Vehicle air conditioning system and its control method

Abstract

To provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can more reliably remove condensation from vehicle windows. [Solution] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a humidity control device 2 having an adsorption section 20 containing an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below and allows the adsorbed moisture to be released when the predetermined temperature is exceeded; a first flow path 3 that sends air 10 from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing through the humidity control device 2; a second flow path 4 that sends air 10 into the vehicle interior through the humidity control device 2; and a flow control device 5 that controls the flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and / or the second flow path 4 so that the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of air 10 passing through the second flow path 4 to the total flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4, is 5% or more when air 10 is blown out into the vehicle interior from the defroster.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a growing demand for improved cabin environments in various vehicles, including automobiles. Specific requirements include reducing carbon dioxide in the cabin to suppress driver drowsiness, humidifying the cabin, and removing harmful volatile components such as odor and allergy-inducing substances. While ventilation is an effective measure to meet these demands, it significantly reduces heater energy in winter, leading to decreased energy efficiency. This is particularly problematic for electric vehicles (BEVs), as this energy loss drastically reduces their driving range.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a vehicle interior air purification system equipped with a humidity control device (heater element) that captures target components such as water vapor and CO2 in the vehicle interior air using a functional material such as an adsorbent, and then reacts or releases the target components by heating them to the outside of the vehicle, thereby regenerating the functional material.

[0004] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 2 below, methods are also used to remove condensation from vehicle windows by blowing air onto them. In cold weather, to reduce heat loss due to ventilation, outside air is partially introduced while internal air circulation is performed to lower the humidity of the air blown onto the windows. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-101455 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-298323 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] It is believed that the efficiency of removing condensation from windowpanes can be improved by using air that has passed through the humidity control device described in Patent Document 1, as described in Patent Document 2. However, depending on the proportion of air that has passed through the humidity control device in the total airflow of both air that has and has not passed through the humidity control device, the removal of condensation from windowpanes may be insufficient.

[0007] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system and a control method thereof that can more reliably remove fogging from vehicle windows. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a humidity control device having an adsorption portion containing an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below and allows the adsorbed moisture to be detached when the predetermined temperature is exceeded; a first flow path that sends air from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing through the humidity control device; a second flow path that sends the air into the vehicle interior through the humidity control device; and a flow control device that controls the flow rate of the air passing through the first and / or second flow paths such that the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of the air passing through the second flow path to the total flow rate of the air passing through the first and second flow paths, is 5% or more when the air is blown out of the vehicle interior from a defroster.

[0009] [2] The present invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system described in paragraph 1, wherein the flow rate control device includes a blower that supplies the air to the humidity control device.

[0010] [3] The present invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system described in the first or second paragraph, wherein the flow control device includes a flow control valve provided in the first flow path.

[0011] [4] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of the first to third claims, wherein the flow rate control device sets the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to 7% or more.

[0012] [5] The present invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system described in paragraph 4, wherein the flow rate control device has a dehumidified air flow rate ratio of 15% or more.

[0013] [6] The present invention may further include a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity inside the vehicle, and the flow rate control device changes the dehumidified air flow rate ratio based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor, as described in any one of the first to fifth paragraphs.

[0014] [7] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth paragraphs, wherein the adsorption portion comprises an outer wall and a partition wall disposed inside the outer wall that partitions cells forming the air passage extending from a first end face to a second end face, and an adsorption layer containing the adsorbent provided on the surface of the partition wall, the humidity control device comprises a pair of electrodes connected to the honeycomb structure and further comprises a heating means for heating the honeycomb structure by passing an electric current through the pair of electrodes to the honeycomb structure, and the honeycomb structure is made of a material having PTC properties, at least the partition wall.

[0015] [8] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a control method for a vehicle air conditioning system, comprising a humidity control device having an adsorption unit containing an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at or below a predetermined temperature and desorbs the adsorbed moisture when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, a first flow path for sending air from the vehicle compartment or outside the vehicle into the vehicle compartment without passing through the humidity control device, and a second flow path for sending the air through the humidity control device into the vehicle compartment, wherein when blowing air into the vehicle compartment from a defroster, the flow rate of the air passing through the second flow path is controlled so that the ratio of the flow rate of the dehumidified air, which is the ratio of the flow rate of the air passing through the second flow path to the total flow rate of the air passing through the first and second flow paths, is 5% or more.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to one embodiment of the vehicle air conditioning system and its control method of the present invention, when blowing air into the vehicle compartment from a defroster, since the ratio of the flow rate of the dehumidified air is 5% or more, the clouding of the window glass of the vehicle can be more reliably removed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle air conditioning system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a front view showing the humidity control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a right side view showing the humidity control device of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is an enlarged view showing an enlarged area V of FIG. 3.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and can be materialized by modifying the components without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0019] (1. Regarding vehicle air conditioning systems) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is a system mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is not particularly limited, but examples include automobiles and trains. The automobile is not particularly limited, but examples include gasoline cars, diesel cars, gas-fueled cars using CNG (compressed natural gas) or LNG (liquefied natural gas), fuel cell cars, electric cars, and plug-in hybrid cars. The vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in vehicles without internal combustion engines, such as electric cars and trains.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a humidity control device 2, a first flow path 3, a second flow path 4, and a flow rate control device 5.

[0021] The humidity control device 2 has an adsorption section 20. The adsorption section 20 contains an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below, and releases the adsorbed moisture when the temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

[0022] The first channel 3 is a channel for sending air 10 from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing through the humidity control device 2, and the second channel 4 is a channel for sending air 10 into the vehicle interior through the humidity control device 2. When air 10 passes through the humidity control device 2, moisture in the air 10 may be adsorbed by the adsorbent. In other words, the air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 or the second channel 4 is dehumidified.

[0023] The flow rate control device 5 is a device for controlling the flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and / or the second flow path 4 so that when air 10 is blown into the vehicle compartment from the defroster, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of air 10 passing through the second flow path 4 to the total flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4, is 5% or more.

[0024] A defroster is an air outlet 10 positioned to blow air 10 onto the inner surface of a vehicle's window glass to remove condensation from the window glass. The window glass includes the windshield and side windows, and the defroster may be located below the windshield and / or below the front of the side windows.

[0025] By using air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 or the second flow path 4 to remove condensation from the window glass, the efficiency of removing condensation from the window glass can be improved. However, depending on the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, there is a risk that the removal of condensation from the window glass may be insufficient. In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, when air 10 is blown into the passenger compartment from the defroster, setting the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to 5% or more makes it possible to more reliably remove condensation from the vehicle's window glass.

[0026] The following describes in more detail each component of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment.

[0027] In this embodiment, the humidity control device 2 is located outside the HVAC unit 6. The HVAC unit 6 is a unit that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in a vehicle. The HVAC unit 6 has an HVAC intake port 60, an HVAC outlet port 61, an HVAC duct 62, and an HVAC blower 63. The HVAC intake port 60 is connected to the HVAC outlet port 61 via the HVAC duct 62. The HVAC blower 63 is located inside the HVAC duct 62 between the HVAC intake port 60 and the HVAC outlet port 61. The operation of the HVAC blower 63 draws in air 10 from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle through the HVAC intake port 60 and sends it to the vehicle interior through the HVAC outlet port 61. Although not shown in the figures, equipment for heating and / or cooling the air 10, such as a compressor, evaporator, and heat exchanger, is located between the HVAC intake port 60 and the HVAC outlet port 61.

[0028] The HVAC outlet 61 includes multiple outlets, including a defroster. By operating a switch (not shown) mounted on the vehicle, the flow path in the HVAC duct 62 can be switched to allow air 10 to be blown out from the defroster. When a signal indicating that the switch has been operated is input to the flow rate control device 5, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio can be controlled as described above.

[0029] The humidity control device 2 is located inside a humidity control duct 23 configured to allow air 10 from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle to flow through. The humidity control duct 23 is located outside the HVAC unit 6. The humidity control duct 23 has a vehicle interior passage 230 for allowing air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to flow into the vehicle interior, and an exterior passage 231 for discharging air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle interior passage 230 and the exterior passage 231 are separated from each other by a duct partition wall 232. Although not shown in the figures, the vehicle interior passage 230 and the exterior passage 231 may be provided at a distance from each other.

[0030] The humidity control duct 23 and the HVAC intake port 60 are arranged so that the HVAC intake port 60 can draw in both the air 10 from outside the humidity control duct 23 and the air 10 that has passed through the vehicle compartment passage 230. The first passage 3 for sending the air 10 to the vehicle compartment without passing through the humidity control device 2 includes the space outside the humidity control duct 23, and the second passage 4 for sending the air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to the vehicle compartment includes the vehicle compartment passage 230.

[0031] The flow rate control device 5 includes a humidity control blower 50 that supplies air 10 to the humidity control device 2. The humidity control blower 50 is located upstream of the humidity control device 2 in the direction of air flow 10. The humidity control blower 50 is located inside the humidity control duct 23. By increasing the operating amount of the humidity control blower 50, the flow rate of air 10 passing through the second flow path 4 can be increased, and the proportion of dehumidified air flow can be increased.

[0032] Furthermore, increasing the operating amount of the HVAC blower 63 increases not only the flow rate of the air 10 passing through the second flow path 4, but also the flow rate of the air 10 passing through the first flow path 3. By controlling the ratio of the operating amounts of the HVAC blower 63 and the dehumidifying blower 50, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio can be controlled. The flow rate control device 5 may include the HVAC blower 63.

[0033] The flow rate control device 5 preferably sets the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to 7% or more, and more preferably to 15% or more. By setting the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to these values ​​or higher, fogging on the inner surface of the vehicle's glass can be removed more reliably.

[0034] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may further include a humidity sensor 7 for measuring the humidity inside the vehicle cabin. The flow rate control device 5 may change the dehumidified air flow rate ratio based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 7. The flow rate control device 5 may increase the dehumidified air flow rate ratio as the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 7 increases. This allows for more dehumidification when the humidity inside the vehicle cabin is high. For example, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio may be set to 10% when the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 7 is 50% or higher, and to 15% when the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 7 is 60% or higher. The humidity sensor 7 may be placed in any location. The humidity sensor 7 may be placed inside the vehicle cabin or in a flow path through which air 10 from the vehicle cabin passes. The humidity sensor 7 can measure relative humidity.

[0035] The humidity control device 2 may further include a heating means 21 configured to heat the adsorption section 20. Heating the adsorption section 20 by the heating means 21 causes moisture to be removed from the adsorbent material of the adsorption section 20.

[0036] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have a switching valve 8 that can switch the flow of air 10 circulating through the humidity control duct 23 between the cabin flow path 230 and the exterior flow path 231. The switching valve 8 can cause the air 10 to flow into the cabin flow path 230 when moisture from the air 10 is adsorbed by the humidity control device 2, and to flow the air 10 into the exterior flow path 231 when moisture is released from the humidity control device 2. Figure 1 shows the state in which the air 10 is flowing into the cabin flow path 230. The air 10 flowing through the cabin flow path 230 is intended to be supplied to the cabin through the HVAC unit 6, and the air 10 flowing through the exterior flow path 231 is intended to be discharged outside the vehicle without passing through the HVAC unit 6. The outlet of the exterior flow path 231 may be positioned offset from the HVAC intake port 60.

[0037] Switching of the switching valve 8 can be done, for example, by electrically connecting the control unit 80 and the switching valve 8 with an electric wire 81 or wirelessly, and by operating a switch (not shown) of the switching valve 8 with the control unit 80. The switching valve 8 is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrically driven valve that has the function of switching the flow path, but examples include solenoid valves and motorized valves. In one embodiment, the switching valve 8 includes an opening / closing door 83 supported on a rotating shaft 82 and an actuator 84 such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 82. The actuator 84 is configured to be controllable by the control unit 80.

[0038] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have a control unit 80 that controls the humidity control device 2, the switching valve 8, and the humidity control blower 50. The control modes of the control unit 80 include an adsorption mode in which the humidity control blower 50 is activated without activating the heating means 21 and air 10 is introduced into the vehicle interior flow path 230, and a regeneration mode in which the humidity control blower 50 and the heating means 21 are activated and air 10 is introduced into the exterior flow path 231. When the adsorption mode is being implemented and air 10 is being blown into the vehicle interior from the defroster, the flow rate control device 5 can set the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to be greater than or equal to the above value.

[0039] Next, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of Figure 1. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the humidity control device 2 was located outside the HVAC unit 6, but as shown in Figure 2, the humidity control device 2 may be located inside the HVAC unit 6.

[0040] The humidity control device 2 is located inside the HVAC duct 62 so as to be downstream of the HVAC intake port 60 and HVAC blower 63 in the direction of airflow of the air 10. The humidity control duct 23, in which the humidity control device 2 is located, is provided inside the HVAC duct 62. The humidity control duct 23 may share some walls with the HVAC duct 62. The first flow path 3 for sending air 10 to the passenger compartment without passing through the humidity control device 2 includes the space inside the HVAC duct 62 and outside the humidity control duct 23, and the second flow path 4 for sending air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to the passenger compartment includes the passenger compartment flow path 230. The air 10 flowing through the external flow path 231 is discharged outside the vehicle without passing through the HVAC outlet 61.

[0041] The flow control device 5 includes a flow control valve 51 provided in the first flow path 3. The flow control valve 51 can limit the flow rate of air 10 flowing through the first flow path 3 by at least partially closing the first flow path 3. By increasing the degree of closure of the flow control valve 51, the flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 can be reduced, and the proportion of dehumidified air flow can be increased. The proportion of dehumidified air flow can be controlled by controlling the operating amount of the HVAC blower 63 and the degree of closure of the flow control valve 51.

[0042] The flow control valve 51 may be configured as desired. In one embodiment, the flow control valve 51 includes an opening / closing door 511 supported on a rotating shaft 510, and an actuator 512 such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 510. The actuator 512 is configured to be controllable by a control unit 80.

[0043] Although not shown in the diagram, a dehumidifying blower 50 may be added to the dehumidifying duct 23, similar to the configuration in Figure 1, and the dehumidified air flow rate ratio may be controlled by both the dehumidifying blower 50 and the flow control valve 51. Otherwise, it is the same as the configuration in Figure 1.

[0044] (2. Regarding humidity control devices) Next, Figure 3 is a front view showing the humidity control device 2 in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a right side view showing the humidity control device 2 in Figure 3, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing region V in Figure 3.

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the adsorption section 20 of the humidity control device 2 in this embodiment has a honeycomb structure 90 and an adsorption layer 91. The honeycomb structure 90 has an outer wall 900 and a partition wall 901 disposed inside the outer wall 900, which partitions cells 901a that form airflow channels for air 10 extending from a first end face 90a to a second end face 90b. The adsorption layer 91 is a layer containing the adsorbent material described above and is provided on the surface of the partition wall 901 as shown in Figure 5. As air 10 passes through the cells 901a between the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b, moisture from the air 10 is adsorbed by the adsorbent material of the adsorption layer 91.

[0046] In such a humidity control device 2, the heating means 21 has a pair of electrodes 92 and 93 connected to the honeycomb structure 90, and heats the honeycomb structure 90 by passing an electric current through the pair of electrodes 92 and 93 to the honeycomb structure 90. Hereinafter, when referring to the pair of electrodes 92 and 93 separately, one will be called the first electrode 92 and the other the second electrode 93.

[0047] As is particularly evident in Figure 4, 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 wall 901, as shown in Figure 5. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 do not block the cell 901a. However, a portion of the cell 901a may be blocked by the first electrode 92 and / or the second electrode 93.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a first metal terminal 94 may be provided on the first electrode 92, and a second metal terminal 95 may be provided on the second electrode 93. The first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are rectangular frames attached to the outer periphery of the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b. The first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are provided with extensions that extend outward in the width direction of the honeycomb structure 90 from the rectangular frames.

[0049] The positive electrode of a power supply (not shown) is connected to the extension of either the first metal terminal 94 or the second metal terminal 95, and the negative electrode of the power supply is connected to the other extension of the first metal terminal 94 or the second metal terminal 95. If the positive electrode is connected to the extension of the first metal terminal 94 and the negative electrode is connected to the extension of the second metal terminal 95, the current from the first metal terminal 94 spreads through the first electrode 92 onto the first end face 90a, flows through the honeycomb structure 90 in the direction in which the cell 901a extends, and flows into the second metal terminal 95 through the second electrode 93 on the second end face 90b. This current flow causes the honeycomb structure 90 to heat up uniformly.

[0050] The honeycomb structure 90 may be a honeycomb structure in which at least the partition walls 901 are made of a material having PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) properties. A material having PTC properties has the characteristic that when the temperature rises and exceeds the Curie point, its resistance increases rapidly and it becomes difficult for electricity to flow.

[0051] The following describes in detail each component of the humidity control device 2.

[0052] (2-1. About honeycomb structures) The shape of the honeycomb structure 90 is not particularly limited. For example, the outer shape of the cross-section of the honeycomb structure 90 perpendicular to the flow direction (the direction in which the cells 901a extend) can be a polygon such as a quadrilateral (rectangle, square), pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, or a circle, oval (egg, ellipse, oblong, rounded rectangle, etc.). The end faces (first end face 90a and second end face 90b) have the same shape as the cross-section. Furthermore, if the cross-section and end faces are polygonal, the corners may be chamfered.

[0053] The shape of the cell 901a is not particularly limited, but in a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 90, it can be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon, or a circle or oval shape. These shapes may be single or a combination of two or more. Among these shapes, square or hexagonal is preferred. By providing cells 901a of such shape, the pressure loss when air 10 flows can be reduced. Figures 3 to 5 show an example of a honeycomb structure 90 in which the outer shape of the cross-section and the shape of the cell 901a are square in a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0054] The honeycomb structure 90 may be a honeycomb joint having a plurality of honeycomb segments and a joining layer that joins the outer periphery sides of the plurality of honeycomb segments. By using a honeycomb joint, it is possible to increase the total cross-sectional area of ​​cells 901a, which are important for securing the airflow rate of the air 10, while suppressing the occurrence of cracks. The bonding layer can be formed using a bonding material. The bonding material is not particularly limited, but a paste made by adding water or other solvent to a ceramic material can be used. The bonding material may contain a material having PTC properties, or it may contain the same material as the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901. In addition to its role in 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.

[0055] From the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, reducing pressure loss when air 10 passes through the cells 901a, ensuring the amount of functional material carried, and ensuring the contact area with the air 10 flowing inside the cells 901a, it is desirable to suitably combine the thickness of the partition wall 901, the cell density, and the cell pitch (or cell opening ratio). In this specification, cell density is a value obtained by dividing the number of cells by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) of the honeycomb structure 90 (the total area of ​​the partition wall 901 and cells 901a excluding the outer wall 900). In this specification, cell pitch refers to a value obtained by the following calculation. First, the area per cell is calculated by dividing the area of ​​one end face of the honeycomb structure 90 (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) (the total area of ​​the partition wall 901 and cell 901a excluding the outer wall 900) by the number of cells. Next, the square root of the area per cell is calculated and this is defined as the cell pitch. In this specification, the cell aperture ratio is the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​cells 901a partitioned by partition walls 901 in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 90 by the area of ​​one end face (first end face 90a or second end face 90b) (the total area of ​​partition walls 901 and cells 901a excluding the outer wall 900). Note that the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and the adsorption layer 91 described later are not considered when calculating the cell aperture ratio of 901a.

[0056] In an embodiment advantageous in terms of supporting a sufficient amount of functional material, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.300 mm or less, and the cell density is 140 cells / cm³. 2 The following conditions apply, and the cell pitch is 0.85 mm or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.200 mm or less, and the cell density is 120 cells / cm². 2 The following conditions apply, and the cell pitch is 0.91 mm or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.160 mm or less, and the cell density is 110 cells / cm². 2 The following conditions apply, and the cell pitch is 0.95 mm or more.

[0057] In each of the above embodiments, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90 and keeping electrical resistance low, the lower limit of the thickness of the partition wall 901 is preferably 0.010 mm or more, more preferably 0.020 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.030 mm or more. In each of the above embodiments, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, keeping electrical resistance low, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the lower limit of the cell density is 30 cells / cm². 2 Preferably, it is 35 cells / cm 2More preferably, it is as described above, 40 cells / cm 2 Even more preferably, it is as described above. In each of the above embodiments, from the viewpoints of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, keeping the electrical resistance low, and increasing the surface area to promote reaction, adsorption, and desorption, the upper limit of the cell pitch is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.6 mm or less.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment from the viewpoint of achieving both reduction of pressure loss and maintenance of strength, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.08 to 0.36 mm, the cell density is 2.54 to 140 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 901a is 0.70 or more. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.09 to 0.35 mm, the cell density is 15 to 100 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 901a is 0.80 or more. In a more preferred embodiment, the thickness of the partition wall 901 is 0.14 to 0.30 mm, the cell density is 20 to 90 cells / cm 2 , and the aperture ratio of the cell 901a is 0.85 or more.

[0059] In each of the above embodiments, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure 90, the upper limit of the aperture ratio of the cell 901a is preferably 0.94 or less, more preferably 0.92 or less, and even more preferably 0.90 or less.

[0060] The thickness of the outer wall 900 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably determined based on the following viewpoints. First, from the viewpoint 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. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of increasing the electrical resistance to suppress the initial current and reducing the pressure loss when the air 10 flows, the thickness of the outer wall 900 is preferably 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.5 mm or less, even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less. In this specification, the thickness of the outer wall 900 refers to the length in the direction normal to the side surface, from the boundary between the outer wall 900 and the outermost cell 901a or partition wall 901 to the side surface of the honeycomb structure 90, in a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 90.

[0061] The length of the honeycomb structure 90 in the flow direction and the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction can be adjusted 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 while ensuring a predetermined function, the honeycomb structure 90 may have a length of 2 to 20 mm in the flow direction and a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction of 10 cm². 2 The above is acceptable. The upper limit of the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the flow direction is not particularly limited, but for example, 300 cm². 2 That is the case.

[0062] The partition walls 901 constituting the honeycomb structure 90 are made of a material capable of generating heat when an electric current is passed through them, specifically a material having PTC properties. If necessary, the outer wall 900 may also be made of a material having PTC properties similar to the partition walls 901. With this configuration, it is possible to heat the adsorption layer 91 by heat transfer from the heat-generating partition walls 901 (and the outer wall 900 if necessary). Furthermore, materials having PTC properties have the characteristic that when the temperature rises and exceeds the Curie point, the resistance value increases rapidly and it becomes difficult for electricity to flow. Therefore, when the humidity control device 2 becomes hot, the current flowing through the partition walls 901 (and the outer wall 900 if necessary) is limited, thus suppressing excessive heat generation in the humidity control device 2. Consequently, it is also possible to suppress thermal degradation of the adsorption layer 91 caused by excessive heat generation.

[0063] From the viewpoint of obtaining appropriate heat generation, the lower limit of the volume resistivity of a PTC-type material at 25°C 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 viewpoint of generating heat with a low drive voltage, the upper limit of the volume resistivity of a PTC-type material at 25°C is preferably 170 Ω·cm or less, more preferably 160 Ω·cm or less, and even more preferably 150 Ω·cm or less. In this specification, the volume resistivity of a PTC-type material at 25°C is measured in accordance with JIS K6271:2008.

[0064] From the viewpoint of being electrically conductive and having PTC characteristics, it is preferable that the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901 are made of a material mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO3). Furthermore, it is more preferable that this material is a ceramic material mainly composed of barium titanate (BaTiO3)-based crystalline particles in which a portion of Ba is replaced with rare earth elements. In this specification, "main component" means a component whose proportion to the total component exceeds 50% by mass. The content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles can be determined by fluorescent X-ray analysis. Other crystalline particles can also be measured in the same manner.

[0065] The compositional formula for BaTiO3-based crystal grains in which some of the Ba is replaced by rare earth elements is (Ba 1-x A x It can be represented as TiO3. In the empirical formula, A represents one or more rare earth elements, and 0.0001 ≤ x ≤ 0.010. A is not particularly limited as long as it is a rare earth element, but is preferably one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, and Yb, and is more preferably La. x is preferably 0.001 or more, more preferably 0.0015 or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high electrical resistance at room temperature. On the other hand, x is preferably 0.009 or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing excessively high electrical resistance at room temperature due to insufficient sintering. The content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles in ceramics, in which a portion of Ba is substituted with rare earth elements, is not particularly limited as long as it constitutes the main component, but is preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 92% by mass or more, and even more preferably 94% by mass or more. The upper limit of the content of BaTiO3-based crystalline particles is not particularly limited, but is generally 99% by mass, preferably 98% by mass. The content of these BaTiO3-based crystalline particles can be measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis. Other crystalline particles can be measured in the same manner.

[0066] From the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact, it is desirable that the materials used for the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901 are substantially free of lead (Pb). Specifically, the Pb content of the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901 is preferably 0.01% by mass or less, more preferably 0.001% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0% by mass. The low Pb content allows, for example, the heated air 10, which is brought into contact with the heat-generating partition wall 901, to be safely directed at living organisms such as humans. In addition, the Pb content of the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901, when converted to PbO, is preferably less than 0.03% by mass, more preferably less than 0.01% by mass, and even more preferably 0% by mass. The lead content can be determined by ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).

[0067] The lower limit of the Curie point of the materials constituting the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901 is preferably 80°C or higher, more preferably 90°C or higher, and even more preferably 100°C or higher, from the viewpoint of efficiently heating the air 10. The upper limit of the Curie point is preferably 250°C or lower, more preferably 225°C or lower, even more preferably 200°C or lower, and even more preferably 150°C or lower, from the viewpoint of safety as a component placed in or near the vehicle compartment.

[0068] The Curie points of the materials constituting the outer wall 900 and the partition wall 901 can be adjusted by the type and amount of sifter added. For example, the Curie point of barium titanate (BaTiO3) is approximately 120°C, but by substituting some of the Ba and Ti with one or more of Sr, Sn, and Zr, the Curie point can be shifted to a lower temperature.

[0069] In this specification, the Curie point is measured by the following method: The sample is mounted in a sample holder for measurement and placed in a measuring chamber (e.g., MINI-SUBZERO MC-810P, manufactured by ESPEC Corporation). The change in the electrical resistance of the sample with respect to temperature changes as the temperature is raised from 10°C is measured using a DC resistance meter (e.g., Multimeter 3478A, manufactured by YOKOGAWA HEWLETT PACKARD, LTD). The Curie point is defined as the temperature at which the resistance value becomes twice the resistance value at room temperature (20°C) as shown in the electrical resistance-temperature plot obtained from the measurement.

[0070] (2-2. Regarding the first and second electrodes) The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are provided on the first end face 90a and the second end face 90b. By applying a voltage between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, it is possible to generate heat in the honeycomb structure 90 by Joule heating.

[0071] The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are not particularly limited, but for example, metals or alloys containing at least one selected from Cu, Ag, Al, Ni, and Si can be used. Alternatively, ohmic electrodes capable of ohmic contact with the outer wall 900 and / or partition wall 901 having PTC properties can be used. For example, an ohmic electrode can be used that contains at least one selected from Al, Au, Ag, and In as a base metal and at least one selected from Ni, Si, Zn, Ge, Sn, Se, and Te for n-type semiconductors as a dopant. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 may be a single-layer structure or a multilayer structure of two or more layers. If the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 have a multilayer structure of two or more layers, the materials of each layer may be the same type or different types.

[0072] The thicknesses of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be appropriately set depending on the method of forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93. Methods for forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 include metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by applying electrode paste and then baking it, or by thermal spraying. Furthermore, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 may be formed by joining metal plates or alloy plates.

[0073] The thickness of the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 is preferably about 5 to 30 μm for electrode paste baking, about 100 to 1000 nm for dry plating such as sputtering and vapor deposition, about 10 to 100 μm for thermal spraying, and about 5 to 30 μm for wet plating such as electroplating and chemical deposition. Furthermore, when joining metal plates or alloy plates, their thickness is preferably about 5 to 100 μm.

[0074] (2-3. Regarding the first and second metal terminals) By providing the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, connection to an external power supply is facilitated. The first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are connected to a conductor connected to the external power supply.

[0075] The metals constituting the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 can be single metals or alloys, but from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, electrical resistivity and coefficient of linear expansion, it is preferable to use an alloy containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, and Ti, and stainless steel, Fe-Ni alloy, and phosphor bronze are more preferable. The thickness of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 to 10 mm, typically 0.05 to 5 mm.

[0076] The method of connecting the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 to the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 is not particularly limited as long as they are electrically connected, and can be done by means of diffusion bonding, a mechanical pressurizing mechanism, welding, etc.

[0077] (2-4. Regarding intermediate materials) An intermediate material may be provided between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95. By providing an intermediate material, the structural degree of freedom of the connection between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 is increased. The material of the intermediate material is not particularly limited and can be the same as the material of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 described above. Alternatively, the material of the intermediate material may be different from the material of the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 described above. In this case, the intermediate material can be formed from solder, brazing material, conductive adhesive, etc. The method of connecting the intermediate material 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 limited as long as they are electrically connected, and can be connected by, for example, diffusion bonding, a mechanical pressurizing mechanism, welding, etc.

[0078] (2-5. Regarding the adsorption layer) As shown in Figure 5, the humidity control device 2 may include an adsorption layer 91 provided on the surface of the partition wall 901. The adsorption layer 91 can be provided on the surface of the partition wall 901 (in the case of the outermost cell 901a, the partition wall 901 and the outer wall 900 that partition the outermost cell 901a). By providing the adsorption layer 91 in this way, the functional material contained in the adsorption layer 91 becomes easier to heat, thereby enabling the functional material to exhibit the desired function.

[0079] The adsorbent contained in the adsorption layer 91 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that can exhibit the desired function. The adsorbent has the function of adsorbing moisture, carbon dioxide and / or volatile components from the air. The adsorption layer 91 may also further contain a catalyst. This allows for the purification of the adsorbed substance. By using the adsorbent and catalyst in combination, the adsorption function of the adsorbent in capturing the adsorbed substance can be enhanced.

[0080] The adsorbent preferably has the function of adsorbing target substances, such as moisture, carbon dioxide, and volatile components, at -20 to 40°C and desorbing them at high temperatures of 60°C or higher. Examples of adsorbents having such function include zeolite, silica gel, activated carbon, alumina, silica, low-crystalline clay, and amorphous aluminum silicate composites. The type of adsorbent should be appropriately selected according to the type of target substance. The adsorbent may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0081] The catalyst is preferably one that has the function of promoting oxidation-reduction reactions. Examples of catalysts with such function include metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, and Ag, and oxide catalysts such as CeO2 and ZrO2. The catalyst may be used alone or in combination of two or more types.

[0082] Volatile components contained in the air inside a vehicle include, for example, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor components other than VOCs. Specific examples of volatile components include ammonia, acetic acid, isovaleric acid, nonenal, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, paradichlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, styrene, chlorpyrifos, di-n-butyl phthalate, tetradecane, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, diazinon, acetaldehyde, and N-methylcarbamate-2-(1-methylpropyl)phenyl.

[0083] The thickness of the adsorption layer 91 can be determined according to the size of the cell 901a and is not particularly limited. For example, from the viewpoint of ensuring 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, from the viewpoint of suppressing the peeling of the adsorption layer 91 from the partition wall 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.

[0084] The thickness of the adsorption layer 91 is measured by the following procedure. An arbitrary cross section parallel to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 90 is cut out, and a cross-sectional image at approximately 50x magnification is obtained using a scanning electron microscope or the like. This cross section is also taken so that it passes through the centroid position of a cross section perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb structure 90. For each adsorption layer 91 visible in the cross-sectional image, the thickness is calculated by dividing the cross-sectional area by the length of the cell 901a in the flow direction. This calculation is performed for all adsorption layers 91 visible in the cross-sectional image, and the overall average value is taken as the thickness of the adsorption layer 91.

[0085] From the viewpoint of ensuring that the functional material performs the desired function within 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, relative to the volume of the honeycomb structure 90. The volume of the honeycomb structure 90 is determined by the external dimensions of the honeycomb structure 90.

[0086] (3. Regarding the manufacturing method of humidity control devices) The method for manufacturing the humidity control device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has the above-described features, and can be carried out in accordance with known methods. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing the humidity control device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described illustratively. The method for manufacturing the honeycomb structure constituting the humidity control device 2 includes a molding step and a firing step. In the molding process, a clay mold containing ceramic raw materials including BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and rare earth nitrate or hydroxide powder is molded to produce a honeycomb molded body with a relative density of 60% or more. Ceramic raw materials can be obtained by dry-mixing each powder to achieve the desired composition. The clay can be obtained by adding a dispersion medium, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant to ceramic raw materials and kneading them together. The clay may also contain additives such as sifters, metal oxides, property improvers, and conductive powders as needed. The amount of components other than ceramic raw materials is not particularly limited, as long as it is such that the relative density of the honeycomb molded body is 60% or more.

[0087] Here, in this specification, "relative density of the honeycomb molded body" means the ratio of the density of the honeycomb molded body to the true density of the entire ceramic raw material. Specifically, it can be calculated by the following formula. Relative density (%) of honeycomb molded material = Density (g / cm³) of honeycomb molded material 3 ) / True density of the entire ceramic raw material (g / cm³) 3 ) × 100 The density of a honeycomb molded body can be measured by the Archimedes method using pure water as the medium. The true density of the entire ceramic material is calculated by adding the mass of each material (g) and then adding the actual volume of each material (cm³). 3 It can be found by dividing by ).

[0088] Examples of dispersion media include water, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, but water is particularly suitable.

[0089] Examples of binders include organic binders such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropoxylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol. In particular, the combined use of methylcellulose and hydroxypropoxylcellulose is preferred. A single binder may be used, or two or more may be used in combination, but it is preferable that the binder does not contain alkali metal elements.

[0090] Examples of plasticizers include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polycarboxylic acid polymers, and alkyl phosphate esters.

[0091] Dispersants that can be used include surfactants such as polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, ethylene glycol, dextrin, fatty acid soaps, and polyalcohols. Dispersants may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0092] Honeycomb molded bodies can be manufactured by extruding clay. During extrusion molding, a die with the desired overall shape, cell shape, partition wall thickness, cell density, etc., can be used.

[0093] The relative density of the honeycomb molded body obtained by extrusion molding is 60% or more, preferably 65% ​​or more. By controlling the relative density of the honeycomb molded body within this range, it is possible to densify the honeycomb molded body and reduce its electrical resistance at room temperature. The upper limit of the relative density of the honeycomb molded body is not particularly limited, but is generally 80%, preferably 75%.

[0094] The honeycomb molded body can be dried before the firing process. The drying method is not particularly limited, but conventional known drying methods such as hot air drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, and freeze drying can be used. Among these, a drying method combining hot air drying with microwave drying or dielectric drying is preferred because it can dry the entire molded body quickly and uniformly.

[0095] The firing process includes maintaining the temperature at 1150-1250°C, then increasing the temperature to a maximum of 1360-1430°C at a heating rate of 20-600°C / hour, and maintaining the temperature for 0.5-10 hours. By holding the honeycomb molded body at a maximum temperature of 1360-1430°C for 0.5-10 hours, a honeycomb structure 90 can be obtained that mainly consists of BaTiO3-based crystalline grains in which some of the Ba is replaced by rare earth elements. Furthermore, by maintaining the temperature at 1150-1250°C, the Ba2TiO4 crystal particles generated during the firing process are more easily removed, thereby densifying the honeycomb structure 90. Furthermore, by setting the heating rate from 1150-1250°C to the maximum temperature of 1360-1430°C to 20-600°C / hour, 1.0-10.0 mass% of Ba6Ti 17 O 40 Crystal particles can be generated in the honeycomb structure 90.

[0096] The holding time at 1150-1250°C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5-10 hours. This holding time makes it easier to stably remove the Ba2TiO4 crystal grains generated during the firing process.

[0097] The firing process preferably includes holding the temperature at 900-950°C for 0.5-5 hours during the heating phase. Holding the temperature at 900-950°C for 0.5-5 hours allows BaCO3 to decompose efficiently, making it easier to obtain a honeycomb structure 90 having a predetermined composition.

[0098] Furthermore, a degreasing process may be performed before the firing process to remove the binder. The atmosphere during the degreasing process is preferably atmospheric air to completely decompose the organic components. Furthermore, the atmosphere during the firing process is preferably an atmospheric environment, from the viewpoint of controlling electrical properties and reducing manufacturing costs. The furnace used in the firing and degreasing processes is not particularly limited, but electric furnaces, gas furnaces, etc., can be used.

[0099] The humidity control device 2 can be manufactured by forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 on the honeycomb structure 90 obtained in this manner. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by metal deposition methods such as sputtering, vapor deposition, electrolytic deposition, and chemical deposition. The first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can also be formed by applying electrode paste and then baking it. Furthermore, 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 may consist of a single layer, but they can also consist of multiple electrode layers with different compositions. Typical methods for forming the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 will be described below.

[0100] First, an electrode slurry containing electrode material, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium is prepared and applied to the first end face 90a or the second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90. 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), or a mixture thereof. Excess slurry around the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 90 is removed by blowing and wiping. Subsequently, the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 can be formed on the first end face 90a or the second end face 90b of the honeycomb structure 90 by drying the slurry. Drying can be performed, for example, by heating the humidity control device 2 to a temperature of about 120 to 600°C. The series of steps—coating, slurry removal, and drying—may be performed only once, but by repeating the process multiple times, the first electrode 92 and second electrode 93 of the desired thickness can be provided.

[0101] Next, the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 are placed at predetermined positions on the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93, and the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 are connected to the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95. The above-described method can be used for connecting the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 to the terminals. Furthermore, if an intermediate material is provided between the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95, the intermediate material can be placed at predetermined positions on the first electrode 92 and the second electrode 93 and connected, and then the first metal terminal 94 and the second metal terminal 95 can be placed at predetermined positions on the intermediate material and connected. The above-described method can be used for these connections. The first metal terminal 94, the second metal terminal 95, and the intermediate material may be installed after the adsorption layer 91 described below has been formed.

[0102] Next, by forming an adsorption layer 91 on the surface of the partition wall 901 or the like of the humidity control device 2 obtained in this way, a humidity control device with a functional material-containing layer is obtained. The method for forming the adsorption layer 91 is not particularly limited, but for example, it can be formed by the following steps: The humidity control device 2 is immersed in a slurry containing a functional material, an organic binder, and a dispersion medium for a predetermined time, and excess slurry from 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) or a mixture thereof. After that, the adsorption layer 91 can be formed on the surface of the partition wall 901 by drying the slurry. Drying can be carried out, for example, by heating the humidity control device 2 to a temperature of about 120 to 600°C. The series of steps—immersion, slurry removal, and drying—may be performed only once, but by repeating them multiple times, an adsorption layer 91 of the desired thickness can be formed on the surface of the partition wall 901 or the like.

[0103] (4. Regarding the control method of the vehicle's air conditioning system) A control method for a vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a humidity control device 2 having an adsorption section 20 containing an adsorption material that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below and allows the adsorbed moisture to be released when the predetermined temperature is exceeded; a first flow path 3 that sends air 10 from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing through the humidity control device 2; and a second flow path 4 that sends air 10 into the vehicle interior through the humidity control device 2. The control method for a vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes controlling the flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and / or the second flow path 4 so that when air 10 is blown into the vehicle interior from the defroster, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of air 10 passing through the second flow path 4 to the total flow rate of air 10 passing through the first flow path 3 and the second flow path 4, is 5% or more. Further details are as described above for the vehicle air conditioning system 1.

[0104] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Examples]

[0105] The present invention will be described more specifically below with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0106] BaCO3 powder, TiO2 powder, and La(NH3)3·6H2O powder were prepared as ceramic raw materials. These powders were weighed to obtain a predetermined composition after firing and dry-mixed to obtain a mixed powder. Dry mixing was carried out for 30 minutes. Next, to 100 parts by mass of the obtained mixed powder, water, binder, plasticizer, and dispersant were added in appropriate amounts in the range of 3 to 30 parts by mass in total, so that a ceramic molded body with a relative density of 64.8% after extrusion molding would be obtained, and the mixture was kneaded to obtain clay. Methylcellulose was used as the binder. Polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether was used as the plasticizer and dispersant.

[0107] Next, the obtained clay was fed into an extrusion molding machine and extruded using a predetermined die so that it would form a honeycomb structure with the shape shown below after firing. Cross-sectional and end face shapes of the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the flow direction: quadrilateral Honeycomb structure dimensions: Width 114mm, Height 114mm, Length 10mm Shape of the cell cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction: quadrilateral Partition thickness: 0.127 mm Exterior wall thickness: 0.8mm Cell density: 85.3 cells / cm² 2 Cell pitch: 1.08mm Cell opening ratio: 0.55~0.80 Cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the flow direction: 13,000 mm² 2 Length of honeycomb structure in the direction of flow path: 10 mm Volume resistivity of the materials constituting the partition wall (and outer wall) at 25°C: 12 Ω·cm Curie point of the materials constituting the partition wall (and outer wall): 120°C The volume resistivity of the partition wall was controlled by adjusting the raw material ratios and firing conditions.

[0108] Next, the obtained honeycomb molded body was dielectric-dried and hot-air-dried, then degreased in a firing furnace under an atmospheric atmosphere (450°C for 4 hours), and subsequently fired under an atmospheric atmosphere to obtain a honeycomb structure. The firing was carried out by holding at 950°C for 1 hour, then raising the temperature to 1200°C and holding at 1200°C for 1 hour, and then raising the temperature to 1400°C (maximum temperature) at a heating rate of 200°C / hour and holding at 1400°C for 2 hours.

[0109] Next, a first electrode and a second electrode with a thickness of 0.05 mm were formed on both end faces (first and second end faces) of the obtained honeycomb structure. The first and second electrodes were formed as follows: First, an electrode slurry containing aluminum (electrode material), ethyl cellulose, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (organic binder) was prepared and applied to one end face. Next, after removing excess electrode slurry from the outer circumference of the honeycomb structure by blowing and wiping, an electrode was formed on one end face by drying the electrode slurry. An electrode was formed on the other end face in the same manner.

[0110] Next, the honeycomb structure on which the first and second electrodes were formed was immersed in a slurry containing zeolite (adsorbent) as a functional material, an organic binder, and water. After removing the slurry adhering to excess areas (such as the outer periphery) by blowing and wiping, the structure was dried at a temperature of approximately 550°C to form a functional material-containing layer in the predetermined position.

[0111] Next, the first metal terminal was joined to the first electrode, and the second metal terminal was joined to the second electrode. The first and second metal terminals were joined as follows: The first and second metal terminals were made of strip-shaped SUS430 metal bodies with a width of 3.5 mm and a thickness of 0.7 mm. The overall shape of the first and second metal terminals was a rectangular frame shape. The first and second metal terminals were joined to the first and second electrodes by solder, while aligning the outer edges of the first and second metal terminals with the outer edges of both end faces of the honeycomb structure.

[0112] The humidity control device sample obtained as described above was placed inside a humidity control duct installed outside the HVAC unit, as shown in Figure 1. The dimensions of each part of the humidity control duct were as follows. Internal dimensions of the duct upstream of the branching point between the interior and exterior airflow channels: Width 114mm, Height 114mm, Length 200mm Internal dimensions of the vehicle compartment passage: Width 114mm, Height 50mm, Length 100mm External airflow channel dimensions: Width 114mm, Height 50mm, Length 100mm Distance from the downstream end face of the humidity control device to the branching point of the vehicle interior flow path and the vehicle exterior flow path: 90 mm

[0113] Furthermore, the outlet of the cabin airflow path of the humidity control duct was positioned opposite the HVAC intake of the HVAC unit. The dimensions of the intake were as follows: Internal dimensions of HVAC intake vent: Width 114mm, Height 114mm

[0114] In this configuration, the position of the outlet of the cabin airflow channel and the position of the HVAC intake were aligned in the lateral direction, and the lower end position of the outlet of the cabin airflow channel and the lower end position of the HVAC intake were aligned in the vertical direction. Specifically, air that had passed through the humidity control device was drawn in from the lower 50 mm portion of the HVAC intake, and air that had not passed through the humidity control device was drawn in from the upper 64 mm portion. The air that had not passed through the humidity control device was at a temperature of 25°C and a relative humidity of 30%, while the air that had passed through the humidity control device was at a temperature of 25°C and a relative humidity of 15%.

[0115] A humidity control blower was placed inside the humidity control duct upstream of the humidity control device, and an HVAC blower was placed inside the HVAC duct of the HVAC unit. By operating these humidity control blowers and HVAC blowers, 300m 3 Air was drawn in at a rate of / h through the HVAC intake. The dehumidified air flow rate ratio (the ratio of the air flow rate through the humidified duct to the total air flow rate drawn in through the HVAC intake) was controlled by controlling the ratio of the operating amounts of the humidified blower and the HVAC blower. The HVAC unit was operated in fan mode, and equipment for heating and / or cooling the air, such as the compressor, evaporator, and heat exchanger, was stopped.

[0116] Air drawn in through the HVAC intake was blown onto the windshield and side windows from defrosters located below the windshield and / or below the front of the side windows. The air discharge volume from the defroster below the windshield was 210 m³. 3The air output from the defroster located at the front lower part of the side window is 90 m³ / h. 3 The value was / h. The volume of the interior space of the vehicle compartment was 12 m³. 3 The interior of the vehicle's cabin, before the defroster blew air out, had a temperature of 25°C and a relative humidity of 40%, and the windshield and side windows were uniformly fogged up.

[0117] Then, while changing the dehumidified air flow rate ratio as shown in the table below, the fogging of the windshield and side windows was visually checked after blowing air from the defroster for 10 minutes. In the table below, "○" indicates that the fogging of the windshield or side windows was completely removed, "△" indicates that the area from which the fogging was removed was 70% or more of the total area of ​​the windshield or side windows, and "×" indicates that the area from which the fogging was removed was less than 70% of the total area of ​​the windshield or side windows. The windshield was evaluated as "△" or "○" when it was judged that the fogging had been sufficiently removed and was considered to have passed.

[0118] [Table 1]

[0119] As shown in the table, when the dehumidified air flow rate was 3%, the evaluation for the windshield and side windows was "×". In contrast, when the dehumidified air flow rate was 5%, the evaluation for the windshield was "△". From this, it was concluded that by setting the dehumidified air flow rate to 5% or higher, fogging on the vehicle's windows can be removed more reliably. Furthermore, by increasing the dehumidified air flow rate to 7% and 15%, fogging could be removed even more reliably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1: Vehicle air conditioning system 2: Humidity control devices 3: First channel 4: Second channel 5: Flow control device 7: Humidity sensor 10: Air 20: Adsorption part 21: Heating means 51: Flow control valve 90: Honeycomb structure 90a: 1st end surface 90b: Second end surface 91: Adsorption layer 92: Electrode 93: Electrode 900: Exterior wall 901: Bulkhead 901a: Cell

Claims

1. A humidity control device having an adsorption section containing an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below, and allows the adsorbed moisture to be released when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, A first flow path that sends air from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing it through the humidity control device, A second flow path that sends the air to the vehicle compartment through the humidity control device, A flow control device controls the flow rate of the air passing through the first and / or second flow path so that when the air is blown into the vehicle compartment from the defroster, the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of the air passing through the second flow path to the total flow rate of the air passing through the first and second flow paths, is 5% or more. It is equipped with Vehicle air conditioning system.

2. The flow rate control device includes a blower that supplies the air to the humidity control device. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The flow control device includes a flow control valve provided in the first flow path. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The flow rate control device sets the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to 7% or more. A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The flow rate control device sets the dehumidified air flow rate ratio to 15% or more. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 4.

6. The vehicle further includes a humidity sensor for measuring the humidity inside the vehicle interior. The flow rate control device changes the dehumidified air flow rate ratio based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor. A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The adsorption part is, A honeycomb structure having an outer wall, and partition walls disposed inside the outer wall that demarcate cells forming the air passage extending from a first end face to a second end face, An adsorption layer containing the adsorbent material is provided on the surface of the partition wall. It has, The humidity control device further includes a heating means that has a pair of electrodes connected to the honeycomb structure and heats the honeycomb structure by passing an electric current through the pair of electrodes to the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure is composed of a material in which at least the partition wall has PTC properties. A vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A control method for a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: a humidity control device having an adsorption section containing an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture at a predetermined temperature or below and allows the adsorbed moisture to be released when the predetermined temperature is exceeded; a first flow path that sends air from the vehicle interior or outside the vehicle into the vehicle interior without passing through the humidity control device; and a second flow path that sends the air into the vehicle interior through the humidity control device, wherein When blowing the air into the vehicle compartment from the defroster, the flow rate of the air passing through the first and / or second passages is controlled such that the dehumidified air flow rate ratio, which is the ratio of the flow rate of the air passing through the second passage to the total flow rate of the air passing through the first and second passages, is 5% or more. A method for controlling a vehicle air conditioning system.

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