KR100938360B1 - Dehumidifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

The dehumidifier for absorbing water vapor from the ambient air includes a container having an opening that allows water vapor to enter the container. The container includes a desiccant reservoir 3 having a desiccant 10 therein and a liquid collection cavity 4 which is configured to be in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir and is laterally disposed from the desiccant reservoir. The liquid may migrate from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity. Suitably, the device can be used in different orientations.

Vapor, Vessel, Opening, Desiccant Reservoir, Liquid Collection Cavity, Base, Flow-Through Means

Description

Dehumidifier {DEHUMIDIFYING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a device for absorbing water vapor. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus and associated method for dehumidifying air in limited or confined spaces.

Moisture or water vapor in the air is often undesirable because it can interfere with the storage of moisture sensitive materials such as foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicines, household items and clothing or adversely affect the operation of moisture sensitive equipment. This problem can occur especially in areas with particularly high humidity levels, such as in countries with hot humid climates.

Therefore, it is often desirable to dehumidify the air. Conventional methods for dehumidifying air include mechanical refrigeration plants and the use of moisture absorbing materials such as silica gel.

Typically, methods using refrigeration plants involve cooling the air to a predetermined temperature below its dew point, so that water can condense from the air and drain the water. The air can then be reheated to a predetermined warmer temperature. Techniques involving absorbent materials may include a continuous operating system such that water is absorbed by the absorbent in a first cycle and then water is removed from the absorbent by application of heat in a second cycle.

Suitably, these techniques have a variety of disadvantages because they typically require large and heavy installations such as compressors, fans and heaters interconnected by a network of pipes such that water vapor is continuously absorbed from the air. Typically, such systems are not suitable for operation in limited or limited spaces. Moreover, the costs associated with such systems may render them unusable in domestic installations.

In an attempt to overcome the shortcomings associated with the use of the systems described above in limited or limited space, alternative techniques have been developed that include exposing air to absorbent materials. In particular, small handheld devices comprising containers containing absorbent material have been used to dehumidify air in limited or limited spaces, in particular in domestic installations.

Absorbents such as silica gel can be used in these devices, but typically silica gel absorbs up to 30% of the water's own weight and employs a higher capacity absorber for water vapor absorption to extend the life of the device and improve efficiency. Need to use Suitably, a desiccant such as calcium chloride, which can absorb 4 to 5 times its own weight of water, has been used in such devices. Upon absorption of water vapor, the desiccant forms a liquid or gel and causes the liquid to seep out of it.

While devices containing desiccants have provided some way to solve the problems associated with the absorption of water vapor in confined spaces, especially in home environments, the main problem with these devices is that they are generally satisfied only when they are oriented in a single vertical operating position. Function in a way or function most efficiently.

For example, devices designed to be positioned horizontally with respect to the horizontal plane do not operate satisfactorily or efficiently when they are generally inclined or in particular arranged vertically with respect to the horizontal plane. On the other hand, devices designed to be positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane generally do not work satisfactorily when positioned horizontally with respect to the horizontal plane.

Suitably, the drainage of liquid from the deliquescent agent may be impaired when such a device is moved from a single vertical operating position. Moreover, the liquid previously drained from the solvent while the device is in its single vertical operating position may subsequently contact the desiccant when the device is moved. Thus, the absorbent capacity of the desiccant may be significantly reduced if this device is not oriented in its single vertical operating position.

Suitably, the utility of the dehumidifying apparatus that functions most efficiently in a single vertical position may be significantly reduced because it is necessary to use different types of apparatus each time the apparatus is oriented differently. This is inconvenient for the user and usually results in increased unnecessary costs.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems associated with the absorption of water vapor using a desiccant, in particular the absorption of water vapor from air in a limited space, especially in a domestic environment.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a dehumidifying device for absorbing water vapor from ambient air, the device comprising a container having an opening that allows water vapor to enter the container, the container having a desiccant therein. A desiccant reservoir having a liquid collection cavity configured to be in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir and disposed laterally from the desiccant reservoir.

Preferably, the device is designed such that when positioned in a horizontal operating position in a substantially horizontal plane, liquid can be passed from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity. Preferably, the device is designed such that liquid can pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity even when the device is located in a vertical operating position that is not substantially in a horizontal plane.

Suitably, the desiccant reservoir may allow drainage of liquid from the desiccant not only when the dehumidifying device is disposed in the horizontal plane, but also when the dehumidifying device is not oriented horizontally with respect to the horizontal plane, eg upright. Preferably, the dehumidifying device can function satisfactorily when oriented in one or more operating positions and when moved from one operating position to another. Thus, the utility of the device satisfactorily or most efficiently only when oriented to a single vertical operating position, since the dehumidifying device of the present invention typically excludes the need to use a different device each time it must be oriented differently. It can be significantly improved compared to a functional device.

In the "substantially horizontal operating position in the horizontal plane", the device is typically located on a horizontal plane, for example under a drawer of a shelf or over a table.

In the "vertical operating position which is not substantially in the horizontal plane", this means when the device is inclined or in particular upright. Preferably, the device can be considered to be not oriented substantially in the horizontal plane when the device is placed in a non-horizontal plane, when the device is inclined or upright from the horizontal plane, and when the device is suspended to be in a substantially vertical plane. .

Suitably, the device, in particular the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity as described below, is at least 10 °, preferably at least 15 °, more preferably at least 20 °, even more preferably relative to the horizontal plane. Is considered to be substantially unoriented in the horizontal plane when the device is inclined, upright or suspended from the horizontal plane to form an angle of inclination of at least 40 °, more preferably at least 60 ° and most preferably at least 75 °. do.

Suitably, the device, in particular the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity, as described below, is no more than 170 °, preferably no more than 175 °, more preferably no more than 160 °, even more preferably with respect to the horizontal plane. Is dehumidified when the device is inclined, upright, or suspended from the horizontal plane to form an inclination angle of less than 150 °, even more preferably less than 135 °, even more preferably less than 120 °, most preferably less than 105 °. Considered as not substantially oriented in the horizontal plane.

In particular, it is considered that the dehumidifier is not oriented horizontally with respect to the horizontal plane when the device is disposed substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane. For example, the dehumidifier is suspended or upright from the horizontal plane such that the membrane covering the device, in particular the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity, as described below, is at a substantially vertical plane, ie about 90 ° with respect to the horizontal plane.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir is adapted to allow liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned at all positions as mentioned herein.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir comprises a first inner surface which is inclined downward toward the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is placed in the horizontal operating position, for example when the device is placed in the horizontal plane. More preferably, the first inner surface forms the base of the desiccant reservoir.

Preferably, such surfaces may allow for improved drainage of liquid from the solvent when the device is placed in the horizontal plane.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir comprises a second inner surface which is inclined downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is disposed in a vertical operating position, for example when the device is suspended or upright relative to the horizontal plane. More preferably, the second inner surface forms a side wall of the desiccant reservoir.

Preferably, the second inner surface may allow for improved drainage of the liquid from the solvent when the device is suspended or upright relative to the horizontal plane.

Most preferably, the desiccant reservoir has a first interior surface that is inclined downwardly toward the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is disposed in the horizontal operating position and downwards toward the liquid collection cavity when the device is placed in the vertical operating position. The inclined includes a second inner surface.

Preferably, the liquid collection cavity comprises a first inner surface which is spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is placed in the horizontal operating position, for example when the device is placed in the horizontal plane. More preferably, the first inner surface forms the base of the liquid collection cavity. Preferably, the inclusion of this first inner surface can prevent liquid in the liquid collection cavity from passing into the desiccant reservoir when the device moves between different operating positions. Moreover, the first inner surface may allow for improved drainage of the liquid from the desiccant reservoir into the base of the collection zone when the device is placed in a different operating position.

Preferably, the liquid collection cavity includes a second inner surface that is spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is disposed in a vertical operating position, for example when the device is suspended or upright relative to the horizontal plane. More preferably, the second inner surface forms a side wall of the liquid collection cavity. Preferably, the inclusion of this second inner surface can prevent the liquid in the liquid collection cavity from passing into the desiccant reservoir when the device moves between different operating positions. Moreover, the second inner surface may allow for improved drainage of the liquid from the desiccant reservoir into the base of the collection zone when the device is placed in a different operating position.

Most preferably, the liquid collection cavity has a first interior surface that is spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir when the dehumidifying device is disposed in the horizontal operating position and downwardly spaced from the desiccant reservoir when the device is placed in the vertical operating position. It includes a second inner surface inclined to.

Suitably, the liquid collection cavity is configured to be in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir and separated from the desiccant reservoir. Desirably, the desiccant reservoir is disposed perpendicular to the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned in the horizontal operating position. Most preferably, the desiccant reservoir is placed on top of the liquid collection cavity when the dehumidifying device is positioned in the horizontal operating position.

Preferably, the dehumidifying device comprises one or more passages between the liquid collection zone and the desiccant reservoir to allow liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity.

Preferably, the dehumidifying device allows liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity and prevents the solvent from passing from the desiccant reservoir to the liquid collection cavity when the device is oriented in any position as described herein. Flow-through means for

Suitably, the flow-through means are perforated and comprise holes or pores dimensioned to allow the liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent the solvent from passing therethrough. Typically, the opening of the flow-through means has a minimum width of 0.1 to 2 mm. Examples of suitable flow-through means include webs or open-cell sponges, such as open woven membranes formed from plastic materials. Preferably, one or more passages, most preferably each of the passages, between the liquid collection cavity and the desiccant reservoir comprise flow-through means as formed herein.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant reservoir is surrounded by a liquid collection cavity.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the dehumidifying device comprises a first liquid collection cavity and a second liquid collection cavity different from the first liquid collection cavity. Preferably, the first and second liquid collection cavities are configured to be in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir, preferably by one or more passageways as described herein.

If the dehumidifying device comprises the first and second liquid collection cavities, the desiccant reservoir is configured such that when the device is placed in the horizontal operating position, the liquid is only from the desiccant reservoir to the first liquid collection cavity, only to the second liquid collection cavity, or It can be applied to allow simultaneous passage to both the first and second liquid collection cavities.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir is adapted to allow liquid to pass simultaneously from both the desiccant reservoir to both the first and second liquid collection cavities when the dehumidifying device is placed in the horizontal operating position, for example when placed in the horizontal plane.

Suitably, the desiccant reservoir is directed towards only the first liquid collection cavity, only to the second liquid collection cavity, or to the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is placed in a horizontal operating position, for example when placed in a horizontal plane. It may include a first inner surface that is inclined downward toward all.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir includes a first inner surface that is inclined downward toward the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is disposed in the horizontal plane. For example, the base of the desiccant reservoir may be bow-shaped or dome-shaped.

If the dehumidifying device comprises said first and second liquid collection cavities, the desiccant reservoir may be configured such that when the dehumidifying device is placed in a horizontal operating position, for example, the liquid is suspended from or standing upright with respect to the horizontal plane, the first from the desiccant reservoir. It can be applied to allow only simultaneous passage to the liquid collection cavity, only to the second liquid collection cavity, or to both the first and second liquid collection cavities.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir is inclined downwardly toward only the first liquid collection cavity, only to the second liquid collection cavity, or towards both the first and second liquid collection cavities when the device is placed in a vertical operating position. 2 may include an inner surface.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir is adapted to allow liquid to selectively pass from the desiccant reservoir to the first or second liquid collection cavity when the device is positioned in the vertical operating position.

Particularly preferred dehumidifying devices having first and second liquid collection cavities include first and second liquid collection cavities disposed laterally and vertically with respect to the desiccant reservoir when the device is positioned in a horizontal operating position. More preferably, both the first and second liquid collection cavities are laterally disposed from the bottom of the desiccant reservoir when the device is positioned in the horizontal operating position. Preferably, the first liquid collection cavity substantially opposes the second liquid collection cavity.

Suitably, the second liquid collection cavity may independently comprise any configuration of the first liquid collection cavity as described herein.

Preferably, the dehumidifying device comprises a foot to allow the device to stand upright with respect to the horizontal plane. Preferably, the foot allows the device to stand up on a horizontal plane such that the liquid collection cavity is at the bottom of the desiccant reservoir. Preferably, the foot allows the device to stand up on a horizontal plane such that the device, in particular the desiccant reservoir and liquid collection cavity or membrane covering the cavities, is described in a substantially vertical plane.

Alternatively, or in addition, the device comprises a structure that allows the device to be suspended above the horizontal plane, preferably from one end of the device, such that the liquid collection cavity is at the bottom of the desiccant reservoir. Preferably, the structure allows the device to be suspended such that the membrane covering the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity is in a substantially vertical plane, as described below. The structure may be an opening for receiving a wall hook, for example. Alternatively, and preferably the device itself may be a hook structure. Preferably, the structure forms part of the desiccant reservoir.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a structure as described above movable around the fold line. Preferably, the structure can act as a stand as described above to allow the device to be suspended and to allow the device to be positioned in a substantially horizontal operating position in the horizontal plane when the structure is folded around the fold line.

Preferably, the desiccant absorbs at least the self weight of water at 25 ° C. Preferably, the solubilizer forms a liquid or gel upon absorption of water vapor such that the liquid can drain therefrom.

Preferred desiccants include calcium chloride and / or magnesium chloride because they exhibit acceptable water absorption capacity. Other dissolved salts are not excluded when intended for use in other environments, for example in an industrial environment.

One preferred desiccant is calcium chloride alone. The other is magnesium chloride. Particular preference is given to calcium chloride being provided up to 20% by weight of the total content, the remainder comprising different water vapor absorbers, preferably magnesium chloride.

Suitably, the desiccant as described above is selected from binders or thickeners, including for example starch, pest control agents, perfumes, and odor absorbers (e.g. zeolites), antimicrobial agents and combinations thereof. It may also contain other components. Preferably, the antimicrobial agent is included to prevent the formation of microorganisms in the liquid formed by dissolution of the dissolving agent.

Preferably, the desiccant is in the form of granules and / or powder disposed in the desiccant reservoir.

Preferably, the desiccant reservoir is covered with a vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane to allow water vapor to enter the container and to prevent liquid from exiting the container.

Unexpectedly, the inventors have found that the rate of absorption of water vapor by the desiccant is increased when the desiccant contacts the vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the desiccant is in contact with the vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane.

Preferably, the liquid collection cavity (s) is covered with a liquid-impermeable membrane to act as a barrier of vapor and liquid. Thus, for example, it may be a metal foil or a vapor-impermeable and liquid-impermeable plastic film. However, a vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane that closes the desiccant reservoir is liquid-impermeable as described above and may likewise be used to close the liquid collection cavity (s). Vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membranes can be relatively expensive, but there is the potential for manufacturing complexity in applying one type of membrane to the desiccant and another type of membrane in the liquid collection cavity (s). Manufacturing is facilitated by using a single membrane to cover both the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity (s), and this embodiment is preferred.

Preferably, the membrane or membranes are fixed in place by adhesive or heat sealing. Heat sealing is preferred. The dehumidifier is preferably formed with a rim or flange around it to provide a flat band to which the membrane (s) can be joined.

Suitable vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes available from WL Gore and Associates Inc. or polyolefin films available under the tradename TYVEK, or polyurethane films. Membranes are known to those skilled in the art.

Preferably, the membrane used in the present invention is in the form of providing moisture transfer of at least 1000 g, preferably at least 5000 g, most preferably at least 10000 g water / m ² through the membrane / day.

Suitably, the inlet of the container includes a fluid tight seal that is removable so that it can be stored without deterioration of the desiccant. Suitably, the fluid tight seal extends across the desiccant reservoir. Preferably, the fluidic seal extends across both the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity (s).

Suitably, the dehumidifier of the present invention can be used in confined spaces such as drawers, boxes, wardrobes, cupboards, packing cases, refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated boxes, mobile homes, vehicles, vehicle trunks or boats, especially in home environments. It is dimensioned so that it can be used in a limited space. Suitably, the dehumidifier of the present invention is 5-30 cm high, 10-50 cm long, and 5-30 cm wide. Typically, the device comprises 50 to 1000 g, preferably 100 to 500 g, moisture absorbent.

Suitably, the container is rigid or flexible. Most preferably, the container is rigid.

Preferably, the container comprising the desiccant reservoir and the liquid collection cavity (s) is formed from a plastic material such as polyolefin by techniques known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, injection molding, blow molding and vacuum molding. do.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of removing water vapor from a locus, preferably an enclosed locus, comprising placing a dehumidifying device as described herein in a locus.

The invention is now illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention positioned in a vertical operating position such that the device is in a substantially vertical plane;

2 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 positioned in a horizontal operating position such that the device is positioned substantially horizontal relative to the horizontal plane.

3 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 positioned in a vertical operating position such that the device is upright in a substantially vertical plane.

4 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention positioned in a horizontal operating position such that the device is disposed substantially horizontal with respect to the horizontal plane;

5 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4 positioned in a horizontal operating position.

6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the present invention positioned in a horizontal operating position such that the device is disposed substantially horizontal with respect to the horizontal plane;

7 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7 oriented in a horizontal operating position.

The dehumidifier 1 as shown in Figs. 1 to 3 includes a container 2 formed by injection molding a thermoplastic material. The container 2 comprises an integrated desiccant reservoir 3 configured to be in fluid communication with the liquid collection cavity 4 via the passage 6. To allow liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 and to prevent the solvent 10 (not shown in FIG. 1) from passing through the liquid collection cavity 4 to the liquid collection cavity 4. For this purpose, the passage 6 has an open-cell sponge 8.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the device 1 is generally arcuate in front appearance. The desiccant reservoir 3 is generally elliptical in front appearance and the liquid collection cavity 4 is generally arcuate in front appearance.

The desiccant reservoir 3 forms an inner surface which slopes downwards towards the passage 6 and then downwards towards the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is in the vertical operating position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Which has a side wall 12. The liquid collection cavity 4 is an inner surface that is spaced downward from the passageway 6 and then spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is in the vertical operating position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. It has a side wall 14 to form a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the liquid collection cavity 4 is located at the bottom of the desiccant reservoir when the device is in a vertical operating position.

As is more clearly shown in FIG. 2, the desiccant reservoir 3 is laterally upward from the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned in a horizontal operating position, for example when it is generally positioned horizontally with respect to the horizontal plane. Is placed. The base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 forms an inner surface which slopes downwardly towards the passage 6 and then downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned in the horizontal operating position. The base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 forms an inner surface which is spaced downward from the passage 6 and then spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is located in the horizontal operating position.

Since the base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 has an integral foot 20 extending downward therefrom, the device 1 is substantially in relation to the horizontal plane in the vertical operating position as shown in FIG. 3. Can be erected vertically. The base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 has an integrated stand 22 extending downwardly therefrom such that its lower end is horizontal with the lower end of the foot 20, so that the device is as shown in FIG. In the horizontal operating position it may be arranged substantially horizontal with respect to the horizontal plane.

The device has a rim 24 extending around its perimeter. At its upper end, the rim 24 has an opening 26 for suspension.

A single vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane 27 (not shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6) comprising a TYVEK material (trade name; HDPE material from DuPont) is a desiccant reservoir 3, liquid collection cavity. Heat-sealed about the entire rim 24 to close 4 and the passage 6 therebetween.

The desiccant reservoir 3 is filled with calcium chloride as the dissolving agent 10.

The operation of the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3 is simple. After purchase, the user removes the impermeable plastic cover (not shown). It is provided during manufacture prior to initiation of use to keep the calcium chloride material substantially dry. The desiccant reservoir 3, the liquid collection cavity 4 and the passage 6 between them are held in a sieve covered by the vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane 27. Preferably, the device may function satisfactorily and conveniently when oriented in one or more operating positions and when moving from one operating position to another.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the device is placed in the horizontal operating position such that the device is placed on a horizontal plane, ie the membrane 27 is positioned substantially horizontal relative to the horizontal plane, water vapor passes through the membrane 27. Passes through and is absorbed by the desiccant 10 in the desiccant reservoir 3. After substantial absorption of the water vapor, the liquid 28 is removed by the desiccant 10. The liquid 28 is drained from the desiccant and drained into the liquid collection cavity 4 through the passage 6 and the sponge 8 along the downwardly inclined inner surface of the desiccant reservoir 3. Thus, the liquid 28 is collected in the liquid collection cavity 4 by the downwardly inclined inner surface of the liquid collection cavity 4, in particular in the liquid collection cavity 4 in the region of the foot 20.

Vertical in such a way that the device is erected substantially vertically on the horizontal plane (FIG. 3) or suspended in place and the device is disposed substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane (ie the membrane 27 is generally in a vertical plane in both cases). When placed in the operating position, for the lowest level of the liquid collection cavity 4, the liquid 28 collects liquid from the desiccant through the passageway 6 and the sponge 8 along the sidewall 12 of the desiccant reservoir 3. Drained into cavity 4. Thus, the liquid is collected in the liquid collection cavity 4 in the region of the foot 20, ie away from the desiccant reservoir 3.

When the device 1 is moved from the horizontal operating position as shown in Fig. 2 to the vertical operating position or an intermediate position therebetween as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, or from the vertical operating position to the horizontal operating position, The downwardly sloped inner surface of the base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 prevents liquid 28 in the liquid collection cavity 4 from passing into the desiccant reservoir 3.

Preferably, the device can function satisfactorily and efficiently when oriented in one or more operating positions and when moved from one operating position to another.

Preferably, the sponge 8 is calcium chloride when the device is not placed in the horizontal operating position and when the device is moved between different operating positions, even at the beginning of use when the solvent 10 is dried. The solvent is prevented from falling into the liquid collection cavity 4.

4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the dehumidifying device of the invention, in which corresponding components are indicated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus is generally oval in front appearance and comprises an integral oval desiccant reservoir 3 surrounded by an elliptical liquid collection cavity 4. The liquid collection cavity 4 is arranged laterally downward from the desiccant reservoir when the device is placed in the horizontal plane. Desiccant reservoir 3 to allow liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 and to prevent the dissolution agent 10 in the desiccant reservoir 3 from passing into the liquid collection cavity 4. Has a plurality of passages 6 each having a sponge (not shown) therein.

Although not shown, the desiccant reservoir 3 has a passage 6 when the device 1 is located in a non-horizontal plane, ie when the membrane 27 is in a non-horizontal orientation with respect to the horizontal plane and the device is in a vertical operating position. It can be understood from FIG. 4 that it has a side wall 12 which forms an inner surface which slopes downwards towards and then downwards towards the liquid collection cavity 4.

The side wall 12 of the desiccant reservoir 3 defines an outer surface which slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity 4. The outer surface of the side wall assists in draining the liquid from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned at various operating positions.

Although not shown, the base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 has a dome-shaped inner surface which is spaced downward from the center of the desiccant reservoir 3 downwardly to each of the passages 6. This domed base 16 allows drainage of liquid 28 from the desiccant reservoir 3 to at least one of the passages 6 and to the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned at various operating positions.

6 and 7 show further alternative embodiments of the dehumidifying device of the invention and corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus is generally elliptical in plane and configured to be in fluid communication with the generally arcuate first and second liquid collection cavities 4, 4 ′ via passages 6, 6 ′. And an integral oval desiccant reservoir 3. Each of the first and second liquid collection cavities 4, 4 ′ is laterally disposed under the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is placed on a horizontal plane. To allow liquid to pass from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavities 4, 4 ′ and to prevent the solvent 10 in the desiccant reservoir 3 from passing into the liquid collection cavities 4, 4 ′. , Passages 6, 6 'are provided with a sponge (not shown).

Although not shown, the desiccant reservoir 3 from FIG. 6 is characterized by the passage 6 or when the device is generally located in a non-horizontal plane, ie when the membrane is not substantially horizontal relative to the horizontal plane and the device is in a vertical operating position. It can be understood from FIG. 6 that it has a side wall 12 that forms an inner surface that slopes downward toward the passage 6 'and then downwards toward both the liquid collection cavities 4 and 4'.

As is more clearly shown in FIG. 7, the device 1 is bow-shaped. Preferably, the base 16 of the desiccant reservoir has both passages 6, 6 when the device is placed in a horizontal operating position such that the device is generally positioned on a horizontal plane, ie the membrane is positioned substantially horizontal relative to the horizontal plane. To form an inner surface which is inclined downward toward both liquid collection cavities 4 and 4 '. The bases 18, 18 ′ of each liquid collection cavity 4, 4 ′ are inclined downwardly away from the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is generally positioned in a horizontal operating position such that the device is located on a horizontal plane. Form the surface.

In use, the device can be located on a horizontal plane so that the liquid 28 formed by dissolution of the solvent is drained from the desiccant reservoir 3 into each liquid collection cavity 4, 4 ′. Alternatively, the device may be disposed on a non-horizontal surface, so that the liquid 28 formed by dissolution of the solvent is drained from the desiccant reservoir 3 into the liquid collection cavity 4 or the liquid collection cavity 4 '.

Claims (18)

As a dehumidifier 1 for absorbing water vapor from ambient air, A container 2 having an opening that allows water vapor to enter the container, The container is a dehumidification comprising a desiccant reservoir (3) having a desiccant therein and a liquid collection cavity (4) arranged in fluid communication with the desiccant reservoir (3) and arranged laterally from the desiccant reservoir (3). Device. 2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid (28) is designed to be passed from the desiccant reservoir (3) to the liquid collection cavity (4) when the device is located in a horizontal operating position in a substantially horizontal plane. The base 16 of the desiccant reservoir 3 according to claim 1 or 2 defines an inner surface which slopes downwardly towards the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is positioned in a horizontal operating position. Dehumidifier. The base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 according to claim 1, wherein the base 18 of the liquid collection cavity 4 has an inner surface that is spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir 3 when the device is positioned in a horizontal operating position. Forming dehumidifier. The liquid collection cavity (4) and the desiccant reservoir according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device allows liquid 28 to pass from the desiccant reservoir (3) to the liquid collection cavity (4). Dehumidification device comprising one or more passages (6) between (3). The liquid collection cavity (4) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the liquid (28) is allowed to pass from the desiccant reservoir (3) to the liquid collection cavity (4) and the desiccant in the desiccant reservoir (3) is supplied to the liquid collection cavity (4). And a flow-through means for preventing passage therein. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the desiccant reservoir (3) is laterally bounded by the liquid collection cavity (4). 3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a second liquid collection cavity (4 ′) separate from the liquid collection cavity (4). 4. 9. The dehumidifying device according to claim 8, wherein said second liquid collection cavity (4 ') is arranged laterally from said desiccant reservoir (3) when said device is positioned in a horizontal operating position. 9. The dehumidifying device according to claim 8, wherein said second liquid collection cavity (4 ') substantially faces said liquid collection cavity (4). 3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the desiccant reservoir (3) is covered with a vapor-permeable liquid-impermeable membrane. The liquid 28 according to claim 1 or 2, wherein liquid 28 can be passed from the desiccant reservoir 3 to the liquid collection cavity 4 when the device is located in a vertical operating position that is not located substantially in the horizontal plane. Dehumidifier designed to be. 13. The dehumidifier of claim 12, wherein the device is located in a vertical operating position in an upright plane. 13. The dehumidifying device according to claim 12, wherein the side wall (12) of the desiccant reservoir (3) defines an inner surface that slopes downwardly toward the liquid collection cavity (4) when the device is positioned in a vertical operating position. 13. The dehumidifying device according to claim 12, wherein the side wall (14) of the liquid collection cavity (4) forms an inner surface that is spaced downward from the desiccant reservoir (3) when the device is located in a vertical operating position. . delete delete delete

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