Vehicle air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can more efficiently draw in the occupants' exhaled breath and improve dehumidification efficiency. [Solution] The vehicle air conditioning system comprises 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, and a duct 3 in which the humidity control device 2 is disposed. The duct 3 has an interior air intake 30 that draws in air from inside the vehicle. The interior air intake 30 is located in the vehicle interior, in front of the headrest of the driver's seat. When a first surface is defined that extends in the longitudinal and height directions of the vehicle and passes through the interior air intake, and a second surface extends in the longitudinal and height directions of the vehicle and passes through the headrest, the inclination angle of the direction in which the interior air intake 30 extends on the first surface with respect to the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface is -50° or more and +90° or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioning system for vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a growing demand for improved cabin environments in various vehicles, including automobiles. Specific demands include reducing CO2 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, it significantly reduces heater energy in winter, leading to decreased energy efficiency. This energy loss is particularly problematic for electric vehicles, as it drastically reduces their driving range.

[0003] One way to solve the above problems is to use a vehicle interior air purification system that captures water vapor and CO2, and other components to be removed, in the vehicle interior air using a functional material such as an adsorbent, and then reacts or desorbs the components by heating them, releasing them outside the vehicle and regenerating the functional material.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the vehicle cabin by exchanging heat between intake air and a heat transfer medium; and a desiccant-type humidity control device (dehumidifier) ​​that performs a dehumidification operation to adsorb water vapor in the vehicle cabin onto a moisture absorption section and a regeneration operation to heat the moisture absorption section to release the adsorbed water vapor. Patent Document 1 proposes positioning the interior air intake of the humidity control device higher than the seat cushion of the front seat on the vertical wall of the instrument panel so that the conditioned air blown from the defroster outlet onto the interior side of the windshield can be efficiently drawn in. Furthermore, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 shows that the interior air intake of the humidity control device is directed diagonally downward. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-148743 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] A significant amount of moisture is generated from the occupants inside the vehicle. Patent Document 1 proposes efficiently drawing in the conditioned air blown from the defroster vents onto the interior side of the windshield. However, since the conditioned air is dehumidified by a dehumidification device, drawing in a large amount of conditioned air into the dehumidification device's interior air intake may not improve dehumidification efficiency. Furthermore, if the dehumidification device's interior air intake is directed diagonally downward, it may not be able to efficiently draw in the occupants' exhaled breath, which contains a lot of moisture, leaving room for improvement in dehumidification efficiency.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a vehicle air conditioning system that can more efficiently draw in the exhaled breath of the occupants and improve dehumidification efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises 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 detached when the predetermined temperature is exceeded, and a duct in which the humidity control device is disposed inside, the duct having an interior air intake for drawing in air from the vehicle interior, the interior air intake being located in the vehicle interior in front of the headrest of the driver's seat of the vehicle, and having a first surface that extends in the longitudinal and height directions of the vehicle and passes through the interior air intake, and a second surface that extends in the longitudinal and height directions of the vehicle and passes through the headrest The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning system in which, when defined, the inclination angle between the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface and the direction in which the interior air intake extends on the first surface is between -50° and +90°, where the inclination angle is 0° when the direction in which the headrest extends and the direction in which the interior air intake extends are parallel, the inclination angle takes a positive value when the interior air intake is inclined so that the upper end of the interior air intake moves away from the headrest, and the inclination angle takes a negative value when the interior air intake is inclined so that the upper end of the interior air intake moves closer to the headrest.

[0009] [2] The present invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system described in paragraph 1, wherein the inclination angle is 0° or more and +60° or less.

[0010] [3] The present invention may relate to the vehicle air conditioning system described in paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the direction in which the headrest extends is defined as the direction in which a line perpendicular to the tangent to the uppermost end of the headrest extends on the second surface when the driver's seat is positioned at its foremost and lowest end, the seatback of the driver's seat is tilted to its foremost end, and the headrest is tilted to its foremost end.

[0011] [4] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the direction in which the interior air intake extends is defined as the direction in which a straight line passing through the uppermost and lowermost ends of the interior air intake extends on the first surface.

[0012] [5] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein, in the height direction of the vehicle, the distance between the uppermost end of the headrest and the lowermost end of the interior air intake is 800 mm or less, and the distance between the uppermost end of the headrest and the uppermost end of the interior air intake is 400 mm or more.

[0013] [6] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the driver's seat is positioned offset in a first direction from the central position in the width direction of the vehicle, the interior air intake is positioned offset in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the central position in the width direction of the vehicle, and the distance between the outermost end of the headrest in the first direction and the outermost end of the interior air intake in the second direction in the width direction of the vehicle is 900 mm or less.

[0014] [7] The present invention may relate to a vehicle air conditioning system according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, 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. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one embodiment of the vehicle air conditioning system of the present invention, the inclination angle of the direction in which the interior air intake extends relative to the direction in which the headrest extends is -50° or more and +90° or less, so that the exhaled breath of the occupants can be drawn in more efficiently and the dehumidification efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1]It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view schematically showing the passenger compartment in which the inside air inlet 30 of FIG. 1 is arranged. [Figure 3] It is a plan view schematically showing the passenger compartment of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory view showing a first relationship between the inside air inlet on the first surface of FIG. 3 and the headrest on the second surface. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing a second relationship between the inside air inlet on the first surface of FIG. 3 and the headrest on the second surface. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view showing a third relationship between the inside air inlet on the first surface of FIG. 3 and the headrest on the second surface. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view showing a fourth relationship between the inside air inlet on the first surface of FIG. 3 and the headrest on the second surface. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing the humidity control device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a right side view showing the humidity control device of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is an enlarged view showing an enlarged area X of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory view showing the simulation test conducted in the example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [[ID=३८]]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 the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist thereof. Also, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0018] (1. About the vehicle air conditioning system) 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.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle air conditioning system 1 includes a humidity control device 2 and a duct 3.

[0020] 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. The humidity control device 2 may have a heating means 21 for heating the adsorption section 20. Heating the adsorption section 20 by the heating means 21 releases moisture from the adsorbent of the adsorption section 20.

[0021] Duct 3 is a pipe in which a humidity control device 2 is arranged inside. Duct 3 has an interior air inlet 30 that draws in air 10 from inside the vehicle. The interior air inlet 30 is an opening provided inside the vehicle and is located at one end of Duct 3 in the direction of airflow of the air 10.

[0022] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have a blower 4 that supplies air 10 to a humidity control device 2. The blower 4 may be located inside the duct 3. The blower 4 may be positioned upstream of the humidity control device 2 in the direction of airflow of the air 10.

[0023] Duct 3 may have a cabin passage 31 and an external passage 32 provided at the other end of duct 3 in the direction of airflow of the air 10. The cabin passage 31 is a passage for allowing the air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to flow into the cabin. The external passage 32 is a passage for discharging the air 10 that has passed through the humidity control device 2 to the outside of the vehicle. The cabin passage 31 and the external passage 32 are separated from each other by a duct partition wall 33. Although not shown in the figures, the cabin passage 31 and the external passage 32 may be provided at a distance from each other.

[0024] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have a switching valve 5 that can switch the flow of air 10 circulating through the duct 3 between a passenger compartment passage 31 and an external passage 32. The switching valve 5 can cause the air 10 to flow into the passenger compartment passage 31 when moisture from the air 10 is adsorbed by the humidity control device 2, and to flow the air 10 into the external passage 32 when moisture is released from the humidity control device 2. Figure 1 shows the state in which the air 10 flows into the passenger compartment passage 31. There are no particular restrictions on the switching valve 5 as long as it is electrically driven and has the function of switching the flow path, but examples include solenoid valves and motorized valves. In one embodiment, the switching valve 5 includes an opening / closing door 51 supported on a rotating shaft 50 and an actuator 52 such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 50.

[0025] The vehicle air conditioning system 1 may have a control unit 6 that controls a humidity control device 2, a blower 4, and a switching valve 5. The control unit 6 may be electrically connected to the humidity control device 2, the blower 4, and the switching valve 5 by wire or wireless means. The control modes of the control unit 6 may include an adsorption mode in which the blower 4 is activated without activating the heating means 21 and air 10 is introduced into the cabin airflow path 31, and a regeneration mode in which the blower 4 and the heating means 21 are activated and air 10 is introduced into the exterior airflow path 32.

[0026] The outlet of the passenger compartment airflow channel 31 may be positioned to face the HVAC intake port 70 of the HVAC unit 7. The outlet of the external airflow channel 32 may be positioned offset from the HVAC intake port 70. The HVAC unit 7 is a unit that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the vehicle. The HVAC unit 7 can send the air 10 taken in from the HVAC intake port 70 into the passenger compartment. The air 10 flowing through the passenger compartment airflow channel 31 is intended to be supplied to the passenger compartment through the HVAC unit 7, and the air 10 flowing through the external airflow channel 32 is intended to be discharged outside the vehicle without passing through the HVAC unit 7.

[0027] Next, Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the passenger compartment where the interior air intake 30 of Figure 1 is located, and Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing the passenger compartment of Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the interior air intake 30 is located in front of the headrest 81 of the driver's seat 80 of the vehicle within the passenger compartment. Hereinafter, the headrest 81 of the driver's seat 80 will be simply referred to as the headrest 81. As is particularly evident in Figure 2, the interior air intake 30 may be located below the headrest 81 within the passenger compartment. The interior air intake 30 may be located above the seat surface 82 of the driver's seat 80 of the vehicle within the passenger compartment.

[0028] The interior air intake 30 may be located on the dashboard 83 or the console 84. The dashboard 83 is a component located below the windshield and may include a portion 83a in front of the driver's seat 80, a portion 83b in front of the passenger seat 85, and a front portion 83c between the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 85. The portion 83a in front of the driver's seat 80 includes the instrument panel and components located around it. The portion 83b in front of the passenger seat 85 includes the glove box and components located around it. The console 84 is a component located between the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 85. Figure 3 shows an example configuration in which the interior air intake 30 is located on the portion 83b in front of the passenger seat 85 of the dashboard 83. The interior air intake 30 may be provided so as to extend wider when viewed along the longitudinal direction D1 of the vehicle than when viewed along the height direction D2 or width direction D3 of the vehicle. The interior air intake 30 may be provided on a wall surface that extends in the height direction D2 and the width direction D3 of the vehicle.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, a first surface S1 is defined that extends in the longitudinal direction D1 and the height direction D2 of the vehicle and passes through the interior air intake 30, and a second surface S2 is defined that extends in the longitudinal direction D1 and the height direction D2 of the vehicle and passes through the headrest 81. With respect to the width direction D3 of the vehicle, the first surface S1 may pass through the highest point of the interior air intake 30, and the second surface S2 may pass through the highest point of the headrest 81 of the driver's seat 80.

[0030] Next, Figures 4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing the first to fourth relationships between the interior air intake 30 on the first surface S1 of Figure 3 and the headrest 81 on the second surface S2. Figures 4 to 7 show the interior air intake 30 on the first surface S1 and the headrest 81 on the second surface S2 on the same plane. In Figures 4 to 7, the interior air intake 30 and the headrest 81 are shown side by side to make it easier to compare the direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends on the second surface S2 and the direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends on the first surface S1. The actual relative positional relationship between the interior air intake 30 and the headrest 81 in the front-to-back direction D1 and the height direction D2 may differ from that shown in Figures 4 to 7.

[0031] In the vehicle air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the inclination angle θ of the direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends on the first surface S1 with respect to the direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends on the second surface S2 is set to be between -50° and +90°.

[0032] The direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends is defined as the direction in which a line L2 perpendicular to the tangent L1 of the uppermost end 81a of the headrest 81 extends on the second surface S2 when the driver's seat 80 is positioned at its foremost and lowest ends, the seatback 86 of the driver's seat 80 is tilted to its foremost end, and the headrest 81 is tilted to its foremost end. The uppermost end 81a of the headrest 81 is the part that first makes contact when a flat plate is pressed against the upper surface of the headrest 81 from above.

[0033] The direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends is defined as the direction in which a straight line L3, passing through the uppermost end 30a and the lowermost end 30b of the interior air intake 30 on the first surface S1, extends. The uppermost end 30a and the lowermost end 30b of the interior air intake 30 are the parts that are visible when the interior air intake 30 is viewed from inside the vehicle. In Figures 4 to 7, the interior air intake 30 is schematically shown as a rectangle, and the longer right side of that rectangle corresponds to the part that is visible when the interior air intake 30 is viewed from inside the vehicle.

[0034] The first surface S1 and the second surface S2 are either parallel to each other or the same surface. The inclination angle of the direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends relative to a predetermined reference direction can be determined on the first surface S1, and the inclination angle of the direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends relative to a predetermined reference direction can be determined on the second surface S2, and the difference between these inclination angles can be defined as the inclination angle θ. The vertical direction can be used as the predetermined reference direction. An angle measuring instrument such as a digital protractor can be used to measure the inclination angles of each direction D4 and D5 relative to the vertical direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, when the direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends and the direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends are parallel, the inclination angle θ is assumed to be 0°. As shown in Figure 5, when the interior air intake 30 is inclined so that its upper end moves away from the headrest 81, the inclination angle θ is assumed to be a positive value. As shown in Figure 6, when the interior air intake 30 is inclined so that its upper end moves closer to the headrest 81, the inclination angle θ is assumed to be a negative value. Figures 5 and 6 show the case where the inclination angle θ is ±20° as an example. Note that in Figures 5 and 7, the direction D5 in which the interior air intake 30 extends is the same, but the direction D4 in which the headrest 81 extends is different, resulting in different inclination angles θ.

[0036] A significant amount of moisture is generated from the occupants inside the vehicle. As in this embodiment, by setting the inclination angle θ to be between -50° and +90°, the occupants' exhaled breath can be drawn in more efficiently, improving dehumidification efficiency. It is preferable that the inclination angle θ be between 0° and +60°. This allows for even more efficient drawing in of the occupants' exhaled breath, further improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, regarding the vehicle's height direction D2, it is preferable that the distance Dis1 between the uppermost end 81a of the headrest 81 and the lowermost end 30b of the interior air intake 30 is 800 mm or less, and the distance Dis2 between the uppermost end 80a of the headrest 81 and the uppermost end 30a of the interior air intake 30 is 400 mm or more. A distance Dis1 of 800 mm or less prevents the interior air intake 30 from being too far from the occupant's mouth or nose, allowing for more reliable suction of the occupant's exhaled breath. A distance Dis2 of 400 mm or more prevents the interior air intake 30 from being positioned above the occupant's mouth or nose, allowing for more reliable suction of the occupant's exhaled breath. Furthermore, by keeping the distance Dis1 at 800mm or less, it becomes more difficult for dry air from the HVAC unit 7 to the occupants' feet (see the arrow pointing diagonally downward from the HVAC unit 7 in Figure 2) to be drawn in through the interior air intake 30, and by keeping the distance Dis2 at 400mm or more, it becomes more difficult for dry air from the HVAC unit 7 to the windshield (see the arrow pointing diagonally upward from the HVAC unit 7 in Figure 2) to be drawn in through the interior air intake 30, allowing for efficient dehumidification.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the driver's seat 80 may be positioned off-center in the first direction (to the right in the figure) relative to the center position in the vehicle's width direction D3, and the interior air intake 30 may be positioned off-center in the second direction (to the left in the figure), opposite to the first direction relative to the center position in the vehicle's width direction D3. In this case, it is preferable that the distance Dis3 between the outermost end 81b of the headrest 81 in the first direction and the outermost end 30c of the interior air intake 30 in the second direction is 900 mm or less. By having a distance Dis3 of 900 mm or less, it is possible to avoid the interior air intake 30 being too far from the occupant's mouth or nose, and to more reliably draw in the occupant's exhaled breath.

[0039] (2. Regarding humidity control devices) Next, Figure 8 is a front view showing the humidity control device 2 in Figure 1, Figure 9 is a right side view showing the humidity control device 2 in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing region X in Figure 8.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, 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 10. 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] As is particularly evident in Figure 9, 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 10. 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.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The honeycomb structure 90 may have at least the partition walls 901 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.

[0046] The following describes in detail each component of the humidity control device 2.

[0047] (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.

[0048] 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 8 to 10 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 the opening ratio of the cells 901a). 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 aperture ratio of cell 901a 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 aperture ratio of cell 901a.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 can be applied. The upper limit of the cross-sectional area of ​​the honeycomb structure 90 perpendicular to the flow direction is not particularly limited, but for example, 300 cm². 2 That is the case.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] (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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] (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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] (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.

[0073] (2-5. Regarding the adsorption layer) As shown in Figure 10, 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 is made easier to heat, so that the desired function of the functional material can be exhibited.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] (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.

[0082] 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 ).

[0083] Examples of dispersion media include water, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, but water is particularly suitable.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Examples of plasticizers include polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polycarboxylic acid polymers, and alkyl phosphate esters.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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%.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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]

[0099] The present invention will be described more specifically below with reference to examples. The present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0100] As shown in Figure 11, a simulated vehicle interior space with internal dimensions of 1000 mm (height) x 2000 mm (width) x 1000 mm (depth) was created, and the simulated vehicle interior space was divided into a first space and a second space by a partition wall at approximately the center in the depth direction. A humid air chamber was formed in the first space at a position away from the partition wall. The humid air chamber was a space that could be closed by a removable wall, and its internal dimensions were 500 mm (height) x 500 mm (width) x 1000 mm (depth). The humid air chamber was filled with humid air at a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 50%. By removing the removable wall, humid air could be supplied from the humid air chamber. The humid air chamber was placed at the top of the first space, and the humid air from the humid air chamber was used to simulate exhalation from an occupant in the vehicle interior. The distance in the depth direction from the removable wall (exit of the humid air chamber) to the partition wall was 500 mm. In addition, the first and second spaces, excluding the humid air chamber, were filled with dry air at a temperature of 20°C and a relative humidity of 20%.

[0101] A 200mm (height) x 200mm (width) x 20mm (length) duct was attached to the partition wall connecting the first and second spaces. The duct was positioned at the center of the partition wall in both the height and width directions. A suction-type blower and a humidity sensor were placed in the second space, allowing the suction-type blower to draw air from the first space into the second space through the duct. In other words, the opening of the duct facing the first space simulated an interior air intake that draws in air from inside the vehicle. Furthermore, by changing the inclination angle of the duct opening facing the first space relative to the removable wall, it was simulated that the inclination angle of the direction in which the interior air intake extends on the first surface was changed relative to the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface. The removable wall was extended vertically, and the inclination angle of the duct opening relative to the vertical direction was changed.

[0102] As shown in Table 1, while changing the inclination angle of the duct opening facing the first space relative to the removable wall, the suction blower was operated for 3 minutes after the removable wall was removed, and 1m 3 Air was drawn from the first space through a duct into the second space at a rate of / min. The humidity in the second space was then measured using a humidity sensor. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0103] [Table 1]

[0104] In Table 1, a tilt angle of 0° indicates that the removable wall and the duct opening facing the first space were parallel. A positive tilt angle indicates that the duct opening was tilted so that the upper end of the duct opening facing the first space was away from the humid air chamber. A negative tilt angle indicates that the duct opening was tilted so that the upper end of the duct opening facing the first space was closer to the humid air chamber. A double circle (◎) indicates that the humidity sensor reading (average over 3 minutes) was 35% or higher, a single circle (〇) indicates that the humidity sensor reading (average over 3 minutes) was between 25% and 35%, and a cross (×) indicates that the humidity sensor reading (average over 3 minutes) was less than 25%. A higher humidity sensor reading means that the occupant's exhaled breath can be efficiently drawn in, improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0105] As shown in Table 1, the judgment result was "◎" or "〇" when the inclination angle was between -50° and +90°. From this, it was confirmed that by setting the inclination angle of the direction in which the interior air intake extends on the first surface relative to the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface to be between -50° and +90°, the occupant's exhaled breath can be efficiently drawn in, and the dehumidification efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, the judgment result was "◎" when the inclination angle was between 0° and +60°. From this, it was confirmed that by setting the inclination angle of the direction in which the interior air intake extends on the first surface relative to the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface to be between 0° and +60°, the occupant's exhaled breath can be drawn in even more efficiently, and the dehumidification efficiency can be improved more reliably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1: Vehicle air conditioning system 2: Humidity control devices 3: Duct 10: Air 20: Adsorption part 21: Heating means 30: Recirculating air intake 30a: Top end 30b: Bottom end 30c: Outermost end 80: Driver's seat 80a: Top end 81: Headrest 81a: Top end 81b: outermost edge 86: Seat back 90: Honeycomb structure 90a: 1st end surface 90b: Second end surface 91: Adsorption layer 92: Electrode 93: Electrode 900: Exterior wall 901: Bulkhead

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, The humidity control device is located inside a duct and Equipped with, The aforementioned duct has an interior air intake that draws in air from inside the vehicle. The aforementioned interior air intake is located in the vehicle interior, in front of the headrest of the driver's seat. When a first surface extending in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle and passing through the interior air intake is defined, and a second surface extending in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vehicle and passing through the headrest is defined, The inclination angle between the direction in which the headrest extends on the second surface and the direction in which the interior air intake extends on the first surface is -50° or more and +90° or less. Here, When the direction in which the headrest extends and the direction in which the interior air intake extends are parallel, the inclination angle is 0°. When the air intake is inclined such that the upper end of the air intake is away from the headrest, the inclination angle takes a positive value. When the air intake is inclined such that the upper end of the air intake approaches the headrest, the inclination angle takes a negative value. Vehicle air conditioning system.

2. The aforementioned inclination angle is 0° or more and +60° or less. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The direction in which the headrest extends is, When the driver's seat is positioned at its foremost and lowest position, the seatback of the driver's seat is tilted to its foremost position, and the headrest is tilted to its foremost position, In the second surface, the direction in which a line perpendicular to the tangent to the uppermost end of the headrest extends is defined as follows: The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The direction in which the aforementioned interior air intake extends is, In the first surface, this is defined as the direction in which a straight line passing through the uppermost and lowermost ends of the interior air intake extends. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. With respect to the height of the vehicle, the distance between the uppermost point of the headrest and the lowermost point of the interior air intake is 800 mm or less, and the distance between the uppermost point of the headrest and the uppermost point of the interior air intake is 400 mm or more. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The driver's seat is positioned offset in the first direction from the central position in the width direction of the vehicle, The aforementioned interior air intake is positioned offset from the central position in the width direction of the vehicle in a second direction opposite to the first direction, With respect to the width direction of the vehicle, the distance between the outermost end of the headrest in the first direction and the outermost end of the interior air intake in the second direction is 900 mm or less. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

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 includes a pair of electrodes connected to the honeycomb structure, and further includes a heating means for heating 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. The vehicle air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

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