JP6473969B2 - Thermoelectric converter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermoelectric converter including a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements.

  In recent years, thermoelectric conversion systems that convert exhaust heat generated in factories or the like into electric power have attracted attention as environmentally friendly power generation systems. In such a thermoelectric conversion system, for example, a thermoelectric converter that directly converts heat into electric power using a semiconductor is used. This type of thermoelectric converter can be configured by combining a p-type thermoelectric conversion element and an n-type thermoelectric conversion element using a thermoelectric effect such as Seebeck effect, Peltier effect, or Thomson effect.

  The following Patent Document 1 describes a configuration of a thermoelectric conversion module for integrating thermoelectric conversion elements with high density. In this configuration, the plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements are fitted and fixed by penetrating through the net holes of the insulating net member. Moreover, the one end side and other end side of a thermoelectric conversion element are each connected by the electrode.

JP 2005-217169 A

  In general, as the dimension in the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion element increases, the resistance inside the thermoelectric conversion element increases and the conversion efficiency decreases. Therefore, the thermoelectric conversion element preferably has a dimension in the height direction as small as possible. For this reason, in the thermoelectric converter of the structure which integrated the several thermoelectric conversion element, it is desired to make the height of each thermoelectric conversion element low.

  However, if the height of each thermoelectric conversion element is lowered, the distance between the two substrates sandwiching the thermoelectric conversion element up and down is reduced. For this reason, for example, in a thermoelectric converter that converts heat into electric power by bringing one substrate into contact with a heat source, heat from the substrate on the heat source side is easily transmitted to the opposite substrate as radiant heat. As a result, there arises a problem that the temperature difference between both ends of the thermoelectric conversion element is reduced and the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element is lowered.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric converter capable of effectively suppressing conduction of radiant heat between substrates.

A thermoelectric converter according to a main aspect of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, A frame member disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. The thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged so as to be lined up in the vertical and horizontal directions with a gap. The frame member is stretched with a weft member for blocking radiant heat in the lateral direction so as to pass through the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in the vertical direction, and through the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in the horizontal direction. A warp member for blocking radiant heat is stretched in the longitudinal direction. The frame member is configured such that a pair of longitudinal support members to which both ends of the warp member are fastened are sandwiched between a pair of lateral support members to which both ends of the weft member are fastened. The weft member and the warp member are stretched on the transverse support member and the longitudinal support member, respectively, so that the weft member has a higher tension in the pulling direction than the warp member.

According to the thermoelectric converter according to this aspect, the radiant heat propagating between the substrates is shielded by the weft member and the warp member . Therefore, even when the height dimension of the thermoelectric conversion element is reduced, the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element can be properly maintained. Further, since the weft member has a higher tension in the pulling direction than the warp member, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the longitudinal support member and to keep the shape of the frame member stable.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a thermoelectric converter capable of effectively suppressing conduction of radiant heat between substrates can be provided.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a thermoelectric converter according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 1B and 1C are assembly processes of the thermoelectric converter according to the embodiment, respectively. FIG. FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views schematically showing the assembly process of the thermoelectric converter according to the embodiment. 3A to 3D are perspective views schematically showing an assembly process of the frame member according to the embodiment. 4A to 4D are cross-sectional views schematically showing an assembly process of the frame member according to the embodiment. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing the positional relationship between the thermoelectric conversion element, the weft member, and the warp member in the thermoelectric converter according to the embodiment. FIGS. 6A and 6D are diagrams for explaining the shielding action of radiant heat according to the embodiment, respectively. Drawing 7 (a)-(c) is a mimetic diagram which looked at the thermoelectric conversion system in the state where the thermoelectric converter concerning an embodiment was installed in piping, respectively from the front, the side, and the upper part. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a frame member according to a modified example, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a groove according to another modified example.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, the X, Y, and Z axes that are orthogonal to each other are appended to each drawing. The Z-axis direction is the height direction of the thermoelectric converter 100, and the Z-axis positive direction is the downward direction. In the present embodiment, the Y-axis direction is set to the vertical direction, and the X-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction. However, the setting of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the present embodiment is for convenience, and the X-axis direction may be set as the vertical direction and the Y-axis direction may be set as the horizontal direction.

  FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the thermoelectric converter 100. FIGS. 1B and 1C and FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing an assembly process of the thermoelectric converter 100. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the thermoelectric converter 100 includes a first substrate 10, a frame member 20, a second substrate 30, and a thermoelectric conversion element 40.

  The first substrate 10 has a substantially square shape in plan view. The first substrate 10 may have another shape such as a rectangle. The first substrate 10 is made of a material having excellent heat conduction characteristics. For example, a copper plate is used as the first substrate 10. In addition, the first substrate 10 may be formed of aluminum or the like. A first connection electrode 11 that is joined to the upper electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is formed on the lower surface (the surface on the negative side of the Z axis) of the first substrate 10.

  The frame member 20 is formed of a substantially square frame in plan view. The frame member 20 is made of a material that is excellent in heat resistance and hardly conducts heat. For example, the frame member 20 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene or polycarbonate. The configuration of the frame member 20 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  The second substrate 30 has the same shape and size as the first substrate 10 and is made of the same material as the first substrate 10. Similar to the first substrate 10, the second substrate 30 may have another shape such as a rectangle. The second substrate 30 is also made of a material having excellent heat conduction characteristics. A second connection electrode 31 is formed on the upper surface of the second substrate 30 to be joined to the lower electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40.

  3A to 3D are perspective views schematically showing an assembly process of the frame member 20, respectively.

  The frame member 20 includes a pair of horizontal support members 21 and a pair of vertical support members 22. The horizontal support member 21 and the vertical support member 22 have a bar shape with a substantially square cross section. The pair of lateral support members 21 have the same length and shape. The pair of vertical support members 22 are also the same in length and shape. The cross-sectional shape of the horizontal support member 21 and the cross-sectional shape of the vertical support member 22 are the same. However, since the outline of the frame member 20 is substantially square as described above, the horizontal support member 21 is longer than the vertical support member 22. When the outline of the frame member 20 is rectangular, the length of the horizontal support member 21 and the length of the vertical support member 22 are adjusted accordingly.

  The cross-sectional shape of the horizontal support member 21 and the vertical support member 22 can be variously changed. However, the dimension in the height direction of the horizontal support member 21 and the dimension in the height direction of the vertical support member 22 are such that the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 30 in FIG. In order to support, it is preferable that they are the same.

  On the upper surfaces of the pair of lateral support members 21, lateral grooves 21a extending in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) are formed at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). For convenience, in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, dozens of lateral grooves 21 a are illustrated in each of the pair of lateral support members 21, but actually, more lateral grooves 21 a are formed in the lateral support members 21. It is formed on the upper surface.

  Further, vertical grooves 22a extending in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) are formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of vertical support members 22 at a constant pitch in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). For convenience, in FIGS. 3A to 3D, a dozen vertical grooves 22a are shown in each of the pair of vertical support members 22, but in reality, more vertical grooves 22a are vertically supported. It is formed on the upper surface of the member 22.

  The depth of the horizontal groove 21a is deeper than the depth of the vertical groove 22a. Further, the width in the Y-axis direction of the transverse groove 21a is set smaller than the diameter of the weft member 23 (width in the Y-axis direction) described later, and the width in the X-axis direction of the longitudinal groove 22a is the diameter of the warp member 24 described later. It is set smaller than (width in the X-axis direction). In the present embodiment, the width in the Y-axis direction of the horizontal groove 21a is set uniformly at all depth positions of the horizontal groove 21a, and the width in the X-axis direction of the vertical groove 22a is set to all depths of the vertical groove 22a. It is set uniformly in the vertical position.

  When the frame member 20 is assembled, first, a pair of vertical support members 22 is disposed between the pair of horizontal support members 21 as shown in FIG. 3A, and further, as shown in FIG. The pair of vertical support members 22 are sandwiched between the horizontal support members 21. At this time, an adhesive may be interposed at the joint between the horizontal support member 21 and the vertical support member 22, and the horizontal support member 21 and the vertical support member 22 may be fixed with an adhesive.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 3C, both ends of the weft member 23 are fitted into the weft grooves 21 a facing in the X-axis direction, and the weft member 23 is stretched between the pair of transverse support members 21. At this time, both ends of the weft member 23 are pushed to the deepest portion of the weft groove 21a while being pulled with a predetermined tension. As described above, since the diameter of the weft member 23 is larger than the width of the weft groove 21a in the Y-axis direction, both ends of the weft member 23 are firmly locked by the weft groove 21a. Further, since the weft member 23 is stretched between the pair of lateral support members 21 while being pulled with a predetermined tension, the pair of lateral support members 21 are attracted to each other by this tension. Accordingly, the pair of vertical support members 22 are firmly sandwiched and fixed between the pair of horizontal support members 21.

  When the mounting of the weft member 23 is completed in this way, next, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), both ends of the warp member 24 are fitted into the longitudinal grooves 22a opposed in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of longitudinal support members 22 is placed. The warp yarn member 24 is stretched over. At this time, both ends of the warp member 24 are pushed to the deepest portion of the longitudinal groove 22a. As described above, since the diameter of the warp member 24 is larger than the width of the longitudinal groove 22a in the X-axis direction, both ends of the warp member 24 are firmly locked by the longitudinal groove 22a. Thereby, the assembly of the frame member 20 is completed.

  Here, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are small-diameter thread-like members. The diameters of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are, for example, about 0.1 mm. Further, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are made of a material that is difficult to burn and is not easily melted by heat. For example, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are made of yarn of heat-resistant cotton material such as cotton. Moreover, it is preferable that the color of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 is a color that hardly absorbs radiant heat, such as white.

  In the assembled state shown in FIG. 3 (d), since the lateral groove 21a is deeper than the longitudinal groove 22a, the height position of the weft member 23 and the height position of the warp member 24 are different from each other. That is, the warp member 24 is positioned at a position higher than the weft member 23 by a predetermined distance. The weft yarn member 23 and the warp yarn member 24 do not contact each other, and there is a predetermined gap between them.

  Next, an assembly process of the thermoelectric converter 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) to 2 (b).

  First, the frame member 20 is overlaid on the upper surface of the second substrate 30 in a state where solder is applied to the second connection electrode 31 shown in FIG. When this state is viewed in plan, a mesh is formed by the weft member 23 and the warp member 24, and each mesh overlaps the second connection electrode 31 on the second substrate 30. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1B, the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is installed on the second substrate 30 using a jig so that the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is passed through each mesh. In this way, all the thermoelectric conversion elements 40 to be installed are installed on the second substrate 30 as shown in FIG. In this state, the lower electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is placed on the second connection electrode 31 via solder.

  In FIG. 1C, hundreds and dozens of thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are illustrated, but actually, more thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are arranged on the upper surface of the second substrate 30.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first substrate 10 is overlaid on the upper surface of the frame member 20. Solder is applied to the first connection electrode 11 of the first substrate 10 in advance. Therefore, when the first substrate 10 is overlaid on the upper surface of the frame member 20, the first connection electrode 11 of the first substrate 10 is placed on the upper electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 via solder. . Thereafter, a reflow process is performed on the solder in a state where a pressure is applied to bring the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 30 closer to each other. As a result, the upper and lower electrodes of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 are respectively joined to the first connection electrode 11 of the first substrate 10 and the second connection electrode 31 of the second substrate 30 by solder. Further, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 30 are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the frame member 20 by solder. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2B, the assembly of the thermoelectric converter 100 is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the thermoelectric conversion element 40 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and electrodes (not shown) are arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively. The thermoelectric conversion element 40 is made of a semiconductor that directly converts heat into electric power. Thermoelectric conversion element 40 is a material (Bi2Te3 material, lead / tellurium material, silicon / germanium material) having a large figure of merit Z (= α2 / ρK) represented by Seebeck coefficient α, specific resistance ρ, and thermal conductivity K. Etc.) to which a dopant is added. Two types of p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are configured by the dopant to be added. For example, Sb is added as a dopant for configuring the p-type thermoelectric conversion element 40. Further, for example, Se is added as a dopant for configuring the n-type thermoelectric conversion element 40. The upper and lower electrodes are preferably made of a material having high wettability to solder (nickel, chromium, tungsten, etc.).

  Two types of p-type and n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are installed on the upper surface of the second substrate 30 by changing the dopant added as described above. For example, the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are arranged on the second substrate 30 so as to be alternately arranged at regular intervals in the X-axis direction. Further, a plurality of rows in which the p-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 and the n-type thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are arranged in this manner are further arranged at regular intervals in the Y-axis direction.

  The first connection electrode 11 disposed on the lower surface of the first substrate 10 and the second connection electrode 31 disposed on the upper surface of the second substrate 30 are p-type disposed on the second substrate 30. The thermoelectric conversion element 40 and the n-type thermoelectric conversion element 40 are laid out so as to be connected in series. That is, when the assembly of the thermoelectric converter 100 is completed as described above, all the thermoelectric conversion elements 40 are connected in series by the first connection electrode 11 and the second connection electrode 31. Thereby, the electric power generated by each thermoelectric conversion element 40 is accumulated. The accumulated power is taken out from a terminal (not shown).

  4A to 4D are cross-sectional views schematically showing an assembly process of the thermoelectric converter 100 when the first substrate 10 is stacked on the frame member 20. FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show states when the thermoelectric converter 100 is cut along a plane parallel to the XZ plane. FIGS. 4C and 4D schematically show states when the thermoelectric converter 100 is cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the solder 50 is applied to the upper surface of the second connection electrode 31, and the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is placed on the solder 50. The solder 60 is also applied to the lower surface of the first connection electrode 11. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, the reflow process is performed in a state where the first substrate 10 is placed on the frame member 20. As a result, the upper electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is joined to the first connection electrode 11 by the solder 60, and the lower electrode of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is joined to the second connection electrode 31 by the solder 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, the dimension of the frame member 20 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is the same as the dimension of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The connection electrode 11 and the second connection electrode 31 are set so as to substantially match the dimension obtained by adding the dimension in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Thereby, the lower surface of the first substrate 10 comes into contact with the upper surface of the frame member 20, and the first substrate 10 is supported by the frame member 20.

  5A and 5B are diagrams schematically showing the positional relationship between the thermoelectric conversion element 40, the weft member 23, and the warp member 24 in the thermoelectric converter 100, respectively. FIG. 5A is a plan view of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 viewed from the upper side (Z-axis positive side), and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the two thermoelectric conversion elements 40 viewed obliquely from above.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are arranged so as to pass through the gap between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 40. Further, a slight gap is provided between the thermoelectric conversion element 40 and the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. In the present embodiment, the weft member 23 is positioned near the lower part of the thermoelectric conversion element 40, and the warp member 24 is positioned near the lower part of the thermoelectric conversion element 40.

  The dimension H in the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is, for example, about 1 mm. On the other hand, the diameter D of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 is, for example, about 0.1 mm. Therefore, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 can be smoothly arranged within the range of the dimension H in the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 without contacting each other. Even if the dimension H in the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is reduced to about 0.5 mm in order to improve the conversion efficiency, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 do not come into contact with each other, and the height direction of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 Can be arranged within the range of dimension H.

  In the present embodiment, by disposing the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 in this manner, propagation of radiant heat between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 30 can be effectively shielded. For example, when heat is converted into electric power by bringing the first substrate 10 into contact with a heat source, heat from the first substrate 10 on the heat source side is transferred to the second substrate 30 on the opposite side as radiant heat. Can be suppressed.

  FIGS. 6A and 6D are diagrams for explaining the shielding action of radiant heat by the weft member 23 and the warp member 24, respectively.

  When heat is conducted from the heat source to the first substrate 10 and the temperature of the first substrate 10 rises, as shown by broken line arrows in FIGS. Radiant heat is emitted in the direction. Here, when the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 shown in the above embodiment are not arranged, the radiant heat radiated from the lower surface of the first substrate 10 passes through the gap between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 40. The temperature reaches the upper surface of the second substrate 30, and the temperature of the second substrate 30 rises due to this radiant heat. For this reason, the temperature difference of the upper end of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 and a lower end becomes small, and the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 will fall. In particular, this problem becomes conspicuous as the dimension of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 in the height direction decreases.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are arranged in the gap between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 40. Thereby, the radiant heat radiated downward from the lower surface of the first substrate 10 is shielded by the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 and hardly reaches the second substrate 30. For this reason, it is suppressed that the temperature of the 2nd board | substrate 30 raises by the radiant heat produced with the 1st board | substrate 10 by the side of a heat source, and the temperature difference of the upper end of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 and a lower end can be kept appropriate. The conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 can be maintained satisfactorily.

  In this embodiment, since the warp member 24 is disposed close to the first substrate 10, the warp member 24 effectively suppresses the radiant heat generated from the first substrate 10. it can. Generally, the radiant heat can be shielded more effectively as the shielding member is brought closer to the heat source. Therefore, in order to shield the radiant heat from the first substrate 10 from the second substrate 30, the arrangement position of the lower weft member 23 is moved upward, and the weft member 23 is moved to the first heat source side. It is preferable to approach one substrate 10.

  6A and 6B, for the sake of convenience, the gap between the adjacent thermoelectric conversion elements 40 is greatly illustrated, but in reality, the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements 40 is as shown in FIGS. Several steps smaller than the gap shown in b). Therefore, the radiant heat passing through the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements 40 can be effectively shielded by the weft member 23 and the warp member 24.

  7A to 7C are schematic views of the configuration of the thermoelectric conversion system 1 when the thermoelectric converter 100 having the above-described configuration is installed in a pipe 500 serving as a heat source, as viewed from the front, the side, and the upper side, respectively. FIG.

  In this configuration, the thermoelectric converter 100 is attached to the pipe 500 by an attachment made up of a holding plate 200, a receiving plate 300, bolts 401, and nuts 402. The holding plate 200 is made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity and high rigidity. The holding plate 200 has a rectangular outline and has holes (not shown) for passing bolts 401 at four corners. A fin 201 for air cooling is integrally formed on the press plate 200 on the surface on the positive side of the Z-axis. The receiving plate 300 has a rectangular outline, and has holes (not shown) for passing bolts 401 at four corners. The receiving plate 300 is made of a material having high rigidity.

  In the present embodiment, the pipe 500 has a substantially square cross-sectional shape. The pipe 500 serves as a passage for high-temperature gas or liquid, and the surface temperature becomes high due to the gas or liquid passing through the inside. The pipe 500 is made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity.

  The thermoelectric converter 100 is pressed by the pressing plate 200 with the first substrate 10 in contact with the surface of the pipe 500. As shown in FIG. 3C, the thermoelectric converter 100 is positioned substantially uniformly in the Y axis direction with respect to the pipe 500. The holding plate 200 is applied to the thermoelectric converter 100 so that the thermoelectric converter 100 is positioned at substantially the center in the Y-axis direction. In this state, the receiving plate 300 is applied to the opposite side of the pipe 500, and the bolt 401 is passed through a hole (not shown) in the receiving plate 300 and the holding plate 200. Thereafter, a nut 402 is attached to the tip of the bolt 401, and the bolt 401 and the nut 402 are tightened. Thus, the attachment of the thermoelectric converter 100 to the pipe 500 is completed.

  Thereafter, when liquid or gas passes through the pipe 500 and the temperature of the pipe 500 rises, the temperature on the first substrate 10 side of the thermoelectric converter 100 rises. On the other hand, the temperature rise on the second substrate 30 side of the thermoelectric converter 100 is suppressed by heat radiation by the fins 201. Thereby, a temperature difference arises in the thermoelectric conversion element 40 installed in the thermoelectric converter 100, and electric power is produced in the thermoelectric conversion element 40 by this temperature difference. The electric power generated in each thermoelectric conversion element 40 is collected via the first connection electrode 11 disposed on the first substrate 10 and the second connection electrode 31 disposed on the second substrate 30, and is illustrated. It is taken out by the wiring that does not.

  In the example of FIGS. 7A to 7C, the air-cooled fins 201 are provided on the presser plate 200. However, a flow path for passing cooling water through the presser plate 200 is provided. The structure which cools the 2nd board | substrate 30 side of the thermoelectric converter 100 may be sufficient.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the following effects are exhibited.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, according to the thermoelectric converter 100 according to the present embodiment, the radiant heat radiated downward from the first substrate 10 is the weft member 23 and the warp member. 24 is shielded. Therefore, even when the height dimension of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 is reduced, the conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric conversion element 40 can be properly maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 5B and FIGS. 6A and 6B, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are arranged so that the height position of the weft member 23 and the height position of the warp member 24 are different from each other. The frame member 20 is stretched. As a result, an air gap having a low thermal conductivity is secured between the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. For this reason, even if the radiant heat from the first substrate 10 is absorbed by the upper warp member 24, the heat is further prevented from conducting from the warp member 24 to the weft member 23. Therefore, it can be more effectively suppressed that the temperature of the second substrate 30 rises due to the radiant heat radiated downward from the first substrate 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3D, the frame member 20 has a lateral groove 21a in which both ends of the weft member 23 are locked, and a longitudinal groove 22a in which both ends of the warp member 24 are locked. The end of the weft member 23 and the end of the warp member 24 are pushed into the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a from above, respectively. For this reason, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 can be attached to the frame member 20 by a simple operation.

  The weft yarn member 23 and the warp yarn member 24 are stretched on the frame member 20 when both ends are pushed to the deepest portions of the transverse groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a. According to this configuration, the height positions of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are determined by pushing both ends of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 to the deepest portions of the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a, respectively. There is no need to adjust the height of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. Therefore, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 can be attached to the frame member 20 by a simpler operation.

<Example of change>
In the above embodiment, no particular mention was made of the tension (tension) when the warp member 24 is stretched. However, it is preferable to set the tension (tension) at the time of tensioning the warp member 24 as small as possible, as described below.

  FIG. 8A is a plan view of the frame member 20 in a state where the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are stretched.

  In the embodiment described above, the weft member 23 is pushed to the deepest portion of the lateral groove 21a in a state where the weft member 23 is pulled with a predetermined tension 1. As described above, when the weft member 23 is stretched between the pair of lateral support members 21 in a state where the weft member 23 is pulled with the tension 1, the pair of lateral support members 21 are attracted to each other by the tension 1. Accordingly, the pair of vertical support members 22 are firmly sandwiched and fixed between the pair of horizontal support members 21.

  On the other hand, when the tension 2 of the warp member 24 is increased, the pair of longitudinal support members 22 are attracted to each other by the tension 2. As a result, the pair of vertical support members 22 may slide on the inner surfaces of the pair of horizontal support members 21 and be displaced in the Y-axis direction. For this reason, it is preferable to set the tension 2 of the warp member 24 as small as possible.

  For the above reasons, the tension 1 of the weft member 23 is preferably set higher than the tension 2 of the warp member 24, and tension 1 is preferably set as high as possible and tension 2 is set as low as possible. Thereby, the position shift of the vertical support member 22 can be suppressed, and the shape of the frame member 20 can be maintained stably.

  In the above embodiment, the width of the horizontal groove 21a in the Y-axis direction is set constant at all depth positions of the horizontal groove 21a, and the width of the vertical groove 22a in the X-axis direction is the same as that of the vertical groove 22a. Was set constant at the depth position. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the shape of the horizontal groove 21a and the vertical groove 22a may be changed. 8B and 8C are cross-sectional views in which the vicinity of the lateral groove 21a and the vicinity of the vertical groove 22a are cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove.

  In this modified example, the width of the upper entrance of the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a is set wider than the diameter (width) of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. Further, the widths of the locking portions 21 b and 22 b that lock the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are set to be narrower than the widths of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. Furthermore, guide surfaces 21c and 22c for guiding the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 from the entrance to the locking portions 21b and 22b are provided.

  According to this modified example, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the width of the upper entrance of the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a is set wider than the diameter (width) of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24. The both ends of the weft yarn member 23 and the warp yarn member 24 can be easily fitted in the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a. Further, since the guide surfaces 21c and 22c for guiding the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 from the entrance to the engaging portions 21b and 22b are provided, as shown in FIG. 8C, the weft member 23 and the warp member Both ends of 24 can be easily pushed into the locking portions 21b and 22b.

  Thus, according to this modified example, it is possible to simplify the mounting operation on the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 with respect to the frame member 20.

  In the above-described embodiment, both the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are stretched on the frame member 20, but either one may be omitted. Further, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 do not necessarily have the same material and diameter, and the cross-sectional shapes of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 do not have to be circular.

  In the above embodiment, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are stretched on the frame member 20 so that the height position of the weft member 23 and the height position of the warp member 24 are different from each other. The weft member 23 and the warp member 24 may be stretched on the frame member 20 so that the height position of the warp member and the height position of the warp member 24 are substantially the same. The thread member 23 and the warp member 24 may be stretched on the frame member 20 so as to contact each other. The height position of the weft member 23 and the height position of the warp member 24 can be appropriately changed to a position suitable for shielding radiant heat.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the frame member 20 was comprised by combining a pair of horizontal support member 21 and a pair of vertical support member 22, the structure method of the frame member 20 is not restricted to this, The frame member 20 may be formed by integral molding with resin.

  In the above embodiment, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are attached to the frame member 20 by fitting both ends into the weft groove 21a or the longitudinal groove 22a. It is not limited to. For example, the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 may be attached to the frame member 20 by passing the ends of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 through holes provided in the frame member 20.

  In the above embodiment, both ends of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are locked by the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a, but the both ends of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are further connected to the frame member 20. A configuration in which both ends of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 are securely fixed by the frame member 20 may be further applied.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the depth of the horizontal groove 21a was made deeper than the depth of the vertical groove 22a, you may make the depth of the horizontal groove 21a shallower than the depth of the vertical groove 22a. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was the structure which pinches a pair of vertical support member 22 with a pair of horizontal support member 21, the structure which pinches a pair of horizontal support member 21 with a pair of vertical support member 22 may be sufficient. . Similarly to the description of the modified example of FIG. 8A, in the configuration in which the pair of lateral support members 21 are sandwiched between the pair of longitudinal support members 22, it is desirable that the tension of the warp member 24 is higher than the tension of the weft member 23.

  In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the Y-axis direction is set to the vertical direction and the X-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction. However, the X-axis direction is replaced with the vertical direction, and the Y-axis direction is replaced with the horizontal direction. May be.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was the structure which pushes the edge part of the weft member 23 and the warp member 24 to the deepest part of the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a, it is not necessarily the deepest part of the weft groove 21a and the longitudinal groove 22a. 23 and the end of the warp member 24 may not be pushed. 8A and 8B, the guide surfaces 21c and 22c are illustrated as flat inclined surfaces, but the guide surfaces 21c and 22c are not necessarily flat and are curved surfaces. May be.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although demonstrated taking the case of the thermoelectric converter which converts heat into electricity, this invention is applicable also to the thermoelectric converter which converts electricity into heat. For example, the present invention can be applied to a thermoelectric converter that cools the first substrate 10 by applying a voltage.

  The embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... 1st board | substrate 20 ... Frame member 21 ... Horizontal support member 21a ... Horizontal groove 21b ... Locking part 21c ... Guide surface 22 ... Vertical support member 22a ... Vertical groove 22b ... Locking part 22c ... Guide surface 23 ... Weft thread member 24 ... Warp yarn member 30 ... Second substrate 40 ... Thermoelectric conversion element 100 ... Thermoelectric converter

Claims (5)

A first substrate;
A second substrate;
A plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate;
A frame member arranged to be sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate,
The thermoelectric conversion elements are arranged so as to be lined up in the vertical and horizontal directions with a gap between them,
The frame member is stretched with a weft member for blocking radiant heat in the lateral direction so as to pass through the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in the vertical direction, and through the gap between the thermoelectric conversion elements arranged in the horizontal direction. A warp member for blocking radiant heat is stretched in the longitudinal direction.
The frame member is configured such that a pair of longitudinal support members to which both ends of the warp member are fastened are sandwiched between a pair of lateral support members to which both ends of the weft member are fastened,
The weft member and the warp member are stretched on the transverse support member and the longitudinal support member, respectively, so that the tension in the pulling direction of the weft member is higher than that of the warp member.
A thermoelectric converter characterized by that. The thermoelectric converter according to claim 1 , wherein
The warp member and the weft member are stretched on the frame member such that the height position of the warp member and the height position of the weft member are different from each other;
A thermoelectric converter characterized by that. The thermoelectric converter according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The frame member has a lateral groove in which both ends of the weft member are locked, and a vertical groove in which both ends of the warp member are locked.
A thermoelectric converter characterized by that. The thermoelectric converter according to claim 3 , wherein
The depth of the vertical groove and the depth of the horizontal groove are different from each other,
The warp member and the weft member are stretched on the frame member so that both ends are pushed to the deepest part of the longitudinal groove and the transverse groove,
A thermoelectric converter characterized by that. The thermoelectric converter according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The warp groove and the weft groove each have a width of an entrance wider than that of the warp member and the weft member, and a width of a locking portion for locking the warp member and the weft member is the warp member and the weft. A guide surface for guiding the warp yarn member and the weft yarn member from the entrance to the locking portion is narrower than the width of the member;
A thermoelectric converter characterized by that.

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