JP5842786B2 - Thermoelectric converter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric conversion device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, thermoelectric conversion devices that perform thermoelectric conversion using temperature differences between various structures and their surroundings are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a temperature difference between a tubular body and the periphery of the tubular body is obtained by attaching a heat exchange unit or a thermoelectric conversion module on a flexible thermal interface material and winding the thermal interface material around the tubular body. The structure which performs the thermoelectric conversion using this is disclosed.

Special table 2010-532577 gazette

In the conventional technology, replacement of replacement parts is difficult, and a lot of cost is required for stable operation over a long period of time. That is, a member or a thermoelectric conversion module including a plurality of fins used as a heat exchange unit may be damaged or deteriorate in performance over time, and may need to be replaced. In the conventional technique, even if it is necessary to replace a specific part, it is necessary to replace the entire thermoelectric conversion device. Therefore, labor and cost for replacement become a great cost.
This invention is made | formed in view of the said subject, and it aims at providing the technique which can operate | use a thermoelectric conversion apparatus for a long term stably at low cost.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a first heat exchange part attached to a contact surface of a structure having a non-planar contact surface, and a second heat exchange detachable from the first heat exchange part. A thermoelectric conversion device including a thermoelectric conversion module attached to the second heat exchange part, and a third heat exchange part attached to the thermoelectric conversion module. That is, since the second heat exchange part is detachable from the first heat exchange part, the second heat exchange part can be easily attached to the first heat exchange part in a state where the first heat exchange part is attached to the structure. It is possible to attach to and remove the second heat exchange part from the first heat exchange part.

  Therefore, the state in which the thermoelectric conversion device can be operated with the second heat exchange unit attached to the first heat exchange unit and the maintenance of the thermoelectric conversion device with the second heat exchange unit removed from the first heat exchange unit are It is possible to easily realize the possible states. For this reason, it is possible to operate the thermoelectric conversion device for a long time and stably at a low cost.

  Here, a 1st heat exchange part is a member attached to the said contact surface of the structure which has a non-planar contact surface, The heat | fever between a structure and a 2nd heat exchange part by the said 1st heat exchange part. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that conduction is possible. Therefore, the 1st heat exchange part should just be comprised with the material (for example, metal, such as aluminum, etc.) with comparatively high heat conductivity. The surface of the first heat exchanging portion that is brought into contact with the contact surface of the structure may be the same shape (contact shape) as the contact surface of the structure or a flat surface. Of course, in the latter case, a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example, a sheet having a high thermal conductivity "thermal conductive sheet", grease such as silicon resin, adhesive, etc.) is formed in the gap between the contact surface and the first heat exchanging portion. Preferably it is present.

  In addition, when attaching a 1st heat exchange part to the contact surface of a structure, a 1st heat exchange part and a structure may be attached so that attachment or detachment is possible, and a 1st heat exchange part and a structure are attached. After being done, it may be configured not to be removable without destroying one. As the former, mounting with screws, mounting by applying the elasticity of an elastic body (spring, rubber, etc.), mounting by binding with a string-like member, mounting using a hook-and-loop fastener, mounting using an adhesive, etc. Is mentioned. Examples of the latter include attachment using welding or the like, and a configuration in which the first heat exchange part is formed as part of the structure.

  The second heat exchange part is detachable from the first heat exchange part, so that the first heat exchange part and the second heat exchange part in a state where the second heat exchange part is attached to the first heat exchange part. It suffices if it is configured so that heat conduction is possible. Therefore, the 2nd heat exchange part should just be comprised with the material (for example, metal, such as aluminum, etc.) with comparatively high heat conductivity. Moreover, when attaching a 2nd heat exchange part to a 1st heat exchange part, the surface which both contact may be the same shape (shape closely_contact | adhered, for example, plane), and a different shape may be sufficient as it. Of course, in the latter case, it is preferable that a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example, a sheet having a high thermal conductivity, “thermal conductive sheet”, grease such as silicon resin, an adhesive, or the like) is present in the gap between the surfaces in contact with each other. .

  Moreover, here, the second heat exchanging part is detachable from the first heat exchanging part, so that the thermoelectric conversion device can be connected to a part other than the first heat exchanging part and the first heat exchanging part (second heat exchanging part). Part, thermoelectric conversion module, and third heat exchanging part), and the first heat exchanging part and other parts than the first heat exchanging part may be integrated. Therefore, it can be attached and removed by attaching with screws, attaching by applying elastic force of an elastic body (spring, rubber, etc.), attaching by binding with a string-like member, attaching using a hook-and-loop fastener, etc. It can be configured as possible. In order to ensure the ease of attachment / detachment work, it is preferable to attach / detach with a reversible method. As a reversible method, there is a method that allows attachment / detachment without adding components. Can be mentioned. Examples of the component include a screw and an elastic body. In other words, it is not necessary to add a component such as a screw in connection with attachment / detachment using a screw.

  The thermoelectric conversion module should just be attached to a 2nd heat exchange part and a 3rd heat exchange part, and can perform thermoelectric conversion using the temperature difference of a 2nd heat exchange part and a 3rd heat exchange part. Thus, for example, a thermoelectric conversion module is configured by arranging a plurality of thermoelectric elements on two substrates and wiring the n-type thermoelectric element and the p-type thermoelectric element in series. When the thermoelectric conversion module is attached to the second heat exchange unit, the thermoelectric conversion module and the second heat exchange unit may be detachably attached, or the thermoelectric conversion module and the second heat exchange unit are attached. Later, it may be configured so that it cannot be removed without destroying one. As the former, mounting with screws, mounting by applying the elasticity of an elastic body (spring, rubber, etc.), mounting by binding with a string-like member, mounting using a hook-and-loop fastener, mounting using an adhesive, etc. Is mentioned. Examples of the latter include attachment using welding or the like, and a configuration in which the second heat exchange unit is formed as a part of the thermoelectric conversion module.

  The third heat exchange unit is attached to the thermoelectric conversion module so that heat conduction can be performed between the thermoelectric conversion module and the third heat exchange unit in a state where the third heat exchange unit is attached to the thermoelectric conversion module. It is sufficient if it is configured. Therefore, the 3rd heat exchange part should just be comprised with the material (for example, metal, such as aluminum, etc.) with comparatively high heat conductivity. Moreover, when attaching a 3rd heat exchange part to a thermoelectric conversion module, the surface which both contact may be the same shape (shape closely_contact | adhered, for example, plane), and a different shape may be sufficient as it. Of course, in the latter case, it is preferable that a material having a high thermal conductivity (for example, a sheet having a high thermal conductivity, “thermal conductive sheet”, grease such as silicon resin, an adhesive, or the like) is present in the gap between the surfaces in contact with each other. .

  When attaching the third heat exchange part to the thermoelectric conversion module, the third heat exchange part and the thermoelectric conversion module may be detachably attached, or the third heat exchange part and the thermoelectric conversion module are attached. Later, it may be configured so that it cannot be removed without destroying one. Examples of the former include attachment with screws, attachment by applying the elastic force of an elastic body (spring, rubber, etc.), attachment using an adhesive, and the like. Examples of the latter include attachment using welding or the like, and a configuration in which the third heat exchange unit is formed as a part of the thermoelectric conversion module.

  In addition, various structures can be assumed as the structure to which the thermoelectric conversion device is attached, and various shapes can be assumed as the shape of the non-planar contact surface. For example, when a tubular body through which a high-temperature or low-temperature fluid flows becomes the structure, the outer periphery of the tubular body is non-planar, and the non-planar outer circumferential surface is a contact surface with the first heat exchange unit. Further, in the case of a structure having a complicated outer peripheral shape or a structure having a wavy shape, a triangular wave shape, or the like in a cross section, and the thermoelectric conversion device is attached to a non-planar part, the structure is in accordance with the present invention. Can be applied.

  Further, when a tubular body through which a low-temperature fluid flows is an object to which the present invention is applied, the tubular body may be covered with a covering material in order to prevent dew condensation on the outer periphery of the tubular body. In this case, it is preferable to determine the size of the first heat exchange part so that the first heat exchange part protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the covering material in a state where the first heat exchange part is attached to the tubular body. That is, in the state where the first heat exchanging portion is attached to the tube, the length of the first heat exchanging portion in the radial direction of the tube is greater than the length of the covering material (the thickness of the covering material) in the radial direction of the tube. It is configured to be longer. According to this configuration, the contact surface between the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit can be exposed to the outside of the covering material, and the second heat exchange unit can be easily attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit. can do.

  Furthermore, since the first heat exchange part serves as a contact part for bringing the thermoelectric conversion device into contact with the structure, the first heat exchange part has a configuration that enhances the heat conduction efficiency between the structure and the first heat exchange part. Also good. For example, a plate-shaped heat exchange unit that is a flexible plate-shaped member that is bent along the contact surface of the structure and is in contact with the contact surface may be configured to be included in the first heat exchange unit. good. That is, since the contact surface on the structure to which the first heat exchange unit is attached is non-planar, it is possible to ensure high thermal conductivity even if, for example, a planar portion is brought into contact with the contact surface. Can not. Moreover, if the bulk-like site | part closely_contact | adhered with respect to a non-planar shape is formed in a 1st heat exchange part, the versatility of a 1st heat exchange part will fall. Therefore, if the plate-shaped heat exchange part is constituted by a flexible plate-like member and is made a part of the first heat exchange part, the shape of the plate-like heat exchange part is changed according to the non-planar contact surface. Thus, it is possible to provide the first heat exchange part that can be attached to the structure while securing the thermal contact area. In addition, the thickness of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit ensures the flexibility that can change the shape of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit according to the non-planar shape, and the amount of heat transmitted through the plate-shaped heat exchange unit Should be designed to have a significant amount of heat.

  Furthermore, the third heat exchanging portion is a portion that is in contact with a portion where a temperature difference occurs with the structure, and is generally in contact with a fluid such as a gas. That is, the thermoelectric converter is often operated in a state where at least one of the high temperature part and the low temperature part is exposed to a fluid such as gas. Therefore, as a configuration example suitable for such a case, an example in which a part of the third heat exchange unit is configured by a member including a plurality of fins can be given. That is, even if the third heat exchange part is configured by a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity such as metal, the third heat exchange part is surrounded by a fluid such as gas when the third heat exchange part is surrounded by a fluid such as a gas. In general, it is difficult to increase the heat exchange efficiency between the exchange section and the surrounding fluid such as a gas. In such a case, the heat exchange efficiency is generally increased by increasing the surface area of the third heat exchange section. A member having a plurality of fins to be enhanced is employed.

  And when comprising the member provided with several fins as a part of 3rd heat exchange part, it is set as the structure which attaches the member provided with the said several fin to a heat exchange member, and attaches and detaches a thermoelectric exchange member with respect to a thermoelectric conversion module Configure as possible. That is, since the service life and the cause of breakage of the member having the plurality of fins and the thermoelectric conversion module are different, the thermoelectric conversion module and the third heat exchanging unit (the plurality of heat exchanging units) A member provided with fins and a heat exchange member) are configured to be separable. With this configuration, in the operation process of the thermoelectric conversion device, it becomes possible to perform the re-operation by exchanging one of the third heat exchange unit (a member having a plurality of fins) and the thermoelectric conversion module. Cost can be reduced. In this case as well, various configurations can be adopted to make the heat exchange member attachable to and detachable from the thermoelectric conversion module, and attachment by screws and elasticity of an elastic body (spring, rubber, etc.) are applied. It can be configured by attachment by using, attachment using an adhesive or the like.

(1A) is a view of the thermoelectric conversion device attached to the tube body as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube body, and (1B) is a view of the thermoelectric conversion device attached to the tube body from a direction parallel to the axis of the tube body. FIG. (2A) is a diagram showing each part of the thermoelectric conversion device, (2B) is a diagram showing a state in which a member having a plurality of fins and a heat exchange member are separated, and (2C) is a diagram showing an example of the first heat exchange unit. It is. (3A)-(3F) are figures which show an example in case a plate-shaped heat exchange part is attached to a 1st heat exchange part by adhesion | attachment. (4A)-(4D) is a figure which shows the various examples from which the structure for making a 2nd heat exchange part detachable with respect to a 1st heat exchange part differ. (5A)-(5D) is a figure which shows the structural example which fixes a 2nd heat exchange part with respect to a 1st heat exchange part using the elastic force of an elastic body.

Here, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
(1) Thermoelectric converter:
(1-1) 1st heat exchange part:
(1-2) Second heat exchange unit:
(1-3) Thermoelectric conversion module:
(1-4) Third heat exchange section:
(2) Other embodiments:

(1) Thermoelectric converter:
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a thermoelectric conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1A is a diagram of a thermoelectric conversion device attached to a tube body 1 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to an axis Ax of the tube body 1. FIG. 1B is a view of the thermoelectric conversion device attached to the tube body 1 as seen from a direction parallel to the axis Ax of the tube body 1. In the present embodiment, a fluid having a temperature lower than that of the surrounding gas flows through the metal tube 1. Therefore, in order to prevent the outer periphery of the tube body 1 from condensing, the outer periphery of the tube body 1 is covered with a covering material 2 made of glass wool. In FIG. 1B, the state which cut | disconnected the pipe body 1 and the coating | covering material 2 in the AA straight line shown to FIG. 1A is shown. In the present embodiment, two thermoelectric conversion devices are attached to the tube 1 as shown in FIG. 1A.

  The thermoelectric conversion device according to this embodiment includes a first heat exchange unit 10, a second heat exchange unit 20, a thermoelectric conversion module 40, and a third heat exchange unit 30. The 1st heat exchange part 10 can be attached with respect to the said contact surface by using the arbitrary positions on the outer periphery of the tubular body 1 as a contact surface. The 2nd heat exchange part 20 can be attached or detached with respect to a 1st heat exchange part, and the state which attached the 2nd heat exchange part 20 to the 1st heat exchange part 10 in FIG. 1A and 1B is shown. The thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached to the 2nd heat exchange part 20 with the adhesive agent with high heat conductivity. The 3rd heat exchange part 30 is attached with respect to the thermoelectric conversion module 40 with the adhesive agent with high heat conductivity.

(1-1) 1st heat exchange part:
In FIG. 2A, each part of the thermoelectric conversion device is extracted, and each part is shown in a state where the first heat exchange part 10 and the second heat exchange part 20 are separated. The first heat exchange unit 10 is a metal member (for example, copper or aluminum) having a shape in which a rectangular parallelepiped main body 11 and a flange-shaped flange portion 12 are joined. In this embodiment, the tubular body 1 is attached to one surface of a pair of opposed flat surfaces in the rectangular parallelepiped main body 11, and the second heat exchange unit 20 is detachable from the other surface. Here, the plane on which the tube 1 is attached is referred to as a tube contact surface 11a, and the plane on which the second heat exchange unit 20 is attached is referred to as an attachment plane 11b.

  Moreover, in the main body 11, the through-hole 13 parallel to the tube body contact surface 11a is formed. The through hole 13 is a hole through which the band 3 for holding the first heat exchange unit 10 in contact with the tubular body 1 is passed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the band 3 passes through the through-hole 13 and the band 3 makes at least one round of the outer periphery of the tubular body 1 so that the band 3 is connected to the first heat exchange unit 10. Then, a force that approaches the tubular body 1 is applied. As a result, the first heat exchange unit 10 is held in contact with the contact surface of the tube body 1. The band 3 only needs to be configured so that the first heat exchange unit 10 is held in contact with the tube body 1 and can be formed of an elastic resin, a spring, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the fluid passing through the tubular body 1 is a low temperature, and the thermoelectric conversion is performed by utilizing the fact that the gas around the third heat exchange unit 30 is a high temperature. In order to increase efficiency, it is preferable that heat is efficiently transferred from the first heat exchange unit 10 to the tube body 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a thermoconductive sheet is disposed between the tube body 1 and the first heat exchange unit 10, or grease 4 (for example, silicon resin) having a high thermal conductivity is applied. Therefore, even if the flat tube contact surface 11a is held in contact with the curved tube 1 contact surface, heat can be conducted from the first heat exchange unit 10 to the tube 1 with high efficiency. Can do. Moreover, since it is not necessary to process according to the shape of the outer periphery of the pipe body 1 in the shape of the pipe body contact surface 11a, it is possible to attach the 1st heat exchange part 10 with respect to the pipe body 1 of arbitrary diameters. .

The flange portion 12 is formed to have one surface on the extension of the mounting plane 11b of the second heat exchanging portion 20, and as shown in FIG. 2A, screw holes 12a are formed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting plane 11b. Is formed. The screw hole 12a is a hole into which the screw 5 used when the second heat exchange unit 20 is attached to the first heat exchange unit 10 is inserted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the flange portion 12 is always exposed to the outside of the covering material 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the length L ₁ in the radial direction of the tube 1 of the main body 11 of the first heat exchange unit 10 in a state where the first heat exchange unit 10 is attached to the tube _1. but is configured to be longer than the length L ₂ in the radial direction of the tube body 1 covering material 2, attached plane 11b becomes always exposed state to the outside of the covering material 2.

Therefore, it is possible to attach the second heat exchange part 20 to the first heat exchange part 10 without removing the covering material 2. In the present embodiment, the length L ₁ -the thickness Lf of the flange portion 12 is configured to be slightly longer than the length L ₂ , and the flange portion 12 is also exposed to the outside of the covering material 2. However, the flange portion 12 is embedded inside the outer periphery of the covering material 2 because it can be attached by screws even if the flange portion 12 is not completely exposed to the outside of the covering material 2. It may be a configuration.

(1-2) Second heat exchange unit:
Next, the second heat exchange unit 20 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2A, the second heat exchanging portion 20 includes a metal member (for example, a copper member) in which a rectangular parallelepiped main body 21 and a rectangular parallelepiped screw mounting portion 22 smaller than the main body 21 are joined. Or aluminum). In this embodiment, the 1st heat exchange part 10 is attached to one of a pair of opposing planes in the rectangular parallelepiped main body 21, and the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached to the other with an adhesive having high thermal conductivity. Here, the plane on which the first heat exchange unit 10 is attached is referred to as the attachment plane 21 a of the first heat exchange unit 10, and the plane on which the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached is referred to as the attachment plane 21 b of the thermoelectric conversion module 40.

  The screw mounting portion 22 is formed so as to have a surface that exists on the extension of each surface of the mounting planes 21a and 21b. As shown in FIG. 2A, the screw mounting portion 22 is screwed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting planes 21a and 21b. A hole 22a is formed. The screw hole 22a is a hole into which the screw 5 used when the second heat exchange unit 20 is attached to the first heat exchange unit 10 is inserted. That is, the screw hole 22a is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole 12a formed in the flange portion 12 of the first heat exchanging portion 10, and the mounting plane 21a and the mounting plane 11b are in contact with each other. When the screw 5 is inserted into the screw hole 22a, the screw 5 passing through the screw hole 22a reaches the screw hole 12a. Therefore, the second heat exchanging unit 20 can be attached to the first heat exchanging unit 10 with the screw 5. Moreover, by removing the screw 5, as shown to FIG. 2A, the 2nd heat exchange part 20 and the 1st heat exchange part 10 can be isolate | separated.

(1-3) Thermoelectric conversion module:
Next, the thermoelectric conversion module 40 will be described. The thermoelectric conversion module 40 includes two substrates (not shown) and a plurality of thermoelectric elements. The plurality of thermoelectric elements includes the same number of n-type thermoelectric elements and p-type thermoelectric elements. The plurality of thermoelectric elements are disposed between the two substrates, and wiring on the substrate is formed so that the n-type thermoelectric element and the p-type thermoelectric element are connected in series. As a result, one substrate is configured to be able to perform thermoelectric conversion with the high temperature portion and the other substrate at the low temperature portion. In this embodiment, the 1st heat exchange part 10 contacted with the pipe body 1 is a low temperature part, the 3rd heat exchange part 30 provided with the member (after-mentioned) provided with a some fin is a high temperature part, and the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is provided. Is configured to generate power using a temperature difference. Note that wiring extending outside the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is not shown.

(1-4) Third heat exchange section:
Next, the 3rd heat exchange part 30 is demonstrated. As shown to FIG. 1A and 1B, the 3rd heat exchange part 30 is provided with the heat exchange member 31 and the member 32 provided with a some fin. The heat exchange member 31 is a rectangular parallelepiped metal member (for example, copper or aluminum), and the member 32 having a plurality of fins has a shape in which a plurality of fins are joined to a rectangular parallelepiped portion. For example, it is made of copper or aluminum. In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached to one of a pair of opposed flat surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped heat exchange member 31 with an adhesive having high thermal conductivity, and the member 32 having a plurality of fins on the other side is detachable. It is configured.

  2A shows a state in which a member 32 having a plurality of fins is attached to the heat exchange member 31, and FIG. 2B shows a state in which the member 32 having a plurality of fins and the heat exchange member 31 are separated. Also, here, as shown in FIG. 2B, the plane on which the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached to the heat exchange member 31 is the mounting plane 31a of the thermoelectric conversion module 40, and the plane to which the member 32 having a plurality of fins is attached is the plurality of fins. This is referred to as a mounting plane 31b of the member 32 including In addition, the rectangular parallelepiped part of the member 32 provided with a plurality of fins has substantially the same shape as the heat exchange member 31, and the plane that comes into contact with the mounting plane 31b is referred to as a mounting plane 32a.

  In the present embodiment, the member 32 having a plurality of fins is configured to be attached to the heat exchange member 31 by the screw 6. That is, a screw hole 32b is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped portion of the member 32 having a plurality of fins, and a screw hole 31c is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole 32b in the heat exchange member 31. Accordingly, when the screw 6 is inserted into the screw hole 32b with the mounting plane 31b and the mounting plane 32a facing each other, the screw 6 penetrating the screw hole 32b reaches the screw hole 31c. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2A, the member 32 having a plurality of fins can be attached to the heat exchange member 31 with the screw 6. Moreover, by removing the screw 6, as shown to FIG. 2B, the member 32 provided with a some fin and the heat exchange member 31 can be isolate | separated.

  According to the above structure, as shown to FIG. 1A and 1B, the thermoelectric conversion apparatus comprised from the 1st heat exchange part 10, the 2nd heat exchange part 20, the thermoelectric conversion module 40, and the 3rd heat exchange part 30 is shown. Thermoelectric conversion (power generation in this example) using the temperature difference between the tube 1 and the surrounding gas can be performed by attaching to the tube 1. In the operation process of such a thermoelectric conversion device, it may be necessary to replace the thermoelectric conversion module 40 due to damage of the thermoelectric element or the like. Further, since the member 32 having a plurality of fins is exposed to the outside air, it may be necessary to replace it due to deterioration, damage due to contact with other members, or the like.

  In this embodiment, since the 2nd heat exchange part 20 is removable with respect to the 1st heat exchange part 10 as mentioned above, when it becomes necessary to replace | exchange the thermoelectric conversion module 40, it is 2nd heat exchange. The thermoelectric conversion module 40 can be replaced by removing the unit 20 from the first heat exchange unit 10. In addition, in this embodiment, since the member 32 provided with a plurality of fins is detachable from the heat exchange member 31, the heat exchange member 31, the thermoelectric conversion module 40, and the second heat exchange unit 20 are exchanged. The cost for replacement can be reduced by continuing to use the member 32 having a plurality of fins. Moreover, when it becomes necessary to replace the member 32 having a plurality of fins, the member 32 having a plurality of fins is removed from the heat exchange member 31 and replaced, and the heat exchange member 31, the thermoelectric conversion module 40, and the second heat exchange are exchanged. The cost for replacement can be reduced by continuing to use the unit 20.

  Of course, when exchanging the thermoelectric conversion module 40, the second heat exchanging unit 20 and the heat exchanging member 31 may be reused. In this case, the thermoelectric conversion module 40 bonded to the second heat exchange unit 20 and the heat exchange member 31 is removed, and after removing the adhesive, a new thermoelectric conversion module 40 is attached to the second heat exchange unit 20 and the heat exchange member 31. It will be glued. In addition, when removing the 1st heat exchange part 10 and attaching again temporarily, after removing the 1st heat exchange part 10, the grease 4 is removed, and after applying again, the 1st heat exchange part 10 will be attached. And in order to remove and apply | coat grease 4 on the pipe body 1 coat | covered with the coating | covering material 2, it is also necessary to remove the coating | covering material 2, and an operation | work burden becomes large. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to separate the 1st heat exchange part 10 and the 2nd heat exchange part 20, and the 1st heat exchange part 10 is a metal lump, and almost no failure occurs. Therefore, after applying the grease 4 and attaching the first heat exchange unit 10 to the tube body 1 and covering the tube body 1 with the covering material 2, it is hardly necessary to remove the first heat exchange unit 10. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the replacement work of the failed part when the thermoelectric conversion device fails.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the thermoelectric conversion module 40 is sandwiched between the heat exchange member 31 and the second heat exchange unit 20. Therefore, in the process of separating the first heat exchange unit 10 and the parts other than the first heat exchange unit 10 (second heat exchange unit 20, thermoelectric conversion module 40, and third heat exchange unit 30), the second heat Various forces can act on the exchange unit 20, but no force acts directly on the thermoelectric conversion module 40. Similarly, when performing the work of separating the member 32 having a plurality of fins and the heat exchange member 31, a force can act on the heat exchange member 31 in the process of the separation work, but the force is applied to the thermoelectric conversion module. There is no direct effect on 40. Therefore, it is possible to easily remove the second heat exchange unit 20 and the member 32 including the plurality of fins without destroying the thermoelectric conversion module 40 including a large number of thermoelectric elements that are generally made of a brittle material. is there.

(2) Other embodiments:
In the present invention, it is only necessary that the second heat exchange unit 20 is detachable from the first heat exchange unit 10, and various other configurations can be employed. For example, in the 3rd heat exchange part 30, the member 32 provided with a some fin and the heat exchange member 31 may be comprised integrally.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the 1st heat exchanging part 10 may be provided with a shape with which heat conduction efficiency with the pipe body 1 becomes high. FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating the first heat exchange unit 100 including a portion for increasing the contact area with the tube body 1. 2C is a diagram of the first heat exchange unit 100 attached to the tube body 1 and viewed from the axial direction of the tube body 1 (the same direction as FIG. 1B). As shown in FIG. The unit 100 includes a main body 11 and a flange portion 12 similar to those of the first heat exchange unit 10, but the main body 11 further includes a plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101.

  The plate-like heat exchange unit 101 is formed as a shape in which a plate-like member is joined to the main body 11, and has a surface obtained by extending a plane constituting the tube contact surface 11 a of the main body 11. The plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 is made of the same material as that of the main body 11 and has flexibility by being a thin plate. Therefore, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 is bent along the outer periphery of the tube 1 by bending the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 in the direction of the broken arrow in the state where the tube contact surface 11a of the first heat exchange unit 100 is in contact with the tube 1. The heat exchange part 101 can be bent. Therefore, if the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 is in contact with the outer periphery of the tube body 1 and the first heat exchange unit 100 is fixed to the tube body 1 with a band 3 or the like, and the tube body 1 is covered with the covering material 2, More heat can be transferred between the first heat exchange unit 100 and the tube body 1. Of course, grease or the like may be applied between the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 and the tube body 1. Moreover, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 101 may be configured integrally with the first heat exchange unit 100 as shown in FIG. 2C, or a plate-shaped member is attached to the main body 11 by screws, adhesion, or the like. It may be constituted by.

  3A to 3F show an example in which the plate heat exchange part is attached to the first heat exchange part by bonding. 3A, 3C, and 3E show a state in which the thermoelectric conversion device is attached to the tube body 1 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube body 1, and FIGS. 3B and 3D show plate-like heat exchange used in FIGS. 3A and 3C. FIG. 3F is a diagram showing the shape of a member for attaching the plate heat exchange part used in FIG. 3E to the tube body 1. In these examples, the first heat exchange unit, the second heat exchange unit, the thermoelectric conversion module, and the third heat exchange unit are substantially the same as the elements of the thermoelectric conversion device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the same configuration is used. The same symbols are shown. The shape of the first heat exchange unit 110 is substantially the same as the first heat exchange unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but the size is different. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, the length of the tubular body 1 in the radial direction is shorter in the first heat exchange unit 110 than in the first heat exchange unit 10. That is, the example shown to FIG. 3A-3F has shown about the example which does not use the coating | covering material 2, and comprises the length of the radial direction of the 1st heat exchange part 110 short according to not using the coating | covering material 2. FIG. Yes.

  The plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is made of a rectangular plate-shaped metal. In this example, the 1st heat exchange part 110 is adhere | attached on the center of the plate-shaped heat exchange part 111 with an adhesive agent. Further, the surface of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 where the first heat exchange unit 110 is not bonded is brought into contact with the tube body 1, and the plate 310 is bent along the outer periphery of the tube body 1. Thus, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 is attached to the tube body 1. Of course, you may apply | coat the grease with high heat conductivity between the pipe body 1 and the plate-shaped heat exchange part 111. FIG. In the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first heat exchange unit 110 is further attached to the tube body 1 by the band 3. According to this configuration, the thermoelectric conversion device can be attached to the tube body 1 while ensuring a large thermal contact area between the first heat exchange unit 110 and the tube body 1.

  3C and 3D have a shape formed by cutting a part of a rectangular plate-shaped metal. That is, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 112 is configured by metal so that the broken rectangle is cut from the rectangle illustrated in FIG. 3B. That is, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 112 is configured to have a substantially H-shape formed by the main body 112a and the arm portion 112b. Also in this example, the 1st heat exchange part 110 is adhere | attached on the main body 112a of the plate-shaped heat exchange part 112 with an adhesive agent. Further, the surface of the plate-shaped heat exchanging portion 112 where the first heat exchanging portion 110 is not bonded is brought into contact with the tube body 1, and the arm portion 112 b is bent along the outer periphery of the tube body 1 by the band 310. The heat exchange unit 112 is attached to the tube body 1. Of course, thermally conductive grease may be applied between the tube body 1 and the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 112. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the first heat exchange unit 110 is further attached to the tube body 1 by the band 3. According to this configuration, even when the rigidity of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 112 is high and it is difficult to bend, the arm portion 112b can be brought into close contact with the tubular body 1 by the band 310, and the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 112 and The tube body 1 can be reliably adhered.

  In FIG. 3E, thermal contact between the first heat exchange unit 110 and the tube body 1 is ensured using the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 similar to that in FIG. 3B. The method of fixing to is different from FIG. 3B. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3E, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 is attached to the tubular body 1 using the sheet member 313 shown in FIG. 3F. The sheet member 313 is a rectangular sheet-shaped member made of a flexible material. A rectangular surface fastener 313b, 313c is formed on the front and back sides of the rectangular surface fastener 313b, 313c. Is attached.

  The hole 313a is a hole that is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the first heat exchange unit 110, and the first heat exchange unit 110 can be passed through the hole 313a. The hook-and-loop fasteners 313b and 313c can be attached and separated by being overlapped. In this example, an adhesive is applied to the first heat exchanging part 110, and the plate-like heat exchanging part 111 and the sheet member 313 are overlapped with their long sides oriented in parallel with each other, in the hole 313a side. The first heat exchange unit 110 is bonded to the center of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111. In addition, the surface of the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 where the first heat exchange unit 110 is not bonded is brought into contact with the tube 1, and the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 and the sheet member 313 are bent along the outer periphery of the tube 1. The surface fasteners 313b and 313c of the sheet member 313 are attached in a state. As a result, the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111 is attached to the tube body 1. Of course, heat conductive grease may be applied between the tube body 1 and the plate-shaped heat exchange unit 111. In the example shown in FIG. 3E, the first heat exchange unit 110 is further attached to the tube body 1 by the band 3. According to this configuration, the plate heat exchange unit 111 can be easily attached to the tube body 1.

  Furthermore, as a configuration for making the second heat exchange unit 20 detachable with respect to the first heat exchange unit 10, various configurations other than the above-described configuration can be adopted. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing various examples in which the configuration for making the second heat exchange part detachable with respect to the first heat exchange part is different, and the thermoelectric conversion device is viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 1B. In this state, the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are separated.

  The first heat exchanging portion 120 shown in FIG. 4A is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a cylindrical hole 120a is formed on one surface (attachment surface of the second heat exchanging portion). The second heat exchange unit 220 is a cylindrical metal member, and one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 420 is bonded to one of the circular surfaces. A third heat exchange part 320 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 420. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 321 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 420, and the thermoelectric conversion module 420 is protected from humidity and damage. In this example, the outer peripheral diameter of the cylinder formed by the second heat exchange unit 220 is slightly smaller than the inner peripheral diameter of the cylinder formed by the first heat exchange unit 120, and the second heat exchange unit 220 is It can be inserted into the hole 120a.

  According to the above configuration, the second heat exchange unit 220 can be attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 120 using the hole 120a. Moreover, since the shape of the 2nd heat exchange part 220 and the hole 120a is a column shape, it is possible to rotate the 2nd heat exchange part 220 by making the axis | shaft of a cylinder into a rotating shaft. For this reason, it is possible to adjust the direction of the 3rd heat exchange part 320 to a desired direction using the said rotation. Of course, in this example, grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, or the like may be applied between the second heat exchange unit 220 and the hole 120a. Further, a thread groove may be formed on the outer periphery of the second heat exchange unit 220 and the inner periphery of the hole 120a, and the second heat exchange unit 220 may be rotated to be attached to and detached from the hole 120a. Moreover, the shape of the 2nd heat exchange part 220 and the hole 120a is not limited to a column shape, Polygonal column shape may be sufficient. According to this structure, it becomes easy to orient the 3rd heat exchange part 320 in a specific direction.

The first heat exchanging portion 130 shown in FIG. 4B is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a groove 130a having a constant depth and width is formed on one surface (attachment surface of the second heat exchanging portion). The second heat exchanging unit 230 is a rectangular parallelepiped metal member, and one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 430 is bonded to one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped. A third heat exchanging portion 330 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 430. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 331 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 430, and the thermoelectric conversion module 430 is protected from humidity and damage. In this example, the width W ₂ of the rectangular parallelepiped formed by the second heat exchange unit 230 is slightly smaller than the width W _{1 of the} groove 130a formed in the first heat exchange unit 130, and the second heat exchange unit 230 can be inserted into the groove 130a.

  According to the above configuration, the second heat exchange unit 230 can be attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 130 using the groove 130a. Moreover, since the shape of the 2nd heat exchange part 230 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape and the depth and width | variety of the groove | channel 130a are constant, it is possible to slide the 2nd heat exchange part 230 within the groove | channel 130a. For this reason, it is possible to set the position of the said 2nd heat exchange part 230 in a desired position within the movable range of the 2nd heat exchange part 230. FIG. Of course, in this example, grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, or the like may be applied between the second heat exchange unit 230 and the groove 130a. Moreover, the shape of the 2nd heat exchange part 230 and the shape of the groove | channel 130a should just be a shape which can fit the 2nd heat exchange part 230 in the groove | channel 130a, and various shapes are employable.

  The first heat exchanging section 140 shown in FIG. 4C is a metal member having an outer shape such that a rectangular parallelepiped portion 140a and a rectangular parallelepiped portion 140b smaller than the portion 140a are joined. A hole 140c is formed. The second heat exchange unit 240 is a rectangular parallelepiped metal member, and one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 440 is bonded to one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped. A third heat exchange unit 340 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 440. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 341 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 440, and the thermoelectric conversion module 440 is protected from humidity and damage.

  In this example, a screw hole 240a is formed at a position corresponding to the screw hole 140c of the second heat exchange unit 240. Therefore, the second heat exchange unit 240 can be attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 140 by inserting and tightening screws into the screw holes 240a and 140c. According to this configuration, the second heat exchange unit 240 can be easily attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 140. Of course, in this example, it is also possible to apply grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, etc. between the second heat exchange unit 240 and the first heat exchange unit 140. In this example, the second heat exchange unit 240 and When the first heat exchange unit 140 is separated, the grease or the like can be easily cleaned.

  The first heat exchange unit 150 shown in FIG. 4D is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a plurality of non-through holes 150a perpendicular to the surface are formed on one surface. The second heat exchange unit 250 is a metal member including a rectangular parallelepiped portion 250a and a plurality of protrusions 250b, and the protrusion 250b is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the surface with respect to one surface of the portion 250a. . In addition, one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 450 is bonded to the surface of the portion 250a that faces the surface on which the protrusion 250b is formed. A third heat exchange part 350 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 450. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 351 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 450, and the thermoelectric conversion module 450 is protected from humidity and damage.

  In this example, the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protrusion 250b extends is slightly smaller than the cross section in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the non-through hole 150a extends, and the protrusion 250b can be fitted into the non-through hole 150a. it can. Therefore, the second heat exchange unit 250 can be attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 150 by inserting and pulling the protrusion 250b into the non-through hole 150a. According to this configuration, the second heat exchange unit 250 can be easily attached to and detached from the first heat exchange unit 150, and the contact area between the second heat exchange unit 250 and the first heat exchange unit 150 is large. , Heat conduction can be performed efficiently. Of course, in this example, grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, or the like may be applied between the second heat exchange unit 250 and the first heat exchange unit 150. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4D, etc., when the second heat exchange part can be attached and detached only by work from above the first heat exchange part (work from the opposite side of the tube), the first heat exchange part May not necessarily protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the covering material. In this case, what is necessary is just to comprise so that a part of fin of the member provided with a several fin may protrude from the outer peripheral surface of a coating | covering material. According to this structure, since the protrusion from a coating | covering material can be minimized, possibility that the thermoelectric conversion apparatus containing the member provided with a several fin will be destroyed by contact can be reduced.

  5A to 5D show a configuration example in which the second heat exchange unit is fixed to the first heat exchange unit using the elastic force of the elastic body (coil spring in the drawing). 5A, 5B, and 5D show a state in which the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit are separated when the thermoelectric conversion device is viewed from the same direction as in FIG. 1B. FIG. 5C is a view of the thermoelectric conversion device shown in FIG. 5B from the third heat exchange unit side, and corresponds to a plan view when FIG. 5B is a front view.

  The first heat exchange unit 160 shown in FIG. 5A is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and has a hole 160a penetrating through two opposing surfaces. The second heat exchange unit 260 is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 460 is bonded to one surface. A third heat exchanging portion 360 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 460. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 361 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 460, and the thermoelectric conversion module 460 is protected from humidity and damage.

  In this example, a rod-shaped member 160b can be inserted and fixed in the hole 160a formed in the first heat exchange unit 160. One end of a spring 160d is attached to one end of the rod-like member 160b, and a rod-like member 160c is attached to the other end of the spring 160d. In this example, two rod-shaped members 160b and two springs 160d are prepared, and one end of each spring 160d and one end of each rod-shaped member 160b are attached. The other end of each spring 160d is attached to one end and the other end of the rod-shaped member 160c.

  Therefore, when each rod-like member 160b is inserted into the hole 160a, a spring 160d is present between the rod-like member 160b and the rod-like member 160c, and as shown in FIG. 5A, the rod-like member 160b is placed between the rod-like member 160b and the rod-like member 160c. The second heat exchange unit 260 is easily attached to the first heat exchange unit 160 by sandwiching a unit in which the second heat exchange unit 260, the third heat exchange unit 360, and the thermoelectric conversion module 460 are integrated. Can do. Of course, in this example, grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, or the like may be applied between the second heat exchange unit 260 and the first heat exchange unit 160. Further, the hole 160a may be a screw hole, the rod-shaped member 160b may be a bolt, or the rod-shaped member 160c may be configured to be attached to the third heat exchange unit 360.

  Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 5A, the rod-shaped member 160c may be omitted by configuring the spring so as to be fixed between the fins of the members having a plurality of fins. FIG. 5B shows an example in which the rod-shaped member 160c is omitted, and the same components as those in FIG. 5A are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the fins of the members including the plurality of fins constituting the third heat exchange section 360a are thin plate-like members, and the plurality of fins 360b are arranged at a predetermined interval as shown in FIG. 5C. Are lined up. The spring 160e according to this example is a coil spring, and the diameter thereof is slightly narrower than the interval between the fins 360b, so that the springs 160e can be sandwiched between the fins 360b. Accordingly, each rod-like member 160b is inserted into the hole 160a, the spring 160e is fitted between the fins 360b, and the second heat exchange unit 260, the third heat exchange unit 360a, and the thermoelectric conversion module are inserted between the rod-like member 160b and the spring 160e. By sandwiching the unit in which 460 is integrated, the second heat exchange unit 260 can be easily attached to the first heat exchange unit 160.

  Furthermore, you may comprise so that a rod-shaped member may be attached to a 1st heat exchange part and a 2nd heat exchange part. The first heat exchange unit 170 shown in FIG. 5D is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and has a hole 170a penetrating through two opposing surfaces. The second heat exchanging part 270 is a metal member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a hole 270a penetrating through two opposing surfaces is formed. In addition, one surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 470 is bonded to one surface of the second heat exchange unit 270. A third heat exchange unit 370 made of a member having a plurality of fins is bonded to the other surface of the thermoelectric conversion module 470. In the present embodiment, a resin cover 371 is attached so as to surround the thermoelectric conversion module 470, and the thermoelectric conversion module 470 is protected from humidity and damage.

  In this example, the rod-shaped member 170b can be inserted and fixed in the hole 170a formed in the first heat exchange unit 170, and the rod-shaped member 270b is inserted in the hole 270a formed in the second heat exchange unit 270. Can be inserted and fixed. One end of a spring 170c is attached to one end of the rod-shaped member 170b and the rod-shaped member 270b, and two combinations of the rod-shaped members 170b and 270b and the spring 170c are configured in advance. Therefore, when the rod-like member 170b and the rod-like member 270b are inserted into the opening ends of the hole 170a and the hole 270a, the first heat exchange unit 170 and the second heat exchange unit 270 come to be attracted by the elastic force of the spring 170c. The second heat exchange unit 270 can be easily attached to the first heat exchange unit 170. Of course, in this example, grease, adhesive, lubricating oil, or the like may be applied between the second heat exchange unit 270 and the first heat exchange unit 170. Alternatively, the holes 170a and 270a may be screw holes, and the rod-shaped member 170b and the rod-shaped member 270b may be bolts. The spring 170c is preferably made of a material having high thermal conductivity.

  Furthermore, the tubular body contact surface 11a may have a shape that allows contact along the outer periphery of the tubular body 1. By doing so, it is possible to physically increase the contact area between the tubular body contact surface 11a and the outer periphery of the tubular body and improve the heat exchange efficiency. Further, when a sheet-like member having high thermal conductivity is disposed, the tubular body contact surface 11 a can press the sheet-like member along the outer periphery of the tubular body 1.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st heat exchange part, 11 ... Main body, 11a ... Tube contact surface, 11b ... Mounting plane, 12 ... Flange part, 12a ... Screw hole, 13 ... Through hole, 20 ... 2nd heat exchange part, 21 ... Main body 21a, 21b ... Mounting plane, 22 ... Screw mounting portion, 22a ... Screw hole, 30 ... Third heat exchange portion, 31 ... Heat exchange member, 31a ... Mounting plane, 31b ... Mounting plane, 31c ... Screw hole, 32 ... Member provided with a plurality of fins, 32a ... mounting plane, 32b ... screw hole, 40 ... thermoelectric conversion module

Claims (5)

A first heat exchange part attached to the contact surface of the structure having a non-planar contact surface;
A second heat exchanging part detachable from the first heat exchanging part;
A thermoelectric conversion module attached to the second heat exchange unit;
A third heat exchange unit attached to the thermoelectric conversion module;
With
In the first heat exchange unit, the length from the contact surface between the structure and the first heat exchange unit to the contact surface between the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit is the structure. Longer than the thickness of the covering material,
Thermoelectric converter. The structure is a tube;
  The thermoelectric conversion device according to claim 1. The third heat exchange unit includes a heat exchange member that is detachable from the thermoelectric conversion module and a member that includes a plurality of fins attached to the heat exchange member.
The thermoelectric conversion apparatus in any one of Claim 1 or Claim 2 . The attachment and detachment between the second heat exchange unit and the first heat exchange unit can be performed without adding components.
The thermoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first heat exchange unit includes a main body and a flexible plate-like member attached to the main body,
The plate-like member extends from the main body along the contact surface of the structure.
The thermoelectric conversion apparatus in any one of Claims 1-4 .

Images