JPH10242536A - Manufacture of thermoelectric module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method wherein bonding strength of electrodes and thermoelectric elements is improved and change of thermoelectric module size is easy, in a thermoelectric module wherein P type thermoelectric elements and N type thermoelectric elements are adjacently arranged to each other, both end surfaces of the aligned thermoelectric elements are connected by using conductive electrodes, and heat exchanging boards are fixed on both of the electrode surfaces. SOLUTION: A billet capsule 7 wherein a filling hole 8 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of a stick member is formed. The filling hole 8 is filled with P-type thermoelectric elements 6a and N-type thermoelectric element 6b in the state that they are made adjacent to each other. The billet capsule 7 is stretched by extrusion working, and an extrusion work capsule is formed. This extrusion work capsule is cut so as to cross the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of plate members 12 are formed. Conductive electrodes 2 are formed on both of the cut surfaces of the plate members 12. Heat exchanging boards are fixed on the electrode surfaces, and a thermoelectric module is manufactured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module in which a plurality of thermoelectric elements are arranged.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional thermoelectric module is shown in FIG.
It was manufactured through the steps shown in (a), (b) and (c). First, a plurality of prismatic P-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6b are formed by cutting an ingot-shaped thermoelectric element material melt-grown by a zone melt method or the like. And
As shown in (a), these P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a, 6b are alternately arranged substantially in parallel with a gap therebetween, and a thermoelectric element is formed by a pair of plate-like electrodes 38, 39 made of a conductive material. The element materials 6a and 6b are joined by soldering or the like. A saw blade 41 is provided in a space 40 surrounded by the plate-shaped electrodes 38 and 39 and the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b, and alternately arranged on the upper and lower plate-shaped electrodes 38 and 39 every other space 40. Break 42
Insert Next, as shown in (b), the assembly provided with the cut 42 is cut into a plate shape by the saw blade 41 at substantially right angles to the cut 42. Then, as shown in (c), a pair of plate-like heat exchange substrates 11 are joined to a pair of upper and lower electrodes to manufacture a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module manufactured in this manner has a well-structured finished product, and the thermoelectric element material 6
This has the advantage that the thermoelectric elements 1a and 1b obtained by cutting a and 6b have constant heat and electrical conductivity. Further, since the outer surfaces are all on the same plane, it is suitable for manufacturing a panel-shaped device having thermoelectric element joints on opposite sides (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 38-25925).

[0003]

In the conventional method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module described in the above publication, the electrode 2 comes off at the time of cutting due to insufficient bonding strength between the electrode 2 and the thermoelectric elements 1a and 1b. There is a problem that product defects such as conduction defects are likely to occur. Further, since the dimensions of the prismatic thermoelectric element materials 6a, 6b are not uniform, the bonding strength between the electrode 2 and the thermoelectric elements 1a, 1b varies, and the heat transfer between the thermoelectric elements 1a, 1b and the heat exchange substrate 11 occurs. There was a problem that the transfer was uneven. For this reason, dimensional accuracy of the prismatic thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b is required, and the yield of producing the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b is low.
Further, when producing thermoelectric modules of different sizes, it is necessary to cut the thermoelectric material ingots into necessary sizes beforehand in the cutting step, and stock the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b of a plurality of sizes. was there. For this reason, the cutting process is complicated and cannot be easily produced, and the material management of the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b is also complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to improve the bonding strength between an electrode and a thermoelectric element, to easily change the size of a thermoelectric module, to improve yield and production. An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module with improved efficiency.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a P-type thermoelectric element and an N-type thermoelectric element are arranged adjacent to each other, and the arranged thermoelectric elements are arranged. Is a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module in which both end surfaces are connected by conductive electrodes, and a heat exchange substrate is fixed on both electrode surfaces, the method comprising the following steps (A) to (E): It is characterized by being performed. (A) A thermoelectric element material filling step of forming a billet capsule in which a filling hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of a bar and filling the filling hole with a P-type thermoelectric element material and an N-type thermoelectric element material adjacent to each other. (B) an extruding step in which the billet capsule is extruded and stretched to form an extruded capsule. (C) a cutting step of cutting the extruded capsule so as to cross the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of plate bodies. (D) an electrode forming step of forming conductive electrodes on both cut surfaces of the plate. (E) a heat exchange substrate bonding step of fixing a heat exchange substrate on the electrode surface.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, an electrode is formed on the planar cut surface after the thermoelectric element material is cut off, so that there is little separation between the electrode and the thermoelectric element. Since the bonding strength between the heat exchange substrate and the thermoelectric element is uniform, the heat exchange between the heat exchange substrate and the thermoelectric element is uniform.
Further, since the billet capsule is extruded and stretched in a state in which the thermoelectric element material is incorporated in the billet capsule, and cut into a ring shape, a large number of thermoelectric modules having the same shape can be manufactured at one time. Furthermore, even if the same thermoelectric element material and billet capsule are used, the size of the thermoelectric module can be reduced from a very small one by changing the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the thermoelectric element material before and after the extrusion (hereinafter referred to as the extrusion ratio). Since a large one can be set freely, the manufacturing process is simplified.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first aspect, the bar is made of metal.

In such a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module, even if a linear thermoelectric element material is extruded, the billet capsule made of metal has the same hardness as the linear thermoelectric element material. The billet capsule and the thermoelectric element material in the extruded capsule are each stretched to the same extent, and the cross-sectional shape of the extruded capsule is formed to be similar to that before extrusion. Thereafter, the billet capsule is dissolved and removed with an etching solution, the thermoelectric element materials are adhered to each other with an insulating adhesive, and then the extruded capsule is cut to form a plate, whereby a thermoelectric module can be formed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first aspect, the bar is made of an insulating material.

In such a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module, the extruded insulating billet capsules are used as they are for insulation and bonding between thermoelectric element materials, so that the billet capsules are dissolved and removed and the thermoelectric element materials are bonded together. Can be omitted.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is based on claim 1,
2. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to any one of the items 2 and 3, wherein the filling holes have a lattice shape.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, the P-type thermoelectric element material and the N-type thermoelectric element material can be arranged neatly next to each other in the grid-like filling holes, and the filling holes can be arranged. By adjusting the size and spacing of the thermoelectric elements, thermoelectric elements of different sizes can be manufactured using the same bar. In addition, in the plate body obtained by cutting the extruded capsule, the P-type thermoelectric element and the N-type thermoelectric element are arranged adjacently to each other in a lattice pattern on both end surfaces, and the adjacent P-type thermoelectric element and the N-type thermoelectric element are arranged. If you connect the thermoelectric element with the electrode,
All P-type thermoelectric elements and N-type thermoelectric elements are alternately connected in series. That is, an efficient thermoelectric module in which electrodes can be easily formed is formed.

[0013] The invention described in claim 5 is the first invention.
The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to any one of 2, 3 and 4, wherein the filling hole is a single hole, and an insulating layer is formed on side surfaces of the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, since the insulating layer is provided on the side surface of the thermoelectric element material, the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials are stacked in a bundle and filled in the filling hole in a state of being adjacent to each other. it can. Therefore, in the extruded capsule, the insulating layer is used for insulating and bonding the thermoelectric element material, and there is no need to dissolve and remove the billet capsule and bond the thermoelectric element materials. In addition, it is easy to form a single filling hole.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the fifth aspect, the insulating layer is made of an insulating thin cylindrical thermoelectric element-filled container, and the P-type and the N-type
The thermoelectric element material of the mold is a powdery material filled in the thermoelectric element filled container.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, since the powdery thermoelectric element material is filled in the small cylindrical thermoelectric element filling container, the powdery thermoelectric element material can be easily handled.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first or second aspect, a linear thermoelectric element material obtained by cutting out an ingot-shaped thermoelectric element material is used. Features.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, since the thermoelectric element material is linear, it is easy to fill the filling holes.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first or second aspect, the plate-like thermoelectric element material is formed by pressing and sintering the powdery thermoelectric element material. Then, a linear thermoelectric element material obtained by cutting the plate-like thermoelectric element material is used.

In such a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module, a linear thermoelectric element material that can be easily filled into the filling hole is formed from a powdery thermoelectric element material by pressure sintering.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first or second aspect, the powdery thermoelectric element material is filled in a cylindrical thermoelectric element filling container. It is characterized by using a linear thermoelectric element material obtained by stretching a filled container by extrusion.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, a linear thermoelectric element material that can be easily filled into a filling hole is formed from a powdery thermoelectric element material by extrusion, and the extrusion ratio is changed. In addition, the thickness of the linear thermoelectric element material can be freely set.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the first, eighth, or ninth aspect, a thermoelectric element material having c-axis orientation is used.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, the thermoelectric properties of the thermoelectric element material are improved because the direction of the current is parallel to the c-plane.

The invention described in claim 11 is the same as the claim 2.
The method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the above, characterized in that the filling holes are lattice-shaped, and the filling holes of the billet capsule are filled with the powdery thermoelectric element material, and the thermoelectric element material is sintered after the extrusion process. I have.

In such a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, the pressing force of the extrusion process can be reduced because the thermoelectric element material is in a powder form. Further, c-axis orientation can be imparted by extrusion, and the thermoelectric properties of the thermoelectric element material are improved. Further, by performing sintering, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element material is improved.

The invention according to claim 12 is the first invention.
2. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein sintering is performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere.

In such a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module, sintering is performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the thermoelectric element material and to prevent performance degradation of the thermoelectric module.

[0029] Further, the invention according to claim 13 is based on claim 1.
13. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to any one of the above-described aspects, wherein a metal material filling hole is formed in the billet capsule, the filling hole is filled with a thermoelectric element material, and the metal material filling hole is filled with a metal material.

In such a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module, a billet capsule is simultaneously filled with a metal material used as a lead electrode for connecting lead wires and a thermoelectric element material, extruded, stretched, and then cut. Form a thermoelectric module. Therefore, the lead electrode and the thermoelectric element can be arranged at a time, and the manufacturing process can be shortened.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 9A to 9C show thermoelectric modules (hereinafter referred to as thermoelectric element chips A) before attaching the heat exchange board 11 in the present embodiment, respectively. ) Is a schematic perspective view of the thermoelectric element chip A before the electrodes are formed, (b) is a schematic perspective view of the front side of the thermoelectric element chip A after the electrodes are formed, and (c) is a general view of the back side of the thermoelectric element chip A after the electrodes are formed. It is a perspective view. FIG. 9D is a schematic perspective view showing a thermoelectric module manufactured from the thermoelectric element chip A.

In FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 9A, the thermoelectric element chip A is formed by alternately forming P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 1a and 1b in a matrix by an adhesive 5 having electrical and thermal insulation properties. (B) and (c)
As shown in FIG. 7, a large number of electrodes 2 are formed on both front and rear surfaces of the P-type thermoelectric element 1a and the N-type thermoelectric element 1b so that they are alternately connected in series. Among a large number of thermoelectric elements 1 connected in series, a pair of thermoelectric elements 1 at both ends are formed with lead electrodes 4 to which lead wires 3 for conduction are soldered. Also, as shown in (d),
The heat exchange substrate 11 is joined to both electrode forming surfaces of the thermoelectric element chip A by mechanical means, and the thermoelectric module is completed. In this case, the P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 1a, 1b are:
Pb type is Sb ₂ Te ₃ , N type is Bi ₂ T
e ₃ as main components, and the size is 0.5
It is about 2.0 mm square. Further, as the adhesive material 5, for example, a resin such as an epoxy resin and a polyimide used for a sealing material of a semiconductor may be used. In addition, a conductive material such as copper or nickel is used for the electrode 2 and the lead electrode 4. In the following description, when the thermoelectric element 1 is described, both the P-type and the N-type are indicated, and when the P-type and the N-type are distinguished, the thermoelectric elements 1a and 1b are described.

Next, a method of manufacturing the above-described thermoelectric module will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present embodiment, and has steps (a) to (f).

In FIG. 1, first, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), prismatic P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b are placed in a filling hole 8 of a metal billet capsule 7 so as to be adjacent to each other. Filled, metal billet capsule lid 23
Is covered with an adhesive or the like, and a thermoelectric element material filling step of confining the thermoelectric element material 6 inside the billet capsule 7 is performed.

Here, the prismatic P used in the above process is used.
Type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b include
Cut out thermoelectric element material in powder form, thermoelectric element material in powder form
Obtained by sintering or extruding the material 15
You. In this case, P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a, 6b
Is Sb for the P type_TwoTe_Three, N type
_TwoTe_ThreeAre respectively constituted as main components. In addition,
In the following description, when the thermoelectric element material 6 is described, P
A general term for types and N-types to distinguish between P-type and N-type
In this case, the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b are described.

The metal billet capsule 7 used in the above process is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a filling hole 8 in the form of a lattice hole is provided substantially at the center of the axial end face of the billet capsule 7 substantially in parallel with the axis. Have been. The filling hole 8 fills the thermoelectric element material 6 and has a size and a depth capable of filling the thermoelectric element material 6 in a prismatic shape. As a material of the billet capsule 7 and the billet capsule lid 23, for example, aluminum or the like whose hardness is similar to the thermoelectric element material 6 to be used may be used.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The extruding process of extruding and stretching the billet capsule 7 filled with is carried out as follows.

The extruder used in the above process has a cylindrical cylinder 25 having an inner diameter large enough to hold the billet capsule 7, a cylindrical shape having the same inner diameter as the cylinder 25, and an axial direction. Movable stem 2
6 and a rectangular die 27 having an extrusion hole 28. The extrusion hole 28 is formed by a conical hole having a bottom surface on the outer surface of the die 27 and a fine columnar hole penetrating from the vertex of the hole to the outer surface opposite to the axial direction of the cone. Is in contact with the opening of the cylinder 25. Further, the cylinder 25 is heated by heating means.
Is heated to promote the processing of the extruded workpiece. Further, the cylinder 25 and the die 27 are fixed so as not to move during the extrusion pressurization.

Then, the billet capsule 7 is disposed in the cylinder 25, and while the cylinder 25 is heated to 300 to 500 ° C., an extruding pressure is applied in the axial direction to move the stem 26, thereby deforming the billet capsule 7. Through the extrusion hole 28, and is discharged in the form of a thin cylinder of the extrusion hole.
The cross section of the extruded capsule 19 is as follows.
It is formed in a shape substantially similar to the cross section of the billet capsule 7 at a reduced ratio of the extrusion ratio. In this case, the extrusion ratio is 1: 2
0 to 1:40.

Next, as shown in (c), a billet capsule removing step of dissolving and removing the billet capsule 7 with the etching solution 10 is performed as follows.

First, both ends of the extruded capsule 19 are cut at substantially right angles to the axial direction and removed, and the thermoelectric element material 6 is exposed on both cut surfaces of the extruded capsule 19. Next, in a state where the holding plate 9 is adhered to both cut surfaces of the billet capsule 7, the billet capsule 7 is dissolved and removed by being immersed in a long box-shaped etching container 31 filled with the etching solution 10 for etching. Then, the extruded capsule 19 with the surface of the thermoelectric element material 6 exposed is taken out of the etching container 31. In this case, even if the billet capsule 7 is removed, the space between the thermoelectric element materials 6 is maintained because the extruded capsule 19 is held by the holding plate 9. In addition, as the etching solution 10, ferric chloride or chemical conversion soda is mainly used.

Next, as shown in (d), a thermoelectric element material bonding step of fixing a large number of thermoelectric element materials 6 using the adhesive 5 is performed as follows.

First, the extruded capsule 19 held by the holding plate 9 is put into a long box-shaped bonding container 32. Then, the insulating adhesive 5 is poured into the bonding container 32 through the opening, and the gap between the thermoelectric element materials 6 of the extruded capsule 19 held is filled with the adhesive 5 and bonded.

Here, the adhesive 5 has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of the thermoelectric element material 6 and has a good adhesive strength with the thermoelectric element material 6 and an insulating layer 13 described later. Is selected.

Next, as shown in (e), the extruded capsule 19 after bonding is cut so as to cross the longitudinal direction, and a thin plate-like thermoelectric element having a thickness of about 0.5 to 2.0 mm is obtained. A thermoelectric element material cutting step for forming the chip A is performed. On the cut surface of the thermoelectric element chip A, a large number of P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 1a and 1b (those obtained by cutting the thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b) are arranged in a lattice.

Further, as shown in (f), an electrode forming step of forming electrodes using both cut surfaces of the thermoelectric element chip A as electrode forming surfaces is performed as follows.

First, copper or nickel is adhered to both electrode formation surfaces by sputtering to metallize the electrode formation surfaces. At this time, the thickness of the sputtered film is 0.1 to 5 μm.
m. Next, a part of the sputtered film is removed by laser cutting to form a pattern in which the P-type thermoelectric element 1a and the N-type thermoelectric element 1b can be alternately energized through the electrode 2 in series. Then, a copper plating film or a nickel plating film is laminated on the sputtered film by electroplating to form a thick film, and the electrode 2 and the lead electrode 4 are formed. Here, the thickness of the plating film by electroplating is 2
0 to 200 μm. The electrode 2 and the lead electrode 4
The sputtered film other than the portion where is formed is removed by an appropriate method.

Then, after the lead wire 3 is attached to the lead electrode 4 by soldering or the like, finally, the heat exchange substrate 11 made of copper, aluminum, or the like is screwed onto both electrode forming surfaces of the thermoelectric element chip A. By joining by mechanical means, a thermoelectric module as shown in FIG. 9D is completed. In order to improve the thermal conductivity, the heat exchange substrate 1
Grease having high thermal conductivity and insulating properties may be applied to the joint surface between the thermoelectric element 1 and the thermoelectric element chip A.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the extruded capsule 1 is used in the manufacturing process of the thermoelectric module.
Since the electrode 2 is formed on the plane cut surface after the connection and disconnection of the electrode 9, the peeling between the electrode 2 and the thermoelectric element 1 is small, and the bonding strength between the electrode 2 and the thermoelectric element 1 is uniform.
Transfer of heat between the heat exchange substrate and the thermoelectric element is uniform. In addition, since the billet capsule 7 is extruded and stretched in a state where the thermoelectric element material 6 is incorporated in the billet capsule 7 and cut into a ring shape, a large number of thermoelectric modules having the same shape can be manufactured at a time. Further, if the extrusion is performed while changing the extrusion ratio, cylindrical extrusion capsules 19 having different outer diameters are formed, and the billet capsule and the thermoelectric element material in the extrusion capsule 19 are stretched to the same extent. The cross-sectional shape of the capsule 19 is formed in a shape similar to that before extrusion. That is, even if the same thermoelectric element material 6 and billet capsule 7 are used, the size of the thermoelectric module can be freely set from a small one to a large one by changing the extrusion ratio. When manufacturing thermoelectric modules having different sizes, a plurality of thermoelectric element materials 6 and billet capsules 7 having different sizes are prepared, and thermoelectric element materials 6 and billet capsules 7 having appropriate sizes are selected from them. Saves time. That is, thermoelectric modules of different sizes can be manufactured only by preparing a plurality of dies 27 having different extrusion holes 28, selecting and changing the dies 27 having the extrusion holes 28 of a required diameter. As described above, according to the thermoelectric module manufacturing method, the yield and the manufacturing efficiency are improved.

In the present embodiment, the thermoelectric element material 6 is formed in a prismatic shape. However, the shape of the thermoelectric element material 6 is not limited to this. For example, the thermoelectric element material 6 may be formed in a hexagonal column shape or a cylindrical shape. You may. The electrode 2 and the lead electrode 4
Is not limited to the rectangular shape as in the present embodiment, and the portions where the thermoelectric element 1 and the electrode 2 and the lead electrode 4 are to be joined are each in a well-balanced shape, and the P-type thermoelectric element 1
If there is a continuity between a and the N-type thermoelectric element 1b,
Any shape may be used.

Next, a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This thermoelectric module manufacturing method is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the configuration of the thermoelectric element material filling step is different and that the thermoelectric element material bonding step is omitted. Therefore, only the thermoelectric element material filling step having a different configuration will be described below, and the description of the other manufacturing steps will be omitted.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are schematic perspective views showing a thermoelectric element material filling step.

In FIG. 2, first, as shown in FIG. 2A, P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6 formed in a prismatic shape.
The insulating layer 13 is formed by sputtering, thermal spraying, coating, or the like over the entire circumference of the side surfaces of a and 6b. The insulating layer 13 has a layer thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 μm, and is formed of a material such as resin, glass, or ceramics. Also,
As in FIG. 1, P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a, 6b
Is Sb ₂ Te ₃ for P-type and Bi for N-type
The ₂ Te ₃ are respectively configured as a main component.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b covered by 3 are stacked in a lattice shape adjacent to each other to form a bundle 14 of thermoelectric element materials.

Then, as shown in (c), the filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7 is filled with the bundle 14 of thermoelectric element material, and the billet capsule lid 23 closes the opening of the filling hole 8 so that the adhesive The bundle 14 of the thermoelectric element material is confined inside the billet capsule 7 by bonding with, for example, 5. In addition, a resin such as an epoxy resin or a polyimide is used for the adhesive 5 as in FIG.

Here, the billet capsule 7 is formed in a columnar shape, and a single hole-shaped filling hole 8 is provided substantially in parallel with the axis from substantially the center of the axial end face of the billet capsule 7. The filling hole 8 is used to fill the bundle 14 of thermoelectric element materials, and has a size capable of filling the bundle 14 of thermoelectric element materials. As the material of the billet capsule 7 and the billet capsule lid 23, aluminum or the like may be used as in FIG. The insulating layer 13 formed on the side surface of the thermoelectric element material 6 insulates and bonds the thermoelectric element materials 6 to each other and plays a role of the adhesive 5, so that the thermoelectric element material bonding step can be omitted.

As described above, since the insulating layer 13 is formed on the entire side surface of the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6, the distance between the adjacent thermoelectric element materials 6 can be further narrowed, and the minute thermoelectric element 6 can be formed. A module can be manufactured, and a thermoelectric element material bonding step can be omitted. Further, the formation of the single-hole filling hole 8 is also easy.

In the following, rice grains have a shape, and
Two methods for forming a prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 having c-axis orientation using a powdery thermoelectric element material 15 having a c-plane will be described with reference to FIGS. The P-type thermoelectric element material is composed of Sb ₂ Te ₃ as a main component, and the N-type thermoelectric element material is composed of Bi ₂ Te ₃ as a main component. The size of the former is 25 to 250 μm, and that of the latter is Bi. 25-2
000 μm.

The first method is to use a thermoelectric element material 15 in powder form.
Is pressure-sintered with a hot press machine. FIG.
(A) is a sectional view showing a state before pressure sintering in which a powdery thermoelectric element material 15 is filled in a hot press machine, and (b).
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state after pressure sintering. FIG. 4C is a schematic perspective view showing a prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 obtained by cutting the plate-like thermoelectric element material 16 thus obtained.

First, the configuration of the hot press will be described. A pair of press plates 34 is held substantially parallel up and down, and the upper press plate 34 of the two press plates 34
a is a movable part, and the lower press plate 34b is a fixed part.
Pressure is applied by the pressing means so as to translate the upper press plate 34a downward in parallel. The lower press plate 34b receives the pressure received from the upper press plate 34a. Further, the press plate 34 is heated to 300 to 500 ° C. by heating means. Then, the object to be pressed is sintered under pressure while the object to be pressed is placed on the lower press plate 34b.

Next, a method for forming the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 will be described below. First, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), an appropriate amount of the powdery thermoelectric element material 15 is provided on the lower press plate 34b. At this time, the powdery thermoelectric element material 15
Are different from each other in the longitudinal direction, ie, the c-plane direction. Next, as shown in (b), the pressing part is operated to sinter the powdery thermoelectric element material 15 with the two upper and lower press plates 34 to form the plate-like thermoelectric element material 16. . Then, the c-plane of the powdery thermoelectric element material 15 is arranged substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the plate-like thermoelectric element material 16 by the action of pressure sintering. Then, as shown in (c), this c
A large number of prism-shaped thermoelectric element materials 6 are formed by cutting the plate-shaped thermoelectric element material 16 having the arranged surfaces. Arrow B indicates the direction of the current, and arrow C indicates the direction of the c-plane. As shown in the figure, the directions of the arrows B and C, that is, the direction of the current, and the direction of the c-plane match (hereinafter, this is referred to as having c-axis orientation).

As described above, the powdery thermoelectric element material 15
Since the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 obtained by pressure sintering has c-axis orientation, the thermoelectric element material 6
A thermoelectric module using a thermoelectric module has improved thermoelectric properties. Further, since the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element material 6 is improved by the pressure sintering, cracks and chips at the time of cutting are reduced, and the yield and strength of the thermoelectric module are improved.

The second method is to use a thermoelectric element material 15 in powder form.
Is extruded by an extruder. FIG.
(A) is a schematic perspective view of filling a tubular thermoelectric element filling container 17 with a powdery thermoelectric element material, and (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of extruding the thermoelectric element filling container 17 with an extruder. (C) shows an extruded prismatic thermoelectric element material 6.

First, the configuration of the extruder will be described. This extruder has the same structure as the extruder for billet capsule 7 shown in FIG. However, since it is used for the extrusion of the tubular thermoelectric element-filled container 17 smaller than the billet capsule 7, the inner diameter of the cylinder 25 and the diameter of the extrusion hole 28 provided in the die 27 are limited to the thickness of the thermoelectric element-filled container 17. To fit, it is formed smaller than the extruder shown in FIG.
Also, the die 2 is used to form the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6.
The outlet of the extrusion hole 28 provided in 7 is formed in substantially the same shape as the right-angle cross section of the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6.

First, as shown in (a), an aluminum cylindrical thermoelectric element filling container 17 is filled with a powdery thermoelectric element material 15 by pouring it through an opening, and then an aluminum disc-shaped lid is formed. Then, cover the opening of the thermoelectric element filled container 17 so as to close the opening. Next, as shown in (b), the thermoelectric element-filled container 17 is inserted into the cylinder 2 of the extruder.
5 inside. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the thermoelectric element material 15 in the form of rice grains, that is, the c-plane direction is different from each other. Then, as shown in (c), in a state where the cylinder 25 is heated to 300 to 500 ° C. by the heating means, an extruding pressure is applied in the axial direction of the cylinder 25 to move the stem 26 to deform the thermoelectric element filled container 17. Through the extrusion hole 28 of the die 27 and stretched into a narrow prismatic shape. Further, the thermoelectric element-filled container 17 containing the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 is dissolved and removed by using an etching solution 10 such as ferric chloride or chemical conversion soda to form the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6.

As described above, the powdery thermoelectric element material 15
Since the thermoelectric module manufactured by using the prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 obtained by extruding the thermoelectric element has c-axis orientation, the thermoelectric properties of the thermoelectric module are improved. Further, the size of the linear thermoelectric element material 6 can be freely set by changing the extrusion ratio.

Hereinafter, a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The method of manufacturing this thermoelectric module is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the configuration of the thermoelectric element material filling step is different and that a thermoelectric element material sintering step is added. Therefore, only the thermoelectric element material filling step having a different configuration and the added thermoelectric element material sintering step will be described below, and the description of the other manufacturing steps will be omitted.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a thermoelectric element material filling step in the thermoelectric module manufacturing method. (A) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a billet capsule 7 and a powder filling container 36 described later in a filling step of a powdery P-type thermoelectric element material 15a. (B) is a schematic sectional view of the billet capsule 7 and a powder filling container 36 described later in a filling step of the powdery N-type thermoelectric element material 15b. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric element material sintering step described later.

The powder filling container 36 is made of a powdery P-type or N
Box-shaped square container 36a for storing the thermoelectric element materials 15a and 15b of the mold, and injection holes 36b arranged in a line at equal intervals on the bottom surface of the square container 36a, and a powder injection hole communicating with the injection hole 36b. And a powder injection pipe 36c having a 37d. The distal end of the powder injection pipe 36c is formed to have a tapered shape, and the hole diameter at the distal end is formed smaller than the diameter of the filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7. The required number of powder injection pipes 36c are provided at intervals that can be filled into the filling holes 8 every other one. As in FIG. 1, the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b are mainly composed of Sb ₂ Te ₃ for P-type and Bi ₂ Te ₃ for N-type, respectively. .

First, as shown in (a), the powder filling container 3 is set so that the filling hole 8 and the powder injection pipe 36c coincide with each other.
6 is held and the powdered P-type thermoelectric element material 15a is injected into the inside through the opening above the powder filling container 36,
The thermoelectric element material 15a of the mold is discharged outside through the powder injection pipe 36c, and is injected into the filling hole 8 immediately below every other one. When the filling is completed, the powder filling container 36 is removed, and the powder filling container 36 is filled so that the filling holes 8 are filled in each row.
Is moved in parallel, and is shifted and held by one filling hole in the arrangement direction. Then, the filling hole 8 is filled with the P-type thermoelectric element material 15a in the same manner as described above. After the filling to the last row is completed, as shown in (b), the filling hole 8 not filled with the P-type thermoelectric element material 15a is filled with the N-type thermoelectric element material 15b in the same manner. I do. In this manner, the powdered P-type thermoelectric element material 15a and the N-type thermoelectric element material 15b are filled in the filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7 so as to be adjacent to each other. The material of the billet capsule 7 is aluminum or the like as in FIG. Next, as shown in (c), an extruded capsule 19 filled with the powdered thermoelectric element material 15 and extruded.
And a sintering furnace 18 whose inside is formed in an oxygen-free atmosphere.
And the sintering furnace 18 is heated to 300 to 500 ° C. to sinter the powdered thermoelectric element material 15 for about 10 hours.

Although the filling may be performed for each filling hole 8 without using the powder filling container 36, the billet capsule 7 is filled with the powdery thermoelectric element material 15 using the powder filling container 36 as described above. For example, the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 15a and 15b can be filled in a shorter time so as to be adjacent to each other. Further, since the powdery thermoelectric element material 15 is extruded, the thermoelectric element material 6 can be extruded with a smaller pressing force, and the thermoelectric element material 6 having c-axis orientation can be produced.
Further, by performing sintering in an oxygen-free atmosphere, oxidation of the thermoelectric element material 6 can be prevented, deterioration of the performance of the thermoelectric module is prevented, and the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element material 6 is improved.

Next, a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This thermoelectric module manufacturing method is the same as that shown in FIG. 2 except that the configuration of the thermoelectric element material filling step is different. Therefore, only the thermoelectric element material filling step having a different configuration will be described below, and the description of the other manufacturing steps will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a thermoelectric element material filling step in this method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module. First, as shown in (a), a powdered P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 15a and 15b are filled in a thermoelectric element powder container 20 in the form of a rectangular cylinder made of aluminum, and the P-type thermoelectric element powder is filled. Container 20a and N-type thermoelectric element powder container 2
0b is formed. Then, as shown in (b), the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element powder containers 20a and 20b are stacked next to each other in a lattice pattern, and a bundle 1 of thermoelectric element material is formed.
4 is formed. The bundle 14 of thermoelectric element material is filled in the single hole filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7 made of aluminum. P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 15a, 15b in powder form
Is Sb ₂ Te ₃ for P-type and Bi for N-type
The ₂ Te ₃ are respectively configured as a main component.

As described above, since the powdered thermoelectric element material 15 is filled in the small rectangular tubular thermoelectric element powder container 20, the powdered thermoelectric element material 15 can be easily handled. Further, it is easy to form the single filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7.

Next, a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This method of manufacturing a thermoelectric module differs from that shown in FIG. 1 only in that the billet capsule 7 used in the thermoelectric element material filling step is formed of an insulating material instead of a metal. When this insulating billet capsule 7 is filled with P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6a and 6b formed in a prismatic shape and extruded, the gap between the thermoelectric element materials 6 is filled with the insulating billet capsule 7. Since the adhesive 5 functions as the adhesive 5, the billet capsule removing step and the thermoelectric element material bonding step are not required. Other than that is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, all the steps will be briefly described here. As in FIG. 1, the P-type and N-type thermoelectric elements 6a and 6b are Sb _{2 in the} P-type.
In the case of Te ₃ and N-type devices, Bi ₂ Te ₃ is used as a main component. The billet capsule is shown in Fig. 1.
Resin such as epoxy resin and polyimide is used as in the case of the adhesive 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing all steps in the method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module. (A) is a schematic perspective view of the extruded capsule 19 filled with the thermoelectric element material 6 in the thermoelectric element material filling step, and (b) is a schematic perspective view of the extruded and expanded billet capsule 7 in the extrusion processing step. (C) shows a schematic perspective view of cutting the billet capsule 7 in a thermoelectric element material cutting step, (d) shows a general perspective view of a thermoelectric element chip A to which electrodes are joined in an electrode forming step,
(E) is a schematic perspective view of the thermoelectric element chip A to which the lead wire 3 is connected in the electrode forming step.

First, as shown in FIG. 1A, similar to FIG.
Filling holes 8 of the billet capsule 7 are filled with prismatic P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials 6b so as to be adjacent to each other. Next, as shown in (b), the billet capsule 7 is extruded and stretched into a fine columnar shape to form an extruded capsule 19. Then, both ends of the extruded capsule 19 are cut at substantially right angles to the axial direction and removed, and the thermoelectric element material 6 is exposed on the cut surface. Then (c)
As shown in the figure, this extruded capsule 19 is cut transversely to the longitudinal direction, and the thickness is 0.5 to 2.0 m.
A thermoelectric element chip A having a thickness of about m is formed. Next, as shown in (d), similar to FIG.
Electrodes 2 and lead electrodes 4 on both cut surfaces with copper, nickel, etc.
To form Further, as shown in (e), the unnecessary portion of the billet capsule 7 is cut and removed, and the lead wire 3 is attached to the lead electrode 4 by soldering or the like. A thermoelectric module as shown in FIG. 9D is completed by joining the heat exchange substrate 11 formed of aluminum or the like.

As described above, the extruded insulating billet capsule 7 is used as it is for bonding and insulating the thermoelectric element materials 6 together, so that the step of dissolving and removing the billet capsule 7 and the step of bonding the thermoelectric element material are performed. It can be omitted and therefore the process can be shorter than that shown in FIG.

Next, a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 8A to 8C are perspective views schematically showing a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module. This method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module is the same as the method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, except that the filling hole 8 is formed in the billet capsule 7 in the thermoelectric element material filling step, It is characterized in that a pair of metal material filling holes 22 are formed on the outside, and the metal material filling holes 22 are filled with a substantially prismatic metal material 21.
In FIGS. 1 to 7, when the billet capsule is made of aluminum, the metal material 21 is made of copper or nickel provided with a corrosion-resistant film on its surface, and the billet capsule is made of a resin such as epoxy resin or polyimide. Then
The metal material 21 is made of copper. Also, as in FIG.
And N-type thermoelectric elements 6a and 6b are P-type
_{The 2} Te ₃ and N type are each composed mainly of Bi ₂ Te ₃ .

First, as shown in (a), the filling hole 8 of the billet capsule 7 is filled with the substantially prismatic thermoelectric element material 6 and the pair of metal material filling holes 22 is filled with the substantially prismatic metal material 21. Fill. Next, as shown in (b), the billet capsule 7 containing the thermoelectric element material 6 and the metal material 21 is extruded using an extruder and stretched, and then the extruded capsule 19 is moved in the longitudinal direction. And cut across so that the thickness is 0.5-2.
A thermoelectric element chip A having a thin plate shape of about 0 mm is prepared. Further, as shown in (c), the electrodes 2 are formed on the thermoelectric element material 6 on both cut surfaces of the thermoelectric element chip A, and the lead electrodes 4 are formed on the metal material 21. Then, as shown in (d), the unnecessary portion of the billet capsule 7 is cut and removed, and the lead wire 3 is attached to the lead electrode 4 by soldering or the like. 9 by joining a heat exchange substrate 11 made of aluminum or the like.
A thermoelectric module as shown in (d) is completed.

As described above, the billet capsule 7 is filled with the thermoelectric element material 6 and the metal material 21 at the same time.
Since the thermoelectric module is formed by extruding and stretching and then cutting, the electrodes 2 and the lead electrodes 4 and the thermoelectric element 1 can be arranged at a time. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the thermoelectric module can be shortened.

[0083]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the thermoelectric element material is cut and connected, an electrode is formed on this planar cut surface, so that the electrode and the thermoelectric element are not peeled off and the electrode and the thermoelectric element are separated. Since the bonding strength between the heat exchange substrate and the thermoelectric element is uniform, the heat exchange between the heat exchange substrate and the thermoelectric element is uniform. Further, since the billet capsule is extruded and stretched in a state in which the thermoelectric element material is incorporated in the billet capsule, and cut into a ring shape, a large number of thermoelectric modules having the same shape can be manufactured at one time. Furthermore, even if the same thermoelectric element material and billet capsule are used, the size of the thermoelectric module can be freely set from a small one to a large one by changing the extrusion ratio, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, even when the linear thermoelectric element material is extruded, the metal billet capsule has the same hardness as the linear thermoelectric element material.
The billet capsule and the thermoelectric element material in the extruded capsule are stretched to the same extent, and the cross-sectional shape of the extruded capsule is formed to be similar to that before extrusion. Thereafter, the billet capsule is dissolved and removed with an etchant, and the extruded capsule is cut after the thermoelectric element materials are adhered to each other with an insulating adhesive, thereby forming a plate body.
A thermoelectric module can be formed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the extruded insulating billet capsules are used as they are for insulation and adhesion between the thermoelectric element materials, so that the dissolution and removal of the billet capsules and the adhesion between the thermoelectric element materials are omitted. can do.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the direction of the current path of the linear thermoelectric element material coincides with the c-plane, so that the thermoelectric characteristics are improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the P-type thermoelectric element material and the N-type thermoelectric element material can be disposed adjacent to each other in the grid-like filling holes.
By adjusting the size and interval of the filling holes, thermoelectric elements of different sizes can be manufactured using the same bar. Further, in the plate body obtained by cutting the extruded capsule, a P-type thermoelectric element and an N-type thermoelectric element are arranged adjacent to each other in a lattice pattern on both end surfaces, and the adjacent P-type thermoelectric element and N-type thermoelectric element are arranged. If the elements are connected by electrodes, all P-type thermoelectric elements and N-type thermoelectric elements are alternately connected in series. That is, an efficient thermoelectric module in which electrodes can be easily formed is formed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the thermoelectric element material in the form of a small tube is filled with the thermoelectric element material in the form of a tube, the handling of the thermoelectric element material in the powder form is easy.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the thermoelectric element material is linear, it is easy to fill the filling hole.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, a linear thermoelectric element material that can be easily filled into the filling hole is formed from the powdery thermoelectric element material by pressure sintering.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the linear thermoelectric element material that can be easily filled into the filling hole is formed from the powdery thermoelectric element material by extrusion, and the extrusion ratio is changed to change the linear thermoelectric element material. The thickness of the thermoelectric element material can be freely set.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the direction of the current is parallel to the c-plane, the thermoelectric properties of the thermoelectric element material are improved.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the thermoelectric element material is in the form of powder, the pressing force of the extrusion can be reduced. Further, c-axis orientation can be imparted by extrusion, and the thermoelectric properties of the thermoelectric element material are improved. Further, by performing sintering, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric element material is improved.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the sintering is performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere to prevent oxidation of the thermoelectric element material and prevent deterioration of the performance of the thermoelectric module.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the thermoelectric element material and the metal material are simultaneously filled in a billet capsule, extruded and stretched, and then cut to form a thermoelectric module. This metal material is used as a lead electrode for connecting a lead wire. Therefore, the lead electrode and the thermoelectric element can be arranged at a time, and the manufacturing process can be shortened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a thermoelectric element material filling step in a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a method of forming a prismatic thermoelectric element material having c-axis orientation in the method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a different method of forming a prismatic thermoelectric element material having c-axis orientation in the method of manufacturing the thermoelectric module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a thermoelectric element material filling step in a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a thermoelectric element material filling step in a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing all steps in a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a different method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a conventional method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A Thermoelectric element chip B Current direction C C-plane direction 1 Thermoelectric element 1a P-type thermoelectric element 1b N-type thermoelectric element 2 Electrode 3 Lead wire 4 Lead electrode 5 Adhesive 6 Thermoelectric element material 6a P-type thermoelectric element material 6b N-type thermoelectric element material 7 billet capsule 8 filling hole 9 holding plate 10 etching solution 11 heat exchange substrate 12 plate 13 insulating layer 14 bundle of thermoelectric element material 15 powdery thermoelectric element material 16 plate-like thermoelectric element material 17 Thermoelectric element filling container 18 Sintering furnace 19 Extruded capsule 20 Thermoelectric element powder container 20a P-type thermoelectric element powder container 20b N-type thermoelectric element powder container 21 Metal material 22 Metal material filling hole 23 Billet capsule lid 24 Extruder 25 Cylinder 26 Stem 27 Die 28 Extrusion hole 31 Etching container 32 Bonding container 33 Hot press Machine 34 Press plate 34a Upper press plate 34b Upper press plate 36 Powder filling container 36a Square container 36b Injection hole 36c Powder injection pipe 37d Powder injection hole 38 Upper plate electrode 39 Lower plate electrode 40 Space 41 Saw blade 42 cut

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Zenichi Shibata 1048 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A thermoelectric element of a P type and a thermoelectric element of an N type are arranged adjacent to each other, both end faces of the arranged thermoelectric elements are connected by conductive electrodes, and heat exchange is performed on both electrode faces. What is claimed is: 1. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module, comprising fixing a substrate, the method comprising the following steps (A) to (E). (A) A thermoelectric element material filling step of forming a billet capsule in which a filling hole is provided in the longitudinal direction of a bar and filling the filling hole with a P-type thermoelectric element material and an N-type thermoelectric element material adjacent to each other. (B) an extruding step in which the billet capsule is extruded and stretched to form an extruded capsule. (C) a cutting step of cutting the extruded capsule so as to cross the longitudinal direction to form a plurality of plate bodies. (D) an electrode forming step of forming conductive electrodes on both cut surfaces of the plate. (E) a heat exchange substrate bonding step of fixing a heat exchange substrate on the electrode surface. 2. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein the bar is made of metal. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bar is made of an insulating material. 4. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein the filling holes have a lattice shape. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filling hole is a single hole, and an insulating layer is formed on side surfaces of the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials. Manufacturing method of thermoelectric module. 6. The insulating layer is made of an insulating thin cylindrical thermoelectric element powder container, and the P-type and N-type thermoelectric element materials are powdery materials filled in the thermoelectric element powder container. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 5. 7. The method for producing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein a linear thermoelectric element material obtained by cutting out an ingot-shaped thermoelectric element material is used. 8. A plate-shaped thermoelectric element material is formed by sintering a powdery thermoelectric element material under pressure, and a linear thermoelectric element material obtained by cutting the plate-shaped thermoelectric element material is used. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein: 9. A linear thermoelectric element material obtained by filling a powdery thermoelectric element material into a tubular thermoelectric element filling container and stretching the thermoelectric element filling container by extrusion. 3. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1 or 2. 10. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 1, wherein a thermoelectric element material having c-axis orientation is used. 11. The method according to claim 2, wherein the filling holes are lattice-shaped, the filling holes of the billet capsule are filled with a powdery thermoelectric element material, and the thermoelectric element material is sintered after the extrusion process. A method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the above. 12. The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric module according to claim 11, wherein the sintering is performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere. 13. A metal material filling hole is formed in a billet capsule, and the filling hole is filled with a thermoelectric element material, and the metal material filling hole is filled with a metal material. A method for manufacturing the thermoelectric module according to the above.