DE102018004928B4 - Thermoelectric module and heat exchanger unit with at least one such thermoelectric module - Google Patents

Abstract

Thermoelectric module (1) with at least one frame element (2) and at least one thermoelectric element (3), characterized in that at least one film element (6) is provided for sealing at least one thermoelectric element (3) and on the outside on the at least one frame element (2) and the at least one thermoelectric element (3) is arranged and / or accommodates them, the at least one thermoelectric element (3) being provided with electrical contact conductors (30, 31) and the at least one frame element (2) at least partially is electrically conductive (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) for contacting the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) of the at least one thermoelectric element (3).

Description

The invention relates to a thermoelectric module with at least one frame element and at least one thermoelectric element and a heat exchanger unit, comprising at least one such thermoelectric module, at least one connection for supplying heat exchange medium to the at least one thermoelectric module and at least one connection for removing heat exchange medium from the at least one a thermoelectric module to or from at least one heat sink and / or at least one heat source.

Thermoelectric elements and heat exchanger units with such are known in the prior art. Decentralized solutions for providing heat as well as for heat extraction, i.e. for cooling, are required in vehicles as well as in the most varied locations of machines, systems and equipment. In particular, the electrification of vehicles and increasingly comprehensive comfort functions in conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines and also hybrid drives require such solutions at previously uncritical points in the vehicle. For this it is known to use thermoelectric elements in order to use the thermoelectric effect. Such thermoelectric elements are known in the form of Peltier elements. When such thermoelectric elements, such as Peltier elements, are electrically acted upon, they form a hot side and a cold side, which also changes as the polarity changes. In order to enable cooling, heat is dissipated on the hot side in order to create a temperature difference from the cold side and thereby to be able to provide a lower temperature level in relation to the ambient temperature of the thermoelectric element. Such thermoelectric elements can be used, for example, for temperature control of energy stores or also for temperature control functions of vehicle components, such as an air conditioning system, a cup holder, a cool box, a refrigerator, a seat heater, a vehicle interior cooling system or decentralized cooling elements. If such a Peltier element is to be used to cool any thermal volume, heat must be dissipated on the opposite side of the Peltier element in order to form a significantly cooler side than the cold or cold side. For example, the construction of such a Peltier element known in the prior art is shown in FIG WO 2016 / 050588A1 disclosed. Such Peltier elements have in particular an electrically insulating top and bottom, which consists for example of ceramic materials such as Al ₂ O ₃ . Two system approaches are known for tempering with the aid of such Peltier elements. On the one hand this is the provision of an air cooling circuit and on the other hand a liquid cooling circuit and a coupling to an existing cooling circuit or chiller.

To temper the hot side of a thermoelectric element, it is known to provide a heat exchanger. Different configurations are known for this, cooling by means of air or forced convection being provided according to a principle, in the other case cooling by means of a liquid medium and flow through the heat exchanger therewith. In the case of cooling with air or forced convection, the Peltier element is connected to a heat sink which, by flowing around it with air, for example by means of a rotating fan element, provides a constant air flow with a low ambient temperature and a heat flow from the cold side to the hot side of the Peltier Elements allows to keep the cold side below the respective ambient temperature.

Furthermore, it is known to equip a liquid heat exchanger with a number of Peltier elements. For example, according to the DE 602 07 230 T2 Peltier elements inserted into a frame structure. A cooling device has a housing with at least one cooling channel for the passage of a cooling liquid and at least one Peltier element, here called thermoelectric cooling element, which has a layer of semiconductor material which is layered between two plates, at least one of the plates being electrical has an insulating contact surface which is in direct contact with the coolant during use. The at least one cooling element is flexibly and sealingly framed in a carrier along its outer circumference in such a way that the contact surface continues to contact the cooling liquid unimpeded, the carrier and the contact surface defining a wall part of the cooling channel. The carrier frames a large number of identical cooling elements or Peltier elements. The device has two housing parts, each of which has an open cooling channel, between which the carrier with the framed Peltier elements is pushed in such a way that it closes the cooling channels by forming a partition. Two plates are arranged in a sandwich arrangement, at least one of the plates having an electrically insulating contact surface which is in direct contact with the cooling liquid in use. The thermoelectric cooling elements in the form of Peltier elements are received or framed between the upper carrier part and the lower carrier part, with flexible seals being used which are arranged between the thermoelectric cooling elements and the carrier parts. The rectangular sealing rings clamp the thermoelectric Cooling elements sealingly into the carrier parts along their outer circumference. The contact surfaces of the cooling elements, in combination with the carrier, form a partition for the cooling liquid in the cooling channels on each side of the carrier and thus prevent the cooling liquid from leaking towards the electronic connections and other parts of the cooling elements. The frame-shaped carrier thus contains sealing elements in order to separate the voltage supply of the Peltier elements from the cooling channels through which cooling liquid flows. According to this state of the art, liquid is directly applied to the Peltier elements, which has proven to be particularly efficient. However, the need to provide circumferential sealing elements on the edge of the Peltier elements reduces their heat exchange area. Furthermore, the structure according to this prior art is only suitable for stationary applications and also only for small series, since it is designed to be complex due to the structure of the support frame, which is composed of many parts. It is precisely in this area and in relation to the sealing that sources of error can occur in the event of vibrations and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to the Peltier elements not functioning properly.

The possibility of direct cooling of the Peltier elements by flow around them with medium, as in the case, has proven to be advantageous DE 602 07 230 T2 . If no such direct cooling is provided, losses occur in the area of the heat transfer between the Peltier element and the flowing liquid, so that if, for example, an additional wall is provided between the Peltier element and the cooling liquid or flowing liquid, only a comparatively inefficient heat exchange is possible. If the heat exchanger liquid is separated from the at least one Peltier element by in particular a wall, high demands are placed on tolerances and the flatness of the respective adjacent surfaces of the components in order to improve the heat transfer as much as possible. This leads to comparatively high costs, in particular in comparison to the direct flow around the Peltier elements with heat exchanger liquid. Accordingly, a direct flow around Peltier elements or thermoelectric elements with heat exchange medium would be desirable. It has also proven to be desirable to avoid local temperature peaks on the connection surface of a heat exchanger element to a thermoelectric element, thus thermal voltages and so-called hotspots, in a heat exchanger unit as far as possible. Air gaps in the area of the thermoelectric elements or Peltier elements should also be avoided, as this could result in undesired insulation. Furthermore, the effort involved in attaching the thermoelectric elements for attaching them to a heat exchanger element should be kept as low as possible, in order to reduce the costs here, in particular in comparison with the prior art DE 602 07 230 T2 to keep it as low as possible. Since in this prior art the provision of a complex seal or sealing of the Peltier elements with respect to the carrier is necessary in order to separate electronic connections of the Peltier elements from the heat exchanger medium flowing around, this solution proves to be for the automotive or vehicle sector Not usable, because vibrations occur during the operation of a vehicle and thus the risk that the flowing medium unintentionally comes into contact with the electronic connections of the Peltier elements and thus causes a failure of them or at least their damage, so that the Heat exchanger unit can then no longer work optimally.

The DE 10 2016 006 063 A1 discloses a device for converting electrical energy into thermal energy. This comprises a layer consisting of several heating conductor elements and a housing formed from at least two parts, between whose opposite broad side surfaces the layer consisting of several semiconductor elements is received. At least one of the two parts forming the housing laterally projects beyond the layer consisting of several heating conductor elements. A portion of the respective part which laterally projects beyond the layer consisting of a plurality of semiconductor elements is designed as a functional section which, at least in regions, has a curved structure. To provide sealing properties, the functional section can be provided with depressions and / or curvatures. Furthermore, the functional section in the area of the curved structure can interact with an element enclosing the fluid as a sealing unit and in this way at the same time act as a seal or seal. The arched structure or the part is revisibly elastically deformable in the area of the arched structure.

From the US 2014/0326287 A1 a thermoelectric charging module for a portable thermoelectric charger is known which comprises an upper heat coupling plate and a lower heat coupling plate. At least one thermoelectric film is interposed between the upper and lower heat coupling plates. The peripheral edges of the upper and lower heat coupling plate are surrounded by a peripheral band, which encloses the thermoelectric film. The head of at least one of the upper and lower heat coupling plates can protrude above the upper and / or lower surfaces of the peripheral band.

From the DE 10 2014 004 606 A1 a thermoelectric conversion generating device is known which includes an airtight container in which a panel member of a heating side and a panel member of a cooling side are opposed to each other and within which a pressure is reduced. It further includes, in the airtight container, a thermoelectric conversion module in a state in which the module is disposed between the heating side panel and the cooling side panel. The thermoelectric conversion module generates electricity by generating a temperature difference in the thermoelectric conversion module by simultaneously heating the heating side panel and cooling the cooling side panel. The plate-shaped component of the cooling side consists of a flexible plate-shaped component. The flexible tabular member is in contact with the thermoelectric conversion module directly or through a buffer material, the buffer material being in a state in which the flexible tabular member is caused by a pressure difference inside and outside the airtight container due to a state of reduced pressure in the airtight container is squeezed.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of improving a thermoelectric module with at least one frame element and at least one thermoelectric element and a heat exchanger unit with at least one such thermoelectric module in such a way that the aforementioned problems are avoided and direct cooling of the at least one thermoelectric element of the thermoelectric module is provided and at the same time a permanent seal between the at least one thermoelectric element or its electrically conductive components and electronics and a heat exchanger medium that flows within the heat exchanger unit can be achieved.

The object is achieved for a thermoelectric module according to the preamble of claim 1 in that at least one film element is provided for sealing at least the at least one thermoelectric element and is arranged on the outside on the at least one frame element and the at least one thermoelectric element and / or in itself receives the at least one thermoelectric element provided with electrical contact conductors and the at least one frame element is at least partially electrically conductive for contacting the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element. For a heat exchanger unit according to the preamble of claim 14, the object is achieved in that at least one housing of the heat exchanger unit in which the at least one thermoelectric module can be accommodated or accommodated, and in the at least one housing at least one flow space or flow channel for the flow of heat exchange medium along at least one of the two outer sides of the thermoelectric module are provided. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

This creates a thermoelectric module and a heat exchanger unit with at least one such, the thermoelectric module having at least one frame element and at least one thermoelectric element with electrical contact conductors for connecting it to a power supply. The at least one frame element is at least partially electrically conductive in order to enable contacting of the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element on the electrically conductive region (s) of the at least one frame element. The at least one thermoelectric element is inserted into the at least one frame element. The electrical contact conductors of the thermoelectric element are contacted on the electrically conductive region (s) of the frame element. The electrically conductive regions of the at least one frame element are connected to the positive pole and the negative pole of an electrical voltage or current source, in particular via contact elements connected to the electrically conductive regions of the at least one frame element, which protrude from the frame element and the thermoelectric module.

In order to seal the thermoelectric element, in particular its electrical contact conductor, when the thermoelectric element is arranged in a heat exchanger unit with respect to the heat exchanger medium flowing in at least one flow channel or flow space of the housing of the heat exchanger unit, at least one film element is provided. The at least one film element, the at least one thermoelectric element and its electrical contact conductor, as well as the at least partially electrically conductive regions of the at least one frame element of the thermoelectric module, are arranged in a manner that accommodates them and seals them from the outside on the outside of the thermoelectric module.

Around a connection of the at least one thermoelectric element on the outside of the thermoelectric module and via this a connection to an electrical current or voltage supply of the at least one thermoelectric element To be able to provide, at least two contact elements are advantageously connected to the at least one frame element in the region of its electrically conductive design. Thus, on the one hand, the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element are electrically conductively connected to the at least one electrically conductive region of the at least one frame element. On the other hand, this at least one electrically conductive region of the frame element is in turn electrically conductively connected to the at least two contact elements which protrude beyond the outer circumference of the at least one frame element and via which a connection to an electrical energy source is made possible on the outside of the thermoelectric module.

Instead of providing an at least partially electrically conductive frame element, the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element can also be bundled, for example, and as such bundles can be guided along the frame element to a connection to an electrical current or voltage supply. In particular, in this embodiment variant too, the at least one frame element can be provided with at least one contact element for connecting the electrical contact conductors, electrical conductors for connection to an electrical conductor being connected to the corresponding contact element, in particular a contact element embodied as a positive pole and a contact element embodied as a negative pole Power or voltage supply can be connected.

Furthermore, the at least one film element advantageously covers the contacting area of the contact elements with the electrically conductive areas of the frame element, covers them in a sealing manner or covers them. In particular, the at least one film element can be welded or glued to the contact elements in order to create a media-tight connection and thus seal there. This makes it possible to prevent heat exchanger medium from penetrating into the interior of the thermoelectric module. For example, the at least one film element can be designed in the form of a film pocket which is materially sealed, in particular welded, circumferentially around the thermoelectric module on three or four sides, with provision for bushings for the contact elements of the thermoelectric module. Furthermore, the at least one film element can be designed in such a way that it spans the at least one frame element and the at least one thermoelectric element accommodated therein on at least one side and, in particular, is firmly bonded to the at least one frame element. For example, it can be attached by welding or gluing. Basically, it is possible to span the frame element with the at least one thermoelectric element accommodated therein only on one side, but also on two opposite sides of the at least one frame element with the at least one thermoelectric element accommodated therein. If only one spanning is provided on one side of the at least one frame element with the at least one thermoelectric element accommodated therein, contact with the heat exchanger medium is advantageously provided only on this side, contact with a heat exchanger surface being able to be provided on the opposite side. In this case, all electrical and electronic connections or contact conductors and contacts can be surrounded by the at least one film element and thus sealed against the flowing heat exchanger medium.

The at least one frame element can be formed in one or more parts. The at least one one-part or multi-part frame element serves on the one hand to receive and position the at least one thermoelectric element, in particular a Peltier element, and on the other hand to make contact with it or its electrical contact conductors. Accordingly, the at least one frame element advantageously has openings adapted to the dimensions of the at least one thermoelectric element for receiving and axially fixing the same. Here, the at least one thermoelectric element can be of the same height or higher than the at least one frame element. In particular, the at least one thermoelectric element in the 10th millimeter range can protrude beyond the height of the frame element. The at least one film element then lies on the at least one thermoelectric element, so that very good heat transfer through the at least one film element between the thermoelectric element and the heat exchange medium flowing on the opposite side of the at least one film element is possible. The at least one film element is advantageously designed to be thermally conductive in order to enable heat exchange between the at least one thermoelectric element and the heat exchange medium.

The at least one one-part or multi-part frame element can be designed to be electrically conductive in at least one partial area in different ways. On the one hand, it is possible to provide a contact geometry or electrically conductive areas on one side over the entire surface or over part of the surface on the at least one frame element, that is to say either over almost the entire surface, leaving a gap between, or a part of, the area to be connected to a positive pole and the area to be connected to a negative pole. Furthermore, it is possible to provide at least partially electrically conductive areas on both sides of the at least one frame element. For example, one side of the at least one frame element can be designed as a positive pole and the other side as a negative pole. Furthermore, it is possible to form the at least one frame element from two interconnectable or connected frame parts with internal contacting or electrically conductive regions for contacting the electrical contact conductors of the thermoelectric elements. The internal contact can be provided on one side, that is, only on one half element, or alternately, that is, on both frame parts, the frame parts in the latter case being designed as identical parts and being able to be joined together to form the frame element. Training as identical parts advantageously leads to cost savings since the tool costs are lower in comparison to the formation of non-uniform parts. In order to form the electrically conductive regions, the at least one frame element can be at least partially coated in an electrically conductive manner. Such an at least partially electrically conductive coating can only be provided on one side on the at least one frame element or on both sides, depending on which type of structure for the frame element proves to be particularly preferred for the respective application.

The contacting of the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element on the electrically conductive regions of the at least one frame element can take place in particular by soldering. The electrically conductive areas of the frame element can be connected to the contact elements, for example, by gluing them on, clipping them in or partially encapsulating them, if these are also integrated as inserts during the injection molding of the at least one frame element. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a medium-tight encapsulation of the contact elements in the at least one frame element when it is manufactured using the injection molding process. As a result, it is no longer necessary to provide a media-tight connection of the at least one film element to the contact elements, since this is then already tightly enclosed by the injection molding material of the at least one frame element.

Furthermore, it is possible for the at least one frame element to have at least one groove for receiving the electrical contact conductors. This makes it possible to run the electrical contact conductors for supplying current to the thermoelectric elements in a space-saving manner within the at least one frame element. Furthermore, such grooves in the at least one frame element can also be used for the outside insulation of the thermoelectric module or the at least one thermoelectric element arranged therein due to the air volume present therein.

Precisely because of the use of the at least one film element to seal the at least one thermoelectric element to the outside in combination with the at least one frame element in which the at least one thermoelectric element is arranged and contacted, it is advantageously possible for the thermoelectric elements not only in the Surface, but also stacked in height in the at least one frame element / are arranged. This also enables a particularly space-saving construction of the thermoelectric module.

The at least one film element can be pressed onto the at least one thermoelectric element for thermal contact in a wide variety of ways. On the one hand, it is possible, for example, in the area of the at least one film element, in particular within the e.g. foil element designed as a pocket to generate a vacuum, by means of which the at least one foil element is applied to the outer sides of the at least one thermoelectric element. Furthermore, it is possible to press the at least one film element on the outside of the film element via a pressure exerted on the at least one film element from the side facing the heat exchange medium in the direction of the thermoelectric element. It is also possible to provide for pressing the at least one film element against the outer surface of the at least one thermoelectric element, in particular a Peltier element, by providing an external support geometry, in particular in the form of knobs or a braid or another type of support geometry. The better the at least one film element is / is pressed onto the outer surface of the at least one thermoelectric element, the better is the thermal transition from the latter to the heat exchange medium that flows on the opposite side of the film element or from this heat exchange medium in the direction of the thermoelectric element .

The at least one film element can be designed, for example, as a permeation-proof laminated multilayer film. In particular, at least one of the layers can consist of at least one metal. The at least one metal layer can act as a diffusion layer against the penetration of steam from the fluid side, that is, from the side on which the heat exchange medium flows to which serve at least one thermoelectric element. For example, the film element can be designed as a 5-layer film, one of the layers consisting of a metal, such as aluminum. An exemplary structure of such a five-layer film element can be a first layer made of polyamide or polyethylene, a second layer above it as an adhesive layer made of polyester-polyurethane, a third layer made of aluminum foil above it, a fourth layer as an adhesive layer made of urethane-free adhesive and a fifth layer made of polypropylene exhibit. The fifth layer of polypropylene is in contact with the heat exchanger medium after the film element has been installed and the thermoelectric module has been installed in a heat exchanger unit. In contrast, the first layer of polyamide can be positioned on the side of the film element facing the at least one thermoelectric element, in particular on the inside of a film element designed as a pocket. The polyamide layer can be thermally welded. It is also possible to use an adhesive film instead of a weldable one.

When the film element is designed as a multilayer film, as described above, the first layer made of polyamide or alternatively polyethylene can have a layer thickness of 0.025 mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.0025 mm, the middle or third layer made of aluminum foil can have a layer thickness of 0.040 mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.004 mm and the fifth layer of polypropylene has a layer thickness of 0.040 mm with a tolerance of +/- 0.004 mm. The second layer, i.e. the polyester / polyurethane adhesive layer between the first and third layers, can have, for example, a basis weight of 4-5 g / m ² , while the urethane-free adhesive layer as the fourth layer between the aluminum foil and the fifth layer made of polypropylene, for example can have a weight per unit area of 2-3 g / m ² . The entire multilayer film or the entire film element can, for example, have a thickness of 115 μm +/- 5% tolerance. With a different layer structure or a different number of layers, the film element can of course also have a different overall height on the one hand and different layer thicknesses on the other hand. However, the film element is always designed such that it is thermally conductive, thin and tear-resistant in order to enable the sealing sheathing of the at least one frame element and the at least one thermoelectric element and the heat transport through the film element.

Instead of providing a multilayer film, the at least one film element for spanning the frame element can also be designed as a metal film and / or thin sheet metal. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a sheet metal at least partially or partially coated with at least one functional layer as the film element. Such a functional layer can be, for example, an elastomer layer for sealing the film element in the area of the frame element. Furthermore, the functional layer can be a thermal contact layer in the area of heat transfer to the at least one thermoelectric element. It is also possible to provide an electrical insulation layer as a functional layer in the area of the contacting inside the frame element and the conductor geometry of the electrical contact conductors or the electrically conductive contact areas on the at least one frame element. By providing such an electrical insulation layer, the electrically conductive areas on the at least one frame element and the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element can accordingly be electrically insulated from the sheet metal or the metal foil as a foil element. In order to be able to join the at least one foil element in the form of a metal foil or a thin sheet with the at least one frame element or in the case of a pocket, this can be pressed or glued in the area to be sealed, for example, or the respective thin sheet from both sides by folding, flanging, Soldering, gluing or another joining process. Any combinations of the above-mentioned joining methods or alternative joining methods are also possible for sealingly connecting the at least one foil element designed as a metal foil or thin sheet metal to the at least one frame element and / or with itself to form a pocket.

In addition to the provision of at least one frame element and at least one thermoelectric element, the thermoelectric module can be designed such that the at least one thermoelectric element is provided with electrical contact conductors and the at least one frame element is at least partially electrically conductive by providing at least one metallic insert for contacting the electrical contact conductor of the at least one thermoelectric element. The at least one metallic insert can be provided with at least one crimp area or can be used to connect the electrical contact conductors to the metallic insert by crimping. It is thus possible to connect the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element to contact areas of the at least one frame element, which comprises at least one metallic insert, by means of a crimp connection. The areas provided for crimping can be preformed when the at least one metallic insert is punched out. These crimp areas of the metallic Inserts are then pressed onto the at least one frame element as an abutment with the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element. Such a type of crimp connection of electrical contact conductors of thermoelectric elements and at least one metallic insert of at least one frame element of a thermoelectric module can also be used without sealing a foil element to seal the connection of frame element and thermoelectric elements.

Instead of just one thermoelectric element, in particular Peltier element, significantly more, for example up to 16 thermoelectric elements, in particular Peltier elements, can be arranged in the at least one frame element of the thermoelectric module and even stacked in height and not only in area. Through the already mentioned adaptation of the respective openings in the frame element for receiving the thermoelectric element or elements therein, an axial guide for the at least one thermoelectric element can be provided and a particularly secure hold achieved thereby.

The at least one frame element can be provided in the area between the thermoelectric elements with at least one projecting connecting element, in particular molded-on knobs, with which the thermoelectric element (s) interlock. In particular, the thermoelectric elements, such as Peltier elements, have at least one undercut between their ceramic surfaces, which can serve for interlocking with the above connecting elements on the at least one frame element. Such connecting elements, in particular molded-on protruding elements, such as knobs, can serve a resilient snap-in function and fix the thermoelectric elements in the frame element. These are therefore not only used for the positioning of the thermoelectric elements in the at least one frame element, but also enable the thermoelectric elements to be snapped into place on the projecting connecting elements on the at least one frame element.

The at least one heat exchanger unit has at least one housing in which the at least one thermoelectric module is accommodated, flow channels being formed adjacent to this within the at least one housing of the heat exchanger unit through which the heat exchange medium flows. Accordingly, seals are advantageously provided for sealing the thermoelectric module or modules in the housing of the heat exchanger unit in order to reliably prevent the heat exchanger medium from escaping in the region of the receptacle of the thermoelectric module or modules in the housing of the heat exchanger unit. For the entry and exit of heat exchange medium in or out of the housing of the heat exchanger unit, connections or media connections are advantageously provided which can be connected to a medium return of a heat source or sink and a medium flow of such a heat source or sink. The contact elements on the thermoelectric module protrude to contact the thermoelectric elements within them, in particular the Peltier elements, on the outside of the housing of the heat exchanger unit, so that contact with the corresponding contact elements can take place there, protected from the heat exchange medium.

The at least one thermoelectric module can, for example, also be or be welded into the at least one housing of the heat exchanger unit, in which case the provision of additional sealing elements in the transition region from the at least one thermoelectric module to the housing of the heat exchanger unit can be omitted.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Moduls mit Rahmenelement und acht darin aufgenommenen thermoelektrischen Elementen sowie einseitiger Kontaktierung von diesen auf dem Rahmenelement,
• 1a eine Querschnittsansicht durch das thermoelektrische Modul gemäß 1 entlang der Linie A-A,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Moduls mit Rahmenelement und acht darin aufgenommenen thermoelektrischen Elementen mit bezüglich des Rahmenelements beidseitiger Kontaktierung der thermoelektrischen Elemente auf diesem,
• 2a eine Querschnittsansicht durch das thermoelektrische Modul gemäß 2 entlang der Linie B-B,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine dritte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Moduls mit Rahmenelement und acht darin aufgenommenen thermoelektrischen Elementen mit innerhalb des Rahmenelements liegender Kontaktierung von diesen,
• 3a eine Querschnittsansicht des thermoelektrischen Moduls gemäß 3 entlang der Linie C-C,
• 3b eine zweite Querschnittsansicht durch das thermoelektrische Modul gemäß 3 entlang der Linie D-D,
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf eine vierte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Moduls mit Rahmenelement und darin aufgenommenem thermoelektrischen Element sowie einem auf dem Rahmenelement aufgeschweißten Folienelement,
• 4a eine Querschnittsansicht durch das thermoelektrische Modul gemäß 4 entlang der Linie E-E,
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Wärmetauschereinheit mit einem erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Modul gemäß 4 und 4a,
• 6 eine Draufsicht als Detailansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen thermoelektrischen Moduls, wobei das Rahmenelement des thermoelektrischen Moduls im Bereich zwischen dessen thermoelektrischen Elementen mit vorstehenden Verbindungselementen versehen ist, und
• 6a eine Querschnittsansicht des thermoelektrischen Moduls gemäß 6 entlang der Linie F-F.

For a more detailed explanation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show in:

• 1 1 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a thermoelectric module according to the invention with a frame element and eight thermoelectric elements accommodated therein and one-sided contacting thereof on the frame element,
• 1a a cross-sectional view through the thermoelectric module according to 1 along the line AA ,
• 2nd 2 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a thermoelectric module according to the invention with a frame element and eight thermoelectric elements accommodated therein with the thermoelectric elements being contacted on both sides of the frame element,
• 2a a cross-sectional view through the thermoelectric module according to 2nd along the line BB ,
• 3rd 2 shows a top view of a third embodiment of a thermoelectric module according to the invention with a frame element and eight thermoelectric elements accommodated therein with contacting of the latter lying within the frame element,
• 3a a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric module according to 3rd along the line CC ,
• 3b a second cross-sectional view through the thermoelectric module according to 3rd along the line DD ,
• 4th 2 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a thermoelectric module according to the invention with a frame element and a thermoelectric element accommodated therein and a film element welded onto the frame element,
• 4a a cross-sectional view through the thermoelectric module according to 4th along the line EE ,
• 5 a plan view of a heat exchanger unit according to the invention with a thermoelectric module according to the invention 4th and 4a ,
• 6 a plan view as a detailed view of a further embodiment of a thermoelectric module according to the invention, the frame element of the thermoelectric module being provided with projecting connecting elements in the area between its thermoelectric elements, and
• 6a a cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric module according to 6 along the line FF .

In the 1 and 1a is a first embodiment of a thermoelectric module 1 , comprising a one-piece and partially electrically conductive frame element 2nd and thermoelectric elements incorporated therein 3rd which can be Peltier elements in particular. In the in 1 The variant shown is eight thermoelectric elements in the surface 3rd in the frame element 2nd added. For this are in the frame element 2nd appropriately sized openings 20th provided in which the thermoelectric elements 3rd inserted and axially fixed. The frame element 2nd is partially electrically conductive, with two electrically conductive coated contact areas separated from one another 21 , 22 as a coating on one side on the frame element 2nd are arranged. The electrically conductive contact area 21 is the electrically conductive contact area for connection to a positive pole of an electrical power supply 22 intended for connection to a negative pole of an electrical power supply. Accordingly, both are electrically conductive contact areas 21 , 22 with one contact element each 4th , 5 conductively connected. The contact element 4th is for connecting to a positive pole of an electrical power supply and the contact element 5 provided for connection to a negative pole of such. Contacting electrically conductive contact areas 21 with contact element 4th or electrically conductive contact area 22 with contact element 5 can be done for example by soldering, welding or an electrically conductive adhesive connection. The two contact elements 4th , 5 can also on the frame element 2nd glued on, clipped in there or also as an insert during the manufacture of the frame element 2nd partially overmoulded there during manufacture in the injection molding process and thus into the frame element 2nd be embedded or integrated.

Each of the thermoelectric elements 3rd is for the power supply of this with two contact conductors 30th , 31 provided, the contact conductor 30th on the electrically conductive contact area 21 and the contact leader 31 on the electrically conductive contact area 22 are contacted to the two electrically conductive contact areas 21 , 22 and the contact leader 4th , 5 , with which they are electrically connected, for the thermoelectric elements 3rd to enable a connection to an electrical energy source.

Like especially the cross-sectional view along the line AA in 1a you can see the contact conductors 30th , 31 in corresponding grooves 23 , 24th of the frame element 2nd added so that this is not on the outside of the frame element 2nd rest, but are included in it to save space.

The one with the thermoelectric elements 3rd and their contact managers 31 , 31 provided and contacted frame element 2nd is at the in 1 and 1a shown embodiment of the thermoelectric module 1 completely in a pocket-like film element 6 added. The foil element 6 serves to seal the unit from the frame element 2nd with thermoelectric elements incorporated therein 3rd and all electrical connections or contact areas with respect to a heat exchange medium, via which heat exchange with the thermoelectric elements 3rd , in particular Peltier elements, within a heat exchanger unit 100 that are exemplary in 5 , 5a shown is done. As in the 5 and 5a shown is the thermoelectric module 1 in one housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 added. To the thermoelectric module 1 there are two flow spaces around 102 , 103 arranged, can flow through the heat exchange medium. For the entry and exit of the heat exchange medium in (see arrows P1 and P2 ) or off (see arrows P3 and P4 ) the housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 or the flow spaces arranged therein 102 , 103 are connections 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 in flow connection with the flow spaces 102 respectively. 103 intended. For example, by connecting 105 Heat exchange medium as a return from a heat sink into the flow space 102 flow in and through the connection 104 as a lead for the heat sink flow out again. About the connection 106 can also heat exchange medium as a return from a heat source in the flow space 103 flow in and out of the connection 107 also flow out again as a flow for the heat source. Due to the provision of the film element 6 the heat exchange medium does not come into direct contact with the thermoelectric elements 3rd whose contact conductors 30th , 31 as well as the electrically conductive contact areas 21 , 22 on the frame element 2nd and the contact elements 4th , 5 , which are electrically connected to these. Accordingly, all of these components of the thermoelectric module 1 by the film element applied to the outside of this 6 protected. The thermoelectric module 1 can be used as a complete unit in the heat exchanger unit 100 or their housing 101 be embedded as in 5a shown. To prevent heat exchanger medium from escaping from the housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 Two sealing elements are also to be safely avoided 108 , 109 in the area of the thermoelectric module holder 1 in the housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 provided as well 5a can be removed. It is also possible in principle, the thermoelectric module 1 in the housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 welded in, so that then the provision of sealing elements 108 , 109 can be omitted for sealing.

Like that 5 and 5a can also be seen, protrude the two contact elements 4th , 5 as a positive pole and as a negative pole on the outside of the housing 101 the heat exchanger unit 100 to the outside in order to contact the thermoelectric module accordingly 1 to be able to do this without any problems, protected from contact with the heat exchanger medium that is inside the housing 101 flows.

How 1 and 1a can also be removed, the film element 6 about the outer dimensions of the frame element 2nd before, this area of the film element 6 a weld area 60 of this is to form the film element pocket-like. The foil element 6 encloses the frame element tightly 2nd with the thermoelectric elements contained therein 3rd and contact leaders 4th , 5 . In particular, this can 1a can be removed particularly well. To also in the area of the two contact elements 4th , 5 a media-tight wrapping with the film element 6 To be able to make this, for example, thermally with the contact elements in this area 4th , 5 be welded. Also sticking the foil elements 6 on the two contact elements 4th , 5 can alternatively or additionally. To the film element 6 to the outside of the frame element 2nd as well as the thermoelectric elements 3rd in this to press the thermal contact of the heat exchange medium with the thermoelectric elements 3rd To optimize as much as possible can be within the film element designed as a pocket 6 a negative pressure is generated before it is closed on all four sides, in particular also in the area of the contact elements 4th , 5 . It is also possible to use the film element 6 by pressure from the outside close to the outside of the frame element 2nd and the thermoelectric elements 3rd to put on or press on by applying the film element 6 from the outside, that is, the frame element 2nd and the thermoelectric elements 3rd opposite side of the film element 6 , with a fluid pressure, for example when flowing around the thermoelectric module 1 with heat exchange medium. It is also possible to have an external support geometry, for example in the form of knobs or a braid on the film element 6 to provide, which also ensures that the film element 6 close to the outside especially of the thermoelectric elements 3rd is pressed.

To the thermal contact between the thermoelectric elements 3rd , in particular Peltier elements, and the heat exchange medium, which, as above 5 and 5a described within the heat exchanger unit 100 on the outside of the thermoelectric module 1 Flowing past is the film element 6 constructed in multiple layers and has at least one thermally conductive layer. The latter can be an aluminum foil, for example. This can be done, for example, when the film element is formed 6 be provided as a five-layer permeation-proof laminated multilayer film on one of its outer sides with a layer of polyester-polyurethane interposed with an outer layer of polyamide or polyethylene and on its opposite outer side with the interposition of an adhesive layer made of a urethane-free adhesive with a polypropylene layer as the outer layer. The polypropylene layer is then in contact with the heat exchange medium, while the polyamide or polyethylene layer of the film element 6 towards the frame element 2nd and the thermoelectric elements 3rd , ie with respect to the film element designed as a pocket 6 is directed towards the inside of the bag. If a polyamide outer layer is provided, this can, for example, not only thermally with the other part of the film element 6 to form the circumferential welding area 60 be / are welded, but also with the contact elements 4th , 5 . The outer layer of polypropylene of the corresponding multilayer film element 6 can be on both the hot side and the cold side of the thermoelectric module 1 come into contact with the heat exchange medium like this especially in 5a can be seen in connection with 1a.

The height h ₃ of thermoelectric elements 3rd can of height h ₂ of the frame element 2nd correspond or be slightly larger than that of the frame element 2nd with h ₃ ≥ h ₂ , to make the film element particularly good 6 on the outside 32 , 33 of the respective thermoelectric element 3rd to enable. For example, there is a protrusion in the 10th millimeter range of the thermoelectric elements 3rd versus height h ₂ of the frame element 2nd possible.

In the 2nd and 2a is a second embodiment of the thermoelectric module 1 shown. The frame element 2nd according to this embodiment variant is on its two opposite outer sides 25th , 26 each with electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 Mistake. The electrically conductive contact area 27 of the frame element 2nd according to 2nd , 2a is connected to a positive pole via the contact element 4th while the electrically conductive contact area 28 on the opposite side of the frame element 2nd with the contact element 5 and is accordingly connected to a negative pole of an electrical power supply. Also according to 2nd , 2a are again the electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 with the two contact elements 4th , 5 electrically connected, as is the contact conductor 30th , 31 of the eight thermoelectric elements shown here 3rd or Peltier elements with the electrically conductive contact area 27 for connection to a positive pole and with the electrically conductive contact area 28 are connected in an electrically conductive manner for connection to a negative pole of an electrical energy supply. This can in particular also be the cross-sectional view in FIG 2a be removed. The contact conductors are also in this variant 30th , 31 within the vertical extent of the frame element 2nd , being in the central area of the frame element 2nd with the electrically conductive contact areas arranged there 27 , 28 which have a lower height than the other sections of the frame element are contacted. This variant of the thermoelectric module is also used 1 the unit becomes a frame element 2nd with electrically conductive contact areas arranged centrally in this 27 , 28 , which are designed as contact surfaces, with contact conductors contacted thereon 30th , 31 of thermoelectric elements 3rd in the pocket-like film element 6 recorded and sealed to the outside. To close the film element pocket, it is welded along its longitudinal and transverse sides, for example in the circumferential welding area 60 , as in the embodiment according to 1 , 1a the case is. Because the contact leader 30th , 31 of thermoelectric elements 3rd in the middle area of the frame element 2nd with the electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 on the two opposite sides of the frame element 2nd are electrically conductively connected, it is not necessary to provide grooves in the frame element, as in the embodiment according to 1 , 1a , because in the central contact area of the electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 of the frame element 2nd the latter has a sufficiently low height.

At the in 2nd and 2a shown thermoelectric module 1 is thus a contact on both sides of the frame element 2nd provided, the frame member 2nd formed in one piece and with the electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 is provided, for example, by coating with an electrically conductive material. The frame element 2nd is accordingly more compact than that in 1 , 1a shown, especially in the edge region of the frame element 2nd . Basically, it is also possible instead of a one-piece design of the frame element 2nd to provide a two-part or multi-part design, furthermore two-sided contacting by providing electrically conductive contact areas 27 , 28 on both outer sides 25th , 26 the frame element or the multi-part frame element 2nd can be provided.

The 3rd , 3a and 3b show a third embodiment of the thermoelectric module 1 . In this, the frame element comprises 2nd a lower frame 120 as well as a frame top 121 on. In particular, both are designed as identical parts, so that only one tool is required to produce such a frame part, which can be used as the upper frame part and the lower frame part, as it were. This leads to a significant cost saving compared to forming the upper frame part and lower frame part as unequal parts. In the in the 3a , 3b shown frame element with lower frame part 120 and frame top 121 is a contact for the contact conductors arranged inside the frame part after the frame bottom part and the frame top part have been joined together 30th , 31 of the eight thermoelectric elements that are also exemplary here 3rd or Peltier elements provided. Again, two electrical contact areas are provided, the electrically conductive contact area 122 with a positive pole over the contact element 4th and the electrically conductive contact area 123 via the contact element 5 can be connected to a negative pole of an electrical power supply. The two electrically conductive contact areas 122 , 123 can only in one of the two frame parts, i.e. only the lower frame part 120 or just the frame top 121 be trained. If both are designed as identical parts, one of the two frame parts can be placed there provided electrically conductive contact area can be used as for connection to a positive pole and the electrically conductive contact area arranged in the other frame part for connection to a negative pole of an electrical power supply. Like in particular the cross section through the thermoelectric module 1 in 3a can be removed is the frame element 2nd by providing the lower frame part 120 and frame top 121 basically halved in height and provided the electrical power supply or contact in the joint between the two. The film element is again used for sealing and enclosing on the outside 6 designed like a pocket with all-round welding area 60 for tight sealing also in the area of the two contact elements 4th , 5 by the foil element 6 project outwards to enable connection to an electrical power supply. By providing the upper frame part and lower frame part and their joining together, it is not necessary to insert grooves for the contact conductors 30th , 31 of thermoelectric elements 3rd to provide. Rather, the contact conductors 30th , 31 within the vertical extent of the frame element 2nd , which is composed of the lower part of the frame and the upper part of the frame, are arranged, as is also the cross section in 3a can be removed. The foil element 6 is again close-fitting or pressed on the outside, in particular of the thermoelectric elements 3rd , but also the lower part of the frame 120 and the upper part of the frame 121 , hence the frame element 2nd on.

All around the frame element 2nd or frame lower part 120 and frame top 121 At least one air duct can be introduced or arranged (in 3rd , 3a , 3b Not shown). This is a thermal insulation of the thermoelectric elements 3rd possible to the outside. Such an air duct can be formed, for example, by grooves which are in the frame parts, that is to say the lower frame part 120 and the frame top 121 , circumferentially or at least partially circumferentially.

In 4th , 4a is another embodiment of the thermoelectric module 1 shown. Here, only one thermoelectric element is an example 3rd inside the frame element 2nd arranged. Instead of providing a pocket-like film element 6 As shown in the figures described above, here is the film element 6 on the frame element 2nd or its outer sides 25th , 26 welded on. In 4th , 4a are accordingly all-round welds 61 , 62 on both outer sides of the thermoelectric module 1 for connecting foil element 6 and frame element 2nd indicated. The foil element 6 is thus on two opposite sides 25th , 26 of the frame element 2nd firmly connected to it by welding, closely fitting on both opposite outer sides 32 , 33 of the thermoelectric element 3rd or Peltier elements.

As with the other design variants, the, in 4th , 4a however, not shown, contact manager 30th , 31 of the thermoelectric element 3rd with the contact elements 4th , 5 contacted in an electrically conductive manner in order to connect them to an electrical power supply for the thermoelectric element 3rd to be able to provide.

The 6 , 6a show a further embodiment of the thermoelectric module 1 , the frame element 2nd of the thermoelectric module 1 im the thermoelectric element inserted into this 3rd surrounding area with protruding connecting elements 29 is provided. In the in 6 embodiment shown are four such knob-like connecting elements 29 shown. These engage in grooves 34 or an undercut in the intermediate layer 37 of the thermoelectric element 3rd between its outer ceramic elements 35 , 36 a. The above connecting elements snap into place 29 springy in these grooves 34 and fix the thermoelectric elements 3rd in the frame element 2nd . By providing the grooves 34 and according to the connecting elements 29 on all four sides of the thermoelectric elements 3rd can be inserted into this in a simple manner and also very well on all sides in the frame element 2nd be fixed. Instead of providing four protruding fasteners 29 and four grooves 34 or at least one undercut, in particular one around the thermoelectric element 3rd circumferential undercut, can be a different number of fasteners 29 and grooves 34 , Recesses or undercuts are provided for fixing the thermoelectric elements 3rd in the at least one frame element 2nd to serve.

In addition to the design variants of thermoelectric modules with at least one frame element and at least one thermoelectric element with electrical contact conductors, as well as heat exchanger units with at least one such thermoelectric module, as described above and shown in the figures, numerous other types can also be formed, including any combinations of the features mentioned above , wherein the at least one frame element of the thermoelectric module is at least partially provided with at least one electrically conductive contact area or at least partially electrically conductive for contacting the electrical contact conductors of the at least one thermoelectric element, and at least one film element for sealing the at least one thermoelectric element to the outside is provided, or at least one housing of the heat exchanger unit is provided, in which the at least one thermoelectric Module is or is received and at least one flow space or flow channel is provided for the flow of heat exchange medium over at least one of the two outer sides of the thermoelectric module for heat exchange with the latter.

Reference list

1

thermoelectric module

2nd

Frame element

3rd

thermoelectric element / Peltier element

4th

Contact element (positive pole)

5

Contact element (negative pole)

6

Foil element

10th

Outside

11

Outside

20th

opening

21

electrically conductive contact area (positive pole)

22

electrically conductive contact area (negative pole)

23

Groove

24th

Groove

25th

Outside

26

Outside

27

electrically conductive contact area (positive pole)

28

electrically conductive contact area (negative pole)

29

protruding connecting element

30th

Contact manager

31

Contact manager

32

Outside

33

Outside

34

Groove

35

Ceramic element

36

Ceramic element

37

Intermediate layer

60

Welding area

61

Weld

62

Weld

100

Heat exchanger unit

101

casing

102

Flow space

103

Flow space

104

connection

105

connection

106

connection

107

connection

108

Sealing element

109

Sealing element

120

Lower frame

121

Frame top

122

electrically conductive contact area (positive pole)

123

electrically conductive contact area (negative pole)

Claims (14)

Thermoelectric module (1) with at least one frame element (2) and at least one thermoelectric element (3), characterized in that at least one film element (6) is provided for sealing at least one thermoelectric element (3) and on the outside on the at least one frame element (2) and the at least one thermoelectric element (3) is arranged and / or accommodates them, the at least one thermoelectric element (3) being provided with electrical contact conductors (30, 31) and the at least one frame element (2) at least partially is electrically conductive (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) for contacting the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) of the at least one thermoelectric element (3). Thermoelectric module (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that at least two contact conductors (4, 5) are in contact with the electrically conductive region (s) (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) of the at least one frame element (2). Thermoelectric module (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the at least one film element (6) sealingly covers or covers the contact area of contact elements (4, 5) with the electrically conductive areas (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) of the frame element (2), in particular welded to it or is glued. Thermoelectric module (1) after Claim 3 , characterized in that the at least one film element (6) is designed in the form of a film pocket, which is circumferentially sealed, in particular welded, around the thermoelectric module (1) on several sides, providing bushings for the contact elements (4, 5 ) of the thermoelectric module (1), and / or the at least one film element (6) is designed such that it spans the at least one frame element (2) and the at least one thermoelectric element (3) accommodated therein on at least one side and on the at least one frame element (2) is attached cohesively and / or in a medium-tight manner. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a negative pressure is generated or prevails in the region of the at least one film element (6), by means of which the at least one film element (6) on the outside (s) of the at least one thermoelectric Elements (3) is created. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one film element (6) is thermally conductive, in particular as a permeation-proof laminated multilayer film. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the at least one foil element (6) is designed as a metal foil and / or thin sheet, in particular as a sheet partially coated with at least one functional layer. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thermoelectric elements (3) are arranged in the surface and / or in height stacked in the at least one frame element (2). Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one frame element (2) has at least one groove (23, 24) for receiving the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) and / or for insulation. Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one frame element (2) is formed in one or more parts, in particular a contact geometry or electrically conductive areas are provided on one side over the full or partial area on the at least one frame element (2) or at least two frame parts (120, 121) are provided and can be connected to one another or are connected with the provision of internal electrically conductive regions (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) for contacting the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) of the thermoelectric elements (3). Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one frame element (2) adapted to the dimensions of the at least one thermoelectric element (3) openings (20) for receiving and for axially fixing the at least one thermoelectric element ( 3). Thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one thermoelectric element (3) is of the same height or higher than the at least one frame element (2), in particular the height (h ₃ ) of the at least one thermoelectric element (3) protrudes in the 10th millimeter range above the height (h ₂ ) of the frame element (2). Thermoelectric module (1) according to the preamble of Claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one thermoelectric element (3) is provided with electrical contact conductors (30, 31) and the at least one frame element (2) is at least partially electrically conductive (21, 22, 27, 28, 122, 123) is provided by providing at least one metallic insert for contacting the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) of the at least one thermoelectric element (3), the at least one metallic insert being provided or provided with at least one crimp area for connecting the electrical contact conductors (30, 31) with the metallic insert by crimping. Heat exchanger unit (100) comprising at least one thermoelectric module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one connection (105, 106) for supplying heat exchange medium to the at least one thermoelectric module (1) and at least one connection (104, 107) for discharging medium from the at least one thermoelectric module (1), in particular to and from at least one heat sink and / or at least one heat source, characterized in that at least one housing (101) of the heat exchanger unit (100) in which the at least one thermoelectric module (1) can be accommodated or is accommodated, and in the at least one housing (101) at least one flow space (102, 103) or flow channel for the flow of heat exchange medium along at least one of the two outer sides (10, 11) of the thermoelectric module (1) are provided.

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