VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Abstract

A vehicle air conditioning system comprises: a humidity control device 2; and a duct 3 in which the humidity control device 2 is provided and which allows air 10 from a vehicle interior or from a vehicle exterior to flow through it, wherein an end face of the humidity control device 2 comprises: a flow-blocking section 22 arranged in a band around an outer circumference of the end face to block the flow of air 10; and a flow-permeable section 23 arranged on an inner side of the flow-blocking section 22 to allow the flow of air 10, and wherein the flow-blocking section 22 has a maximum width W of 10 mm or less when the end face of the humidity control device 2 in the duct 3 is viewed from a downstream side in a direction of air flow 10.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For various vehicle types, such as motor vehicles, the demands for improving the vehicle interior are increasing. Specific requirements include reducing the amount of carbon dioxide inside the vehicle to decrease driver fatigue, regulating humidity levels, and eliminating harmful volatile components such as odors and allergens. Ventilation is an effective measure to meet these requirements; however, in winter, ventilation results in significant heat loss, leading to reduced energy efficiency. This is particularly problematic for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as their range is considerably limited due to energy losses.

[0003] Patent literature 1 describes an air conditioning system comprising: an adsorption section (heating element) with an adsorption layer (layer containing functional material) that contains an adsorbent (moisture-absorbing material); and an outlet pipe with a first flow path (first path) connecting an outlet end face of the adsorption section to an interior space, and a second flow path (second path) connecting an outlet end face of the adsorption section to an exterior space, such as the exterior of a vehicle. Patent literature 1 also discloses that the adsorption section is framed on both sides by frame bodies. LITERATURE LIST Patent literature [Patent Literature 1] Publication of Japanese patent application no. 2024-144204 A SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] When moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent in the adsorption section, the section is heated by a heating element, and the moisture-containing air is released to the outside of the vehicle. Conversely, when the moisture is adsorbed by the adsorbent, the heating element stops heating the section, and the dehumidified air can flow into the vehicle interior. If the moisture desorbed by the adsorbent remains in the duct, it can be drawn into the vehicle interior when the dehumidified air flows in, potentially increasing the humidity inside the vehicle.

[0005] This invention was developed to solve the problems described above, and one of its objectives is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that reduces the likelihood of moisture desorbed from the adsorbent remaining in the duct and reduces the likelihood of moisture being directed into a vehicle interior.

[0006] As a result of intensive investigations into vehicle air conditioning systems incorporating humidity control devices, the inventor has arrived at the following findings. An end face of the humidity control device can be provided with a flow-blocking section arranged in a band around an outer circumference of the end face to block airflow, and a flow-permeable section arranged on an inner side of the flow-blocking section to allow airflow. If the maximum width of the flow-blocking section is greater when the end face is viewed inside the duct from the downstream side in the direction of airflow, the air collects at the downstream end face of the adsorption section, and the moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is more likely to remain in the duct.Therefore, the inventor has determined that the aforementioned problems can be solved by keeping the maximum width of the flow-blocking section within a predetermined range. This invention is based on these findings. [1] In one embodiment, this invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a humidity control device comprising an adsorption section containing an adsorbent, configured to adsorb moisture at a temperature below or equal to a predetermined temperature and to desorb the moisture when a temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, and a heating medium configured to heat the adsorption section;and a duct in which the humidity control device is provided and which allows air to flow through it from the interior or exterior of a vehicle, the duct having a first flow path which allows the air to flow into the interior of the vehicle on a downstream side of the humidity control device, and a second flow path for venting the air to the exterior of the vehicle, wherein an end face of the humidity control device includes: a flow-blocking section which is provided in band form around an outer circumference of the end face, the flow-blocking section being configured to block the flow of air;and a flow-permeable section within the flow-blocking section, wherein the flow-permeable section is configured to allow the flow of air, and wherein the flow-blocking section has a maximum width of 10 mm or less when the end face of the humidity control device in the duct is viewed from a downstream side in a direction of airflow. [2] This invention can modify the vehicle air conditioning system according to <1> affecting, where the maximum width of the flow-blocking section is 9 mm or less. [3] This invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system according to [1] or [2], wherein the humidity control device further comprises frame bodies that frame the adsorption section in the direction of airflow from both sides, and the flow-blocking section is formed at least partially from the frame bodies. [4] This invention can modify the vehicle air conditioning system according to one of <1> until <3> relating to, wherein the adsorption section comprises: a honeycomb structure with an outer wall and partitions provided on an inner side of the outer wall, the partitions defining cells to form flow paths for the air, each of the cells extending from a first end face to a second end face of the honeycomb structure; and an adsorption layer containing an adsorbent provided on a surface of each of the partitions, and wherein the heating medium has a pair of electrodes connected to the honeycomb structure, the heating medium being configured to heat the honeycomb structure by passing current through the honeycomb structure through the pair of electrodes, and at least the partitions of the honeycomb structure being made of a material having PTC properties.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the vehicle air conditioning system of this invention, the maximum width of the flow-blocking section, when the frontal area of ​​the humidity control device in the duct is viewed from the downstream side in the direction of airflow, can be 10 mm or less, thereby reducing the probability of moisture desorbed from the adsorbent remaining in the duct and reducing the probability of moisture being directed into the vehicle interior. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figure 2 is an external view showing the humidity control device. Fig. 1 presents in more detail; Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing the effect of a maximum width W of a flow-blocking section. Fig. 2 represents. Fig. Figure 4 is an external view showing a variation of the humidity control device. Fig. 2 represents; Fig. Figure 5 is a front view of a humidity control device made of Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 6 is a view from the right side of the humidity control device. Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing area VII. Fig. 5 represents; Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view depicting a state in which frame bodies for the humidity control device are made of Fig. 5 have been added; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the humidity control device. Fig. 8; Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement mode of an instance of a humidity control device according to an example; and Fig. Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing, as an example, another arrangement mode of an instance of a humidity control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The invention is not limited to these embodiments, and components can be modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a multitude of components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components of all components shown in the embodiments can be removed. Furthermore, the components of different embodiments can optionally be combined. (1. Vehicle air conditioning system)

[0009] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to one embodiment is a system installed in a vehicle. The vehicle includes, but is not limited to, motor vehicles and electric rail vehicles. Non-restrictive examples of motor vehicles include gasoline vehicles, diesel vehicles, vehicles powered by CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell vehicles, electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles. In particular, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to one embodiment can be suitably used for vehicles that do not have an internal combustion engine, such as electric vehicles and electric rail vehicles.

[0010] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of this invention includes a humidity control device 2 and a line 3.

[0011] The humidity control device 2 comprises an adsorption section 20 and a heating medium 21. The adsorption section 20 contains an adsorbent capable of adsorbing moisture at a temperature below or equal to a predetermined temperature and desorbing the moisture when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature. The heating medium 21 is configured to heat the adsorption section 20. Heating the adsorption section 20 by the heating medium 21 desorbs the moisture from the adsorbent in the adsorption section 20.

[0012] The conduit 3 is a pipe in which the humidity control device 2 is provided. The conduit 3 is designed to allow air 10 from either the interior or exterior of the vehicle to flow through it. The conduit 3 has a first flow path 31 and a second flow path 32 on the downstream side of the humidity control device 2. The first flow path 31 allows the air 10 that has flowed through the humidity control device 2 to flow into the interior of the vehicle. The second flow path 32 discharges the air 10 that has flowed through the humidity control device 2 to the exterior of the vehicle. The first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32 are separated from each other by a conduit partition 33. Although not shown, the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32 can be located at a distance from each other.

[0013] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 can further include a valve 4, a blower 5 and a control unit 6.

[0014] The valve 8 is designed to be able to switch the flow of the air 10 flowing through the line 3 between the first flow path 31 and the second flow path 32. The valve 4 can cause the air 10 to flow into the first flow path 31 when moisture in the air 10 is adsorbed in the humidity control device 2, and can cause the air 10 to flow into the second flow path 32 when moisture is desorbed by the humidity control device 2. Fig. Figure 1 shows how the air 10 can flow into the first flow path 31. The valve 4 is not particularly restricted as long as it is an electrically actuated valve used to switch the flow path and includes electromagnetic and electric valves. In one embodiment, the valve 4 includes an opening / closing flap 41 mounted on a rotating shaft 40 and an actuator 42, e.g., a motor, which rotates the rotating shaft 40.

[0015] The blower 5 is designed to supply the air 10 to the humidity control device 2. The blower 5 can be located within the duct 3. The blower 5 can be located upstream of the humidity control device 2 in the direction of airflow 10.

[0016] The control unit 6 is designed to control the humidity control device 2, the valve 4, and the fan 5. The control unit 6 can be electrically connected to the humidity control device 2, the valve 4, and the fan 5 via cable or wirelessly. One control mode of the control unit 6 includes an adsorption mode, in which the fan 5 is activated and the air 10 can flow into the first flow path 31 without activating the heating medium 21, and a regeneration mode, in which the fan 5 and the heating medium 21 are activated and the air 10 can flow into the second flow path 32.

[0017] The outlet of the first flow path 31 can be positioned so that it faces an HVAC intake opening 70 of an HVAC unit 7. The outlet of the second flow path 32 can be positioned so that it is offset from the HVAC intake opening 70. The HVAC system 7 is a unit for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning a vehicle. The HVAC unit 7 can direct the air 10 drawn in through the HVAC intake opening 70 into the vehicle interior. It is intended that the air 10 flowing through the first flow path 31 is supplied to the vehicle interior via the HVAC unit 7, and the air 10 flowing through the second flow path 32 is discharged to the vehicle exterior without passing through the HVAC unit 7.

[0018] Next, show Fig. 2 an exterior view showing the humidity control device 2 from Fig. 1 presents in more detail, where (a) in Fig. 2 A front view of the humidity control device 2 in the line 3 is shown, seen from the downstream side in the direction of airflow 10. Fig. 1, and (b) in Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device 2 and the line 3 along line AA in (a). As in (a) in Fig. Figure 2 shows an end face of the humidity control device 2 with a flow-blocking section 22, arranged in a band around an outer circumference of the end face to block the flow of air 10, and a flow-permeable section 23, arranged on an inner side of the flow-blocking section 22 to allow the flow of air 10. When the air 10 flows through the flow-permeable section 23, the moisture in the air 10 can be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

[0019] In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 is 10 mm or less when the end face of the humidity control device 2 in the duct 3 is viewed from the downstream side in the direction of airflow 10, as shown in (a) of Fig. Figure 2 shows the flow-blocking section 22. As described above, the flow-blocking section 22 extends in a band-like shape in the circumferential direction of the adsorption section 20. The direction in which the flow-blocking section 22 extends in the band is defined as the longitudinal direction LD of the flow-blocking section 22, and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction LD in each segment of the flow-blocking section 22 is defined as the lateral direction WD. For example, in the segment of the flow-blocking section 22 on the right side of (a) in Fig. 2, where the flow-blocking section 22 extends in the top-bottom direction, the left-right direction being the lateral direction WD. Furthermore, in the section of the flow-blocking section 22 on the upper side of (a) in Fig. 2, where the flow-blocking section 22 extends in the left-right direction, the top-bottom direction being the width direction WD. The maximum width W is the maximum dimension in the width direction WD of the flow-blocking section 22 that appears inside the conduit 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 2 is the maximum width W, the distance in the lateral direction WD between an inner circumferential surface 3a of the line 3 and an inner end 20a of the flow-blocking section 22.

[0020] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the humidity control device 2 is provided inside the conduit 3, such that an outer end 20b of the flow-blocking section 22 is positioned within the inner circumferential surface 3a of the conduit 3. In this case, the flow-blocking section 22 is reduced in size, so that the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 can be 10 mm or less.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing the effect of the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22. Fig. 2 represents. The in Fig. The humidity control device 2 shown in Figure 3 has a larger maximum width W than the flow-blocking section 22 of the device shown in Figure 3. Fig. 2. Humidity control device shown. 2. As in the middle of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, during regeneration mode the adsorption section 20 is heated by the heating medium 21, and the moisture-laden air 10 can flow through the second flow path 32 and then be discharged to the outside of the vehicle. However, as shown on the right side of Figure 3... Fig. As shown in Figure 3, during the adsorption mode the heating of the adsorption section 20 by the heating medium 21 is stopped, and the dehumidified air 10 flows through the first flow path 31 and is directed into the vehicle interior.

[0022] If the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 is larger, as in the Fig. In the humidity control device 2 shown in Figure 3, the air 10 collects at the downstream end face of the adsorption section 20, and it is more likely that moisture 10a desorbed from the adsorbent will remain in the line 3. Therefore, if the dehumidified air 10 can flow into the vehicle interior during the adsorption mode, the moisture 10a can be directed into the vehicle interior, which can increase the humidity inside the vehicle. In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 is 10 mm or less, so that the amount of air 10 remaining at the downstream end face of the adsorption section 20 can be reduced.This reduces the probability that the moisture 10a desorbed from the adsorbent remains in the line 3 and reduces the probability that the moisture is directed into the vehicle interior. The maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 is more preferably 9 mm or less and even more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0023] During the regeneration mode, the adsorption section 20 is heated by the heating medium 21. Therefore, the air 10 containing the moisture 10a is warm, and this air 10 containing the moisture 10a is likely to accumulate, particularly in the upper section on the downstream side of the adsorption section 20. To more reliably reduce such accumulation of air 10, it is preferred to adjust the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22, particularly in the upper part of the end face, as described above.

[0024] Next, show Fig. 4 an exterior view showing a variation of the humidity control device 2 from Fig. 2 represents where (a) in Fig. 4 A front view of the humidity control device 2 in the line 3 is shown, seen from the downstream side in the direction of airflow 10. Fig. 1, and (b) in Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device 2 and the line 3 along line BB in (a).

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the humidity control device 2 can be provided inside the conduit 3, such that an outer end 20b of the flow-blocking section 22 is located outside the conduit 3. In this case, by adjusting the positional relationship between the inner end 20a of the flow-blocking section 22 and the inner circumferential surface 3a of the conduit 3, the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 can be 10 mm or less. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the inner end 20a of the flow-blocking section 22 and the inner circumferential surface 3a of the line 3 are matched to each other, and the maximum width W of the flow-blocking section 22 is essentially 0 mm. (2. Regarding the humidity control device)

[0026] Furthermore, Fig. 5 a front view showing the humidity control device 2 from Fig. 1 represents, Fig. Figure 6 is a view from the right side, showing the humidity control device 2. Fig. 5 represents, and Fig. Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing area VII. Fig. 5 represents.

[0027] As in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the adsorption section 20 of the humidity control device 2 according to this embodiment has a honeycomb structure 90 and an adsorption layer 91. The honeycomb structure 90 comprises: an outer wall 900; and partitions 901 provided on an inner surface of the outer wall 900, the partitions 901 defining cells 901a to form flow paths for the air 10, each cell extending from a first end face 90a to a second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90. The adsorption layer 91 is a layer containing the adsorbent described above and is provided on each surface of the partitions 901, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. Figure 7 shows that when the air 10 flows through the cells 901a between the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b, the moisture in the air 10 is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the adsorption layer 91.

[0028] In such a humidity control device 2, the heating medium 21 has a pair of electrodes 92, 93 which is connected to the honeycomb structure 90 and heats the honeycomb structure 90 by applying an electric current to the honeycomb structure 90 via the pair of electrodes 92, 93. In the following, when the pair of electrodes 92, 93 is to be distinguished from each other, one electrode is referred to as the first electrode 92 and the other as the second electrode 93.

[0029] As particularly in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the first electrode 92 is provided on the first end face 90a of the honeycomb structure 90, and the second electrode 93 is provided on the second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are provided on the end face of the outer wall 900 and also on the end face of the partition walls 901, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 7 shows that cells 901a do not obscure the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93. However, part of cells 901a may be obscured by the first electrode 92 and / or the second electrode 93.

[0030] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, a first metal connection 94 can be provided at the first electrode 92 and a second metal connection 95 at the second electrode 93. The first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95 are formed as rectangular ring bodies attached to the outer circumferential sections of the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b, respectively. The first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95 are provided with projecting sections that extend outwards from the rectangular frame in the lateral direction of the honeycomb structure 90.

[0031] A positive electrode of a power source (not shown) is connected to a protruding section of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, and a negative electrode of the power source is connected to the other protruding section of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95. Assuming that the positive electrode is connected to a protruding section of the first metal terminal 94 and the negative electrode to a protruding section of the second metal terminal 95, the current spreads from the first metal terminal 94 across the first end face 90a through the first electrode 92, flows through the honeycomb structure 90 in the direction of expansion of the cells 901a, and flows on the second end face 90b through the second terminal 93 into the second metal terminal 95. The current flows in this way and thus heats the honeycomb structure 90 uniformly.The flow-blocking section 22 can be formed at least partially from the first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95.

[0032] In the honeycomb structure 90, at least the partition walls 901 can be made of a material with a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) property. Furthermore, the material with the PTC property exhibits such characteristics that its resistance increases sharply when the temperature rises above the Curie point, thereby impeding the flow of current.

[0033] Next, show Fig. 8 a perspective view showing a state in which frame body 96 is attached to the humidity control device 2 Fig. 5 have been added; and Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the humidity control device 2. Fig. 8. As in Fig. 8 and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the humidity control device 2 can further include frame bodies 96 that hold the honeycomb structure 90 (the adsorption section 20) from both sides in the direction of airflow 10. Each frame body 96 is a rectangular ring body made of an insulating material such as polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, and nylon 66. The frame bodies 96 are positioned on both sides of the honeycomb structure 90 such that they overlap the first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95. The flow-blocking section 22 can be formed at least partially from the frame bodies 96.

[0034] Each of the components of the humidity control device 2 is described in detail below. (2-1. On the honeycomb structure)

[0035] The shape of the honeycomb structure 90 is not particularly restricted. For example, the outer shape of a cross-section of the honeycomb structure 90 can be polygonal, orthogonal to the flow path direction (expansion direction of the cells 901a), e.g., quadrilateral (rectangular, square), pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, and octagonal, circular, oval (egg-shaped, oblong-circular, elliptical, rounded rectangular, etc.), or the like. The end faces (first end face 90a and second end face 90b) have the same shape as the cross-section. If the cross-section and the end faces are polygonal, the corners can also be chamfered.

[0036] The shape of each cell 901a is not particularly restricted, but can be polygonal in cross-section of the honeycomb structure 90 orthogonal to the flow path direction, e.g., square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, circular, or oval. These shapes can be single or a combination of two or more. Furthermore, the square or hexagonal shape is preferred among these forms. By providing the cells 901a with such a shape, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss during the flow of air 10. Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows the honeycomb structure 90 as an example, in which the outer shape of the cross-section and the shape of each cell 901a in the cross-section are rectangular and orthogonal to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 90.

[0037] The honeycomb structure 90 can be a honeycomb composite body containing a multitude of honeycomb segments and connecting layers that link the outer circumferential side surfaces of the multitude of honeycomb segments together. The use of the honeycomb composite body can increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​the cells 901a, which is important for ensuring the air flow rate 10 while simultaneously preventing cracking.

[0038] It should be noted that the bonding layer can be formed using a bonding material. The bonding material is not particularly restricted; however, a ceramic material obtained by adding a solvent such as water to form a paste can be used. The bonding material can contain a material with PTC properties or be the same material as the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901. In addition to its function of bonding the honeycomb segments together, the bonding material can also be used as an outer perimeter coating material after the honeycomb segments have been bonded.

[0039] From the perspectives of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, reducing the pressure loss when the air 10 flows through the cells 901a, ensuring the quantity of the applied functional material and ensuring the contact area with the air 10 flowing in the cells 901a, it is desirable to combine a thickness of the partition 901, a cell density and a cell spacing (or an opening ratio of the cells 901a) in a suitable manner.

[0040] As used herein, cell density denotes a value obtained by dividing the number of cells by the area of ​​an end face (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) of the honeycomb structure 90 (total area of ​​the partitions 901 and the cells 901a excluding the outer wall 900).

[0041] As used herein, cell spacing denotes a value obtained by the following calculation. First, the area of ​​an end face (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) of the honeycomb structure 90 (the total area of ​​the partitions 901 and the cells 901a, excluding the outer wall 900) is divided by the number of cells to calculate an area per cell. Then, the square root of the area per cell is calculated, and this value is defined as the cell spacing.

[0042] As used herein, the opening ratio of the cells 901a denotes a value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the cells 901a defined by the partitions 901 by the area of ​​an end face (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) (the total area of ​​the partitions 901 and the cells 901a excluding the outer wall 900) in cross-section orthogonal to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 90. Additionally, the first electrode 92, the second electrode 93, and an adsorption layer 91, as described below, are not taken into account when calculating the opening ratio of the cells 901a.

[0043] In an embodiment which is advantageous from the point of view of applying a sufficient quantity of functional material, the thickness of the partition walls 901 is 0.300 mm or less, the cell density is 140 cells / cm². 2or less, and the cell spacing is 0.85 mm or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 901 is 0.200 mm or less, and the cell density is 120 cells / cm². 2 or less and the cell spacing is 0.91 mm or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition walls 901 is 0.160 mm or less, and the cell density is 110 cells / cm². 2 or less and the cell spacing is 0.95 mm or more.

[0044] In each of the embodiments described above, with regard to ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90 and maintaining a lower electrical resistance, the lower limit of the thickness of the partition walls 901 is preferably 0.010 mm or more, more preferably 0.020 mm or more and even more preferably 0.030 mm or more.

[0045] In each of the embodiments described above, with regard to ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure, maintaining a lower electrical resistance, and increasing the surface area to facilitate reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the lower limit of the cell density is 30 cells / cm². 2 or more, and preferably 35 cells / cm² 2 or more, and even more preferably 40 cells / cm² 2 or more.

[0046] In each of the embodiments described above, with regard to ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, maintaining a lower electrical resistance and increasing the surface area to facilitate reaction, adsorption and release, the upper limit of the cell spacing is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less and even more preferably 1.6 mm or less.

[0047] In an embodiment that is advantageous both in terms of reducing pressure loss and maintaining strength, the thickness of the partition walls 901 is 0.08 to 0.36 mm, and the cell density is 2.54 to 140 cells / cm². 2 and the opening ratio of the cells 901a is 0.70 or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partitions 901 is 0.09 to 0.35 mm, and the cell density is 15 to 100 cells / cm². 2 and the opening ratio of the cells 901a is 0.80 or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partitions 901 is 0.14 to 0.30 mm, and the cell density is 20 to 90 cells / cm². 2 and the opening ratio of cells 901a 0.85 or more.

[0048] In each of the embodiments described above, with regard to ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, the upper limit of the opening ratio of the cells 901a is preferably 0.94 or less, more preferably 0.92 or less and even more preferably 0.90 or less.

[0049] Although the thickness of the outer wall 900 is not particularly limited, it is preferably determined based on the following considerations. First, from the point of view of reinforcing the honeycomb structure 90, the thickness of the outer wall 900 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.06 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.08 mm or more. Second, from the point of view of inhibiting the initial current by increasing the electrical resistance and from the point of view of reducing the pressure drop when the air flows, the thickness of the outer wall 900 is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm, even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.

[0050] As used herein, the thickness of the outer wall 900 in a normal line direction of a side surface of the honeycomb structure 90 refers to a length from a boundary between the outer wall 900 and the outermost cell 901a or the partition wall 901 to the side surface of the honeycomb structure 90 in the cross-section orthogonal to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 90.

[0051] The length of the honeycomb structure 90 in the direction of flow and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of flow can be adjusted according to the required size of the humidity control device 2 and are not particularly limited. For example, when used in a compact humidity control device 2 to ensure a predetermined function, the honeycomb structure 90 can have a length of 2 to 20 mm in the direction of flow and a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of flow of 10 cm². 2or more. Although the upper limit of the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the flow path direction of the honeycomb structure 90 is not particularly restricted, it is, for example, 300 cm². 2 .

[0052] The partitions 901, which form the honeycomb structure 90, are made of a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, in particular a material with PTC properties. Furthermore, the outer wall 900 can, if required, also be made of a material with PTC properties, like the partitions 901. With such a configuration, the adsorption layer 91 can be heated directly by heat transfer from the heat-generating partitions 901 (and, if applicable, the outer wall 900). Furthermore, the material with PTC properties exhibits characteristics such that, at a temperature increase above the Curie point, its resistance value increases sharply, thereby impeding the flow of current.Therefore, if the temperature of the humidity control device 2 becomes high, the current flowing through the partitions 901 (and, if applicable, the outer wall 900) is restricted, thus preventing excessive heat generation by the humidity control device 2. This, in turn, prevents thermal damage to the adsorption layer 91 due to excessive heat generation.

[0053] From the perspective of achieving adequate heat generation, the lower limit of the volume resistivity at 25 °C of the material with PTC properties is preferably 0.5 Ω·cm or more, more preferably 1 Ω·cm or more, and even more preferably 5 Ω·cm or more. From the perspective of heat generation at low operating voltage, the upper limit of the volume resistivity at 25 °C of the material with PTC properties is preferably 170 Ω·cm or less, more preferably 160 Ω·cm or less, and even more preferably 150 Ω·cm or less. As used herein, the volume resistivity at 25 °C of the material with PTC properties is measured according to JIS K 6271: 2008.

[0054] Given that they are electrically heatable and exhibit PTC properties, the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901 are preferably made of a material containing barium titanate (BaTiO3) as a major component. More preferably is a ceramic material made of a material containing barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based crystals as a major component, with some of the barium replaced by a rare-earth element. As used herein, the term "major component" is to be understood as a component in which a proportion of the component is more than 50% by mass of the total component. The content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles can be determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis. Other crystal particles can be measured in the same manner.

[0055] The compositional formula of BaTiO3-based crystal particles, in which part of Ba is replaced by the rare earth element, can be expressed as (Ba 1-x A x )TiO3. In the composition formula, the symbol A represents at least one rare earth element and 0.001 ≤ x ≤ 0.010.

[0056] The symbol A is not particularly restricted as long as it is the rare-earth element, but it may preferably be one or more from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, and Yb, and more preferably La. The value x is preferably 0.001 or more, and more preferably 0.0015 or more, to prevent excessively high electrical resistance at room temperature. On the other hand, x is preferably 0.009 or less to prevent the electrical resistance at room temperature from becoming too high due to insufficient sintering.

[0057] The content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles, in which some of the Ba is replaced by the rare-earth element in the ceramic, is not particularly limited as long as it is specified as the main component, but it may preferably be 90 wt% or more, more preferably 92 wt% or more, and even more preferably 94 wt% or more. The upper limit of the content of BaTiO3-based crystal particles is not particularly limited, but may generally be 99 wt% and preferably 98 wt%.

[0058] The concentration of BaTiO3-based crystal particles can be measured by fluorescence X-ray analysis. Other crystal particles can be measured using the same method.

[0059] With regard to reducing environmental impact, it is desirable that the materials used for the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901 are essentially free of lead (Pb). In particular, the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901 preferably have a Pb content of 0.01 wt% or less, more preferably 0.001 wt% or less, and even more preferably 0 wt%. The lower Pb content makes it possible, for example, to safely apply the air 10 heated by contact with the heat-generating partitions 901 to organisms such as humans. In the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901, the Pb content (converted to PbO) is preferably less than 0.03 wt%, more preferably less than 0.01 wt%, and even more preferably 0 wt%. The lead content can be determined by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).

[0060] With regard to efficient air heating, the material from which the outer wall 900 and the partitions 901 are made preferably has a lower limit of the Curie point of 80 °C or more, more preferably 80 °C or more, and even more preferably 100 °C or more. Furthermore, with regard to safety as a component located inside or near the vehicle interior, the upper limit of the Curie point is preferably 250 °C or more, more preferably 225 °C or more, even more preferably 200 °C or more, and even more preferably 150 °C or more.

[0061] The Curie point of the material from which the outer wall 900 and the partition walls 901 are made can be adjusted by the type and amount of the added shifter. For example, the Curie point of barium titanate (BaTIO3) is around 120 °C, but the Curie point can be shifted to a lower temperature by substituting some of the Ba and Ti with one or more of the Sr, Sn, and Zr.

[0062] As used herein, the Curie point is measured using the following procedure. A sample is attached to a sample holder mounted in a measuring chamber (e.g., ESPEC MINI-SUBZERO MC-810P), and the change in the sample's electrical resistance as a function of temperature, when the temperature is increased by 10 °C, is measured using a DC resistance meter (e.g., YOKOGAWA HEWLETT PACKARD, LTD. Multimeter 3478A). Based on an electrical resistance-temperature graph obtained from the measurement, a temperature at which the resistance value is twice that at room temperature (20 °C) is defined as the Curie point. (2-2. To the first electrode and second electrode)

[0063] The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are provided at the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b, respectively. By applying a voltage between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, the honeycomb structure 90 can generate heat through Joule heating.

[0064] The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can, for example, use a metal or alloy containing at least one selected from Cu, Ag, Al, Ni, and Si, although this is not specifically restricted. It is also possible to use a resistive electrode capable of making resistive contact with the outer wall 900 and / or the partitions 901, which exhibit PTC properties. The resistive electrode can be made, for example, from at least one selected from Al, Au, Ag, and In as the base metal and at least one selected from Ni, Si, Zn, Ge, Sn, Se, and Te for n-type semiconductors as the dopant. Furthermore, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure consisting of two or more layers.If the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 have the laminated structure of two or more layers, the materials of the respective layers can be of the same type or of different types.

[0065] The thicknesses of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be adjusted according to the method for forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93. The method for forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 includes metal deposition processes such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. Alternatively, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be formed by applying an electrode paste and subsequent curing or by thermal spraying. Furthermore, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be formed by joining metal sheets or alloy sheets.

[0066] Each thickness of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 is, for example, approximately 5 to 30 µm for the application of the electrode paste, approximately 100 to 1000 µm for dry coating processes such as sputtering and vapor deposition, approximately 10 to 100 µm for thermal spraying, and approximately 5 to 30 µm for wet coating processes such as electrolytic deposition and chemical deposition. Furthermore, when joining the metal sheets or alloy sheets, each thickness is preferably approximately 5 to 100 µm. (2-3. To the first metal connection and second metal connection)

[0067] Providing the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 facilitates connection to an external power source. The first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are connected to a conductor that is connected to the external power source.

[0068] The metal from which the first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95 are made may comprise single metals, alloys, and the like, but from the point of view of corrosion resistance, electrical resistance, and coefficient of linear expansion, alloys containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Ti are preferably suitable, and even more preferably stainless steel, Fe-Ni alloys, and phosphor bronze. Furthermore, the thickness of each of the first metal connection 94 and the second metal connection 95 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 to 10 mm, typically 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0069] The method for connecting the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 to the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, respectively, is not particularly restricted, as long as they are electrically connected. They can be connected, for example, by diffusion welding, a mechanical pressing mechanism, welding, or the like. (2-4. On intermediate material)

[0070] Intermediate materials can be provided between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93; and between the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95. The provision of these intermediate materials results in a high degree of structural freedom in the connection between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, as well as between the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95. The intermediate material can be made of non-restrictive materials and can be the same as the material of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, as described above. Alternatively, the material of the intermediate material can differ from that of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, as described above. In this case, the intermediate material can be made of a solder, a brazing material, a conductive adhesive, or the like.The method for joining the intermediate materials to the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 and the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 is not particularly restricted, as long as they are electrically connected. They can be joined, for example, by diffusion welding, a mechanical pressing mechanism, welding, or the like. (2-5. To the adsorption layer)

[0071] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the humidity control device 2 can be provided with an adsorption layer 91 on each surface of the partitions 901. The adsorption layer 91 can be provided on the surfaces of the partitions 901 (in the case of the outermost cells 901a, the partitions 901 that define the outermost cells 901a and the outer wall 900). By providing the adsorption layer 91, the functional material contained in the adsorption layer 91 can be easily heated so that the desired function can be performed by the functional material.

[0072] The adsorbent contained in the adsorption layer 91 is not particularly restricted, as long as it can fulfill the desired function. The adsorbent serves to adsorb moisture, carbon dioxide, and / or volatile components from the air. The adsorption layer 91 may also contain a catalyst. This allows the target substances for adsorption to be prepared. By using the adsorbent in combination with the catalyst, the adsorbent's ability to capture the target substances can be improved.

[0073] The adsorbent preferably has the property of adsorbing the target substances, for example, moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components, etc., at -20 to 40 °C and desorbing them at elevated temperatures of 60 °C or higher. Examples of adsorbents with such a property include zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, low-crystalline clay, amorphous aluminum silicate complexes, and the like. The type of adsorbent can be selected depending on the type of target substance. The adsorbent can be used alone or in combination with two or more types.

[0074] The catalyst preferably has a function capable of promoting the oxidation-reduction reaction. Catalysts with such a function include metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Ag, as well as oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and ZrO2. The catalyst can be used alone or in combination with two or more types.

[0075] The volatile components contained in the air inside a vehicle include, for example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other odor components besides VOCs. Specific examples of volatile components include ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, nonenal, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, paradichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chloropyrifos, di-n-butyl phthalate, tetradecane and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diazinon, acetaldehyde, 2-(1-methylpropyl)phenyl-N-methylcarbamate, and the like.

[0076] The thickness of the adsorption layer 91 can be determined according to the size of the cells 901a and is not particularly limited. For example, to ensure sufficient contact with the air 10, the thickness of the adsorption layer 91 is preferably 20 µm or more, more preferably 25 µm or more, and even more preferably 30 µm or more. On the other hand, to inhibit the separation of the adsorption layer 91 from the partitions 901 and the outer wall 900, the thickness of the adsorption layer 91 is preferably 400 µm or less, more preferably 380 µm or less, and even more preferably 350 µm or less.

[0077] The thickness of the adsorption layer 91 is measured using the following procedure. An arbitrary cross-section of the honeycomb structure 90 parallel to the flow path direction is cut out, and a cross-sectional image at a magnification of approximately 50 is recorded using a scanning electron microscope or similar instrument. This cross-section is also oriented so that it passes through the center of the centroid in the cross-section orthogonally to the flow path of the honeycomb structure 90. The thickness of each adsorption layer 91 visually determined from the cross-sectional image is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area by the length of the cells 901a in the flow path direction. This calculation is performed for all adsorption layers 91 visually determined from the cross-sectional image, and an average value is defined as the thickness of the adsorption layer 91.

[0078] From the perspective that the functional material performs a desired function in the humidity control device 2, the amount of the adsorption layer 91 is preferably 50 to 500 g / l, more preferably 100 to 400 g / l, and even more preferably 150 to 350 g / l, based on the volume of the honeycomb structure 90. It should be noted that the volume of the honeycomb structure 90 is a value determined by the external dimensions of the honeycomb structure 90. (3. On the method for manufacturing a humidity control device)

[0079] The method for manufacturing the humidity control device 2 according to one embodiment of the invention is not particularly limited, as long as it is a method with the properties described above and can be carried out according to a known method. The method for manufacturing the humidity control device 2 according to one embodiment of the invention is described in detail below.

[0080] A method for producing the honeycomb structure 90, which forms the humidity control device 2, includes a forming step and a firing step.

[0081] In the forming step, a green body containing a ceramic raw material comprising BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder and rare earth nitrate or hydroxide powder is formed to produce a honeycomb molded body with a relative density of 60% or more.

[0082] The ceramic raw material can be produced by dry mixing the powders so that it has the desired composition.

[0083] The green compact can be produced by adding a dispersion medium, a binder, a plasticizer, and a dispersant to the ceramic raw material and kneading these components. The green compact may optionally contain additives such as shifters, metal oxides, property-enhancing agents, and conductive powders.

[0084] The mixing quantity of components other than the ceramic raw material is not particularly limited, as long as the relative density of the honeycomb molded body is 60% or more.

[0085] As used herein, the “relative density of the honeycomb mold” is to be understood as the ratio of the density of the honeycomb mold to the actual density of the entire ceramic raw material. More precisely, the relative density can be determined using the following equation: Relative density of the honeycomb shape (%) = Density of the honeycomb shape (g / cm³) 3 ) / actual density of the entire ceramic raw material (g / cm³) 3 ) x 100. The density of the honeycomb-shaped body can be measured using the Archimedes method with pure water as the medium. Furthermore, the actual density of the entire ceramic raw material can be determined by dividing the total mass of the individual raw materials (g) by the sum of their actual volumes (cm³). 3 ) can be determined.

[0086] Examples of the dispersion medium include water or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, with water being more preferred.

[0087] Examples of binders include organic binders such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropoxylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, it is advantageous to use methylcellulose in combination with hydroxypropoxylcellulose. The binder can be used alone or in combination with two or more other binders; however, it is preferred that the binder does not contain any alkali metals.

[0088] Examples of plasticizers include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polycarboxylic acid-based polymers, and alkyl phosphate esters.

[0089] The dispersant used here includes surfactants such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soaps, and polyalcohol. The dispersant can be used alone or in combination with two or more other dispersants.

[0090] The honeycomb body can be produced by extruding the green compact. A die with a desired overall shape, cell shape, septum thickness, cell density, and the like can be used for extrusion.

[0091] The relative density of the honeycomb body obtained by extrusion is 60% or more, preferably 65% ​​or more. By limiting the relative density of the honeycomb body to such a range, the honeycomb body can be made denser and the electrical resistance at room temperature reduced. The upper limit of the relative density of the honeycomb body is not particularly restricted, but can generally be 80% and preferably 75%.

[0092] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing step. Examples of drying methods include known drying processes such as hot air drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, drying under reduced pressure, vacuum drying, and freeze-drying. Among these, a drying process that combines hot air drying with microwave drying or dielectric drying is preferred because the entire molded body can be dried quickly and uniformly.

[0093] The firing step involves holding the molded part at a temperature of 1150 to 1250 °C and then increasing the temperature to a maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430 °C with a heating rate of 20 to 600 °C / hour and holding the temperature for 0.5 to 10 hours.

[0094] Holding the honeycomb-shaped body at the maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430 °C for 0.5 to 10 hours can provide the honeycomb structure 90, which contains as its main component BaTiO3-based crystal particles in which part of the Ba is replaced by the rare earth element.

[0095] Furthermore, holding at a temperature of 1150 to 1250 °C allows the Ba2TiO4 crystal particles produced during the firing process to be easily removed, so that the honeycomb structure can be compacted 90 degrees.

[0096] Furthermore, by heating at a rate of 20 to 600 °C / hour from a temperature of 1150 to 1250 °C to the maximum temperature of 1360 to 1430 °C, the formation of 1.0 to 10.0 mass-% Ba6Ti can occur. 17 O 40 -Crystal particles in the honeycomb structure 90 are made possible.

[0097] The holding time of the honeycomb-shaped body at 1150 to 1250 °C is not particularly limited, but preferably ranges between 0.5 and 10 hours. Such a holding time can lead to the reliable and simple removal of the Ba₂TiO₄ crystal particles formed during the firing process.

[0098] The firing step preferably involves holding the honeycomb mold at 900 to 950 °C for 0.5 to 5 hours while the temperature is increased. Holding it at 900 to 950 °C for 0.5 to 5 hours can lead to sufficient decomposition of BaCO3, so that the honeycomb structure 90 with a predetermined composition can be easily obtained.

[0099] Prior to the firing step, a degreasing step can be carried out to remove the binder. This degreasing step can preferably be performed in an air atmosphere to completely decompose the organic components.

[0100] The atmosphere of the combustion step can also be preferably an air atmosphere with regard to controlling the electrical characteristics and production costs.

[0101] The type of kiln used in the firing and degreasing steps is not particularly restricted, but can be an electric kiln, a gas kiln or similar.

[0102] The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are formed on the honeycomb structure 90 thus obtained, thereby enabling the fabrication of the humidity control device 2. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by metal deposition processes such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. Furthermore, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by applying an electrode paste and subsequent baking. Additionally, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by thermal spraying. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be composed of a single layer or can be composed of a multitude of electrode layers with different compositions. A typical method for forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 is described below.

[0103] First, an electrode slurry is prepared, containing an electrode material, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium. The first end face 90a or the second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90 is coated with the slurry. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, Texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate), or a mixture thereof. Excess slurry at the edge of the honeycomb structure 90 is removed by blowing and wiping. The slurry can then be dried to form the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 on the first end face 90a or the second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90.Drying can be carried out while the humidity control device 2 is heated to a temperature of, for example, approximately 120 to 600 °C. Although a series of steps for coating, slurry removal, and drying can be performed only once, the steps can be repeated multiple times to provide the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 with the desired thicknesses.

[0104] The first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are then arranged at predetermined positions of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, respectively, and the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are connected to the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, respectively. The method described above can be used to connect the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 to the terminals. Furthermore, if the intermediate materials between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are provided, the intermediate material can be arranged and connected to each other at a predetermined position of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, and then the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 can be arranged and connected to each other at a predetermined position of the intermediate material.The method described above can be used to connect them.

[0105] It should be noted that the first metal connection 94, the second metal connection 95 and the intermediate material can be provided after the adsorption layer 91 described below has been formed.

[0106] The adsorption layer 91 is then formed on each surface of the partitions 901 and the like of the humidity control device 2 thus obtained, thereby obtaining a humidity control device with layers containing functional material.

[0107] Although the method for forming the adsorption layer 91 is not particularly restricted, it can be formed, for example, by the following steps. The humidity control device 2 is immersed for a predetermined period in a slurry containing a functional material, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium, and excess slurry on the end faces and outer circumference of the honeycomb structure 90 is removed by blowing and wiping. The dispersion medium can be water, an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, xylene, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, terpineol, dihydroterpineol, Texanol, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate), or a mixture thereof. The slurry can then be dried to form the adsorption layer 91 on the surfaces of the partitions 901.Drying can be carried out while the humidity control device 2 is heated to a temperature of, for example, approximately 120 to 600 °C. Although a series of steps such as immersion, removal of the slurry, and drying may only need to be performed once, the steps can be repeated multiple times to provide the adsorption layer 91 of the desired thickness on the surfaces of the partitions 901 and the like.

[0108] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention may arrive at various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical idea stated in the claims, and it is understandable that these also fall within the technical scope of the invention.

[0109] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art in the field of the invention may arrive at various variations or modifications within the scope of the technical idea stated in the claims, and it is understandable that these also fall within the technical scope of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0110] The invention is described in more detail by the following examples. The invention is not limited to these examples.

[0111] BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and La(NH3)3·6H2O powder were prepared as ceramic raw materials. These powders were weighed to obtain the required composition after firing and dry-mixed to create a blended powder. The dry-mixing process was carried out for 30 minutes. To 100 parts by mass of the resulting blended powder, water, a binder, a plasticizer, and a dispersant were added in appropriate quantities (ranging from 3 to 30 parts by mass) to obtain a ceramic body with a relative density of 64.8% after extrusion. The body was then kneaded to produce a green compact. Methylcellulose was used as the binder. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers were used as the plasticizer and dispersant.

[0112] The resulting green body was then placed in an extrusion molding machine and extruded with a predetermined die to form a honeycomb structure with the shape shown below after firing.

[0113] Shape of the cross-section and the front surface of the honeycomb structure orthogonal to the flow path direction: rectangular; Dimensions of the honeycomb structure: horizontal width 114 mm, vertical width 114 mm, length 10 mm; Shape of the cross-section and the cells orthogonal to the flow path direction: rectangular; Partition wall thickness: 0.127 mm; Outer wall thickness: 0.8 mm; Cell density: 85.3 cells / cm² 2 ; Cell spacing: 1.08 mm; Cell opening ratio: 0.55 to 0.80; Cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the direction of flow: 13000 mm² 2 ; Length of the honeycomb structure in the direction of expansion of the flow path: 10 mm; Volume resistance of the materials from which partition walls (and the outer wall) are made, at 25 °C: 12 Ω•cm; and Curie point of the material from which the partition walls (and the outer wall) are made: 120 °C.

[0114] The volume resistance of the partition walls was controlled by adjusting the mixing ratio of the raw materials and the firing conditions.

[0115] The resulting honeycomb structure was then subjected to dielectric drying and hot air drying, subsequently degreased in an air sintering furnace (450 °C for 4 hours), and then sintered under an air atmosphere. Firing was carried out by holding the honeycomb structure at a temperature of 950 °C for 1 hour, then increasing the temperature to 1200 °C and holding it at 1200 °C for 1 hour, then increasing the temperature at a rate of 200 °C / hour to 1400 °C (maximum temperature) and holding it at 1400 °C for 2 hours.

[0116] The first and second electrodes, each 0.05 mm thick, were formed on both end faces (first and second) of the resulting honeycomb structure. The process was as follows: First, an electrode slurry containing aluminum (electrode material), ethylcellulose, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (organic binder) was prepared and applied to the first end face. Excess electrode slurry was then removed from the outer perimeter of the honeycomb structure by blowing and wiping, and the electrode slurry was subsequently dried to form an electrode on one end face. An electrode was formed similarly on the other end face.

[0117] The honeycomb structure with the formed first and second electrodes was then immersed in a slurry containing zeolite (adsorbent) as a functional material, an organic binder, and water. Excess slurry adhering to areas (such as the outer circumference) was removed by blowing and wiping, and then dried at approximately 550 °C to form a functional material-containing layer at the predetermined location.

[0118] The first metal terminal was then connected to the first electrode, and the second metal terminal was connected to the second electrode. Both the first and second metal terminals were strip-shaped metal bodies made of SUS430, 3.5 mm wide and 0.7 mm thick. Their overall external shape was a rectangular frame. The first and second metal terminals were soldered to the first and second electrodes, respectively, with their outer edges aligned with the outer edges of the respective end faces of the honeycomb structure. The flow-blocking section 22 was formed by the first and second metal terminals.

[0119] One unit of the humidity control device obtained as described above was installed in the duct. At this time, the maximum width of the flow-blocking section, when the end face of the humidity control device in the duct is viewed from the downstream side in the direction of airflow, was modified as shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1] Maximale Breite desströmungsblockierenden Abschnitts (mm) Absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device (average for 1 min) (g / m³) 3 ) Vgl. 25 4,1 Bsp. 10 2,6 Bsp. 9 2,3 Bsp. 5 2,2

[0120] Fig. Figure 10 represents an embodiment in which the maximum width of the flow-blocking section is set to 10 mm. Fig. Figure 11 represents an embodiment in which the maximum width of the flow-blocking section is set to 25 mm. In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the maximum width was increased by enlarging the width of the conduit on the downstream side of the humidity control device in the direction of airflow. In both embodiments, the fan was located upstream of the humidity control device, and the humidity sensor was located downstream of the humidity control device. The distance between the end face of the humidity control device and the humidity sensor was 70 mm.

[0121] As described above, the regeneration and moisture absorption modes were performed using the humidity control device provided in the duct. The regeneration mode was performed by starting the fan and allowing air at a temperature of 25 °C and a relative humidity of 40% to flow into the duct at a velocity of 0.07 m / s while a voltage of 12 V from a DC power source was applied to the humidity control device for 3 minutes. The moisture absorption mode was performed by allowing air to flow into the duct at a velocity of 0.9 m / s under the same conditions for one minute without applying any voltage to the humidity control device. In the moisture absorption mode, the absolute humidity [g / m³] was measured. 3The humidity was measured using a humidity sensor located downstream of the humidity control device. Table 1 also shows the results.

[0122] When the maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 25 mm, the absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device was 4.1 g / m³. 3 , whereas, when the maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 10 mm, the absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device was 2.6 g / m³ 3The maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 25 mm. It is assumed that air accumulated downstream of the humidity control device in the direction of airflow, resulting in an increase in absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device. Conversely, if the maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 10 mm, it is assumed that less air accumulated downstream of the humidity control device in the direction of airflow, resulting in a decrease in absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device.These results confirmed that the maximum width of the flow-blocking section, when considering the end face of the humidity control device in the duct from the downstream side in the direction of airflow, could be 10 mm or less, thereby reducing the likelihood of moisture desorbed from the adsorbent remaining in the duct and thus reducing the probability of moisture being drawn into the vehicle interior. When the maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 9 mm, the absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device was lower, and when the maximum width of the flow-blocking section was 5 mm, the absolute humidity downstream of the humidity control device was even lower.These results confirmed that the maximum width of the flow-blocking section should preferably be 9 mm and even more preferably 5 mm. Description of reference symbols 1 Vehicle air conditioning system 2. Humidity control device 3 lines 10 air 10a Humidity 20 Adsorption section 21 Heating materials 22 flow-blocking section 23 flow-permeable section 31 first flow path 32 second flow path 90 honeycomb structure 90a first end face 90b second front face 91 Adsorption layer 92 electrode 93 electrode 96 frame bodies 900 exterior wall 901 Partition wall QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2024

[0003] JP 144204 A

[0003]

Claims

A vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a humidity control device having an adsorption section containing an adsorbent configured to adsorb moisture at a temperature below or equal to a predetermined temperature and to desorb the moisture when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature; and a heating medium configured to heat the adsorption section; and a duct in which the humidity control device is provided and which allows air to flow through it from the interior or exterior of a vehicle, the duct having a first flow path that allows the air to flow into the interior of the vehicle on a downstream side of the humidity control device, and a second flow path for venting the air to the exterior of the vehicle;wherein an end face of the humidity control device comprises: a flow-blocking section arranged in a band around an outer circumference of the end face to block the flow of air; and a flow-permeable section arranged on an inner side of the flow-blocking section to allow the flow of air, and wherein the flow-blocking section has a maximum width of 10 mm or less when the end face of the humidity control device is viewed in the duct from a downstream side in a direction of airflow. Vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width of the flow-blocking section is 9 mm or less. Vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidity control device further comprises frame bodies that frame the adsorption section in the direction of airflow from both sides, and the flow-blocking section is formed at least partially from the frame bodies. A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adsorption section comprises: a honeycomb structure with an outer wall and partitions provided on an inner side of the outer wall, the partitions defining cells to form airflow paths, each of the cells extending from a first end face to a second end face of the honeycomb structure; and an adsorption layer containing an adsorbent provided on a surface of each of the partitions, wherein the heating medium comprises a pair of electrodes connected to the honeycomb structure, and wherein the heating medium is configured to heat the honeycomb structure by passing current through the honeycomb structure via the pair of electrodes, and wherein at least the partitions of the honeycomb structure are made of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) property.

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