethylene) or Tyrek® coated. The vapor barrier layer 121 prevents the ingress of moisture in the form of vapor from the ambient air.

The carrier sheet 110 and the vapor absorption sheet 120 are in the first embodiment as in FIG FIG. 1b shown circular in plan view. Alternatively, other forms, such as those in Figure 1c shown rectangular shape or not shown oval shape, etc. possible.

Not shown in the figures is a moisture indicator integrated into the vapor absorption layer 121 for indicating moisture already absorbed by the vapor absorption layer 121. The moisture indicator shows the already absorbed amount of moisture e.g. by color change, shape change, design change, resizing and / or number change of the presentation elements.

In the in FIGS. 1a to 1c 1, the dehumidifying device 100 is integrated in the lid 11 of the lozenge storage container 10. In a modified embodiment, not shown, the dehumidifying device 100 instead of in the lid 11 in wall portions of the storage tray of the food storage container 10, such as the wall 13 or the bottom 12 may be integrated. In a further, not shown modified embodiment, the food storage container 10 in the region of the bottom 12 may have a (not shown in the figures) collecting trough for receiving condenser water vapor. In this case, in addition to the dehumidifying device 100 shown in the figures, a further dehumidifying device may be provided in the region of the bottom 12 or in the region of a side wall 13 adjacent to the collecting trough in operative contact with the collecting trough so as to draw water collected in the collecting trough.

Second embodiment

The FIGS. 2a to 2c schematically show a second embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the in air contained in a closed container. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment essentially only in that the dehumidifying device 200 is not embodied as an integral part of the container, which here is in the form of a reclosable disposable food packaging 20 consisting of bottom 22, wall 23 and sealing foil 21, but forms an independent part, which is attached by means of a vapor-impermeable adhesive seal 201 to a sealing foil 21.

In the in FIG. 2a 2, the user must perforate the sealing foil 21 with a suitable object, eg a kitchen knife, before attaching the dehumidifying device 200 to the food packaging 20. Over the thus obtained perforated area in the sealing film 21 is then, as in FIG. 2a shown, the dehumidifying device 200 is arranged and fixed.

For the purpose of attaching the dehumidifying device 200 to the sealing film 21 as shown in FIG FIG. 2a is shown, on the sealing foil 21 facing surface side of the support layer 210, a circumferential and vapor-impermeable adhesive seal 201 is provided. The annular adhesive seal 201 surrounds the perforated region of the sealing film 21. As a result, the adhesive seal 201 prevents moisture from the outside environment from penetrating into the interior 25 of the food packaging 20 via the interface between the carrier layer 210 and the sealing film 21 in the region of the perforation.

In the second embodiment, moisture in the form of water vapor from the food package 20 passes over the perforated region of the sealing film 21 and the plurality of steam exit channels 215 of the carrier layer 210 to the vapor absorption layer 220.

Figure 2d schematically shows a sectional view of a variant of the second embodiment. In this variant, the dehumidifying device 200 additionally has a perforation plate 270, which can be brought into plug-in connection with the carrier layer 210 in a force- and / or form-locking manner. The perforation plate 270 has on its surface side facing the carrier layer 210 a plurality of substantially upstanding hollow needle-like projections 202. These hollow needle-like projections 202 correspond in terms of the number and area distribution of the number and area distribution of the plurality of steam outlet channels 215 of the carrier layer 210 and are designed in terms of their diameter and their length so that they each in a steam outlet channel (215) of the carrier layer (210). to be introduced. The perforation plate 270 has a function of perforating the sealing film 21 and stably attaching the dehumidifying device 200 to the sealing film 21 in cooperation with the support plate 201. For this purpose, by means of the perforation plate 270, the sealing film 21 is first pierced from the inside to the outside, whereby a perforated area is obtained. Subsequently, the carrier plate 210 is placed on the hollow needle-like projections 202 of the perforation plate 270 from the outside. At this time, the intermediate sealing film 21 is easily crushed. In this state, water vapor can flow from the food package 20 via the plurality of hollow needle-like projections 202 and thus the perforated region of the sealing film 21 to the steam outlet channels 215 of the carrier layer 210 and via this to the vapor absorption layer 220. At the in FIG. 2 shown variant, the adhesive seal 201 could be omitted.

Third embodiment

The FIG. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment essentially only in that the carrier layer 310 at its from the vapor absorption layer 320th opposite surface side has a plurality of hahfnadalartigan projections 302, which are arranged uniformly distributed over the support layer 310. These hollow needle-like projections 302 have the function, when attaching the dehumidifying device 300 to the container, here again in the form of a disposable food packaging 30, to pierce a sealing film 31 and to produce a vapor-permeable connection to the interior 35 of the food packaging 30. For this purpose, the hollow needle-like projections 302, as in FIG. 3 is shown arranged on the carrier layer 310 such that it extends the steam outlet channels 315 beyond the surface side of the carrier layer 30 facing the food package 30. In the third embodiment, therefore, each vapor passageway 315 is associated with a hollow needle-like projection 302.

In a modification, not shown, of the third embodiment, a plurality of rasp-like protruding teeth are distributed on the surface side of the carrier layer facing the food package 30 instead of the hahlnadalartigen projections 302. For example, each steam outlet channel 315 is assigned a rasp-like protruding tooth, which cuts the sealing film 31 when the dehumidifying device 300 is pressed against the sealing film 31 of the food packaging 30 and in this way brings the corresponding steam outlet channel of the first layer 310 into contact with the interior 35 of the food packaging 30 ,

Fourth embodiment

The FIGS. 4a to 4c schematically show a fourth embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container. While the FIG. 4a an open position 431 of the dehumidifying device 400 in a sectional view along a line A - A 'in Figure 4c shows, shows the FIG. 4b a closed position 432 of the dehumidifying device 400 in a Sectional view along the line A - A 'in Figure 4c. Figure 4c shows a plan view.

The fourth embodiment essentially differs from the previously shown embodiments only in that a barrier layer 430 having vapor passages 435 is provided between the carrier layer 410 and the vapor absorption layer 420 and the carrier layer 410 as a base into a support frame 440 enclosing the vapor absorption layer 420 is integrated. The locking layer 430 has, as in FIG. 4a 4, a plurality of vapor passages 435 are arranged correspondingly in number and area distribution with the number and area distribution of the vapor exit passages 415 of the carrier ply 410. In the in FIG. 4a shown opened position, the vapor outlets 435 of the blocking layer 430 are arranged in alignment with the steam outlet channels 415 of the carrier layer 410, while in the in FIG. 4b shown closed position, the vapor outlets 435 of the blocking layer 430 are arranged out of alignment with the steam outlet channels 415 of the carrier layer 410. The steam outlets 435, like the steam outlet channels 415, have a circular-cylindrical cross section with a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm.

In the fourth embodiment, the barrier layer 430 is relative to the backing layer 410 and the vapor absorption layer 420 between the open position 431, in which the vapor passages 435 of the barrier layer 430 are aligned with the vapor exit channels 415 of the support layer 430, and the closed position 432, in which the vapor outlets 435 the blocking layer 430 are offset relative to the steam outlet channels 415 of the carrier layer 410, displaceable in a plane parallel to the carrier layer 410 and the vapor absorption layer 420. The carrier layer 410 and the vapor absorption layer 420 are fixedly connected to each other via the support frame 40. By a mounted on the locking position 430 operating part 458, the locking position 430 between the open position 431 and the closed position 432 can be moved. Intermediate positions of the blocking position 430, for example for more precise control of the steam outlet, are also possible. The locked position is advantageous of a food-grade polymer or metal material such as PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), PMP (polymethylpentene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), acrylic glass, PEHD (high density polyethylene), polypropylene, polycarbonate, PETG (polyethylene glycol terephthalate), ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene), Teflon® FEP (polyfluoroethylenepropylene), Teflon-PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane) or aluminum.

In the FIGS. 4a to 4c Further, a humidity indicator 460 integrated with the vapor absorption layer 420 for indicating the amount of moisture absorbed by the vapor absorption layer 420 is shown.

Fifth embodiment

The FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show schematically a fifth embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container. Analogous to the FIGS. 4a and 4b show the FIGS. 5a and 5b an open or closed position of the dehumidifying device 500.

The fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment essentially only in that the barrier layer 530 is connected to the vapor absorption layer 520 to a relative to the carrier layer 510 movable unit. This unit may be in a plane parallel to the carrier layer 510 between the in FIG. 5a shown open position and the in FIG. 5b moved shown closed position.

Sixth embodiment

The FIGS. 6a . 6b . 6c and 6d show schematically a sixth embodiment of a dehumidifying device according to the invention for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container. The FIG. 6a shows an open position 631 while the FIG. 6c a closed position 632 of the dehumidifier 600 shows. The FIGS. 6b and 6d show respective top views of the dehumidifying device 600 in the open position 631 and the closed position 632, respectively.

The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment substantially only in that the unit of the barrier layer 630 and the vapor absorption layer 620 is arranged rotatably in a plane parallel to the carrier layer 610. The carrier layer 610, the barrier layer 630 and the vapor absorption layer 620 each have the form of a circular plate for this purpose, while the support frame 640 has a circular ring shape.

The barrier layer 630 and vapor absorption layer 620 unit is positioned within the support frame 640 relative to the support layer 610 between the open position 631 where the vapor outlets 635 of the barrier layer 630 are aligned with the vapor exit channels 615 of the support layer 630 and the closed position 632 in FIG the steam outlets 635 of the blocking layer 630 are offset relative to the steam outlet channels 615 of the carrier layer 610, can be rotated.

The operation of the unit from the barrier layer 630 and the Dampfabsorptionstage 620 via a tangible from above control panel 658th

It should be expressly noted at this point that the features of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other as far as this is technically feasible. All technically possible feature combinations are the subject of the present application.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10; 20; 30

closed container

11; 21; 31; 41; 51; 61

Packaging film / resealable sealing lid

12; 22; 32

ground

13; 23; 33

wall

15; 25; 35

Interior of the packaging

100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600

dehumidifying

201, 301; 401; 501; 601

adhesive seal

202; 302; 402; 502; 602

rasp-like protruding tooth, hollow needle

110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610

support layer

115; 215; 315; 415; 515; 615

Steam outlet channel

120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620

Vapor absorption layer

121; 221; 321; 421; 521; 621

Vapor barrier layer

260

perforated panel

430; 530; 630

blocking position

431; 531; 631

first position of the locked position

432; 532; 632

second position of the locked position

435; 535; 535

Steam passage in the blocked position

440; 540; 640

support frame

460; 560; 660

moisture indicator

558; 658

control panel

Claims (25)

Dehumidifying apparatus (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) for dehumidifying the air contained in a closed container (10; 20; 30), characterized by ; a carrier layer (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) for closing a perforated wall region of the container (10; 20; 30) in which at least one steam outlet channel (115; 215; 315; 415; 515; 615) is formed , via which moisture in the form of water vapor can escape from the air contained in the closed container (10; 20; 30), and a vapor absorption layer (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) which is functionally downstream in the vapor exit direction of the carrier layer (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) for absorbing the vapor via the at least one vapor exit channel (115; 215; 315; 415 515, 615) exiting the container water vapor. Dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one steam outlet channel (115; 215; 315; 415; 515; 615) has a circular cylindrical cross section with a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm. Dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier layer (110; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610) is formed from a food grade polymeric or metallic material. Dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vapor absorption layer (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) is regenerable and / or autoclavable. A dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vapor absorption layer (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) is breathable. A dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to claim 5, characterized in that the vapor absorption layer (120; 220; 320; 420; 520; 620) comprises a hygroscopic fiber material layer and a vapor barrier layer (121; 221, 321, 421, 521, 621). A dehumidifying device (200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a surface side of the carrier layer (210; 310; 410; 54) facing away from the vapor absorption layer (220; 320; 420; 520; 620); 510, 610), wherein the area enclosed by the adhesive surface is at least as large as the area enclosed by the perforated wall region of the container (20, 30). Dehumidifying device (200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to claim 7, characterized by at least one rasp-like protruding tooth arranged on the carrier layer (210) within the area enclosed by the adhesive seal (201) for perforating a wall region of the container (20). , A dehumidifying device (300; 400; 500; 600) according to claim 7, characterized by a respective one of the support layer (310; 410; 510; 610) of the area enclosed by the adhesive seal (301; 401; 501; 601) substantially upright arranged hollow needle (302, 402, 502, 602) for perforating a wall portion of the container (30). Dehumidifying device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a with the carrier layer (210) positively and / or positively engageable in plug perforation plate (270), the number and areal arrangement of the at least one steam outlet channel (215) of the carrier layer (210) corresponding to at least one hollow needle-like projection has (202), which is designed in terms of shape and length for inclusion in the at least one steam outlet channel (215) of the carrier layer (210). A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support layer (410; 510; 610) forms the bottom of a support frame (440; 540; 640) laterally surrounding the vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) ). A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to claim 11, characterized in that said vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) is interchangeably supported on said support frame (440; 540; 640). A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a support disposed between the support layer (410; 510; 610) and the vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) relative to the support layer (410; 510; 610 ) movable barrier layer (430; 530; 630) the number and areal arrangement of the at least one steam outlet channel (215) of the support layer (210; 510; 610) according to at least one steam passage (435; 535; 635) which, by movement the locking layer (430; 530; 630) can be brought into alignment with the at least one vapor exit channel (415; 515; 615) of the carrier layer (410; 510; 610) relative to the carrier layer (410; A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to claim 13; wherein the vapor passage (435; 535; 635) of the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) has a circular cylindrical cross section with a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm. The dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) of claim 13 or 14, wherein the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) is formed of a food grade polymeric or metallic material. A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) is relative to Carrier layer (410; 510; 610) between a defined first position (431; 531; 631) in which the at least one vapor passage of the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) with the at least one vapor exit channel (415; 515; 615) of the carrier layer (410; 510; 610) and a defined second position (432; 532; 632) in which the at least one vapor passage of the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) faces the at least one vapor exit channel (415; 515; 615) Support layer (410; 510; 610) is offset, is movable. Dehumidifying device (400) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the carrier layer (410) and the vapor absorption layer (420) are fixedly connected to each other, and the barrier layer (430) between the support layer (410) and the vapor absorption layer (420) movable is arranged. A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to claim 17, characterized in that the barrier layer (430; 530; 630) is displaceable or rotatable in a plane parallel to the carrier layer (410; 510; 610) and vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) is arranged. A dehumidifying device (500; 600) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the vapor absorption layer (520; 620) and the barrier layer (530; 630) are fixedly connected and movably arranged as a composite relative to the carrier layer (510; 610) , Dehumidifying device (500; 600) according to claim 19, characterized in that the composite in a plane parallel to the carrier layer (510; 610) is slidably or rotatably arranged. A dehumidifying device (400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized by a moisture indicator (460; 560; 660) associated with the vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) for indicating the amount of moisture vapor deposited from the vapor absorption layer (420; 520; 620) absorbed moisture. Disposable food packaging (20, 30) comprising a packaging tray and a cover (21, 31) which recloses a defined access opening of the packaging tray, characterized by
a dehumidifying device (200; 300; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 20; which is integrated in the bottom (22, 32) and / or side wall (23, 33) of the packaging shell and / or in the cover (31). Disposable food packaging according to claim 22, characterized by
a provided in the bottom of the packaging tray sump for collecting condensed water vapor, and in that
the dehumidifying device (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) is arranged in operative contact with the collecting trough. A food storage container (10) comprising a storage tray and a cover (11) closing a defined access opening of the storage tray, characterized by
a dehumidifying device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, which is integrated in the bottom (12) and / or a side wall (13) of the storage tray and / or the lid (11). A food storage container (10) according to claim 24, characterized by
a sump provided in the bottom of the storage tray for receiving condensed water vapor, and in that
the dehumidifying device (100) is arranged in operative contact with the collecting trough.

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