JP4412209B2 - Method for manufacturing thermoelectric conversion element module - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion element module used for a cooling device, a heating device, a power generation device, or the like.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 19, as a thermoelectric conversion element module 10, p-type thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 1n are alternately arranged, and one surface of these thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n Is joined to the first electrode 3 and the other surface is joined to the second electrode 6 so as to be electrically connected in series alternately. The outer side of each of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 One having a surface bonded to insulating substrates 20 and 50 such as an alumina substrate or a resin substrate is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

A skeleton type module without the insulating substrates 20 and 50 is also well known.
JP 05-063243

  However, in the thermoelectric conversion element module 10 having a structure in which the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 are joined to the insulating substrates 20 and 50, when the thermoelectric conversion element module 10 is used in a cooling device or a heating device, the thermoelectric conversion element In the case where the heat absorption and heat dissipation of 1p and 1n or the thermoelectric conversion element module 10 is used in the power generation device, the heat given to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n is transmitted through the insulating substrates 20 and 50, so that the thermal resistance becomes high. The thermoelectric conversion efficiency is lowered. Although it is possible to lower the thermal resistance by using a substrate having high thermal conductivity, such a substrate is expensive.

  On the other hand, in the skeleton type module, since the heat is transmitted through the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is high, but the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 are transferred one by one to the thermoelectric conversion element 1p, It must be bonded to 1n, which increases the manufacturing cost.

In view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is thermoelectric conversion efficiency to provide a method for manufacturing a high inexpensive thermoelectric conversion element module.

In order to achieve the above-described object, in the present invention, one surface is joined to the first electrode, the other surface is joined to the second electrode, and the p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are alternately electrically connected. In a manufacturing method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element module connected in series to a first, a first insulating sheet piece formed in a strip shape and holding a first electrode along its longitudinal direction has a size capable of taking a plurality of materials. Using one insulating sheet, the step of joining the first electrode at a position corresponding to each first insulating sheet piece on one side of the first insulating sheet, and corresponding to each first insulating sheet piece of the first insulating sheet forming a first through-hole at a position, a step of forming perforations in at least one end portion in the width direction of the first insulating sheet, and the feed pawl of the sprocket to engage the perforations of the first insulation sheet In the state A step of conveying and positioning the first insulating sheet by rotating the rocket, a step of joining one surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the first electrode from the first through hole of the first insulating sheet, and the thermoelectric conversion element A step of joining the other surface of the first insulating sheet to the second electrode, and a step of cutting the first insulating sheet and separating each first insulating sheet piece.

Also, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element module, the step of bonding the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the second electrode is formed in a band shape, the second to hold the second electrode along the longitudinal direction thereof A step of joining the second electrode to a position corresponding to each second insulating sheet piece on one side surface of the second insulating sheet, using a second insulating sheet having a size capable of taking a plurality of pieces of insulating sheet pieces; A step of forming a second through hole at a position corresponding to each second insulating sheet piece of the second insulating sheet, a step of forming perforation at at least one end in the width direction of the second insulating sheet, The sprocket is rotated while the sprocket feed pawl is engaged with the perforation of the insulating sheet, whereby the second insulating sheet is transported and positioned, and the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element is connected to the second insulating layer. And a step of joining to the second electrode from the second through hole of the sheet, further comprising the step of cutting the second insulating sheet separating each second insulating sheet piece.

  Alternatively, in the step of joining the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the second electrode, a sheet body in which the second electrode is detachably attached to one surface is used, and the second electrode attached to the sheet body is applied to the second electrode. It is also possible to bond the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element and then peel the sheet body and the second electrode.

  Further, in the step of forming perforations on the insulating sheet, perforations are formed at both ends in the width direction of the insulating sheet, and between the insulating sheet pieces of the insulating sheet, to the vicinity of the perforations formed at both ends. The method further includes the step of providing a slit extending in the width direction of the insulating sheet, and in the step of cutting the insulating sheet and separating each insulating sheet piece, both end portions of the insulating sheet are arranged along the longitudinal direction inside the perforation. It can also be done by cutting.

Note that the steps described above do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described above.

According to the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module according to the present invention , the perforation is formed on the first insulating sheet, and the first insulating sheet is conveyed by the sprocket using the perforation. Since the first insulating sheet can be prevented from curling in the longitudinal direction by the acting tension, the first insulating sheet having a small thickness can be used .

  Moreover, since the conveyance distance of a 1st insulating sheet can be set correctly with the rotation speed of a sprocket, the 1st insulating sheet can be positioned only by rotating a sprocket. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element, the first electrode, and the second electrode can be joined on the same line that conveys the first insulating sheet, and the productivity of the thermoelectric conversion element module can be dramatically improved. it can.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as the conventional thermoelectric conversion element module 10. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A of the first reference example is arranged vertically with a plurality of p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n and the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n sandwiched therebetween. The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6, the first insulating sheet piece 2 that holds the first electrode 3, and the second insulating sheet piece 5 that holds the second electrode 6 are provided.

  The thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n have thermoelectric characteristics (obtain a Peltier effect and a Bezek effect), and are made of, for example, a Bi-Te-Sb-Se alloy. The p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are alternately arranged, and both upper and lower surfaces are joined in series to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6, respectively.

  The first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 are made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as copper, have a length straddling the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n, and are formed in a strip shape with a thickness of about 20 μm. Has been. Moreover, the 1st electrode 3 and the 2nd electrode 6 are arrange | positioned so that the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n may be straddled alternately.

  The said 1st insulating sheet piece 2 and the 2nd insulating sheet piece 5 consist of insulating resin, such as a polyimide, for example, have the length which can hold | maintain the said 1st electrode 3 and the 2nd electrode 6, and are about 5-50 micrometers. The insulating sheet pieces 2 and 5 have a first through hole 2a and a second through hole 5a into which the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n can be inserted.

  The through holes 2a and 5a may be shaped such that adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n can be inserted into one through hole 2a (or 5a), or individual thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are individually connected. It is good also as a shape which can be inserted in.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 3 is joined and held on the upper surface of the first insulating sheet piece 2 so as to cover the first through hole 2a, and the second electrode 6 is not shown. However, it is similarly joined and hold | maintained so that the 2nd through-hole 5a may be covered by the lower surface of the 2nd insulating sheet piece 5. FIG.

  The electrodes 3 and 6 do not need to completely cover the through holes 2a and 5a. For example, when the length of the electrodes 3 and 6 is shorter than the length of the through holes 2a and 5a, There may be a gap between the left and right ends and the left and right ends of the through holes 2a and 5a.

  The thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are joined to the first electrode 3 through the joining material 4 from the first through hole 2a of the first insulating sheet piece 2 on the upper surface, and to the second of the second insulating sheet piece 5 on the lower surface. The through hole 5a is joined to the second electrode 6 through the joining material 4 and is electrically connected in series.

  The bonding material 4 is solder, a conductive adhesive, or the like. However, when solder is used as the bonding material 4, a plating process such as applying Ni plating to the upper and lower surfaces bonded to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n and further applying Au plating. It is preferable to apply.

  In the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A configured as described above, for example, between the one located at the left end of the second electrode 6 and the one located at the right end from the n-type thermoelectric conversion element 1n by the first electrode 3. When a voltage is applied so that a current flows to the p-type thermoelectric conversion element 1p, an endothermic effect is generated on the upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, and a heat dissipation effect is generated on the lower surface. At this time, when the coolant 7 is placed on the first electrode 3, the heat of the coolant 7 is absorbed by the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n via the first electrode 3 and downward through the second electrode 6. Since the heat is radiated, the coolant 7 can be cooled.

  If the direction in which the current flows is reversed, the action of cooling and heat dissipation is reversed upside down.

Thus, in the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A of the first reference example , the first electrode 3 is joined to the upper surface of the first insulating sheet piece 2 in which the first through hole 2a is formed so as to cover the first through hole 2a. The second insulating sheet in which the upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are joined from the first through hole 2a of the first insulating sheet piece 2 to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 is formed with the second through hole 5a. Since the lower surface of the piece 5 is joined so as to cover the second through-hole 5a, and the lower surface of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n is joined to the second electrode 6 from the second through-hole 5a of the second insulating sheet piece 5, the thermoelectric conversion is performed. Since the heat absorption or the like of the elements 1p and 1n is directly transmitted from the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be made higher than that of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10 having a structure in which heat is transmitted through the conventional insulating substrate. .

  Moreover, since the 1st electrode 3 is joined to the 1st insulating sheet piece 2, and the 2nd electrode 6 is joined and hold | maintained to the 2nd insulating sheet piece 5, compared with a skeleton type module, the 1st electrode 3 and the 2nd electrode 6 can be bonded together to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the rigidity of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A can be increased while maintaining the high thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the skeleton type module. Can be high.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a first insulating sheet 2 </ b> A made of polyimide or the like having such a size that a plurality of first insulating sheet pieces 2 can be obtained is prepared. This 1st insulating sheet 2A can be cut | disconnected as the 1st insulating sheet piece 2 by cut | disconnecting by the cutting part 2b (two-dot chain line part).

  The cut portion 2b is preferably subjected to a process such as making a notch or reducing the thickness by etching so that it can be easily cut in a subsequent process. Moreover, it is preferable to form a positioning hole in the first insulating sheet 2A.

  In the first step, the first electrode 3 is joined to a position corresponding to each first insulating sheet piece 2 on one surface of the first insulating sheet 2A. The bonding of the first electrode 3 to the first insulating sheet 2A can be performed by printing a conductor or bonding a copper plate. In addition, after adhesion | attachment of a copper plate, you may make it perform an etching process and may adjust the size of a copper plate.

  In the second step, the first through holes 2a are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the first insulating sheet pieces 2 of the first insulating sheet 2A, that is, positions where the first electrodes 3 are joined.

  This second step is not necessarily performed after the first step. First, the first through hole 2a is formed in the first insulating sheet 2A, and then the first through hole 2a is covered so as to cover the first through hole 2a. One electrode 3 may be bonded.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, a second insulating sheet 5A made of polyimide or the like having a size that allows the second insulating sheet piece 5 to take a plurality of materials is prepared, and a cutting portion 5b (two-dot chain line portion) is prepared. Processing that facilitates cutting in a later process is performed to form a positioning hole.

  In the third step, as in the first step, the second electrode 6 is joined to a position corresponding to each second insulating sheet piece 5 on one surface of the second insulating sheet 5A.

  In the fourth step, as in the second step, the second through holes 5a are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the second insulating sheet pieces 5 of the second insulating sheet 5A, that is, at positions where the second electrodes 6 are joined. To do.

  The third step and the fourth step can be interchanged with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the fifth step, the first insulating sheet 2A and the second insulating sheet 5A are opposed so that the electrodes 3 and 6 face the outside with the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n interposed therebetween. The upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are joined to the first electrode 3 with the joining material 4 from the first through hole 2a of the first insulating sheet 2A, and the lower surface is joined from the second through hole 5a of the second insulating sheet 5A. Bonded to the second electrode 6 with the bonding material 4.

  Specifically, the bonding material 4 made of solder is applied to the portion of the second electrode 6 exposed from the second through hole 5a of the second insulating sheet 5A where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n are bonded, The thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are overlapped with each other.

  Next, a bonding material 4 made of solder is applied to a portion of the first electrode 3 exposed from the first through hole 2a of the first insulating sheet 2A where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n are bonded, and this first insulating sheet 2A is overlapped so that the bonding material 4 is positioned on the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n with the first electrode 3 facing upward. When the first insulating sheets 2A are stacked, the insulating sheets 2A and 5A are aligned with each other using positioning holes formed in the insulating sheets 2A and 5A.

  5B, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are sandwiched between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 via the bonding material 4, and the outside thereof is further heated by the heater 8 from above and below. The electrodes 3 and 6 are sandwiched and heated to melt the bonding material 4, and then cooled to harden the bonding material 4 and bond the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6.

When the above heating is performed, by performing in a non-oxidizing atmosphere such as a nitrogen atmosphere, the electrodes 3 and 6 and the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n can be prevented from being oxidized, and a decrease in thermoelectric performance can be suppressed. In the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A of the first reference example , there are many portions where the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 are exposed, and when the heating is performed in an oxidizing atmosphere, the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 This is because the surface is oxidized and the heat conduction is deteriorated and the thermoelectric performance is lowered.

  Further, as the bonding material 4 for bonding the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n and the electrodes 3 and 6, it is not always necessary to use solder, and a conductive adhesive or the like may be used.

  In the state up to the fifth step, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a thermoelectric conversion element module assembly in which a plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A are provided on the first insulating sheet 2A and the second insulating sheet 5A. 12

  By cutting the first insulating sheet 2A and the second insulating sheet 5A of the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly 12 at the cutting portion 2b and the cutting portion 5b, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A are separated and independent, and the thermoelectric conversion The element module 10A can be manufactured.

  In this manufacturing method, a first insulating sheet 2A having a size capable of taking a plurality of materials for the first insulating sheet piece 2 and a second insulating sheet 5A having a size capable of taking a plurality of materials for the second insulating sheet piece 5 Since the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly 12 is once manufactured using the above, each manufacturing process of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A can be performed for a plurality of modules, and the thermoelectrics for the plurality of modules can be formed on the insulating sheets 2A and 5A. Since a plurality of modules can be manufactured collectively by simultaneously joining the conversion elements 1p and 1n, the manufacturing process of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A becomes efficient and mass production becomes possible.

  Further, by handling the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly 12, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A can be handled at a time, which is convenient for transportation and the like.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A is not restricted to the method shown in the above-mentioned reference example , the first insulating sheet 2A is cut by the cutting portion 2b after the second step, and the second insulating sheet after the fourth step. After 5A is cut by the cutting part 5b, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n and the electrodes 3 and 6 may be joined for each thermoelectric conversion element module 10A.

  Even if it does in this way, since the 1st insulating sheet piece 2 and the 1st electrode 3 and the 2nd insulating sheet piece 5 and the 2nd electrode 6 for several modules can be joined collectively, manufacturing cost can be held down. it can.

  Further, before the first step, each insulating sheet piece 2A, 5A is cut into each insulating sheet piece 2, 5 or each insulating sheet piece 2, 5 is manufactured individually, so that each insulating sheet piece 2 It is also possible to manufacture the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A even if (or 5) is joined to the electrode 3 (or 6) individually.

  Alternatively, the insulating sheet piece 2 (or 5) and the electrode 3 (or 6) can be integrally formed and joined by molding.

Next, a thermoelectric conversion element module 10B of the second reference example is shown in FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as 10 A of thermoelectric conversion element modules of a 1st reference example , and the conventional thermoelectric conversion element module 10. FIG.

In the thermoelectric conversion element module 10B of the second reference example , the first electrode 3 is formed on the upper surface of the first insulating sheet piece 2 in which the first through hole 2a is formed in the same manner as the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A of the first reference example . The second electrode 6 is bonded to the upper surface of an insulating substrate 50 such as an alumina substrate in the same manner as the conventional thermoelectric conversion element module 10.

  The upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are joined to the first electrode 3 through the bonding material 4 from the first through hole 2a, and the lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are secondly bonded via the bonding material 4. It is joined to the upper surface of the electrode 6.

  Therefore, the heat absorption or the like of the upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n is directly transmitted from the first electrode 3, and the heat dissipation or the like of the lower surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n is transmitted via the insulating substrate 50.

  When the insulating substrate 50 is configured as a heat radiating side, heat radiating fins may be integrally formed with the insulating substrate 50 to increase the heat radiating efficiency. Further, the insulating substrate 50 may not be provided, and the second electrode 6 may be individually joined to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n.

  Thus, the 1st electrode 3 is joined to the upper surface of the 1st insulating sheet piece 2 in which the 1st through-hole 2a was formed, and the upper surface of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n is the 1st through-hole of the 1st insulating sheet piece 2. Even if it joins to the 1st electrode 3 from 2a, thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be made higher than the conventional thermoelectric conversion element module 10. FIG.

  Further, compared to the skeleton type module, it is not necessary to join the first electrodes 3 to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n one by one, and the first electrodes 3 can be joined together to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Next, a method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion element module 10B will be described.

Similar to the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A of the first reference example described above, the first insulating sheet piece 2A (see FIG. 3) having such a size that the first insulating sheet piece 2 can take a plurality of materials is used. The 1st electrode 3 is joined to the position corresponding to each 1st insulating sheet piece 2 of the 1st insulating sheet 2A, and the 1st penetration hole 2a is formed.

  The second electrode 6 is also bonded to the insulating substrate 50.

  A bonding material 4 made of solder is applied to a portion of the second electrode 6 where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are bonded, and the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are stacked thereon.

  Next, a bonding material 4 made of solder is applied to a portion of the first electrode 3 exposed from the first through hole 2a of the first insulating sheet 2A where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n are bonded, and this first insulating sheet 2A is overlapped so that the bonding material 4 is positioned on the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n with the first electrode 3 facing upward.

  Then, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are sandwiched between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 with the bonding material 4 interposed therebetween, and the outer side is further viewed from above and below in the same manner as shown in FIG. The first electrode 3, the second electrode 6 and the insulating substrate 50 are heated by being sandwiched by the heater 8 to melt the solder, and then cooled to harden the solder to harden the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n, the first electrode 3 and the second electrode. 6 is joined.

  Further, for joining the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n and the electrodes 3, 6, it is not necessary to use solder as the joining material 4, and a conductive adhesive or the like may be used.

  In order to manufacture the insulating element module 10B without the insulating substrate 50, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are stacked on the first insulating sheet 2A via the bonding material 4 on the first insulating sheet 2A, and further thereon. The second electrodes 6 coated with the bonding material 4 may be stacked one by one, and then heated by being sandwiched from above and below by the heater 8.

  In the state where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n and the electrodes 3 and 6 are joined, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10B are provided on the first insulating sheet 2A, as shown in FIG. It is a thermoelectric conversion element module assembly.

  By cutting the first insulating sheet 2A of the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly at the cutting portion 2b, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10B are separated and independent, and the thermoelectric conversion element module 10B can be manufactured.

  In this manufacturing method, since the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly 12 is once manufactured using the first insulating sheet 2A having a size that allows the first insulating sheet piece 2 to take a plurality of materials, each of the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10B is manufactured. The manufacturing process can be performed for a plurality of modules collectively, and a plurality of modules can be manufactured collectively by simultaneously joining the plurality of modules of thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n on the first insulating sheet 2A. The manufacturing process of 10B becomes efficient, and mass production becomes possible.

  Further, by handling the thermoelectric conversion element module assembly, it is possible to handle a plurality of thermoelectric conversion element modules 10B at a time, which is convenient for transportation and the like.

In addition, the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10B is not restricted to the method shown by the said reference example , It is also possible to employ | adopt another manufacturing method shown with respect to the 1st reference example .

Next, a thermoelectric conversion element module 10C of the third reference example is shown in FIG.

The thermoelectric conversion element module 10 </ b> C has a shape of the first through-hole 2 a formed in the first insulating sheet piece 2 and a second insulating sheet piece 5 compared to the thermoelectric conversion element module 10 </ b> A of the first reference example . Only the shape of the two through-holes 5a is different, and the other components are the same.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the first through-hole 2a has a shape in which the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n can be individually press-fitted. Although not shown, the second through-hole 5a is similarly formed in the thermoelectric conversion element. 1p and 1n have shapes that can be individually press-fitted.

  In this way, the bending of the first insulating sheet piece 2 or the second insulating sheet piece 5 to the side opposite to the side where the first electrode 3 or the second electrode 6 is joined is caused in the through holes 2a and 5a. Since it is regulated by the contact between the peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, the rigidity of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10C can be improved.

  The thermoelectric conversion element module 10C can be manufactured by the same method as the manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10A described above.

  The first through-hole 2a and the second through-hole 5a do not necessarily have a shape in which the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p, 1n can be press-fitted, and if at least one of them can be press-fitted, the other is loosely fitted. Even in a possible shape, the rigidity of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10C can be improved.

Next, a thermoelectric conversion element module 10D of the fourth reference example is shown in FIG.

This thermoelectric conversion element module 10D is also different from the thermoelectric conversion element module 10B of the second reference example only in the shape of the first through hole 2a formed in the first insulating sheet piece 2, and the other components are the same. It is.

The effect is the same as that of the thermoelectric conversion element module 10C of the third reference example .

In the first to fourth reference examples , the first electrode 3 is disposed on the upper side and the second electrode is disposed on the lower side. However, the first electrode 3 is disposed on the lower side, and the second electrode 6 is disposed on the lower side. It may be the upper side.

In each manufacturing method mentioned above, although thermoelectric conversion element module 10A-10D can be manufactured intermittently, according to the manufacturing method of embodiment concerning this invention demonstrated below, thermoelectric conversion element module 10A-10D is manufactured. It is also possible to manufacture continuously.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, the 1st insulating sheet 2B of the magnitude | size which is formed in strip | belt shape and the 1st insulating sheet piece 2 can take a plurality of material along the longitudinal direction is prepared. And like the said 1st insulating sheet 2A, while joining the 1st electrode 3 to the position corresponding to each 1st insulating sheet piece 2 of the surface (lower surface in FIG. 12) of the one side of the 1st insulating sheet 2B, it is 1st. The through hole 2a is formed.

  Next, perforations 2d are formed at both ends in the width direction of the first insulating sheet 2B, and slits 2e extending in the width direction of the first insulating sheet 2B are arranged in a straight line between the first insulating sheet pieces 2. Form two at a time. The slit 2e preferably has an outer end positioned in the vicinity of the perforation 2d.

  The order of performing the first electrode joining step, the first through-hole 2a forming step, the perforation 2d forming step, and the slit 2e forming step may be performed in any order. Can be selected.

  Then, in a state in which the feed claw 91 of the sprocket 9 is engaged with the perforation 2d of the first insulating sheet 2B, by rotating the sprocket 9, the first insulating sheet 2B is conveyed to a predetermined position, and at that position, As shown in FIG. 13, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n are joined to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6.

  Specifically, first, a paste-like bonding material such as cream solder is applied to the portion where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n of the first electrode 3 exposed upward from the first through hole 2a are bonded by screen printing or the like. 4 is applied. The first insulating sheet 2B is positioned by engagement of the feed claw 91 of the sprocket 9 and the perforation 2d in the width direction by the rotational speed of the sprocket 9 in the longitudinal direction, and may be screen-printed at a preset position. .

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, the heat transfer conversion elements 1 p and 1 n are placed on the bonding material 4.

  Next, in the same manner as the manufacturing method described above, the second electrode 6 is joined to the second insulating sheet piece 5 prepared in advance and the second through hole 5a is formed, and further exposed from the second through hole 5a. The bonding material 4 is applied to the portion of the second electrode 6 where the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are bonded.

  In addition, when solder plating or the like is applied to the heat transfer conversion elements 1p and 1n in advance, the step of applying the bonding material 4 to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 can be omitted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the second insulating sheet piece 5 is overlaid on the heat transfer conversion elements 1p and 1n with the second electrode 6 facing upward, as shown in FIG. 13C. Further, the outside is sandwiched between heaters 8 to heat the electrodes 3 and 6 to melt the bonding material 4, and then to cool and solidify the bonding material 4 to fix the thermoelectric conversion elements 1 p and 1 n and the first electrode 3 and the second electrode. 6 is joined.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the electrode (as shown in FIG. 14 (a), the electrodes at both ends on the front side) arranged as the lead wire lead electrode is disposed. The end portion of the first insulating sheet 2B is cut along the longitudinal direction inside the perforation 2d (the position of the two-dot chain line in the figure).

  Then, the lead wire 11 is connected to the lead wire lead electrode using the solder 15 or the like. In this state, since the perforation 2d still remains at the end on the back side of the first insulating sheet 2B, the lead wire 11 can be connected to the lead wire extraction electrode while being positioned by the number of rotations of the sprocket 9. .

  Next, the end on the back side of the first insulating sheet 2B is cut along the longitudinal direction inside the perforation 2d (similarly, the position of the two-dot chain line in the figure). Since the slits 2e are provided side by side on a straight line, even if the end on the back side of the first insulating sheet 2B is cut, the first insulating sheets 2 are separated by the connecting portions 16 located between the slits 2e. It remains connected. For this reason, if this state is maintained, the plurality of heat transfer conversion element modules 10A to 10D can be handled together, which is convenient for transportation and the like.

  Finally, as shown in FIG.14 (c), if the connection part 16 is cut | disconnected, each 1st insulating sheet piece 2 can be isolate | separated and thermoelectric conversion element module 10A-10D can be manufactured.

  In this way, if the perforation 2d is formed on the first insulating sheet 2B and the first insulating sheet 2B is conveyed by the sprocket 9 using the perforation 2d, the first insulating sheet is caused by the tension acting on the first insulating sheet 2B. Since it can suppress that 2B curls in the longitudinal direction, thermoelectric conversion element module 10A-10D with high thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be manufactured using the thin 1st insulating sheet 2B. become.

  The first insulating sheet 2B having a small thickness is easy to curl, but if the first insulating sheet piece 2 is formed from the first insulating sheet 2B, the first insulating sheet piece 2 itself joined to the first electrode 3 is used. This is because the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D is increased because the heat capacity of the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D is increased.

  Moreover, since the conveyance distance of the 1st insulating sheet 2B can be correctly set with the rotation speed of the sprocket 9, the positioning of the 1st insulating sheet 2B can be performed only by rotating the sprocket 9. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n can be joined to the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 6 on the same line that conveys the first insulating sheet 2B, and the productivity of the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A to 10D can be achieved. Can be dramatically improved.

  In the above manufacturing method, only the first insulating sheet 2B is conveyed by the sprocket 9, but as shown in FIG. 15, it is formed in a strip shape, and a plurality of second insulating sheet pieces 5 are provided along the longitudinal direction thereof. If the 2nd insulating sheet 5B of the magnitude | size which can take material is used, this 2nd insulating sheet 5B can also be made to convey with the sprocket 9. FIG.

  In order to manufacture the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A to 10D using the second insulating sheet 5B, as with the first insulating sheet 2B, the perforations 5d are formed at both ends in the width direction, and each of the second insulating sheets 5 is formed. A slit 5e is formed between them.

  Then, the second insulating sheet 5B and the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n placed on the first electrode 3 bonded to the first insulating sheet 2B via the bonding material 4 (omitted in FIG. 15) are connected to the second insulating sheet 5B. The second electrode 6 bonded to the sheet 5B may be conveyed so as to be pressed through the bonding material 4 (also omitted), and the outside may be sandwiched by the heater 8 and heated in this state.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to carry out similarly to the 1st insulating sheet 2B, in order to cut | disconnect the 2nd insulating sheet 5B and isolate | separate each 2nd insulating sheet piece 5. FIG.

  In this way, the manufacturing process can be further simplified, and the productivity can be further improved.

  Furthermore, in order to join the second electrode 6 to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, as shown in FIG. 16, a strip-shaped sheet body 13 having perforations (not shown) formed at both ends in the width direction is used. Then, the second electrode 6 is detachably attached to the lower surface of the sheet body 13, and the second electrode 6 attached to the sheet body 13 is conveyed on the upper surfaces of the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n while the sheet body 13 is conveyed. You may make it join.

  For example, a thin stainless steel plate can be used as the sheet body 13.

  Then, after joining the second electrode 6 to the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, the sheet body 13 and the second electrode 6 are peeled off, whereby a skeleton-type thermoelectric conversion element module can be easily manufactured. .

  Moreover, in each manufacturing method which manufactures the thermoelectric conversion element module mentioned above continuously, as shown in FIG. 17, after joining the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, the 1st electrode 3, and the 2nd electrode 6, 1 Before cutting both end portions in the width direction of the insulating sheet 2B, by passing through the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning tank 14 in that state, by melting the solder when the solder is used as the bonding material 4 The generated slacks and other deposits can be cleaned.

If it does in this way, a washing process can be performed on the same line which conveys the 1st insulating sheet 2B. In addition, in the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A to 10D of this reference example , since at least the first electrode 3 is exposed to the outside, the first insulating sheet 2B is cut to separate the thermoelectric conversion element modules 10A to 10D from each other. If the cleaning is performed after the cleaning, the first electrode 3 may be damaged. However, if the cleaning is performed on the transport line as described above, the first electrode 3 can be prevented from being damaged.

  In the manufacturing method described above, the perforations 2d are formed at both ends in the width direction of the first insulating sheet 2B. However, the perforations 2d may be formed at least at one end. However, if the perforations 2d are formed at both ends as in the above-described manufacturing method, the first insulating sheet 2B can be conveyed while being pulled in the width direction by the feed claws 91 of the sprocket 9, so that the curl in the width direction can be reduced. Can be suppressed, and the accuracy of the position or the like on which the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n are placed can be improved.

  Further, when the perforation 2d is formed at both ends, as shown in FIG. 18, if the slit 2e has a shape extending to the vicinity of the perforation 2d at both ends, the both ends of the first insulating sheet 2B are perforated. Each insulating sheet piece 2 can be separated only by cutting along the longitudinal direction on the inner side of 2d (the position of the chain double-dashed line in the drawing), and the cutting process can be simplified.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the slits 2e are formed so as to be arranged in a straight line between the first insulating sheet pieces 2, a tool is placed on both sides of the slit 2e in order to cut between them. Must be inserted between the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n, and the width of the slit 2e needs to be increased in order to prevent the tool from contacting the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n. Although the number of insulating sheet pieces 2 is reduced, the tool is inserted between the thermoelectric conversion elements 1p and 1n on both sides of the slit 2e by extending the slit 2e to the vicinity of the perforation 2d as shown in FIG. Since this is not necessary, the width of the slit 2e can be reduced, and the number of insulating sheet pieces 2 is increased accordingly. This effect can be obtained similarly in the second insulating substrate 5B.

It is front sectional drawing of the thermoelectric conversion element module of a 1st reference example . It is a figure which shows the state by which the 1st electrode and 1st insulating sheet piece of the 1st reference example were joined, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. It is a bottom view which shows the state by which the 1st electrode was joined to the 1st insulating sheet. It is a top view showing the state where the 1st electrode was joined to the 2nd insulating sheet. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing explaining the method to manufacture the thermoelectric conversion element module of a 1st reference example . It is the II sectional view taken on the line of FIG.5 (b). It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG.5 (b). It is front sectional drawing of the thermoelectric conversion element module of a 2nd reference example . It is front sectional drawing of the thermoelectric conversion element module of the 3rd reference example . It is a figure which shows the state with which the 1st electrode and 1st insulating sheet piece of the 3rd reference example were joined, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. It is a front sectional view of the thermoelectric conversion element module of the 4th reference example . It is the perspective view which showed the state which conveys the strip | belt-shaped 1st insulating sheet of embodiment which concerns on this invention with a sprocket. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing explaining another manufacturing method. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing explaining another manufacturing method. (A) is front sectional drawing when a strip | belt-shaped 2nd insulating sheet is used, (b) is the perspective view. It is front sectional drawing when using a sheet | seat body. It is explanatory drawing explaining the method to pass through the inside of a washing tank. It is a perspective view of the 1st insulating sheet and a 2nd insulating sheet when making a slit into another shape. It is a front view of the conventional thermoelectric conversion element module.

1p, 1n Thermoelectric conversion element 2 1st insulating sheet piece 2A, 2B 1st insulating sheet 2a 1st through-hole 2b, 5b Cutting part 2d, 5d Perforation 2e, 5e Slit 3 1st electrode 4 Bonding material 5 2nd insulating sheet piece 5A, 5B 2nd insulating sheet 5a 2nd through-hole 6 2nd electrode 7 Coolant 8 Heater 9 Sprocket 91 Feeding claw 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D Thermoelectric conversion element module 11 Lead wire 12 Thermoelectric conversion element module assembly 13 Sheet body 14 Cleaning tank 20, 50 Insulating substrate

Claims (4)

One surface is joined to the first electrode and the other surface is joined to the second electrode to produce a thermoelectric conversion element module in which p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements are alternately electrically connected in series. In the manufacturing method,
Using a first insulating sheet that is formed in a strip shape and has a size that allows a plurality of first insulating sheet pieces to hold the first electrode along the longitudinal direction of the first insulating sheet, the surface of one side of the first insulating sheet Bonding the first electrode at a position corresponding to each first insulating sheet piece;
Forming a first through-hole at a position corresponding to the first insulating sheet piece each of the first insulating sheet,
Forming perforation on at least one end in the width direction of the first insulating sheet;
A step of conveying and positioning the first insulating sheet by rotating the sprocket while the sprocket feed claw is engaged with the perforation of the first insulating sheet;
Bonding one surface of the thermoelectric conversion element from the first through hole of the first insulating sheet to the first electrode;
Bonding the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the second electrode;
Cutting the first insulating sheet to separate each first insulating sheet piece. A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element module. In the step of joining the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the second electrode,
Using a second insulating sheet that is formed in a band shape and has a size that allows a plurality of second insulating sheet pieces to hold the second electrode along the longitudinal direction thereof, the surface of one side of the second insulating sheet Bonding the second electrode at a position corresponding to each second insulating sheet piece;
Forming a second through hole at a position corresponding to each second insulating sheet piece of the second insulating sheet;
Forming perforation on at least one end in the width direction of the second insulating sheet;
A step of conveying and positioning the second insulating sheet by rotating the sprocket while the sprocket feed claw is engaged with the perforation of the second insulating sheet;
Bonding the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element from the second through hole of the second insulating sheet to the second electrode,
The method of manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element module according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of cutting the second insulating sheet and separating each second insulating sheet piece. In the step of joining the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element to the second electrode,
Using the sheet body in which the second electrode is detachably attached to one surface, the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion element is joined to the second electrode attached to the sheet body, and then the sheet body and the second electrode The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric conversion element module according to claim 1 , wherein: In the step of forming perforation on the insulating sheet, perforation is formed at both ends in the width direction of the insulating sheet,
A step of providing a slit extending in the width direction of the insulating sheet to the vicinity of the perforations formed at both ends between the insulating sheet pieces of the insulating sheet;
Above the step of separating the insulating sheet each insulating sheet piece was cut, of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that by cutting the both end portions of the insulating sheet in the longitudinal direction inside than the perforation The manufacturing method of the thermoelectric conversion element module as described in any one of Claims.

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