JP2007294548A - Thermoelectric conversion device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric conversion device which can prevent damages to a thermoelectric element and can improve the productivity. <P>SOLUTION: The thermoelectric conversion device comprises a group of thermoelectric elements 10 which is made by stacking an n-type thermoelectric element 13, a heat absorbing electrode member 20, a p-type thermoelectric element 12, and a heat dissipation electrode member 30 in order as one set and stacking a plurality of sets electrically in series. The thermoelectric conversion device is equipped with a holding member 11 for holding the group of thermoelectric elements 10. The thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the heat absorbing and heat dissipation electrode members 20 and 30 are formed with through-holes 12a, 13a, 20a, and 30a, respectively, which pass through the holding member 11. With the holding member 11 so arranged as to pass through the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the heat absorbing and heat dissipation electrode members 20 and 30, the plurality of sets are stacked. Due to this structure, damages to the thermoelectric elements can be prevented and at the same time the productivity can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device capable of obtaining heat absorption and heat dissipation by passing a direct current through a series circuit composed of an N-type thermoelectric element and a P-type thermoelectric element. The present invention relates to holding a thermoelectric element, heat absorption, and heat dissipation electrode member.

Conventionally, as this type of thermoelectric conversion device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a plurality of sets are stacked in series in the order of a P-type thermoelectric element, a heat dissipation electrode member, an N-type thermoelectric element, and a heat absorption electrode member. An array of thermoelectric elements, and at least one of a heat dissipation electrode member and an endothermic electrode member arrayed in the thermoelectric element group, absorb heat to dissipate and dissipate heat transferred from each electrode member, and a heat dissipation heat exchange unit. There is known a thermoelectric conversion device comprising:
JP-A-5-63244

  However, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of thermoelectric elements and electrode members are alternately stacked and joined by solder to form a thermoelectric element group. When the thermoelectric elements and the electrode members are assembled, There is a problem that positioning is difficult due to surface matching and productivity is low.

  Thus, in order to improve the assembling property, a highly accurate assembling jig may be used, but there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases. In addition, in such a series laminated structure, the connection structure between the thermoelectric element and the electrode member easily breaks due to expansion and contraction due to temperature difference between heat absorption and heat dissipation, and the structural strength is weakened. Since the elements are mechanically fragile, there is a problem that they are easily damaged when an external pressure is applied to a plurality of laminated thermoelectric elements.

  In addition, since this type of thermoelectric conversion device is used in a small cooling device or heating device, the component parts such as a thermoelectric element, an electrode member, and a heat exchanging portion are extremely small components and a plurality of components are combined. Therefore, there is a problem that productivity in the manufacturing process when assembling these parts is extremely low.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric conversion device that can prevent damage to thermoelectric elements and improve productivity.

In order to achieve the above object, the technical means described in claims 1 to 10 are employed. That is, in the invention described in claim 1, a plurality of sets are electrically connected in series in the order of the N-type thermoelectric element (13), the heat-absorbing electrode member (20), the P-type thermoelectric element (12), and the heat-dissipating electrode member (30). In the thermoelectric conversion device including the thermoelectric element group (10) formed by lamination,
A holding member (11) for holding the thermoelectric element group (10) is provided, and this holding member (11) passes through each of the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members (20, 30). It is characterized in that it is configured so that a plurality of sets are laminated.

  According to the present invention, the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorption / radiation electrode members (20, 30) stacked in plural sets are held by the holding member (11). Can be easily positioned, and can be easily assembled without collapsing when a plurality of layers are stacked. As a result, productivity can be improved.

  Further, when an external force is applied to the thermoelectric element group (10) laminated in a plurality of sets, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element group (10) is improved by the holding member (11), whereby the thermoelectric element (12, 13). Damage can be prevented.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorbing / dissipating electrode members (20, 30) each have through holes (12 a, 13 a, 20 a, 30 a) that penetrate the holding member (11). ) Is formed.

  According to the present invention, by disposing the holding member (11) in the through holes (12a, 13a, 20a, 30a), it is possible to easily position each component during assembly, and a plurality of layers are stacked. Sometimes it can be easily assembled without collapsing. Thereby, productivity can be improved. Moreover, damage to the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) can be prevented by improving the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element group (10) by the holding member (11).

  The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the through holes (12a, 13a, 20a, 30a) are formed in a substantially circular shape. According to this invention, workability is easy by making it a substantially circular shape. Thereby, productivity can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the holding member (11) is formed on the outer surface with either an insulating layer or an insulating material. According to the present invention, since an insulating layer may be provided on the surface of the metal material as well as the insulating material, the range of material selection for the holding member (11) is widened, and the electrical insulation between the adjacent members is further improved. You can be sure.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the electrode (15) and the connection terminal (24) are disposed on both ends of the thermoelectric element group (10), and the thermoelectric element group (10) is disposed on both ends thereof. The thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the electrodes (15) are arranged so as to be conductive. According to the present invention, the connection with the power source can be easily performed, and the conductivity can be improved without increasing the contact resistance.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) are formed with Ni plating on the joint surfaces with the heat absorption and heat radiation electrode members (20, 30). According to this invention, since the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorption / radiation electrode members (20, 30) are joined to each other with solder, for example, solder, heat absorption, heat radiation electrode members (20, 30) It is possible to prevent deterioration of the characteristics of the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) by diffusing the copper material as the material into the thermoelectric elements (12, 13).

  In the invention according to claim 7, a plurality of endothermic heat exchanging portions projecting in one specified direction of the thermoelectric element group (10) and coupled to each of the endothermic electrode members (20) so as to be capable of transferring heat. (22) and the endothermic heat exchange part (22) of the thermoelectric element group (10) project in a different direction, and are connected to each of the heat dissipation electrode members (30) so as to be capable of heat transfer. Part (32), the endothermic heat exchange part (22) is formed integrally with the endothermic electrode member (20), and the radiant heat exchange part (32) is formed integrally with the radiant electrode member (30). It is characterized by being. According to this invention, a highly efficient thermoelectric element group (10) can be formed.

  In the invention according to claim 8, case members (28, 38) that form the air passages on both sides of the thermoelectric element group (10) using the thermoelectric element group (10) as partition walls are provided. , 38) is characterized by being formed so as to hold either the endothermic heat exchanging portion (22) or the outer end of the radiating heat exchanging portion (32). According to this invention, it is possible to prevent short circuit between adjacent heat absorption and heat dissipation heat exchange parts (22, 32) due to heat absorption and deformation of the heat dissipation heat exchange parts (22, 32).

  In the invention according to claim 9, the thermoelectric element group (10) includes a plurality of laminated thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and heat-absorbing and heat-dissipating electrode members (20, 30) on the outer surface with an insulating resin coating. It is characterized by being treated. According to the present invention, since the conductive portion can be covered with the insulating coating, migration due to condensed water generated on the heat absorption side can be particularly prevented.

  The invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that the insulating coating treatment is electrodeposition coating with an insulating resin. According to this invention, according to the electrodeposition coating, it is possible to perform an insulating coating without a peen hole.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means shows a corresponding relationship with the specific means of embodiment mentioned later.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the thermoelectric conversion apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the thermoelectric conversion device in the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the external shape of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the external shape of the heat absorbing and heat radiating electrode members 20 and 30. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric wiring configuration of the thermoelectric conversion device.

  The thermoelectric conversion device of the present embodiment is a thermoelectric conversion device applied to a cooling device or a heating device mounted on a vehicle.For example, a thermoelectric conversion device is arranged in each of a seating portion and a backrest portion of a vehicle seat. And is applied to a sheet air conditioner that blows out the cold air cooled by the thermoelectric converter from the sheet surface.

  Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion device according to the present embodiment reduces the size of the thermoelectric conversion device so that the thermoelectric conversion device can be mounted in a vehicle seat having a small installation space, and also improves the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element group 10 having a series stacked structure. Is intended.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of rows (three rows in this example) of thermoelectric element groups 10 and a pair of case members 28 and 38 for covering the thermoelectric element groups 10. The The thermoelectric element group 10 includes a holding member 11 that holds the thermoelectric element group 10, thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 made of P type and N type, an electrode member 15 that is an electrode, a heat absorbing electrode member 20, a heat radiating electrode member 30, and a connection terminal. 24 is integrally formed.

  The thermoelectric element group 10 of this embodiment has a serial stacked structure in which a plurality of sets of N-type thermoelectric elements 13, heat radiation electrode members 30, P-type thermoelectric elements 12, and heat absorption electrode members 20 are alternately stacked in series. Thus, electrode members 15 are disposed at both ends of the thermoelectric element group 10.

  That is, a plurality of N-type thermoelectric elements 13 and a plurality of P-type thermoelectric elements 12 are alternately stacked, and are electrically connected in series between the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 via the electrode members 20 and 30. A plurality of layers are stacked.

  And each thermoelectric element 12 and 13 and each electrode member 15, 20, and 30 are formed with through-holes 12a, 13a, 15a, 20a, and 30a penetrating inside, and the through-holes 12a, 13a, 15a, 20a, A plurality of the holding members 11 are inserted into 30a and stacked.

  The holding member 11 is a holding rod formed of an insulating material such as ceramics and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The holding member 11 holds a plurality of laminated thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and electrode members 15, 20 and 30. Yes.

  In addition, connection terminals 24 made of a conductive metal such as a copper material are disposed at both ends of the holding member 11. The connection terminal 24 is a terminal for electrically connecting an external power source or the adjacent thermoelectric element group 10, is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and is disposed at the end of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13. Are joined by solder.

  Here, the holding member 11 is formed of an insulating material such as ceramics. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and an aluminum material may be used to anodize the outer surface to form an alumina insulating layer. Moreover, what formed the insulating layer in the outer surface using the other metal material may be used.

  The P-type thermoelectric element 12 is composed of a P-type semiconductor made of a Bi—Te-based compound, and the N-type thermoelectric element 12 is a minimal component composed of an N-type semiconductor made of a Bi—Te-based compound. As shown in FIG. 3A, the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, and through holes 12a and 13a through which the holding member 11 penetrates are formed at one location.

  Ni plating by plating is formed on the outer surfaces of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the inner peripheral surfaces of the through holes 12a and 13a. That is, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 are formed so as to be protected by Ni plating before joining at least joint portions to be joined to the electrode members 15, 20, and 30 described later by solder.

  Next, each electrode member 15, 20, 30 is an electrode formed from a conductive metal such as a flat copper material. Of the electrode members 15, 20, 30, the electrode members 15 are electrodes that are disposed at both ends of the holding member 11 and electrically connect the connection terminal 24 and the thermoelectric elements 12, 13. 13 is formed in a rectangular or square shape substantially the same shape as the joint portion, and a through hole 15a through which the holding member 11 passes is formed.

  On the other hand, among the electrode members 15, 20, 30, the heat absorbing and heat radiating electrode members 20, 30 are electrodes disposed between the adjacent thermoelectric elements 12, 13, as shown in FIG. In addition, one of the joint portions of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 is formed in a rectangular shape extending outward, and a through hole 15a through which the holding member 11 passes is formed.

  The heat absorption and heat radiation electrode members 20 and 30 have electrode portions 21 and 31 below the two-dot chain line shown in FIG. 3B and heat exchange portions 22 and 32 above the two-dot chain line. The electrode portions 21 and 31 are disposed between adjacent thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, and the heat exchange portions 22 and 32 are fins for absorbing and radiating heat transferred from the electrode portions 21 and 31, In this embodiment, it is formed in a flat plate shape and is formed integrally with the electrode portions 21 and 31.

  The endothermic electrode member 20 has a case where an electrode portion 21 is disposed between the N-type thermoelectric element 13 and the P-type thermoelectric element 12, and the tip of the heat exchanging portion 22 extends upward (see FIG. 1) to be described later. It is held by the member 28. On the other hand, in the heat radiation electrode member 30, an electrode part 31 is disposed between the P-type thermoelectric element 12 and the N-type thermoelectric element 13, and a heat exchanging part 32 extends downward (see FIG. 1) so as to be described later. Is held in.

  That is, the endothermic electrode member 20 is an electrode for flowing a current from the N-type thermoelectric element 13 toward the P-type thermoelectric element 12, and the radiating electrode member 30 is directed toward the N-type thermoelectric element 13 from the P-type thermoelectric element 12. Electrode for flowing current.

  Moreover, since the electric potential is applied to the heat exchange parts 22 and 32 formed in the endothermic electrode member 20 and the heat dissipation electrode member 30 in the same manner as the electrode parts 21 and 31, the heat exchange parts 22 and 32 adjacent to each other. The case members 28 and 38 are provided with a predetermined space so as to be electrically insulated from each other.

  Next, the case members 28 and 38 are casings made of a heat-resistant resin that form the air passages on both sides of the thermoelectric element group 10 with the thermoelectric element group 10 as a partition wall, and are formed so as to be splittable in the vertical direction. ing. The upper case member 28 forms a heat absorption side air passage, and the lower case member 38 forms a heat radiation side air passage.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat exchange medium 22 and the air are heat-exchanged by cooling the air as the heat exchange medium through the upper air passage so that the air can be cooled. On the other hand, by circulating air as a heat exchange medium in the lower air passage, the heat exchange section 32 and the air are heat-exchanged to heat the air.

  By the way, the case members 28 and 38 of the present embodiment are formed so as to accommodate the thermoelectric element groups 10 in a plurality of rows (three rows in this example), and between the adjacent thermoelectric element groups 10 and the thermoelectric element groups. The packing member 14 is disposed on the outer side of 10 so as to partition the endothermic air passage side and the heat dissipating air passage side.

  The case members 28 and 38 are formed with fitting portions (not shown) so as to hold the tips of the heat exchanging portions 22 and 32 inside the case members 28 and 38, respectively. Thereby, the deformation | transformation of the heat exchange parts 22 and 32 can be prevented.

  Here, in a plurality of rows (three rows in this example) of thermoelectric element groups 10 arranged in the case members 28 and 38, as shown in FIG. 4, a terminal 24a is provided at one end and a terminal 24b is provided at the other end. The terminals 24a and 24b are configured such that a positive terminal of a DC power source (not shown) is connected to the terminal 24a and a negative terminal is connected to the terminal 24b.

  And the adjacent thermoelectric element group 10 is connected with the connection terminal 24c so that it may become electrically in series. Accordingly, the DC power input from the terminal 24a flows in series from the upper leftmost N-type thermoelectric element 13 shown in FIG. 4 to the upper rightmost P-type thermoelectric element 12, and then the middle rightmost N-type thermoelectric element. It flows in series from the element 13 to the P-type thermoelectric element 12 at the middle left end, and then flows in series from the N-type thermoelectric element 13 at the lower left end to the P-type thermoelectric element 12 at the lower right end.

  At this time, the heat dissipation electrode member 30 that becomes the PN junction is in a high temperature state due to the Peltier effect, and the heat absorption electrode member 20 that becomes the NP junction is in a low temperature state. That is, the heat exchanging portion 22 arranged on the upper side (see FIG. 1) forms an endothermic heat exchanging portion, and heat in a low temperature state is transferred to contact with the fluid to be cooled and on the lower side (see FIG. 1). The arranged heat exchanging section 32 forms a heat radiating heat exchanging section so that heat in a high temperature state is transferred to contact with the cooling fluid.

  In the present embodiment, the positive terminal of the DC power source is connected to the terminal 24a side, the negative terminal is connected to the terminal 24b side, and the DC power source is input to the terminal 24a. The positive terminal may be connected to the terminal 24b side, the negative terminal may be connected to the terminal 24a side, and a DC power supply may be input to the terminal 24b. However, at this time, the endothermic heat exchange part forms a radiant heat exchange part, and the radiant heat exchange part forms an endothermic heat exchange part.

  Here, the assembly method of the thermoelectric element group 10 by the above structure is demonstrated. First, before assembling to the holding member 11, paste solder or the like is thinly and uniformly applied to the joint portion of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 by screen printing. More specifically, paste solder is applied to the joint portion subjected to Ni plating. At this time, paste solder is also applied to the connection terminals 24 at both ends of the holding member 11, the portions where the electrode members 15 are disposed, and the joint portions of the connection terminals 24 and the electrode members 15.

  A plurality of holding members 11 are stacked through the through holes 13a, 20a, 12a, and 30a in the order of the N-type thermoelectric element 13, the endothermic electrode member 20, the P-type thermoelectric element 12, and the heat dissipation electrode member 30. And the electrode member 15 and the connection terminal 24 are arrange | positioned at the both ends of the holding member 11 laminated | stacked two or more. Then, in a state where a plurality of layers are stacked, the solder reflow furnace is passed and solder bonding is performed. Thereby, the thermoelectric element group 10 is integrally formed.

  Further, after soldering, the outer surface of the thermoelectric element group 10 is subjected to an insulating coating process using an insulating resin. Thereby, the outer surface of each of the electrode members 15, 20, 30 stacked in a plurality is electrically insulated. That is, the adjacent heat exchange parts 22 and 32 are electrically insulated. In addition, for example, the coating process which does not produce a pinhole can be performed by performing electrodeposition coating with an insulating resin.

  Then, the thermoelectric element group 10 is assembled to one case member 38, and the packing member 14 is assembled between the adjacent thermoelectric element groups 10 and outside the thermoelectric element group 10. A thermoelectric conversion device is formed by assembling the other case member 28.

  Since the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the electrode members 15, 20, and 30 are extremely small components, they may be assembled using a mounter device that is a manufacturing device for assembling semiconductors, electronic components, and the like to the control board. According to this, since it can be picked more easily than manual assembly, it can be assembled without lowering productivity.

  According to the thermoelectric conversion device according to the first embodiment described above, the holding member 11 that holds the thermoelectric element group 10 is provided. The holding member 11 includes the P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the heat absorption and heat radiation electrode members. A plurality of sets of layers 20 and 30 are disposed so as to penetrate each other.

  According to this, since the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the heat absorption and heat radiation electrode members 20 and 30 stacked in a plurality of sets are held by the holding member 11, each component can be easily positioned at the time of assembly. Can be assembled easily without collapsing when stacked. As a result, productivity can be improved.

  In addition, when an external force is applied to the thermoelectric element group 10 that is laminated in a plurality of sets, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element group 10 is improved by the holding member 11, thereby preventing the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 from being damaged.

  Further, through holes 12a, 13a, 20a, 30a penetrating the holding member 11 are formed in the thermoelectric elements 12, 13, and the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members 20, 30, respectively, so that the through holes 12a, 13a, By disposing the holding member 11 on 20a and 30a, positioning of each component can be facilitated during assembly, and can be easily assembled without collapsing when a plurality of components are stacked. Thereby, productivity can be improved.

  In addition, since the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element group 10 is improved by the holding member 11, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 can be prevented from being damaged. Furthermore, since the through holes 12a, 13a, 20a, and 30a are formed in a substantially circular shape, the workability is easy by forming the substantially circular shape. Thereby, productivity can be improved.

  In addition, the holding member 11 is formed on either the insulating layer or the insulating material on the outer surface, and is joined to the through holes 12a, 13a, 20a, and 30a by bonding, so that the adjacent electrical members are electrically connected. Insulation can be achieved more reliably.

  Moreover, the electrode member 15 and the connection terminal 24 are arrange | positioned at the both ends of the thermoelectric element group 10, and the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the electrode member 15 which are arrange | positioned at the both ends are connected to the thermoelectric element group 10. By being arranged in such a manner, the connection with the power source can be easily performed, and the conductivity can be improved without increasing the contact resistance.

  Further, since the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 are formed with Ni plating on the joint surface between the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members 20 and 30, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members 20 and 30 are mutually connected. Since the components are joined by solder, the characteristics of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 are deteriorated by the diffusion of the solder components, the heat absorption, and the copper material that is the material of the heat radiation electrode members 20 and 30 to the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13. Can be prevented.

  Further, a plurality of endothermic heat exchanging portions 22 projecting in one specified direction of the thermoelectric element group 10 and coupled to each of the endothermic electrode members 20 so as to conduct heat, and the endothermic heat exchange of the thermoelectric element group 10. The plurality of heat radiation heat exchanging portions 32 are provided so as to project in a direction different from the portion 22 and are coupled to each of the heat radiation electrode members 30 so as to be able to conduct heat, and the heat absorption heat exchange portions 22 are integrated with the heat absorption electrode member 20. The heat radiation heat exchanging part 32 is formed integrally with the heat radiation electrode member 30. Thereby, the highly efficient thermoelectric element group 10 can be formed.

  Moreover, the case members 28 and 38 which form the ventilation path are provided on both sides of the thermoelectric element group 10 with the thermoelectric element group 10 as a partition wall, and the case members 28 and 38 are provided with the endothermic heat exchanging portion 22 or the radiating heat exchanging portion. It is formed to hold either one of the outer ends of 32. Thereby, the short circuit between adjacent heat absorption by the deformation | transformation of heat absorption and the thermal radiation heat exchange part 22 and 32, and the thermal radiation heat exchange part 22 and 32 can be prevented.

  In the thermoelectric element group 10, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the outer surfaces of the heat absorption and heat radiation electrode members 20 and 30 stacked in a plurality of sets are subjected to an insulating coating treatment with an insulating resin. Thereby, since an electroconductive site | part can be covered with an insulation coating, the migration by the condensed water which generate | occur | produces especially on the heat absorption side can be prevented. The insulating coating treatment is electrodeposition coating with an insulating resin. According to this, according to electrodeposition coating, insulating coating without a peen hole can be performed.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped or a cube, and the through holes 12a and 13a through which the holding member 11 passes are formed in a substantially circular shape in one place. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5A, the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. And you may form the through-hole which has the slits 12b and 13b in one of the through-holes 12a and 13a formed in the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13. FIG.

  And each electrode member 15,20,30 should just form the shape and through-hole 15a, 20a, 30a in the substantially same shape as the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, as shown to Fig.5 (a). This has the same effect as the substantially circular through holes 12a, 13a, 15a, 20a, 30a.

  In addition to the above, the through holes 12a, 13a, 15a, 20a, and 30a formed in the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the electrode members 15, 20, and 30 are shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b). Thus, it may be formed in a square hole shape. However, in this case, the holding member 11 is formed in a square bar shape. According to this, it is possible to prevent the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13 and the electrode members 15, 20 and 30 from rotating around the holding member 11. That is, it can have a detent function.

(Third embodiment)
In the above embodiment, the thermoelectric element groups 10 arranged in a plurality of rows (for example, 3 rows) are connected to the connection terminals 24 at both ends of the holding member 11 by the connection terminals 24c so as to be electrically in series. Although not limited to this, specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the positive terminal of a DC power source (not shown) is connected to the terminal 24a and the negative terminal is connected to the terminal 24b. You may connect with the connection terminal 24c so that an electric current may flow through the group 10 in parallel.

  That is, to each thermoelectric element group 10, the connection terminal 24c is connected so that a current flows from the left to the right as shown in FIG.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the above embodiment, the heat exchanging portions 22 and 32 are formed in a flat plate shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and specifically, as shown in FIG. It may be formed into a louver shape by molding. According to this, the heat exchange area of the heat exchange parts 22 and 32 can be increased. Therefore, the heat exchange units 22 and 32 can be downsized.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the holding member 11 is formed on the outer surface with either the insulating layer or the insulating material. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the holding member 11 is formed of a conductive material, and each of the electrode members 15 and 20 is formed. , 30, an insulating layer may be formed on the inner surfaces of the through holes 12a, 13a, 15a, 20a, 30a.

  In the above embodiment, the heat exchanging parts 22 and 32 are formed integrally with the electrode parts 21 and 31 of the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members 20 and 30, but not limited thereto, heat exchange with the electrode parts 21 and 31 is performed. The parts 22 and 32 may be formed separately and the electrode parts 21 and 31 and the heat exchange parts 22 and 32 may be combined.

  In the above embodiment, each thermoelectric element 12, 13 and each electrode member 15, 20, 30 are configured to be joined by soldering. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each thermoelectric element 12, 13 and each electrode member is joined. A spring member (not shown) such as a spring may be arranged at one end of the thermoelectric element group 10 so that the contact surface with the 15, 20, 30 is pressed.

  According to this, since a predetermined contact pressure can be secured on the contact surface between each thermoelectric element 12, 13 and each electrode member 15, 20, 30, solder bonding can be omitted. Thereby, productivity can be improved.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing shown in FIG. (A) in 1st Embodiment of this invention is a perspective view which shows the external shape of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, (b) is a perspective view which shows the external shape of a heat absorption and the thermal radiation electrode member 20 and 30. FIG. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electrical wiring form of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) in 2nd Embodiment of this invention is a perspective view which shows the external shape of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, (b) is a perspective view which shows the external shape of a heat absorption and the thermal radiation electrode member 20 and 30. FIG. (A) in the modification of 2nd Embodiment of this invention is a perspective view which shows the external shape of the thermoelectric elements 12 and 13, (b) is a perspective view which shows the external shape of a heat absorption and the thermal radiation electrode member 20 and 30. FIG. It is a cross-sectional view which shows the electrical wiring form of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the thermoelectric conversion apparatus in 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Thermoelectric element group 11 ... Holding member 12 ... P-type thermoelectric element, thermoelectric element 12a ... Through-hole 13 ... N-type thermoelectric element, thermoelectric element 13a ... Through-hole 15 ... Electrode member (electrode)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Endothermic electrode member, electrode member 20a ... Through-hole 22 ... Endothermic heat exchange part, heat exchange part 24 ... Connection terminal 28 ... Case member 30 ... Radiation electrode member, electrode member 30a ... Through-hole 32 ... Radiation heat exchange part, heat Replacement part 38 ... Case member

Claims (10)

A thermoelectric element group (10) formed by stacking a plurality of sets electrically in series in the order of an N-type thermoelectric element (13), a heat-absorbing electrode member (20), a P-type thermoelectric element (12), and a heat-dissipating electrode member (30). In the thermoelectric conversion device provided,
A holding member (11) for holding the thermoelectric element group (10) is provided,
The holding member (11) is configured so as to be laminated so as to penetrate each of the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members (20, 30). Thermoelectric conversion device.   Each of the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorption / radiation electrode members (20, 30) is formed with through holes (12a, 13a, 20a, 30a) that penetrate the holding member (11). The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1.   The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 2, wherein the through holes (12a, 13a, 20a, 30a) are formed in a substantially circular shape.   The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding member (11) is formed on an outer surface with either an insulating layer or an insulating material. On both end sides of the thermoelectric element group (10), an electrode (15) and a connection terminal (24) are disposed,
The said thermoelectric element group (10) is arrange | positioned so that the said thermoelectric elements (12, 13) arrange | positioned at the both ends and the said electrode (15) may conduct | electrically_connect. The thermoelectric conversion apparatus as described in any one of Claim 4 thru | or 4.   6. The thermoelectric element (12, 13) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein Ni plating is formed on a joint surface between the heat absorbing and heat radiating electrode members (20, 30). The thermoelectric conversion device according to item. A plurality of endothermic heat exchanging portions (22) protruding in one specified direction of the thermoelectric element group (10) and coupled to each of the endothermic electrode members (20) so as to be capable of transferring heat;
A plurality of heat dissipation heat exchange portions (projecting in a direction different from the endothermic heat exchange portion (22) of the thermoelectric element group (10) and coupled to each of the heat dissipation electrode members (30) so as to be capable of transferring heat ( 32)
The endothermic heat exchanging part (22) is formed integrally with the endothermic electrode member (20), and the radiating heat exchanging part (32) is formed integrally with the radiating electrode member (30). The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Case members (28, 38) that form air passages on both sides of the thermoelectric element group (10) using the thermoelectric element group (10) as partition walls are provided,
The case member (28, 38) is formed so as to hold either the endothermic heat exchanging portion (22) or the outer end of the radiating heat exchanging portion (32). Item 8. The thermoelectric conversion device according to Item 7.   In the thermoelectric element group (10), the outer surface of the thermoelectric elements (12, 13) and the heat absorbing and radiating electrode members (20, 30) stacked in a plurality of sets are subjected to an insulating coating treatment with an insulating resin. The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thermoelectric conversion device is provided.   The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 9, wherein the insulating coating treatment is electrodeposition coating with an insulating resin.

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