JPS62226676A - Manufacture of thermoelectric generating set - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a tbermoelectric gencrating set, which is assembled easily and connected simply to the outside, by a method wherein a wiring pattern is formed onto a radiator plate, an end section on the low temperature side of a thermoelectric generating element is heated, pressed under a placed state, the wiring pattern is sbaped and the end section on the low temperature side is fused. CONSTITUTION:A U-shaped iron silicide thermoelectric generating element l is formed. Screw inserting holes h3 and a terminal connecting hole t2 are shaped, and a copper pattern is formed onto an alumina ceramic board cut as a wiring pattern 2 tbrough a screen printing method by using copper paste, and heated and dried. A stainless platc is cut, screw inserting holes h1 and a terminal connecting hole t1 are bored, thc stainless plate is bent to an L shape to form a lower plate and a side plate, and screw inserting holes h2 are bored and an upper plate is shaped. Screws 6a into which springs 6b are inserted are penetrated up to the holes h1 in the lower plate from tbe holes h2 in tbe upper plate 4a. Lastly, the whole is heated, and tbe pattern 2 is baked while terminals on the anode and cathode sides are welded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device, and particularly to a thermoelectric power generation device in which a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements are housed in a heat dissipation case provided with external connection terminals. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device.

[Prior art and its problems] For example, manganese (Mn) is added to iron silicide (FeSi2).
) or by adding appropriate impurities such as cobalt (Go) to form a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor that are directly powder-molded and bonded.
It easily generates an electromotive force just by applying a temperature difference, exhibits excellent heat resistance and i4 oxidation resistance, and can maintain stable characteristics, so it has been put into practical use today as demands for effective use of thermal energy are increasing. This is a highly anticipated device.

The electromotive force of such a thermoelectric power generation element is PN on the high temperature side.
It is determined by the temperature difference Δt between the joint portion and the anode side, which is the low temperature side, and the anode side end portion. Therefore, in order to obtain electrical energy efficiently, llj! An important issue is to improve the heat dissipation of the pole side and cathode side ends.

Therefore, Utility Model Application Publication No. 58-83168 and Utility Model Application No. 58-83168
As shown in Publication No. 9-98661, the end of the thermoelectric power generation element is covered with a metal case, and the case is filled with adhesive or the like to bury external connection terminals, or the electromotive force is In order to increase the size, various methods have been used, such as connecting multiple thermoelectric generating elements together and storing them in a single case.

However, the assembly process is complicated in both cases, and the resistance to thermal or mechanical stress is still insufficient, especially when multiple thermoelectric power generation elements are installed in parallel.
Poor contact often occurs, which causes a decrease in reliability.

Therefore, the present inventors have developed a thermoelectric generator as shown below in order to provide a thermoelectric generator that can easily connect a plurality of thermoelectric generators, is easy to assemble, has good electrical contact, and is highly reliable. We are proposing a power generation device.

This thermoelectric power generation device includes a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements each having a conductive coating at which the tips of the anode side terminal and the cathode side terminal at the low temperature side end are liquefied, and the anode side terminal and the cathode side of the adjacent thermoelectric power generation element. A heat dissipation device consisting of an electrically insulating heat dissipation plate whose surface is coated with a wiring pattern configured to connect terminals and form external connection terminals, and a top plate and a bottom plate that are thermally connected to each other. Place each thermoelectric terminal on the heat sink so that each terminal contacts the case and a predetermined position on the wiring pattern.
1P, and crimping means for crimping and fixing the electric element mounted thereon between the top plate and the bottom plate.

In other words, in this device, the connection between each element is simply placed (crimped) on the wiring pattern, which is done at the same time as mounting on the heat dissipation case, and is always in a pressed state, so there is no connection between the element and the wiring pattern. Electrical contact and thermal contact between the element and the heat dissipation case are improved.

By the way, after sintering, this iron silicate thermoelectric lightning element usually
After forming a conductive film on the low-temperature side end, it is formed through high-temperature treatment at around 790°C, but at this time, an oxide film is generated on the surface using the normal method, resulting in poor electrical contact. Therefore, it is necessary to take precautions such as performing the high-temperature treatment in a vacuum to prevent oxidation, or etching the ends to remove the oxide film and then forming a conductive film prior to mounting.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric power generation device that is easy to manufacture and has high reliability.

Means for Solving Problem C] Therefore, in the method of the present invention, due to the presence of the oxide film on the surface generated during the formation of the iron silicate thermoelectric power generation element, the thick film wiring pattern formed on the substrate is It was discovered that the element could be well adhered to the conductor pattern when the conductor pattern was fired, and this idea was developed based on this point. Electrical connection is achieved by bringing the element into contact with a predetermined location via a thick film conductor paste and firing it.

That is, a wiring pattern is formed on a heat sink using a thick film conductor paste, and the thermoelectric generation element is placed thereon prior to firing, and at the same time as the electrode wiring pattern is fired, these elements and the wiring pattern are formed. Trying to achieve contact with.

(Function) According to this method, even if an oxide film is formed on the low-temperature side end of the thermoelectric power generation element, it can be used as is.
This oxide film and the thick film paste printed and gelled onto the heat sink are welded together during firing, and a good adhesion state can be created very easily.

〔Example〕

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermoelectric power generation device formed by the method of the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded explanatory view of the device, and FIG. 3 is a front view, rear view, and left side view of the device. It is a figure which shows the hexagonal view of a figure, a right view, a top view, and a bottom view.

This thermoelectric power generation device has an anode side terminal 1a and a cathode side terminal 1b.
seven U-shaped iron silicide thermoelectric power generation elements (hereinafter referred to as thermoelectric power generation elements) with an oxide film formed on at least their tips, and a copper thick film pattern that connects each element and constitutes an external connection terminal. A heat dissipation plate 3 made of alumina ceramic with a wiring pattern 2 formed on its surface, an upper plate 4a made of a rectangular stainless steel plate, and a lower plate 4b bent to have an L-shaped cross section. The seven thermoelectric generating elements are arranged in a row on the wiring pattern of the heat sink between the upper plate 4a and the lower plate 4b, and a heat-resistant gasket 5 is inserted between the upper plate 4a and the lower plate 4b. , upper plate 4
It is crimped and fixed at seven locations using screws 5a, springs 6b, and nuts 6C that pass through a and the lower plate 4b.

Seven screw insertion holes h1 are drilled at predetermined intervals in the lower plate 4b of the heat dissipation case, and terminal connection holes t1 are drilled at both ends, and a side plate 4C is further extended, and this side plate is used for screw insertion. The hole h2 is in thermal contact with the perforated upper plate.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the heat dissipation plate 3 has exactly the same shape as the lower plate 4b of the heat dissipation case, and is stacked on the lower plate 4b, and furthermore, the heat dissipation plate 3 has a screw insertion hole h1 terminal in the lower plate. It has screw insertion holes h1 and terminal connection holes t2, which are bored corresponding to the connection holes t1, respectively.

Further, the wiring patterns 2 are arranged at predetermined intervals 611 so that the anode side terminal and the cathode side terminal of each adjacent thermoelectric generation element are fused together. ], and external connection patterns 2b are arranged at both ends of the inter-element connection pattern 2a and surround the terminal connection hole t2 to form an external connection terminal.

Furthermore, the wiring pattern 2 and the oxide film on the anode side and cathode side terminal surfaces of the thermoelectric generation element are brought into contact with each other before the wiring pattern is fired, and by heating in this state, the wiring pattern is fired at the same time. It is fused and fixed to this.

Next, a method of manufacturing this thermoelectric power generation device will be explained.

First, a U-shaped iron silicide thermoelectric generator cable is formed. At this time, heat treatment is performed in air, and an oxide film is formed on the surfaces of at least the anode side terminal and the cathode side terminal.

In addition, screw insertion holes h and terminal connection holes t2 are drilled, and on an alumina ceramic plate cut into a desired shape, screen printing is performed using C0ND5513 and copper paste made by Ferro as ink. A copper pattern as wiring pattern 2 is formed by the method, and 20
The pattern is dried by heating at 0° C. for 10 minutes.

Next, after cutting the stainless steel plate and drilling screw insertion holes h and terminal connection holes t1, it is bent into an L shape to form a lower plate and side plates, and screw insertion holes h2 are drilled in the same manner as the upper plate. Form a board.

Then, the heat sink 3 and the thermoelectric power generating element 1 are sequentially placed on the lower plate.
Stack the anode and cathode terminals 1a, 1b, the heat-resistant gasket 5, and the upper plate 4a, and insert the 10 screws 6a through which the springs 6b are inserted from the insertion holes h in the upper plate 4a to the insertion holes in the lower plate 4b. Penetrate it to h1 and tighten with nut 6C.

Finally, the whole is heated at 600 to 800°C for 10 minutes to bake the wiring pattern 2 and at the same time connect it to the anode side terminal 1a.
and the cathode side terminal 1b are fused.

According to this method, there is no need to metalize the low-temperature side end of the thermoelectric power generating element or remove the oxide film, but instead actively utilizes the oxide film formed on the surface, and
The thick film conductor pattern serving as the electrode wiring pattern is reacted during firing to ensure good adhesion, and can be easily manufactured with extremely good workability just by fastening screws.

In the thermoelectric power generation device formed in this way, the thermoelectric power generation element and the wiring pattern are fused and connected by pressure bonding without using adhesives, so electrical contact and heat resistance are good. It is extremely reliable.

Furthermore, the heat dissipation case is crimped onto the heat dissipation plate, which provides good thermal contact, and the heat dissipation efficiency is extremely high even when a large number of thermoelectric power generating elements are used.

Furthermore, since connections to external circuit components are made using screws, installation work is easy.

In this way, the firing of the wiring pattern, the connection of many thermoelectric generating elements to the wiring pattern, and the mounting on the heat dissipation case are performed at the same time, making it extremely easy to assemble, and because it can be assembled with screws, the workability is extremely good. be.

In addition, by interposing a heat-resistant gasket,
This is effective for increasing the insulation and crimping effect between the thermoelectric power generation element and the top plate of the heat dissipation case, but instead of this, an insulating film formed on the inside of the top plate may be used, but the heat dissipation These are not necessary if the case is made of electrically insulating material.

In addition, the shape and material of the heat dissipation case are not necessarily limited to the examples, and can be changed as appropriate.
As shown in FIG. 4, it is also possible to mount the thermoelectric power generation element on the heat sink without a heat sink and use it as is.

Further, in the embodiment, an alumina ceramic substrate was used as the heat sink, but the heat sink is not limited to this, and any substrate whose surface contains an inorganic oxide, such as a hollow substrate, may be used.

In addition, the paste used as the electrode wiring pattern is not limited to the examples, but lead oxide (PbO)
, boron oxide (B2O2), silicon oxide (S i 0
It goes without saying that other conductive pastes such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), silver (A9), etc. containing a small amount of glass components such as 2) may also be used.

(Effects) As described above, according to the present invention, a large number of low-temperature side ends, that is, anode side terminals and cathode side terminals of thermoelectric generation elements are arranged side by side, and the anode side terminals and cathode side terminals of the adjacent thermoelectric generation elements are arranged side by side. After forming a wiring pattern configured to connect the side terminals and form external connection terminals on the heat sink, and prior to firing, the thermoelectric power generation element is heated with the low temperature side end placed thereon. Since the wiring pattern is heated while being pressed and the low-temperature side end is fused to it at the same time as the wiring pattern is fired, assembly is extremely easy even when there are a large number of elements, and it is easy to assemble with external circuit components. A thermoelectric power generation device that is easy to connect, has good heat resistance and electrical contact, and is highly reliable can be obtained.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a thermoelectric power generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is an exploded explanatory view of the device, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a front view, a rear view, a left side view, a right side view, a top view, and a large-scale bottom view of the device; Fig. 4 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention. Yu...thermoelectric power generation element, 1a...anode side terminal, 1b...
...Narrow pole side terminal, 1C...First side plate, 1d...Second side plate, 1e...Third side plate, h, h, h3...
Screw insertion hole, 11.12...Terminal connection hole, 2...Wiring pattern,
3... Heat dissipation plate, Yu... Case, 4a... Upper plate, 4b... Lower plate, 4C... Side plate, 5... Heat resistant gasket, 6a... Screw, 6b ···spring,
6C...Natsuto. Hill Figure 1 Figure 3

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A thermoelectric generator consisting of a plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements, each consisting of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor fixedly bonded to form a PN junction at one end, on a heat sink equipped with external connection terminals. In a method for manufacturing a power generation device, a thick film conductor is formed by screen printing in order to connect the anode side terminal and cathode side terminal of the thermoelectric generation element adjacent to each other on an electrically insulating heat sink and to form an external connection terminal. A first step of forming a wiring pattern using paste; and forming an oxide film on at least the tips of the anode side terminal and the cathode side terminal on the heat sink so that each terminal contacts a predetermined position on the wiring pattern. a second step of baking the wiring pattern and fusing each element by heating the plurality of thermoelectric power generation elements while applying pressure using a pressure bonding means. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device. (2) The heat dissipation plate is housed in a heat dissipation case consisting of an upper plate and a lower plate that are thermally connected to each other, and the second step is crimping between the upper plate and the lower plate. A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device according to claim (1), characterized in that the step is fixing and heating. (3) Claim (2) characterized in that the upper plate is composed of a metal plate whose back surface is coated with insulation.
A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device as described in Section 1. (4) The thermoelectric power generation device according to claim (2), characterized in that terminal connection holes for external connection that penetrate to the heat sink are formed at each end of the wiring pattern. Production method. (5) The crimping means is comprised of a screw inserted into a through hole passing through the upper plate, heat sink, and lower plate, and a nut screwed into the screw. A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device according to item (2). (6) The method for manufacturing a thermoelectric power generation device according to claim (5), wherein the screw is fastened to a bolt via a spring.