JP2014146692A - Thermoelectric power generation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermoelectric power generation unit which allows a user to easily attach/detach the thermoelectric power generation unit to a heat source part without causing a damage in a thermoelectric power generation module.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric power generation unit includes: a heat exchange member 20; a thermoelectric power generation module 40; a bottom plate 12, a side wall 14, and a spacer 30 serving as support members which support the thermoelectric power generation module 40, place the thermoelectric power generation module 40 in contact with the heat exchange member 20, and form a housing enclosing the thermoelectric power generation module 40 with the heat exchange member 20; and magnets 50 which are fixed to the support members.

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric power generation unit including a thermoelectric power generation module that generates power using the Seebeck effect.

  In recent years, technology that effectively uses waste heat using a thermoelectric power generation module has attracted attention. For example, a thermoelectric power generation unit including this type of thermoelectric power generation module is installed on the side of a pipe or the like having a high-temperature heat medium in a factory or plant, and the heat from the pipe or the like is converted into electric power for use. Condition.

  The thermoelectric power generation unit including the thermoelectric power generation module can be installed on the heat source part such as a pipe by fastening the thermoelectric power generation unit and the heat source part with bolts or by applying an adhesive between the thermoelectric power generation unit and the heat source part. Then there is a method of bonding. However, the method of fastening with bolts has a problem that it is necessary to make a hole for fastening in the heat source part, and the method of adhering with an adhesive is when the heat source part is at a temperature higher than the melting point of the adhesive Has a problem that it cannot be bonded. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermoelectric power generation unit that can be easily attached to a heat source unit.

  In the thermoelectric power generation unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, a thermoelectric power generation module sandwiched between two heat conductive sheets is housed in a lid-like case having cooling fins at the top, and a peripheral portion at the bottom of the case The magnet is fixed to the surface. According to Patent Document 1, when the thermoelectric power generation unit is attached to the heat source part, the case is pressed against the heat source part by the attractive force of the magnet, and the two heat conductive sheets and the thermoelectric power generation module sandwiched between them are the heat source part. It is sandwiched between cases. The thermoelectric power generation unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 has an advantage that it can be attached to a heat source unit without using a bolt or an adhesive.

JP 2006-86210 A

  However, in the thermoelectric power generation unit of Patent Document 1, when the thermoelectric power generation unit is removed from the heat source unit, the thermoelectric power generation module sandwiched between the two heat conductive sheets is separated from the case, and the thermoelectric power generation module is exposed. Therefore, if a general user who is not familiar with the handling of the thermoelectric generation module removes the thermoelectric generation unit from the heat source unit, there is a problem that the exposed thermoelectric generation module may be damaged.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a thermoelectric power generation unit that can be easily attached to and removed from a heat source unit by a user without damaging the thermoelectric power generation module. It is aimed.

  The present invention includes a heat exchange member, a thermoelectric power generation module, a support portion that supports the thermoelectric power generation module and makes contact with the heat exchange member, and forms a casing that surrounds the thermoelectric power generation module together with the heat exchange member; A thermoelectric power generation unit comprising a magnetic force generation part fixed to the support part is provided.

  According to this invention, since the thermoelectric power generation module is supported in the housing constituted by the heat exchange member and the support portion, and the support portion has the magnetic force generation portion, the user does not damage the thermoelectric power generation module. The thermoelectric generator unit can be easily attached to and detached from the heat source unit.

It is the perspective view, sectional drawing, and upper surface perspective view which show the structure of 1 A of thermoelectric power generation units by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of 1 C of thermoelectric power generation units by 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification of the 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F by 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification of 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1J by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the modification of the 4th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing an appearance of a thermoelectric power generation unit 1A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a thermoelectric power generation by a plane perpendicular to the Y axis in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section of the unit 1A, FIG.1 (C) is the upper surface perspective view which looked at the thermoelectric generation unit 1A of the state which removed the heat exchange member 20 from the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 </ b> A according to this embodiment includes a spacer member 30, a thermoelectric power generation module 40, in a dish-shaped case including a thin plate-like bottom plate 12 and a side wall 14. The magnet 50 is installed, and the opening of the case is closed by the heat exchange member 20. In the present embodiment, the dish-shaped case composed of the bottom plate 12 and the side wall 14 and the spacer member 30 in the case support the thermoelectric power generation module 40 and abut against the heat exchange member 20, and together with the heat exchange member 20, the thermoelectric power generation module. It plays a role as a support part that constitutes a housing that surrounds 40.

  The case made of the bottom plate 12 and the side wall 14 is formed by molding a material (for example, iron) that is a heat conductor and a magnetic body so that the bottom plate 12 and the side wall 14 are integrated. The bottom plate 12 is formed in a substantially square plate shape, and the side wall 14 is formed to have a height obtained by adding the thickness of the thermoelectric power generation module 40 to the thickness of the spacer member 30. The heat exchange member 20 is a heat sink having a large number of fins (64 prismatic fins in the present embodiment), and is formed by molding a heat conductor. The bottom surface of the heat exchange member 20 (the surface on which the fins are not provided) is formed into a substantially square shape having the same dimensions as the bottom plate 12. The bottom surface and the side wall 14 of the heat exchange member 20 are joined by welding or adhesion so that the thermoelectric power generation module 40 arranged in the casing made up of the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, the heat exchange member 20, and the spacer 30 is not exposed. Yes. Note that depending on the heat source unit to which the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is attached, the temperature of the air around the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A may be higher than the temperature of the heat source unit. Can be used as

  The spacer member 30 is a block-like member installed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 12 so as to reach one of the four side walls 14 from the center of the bottom plate 12, and is a heat conductor and a non-magnetic material (for example, Copper or aluminum). On the spacer member 30, the thermoelectric power generation module 40 is disposed so as to be positioned at the center of the casing of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 </ b> A. The thermoelectric generator module 40 has a thin plate shape that is substantially square. As shown in FIG. 1B, the spacer member 30 supports the thermoelectric power generation module 40 in a state of being fixed to the bottom plate 12, and makes the thermoelectric power generation module 40 abut on the heat exchange member 20. For this reason, in the state where the bottom plate 12 of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is fixed to the heat source part which is a high-temperature side heat source, the heat transmitted from the heat source part to the bottom plate 12 which is the heat conductor is passed through the spacer member 30 which is the heat conductor. The heat radiated from the thermoelectric power generation module 40 is transmitted to the air around the heat exchange member 20 through the heat exchange member 20. In addition, the thermoelectric power generation module 40 is installed in the center of the casing of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A because the heat transmitted from the heat source part is uniformly transmitted to the thermoelectric power generation module 40 via the spacer member 30, and the thermoelectric power generation module 40 This is because the radiated heat is uniformly transmitted to the heat exchange member 20. In the present embodiment, only one thermoelectric power generation module 40 is installed on the spacer member 30, but a plurality of thermoelectric power generation modules 40 are mounted on the spacer member 30 according to the magnitude of power to be generated. You may arrange them. Further, the shape of the spacer member 30 may be another shape (for example, a cube or the like) as long as the heat from the heat source unit can be appropriately transmitted to the thermoelectric power generation module 40.

  As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, in the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A according to the present embodiment, two block-shaped magnets 50 (for example, permanent magnets) serving as a magnetic force generator on the upper surface of the bottom plate 12 of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. Magnet) is installed. In the present embodiment, since the bottom plate 12 is a magnetic body, the magnet 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 12 by an attractive force between the magnet 50 and the bottom plate 12 (magnetic force of the magnet 50). The magnet 50 is provided to fix the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A to a heat source part such as a pipe. Since the heat source part such as a pipe is generally formed by forming a magnetic material such as a steel material, when the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A having the magnet 50 is brought close to the heat source part, the magnet 50 and the heat source part are (In more detail, between the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12 magnetized by the magnet 50 and the heat source part), the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is fixed to the heat source part. In the thermoelectric generator unit 1A according to the present embodiment, the two block-shaped magnets 50 are installed on the bottom plate 12. However, the shape of the magnet 50 may be another shape (for example, a plate shape), or a magnet. 50 may be installed at another position on the bottom plate 12 (for example, a diagonal position of the bottom plate 12), or the number of magnets 50 may be increased or decreased. This is because the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit can be made appropriate by making the shape, installation position and number of the magnets 50 appropriate. In addition, when the heat source unit in which the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is installed is made of a magnetic material and has a flat surface such as a boiler, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A may be directly fixed to the flat surface, or the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A may be When the installed heat source part has a curved surface like a pipe, a jig made of a magnetic material having a flat surface for installing the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is inserted between the pipe and the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. May be fixed.

  In addition, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A has a circuit or the like driven by the electric power obtained by the thermoelectric power generation module 40 in a space defined by the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20 (in the casing of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A). ) (Not shown).

In the present embodiment, the reason why the spacer member 30 is provided is as follows. In general, the thermoelectric power generation module 40 becomes more expensive as the thickness increases. If the thickness of the thermoelectric power generation module 40 alone is sufficient to secure a sufficient height for the installation of the magnet 50 or the circuit between the bottom plate 12 and the heat exchange member 20. In this case, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A may be expensive. The spacer member 30 is provided in order to ensure a sufficient height for installing the magnet 50 or the circuit without hindering heat conduction from the bottom plate 12 to the thermoelectric power generation module 40 and suppressing an increase in the price of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. Is provided. Note that the spacer member 30 is not provided if the thickness sufficient for the installation of the magnet 50 can be secured only by the thickness of the thermoelectric power generation module 40 and the price of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A can be kept low. The thermoelectric power generation module 40 may be installed so as to be sandwiched between the bottom plate 12 and the heat exchange member 20.
The above is the configuration of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A according to the present embodiment.

  A user who uses the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A installs the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A on a heat source part made of a magnetic material (for example, a side surface of a pipe through which a high-temperature fluid flows) such that the bottom surface 12 is in close contact with the heat source part. At this time, since the magnet 50 is installed on the bottom surface 12, when the thermoelectric generation unit 1 </ b> A is brought close to the heat source unit, an adsorption force is generated between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit made of a magnetic material, and the thermoelectric generation unit 1 </ b> A Fixed to the heat source. Since it is only necessary to bring the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A close to the heat source part where the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is desired to be installed, the user can install the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A very easily. Further, when the user holds the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A and applies a force so as to separate the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A from the heat source unit, the user overcomes the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit and moves the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. It can be removed from the heat source. The thermoelectric power generation module 40 of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is sealed in the casing of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A (in the space defined by the bottom surface 12, the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20), and is integrated with the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. Therefore, even if the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A is removed from the heat source unit, it is not separated or exposed from the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A. For this reason, the user can easily attach and remove the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 </ b> A to the heat source unit without damaging the thermoelectric power generation module 40.

  Further, in the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A, the bottom plate 12 and the side wall 14 are formed by molding a material (such as iron) that is a heat conductor and a magnetic material, but are a heat conductor and a non-magnetic material. A material (for example, copper) may be formed. Even in this case, the heat of the heat source unit is transmitted to the thermoelectric power generation module 40 through the bottom plate 12. When the bottom plate 12 is made of a non-magnetic material, the bottom plate 12 is not magnetized by the magnet 50 installed on the top surface of the bottom plate 12, so that no attracting force is generated between the magnet 50 and the bottom plate 12, and the magnet 50 is attached to the bottom plate 12. It will not be adsorbed. In this case, the magnet 50 may be fixed to the bottom plate 12 with an adhesive or the like. Further, when the bottom plate 12 is made of a non-magnetic material, an attracting force is generated between the magnet 50 and the heat source part with the non-magnetized bottom plate 12 interposed therebetween. For this reason, by changing the thickness of the bottom plate 12, the distance between the magnet 50 and the heat source part changes, and the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part can be adjusted. That is, by increasing the thickness of the bottom plate 12, the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit can be reduced, and by reducing the thickness of the bottom plate 12, the adsorption between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit. The power can be increased. By making the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part appropriate (that is, by making the thickness of the bottom plate 12 appropriate), the thermoelectric power generation unit 1B according to this modification is changed to the heat source part. The user can easily remove the thermoelectric power generation unit 1B from the heat source unit without damaging the thermoelectric power generation module 40.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a thermoelectric power generation unit 1C according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1 </ b> C according to the present embodiment has a point that the bottom plate 12 </ b> C, the side wall 14 </ b> C, and the spacer member 30 </ b> C are used instead of the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, and the spacer member 30. The added point is different from the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

  The bottom plate 12C and the side wall 14C are formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity such as resin or rubber (hereinafter referred to as a non-thermal conductor in the present specification) and a non-magnetic material. is there. The bottom plate 12C is provided with a through hole 13 that accommodates and fixes the vicinity of the bottom of the spacer member 30C.

  The spacer member 30C is formed by molding a material that is a heat conductor and a non-magnetic material, such as copper or aluminum. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the spacer member 30C is fitted and installed in the through hole 13 provided in the bottom plate 12C so that the bottom surface of the spacer member 30C is at the same height as the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12C. That is, the spacer member 30 </ b> C supports the thermoelectric power generation module 40 with its bottom surface exposed to the outside of the bottom plate 12 </ b> C and is in contact with the heat exchange member 20. Thus, in this embodiment, since the bottom surface of the spacer member 30C is exposed to the outside of the bottom plate 12C through the through hole 13, the spacer member 30C is directly connected between the spacer member 30C and the heat source portion without the bottom plate 12C. Thus, heat exchange can be performed to increase power generation efficiency. In addition, since heat exchange is directly performed between the spacer member 30C and the heat source unit, the bottom plate 12C can be formed of a non-thermal conductor as in the present embodiment.

  The adsorption force adjusting spacer 32 is formed by molding a material that is a non-thermal conductor and a non-magnetic material, like the bottom plate 12C. The adsorption force adjusting spacer 32 is a plate-like member having substantially the same size as the bottom surface of the magnet 50 (more precisely, a size slightly larger than the bottom surface of the magnet 50). It is installed between. The adsorption force adjusting spacer 32 is provided to adjust the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit when the thermoelectric power generation unit 1C is installed in the heat source unit. That is, in this embodiment, since the attracting force is generated between the magnet 50 and the heat source part with the non-magnetized bottom plate 12C and the attracting force adjusting spacer 32 interposed therebetween, the attracting force adjusting spacer 32 is added to the thickness of the bottom plate 12C. It is possible to adjust the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit by changing the thickness including the thickness of. Further, since the adsorption force adjusting spacer 32 is provided only in the portion where the magnet 50 is installed, the distance between the magnet 50 and the heat source part is adjusted without increasing the thickness of the entire bottom plate 12C. Can keep the price low. The adsorption force adjusting spacer 32 may be formed separately from the bottom plate 12C, or may be formed integrally with the bottom plate 12C. Note that the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part may be adjusted by changing the thickness of the bottom plate 12C without providing the adsorption force adjustment spacer 32, or the thickness of the bottom plate 12C and the adsorption force adjustment. The adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit may be adjusted by changing both the thicknesses of the spacers 32.

  As described above, in the thermoelectric power generation unit 1C according to the present embodiment, the spacer member 30C is exposed through the bottom plate 12C, so that the heat source unit and the bottom surface of the spacer member 30C are in direct contact with each other. Heat is transmitted to the thermoelectric power generation module 40 via the spacer member 30C. For this reason, electric power generation efficiency can be improved and 12 C of bottom plates can be comprised with a non-thermal conductor. Further, by providing the attractive force adjusting spacer 32 formed of a non-magnetic material between the magnet 50 and the bottom plate 12, the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part can be set to an appropriate magnitude. .

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, when it is desired to increase the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit, the thickness of the bottom plate 12C may be reduced without installing the attractive force adjusting spacer 32. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3A, a recess 15 may be provided in the bottom plate 12 </ b> D, and a magnet 50 may be installed in the recess 15. By installing the magnet 50 in the recess 15 of the bottom plate 12D, the entire thickness of the bottom plate 12D is not reduced, so that the distance between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit is reduced while maintaining the strength of the bottom plate 12D. The adsorption force between the parts can be increased.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the leading end of the spacer member 30D may protrude from the bottom plate 12D so that the bottom surface of the spacer member 30D is positioned outside the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12D. In this case, since the front end of the spacer member 30D protrudes from the bottom plate 12D, and the bottom plate 12D is formed of resin or the like, the bottom plate 12D is bent by the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part, and the spacer member 30D Pressed against the heat source. For this reason, spacer member 30D can be made to contact | adhere reliably to a heat-source part, and electric power generation efficiency can be improved.

  Further, when the tip of the spacer member 30D protrudes from the bottom plate 12D, the magnet 50 may be installed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12D (not shown). In this case, the height of the portion of the spacer member 30D protruding from the bottom plate 12D may be higher than or the same as the height of the magnet 50 between the bottom plate 12D and the heat source unit.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the front end of the spacer member 30D is protruded from the bottom plate 12E, an adsorption force adjusting spacer 32E may be installed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12E. In this case, the attracting force adjusting spacer 32E is installed so as to be positioned below the magnet 50. At this time, the adsorption force adjusting spacer 32E may be formed of an elastic body (for example, resin). If the attracting force adjusting spacer 32E is formed of an elastic body, the attracting force adjusting spacer 32E is compressed by the attracting force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit, and the restoring force of the attracting force adjusting spacer 32E It deform | transforms into the shape which has thickness when the adsorption | suction force of the magnet 50 and a heat-source part balances. For this reason, the bottom surface of the spacer member 30D can be brought into close contact with the heat source part while adjusting the attractive force between the magnet 50 and the heat source part by the deformation of the attractive force adjusting spacer 32E. A spring may be used as the adsorption force adjusting spacer 32E. Further, when an O-ring is used as the adsorption force adjusting spacer 32E, the tip of the spacer member 30D protruding from the bottom plate 12E is not exposed to the surrounding air, so that corrosion of the spacer member 30D can be prevented. it can.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a thermoelectric power generation unit 1F according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F according to the present embodiment includes a magnet 50F and a spring 56F instead of the magnet 50, a bottom plate 12F and a spacer member 30F instead of the bottom plate 12D and the spacer member 30D, It differs from the thermoelectric power generation unit 1D which is a modification of the second embodiment in that a sealing member 60 is added (see FIG. 3A).

  The bottom plate 12F is a non-thermal conductor and is formed by molding a material that is a non-magnetic material. The bottom plate 12F has a through-hole for projecting a part of the spacer member 30F to the outside of the housing. A hole 13F and a through hole 58F for fixing the magnet 50F are provided. The magnet 50F has an H-shaped cross section, and is composed of flanges 51F and 52F projecting greatly at both ends and a web 53F therebetween. The flange 51F is disposed in a space defined by the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20, the flange 52F is disposed outside the space, and the web 53F is inserted into the through hole 58F. A spring 56F is installed between the flange 51F and the bottom plate 12F, and the magnet 50F can slide relative to the bottom plate 12F by the amount of expansion and contraction of the spring 56F in the height direction of the thermoelectric generator unit 1F. Instead of the spring 56F, an elastic resin or rubber may be used. In a normal time when the thermoelectric generation unit 1F is not installed in the heat source unit, the flange 52F is in contact with the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12F as shown in FIG. Further, the tip (protruding portion) of the spacer member 30F protrudes further than the height (thickness) of the flange 52F in contact with the bottom plate 12F.

  When the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F according to the present embodiment is brought close to the heat source unit, the spring 56F between the magnet 50F and the bottom plate 12F is compressed in the height direction of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F by the attractive force between the magnet 50F and the heat source unit. Then, the magnet 50F slides in the direction from the thermoelectric generation unit 1F toward the heat source unit, and the thermoelectric generation unit 1F is fixed to the heat source unit. At this time, the spacer member 30F is pressed against the heat source part by the restoring force of the compressed spring 56F in the height direction of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F. For this reason, even if the height of the protruding portion of the spacer member 30F varies from a predetermined height, the spacer member 30F can be reliably brought into close contact with the heat source portion, and the power generation efficiency can be increased.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F according to the present embodiment, the dimension of the through hole 13F of the bottom plate 12F (the width of the through hole 13F in FIG. 4) with respect to the dimension of the spacer member 30F (the width of the spacer member 30F in FIG. 4). Since it is large, the sealing member 60 is formed by applying a sealing material so as to fill a gap between the spacer member 30 and the through hole 13F of the bottom plate 12F. By sealing the gap with the sealing member 60, the airtightness of the space defined by the bottom surface 12F, the side surface 14C, and the heat exchange member 20 can be secured, and failure of the thermoelectric power generation module 40 can be prevented. Further, since the sealing member 60 is formed of a flexible material, the sealing member 60 is broken even if a deviation occurs between the spacer member 30F and the bottom plate 12F due to a change in the thickness of the thermoelectric power generation module 40. There is nothing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, a plate spring 56G having a magnet 50G installed at the tip may be installed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 12G. In this case, when the thermoelectric power generation unit 1G is brought close to the heat source unit, the leaf spring 56G is bent in the height direction of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1G by the adsorption force between the magnet 50G and the heat source unit, so that the thermoelectric power generation unit 1G becomes the heat source unit. Fixed to. At this time, the spacer member 30F is pressed against the heat source part by the restoring force of the bent leaf spring 56G. For this reason, also in this modification, the effect similar to the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F is acquired.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a buffer member 57H may be provided between the upper portion of the side wall 14C and the bottom surface of the heat exchange member 20. The buffer member 57H is formed of an elastic body (for example, resin, rubber, etc.) that is more easily expanded and contracted than the bottom plate 12H and the side wall 14C. In this thermoelectric power generation unit 1H, the magnet 50 has a block shape and is installed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 12H. When this thermoelectric power generation unit 1H is brought close to the heat source unit, the buffer member 57H extends in the height direction of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1H due to the adsorption force between the magnet 50 and the heat source unit, and the thermoelectric power generation unit 1H is fixed to the heat source unit. Is done. At this time, the spacer member 30F is pressed against the heat source part by the restoring force in the height direction of the thermoelectric power generation unit 1H of the extended buffer member 57H. For this reason, also in this modification, the effect similar to the thermoelectric power generation unit 1F is acquired. 5B, similarly to FIG. 4, sealing may be performed by forming the sealing member 60 in the gap between the spacer member 30F and the through hole 13H of the bottom plate 12H.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a thermoelectric power generation unit 1J according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the thermoelectric power generation unit 1J according to the present embodiment is different from the thermoelectric power generation unit 1A according to the first embodiment in that a magnet 50J is used instead of the magnet 50 (see FIG. 1).

  The magnet 50J is in the form of a block, and due to the attractive force between the magnet 50J and the side wall 14 that is a magnetic body, the inner wall surface (the bottom plate 12 (magnetic body), the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20 of the side wall 14 Fixed to the inside of the partitioned space). In the present embodiment, the magnet 50J installed on the side wall 14 magnetizes the side wall 14 and the bottom plate 12 connected so as to be integrated with the side wall 14, so that the magnet is adsorbed between the heat source portion and the magnetized bottom plate 12. Power will be generated.

  As described above, in the thermoelectric power generation unit 1J according to the present embodiment, the position where the magnet 50J is installed is the inner wall surface of the side wall 14. Therefore, the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, the heat exchange member 20, The space on the bottom plate 12 in the space partitioned by can be secured widely. For this reason, it is useful when, for example, a circuit driven by the electric power obtained by the thermoelectric power generation module 40 is installed on the bottom plate 12 in the space.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Moreover, it is not restricted to the aspect which installs the magnet 50J in the inner wall face of the side wall 14, As shown in FIG. 7, it is outside the space defined by the outer wall face of the side wall 14 (the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20). It is good also as an aspect which installs the magnet 50J in the surface which touches. In this case, the space defined by the bottom plate 12, the side wall 14, and the heat exchange member 20 can be further ensured.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, other embodiment can be considered to this invention. For example:

(1) The magnets 50 to 50J serving as the magnetic force generators in each of the above embodiments are not only permanent magnet blocks, but may include permanent magnets in part, and a magnetized material is formed. It may be a combination of them. That is, any member having a function of generating magnetic force may be used. Moreover, you may comprise the spacer members 30-30F with a magnet. Moreover, the magnetic force generation unit may include an electromagnet (electromagnetic coil). For example, an elastic body such as a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a spring is installed, and when the thermoelectric power generation unit is attached to and removed from the heat source section like a solenoid valve, the magnet function of the electromagnet is turned on, and the thermoelectric power generation unit is used as the heat source section. If the magnet function of the electromagnet is turned off when it is held, the magnetism of the electromagnet will act in addition to the magnetism of the permanent magnet when the thermoelectric generator unit is attached to or removed from the heat source, making it easier to The power generation unit can be attached to and removed from the heat source unit.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the spacer members 30 to 30F are formed by molding a material that is a heat conductor and non-magnetic material such as copper or aluminum, for example, ferrite, neodymium, iron, etc. It may be formed by molding a material that is a heat conductor and a magnetic material. That is, the spacer members 30 to 30 </ b> F can transmit the heat of the heat source unit to the thermoelectric power generation module 40 as long as they are formed by molding at least a heat conductor.

(3) In the above embodiments, the bottom plates 12 to 12H and the side walls 14 to 14C are integrally formed. However, the bottom plates 12 to 12H and the side walls 14 to 14C may be formed as separate members, or the side walls 14 to 14C and the heat exchange member 20 may be integrally formed. Further, the heat exchange member 20 and the bottom plates 12 to 12H are connected by inserting a member made of a heat insulating material between the side walls 14 to 14C and the heat exchange member 20 or between the side walls 14 to 14C and the bottom plates 12 to 12H. It may be thermally separated.

(4) Further, the magnetic force generation part may be made of a ferromagnetic material (hard magnetic material). This is because it is possible to magnetize later by magnetizing a magnetic force generating portion made of a ferromagnetic material. Further, if the magnetic force generation part is made of a ferromagnetic material, the magnetic force can be revived by magnetization when the magnetic force of the magnetic force generation part is reduced by the heat of the heat source part. Further, the same effect can be obtained even if the bottom plate, the side wall or the spacer is made of a ferromagnetic material. When the bottom plate, the side wall, or the spacer is made of a ferromagnetic material, the magnetic force generator may be omitted.

(5) Further, the magnetic force generation part may be made of a soft magnetic material such as permalloy. If the heat source unit generates magnetic force, the thermoelectric generation unit is magnetized by the magnetic force from the heat source unit by fixing the thermoelectric generation unit by bringing the thermoelectric generation unit closer to the heat source unit. Can do. The same effect can be obtained even if the bottom plate, the side wall, or the spacer is made of a soft magnetic material. When the bottom plate, the side wall, or the spacer is made of a soft magnetic material, the magnetic force generator may be omitted.

(6) The elements described in the above embodiments may be combined.

  1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J, 1K ... thermoelectric power generation unit, 12, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12G, 12H ... bottom plate, 13, 13F, 13H, 58F ... through hole , 14, 14C ... side wall, 20 ... heat exchange member, 30, 30C, 30D, 30F ... spacer member, 32, 32E ... adsorption force adjusting spacer, 40 ... thermoelectric power generation module, 50, 50F, 50G, 50J ... magnet, 51F, 52F ... flange, 53F ... web, 56F, 56G ... spring, 57H ... buffer member, 60 ... sealing member.

Claims (5)

A heat exchange member;
A thermoelectric generator module;
A support portion that supports the thermoelectric power generation module and abuts against the heat exchange member, and forms a casing that surrounds the thermoelectric power generation module together with the heat exchange member;
A magnetic force generator fixed to the support;
A thermoelectric power generation unit comprising: The support portion has a bottom plate facing the heat exchange member with the thermoelectric power generation module interposed therebetween,
The thermoelectric power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate includes the magnetic force generation unit.   The thermoelectric power generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic force generation unit includes an elastic body. The support part is
A bottom plate made of a heat conductor and facing the heat exchange member with the thermoelectric power generation module interposed therebetween,
A spacer made of a heat conductor, interposed between the thermoelectric power generation module and the bottom plate, supports the thermoelectric power generation module, and contacts the heat exchange member;
4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a side wall that covers the space between the heat exchange member and the bottom plate and is fixed to the heat exchange member or the bottom plate. 5. Thermoelectric power generation unit. The support part is
A bottom plate having a through hole and facing the heat exchange member with the thermoelectric power generation module interposed therebetween;
A spacer made of a heat conductor, exposed to the bottom surface of the bottom plate while being fixed to the bottom plate by being inserted into the through hole of the bottom plate, and supporting the thermoelectric module and contacting the heat exchange member;
4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a side wall that covers the space between the heat exchange member and the bottom plate and is fixed to the heat exchange member or the bottom plate. 5. Thermoelectric power generation unit.

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