WO2017002387A1 - Humidifying device, dehumidifying device, and humidifying method - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a humidifying device and a dehumidifying device which prevent the precipitation of mineral components in humidifying water on a functional component and prevent white powder damage to the interior of a room due to humidification. This humidifying device is equipped with: at least a stimuli-responsive polymer absorbent material or a polymer absorbent material containing the stimuli-responsive polymer absorbent material; a water supply unit which supplies water to the polymer absorbent material; and a stimulus applying unit which applies external stimuli to the polymer absorbent material.

Description

Humidifying device, dehumidifying device and humidifying method

The present invention relates to a humidifier and a dehumidifier using a polymeric moisture absorbent.

Conventionally, three types of humidifiers are commonly used: a mist type, a vaporization type, and a steam type. As an example of the mist type, there is a method in which ultrasonic vibration is applied to water in a water storage tank using an ultrasonic vibrator, and the generated mist is sent out by a blower and humidified (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The vaporization type is a method in which water in a water storage tank is infiltrated into a vaporization filter formed of paper having water absorption and air permeability and is humidified by blowing with a blower (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The steam type is a system in which water in a water storage tank is heated by a heater to generate steam, and is sent out by a blower to be humidified. (For example, refer patent document 3 etc.).

The mist type utilizes the fact that mist is generated on the water surface by driving an ultrasonic transducer installed at the bottom of the water tank to vibrate the water in the water tank. Although the ultrasonic vibrator and the blower consume electric power, there is a feature that humidification can be performed with relatively low power consumption. On the other hand, since the water in the water storage tank diffuses into the room as fine water droplets as it is, there is a problem of “white powder phenomenon” in which mineral components in water adhere to furniture and the like after the water droplets evaporate.

The vaporization type utilizes the fact that water is vaporized from the surface of the vaporization filter by allowing water to permeate the vaporization filter installed in the water storage tank and blowing air. Since only water vaporizes, problems such as white powder do not occur. Further, there is a feature that humidification can be performed with lower power consumption than the ultrasonic type only by the power consumption of the blower. On the other hand, since the mineral component in water precipitates on the surface of the vaporization filter and the humidification ability decreases, there is a problem that it must be removed or replaced periodically.

In the steam type, the heater installed in the water in the water tank is energized to generate steam and blow. Steam does not contain minerals in the water, so white powder and other problems do not occur. On the other hand, the blower and the heater consume power, and the amount of humidification is characterized by high power consumption because the power consumption of the heater directly affects. Moreover, since the mineral component in water adheres to the surface of a heater, it has the subject that it must remove or replace | exchange regularly.

Also, in a dehumidifying / humidifying device having both functions of a humidifying device and a dehumidifying device, the dehumidifying device is generally equipped with a refrigeration circuit. The refrigeration circuit is configured by connecting a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a refrigerant flow rate controller, and the like in a closed circuit. By cooling the air below the dew point with an evaporator, moisture in the air is removed as condensed water (see, for example, Patent Document 4). Such a dehumidifying / humidifying device has a problem that there are many components of the dehumidifying device, and the device becomes heavy and large and difficult to handle.

Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2014-202428 (Published October 27, 2014)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2013-250021 (Released on December 12, 2013)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-233687 (published on November 29, 2012)” Japanese Patent Publication “Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-224633 (Released on December 4, 2014)”

In the conventional vaporizing humidifier, mineral components are deposited on the vaporizing filter, and in the steam humidifier, mineral components are deposited on the heater. Humidification ability declines because the mineral component in water adheres to each part which exhibits each main function. Therefore, it was necessary to replace or remove it periodically. In addition, the ultrasonic humidifier has a small amount of mineral components adhering to the functional parts, but there is a problem that white powder adheres to furniture and the like in order to scatter the water droplets indoors.

In addition, a conventional dehumidifying device equipped with a refrigeration circuit has many large and heavy components such as a heat exchanger and a compressor. Furthermore, a dehumidifying / humidifying device in which the dehumidifying device and the humidifying device are integrated is larger and heavier. It was not easy to handle.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and is not humidified so that mineral components do not adhere to parts that perform functions such as a vaporization filter and a heater, and white powder is not scattered indoors. A device and a dehumidifying / humidifying device that is simple in structure, easy to downsize and easy to handle are realized.

The humidifier according to the present invention includes a polymer moisture absorbent containing a stimulus-responsive polymer, a water supply unit for supplying water to the polymer moisture absorbent, and a stimulus applying unit for applying external stimulus to the polymer moisture absorbent. It is characterized by having.

Further, the humidifier according to the present invention further includes a vaporizing portion that contacts the polymer moisture absorbent, and the vaporizing portion preferably has a large number of pores.

In addition, the humidifier according to the present invention is a humidifier unit that collects the elements formed with the polymer moisture absorbent on a base material, and supplies the humidifier unit with the water supply unit, and then supplies the humidifier unit with the humidifier unit. It is preferable to apply a stimulus to the portion of the humidifying unit to which the stimulus is given by the stimulus applying unit and to give the stimulus.

In addition to the above-described configuration, the humidifying device according to the present invention further includes a second stimulus applying unit at a position different from the position where the stimulus applying unit is installed, the stimulus applying unit, and the second It is preferable to perform dehumidification by selectively operating the second stimulating unit and selectively operating the second stimulating unit.

Further, the humidification method according to the present invention includes a step of absorbing water into a polymer moisture absorbent containing a stimulus-responsive polymer, a step of applying external stimulus to the polymer moisture absorbent, and the external stimulus. And a step of vaporizing water exuded by blowing air to the polymeric hygroscopic material.

According to the present invention, the moisture absorbent water is absorbed by the stimulus-responsive polymer moisture absorbent or the polymer moisture absorbent containing the stimulus-responsive polymer, and then the polymer moisture absorbent is heated to release water. The mineral component contained in the water for humidification is captured by the polymer moisture absorbent. As a result, it is possible to realize a humidifying device or a dehumidifying device and a humidifying method in which the mineral component contained in the water for humidification does not precipitate on the vaporization filter or the heater and does not diffuse the white powder by humidification. Become.

Further, according to the above-described configuration, the humidifying device and the dehumidifying device can be configured to share the same components, and a dehumidifying / humidifying device that is simple in structure and easy to handle can be realized.

It is a figure which shows the molecular structure of alginic acid which comprises the important part of a polymeric hygroscopic material. In each embodiment based on this invention, it is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that a polymeric moisture absorption material takes in the mineral component in water in a structure. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the humidification apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 based on this invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier taken along line AA in FIG. 3. In Embodiment 1 based on this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that water oozed from the element which moved to the humidification area. It is sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 based on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the humidification apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 based on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the pore structure of the vaporization part which concerns on Embodiment 4 based on this invention. It is a figure explaining operation | movement of the vaporization part which concerns on Embodiment 4 based on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the pore structure of the vaporization part which concerns on Embodiment 5 based on this invention. It is sectional drawing of the dehumidification / humidification apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 based on this invention. In Embodiment 6 based on this invention, it is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that water oozed from the element which moved to the water absorption area.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a chemical structural formula of alginic acid, which is an important part of the polymer hygroscopic material. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing how the polymeric hygroscopic material takes in mineral components in water into the structure. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the humidifying device 101 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention as viewed from the side. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 and viewed from the direction of the arrow.

Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The humidifier 101 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing. The housing includes an intake port 5 formed on one side surface of the upper portion, an exhaust port 7 formed on a side surface facing the intake port 5, and an exhaust port. It is formed in the lower part on the 7 side, and is provided with a humidifying tray 9 and a tank accommodating portion for accommodating a water supply tank (not shown). An intake filter 6 is provided inside the humidifier 101 of the intake port 5. A water supply tank (not shown) is a device for supplying water for humidification when the user operates the humidifier 101.

An air circulation wall 23 is provided between the intake port 5 and the exhaust port 7 of the humidifier 101. The air taken in from the intake port 5 circulates in a limited space by the air circulation wall 23 as indicated by an arrow in FIG. In the air flow passage, an intake port 5, an intake filter 6, a humidification unit 1, a blower fan 8, and an exhaust port 7 are provided in this order from the air inlet side.

The humidification unit 1 is an assembly of elements formed by laminating a polymer moisture absorbent 2 containing a stimulus-responsive polymer and a flat heater 4 on a substrate 3. Each element has a plate-like shape in which a polymer hygroscopic material 2 containing a stimulus-responsive polymer is laminated on one surface of a rectangular plate-like base material 3 and is in contact with the base material 3 on the other surface side of the base material 3. A heater 4 is provided. A plurality of such elements are fixed in close proximity on the side surface of the cylindrical pedestal, and are rotatably supported in a state of forming a cylinder as a whole.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 101 taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the humidifying unit 1 is horizontal in a direction penetrating the side surface where the intake port 5 is formed and the side surface where the exhaust port 7 is formed. Rotate around the shaft provided in. The humidifying unit 1 is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 10 whose rotational shaft is supported by a leg 11 and is driven by a control device (not shown).

Each element constituting the humidifying unit 1 is arranged on the side surface of the cylinder centering on the rotation axis of the stepping motor 10 at equal intervals, and the periphery of the rotation axis is indicated by an arrow in FIG. It can rotate in the direction shown (counterclockwise). In addition, the time or rotation speed required for the humidifying unit 1 to make one rotation is appropriately determined depending on the moisture absorption characteristics and the release characteristics of the polymer moisture absorbent. The rotation of the humidification unit 1 may be a control for sending out from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24 and from the water absorption area 24 to the humidification area 25 in units of each element every predetermined time. It may be.

In this embodiment, a temperature-responsive polymer whose affinity with water is reversibly changed in response to heat is used as the polymer hygroscopic material 2. Such temperature-responsive polymer is a polymer having a lower critical solution temperature (LCST (Lower Critical Solution Temperature), hereinafter referred to as “LCST” in this specification). A polymer having LCST becomes hydrophilic and absorbs water at low temperatures, but becomes hydrophobic and releases water contained therein as a liquid. Here, LCST is the temperature at which the polymer is dissolved in water and becomes hydrophilic at low temperatures and dissolves in water, but becomes hydrophobic and becomes insoluble at a certain temperature or higher. Say. Generally, LCST is adjusted to be 40 to 70 ° C.

The polymer hygroscopic material 2 formed in the humidifying unit 1 is more preferably porous, but is not necessarily porous. In the case of a porous structure, water released from the bulk part of the polymer moisture absorbent can be easily discharged by moving through the hole part. A specific example of the polymer hygroscopic material 2 will be described later.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the region in which the humidifying unit 1 rotates is divided into a humidifying area 25 located above the humidifying device 101 and a water absorption area 24 located below the humidifying device 101. Yes. Each time the humidification unit 1 rotates once in a predetermined time, each element moves from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24, while moving sequentially from the water absorption area 24 to the humidification area 25.

In the present embodiment, nine elements exist in the humidification area 25. In the humidification area 25, heater fixing electrodes (not shown) are arranged at positions where they can be energized in contact with heater electrodes (not shown) of the heaters 4 of the respective elements immediately after moving into the humidification area 25.

With this structure, when the respective elements of the humidifying unit 1 are driven to rotate by the stepping motor 10 and reach the position where the heater fixed electrode is disposed, the heaters 4 of the respective elements are activated by energization. ing. Further, in the present embodiment, the heater fixed electrode is provided so that the heater 4 of the element immediately before moving from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24 does not operate, and the heated polymer moisture absorbent 2 Is naturally cooled.

Next, a humidifying method by the humidifying device 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the water absorption area 24, each element in the lower part of the humidifying unit 1 is immersed in the humidifying water stored in the humidifying tray 9. At this time, since each element has a temperature around room temperature and is equal to or lower than LCST, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is hydrophilic. Thereby, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 of each element absorbs water. Humidification water is supplied to the humidifying tray 9 from a water supply tank (not shown) via a water supply valve (not shown). The humidifying tray 9 always ensures a constant water level and supplies water to the polymer moisture absorbent 2.

When the humidifying device 101 is operated, the blower fan 8 in the humidifying device 101 is operated, and the air 12 is taken into the humidifying device 101 from the intake port 5 via the intake filter 6. The humidification unit 1 is driven by the stepping motor 10 and is sent out from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24 for each element every predetermined time, and rotates from the water absorption area 24 to the humidification area 25.

In the operation of the humidifying device 101, the humidifying unit 1 rotates, and the element initially immersed in water in the humidifying tray 9 moves from the water absorption area 24 to the humidifying area 25. In the humidification area 25, electric power is supplied from the heater fixed electrode, the heater 4 is activated, and the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is heated together with the substrate 3 to reach a temperature exceeding the LCST. As a result, the water for humidification taken in the water absorption area 24 is released from the polymer moisture absorbent 2 as water droplets. This is schematically shown in FIG.

When the air 12 taken into the humidifying device 101 passes through the humidifying area 25, it comes into contact with the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidifying unit 1. The water exuded on the surface of the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is heated at the same time as the polymer hygroscopic material 2 and the base material 3 and becomes a temperature equal to or higher than the LCST and is easily vaporized. The air 12 taken into the humidifier 101 contains water on the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent 2 as a vapor. As a result, the air 12 passing through the humidification area 25 is humidified and becomes air 13 and is exhausted from the exhaust port 7.

In a series of operations, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 provided in the humidifying unit 1 repeats the operation of containing water for humidification of the humidifying tray 9 and then releasing it by heating. In FIG. 2, individual molecules of alginic acid constituting an important part of the polymer hygroscopic material shown in FIG. 1 are shown by curves modified with a hydroxyl group OH and a carboxyl group COO. Moreover, the mineral component contained in the water for humidification is represented by Ca2 ⁺ . As shown in FIG. 2, inside the polymer hygroscopic material 2, a mineral component contained in the water for humidification is taken together with the water absorption, and a part is used for bonding between the molecular chains. As a result, the water released from the polymer moisture absorbent 2 removes the mineral components contained in the humidifying water. At the same time, cross-linking occurs between the molecules of the polymer hygroscopic material 2, and the molecular structure is self-repaired to become a strong structure.

In the present embodiment, since a plurality of elements laminated with the polymer hygroscopic material 2 are arranged in a cylindrical shape and rotate, a plurality of elements in the humidification area 25 are used for humidification while absorbing water. Water can be absorbed by the remaining plurality of elements in the area 24. That is, humidification and water absorption can be performed in parallel.

The base material 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit the heat of the heater 4 to the polymer moisture absorbent 2, but for example, a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel can be used more suitably. . The material of the substrate 3 may be a resin such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polycarbonate (PC), polyolefin, polyacrylate, silica, ceramic, or the like.

When polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or the like is used as the material of the substrate 3, a photothermal conversion material such as carbon black or iron oxide particles, or iron oxide ceramic particles or magnetite nanoparticles is used on the surface of the substrate 3. It is more preferable that the magnetic heat conversion material is applied. Thereby, the base material 3 can be heated by inputting light irradiation, a variable magnetic field, or the like, and thus the polymer hygroscopic material 2 can be heated.

The method for laminating the polymer hygroscopic material 2 on the base material 3 is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of laminating with a binder, a silane coupling agent or the like can be used.

In the above-described example, the polymer moisture absorbent 2 is laminated on one side of the plate-like substrate 3, and the plate-like heater 4 is provided on the other surface side of the substrate 3 so as to be in contact with the substrate 3. It has been. Here, the heater 4 may be provided on the surface of the base material 3 on the side where the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is laminated. In this case, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is heated by radiant heat, and heat loss in the base material 3 is reduced.

In the above-described example, the humidifier 101 includes the housing, the intake port 5, the intake filter 6, the blower fan 8, and the exhaust port 7. Such a humidifier 101 can be used as a humidity controller by itself. However, the humidifying device 101 may be configured only by a humidifying unit excluding these. That is, the humidifying device 101 may be a device including at least the humidifying unit 1, the humidifying tray 9 as a water supply unit, and the stepping motor 10 as a driving source of the humidifying unit 1. In such a case, the humidifier 101 can be incorporated into the humidity controller as a component.

In the above-described example, the plate-like heater 4 is used to efficiently apply thermal stimulation to the polymer hygroscopic material 2, but the shape of the heater 4 is not limited to a plate shape, Any material that can heat the polymer hygroscopic material 2 may be used. Further, the heater 4 need not be stacked on each element of the humidifying unit 1, and may be a structure that is installed at a predetermined position in the vicinity of the humidifying unit 1 and heats the polymer moisture absorbent 2.

Further, a heating device other than the heater 4 may be used as long as the polymer moisture absorbent 2 can be stimulated by heat. Examples of such a heating device include a halogen lamp, an infrared lamp, a xenon lamp, a resistance heater such as a nichrome wire and a sheathed tube heater. These can be arranged inside or outside the cylinder of the humidifying unit 1.

Further, in the above-described example, a plate-like or layered polymer hygroscopic material is used as the polymer hygroscopic material 2, but the shape of the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is not limited to this. It may be. In such a case, it is preferable to provide a reticulated heat transfer structure or a heating structure using hot air so that each particle can be heated.

In the above-described example, the humidifying unit 1 includes 12 elements, but the number of elements is not limited to this. Further, in the above-described example, there are three elements in the water absorption area 24 and nine elements in the humidification area 25, but the ratio is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate. Can do.

In the above-described example, the humidifying unit 1 is driven by the stepping motor 10 and rotates for a predetermined time. However, the humidifying unit 1 may be rotated according to an instruction from the user. A sensor for detecting the humidification amount and humidity may be provided in the internal air flow passage, and the sensor may rotate when the humidification amount and the humidified air humidity become a predetermined value or less.

Further, the heater fixed electrode (not shown) may be arranged at a position where a part of the elements existing in the humidification area 25 or all the elements are in contact with the heater 4. For example, the heater fixed electrode may be disposed at a position where power is supplied except for an element immediately before moving from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24. Alternatively, the heater fixed electrode may be arranged at a position in contact with all the heaters 4 of the elements existing in the humidification area 25.

In the above-described example, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is a polymer hygroscopic material containing a temperature-responsive polymer having LCST. However, if the polymer is a temperature-responsive polymer, the temperature response is not an LCST type. It may be a polymer hygroscopic material containing a functional polymer. In addition, a polymer hygroscopic material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer that responds to other stimuli can also be used. When using a polymer hygroscopic material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer that responds to other stimuli, instead of the heater 4, as a stimulus imparting unit, light such as infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and visible light, a fluctuating electric field, fluctuations A device that applies a corresponding stimulus such as a magnetic field to be used may be used.

[Embodiment 2]
Embodiment 2 changes the water supply part of the humidification apparatus 101 demonstrated in Embodiment 1. FIG. Other parts are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 101 described in the first embodiment, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, when the humidifier 101 is not operated, the humidifying tray 9 is drained to lower the water level, and the humidifying unit 1 is not always immersed. By doing in this way, it can prevent that polymer hygroscopic material 2 absorbs water unnecessarily, and wear of humidification unit 1 is controlled. In the present embodiment, a water supply valve (not shown) and a pump (not shown) are controlled by a control device (not shown) to lower the water level of the humidifying tray 9 to such an extent that the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidifying unit 1 is not immersed. The collected water is returned to the water supply tank. When the humidification operation is started, the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidification unit 1 is controlled to be submerged.

[Embodiment 3]
In the third embodiment, the water supply unit of the humidifying device 101 described in the first embodiment is changed. This schematic structure is shown in FIG. Other parts are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 101 described in the first embodiment, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In the first embodiment, the humidifying tray 9 for supplying water to the humidifying unit 1 is provided, and a part of the elements of the humidifying unit 1 is always immersed in the humidifying water. However, other structures may be used. . Such an example will be described in this embodiment. In the humidifying device 102 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a water supply nozzle 18 and a water supply pump 19 are provided in the water absorption area 24, and water for humidification supplied from a water supply tank (not shown) is appropriately used. A structure for supplying to the humidifying unit 1 was adopted.

In the present embodiment, the humidifying tray 9 is used as a relay container for humidifying water supplied from a water supply tank (not shown). The water supply pump 19 has a water absorption side connected to the humidifying tray 9 and a water supply nozzle 18 connected to the discharge side. The water supply pump 19 is driven by a control unit (not shown), and injects water for humidification toward the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent 2 as appropriate in accordance with the rotation of the humidification unit 1. By doing in this way, the amount of water supply can be adjusted, the humidification amount per unit time and the humidity of the air after humidification can be adjusted, and fine control becomes possible.

[Embodiment 4]
In the fourth embodiment, the vaporization unit 15 is added to the humidifying device 101 described in the first embodiment. This schematic structure is shown in FIG. Other parts are the same as those of the humidifying apparatus 101 described in the first embodiment, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The humidifying device 103 according to the present embodiment is provided with a vaporizing unit 15 that transfers and vaporizes water droplets oozing from each element of the humidifying unit 1 to the humidifying area 25. The water vapor that has oozed out on the surface of the polymer hygroscopic material 2 of the humidifying unit 1 is transferred by the vaporizing section 15 to enlarge the area contributing to vaporization.

The vaporizing unit 15 of the present embodiment is pivotally supported so as to rotate according to the rotation of the humidifying unit 1. The vaporization unit 15 is formed by forming a sheet having a large number of pores as shown in FIG. 8 into a cylindrical shape, and is installed so as to allow ventilation inside and outside the cylinder. As shown in FIG. 7, the surface of the vaporizing unit 15 is in contact with the surface of the polymer absorbent material 2, and water droplets released from the polymer absorbent material 2 heated in the humidification area 25 are transferred. Water is sucked into the pores 15 a provided in the vaporization section 15 by bringing the vaporization section 15 into contact with the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidification unit 1 in a state where water has oozed out.

The water sucked into the vaporizing section 15 not only vaporizes from the front side surface of the vaporizing section 15 with which the polymer hygroscopic material 2 of the humidifying unit 1 contacts, but also spreads into the pores 15a and vaporizes from the inside of the cylinder of the vaporizing section 15 as well. It becomes possible to do. Since water is also vaporized from the surface of the polymer hygroscopic material 2, the area contributing to vaporization can be increased. The cylindrical diameter and number of the vaporization unit 15 are determined from the moisture absorption / release characteristics of the polymer moisture absorbent 2, the set humidification amount of the humidifier 103, and the like.

In the present embodiment, the vaporizing section 15 has a good wettability with respect to water and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a material that does not absorb water. A large number of pores 15a are formed so as to penetrate from the front surface to the back surface of the substrate 15b. Since the pore 15a formed in the vaporization part 15 functions as a capillary tube, the water oozed to the surface of the polymer hygroscopic material can be drawn into the pore. The shape of the vaporizing unit 15 is preferably set so as to vaporize the oozed water droplets without waste according to the length of the humidifying unit 1 in the axial direction, but is not limited thereto.

The pore 15a formed in the vaporization part 15 is not particularly limited as long as it has a pore diameter exhibiting a capillary phenomenon. However, the smaller the diameter, the larger the force for sucking water, and the larger the diameter, the force for sucking water. Becomes smaller. For this reason, the pore 15a formed in the vaporization part 15 can be formed with a small diameter on the surface in contact with the polymer moisture absorbent 2 and larger on the opposite surface than on the contact surface side. In addition, although the processing method differs depending on the material of the base material, the thickness of the base material, and the hole diameter, processing by punching, drilling, laser, or the like is generally used.

In addition, it is preferable that the air 12 taken in from the intake port 5 circulates only in the humidification area 25 by the air circulation wall 23 and does not circulate in the water absorption area 24. In the water absorption area 24 side, the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is in a water absorption state and does not discharge water, so that it is considered that the humidification efficiency deteriorates when the amount of air passing therethrough is large.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state after the moisture-absorbing element has moved to the humidification area 25 by the rotation of the humidification unit 1. For simplicity, only one vaporizer 15 is shown and the others are omitted. The polymer hygroscopic material 2 of the humidifying unit 1 has already become LCST or more by heating, and the contained water has oozed out as water droplets on the surface of the polymer hygroscopic material 2.

In the upper center of FIG. 9, the vaporization unit 15 comes into contact with the humidification unit 1 and water droplets exuded on the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent 2 are transferred to the vaporization unit 15. Water droplets that have oozed out from the polymer hygroscopic material 2 move to the surface of the vaporizing section 15 and are taken into the pores 15 a on the surface of the vaporizing section 15. While the vaporization unit 15 is rotated by the rotation of the humidification unit 1, the water taken into the pores 15a is vaporized in contact with the air 12 sucked from the intake port 5 on both the inside and outside of the cylinder of the vaporization unit 15. It is carried out.

In the present embodiment, the vaporizing section 15 is cylindrical and always contacts the humidifying unit 1. However, other structures may be used as long as water can be transferred from the humidifying unit 1 and vaporized. For example, an arc-shaped vaporization portion using a sheet having pores as shown in FIG. 8 in the humidification area 25 may be disposed along the peripheral edge of the humidification unit 1 and contacted in a timely manner by a control unit (not shown). . As the moving mechanism, a known structure such as a link, a lever, or a cam can be used.

[Embodiment 5]
Embodiment 5 changes the vaporization part 15 of the humidification apparatus 103 demonstrated in Embodiment 4. FIG. This schematic structure is shown in FIG. Other parts are the same as those of the humidifying device 103 described in the fourth embodiment, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the vaporization unit 15 disclosed in the fourth embodiment is abolished and replaced with the vaporization unit 150 having the structure shown in FIG. The vaporization part 150 which shaped the sheet | seat shown in FIG. 10 is characterized by the number of pores differing in the 1st surface and 2nd surface of a plate-shaped base material. The pores 150a and 150c provided on the first surface merge inside the base material 150b and open on the second surface. The first surface having a large number of pores is brought into contact with and absorbed by the polymer hygroscopic material 2 so that water is accumulated up to the second surface and discharged from the second surface having a small number of pores. . By adopting such a structure, even when the amount of water exuded on the surface of the polymeric moisture absorbent 2 is small, water droplets are enlarged and easily carried out while moving from the first surface side to the second surface side.

Embodiments 4 and 5 disclose a structure in which water released from a polymer hygroscopic material is easily vaporized using a capillary phenomenon by using a vaporization part provided with pores in a substrate that does not absorb water. did. As a vaporization part having such a capillary phenomenon, a board formed by bundling with the fiber direction aligned in the sheet thickness direction, a nonwoven fabric such as wood or felt, a general fabric, a sponge having continuous pores, etc. are used. it can.

Embodiments 4 and 5 disclosed a structure that facilitates vaporization of water released from a polymer hygroscopic material using the vaporization section 15 or the vaporization section 150. Such a structure can be used in the humidifiers 101 and 102 described in the first to third embodiments, and the same effect can be obtained.

[Embodiment 6]
The sixth embodiment is a dehumidifying / humidifying device in which a dehumidifying function is added to the humidifying device, unlike the humidifying devices disclosed in the first to fifth embodiments. Specifically, the water droplet removal unit 16 and the heater fixed electrode are added to the water absorption area 24 of the humidifier 102 described in the third embodiment. FIG. 11 shows the structure. Other parts are the same as those of the humidifying device 102 described in the third embodiment, and members having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

In the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 according to the present embodiment, the water droplet removing unit 16 is provided inside the water absorbing area 24 and is disposed so as to be in contact with the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidifying unit 1. The water droplet removing unit 16 is provided at an intermediate position between the humidifying unit 1 and the humidifying tray 9. The water droplet removing unit 16 does not have to be fixed, and preferably has a configuration that can move in a direction away from the surface of the polymeric moisture absorbent 2 when the dehumidifying function is not used. As a mechanism for moving the water droplet removing unit 16, a known method such as a link, a lever, or a cam can be used.

Further, the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 of the present embodiment needs to supply power to the heater 4 also in the water absorption area 24. For this reason, a heater fixed electrode (not shown) is provided at a position where the heater 4 of the humidifying unit 1 can be energized. With such a structure, the humidifier can have a dehumidifying function.

Hereinafter, the operation of the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 of the present embodiment will be described. When used as a humidifier, the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 performs the operation shown in the third embodiment. Briefly, after the polymeric moisture absorbent 2 of the humidifying unit 1 that has been wetted by receiving water from the water supply nozzle 18 rotates and moves to the humidifying area 25, power is supplied from a heater fixed electrode (not shown). And heated to a temperature above LCST. The water contained in the polymer hygroscopic material 2 is released by heating, and the air 12 sucked by the blower fan 8 is sent out as air 13 containing vaporized water vapor.

Next, the dehumidifying operation will be described. The dehumidifying operation is started when an operation is instructed from an operation unit or a control unit (not shown). When the dehumidifying operation is started, the humidification area 25 becomes a moisture absorption area where the polymer hygroscopic material 2 absorbs moisture in the air, and the water absorption area 24 becomes a release area where the moisture absorbed by the polymer moisture absorbent 2 is released. The humidifying unit 1 has the same configuration as in the first to fifth embodiments, and rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

When the dehumidifying operation is started, the blower fan 8 sucks air 12 from the intake port 5, and the polymer moisture absorbent 2 of the humidifying unit 1 absorbs moisture contained in the air 12. As a result, the air 12 is dried, and the air 13 is sent out from the exhaust port 7. In addition, the polymeric moisture absorbent 2 that has become wet with moisture moves from the humidification area 25 to the water absorption area 24 by the rotation of the humidification unit 1.

In the water absorption area 24, the heater 4 of the humidifying unit 1 is powered by the heater fixed electrode, and the substrate 3 and the polymer moisture absorbent 2 are heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the LCST. The heated polymer hygroscopic material 2 releases the contained moisture and exudes as water droplets on the surface. The polymer hygroscopic material 2 in which water droplets are generated on the surface rotates and moves together with the humidifying unit 1 and moves to a position where the water droplet removing unit 16 is installed. Water droplets on the surface of the polymeric moisture absorbent 2 are wiped off by the water droplet removing unit 16 and collected in the humidifying tray 9.

The polymer hygroscopic material 2 from which the water droplets have been removed moves to the humidification area 25 again while the power supply to the heater 4 is stopped and is naturally cooled. The cooled polymer hygroscopic material 2 again absorbs water vapor in the air and exhibits a dehumidifying function. The above operation is repeated and the operation as the dehumidifier continues. While operating as a dehumidifier, the heater fixed electrode installed in the humidification area 25 stops supplying power.

The dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 operates as described above to exhibit functions as a humidifier and a dehumidifier, but these functions may be configured to be selected and executed by a user from an operation unit (not shown). In addition, the automatic operation may be configured so that the dehumidifying function and the humidifying function are used in a timely manner by using the humidity detection device as a criterion for determination based on the humidity set in advance or the humidity set by the user.

In the dehumidifying operation of the sixth embodiment, the water released by the polymer moisture absorbent 2 is wiped by the water droplet removing unit 16, but the water droplet removing unit 16 is not necessarily required. In the humidification area 24, water is released when the polymer hygroscopic material 2 reaches a temperature equal to or higher than the LCST. However, it is only necessary to supply power to the heater 4 so that water droplets can drip at the lowest position of the humidification unit 1.

∙ Water generated from water vapor in the air using the dehumidifying function does not contain impurities such as mineral components unlike ordinary city water, so white powder will not be generated even when used in a general humidifier. On the other hand, since germs and dust adhering to the evaporator surface are dripped together with the dew condensation water, the germs in the vaporizing filter and the humidifying dish are likely to be contaminated with airborne germs, and many germs grow over time. And it will change to unsanitary water. For this reason, in the conventional dehumidifying / humidifying apparatus, the dew condensation water generated during dehumidification has not been used as humidifying water.

The polymer hygroscopic material according to the present invention has already been explained that mineral components contained in general city water are taken in as part of the structure, but at that time, germs are also trapped in the gel. For this reason, the moisture in the air or the city water once taken into the polymer hygroscopic material and taken out as water again has the effect that the bacteria and mineral components are extremely reduced. In the dehumidifying / humidifying device as described in the sixth embodiment, the water collected when functioning as a dehumidifier in automatic operation can be used as it is as humidifying water during the humidifying operation.

Also in the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 shown in the sixth embodiment, the vaporizing unit 15 disclosed in the fourth embodiment can be employed. When the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 of the present embodiment is used as a dehumidifying device, the vaporizing unit 15 does not exhibit a special function. This is because, when used as a dehumidifying device, the polymer moisture absorbent 2 in the humidifying area 25 is at a temperature below the LCST, so it does not release water and there is no room for the vaporizer 15 to contribute. It is. However, as described in the fourth embodiment, the vaporization unit 15 is effective when the dehumidifying / humidifying device 104 acts as a humidifying device. As described above, the humidification efficiency can be increased because it acts as an apparatus for expanding the vaporization area.

[Details of polymer hygroscopic material]
Below, the detail of the polymer hygroscopic material containing the stimulus responsive polymer used in each embodiment described above will be described. In the present specification, “(meth) acryl” is used to mean “acryl” or “methacryl”.

In each embodiment described above, a polymer hygroscopic material containing a dried body of stimulus-responsive polymer is used. In particular, when the stimulus-responsive polymer is a crosslinked body, a three-dimensional network structure formed by crosslinking the polymer forms a swollen polymer gel by absorbing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent. There are many cases. In such a case, in each of the above-described embodiments, a dried polymer gel is used.

Here, the dried polymer gel refers to a polymer gel from which the solvent has been removed by drying. In the present invention, the dried polymer gel does not need to have the solvent completely removed from the polymer gel, and may contain a solvent or water as long as it can absorb moisture in the air. . Accordingly, the moisture content of the dried body of the polymer gel is not particularly limited as long as the dried body can absorb moisture in the air. For example, it is more preferably 40% by weight or less. . Here, the moisture content refers to the ratio of moisture to the dry weight of the polymer gel.

“Stimulus-responsive polymer” refers to a polymer that reversibly changes its properties in response to external stimuli. In the present invention, a stimulus-responsive polymer that reversibly changes its affinity with water in response to an external stimulus is used.

The external stimulus is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include heat, light, a changing electric field, a changing magnetic field, and pH.

In addition, the affinity for water reversibly changes in response to an external stimulus. A polymer given an external stimulus reversibly changes between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity in response to an external stimulus. It means changing.

Among them, a stimulus-responsive polymer whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to heat, i.e., a temperature-responsive polymer, is obtained by changing the temperature using a simple heating device. The moisture absorption of moisture, that is, water vapor, and the release of moisture absorbed by the moisture can be performed reversibly, so that it can be particularly suitably used for a humidity controller.

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

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

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

In addition, insoluble particles such as carbon and iron oxide can be mixed and used in the temperature-responsive polymer. In this way, since carbon, iron oxide, and the like generate heat due to magnetic field fluctuations, an external stimulus can be used as a magnetic field.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Summary]
A humidifier according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a water supply unit that supplies water for humidification, a stimulus-responsive polymer hygroscopic material whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to an external stimulus, or the stimulus response. A polymer hygroscopic material containing a functional polymer, a stimulus applying unit for applying external stimulus to the polymer hygroscopic material, and a blower fan for blowing the polymer hygroscopic material to vaporize water exuded by heating. It is characterized by being.

More specifically, the polymer hygroscopic material and the stimulus imparting portion are formed on a substrate to form a unit element, and a plurality of the elements are combined to form a cylindrical humidification unit. By adopting a rotatable structure that alternately passes through the humidification area, water absorption and discharge are realized in parallel.

According to the above configuration, after the water for humidification is once absorbed by the polymer moisture absorbent, the water released by heating is vaporized, so that the mineral components contained in the water for humidification are removed by the polymer moisture absorbent. And has the effect that white powder is not generated by humidification.

Also, the polymer moisture absorbent has an effect that the mineral component is not deposited on the humidification unit because the mineral component contained in the water for humidification is taken in as part of the structure. Further, the incorporated mineral component has an effect of strengthening the structure of the polymer hygroscopic material.

The humidifying device according to aspect 2 of the present invention is configured to variably configure the water level of a humidifying dish that stores humidifying water in addition to the aspect 1 described above. For example, a water level is adjusted using well-known means, such as a water supply valve, a drain valve, and a water supply pump.

In the humidifying device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, when the humidifying operation is not performed, the water level of the humidifying dish is lowered by a control unit (not shown). Since the polymer moisture absorbent is not immersed in humidifying water except when the humidifying operation is performed, an effect of preventing unnecessary wear can be obtained.

The humidifier according to aspect 3 of the present invention includes a water supply nozzle and a water supply pump in addition to aspect 1 described above.

According to the above configuration, since the amount of water supplied to the polymer moisture absorbent can be made variable, the amount of humidification can be adjusted freely. Moreover, since the polymer hygroscopic material is not immersed in water except when the humidifying operation is performed, unnecessary wear can be suppressed.

The humidifier according to aspect 4 of the present invention includes, in addition to aspect 1, a vaporization unit that facilitates vaporization of water released from the heated polymeric moisture absorbent in the humidification area.

According to the above configuration, water is actively sucked from the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent material, and the water is easily released, and the vaporization part expands the surface area that contributes to the vaporization of the water, so that the humidification efficiency is increased. Play.

The humidifying device according to aspect 5 of the present invention includes a vaporization unit having a structure in which water released from the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent is integrated inside, instead of the aspect 4.

According to the above configuration, since the number of pores is different between the water absorption side surface and the discharge side surface of the vaporization part, water can be sucked from the polymer moisture absorbent surface, and the sucked water can be collected and sent to the discharge side. Accordingly, the release of water from the surface of the polymer moisture absorbent is promoted, and water droplets are enlarged and released on the release side, so that the function of the vaporizing portion can be improved. Even if a small amount of water is released, it is easy to vaporize and the effect of increasing the humidification efficiency is achieved.

The dehumidifying / humidifying device according to Aspect 6 of the present invention is the humidifying device disclosed in Aspect 3, provided with a heater fixed electrode for supplying power to the heater so that the polymer moisture absorbent can be heated even in the water absorption area.

According to the above configuration, moisture in the air can be absorbed in the humidification area and can be released as water from the polymer moisture absorbent in the water absorption area. Thereby, the dehumidifying function can be exhibited by the configuration of the humidifying device. That is, the humidifying device and the dehumidifying device are integrated, and it is possible to judge the ambient conditions and use the humidifying function and the dehumidifying function properly by control, or to perform the humidifying and dehumidifying operations continuously.

Further, according to the above-described configuration, the humidifying function and the dehumidifying function can be realized by sharing substantially the same components, so that the number of components can be reduced, and miniaturization and weight reduction are facilitated. In addition, the air conditioner has the effect of expanding functions and improving convenience.

In Embodiments 1 to 6, the heater is integrated with the humidification unit, but the heater can be installed separately. It suffices to heat the polymer hygroscopic material that is installed in the vicinity of the humidifying unit and formed as the humidifying unit, and a general heater that radiates heat can be used.

The humidification method according to the present invention is a humidification method using a stimulus-responsive polymer hygroscopic material whose affinity with water reversibly changes in response to an external stimulus or a polymer hygroscopic material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer. A step of absorbing water for humidification into the polymer moisture absorbent, a step of reducing external affinity to the polymer moisture absorbent to reduce the affinity with water, and a release from the polymer moisture absorbent by blowing air Vaporizing the generated water.

According to the present invention, after the water for humidification is once absorbed by the polymer moisture absorbent, the water released by heating is vaporized, so that the mineral component contained in the water for humidification is removed by the polymer moisture absorbent. The white powder is not generated by humidification.

Further, since the polymer moisture absorbent takes in the mineral component contained in the water for humidification as a part of the structure, it has an effect that the mineral component does not precipitate in the humidification unit. Furthermore, the taken-in mineral component bridge | crosslinks, and produces the effect of strengthening the structure of a polymeric moisture absorption material.

In addition, according to the present invention, dehumidification or humidification can be achieved simply by heating and cooling the polymer hygroscopic material to an extent exceeding the LCST, so that it can be efficiently conditioned without using supercooling or a large amount of heat. There is an effect.

The humidifier or dehumidifier according to the present invention includes a water supply unit that supplies water for humidification, and a stimulus-responsive polymer moisture absorbent or stimulus response in which the affinity with water reversibly changes in response to an external stimulus. A polymeric hygroscopic material containing a functional polymer, a stimulus imparting portion that imparts external stimuli to the polymeric hygroscopic material to reduce its affinity with water, and a polymer hygroscopic material that blows air to the polymeric hygroscopic material It is equipped with a blower that vaporizes the water oozed from the water.

Further, the humidifier or dehumidifier according to the present invention is characterized by further comprising a vaporization section that promotes vaporization of water released from the polymer moisture absorbent, in addition to the above-described configuration.

Further, the humidifying device or the dehumidifying / humidifying device according to the present invention is characterized in that a member having a plurality of pores formed in a base material is used as a vaporizing portion that promotes vaporization of water released from the polymer moisture absorbent. .

Further, the dehumidifying / humidifying device according to the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the above-described configuration, a heating means is additionally provided to release moisture absorbed from the air by the polymer hygroscopic material.

In addition, the humidification method according to the present invention includes a step of absorbing moisture for absorption by a stimulus-responsive polymer moisture absorbent or a polymer moisture-absorbing material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer, and imparting stimulus to the polymer moisture-absorbing material. And a step of reducing the affinity with water and a step of vaporizing water from the polymeric moisture absorbent by blowing.

The humidifier according to the present invention can be incorporated into other air conditioners by downsizing and weight reduction.

Moreover, the humidification method according to the present invention can be suitably used for a humidity control apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Humidification unit 2 Polymer hygroscopic material 3 Base material 4 Heating heater (stimulation part)
5 Intake port 6 Intake filter 7 Exhaust port 8 Blower fan 9 Humidifying dish 10 Stepping motor 12 Air (before processing)
13 Air (after treatment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Dropped water 15 Vaporization part 16 Water drop removal part 18 Water supply nozzle 19 Water supply pump 23 Air distribution wall 24 Water absorption area 25 Humidification area

Claims (5)

1. A polymeric hygroscopic material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer;
   A water supply unit for supplying water to the polymer hygroscopic material;
   A stimulus applying unit for applying an external stimulus to the polymer hygroscopic material;
   A humidifying device comprising:
2. Furthermore, it comprises a vaporization part that contacts the polymer hygroscopic material,
   The humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizing unit has a large number of pores.
3. Collecting elements formed on the substrate with the polymer hygroscopic material to form a humidification unit,
   After supplying water to the humidification unit in the water supply unit,
   Stimulating the humidifying unit with the stimulus applying unit,
   In the portion of the humidifying unit that gave the stimulus,
   The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the air is blown.
4. A second stimulus applying unit is further installed at a position different from the position where the stimulus applying unit is installed,
   Selectively operating the stimulus applying unit and the second stimulus applying unit,
   The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein dehumidification is performed by operating the second stimulus applying unit.
5. A step of absorbing water into a polymeric hygroscopic material containing a stimulus-responsive polymer;
   Applying an external stimulus to the polymer hygroscopic material;
   Vaporizing the water exuded by blowing to the polymeric moisture absorbent provided with the external stimulus;
   The humidification method characterized by including.

Images