JP2013008735A - Thermoelectric conversion unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric conversion unit which has a structure uniting a pair of cases while effectively suppressing the crushing of a thermoelectric conversion element.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric conversion unit 1 includes: a pair of cases 4 and 5; a pair of substrates 2b and 2c provided between the pair of the cases 4 and 5 and opposing to the cases 4 and 5; a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a provided between the pair of the substrates 2b and 2c; annular seal members 8 and 9 provided between the cases 4 and 5 and the substrates 2b and 2c opposing to the cases 4 and 5, and disposed along outer peripheral portions of the substrates 2b and 2c; and a colum member 3 provided between the pair of the substrates 2b and 2c so as to be aligned at the same position in a stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5 over the substrates 2b and 2c to the seal members 8 and 9, and abutting on the substrates 2b and 2c. The pair of the cases 4 and 5 are united while applying pressing force in a direction bringing the pair of the cases 4 and 5 close to each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion unit having a thermoelectric conversion element.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit described in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1 includes a pair of substrates facing each other, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the pair of substrates, and provided between each pair of substrates. It has the pillar member which contacts. Accordingly, the proximity of the pair of substrates can be suppressed by the column member. The thermoelectric conversion unit described in FIG. 6 of Patent Document 1 includes a pair of cases in which a channel having an opening structure is formed, a pair of substrates that are provided between the pair of cases and block the opening of the channel, and a pair A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the substrates. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element can exchange heat with the heat medium flowing in the flow path via the substrate.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-307825

  However, there has conventionally been a need for a structure that couples a pair of cases while effectively suppressing collapse of the thermoelectric conversion element.

    In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is a thermoelectric conversion unit according to each claim. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1 is a pair of cases, a pair of substrates provided between the pair of cases and facing the stacking direction of the cases, and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the pair of substrates, An annular seal member provided between at least one of the cases and the substrate facing the case and disposed along the outer periphery of the substrate, and the same position in the stacking direction of the cases with the substrate sandwiched between the seal members And a column member provided between the pair of substrates and in contact with each substrate. The pair of cases are coupled while applying a pressing force in a direction in which the pair of cases are close to each other.

  Therefore, when the pair of cases are pushed in the direction in which the pair of cases approaches, a force is applied in the direction in which the pair of substrates approaches through a seal member provided between the case and the substrate. The proximity of the pair of substrates is suppressed by the column member. The seal member and the column member are aligned at the same position in the case stacking direction. For this reason, it is difficult for the torque generated when the position shifts with respect to the pressing force applied to the case between the seal member and the column member, and the pressing force is effectively supported by the column member. Further, the seal member can reduce the force applied to the column member by the elastic force of the seal member. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element provided between the substrates can be suppressed from being crushed. Further, the pair of substrates can be prevented from rattling with respect to the case by the elastic force of the seal member.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the seal member includes a first seal member provided between one case and one substrate facing the case, and a second seal member provided between the other case and the other substrate. Accordingly, the first seal member, the second seal member, and the column member are arranged at the same position in the stacking direction of the cases. Therefore, when the pair of cases are pushed in the approaching direction, torque is hardly generated between the first seal member, the second seal member, and the column member. Therefore, the pressing force effectively applied to the case can be received by the first seal member, the second seal member, and the column member.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, at least one case is formed with a flow channel having an open structure, and the open portion of the flow channel is blocked by one substrate. The seal member is provided on the entire periphery of the opening outside the opening, and seals between one case and one substrate. Accordingly, the sealing member has a function of receiving a force and a function of sealing. For this reason, the number of parts of the thermoelectric conversion unit is reduced by sharing the parts.

  In the present invention, the substrate has a rectangular shape. At least a part of each of the column member and the seal member is located near the corner of the substrate. Therefore, the column member and the seal member can receive the pressing force in the vicinity of the corner portion of the substrate where the pressing force applied to the case tends to concentrate. Therefore, torque that can be generated by the pressing force is suppressed, and the pressing force can be effectively received by the column member and the seal member.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the column member has a ring shape surrounding the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements and seals between the pair of substrates. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element between the pair of substrates can be shielded from outside air or a heat medium by the column member. The column member has a function of receiving a force and a function of sealing between a pair of substrates. For this reason, the number of parts of the thermoelectric conversion unit is reduced by sharing the parts.

  In the sixth aspect, the column member is formed of an elastic material. Therefore, the column member can be elastically deformed by the pressing force applied to the case and can reliably seal between the substrates.

  In claim 7, the column member and the seal member are formed of the same material. Therefore, the column member and the seal member can be made the same component, thereby reducing the price of the thermoelectric conversion unit. Both the column member and the seal member are annular and are arranged at the same position in the case stacking direction. Therefore, it is difficult for torque to be generated between the column member and the seal member, and the column member and the seal member can effectively receive the pressing force applied to the case.

  Each substrate has an inner surface facing the column member. The inner surface is provided with a positioning portion that can determine the position of the column member with respect to the substrate and an electrode to which the thermoelectric conversion element is connected. Accordingly, the relative positions of the pair of substrates can be determined by the positioning portion and the column member. Thereby, the relative position of a pair of board | substrates is determined accurately, and a thermoelectric conversion element can be reliably connected to each electrode of each board | substrate.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a positioning structure is provided between the positioning portion and the column member to restrict relative movement between the positioning portion and the column member. Therefore, the relative position between the column member and the substrate can be determined easily and accurately. For example, it can be determined accurately without visual inspection.

  Therefore, the pair of cases can be combined while effectively suppressing the collapse of the thermoelectric conversion element.

It is a block diagram of a heat exchange system. It is a perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a thermoelectric conversion unit. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2. It is a decomposition | disassembly top view of a part of thermoelectric conversion unit. It is a decomposition | disassembly top view of a part of thermoelectric conversion unit in another structure. It is a partial cross section figure of the thermoelectric conversion unit of FIG. It is a decomposition | disassembly top view of a part of thermoelectric conversion unit in another structure. It is a partial cross section figure of the thermoelectric conversion unit of FIG. It is a partial cross section figure of the thermoelectric conversion unit of FIG. It is a decomposition | disassembly top view of a part of thermoelectric conversion unit in another structure. It is a partial cross section figure of the thermoelectric conversion unit of FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the thermoelectric conversion unit in another structure.

  One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The heat exchange system 10 is provided in a vehicle, for example, and includes a thermoelectric conversion unit 1, a radiator 11, and an indoor heat exchanger 14 as shown in FIG. The radiator 11 is connected to a vehicle engine 12 by a pipe 20. A first heat medium (coolant liquid) circulates between the engine 12 and the radiator 11 by a pump 13 provided in the middle of the pipe 20. The first heat medium receives heat (hot heat) from the engine 12 and releases heat from the radiator 11 to the outside air.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is connected to the radiator 11 by a pipe 21 connected to the pipe 20, and is connected to the radiator 11 in parallel with the engine 12. The first heat medium is cooled by receiving cold from the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 via the pipes 20 and 21. Therefore, the first heat medium can be cooled not only by the radiator 11 but also by the thermoelectric conversion unit 1.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 14 by a pipe 22 as shown in FIG. A second heat medium (coolant liquid) circulates between the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 and the indoor heat exchanger 14 by a pump 15 provided in the middle of the pipe 22. The second heat medium receives heat from the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 and releases heat from the indoor heat exchanger 14 to the indoor air. Therefore, the room can be warmed by the indoor heat exchanger 14.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 includes a first case 4, a second case 5, and a plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 2 as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first case 4 includes a case main body 4a, a pipe member 4b, and a folding member 4c. The case body 4a includes a bottom portion 4a1, side walls 4a2 erected on both side edges of the bottom portion 4a1, a first end surface 4a3 erected on the front edge of the bottom portion 4a1, and a second end surface 4a4 erected on the rear edge of the bottom portion 4a1. Are integrated. A pair of partition plates 4a10 that extend across the front edge and the rear edge and partition the inside of the first case 4 are formed on the bottom 4a1. A plurality of parallel flow paths 4f and 4g are formed in the first case 4 by the partition plate 4a10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the second case 5 includes a case body 5a, a pipe member 5b, and a folding member 5c. The case main body 5a includes a top portion 5a1, side walls 5a2 depending from both side edges of the top portion 5a1, a first end surface 5a3 depending from the front edge of the top portion 5a1, and a second end surface depending from the rear edge of the top portion 5a1. 5a4 is integrally provided. A pair of partition plates 5a10 that extend across the front edge and the rear edge and partition the inside of the second case 5 are formed on the top 5a1. A plurality of parallel flow paths 5f and 5g are formed in the second case 5 by the partition plate 5a10.

  The case bodies 4a and 5a have beams 4a8 and 5a8 extending between the partition plates 4a10 and 5a10 and the side walls 4a2 and 5a2, as shown in FIGS. The beams 4a8, 5a8 are separated from the bottom 4a1 or the top 5a1 so as not to block the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g. The case bodies 4a and 5a are partitioned into a plurality of (for example, 10) storage areas by the beams 4a8 and 5a8, the partition plates 4a10 and 5a10, and the side walls 4a2 and 5a2. The lower part of each thermoelectric conversion module 2 is accommodated in each storage area of the case body 4a, and the upper part of each thermoelectric conversion module 2 is accommodated in each storage area of the case body 5a.

  On the first end faces 4a3, 5a3, openings 4a6, 5a6 that open to the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g are formed as shown in FIGS. Tube members 4b and 5b are attached to the first end faces 4a3 and 5a3. Openings 4a7 and 5a7 that open to the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, and 5g are formed in the second end faces 4a4 and 5a4. Folding members 4c and 5c are attached to the second end faces 4a4 and 5a4.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the pipe members 4 b and 5 b integrally include attachment portions 4 b 1 and 5 b 1, introduction pipes 4 b 2 and 5 b 2, and discharge pipes 4 b 3 and 5 b 3. The attachment portions 4b1 and 5b1 are plate-like and attached to the first end surfaces 4a3 and 5a3. The introduction pipes 4b2 and 5b2 and the discharge pipes 4b3 and 5b3 extend in parallel from the attachment portions 4b1 and 5b1. Introducing passages 4b4 and 5b4 communicating with the flow passages 4f and 5f are formed in the introduction pipes 4b2 and 5b2 and the attachment portions 4b1 and 5b1, respectively. Discharge passages 4b5 and 5b5 communicating with the flow passages 4g and 5g are formed in the discharge pipes 4b3 and 5b3 and the attachment portions 4b1 and 5b1, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, protrusions 4 b 6 and 5 b 6 that protrude toward the cases 4 and 5 are formed on the attachment portions 4 b 1 and 5 b 1. The protrusions 4b6 and 5b6 have a substantially triangular shape and are fitted into the openings 4a6 and 5a6. The protrusions 4b6 and 5b6 are inclined surfaces 4b7 and 5b7 that are inclined with respect to the introduction paths 4b4 and 5b4 and the discharge paths 4b5 and 5b5 so that the cross-section of the flow path increases as the distance from the introduction paths 4b4 and 5b4 or the discharge paths 4b5 and 5b5 increases. Have

  The folding members 4c and 5c have mounting portions 4c1 and 5c1 and a pair of projecting portions 4c2 and 5c2, as shown in FIGS. The attachment portions 4c1 and 5c1 are plate-like and attached to the second end surfaces 4a4 and 5a4. The protrusions 4c2 and 5c2 have a substantially triangular shape and are fitted into the openings 4a7 and 5a7. The protrusions 4c2 and 5c2 have inclined surfaces 4c3 and 5c3 that are inclined from the channels 4f, 4g, 5f, and 5g toward the adjacent channels 4f, 4g, 5f, and 5g.

  The case bodies 4a and 5a have a plurality of cylindrical portions 4a5 and 5a5 projecting outward from the side walls 4a2 and 5a2, as shown in FIGS. Metal pipes 4e and 5e are provided in the cylindrical portions 4a5 and 5a5. The metal tubes 4e and 5e penetrate the cylindrical portions 4a5 and 5a5 in the height direction. An internal thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first metal tube 4e.

  In the case main bodies 4a and 5a, as shown in FIG. 4, storage concave portions 4a12 and 5a12 and small concave portions 4a11 and 5a11 are formed on opposing surfaces. In the housing recesses 4a12 and 5a12, the central portions (the substrates 2b and 2c and the thermoelectric conversion element 2a) of the thermoelectric conversion module 2 are housed. The depths of the housing recesses 4a12 and 5a12 are larger than the thickness of the central portion of the thermoelectric conversion module 2. The small recesses 4a11 and 5a11 are recessed on the bottom surfaces of the storage recesses 4a12 and 5a12. The small recesses 4a11 and 5a11 are formed in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge of the thermoelectric conversion module 2, and the seal members 8 and 9 are installed in the small recesses 4a11 and 5a11.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the case body 5 a is formed with an annular recess 5 a 13 outside the thermoelectric conversion module 2. A seal member 18 is provided in the recess 5a13 to make the case main bodies 4a and 5a liquid-tight. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of openings 5h is formed at the center of the top 5a1 of the case body 5a. Opening 5 h is closed by converter case 6.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the converter case 6 is made of aluminum and integrally includes a bottom portion 6a and an outer peripheral wall 6b erected on the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 6a. A plurality of ring portions 6c protruding outward are formed on the outer peripheral wall 6b. The ring portion 6c comes into contact with the end portion of the second metal tube 5e. As shown in FIG. 4, the case body 5a is formed with a recess 5a14 in an annular shape outside the opening 5h. A seal member 17 is provided in the recess 5a14 to make the case body 5a and the converter case 6 liquid-tight.

  Cases 4 and 5 and converter case 6 are stacked in the thickness direction as shown in FIGS. The coupler (bolt) 7 integrally includes a head portion 7a and a screw body 7b that is thinner than the head portion 7a and has an external thread formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The screw body 7b passes through the hole 6c1 of the ring portion 6c and the second metal tube 5e, and is screwed into the first metal tube 4e.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric conversion module 2 includes a thermoelectric conversion element 2a, substrates 2b and 2c, and fins 2d and 2e. The thermoelectric conversion element (Peltier element) 2a is composed of different metals, conductors or semiconductors. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a exerts a Peltier effect by passing a direct current, and either one of the first heat surface and the second heat surface serves as a heat absorbing portion, and the other one serves as a heat radiating portion to dissipate heat. . A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a are provided between the first substrate 2b and the second substrate 2c.

  The substrates 2b and 2c are made of an insulating material as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7 and have inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 and outer surfaces 2b2 and 2c2. The outer surfaces 2b2 and 2c2 face the cases 4 and 5, cover the openings of the cases 4 and 5, and cooperate with the cases 4 and 5 to form flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f and 5g. Fins 2d and 2e are attached to the outer surfaces 2b2 and 2c2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fins 2d and 2e protrude from the substrates 2b and 2c in the opposite direction to the thermoelectric conversion element 2a. The fins 2d and 2e have a plate shape and a zigzag shape, and gaps 2d1 and 2e1 are formed between the zigzags. The fins 2d, 2e are installed in the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g, and the gaps 2d1, 2e1 are formed in the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g so as not to block the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g. It spreads in the longitudinal direction.

  Electrodes 2f and 2g are provided on the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c as shown in FIG. The electrodes 2f and 2g are made of a conductive material, and are applied or bonded to the substrates 2b and 2c. The electrodes 2f and 2g are provided in the central region of the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 in a plurality of rows in the vertical direction and in a plurality of rows in the horizontal direction.

  A column member 3 is provided between the first substrates 2b and 2c as shown in FIGS. The column member 3 abuts against the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c and suppresses the substrates 2b and 2c from approaching each other. The column member 3 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The column member 3 is annular and rectangular. The column member 3 is along the outer peripheral edge of the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c. The column member 3 has a substantially rectangular shape, and includes a corner portion 3a provided in the vicinity of the corner portions of the substrates 2b and 2c, and a linear portion 3b extending along the side edges of the substrates 2b and 2c.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the column member 3 is aligned with the seal members 8 and 9 in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c. Thereby, the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 are arranged in the direction of the pressing force of the coupler 7 that presses the cases 4 and 5 in the approaching direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the seal members 8 and 9 have the same shape as the column member 3 and are formed of the same material as the column member 3. The seal members 8 and 9 extend along the outer peripheral edges of the outer surfaces 2b2 and 2c2 of the substrates 2b and 2c. The seal members 8 and 9 have corner portions 8a and 9a provided in the vicinity of the corner portions of the substrates 2b and 2c, and linear portions 8b and 9b extending along the side edges of the substrates 2b and 2c. The sealing members 8 and 9 are provided on the entire circumference of the substrates 2b and 2c, and seal between the substrates 2b and 2c and the cases 4 and 5.

  When the thermoelectric conversion module 2 is manufactured, paste-like solder is applied to the electrodes 2f and 2g of the substrates 2b and 2c as shown in FIG. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a is installed on the first electrode 2f of the first substrate 2b. The column member 3 is installed on the first inner surface 2b1 of the first substrate 2b. The second substrate 2c is overlaid on the first substrate 2b, and the thermoelectric conversion element 2a is brought into contact with the second electrode 2g via solder. The paste solder is melted (reflowed) and cooled to solidify the solder. The fins 2d and 2e are bonded to the substrates 2b and 2c (see FIG. 4).

  When manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion unit 1, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion modules 2 and the first seal member 8 are attached to the first case 4 and the second seal member 9 is attached to the second case 5 as shown in FIGS. Installing. A second case 5 is installed on the first case 4, and a converter case 6 is installed on the second case 5. Cases 4, 5 and converter case 6 are joined by joint 7, and joint 7 applies a pressing force in a direction in which cases 4, 5 are brought close to each other. The pressing force of the coupler 7 is transmitted to the substrates 2 b and 2 c through the seal members 8 and 9, and the pressing force is received by the seal members 8 and 9 and the column member 3.

  A converter 16 is attached to the converter case 6 as shown in FIG. Converter 16 is electrically connected to terminal 5n extending from case body 4a. The converter 16 converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage and supplies a direct current to the terminal 5n. The direct current is supplied to each thermoelectric conversion module 2 from the terminal 5n via the electrode provided on the case body 5a (see FIG. 4). The direct current flows through the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a in series by the electrodes 2f and 2g. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a, when supplied with current, absorbs heat through the second substrate 2c and the second fin 2e and dissipates heat through the first substrate 2b and the first fin 2d.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pump 13 supplies the first heat medium to the second case 5 via the pipes 20 and 21. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first heat medium is introduced into the flow path 5f from the introduction pipe 5b2, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 5b3 through the flow path 5g. The first heat medium receives cold from the thermoelectric conversion element 2a through the second fin 2e and the second substrate 2c by flowing through the flow paths 5f and 5g (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first heat medium contacts the converter case 6 through the opening 5h of the case body 5a. The first heat medium receives the heat generated from the converter 16 via the converter case 6. Accordingly, the first heat medium cools the converter 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pump 15 supplies the second heat medium to the first case 4 via the pipe 22. The second heat medium is introduced from the introduction pipe 4b2 into the flow path 4f as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and is discharged from the discharge pipe 4b3 through the flow path 4g. The second heat medium receives heat from the thermoelectric conversion element 2a through the first fin 2d and the first substrate 2b by flowing through the flow paths 4f and 4g (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 1, the second heat medium flows through the indoor heat exchanger 14 and releases heat to indoor air.

  As described above, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 includes a pair of cases 4 and 5 and a pair of substrates 2b provided between the pair of cases 4 and 5 and facing the stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5, as shown in FIG. 2c, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2a provided between the pair of substrates 2b and 2c, and the cases 4 and 5 and the substrates 2b and 2c facing the cases 4 and 5, and the substrates 2b and 2c A pair of substrates 2b arranged side by side at the same position in the stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5 with the substrates 2b and 2c sandwiched between the annular seal members 8 and 9 disposed along the outer peripheral portion and the substrates 2b and 2c. The column member 3 is provided between the substrates 2b and 2c. The pair of cases 4 and 5 are coupled while applying a pressing force in a direction in which the pair of cases 4 and 5 are close to each other.

  Therefore, when the pair of cases 4 and 5 are pushed in the direction in which they are close to each other, the pair of substrates 2b and 2c are in the direction in which they are close to each other through the seal members 8 and 9 provided between the cases 4 and 5 and the substrates 2b and 2c. Receive power. The column member 3 prevents the pair of substrates 2b and 2c from approaching each other. The seal members 8 and 9 and the column member 3 are arranged at the same position in the stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5. Therefore, it is difficult to generate torque between the seal members 8 and 9 and the column member 3 due to the position being shifted with respect to the pressing force applied to the cases 4 and 5, and the pressing force is effectively generated by the column member 3. Supported. Further, the sealing members 8 and 9 can reduce the force applied to the column member 3 by the elastic force of the sealing members 8 and 9. Therefore, it can be suppressed that the thermoelectric conversion element 2a provided between the substrates 2b and 2c is crushed. The pair of substrates 2b and 2c can also be prevented from rattling against the cases 4 and 5 due to the elastic force of the seal members 8 and 9.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the seal members 8 and 9 include a first seal member 8 provided between the first case 4 and the first substrate 2 b facing the first case 4, a second case 5, and a second case 5. The second seal member 9 is provided between the second substrates 2c facing each other. Therefore, the first seal member 8, the second seal member 9, and the column member 3 are arranged at the same position in the stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5. Therefore, when the pair of cases 4 and 5 are pushed in the approaching direction, torque is hardly generated between the first seal member 8, the second seal member 9, and the column member 3. Therefore, the pressing force effectively applied to the cases 4 and 5 can be received by the first seal member 8, the second seal member 9, and the column member 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cases 4 and 5 are formed with open-structure flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, and 5g, and the open portions of the flow paths 4f, 4g, 5f, and 5g are blocked by the substrates 2b and 2c. Can be removed. The seal members 8 and 9 are provided on the entire periphery of the opening outside the opening to seal between the cases 4 and 5 and the substrates 2b and 2c. Therefore, the sealing members 8 and 9 have a function of receiving a force and a function of sealing. For this reason, the number of parts of the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is reduced by sharing the parts.

  The substrates 2b and 2c are rectangular as shown in FIG. At least a part of each of the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 is located near the corners of the substrates 2b and 2c. Therefore, the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 can receive a pressing force in the vicinity of the corners of the substrates 2b and 2c where the pressing force applied to the cases 4 and 5 tends to concentrate (see FIG. 4). Therefore, torque that can be generated by the pressing force is suppressed, and the pressing force can be effectively received by the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the column member 3 has an annular shape surrounding the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2 a and a pair of first substrates 2 b. Seal between 2c. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element 2 a between the pair of substrates 2 b and 2 c can be shielded from the outside air or a heat medium by the column member 3. The column member 3 has a function of receiving a force and a function of sealing between the pair of substrates 2b and 2c. For this reason, the number of parts of the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 is reduced by sharing the parts.

  The column member 3 is formed from an elastic material as shown in FIG. Therefore, the column member 3 can be elastically deformed by the pressing force applied to the cases 4 and 5, and can securely seal between the substrates 2b and 2c.

  The column member and the seal member are formed of the same material as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 can be made the same component, and thereby the price of the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 can be reduced. Both the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 are annular and are aligned at the same position in the stacking direction of the cases 4 and 5. Therefore, torque is hardly generated between the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9, and the column member 3 and the seal members 8 and 9 can effectively receive the pressing force applied to the cases 4 and 5.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be the following form. For example, the thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may have a column member 23 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 instead of the column member 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the column member 23 is provided between the substrates 2b and 2c and abuts against the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1.

  Positioning portions 2h, 2i are provided on the inner surfaces 2b1, 2c1 of the substrates 2b, 2c as shown in FIG. The positioning portions 2h and 2i are thin films such as plating and solder resist. The positioning portions 2h and 2i are provided on the outer peripheral areas of the substrates 2b and 2c by coating, printing, brazing, or the like. The positioning portions 2h and 2i protrude from the substrates 2b and 2c in the thickness direction, and can be viewed from the side of the thermoelectric conversion module 2.

  The positioning portions 2h and 2i have first elements 2h1 and 2i1 and second elements 2h2 and 2i2 as shown in FIG. The first elements 2h1 and 2i1 have a rectangular shape and are provided at corners of the substrates 2b and 2c. The second elements 2h2 and 2i2 are formed along the side edges of the substrates 2b and 2c, and extend between the first elements 2h1 and 2i1. Slits 2h3 and 2i3 are formed between the first elements 2h1 and 2i1 and the second elements 2h2 and 2i2.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the pillar member 23 includes a first pillar member 23a and a second pillar member 23b. The first column member 23a has three corner portions 23c and two long portions 23d. The second column member 23b has one corner portion 23c and two long portions 23d. The corner 23c has upper and lower surfaces having the same shape as the first elements 2h1 and 2i1, and the upper and lower surfaces are in contact with the first elements 2h1 and 2i1. The long portion 23d has upper and lower surfaces having the same shape as the second elements 2h2 and 2i2, and the upper and lower surfaces are in contact with the second elements 2h2 and 2i2. The corner portion 23c and the long portion 23d have a height that is substantially the same as or slightly higher than the height of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a connecting portion 23e having a smaller diameter than the corner portion 23c and the elongated portion 23d is provided between the corner portion 23c and the elongated portion 23d. A concave portion 23f is formed between the corner portion 23c and the long portion 23d by the connecting portion 23e. The recessed part 23f is formed in the perimeter of the connection part 23e, and can be visually observed from the side of the thermoelectric conversion module 2. FIG. The connecting portion 23e has the same width as the slits 2h3 and 2i3 of the positioning portions 2h and 2i.

  When the thermoelectric conversion module 2 is manufactured, paste-like solder is applied to the electrodes 2f and 2g of the substrates 2b and 2c as shown in FIG. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a is installed on the first electrode 2f of the first substrate 2b. The pillar member 23 is positioned with respect to the first substrate 2b using the first positioning portion 2h. The column member 23 is installed on the first substrate 2b and bonded.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second substrate 2 c is positioned with respect to the column member 23 using the second positioning portion 2 h. The second substrate 2c is placed on the pillar member 23 and bonded. Thereby, the thermoelectric conversion element 2a contacts the second electrode 2g. The thermoelectric conversion element 2a is attached to the electrodes 2f and 2g by reflowed solder. The fins 2d and 2e are bonded to the substrates 2b and 2c.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the column member 23 is aligned with the seal members 8 and 9 in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c. Accordingly, the column member 23 and the seal members 8 and 9 are arranged in the direction of the pressing force of the coupler 7 that presses the cases 4 and 5 in the approaching direction.

  As described above, each of the substrates 2b and 2c has the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 facing the column member 23 as shown in FIGS. Positioning portions 2h and 2i that can determine the position of the column member 23 with respect to the substrates 2b and 2c and electrodes 2f and 2g to which the thermoelectric conversion element 2a is connected are provided on the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1. Accordingly, the relative positions of the pair of substrates 2 b and 2 c can be determined by the positioning portions 2 h and 2 i and the column member 23. As a result, the relative positions of the pair of substrates 2b and 2c are accurately determined, and the thermoelectric conversion element 2a can be reliably connected to the electrodes 2f and 2g of the substrates 2b and 2c.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may have a column member 24 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 instead of the column member 23 shown in FIGS. The column member 24 includes a first column member 24a and a second column member 24b. The first column member 24a has three corner portions 24c and two long portions 24d.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the corner portion 24c has upper and lower surfaces having the same shape as the first elements 2h1 and 2i1 of the positioning portions 2h and 2i. The upper and lower surfaces of the corner 24c are brought into contact with and bonded to the first elements 2h1 and 2i1. The long portion 24d has a smaller width (length in the vertical direction or horizontal direction in FIG. 10) than the corner portion 24c, and connects the outer portions of the corner portion 24c. The long portion 24d has a smaller thickness (length in the vertical direction in FIG. 11) than the corner portion 24c, and connects approximately the center of the height of the corner portion 24c.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the second column member 24b has a corner portion 24c, an end portion 24e, and two connecting portions 24f. The end 24e has upper and lower surfaces having a shape corresponding to the central region of the second elements 2h2 and 2i2 of the positioning portions 2h and 2i. The upper and lower surfaces of the end 24e are in contact with and bonded to the second elements 2h2 and 2i2. The connecting portion 24f has a smaller thickness (length in the left-right direction in FIG. 12) than the corner portion 24c, and connects the approximate height center of the corner portion 24c and the approximate height center of the end portion 24e.

  The corner 24c and the end 24e have a height that is substantially the same as or slightly higher than the height of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a. The column member 24 is aligned with the seal members 8 and 9 in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c as shown in FIGS. Accordingly, the column member 24 and the seal members 8 and 9 are arranged in the direction of the pressing force of the coupler 7 that presses the cases 4 and 5 in the approaching direction.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may have a column member 25 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 instead of the column member 3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the column member 25 is provided between the substrates 2b and 2c, and contacts the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c. Positioning portions 2j and 2k are provided on the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the positioning portions 2j and 2k are positioned in the vicinity of the corners of the substrates 2b and 2c. The positioning portions 2j and 2k have circular and annular contact portions 2j1 and 2k1. The contact portions 2j1 and 2k1 protrude from the inner surfaces 2b1 and 2c1 of the substrates 2b and 2c in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c. Circular openings 2j2 and 2k2 are formed at the centers of the contact portions 2j1 and 2k1.

  The column member 25 has a spherical shape as shown in FIGS. The column member 25 has a curved surface 25a that swells toward the first substrate 2b and a curved surface 25b that swells toward the second substrate 2c. The curved surfaces 25a and 25b abut on the positioning portions 2h and 2i, so that the center of the curved surface is positioned at the center of the openings 2j2 and 2k2. That is, the curved surfaces 25a and 25b and the contact portions 2j1 and 2k1 constitute a positioning structure that regulates the relative movement between the positioning portions 2j and 2k and the column member 25 and determines the relative position between the positioning portions 2j and 2k and the column member 25. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the column member 25 has a height that is substantially the same as or slightly higher than the height of the thermoelectric conversion element 2a. The column member 25 is aligned with the seal members 8 and 9 in the thickness direction of the substrates 2b and 2c. As a result, the column member 25 and the seal members 8 and 9 are arranged in the direction of the pressing force of the coupler 7 that presses the cases 4 and 5 toward each other.

  As described above, a positioning structure is provided between the positioning portions 2j, 2k and the column member 25 to restrict relative movement between the positioning portions 2j, 2k and the column member 25 as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the relative position between the column member 25 and the substrates 2b and 2c can be determined easily and accurately. For example, it can be determined accurately without visual inspection.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may have cases 4 and 5 in which flow paths 4g and 5f are formed as shown in FIG. 4, or a case 26 in which no flow path is formed as shown in FIG. 27 may be included.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may have the coupler 7 shown in FIG. 4 or the coupler 28 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the coupler 28 includes a connecting member 28a and a mounting member 28b. The connecting member 28a has a bridging portion 28a1 and a contact portion 28a2. The bridging portion 28 a 1 extends between the pair of cases 26 and 27 outside the thermoelectric conversion module 2. The contact portion 28a2 extends from the end portion of the bridging portion 28a1 and contacts the cases 26 and 27. The attachment member 28b has a screw body 28b2 that passes through the contact portion 28a2 and is screwed into the cases 26 and 27, and a head portion 28b1 that contacts the contact portion 28a2. The coupler 28 couples the cases 26 and 27 while applying a pressing force in a direction in which the cases 26 and 27 are brought close to each other.

  The thermoelectric conversion unit 1 may include the seal members 8 and 9 or may include only one of the seal members 8 and 9.

  The column members 23 to 25 may be formed from a resin, metal, or the like having a small amount of elastic deformation, or may be formed from an elastic material such as rubber having a large amount of elastic deformation.

  The column members 3 and 23 to 25 may be annular or may not be annular. The column members 3, 23 to 25 may have a structure that seals between the substrates 2b and 2c, or may have a structure that does not seal.

  The thermoelectric conversion element 2a may be a Peltier element that exhibits the Peltier effect, or may be an element that exhibits the Seebeck effect or the Thomson effect.

  The heat exchange system 10 may be used for heating the interior of the vehicle or may be used for cooling. When used for cooling, the first case 4 is connected to the pipe 21 and the second case 5 is connected to the pipe 22. The heat exchange system 10 may be used for air conditioning in a vehicle interior, may be used for cooling or heating a vehicle component such as a battery, or may be used for cooling or heating a product other than the vehicle. May be.

  The cases 4 and 5 may be coupled by the couplers 7 and 28 that apply a pressing force in the direction in which the pair of cases 4 and 5 are close to each other, or the case 4 and 5 are pressed in the direction in which the pair of cases are close to each other. In addition, the cases 4 and 5 may be joined by welding or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermoelectric conversion unit 2 ... Thermoelectric conversion module 2a ... Thermoelectric conversion element 2b, 2c ... Board | substrate 2b1, 2c1 ... Inner surface 2f, 2g ... Electrode 2h, 2i, 2j, 2k ... Positioning part 3, 23, 24, 25 ... Column member 4, 5, 26, 27 ... cases 4f, 4g, 5f, 5g ... flow path 6 ... converter case 7, 28 ... connector 8 ... first seal member 9 ... second seal member 10 ... heat exchange system 11 ... radiator 12 ... Engine 13, 15 ... Pump 14 ... Indoor heat exchanger

Claims (9)

A thermoelectric conversion unit,
A pair of cases;
A pair of substrates provided between the pair of cases and facing the stacking direction of the cases;
A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements provided between the pair of substrates;
An annular seal member provided between at least one of the cases and the substrate facing the case and disposed along an outer peripheral portion of the substrate;
A column member that is provided between the pair of substrates and is in contact with each of the substrates;
The pair of cases is a thermoelectric conversion unit that is coupled while applying a pressing force in a direction in which the pair of cases are close to each other. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1,
The seal member includes a first seal member provided between one case and the one substrate facing the case, and a second seal member provided between the other case and the other substrate. Thermoelectric conversion unit. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 1 or 2,
In at least one of the cases, a flow path having an open structure is formed, and an open portion of the flow path is blocked by one substrate.
The seal member is a thermoelectric conversion unit that is provided on the entire periphery of the opening on the outside of the opening to seal between the one case and the one substrate. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The substrate has a rectangular shape,
Each of the column member and the seal member is a thermoelectric conversion unit in which at least a part thereof is located in the vicinity of a corner of the substrate. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
The column member is a thermoelectric conversion unit that is annular and surrounds the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements and seals between the pair of substrates. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 5,
The column member is a thermoelectric conversion unit formed of an elastic material. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The column member and the seal member are thermoelectric conversion units formed of the same material. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Each of the substrates has an inner surface facing the column member, and a thermoelectric portion on which the positioning unit that can determine the position of the column member with respect to the substrate and an electrode to which the thermoelectric conversion element is connected are provided. Conversion unit. The thermoelectric conversion unit according to claim 8,
A thermoelectric conversion unit in which a positioning structure is provided between the positioning unit and the column member to restrict relative movement between the positioning unit and the column member.

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