JP2009295752A - Thermoelectric power generation module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric power generation module which can suppress the reduction of power generation performance of a thermoelectric power generation module accompanied with the deformed bimetal of an edothermic-side heat flow member in high reliability without increasing module load. <P>SOLUTION: When the module fitting surface 11A of a stack body 11 for inputting heat into a high-temperature-side second electrode 12B2 is deformed like a bimetal by temperature rise, the high-temperature-side second electrode 12B2 follows the bimetal deformation and elastically holds a pair of high-temperature-side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1, and then it is slid in the axial direction of thermoelectric power generation elements N and P. Therefore, heat surely flows into the high-temperature-side second electrode 12B2 from the module fitting surface 11A of the stack body 11. As a result, sufficient heat flow penetrating each of thermoelectric power generation elements N and P is ensured so that the reduction of power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module 12 can be suppressed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation module (thermoelectric conversion module) capable of directly converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

  The thermoelectric power generation module is composed of two types of p-type and n-type thermoelectric generators with different polarities that generate thermoelectromotive force according to a temperature difference by the Seebeck effect, and are alternately connected in series via a high temperature side electrode and a low temperature side electrode. It has a die-connected structure.

  This thermoelectric power generation module constitutes a main part of a thermoelectric power generation device or the like that directly converts thermal energy into electrical energy, and as its form, a flat module in which a group of thermoelectric power generation elements are arranged vertically and horizontally, An annular module in which a group of thermoelectric generators are arranged in an annular shape is generally known.

  This type of thermoelectric power generation module is sandwiched between a heat absorption side heat flow member that allows heat to flow into the high temperature side electrode and a cooling side heat flow member that causes heat to flow out of the low temperature side electrode under a predetermined module load. When the heat flow penetrates from the high temperature end to the low temperature end of the thermoelectric power generation element, the heat energy is directly converted into electric energy to generate electric power.

  Here, the high temperature side electrode of the thermoelectric power generation module connects the high temperature ends of two adjacent p-type and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements, and usually straddles the end faces on the high temperature side of the two thermoelectric power generation elements. It is formed in a flat plate shape that comes into flat contact. On the other hand, the low-temperature side electrode connects the low-temperature ends of two adjacent n-type and p-type thermoelectric power generation elements, and is usually a flat plate that is in plane contact across the low-temperature end surfaces of the two thermoelectric power generation elements. It is formed in a shape.

  By the way, in a thermoelectric power generation module in which an electrode is joined to the end face of a thermoelectric power generation element by brazing or the like, thermal stress is generated at the joint between the thermoelectric power generation element and the electrode due to the difference in thermal expansion between the two, and the joint is damaged. There is a fear. Therefore, conventionally, various technical means for relaxing the thermal stress generated between the thermoelectric generator and the electrode have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5).

In other words, the technical means in which the electrode has a meandering portion that can be contracted is disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the technical means in which the electrode is configured by a wire is disclosed in Patent Document 2, in which a conductive material having a linear expansion coefficient that approximates the linear expansion coefficient of the thermoelectric power generation element. Patent Document 3 describes the technical means comprising an electrode with a conductive material, Patent Document 4 designates a technical means comprised of an electrode with a low-rigidity conductive metal, and Patent Document discloses a technical means provided with a void in the solder layer to which the electrode is joined. 5 is proposed. Further, Patent Document 5 discloses a technical means in which an electrode is constituted by a pair of cap-shaped spring-type clips and both are connected by a conducting wire.
JP-A-11-68175 JP 2002-171776 A JP 2003-234516 A JP-A-2005-57124 JP 2004-31696 A Republished patent WO2005 / 013383

  By the way, since the heat absorption side heat flow member that allows heat to flow into the high temperature side electrode of the thermoelectric power generation module is deformed by bimetal due to temperature rise, if the deformation amount is large, a large gap is formed between the high temperature side electrode side of the thermoelectric power generation module. An air layer is generated. In this case, there is a problem that the heat flow resistance between the heat absorption side heat flow member and the high temperature side electrode increases and the heat flow rate to the high temperature side electrode decreases, and as a result, the power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module decreases. However, such a problem cannot be solved by the technical means described in Patent Documents 1 to 5 described above.

  However, if the module load that sandwiches the thermoelectric power generation module between the heat absorption side heat flow member and the cooling side heat flow member is increased, the heat absorption side heat flow member deformed by the bimetal is made to follow the high temperature side electrode side of the thermoelectric generation module. It is also possible to reduce the thermal resistance between the two and secure a heat flow rate to the high temperature side electrode to suppress a decrease in the power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module.

  However, such a countermeasure is low in reliability when the bimetal deformation of the heat absorption side heat flow member is continuously repeated. Moreover, there is a possibility that the thermoelectric power generation element may be damaged by an excessive load. Furthermore, the heat absorption side heat flow member and the cooling side heat flow member need to be constructed firmly, and as a result, there is a problem that the weight increases and the manufacturing cost increases.

  Therefore, the present invention has an object to provide a thermoelectric power generation module that can highly reliably suppress a decrease in power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module due to bimetal deformation of the heat absorption side heat flow member without increasing the module load. And

  A thermoelectric power generation module according to the present invention is a thermoelectric power generation module in which two types of thermoelectric power generation elements having different polarities are alternately connected in series via a high temperature side electrode and a low temperature side electrode, A pair of high temperature side first electrodes respectively joined to the high temperature ends of two adjacent thermoelectric power generation elements and a pair of high temperature side first electrodes that elastically enclose and can slide in the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation elements It is comprised by the combination with a side 2nd electrode.

  In the thermoelectric power generation module according to the present invention, when the heat absorption side heat flow member that allows heat to flow into the high temperature side electrode undergoes bimetal deformation due to temperature rise, the high temperature side second electrode follows the bimetal deformation and the pair of high temperature side first electrodes. Is slid in the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation element while elastically holding. For this reason, heat surely flows from the heat absorption side heat flow member to the high temperature side second electrode, and heat flows from the high temperature side second electrode to the high temperature end of each thermoelectric power generation element via the high temperature side first electrode. A sufficient flow rate is secured.

  As a result, a decrease in power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module due to the bimetal deformation of the heat absorption side heat flow member is suppressed with high reliability. Moreover, since an excessive module load does not act on each thermoelectric power generation element, each thermoelectric power generation element is prevented from being damaged.

  In the thermoelectric power generation module of the present invention, a pair of low temperature side first electrodes and a pair of low temperature side first electrodes, which are respectively joined to the low temperature ends of two adjacent thermoelectric power generation elements as well as the high temperature side electrodes. It is preferable that the electrode is formed by a combination with a second electrode on the low temperature side that can elastically hold the electrode and slide in the axial direction of the thermoelectric generator.

  In this case, when the heat absorption side heat flow member is deformed by bimetal due to temperature rise, the low temperature side second electrode elastically encloses the pair of low temperature side first electrodes following the deformation of the bimetal, and the thermoelectric power generation element. Since it slides in the axial direction, heat surely flows out from the low temperature side second electrode to the cooling side heat flow member, and a sufficient heat flow through each thermoelectric power generation element is secured.

  Here, the high temperature side second electrode of the high temperature side electrode and the low temperature side second electrode of the low temperature side electrode are elastic so that the pair of clamp portions slidable in the axial direction of the thermoelectric generator and the pair of clamp portions can be relatively displaced. It is preferable that the elastic connecting portion to be integrally connected is integrally formed, and the rigidity of the pair of clamp portions is set larger than the rigidity of the elastic connecting portion.

  In this case, when a thermal expansion difference occurs between the high temperature side electrode and the low temperature side electrode, the elastic coupling portion having a rigidity smaller than that of the pair of clamp portions is elastically deformed to relatively displace the pair of clamp portions. The thermoelectric power generation element held via the pair of clamp portions comes to tilt without difficulty, and no excessive thermal stress is generated in the thermoelectric power generation element.

  In addition, such a high temperature side second electrode and a low temperature side second electrode can be made of a sheet metal in which a pair of clamp portions and an elastic connection portion are bent, and by doing so, the high temperature side second electrode and The manufacturing cost of the low temperature side second electrode is reduced.

  In addition, the thermoelectric power generation module of the present invention having such a high temperature side second electrode and a low temperature side second electrode is not limited to a flat module in which a group of thermoelectric power generation elements are arranged vertically and horizontally. It can also be configured as an annular module arranged in an annular shape.

  According to the thermoelectric power generation module of the present invention, the high temperature side second electrode elastically encloses the pair of high temperature side first electrodes following the bimetal deformation of the heat absorption side heat flow member that allows heat to flow into the high temperature side electrode. However, since the thermoelectric power generation element slides in the axial direction, heat surely flows from the heat absorption side heat flow member to the high temperature side second electrode, and each thermoelectric element passes from the high temperature side second electrode via the high temperature side first electrode. The heat flow flowing into the high temperature end of the power generation element is sufficiently secured. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module due to the bimetal deformation of the heat absorption side heat flow member with high reliability. Moreover, since an excessive module load does not act on each thermoelectric power generation element, damage to each thermoelectric power generation element can also be prevented.

  In the thermoelectric power generation module of the present invention, the pair of clamp parts slidable in the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation element and the elastic connection part that elastically connects the pair of clamp parts so as to be relatively displaceable include a high temperature side electrode. The high temperature side electrode and the low temperature side electrode are formed integrally with the low temperature side second electrode of the side second electrode and the low temperature side electrode, and the rigidity of the pair of clamp portions is set to be larger than the rigidity of the elastic coupling portion. When the thermal expansion difference occurs between the two and the elastic coupling portion is elastically deformed to relatively displace the pair of clamp portions, the thermoelectric power generation element held via the pair of clamp portions should be tilted without difficulty. It is possible to prevent the thermoelectric power generation element from being damaged due to excessive thermal stress generated in the thermoelectric power generation element.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of a thermoelectric power generation module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings to be referred to, FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic structure of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine in which a high temperature type thermoelectric stack including a thermoelectric power generation module according to the present invention and a low temperature type thermoelectric stack are interposed, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the high temperature type thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the high temperature type thermoelectric stack shown in FIG.

  The thermoelectric power generation module according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention recovers exhaust heat from exhaust discharged to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle to generate thermoelectric power. As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric power generation module of the first embodiment is incorporated in a high temperature thermoelectric stack 1 that is a high temperature type thermoelectric power generation apparatus, and the thermoelectric power generation module of the second embodiment is a low temperature type thermoelectric power generation apparatus. It is incorporated in the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2.

  The high temperature type thermoelectric stack 1 is interposed between an exhaust manifold 3 and a catalytic converter 4 that are upstream of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine (not shown). On the other hand, the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 is interposed between the catalytic converter 4 and the muffler 5 on the downstream side of the exhaust system. The high temperature type thermoelectric stack 1 recovers exhaust heat within a range in which the purification temperature of the catalytic converter 4 can be maintained so that the catalytic converter 4 does not deteriorate due to high temperature exhaust heat during high load operation of the internal combustion engine. It is configured.

  At the center of the high-temperature type thermoelectric stack 1, a bypass channel 6 for allowing the exhaust from the exhaust manifold 3 to flow directly to the catalytic converter 4 side is formed, and a heat recovery channel 7 is formed around it. . A flow path switching valve 8 is attached to the exhaust flow inlet of the bypass flow path 6 so as to be opened and closed so that the internal combustion engine is opened during low load operation and closed during high load operation.

  Here, during low load operation of the internal combustion engine, the flow path switching valve 8 opens the bypass flow path 6, so that the exhaust from the exhaust manifold 3 flows from the bypass flow path 6 to the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 via the catalytic converter 4. Will come to do. For this reason, only the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 recovers the exhaust heat and starts thermoelectric power generation, and the electric energy is charged to the battery via a DC-DC converter (not shown).

  On the other hand, when the internal combustion engine is operating at a high load, the flow path switching valve 8 closes the bypass flow path 6, so that the exhaust from the exhaust manifold 3 flows through the heat recovery flow path 7 and then passes through the catalytic converter 4 to the low temperature type thermoelectric. It will be distributed to the stack 2. For this reason, both the high temperature type thermoelectric stack 1 and the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 recover exhaust heat and start thermoelectric power generation, and the electric energy is stored in the battery via a DC-DC converter (not shown).

  Here, the high-temperature thermoelectric stack 1 in which the thermoelectric power generation module of the first embodiment is incorporated has an appearance as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2 and the side view of FIG. For example, three stages of front and rear thermoelectric power generation units 10, 10, 10 are provided between an inflow side cone portion 1A that is a housing that constitutes a housing and an outflow side cone portion 1B that is a housing that constitutes an outflow portion of exhaust gas.

  As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, each thermoelectric power generation unit 10 is formed on the stack body 11 disposed between the inflow side cone portion 1 </ b> A and the outflow side cone portion 1 </ b> B, and on the outer periphery of the stack body 11. The thermoelectric power generation module 12 of the first embodiment installed on each module mounting surface 11A, the cooling water case 13 installed on each thermoelectric power generation module 12, and each cooling water case 13 on the outer periphery of the stack body 11 A band member 14 to be held, and a pressing unit 15 for applying a module load from each cooling water case 13 to each thermoelectric power generation module 12 using each band member 14 as a supporting member are provided.

  The stack body 11 constitutes an endothermic heat flow member, and is formed into a generally hexagonal cylindrical shape as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 5 by using a heat resistant material such as stainless steel (SUS). Has been. Six rectangular module mounting surfaces 11A are formed on the outer periphery of the stack body 11, and a large number of comb-like fins 11B for absorbing heat are formed radially on the inner periphery thereof. A flange portion 11C is formed.

  The inner ends of a large number of fins 11B formed radially on the inner periphery of the stack body 11 form a central hole, and a tubular bolt constituting the bypass channel 6 (see FIG. 1) is formed in the central hole. The member 1C penetrates. And the heat recovery flow path 7 (refer FIG. 1) is comprised around this tubular bolt member 1C. That is, a gap between a large number of fins 11B formed radially on the inner periphery of the stack body 11, and an exhaust passage hole 1D formed in the inflow side cone portion 1A and the outflow side cone portion 1B so as to communicate with the gap. , 1D constitute a heat recovery flow path 7.

  Each of the stack bodies 11 arranged in the front and rear three stages has, for example, gaskets 1F, 1F,... Between the inflow side cone part 1A and the outflow side cone part 1B with six positioning rods 1E passing through the flange parts 11C. And are arranged alternately. And by the head part of the tubular bolt member 1C penetrating from the inflow side cone part 1A to the outflow side cone part 1B, and the nut member 1H screwed to the tip part of this bolt member 1C via a disc spring 1G The inflow side cone portion 1A and the outflow side cone portion 1B are fastened to each other, so that the stack main bodies 11 in the three front and rear stages are compressed against the compression spring 1G between the inflow side housing 1A and the outflow side housing 1B. In the state which received the force, it is clamped alternately with the gasket 1F.

  The thermoelectric power generation module 12 is configured in a rectangular flat plate shape as shown in FIG. The thermoelectric power generation module 12 is fitted into a module stay 16 formed in a rectangular frame shape, and is mounted so that the high temperature surface is in close contact with the module mounting surface 11A of the heat absorption side heat flow member 11 via the module stay 16. The

  The cooling water case 13 constitutes a cooling-side heat flow member that cools the thermoelectric power generation module 12. For example, the cooling water case 13 is a rectangular shape that adheres to the low temperature surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 12 with a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper. It is formed in a block shape (see FIG. 6).

  Each cooling water case 13 is configured such that cooling water circulates between a radiator (not shown). That is, the three cooling water cases 13 in the front and rear are communicated with each other via joint pipes 13A and 13A, and an inflow side nipple 13B into which cooling water flows from the radiator is connected to the subsequent cooling water case 13. The cooling case 13 at the front stage is connected with an outflow nipple 13C through which cooling water flows toward the radiator.

  Here, the joint pipe 13A is made of a flexible material such as annealed copper or aluminum so that the three cooling water cases 13 in the front and rear can be relatively displaced in the direction of the module load that presses the thermoelectric power generation module 12. It is composed of a certain material. In addition, this joint pipe 13A may be comprised by the rubber hose, the bellows tube, etc.

  Thus, since each cooling case 13 divided into three stages in front and rear is connected via a flexible joint pipe 13A, each cooling case 13 can be relatively displaced in the direction of the module load. An air layer is formed between the low temperature surface of each thermoelectric power generation module 12 and the module contact surface of each cooling case 13 and between the high temperature surface of each thermoelectric power generation module 12 and the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11 due to a gap. Is less likely to occur.

  The band member 14 is formed in an annular shape that encloses each cooling case 13 with a rigid metal material (see FIG. 4). Cushion portions 14A for absorbing the thermal expansion in the radial direction of the stack body 11 are formed on the band member 14 at, for example, six locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each cushion part 14A can expand and contract in the circumferential direction by meandering and bending in the radial direction.

  The pressing means 15 is fitted into the first spring supporter 15B and the second spring supporter 15C sandwiching the plurality of disc springs 15A, and the receiving recess 13D of the curved surface formed on the outer surface of the cooling water case 13, thereby the second spring supporter 15C. A disc-shaped base cap 15D to be received and a cylindrical cover cap 15E that surrounds the first spring supporter 15B and the plurality of disc springs 15A by being fixed on the outer surface of the cooling water case 13 ( (See FIG. 7).

  Further, the pressing means 15 is screwed into the band member 14 as shown in FIG. 7, thereby pushing the first spring supporter 15B to bend each disc spring 15A, and the screwing position of the pushing screw member 15F. And a nut member 15G that is screwed to the push screw member 15F.

  The compression reaction force of each disc spring 15 </ b> A of the pressing means 15 generates a module load in cooperation with the elastic force of the cushion portion 14 </ b> A of the band member 14, and this module load causes each cooling water case 13 to move. The module contact surface of each cooling case 13 is in close contact with the low temperature surface of each thermoelectric power generation module 12, and the high temperature surface of each thermoelectric power generation module 12 is the module mounting surface of the stack body 11. It comes in close contact with 11A.

  When the stack body 11 is thermally expanded in the radial direction, each disc spring 15A of the pressing means 15 is bent and the cushion portion 14A of the band member 14 is extended, so that the stack body 11 and the thermoelectric generation module 12 are excessively large. No thermal stress is generated.

  Here, the thermoelectric power generation module 12 has an internal structure as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. That is, the thermoelectric power generation module 12 includes a p-type thermoelectric power generation element P and an n-type thermoelectric power generation element N, which are two types of thermoelectric power generation elements having different polarities, in a casing 12A formed in a hollow plate shape. It has an internal structure that is alternately connected in series via the low temperature side electrode 12C in a pie shape and arranged in a plate shape vertically and horizontally.

  The casing 12 </ b> A is made of a heat-resistant material such as stainless steel (SUS), for example, and a heat absorbing plate portion 12 </ b> D on the high temperature surface side pressed against the module mounting surface 11 </ b> A of the stack body 11, and a cooling water case 13. The module contact surface of the low-temperature surface is pressed against the heat-radiating plate portion 12E.

  Here, the endothermic plate portion 12D on the high temperature surface side of the casing 12A has a thickness so that the module mounting surface 11A can be flexibly followed by the bimetal deformation when the module mounting surface 11A is deformed into a concave shape as the stack body 11 is heated. Is set as thin as about 0.2 mm. And the thin insulating sheet 12F which consists of ceramic fibers is joined to the back surface of this heat absorption board part 12D. On the other hand, the heat radiating plate portion 12E on the low temperature surface side of the casing 12A is set to be slightly thicker than the heat absorbing plate portion 12D, and a ceramic insulating plate 12G is bonded to the back surface thereof.

  In such an inner space of the casing 12A, in order to prevent the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P, the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N, the high temperature side electrode 12B, the low temperature side electrode 12C, and the like from being oxidized at a high temperature, An appropriate inert gas such as argon gas is filled.

  The p-type thermoelectric power generation element P and the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N are formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, and are alternately arranged vertically and horizontally in the casing 12A in a direction in which a module load acts in the axial direction (FIG. 9). reference). That is, the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P and the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N are arranged such that their high temperature end side faces the heat absorption plate portion 12D side and their low temperature end side faces the heat dissipation plate portion 12E side.

  The p-type thermoelectric power generation element P and the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N arranged in this way generate thermoelectromotive forces according to the temperature difference between the high temperature end and the low temperature end due to the Seebeck effect. At that time, in the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P, the high temperature end side becomes a negative pole, and the low temperature end side becomes a positive pole. On the contrary, the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N has a positive pole on the high temperature end side and a negative pole on the low temperature end side.

  Therefore, the high temperature end side serving as the + pole of the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N and the high temperature end side serving as the negative pole of the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P are alternately connected via the high temperature side electrode 12B. The low temperature end side serving as the + pole of the element P and the low temperature end side serving as the − pole of the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N are alternately connected via the low temperature side electrode 12C.

  Here, the high temperature side electrode 12B and the low temperature side electrode 12C have a structure as shown in FIGS. That is, the high temperature side electrode 12B has a pair of short columnar high temperature sides joined to the high temperature side end surfaces of two n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N and p type thermoelectric power generation elements P adjacent to each other by soldering or brazing. A high temperature that elastically encloses the peripheral surfaces of the first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1 and the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1 and is slidable in the axial direction of the n-type thermoelectric generator N and the p-type thermoelectric generator P It is configured by a combination with the second side electrode 12B2.

  Similarly, the low temperature side electrode 12C has a pair of short columnar low temperatures joined to the low temperature side end surfaces of two p-type and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements P and N adjacent to each other by soldering or brazing. The circumferential surfaces of the first side electrodes 12C1 and 12C1 and the pair of low temperature side first electrodes 12C1 and 12C1 are elastically slidable in the axial direction of the p-type thermoelectric generator P and the n-type thermoelectric generator N It is comprised by the combination with the low temperature side 2nd electrode 12C2.

  The pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1 and the single high temperature side second electrode 12B2 constituting the high temperature side electrode 12B are a heat resistant stainless steel (SUS) system having resistance to high temperature oxidation and high temperature creep, etc. Consists of materials. On the other hand, the pair of low temperature side first electrodes 12C1 and 12C1 and the single low temperature side second electrode 12C2 constituting the low temperature side electrode 12C are made of a material such as copper or aluminum having good thermal conductivity. .

  The high temperature side second electrode 12B2 is made of, for example, a sheet metal obtained by bending a stainless steel band into a generally C-shaped clip, and bent at both ends thereof into a C-shaped arc that opens inward. A pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 are formed which elastically enclose the peripheral surfaces of the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1. In addition, an elastic connecting portion 12B4 that elastically connects the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 to each other so as to be tiltable and displaceable by bending outwardly in a central shape between the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3. Is formed.

  The rigidity of this elastic connection part 12B4 is set smaller than the rigidity of a pair of clamp part 12B3, 12B3. In other words, the rigidity of the pair of clamp parts 12B3 and 12B3 is set larger than the rigidity of the elastic coupling part 12B4. As a result, the pair of clamp parts 12B3 and 12B3 can be tilted and displaced from each other while maintaining the state of elastically holding the peripheral surfaces of the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1. And the elastic connection part 12B4 of such a high temperature side 2nd electrode 12B2 is joined to the heat-absorbing-plate part 12D of casing 12A via the insulating sheet 12F shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 is made of, for example, a sheet metal obtained by bending a copper band into a substantially C-shaped clip, and bent at both ends thereof into a C-shaped arc opening inward. Thus, a pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3 that elastically enclose the peripheral surfaces of the pair of low temperature side first electrodes 12C1 and 12C1 are formed. In addition, an elastic connecting portion 12C4 that elastically connects the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3 to each other so as to be tiltable and displaceable by bending outwardly in a central shape between the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3. Is formed.

  The rigidity of the elastic connecting portion 12C4 is set smaller than the rigidity of the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3. In other words, the rigidity of the pair of clamp parts 12C3 and 12C3 is set larger than the rigidity of the elastic coupling part 12C4. As a result, the pair of clamp parts 12C3 and 12C3 can be tilted and displaced from each other while maintaining the state of elastically holding the peripheral surfaces of the pair of low temperature side first electrodes 12C1 and 12C1. And the elastic connection part 12C4 of such a low temperature side 2nd electrode 12C2 is joined to the heat sink 12E of casing 12A via the insulating board 12G shown in FIG.

  In the high-temperature thermoelectric stack 1 configured as described above, the bypass flow path 6 is closed by the flow path switching valve 8 shown in FIG. 1 during high load operation of the internal combustion engine, and the exhaust from the exhaust manifold 3 is recovered by heat. When flowing through the flow path 7, high-temperature exhaust flows through the gaps between a large number of fins 11 </ b> B formed radially on the inner periphery of each stack body 11 constituting the three-stage thermoelectric power generation units 10, 10, 10. Thus, each thermoelectric power generation unit 10 starts thermoelectric power generation.

  That is, the exhaust heat recovered by the large number of fins 11B is transmitted from the module mounting surface 11A of each stack body 11 to the high temperature surface of each thermoelectric power generation module 12, whereby each thermoelectric power generation module 12 starts thermoelectric power generation, The electric energy is charged to the battery via a DC-DC converter (not shown).

  Here, in a situation where each thermoelectric power generation module 12 is generating thermoelectric power, bimetallic deformation, which is a concave thermal deformation, occurs on the module mounting surface 11A of each stack body 11 that has recovered the temperature by recovering the exhaust heat. When this bimetal deformation is large, if the rigidity of the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the casing 12A constituting the high temperature surface of the thermoelectric power generation module 12 is large as in the conventional example, as schematically shown in FIG. There is a large gap between the module mounting surface 11 </ b> A of the main body 11 and the heat absorbing plate portion 12 </ b> D of the thermoelectric power generation module 12, and an air layer A is generated.

  As described above, when the air layer A is generated between the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11 and the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the thermoelectric power generation module 12, the heat flow resistance therebetween increases, and the heat absorbing plate portion from the module mounting surface 11A. The heat flow rate flowing into each high temperature side electrode 12B via 12D decreases, and the power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module 12 decreases.

  However, in the thermoelectric power generation module 12 of the first embodiment, the thickness of the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the casing 12A is set to be as thin as about 0.2 mm, and the insulating member joined to the back surface is also a thin insulating sheet 12F. Thus, when the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11 is bimetallic deformed, the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the casing 12A is deformed by the module load received from the cooling water case 13 side, and the bimetallic deformation of the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11 is performed. (See FIG. 13).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13, when the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the casing 12A flexibly follows the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11, each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 joined to the heat absorbing plate portion 12D It moves following the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A together with the heat absorbing plate portion 12D, and slides while maintaining the state of elastically holding the peripheral surface with respect to the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1, 12B1.

  Here, when the thermal expansion of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 and the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 is large, the p-type thermoelectric generation element P and the n-type thermoelectric generation element N tilt relative to each other as shown in FIG. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 is maintained elastically surrounding the peripheral surfaces of the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1. However, they are tilted and displaced from each other. Similarly, the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3 of the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 are tilted and displaced from each other while maintaining the state of elastically holding the peripheral surfaces of the pair of low temperature side first electrodes 12C1 and 12C1. For this reason, excessive thermal stress does not occur in the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P and the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N.

  Thus, in the thermoelectric power generation module 12 of the first embodiment, the heat absorbing plate portion 12D of the casing 12A flexibly follows the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11, and therefore the air layer A is between them. The heat flow from the module mounting surface 11A to the heat absorbing plate 12D is sufficiently secured without being generated. Further, since each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 of the high temperature side electrode 12B moves following the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A together with the heat absorption plate portion 12D, heat from the heat absorption plate portion 12D to each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 A sufficient flow rate is also secured.

  At that time, since the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 of each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 slide while elastically holding the peripheral surfaces of the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1 and 12B1, each high temperature side second electrode A sufficient amount of heat flows from 12B2 to the high temperature ends of the n-type thermoelectric generator N and the p-type thermoelectric generator P via the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1, 12B1. At the same time, a sufficient electrical continuity between each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 and the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 12B1, 12B1 is ensured.

  Furthermore, an excessive module load does not act on the group of p-type thermoelectric generators P and n-type thermoelectric generators N, and the thermal expansion of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 and the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 is large. Since the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 are tilted and displaced relative to each other, and the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3 of the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 are also tilted and displaced relative to each other, a group of p-type thermoelectric generation The element P and the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N can be tilted without difficulty, and generation of excessive thermal stress on them is suppressed.

  Therefore, according to the thermoelectric power generation module 12 of the first embodiment, a decrease in power generation performance due to bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11 can be suppressed with high reliability, and a group of p-types Damage to the thermoelectric generator P and the n-type thermoelectric generator N can also be prevented. In addition, since each high temperature side second electrode 12B2 and each low temperature side second electrode 12C2 are made of sheet metal bent into the shape shown in FIG. 10, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Here, the thermoelectric power generation unit 10 incorporated in the high temperature type thermoelectric stack 1 and the thermoelectric power generation module 12 of the first embodiment can be variously modified. For example, the number of stages of the thermoelectric generation unit 10 is three in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but the number of stages can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  In particular, the shapes of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 and the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed. For example, the pair of clamp portions 12B3 and 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 includes a pair of clamp portions 12B5 that open outwardly in a C shape as shown in FIGS. It can be changed to 12B5.

  The same applies to the shape of the low temperature side second electrode 12C2, and the pair of clamp portions 12C3 and 12C3 can be changed to a pair of clamp portions 12C5 and 12C5 that open outwardly in a C shape. Note that the high-temperature side second electrode 12B2 and the low-temperature side second electrode 12C2 having the shapes shown in FIGS. 16 to 18 are integrally formed of an appropriate synthetic resin or the like instead of bending a sheet metal.

  Further, the shape of the high temperature side first electrode 12B1 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is such that the flange portion engageable with the end face of the clamp portion 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 is formed as shown in FIGS. You may change into the shape of the short cylinder which has. Similarly, the shape of the low temperature side first electrode 12C1 may be changed to a shape having a flange portion that can be engaged with the end face of the clamp portion 12C3 of the low temperature side second electrode 12C2.

  Further, the high temperature side first electrode 12B1 and the clamp portion 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are taper-fitted so as to be slidable in the axial direction as shown in FIGS. May be. That is, the shape of the high temperature side first electrode 12B1 is changed to a frustoconical shape having an outer taper surface, and the clamp portion 12B3 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 correspondingly has an inner taper that can be elastically reduced in diameter. A surface may be formed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, when the heat absorption plate 12D of the casing 12A of the thermoelectric generator module 12 is deformed following the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A of the stack body 11, the high temperature side The clamp portion 12B3 of the electrode 12B is elastically reduced in diameter as shown in FIG. 22 and slides in the axial direction of the high temperature side first electrode 12B1. For this reason, even if the high temperature side electrode 12B is not joined to the heat absorbing plate portion 12D, it can move following the bimetal deformation of the module mounting surface 11A together with the heat absorbing plate portion 12D.

  Next, the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 in which the thermoelectric power generation module of the second embodiment is incorporated will be described with reference to FIGS. The low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 has an appearance as shown in a perspective view of FIG. 23 and an internal structure as shown in a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

  The low-temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 includes a hollow cylindrical cooling water case 2A constituting the outer peripheral portion thereof, a donut-shaped thermoelectric power generation unit 20 having a donut shape slidably fitted to the inner peripheral portion thereof, and a central portion thereof. Exhaust gas bypass pipe 2B penetrating therethrough, an inflow portion and an outflow portion of exhaust gas around each of them, and cylindrical inflow side housing 2C and outflow side housing 2D sandwiching thermoelectric power generation units 20 at each stage, inflow side An inflow side bellows pipe 2E that covers the periphery of the housing 2C with the front end of the water rejection case 2A, an outflow side bellows pipe 2F that covers the periphery of the outflow side housing 2D with the rear end of the water rejection case 2A, etc. It is provided with a member.

  The cooling water case 2A is connected to an inflow nipple 2A1 through which cooling water flows and an outflow nipple 2A2 from which cooling water flows out. The cooling water case 2A is connected to a radiator (not shown). Is configured to circulate.

  The inflow side housing 2C and the outflow side housing 2D sandwich each stage thermoelectric generator unit 20 with a predetermined module load by the spring reaction force of a plurality of disc springs 2H mounted together with the push nut 2G at the rear end of the bypass pipe 2B. The module load is optimized by adjusting the spring reaction force of the disc spring 2H according to the screwing amount of the push nut 2G.

  In the inner space of the cooling water case 2A that is hermetically covered by the inflow side bellows pipe 2E and the outflow side bellows pipe 2F and shut off from the outside air, nitrogen gas for preventing the oxidation of the components of the thermoelectric power generation unit 20 An appropriate inert gas such as argon gas is filled.

  Here, each thermoelectric power generation unit 20 has a pair of heat absorption side heat flow plates 21 and 21 formed in a donut shape with insulating ceramics having heat resistance, and insulating ceramics as shown in an exploded view in FIG. A pair of cooling-side heat flow plates 22, 22 are provided between the heat-absorption-side heat flow plates 21, 21, which are formed in a ring shape with an L-shaped cross section and arranged in a back-to-back state. As shown in FIG. 26, between the one heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 and the one cooling side heat flow plate 22 and between the other heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 and the other cooling side heat flow plate 22. The thermoelectric power generation modules 23 assembled in an annular shape are sandwiched.

  As shown in FIG. 25, each of the heat absorption side heat flow plates 21 includes a narrow flange portion 21B protruding from the center portion of the wide ring-shaped main body 21A to the outer peripheral side and the ring-shaped main body 21A from the inner peripheral side to the inner peripheral side. A number of comb-shaped fins 21C projecting radially in width. The inner end side of the numerous fins 21C of the heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 surrounds the bypass pipe 2B and is fitted to the outer periphery thereof as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. As a result, a predetermined clearance is formed around the bypass pipe 2B through which exhaust gas flows along the axial direction of the bypass pipe 2B.

  The pair of cooling-side heat flow plates 22 and 22 includes outer ring portions 22A and 22A that are fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the cooling water case 2A, and flange portions 22B that face the flange portions 21B and 21B of the heat absorption-side heat flow plate 21. 22B, and the flange portions 22B and 22B are arranged in a back-to-back state so as to face each other. And the thermoelectric generation module 23 is each clamped between the flange part 22B of this cooling side heat flow board 22, and the flange part 21B of the heat absorption side heat flow board 21 which faces this. The outer peripheral ring portions 22A and 22A of the pair of cooling side heat flow plates 22 and 22 are slidably fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the cooling water case 2A through a silicon grease layer having high thermal conductivity in a close contact state. The

  The thermoelectric generator module 23 is similar to the high temperature side first electrode 12B1, the high temperature side second electrode 12B2, the low temperature side first electrode 12C1, and the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 shown in FIG. A high temperature side first electrode 23A1, a high temperature side second electrode 23A2, a low temperature side first electrode 23B1, and a low temperature side second electrode 23B2.

  Here, the high temperature side second electrode 23A2 includes a pair of clamp portions 23A3 and 23A3 configured in the same manner as the pair of clamp portions 12B5 and 12B5 and the elastic connection portion 12B4 of the high temperature side second electrode 12B2 illustrated in FIG. It has connection part 23A4. Similarly, the low temperature side second electrode 23B2 includes a pair of clamp portions 23B3 and 23B3 configured in the same manner as the pair of clamp portions 12C5 and 12C5 and the elastic coupling portion 12C4 of the low temperature side second electrode 12C2 illustrated in FIG. It has connection part 23B4.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25, the flange portion 22B of the cooling-side heat flow plate 22 can be partially elastically deformed by being divided in the circumferential direction by a plurality of slits S extending radially from the inner peripheral side thereof. A plurality of tongue pieces T are formed. These tongue pieces T are formed with a width and a pitch corresponding to the low temperature side second electrode 23B2 shown in FIG. 27, and elastically contact each low temperature side second electrode 23B2.

  Further, in order to press each tongue piece T formed on the flange portion 22B of the cooling side heat flow plate 22 against each low temperature side second electrode 23B2, there is a rubber material (or elastomer) between the opposing surfaces of the flange portions 22B and 22B. A ring-shaped low elastic body 24 made of resin is interposed in a pre-compressed state (see FIG. 27). Both surfaces of the rubber low-elasticity member 24 are joined to the opposing surfaces of the flange portions 22B and 22B by means such as vulcanization adhesion.

  In the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 configured as described above, the exhaust discharged from the exhaust manifold 3 shown in FIG. 1 passes through the catalytic converter 4 and the inflow side housing of the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 shown in FIG. When flowing from 2C toward the outflow side housing 2D, exhaust flows between a large number of comb-shaped fins 21C of each heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 constituting the total twelve-stage thermoelectric power generation units 20, The comb-shaped fins 21 </ b> C collect exhaust heat.

  Then, as shown by the dotted arrows in FIG. 27, the recovered exhaust heat passes through the thermoelectric power generation modules 23 and 23 on both sides from the flange portion 21 </ b> B of each heat absorption side heat flow plate 21, and then the cooling side heat flow plates 22 and 22. The thermoelectric power generation module 23 starts thermoelectric power generation by flowing to the cooling water case 2A via the battery, and the electric energy is charged to the battery via a DC-DC converter (not shown).

  Here, in the situation where each thermoelectric power generation module 23 is performing thermoelectric power generation, bimetal deformation, which is concave heat deformation, occurs on the side surface of the flange portion 21B of the heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 that has recovered the temperature by recovering the exhaust heat. . When this bimetal deformation is large, there is a gap between the thermoelectric power generation module 23 and the heat flow resistance increases, the heat flow flowing into the thermoelectric power generation module 23 decreases, and the power generation performance of the thermoelectric power generation module 12 is reduced. May decrease.

  However, in the thermoelectric generator module 23 of the second embodiment, each high temperature side second electrode 23A2 (see FIGS. 27 and 28) moves following the bimetal deformation of the flange portion 21B of the heat absorption side heat flow plate 21. That is, each high temperature side second electrode 23A2 slides while maintaining a state in which its peripheral surface is elastically held with respect to the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 23A1 and 23A1.

  For this reason, a sufficient heat flow from the flange portion 21B of the heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 to each high temperature side second electrode 23A2 of the thermoelectric power generation module 23 is secured, and a pair of high temperature side first electrodes are provided from each high temperature side second electrode 23A2. The heat flow rate flowing into the high-temperature ends of the n-type thermoelectric power generation element N and the p-type thermoelectric power generation element P via 23A1 and 23A1 is sufficiently secured. At the same time, a sufficient electrical continuity between each high temperature side second electrode 23A2 and the pair of high temperature side first electrodes 23A1, 23A1 is ensured.

  Further, when the thermal expansion of the high temperature side second electrode 23A2 and the low temperature side second electrode 23B2 is large, the pair of clamp portions 12A3, 12A3 of the high temperature side second electrode 23A2 are tilted and displaced, and the low temperature side second electrode 23B2 Since the pair of clamp portions 23B3 and 23B3 are also tilted and displaced with each other, the group of p-type thermoelectric power generation elements P and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N can be tilted without difficulty, and excessive thermal stress is generated in them. Is suppressed.

  Therefore, according to the thermoelectric power generation module 23 of the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress a decrease in power generation performance due to the bimetal deformation of the flange portion 21B of the heat absorption side heat flow plate 21 with high reliability, and a group of p The breakage of the type thermoelectric generator P and the n-type thermoelectric generator N can also be prevented.

  Here, various changes can be made to the thermoelectric power generation unit 20 incorporated in the low temperature type thermoelectric stack 2 and the thermoelectric power generation module 23 of the second embodiment. For example, the thermoelectric power generation unit 20 shown in FIG. 24 is composed of 12 stages, but the number of stages can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  Further, the annular thermoelectric power generation module 23 shown in FIG. 26 has a double circle in which a group of p-type thermoelectric power generation elements P and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N are arranged in a zigzag manner in the radial direction, as shown in FIG. It can be configured in an annular shape.

  Further, the thermoelectric power generation module of the present invention is not limited to a flat plate in which a group of p-type thermoelectric power generation elements P and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N are arranged vertically and horizontally as shown in FIG. In this way, a group of p-type thermoelectric power generation elements P and n-type thermoelectric power generation elements N can be configured in a linear shape.

It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine in which the high temperature type thermoelectric stack provided with the thermoelectric power generation module which concerns on this invention, and the low temperature type thermoelectric stack are interposed. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the high temperature type thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the high temperature thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the high temperature thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a high-temperature thermoelectric stack showing the stack bodies shown in FIG. 4 separately. FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a cooling water case and pressing means shown in FIG. 4. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the thermoelectric power generation unit shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. 6. It is a top view of the internal structure of the thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. It is an expansion disassembled perspective view of a part of internal structure of the thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the internal structure of the thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. 8. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the behavior of the conventional thermoelectric power generation module when bimetal deformation | transformation generate | occur | produces in the module mounting surface of the stack main body shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 12 which shows typically the behavior of the thermoelectric power generation module of 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing corresponding to FIG. 13 which shows typically the behavior of the thermoelectric power generation module of 1st Embodiment when the thermal expansion of the high temperature side 2nd electrode and low temperature side 2nd electrode shown in FIG. 13 is large. It is the elements on larger scale which expand and show the behavior of the high temperature side 2nd electrode and low temperature side 2nd electrode which were shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 9 showing a modification of the internal structure of the thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 17 is an enlarged exploded perspective view corresponding to FIG. 10 showing the structure of the modified example shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view corresponding to FIG. 11 showing the structure of the modification shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modification of the shape of the high temperature side first electrode and the low temperature side first electrode shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged front view showing a state where the high temperature side second electrode is slid with respect to the high temperature side first electrode shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged front view showing a modification of the shape of the high temperature side first electrode shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged front view showing a state where the high temperature side second electrode is slid with respect to the high temperature side first electrode shown in FIG. 21. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the low temperature type thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of the low temperature type thermoelectric stack shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generation unit shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is a front view of an annular thermoelectric power generation module sandwiched between a heat absorption side heat flow plate and a cooling side heat flow plate shown in FIG. 25. It is a fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows a part of thermoelectric power generation unit shown in FIG. FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged perspective view corresponding to FIG. 18 illustrating the configuration of the thermoelectric power generation module illustrated in FIG. 26. It is a front view which shows the modification of the annular | circular shaped thermoelectric power generation module shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the linear thermoelectric power generation module as a modification of the thermoelectric power generation module of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... High temperature type thermoelectric stack, 2 ... Low temperature type thermoelectric stack, 6 ... Bypass flow path, 7 ... Heat recovery flow path, 10 ... Thermoelectric power generation unit, 11 ... Stack body, 11A ... Module mounting surface, 11B ... Fin, 11C ... Flange part, 12 ... thermoelectric power generation module, 12A ... casing, 12B ... high temperature side electrode, 12B1 ... high temperature side first electrode, 12B2 ... high temperature side second electrode, 12B3 ... clamp part, 12B4 ... elastic connection part, 12C ... low temperature side Electrode, 12C1 ... Low temperature side first electrode, 12C2 ... Low temperature side second electrode, 12C3 ... Clamp part, 12C4 ... Elastic connection part, 12D ... Heat absorbing plate part, 12E ... Heat sink part, 12F ... Insulating sheet, 12G ... Insulating board , 13 ... Cooling water case, 13A ... Joint pipe, 13B ... Inflow side nipple, 13C ... Outflow side nipple, 13D ... Receiving recess, 14 ... Band member 14A ... Cushion part, 15 ... Pressing means, 15A ... Disc spring, 15B ... First spring supporter, 15C ... Second spring supporter, 15D ... Base cap, 15E ... Cover cap, 15F ... Push screw member, 15G ... Nut member, N ... n-type thermoelectric generator, P ... p-type thermoelectric generator.

Claims (6)

Two types of thermoelectric generators with different polarities are pie-type connected alternately in series via a high temperature side electrode and a low temperature side electrode,
The high temperature side electrode includes a pair of high temperature side first electrodes that are respectively joined to the high temperature ends of two adjacent thermoelectric power generation elements, and a pair of high temperature side first electrodes that elastically enclose the shaft of the thermoelectric power generation element. A thermoelectric power generation module comprising a combination with a second electrode on a high temperature side slidable in a direction.   The low temperature side electrodes elastically enclose a pair of low temperature side first electrodes respectively joined to the low temperature ends of two adjacent thermoelectric power generation elements, and a pair of low temperature side first electrodes. The thermoelectric power generation module according to claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric generation module is configured by a combination with a low temperature side second electrode that is slidable in a direction.   The high temperature side second electrode is integrally formed with a pair of clamp parts slidable in the axial direction of the thermoelectric power generation element and an elastic connection part for elastically connecting the pair of clamp parts so as to be relatively displaceable. The thermoelectric power generation module according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the pair of clamp parts is set to be larger than the rigidity of the elastic coupling part.   The low temperature side second electrode is integrally formed with a pair of clamp parts that are slidable in the axial direction of the thermoelectric generator and an elastic connection part that elastically connects the pair of clamp parts so as to be relatively displaceable. The thermoelectric power generation module according to claim 2, wherein the rigidity of the pair of clamp parts is set to be larger than the rigidity of the elastic coupling part.   The thermoelectric power generation module according to claim 3, wherein the second electrode on the high temperature side is made of a sheet metal in which a pair of clamp portions and an elastic connection portion are bent. The thermoelectric power generation module according to claim 4, wherein the second electrode on the low temperature side is made of a sheet metal in which a pair of clamp portions and an elastic connection portion are bent.

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